Born into a middle-class Jewish family in Detroit, Mike Rabin continually hopes for a better future. Wanting to be a free spirit, Mike drops out of Cass Tech's art program in the eleventh grade. But in his neighborhood, he is more likely to end up as a street hustler instead of something more prestigious, a fact that makes him feel pessimistic on more than one occasion. Strongly influenced by his family roots, Mike also feels burdened with wartime angst. During World War II, he wasn't old enough to join the service and avenge the Jewish people, not to mention participate in one of the biggest events of his generation. But when the Korean War breaks out, eighteen-year-old Mike eagerly enlists in the U.S. Navy and is sent to Hospital Corps School. Even though he frequently volunteers to be a fleet marine corpsman, Mike spends the entire Korean War never seeing combat. But Mike's cultural roots and his relationships with the people he meets in the navy influence his attitude-an attitude that pushes him toward hope and away from the cynical pessimism of his youth. Rub Up: Musings of a Navy Corpsman is one sailor's inspiring journey of self-discovery.

A young boy meets many friendly sea animals as he travels underwater in his bright orange submarine.

It's the essence of great eating with Emeril Lagasse in Louisiana Real & Rustic. Join the award-winning chef, television personality, and restaurateur on a tour down the back roads and bayous of Louisiana for some of the greatest home cooking in America. With his authentic Louisiana recipes, Emeril takes the reader on a tour of the state, from country cabins in Cajun country to the refined town houses of Creole aristocracy, bringing to life the colorful history that has made Louisiana a true culinary crossroads.