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MENTORING SHOOTERS

THE GUN OWNER'S GUIDE TO BUILDING A FIREARMS CULTURE OF SAFETY AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

A sensible, comprehensive, and lucid instruction manual.

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An introductory guide to informally mentoring fellow gun owners, with an emphasis on safety protocols.

Former naval officer and certified law enforcement firearms instructor Salomon (Building Shooters, 2016) notes that the culture of gun safety has atrophied, and in this book, he contends that the restoration of that culture requires more than just competent professional instructors—it needs committed mentors who can flexibly guide a student’s habits and overall approach to firearm use. To that end, he expertly furnishes a wealth of lessons—not only about the nature of gun safety, but also about how to properly instill its value in others. Despite the brevity of this book, it seems exhaustive, as it covers everything from how to properly grip a firearm to how to dismantle one. Salomon also generally discusses the basic science of learning and the manner in which short-term memories may be transformed into long-term habits. He concludes with a sample curriculum for mentoring a novice student—12 lessons in all. The author’s knowledge of his subject is beyond reproach, and the prose is unerringly clear. His focus is on the mission of the mentor—specifically, the proper approach to customizing instruction for each student: “Mentoring (and teaching) is not about what you know; it’s about what other people know or (usually) don’t know. Mentoring is about giving other people information they need in a way that works for them—not you.” Salomon also includes lots of illustrative, black-and-white photographs that clarify his points. The book is admittedly written for a very specific audience, but parts of it may be of interest even to readers who are opposed to gun ownership, as it often discusses its societal merits without a hint of ideological intemperance.

A sensible, comprehensive, and lucid instruction manual.

Pub Date: Oct. 11, 2017

ISBN: 978-0-692-89056-1

Page Count: 262

Publisher: Innovative Services and Solutions

Review Posted Online: Nov. 24, 2017

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2018

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NUTCRACKER

This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.

Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955

ISBN: 0670717797

Page Count: -

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955

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