OSCAR DEAREST SIX DECADES OF SCANDAL, POLITICS AND GREED BEHIND HOLLYWOOD'S ACADEMY AWARDS 1927-1986

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OSCAR DEAREST SIX DECADES OF SCANDAL, POLITICS AND GREED BEHIND HOLLYWOOD'S ACADEMY AWARDS 1927-1986
Peter H. and Jim Pinkston Brown
Manufacturer: Harper & Row
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JWI82Q

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Oscar Dearest: Six Decades of Scandal, Politics and Greed Behind Hollywood' s Academy Awards, 1927-1986
Peter H. and Jim Pinkston Brown
Manufacturer: Harper & Row
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KVE1X6

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great trashy read if you love the Oscars & their history

Oscar Dearest: Six Decades of Scandal, Politics and Greed Behind Hollywood's Academy Awards, 1927-1986
Peter H. Brown , and Jim Pinkston
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060960914

Customer Reviews:

great trashy read if you love the Oscars & their history.......2005-11-10

Ok, this book has some major flaws. The narrative jumps around & at times gets repetitious. The tone also tends to stay pretty close to the National Enquirer level. But who cares? If you love the Oscars, love celeb & entertainment gossip, & want to bone up on your Academy Award archival history, this book goes down real easy. And it does tackle some fascinating topics -- the mechanics of blacklisting and graylisting during the McCarthy Era, the Oscar curse, machinations for capturing the Oscar (usually doomed to satisfying failure), etc. An excellent book to slide onto the coffee table for your next Oscars party.

I discovered OSCAR DEAREST at a beach house while coming down with the flu, & it kept my vacation from sliding into a disappointment. A lovely, fun, light read with lots of great photos. Grab up a used copy while one is still to be had!

Book Description

Caryl Emerson, a literary specialist, and Robert William Oldani, a music historian, take a new and comprehensive look at the most famous Russian opera, Musorgsky's Boris Godunov. The result is both a historical study of a famous work and an interpretative piece of scholarship. The topics discussed include: the "Boris Tale" in history, the strange story of the opera's composition and revision, its first productions at home and abroad, and an in-depth musical analysis. In the process, several frequent errors in Musorgsky scholarship are clarified and corrected. The volume contains a selection of classic texts in criticism, numerous production photographs, a bibliography and discography.

The Musorgsky reader;: A life of Modeste Petrovich Musorgsky in letters and documents,

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The Musorgsky reader;: A life of Modeste Petrovich Musorgsky in letters and documents,
Jay Leyda
Manufacturer: W.W. Norton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: B0007DSTRQ

The New Grove Russian Masters, I: Glinka, Borodin, Balakirev, Musorgsky, Tchaikovsky (The New Grove Series)

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Well-written synopsis...not for in-depth study

The New Grove Russian Masters, I: Glinka, Borodin, Balakirev, Musorgsky, Tchaikovsky (The New Grove Series)
David Brown
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0393315851

Customer Reviews:

Well-written synopsis...not for in-depth study.......2006-12-26

I decided to order this book as part of my growing collection of Russian music literature. In preparing various lecture recitals, an eventual DMA dissertation topic, and out of pure interest, I thought it necessary to an overview of some of the most important Russian composers of the 19th century. This book is essentially a leaner version of complete Grove (which is available in many volumes and online).

The composers discussed include Glinka, Borodin, Balakirev, Musorgsky, and Tchaikovsky. Certainly this set of composers represents the development of Russian art as it tried to separate itself from the common European practices at the time. Each composer is discussed by highly-respected experts in the field, including Gerald Abraham, David Brown, Edward Garden, and David Lloyd-Jones. The writing is succinct, albeit a bit brief. The research, although it is quite incredible, is not the most recent in all cases, though the authors do explore many facets of the composers' lives, their compositional styles, their works, and their affect on and influences from other Russian and European composers.

Each "essay" is divided into sections, for example, Tchaikovsky (Brown) is split into the following sub-categories: 1840-70; High nationalism, 1870-74; Increasing problems, 1874-7; Marriage: crisis and aftermath, 1877-8; Creative trough, 1878-84; Creative renewal, 1884-90; Last Years, 1891-3; Technique and style. In addition, there is a compiled works' list and bibliography at the end of each section (essay on a specific composer).

My only complaint is that the book is indeed so short that is cannot possibly cover all the necessary content to give an in-depth portrayal of these great composers, much less a complete one. There are very few visual musical examples to accompany the written text. Of course, this book is only meant to be a cursory view of the larger subject matter. In that, it succeeds.

Musorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition (Cambridge Music Handbooks)

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Musorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition (Cambridge Music Handbooks)
Michael Russ
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521386071

Book Description

The piano cycle Pictures at an Exhibition is perhaps the most widely known of Musorgsky's compositions, especially as orchestrated by Ravel. This informative and wide-ranging guide places the original piano work in the context of Russian cultural life, considering in particular the work of the artist Victor Hartman, creator of the pictures which inspired Musorgsky's composition.

Musorgsky: His Life and Works (Master Musicians Series.)

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Brown delivers a glimpse into Musorgsky's troubled mind
The Best 'Musorgsky' for the General Reader

Musorgsky: His Life and Works (Master Musicians Series.)
David Brown
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0198165870

Book Description

This is not only the first life-and-works on Musorgsky in English for over half a century but also the largest such study of the composer ever to have appeared outside Russia. Mussorgsky was one of the towering figures of nineteenth century Russian music - but also one of the most tragic. Largely an amateur with no systematic training in composition, he nevertheless emerged in his first opera, Boris Godunov, as a supreme musical dramatist, presenting here (and in certain of his piano pieces in Pictures at an Exhibition) some of the most startlingly original of all song composers, with a prodigious gift for uncovering the emotional content of a text. His failure to complete his two remaining operas, Khovanshchina and Sorochintsy Fair, before his premature death from alcohol poisoning is one of music's greatest tragedies.

Customer Reviews:

Brown delivers a glimpse into Musorgsky's troubled mind.......2006-05-09

When dealing with a composer whose works were so erratic and often incomplete, writing a combined biography and analysis of his works is not an easy task. Brown approaches this with sensible organization, alternating between chapters that detail Mussorgsky's life and focus on his individual compositions of important note. Significant amounts of the book are even devoted to the half-finished, aborted, or otherwise incomplete works of the composer. This is justified since these works provide some insight into Mussorgsky's compositional process, although it is sometimes presented at a level too dense for the amateur musician. Another area of focus is Mussorgsky's relationships in the "mighty handful" with specific members, and also to the RMS (Russian Music Society) and FMS (Free Music Society).

Brown's command of the English language is certainly nothing to dismiss as his diction and syntax are colorful, rich, and flowing. He often refers to Mussorgsky's compositional capacity as his "musical armory", a fitting metaphor perhaps to capture the essence of violence that often arises in Mussorgsky's works, as well as his hostility toward western music.

The biographical portions of the book are densely pocked with excerpts from letters and memoirs belonging to the most influential people in Mussorgsky's life, and Mussorgsky himself. Brown sometimes acts merely as a guide to weave all of these observations and discourses together to give the reader an accurate characterization of the composer. Of course, a near inexhaustible amount of documents could probably be relevantly cited, and it is Brown's job to attempt to extract what is important and create an unbiased recollection. There is one thing in particular that seems to be suspiciously highlighted in the later years of Mussorgsky's life, and that is his relationship with Cesar Cui. The latter composer seems to recognize his inferiority to the other members of the kuchka as the years wane on, and he particularly seems to react hostilely toward Mussorgsky. Brown cites his criticisms increasingly and also Mussorgsky's reactions, which tend toward anger and insult. It seems strange that these two that share such brotherhood in their musical circle would lash out with such negativism. Brown even notes that Cui's criticism continues near into Mussorgsky's death, almost suggesting some form of the mythical Mozart-Sallieri relationship. Perhaps Brown subconsciously wished to add a bit more tension to his biography (which, as a biography - often lacks the interest of fiction), and he certainly succeeds in portraying Cui as the villain in Mussorgsky's life

One shortcoming I see is the failure of the book to explain Mussorgsky's knowledge of music theory. Brown uses vague adjectives such as "uneducated, intuitive, unrefined" etc. to define Mussorgsky's compositional finesse, but rarely goes into any more detail. It is difficult to tell how Mussorgsky thought when he composed. Did he have knowledge of chord theory and progression, so that he could explain and "break down" his music rather than just let it flow from his mind in chaos? Did he discover these things through his own intuitiveness but with a flare of originality? It becomes apparent that Mussorgsky begins to revel in his own ignorance of western music theory, idealizing the "natural" composer as the superior filter for music.

Lastly, either due to a lack of evidence or because Brown considered it irrelevant, Mussorgsky's mental illness is largely left ambiguous. A few letters give strange metaphorical accounts of Mussorgsky's bouts of mental anguish, but they fail to list any real symptoms. I would consider the mental condition of a composer to be the primary factor contributing to the music he wrote. The book should have an appendix if not a chapter at lease speculating what the causes or true symptoms of Mussorgsky's periodic mental distress were.

In its entirety, the book succeeds in giving the reader a strong foundation of Mussorgsky as a composer. Brown highlights his relationships with other Russian composers and musicians of the time, his financial and residential situations, his musical revelations and awakenings (as shown by his letters), and the context in which each of his works, completed or not, arise.

The Best 'Musorgsky' for the General Reader.......2003-06-25

David Brown's 'Musorgsky' appears in the Oxford University Press's 'The Master Musicians' series and replaces the older volume in that series started by M. D. Calvocoressi before his death in 1944 and finished by Gerald Abraham, published in 1946. There has been no major life-and-works of Modest Musorgsky (1839-1881) in English since then, although Richard Taruskin's scholarly 'Musorgsky,' intended for a narrower musicologically-informed audience, was published in 1992. This volume has musical examples and some reasonably detailed discussion of musical points in Musorgsky's works, but it is certainly not beyond the reach of the general reader.

Musorgsky's life is detailed throughout the book but there is little that is gossipy or speculative. Much more attention is paid to the origin and development of Musorgsky's art, with a clear exposition of musical and psychological influences by such figures are Dargomizhky, Glinka, Balakirev, Rimsky-Korsakoff, Alexander Serov, Vladimir Stasov and others. The lengthy, often obscure and confusing chronology of 'Boris Godunov' is set out logically and lucidly; Brown's exposition of its difficult gestation certainly cleared up some of my confusion in this regard. There is a good deal of explanation of how and where Musorgky cannibalized earlier works, inserting whole passages in the works by which he is now primarily known. There is a fascinating discussion of how he slowly developed his musical 'fingerprints,' with examples. Several chapters are devoted to the composition of his numerous and still undervalued songs. And we get psychologically and musically insightful chapters on 'Night on Bald Mountain' (more properly 'St. John's Night on Bare Mountain') and 'Pictures at an Exhibition.' The sad story of the inability to complete 'Khovanshchina' and 'Sorochintsy Fair' is told, along with the related heart-breaking drama of Musorgky's decline and death.

In Musorgsky's too-short life he wrote at least three undisputed popular masterpieces - 'Boris,' 'Night on Bare Mountain,' and 'Pictures'- and those who love these pieces, and others, owe it to themselves to become more familiar with the life of the man behind these favorites. This book provides the kind of framework that makes those works more alive for the listener.

Recommended.

Book Description

"It is [a] fully illuminated story that Richard Taruskin, in the path-breaking essays collected here, unfolds around Modest Musorgsky, Russia's greatest national composer.... [Taruskin's] tour de force comes with a frontal attack on all the Soviet-bred truisms that for a century have refashioned Musorgsky from what the evidence suggests he was--an aristocrat with an early clinical interest in true-to-life musical portraiture and a later penchant for drinking partners who were both folklore buffs and political reactionaries democrat."--From the foreword

Incorporating both new and now-classic essays, this book for the first time sets the vocal works of Modest Musorgsky in a fully detailed cultural, political, and historical context. From this perspective Richard Taruskin revises fundamentally the composer's historical and artistic image, in particular debunking the century-old dogmas of Vladimir Stasov, Musorgsky's first biographer. Here the author offers the most complete explanation of the revision of the opera Boris Godunov, compares it to contemporaneous operas by Chaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov, advances a revisionary characterization of Khovanshchina as an aristocratic tragedy informed by a pessimistic view of history, discusses Musorgsky's use of folklore, and, focusing on Sorochintsi Fair, brings to a climax his refutation of Musorgsky as a protorevolutionary populist. The epilogue is a survey of revisionary productions of Musorgsky's works at home during the Gorbachev era.

Customer Reviews:

Musorgsky Done Right.......2000-01-30

Musorgsky has been the subject of a variety of interpretations for so long through many cultural regimes. Taruskin sets the record straight. The essays are all excellent in spite of the technical analysis at times, which is not a hindrance to the lay person. Most enjoyable is his essay on the origin and spelling of Musorgsky's name, another cultural puzzle solved. Now, how about a comprehensive overview of Russian musical history?

Audio CD for use with Teaching for Musical Understanding

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Excellent! Very accessible and appropriate for beginners as well as veterans
Teaching for Musical Understanding is Core
Yes, this is it.

Audio CD for use with Teaching for Musical Understanding
Jackie Wiggins
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 0072307846

Book Description

Enriched by examples from actual teaching experience, Teaching for Musical Understanding is an exciting new look at the practice of teaching music. Drawing on current learning theory, the text shows teachers how to step out of the center of the music classroom - to guide, instead of direct, students to develop their own appreciation and understanding of music.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent! Very accessible and appropriate for beginners as well as veterans.......2007-08-18

Dr. Wiggins has carefully formulated a guide to constructivist musical instruction that is accessible to all in the education field. The book is clear and specific, offering many example lessons and modeled approaches for classrooms. While the book is aimed primarily at elementary school educators, there are serious implications for music education at all levels. Do not miss out on the companion CD, an essential piece when using the sample lessons in the classroom.

Teaching for Musical Understanding is Core.......2005-07-09

While I have not had the honor of meeting Jackie Wiggins, I am never the less very impressed with this book. I especially found the first four chapters helpful. This textbook was referred to frequently during my recent Curriculum Planning class taught by Northwestern graduate, Dr. Michelle Kaschub.

Yes, this is it........2001-07-13

I have studied with the one and only Dr. Jackie Wiggins and still have more to learn from her. She has helped me realize how much I will love to teach music. This book will surely help me through many a curricular dilema. How do I do this and still accomplish that? Yes it is possible!

Book Description

This is a brief biography of Russia's greatest musical dramatist, Modest Musorgsky (1839-1881), known the world over for his opera Boris Godunov, for his innovative realistic art songs, and for his pianistic work "Pictures at an Exhibition." Yet during his life Musorgsky had no institutional connections, no "degree," no family of his own, not even a permanent address. This book emphasizes the psychological and economic factors that contributed to the composer's remarkable autodidactic rise and tragic, premature end.

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The Musorgsky Reader
Jay, and Sergei Bertensson LEYDA
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I7UCRQ

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Musorgsky Reader a Life of Modeste
Jay Leyda
Manufacturer: W W NORTON & CO @
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SI5XKG

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No Let Down

A Card Game for "Mature" Adults

Chez Geek 3: Block Party (Chez)
Steve Jackson , and John Darbro
Manufacturer: Steve Jackson Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Cards

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Chez Geek 2: Slack Attack (Chez)

Chez Geek (Steve Jackson Games)

Chez Geek

ASIN: 1556345623

Customer Reviews:

No Let Down.......2006-08-19

CG3: Block Party is just as good as the first two. Love the carrying case.

A Card Game for "Mature" Adults.......2005-04-02

This is a great card game to play. It's addictivem and completely humorous. The whole point of this wonderful card game is do things and buy things (slack) that relieve you from the stress of your job. The cards range from wholesome things, like a cat, and cup-of-noodles to more wild things like nookie, beers, and "significant others". This game is a laugh riot to play with a group of friends, I prefer to play it by spouting out the hilarious quotes from each card as I play them. This game is a must for people in their late teens through their twenties, a complete blast!

Average customer rating:

Chez Geek2:Slack Attack
A Card Game for "Mature" Adults

Chez Geek 2: Slack Attack (Chez)
Steve Jackson , and John Darbro
Manufacturer: Steve Jackson Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Cards

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ASIN: 1556344503

Customer Reviews:

Chez Geek2:Slack Attack.......2006-03-24

This game is so much fun and so funny. My older brother and his friends play it too.

A Card Game for "Mature" Adults.......2005-04-02

Average customer rating:

An awesome party game!
This is the life!
Great Game...
Chez Geek is awesome!

Chez Geek (Steve Jackson Games)
John Darbro
Manufacturer: Steve Jackson Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1556344112

Customer Reviews:

An awesome party game!.......2003-11-21

When I first laid eyes upon Chez Geek (Pronounced Shay Geek) what I first noted was the wacky and humorous card design with high quality art and funny quotes. However when I opened it up the rules seemed...simplistic. When I played a few games I started to realize how awesome a game this was. It's a completely casual oriented game, with minor tactics, but for the most part it's aimed at being easy to play and funny. Since the deck is shared and boosters aren't part of the game at all (Its not collectable) people can easily join in. Also the collectible aspect is refreshing since every card has a use and there are no "crap" cards. Certain cards are better than others, but not the outrageous degree of most card games. While in theory two people can play, it will be fairly mundane. Games are only worth it with at least 3 people. While the box says 5 people may play the number is closer to 7, and at an absolute max 9. However the two expansion boxes raise that number. Its great for parties since you can learn to play within 5 minutes. Now of course I have emphasized how easy to play it is, the game itself is incredibly fun. As 2-5 (or more) college students living in one apartment you each get one job and try to get as many "Slack Points" as possible. Slack may come from RPGs, hanging out at a Café, nookie, books, friends to invite over, even sleep. What other game gives you points for sleep? As well as many way of gaining slack methods of hindering your opponents are key. For example take "Car Alarm", which makes an opponent's sleep card be discarded. Also "Hungry Girl", a person card, is played on an opponent and `eats' one food card every turn. Even some of the cards that help you can be a double-edged sword. For example buying a user low rider, "Harold the Hoopty Car", lowers your income by 1 point a turn. Income and free time are balancing factors specific to each job. For example as a Slacker you have a high free time value, but very low income. As a corporate drone you have the highest income of any job, but suffer from only one free time per turn.

This is the life!.......2002-01-30

This fabulous & fun game is well worth your time! Inexpensive & easy to learn, all you need is at least one 6 sided dice and a desire to have fun! Chez Geek is an excellent example of apartment life. Sleep, booze, nookie, tv, partying, shopping, much more. You'll be glad you got it... or you'll never know what you're missing.

Great Game..........2000-10-30

I think this is a great little funny card game. It isn't as hard on your wallet as most card games and is a lot of fun to play, especially if you've ever rented a place with three of your friends. The only drawback is that I'm convinced this game was developed by a bear-person. It would of course be much better if it had been developed by a robot-person. But regardless, I love it!

Chez Geek is awesome!.......2000-07-19

A Friday night. You're bored. Why not wip out... CHEZ GEEK. Your friends become your roomates as you go threw every day teenage life. Your cards may say Tattoo, or a drink. This Card Came I like a real teenager renting his/her house with his roomates. You win once your roomates have had enough of you and give up.

Average customer rating:

Hilarious game for those with a bizarre sense of humor
Most awesome casual game ever

Chez Geek

Manufacturer: Steve Jackson Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1556344767

Customer Reviews:

Hilarious game for those with a bizarre sense of humor.......2007-09-07

Some friends of mine and I get together infrequently to play strategy games. Chez Geek is a favorite as either a warmup for a longer, more complex games. It's very funny, easy to learn, and has a pretty broad appeal--I recently played with my wife, her sister, and my mother-in-law. You play housemates with different jobs and different slack goals. You can get slack points for having friends over, drinking, watching tv, getting "nookie," and playing RPG's.

My one complaint is that there's no way to buy Chez Geek with both expansion packs (Slack Attack and Block Party) in one bundle. Individually, they're kind of pricey, so it would be nice to have a single discount bundle. This is a pretty minor complaint, though.

Most awesome casual game ever.......2003-11-21

Amazon.com

Himself an inspiration to millions through his motivational speeches and bestselling books, John C. Maxwell reaches out to the leading icons of the Old Testament for the life and leadership lessons conveyed in his thought-provoking albeit slim Running with the Giants. Maxwell, author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and a half-dozen other books on the topic, writes here that biblical personalities like Abraham, Joseph, and Moses can provide us with the real "inspiration, wisdom, and empowerment" we need to lead. For example, Maxwell explains, Noah's actions teach us that "one person can make a difference"; he then fleshes out relevant maxims like "Don't be afraid to stand out in a crowd" and "Don't be afraid to do something for the first time" to bring this concept into the 21st century. Likewise, the servant girl from the book of Kings shows us how "one small act can make a big difference," but for it to happen today one must be confident and credible and "speak to people's needs." Those committed to the sources from which Maxwell draws will particularly appreciate his take on the lessons they impart, as well as his athletically inspired theme and contemporary presentation. --Howard Rothman

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Running with the Giants: What the Old Testament Heroes Want You to Know About Life and Leadership.......2007-05-11

This book was used as a team building tool for our group during our annual training. Each lady was given the book "Running with the Giants: What the Old Testament Heroes Want You to Know About Life and Leadership" by John C. Maxwell, two characters were randomly assigned to each board member and then they were asked to do a small presentation about the characters. I highly recommend this training to Christian centered organizations as it not only teached the board members certain lessons from the Old Testament Giants but it also helped the board to bond as they shared experiences from their own lives. This is the type of training that groups need to be able to team build as an organization.

Tidbits of Giants.......2005-09-04

I like that I was able to read this book fairly quickly, though it does have a bunch of powerful things that spoke to me.

The giants in the Bible John C Maxwell talks about are:
Noah
Esther
Joseph (he's my favorite)
Moses
Rebekah
Abraham
Nehemiah
The Servant Girl
David
Jonathan

There are more giants than this in the Bible, but I like how they each contributed something different to God's kingdom.

At the end of each section there is a time for reflecting upon your own life with regards to the passage read and to the Bible giant's life.

The book is written in such a way that it's like it's talking to YOU. Very personal.

"You can't stay the same and learn at the same time.".......2005-06-12

Buy this book on tape; it is only 90 minutes long, perfect for your commute to work. The questions for personal reflection after each section will be missing but if you like the audio then spend a few extra bucks and pick up the paperback for the questions if you think you are missing out.
This Maxwell book talks about finishing a marathon in a stadium with a crowd cheering you on. I have actually seen something like this at the Atlanta Olympics back in 1996 when the final runner was more than a lap behind and the race was all but over. The crowd cheered the loudest not for the winners but for this last lone runner. At each turn the crowd acknowledged the talent that got him there even if in comparison it wasn't enough to get him the gold. I don't think there was a dry eye in the stadium. Maxwell takes this type of encouragement a step further and brings 10 Biblical Giants down from the crowd one by one to help the racer (you). They are: Noah, Esther, an unnamed servant girl, Joseph, Moses, Rebekah, Abraham, Nehemiah, Jonathan, and David. Each has a powerful lesson to share with you. Don't pass this opportunity up. If you have ever thought to yourself it would be nice to have a mentor to help me along the way - Then this book is for you!
After completing this book you will come to realize that the real power of this book is not in its length it is in the way it will make you think and feel about your life and its purpose.

Become "an apple seed planter" like John talks about.

Very thought-provoking book!.......2004-10-01

John Maxwell's THINKING FOR A CHANGE was one of the best books I read last year . . . so when I saw RUNNING WITH THE GIANTS, another title from this NEW YORK TIMES best selling author and motivational teacher, I scooped it up eagerly.

The premise certainly caught my attention . . . Maxwell imagines that he is running with various Old Testament heroes, and he presents the advice that he receives from each one.

For example, he urges you to think about Noah for when you wonder if your life really counts . . . to think about Esther for when you are uncertain about your future . . . and to think about Joseph for when your life isn't turning out the way you planned . . . Moses, Rebekah, Abraham, David, and Jonathan are among the others who also appear in this short (136 pages) in but thought-provoking work.

I particularly enjoyed the questions for personal reflection after each section, such as this one:

What helps you to do the right thing when those around you are doing wrong?

In addition, Maxwell presented a prayer from each Biblical character . . . this one, entitled "Jonathan's Prayer for Us," caught my attention:

Sovereign Master and King,

Please empower my friends to see the big picture so they may know their place and be glad to be a part of something great, cultivate the right attitude toward the potential and success of others, and possess a servant's heart that receives great joy in adding value to leaders.

Amen

There were several other memorable passages; among them:

[writing about Moses]
Soon we are running our lap together. For a while, we simply travel side-by-side, waiting to hear what he says. Finally, Moses, the man who spoke with God face-to-face as one would to a friend, says, "live in the faith zone, not the safe zone."

As we continue running, Moses seems to consider what he wants to tell us. Finally he says, "Each person's life story is written in risks--the ones taken and the ones avoided. Look at my life. Do you think you would know my story if I hadn't stepped out of the safe zone? Would I even be talking to you right now if I hadn't entered the faith zone?" His gaze is fixed on us. It is intense.

"The greatest moment in my walk with God came at the burning bush," Moses continues. "The decision I made there that day wrote the next forty years of my life story. It is a decision that brought daily encounters with the living God! But in the moment of decision, it was not easy
to make."

[writing about Rebekah]
Rebekah went the extra mile. Her generosity stands in stark contrast to the prevailing attitudes today. Rebekah seemed to be saying, I'll do what you asked me to do, then I'm going to do something more. In contrast, many people today seem to be thinking, I'm going to do the least that is expected of me, and I'm going to try to get the most out of it. Sadly, this underlying spirit has even crept into the lives and thoughts of many people of faith. Few individuals desire to do
more than they must. Everywhere you look you see and attitude of minimum effort for maximum payment.

[writing about Jonathan]
"Only when you see what is important will you be willing to do the seemingly unimportant. I did not serve David because I lacked potential. I served him because he had greater potential. As I
look back on my life, my greatest joy was helping David succeed to the throne. Remember, it takes a lot of king-makers to make a king!"

The example of a life well lived has timeless power.......2003-11-21

An inspiring little book that draws life and leadership principles from Old Testament Biblical characters. Maxwell uses the power and example of these people's life stories to draw out some great truths. The backdrop is running in a stadium with the "great cloud of witnesses" that surround the Christian and having some heroes of the faith come down to run a lap with you and give advice on lessons they learned. See the other reviews for the list of Old Testament heroes that are included.

Each chapter has some discussion questions that can be used for personal reflection or for discussion as a group. There is also a brief prayer from each Biblical character for the reader to apply the truths from that chapter to their life. The discussion questions at the end of each book could easily be used for a small group study. Although the chapters are all brief, to really be able to answer many of the discussion questions adequately, you would need to read the Biblical passages for the Biblical figures mentioned in each chapter. This would obviously be a good thing. Even if you don't use the discussion question, it's still a motivation and inspiring read.

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