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Artists Who Changed History (DK History Changers)
by DKThis visual celebration of the world's most celebrated thinkers tells the fascinating stories of their lives and pioneering ideas.Artists Who Changed History places well-known artists in their historical and cultural context, showing you how they came to influence Art as we know it today. This illustrated guide is ideal for those interested in art, sculptures, and the history of art or who would like to broaden their general understanding of art and the lives of artists.Inside this book on artists, you’ll find:-An overview of the lives and works of around 80 of the world's most influential artists - Middle Ages to the present day-Eight pages of brand-new content with 12 new entries, including Judith Leyster and Frank Bowling-Lavishly illustrated portraits of each artist alongside photographs of their homes and studios, original sketches, notebooks, lettersIn this Art guide, each artist is introduced with a realistic portrait and biographical entries that trace the friendships, loves, and rivalries that inspired and influenced them. Entries explore each individual's key ideas and working methods and set their ideas in context, conveying a powerful sense of the place and the period of history in which they lived. Artists Who Changed History provides revealing insights into what drove each individual to develop new ways of understanding the world.
Artists and Their Pets: True Stories of Famous Artists and Their Animal Friends
by Susie Hodge Violet LemayDid you know that the great Pablo Picasso had many pets, including a white mouse and a goat? And that Andy Warhol loved his dachshunds, Salvador Dalí liked ocelots and anteaters, and Georgia O’Keeffe had a passion for chows and Siamese cats? Artists and Their Pets tells these stories and many more with full-color illustrations and a chirpy narrative that will delight both art buffs and pet enthusiasts. Lexile: 1140L
Artists at War: Narratives, Visual Arts and the Siege of Sarajevo (Palgrave Studies in Cultural Heritage and Conflict)
by Ewa Anna KumelowskiThis book follows the lives of Sarajevan visual artists as they responded to the rising instability and political fragmentation that defined the last days of Yugoslavia&’s existence. Exploring how these artists understood and spoke about the onset of war, it places a focus on a series of recognizable discourses, touching upon notions of Yugoslav common culture, civilization and cultural resistance, which have since become synonymous with the memory of the siege of Sarajevo. This book hinges its central arguments on a microhistorical reading of this unique cultural community that existed simultaneously on the practical periphery of Yugoslav cultural developments and within the center of the state&’s fragmentation. In doing so, it offers a novel approach towards understanding the experiences of everyday life in besieged Sarajevo
Artists in My Life
by Margaret RandallMargaret Randall reveals personal stories and profound insights about the artists who most influenced her life.Artists in My Life is a collection of intimate and conversational accounts of the visual artists that have impacted the renowned poet activist Margaret Randall on her own journey as an artist. Randall writes of each relationship through multiple lenses: as makers of art, social commentators, women in a world dominated by male values, and in solitude or collaboration with communities and the larger artistic arena. Each story offers insight into the artist’s life and work, and analyses the impact it had on Randall’s own work and its impact on the larger art community. The work strives to answer bigger questions about visual art as a whole and its lasting political influence on the world stage. Randalls describes her motivations: ”I go beneath the surface, asking questions and telling stories. I have wanted to answer questions such as: Why is it that visual art—drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, architecture—grabs me and, in particular instances, feels as if it changes me at the molecular level? How do art and memory interact? How do reason and intuition come together in art? Do women and men make art differently? Does great art change the viewer? Does it change the artist? How does art travel through time?”
Artists in Residence: Seventeen Artists and Their Living Spaces, from Giverny to Casa Azul
by Melissa WyseArtists in Residence explores the homes of 17 legendary and contemporary artists.Readers can peek inside Georgia O'Keeffe's adobe courtyards, stroll through Henri Matisse's vibrant aviary, and peruse Jean-Michel Basquiat's collection of over 1,000 videotapes.A house or an apartment is not simply a place to eat and sleep for these artists; they transform quotidian spaces into dynamic reflections of their individual artistic preoccupations.• Offers a fascinating and inspiring blend of art history, interior design, and travel• Invites readers to peer behind the closed doors of top artists from around the world• Richly illustrated throughoutThrough vivid text and image, Artists in Residence explores how each artist's living space relates to their individual and distinct artist practice.Readers gain a deeper appreciation of their favorite artists' work, and perhaps discover a new favorite visual along the way.• This petite jacketed hardcover book makes a wonderful gift for artists and art fans everywhere.
Artists, Writers, Thinkers, Dreamers
by James Gulliver HancockThis cultural who's-who illuminates 50 famous figures, from Leonardo da Vinci to Coco Chanel, through the fascinating trivia of their lives. Artist James Gulliver Hancock depicts historical icons in quirky annotated portraits surrounded by their associated possessions, baggage, and foibles. Hemingway's hobbies, Amelia Earhart's preferred dessert, Martin Luther King Jr.'s favorite TV show--each portrait reveals the ordinary quirks of these extraordinary people and captures their personalities in the process. An exquisitely illustrated almanac and cultural literacy cheat sheet, this fun and informative collection offers both history buffs and art lovers a treasure trove of interesting facts about beloved artists, writers, thinkers, and dreamers.
Artists, Writers, Thinkers, Dreamers: Portraits of Fifty Famous Folks & All Their Weird Stuff
by James Gulliver HancockThis cultural who's-who illuminates 50 famous figures, from Leonardo da Vinci to Coco Chanel, through the fascinating trivia of their lives. Artist James Gulliver Hancock depicts historical icons in quirky annotated portraits surrounded by their associated possessions, baggage, and foibles. Hemingway's hobbies, Amelia Earhart's preferred dessert, Martin Luther King Jr.'s favorite TV show—each portrait reveals the ordinary quirks of these extraordinary people and captures their personalities in the process. An exquisitely illustrated almanac and cultural literacy cheat sheet, this fun and informative collection offers both history buffs and art lovers a treasure trove of interesting facts about beloved artists, writers, thinkers, and dreamers.
Artists: Inspiring Stories of Their Lives and Works (DK Explorers)
by DKExtraordinary reference book of over 80 famous painters, their lives, their loves and their iconic paintings.This art book includes insightful biographies of artists accompanied with remarkable reproductions of their famous artworks. Begin with the early Renaissance and follow art movements through the centuries to some of the most well-known artists alive today.A gorgeous exploration of the defining people of the art world including pioneers like Giotto and Jan van Eyck, the greats like Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, and the visionaries like Frida Kahlo and Hokusai. The large format art book is overflowing with information and pictures of your favorite classics. The full-page prints are especially spectacular, allowing you to get the full effect of the work that inspired, defined and encapsulated art movements.Over 500 years of the craft is discussed, with the chapters organized by century starting with "Before 1500&” and ending with &“1945 – Present.&” Each chapter features the relevant painters of those years with its own directory. Read about the historical context of art movements in sections which include timelines and fact panels giving incredible insight into the art world, the past lives of artists and their visions and techniques. Discover the unconventional stories of the artists' lives, including their influences, developments, friendships, loves and rivalries. Read about the portraits that Holbein did for Henry VIII to play matchmaker, Caravaggio's astonishing reaction to a badly cooked artichoke and the many romantic affairs of Picasso. Sometimes scandalous and often tumultuous, the lives of artists like Raphael, Hogarth, van Gogh, O'Keeffe, Magritte, Warhol and Kiefer are as interesting and captivating as their work. The Artists Behind the Paint BrushesA beautiful coffee table book that would make a lovely gift for those interested in art history and artist biographies, or to browse the attractive reproductions of the famous artworks. Includes a foreword by Ross King, who is the author of the bestselling Brunelleschi's Dome and Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling, as well as the novels Ex-Libris and Domino. • Over 80 biographies of the standout artists over the centuries since the early Renaissance. • Beautiful reproductions of artworks that allow you to get up close to their brush strokes. • Insight into historical art themes and movements that influenced the periods.
Aruba: The Tragic Untold Story of Natalee Holloway and Corruption in Paradise
by R. Stephanie Good Larry Garrison Dave HollowayOne father's mission to find his daughter, 18 years before the chilling confession of Joran van der Sloot. I am a father who has no idea what has happened to his child. The questions run through my mind all day long. They keep me awake at night. Is she dead? Is she alive? Is she being held captive somewhere? Are they hurting her? Is she crying out for me? These are the impassioned words of Dave Holloway, father of Natalee Holloway, whose disappearance in Aruba sparked a media frenzy and an international scandal in 2005. This is the heart-wrenching story of his search, the most complete account of Natalee Holloway's disappearance in Aruba. During a then ongoing investigation, Holloway discloses: · behind-the-scenes details of the investigation · new revelations about the corruption of the Aruban law enforcement · and the countless trails leading to possible rape, murder, and even sexual slavery This is the first insider's account of one of this century&’s most disturbing and mysterious true crime stories. Holloway relates the horror of personally searching through crack houses and trash dumps for Natalee––working alone, with authorities, even with psychics––while enduring the stonewalling of Aruban officials. Learn what really went on behind the headlines, and follow the hopeful heart of a father as he searches tirelessly for his precious daughter.
Arunagirinathar (Inthiya Ilakkiya Sirpikal)
by Vel. KarthigeyanThis book is a Monograph in Tamil on "Arunagirinathar" who was known as 'Sandappaavala Perumaan' and contributed nearly 16, 000 poems out of which only 1324 are available. The poems called "Thiruppugazh" on God Murugan is his masterpiece. Arunagirinathar's biography, his contributions, devotion to God Murugan, philosophy, etc are narrated to make informative reading.
Arzú. Y el tiempo se me fue
by Méndez VidesDurante más de dos años Méndez Vides, escritor y periodista, se reunió semanalmente con el político Álvaro Arzú. Se estableció limitar los encuentros a hora y media, lo cual se respetó meticulosamente, empezando en el minuto exacto e interrumpiendo la amena "plática" a la hora determinada aunque se deseara continuar fuera del límite previsto. En un momento dado, las preguntas lograban pasar habilidosamente inadvertidas ante lo relevante del testimonio que iba desde un plano personal eíntimo, hasta grandes acontecimientos históricos, como la firma de los Acuerdos de Paz en 1996, sonados secuestros de guatemaltecos influyentes meses antes de concretarse dicha firma -y que la hicieron tambalear- y, desde luego, los entresijos del poder que Arzú conoce muy bien. Álvaro Arzú, presidente de Guatemala de 1996 a 2000, cinco veces alcalde de la ciudad de Guatemala e indiscutible y polémico líder político, comparte su experiencia ante el escritor Méndez Vides respondiendo a sus incisivas preguntas. Arzú, reelecto como alcalde para el periodo 2016-2020, nos relata los últimos cincuenta años de la historia política de Guatemala. Sus seguidores, opositores y rivales se buscarán en estas memorias políticamente incorrectas que no dejarán indiferente al lector.
As Always
by Howard Scott Madeleine Gagnon Phyllis AronoffOne of Canada's greatest literary figures reflects on life at the centre of Quebec literary arts. Re-examining the influences of her early life in a large, rural Catholic family, Madeleine Gagnon not only explores her rejection of unexamined values as part of her intellectual development but also her refusal to be categorized by her gender.Karl Marx replaced Paul Claudel in Gagnon's intellectual pantheon. Psychoanalysis gave rise to the desire to write, and her first works poured out in a torrent. She describes the friendships that played such a large part in her life and the feminist battles of the time with all their hopes and disappointments. At the same time she casts a sharp eye on contemporary Quebec society, tracing the emergence of a distinct Canadian literature.This is an account of a life well lived, told with candour, wisdom, and an inextinguishable sense of wonder.
As Always, Julia: The Letters of Julia Child & Avis DeVoto
by Joan ReardonThis revealing correspondence between the legendary French chef Julia Child and her dear friend is &“a delicious read&” (People).With her outsize personality, Julia Child is known by her first name alone. But how much do we really know of the inner Julia? Now more than 200 letters exchanged between Julia and Avis DeVoto, her friend and unofficial literary agent memorably introduced in the hit movie Julie & Julia, open the window on her deepest thoughts and feelings.This riveting correspondence chronicles the blossoming of a unique and lifelong friendship between the two women and the turbulent process of Julia&’s creation of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, one of the most influential cookbooks ever written. Bawdy, funny, exuberant, and occasionally agonized, these letters show Julia, first as a new bride in Paris, then becoming increasingly worldly and adventuresome as she follows her diplomat husband in his postings to Nice, Germany, and Norway. With commentary by food historian Joan Reardon, and covering topics as diverse as the lack of good wine in the United States, McCarthyism, and sexual mores, these letters show America on the verge of political, social, and gastronomic transformation.&“An absorbing portrait of an unexpected friendship.&”—Entertainment Weekly&“Two housewives, each in her 40s ... let rip about all kinds of things, from shallots, beurre blanc and the misery of dried herbs to politics, aging and sex ... Funny and forthright opinions about food and life.&”—The New York Times &“Entirely irresistible.&”—The Boston Globe
As Amazonas Da Antiguidade À Idade Media
by Ana Bowlova Ana Claudia AntunesComo as Amazonas entraram no reino do imaginário e viraram lendas? Você vai expandir os seus conhecimentos desde a Antiga Grécia, ate a Idade Media com relatos em primeira pessoa sobre como as Amazonas surgiram, o que elas faziam, como batalhavam o que comiam, quem encontravam e os riscos e perigos que sofriam ate que virassem verdadeiras lendas vivas, pois ate hoje elas existem de fato. Um conto altamente, envolvente, comovente e ao mesmo tempo chocante que vai fazer você pensar se realmente tudo isso foi verdade ou apenas faz parte de uma alma coletiva. E sendo assim, a verdade relativa relacionando-se com fatos expõe o cerne da realidade. E então, seriam elas apenas sonhos, fantasias, deusas que viveram na Terra muito antes dela ser colonizada realmente? Sinta-se parte do mundo das Amazonas neste livro que revela a síntese do conhecimento humano dentro dos parâmetros existentes do consciente coletivo.Livro 1 da Serie "Memorias de Uma Amazona" que inclue mais dois livrosAmazonas na Europa MedievalAmazonas Hojeque faz parte da trilogia:As Bruxas de Avignon (Passado)Amor de Pierrot (Presente)Do Nada (Futuro)A Serie Amor de Pierrot inclue quatro livros:Pierrot & ColumbinaO Fantasma do BalletArlequimDiario de uma Colombina
As Bad as They Say?: Three Decades of Teaching in the Bronx
by Janet Grossbach MayerRundown, vermin-infested buildings. Rigid, slow-to-react bureaucratic systems. Children from broken homes and declining communities. How can a teacher succeed? How does a student not only survive but also come to thrive? It can happen, and As Bad as They Say? tells the heroic stories of Janet Mayer’s students during her 33-year tenure as a Bronx high school teacher.In 1995, Janet Mayer’s students began a pen-pal exchange with South African teenagers who, under apartheid, had been denied an education; almost uniformly, the South Africans asked, “Is the Bronx as bad as they say?” This dedicated teacher promised those students and all future ones that she would write a book to help change the stereotypical image of Bronx students and show that, in spite of overwhelming obstacles, they are outstanding young people, capable of the highest achievements.She walks the reader through the decrepit school building, describing in graphic detail the deplorable physical conditions that students and faculty navigate daily. Then, in eight chapters we meet eight amazing young people, a small sample of the more than 14,000 students the writer has felt honored to teach.She describes her own Bronx roots and the powerful influences that made her such a determined teacher. Finally, the veteran teacher sounds the alarm to stop the corruption and degradation of public education in the guise of what are euphemistically labeled “reforms” (No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top). She also expresses optimism that public education and our democracy can still be saved, urgently calling on all to become involved and help save our schools.
As Edward Imagined: A Story of Edward Gorey in Three Acts
by Matthew BurgessFrom an acclaimed author and illustrator team, here is a definitive picture book biography about a true original and creative genius: Edward Gorey.Discover the unique childhood and life of the enigmatic and eccentric Edward Gorey whose artwork and books had a profound impact on creators such as Neil Gaiman, Lemony Snicket, and Tim Burton.Even as a young boy, readers learn that Edward constantly forged his own path, passions, and pursuits never forsaking his individuality for fame.This brilliant picture book biography is paired with a whimsical art style that captures the unrelenting creativity Edward brought to his playfully macabre creations.
As Far as My Feet Will Carry Me
by Josef M. BauerOriginally published in 1955, this must be one of the most dramatic adventures of our time. Clemens Forell, a German soldier, was sentenced to 25 years of forced labour in a Siberian lead mine after the Second World War. Rebelling against the brutality of the camp, Forell staged a daring escape, enduring an 8000-mile journey across the trackless wastes of Siberia, in some of the most treacherous and inhospitable conditions on earth.Bauer's writing brilliantly evokes Forell's desperation in the prison camp, and his struggle for survival and terror of recapture as he makes his way towards the Persian frontier and freedom.
As Far as My Feet Will Carry Me
by Josef M. BauerOriginally published in 1955, this must be one of the most dramatic adventures of our time. Clemens Forell, a German soldier, was sentenced to 25 years of forced labour in a Siberian lead mine after the Second World War. Rebelling against the brutality of the camp, Forell staged a daring escape, enduring an 8000-mile journey across the trackless wastes of Siberia, in some of the most treacherous and inhospitable conditions on earth.Bauer's writing brilliantly evokes Forell's desperation in the prison camp, and his struggle for survival and terror of recapture as he makes his way towards the Persian frontier and freedom.
As Fast As Her: Dream Big, Break Barriers, Achieve Success
by Kendall CoyneIn this inspiring book, US Olympian and hockey star Kendall Coyne shares the grit and determination it took to break down barriers and achieve her dreams against tremendous odds, encouraging young people to follow their passions and never give up.The world told Kendall Coyne to slow down. They said &“not so fast&” when she picked up hockey skates instead of figure skates. They said &“just a minute&” when she tried out for the boy's team. They told her &“you're not enough&” so often that she started to believe it. But Kendall had a passion and a dream, so instead of slowing down, she sped up, going on to win Olympic gold and a spot in the Fastest Skater Competition at the 2019 NHL All-Star Weekend.As Fast as Her explores how Kendall held on to her dream, overcame her insecurities and naysayers, and pushed herself past barriers to achieve her goals—and how you can too! Inside, Kendall shares:stories that illustrate the lessons she's learned and how to apply them for successencouragement to help young people know they are good enough—to fit in, to find their &“why,&” and to create lasting change for othersher personal trials and triumphs, inspiring readers to discover what excites and exhausts them—and help them to be as relentless in achieving their own goalsbehind-the-scenes and personal photos in a full-color 8-page insert In addition, As Fast as Her is perfect for:readers 13 and up looking for an uplifting true storyfans of the NHL, Olympic hockey, women's sports, and sports overallbirthday, Christmas, and holiday gifts for teens and young adults
As Figs in Autumn: One Year In A Forever War
by Ben BastomskiA devastating loss turns into a quest for identity in this debut memoir of an American coming of age in the Israel Defense Forces. On the verge of graduating from college, Ben Bastomski is sent reeling by the tragic death of his childhood friend and classmate Avi, the victim of a drunk driving accident. The shocking event forces Ben to question everything about the randomness and meaning of life for the first time. In the fall of 2010, Ben begins his journey from student to sharpshooter when he flies to the Middle East and joins the Mahal, the Israel Defense Forces&’ program for overseas Jewish volunteers. As his service takes him from the Negev Desert to the Occupied Territories and the Gazan border, he makes his home on a southern kibbutz where he is accepted as family. Ben&’s military service and life in Israel will shape his future in ways that are still being realized. As Figs in Autumn is one man&’s account of a life-changing quest to find his true potential in the land of his heritage, where both body and soul are sustained by courage and community.
As For Sinclair Ross
by David StouckSinclair Ross (1908-1996), best known for his canonical novel As for Me and My House (1941), and for such familiar short stories as "The Lamp at Noon" and "The Painted Door," is an elusive figure in Canadian literature. A master at portraying the hardships and harsh beauty of the Prairies during the Great Depression, Ross nevertheless received only modest attention from the public during his lifetime. His reluctance to give readings or interviews further contributed to this faint public perception of the man. In As for Sinclair Ross, David Stouck tells the story of a lonely childhood in rural Saskatchewan, of a long and unrewarding career in a bank, and of many failed attempts to be published and to find an audience. The book also tells the story of a man who fell in love with both men and women and who wrote from a position outside any single definition of gender and sexuality. Stouck's biography draws on archival records and on insights gathered during an acquaintance late in Ross's life to illuminate this difficult author, describing in detail the struggles of a gifted artist living in an inhospitable time and place. Stouck argues that when Ross was writing about prairie farmers and small towns, he wanted his readers to see the kind of society they were creating, to feel uncomfortable with religion as coercive rhetoric, prejudices based on race and ethnicity, and rigid notions of gender. As for Sinclair Ross is the story of a remarkable writer whose works continue to challenge us and are rightly considered classics of Canadian literature.
As Glenn as Can Be
by Sarah EllisA warm and witty portrait of child prodigy and world-famous classical musician Glenn Gould. Glenn was a child who knew his own mind — he liked boats but did not like fishing; he enjoyed puns and pranks but did not like bullying; he loved learning but did not like school … but more than anything else he loved to play the piano. Glenn had a professional performing career by the time he was fifteen; he gave concerts all over the world in his twenties. He became best known for his interpretation of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. But Glenn grew to dislike concerts — the hall was too cold, or he didn’t feel well, or the audience made too much noise (he didn’t even like their applause!). He discovered that when he played and recorded music in an empty concert hall, he could make it sound exactly the way he wanted. He could do what he loved best, while being completely himself. Sarah Ellis’s beautifully written portrait of Glenn Gould is complemented by Nancy Vo’s gorgeous illustrations, bringing the life and times of this extraordinarily talented musician to readers young and old. Includes a fascinating author’s note and resources for further information. Key Text Features additional information afterword author’s note bibliography biographical information biographical note explanation facts further information further reading historical context illustrations informational note photographs sources vignettes writing inspiration Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7 With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2 Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7 Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.
As Good As Dead: The Daring Escape of American POWs From a Japanese Death Camp (American War Heroes)
by Stephen L. MooreThe heroic story of eleven American POWs who defied certain death in World War II--As Good as Dead is an unforgettable account of the Palawan Massacre survivors and their daring escape. In late 1944, the Allies invaded the Japanese-held Philippines, and soon the end of the Pacific War was within reach. But for the last 150 American prisoners of war still held on the island of Palawan, there would be no salvation. After years of slave labor, starvation, disease, and torture, their worst fears were about to be realized. On December 14, with machine guns trained on them, they were herded underground into shallow air raid shelters--death pits dug with their own hands. Japanese soldiers doused the shelters with gasoline and set them on fire. Some thirty prisoners managed to bolt from the fiery carnage, running a lethal gauntlet of machine gun fire and bayonets to jump from the cliffs to the rocky Palawan coast. By the next morning, only eleven men were left alive--but their desperate journey to freedom had just begun. As Good as Dead is one of the greatest escape stories of World War II, and one that few Americans know. The eleven survivors of the Palawan Massacre--some badly wounded and burned--spent weeks evading Japanese patrols. They scrounged for food and water, swam shark-infested bays, and wandered through treacherous jungle terrain, hoping to find friendly Filipino guerrillas. Their endurance, determination, and courage in the face of death make this a gripping and inspiring saga of survival.From the Hardcover edition.
As Good As Gold: 1 Woman, 9 Sports, 10 Countries, and a 2-Year Quest to Make the Summer Olympics
by Kathryn BertineAt the age of thirty, elite triathlete Kathryn Bertine had no job, no home of her own, no direction, a canceled wedding, and just over $200 in her checking account. Just as she was about to renounce her athletic dreams, the phone rang. ESPN The Magazine made her an offer she couldn't refuse: Bertine would have two years to make the 2008 Summer Olympic Gamesby any means necessary - as long as she survived to tell the tale.
As Good As I Could Be
by Susan CheeverHaving children transforms us -- by the amazing power of our love for them and theirs for us, by the anger they are able to evoke in us, and because in order to be good parents to our children, we must admit we are no longer children ourselves. In As Good as I Could Be, bestselling author Susan Cheever describes that transformation in passionate, compelling, moving prose. Susan is raising a daughter, 18, and a son, 11; they have all survived divorce, blending families, issues at school, eating disorders, and alcoholism. They have negotiated the rocky shoals of adolescence and the teenage years with their love and respect for each other intact. Cheever describes her children as smart, kind, and connected; As Good as I Could Be is the story of how that happened. Cheever reveals the challenges, the joys, and the heartbreaks of being a parent. Using the domestic details of her family's life, she illuminates larger truths, starting with the most basic: in order to raise happy, stable, successful children, parents can't be afraid to use their authority -- financial, emotional, and experiential; a family is not -- and should not be -- a democracy; teaching your children to celebrate their mistakes may help them to forgive you yours; and no matter how damaged or unhappy an adult's childhood was, it should not affect the way they parent their children. Provocative, perceptive, wise, and unflinchingly honest, As Good as I Could Be is a touchstone for all parents who are doing the best they can.