Boys Books

This is a fascinating, eloquent account of a 19-year old growing to manhood in the middle of a world war. After briefly describing his rigorous training as an infantry soldier, including some semi-comic events while learning to drive a jeep, he and his buddies were finally off to war as well-trained, confident members of the 106th Infantry Division.

After the division was overwhelemd by a massive surprise German attack at the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge, Zak snd 10,000 other American soldiers were forced to surrender. He gives a gripping account of the fear, the misery, and the peril of life in three different camps as a prisoner of war.

Zak's brief memoir tells the story of how he came to enlist in the U.S. Army during the later part of WWII, his arrival in Belgium on the eve of the Battle of the Bulge, his subsequent capture by the Germans and the five months that he spent as a POW. Although maybe not packed with as much raw information as some other books of this genre, Soldier Boy is nonetheless a very enjoyable read. Zak's accounts of combat are gripping and his account of life as a POW is illuminating. From the firebombing of Dresden to his various interactions with German civilians to his liberation by Russian troops, Zak experienced quite a bit, even as a POW.

Zak more or less admits that writing Soldier Boy was a catharsis of sorts for him - a way to come to terms with the fact that so many of his young comrades died while he survived to live a very fulfilling life. Despite the inherent sadness of his tale, I found the book to ultimately be uplifting and fitting tribute to the young men of Zak's generation who sacrificed so much. Definitely recommended.

I was facinated by this book, and I highly recommend it. Once I started it I could not put it down! For starters, the writing is very clear and descriptive. I felt I was right there with him as this young soldier struggled to survive the horrors of a disastrous, bloody battle as well as the misery and danger and uncertainty of life as a prisoner of war.

Enduring a devastating artillery barrage; the company commander bleeding to death; an American soldier lying dead in the snow just minutes after singing "Silent Night"; an emaciated prisoner thrilled to find a partially rotten turnip; sorrow at the firebombing of Dresden; escaping from the dreaded Russians with the help of his brother -- these powerful images will never be forgotten by readers of this superb memoir of a young soldier taken prisoner by the Nazis in the Battle of the Bulge. The most striking image is the author's own P.O.W. mug shot on the book cover, with his eyes staring at us from across the many decades since millions of Americans fought and hundreds of thousands died during World War II.

Upon reading this book's opening pages, one anticipates (1) a clever and engaging piece of dialogical fiction and (2) a reminiscence about the classical tenets of Judeo-Christian angelology. With regard to this latter task, this book contains one of the clearest and most compelling explanations of Lucifer's rebellion in the literature on the subject. But the reader quickly discovers that these two tasks, however significant, are vehicles to convey important lessons about the metaphysical and moral disorder of our times. Michael's powers as a polemicist develop as he relentlessly examines Lucifer's elevation of the will (desire) at the expense of the intellect (truth). Dennehy focuses on abortion in order to illustrate the consequences of this sophistry displacing authentic philosophy in the culture. Michael's war with Lucifer is a model for the culture war that people of faith and moral wisdom must wage today. Raymond Dennehy has long been a distinguished soldier himself in that culture war. "Soldier Boy" is another of his battle-field achievements.

Soldier Boy : The War Between Michael and Lucifer
Ray Dennehy teaches philosophy with a sense of humor. His depth of knowledge and understanding are immediately evident. When someone knows the subject as well as Ray, he can teach it so it is understandable to the average person. There are many important lessons in this book.

Soldier Boy engages the reader into deep thought about the soul. The mixture of theology, philosophy and psychology makes it intriguing for believers, seekers and even atheists. This book offers intellectual nourishment for those who contemplate their own inner self relative to issues of truth, will, ego, virtues and ethics. The author is insightful and profound.

This is an amazing feat that Raymond Dennehy has produced. Written in a dialogue between the humble, genuine, steadfast Michael and the brilliant and devious Lucifer, I found it incredibly difficult to stop reading after I got started. I was concerned about the fate of Michael for a couple of days when I was forced to put the book down: Would Michael be able to parry the best of Lucifer's arguments on moral relativism, the relationship between freedom and truth, free will and determinism, God's infinite wisdom, abortion, infidelity, friendship, pride, insecurity, and a host of other issues that characterize our human condition?

Wherever you stand on these issues you will be profoundly affected by something rare: Dennehy lays out all of the arguments, past and present, on these issues and it forces you to look at how you justify your beliefs.
So many of our most important questions are treated in this great story and treated not only with profound philosophical depth, but with a wit and humor that makes the story irresistible. As the story proceeds we start to see the character of Michael and Lucifer revealed and we become gripped by questions about the eventual outcome of the dialogue. Who will win and for what reasons?

This is a rare treasure that I will consult over and over again for philosophical guidance as well as for great entertainment.

Although this book is listed for young people, I read the back cover and decided to see for myself how she treated this subject. The book's title, however, is very misleading. "Stone Water" as a title would make this book a questionable choice to pick up to read. Although I am in my sixties, this book was wonderful and I felt like I was there with Grant and his Grandfather. I am in total agreement with the choice that Grant made and think the author presented this story very well. A quick but not easy read because of subject, this book is definitely worth reading.

A must read. This book changed the way I view assisted suicide. Through a young child's life we see how one's final wish can shape another's life. A real tear jerker. It empties your emotions and leaves you trapped in the world the book creates for hours, if not days after. As all good books should do.

Stone Water is an excellent book dealing with real subjects in todays world. It deals with the hardships of life and death. In our fast paced world we need to stop and think about the quality of life, not the length of it. I loved the book, once I started reading it I couldn't put it down.

Eighth-grader Grant is a loving child whose affection for his dignified grandfather would never be questioned. In fact, when his grandfather suffers a stroke and is sent to "The Other Wing" of the nursing home, Grant is the only one in the family who makes the time to visit him; his mother and father are both so wrapped up in their careers that they find neglecting both Grant and the grandfather too easy to do. This story becomes complicated from the very beginning when the reader realizes that the letter and recorded story Grant has received from his grandfather is actually a cleverly disguised request for assisted suicide. Throughout the remainder of the novel, we follow Grant's life through months of agony as he tries to make sense of the value of life and the inevitability of death. The secondary characters--Grant's parents, his best friend Avery, and even Randi--become part of the reader's inability to put down this book. You won't know for sure what Grant does until the end of the story, and you will be left questioning what you would do in the same situation.

Reading Summer Sleep-Away was like going to camp again. I swear I could
smell the woods and hear the laughter of children. It really brought me back
to my childhood. I bought copies for all my grandchildren to read.

This is the rare book that captures the true flavor of adolescence without being patronizing to teenagers or alienating adults. It is at once painfully honest and warmly nostalgic, and for anyone who has ever been a camper or a counselor it will bring you back to days you thought long gone. BUT it also has the distinction of being an appropriate read for the *children* of long-ago campers, and I have already told my kids that they should definitely read it. I smiled and chuckled while reading the first paragraph, and I am still smiling and chuckling several hours after finishing the novel in one sitting. Ofer Aronskind has a real gift for bringing his readers into the scene he is creating, and his use of strong imagery and gentle humor makes for an entertaining and engaging story in which every person can see him/herself in some capacity. I can't recommend this book highly enough!

I've never read a book that so well captures the fun and drama of sleepaway. I was a camper and a counselor and this is a great way to relive the nostalgia. I've also recommended it to friends who have sons and daughters going away for the first time. The author writes in a style that is accessible at any age but as rewarding for adults as it is engaging for kids. Required reading!

This was a great book. It totally kept my attention, I couldn't put it down and finished it the same night I started it. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever gone to sleep-away camp or plans on it. Awesome book!!!!!

Great book for people who enjoy cycling, and/or who believe you're never too old to follow your passion! Very fun true story. Didn't listen to the cd b/c I bought it as a gift.

The book was a great gift for grandpa. Very cute story and illustrations. I would reccomend it to others.

My grandma who is a school teacher got me this book. It's the best! I listened to the cd a ton of times at home and on car rides. I even shared it with my 3rd grade class. My teacher read it then let us hear the cd too. Most books I read are about kids but this one is all about an older man. All he wants to do is ride his bike but the judges say he is too old to join the race. He practises and practises and joins the race anyway. Nobody can believe it when he finishes in first place! They say the story's really true. I guess that goes to show you that everyone has a dream. This story's the best because of the action and the narration. It also has music and sounds that make me laugh.

In 1951, Gustaf Hakansson, a 66-year old cyclist, was barred from racing in the Tour of Sweden because the judges felt he was far too old. They even told him to "go home to his rocking chair." Instead he joined the 1,000 mile race unofficially--and won while becoming a folk hero in Sweden. It's an incredibly inspiring story that I've already shared with kids and retired friends alike! You just can't help but root for the old codger, and it knocks me out to know that this story is based on true events. The writing's tight, the illustrations delightful, and the narration on the cd takes you straight to the time and place. Bravo!

Beach Boys fans and collectors, take note: Brad Elliott's "Surf's Up!" is no longer out of print. It's available again, reprinted in paperback by Surf's Up Books. The new printing, which includes everything found in previous editions, is available from Amazon.com. Search on the book's new ISBN - 0972768610 - to locate the listing.

Every recording done by the Beach Boys, their friends and relations through 1981 is documented in this textbook. Cross-referenced by song, title, performer, this work includes session logs, chart positions, bootleg information, and enough background material to make a fan's head swim.

Who recorded "Had To Phone Ya" first - The Beach Boys or Spring? Who sang lead on "Sail On Sailor"? What songs were recorded for "SMiLE" but never released? The answers are all here.

Brad Elliott knows the works of the Beach Boys inside and out. This book is not for the casual "sun n fun" fan, but for the dedicated Beach Boys scholar. A must-have that is well worth the price.

I recommend this book for all collector's of Beach Boy music. It is very scholarly and well-researched.

It is full of facts about the various discs, even foreign discs and rare records. There is no price-guide - which may be a problem for some readers. But if you are after a guide that lists every record that you can buy then this is the one for you.

Beach Boys fans and collectors, take note: Brad Elliott's "Surf's Up!" is no longer out of print. It's available again, reprinted in paperback by Surf's Up Books. The new printing, which includes everything found in previous editions, is available from Amazon.com. Search on the book's new ISBN - 0972768610 - to locate the listing.

If you appreciate Boy George and his talent as a singer this book will make you appreciate him as a man. The candidness with which he shares his life, its tragedy and heartbreak, the drug usage and the fey wildness of his life in London shared with his cronies is fresh, real and honest - nothing phony. He doesn't gloss over his own imperfections. When you've finished the book you love the man all the more.

wondering if I can buy this book in the book store, would I have to order the book, becouse it would not be in stock anymore,?

Yes, this book is 500 pages long, but Boy George has managed to get your attention and hold onto it throughout his book. It only took me 4 days to read this book because George was so open and honest about his life, mistakes and tragedies that I couldn't set it down!

George takes you step by step through his entire life, thus far, and retraces his steps from anonymous to famous. From happiness to tears. (I even shed a few tears of happiness and sadness when I was reading it.)

If you are considering reading this book, DO NOT hesitate! You will never regret reading this book. I love Boy George, my sister on the other hand isn't all that fond of him and she still was interested in reading his book, that is how great it is!

Fabulous!!

There are only a few books specifically on the Wampanoag Indians suited for pre-K through elementary. While the text it a bit too much for a large group of children in the pre-K range (one on one would be excellent), the photos are great. Please check out Kate Waters other books which are excellent companions to the era: Sarah Morton's Day, Samuel Eaton's Day and the Mayflower.

We are big fans of Kate Waters' books about the Pilgrims (Samuel Eaton's Day, Sarah Morton's Day and On the Mayflower). When we discovered "Tapenum's Day", we were thrilled ! I found the 'point of view' from a young Native American boy to be both fascinating and educational, as did my children. We enjoyed seeing this historically accuate slice of life, written from a balanced perspective. I think this wonderful book rounds out the collection, including the other four, that no study of the Pilgrims should be without.

I am continually amazed at how children's books offer detail and insight into daily life that no stout history book can provide.

Writing the same review for the other two in this trilogy. Excellent all!

Another great book by Kate Waters. This book shows the daily life of a Native American child during the time of the Pilgrims. This book goes great with Sarah Morton's Day and Samuel Eaton's Day. Also, check out On the Mayflower also by Kate Waters.

this is one of the saddest books i ever read.

its about a boy name grady, who was walking home one night when all of a sudden he gets taken into a van where he is raped and beaten up, by two men. grady is so traumatized after what has happened that he cant speak anymore. he feels so embarressed that his parents take him out, and put him to a new school. when he goes into a new school he makes one friend that helps him speak and stand up for himself.

then one day grady runs into his old friends. he feels that if they know what really happened to him, they wouldnt want to be his friend anymore. the opposite happens. when they find out what happened, its his friends that help him move past it, and accept him again.

i was so shocked by how descriptive this book was. every time something bad happened to grady i felt it too. i felt his shame, pain, and embarressment. it helped me understand what really happened to grady. its such a disgusting that happened to an innocent boy and scarred him for the rest of his life.

i love this book and recommend it to anyone past the age of 16.

There are litterally NO words to describe this book! It takes you on a whirlwind rollercoaster of emotions of trauma and self-disgust. I couldn't put it down for a second. 5 Stars doesn't quite say it!!! I reccomend this book to any and all Young Adults!!!
Also reccomended:
It happened to Nancy
Go Ask Alice
When Dad Killed Mom
You Dont Know Me
Monster
Speak

This is the Story of Grady West, a teen who is dealing with severe issues after he was brutally raped by two men. These issues include post-traumatic stress (symptoms of social phobia), and anorexia.
The author makes Grady's self-imposed isolation seem so real, that I found myself feeling isolated from the outside world while I was reading it. Normally this is a good thing, but I felt depressed while reading the book, despite the fact that I loved the story. I would definately suggest reading this book, but maybe read it outside on a sunny day.

Target hits hard from the beginning and won't let go. Grady West has a problem. And he doesn't want to talk about it. To anyone. So he changes schools, stops eating, speaks only when necessary and keeps himself to himself. And if he fades away into nothing--that's good. But Jess comes along. Dreadlocked, fast-mouthed, furiously living Jess who can't stand to see this curious white guy refusing to get with the program. The program of recognizing that Jess is cool.

Kathleen Johnson hits it out of the park with this wonderfully realized novel of friendship, suffering, and the fear of reaching out. Grady is circling the drain and the reader feels the pull with him, the knowledge that any moment he's going down and knowing it might be sweet relief. The reader feels how hard it is for Grady to reach out and hold on.

It's been a long, long while since a book made me feel that much so vividly.

A winner.

I was in your class with mrs. murphy and I just want to say that I understand what you have gone through. I grew up differnt but also the same. I wasnt treated badly by other people but my own father. I am now in school and I too have over came alot. I honestly feel that anyone can accomplish their dreams if they work hard at it. Hell, you know we was not born with a silver spoon in our mouths but look at where we are today and I think that it is by the grace of God that you and I are here today to tell our stories. I also had abuse,not only physical but emotional.I had to raise myself. It was hard for a 14 yr old white girl to make it through without parents, but I'll tell you one thing my parents taught me, I will learn from their mistakes and I will one day be a wonderful mother.

Dear Johnny,
Your book is not only enlightening, and revealing of the historical south during tumultuous times, but it ties in to the way troubled youth grew up in the south, and the obstacles they had to overcome. You had a second chance, and have made your life a role model to those who feel there is no hope. You turned your life around to help others, what better way to pay tribute to those who loved you and guided you through trouble times.
M Murphy Ed.D
Director of Shelton State Community College Wellness Center.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Johnny, These Eyes is a really great and excellent book because like when you were going through all those things it was like I was there with you. Especially that part about when you went to Mt. Meigs, and when that evil man burst your thighs. I wish he could have been there on that cold ground and felt your pain. I just took a moment to say a prayer for you. I know it was hard back then but I really felt sorry for you when you didn't have any clothes and had to eat out of garbage cans. That's when I cried for you the most. But when I read about when your mother died my eyes were red all night like fire. But if I could have just jumped into the book I would have given you a big fifth grader hug because I love you very much with them pretty green eyes. I pray that God bless you more than He already has... From your best friend Ashley Lewis 10 years old... The end!

The book "These Eyes" was very inspirational for my nine-year-old son Benjamin and me. I attended one of his seminars at (Christian Community Church) on December 20th, 2002 after reading the book twice. Listening to him I realized that threatening to send my son off to reformatory school because of his impulsive actions would be a big mistake. That it would only make him worse. With this information coming directly from Johnny, someone who has experienced this first hand I know it's fact. Also by reading "These Eyes" I was very emotionally touched by the things society would put an eight-year-old through, whether it was back in the day down south or 2003 up north, all the horrible things he had to see, hear, and experience at such an early age. I was very sadden deeply at the many struggles of life he had to face at such early stages of his life. The book has taught me to be more appreciative and grateful of my own childhood years, and for those of my 3 and 9 year olds. My son was eight years old when I purchased the book and to read about an eight-year-old child going through what Johnny went through was very touching. I am very grateful to the Lord for letting me get to know Johnny and become part of his life. He indeed is a very special person. I also thank the Lord for sparing his life and for him reaching back out to help other people. May God forever keep him as well as bless him in all that he does.