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Author : Conn Iggulden
Number of Pages : 270
Release Date : 2007-05-01
Publisher : Collins
List Price : $26.95
Amazon Price : $13.10
Used Price : $9.25 |
Product Description The bestselling book for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what the big deal with girls is. In this digital age there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun--building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes. The completely revised American Edition includes: The Greatest Paper Airplane in the World
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Five Knots Every Boy Should Know
Stickball
Slingshots
Fossils
Building a Treehouse
Making a Bow and Arrow
Fishing (revised with US Fish)
Timers and Tripwires
Baseball's "Most Valuable Players"
Famous Battles-Including Lexington and Concord, The Alamo, and Gettysburg
Spies-Codes and Ciphers
Making a Go-Cart
Navajo Code Talkers' Dictionary
Girls
Cloud Formations
The States of the U.S.
Mountains of the U.S.
Navigation
The Declaration of Independence
Skimming Stones
Making a Periscope
The Ten Commandments
Common US Trees
Timeline of American History Customer reviews the dangerous book for boys  by .. Mary L. Austin (northern california, usa)
A book every boy should have!! A partial solution to getting kids away from in front of the TV and out and about exploring.
dangerous book for boys by .. Teresa Flach (Nashville, TN)
This was a Christmas gift for a grandson, I looked it over when it arrived
and I was really impressed.
Great for an 11 eyar old boy. by .. James D. Amstutz (Johnson City, TN)
I bought this book for my 11 eyar old son, and he loves it. It is full of interesting stuff - stories, activities, lessons, facts, history, and lots of cool things for boys to do. Lots of variety, easy to read, short articles - it made me want to be 11 myself!
Good  by .. Anna M. Migneco ()
I was happy with the book when it finally came, though it did take awhile. My only complaint is that it was covered in dust when I opened the package.
Awesome book! by .. J. Baker (IA, USA)
I heard about this book & decided to put it on my gift list. Luckily, I got it. This book is a must have for any guy. There are so many things in this book that every man should know... Everything from tying knots to setting trip wires... As a dad, I can't wait to pass this knowledge on to my son. This book is very well written & is a must have for boys of all ages.
Related Search : dangerous book , boys  |
Author : Jeff Pearlman
Number of Pages : 416
Release Date : 2008-09-16
Publisher : Harper
List Price : $25.95
Amazon Price : $15.34
Used Price : $11.13 |
Product Description They were America's Team—the high-priced, high-glamour, high-flying Dallas Cowboys of the 1990s, who won three Super Bowls and made as many headlines off the field as on it. Led by Emmitt Smith, the charismatic Deion "Prime Time" Sanders, and Hall of Famers Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin, the Cowboys rank among the greatest of all NFL dynasties. In similar fashion to his New York Times bestseller The Bad Guys Won!, about the 1986 New York Mets, in Boys Will Be Boys, award-winning writer Jeff Pearlman chronicles the outrageous antics and dazzling talent of a team fueled by ego, sex, drugs—and unrivaled greatness. Rising from the ashes of a 115 season in 1989 to capture three Super Bowl trophies in four years, the Dallas Cowboys were guided by a swashbuckling, skirt-chasing, power-hungry owner, Jerry Jones, and his two eccentric, hard-living coaches, Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer. Together the three built a juggernaut that America loved and loathed. But for a team that was so dominant on Sundays, the Cowboys were often a dysfunctional circus the rest of the week. Irvin, nicknamed "The Playmaker," battled dual addictions to drugs and women. Charles Haley, the defensive colossus, presided over the team's infamous "White House," where the parties lasted late into the night and a steady stream of long-legged groupies came and went. And then there were Smith and Sanders, whose Texas-sized egos were eclipsed only by their record-breaking on-field perfomances. With an unforgettable cast of characters and a narrative as hard-hitting and fast-paced as the team itself, Boys Will Be Boys immortalizes the most beloved—and despised—dynasty in NFL history. Customer reviews Enjoyable Voyeuristic read by .. Little Time To Read (Vancouver, WA)
First off - do not purchase this book for your child thinking "He likes football - here is something he will like". No. This book is a true inside look into the locker room & private (formerly private) lives of NFL prima donna's. Lot's of stories about everything available to NFL superstars and how they partake in the drugs, alcohol & women that are thrown at them. A fun read - but not suitable for a younger person.
Loved it! by .. Roberto H (Dallas, TX)
I highly recommend this book to anyone who: a) was a big fan of the early 90's Cowboys, b) is curious about what goes on behind the scenes in the NFL, or c) is interested in the impact leadership has on organizations. This book comes up juicy in all three categories.
This book is great because it avoids the common mistake made by authors documenting certain teams. Instead of going through the boring minutiae of old games, Jeff Pearlman gives gripping, inside stories that no fan ever knew about. For example:
- Michael Irvin was the heart and soul of the team. Period.
- Nobody liked Emmitt Smith.
- Charles Haley, WTF?
- The players, for as much as they hated Jimmy Johnson, respected the heck out of him. How he shaped them psychologically and then kept them on the edge was stellar.
- Jerry Jones is a prideful retard, sure. But I never knew he was that big of one.
- Switzer was actually a pretty likable guy with whom you can really empathize. But, man, he really had no business being there.
- Skip Bayless is a massive dork.
I had a blast reading this book. Highly recommend.
Sometimes you don't want to know how sausage is made by .. R. H. King (Lubbock, TX United States)
I love the Dallas Cowboys. I am like one of those people that stays in an abusive relationship. I just keep watching them year after year.
I think any Cowboy fan will be unable to put the book down. Anyone who hates the Cowboys may love this book even more!
There is a lot more here than a sports story.
This has a seamy underside that pretty much destroys any Cowboy idol worship that may be going on...yet there is something uplifting in it somehow. Tragedy and comedy.
Sort of a story of how some good can things come from completely flawed, totally depraved men.
There is much to be learned from this story if you are a teacher, a leader, anyone in charge of others even if you know nothing about football.
I thought Nothing Could Surprise Me!  by .. Caryn ()
Being a life-long Cowboys fan, I begged my school librarian to order this book so I could read it immediately! After reading it, I told her to put it in the 'Adults Only' section - in other words, don't even let students know we have it! To learn the amount of money wasted by players and coaches on Superbowl-week partying was bad enough; to learn how much of it was condoned and even led by Jerry Jones was sickening.
The book itself is well written and painstakingly researched, although there are some glaring exceptions: it is about the Dynasty led by Troy, Emmitt, and Michael, yet Troy does not seem to have been involved. The stories that are about him come from others and those are few and far between. Although Troy is praised, it is done in such a manner as to put him down at the same time, probably because his antics were not anywhere near as colorful as the others. Case in point: he expected professional play on the field and would chew out players for screwing up; then was called racist by some (one). Doesn't that just sound awful - expecting highly paid professionals to get it right? Even though the author admits that what was said about Troy was unfair and he even quotes Charles Haley in Troy's defense, he still included it, even though he knew it was a)unfair and b)not true about Troy's character. Another shot at Troy: repeating the Skip Bayless assertion about Troy's sexual orientation.
About half-way through, the book gets bogged down, almost as though the writer felt the need to stretch it out in order to make it book-length. Something that would have helped - more photos. As it stands, there is one very small section of photos.
I am still a die-hard cowboys fan, but I am disillusioned by the behavior - my glasses are no longer rose-colored. What this book did for me more than anything else, was to prove how meddlesome Jerry Jones is and how badly the Cowboys (and probably every team) needed the discipline of Jimmy Johnson and more recently Bill Parcells.
"You mean to tell me there are places where women get naked? And they serve food there, too?" by .. Mary Longorio (Eagle Mountain, UT)
Anyone who spent any time out in clubs or had friends or relatives in either the "entertainment" industry or law enforcement in the Dallas/Ft Worth area heard stories of the excesses of Michael Irvin, Charles Haley, Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith, Kenny Gant ("You mean to tell me there are places where women get naked? And they serve food there, too?") as well as other Dallas Cowboy football players and staff in the 1990's. The existence of a player owned "safe house" (the White House) where players and staff could indulge in drugs, alcohol, violence and a seemingly endless supply of willing women was an open secret. The near fatal DUI accident of right tackle Erik Williams and other car crashes involving players were hushed up with assistance from a compliant and dependent media. A caravan of limos ferrying "skanks" for the enjoyment of players and their guests (better to bring known women than chance the dangers of women found in clubs and hotels) to Tempe, Arizona for Super Bowl XXX. What could anyone say? Owner Jerry Jones had included his own party vehicle in the caravan...a six bed tour bus that had once been owned by Whitney Houston. The Cowboys were consumed and controlled by their giant egos and addictions.
All this excess could be forgiven, overlooked and hushed up until the Cowboys committed the unpardonable sin. The Dallas Cowboys quit winning and began to look foolish. The Cowboys began to show the effects of partying, bad coaching, foolish management decisions and lack of leadership and were being beaten on the field. Author Jeff Pearlman returns with yet another book of sports heroes gone bad: Boys Will be Boys, the Glory Days and Party Nights of the Dallas Cowboys Dynasty. Following the ascent of the 1990's Dallas Cowboys team, from the acquisition by Jerry Jones to the multiple Super Bowl appearances to the drug use, whoring, suicide attempts and lawlessness that was an open secret in the Metroplex, Pearlman holds nothing back. There are moments of good behavior, humor and community service, but they are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the excesses practiced by many on the team. What sets this book apart is Pearlman's meticulous research; the hours spent talking to players, ex-players, law enforcement, front office and coaching staff. It would be easy to lay out all the misdeeds of the Cowboys squads (and coaching staff) under coaches Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer. Rather than vilify the players, Pearlman tracks the decline and end of the "anything goes" Cowboys. He is quick to point out factors and backgrounds that might have predisposed some of the behaviors. He also acknowledges the press' part in turning a blind eye in order to get scoops and party with the players. From the top of the Cowboy food chain Pearlman dissects the choices and is very blunt in his appraisals of players and staff (finally someone outs John Blake as a waste of space and divisive in the locker room). The out of control organization was in danger of destroying the legacy left by previous owners, coaches and players as well as destroying thier own futures. While Pearlman gives an accounting of misdeeds he also gives room for a bittersweet epilogue, the induction into the Football Hall of Fame of Michael Irvin. This is a must for any true Cowboy fan who can appreciate the complexity of today's football machine and wants the Cowboys to succeed once again.
Related Search : boys glory , nights dallas , boys be  |
Author : John Boyne
Edition : Mti
Number of Pages : 240
Release Date : 2008-10-28
Publisher : David Fickling Books
List Price : $8.99
Amazon Price : $4.42
Used Price : $4.22 |
Product Description Berlin 1942 When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance. But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences. Customer reviews A Book for the Entire Family by .. Loving Family ()
Excellent book. This captivating story was well written. People of ANY age can relate to this book. Even though it's a book about the Holocaust, almost anyone that understands the bonds of humanity and friendship can relate to this storyline. In addition, most human beings have experienced a "fence" in their life. We have all (at one point or another) had a wall that separated us from someone or something. Overall, I think the author very respectfully told a story warped around a horrific time in human history. I would love to see the movie, I hope they did the book justice.
A heartbreaking story... by .. Sarah Woodard (Bremerton, WA)
Summary: Bruno is 9 years old. He lives in a difficult time, in Germany during the World War II. One day, Bruno comes home to find that his maid, packing all his things. His family and him move to Out-With (Auschwitz). In his window, he can see a concentration camp, where everyone wears striped pajamas. He thinks that they are "neighbors". He misses Berlin and his friends there. He want to return, but since his dad is in charge of the camp. He is unable to.
After being inside for a couple months with his sister, Gretel, he decides to explore the fence and visit his "neighbors". He befriends a boy born on his birthday, Shmuel. He visits him everyday and they become friends.
My Review: I found this book very interesting, because I love history and the many different voices available to us. I have never read a book about the Holocaust in which the person didn't know what happening and John Boyne wrote that only a young child would work for it. So, you could see a child's view of evil. This book will ache at your heart. It is pretty deep reading, I would say if you can read Anne Frank's diary or Night. Then this book will not be too much for you. John Boyne does an amazing job.
Quite the adventure by .. Lisa R. Schensted (St. Paul, MN)
in a sentence: meet a boy named Bruno and discover the unfamiliar and confusing adventure that awaits him.
i'll be honest - the number one thing that interested me about this book was that the inside cover. they thought it would spoil the reading of the book to give anything away and beleived it was important to start to read without knowing what is it about. having read it, i totally agree with that sentiment and will try and do my best to review without spoiling! though there is a movie version already, so you may already know.
Bruno and his family live in Berlin, and is pretty happy with his life actually. he's a typical 9 year old boy with a typical bratty older sister (she's 12, practically a teenager) and doting house servants. he loves adventures and exploring and all the fun discoveries that come with that sort of thing. something happens that leads his family to move away from his home and he is not pleased about that.
i absolutely adored Bruno's voice in this book. that's not to say that he was the narrator, because he wasn't really. it is his voice that is heard mostly in the book and his phrasing and everything, but we also get a peek into the thoughts of others through his eyes and through general narration. i'm not explaining it very well, but i really did like the way that Boyne did that.
Bruno experiences the changes and new experiences through his 9 year old eyes, and so do we. it is with this naivety and simple acceptance that we learn what is going on in the story. there are some internal struggles, some serious questions and curiosity - but he is only 9 after all and who cares about what a 9 year old wants to know? so mostly Bruno discovers things for himself and does his best to make sense of them, and what he can't make sense of, he shrugs away.
this was absolutely one of the best pieces of literature i have ever written. not purely because of the subject matter, but because of how it was written. i am seriously impressed with using a 9 year old as a narrator successfully and in a way that brought me to that level of naivety without any hint of condescension. even the chapter titles were 9-year-old-yet-adult-geared without being condescending. it was just incredible, and if you haven't read this yet - do it! you'll thank me.
fave (non-spoiler) quote: "One afternoon, when Bruno came home from school, he was surprised to find Maria, the family maid - who always kept her head bowed and never looked up from the carpet - standing in his bedroom, pulling all his belongings out of the wardrobe and packing them in four large wooden crates, even the things he'd hidden at the back that belonged to him and were nobody else's business." (opening paragraph and it totally sucked me in / set the tone for the book).
fix er up: a tad predictable, but that didn't hurt the overall impact and beauty of the writing.
Where is it?  by .. Karen A. Ganz (USA)
Christmas has come & gone and I haven't received this book that was to be a present. Don't promise delivery if it's not going to happen.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by .. L. Vesco (Colorado)
This book is warm, chilling and haunting. So far, 3 people have agreed with this synopsis. This book should be required reading, but I'm not sure for whom anymore. We just can't forget what DID happen, and some people tend to just forget. Once I get this book back, as it's going onto 3 others, I'm keeping it. To read again, once I stop thinking about it. It's just excellent. If you like kids and history, make this book on your next list to buy.
Related Search : pajamas movie , boy striped , tie edition  |
Author : David Sheff
Number of Pages : 336
Publisher : Mariner Books
List Price : $14.95
Amazon Price : $10.17
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Product Description What had happened to my beautiful boy? To our family? What did I do wrong? Those are the wrenching questions that haunted every moment of David Sheff’s journey through his son Nic’s addiction to drugs and tentative steps toward recovery. Before Nic Sheff became addicted to crystal meth, he was a charming boy, joyous and funny, a varsity athlete and honor student adored by his two younger siblings. After meth, he was a trembling wraith who lied, stole, and lived on the streets. David Sheff traces the first subtle warning signs: the denial, the 3 A.M. phone calls (is it Nic? the police? the hospital?), the rehabs. His preoccupation with Nic became an addiction in itself, and the obsessive worry and stress took a tremendous toll. But as a journalist, he instinctively researched every avenue of treatment that might save his son and refused to give up on Nic.
Beautiful Boy is a fiercely candid memoir that brings immediacy to the emotional rollercoaster of loving a child who seems beyond help.
Customer reviews A book that does not hide harsh reality by .. Melinda C. Sayre (Tucson, Arizona United States)
This book was a good read, but a sad one. I true story of a fathers love for his terminally addicted son, and how more often then not it cuts through the addicted persons loved ones like a knife.
Prepare to feel like a parenting failure  by .. B. Disenhouse (Riverside, CA United States)
This book made me scared, sad, hopeless and afraid for the future of my own children. And they are in grade school. I don't need this fear undermining me and making me second guess my parenting choices.
I read the book to the end with the fervent hope that I would read an epilogue that was happy and hopeful; something along the lines of Nic struggled but has been alcohol and drug free for ten years. He's happy, married, has kids and is a brilliant father.
I'm sure that sounds naive but I want to read a story that doesn't depress me and make me afraid of the world. I need to be strong so I can teach that skill to my children. Our local schools convey a healthier message with their Say No to Drugs campaigns. This book tells me that try as I might, the game is stacked against my kids and no matter how hard I try, how smart I am, how endless my wallet is for rehab, it's all for naught.
Helpful read for me by .. S. Hammer (AJ, AZ)
I was hesitant to read, but it was suggested to my by a friend. I have a son with similar problems and was currently living the nightmare, so I didnt know if I could handle reading it. But I did, and I am glad I did. It helped me to know that what we have gone through isnt new and we aren't alone. By reading what the author went through I learned alot to apply to my own situation. If you have an addict child, this book may benefit you. It did me. I read the sons book right after. I wanted to see the other side. Both books were helpful to me, now that my son is currently in jail, I will also send them to him to read.
A Father's Love by .. Gerard F. Zemek (Parma, Ohio)
This book is the true story of David Sheff and his son, Nic, who gets hooked on drugs. It tells how his family deals with it, but at times it goes off the track. Most of the time though, I was rivetted buy it. Great story and I recommend you read it. I didn't love it, but I liked it a lot!!
A Must Read for All Parents of Teens Today by .. Sue Scheff (South Florida)
As a parent that struggled with my own teenager - after reading Beautiful Boy I don't feel I could compare to what David Sheff endured with Nic and the way he put it into words; words that only a parent that has experienced difficult times can feel deep down - is nothing short of amazing.
As an author (Wit's End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-of-Control Teen) I felt Beautiful Boy was done exceptionally well, very compelling and painful - brutally honest and completely put my struggles into perspective.
I applaud, commend and wish only the best for David and Nic Sheff and his family - and thank him for allowing all of us to learn from his experiences.
Related Search : father s , journey through , addiction  |
Author : Meg Meeker
Edition : 1
Number of Pages : 287
Publisher : Regnery Publishing
List Price : $24.95
Amazon Price : $15.20
Used Price : $14.98 |
Product Description What are little boys made of? It used to be frogs, snails, and puppy dog tails, but today it is MTV, ADD, and STDs. So how do parents raise their sons to be respectful and responsible young men despite a toxic culture that relentlessly undermines masculine virtues such as moral strength, self-restraint, and respect for women? By letting boys be boys. Dr. Meg Meeker, bestselling author of Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, follows up her success with Boys Should Be Boys--a guide for parents on how to raise a strong son in these turbulent times. Taking readers on a journey from boyhood to manhood, Boys Should Be Boys delves into the mind, heart, and spirit of boys, showing parents how they can make a difference between the boy their son is and the man he will become. "Boys will be boys"--Dr.Meeker shows why it is not just an expression, it's a necessity. Customer reviews Book for Parents with Boys by .. Mary B. Mckay (Pleasanton, KS)
I have given this book twice as a gift: to my daughter who has three sons, and to a close friend who has five sons. Both recipients said they gained valuable insights and ideas by reading the book. For example, my daughter commented that she found the advice about giving some positive praise to her sons every day a very helpful recommendation not only for her son's self image, but also for her relationship with him. Both women said that they knew some of the information, but it was helpful to be reminded and to be given new ideas for implementing them. From the feedback they have given me, I think any mother who wants to raise good sons would enjoy and find this book helpful. Girls are different from boys, and a mother starts with a "girl" perspective. I wish this book had been around when we raised our son.
Mostly common sense advice by .. Law Mom (Chicago, IL)
I read this book because I have 2 boys. I read as many parenting books about boys as I can get my hands on. I found some useful nuggets of information in this book. However, I found much of it to be common sense stuff. Although I will keep it in my library of books for future reference as my little boys grow older. So far, Raising Cain is my favorite book on raising boys.
Helpful insights on raising sons by .. Victoria Randall (Seattle, WA)
Boys Should Be Boys, by Dr Meeker, offers practical, spiritually based advice on raising boys to be healthy, compassionate, self respecting men who treat others with respect and kindness. A good antidote to much anti-male advice floating around, it shows how to harness the good inherant in young men to help them grow into great adults.
Great Book, Lots of Common Sense Topics by .. Karen Welch (California)
This book teaches you the most important thing you can give to your son is your TIME!
Helping boys grow into good, strong men by .. armchairinterviews.com (Minnesota)
Dr. Meg Meeker is the author of Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters and Epidemic: How Teen Sex is Killing our Kids. She has practiced pediatric and adolescent medicine for twenty years and is a fellow of the National Advisory Board of the Medical Institute.
It's tough being a parent. It's tough being a kid. In our politically charged and politically correct society we now tell ourselves that boys and girls are really the same. And in doing so we silence our strong, boisterous boys and demand they be more submissive and cooperative. We're becoming social engineers. We're attempting to force children into being what they are not nor were they ever meant to be. Our boys are at great risk.
Dr. Meeker says our boys need us, the parents. They need us to embrace and encourage who they are and celebrate it. We must ease their pressures and give them back their boyhood. Meeker says that any boy's life is built around three things: his relationship with his parents, with God, and with his siblings and friends. She discusses the importance of taking responsibility, love, discipline and the need for their fathers. Meeker attacks the sex and violence on TV, video games and movies and well, just gives practical advice on how to help raise the expectations we have about boys while taking back and putting the fun into boyhood again.
This book, Let Boys Be Boys, focuses on the development of our boys and warns of the harm our liberal, feminized society. She reveals seven ways to help our boys grow into good, strong men.
Armchair Interviews says: A must read for all parents, even those who have girls because your girls will be marrying our boys someday.
Related Search : secrets raising , boys be , healthy sons  |
Author : Steve Fainaru
Number of Pages : 288
Publisher : Da Capo Press
List Price : $26.00
Amazon Price : $14.20
Used Price : $13.95 |
Product Description Travelling in Iraq with a group of US security contractors - mercenaries or mercs - a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter reveals in gritty detail the men who live by Big Boy Rules. A parallel army lives on the margins of the Iraq war - nearly 100,000 armed men, invisible yet in plain sight, doing jobs the overstretched and understaffed military can't or won't. The US media call them 'security contractors'. They call themselves 'mercs' and operate under their own rules. Pulitzer prize-winning reporter Steve Fainaru travelled with several groups of security contractors to find out what motivates them to put their lives in danger every day.What emerges is a searing, revealing and sometimes darkly funny look at the men who live and work in the battlefields of Iraq: some are desperate, some are confused and some are just out for a lark. Some disappear into the void that is Iraq and are never seen again. It's not a pretty picture, but it's brutally real and shockingly honest. "Big Boy Rules" is an unforgettable leap into the mayhem of Iraq and the dark recesses of the minds of American policy makers and the warriors they hire. Customer reviews Ugly by .. Stephen T. Hopkins (Oak Park, Illinois)
Steve Fainaru's new book Big Boy Rules: America's Mercenaries Fighting in Iraq is an eye-opening story of what is being done in the name of America in Iraq. The need for private security contracting became clear early on in Iraq, as our volunteer army was spread thin. Fainaru presents what this contracting entails, using one company, Crescent Security Group, and one contractor, Jon Cote, as his primary focus. What Fainaru describes is a degree of lawlessness that will lead to the discomfort of most readers, and the sadness of how individuals who are trying both to help America in Iraq as well as make money are treated when things don't work out as planned. The tattoo on a former Marine summarized the situation: "The unwanted, doing the unforgiveable, for the ungrateful." (p. xii). Sammy Jamison, the convoy manager for one contractor, ArmorGroup, said, "We can't ask the Iraqi people to respect the law if we don't do it ourselves." (p. 131). As for Jon Cote and those like him, Fainaru noted, "But it was an ugly business he had gotten himself into, perhaps the ugliest business there was." (p. 215). Big Boy Rules makes for uncomfortable and informative reading. The book expands on the Pulitzer prize-winning reporting that Fainaru has done for The Washington Post. There are costs to this war that higher than most reports describe, and Fainaru's book puts a human face on these costs.
Rating: Four-star (Highly Recommended)
Powerful book, a story that needs to be told. by .. Edward W. Mahon (Yalesville, CT)
Ironic title.. It should have been titled 'No Rules!'. I was blown away at the total lack of regard for human life on both sides of this issue. Well written tragic story.
Big Boy Rules by .. Edward Zilmer (Jamestown N.Y. U.S.A)
This book is not only true, but is still currently in the news. The recent charges against 14 of the mercenaries for killing innocent civilians (women and children) will keep this story on the front pages for quite some time to come. As for the writing itself , the author won a pulitzer prize for the story. What more needs to be said? I live very near one of the men in the story so I had a special interest in reading it. It is a book for all to read regardless of your views on the war. You will find things out that no T.V. or newspaper will take the time to report....HIGHLY RECOMENDED!!!!!!!!!!!
RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN SAYS: "THE UNWANTED, DOING THE UNFORGIVABLE, FOR THE UNGRATEFUL." by .. Rick Goldstein (Danville, Ca, USA)
As an honorably discharged Viet Nam era veteran I try to keep an insightful eye on the transformations that seem to inevitably take place in every war... as assuredly as night follows day. From the battle field strategies maneuvering battalions... to the increasing use of sniper teams... to the current... almost unbelievable use of large... larger... and largest... *PRIVATE ARMIES*. Call them mercenaries (merc's) if you desire... but in today's reality it has almost become a militarized-privatized-Fortune-500 Army. There's an old expression that says "art imitates life"... well I am a witness to "life imitating art"! About a year ago I read a military novel that was built around a Bill Gates type character... who instead of owning Microsoft... he owned a gigantic private military company that would fight America's wars. I thought that was a ridiculous premise... until I read this book. One of the many deceitful things that the author pulls out from behind a very thick government curtain, is how a large company gets a contract from the state department for security forces... then that large company... sub-contracts the contract to a smaller company... who sub-contracts to another smaller contractor... Ad Nauseam. Embedded in the heretofore unexplored upsurge in "merc's" in Iraq, is the fact that the Government doesn't include the number of "sub-contracted" private army personnel, when they divulge to the public how large a fighting force they're using. The government also hasn't been including the "merc's" in their casualty counts.
Once the reader feels indoctrinated into the daily brutality of the war in Iraq... and is shocked as to the almost "lawlessness" of the military contractor's... just when you feel you can't be taken aback any further... you're hit with the legal order that governs "merc's": "COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ORDER NUMBER 17 (CPA-ORDER 17) GRANTED MERCENARIES AND OTHER CONTRACTORS IMMUNITY FROM IRAQI LAW. THE IMMUNITY WAS TO REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL THE DEPARTURE OF THE FINAL ELEMENT OF THE MNF (MULTINATIONAL FORCES) FROM IRAQ, OR UNTIL THE NEW IRAQI GOVERNMENT OVERTURNED IT. THAT, EVERYONE KNEW, WAS UNLIKELY AT LEAST IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE." The "merc's" were basically given a license to kill... and their utter disdain for treating the local people with respect... defeats the entire concept of winning the Iraqi's hearts. As the author Steve Fainaru (whose brother Mark, is the co-author of the book "Game Of Shadows" that unleashed documented evidence against Barry Bonds and his steroid use.) travels with one military contractor and becomes close with some of their employees, he gets a call from home that his elderly cancer ridden Father is close to dying. This is a beautifully written pivotal point in the story. The entire direction of the story changes... and the author handles it like the beauty of a metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly. Though there was death all around him in Iraq... this is more than the dying of a man's Father... it is the utter loving compassion of a son to a Father... and it is the strength and dignity of a Father facing death... with an energy for life... even though cancer... has taken his natural energy.
What happens next would not be believed if created in a movie script. Right after Steve leaves Iraq the "merc" that he had personally gotten closest to, was part of a group of "merc's" that were taken hostage. The ensuing part of the story leads the reader through the sad... yet beautiful ending of a Father's life... and the untold horrors of the hostage situation... through the eyes of the author and the hostage's poor anguished families. This story will open your eyes to a "new" part of today's war that has not been scrutinized near enough... and it will open your heart... on more than one front. This is simply an exquisite reporting job by the author.
Very well written and engrossing account of the war in Iraq and it's unseen impact on the lives of those who serve it's cause by .. T. Harrelson (USA)
I recently completed this read. I found Mr. Fainaru's depiction of the experiences and lives of the mercenaries to be frank, eye opening, sometimes humorous and in many cases very heartrending.
Steve describes the chronological events in graphic detail and paints a picture of life and death in Iraq. His portrayal of the months leading up to and the last days of Jon Cote's life describe a young man obviously tortured by events from his past and struggling to find peace. His outlet, the Iraq War.
The spotlight on the irrational decisions and careless actions of Jon's employer, that set the stage for the events that stole Jon's life and those of his comrades, as well as, Mr. Fainaru's descriptions of the actions of other unscrupulous private security companies, show how volatile situations are for those serving or simply surviving in Iraq.
I would recommend this book to others seeking to read a well written human interest on the War in Iraq.
Related Search : rules america , big boy , s mercenaries  |
Author : Franklin W. Dixon
Number of Pages : 128
Publisher : Grosset & Dunlap
List Price : $25.98
Amazon Price : $13.50
Used Price : $14.67 |
Product Description It's 6 books about the legendary Hardy Boys! This boxed set - just right for any kid who hasn't yet discovered these mystery classics - contains: The Tower Treasure, The House on the Cliff, The Secret of the Old Mill, The Missing Chums, Hunting for Hidden Gold, The Shore Road Mystery Customer reviews Great gift set by .. Snowflakes (Caribbean)
This was a great gift for my teenage nephew. At least I think so, he appreciated it but would have prefered a game but he is now forced to read more.
Read these when I was a kid... by .. S. Hoffman (FL)
This was a very nice series when I was a kid...spent a lot of time with this set, and owned a LOT of them. Mystery set featuring the Hardy boys who solve mysteries. Your kid will love 'em.
Still good after so many years by .. Patricia N. Sullivan (Buena Park, CA United States)
We purchased the Hardy Boys starter set after my 5th grade son had read the first book. He had to read a mystery book for school. He liked it so much we purchased the others.
He just finished the second book in record reading time. Even though these books were written quite some time ago, they still can appeal to kids today.
Non stop action by .. Bidpool (Coast of Maine,USA)
My 12 year old son loved this series..He was given these as a gift and has read one after the other..The decades old technology, motorcycles, speed boats kept him very interested..The Hardys are a classic that never fails to satisfy..
Hardy Boys starter set by .. F. Davis (NC)
Books are wonderful. Grandkids are truely enjoying being introduced to these classics. Fast service during the holidays, too.
Related Search : starter set , hardy boys  |
Author : James C. Dobson
Number of Pages : 288
Publisher : Tyndale House Publishers
List Price : $15.99
Amazon Price : $7.99
Used Price : $5.97 |
Product Description Sensible advice and caring encouragement on raising boys from the nation's most trusted parenting expert, Dr.James Dobson. With so much confusion about the role of men in our society, it's no wonder so many parents and teachers are at a loss about how to bring up boys. Our culture has vilified masculinity and, as a result, boys are suffering. Parents, teachers, and others involved in shaping the character of boys have lots of questions. In Bringing Up Boys, Dr. Dobson tackles these questions and offers advice and encouragement based on a firm foundation of biblical principles. Customer reviews Bringing Up Boys by .. A. M. Dumont (Kernersville, NC)
We were very pleased with our book. It was in great condition. We got it in quickly as well! Thanks for your service!
A must read for conservative parents by .. B. Fung (NJ)
This book offers great practical and biblical advices on how to raise a boy. If you are liberal parents, you are not going to like what he says. We are conservative Christian who are determined to raise our children with the right /godly values and appropriate discipline with unconditional love. This book is what I need.
Review for "Bringing Up Boys" by James Dobson by .. Laura Coe (Tempe, AZ United States)
I'm not completely finished reading this book yet, but it has had some good information about boys. I do think Dr. Dobson spends a too much time on the feminist movement of the 70s and how it has impacted boys/men. He seems to go on and on about this rather than focusing on how to best raise our boys. As I said, I'm not done with the book, but got a little disinterested and set it aside because of the above.
if you have no other resource.... by .. Carl Brown (Cincinnati, Ohio)
I read this about 5 years ago (or so). I have 5 kids- 2 boys and I run a boys club at our kids school (club is for boys ages 5-15).
This book lacks a lot. It's really just poorly named. It should be entitled, "Being a parent in today's world," or something like that.
I can't say what other book I would recommend, but I'll just say that this book didn't offer much real substance on HOW to bring up boys.
How do you deal with boys of different temperments? How do you teach different virtues to boys (diligence, purity, courage, etc.)? What should you do as a Mom? or as a Dad? What is different about raising 5 year olds from 15 year olds?
This book really just makes the case for WHY you need to be a good parent.
I enjoy Dr. Dobson- and I used to listen to him religiously. The only reason I stopped was because I discovered talk radio.
But despite the respect I have for Dr. Dobson, I don't recommend this book.
A must have for parents with boys! by .. Caren M. Leifried (Orlando, FL)
For every parent with boys, this book is a must read! Dr. James Dobson brilliantly discusses the challenges boys face in this world and how we as parents should deal with and handle our boys. The future of our young men is so important, and Dr. James Dobson educates the reader on how to help grow our boys into strong, respectful, spiritual men.
Related Search : bringing up , boys  |
Author : Ishmael Beah
Edition : 1st
Number of Pages : 240
Release Date : 2008-08-05
Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux
List Price : $12.00
Amazon Price : $6.65
Used Price : $6.34 |
Product Description My new friends have begun to suspect I haven’t told them the full story of my life.
“Why did you leave Sierra Leone?”
“Because there is a war.”
“You mean, you saw people running around with guns and shooting each other?”
“Yes, all the time.”
“Cool.”
I smile a little.
“You should tell us about it sometime.”
“Yes, sometime.”
This is how wars are fought now: by children, hopped-up on drugs and wielding AK-47s. Children have become soldiers of choice. In the more than fifty conflicts going on worldwide, it is estimated that there are some 300,000 child soldiers. Ishmael Beah used to be one of them.
What is war like through the eyes of a child soldier? How does one become a killer? How does one stop? Child soldiers have been profiled by journalists, and novelists have struggled to imagine their lives. But until now, there has not been a first-person account from someone who came through this hell and survived.
In A Long Way Gone, Beah, now twenty-five years old, tells a riveting story: how at the age of twelve, he fled attacking rebels and wandered a land rendered unrecognizable by violence. By thirteen, he’d been picked up by the government army, and Beah, at heart a gentle boy, found that he was capable of truly terrible acts. This is a rare and mesmerizing account, told with real literary force and heartbreaking honesty. Customer reviews along way gone review by .. classroom3502 ()
Here it is a book about adventure and action, emotion and death. The memoirs of a boy soldier. The war in South Africa took its toll on thousands of people, emotionally and physically. Poverty plagues Ishmael Beah in Along Way Gone.
Along Way Gone should be read by adults only. The book uses graphic description and profanity not suitable for minors or teens. The events in this book have happened and have happened to many children. This is nothing line any book I have ever read. Exciting and fun but at different parts of the book he mixes in sadness.
As the main character, Ishmael, tries to walk away from his worst nightmare, he runs into problems. After the atrocities that happened to him and his family he finds refuge with his family. Try picturing thatched roofs blazing with fire, women and children screaming for there lives and the only thing you are worried about is you might not have drugs for the night.
Along way gone cannot relate to any of my real life situations or even any books I have read but can relate to similar situations. Genocide and poverty has corrupted South Africa's coast line. Both, the civil war and Ishmael's life as a soldier are the same in many ways.
Ishmael Beah changes a good hearted kid into a ruthless troublesome teenager as he is faced with many different challenges such as starvation and death. He also uses very descriptive paragraphs to enlighten the reader. These horrific tragedies are repeated and repeated throughout the story line.
After I have read this book many times, I think the book has a very good description of the civil war in South Africa. This book sums up the atrocities that occurred there. I would recommend this book to anyone willing to read it.
Opened my eyes by .. Cristina Mclaughlin (USA)
I want to preclude this review by saying I do have some minor spoilers here to the plot but they don't give so much away that it would in any way diminish your enjoyment of this book.
Having heard about the ongoing conflicts in Sierra Leone and knowing that often children in many different countries are forced into military service far too young I was drawn to this book and Ishmael's story.
I was not disappointed.
Ishmael's story begins as a young adolescent boy who lives in a village that is industrially behind but peaceful and productive. His world is turned upside down when the rebels come and destroy his entire community and in the midst of the gunfire and fleeing he is separated from his family. He begins a long and dangerous journey where good people mistrust him and believe he is the enemy, to facing the truly threatening who kill without mercy or restraint. He narrowly misses being reunited with his family when they are burnt alive by the rebels only minutes prior to him reaching them.
Ishmael eventually is trapped in a situation where he must decide if he want to be killed by the rebels or join those who kill them. He is forcibly hooked on drugs and becomes a killing machine that closely mirrors those he abhors. The last third of the book is dedicated to his slow rehabilitation and advocating for peace only to be once again caught in the midst of the killing.
Prior to reading this book I knew that these situations were horrible but I truly had no clue. Considering what he went through and how close this is to his recent life I was astounded at how objective his account is. He does describe his hate and disgust that he may have felt in the moment but he never deviates from his story to try and give a political or social tirade on the events (which if he did I honestly would have been forgiving of). He does not make the reader feel guilty for their lack of knowledge on the subject nor does he criticize those whose involvement is a direct cause of this conflict. It truly is just his story with every excruciating detail of how he remembers it.
Although I am giving this book five stars, I must say that stylistically it is not one of the strongest books I have ever read. At times it does seem a bit too matter of fact and certain parts do appear dry in their accounts. However, his story is so incredible, informative and touching that it overpowers any and all of its flaws.
This is one of those books you simply MUST read but be prepared because the details will get to you. Also, understand that once you read it you can never, ever truly be the same.
Too much empty space in the narrative by .. Herbert L Calhoun (Falls Church, VA USA)
An interesting story, but child soldiers fighting for the side of the government seem a lot less interesting than those fighting on the sides of the rebels.
Here, although there were some harrowing, even blood curling incidents, they were spaced out far enough that there was a lot of empty space, both in the story and in the logic of the narrative.
There was a lot of walking along isolated roads that led to nowhere and a lot of sleeping in the woods along those roads to nowhere. There was no sense of cohesion to this war story. Having read other books on child soldiers, I was disappointed in this one. I was looking for a lot more.
Two stars
INCREDIBLE AND HEART FELT by .. ANAP ()
When I put this book down all I could say was, "Wow." You feel the pain he must have been going through when he lost his family, you feel his anger at the way he was treated by the Rebels and you are shocked when the Rebels who claim to be siding with the people are killing the people with joy.
Very impressive and inspiring by .. Boraxo (San Francisco, CA United States)
This book is disturbing and for that reason should be on the short list of required texts for college. Unlike the WWI and WWII war books which read like ancient history this one hits close to home as most of the events transpired within the last decade. The author does a great job of telling his story from a boys point of view with imagery that will give you nightmares.
If you cannot handle reading about graphic violence, rape, murder, wartime atrocities, then do not buy this book. Otherwise it is a good companion to the Blood Diamond movie which covers some of the same material.
Related Search : boy soldier , gone memoirs , long way
Author : Bart King
Number of Pages : 292
Publisher : Gibbs Smith, Publisher
List Price : $28.99
Amazon Price : $28.99
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Product Description There's this boy. Let's say he's somewhere between nine and thirteen years old or so. You'd like to see this kid get creative. You'd like to see him get some exercise. You'd like to see him get out from in front of the television. And you'd love for him to be motivated enough to find some stuff to do on his own. This boy NEEDS The Big Book of Boy Stuff! The Big Book of Boy Stuff has all the important information that boys just have to know. Collected here for the first time in one place, it holds the answers to these timeless questions: What do I do if I get a bean stuck up my nose? How can I make lightning without killing myself? Where can I find new practical jokes to play on my friends and family? What is the best way to poop outside? How do I tell a girl I like her? WHY would I tell a girl I like her? How many mosquitoes does it take to suck all the blood out of a person? . . . and many, many more! This big, thick, durable book includes fascinating chapters on gross stuff, magic, emergencies, fireworks, games, experiments, jokes, activities, insults, pets, flying things, and, of course, duct tape. This is perhaps the greatest book ever published! Customer reviews Really funny with a lot of entertainment jam-packed into it by .. Kurt A. Johnson (Marseilles, Illinois, USA)
Wow, what a great book! It has tons of experiments, jokes and indoor and outdoor activities that are fun and sometimes educational. Now, it must be admitted that some of the entries are a little gross (see "Pooping and Peeing" on page 74), but it must be admitted that boys find such things terribly funny.
Overall, I found the book to be really funny with a lot of entertainment jam-packed into it. My fifteen-year-old son loves reading me jokes from it, laughing while he tries to get the words out. Please do not take this book too seriously - live a little! I highly recommend this book.
My Previous Review Was Deleted, So Here's Another One... by .. Jason Denzin (USA)
Someone purchased this for my 10 year old stepson. He was immediately engrossed. He couldn't stop laughing. some of it is clever. some of it is kid-type of gross. all of it is just plain irrelevant and just another cause behind the dumbing-down of children in the U.S.
If you take the dust jacket off, the word "Physics" is printed on the spine making it really easy for kids, including my stepson, to take to school. A friend came over and saw my stepson reading a "Physics" book and was very impressed. So, one of the "benefits" of this book is to fool people about the reader being smart and enjoying reading when in fact, that couldn't be further from the truth.
Like other reviewers have stated, this book is full of fluff and nothing more.
My stepson's psychological and emotional development has been retarded due to this book. Do we really need more psychologically and emotionally retarded people in this world? ***See Note Below*** This should be the question you ask prior to purchasing this book for your or other people's kids.
This book, along with it's "sister" book for girls, is sexist and ultimately seeks to promote sexist oppression and discrimination. Shortly after reading the bit on cooties, my stepson actually made a statement to the effect of "If all girls have cooties, then what good are they?" Prior to reading this book, he had not thought of girls in this way.
Oh, I know some readers might purchase the book primarily because it might be dangerous and sexist. Well, that's fine with me. You can create your soldiers and your princesses if you'd like. But if you'd like to create children who enjoy reading, think critically, feel good about themselves, and become a part of the world as inclusive, open, and compassionate individuals, THEN DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!!!!!
****NOTE****
The word "retard" has a specific definition in this context. I am not making an unthinking, uncaring comment about people with mental disabilities.
What a great book! by .. Debi S. (Portland, Oregon)
When my son and I traveled over the weekend and he chose to bring The Big Book of Boy Stuff over his electronic games, I was thrilled! I have purchased this book for my 12 year old son and many of my nephews and his friends. Nothing warms my heart more than watching a group of boys surpass the video games and television to huddle with a book. They laugh, they share stories and have a blast. It's that kind of book. Yes, its gross! Yes, it focuses on things than may make a few adults squeamish!I have walked in on many dads reading the book with their sons and laughing hysterically. It's fun. It promotes bonding. And its downright FUNNY. Buy this book!
HE EVEN TOOK IT TO SCHOOL! by .. Judy (Matawan NJ)
In spite of all of the rave reviews, I still had my doubts about this book. Yet I finally purchased it for my 10-year-old grandson, and he loves it so much he even took it to school with him! (Considering that it is not a light book, and he already has a backpack full of books, I was really surprised!) I am overjoyed that he is getting so much pleasure out of this book. He has the whole family's attention, trying to guess the answers to riddles, and looking to see just what it is that interests him so much about this book that he can't put it down. What is most amazing is that he has totally ignored his video games since he got it a week ago! When he left for home afer a visit yesterday, his father called out to him, 'Al, don't forget the book.' Like I said, the whole family likes this book! If you are considering this book for a child around ten years of age, don't hesitate to buy it. The reviews are right - He will love it!
Great book for kids who hate books by .. lisa94556 (Moraga)
This book is funny and engaging- a perfect gift for those boys who are not big readers. I have given it to a number of children who hate to read. This is the first book that they will sit down and actually read w/o prompting. If your child is a better reader and you want something more educational, then get The Dangerous Book for Boys. However, I have found that boys of all ages love this book.
Related Search : boy stuff , big book |
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