You'll Be a Nelson Fan After Reading This Book!
598066
Long regarded in literary circles as one of America's finest writers, Antonya Nelson has yet to find a wider audience.  I suspect LIVING TO TELL will change all this.  Winston Mabie returns to his rambling childhood home  in Wichita, Kansas after serving five years in prison for the drunk driving  accident that killed his grandmother.  Always charming and handsome,  Winston has become the Mabie family's shame, the one they don't know what  to do with, the "alcoholic" of the family even as his siblings,  parents, and uncle seek their solace and comraderie through booze.  As the  Mabies adjust to Winston's return and the changes he represents, they begin  to question the direction of their own lives.  Nelson has populated her  novel with quirky, complex, and decidedly real characters who struggle with  their separate, often private dramas and who always return to the shifting  terrain of those who have known them the longest.  Her prose is clear and  detailed, never sentimental or heavy-handed, and it carries this story  forward with a surety that is remarkable.  Especially if you enjoy Anne  Tyler and Alice Hoffman (without the magic realism), you'll love this book.
321163
I loved the way he wrote this book, switching back and forth between Doug's story and Robert's.  The first chapter has a number of editorial mistakes that need to be corrected, which almost made me not read the book.  However, starting with the second chapter, those errors were gone and the book flowed smoothly.  It's full of interesting information that was well-researched.  Robert unfolds the story gradually so that the reader stays interested and excited as the book progresses.  I'm buying several more copies to give to my skiing buddies with the instructions to "read and pass on!"  Loved the book!  Thank you, Robert.
3562019
I thoroughly enjoyed Steve Cox's newest book, and learning things about "The Munsters" which I never knew!  The book captures your attention and is fun to read, and the great photos add to the experience.  The details that Steve puts into the book make you feel like you're a member of the Munster family!
1052115
We've all heard songs and stories of John Henry, the "steel-driving man". But is there a real man behind them? And what is his story?

Scott Nelson has written a fascinating book which not only digs deep into the John Henry story, but also shows how historians approach the past through a variety of sources, including dusty archives, obscure books, and even buried skeletons. With a light hand, he sketches the industrial, economic, and political landscape of the 19th century South and brings it to life for the reader through John Henry.

Based on his adult book "Steel Drivin' Man: John Henry: the Untold Story of an American Legend", this short book is a great way to transition middle schoolers from the idea that history is official and dry to the realization that history is active detective work, and that the life of the past is very relevant to the present.

I bought this book for my 6th-grader, who enjoys it, but read it myself, and found myself drawn into Nelson's approach and wanting to learn more -- so I'll be reading Steel Drivin' Man soon....
2826024
I love this book so much I bought three copies one for home, another for the local library, and the third for the school where I work. Once again Mr. Nelson has created a work of art. Not only are the illustrations visually stunning but also the narrative style brings a personal element to history. It easily grabs and holds children's attention and creates an eagerness in them to turn the page and want to keep reading about American history. I highly recommend this book and all others by Kadir Nelson.
2391061
This was a long book but not a slow read. Mr. Nelson has written a very enjoy story that he described in great detail in his synopsis. So many interesting people and events taking place that the story moves so quickly.

If you are a fan of romance, adventure and apocalypse you will not be disappointed in this book. After I finished the last page, I was left wanting more so I hope the author will continue the story with a sequel.

This was a true bargain at 99cents and I think will remain as one of my favorite books.
315476
Growing up in the 60's, I had a vague awareness of Sinatra.  In fact, I mostly disliked his anthems (e.g., My Way, New York New York, etc).  A few years ago I saw a clip of him doing Luck Be a Lady on a CBS special back in the day.  I was hooked.  The man had a voice and a stage presence that I had never seen.  From there on I started to get into his music.  I watched the live shows on You-Tube, bought several of his albums, etc.  With a big band behind him, no one, I mean no one, could match him.  Without a doubt he was the Chairman!

I read this book to learn more about the man whose performing was so incredible.  As we learn in the book, he was a wreck of a human being for the most part.  How can so many great artists be such terrible human beings?

I really liked the narratives in this book about how his music came to be.  In that respect, Nelson Riddle is the true hero of this book.  The man could put together music like few others!  I find myself listening to the band now to enjoy all the wonderful subtleties that Nelson gave us in Sinatra's music.

The one thing that kept me moving forward in this book was wondering what outrageous behavior would Frank exhibit next.  The Chairman never disappointed in that regard.  Man, nothing humbled this man.  He was an arrogant jerk right to the end.

Sorry, love your voice and stage presence, but I can't stand the person that you were.
4308791
If one is a Pac 12 basketball fan, lives in Oregon and is a OSU Beaver Fan, well this is a must read!!!  If one is a sociology reading fan, again this is a must read.

The young man Mr. Nelson is a very nice young man , and I believe a much better athlete than even he believes he is.  If you read the book and watch him play , lately , one sees he is not meeting his potential.  Something is blocking it.  it is obviously emotional, since he works hard and probably studies hard and works equal hard at being the best citizen he can be, knowing thousands of eyes are on him.

So ,of course , reading the book is essential to the excitement of watching him meet his destiny. A college degree and a chance in NBA.

Athletically speaking, Roberto Nelson has a big problem.  His coaches are not offense minded. They have no idea how to coach offense .  They are superb on defense.  You put Roberto in the right offense and he will shine.  So let's hope , OSU brings in an expert on offense , now, to drill this team on short go to the ball passing, dribble only when it is necessary, off the glass shots are more prudent than to the hoop only shots , and a whole host of aspects of the offensive footwork technique needs to be drilled into this teams (coaches) heads.  The coaches have done miracles with his head , and now it is time to get real on the court.

Read the book and watch .  It is more fun.
2477255
As a big fan of the Yacht Rock web show, and Channel 101, which led me to gaining a new love for bands like Steely Dan, I really enjoyed this book. I've read several books by Greg, and I enjoy his oral history style of writing. This book, contrary to what others have written, does include interview questions with Hollywood Steve from the Yacht Rock web show, and discusses how the web show let to a revival for many artists in the genre.

One of the things I like about this book is how you can chapter hop without reading straight through. I learned a lot of interesting facts throughout, and also learned what different artists thought of the web show. (many think it revived their careers, why Daryl Hall is not a fan).

Greg Prato is a very knowledgeable music writer and his books have tackled a wide range of subjects, This particular book is one I am very fond of, because of the genre it tackles. I know there can be a lot of arguing over what is Yacht, and what is Nyacht, but this book overall paints a wonderful picture of the artists in the smooth/AM gold style of the 70's/80s, and was an enjoyable, well researched work.
1998358
Wow! By far the best book by James R. Nelson to date. Throughout the entire book I kept thinking about how I look forward to when this will made into movie as the characters would be beyond entertaining in a film.

The details in this book are very creative and unique - what an imagination! They are so well written that you feel like you are in the Menagerie next to the canvas, spelling the elephant and lion. The plot unfolds to reveal how everyone is connected. Loved it!

My favorite characters were Gaston, Savannah, Joe and of course it was great to have Uncle Phillip, Stephen and Jeanette back!!!! Anna Mae, wow! Watch out for that gal. Twisted folks throughout, will justice be served?! Read this!

Bravo James R. Nelson!
3756336
This book is remarkable for many reasons, not the least of which is Jennings readable, highly-entertaining style. He hops all over the place, discussing such disparate topics as geography, homing pigeons, antique mapmaking, and a lot more, but somehow, it all fits together. One of the best aspects of the book is the extensive, thorough research Jennings has put into it. A great read (and a great gift) for any "maphead"!!
1073944
I just finished reading the Tao of Willie, and loved it.  Loved it so much that I felt compelled to place my first customer review on Amazon.

Basically, it is a great read.  The body of the book is brilliant.  Willie is very humorous and quite enlightening.

Word of warning: If you read some bad reviews; and you still buy the book because you need to spend a few more bucks to get free shipping {on a different purchase}, but you find the title irrestible, so you buy it anyway.  Then you get the book and are turned off by the introduction; and then you're wondering should I invest any more time into to this deal.  Well, my advice is to keep reading.  After you get past the introduction, the book is fantastic.

I'll probably read it again.  It did make my heart feel happier, and I suspect the second read might do the same.  Thank you Willie!

Respectfully,

From an Okie Bean-Counter
4737669
A book is supposed to be a non-stop, chapter by chapter guide through a story, right? Wrong! As it turns out, a book can be whatever a publisher wishes it to be, and lucky for Mr. Nelson (and us), a book can be a collection of anecdotes about everyday life.
Ignoring all the MSTies, myself included, there is plenty to enjoy in this book. It's an observational piece that, to some degree, all of us can relate to, and better yet...all of us can say "I wish I had said that!"
As with Megacheese, those of you hoping for insight into MST3K, you shall be disappointed. But keep in mind the wit and intelligence of MST3K, and you'll realize that that is precisely why almost no mention of it is made...they want to be established on their own. And, if Mr. Nelson's books (so far) are any indication, they do a fantastic job. The observations, the humor, and the overall relativity to things we all already know (yet never thought to set down in ink) make this a fun romp through the world as we know it, yet never as we thought to express it. Trust me, click "Buy" and enjoy this book. If nothing else, and I'm sure Mr. Nelson will agree, it'll at least make a great coaster on the coffee table!
1925331
For all of us who grew up with The Space Race, this is the book that tells the story we didn't know.  Detailed yet entertaining, author Nelson makes the players and situations authentic- and packed with what LIFE magazine didn't tell us. If you sat around with friends and family, perhaps in front of the color television your folks purchased just to see men walk on the moon, this is a book to read, and to discuss.  Nelson's exploration of the Space Race and the Cold War is something that has been over looked or forgotten and makes for great reading, as do the plethora of anecdotes. many of them previously unpublished that provide great insight into this celbrated and celebratory event in our nation's history. A great read, and a great book to pass down to future generations.
3664232
The First Heroes by Craig Nelson is a must read for anyone who is interested in history, especially World War Two.  It is the story of America's finest pilots getting their first vengeance after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.  The task seemed impossible: fly bombers off of an aircraft carrier in the Pacific, drop bombs over Tokyo and somehow land in China.  The mission didn't go as planned.  Only one plane made it to Allied soil and the other 15 crashed in Japanese occupied China, but not before dropping their payload over Japan.  It was a daring move but it paid off in the end.  The book is full of first hand accounts which bring a sixty year old story back to the present times.  It was so good that I read it in about two weeks.  It had me from the first page.  Instead of focusing on just one main character, Craig Nelson tells the stories of all 100 men involved, giving this unique event many different angles.  I only read non fiction books and this one read like a work of fiction, with lots of suspense and surprises at every turn.  It shows human suffering and how humans can overcome physical and mental suffering if they have the will to do so.  I was also amazed at how the Japanese treated their prisoners of war.  They had little respect for anyone who was not their own, something that the western world has a hard time fully understanding.  This is a must read for anyone interested in the aviation of the Second World War.  Craig nelson weaves an intriguing story.
4835631
This book is an unbroken series of educational historic references and thrilling plot twists. There are flashes of brilliance in Nelson's prose, especially in the numerous action scenes. He also is very skilled at giving his characters likeable and realistic personalities. I will read more of his work very soon.
4815937
I've dabbled in writing my own book for years now, but have always become overwhelmed with the process, and drudgery of it all. Mr. Nelson has given me a new perspective on the process, and brought new life and renewed my dream of being an Author. More than that-an author with a "why!" I never had a solid reason to carry me through, and fill me with purpose for "laying it all out." Now I do.

The book is written in an easy-to-read and enjoyable style that will not leave you plowing through literary, or technical jargon or concepts that will only bog you down. He takes you step-by-step through the process. There is even an appendix which lays out the whole process in a clear, concise chronological fashion. It serves as a reminder of previous material, and as a checklist to guide you through.

What is more, the book is short and sweet without unnecessary stuffing to add volume and cost. You get right to the heart of the matter from the beginning. Nor is it to short, leaving you wanting for more details to fill in the blanks. It is just right.

Mr. Nelson's writing style is fun, yet engaging. Sometimes us guys can be kinda dry and boring.  Not this time. I enjoyed reading this book and will continue to do so as I write my own-using this book.  I'm inspired, instead of expired.

What is really neat is that Mr. Nelson has used the techniques presented in this book to write this very book! He has done the very thing he is teaching you to do. He is not just talking about his experience in writing a book-this book IS his experience of writing his first book! That is exciting stuff to me, and proves he knows exactly what he's talking about! Buy this book and read it-better yet, put into practice what is written in it, and write your own very first book!