by Kent Waldrep with Susan Malone ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1995
An athlete's too sketchy account of his struggle against paralysis. Waldrep was playing football for Texas Christian University in 1974 when his neck was broken, an accident that changed his life forever. His story opens on the day of that game and ends in 1990, with Waldrep at the White House watching President Bush sign the Americans with Disabilities Act, legislation which the former athlete had helped to draft. Assisted by journalist Malone, Waldrep recalls his immediate hospitalization, his dreary time at a rehab center, where he was assured that he would never walk again, and his return home, where his anger over the hopeless attitudes he encountered at the rehab center evolved into determination to do something to help fellow victims of paralysis. On learning that Soviet medicine offered some hope, he went there for treatment in 1978, and although his progress was apparently minimal, the experience spurred Waldrep to set up a foundation to fund research into a cure for paralysis. The ups and downs of the foundation and the in-fighting that eventually led to Waldrep's departure from it are the subject of the books's final, rather self-serving chapters. This story ought to be inspiring, for the author's determination is remarkable and his goal of helping others admirable. Despite good raw materiala hero who's metaphorically bloody but unbowed, several romances that don't pan out and one that does, and villains galore, including nonsupportive university staff and hope-destroying doctorsthe story seems to be missing its heart. In the end, one knows more about the poor quality of Russian food than about the quality of Waldrep's life. Wait for a TV versionthis is a natural for a docudrama. (16 photos, not seen) (First printing of 40,000)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-8245-1508-0
Page Count: 204
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1995
Share your opinion of this book
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
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
Share your opinion of this book
More by E.T.A. Hoffmann
BOOK REVIEW
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson
BOOK REVIEW
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis
by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
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
Share your opinion of this book
More by Ludwig Bemelmans
BOOK REVIEW
developed by Ludwig Bemelmans ; illustrated by Steven Salerno
BOOK REVIEW
by Ludwig Bemelmans ; illustrated by Steven Salerno
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.