Elderdesign : Designing and Furnishing a Home for Your Later Years

Customer Reviews:

Design Principles For Senior Living.......2002-11-16

The author gives advice on designing and furnishing a smart aging home, providing room-by-room analyses, checklists, and recommendations for resources. She addresses specific physical conditions and considers 'the healing bedroom' as a means to setting up a home hospital. And she covers 'the caring community', outlining the local support systems available for the onset of health and disability issues. (I found the reference to 'motion seating' and the company that makes it to be worth the price of the book alone.) Having seen my father through his last years, I already had an appreciation of the need for things as basic as proper seating and an accessible bathroom. The author's experience with her mother's Alzheimer's disease gave me even more to think about. This book appears to be going out of print which is unfortunate because it is quite practical. Buy it while you can.

A fine book.......2002-07-06

Briefly, a fine book to sensitize one to issues of design as they apply to older persons. Although much of this book pertains to new constructions, I used it to sensitize me to issues that were also relevant to retrofit--such as putting up railings, etc., in an existing house.

Average customer rating:

Designing a More Inclusive World

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Biotechnology | Special Topics | Medicine | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation | Specialties | Medicine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1852338199

Book Description

Designing inclusively is no longer an option for companies. It is a business essential. Global populations are getting older, legislation is increasingly prohibitive of unnecessary exclusion and consumer attitudes are beginning to change. Exclusivity is out, inclusivity is in. Research communities the world over are responding to this change in design emphasis. Conferences such as the Cambridge Workshops on Universal Access and Assistive Technology (CWUAAT) offer a forum for researchers from diverse and varied disciplines to bring their perspectives on inclusive design together. This book has been inspired by the second CWUAAT, held in Cambridge, England in March 2004. It contains chapters from an international group of leading researchers in this field. Contributions focus on the following topics: design issues for universal access and assistive technology; enabling computer access and new technologies; and, assistive technology and rehabilitation robotics. This series of conferences is aimed at a broad range of interests, with a general focus on the development of products and solutions. Numerous case studies are used to raise awareness of the challenges faced in developing truly inclusive products, along with examples of good practice for design for a more inclusive world.

Security and Usability: Designing Secure Systems that People Can Use

Average customer rating:

Thought-provoking
Great for both camps
VERY VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
Privacy issues affect security design choices
Great collection!

Security and Usability: Designing Secure Systems that People Can Use
Lorrie Cranor , and Simson Garfinkel
Manufacturer: O'Reilly Media, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Internet Security | O'Reilly | By Publisher | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Digital Identity
Identity Crisis: How Identification is Overused and Misunderstood
Software Security: Building Security In (Addison-Wesley Software Security Series)
19 Deadly Sins of Software Security (Security One-off)
Silence on the Wire: A Field Guide to Passive Reconnaissance and Indirect Attacks

ASIN: 0596008279

Book Description

Human factors and usability issues have traditionally played a limited role in security research and secure systems development. Security experts have largely ignored usability issues--both because they often failed to recognize the importance of human factors and because they lacked the expertise to address them.

But there is a growing recognition that today's security problems can be solved only by addressing issues of usability and human factors. Increasingly, well-publicized security breaches are attributed to human errors that might have been prevented through more usable software. Indeed, the world's future cyber-security depends upon the deployment of security technology that can be broadly used by untrained computer users.

Still, many people believe there is an inherent tradeoff between computer security and usability. It's true that a computer without passwords is usable, but not very secure. A computer that makes you authenticate every five minutes with a password and a fresh drop of blood might be very secure, but nobody would use it. Clearly, people need computers, and if they can't use one that's secure, they'll use one that isn't. Unfortunately, unsecured systems aren't usable for long, either. They get hacked, compromised, and otherwise rendered useless.

There is increasing agreement that we need to design secure systems that people can actually use, but less agreement about how to reach this goal. Security & Usability is the first book-length work describing the current state of the art in this emerging field. Edited by security experts Dr. Lorrie Faith Cranor and Dr. Simson Garfinkel, and authored by cutting-edge security and human-computer interaction (HCI) researchers world-wide, this volume is expected to become both a classic reference and an inspiration for future research.

Security & Usability groups 34 essays into six parts:

Realigning Usability and Security---with careful attention to user-centered design principles, security and usability can be synergistic.
Authentication Mechanisms-- techniques for identifying and authenticating computer users.
Secure Systems--how system software can deliver or destroy a secure user experience.
Privacy and Anonymity Systems--methods for allowing people to control the release of personal information.
Commercializing Usability: The Vendor Perspective--specific experiences of security and software vendors (e.g., IBM, Microsoft, Lotus, Firefox, and Zone Labs) in addressing usability.
The Classics--groundbreaking papers that sparked the field of security and usability.

This book is expected to start an avalanche of discussion, new ideas, and further advances in this important field.

Customer Reviews:

Thought-provoking.......2007-04-11

Excellent book. I work in the security space and ended up talking with folks in our Human Factors department about trying to do some work in this area. Other priorities prevented things from going forward. Now they have been re-organized to another department. Does anyone have any hints on how to "sell" this type of program to folks? This book spurred me to action.

Great for both camps.......2006-08-25

This isn't a typical O'Reilly book, and it's definitely not an "animal" book. I think that's something that's thrown a lot of people for a loop the first time they see this book. That change is good, however, because what O'Reilly has delivered is a book whose contents will stand up much longer and be more useful than most of the books out there on any technical subject, from any publisher. By having various viewpoints in information rich, managable pieces so well organized, the book itself is usable both as a read through from cover to cover and as a reference.

Security and Usability (S&U) is targeted at two main camps. The usability camp who doesn't quite understand what a security system is. They think in terms of making the user's experience with the software better, and often that means making the design more accomodating. That's great, and very valuable, but sometimes that's been known to compromise the system's security.

The other camp this book targets is a security application or a security system designer. Often this camp doesn't have a great grasp on usability. We (I think I fall into this category) tend to be power users and build systems that work for power users. When regular users (read: "everyone else") encounter such a system they're usually stuck, and understandably so. S&U introduces many usability concepts and paradigms to the software or system designer and provide a springboard for better results.

Make no mistake, this book wont make you an expert in either field, but it will give you a deeper understanding and a strong foothold at improving both scenarios. If nothing else, it gives both camps the vocabulary to start talking and working together.

One of my favorite chapters in the book outlines how ZoneAlarm was designed and implemented, along with some of its issues along the way. This is a remarkably successful application that achieves both good security design and utility while being usable by a large portion of the population. Such a study - and the book has many similar studies to back up viewpoints - is an invaluable aid in getting the message across.

If you write security software, design security systems, or work with a team that does, by all means look at this book. It will improve your product.

VERY VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!.......2006-06-13

Are you a security researcher or professional? If you are, then this book is for you! Editors Lorrie Faith Cranor and Simson Garfinkel, have done an outstanding job of writing a practical book that will help you realize the need for increased security usability in your systems.

Cranor and Garfinkel, begin by stating their premise: that security and usability can be synergistic. Then, the editors take an in-depth look at techniques for identifying and authenticating computer users to systems that are both local and remote. They continue by examining how system software can deliver or destroy a secure user experience. Then, the editors explain how this book is devoted to systems that allow people to control the release of their personal information, enabling them to use the Internet in relative anonymity if they so desire. Then, they look at specific experiences of security and software vendors in addressing the issue of usability. Finally, the editors discuss their collection of classic papers on security and usability that everybody should read.

This most excellent book discusses case studies of usable secure system design, along with the latest thinking about how to approach this problem. More importantly, the content of this book will give developers important insights that will lead to successful designs.

Privacy issues affect security design choices.......2006-04-14

Lorraine Faith Cranor & Simson Garfinkel's SECURITY AND USABILITY: DESIGNING SECURE SYSTEMS THAT PEOPLE CAN USE examines the future of computer security with an eye to consider not only the factors which make a system secure, but how privacy design pitfalls, web bugs, and other issues can affect security choices and effectiveness. Most security titles advocate complex systems which are hard to use, but the authors maintain this belief to be wrong, and provide insights into the future of security which presents over thirty essays from leading security experts around the world.

Great collection!.......2006-03-15

I was really hesitant when I got this because I tend to hate collections of academic papers. They're often hard to read, heavily redundant, and jargon filled. This book isn't, and my copy is already dog-eared, and filled with turned-down pages. It is chock full of useful advice, interesting stories, great references, and useful lessons learned. If you build security software, or software with security implications, you should buy this book.

Once you've bought it, it may help to skim the first few chapters, which set the scene, and do contain a fair bit of redundancy, probably unavoidably. If you get bogged down, skip forward, there's lots of great stuff.

[Disclosure: I got a review copy from the authors, but have since bought a copy for someone else.]

The Ziggurat Model: A Framework for Designing Comprehensive Interventions for Individuals with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome

Average customer rating:

The Ziggurat Model: A Necessity for Parents, Teachers, Professionals
The Ziggurat Model: An Observant Person's Perspective
The Ziggurat Model: An In-depth and Comprehensive Approach

The Ziggurat Model: A Framework for Designing Comprehensive Interventions for Individuals with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Ruth Aspy , and Barry Grossman
Manufacturer: Autism Asperger Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Simple Strategies That Work! Helpful Hints for All Educators of Students With Asperger Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, and Related Disabilities
The Comprehensive Autism Planning System [CAPS] for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome, Autism, and Related Disabilities
A "5" Could Make Me Lose Control! An activity-based method for evaluating and supporting highly anxious students
The Asperger Plus Child: How to Identify and Help Children with Asperger Syndrome and Seven Common Co-Existing Conditions
A 5 Is Against the Law! Social Boundaries: Straight Up! An honest guide for teens and young adults

ASIN: 1931282366
Release Date: 2007-01-29

Product Description

The Ziggurat Model is a valuable resource for public school professionals who must remain in compliance with federal and state guidelines. Specifically, recent trends in special education law emphasize the use of scientifically based research approaches along with a focus on Response to Intervention (RTI). Additionally, there is a strong push for incorporating positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) based on a functional behavioral assessment. The Ziggurat Model is consistent with these practices. The Ziggurat Model is unique. While it is easy to find volumes of information describing specific interventions, it is difficult to find information on how to develop an intervention plan. This book presents a process and framework for designing comprehensive interventions for individuals of all ages with autism spectrum disorders. The Ziggurat Model was designed to simplify a complex process. Parents and professionals will find the framework of the Ziggurat Model to be a guide in developing more thorough and effective interventions. The book includes assessment tools, case scenarios, and many interventions that were developed with their needs in mind. The Ziggurat Model foreword is written by Dr. Gary Mesibov, Director of Division TEACCH.

Customer Reviews:

The Ziggurat Model: A Necessity for Parents, Teachers, Professionals.......2007-03-17

Brilliant! Finally someone has developed an approach that allows you to design individualized interventions for students with HFA/AS addressing all areas of need. This book provides tools to assess underlying characteristics and move forward to create individualized interventions to address specific behaviors or a general program. I love how the Ziggurat Model focuses on proactive strategies and positive approaches to intervention. Dr. Aspy and Dr. Grossman also incorporate proven strategies from the field of Autism at each level of the Intervention Ziggurat, summarizing research support for the strategies. The beauty of this book is that it provides a way to look at a student's needs and make decisions about designing appropriate interventions. I wish I had had this resource when I was in the classroom. I feel it would have helped me to be a better teacher by being able to design a more appropriate, more comprehensive program for my students with HFA/AS. Thank you, Dr. Aspy and Dr. Grossman, for the time and dedication it has taken to develop this approach and share it with other professionals. I truly believe the Ziggurat Model will make a difference in the lives of all children with HFA/AS whose teachers and parents choose to embrace it!

The Ziggurat Model: An Observant Person's Perspective.......2007-03-13

I own my own copy of this fabulous, very hands-on approach to understanding what in the world autism and Asperger syndrome even mean. I am a Mom very integrated into a world of other families through relationships with other parents and their children. My main interaction comes from dealing with children through being a childcare provider through my church. Our church is on the larger side--taking care of around 1,000 children a week. We regularly are called on to provide childcare for children who have been recognized as falling into "autistic" and "Asperger's" categories. As someone who wants to provide excellent care for each child who comes into our classrooms, it is becoming more and more necessary to understand what it means to be "autistic" and to have "Asperger's syndrome." Some parents are able to suggest some things that can make their child's stay easier for him/her, but others simply leave their child with no instructions. The way that Ruth Aspy and Barry Grossman have designed their diagnostic and interventive model of understanding and then appropriately interacting with these children is so practical. Just this morning, another mother in our Mom's group at church put a request out on our Mom's website asking for help in understanding what "autistic" means because her sibling had just had a 4-year-old child diagnosed with this disorder, and the family is just dismayed and confused about what it all means. This is a situation I've heard about over and over. The need for a practical understanding of the underlying causes, and appropriate interventions for giving each person a way to have the greatest chance to experience life at its fullest, is what The Ziggurat Model addresses so effectively. Thank you, Ruth and Barry, for providing for those of us who haven't known what we ought, to be able to have the knowledge to care as optimally as we can, for those we want to love, as well as we can.

The Ziggurat Model: An In-depth and Comprehensive Approach.......2007-03-09

I am so excited to see the release of The Ziggurat Model! This book is clearly the result of a combination of a thorough knowledge of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a deep understanding of the complexity of the problem-solving that is needed to craft truly effective interventions, and the passion of the authors to assist educators, parents, caretakers, and service providers in finding answers about how to better meet the needs of individuals on the spectrum. Having worked for over 30 years as a special education professional with a wide variety of children with ASD, my observation is that the students face some of the greatest challenges of any disability group in receiving and benefiting from their instruction and in benefiting from the day-to-day opportunities of the world around them. The professionals, paraprofessionals, and parents face equal challenges in knowing how and learning how to meet the needs of this group of individuals. The Ziggurat Model provides a well-conceived and systematic approach to problem-solving the learning challenges we face with this ever-growing population in the schools (currently 1 in every 150 children).

Being a very practical and "do-able" approach, parents and professionals can work together to apply the Ziggurat Model to any student (client) on the spectrum to design interventions that have a high potential for success. The framework utilizes specific individual characteristics and key information relating to the student's disability, learning preferences, and needs to address critical factors and determine instructional/intervention needs.

I love the clear way the text is laid out, the thoroughness with which autism spectrum disorders are described and explained, and how the descriptions are linked to the accepted DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) criteria. The use of the iceberg model to explain the characteristics of the disorder helps build the logic for the way the Ziggurat has been designed. The five critical levels provide a brilliant way to lay out the salient factors that lead to the conclusions about what to do next. The visual model is easy to follow, logical, and comprehensive in scope. The assessment tools, worksheets, vignettes and applications provide rich support for the technical explanations, making the model come alive, and showing its broad applicability.

Kudos to the authors for an incredibly valuable labor of love, dedicated to a group of individuals who need and deserve all the love and support that they can get! Well done!

Average customer rating:

Design Guidlines Then and Now
The Classic of Industrial Design
Written in 1955; still relevant and insightful

Designing for People
Henry Dreyfuss
Manufacturer: Allworth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Artists, Architects & Photographers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Universal Principles of Design: 100 Ways to Enhance Usability, Influence Perception, Increase Appeal, Make Better Design Decisions, and Teach Through Design
Never Leave Well Enough Alone
Designing Interactions
The Design of Everyday Things
The Industrial Design Reader

ASIN: 1581153120

Book Description

A cult read among designers for more than half a century, the famous manifesto of America's greatest industrial designer is finally back in print! From the first answering machine ("the electronic brain") and the Hoover vacuum cleaner to the SS Independence and the Bell telephone, the creations of Henry S. Dreyfuss have shaped the cultural landscape of the 20th century. Written in a robust, fresh style, this book offers an inviting mix of professional advice, case studies, and design history along with historical black-and-white photos and the author's whimsical drawings. In addition, the author's uncompromising commitment to public service, ethics, and design responsibility makes this masterful guide a timely read for today's designers.

Customer Reviews:

Design Guidlines Then and Now.......2005-08-09

Dreyfuss' "Designing for People" proved an inspiring collection of anecdotes and stories exemplifying the true functions of an industrial designer. Nostalgia combined with some sage-like advice, Dreyfuss reminds the designer of his or her role in the product development field. To paraphrase Dreyfuss: the industrial designer is a person who wears many hats; one who is part artist, engineer, businessman, researcher, politician, builder, and guinea pig. His assessment is accurate and proven, and his words of wisdom should be used as a guideline for all industrial designers in modern times.

That said, Dreyfuss does tend to come across very matter-of-factly at times, leaving little gray area in his black and white world. As a result Mr. Dreyfuss sides with the Bauhaus approach where form follows function-indeed, he often mentions the resulting form of a product as a side-note, if he mentions it at all. Whereas this may be an annoyance for some readers, the lessons you take away from his life experiences are truly informative and insightful.

As the amount of 3D design in product development grows, designers today are faced with the difficulty of "skin designing" verses thoughtful, foundation-based designing. If nothing else, this book should serve as inspiration for those of us in the field to design based on function and aesthetics-we have a duty and responsibility to client and society to base designs on research and thoughtfulness, not simply the known tools in a computer program. In any case, DFP should be on the required reading list for industrial design students to teach the history and guidelines of our profession. "Designing for People" serves as not only a reminder of the way it used to be, but it also inspires the designer to believe how it should be now.

The Classic of Industrial Design.......2004-04-15

Henry Dreyfuss is among the top industrial designers ever, and here he shares many of the experiences from his industrial design projects, many of them dealing with everyday objects that we take for granted.

This book gives insight on many of the thought processes involved in the face of the many projects where he had essentially zero direct experience in. His unrelenting focus on "Joe and Josephine" -- the human actually using the product -- has resulted in an array of user-friendly products, even before that term was used.

He also covers almost anything to do with industrial design, or running an industrial design firm, including starting off, relationships with clients, payment issues, staff management, etc.

This book would be interesting for anyone interested in design in general, or even the merely curious who would like to know why some everyday objects are the way they are.

An easy and interesting read.

Written in 1955; still relevant and insightful.......2000-11-15

This book, written in 1955, is relevant today in the same way that Fred Brooks' Mythical Man Month has retained its relevance over time.

I found this book very pleasant to read, because Dreyfuss explains his approach to design consulting in an almost anecdotal way without sacrificing the seriousness of the subject. For example, while discussing the importance of investigating users needs, he tells stories about having driven locomotives, spread manure, and performing service calls for the phone company. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the tone of the book lacked the kind of egoism often seen in books like this. Dreyfuss uses language like "we," "our contribution," and "the industrial designer," and includes examples of mistakes and missteps as well as good design examples. In fact, chapter 15, "Not by Design," is devoted to instances where the practitioners made errors and mistaken assumptions.

Book Description

How are greenways designed? What situations lead

to their genesis, and what examples best illustrate

their potential for enhancing communities and the

environment? Designing greenways is a key to protecting

landscapes, allowing wildlife to move freely,

and finding appropriate ways to bring people into

nature. This book brings together examples from

ecology, conservation biology, aquatic ecology, and

recreation design to illustrate how greenways function

and add value to ecosystems and human communities

alike.

Encompassing everything from urban trail corridors to river floodplains

to wilderness-like linkages, greenways preserve or improve the

integrity of the landscape, not only by stemming the loss of natural

features, but also by engendering new natural and social functions.

From 19th-century parks and parkways to projects still on the drawing

boards, Designing Greenways is a fascinating introduction to the possibilities—

and pitfalls—involved in these ambitious projects. As towns

and cities look to greenways as a new way of reconciling man and

nature, designers and planners will look to Designing Greenways as an

invaluable compendium of best practices.

Designing Places for People: A Handbook on Human Behavior for Architects, Designers, and Facility Managers

Average customer rating:

A great resource!

Designing Places for People: A Handbook on Human Behavior for Architects, Designers, and Facility Managers
C. M. Deasy
Manufacturer: Whitney Library of Design
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Designing Commercial Interiors
The Image of the City
The New Urbanism: Toward an Architecture of Community
Design with Nature (Wiley Series in Sustainable Design)
Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream

ASIN: 0823013332

Customer Reviews:

A great resource!.......2007-09-08

Not to go on too much, but I really learned a lot about how people interact with a building, how to think in a creative and yet totally practical way about how to design public spaces - it even affected the way I shopped for my last home. Get this book.

Designing Interactive Systems: People, Activities, Contexts, Technologies

Average customer rating:

covers most than just hardware and software design ideas

Designing Interactive Systems: People, Activities, Contexts, Technologies
David Benyon , Phil Turner , and Susan Turner
Manufacturer: Addison Wesley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Systems Analysis & Design | Computer Science | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction
Homepage Usability: 50 Websites Deconstructed
Data Mining: Introductory and Advanced Topics
The Architecture of Computer Hardware and Systems Software: An Information Technology Approach
Object-Oriented Software Engineering

ASIN: 0321116291

Customer Reviews:

covers most than just hardware and software design ideas.......2006-02-15

The field of Human Computer Interaction spans a gamut of disciplines, which can be readily appreciated by this book. There is an interplay which of course involves technology as the most obvious factor. The ability to design hardware and software is crucial. Software is covered more fully than hardware, with several chapters on information spaces. A reflection of software being more malleable than hardware, at least in principle.

Website design gets its share of attention, with the primary problem being one of navigating easily through a website.

Electronic communication modalities are also covered. Email, certainly. But Instant Messaging and video-based modes also. Where the latter elides into the concept of a CAVE or 3d immersive environment. If you are already into one of the Massive Multiplayer games, then some of the ideas will be familiar.

But the text also devotes space to the psychology of the humans who will be using such systems. There is a brief recap of cognitive psychology; mostly to discuss various models of perception and memory retention. This matters when designing systems, like virtual reality devices or even just a "normal" 2d GUI.

Of all the chapters, the biggest stretch seems to be that on affective computing. This involves inducing emotions like pleasure or disgust in a user. Or simulating it in a software agent with which you interact. I'm not saying the chapter is wrong, mind you. But that for many readers, it will be a far remove from whatever systems design considerations you have to work with.

Average customer rating:

Brief and Informative

Designing an Older Adult Ministry
Richard H. Gentzler Jr.
Manufacturer: Discipleship Resources
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Senior Adult Ministry in the 21st Century: Step-By-Step Strategies for Reaching People Over 50
The Graying of the Flock: A New Model for Ministry
Catch the Age Wave: A Handbook for Effective Ministry with Senior Adults
The Graying of the Church: A Leader's Guide for Older-adult Ministry in the United Methodist Church
Pastoral Care of Older Adults (Creative Pastoral Care and Counseling)

ASIN: 0881772690

Customer Reviews:

Brief and Informative.......2004-01-07

Designing and Older Adult Ministry is part of the United Methodist Church's effort to help congregations better serve older adults. While there are a fair number of Methodist-specific references (e.g. quotes from the Book of Discipline), as a non-Methodist, I still found this to be a valuable resource.

The book explores basic issues such as the needs of older adults and reasons ways congregations fail to understand and meet these needs. It also provides a sample process for developing an older adult ministry and examples of effective ministries. A useful list of resources and an extensive set of assessments and sample forms are also included.

While Gentzler does not explore subjects in great depth, the short, easy-to-read sections both enlighten and challenge. Portions of the book could be used as discussion pieces with groups of congregants or among a large staff.

Book Description

With his clothing line available in Nordstroms, Sears, JC Penney, Dayton Hudson, Target stores, Army Air Force Post Exchanges Worldwide, and scores of other major retailers, Anthony Mark Hankins has taken the fashion world by storm. His exciting designs for everyday women's clothes regularly sell-out during his appearances on the Home Shopping Network, and represent the culmination of a determination to achieve and a limitless excitement about what he's doing. From the first dress he designed and sewed at age seven, through his education in couture in Paris, to his daring efforts to showcase his designs before reluctant executives, Hankins has always forged ahead, no matter the obstacles. Fabric of Dreams is both Hankins' personal story and his exhortation to others to pursue their ambitions. Inspiring and galvanizing, this is a great American success story told by a remarkably appealing young man.
•Showcases the best example of a new generation of charismatic and highly successful African-American entrepreneurs.
•Anthony Mark Hankins appears at least twice monthly on the Home Shopping Network.
•Tremendous cross-promotion potential with America's largest retail stores.
•Book will be featured on the hangtags of Hankins' entire clothing line for a six-month span.
•Anthony Mark Hankins will donate a portion of the proceeds to the United Negro College Fund.
•Debbie Markley is a well-known correspondent for People magazine with good contacts in the magazine and newspaper worlds.

Customer Reviews:

From A Very Satisfied Reader!.......2002-01-18

This is a story all young men and women should read...it is truly the story of "the American Dream" come to life...it demonstrates what tenacity and chutzpah can accomplish in the very competetive fashion world.
I'm fortunate enough to own several of Mr. Hankins' designs, and knowing the story behind the clothing is wonderful.
I was very pleased with this book.

An amazing story of success.......2000-05-04

This book is outstanding! I reccomend this book to anyone who can get their hands on it. It is a true story of hard work, determination, strongness, and much more. This book is written in such a way that you feel as if you know Anthony Mark Hankins personally. I loved it!

Speak for Yourself Kirkus!.......1999-04-24

In response to Kirkus Reviews, why wouldn't consumers want to know about a designer of such determination and talent? It's like your saying because AMH is young and not yet as common a household name as Calvin Klein that his life and accomplishments don't deserve recognition. His story has given many aspiring designers, myself included the confidence to reach for their dreams.

A sincere story that expresses success is from the heart!.......1999-04-01

With today's society, it often seems that we have little to do with our destiny. In this book, Hankins descibes a clear interpretation of his life. He also shares his commitment to success without compromising his integrity. This is a rare find in the world of business!!! The book is written from a sincere and personal aspect which allows the reader to feel as if the opportunity to know Hankins is contained in these pages. Delightful and inspiring describe the overall feel of the text. Highly recommend to read if you desire to make a career of design your goal. Hankins set the goal and achieved it, thus proving his participation in creating his destiny. He continues to 'raise the bar' in his career from what I have seen. Look forward to the sequel!!!!

A rare and remarkable story of ambition and success!!.......1998-11-24

A remarkable story of success in the ever competitive fashion and corporate world. Anthony is a definite inspiration and envy of many young and struggling. Follow your heart and your dreams seems to be the theme of this book. We all need that fabric of dreams talk every so often in our lives. I could not help but conclude this book with a big old smile!!!!

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