Ferns: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Ferns for the Home Gardener

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Small packages

This is the one you need.

Maximum Fun in Reykjavik!

Tells you everything you need to know

Reykjavik Pocket Guide, 2nd Edition (Footprint Reykjavik Pocket Guides)
Laura Dixon
Manufacturer: Footprint Handbooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
Iceland | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
Footprint Handbooks | Guidebook Series | Travel | Subjects | Books
General | Travel | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Insight Guide Iceland (Insight Guides Iceland)

The Rough Guide to Iceland 3 Edition (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

Waterproof Iceland Map by ITMB (Travel Reference Map)

Lonely Planet Best of Reykjavik (Lonely Planet Encounter Series)

Iceland Travel Pack (Globetrotter Travel Packs)

ASIN: 190477766X

Book Description

The first guide to the northernmost capital city in the world covers everything from whale watching to elf-spotting, bar-hopping to hot springs and how to cook a puffin for supper. Travelers can sample the penis museum, be the next James Bond on the largest glacier in Europe, relax in a midnight spa, or bathe in a heated ocean bay. The book ranks “must-do” and “just around the corner” attractions for the time-pressed, while detailed maps and frank insider views of eateries and accommodations help enrich the visit.

Customer Reviews:

Small packages.......2006-02-03

This book is a great reference of iceland. It not only talks about the trekking outside of the city and gives sources to look more closely into that, but the account of Reykjavik is exceptional. I found that this was the book I read the most while I was actually in Iceland. I brought it with me and used it the entire time I was there, and I plan to bring it with me again when i go back.
There are seperate sections labelled such things as "eat, sleep, music, theatre..." so that you can flip through the book and find exactly what you are looking for. There is useful information including all the places phone numbers, how to call the U.S., the hot place to listen to music on saturday.
It has everything you need to explore the city of Reykjavik.

This is the one you need........2004-04-07

I looked at this and the Rough Guide to Iceland, and if you're making a visit to Reykjavík this is the only guide you need. The style is chatty and down to earth, with masses of useful information for the visitor--especially good sections on eating in the city, and on galleries, music venues, and museums. Some of the small details (like descriptions of menus) could be updated, as could info on public internet access (v.cheap at the City Library), info on phoning abroad, and contact info for Hotel Loftleiðer. Dixon's grasp of Reykjavik life, though, is excellent--insightful, hip, yet generous and inviting. A great guide.

Maximum Fun in Reykjavik!.......2004-01-19

This is a great little book, and really tells you what you need to know before a stay in Reykjavik. It is a small book, and fits into most any pocket. It is divided into useful sections like 'Sleeping' (hotels, guesthouses, etc.), 'Festivals and Events' (from Independence Day to the Icelandic Jazz Festival), and many other handy sections.

It focuses on things that are fun, historical, and/or quirky. For instance, there is an interesting and helpful commentary on Pingvellir National Park, home of the world's first elected parliament and general assembly (930 AD), and the huge geysers ("Geysir" and "Strokkur", which are, in fact, very impressive.) If you are into art there are numerous small and large art galleries and museums around Reykjavik, and this book details all the ones you might want to see (my favorite is the ASI Art Museum (www.asi.is, if you are interested), and the much stranger (and vastly creepier, yet less funny than expected) Iceland Phallogical Museum which is stuck away on Laugavegur, a key street in the main city shopping and arts district. It is just too weird to believe, but while you're there, you really owe it to yourself to visit, preferably not immediately after eating a large Mexican lunch, like I did (trust me on this one.) If you are into nightclubs, there are reviews of all of the happening places in Reykjavik, such as Club NASA. All types of transportation and lodging options (from the beautiful grand 'Hotel Borg', where I most recently stayed, to the Salvation Army Hostel accommodations for sleeping bags) are presented, and will definitely assist you in finding a place to stay that is in your budget and to your tastes.

The point of all this is simple: if you are going to visit Reykjavik, especially for the first time, you need this book. It has information that will be useful to absolutely anyone, as well as commonly called numbers, and several small but useful maps. As an aside, order it when it is in stock, it sometimes is unavailable for long periods, so grab it while you can. Don't go to Reykjavik without it.

Tells you everything you need to know.......2003-05-02

Finally travellers to Reykjavik get to buy a book that doesn't cover the whole of Iceland. As a result, it's much more compact (pocket-sized) and relevant to people who are going to stay in the capital most of the time.

This will apply to most first-time visitors to Iceland. The book does mention some of the more obvious trips you might make from the capital, but concentrates on the city itself.

It's a bit like a mini Rough Guide. Not stuffy, seems to know about the 'in' places to eat and be seen, the cool places to go, and yet has all the basic, sensible stuff you'll want to know about a city before you go there.

I'd say it's just about on the money.

Product Description

Originally published in China in 1977, this is a selection of articles that appeared in the press to commemorate the first anniversary of Premier Chou's death.

WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER PREMIER CHOU EN-LAI

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WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER PREMIER CHOU EN-LAI

Manufacturer: Foreign Languages Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I6Y8B8

Book Description

"A vivid and compelling book." ( Time magazine)

Erik Weihenmayer was born with retinoscheses, a degenerative eye disorder that would leave him blind by the age of thirteen. But Erik was determined to rise above this devastating disability and lead a fulfilling and exciting life.

In this poignant and inspiring memoir, he shares his struggle to push past the limits imposed on him by his visual impairment-and by a seeing world. He speaks movingly of the role his family played in his battle to break through the barriers of blindness: the mother who prayed for the miracle that would restore her son's sight and the father who encouraged him to strive for that distant mountaintop. And he tells the story of his dream to climb the world's Seven Summits, and how he is turning that dream into astonishing reality (something fewer than a hundred mountaineers have done).

From the snow-capped summit of McKinley to the towering peaks of Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro to the ultimate challenge, Mount Everest, this is a story about daring to dream in the face of impossible odds. It is about finding the courage to reach for that ultimate summit, and transforming your life into something truly miraculous.

"I admire you immensely. You are an inspiration to other blind people and plenty of folks who can see just fine." (Jon Krakauer, author of Into Thin Air)

Customer Reviews:

Touch the Top of the World: A Blind Man's Journey to Climb Farther than the Eye Can See: My Story.......2007-08-03

Erik spoke at the American Dental Assoc. conference in Denver where my husband got the
chance to meet him. He autographed a copy of the book "To Gray, Reach!".

I happened upon it while cleaning last week and was immediately intrigued. I
used to rock climb but have not been actively involved in the sport for a
couple years. Anyway, I have never written to any author before but was so
impressed with Erik's gift of story telling that I had to write. He is one
funny dude. I laughed out loud at his adventures and dialog with his
climibing partners. It brought back fond memories of previous climbing trips
and the fun times I shared with my climbing buddies. I will probably never
climb any of the seven summits but was able to enjoy expericing these climbs
through his words.

I am an Occupational Therapist and meet people everyday in my work that
exhibit self-limiting behavior that prevents them from living full,
enriched, healthy lives. I am going to recommend Erik's book to encourage
others to REACH! Thanks for a great book! What a refreshing way to look at
life...

Believe the Unbelievable .......2007-03-29

This was a terrific book that I could not put down. The story was easy to concentrate on and I learned a lot when reading it. I learned that blind people are a lot more capable than people say, what the visually impaired go through, and mountain climbing. Though the story is true, it is unbelievable that Erik Weihenmayer could climb the seven summits, especially Mount Everest. Even though I don't really read autobiographies or biographies, this book appealed to me. Erik is an incredible writer, and it is easy to connect with the characters in the book. I would definitely recommend this book to others because you learn to believe the unbelievable.

Great Book - Highly Recommended.......2007-02-10

My company had Erik speak to us and as part of a day long meeting. At the end, we all got signed copies of the book for free. I am not an avid reader but grabbed the book on the way to the airport for a flight. Very quickly I found that I couldn't put the book down which doesn't happen that often. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I found myself more fascinated by his life growing up and his experiences outside of climbing. The climbing part was good too but I probably didn't appreciate it nearly as much as a climber that understands the true challenges a person faces on the mountains they summited.

I was very impressed with his overall writing style. He was very descriptive in each story which gave you a feel of being there. Erik also does a good job of making the reader laugh throughout each story. I got several strange looks in the airport as I laughed while reading some of his antics.

It was great listening to Erik speak, also. I wish I had read the book before he talked with us so I could have better appreciated his visit. He was a fun guy to listen to and very friendly.

One of My New Favorite Books.......2006-05-22

Before beginning this review, I read the reviews of others; good and bad. I'm shocked at the venom spewed by people who called Erik Weihenmayer an arrogant jerk based on what they read. I had the opposite impression, but grant that the essence of an individual cannot be captured in the pages of a book. Many, many biographies have been written, yet, all fall short of completely describing the individual. Erik displayed unabashed love for his family, his wife, his friends, even his guide dog. He spent equal time describing his failures and his triumphs. He exposes his frailties by describing the trial and error involved in learning to effectively teach sighted children. He points out that the road to his successes were not his alone, but his, his family's, his wife's, his climbing partners', even his young students who were insightful and helpful when it came to his teaching. I especially liked that he described the antics, the pranks and the everyday 'slice of life' moments. I thouroughly enjoyed this book, so much that I can't imagine how anyone could NOT like it. But, there are all kinds people in this world and we all make it go 'round. I'd give it a perfect five, but it stops short of telling about climbing all seven summits. I'd prefer he'd waited until then to write his bio.

Soar to New Heights.......2006-05-14

I just finished reading the most wonderful book I have ever read. It's personal, it's a journey, it's an inspiration. And I don't even know how to make a tribute to the author. He seems like one of the more wonderful people in this world. The fact that he did what most of us couldn't is phenomenal; the fact that he enjoyed it is more. I was absorbed with this book from beginning to end.
The book is Touch the Top of the World by Erik Weihenmayer. I think it's the book of the year, a must-read, an inspiring journey. Regardless of who you are as a person, you'll want to read this. Imagine a young boy who loses his eyesight totally by the time he's 13, a boy who journeys farther than the eye can see. And a gentleman who wants, no, I think "desires" is a better word, to reach success with humility and a whole bunch of hard work.
When he was young, Erik didn't want to admit to his blindness to himself or anyone else. It took some effort for him to accept this dilemma, which he tells the reading audience about, but it never ever held him back from accomplishing his goals. Admittedly, he had a wonderful family support system that wouldn't let him give into this perceived handicap. In the book, he tells how his family played an important role to help him break through the barriers of his blindness.
Erik climbed Denali, Uhuru, Everest, El Capitan, among a host of other mountains, and reached the summit of each. To Erik, "a summit is less of a physical place and more of a metaphor for the meaning of your life. You can make your life what you want it to be." In his own words: "I don't climb mountains to prove to anyone that blind people can to this or that. I climb for the same reason an artist paints a picture: because it brings me great joy."
Here is a story that could also become your favorite. Erik's life focuses on people understanding their potential rather than making apologies for their limitations. If there is a message in this book (and I believe there is and there's more than just one), it's this:

Whatever you decide to do in this life, don't quit. Don't ever quit. Even when you are at the lowest point in your life and everything seems to be crumbling around you. That's when you should pull yourself, with all your strength and more, up off the floor, sort to speak, and move on with your life.

I highly recommend this book. Yes, he climbs mountains but that's not all he does. He taught middle school and was a wrestling coach, he is a world athlete, and is now a motivational speaker. He is a marvelous person, full of fortitude, tenacity, and extraordinary vision. This is a must-read.

Touch the Top of the World : A Blind Man's Journey to Climb Farther Than the Eye Can See: My Story

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Touch the Top of the World : A Blind Man's Journey to Climb Farther Than the Eye Can See: My Story
Erik Weihenmayer
Manufacturer: Penguin Putnam Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Mountaineering | Sports | Subjects | Books

Walking | Hiking & Camping | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0340819839

Touch the Top of the World: A Blind Man's Journey to Climb Farther Than the Eye Can See

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NO GUTS...NO GLORY...

Touch the Top of the World: A Blind Man's Journey to Climb Farther Than the Eye Can See
Erik Weihenmayer
Manufacturer: Dutton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K9SOK4

Customer Reviews:

NO GUTS...NO GLORY..........2006-12-09

The author, who is totally blind, gives the reader his life story. Told with humor, he regales the reader with insights into his early life, when he could still see, and describes how his gradual loss of sight impacted on how the world perceived him. Fighting all his life against stereotypic notions that the sighted population has about those who are blind, the author has proven that those who are blind can do just about anything a sighted person can do. They just go about doing it in a slightly different way.

It is truly amazing that the author climbs mountains, because in order for him to do so, he must climb with others in whom he can place his complete and absolute trust. To some extent, he must rely upon them for precise descriptions of the terrain that lies before him. He also sometimes requires them to direct him accurately. Often, accurate directions and descriptions of the terrain are all that lies between the author and a precipitous drop of several thousand feet. I marvel that anyone would dare to venture up a mountain they cannot see in the traditional sense. The author has nerves of steel and is blessed with a very supportive and loving family.

Yet, he climbs, not for the visual beauty of the mountains, but for the sense of freedom that it gives. For him, the mountains he climbs are a reassurance that he is just like everyone else. They are also trophies. He is working on climbing the seven summits, the tallest mountain on each of the seven continents. At this reading, he has reached the summit of four of them. I hope that he will reach his goal.

The author is a very handsome, athletic and driven young man, and I give him a lot of credit for that drive and athleticism. When one reads his book, the reader realizes just how much it took for him to be able to do what he has done. What he has accomplished has flown into the face of conventional wisdom and traditional expectations of one who is blind. His story is unique in that he alone has made it so. He is a shining example of a person who will not let others dictate the parameters of his life. Yet, at the same time, he occasionally comes across as somewhat unfeeling of others and a bit shallow. Those who read the book will, undoubtedly, know what I mean. Nonetheless, he is certainly to be credited for expanding common perceptions of what the blind are capable of achieving.

Book Description

Come join us as we venture into a world of beauty and a world of compassion, and a world of deep and passionate love for the four-legged companions who accompany us through life. Judith Brody uses an artist's eye and a poet's soul to remind us that we are stewards of the love given so freely by the dogs who bond so ferociously to their human companions. True love comes accompanied by a cold nose.

Few animals on earth can compete with the speed of the Greyhound, only the cheetah is faster. This is both its grace and its peril. Greyhounds throughout history have been loved by nobility for the graceful lines of their bodies and the undauntable spirit they possess. But Greyhounds have also caught the eye of the gambling world where they are currently raced on tracks in fifteen of the United States.

Combining the stories of her canine companions with the stunning work she creates in her artist's studio, Judith Brody's book Brynna & Mungo's Dream Book is a gift to give to friends and a gift to keep for oneself.

The fourteen fabulous full color illustrations by Judith Brody create a book to keep for a lifetime. These illustrations accompany her entertaining stories, which give the world of our dogs an entirely new meaning. Evocative and insightful beyond words, Judith Brody's stories and art remind us that when our dogs love us, we must love them back by giving each of them honor, dignity, and a life of open sky and long walks.

Brynna & Mungo's Dream Book contains fourteen full color illustrations by Ms. Brody. These illustrations accompany the many stories of her Greyhounds and the process of artistic creation.

Book Description

The world of soda advertising bottle and can openers is explored here with over 350 photos featuring thousands of openers --Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Nehi, Cheerwine, New-Grape, Red Rock Cola, Moxi, Hires, and Royal Crown, to name a few--along with information on American patents; opener manufacturers; soda products; opener packaging; modern, foreign, and fantasy openers; hints on grading and cleaning openers; index; and price guide. An additional catalog index of over 2,500 known soda advertising openers is organized by type. With such a wealth of information amassed into one volume, this book is destined to become the bible for soda opener collectors.

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Garden travelling with a great writer

Gardenwalks in the Pacific Northwest: Beautiful Gardens along the Coast from Oregon to British Columbia (Gardenwalks Series)
Alice Joyce
Manufacturer: Globe Pequot
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Pacific | West | Regions | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books
General | Travel | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Gardenwalks in California: Beautiful Gardens from San Diego to Mendocino (Gardenwalks Series)

Garden Touring in the Pacific Northwest: A Guide to Gardens and Specialty Nurseries in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia

Gardenwalks in New England: Beautiful Gardens from Maine to Connecticut (Gardenwalks Series)

Gardenwalks in the Mid-Atlantic States: Beautiful Gardens from New York to Delaware (Gardenwalks Series)

Gardenwalks in the Southeast: Beautiful Gardens from Washington, D.C., to the Gulf Coast (Gardenwalks Series)

ASIN: 0762738189

Book Description

A delight for generalists and garden enthusiasts alike, this book is an indispensable resource for travelers throughout Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.

Customer Reviews:

Garden travelling with a great writer.......2006-03-21

Alice Joyce has the rare gift of capturing a garden's essence and special beauty. Reading her descriptions is the next best thing to going there.

Average customer rating:

Garden Lovers Rejoice!

West Coast Gardenwalks
Alice Joyce
Manufacturer: M. Kesend Pub.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Landscape | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Garden Design | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Landscape | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Garden Lovers Rejoice!.......2000-04-29

Are you looking for a new and beautiful destination for a weekend getaway or a Sunday afternoon excursion? Purchase a copy of West Coast Gardenwalks and the fun has just begun! Alice Joyce has written a lyric, comprehensive and splendidly organized garden tour book that is guaranteed to delight gardeners and garden enthusiasts alike. It includes charming lodging recommendations and a captivating resource section for gardeners that describes shops and shows, periodicals and websites. My husband and I are currently pursuing Ms. Joyce's recommendations for the Winery Gardens of Napa and Sonoma Counties. As life-long residents of Northern California we are astounded that so many of these magical places were previously unknown to us--but no longer! We are planning a host of gardenwalks this spring and summer throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including a much-anticipated visit to a Sebastopol nursery to view a "legendary" Dove tree in full bloom. We highly recommend West Coast Gardenwalks to anyone interested in discovering the beauty and variety of our many West Coast gardens. Thank you Ms. Joyce for creating this much-needed guide!

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Every mother should read

A must read for parents, grandparents, and childcare providers!

Horrid, hateful, christian right propaganda

Must Read!

Very disappointed

Bringing Up Boys: Practical Advice and Encouragement for Those Shaping the Next Generation of Men
James C. Dobson
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Dobson, James | ( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The New Strong-Willed Child

The New Dare To Discipline

Temper Your Child's Tantrums (Pocket Guides)

The Wonderful World of Boys

Preparing for Adolescence: How to Survive the Coming Years of Change

Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

ASIN: 084235266X

Book Description

2002 Gold Medallion Award winner!

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 many questions. In Bringing Up Boys, Dr. James Dobson, America's most trusted authority on family issues, tackles these questions and offers advice and encouragement based on a firm foundation of biblical principles. Bringing Up Boys--a must-read book for parents, teachers, social workers, youth leaders, counselors--anyone involved in the challenge of turning boys into good men.

The audio book is read by Wayne Shepard and punctuated by original music.

Customer Reviews:

Every mother should read.......2007-10-16

What knowledge and insight Dr. Dobson shares with us through this book. All moms should read it whether they have been blessed with girls, boys or both!

A must read for parents, grandparents, and childcare providers!.......2007-10-13

This is one of the top books ever on raising children! The solid advice, backed up by credible references makes it on of the most inspirational books to read and re-read as a parent. If everyone in the USA read this book it would be a much more solid, strong nation.

Horrid, hateful, christian right propaganda.......2007-09-26

This is the most hateful, senseless and just plain silly book I've had the displeasure to skim.

If you are a member of the christian right, agree with anything republican, regularly beat some sense into your kids. Then maybe you'll like this book. Most of it makes baseless senseless statements without a shred of evidence. Its really Dodson's opinion spouted as fact. And most of that is very much in line with the republican, conservative political propaganda.

I'm scared of the people I know who like this book and what they regularly do to their boys.

Unfortunately only the "conservatives" get away with this type of abusive behavior. Look at the priest scandal, Mark Foley, Senator Craig, Ted Haggard.

Must Read!.......2007-08-27

Dobson does a great job at explaining the inherent differences between boys and girls. I expect the book will be especially helpful for moms who grew up with all sisters and haven't been around little boys at all. The book additionally goes a long way toward dispelling so many PC myths in society about boys and masculinity.

Very disappointed.......2007-08-09

I am about to adopt 2 boys and a neighbor said that I just HAD to read this book. I have been reading a number of books that have given clear and positive advice and opinions, this book was not one of those books. I sat down with my highlighter ready to mark interesting passages and quickly realized that there were none. I feel that this book is more about the author's views on the state of the "traditional" family, feminism and homosexuality than the unique challenges of raising a boy.

Bringing Up Boys Endcap Kit: Practical Advice and Encouragement for Those Shaping the Next Generation of Men

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Bringing Up Boys Endcap Kit: Practical Advice and Encouragement for Those Shaping the Next Generation of Men
James C. Dobson
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

ASIN: 0842323139

Customer Reviews:

see me after class.......2006-08-24

I don't think I've ever read a memoir or autobiography that didn't shine most in its early pages, when recounting the author's childhood. It's certainly true of this one, though perhaps I'm biased, because I too grew up in NYC, attending public schools that, even 15 years after Mr. Koenig's experience, bore a spooky resemblance to his, down to the sadistic second-grade and mannish fifth-grade teachers. On the other hand, I'm not sure I've read another autobiography that began to fray quite as quickly as this one did. My complaints, briefly:

1) The edition of Warped Factors I read was published in 1997 by Taylor Publishing Company. Let's hope Taylor has a fantastic distribution system; that, or it took absolutely no cut from the income on this book other than printing costs--because I can't see that it did anything else that publishers ordinarily do, such as discuss coherence and continuity with the author, correct errors in grammar and vocabulary, or even read through page proofs. (There are lines in the book which lose their flush right margin all of a sudden, for no reason that I can see.) While the jumpy margins are just a strange printing phenomenon that might cause a reader to question an author's judgment but not literacy, literacy does become an issue over things like misspellings ("wildlife," not "wild life"), word choice ("formidable," not "formative," personality) and misquotes (I won't embarrass anyone here because I'm sure both the author and the publisher have had it pointed out already; if not: it's the quote that starts out Shakespeare and ends Robert Burns, and if that's still not enough, see me after class). Is it Los Angeles (see more below)? Is it that on The Coast, away from New York's literary elite, Mr. Koenig could not find anyone--a writer for the Simpson's, maybe?--who'd zip through his oeuvre and point out errors and awkwardness? Or, a more ominous thought, did he just want to do it his own way?

2) This leads to the more dismaying point--the author himself. And here I have to confess to being one of those 12-year-old girls who thought Mr. Chekov was the cutest thing since Davy Jones. I continue to be impressed with his wit and humor. However, I am left with the strong impression that he is too smart for Hollywood, and his book--deliberately, I think--gives no clues to why he stayed, except to keep insisting that he's neurotic and loves the craft of acting. Another reviewer made a comparison of Mr. Koenig to Woody Allen, and there's some truth there. I grew up with boys like Woody and Walter in the back of my classroom (that would be PS 169); they were kids who'd today be zonked out on ritalin or the equivalent; they were funny (to the kind of girl who appreciated the Three Stooges) and smart, even if they were underachievers--Bart Simpson with brains. Of course they were neurotic kids; the world and their mothers didn't know what to do with them. But most of them figured things out. By high school they were hitting their stride and maturing. That's what it boils down to: A 6-year-old boy is cute; a 46-year-old boy is . . . not cute. I read the autobiography of Grace Lee Whitney, who played Yeoman Janice Rand; she had bigger problems and fewer advantages, and yet she seems to have made some forward motion towards growing up. (Yes, I know Woody Allen's line: "I used to be a heroin addict; now I'm a methadone addict.")

I'm going to give Mr. Koenig the benefit of the doubt here. I'm going to assume that in private he's just as thoughtful, solid, grounded, and wise as any other man nearing retirement age. He made a decision in writing this book to eliminate information that would embarrass his family and friends but that might give the reader a clue to his personality and motivation as an adult. The result is a frolic of wacky anecdotes about a hapless, non-observant Jewish actor from New York who finds himself in Hollywood and who just never learns his lesson.

It sounds like a life in sitcom form. Maybe it's time for the Koenigs to relocate somewhere where if life is going to imitate anything, it will be art, not TV.

Neurotic is the word.......2005-06-24

Everybody knows that all the actors in Star Trek did their autobiographies, so , I thought, why not read this one? I was in for a surprise! I usually don't comment a book I didn't finish but maybe Mr Koenig should have seen a psychiatrist longer than in his youth. Why write something like that? Jokes are cheap, writing is erring at best, thoughts are at random (an editor,please!!!!) not much to say, really... He does have an interesting career but must he explain all his doubts and neuroses too? It is honest , I know, but I prefer to read about Career & Life...
I got fed up ... I would have read DeForrest Kelley instead...
If you want something really interesting to read about the less "principal" characters in Star Trek OS, go to Takei's or Nichols books: THAT is worth it!

Well written and insightful!.......2005-02-26

Walter Koenig writes candidly about his experiences with Star Trek and many other topics regarding his career as an actor and writer. His recollections of his years on the TOS is quite interesting and provides quite a bit of "behind the scene" glimpses of certain episodes..Being a die hard Trekkie, I found this book to be a very enjoyable read! I have also read the other supporting cast member's books and feel that Walter's is one of the most articulate and amusing..some of his recollections of his "life on the road" with James Doohan and George Takei making video store appearances are hilarious!

Walter also write deeply about his feelings toward William Shatner and reveals how hurt he felt on a couple of occasions..
After reading the other cast member's books you can't help but feel that there was "something" going on there...It's kind of like if you worked for a company for many years and are treated as if you were "nothing" and just a body to kick around..

I'm sure in life there are many who are placed into this role who feel extremely stressed and down..it's no different with actors I'm sure..However, Walter seemed to maintain his dignity throughout..sometimes in life you just have to live by "the golden rule"..Treat others as you would like to be treated.." I think if everyone followed this simple principle life would be grand!

Star Trek has given pleasure to many fans around the world and it is quite interesting to read the memoirs of cast members to truly see how the show has affected their lives and to laugh at their interesting anecdotes! There are plenty to be found in this book and asides from talking about Star Trek, Walter talks about his career as a struggling actor in the beginning and his later career as a writer. Walter writes very well and I feel he should write more books on other topics! He definitely has a talent in this area!

I've never watched Babylon 5 so I'm not familiar with his role as Alfred Bester but I have seen all 79 TOS episodes and all 6 of the films so I am quite aware of his work as Chekhov..It would be interesting to see Walter in some of his other work..As an example..I recently saw George Takei in "The Encounter"..a classic Twilite Zone spisode and was blown away by his acting! George's role was very powerful however, you were never really able to witness it much in Star Trek..I think that's why some of the other supporting cast members held some resentment towards Shatner because they felt that he was trying to minimize their contributions..hearing Shatner's take on it in the wonderful documentary, "Mind Meld" with Leonard Nimoy..you feel as if Shatner felt these claims were trivial and that he truly did not understand what these actors were going through..I really have a hard time believing that...Walter, although hurt by Shatner's behavior over the years still has a begrudging respect for him as do the others with the exception of perhaps..James Doohan.

Anyways, if you are a Trekkie this book is a must read and an important one to have in your collection! It's very entertaining and insightful!

This is NOT a Star Trek book.......2004-03-07

While a decent portion of the book focuses on Star Trek, most of it does not. This is a book about Walter Koenig, a self-admittedly neurotic actor. For me, this difference made the book very enjoyable. Here you will get a humorous look into the actor's life, complete with looking for work, working as a hotel package boy, dealing with agent's lies, and more. This book was a lot of fun.

Great book.......2002-12-10

I've just got into Star Trek and decided to read some of the books the cast wrote. The first book I read was Walter's book. He told some hilarious stories, but yet he told about the serious stuff too.

I've heard that some, if not all of the cast had issues with William Shatner. Walter could've made this a dirt book and tell about every dirty thing Shatner ever did to him. Walter didn't do that. He let it be known that he wasn't happy with some of the things Shatner did it on the set, but the whole book wasn't about that. I've read other books where stars and costars just let out all the bad feelings and the book turns out negative because it turns into 'I hate him because he did this and that, this and that, this and that- etc' I repeat that Walter's book ISN'T like that. It's worth a read if you are a Star Trek fan.

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