Editorial Review

Barack Obama's first book, Read more

Reviews (8)

Obama Wraps His Personal Journey Around His Political Beliefs With Refreshing Authenticity
As the acknowledged rising star of the Democratic Party, Barack Obama has done an admirable job in maintaining the precarious balance between being a media lightning rod and a largely unproven senator out to establish his record. While it may speak to the current vacuity in the party's leadership, Hillary Clinton aside, Obama certainly cannot be underestimated for the political acumen he has displayed during key high-attention moments like his keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He wrote an insightful personal memoir over a decade ago before entering politics, "Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance", which I read a couple of years back and thought was quite lucidly written if rather guarded in exploring his racial dichotomy.
A prelude to the White House

STRAIGHT TALK, IMPRESSIVE IDEAS FROM A MAN POISED FOR THE FUTURE!
Five SAGACIOUS Stars!! Senator Barack Obama shows in this highly personal reflection that he is a man of great IDEALS and iDEAS. Indeed, he appears to be more 'statesman' than 'politician'. The book is almost conversational in tone, making it easy to read. Senator Obama's own written words anoint him as a man possibly poised on the edge of greatness, when we all want new political 'heroes', Republican as well as Democrat (and Independents like myself). He is a relatively young Democratic Senator from the great state of Illinois with the name recognition of a much older politician, nationally and internationally.In Africa and in the US, he hasalmost 'rock star' status among certain groups.
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Subjects:  1. African American legislators    2. Biography    3. Essays    4. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    5. Government - Legislative Branch    6. Legislators    7. National characteristics, American    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. U.S. - Political And Civil Rights Of Blacks    12. U.S. Senate    13. United States    14. Current Events / Political   

Reviews (8)

Very Relevant
This is a great book for finding out how to bring people of differing race to an understanding. For instance, I remember one example where White students, approximately between the ages of thirteen and sixteen, were, as part of a therapeutic course, required to refer to all Black people in their environment as 'sir'.This simple sign of respect was a great way to dismantle racism.

Ethnicity and Family Therapy, third edition
This is one of the best psychology books I have ever read. Not only does it provide advice on how to treat people from certain cultures, it teaches the reader about the culture itself. This book is a marriage of cultural studies and psychology. While the book is large, the reader shouldn't be intimidated by its size. The book is broken up into several (50+) chapters and each chapter focuses on one culture. The book doesn't have to be read cover to cover. Each chapter is free standing.

A must read for all professionals working with families
This book is insightful as the author elaborates on different ethnic populations and the broad range of cultural influences that family therapists encounter in clinical practice. It is a must read for all professionals working in the field of family therapy, social work, psychotherapy and counselling who work with different ethnic populations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ethnic Studies - General    2. Family psychotherapy    3. Family relationships    4. Mental Illness    5. Mental health services    6. Minorities    7. Psychology    8. Psychotherapy - Couples & Family    9. United States    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Family Therapy   

Reviews (3)

Quality
This book was received quickly and was in perfect shape.I appreciate the promptness.

Excellent introductory text!
Parrillo's text is a helpful overview of the sociology of race and ethnicity in the United States taken from a group-to-groupapproach.Major sociological contributions on these matters are covered through the lens of particular groups that are most affected (e.g. LA riots are covered under black Americans but not under Korean Americans).The most recent edition is especially helpful as comments are made in conjunction with post-September 11th consequences on race and ethnic issues.The role of religion in racial dynamics and the continuing changes in immigration is a helpful addition as well as it is a rising area of study with race and ethnicity. From the Foreword author:
Strangers to These Shores is a comprehensive examination of the sharpest edges and more nuanced qualities of American pluralism.In its 14 chapters, Professor Parrillo provides students/readers--and those for whomit is not assigned--with a well conceived, carefully constructed, andhighly readable introduction to a very complex subject. --Peter I. Rose, Smith College ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Discrimination & Racism    3. Ethnic relations    4. Race And Ethnic Relations    5. Race relations    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Sociology - General    9. United States    10. Ethnic studies    11. Social Science / Sociology / General    12. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (36)

ASorely Needed Book
Hill Harper has done a remarkable job in communicating poignant ideas to young African American men. His advice is helpful and non judgmental.
Review From A Young Sister-Good
For the record, I technically give this book 3.5 stars :)
a good Book
this is a Good Book for Younger brothers coming along now. the kind of Book while you are in High School& or just getting ready to graduate from College. the kind of Book that I wish I had have had back in the day to read. Props to Hill Harper for given back&saying the most important things to uplift.i enjoyed the various quotes&overall vibe of the Book. this is a strong Book. very uplifting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conduct of life    2. Ethnic Sociology    3. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    4. Ethnic Studies - General    5. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    6. Personal Guidance    7. Psychology    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Young men    11. Self-Help / Self-Esteem   

Reviews (32)

We Want More!
In his adroitly served "Enough", Juan Williams meticulously defends the honor and polishes the tarnished star of Sir William Cosby.While retorting to the haters of individual responsibility, Mr. Williams offers real solutions (not just talk), to the plague that has infected multitudes of African Americans, who live on both sides of the tracks!His intricate weaving of history, politics, and culture qualifies his work as required reading for all with any trace of African ancestry. As a matter of fact, it would be good reading for anyone with any dealings with African Americans, which leaves out no one.

I really really wanted to write a good review...
I first heard of this book on a radio show and was very impressed with Williams' take on black leadership in America.I was shocked to hear these words coming from Juan Williams, who is the token liberal (whoever thought that "token" and "liberal" would ever go together?) on FOX News.I began reading the book thinking that I would be as impressed with the ideas expressed by Williams as much as I was will Bill Cosby's 2004 speech.I was disappointed for two major reasons:
Only Half the Job is Done
Juan Williams gets an "A" for effort, but this book does not go far enough. It is part of the dishonest black circular firing squad started by Cosby, where blame is readily meted out when the cause is black men, but the punches are carefully pulled when the cause seems attributable elsewhere, perhaps, god forbid, even to irresponsible black women.
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Subjects:  1. 1975-    2. African American leadership    3. African Americans    4. Black American Sociology    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    6. Government - U.S. Government    7. Leadership    8. Minority Studies - Race Relations    9. Political Process - Leadership    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics and government    12. Social Science    13. Social conditions    14. Sociology    15. United States - 20th Century    16. Current Events / General   

Reviews (12)

Bringing the message home
This is a book you will want to share with colleagues, patients, family and friends if you are in an integrative medicine healing practice. Those that "get" what you are doing will love it for its clear description of our vision. Those that don't "get" what you are doing, may very well after reading this extremely well written, passionate story. Matthew understands that yoga goes far beyond his personal experience or any story for that matter. He uses his story to share how yoga is indeed a "waking" of the human consciousness and a responsiblity for us all. His use of humor, irony and candor make for an engaging, personal experience while pushing the reader to look beyond their personal limits.

The Connection of Mind and Body
This memoir was a fabulous read.I couldn't put it down once I started.Matthew's story of his accident and recovery was heartbreaking, but the inspiration he provides for all of us gives ushope that we toocan overcome the obstacles we face in our ownlives. We do not stand apart from Matthew, but we walk with him, all of us.I feel that Matthew does not what us to feel sorry for him, but to learn from him that we all can be whole, healthy and live productive lives.I was amazed by his insights and the poetic elegance of his writing.This author will go far.Read it!

Waking, by Matthew Sanford
This was an awesome book.A great story for anyone really, but very helpful as well to those in the medical or alternative health care field, as I am a massage therapist. I found the linking of trauma and injury with the body very helpful in understanding clients and even my own limitations or prior injuries, it proves that your muscles do remember and even have flashbacks to trauma incurred to the body.I was totally inspired by Matthew and all he went through and accomplished during his journey back to health and Im so grateful that he shared it with us. It is also a good book for anyone experiencing aging in their bodies to read as well, lots of helpful insight for all of us as we start to disconnect from our bodies because of limitations or injury or age.Very inspiring and uplifting and hopeful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Health aspects    6. Paraplegics    7. Personal Memoirs    8. Specific Groups - Special Needs    9. Yoga    10. Biography: general    11. Coping with disability    12. True stories of endurance & survival   

Reviews (4)

An online review by Courtney and Jenny
This book has opened our eyes to many issues we did not think about or explore prior to reading this book.Richard Rothstein does an excellent job pointing out the many contributing factors to the "Black-White Achievement Gap" in America.Even though some of Rothstein's ideas are expressed in other articles and books, these important issues and topics he reiterates only emphasizes the attention that this issues needs.Rothstein addresses that, as a society, we need to do more for students than just a good job of addressing issues and raising questions.The last chapter of his book deals with different ways teachers, educators, parents, and health officials can step in and intervene into children's lives in order to work on closing the achievement gap between lower- and middle-class families.

Well researched defense of public education
I looked to Rothstein's book for a thoroughly documented defense of public education in light of its inability to resolve fundamental inequalities.I was not disappointed but those who seek feasible proposals to remedy the problem will not find it here.The basic solution seems to be to extend the public education system into early childhood.I see a number of problems:1. if we cannot afford the employment of highly paid teaching professionals in K-12, how will we do it for early childhood professionals paid at comparible salaries.2. If the stress on on cognitive skills is problematic, why would such professional status be required anyways. He points out the importance of behavioral/character training but rules out the use of less educated adults in these communities to impart that training.I believe that they will be most effective in training and disciplining the children than a middle class college grad.Moreover, they will provide the intensive coverage needed at the lowest cost.Have the high priced professionals train the aides from the area and then send them to the day-care and other preschool programs to do the early childhood education.In conclusion, the non-sequitars involved in the proposed soluctions do not invalidate the objective summaries of the research and the entirely valid objections to standardized testing as enshrined in the NCLB.I would certainly recommend it for a critical understanding of the issue.Then go to Valerie Lee and Ted Sizer for better solutions.

ASK A SILLY QUESTION ...
Richard Rothstein is no more qualified to advise on education than the new governor of California(who is a body-builder).Theobjective of education is economic self-sufficiency.Getting ahead in life requires connections, not "knowledge."American blacks are denied connections.We allknow why and how.The black-white gap which Rothstein writes aboutis notinformation but access.
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Subjects:  1. Administration - General    2. Education / Teaching    3. Ethnic Studies - General    4. Social Classes    5. Social Science    6. Sociology   

Reviews (56)

Our First Black President
Magnificent! Extremely magnificent! Flawless! Intellectual! Glamorous is He! Mrs. Obama is the luckiest woman in the world! Obama is THE FIRST since Dr. King. Blacks are now depending on YOU. You are the reality of Dr. King's dream! You Go Man!
Moving
This was a wonderful unsentimental, honest consideration of race and inheritance. Obama is a really good writer and the book reads like a novel. I loved the stories about learning about his family in Africa the most. It was very powerful.

Inspirational Story of Self-Discovery
This true story is well written with vivid descriptions of people and places in the USA and Kenya.It reads like a polished novel.It is an open and honest account, originally published in 1995, long before Obama was a prominent politician.It is not a political book at all.
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Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    7. Obama, Barack    8. People of Color    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Racially mixed people    11. Racism    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Editorial Review

Lia Lee was born in 1981 to a family of recent Hmong immigrants, and soon developed symptoms of epilepsy. By 1988 she was living at home but was brain dead after a tragic cycle of misunderstanding, overmedication, and culture clash: "What the doctors viewed as clinical efficiency the Hmong viewed as frosty arrogance." Read more

Reviews (166)

Well written...but some conclusions are just wrong!
This was a fascinating book.I enjoyed it and I learned a lot. I think the author didn't come to some conclusions which were painfully obvious. She continued to keep the theme of a culture that was impenetrable and would not change, even after thousands of years of persecution.What about after a few years of commercialism?It is only a matter of time before 2nd and 3rd generation Hmong will be completely assimilated into American culture.You could already see the signs when Fadiman described what the Lee children were doing now.Soccer, medical school, western music.It is inevitable.It is easy to keep a culture untouched for so long when you live in obscurity in the mountains with almost no interchange with the outside world.But when you put a TV in your house, the whole world is right there everyday.Now, the parents may not understand the language, but the kids sure do, and it will affect them.Twenty years from now, the shaman will be in the phone book and you can hire them perform at a kids birthday party, or there will be a class at the local community center on "Reconnecting to your Hmong Roots, all you need to learn in 8 weeks", just like the Native Americans, or learning hula dancing.When society is so connected by technology, you cannot live on a cultural island.I just don't believe it can happen.
I grew up in Merced and had no idea about this
I grew up amongst the sizable population of Hmong immigrants in Merced during the time the Lees were going through this ordeal.
just beautifully written
so all the praise i can possibly say about this book has been, so this will be short. all in all, even if i wasn't reading it for the subject matter, Fadiman's storytelling is amazing. not only is this book damn informative and perceptive-changing, it is also VERY ENTERTAINING. almost like a novel, it grips you at parts, makes you feel a gamult of emotions... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. California    2. Case studies    3. Ethics    4. General    5. Health - General    6. Hmong American children    7. Hmong Americans    8. Medical / Nursing    9. Medical care    10. Medicine    11. Minority Studies - General    12. Social Science    13. Sociology    14. Transcultural medical care    15. Popular medicine   

Reviews (30)

Accurate and informative depiction of Asian Americans
As an international Asian student majoring in Clinical Psychology, Sue's understanding of and advice for the Asian American clientele in relation to intrapsychic, interpsychic, and sociopolitical issues resonate accurately with my limited personal and clinical experiences.
EXCELLENT
Well written, covers a broad range of ideas and topics. An excellent resource for Multicultural Therapy. The language is simple yet comprehensive, easy to read but informative.
They meant well
It is sad that the book used by so many schools to introduce therapists to the subject of cultural diversity is a collection of generalized stereotypes.The first few chapters are dedicated to showing white people how wrong, misguided, and privileged they are.They group all white people into one defined category of unintentionally delusional racists. Their argument is that psychotherapy, in its current state, works for white people and not other minorities.Though, in some aspects, this may be true, their tone implies that this is because the creators were racist. What the Sues fail to point out is that the creators were not necessarily racist, they were white, they knew about white culture, and developed theories based on their experiences. It is my hope that the Sues will change the tone of their book before its next printing as it can turn away people who do not feel like defending themselves against their stereotypes. If you have not been assigned this book for a class, you may be better off reading something else until the Sues are able to let go of their own racist biases. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clinical Psychology    2. Cross-cultural counseling    3. Ethnic Studies - General    4. Mental Health    5. Psychology    6. Psychotherapy - Counseling    7. Counselling    8. Cultural studies    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology   

Reviews (48)

Helpful guide for Black America
Covenant with Black America is poignant, practical and plausible.It lays out what matters most to Black Americans.More importantly, it shows ways to achieve our goals.
Despite what you've heard, not all truths are self-evident...
The Covenant with Black America is a profound literary work that reveals the truths about America and its tenuous relationship with the African-American community. After an introduction by Tavis Smiley, leading authorities cover agendas that should be of major concern to all African-Americans: healthcare, education, employment, environment, etc.
A Must Read
This book is relevant not only for African Americans, but ALL Americans because the state of African American people in this nation is an American concern. The book is very well written and comprehensive giving some startling research statistics. This book will also make you re-examine your priorities and make you more attentive to the policies that are implemented in our government. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1975-    2. African American leadership    3. African Americans    4. Ethnic Issues    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    6. Political Ideologies - Nationalism    7. Politics and government    8. Social Science    9. Social conditions    10. Sociology    11. Black studies    12. Social Science / African-American Studies    13. USA   

Editorial Review

Want to learn how to speak the language of critters, large and small? Easy-to-read and understand, Ted Andrews's bestselling Read more

Reviews (82)

Excellent Reference Book!
This book has been invaluable to me for years.In coming across an animal in life or in dreams, I have derived much insight from the lifecyle and meaning of the animal, and have applied the lessons to my own life.Whether it was a blue jay dying in front of me, or an elephant communicating with me at the circus, we co-exist with the animals on this blue planet and need to hear what they are saying.I also recommend "From the Horses Mouth" by Amelia Kincade, as the best book on animal communication I have read.

Valuable Resource
I have been clutching my copy of Animal Speak for many years now.I am coming today to purchase the workbook which I just discovered and wanted to write a quick review for this amazing book.
Nature speaks to you through animal sightings.
I received this book as a gift after a red tailed hawk made a visit to me every day for a week.In this book, according to Native American traditions, animals relate to us because everything in the earth is connected.There are messages being sent to us by these sightings.A fox runs out across the road (and hopefully, you miss it) not once, but three times?Red tailed hawk sitting on a street light along the highway every day for a week?All of a sudden, a squirrel comes to your yard and does something that catches your attention that you never noticed before?All of that has a message to you and you alone.I recently purchased two of these books as gifts for my sisters.And, they have shared it with their friends who have had similar sightings.Sounds kookie, I know, but it actually will make sense to you when the message is meant for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies    4. Human-animal communication    5. Miscellanea    6. New Age    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Shamanism    9. Spiritualism - General    10. Spirituality - General    11. Spirituality - Shamanism    12. Totems    13. Body, Mind & Spirit / Spirituality / Shamanism    14. Fortune-telling & divination    15. Spirit communication & mediumship, spiritualism    16. Zoology & animal sciences   

Reviews (7)

Save your Money
This is a great concept, but not worth buying a book over.
Helpful and easy to implement
It was very easy to implement the program, and my student got it right away.

Incredible 5-Point Scale
I recently ordered this book to use with my students. I am a special education consultant primarily working with students that have Asperger's syndrome or traumatic brain injury in a public school setting. I am always looking for materials that are functional and easy to implement.This book is great! Very straight-forward; provides quick and useful examples without a lot of lengthy explanation. This book provides tools for both teachers and parents to use quickly and without a lot of training or experience with Asperger children. Very easy to adapt and individualize as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Movements - Behaviorism    4. Psychology    5. Special Education - Socially Handicapped    6. Child care & upbringing    7. Coping with disability   

Reviews (4)

A must read for teens, adults and parents!
Dr. Grandin has taken her knowledge, expertise and sensitivity one step further in Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism. She offers many ideas for those affected by or those working with these individuals. This area is filled with people of talent who are underemployed. An example of one of the suggestions offered - an individual who is interested in cartoons and spends their days drawing - all day - being encouraged to go to a museum of cartooning, learning about different kinds of cartoons, the history of cartoons which expands their interest - meeting others with the same interest. It is not enough to have a talent or the intellectual ability to understand complex things. Without work, Dr. Grandin explains, her life would not have had order, content or meaning. She covers many different kinds of jobs that people on the autism spectrum can accommodate to and ones that would be more difficult for them. The book is well thought out and because Dr. Grandin is herself on the spectrum and spends so much of her time speaking to others at her many presentations she has analyzed a great deal of what works and what does not. This book is an absolute must read! I run a large group for parents, professionals and individuals and it is one of my first recommendations. This book gives concrete suggestions and hope.

As a parent of an Asperger teen, this book was confirming and enlightening
As a parent of a teenager with Aspergers, alot of Ms. Gradin's recommendations confirmed what I already thought: sell the skills not the personality, go into areas where your interests/fixations lie and consider working as a consultant in your area of expertise.Finding recommendations I already thought of didn't make me feel like those parts of the book were a waste.On the contrary, it is nice to have affirmation from an outside source, particularly one intimately knowledgable of autism.
Ways to use special interests for people with ASD/AS!
I have read all three of Temple Grandin's books. Each offers a different look at what it is like to experience Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In "Developing Talents" Grandin provides the readers with insight into how parents and educators can assist people with High Functioning Autism/Asperger Syndrome (HFA/AS)achieve success. Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Career/Job    3. Careers - General    4. Interpersonal Relations    5. Learning Disabilities    6. Psychology    7. Vocational    8. Advice on careers & achieving success    9. Coping with disability   

Reviews (150)

Insightful and timely
I've been staring at a copy of Thomas Friedman's 'From Beirut to Jerusalem' on my shelf for nearly a year now, meaning to read it but always drawn to something else.Finally, recent events demanded that I learn more and I finally pulled it down, dusted it off, and read it.I'm so glad I did, especially now.
Pertinent Then and Pertinent Now
Not in the "must read " class, but a good informative personal account of Thomas Freidman, the New York Times middle east journalist.The book contains his observances of the factional fighting that took place in Beirut and the larger Lebanon, Israel conflict in the 1980s.Thebook has interesting observances of these complicated situations.This is a good book for the 21st century where it appears Lebanon is again descending into chaos, and Israel has once again tried the tactic of invading southern Lebanon.Freidman does a good job making a chaotic situation interesting while providing new insights.

A "Must Read" for Citizens of the World at the Beginning of the 21st Century
I have not yet completed From Beirut to Jerusalem, but I have been fascinated by every word.Mr. Friedman's intellectual approach to the every-day life, religions and politics of the Middle East is written in an easily understandable, conversational manner.He asks questions, finds a range of answers from varied sources, and shares his conclusions in a non-judgmental way.Mr. Friedman's in-depth study of the interplay of religions and politics in the Middle East has clarified many questions I had and has validated some of my thoughts. I better understand what is happening in the Middle East and am rethinking my own political views on today's events. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1973-1993    2. 1993-    3. Arab-Israeli conflict    4. Ethnic Studies - General    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History: World    8. International Relations - General    9. Jewish-Arab relations    10. Middle East    11. Middle East - General    12. Politics and government    13. Friedman, Thomas L    14. History / Middle East    15. Journeys   

Reviews (7)

From a parent!
This book is what I've been looking for: a book that teaches you HOW to teach social skills and organization skills for kids that just don't pick it up from interactions in everyday life. It's made a big difference in our everyday family and school life for my 2 ADHD/LD kids. My thanks to Rick Lavoie!

Read this book!
Writing as someone who has lived with learning disabilities for nearly 50 years now, I cannot say strongly enough that I sincerely wish all of my teachers and parents had read this book.I will go a little further than that---I wish the pastoral counselor, psychologist, and psychiatrists that I have dealt with as an adult would read this book.
Good as far as it goes
This book provides what sound like good tips for helping a child struggling with social skills.Whether they work, I really can't say, as applying everything here would be the work of a lifetime.