Bill Adler – författare

Stories of oppression and survival, of heritage denied and reclaimed -- twenty-two American writers recall childhood in their native land.

What Does It Mean To Grow Up Chicana/o?

Louie The Foot Gonzalez tells of an eighty-nine-year-old woman with only one tooth who did strange and magical healings...Her name was Dona Tona and she was never taken seriously until someone got sick and sent for her. She''d always show up, even if she had to drag herself, and she stayed as long as needed. Dona Tona didn''t seem to mind that after she had helped them, they ridiculed her ways.

Rosa Elena Yzquierdo remembers when homemade tortillas and homespun wisdom went hand-in-hand...As children we watched our abuelas lovingly make tortillas. In my own grandmother''s kitchen, it was an opportunity for me to ask questions within the safety of that warm room...and the conversation carried resonance far beyond the kitchen...

Sandra Cisneros remembers growing up in Chicago...Teachers thought if you were poor and Mexican you didn''t have anything to say. Now I know, "We''ve got to tell our own history...making communication happen between cultures."

As her own words prove well, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis could be at times funny, buoyant, candid, irreverent, and of course poignant, too. This collection of quotes shares her thoughts on marriage, family, political life and ambition, publicity, privacy, and more as she confided them to intimate friends, family, and interviewers alike.

Memories of her childhood, her love for Jack, her children and grandchildren, the Kennedys, her often misunderstood marriage to Aristotle Onassis, her years as a widow, and her later companionship with Maurice Tempelsman are all represented here, as are some rather remarkable correspondences with the Johnsons, the Nixons, and the Khrushchevs.

A sampling of her wit and wisdom:

Forty years ago, when the nation was coming out from under a period of mourning, Bill Adler edited The Kennedy Wit and in so doing helped the world remember a man and a president, not just a sorrowful event. To commemorate the tenth anniversary of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis''s death, he has edited yet another book of quotes celebrating life -- this time the life of Jackie.

The accompanying DVD documentary is considered by many to be the definitive film biography of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and was produced by CBS News Productions for Arts & Entertainment Network.

Discusses Jay Leno''s unique sense of humor, from his days as a New England schoolboy to his role as the top-rated late-night TV talk-show host, and examines some of the challenges and conflicts he faced to make it to where he is today.

A pro-American look at history calls for a celebration of American achievement, discussing how the pilgrims staved off starvation, facts behind the song ""Yankee Doodle Dandy,"" the mystery behind Zachary Taylor''s death, and more.

The Kennedy name is synonymous with dignity, intelligence, and, of course, the ability to produce potent sound bites. This warm and nostalgic collection of quotes, collected by Kennedy specialist Bill Adler, deftly addresses a full range of topics and captures the history, prestige, and unique personalities of this prominent American family.

Legendary for his clever gibes, bits of wisdom, and ability to laugh at himself, Ronald Reagan endeared himself to the public from the moment he entered the political arena. Few presidents have been so frequently quoted for their one-liners or quick comebacks.

Now, for the first time, The Reagan Wit offers the Reagan humor in hundreds of quotations, both famous and unfamiliar, from every phase of his life, all in his own words. Following Reagan through his youth, college years, military service, acting career, two terms as governor of California, presidency, and post-presidency, The Reagan Wit takes a look at endless priceless moments. Included here are well-known gems like Honey, I forgot to duck (after the assassination attempt on him) as well as lesser-known but equally entertaining statements such as, Im not worried about the deficit: its big enough to take care of itself, capturing the charm that has made Reagan a revered figure. Whether hes playing a mischievous college prank, cajoling his staff members, or jousting with the press, The Reagan Wit gives an all-encompassing and hilarious portrait of Reagans remarkable comic timing.

Stories Grandparents Tell About Their Grandchildren is a touching and humorous collection of anecdotes and memories from grandparents about their grandchildren. From the pranks and charm of small tots to the adventures and achievements of older grandchildren, these stories are sure to strike a familiar chord in anyone who is -- or has -- a grandparent. Both personal and universal, this collection is about real life and the challenges and wonders of the world we live in. Most of all, there are no unhappy endings: grandparents know all about persevering and overcorming, and the common thread throughout their stories is their affirmation of life.

Stories Grandparents Tell About Their Grandchildren is a perfect read for every matriarch and patriarch in your family, and for the people who love them.

In between her fairy-tale wedding and her premature death, there lived the most beloved royal presence of our century, surely as multifaceted as any celebrity of our time. The radical twists and turns in her brief life drew the fascination of millions. Yet the most photographed woman in the world was also the least quoted--her actual words were seldom heard, and never gathered, until now.

This unique book is the result of a scrupulous worldwide search for every one of Diana''s significant quotes. Upon reading this collection, one will find that behind her shy veneer dwelled a woman of extraordinary resourcefulness, stamina, and, perhaps above all, vulnerability. In fact, her open frankness about the events and people around her is both disarming and startling. The reader will discover the sharp clarity, endless warmth, and ready wit that she brought to her legendary life in this intimate self-portrait. This is the closest we will ever get to an autobiography from the People''s Princess.