Tales From Grandfather And Bacus The Swamp Troll
Louise R. Roarty
PublishAmerica
P.O. Box 151 Frederick, MD 21705
ISBN: 1592866980 pgs: 41 illustrated pages, www.publishamerica.com
George Wilson
Reviewer
Tales From Grandfather And Bacus The Swamp Troll by Louise R. Roarty is a true product of
mixing beautiful art and literature all into one book. The book is set on a farm in Wisconsin where
a
grandfather and an old swamp troll called Bacus exchange old, mystical stories. I found it hard to
just classify this as a children's book, as it captivated my mind as an adult with the beautiful old
world flavor of the stories. I am also intrigued by the detailed, spiritual art which is woven
throughout the stories. What a rare treat to read a book in this day and age which does not dumb
down your senses, but invades your dreams, and lives in the late moments of a good bedtime
story.
This is indeed a book in which I would pass down to my future grandchildren.
Oaxaca Journal
Oliver Sacks
National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C.
ISBN: 0792265211, $20.00, 159 pp., 2002, www.nationalgeographic.com
Viveka Neveln
Reviewer
This book offers a friendly, informal look at Mexican flora and fauna, a hobbyist's passion, and the
joy of traveling to new places and discovering different ways of life. Oliver Sacks accomplishes all
of
this in his travel log of his visit to Oaxaca with the American Fern Society in 2000. Though he
added
a bit of background on Mexican history and a few plants like chocolate (have some nearby as you
might be inspired to indulge), this short book is essentially his original journal.
A chapter is devoted to each of the ten days of the trip. In flowing present-tense prose, Sacks
details
what he saw and did each day. The reader sees Oaxaca through the author's eyes: meeting the
people, exploring the ruins, and of course, discovering the unique ferns and other plant life native
to
the area. The style is very stream-of-consciousness and personal. Any activity or object or person
more than likely triggers tangential musings on a variety of topics such as evolution, history, and
archeology. In the end, Sacks makes it plain that true appreciation for the new and exotic is
achieved
through knowledge.
This book feels like a real peek into the workings of Sacks' mind and it's a pleasure to follow the
many fantastic and surprising interconnections he makes between seemingly unrelated, even
unremarkable, things. As Sacks says, "this has turned out to be a visit to a very other culture and
place, a visit, in a profound sense, to another time The power and grandeur of what I have seen
has shocked me, and altered my view of what it means to be human." Not only does Sacks bring
the
world of ferns and lower plants to life, he also demonstrates that every place is multi-layered and
rich with meaning.
Sacks shows his readers that journaling on a trip keeps first impressions and thoughts fresh and
vibrant. A journal helps us remember a place in three dimensions and with all five senses. This
book
is a wonderful example of how to keep our eyes and minds fully open when visiting new places.
Only this way will we fully experience everything a place has to offer.
Star Witness
Dudley W. Buffa
Putnam Pub Group
ISBN: 039915034X 388 pages $24.95
Terry Mathews
Reviewer
I didn't expect to like this Hollywood murder/courtroom drama as much as I did. The material has
been done in a thousand other books....famous film director marries younger star...she's killed in a
dramatic fashion....he's framed/arrested/put on trial....good attorney is hired to represent
him/figure
out who actually did it/restore the director's reputation.
What surprised me about this book was the author's literary craftsmanship. He employs a simple
writing style to shed a harsh light on Hollywood glitz and glamour, showing what actually
happens
in the world of show business. There isn't a lot of action...and he doesn't overuse dialogue.
Reading this book was like being in the presence of a very good storyteller who makes you want
to
sit a spell and listen to what he has to say, because you know it's going to be good and it's going
to
be worth your precious spare time.
Enjoy!
Poetry for Young People: William Butler Yeats
Edited by Jonathan Allison, Illustrated by Glenn Harrington
Sterling Publishing Company
ISBN: 0806966157 $14.95 (Canada $22.95) , 48 pages (all in color), 8 1/2 x 10
1 (800) 805-5489 www.sterlingpub.com
Sarah Shey
Reviewer
Among its other virtues, POETRY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS is to
be
admired for appealing to Game Boy players and ascot wearers alike. The illustrated volume of
twenty-six poems serves as an introduction to Ireland's most esteemed poet. Drawing on
omniscient
forces--folk sources such as fairies and myths and the elements of earth, wind, fire and air--Yeats
(1865-1939) created an oeuvre that is at once accessible yet sophisticated and always musical.
Some
poems are as joyous as ditties. Others are as melancholic as dirges. This contrast keeps readers
attentive, which is especially important for children.
The collection starts with "The Sad Shepherd" who is strolling along a sea shore and attempting
to
tell his tale to the elements. The scene underscores the smallness of humanity, a theme to which
Yeats often returns. Who among us hasn't told our problems to a rock, a stove or a lake only to
be
ignored by them? Likewise, the shepherd receives no sympathy from the stars, that "Among
themselves laugh on and sing alway:"; or the sea that "swept on and cried her old cry still, /
Rolling
along in dreams from hill to hill"; or from a seashell. He remains uncomforted.
That lesson will not be lost upon children. Talking to seashells or being too small to control their
ultimate fate is easy to relate to when you must attend school, take baths, wash faces, face
broccoli
and deal with omniscient forces also know as parents. In "The Cat and the Moon" a feline named
Minnaloushe frolics under the light of the moon: "The cat went here and there / And the moon
spun
round like a top, / And the nearest kin of the moon, / The creeping cat, looked up." The moon,
like a
parent, knows what the innocent cat has yet to learn, the hardships and the sorrows to come. The
all-knowing fairies, which aren't the sweet Tinkerbell kind, know those sorrows too well and
tempt a
youngster in "The Stolen Child" to leave his parents for fairyland, a story-line straight from Irish
legend: "Come away, O human child! / To the waters and the wild / With a faery, hand in hand, /
For
the world's more full of weeping than you can understand." The luminous refrain mesmerizes,
making it easy to believe the enticements the youngster faces outside his parents' home.
In particular, the musicality of Yeats' writing and the conventionality of his stanzas help make his
work approachable. In "Sailing to Byzantium," an old man wishes to surpass the limitations of
mortality by transforming himself into a bird that sings. He muses that "An aged man is but a
paltry
thing, / A tattered coat upon a stick, unless / Soul clap its hands and sing, and louder sing." In
another poem about the transcendence of music, the musician of "The Fiddler of Dooney" finds
his
book of songs as religious as a prayer book and muses, gleefully, about his debut in heaven: "And
when the folk there spy me, / They will all come up to me, / With 'Here is the fiddler of Dooney!' /
And dance like a wave of the sea." Yeats found poetry and music inseparable and his lines can
hush
like lullabies or invigorate like fresh air.
Overall, the dreamy illustrations by Glenn Harrington, an artist based in Pennsylvania, manage
both
to illuminate the poems and heighten their mystery. Each page presents one engrossing scene after
the other: a luminescent fairy gazing straight ahead, a swan stretching to fly, fairies galloping on
horses. For those too young to grasp Yeats' mellifluous language, the watercolors ground it.
An introduction by Jonathan Allison, a professor of English at the University of Kentucky who
edited the collection, provides biographical details about Yeats--from his nights spent sleeping in
caves to his 1923 award for the Nobel Prize in literature. Commentary precedes each poem;
explanations of challenging words like "nigh" or "rapturous" follow. And for those who are
inexperienced with the nuances of poetry, this book, part of a series that includes Emily
Dickinson,
Carl Sagan and Robert Frost, provides keys, making adults look smart: Unless a fairy bewitches
them, they won't be caught off guard.
I Know I'm In There Somewhere
Dr. Helene Brenner
Gotham Books
c/o Penguin Putnam
http://www.penguinputnam.com/static/packages/us/about/adult/gotham.htm
ISBN: 1592400280 $24.00
David Leonhardt
Reviewer
Have you ever felt like you spend your whole life pleasing others complying with their wishes,
doing what's best for them, second-guessing if they would approve of your decisions that you
never seem to live life for yourself? Well, so do dozens or hundreds of patients of Dr. Helene
Brenner, and she reports about them and their challenges in I Know I'm in There
Somewhere.
Books written by therapists are often teeming with tales of patients, and this book seems to follow
that pattern. In fact, Brenner uses patient anecdotes more than most therapist-authors. At first,
this
disturbed me, but Brenner does a very good job of weaving the tales together in a fashion to
inspire
the reader.
Along the way, Dr. Brenner leads readers through a couple dozen "innercizes" to help them tune
in
to their inner voices, but these are not the strength of the book.
In the epilogue, Dr. Brenner reveals herself to be a bit of a feminist, which shows throughout the
book in a very apolitical way. While it might be true that the topic of this book applies more to
women than to men, I hasten to add that there is little or nothing in this book that does not also
apply to many men.
Is there anything in this book that makes me cry out "WOW!"? No, but it is a gentle inspiration
for
anyone who sees herself (or himself) in my opening question ... or who wants to better understand
a
friend or partner who might fit that description.
I give I Know I'm in There Somewhere a 7 out of 10.
Lines on Lake Winnebago
Gary C. Busha, poet
Marsh River Editions
M233 Marsh Road, Marshfield, WI 54449
ISBN 0971890927 $8.00 34 pages
Karla Huston
Reviewer
Each time I read Busha's book Lines on Lake Winnebago, I am hooked and pulled back to the
days
when my grandfather picked me up from the neighborhood ice-skating rink, skates still attached
to
my feet, and plunked me on the surface of Lake Neshonoc. He'd chip holes in the ice while I
circled
his tarpaper shanty with a snow shovel, making a path to nowhere in particular.
With each thunk of the chisel
the clear ice chips catch the sun
and glint in cascades of light.
.
As I chop, the ice shoves to shore
tearing itself to shards.
The shoreline braces itself
like a man pulling up his collar.
(6)
Lines on Lake Winnebago takes me back to Lake Onalaska, where my husband and friend speared
carp and left them for me to guard in the August sun, the carp, fly-speckled and sweating in the
middle of the flat-bottom boat.
when days tumble over dusty-headed men
at work, gaffing the innards of earth,
some will regret the action of lack of it
and point to a waning moon squatting
on stagnant pools where fat,
yellow-bellied carp gulp at the surface
before sinking, unlike the sun.
(25)
Lines on Lake Winnebago reminds me of simpler times, of "tanned river boys" with cane poles,
hair
bleached white hot, and bare feet. It reminds me of tree frogs hissing from the shore, the call of
Red-wing blackbirds, and dragon flies dipping off the gunwales of boats. This is a time when boys
made do with what they had, made lures out of liver and worms, learned about life from the end
of a
bull-nosed pliers and an adult who knew that catching fish and being outside were the cure for
nearly
everything that ailed you.
Busha's images are fragrant with memory, of lazy days, of summer water, "warm as pee;" of
autumn
"blistering yellow and black;" of winters of sail skating with a bedsheet, ice chips glinting a "mist
of
fine ice." His lines recall lessons learned from his ol' man, his ol' man's cronies and a hefty swallow
of
black berry wine, "the warm liquid [that] sing[s] in my throat."
Busha uses the language of reverence and respect for the natural world. The color yellow seeps
into
many poems, from the yellow sun to "fat yellow-bellied carp," to bullheads sputtering in "hot
butter." In the poem "Spider Island," "Each autumn blisters yellow and black," while the boys trap
garden spiders that "hang plum-like" from webs. In the poem "Nothing Biting, "Each autumn lily
pad / draws from my center / its yellow belly of age, / drunk with murmurs." These are poems in
celebration of nature of solitude. In a tribute to Whitman, he celebrates:
An unknown voice
and the thump in the dark, I celebrate,
and I celebrate butter-fried fish
and scent of mustard,
and wet wood in autumn.
I celebrate people with beating hearts,
who keep time in rockers on wood porches.
(21)
A surprise in the center these poems is a short story about trading baseball cards. Two friends
make
a late-night deal on a dock, but there is more. Busha shows the reader how to pull nightcrawlers
from their holes, how to thread them on hooks and lower their squirming bodies into the dark
lake.
He shows us how to trap bullfrogs in weeds. He shows us how to catch, handle, and skin bull
heads.
He shows us about chewing bubblegum, about making trades for baseball players, about the tug
and
pull friendship.
"If you don't want Slaughter, I can get rid of him at school. I can get Mantle easy. Aww, I forgot.
Ma won't let me buy anymore bubblegum until I chew up what I got." (14)
From crayfish to carp to crappies to bullheads, pickerel, bluegills, bullfrogs and northern pike and
large mouth bass, Busha's poems remind us that there is much to learn from the end of a fishing
pole, much to hold close and dear. Mostly these poems are filled with a kind of happy loneliness,
of
becoming, of following the line back to his roots. He reminds us that "it's a perfect day for
fishing"
and remembering.
Pen & Sword: A Journalist's Guide to Covering the Military
Ed Offley
Marion Street Press
PO Box 2249, Oak Park, IL 60303
http://www.marionstreetpress.com/
ISBN: 0966517644, $24.95 US, Softcover (312 p)
Reviewed by Judy Brown
http://www.creativepurrsuits.com/
The author tells us: 'The military constitutes an entirely separate culture within the larger
boundaries
of American society.' (p.14)
Writing from the perspective of a military reporter with over twenty year's experience, Offley
encourages writers to get into this specialty. He believes that, 'American journalism is responsible
for
monitoring and charting the major institutions of our society, the military beat is a critically
important specialty.' As his work has taken him to foreign countries and involved him in a variety
of
interesting and provocative subject matter, the author's comments and anecdotes demonstrate the
concept that writing on military topics doesn't have to be boring or limited to the obvious. It is a
specialty that can lead to very interesting assignments.
Like any culture, the government and the armed forces have jargon that needs translating; and
each
branch has its own distinct lexicon. The acronyms alone can set the uninitiated head to spinning. If
you aren't familiar with the language, the many acronyms or the military ranking system, you may
be
thinking that writing about the military would be on par with writing your will. Not so!
Think again, what a wide open market! Everything from family interest stories, to news and
investigative reporting - name it and you'll find unlimited markets about and within the military
community. The events of September 11th and the ongoing War on Terrorism have created an
insatiable demand for stories and articles by savvy military writers. If all that is holding you back
is a
lack of knowledge, this book will give you the information you need and the confidence to get
started writing in this field.
Don't think you are limited to military topics, the author also points out related industries and
governmental activities to write about: the space program, the intelligence community and the
defense industry. You'll also learn how to cover and write about airplane crashes, how to identify
fake war heroes or POW's and how to handle interviews and tragic subjects like the death of a
serviceperson.
Other topics covered include:
' Using the Freedom of Information Act
' Deciphering the defense budget
' The Pentagon beat
The book's extensive table of contents provides a handy reference. Readers can access any part of
the book quickly by turning to the pertinent section for just the information needed. There is also
an
extensive index and appendix with reading lists referencing related reports, books and articles.
The
twelve-page glossary of military acronyms will be especially helpful for anyone new to writing
about
the military, I don't recall ever seeing anything as comprehensive on this in other books or
government publications.
Chapter one sets the tone for the great insider information you can expect. The author explains
military structure and includes an extensive section on identifying military rank, complete with
pictures of the various insignia of the five branches of the US armed forces.
Subsequent chapters deal with everything from setting up your desk to packing for war
assignments.
Throughout the book are great stories and examples of the concepts under discussion taken from
the
author's personal experience, as well, there are anecdotes and quotes from other writers and
various
military personnel.
Readers will learn three strategies for getting started:
' Defining your beat coverage
' Personal preparation
' Beat organization and sustainment
Broadcast and TV journalism is also covered. The reader will find out how to prepare for war
broadcasts, learn about the technical aspects of reporting and get ideas and tips on what to do
during
those problem times when things don't work just exactly right.
What is a Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and how do you find one' The author provides all that
information and supplies you with the telephone numbers, for Paso, at the Penthouse in all
branches
of the military.
You'll find out how to get along with officials in government and the military with little insider
gems
like this one from an experienced PAO, 'If you screw one PAO for whatever reason, you've got a
lot
to overcome because he's going to be talking to other PAOs informally.'
The author's superb journalistic skill is demonstrated throughout the book. The writing is tight
and
to the point ' no fluff ' no wasted words. It is easy to see why Offley was nominated for the
Pulitzer
Prize for his series of articles about a disabled Vietnam War Vet.
Pen & Sword is not for the lazy writer. It will be especially helpful to journalists or anyone who
wants to learn about writing and interacting with military personnel and government but is a good
resource for any writer who wants to learn more about organizing and researching at all stages of
the writing process. THE definitive manual on all matters military, Pen & Sword is a self-directed
workshop and is a must-have for any writer's reference shelf.
Is Religion Killing Us?: Violence in the Bible and the Qu'ran
Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer
Trinity Press International
ISBN: 1563384086 $24.00 182 Pages
Brian Berginz
Reviewer
Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer is trying to save the world. An ambitious project for a 148 page book, not
including the index. He attempts to do this by exposing what he calls the violence-of-God
traditions
in the Torah, New Testament, and Koran, and proposing a new, skeptical way of approaching
sacred texts. It's a worthy goal and Nelson-Pallmeyer should be lauded for taking on the project.
But
unfortunately the book is mealy mouthed, contradictory, and presents a poorly defended theology
that is unlikely to win many converts.
In the introduction, subtitled "The Elephant in the Room", a spotlight is shone on an obvious, but
oft
ignored elephant: "My fundamental claim is that religiously justified violence is first and foremost
a
problem of "sacred" text and not a problem of misinterpretation of the texts." So Osama bin
Laden
didn't need to twist syntax or muddle meaning when he claimed to have justification for violence
in
the Koran. Nor, for that matter, did Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson need to cut and paste the
Bible
when they agreed God had lifted his protection from an America that "probably" got what it
deserved because of its secularism and other iniquities.
At the end of the introduction Nelson-Pallmeyer gives a brief defense of religion:
I still assent to the claim that religion is good, necessary, and at the heart of life because it deals
with
issues of ultimate consequence and meaning. I do so, however, only in the context of an honest
assessment of the destructive role violence-of-God traditions within "sacred" texts play in a world
fractured by violence, inequality, war, intolerance, and hate. Treating texts rooted in the
violence-of-God traditions in the Bible and the Quran as "sacred" distorts God and faith and gives
religious legitimacy to human violence.
Nelson-Pallmeyer makes such claims of the distortion of God throughout the book. He argues
that
one can religiously justify violence without misinterpreting sacred texts, then states this correct
interpretation of sacred text "distorts" God. He attempts to reconcile this by using much of the
middle chapters of the book to put quotes around the word sacred in the phrase sacred text, and
the
last chapters to throw these defrocked "sacred" texts out the window. Sort of. A fatal flaw of the
book is that it provides no argument justifying the position that the true nature of God is peaceful
and kind. Though taking a cursory look at the world, and as Nelson-Pallmeyer himself readily
admits, taking a cursory look at scripture would tend to contradict this conception of God,
Nelson is
hell bent on sticking with the notion.
This myopia is further demonstrated in the middle section of the book. In it Nelson provides a
selection of violent passages from the three monotheistic holy books punctuated by commentary.
He
mines deeply the Torah and Koran, but is relatively easy on the New Testament, it's chapter being
slimmer with fewer passages sited. When several unflattering passages from Matthew that show a
vengeful and menacing Jesus are confronted, Nelson deflects responsibility from Jesus by claiming
that " Matthew frequently places threatening and hateful words on the lips of Jesus." How he
knows these are instances of ventriloquism rather than accurate accounts remains obscure, though
one suspects the mechanism behind his certainty is faith.
Oddly enough, faith is what he tries to distance religion from in the remaining chapters of the
book.
Or, at least, faith that the holy texts are faultless documents handed down by God. If fact, this
doubt
is "vital to our prospects for survival", and "Doubting the authority of sacred texts that legitimate
violence is an essential act of faithfulness." Though reading sentences like: "We desperately need
to
doubt the violence-of-God traditions at the heart of the Bible and the Quran." gives one the
impression that it is doubt specifically in the sections which perpetuate the "violence-of-God"
traditions, sections Nelson-Pallmeyer doesn't like, that he considers beneficial; it is never
acknowledged that doubt in a benevolent God, or doubt in the existence of God might be
worthwhile.
What's presented is a fuzzy, peaceful, feel good theology that rejects the sacred texts but keeps
them
around for ornament. Nelson-Pallmeyers's philosophy toward the holy texts is most succinctly
expressed in this passage:
"The key point is that we do not need to throw our "sacred texts way in order to come to terms
with
their violence. In fact, we can learn as much or more from their distortions of God, God's power,
and human power as we can from their positive insights. Accepting human authorship of the Bible
and the Quran and the inevitable distortions of God that accompany all human efforts to interpret
human experience as religious experience would open up many possibilities."
In the end Nelson-Pallmeyer wants to ignore or "interpret" the sections of the holy texts that don't
substantiate his conception of God, the sections he claims "distort" God. You see, the Bible and
Koran aren't particularly "holy" or "sacred", being as they are the work of mere fallible mortals,
but
we shouldn't discount them because they can apparently help us on what Nelson-Pallmeyer calls
our
"faith journeys".
It's hard to image the faithful willing to castrate their religions in this way. Without the comfort of
dogma anchored in a holy text, of a serene and complete absence of doubt, religion would lose its
appeal, and in fact cease to be religions in the sense most know of monotheistic religions. Can you
imagine a Christianity in which Jesus "might" be divine? An Islam where Mohammed "maybe"
received revelations from Allah? No you can't, and there are billions of faithful around the world
who can't either.
The book does acknowledge that ascribing the holy texts to human authorship and rejecting large
sections of them will not sit well with the pious. But it quickly moves on to a brief account of
effective non-violent movements, starring Mahatma Ghandi and Badshah Khan. Oddly brief,
considering how important the effectiveness of non-violence is to the whole premise of the book.
Nelson-Pallmeyer states it its "beyond the scope of this book to present the impressive history of
successful nonviolent movements and discuss fully the dynamics and methods of nonviolent
resistance and nonviolent social change.", but it shouldn't be, as a detailed proof of the efficacy of
non-violence is needed in light of the claims running throughout the book, though a helpful
footnote
is provided pointing to several selections for further reading on the topic.
Reading this section of the book it becomes obvious that there is an elephant in the room that
Nelson-Pallmeyer doesn't want to discuss: the fact that violence works. Violence gets results.
Presenting the impressive history of violent movements is beyond the scope of this review, but for
further reading pick up any history book. One doesn't have to like the fact, but ignoring it or
denying
it while you praise the effectiveness of peaceful methods is not the epitome of intellectual
integrity.
Ultimately this book that purports to confront the ugly truth of violence in sacred texts is
unwilling
to admit to and confront the effectiveness of violence, and unwilling to present agnosticism and
atheism as reasonable responses to flawed "sacred" texts. This book is what happens when a
decent,
pious individual bites their nails over what religious dogma has wrought: An earnest, brief, and
essentially toothless religious critique.
Bonnie's Bookshelf
Media Star Power: ABCs to Successful TV, Radio, Print & Net Interviews
Judy Jernudd
MindShelf Publishing
270 North Canon Drive, #1175, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-306-6999
ISBN: 0972239839 194 pages, $14.95
http://www.MediaStarPower.com
Judy Jernudd is a former newscaster and television talk show host turned professional speaker and
media coach. Her unique background has given Ms. Jernudd the insight into what makes a great
media interview and she shares this insight in her book.
Media Star Power covers the terminology of the media world with concise descriptions, quotes
and
gold star tips. The book starts with "Advance Work" and ends with "ZZZ" and covers just about
everything you need to know about media interviews in between. This book will help you become
a
media savvy guest, market your product and business, position yourself in the media, improve
your
confidence and help you prepare for a crisis.
All of the topics covered are helpful but some of the most interesting are: creating an on camera
look with tips on dressing and jewelry for both men and women, how to react to the media
covering
your company crisis and how to manage on camera anxiety. This book is a must have for anyone
seeking or preparing for media coverage and is sized just right to fit into a purse or briefcase.
Readers can use this guide while launching their own media campaign on a budget or to prepare
themselves for working with a media coaching company.
Rat Race Blues: How To Break The Stranglehold
Darlene Arechederra
DAR N-Centives
ISBN: None, Format: E-book 92 pages, $16.95
http://www.RatRaceRemedies.com
Rat Race Blues is a beautifully designed and easy to navigate e- book with valuable strategies for
living the life you want and deserve. This e-book begins with an analogy that most of us can
understand: comparing our lives to a merry-go-round. How many of us spend our days
overworking, overspending, frustrated and feeling like we can never get ahead? We work harder
to
pay the bills, overspend in response to the stress and work harder to pay for the overspending. On
and on it goes. Darlene Arecheddera offers readers a way to get off the merry-go-round, improve
their lives and reduce their stress.
This e-book is not about budgeting or finding yet another part- time, work at home job to
accelerate
bill paying. It is not about which credit card to pay off first - although it does cover that issue.
This
e-book is about living within the income you make without working dozens of hours of overtime
unless you really want to. It's about reducing stress, analyzing what it costs you to work and
breaking down what you owe and what you own. Filled with worksheets and examples, Rat Race
Blues helps readers make calculations, offers suggestions and provides examples that make you
look
at your money in a completely different way.
Early in the e-book we are introduced to Marcy and Paul, a married couple working too hard and
spending too much. Marcy discovers the techniques taught by Rat Race Blues and begins to apply
them to her life. Later, her husband Paul sees the change these techniques make in Marcy's life
and
he begins to use them as well. The story of Marcy and Paul keeps us entertained and engaged
while
learning how to live better within our means. We learn along with Marcy and Paul how to save
rather than spend and in return gain a new respect and appreciation for the money we work so
hard
to earn.
This e-book is appropriate for anyone caught on the merry-go- round of modern life. It offers
clever
money saving strategies and encourages readers to keep a small notebook of expenditures, goals,
lists, etc. I started my "Life Book" as the notebook is called the day after finishing Rat Race Blues
and found $200.00 in unnecessary expenditures from this month's income. I thought of new ways
to
save money and began calculating how little I could actually spend every week. For an investment
of
$16.95 readers will find ways to save hundreds of dollars every year while reducing the number of
hours they work. Rat Race Blues is a life changing e-book that everyone should read.
Bonnie Jo Davis, Reviewer
http://www.DavisVirtualAssistance.com.
Brenda's Bookshelf
Just Grace
Carolyn Brown
Avalon Books
ISBN 080349596X $19.95; 192 pages; hardcover
Expectations run high for the last book in the Land Rush Romance Series. The day begins with
Grace Listen planted on a tree attempting to convince a kitten to come down. She figures no one
will be the wiser that she had climbed the tree for it is early and many had opted to remain indoors
as
the temperatures had dropped. Besides it would not have taken long. Except the terrified kitten
refused to cooperate. Meanwhile, the new doctor in Dodsworth was coming down the lane. Not
really paying attention to the surroundings but lost deep in thought, Dr. Gatlin O'Malley did not
notice the commotion up in the tree until the kitten fell, his horse reared, and a flurry of petticoats
landed atop him.
After his disastrous engagement with Carolina, Gatlin had decided he would not come within
talking
distance of any woman unless they came in for medical care. Of course, if an angel happened to
fall
from heaven, he could be persuaded to change his mind. As luck would have it, Grace did just
that
and broke her arm in the process. And Gatlin wanted nothing to do with the sassy woman.
Enter in the Bonney Boy Gang. With a posse on their tail, they came upon the town of
Dodsworth
searching for medical care. Because High Pockets caught the wrong end of a bullet, they made
their
way into the good doctor's office. As they were about to leave, Grace comes in to have her
broken
arm checked. Picking up Gatlin's lead, Grace reluctantly assumes the position of his wife. Then
the
posse shows up. Determined to get out of town alive, the Bonney Boy Gang takes both Gatlin
and
Grace as hostages. Along the way, the leader, Joe Bud, decides to give them a proper
honeymoon.
So they are taken to his mountain cabin. With plenty of supplies, Gatlin and Grace have no
worries.
Besides as soon as the day breaks, they can make the trek down the mountain. Unfortunately, the
weather has other plans.
It is true that Grace and Gatlin probably should have been terrified when took hostage by this
gang.
However, they were treated kindly by this strange group of men. In their own way, the Bonney
Boy
Gang had ethics and they stood by them. Nonetheless, it was expected the fear should have been
rolling in anticipation. While Gatlin had heard about the gang before and knew that they were
basically harmless unless provoked, Grace had no such knowledge. Therefore, it was difficult to
believe that she meekly went with them but perhaps that was the fear talking.
Brown is well known for her sweet historical romances that touch hearts everywhere as the plot
moves swiftly along. JUST GRACE is no exception as Gatlin and Grace find a way to exist in the
mountains with no one but themselves for company. This is one of those stories that is just perfect
for a day at the beach.
While She Was Sleeping
Grace Gray Simple
Avalon Books
160 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
ISBN 0803495994 192 pages; $19.95
As a purchasing agent at Berkley's in Minnesota, Nicole Downing is returning to her childhood
home in Iowa. The reason is twofold. The first is to decide what to do about her inheritance now
that she has turned twenty- one. The second is to visit with her relatives while at the same time try
to solve the mystery of her mother's death. Of course, she also wants to get her brother and father
talking again.
Her father adamantly opposes Nicole returning. He feels that the Wingates will brainwash his
daughter into finally taking their side. But then that side of the family has always believed Milton
murdered his wife and nothing would persuade them to change their mind. Yet Milton also
realizes
that Nicole must claim the inheritance he saved for the children. He did not have to like her
leaving
though.
Her arrival at the Wingate house is unusual to say the least. They all seem to protest too much at
Nicole staying in her parents' home. While Claire had died there and her husband convicted of
murder, Nicole did not remember much of the day. Except that Rebecca had come and taken her
away from her play. As an adult, Nicole now remembered another person being in the room when
her Aunt had come. Yet she could not remember who it was. And Rebecca was not about to
tell.
Finally Nicole is to see the house. Her first impression is of memories. But then she recalls seeing
the
light in her mother's room the night before. So she heads to that door to look inside. And finds the
door locked! This does not deter Nicole. Even her brother could not convince Nicole to stay in
comfort at the Wingate house. So reluctantly, Peter helps Nicole move her meager belongings
into
their house. Peter returns to work while Nicole explores the old house. Opening the door to her
mother's deathbed, Nicole is startled at seeing a red rose lying on the pillow. This is a direct
reminder of her father for he was known to leave a red rose on the pillow for her mother.
At this point Nicole stubbornly believes of her father's innocence. And with her return, she is
determined to solve the mystery. But Nicole's success lies on her staying alive.
Protecting your family is one thing. Killing is another. The tale begins when Nicole is only four.
As
the years float by, Nicole's father is finally freed from prison and asks his children to go to
Minnesota
with him. Peter refuses but Nicole goes even though the Wingates want her to stay with them.
Now
that Nicole has returned to her childhood home, so has her memories. And the killer is bound and
determined to keep her from learning the truth.
Dreams are important. Sometimes they explain the obvious and others are mere hints to the truth.
Such is the case in the dreams Nicole carried into adulthood. The title is intriguing in itself as it
could be related to either Nicole's dreams or her mother's death. The clues are fascinating and the
plot tricky while the characters are definitely not what they appear to be. WHILE SHE WAS
SLEEPING is definitely one book to curl up with this summer.
Mudlark
Delle Jacobs
Awe-Struck E-Books
ISBN 1587494191
Phaeton Regency Romance
England 1816
The first impression of Izzy Daventry reflects compassion and a caring nature toward the children
around the Daventry Manor. Although she was quite unschooled herself, Izzy knew enough to
teach
the basics to these children who would otherwise not have any to help them in their later years.
But
in a most unpleasant turn of events on a brisk day, Izzy found herself rescuing a kitten one of the
boys had tossed in the stream. With the temperature shockingly cold, Izzy's feet were numb by the
time she reached shore. And then she fell. Thankfully, the only ones who witnessed her unladylike
tumble were less than ten years of age.
Back at the manor, Izzy's only concern is to go to her room and get warm. Never mind the fact
that
the shortest way happened to be through the grand foyer. And right past her father's study where
Izzy promptly ran into the handsomest man she had ever seen.
Shock is putting it mildly when a drenched, mud- streaked girl elegantly passes his way. To make
matters worse, this girl managed to muddy his pristine undress white uniform. If things could not
be
more annoying, Tristan Trowbridge was appalled at the lack of sensitivity her father had shown
over
Izzy's mishap and near frozen state. Yet it could be that he was already disgusted with the two
men's
antics. One who just happened to be his own father.
Old friends have a habit of trying to plan their children's lives. This is exactly what happens. Their
fathers had planned and schemed cunningly with no one being the wiser. The ball is dropped on
their
children one night after the evening meal. Deep in their cups but with clear minds, the mention of
marriage is presented. Horror- stricken, Izzy cannot fathom what her father is thinking. He knows
she has plans to marry her dear Donald. But she realizes quickly that their announcement had been
planned so she whisks Tristan off to the garden for a little talk. Unfortunately, Tristan is not prone
to believing the tale. Until he learns that her name really is Melisande Isolde. The pieces begin to
fall
into place as he recalls the tales his father told of Tristan and Isolde. To think the dimwits who
sired
them had thought up such an ingenious plan was imaginable. But for two men who had believed
they
would be soldiers had inherited the estate. With it came responsibilities neither wanted. Of course,
it
did not include arranging a marriage between their children. Especially when the children in
question
could not be civil to one another for more than just a few minutes. Not to mention that the
children
already had marriage plans of their own. But it sure did not stop these two men from having their
way.
Then the most amazing thing occurred. Tristan and Izzy began to work together in order to
overcome their fathers' wishes.
This is a cute tale. Jacobs' wicked pen finds an unusual twist to normal Regency romances. While
proprietary is upmost, consequences to their actions deem satisfactorily to the extreme. And Izzy
is
just the character to pull off the unusual twists and turns to any scheme destined to go haywire.
MUDLARK may be pushed to the bottom of the stack based on the title alone. Yet the unusual
title
is a necessary evil and aptly fits this perilous tale.
Perfect Together
Lisa Plumley
Zebra
Kensington Publishing Corp
850 Third Ave, New York NY 10022
ISBN 0821773410 352 pages; $6.50 US / $8.99 CAN
One minute Jake Jarvis was the average everyday sportscaster. The next, he was a sex symbol
courtesy of his boss. Secretly, Jake thought it was an honor to be a celebrity but he did not need it
now. He was a single parent with an impressionable little boy. He did not want females ogling
him.
He did not want to be the center of attention. Jake simply wanted to do his job as anchor on
KKZP
Sports at Six. Instead of getting what he wanted, Jake received a slot on the hottest prime-time
game show, "Dream Date," as part of the station's newest publicity campaign. Whether Jake
wanted
to or not.
Her career was in ruins. When the sitcom, "Fantasy Family," was cancelled, Marley Madison did
not
know what to do. Every audition, producers told her she was not right for their part without
looking
beneath the exterior of Tara, the character she played for so long. And now it seemed Marley
would
lose everything. Her days as an actress was over. Unless her manager's outrageous idea
worked.
The audition went seamlessly. Jake and Marley passed
the first test. Then they waited to find out whom they
would date. Much to their surprise especially after the
disastrous first meeting, Jake and Marley found
themselves together and on their first date before either
knew what to think.
This all seems quite ordinary for game show contestants. But a lot was riding on the line for these
two characters. Jake could not imagine having to hop to another station. He liked his job at KKZP
Sports at Six. But he would have to move he lost the contest. Then there's the actress who's
attempting to play a role beyond her capacity. Marley - or Carly in this case - never had a
childhood,
was never left alone, never had to cook her own meal, and most definitely did not know how to
act
the part of an everyday average girl. Her goal was to show producers she could be something
other
than a bimbo no-nothing. And she was going to make sure she won the contest for that reason
alone.
This is a comical parody of errors. Marley certainly miscalculated thinking she could pull off
playing
the poor little rich girl. Meanwhile Jake is having the time of his life yet wondering about Carly.
He
could certainly see that she does not seem capable of taking care of herself. But Marley is a quick
learner. And she has a conscience. Especially when she starts feeling more than she should toward
her dream date. But wait! Marley should not be worrying about feelings because this is just a
means
to her ultimate goal.
Plumley is an artist. The settings are molded and tended with care that allows the characters an
atmosphere to find the right mixture of love. It just remains to be seen if Jake and Marley can
cooperate. If they can, they will be PERFECT TOGETHER.
To Charm a Prince
Patricia Grasso
Zebra
Kensington Publishing Corp
850 Third Ave, New York NY 10022
ISBN 0821774727 352 pages; $5.99 US / $7.99 CAN
The night of her first ball, Aunt Rosie declared that Samantha Douglas' future husband would be
in
attendance. Although Aunt Rosie had an uncannily ability, Samantha was still positive she would
remain a wallflower. It wasn't that Samantha wasn't pretty. It was her self-confidence which was
at
an all-time low. Nothing changed her outlook on life except her clothes and status. Now that she
had
turned from a pauper into a lady, Samantha still wallowed in bitterness over the carriage that had
run
over her leg when she was small. Now she walked with a limp. Her memories continually drifted
back to her younger years when many children had called her Hopping Giles. Now it terrified
Samantha to be in a crowd for she knew that everyone would look at her and laugh in a pretty
manner. No one would look at her alone. They would see her limp. But because Aunt Rosie was
adamant, Samantha buoyed her self- reserve and attended the grand ball which would be held at
Charles Emerson's Grosvenor Square. It should have been a beautiful time but to Samantha and
her
sisters, it felt as if they were returning to the scene of the crime.
Unaccustomed to someone telling him no, Prince Rudolf Kazanov was amazed he was about to be
turned down for a dance. When he realized it was a slight imperfection that caused the lady's
distress, Rudolf commandeered her to the dance floor. To Samantha, he was everything Aunt
Rosie
had declared her future husband to be. Yet Rudolf comes complete with baggage when he decides
to
make his home in England with is mother and young daughter. He didn't know if he would survive
because his brother wanted him dead. And Rudolf feared it would happen for his younger brother
aspired to be on the Russian Throne and just as controlling as their father. Fortunately, the
younger
sibling was nothing like the heir to the Russian throne.
As the tale continues, Samantha is left with a promise by Rudolf to call. His call came later than
expected. But just in time to stop her betrothal announcement to another man. Of course, Rudolf
did
not expect to be kidnaped or forced to flee the country with a woman in tow or he would have
never
called on Samantha in the first place. During the trip Samantha bemoaned her ruined reputation
while Rudolf continually stated he had no need for a wife. This is even after he claimed her as
such
at every conceivable moment. Their idealistic retreat seemed heavenly neither wished to end.
Unfortunately reality looms. Vladimir still wants the Venus and Samantha's guardian wants
marriage.
The characters undoubtedly stem from previous stories. The back story is slight and not as
well-developed as it should have been leaving readers to use their imagination to complete the
picture. The characters themselves are endearing and run true to form within the well-defined
stereotypes. While this novel was for Samantha and Rudolf, the youngest Douglass sister,
Victoria,
takes the limelight for her devious machinations surrounding Samantha's well-being.
Readers should be aware that although TO CHARM A PRINCE is set in 1812, Grasso has
penned a
typical historical based in London during the Regency era. The writing includes mild to medium
sensuality unusual to many Regency era books. Additionally the writing does not flavor the
Regency
tone. This is not said to be disparaging to the book as a whole but rather to let readers know of
what
lies within the pages for Grasso does tell a deep abiding tale of wickedness, vengeance, and
resolution. This is one book that will be read until the wee hours.
Brenda Ramsbacher, RIO Member
Reviewer
Christy's Bookshelf
Picture Me Dead
Heather Graham
MIRA Books
225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9
www.mirabooks.com
ISBN #1551666812 $24.95 US/$30.95 CAN 416-445-5860
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Heather Graham has published greater than
100 books, most of which take place in Florida. Graham grew up in Dade County, Florida, and
acted, modeled, waitressed, and tended bar before turning to writing.
The locale for Graham's latest endeavor, the romantic suspense Picture Me Dead, is Miami,
Florida.
Ashley Montague is nearing the end of her training with the metropolitan police academy when
she
chances upon a tragic hit-and-run accident involving her high school friend, Stuart Fresia. Ashley
uses her artistic talent and photographic memory to portray the accident on paper, which reveals a
mysterious person in black on the side of the highway. Although this has been ruled an accident,
Ashley begins to suspect someone was trying to kill her friend, who lies in the hospital in a coma.
When she learns Stuart has been accused of being high on heroin when he ran out in front of
traffic,
Ashley begins to investigate on her own, knowing Stuart's dislike for drugs and especially
needles.
Jake Dilessio is a somewhat jaded homicide investigator with the Miami-Dade Police Department.
Jake has been haunted for years by the death of his former partner, Nancy Lassiter, with whom he
was in love. Jake and Nancy had been investigating the deaths of women surrounding a religious
cult
five years before when Nancy tragically died. Although ruled a suicide, Jake believes Nancy
discovered information concerning the cult, which led to her death.
Ashley, like his former partner, is persistent and impulsive, and Jake finds himself unwillingly
attracted to her. Ashley is likewise attracted to Jake, although he treats her with impatience and
tries
to ignore her.
When a woman's body is found in the Everglades, mutilated in the same way as the women five
years before, Jake reopens the investigation and becomes more determined than ever to find
Nancy's
killer. Ashley is asked to join the civilian force as a forensic artist/photographer and this brings her
into more contact with Jake. Ashley asks Jake to help in her investigation of Stuart's accident and
discovers a startling connection between the two cases. The two begin an affair as they try to
unravel the mystery concerning the deaths and Stuart's accident.
Jake Dilessio is cynical and tough, but a good counterpart to Ashley, who is young, ambitious and
somewhat overzealous. The romance between the two of them sizzles, and Graham conveys the
tension between the two, which is in conflict with the attraction they have for one another, in a
fun
style. The storyline moves at a fast pace and manages to flow smoothly and without lagging. Of
course, various suspects are thrown at the reader throughout the book, but most are easily ruled
out.
The true mastermind behind the murders, although blatantly obvious through hindsight, may
surprise
some readers.
A fun read and one that will not disappoint Graham's fans and may draw more into the fold.
Fat Ollie's Book
Ed McBain
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
www.SimonSays.com
ISBN# 0743202708 $25.00 212-698-7544
Evan Hunter, writing under the pseudonym Ed McBain, is the only American to receive the
Diamond Dagger, the British Crime Writers Association's highest award. Writing under his own
name, Evan Hunter is the award-winning author of the 1954 classic The Blackboard Jungle and
the
screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds.
Fat Ollie's Book is the 52nd novel in the 87th Precinct series by McBain. For those not familiar
with
the 87th Precinct novels, Fat Ollie is Detective Oliver Wendell Weeks, who McBain describes as
an
equal opportunity bigot. Ollie, however, doesn't see himself as prejudiced in any way but as simply
a
discerning individual. A character obnoxious to the point of hilarity, Ollie doesn't like anyone
other
than himself and is fond of telling ethnic jokes. Although Ollie is an obese man who eats
continually,
he thinks of himself as only a large man and is critical of those who are overweight. Ollie likes to
end
his sentences with "ah, yes," mimicking W. C. Fields, but most people mistakenly think he is
parroting Al Pacino, to his constant consternation.
Ollie has written a book of 36 pages entitled Report to the Commissioner under the pseudonym
Olivia Wesley Watts, reasoning that most of the mysteries on the bestseller list are written by
women. When Ollie is called to the Martin Luther King Memorial Hall to investigate the murder
of
city councilman Lester Henderson, someone breaks into his car and steals his Gucci dispatch case,
which contains his manuscript. Ollie wrote the manuscript using a typewriter and has no other
copy.
Of course, no one sees a thing when it is stolen.
87th Precinct Detectives Steve Carella and Bert Kling are assigned to work with Ollie on the
Henderson case, not knowing that he is only interested in tracking down the person who stole his
manuscript. Ollie lets the two other detectives do most of the legwork while he goes after his
beloved book and is involved in the investigation peripherally at most.
Ollie's manuscript reads like an actual police report involving a stash of conflict diamonds hidden
in
a basement in which fictional Detective Olivia Watts is being held prisoner. Emilio Herrera, the
man
who stole the manuscript, is a cross-dressing prostitute and dim-witted thief who thinks he has
actually stumbled upon a real police report. He believes the report is written in code and tries to
deduce from clues within the chapters of Ollie's book where the detective, as well as the
diamonds,
could be. Emilio begins to think of himself as Olivia's savior as he searches the streets, trying to
find
the basement in which the detective is imprisoned.
Emilio accidentally runs into Detective Eileen Burke, who looks exactly as Ollie has described
Detective Watts. He thinks she is the fictional detective and has somehow escaped. When he
overhears a conversation she is engaged in about a cocaine buy going down in a basement, he
believes this all relates to Ollie's book and makes plans to be there in order to steal the money
being
exchanged for the cocaine.
During the course of the Henderson investigation, Carella and Kling discover that the councilman
was having an affair with a 19-year-old college student. A homeless drunk reports having seen
someone wearing a blue ski jacket and black baseball cap running from the alley the morning the
councilman was shot. However, the gun from which the shots were fired is found in another alley
on
the other side of the building.
Fat Ollie's Book is a hilarious romp, filled with McBain's quick wit and somewhat complex plot
twists, featuring the beloved 87th Precinct characters. Although this is the 52nd book in the
series,
McBain manages to keep it vibrant and entertaining.
Ollie Weeks is a delight, a man who is crude and insensitive, yet sees himself as a master detective
who has now joined the literary field. He is a character readers love to hate and the opinions he
expresses are sometimes so obnoxious you can't believe what you're reading. His running debate
with himself on the use of was as opposed to were, whether a phrase would be a simile or
metaphor,
and the proper rules of grammar will appeal to any reader who writes.
Fat Ollie's Book is one of the best 87th precinct novels McBain has given us to date. As with each
book in this series, McBain comes through with "the joke," something many readers look forward
to. Although there is not much of a mystery here and most of the 87th detectives are not primary
characters in this book, Oliver Weeks carries the story along and the read is all the better for
it.
Hollywood Tough
Stephen J. Cannell
St. Martin's Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 1001-7848
ISBN# 0312291027 $24.975 US/ $34.95/CAN 212-674-5151
Stephen Cannell is not only a published author but an Emmy award-winning writer and producer.
He
is the creator of more than 40 TV shows, including The Rockford Files, The A-Team, and The
Commish. To date, he has seven national bestselling novels under his belt and his novels King
Con
and Final Victim are currently being developed as feature films.
Hollywood Tough is the third in Cannell's crime fiction series featuring Los Angeles police
detective
Shane Scully. After being off the job on medical leave, Shane is ready to return to the Los
Angeles
Police Department and rejoin the Homicide Division. He and his wife, Alexa, attend an
engagement
party in Hollywood for a mutual friend, where Shane meets Nicky Marcella, a small-time con
artist
Shane has busted in the past. Nicky now claims to be a producer and asks Shane to track down an
actress named Carol White, whom he is interested in casting for a movie.
Shane easily locates Carol, who supports her heroin habit by prostituting. Shane is surprised to
find
himself feeling empathy for her and is distressed when he is called to the scene of a homicide and
finds Carol is the victim. Shane soon discovers that Carol's death is linked to mobster Dennis
Valento, aka Champagne Dennis Valentine, who has devised a scheme to take control of the
International Alliance of Theatrical and State Employees (IATSE) in order to eventually control
the
movie-making industry in Hollywood.
Shane devises an elaborate scheme to bring Valentine down, which casts him as a disgruntled cop
turned movie producer. He forces Nicky to accept him as his partner, and before he knows it, they
are producing for film a screenplay called "Heaven's Gate". The production costs quickly begin to
spiral out of control, much to Shane's and the LAPD's disdain.
Adding to Shane's worries is an escalating drug war between the Mexican Mafia called the Emes
(Spanish for the letter M) and two rival gangs, the Bloods and the Crips, who have teamed up
against the Emes. Scully's wife, Alexa, head of the Detective Services Group, is heavily
investigating
the case, and their son, Chooch, becomes involved through his friendship with the leader of the
Emes.
When Valentine narrowly escapes being gunned down by the Emes, Shane begins to piece facts
together and discovers a connection between the mobster and the Bloods and Crips, who are
planning to introduce a new form of drug to the West Coast.
Hollywood Tough is actually based on a scam by Al Capone in the early 1930s to control the
IATSE
union, which lasted for almost five years. The novel offers a hilarious look at the quirky egos of
some of the major players within the film industry. Cannell pokes fun through absurd characters,
such as an actor who has a phobia for just about everything including a fear of germs, clocks, and
left-handed people; a writer who has written what is perceived as the worst screenplay of the
century, yet once Shane and Nicky begin to produce it, everyone wants a piece of it; a director
who
believes in the upside-down logic of the film industry, which is, why make a 10 million dollar film
when you can make the exact same one for 50 million; a mobster who is a vegetarian and
constantly
lectures on the perils of eating meat; a producer who is illiterate and has to have scripts read to
him;
and an agent who infiltrates his conversations with Latin phrases no one can understand. Adding
to
the mix is Nicky, the grifter who has found Jesus. Even though he claims he is legitimate, Shane
quickly finds Nicky has been running a scam involving porn.
Shane is a great character to counteract all the wacky characters Cannell throws his way. He is a
strong, self-assured guy with a no-nonsense attitude. His interactions with the major players of the
movie industry are humorous and fun. His wife, Alexa, is strong, intelligent, and warm, and can
stand her ground with anyone. The relationship between the two of them reveals that they are not
only lovers but friends who respect one another. The fact that Alexa is Shane's boss and he does
not
feel threatened by this proves his strength of character.
In this installment, Shane begins to reevaluate himself and his life. He is beginning to question his
reasoning for being in law enforcement. He seems more sentimental and appreciative of his family
and his love for them. He begins to reach out, enfolding others into his life.
Cannell has written a story that will delight readers. The book moves at a fast pace and Cannell
displays his wit throughout. The research he has done involving gangs within Los Angeles,
especially the Mexican Mafia, is clearly evident in the colors they wear, tattoos they sport, and the
dialect they engage in.
Christy Tillery French
Reviewer
Cindy Lynn's Bookshelf
Always a Thief
Kay Hooper
Bantam
0553585681 $7.50
Quinn is the king of cat burglars...his ability to elude pursuers and get the goods without
physically
hurting anyone has served him well in the past. Now, helping the authorities in exchange for his
freedom, he is setting a trap for a cat burglar who isn't shy about committing a murder or two
when
it suits him. This thief, Nightshade, almost makes Quinn one of his victims, but Quinn's fast
reflexes
turn a potentially fatal shot into a shoulder wound. He still needs a safe haven...and so he goes to
Morgan West's house. Morgan West hasn't forgotten the charming burglar, either. Despite
protestations of disgust over the symbolism of the only gift he ever gave her...a beautiful
concubine
ring...she studies it every night. She's even tried to warn him that the exhibit of the Bannister
Collection is a trap, convinced that Quinn is the very prey they are hunting. When she discovers
that
Quinn is actually on the side of the angels, she's relived, happy not to have to feel guilty over the
warnings, over the fact she helped him when he showed up wounded on her doorstep, or over the
fact that she the director of many prestigious shows, and is falling for someone who's as likely to
pilfer from the objects in her trust as admire them.
There are complications aplenty in this romantic thriller. First, Quinn and Nightshade aren't the
only
cat burglars around. A lady burglar is in town...though at times we're not sure if she really isn't the
deadly Nightshade after all. Or maybe she's another killer...a Jane Doe found not far from the
museum doesn't fit Nightshade's MO, causing Police and Jared Chavalier, Quinn's brother, to
suspect another player. Which brings us to another interesting conflict...Jared is a member of
Interpol...and isn't exactly pleased to find out that his own brother has been the very thief he'd
spent
years trying to catch. In any case, the game of cat and mouse that Quinn and Nightshade engage
in is
extremely well done, keeping the tension high.
Sometimes, though, this book tips the edge strongly towards romance. This isn't
surprising...Quinn
was born as a minor character in a Loveswept book. The strong romantic conventions...the gentle
love scenes, the fact that Quinn's trying to be chivalrous and not, for once take what he wants
without regard for the consequences, while Morgan is determined to enjoy having him around
while
she can, weaves into the suspense perfectly. It helps that Quinn is not exactly a typical
character...he
doesn't make excuses for what he us, and we don't discover some dark past that forced him into
crime. He's a rouge, addicted to adventure. He also has a charming, credible personality that
makes
the reader agree heartily with Hooper's desire to give Quinn his own story. Morgan's heart is not
the
only one stolen.
I'm pretty sure that this is not a direct sequel to Once a Thief. I thought it was, because the
characters seem that they should be familiar, and sometimes the story feels like context...as in
where
the author is reminding us what's gone on before. When I read the (rather nifty) excerpt in the
back,
I was no longer so sure. I do know that, if you were wondering, you do not need to have read
Once
a Thief at all to enjoy this book. It stands...and charms the reader...all by itself.
According to the introduction, the term Art Deco "Identifies an aesthetic in architecture, the
decorative arts, textiles and fashion; it also influenced the fine arts, film and photography. Art
Deco
displayed stylized motifs and shapes borrowed from national traditions, folk art and ancient
cultures,
and was strongly influenced by the art of the avant-garde." I jumped on the word
aesthetic...aesthetics deal with beauty...the nature and the judging thereof, and so, already you
know
that the who point of Art Deco is beauty...and beautiful non conformity. There. Only the
introduction, and I have a better understanding of what the people of the era were trying to
accomplish.
And the rest of the book is even more helpful. It's a relatively small book, but it covers a lot of
ground, and provides beautiful illustrations. She starts with Paul Poiret, whose Empire waisted
inspirations led the way to straighter outlines, and whose Oriental inspired fashions brought an
appreciation of the exotic into modern fashion. We also see how the decade of the 1920's itself
inspired many of the huge leaps in fashion that were experienced at that time. Other major
designers
discussed include Vionnet, Chanel, Natalia Goncharova and Sonia Delaunay.
The main thing is, of course, fashion. The fashion is covered wonderfully, covering picture
dresses,
embroidered coats, and tennis dresses. Daywear and lovely evening gowns are well pictured,
using
pictures from the times, design sketches and advertisements, as well as photographs of real
dresses
still in existence. She explains how the styles came about, explaining the impact of Africa
(particularly in patterns and jewelry, such as slave bracelets), Russia and the Orient. She also
discusses the Avant-garde movement, which gave birth to some very over the top looking things.
Heavy embroidery and beading were major characteristics, and inspired some very intricately done
and beautiful things. One of the dresses I particularly like is one I'd never seen before...Vionnet's
lilac lawn day dress, which, with its simple bodice and skirt like rows of overlapping pink leaves
promised to look good night or day. Lussier doesn't neglect any aspect of the lady's
trousseau....bathing suits, winter coats, underwear, hats, shoes and makeup are all covered. She
also
discusses fashion illustration, fashion photography and Cinema. These things may seem off topic,
slightly, but in fact bring greater understanding to how all aspects locked together to influence and
direct the course of fashion history.
My interest in fashion history is pretty much from the writer's direction. My question is always, if
I
needed to dress a character from toe to head from that era, could I? Could I knowledgably discuss
the aspects of fashion in a dinner party setting? Yes, to all these questions. This is a very solid
reference resource, that not only would help you visualize what a person from this time would be
wearing, but allow you to understand the reasons, attitudes and inspirations behind it.
A Gentleman's Tale
J.A. Short
http://www.ebooks2002.bravepages.com/
ISBN: 1591095425 $TBA
Jacques Murlione has just lost his grandmother, the last living member of his family and the
person
who raised him and influenced his life the most. His boyhood friend, who also lived with them, has
decided to seek greener pastures in London. Haunted by the memories of his true love Amy
Barstow, he isn't ready for the changes that the new school teacher's family will bring to his life.
First, they move into his house, while he moves to the shed, wiping away the last traces of his
grandmother's presence. Andrea, the oldest daughter, looks much like his departed Amy, and, like
Amy, encourages his prodigious talent for music. Just as he thinks that he may be starting to heal,
he
whispers Amy's name after he and Andrea share their first kiss, possibly ruining everything that he
has not yet dared to truly hope for. Amadeus Barloni, Andrea's father, has encouraged and
sponsored him to play his music at the London Musicfest. Recently, he's turned cold, causing
Jacques to wonder if he's discovered the mistake he made with Amy...or something worse.
Anyway,
does it matter? How can a poor man, used to milking cows and hard work in the 1860's ever hope
to
rise above his station?
This book has but one flaw...it's too short. Short creates engaging characters that you'd like to live
with a bit longer. Otherwise, it's rather well done. The change in Jacques from boy to man is
realistic, and this story of love and music is quite triumphant and charming. Short employs all the
things that we want to see in this kind of story, huge, unbeatable odds, a well done background
and
people that you can genuinely care about, using them to create a story that is very pleasing.
Cindy Lynn Speer
Reviewer
Diana's Bookshelf
The Kafka Effekt
D. Harlan Wilson
Eraserhead Press
www.eraserheadpress.com
ISBN # 0971357218 211 pgs $13.95
Throw out any preconceived concepts or notions you may have about your perception of this
reality
and all of its trappings, and be in awe as a new one stretches out before you for your perusal.
From
the opening word of the first story, all the way through to the last period of the last tale, you will
laugh, ponder, and cringe at the words on the pages as they form meanings different from the way
you ever knew them to exist.
That is the feeling I had during and after reading The Kafka Effekt, by D. Harlan Wilson. Over the
years since his death, Franz Kafka has become one of the most influential writers of this century.
Virtually unknown during his lifetime, his works have gone on to be recognized as a symbol of
man's
alienation in a world filled with anxiety and despair. Few have ever tried with any amount of
success
to emulate him, yet this author has, and by my understanding of the research I have done on
Kafka
since reading this book, achieved his intended goal in spades. Not having read any Franz Kafka
before, I had no idea what to expect and found myself immersed deeply in each and every passage
as
I flipped from story to story. In author Wilson's debut book you will find forty-four short works,
each as entertaining as the next. The stories are in such a unique vein, I found them to be
incomparable to anything I have ever read in the past, and they far surpass any collection I
currently
have on my shelves. To say it is slipstream and surreal is only touching on the tip of what we have
been given here and does not do the wonderfully abstract work justice in the least.
The difficult task is what to say when talking about a short story; one sentence is too much in
most
cases, and I certainly wouldn't want to strip away any of the joy to be had by reading the stories
for
yourself. I get the distinct feeling that the meaning contained will be something different to every
person who has the great fortune to pick up a copy of The Kafka Effekt. The situations
confronted
by the subjects of these stories run in a dimension of the mind that has never been explored before
and I certainly hope to see explored in the future.
Do I have a favorite? Yes, Beneath the Husband, though I must admit all of them gave me a high
degree of reading entertainment, and something to ponder, never a small feat when it comes to
short
stories.
With what D. Harlan Wilson has created in The Kafka Effekt, he has earned my highest regards. I
await the immense bliss of stepping into his mind again with any works he graces the shelves of
the
literary world with in the future. This is definitely an author to keep your eye on.
More Stories That Won't Make Your Parents Hurl
Selina Rosen, editor
Yard Dog Press
710 W. Redbud Lane Alma, AR 72921-7247
www.yarddogpress.com
ISBN # 1893687422 185 pgs paperback $18.00
My daughter and I have read and re-read Stories That Won't Make Your Parents Hurl, and when
I
found out there was a part two, More Stories That Won't Make Your Parents Hurl, you can
imagine
my delight. These anthologies have a beautiful concept: quite simply, you make bad choices and
bad
things happen.
Welcome to the modern version of Grimm's tales. Stories with hard moral value are no longer
outdated. You can actually enjoy what you read to your children and delight in the fact that you
aren't teaching them that the world is sugar coated in a saccharine sweet layer. It is a fine balance
to
provide a fun scare for children without really traumatizing them, and yet each story in the
anthology
accomplishes that task with great success.
As a parent, I was so tired of reading stories to my daughter that ended with 'happily ever after',
and
tucking her in for the night. In doing this, I was teaching my child that the world is a happy, fluffy
place where everything, no matter how horrible, always works out before the words 'the end.'
Now
there is nothing wrong with that if you want your child to think all they ever come across will
dissipate with a mere wish -- not this mommy. Thanks to this anthology, I can now read stories to
my daughter that have endings that are more realistic, and actually teach her that she needs to
think
before she takes an action.
The editor, Selina Rosen, has done a marvelous job again in selecting stories that entertain both
children and the adults who are reading to them, the painstaking work of coordinating such a
project
should not be overlooked. The contributors should also feel a great deal of pride, in what they
have
accomplished. Writing for children has several challenges. I know my daughter has a very short
attention span, yet she sits glued to my every word as I read these tales to her, begging for just
one
more, and then yet another. I also wanted to note that at the age of ten she could read these
stories
without my help, the authors have truly made them child friendly.
The most beautiful thing is while your child will think of it as simply entertainment, they are
actually
learning how to be rational and responsible adults -- horror with learning value. Thank you, Selina
Rosen, for such a novel concept and thank you to all the authors, for having the gift to pull off
such
a feat with such grace.
If you are a parent, and even if you are not, pick up a copy. You certainly won't regret it, and I
have
a suspicion that even those of you with no children will have a hard time stopping after just one
story. From cover to cover, these tales are engrossing, enthralling, and a wonderful read. And I
didn't hurl once.
Tooth & Claw Volume 1
J. F. Gonzalez and Garrett Peck, editors
Lone Wolf Publications
13500 SE 79th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73150
www.lonewolfpubs.com
CD-Rom $17.95
Class product is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of my reading experience with
Tooth
& Claw Volume 1, a horror anthology edited by the duo of J. F. Gonzalez and Garrett Peck.
As my first CD-Rom/PDF reading experience I would like to walk you through as I experienced
it,
in all of its rich and detailed glory. Before you even put the disk in your computer, you'll notice
the
exceptional cover art by Allen Koszowski, which made me, a jaded horror reader, smile with
devilish
delight. Opening the insert, I found it to be signed by all of the authors, an especially nice treat, as
well as being a numbered limited edition.
Now, with mouth watering, you'll open the program to find sixteen scrumptious tales for you to
devour. You may have noticed from my descriptive terms that the theme is food related. That
would
be an evil understatement, as the main courses in these stories are generally people. The editors
put
it best; the stories are in the 'munch out' vein of horror.
Every story in the anthology is exceptional and, despite it being themed, a very eclectic
compilation
of styles and plots. These are real horror stories, well written and sure to chill even those with the
hardest of skin. The editors and writers have amassed as fine a collection as this prolific reader has
seen in many years. In order of appearance:
Bugs, by F. Paul Wilson, sure will make you think hard about the fact that insects outnumber
humans by such a ratio that they are the most dominant species on the planet. However, what
would
happen if the flies, worms, and caterpillars we all know were to become monsters, and hungry for
human blood? In a not too distant future as real as today, mankind finds the term worm food
takes
on a completely new meaning. Author Paul Wilson weaves a captivating and terrifying tale of one
man's struggle not only against the insects, but also against his fellow man.
Red Wood, by Brian Keene, is so rich in character and atmosphere; it feels as if you are right
there
struggling against the trees. Yes that is right, trees. Just what do you imagine you could do to
defend yourself if you happened to be in the woods where the trees actually ate humans? Devour
is a
more appropriate word, and thanks to the stunning storytelling you can actually visualize the
process
of tree roots and branches devouring an entire person, leaving only the husk. Pack the guns for
your
next hunting trip, but don't be lulled into a false sense of security. This is a deliciously disturbing
story.
More Maggots, by Wrath James White, details, details, so lovely and grotesque, absolutely
horrifying. Imagine your body infected by the flesh eating disease, is that scary enough? Not if you
are poor Anthony, who makes a judgment call to seek the help of Mama Luanda, over the help of
modern medicine. The cure? Simple enough, allow maggots to eat away the infected flesh. White
has a wonderful way with details, and I am thankful that dinner time was well over by the time I
read
this tale.
Dam Beavers, by Edo Van Belkam, will most assuredly make you rethink any preconceived
notion
you may have had about a certain woodland animal. If you have ever thought of beavers as being
nothing more than cute little flat-tailed woodland creatures that just chew on trees and build
dams,
think again. This story about a farmer who has problems with their dam being built affecting his
crops, written in a folksy way by Edo Van Belkom, will have you seeing these animals in a new
light-'dam it'.
Mighty in Battle, by Hugh B. Cave, is an intense read. Mattie, alone with her cat, awaits her
husband
in their honeymoon bed, unaware that the area outside has fallen to gangs. Cave does an
exceptional
job of conveying what Mattie goes through as four teenagers hold her captive. Her thoughts are
so
on the money as the kids talk about how they are each going to have a night with her, it incites
fear
into your soul as if it were you being ordered to do the laundry for and feed the filthy kids. And
Scooter, the cat, is nowhere to be found. He must be very hungry, being gone for so long.
Scrumptious storytelling.
Scavengers, by Roger Range seems innocent enough. Anyone with children understands how hard
it
is to keep their interest, especially while on vacation. Richard Freeberg wanted to share some
childhood memories with his three children, but as with most family vacations things don't always
go
as planned. First came the flat, leaving his wife and kids alone to wait while he walked to the
store.
Coyotes approach and then a mother's worst fear, losing a child; watching as your first-born son is
shredded by a pack of hungry animals. Things get out of control and Range goes to great pains to
describe being eating alive, as the mother and remaining male child are decimated, leaving only the
daughter. But there is more to this story. It is very rarely that you finish a short story and are just
blown away by the unexpected ending. What a wonderful treat.
Fish Story, by Selina Rosen, hooks you and keeps you engaged right to the last word. I am sure
we
have all heard some unbelievable fish stories in our time. The characterization used by the author
pulls you right into his mind as you search around for the information, simply needing to know
what
has this good ole boy so scared. At first, I felt sympathy for the state trooper, having to deal with
a
lunatic, but that quickly changed to urgency, hoping they would listen, and do so before it was
too
late. This is dark humor at its finest, and sure to tantalize your depraved funny bone.
Do You Know This Girl, by, Jeffrey Thomas, is a perfect blend of science fiction and horror. One
of
the scariest things that a writer of horror can accomplish is making you feel that you are alone,
and
fighting against an unknown foe. Author Thomas does just that, with a unique and original
monster.
Something is killing the inhabitants of Punktown; and Toskins, an average business man, is about
to
find out just what it is, or I should say come face to face to face with it, as I am not sure what it is
myself, but I do know it is frightening. The image of this monster devouring humans with half of
an
already dead torso atop it will forever haunt my mind-A superb job, bravo.
Teacher's Pet, by Simon Clark & Tim Lebbon, makes clear that sometimes being teacher's pet
does
not mean the teacher's favorite student, sometimes it means pet in the literal sense as some
students
at the school after hours to pull some pranks discover much to their dismay. The authors manage
to
capture the speech, feelings, and actions of these children as if they were true kids, never an easy
feat to accomplish, making the story not only a scary read, but one that reads true to life.
Raingods Dancing, by Michael Laimo, takes a natural disaster and gives it a dark twist. Rain of an
unnatural origin fell, flooding the camp as high as the second storey on those cabins which had
them.
When the sheriff comes out to investigate, he is surprised to find giant prehistoric tadpoles
attacking
him and his deputies. If that wasn't bad enough, you do know what tadpoles become don't
you...especially giant prehistoric tadpoles. This story is yet another that had me engrossed from
beginning to end, kudos to author Laimo.
Friends of a Forgotten Man, by Gord Rollo, is a revenge story deluxe. What would you do if your
wife were killed? Lock up the responsible party in a small dark hole, and feed them only enough
to
keep them alive and suffering of course. Sounds fair enough to me. But the story is not about the
husbands' revenge. It is about the man in the hole, the forgotten man, and his friends. Friends who
just so happen to be the leeches that bond with him as they feed off his body. And one never
forgets
promises made to a friend, not even a leech. This is highly imaginative and thoroughly
entertaining.
Savage Safari, by Guy N. Smith, is the kind of story that makes you think, 'cool,' when you read
the
last word. I have never been a fan of hunting or gaming, feeling that it is just wrong to go into an
animal's home with the intent to catch it unaware and kill it before it has a chance to react. That
may
explain my delight when the hunters became the hunted. They would have been much better off
had
it been the bull elephant they were hunting, however it was something much older, bigger and far
more deadly. I must say this was edge of the seat gripping storytelling.
Eldon Weeks and the Salem Witch, by Scott Thomas, takes place in a world now ruled by The
New
Gods. All women are dead and the men are being picked off one at a time by gulls. Eldon is the
Gull
Slayer and there is a bounty on his head. Much to his surprise, he and his traveling partner
Davenport find a woman still alive. The sad irony is that she is a nun. Thomas poses the age-old
question, what if we were the last two humans alive? This was wicked fun and told in a unique
style
which I found to be very engaging.
Curly's Story, by John Pelan, touches on my own personal fear of spiders. As Curly tells his tale of
the huge spiders found in the Steens, a secluded wilderness perfect for hunting, my skin literally
crawled with fear. Pelan gave me enough detail to perfectly picture horrible spiders large enough
to
drain a deer of its internal organs in an hour. And even though the spiders only reside in the telling
of
a story from the local drunk, you will most defiantly be left to wonder just what happened in the
Steens after Curly left. The story telling was smooth and chilling.
Dust Bunnies, by Mary Ann Mitchell, proves what I have been saying for a long time, housework
is
bad for your health. Pruncella was not very good at housework. Cleaning was never her
forte-with
the exception of dust bunnies-those she just could not tolerate to have around her house. She kept
constantly at her vigil, until the night she discovered the dust bunny from Hell crawling out from
under her bed. Ms. Mitchell writes with such perfection that I felt I was there being attacked as
well.
Once Upon the End, by Weston Ochse, is a powerful tale of survival. The earth is infested with
maggot-like creatures, and the story is about a small band of people bent on helping each other
get
out of this alive. I got to say it is a rare treat to have characters so rich and so diverse in a short
story. I am usually a big fan of the bad guys, but Ochse draws you into his cast and makes you
care,
deeply, about the outcome. I must admit grandma was my favorite and seeing 'Little Bunny Foo
Foo'
in written word for the first time since childhood made me smile. Horrified and moved all in the
same tale.
Not only are you the reader treated to deliciously horrifying tales, but also the CD is loaded with
bonuses. The first I want to mention is the fact that if you are not one to read on the computer, a
print friendly version is in the menu. But it doesn't stop there, you also get: a video introduction,
video dramatizations of two of the stories; Dam Beavers by Edo van Belkom, and Friends of the
Forgotten Man by Gord Rollo, a real audio reading of The Fish Story by Selina Rosen, and you
can
read the script for Once Upon the End, by Weston Ochse.
I want to go back to the art for a moment while we are talking about bonuses. Not only is the
cover
amazing, but there is also an equally amazing piece appearing before each story, and if you still
crave
more work from Allen Koszowski, you will find some of the most well-done and disturbing pieces
of
art in the creature gallery.
If you have yet to be filled with horrible thoughts that will keep you up all night with the lights on
and still haven't had enough, then in the 'about the contributor' section, you will find information
about everyone involved, and links to find out even more.
Without hyperbole, this is the best themed anthology I have read in years. Kudos to everyone
involved, and I eagerly await the next volume. If you don't own this now, you had best grab your
copy while you can. No horror collection will be complete without it in its midst. When is the
next
volume?
Diana Bennett, Reviewer
Drayvenn@aol.com
Fortenberry's Bookshelf
My Soul Has Grown Deep
Classics of Early African-American Literature.
John Edgar Wideman
Running Press Publishers
125 South Twenty-second Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103-4399
www.runningpress.com
$29.95, 1270 pp. ISBN: 0762410353
John Edgar Wideman, the first author to ever win two PEN/Faulkner awards, continues to fulfill
his
promise as one of the most important authors in America today. My Soul Has Grown Deep is an
anthology of classics, but is destined to become a classic itself. It is a must-have collection for any
serious scholar of American culture, whether focused on literary, historical, social, economic, or
political studies. It is so rich a heritage, it almost defies description. Collected here we find the
works of Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Ida B. Wells, W. E. B.
DuBois, and Paul Lawrence Dunbar, for example. Any one of these names instantly sets the
standard
and we begin to see the immense impact upon our society and indeed the world these thinkers
have
had. This tome and it is a great tome in the grand old notion of the heavy, thick book o'
knowledge
is indispensable Americana.
Wideman provides quite a service here, in numerous ways. Not only has he anthologized in one
convenient volume a distillation of some of our nation's greatest authors, but he carefully
introduces
each one with a biographical essay and study of their works. These works are presented as they
were
originally written. The excerpts have not been edited or their language "modernized" to help out
our
soft headed reading skills. They are historical documents and should be analyzed and
comprehended
in context. This isn't McHistory we are studying through the reconstituted McLiterary
advertisement
side order of the biggie fried book. This is a gigantic slab of real literature. It is a heavy, bloody
slice
of humanity's soul. We have a lot to learn and should be thankful. To quote Dunbar in his "Ode to
Ethiopia": "Be proud, my Race, in mind and soul; / Thy name is writ on Glory's scroll / In
characters
of fire." Here is that fiery scroll. The contribution of the "black man" should not be seen as solely
for
the black man, either. This is a legacy for the human race, a lesson and a light for the world. As
Dunbar continues, "No other race, or white or black, / When bound as thou wert, to the rack, / So
seldom stooped to grieving; / No other race, when free again, / Forgot the past and proved them
men / So noble in forgiving. / Go on and up! Our souls and eyes / Shall follow thy continuous rise;
/
Our ears shall list thy story." (1171) The history of slavery and freedom in America, much like the
recent liberation of South Africa, or the tragedy of the Holocaust, has much to teach us all about
our
own humanity. More importantly, perhaps, is the lesson learned by our responses to and attitudes
about these tragedies. As Ida Wells notes, despite the later indictment of the "Negro a moral
monster," the enslaved blacks of the South preserved:
inviolate the womanhood of the South which was entrusted to his hands during the war. The finer
sensibilities of his soul may have been crushed out by years of slavery, but his heart was full of
gratitude to the white women of the North, who blessed his home and inspired his soul in all these
years of freedom. Faithful to his trust in both of these instances, he should now have the impartial
ear of the civilized world, when he dares to speak for himself as against the infamy wherewith he
stands charged. (802)
As Wideman comments in the introduction to the book, "DuBois attempted to gauge the future
by
looking backward first." This is the rallying cry of any great historian, for the past is indeed alive
and
the mother of our present. It is never, as he quotes Richard Holmes, "simply 'out there,' an
objective
history to be researched or forgotten at will, but lives most vividly in all of us...." Wideman
compares our current time to that in which DuBois composed The Souls of Black Folk, the turn
of a
century, on the cusp of great uncertainties and great prospects, "poised at the edge of the
unknown."
The purpose of his book is to engage us, to teach us, and to open us up to all potentialities. Some
possible answers to our future lie in these commentaries and perhaps solutions to the problems
facing the Twentieth Century. We have much to learn here, even if it is nothing more than the
attitudes of these thinkers. Because no matter how dire the situation, no matter what form or
color
or distance a problem may have to us, its solution lies in the mind and will. Clear thinking cannot
exist without the proper attitude, the proper education, and the proper resources. What we have
here is a fantastic and irreplaceable resource. We all owe Mr. Wideman a debt of gratitude for
compiling this excellent collection.
A Modern Buddhist Bible: Essentials Readings from East and West
Donald S. Lopez, Jr., editor
Beacon Press
25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02108-2892
www.beacon.org
$16.00 266 pp. ISBN: 0807012432
Donald Lopez, Jr. has compiled a fantastic collection of Buddhist writings in A Modern Buddhist
Bible. In it we find a wonderous diversity of thought, including The Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat
Nanh,
D.T. Suzuki, Alan Watts, Allen Ginsberg, Willliam Burroughs, and Jack Kerouac. Each writer's
section is introduced with a brief biographical essay that places person and thought in the grand
vision as explained by Lopez. He notes that modern Buddhists are "forging a universal doctrine
from
the divergent traditions of China, Sri Lanka, Japan, Burma, Thailand, and Tibet...", and also, one
presumes without saying, Europe and America. He notes that the "new" doctrine put far less
emphasis on traditions, rituals and relics, instead focusing on an active spirituality of mediation
and
compassion. These readings provide fascinating insights into Buddhism from numerous directions,
much like light striking a prism from all directions. These thoughts both illuminate the core of the
crystal and project new and varied rainbows of light in all directions.
I found fascinating and brilliant writings in here. Some old favorites -- often just for the collegiate
rebelloius hell of it-- such as Kerouac or Williams, sparkle all over the place with there literary
magic
(Who else but Jack could pull off a straightedged line like, "It's a satori of your foolish flesh, you
lecher."), while other more "serious" studies from Suzuki, Watts, or Hanh illuminate the depths.
Thich Nhat Hanh has a section on "suffering is not enough," which is something I very much
believe
it. It says we must always look beyond suffering to the beauty of the world ("sunshine, the eyes of
a
baby"), to be truly peaceful and happy. Also, he includes some lesser known or sometimes
forgotten
authors and their works, such as Sir Edwin Arnold or Henry Steel Olcott, which add some nice
flavor to the collection. In one of the simplest, but purely wonderful statements on religion ever
made, Shaku Soen said this in an address to the National Geopgraphic Society in 1906, "I was
once
asked whether there was such a thing as religious life particularly. To which my answer was
simple
enough: 'Attend to your daily business, do all you can for the promotion of goodness in this
world,
and out of fullness of heart help your fellow-beings to gain the path of enlightenment. Outside of
this
there cannot be anything to be specially called a religious life.'" Yet again, this shows the
simplicity
and direct power of Christ and Buddha, "Do unto others...." It can't get much simpler.
There is however one slight problem with this collection. Or as I like to call it, now to nitpick the
trivial. The back cover states that this "is the first anthology to bring together the writings from
Buddhists from both Asia and the West that have defined Buddhism in our era." This I think is
accurate, far more so than the title of the book. I had some problems with using A Modern
Buddhist
Bible as the title. It is in fact a unique, diverse collection of mainly modern Buddhist thoughts, but
these are often by non-expert, sometimes halfhearted devotees who simply have some cache or
notoriety of name. I mean when we are talking William Burroughs and Madame Blavatsky as
Buddhist core writings, we aren't necessarily at the heart of Buddhism. He could just as easily
include Richard Gere and the Beastie Boys as experts. I believe though the intention is good, the
title and its implications simply miss the mark. A "bible," as perceived in the West at least, has
marked connotations. It is a core testament, a bedrock book from which all else springs or to
which
all else is added. I believe a Buddhist Bible, per se, would be more along the lines of the sutras of
the
Buddha himself, and then maybe adding things like Zen koans as a "new testament" of historical
texts alongside the "old testament" heart of diamond, as it were. While I can see The Dalai Lama's
writings as a relevant modern core resource, I cannot see Madame Blavatsky's theosophy as a
core
teaching, even though she so obviously based it upon Buddhist principles. She also talked about
everything from lost lemurians wizards to outer realms visitors and ghosts as her teachers. So, I
think you have to place her blatherings, and say Alan Ginsburg's poetry and the dharma bums
meanderings, in a Buddhist subcategory or interesting or literary or complimentary or artistic
complimentary writings to the core, but not the core itself. But then, maybe he wishes them to
simply be gateways to the core. Like a sand mandala or tantric chant, maybe it is a beautiful,
artistic
gateway, though of course not the core itself. At any rate, I thought perhaps the subtitle,
Essentials
Readings From East and West, would have made a more accurate title. But then, I may not have
noticed it on the shelf if it weren't called a Buddhist Bible. Sigh. We'll leave all that to the
marketers.
Time to sit and relax.
The Crime Writer's Reference Guide
Martin Roth
Studio City, CA: Michael Wise Productions
11288 Ventura Blvd., Suite 621, Studio City, CA 91604
www.mwp.com
$19.95, 280 pp. ISBN: 0941188493
Writing a mystery no longer has to be a mystery. Martin Roth's updated second edition of The
Crime
Writer's Reference Guide is a smarter, more comprehensive, and (could it possibly be, in this day
and
age?) easier to use manual for the writer of crime tales. We no longer need an inside scoop, with a
buddy at the bureau or an old sergeant on the force who was friend's with our dad, to get to the
real
deal. Roth has performed an invaluable service for writers everywhere, compiling a very thorough
yet lucid and light compendium on crime writing, or as the quaint subtitle runs, "1001 Tips for
Writing the Perfect Murder."
Coordinated under hard to confuse headings such as criminals, crime, cops, courts, investigations,
prisons, and language, the necessary information is succinctly presented and accompanied by
charts
or lists where necessary. Roth provides-at-a-glance breakdowns of federal and local investigatory
bureaucracies, laws and legal codes, types of weapons and drugs, and official and slang
definitions.
Furthermore, each section ends with lists of additional references for more detailed studies. I
could
easily break this book apart and coat my walls with charts and lists of vital information to craft the
next Mary Higgins Patterson nee Grisham bestseller, but it's bound in such a nice little package
that I
hate to mess with perfection. Besides, as I learn reading this book, sloppiness does not a perfect
crime writer make.
Roth answers our questions and solves all our basic crime problems in this book. From scene of
the
crime staff operations and proper investigatory procedures, to charges, court procedures or
forensics, this is the guidebook. While it can't solve the writer's greatest challenge interesting,
dynamic characters it can provide the concrete world in which they operate. I urge all crime and
mystery writers to use this resource. It is invaluable and will save an immense amount of research
time. Or, to use some of the legal jargon I am picking up from it, this argument is ab incovenienti
"an argument that not following a certain course will result in hardship." Writers, don't cause
yourself hardship. Pick up this quick reference guide to lay the technical groundwork so you can
focus on developing those characters racing through a finely convoluted plot. Or to put it another
way, buy this so you can start killing quicker.
The Seventy Great Mysteries of the Ancient World: Unlocking the Secrets of Past
Civilizations.
Brian M. Fagan, editor
NYC: Thames & Hudson
$40.00 304 pp. ISBN: 0500510504
From the earliest age I remember being fascinated by tales of "lost" empires and ancient
civilizations.
It began with the mysterious Mayans (at that time seen as something bizarre between
astronomer-priests and magician-warriors who suddenly vanished from the earth and left behind
an
indecipherable glyphic language that hinted at vast cosmic knowledge, which of curse fueled an
entire mini-genre on ancient astronauts). I retain a lot of that wonderment to this day, though now
it
is grounded in science and realistic theories, and love reading still about those places of mystery
and
magic where our facts tend to run out and speculations run wild. The Seventy Great Mysteries of
the
Ancient World fits the bill. It is a mature, serious look at some of histories greatest turning points
and conundrums.
Though it does cover the usual ground like the myth of Atlantis, the Garden of Eden, Moses,
Biblical flood, the shroud of Turin, Stonehenge, and King Arthur, it deals with them exceptionally
well, exposing the speculations and providing the latest theories and research. For instance it
updates the "Ten Lost Tribes of Israel" topic with the latest DNA finds in South Africa and Asia.
But this book is a very good blend of hard science with cool musings, with weight given to
factuality. The vast bulk of the book deals with more firmly grounded and serious historical
arguments, such as the origin of language and writing, the enigma of paleolithic cave art and fate
of
the Neanderthals, beginnings of agriculture and cities, mummification and pyramid building, the
fall
of Roman and Moche civilizations, the origin of Indoeuropeans and Aborigines, Polynesian
navigation, and the tombs of Alexander the Great and China's first emperor. One section, on
ancient
and undeciphered scripts such as Proto-Elamite, Etruscan, Linear A, Meroitic, Indus, Zapotec,
and
Runes, I found extremely fascinating. I love languages and realized this entire section is a gold
mine
of research opportunities. But back to the book at large. The text is lucid, flowing with quiet
authority, and easy to grasp though detailed. Furthermore, each topic is presented in a very
concise
sections to enable brief readings on the run or in stimulated conversations. The book is illustrated
throughout with gorgeous photography, explicit maps, graphs and charts, all laid out in an
attractive
and balanced design. It also has a nice section in the back before the index that provides further
reading suggestions on every topic covered in this volume. It is slightly oversized, so would make
an
easy to handle coffee table book as well as a weighty bookshelf addition. For the thorough
collection, there is a companion volume The Seventy Great Wonders of the Ancient World: The
Great Monuments and How They Were Built, edited by Chris Scarre.
Overall I have to jump for joy about this grown-up "mysteries of history" book. My hat is off to
Mr.
Fagan for gathering such an impressive and controlled collection of data on a hot, yet often totally
misconstrued topic. The subject is infinitely rich and there is never a need to go for
sensationalism.
The most serious, well-reasoned arguments in the book are sometimes the most shocking to read
and astounding to grasp. This book is such a pleasure to read that I actually read it twice before
writing my review.
Thomas Fortenberry
Reviewer
Gorden's Bookshelf
Hulk
Peter David
Del Rey Books/Ballantine Books
www.randomhouse.com
ISBN: 0345459679 price: $6.99 May, 2003, 338 pages
Peter David has written a number of screenplays into novels. With 'Hulk,' David comes close to
writing a great novel but misses the mark.
Bruce Krenzler has always kept his emotions under control; this tight control has estranged him
from his girlfriend, Betty Ross. His haunted past lurks just beyond his consciousness. At a
laboratory
in Berkley, Bruce, Jake Harper, and Betty experiment with ways for the body to regenerate
damaged
tissues. An accident occurs during an experiment and Bruce is exposed to radiation, a dosage that
should have killed him but doesn't. Everyone seems to want a part of Bruce including his
murderous
father, David Banner.
The 'Hulk' is a story about the damage visited on children by parents who think about themselves
alone. It tells the story of a child's anger manifested in a green Hulk who is able to bring the might
of
the world down to the toys of a child. The novel comes up short in bringing the psychological
damage to the understanding of the reader but does deliver on the action/adventure parts of the
story. If you like any of the Marvel comic characters, you will love the 'Hulk.' If you want a
deeper
understanding of the psychological damage that can be done to a child, find a good Alex
Delaware
mystery.
Bones of the Earth
Michael Swanwick
HarperTorch
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022
ISBN: 0380812894 price: $7.50 paperback 383 pages
Michael Swanwick has written a tale filled with the paradoxes of time travel. The story is a fun
confusing mix of spectacular action and the anomalies of time travel. The story has weaknesses
but
the unique twist between the hundreds of millions of years in the past and the unforeseen technical
science of the future overcomes any problems with the writing.
Richard Leyster is a world-renowned paleontologist when a man by the name Griffin walks into
his
office and leaves him with a fresh Stegosaurus head in a cooler. The surprises, tension, murder
and
mayhem come non-stop until an end that is just as much of a paradox as the beginning.
'Bones of the Earth' is well worth the time it takes to understand the twists and turns. It offers a
new, but sparse, speculation of the life and death of the dinosaurs. It also takes a look at the
paradox
of time travel, without the science, but filled with details a layperson can grasp. Swanwick has
written a fresh story filled with old questions and just enough answers to make the reader
comfortable. Anyone who likes to read a book that makes you think should read 'Bones of the
Earth.'
S.A. Gorden
Reviewer
Harold's Bookshelf
When Life and Beliefs Collide: How Knowing God Makes a Difference
Carolyn Custis James
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310250145 $12.99 Pages: 256
Carolyn James starts her book with a personal experience at a large evangelical seminary. As one
of
the first five women to enroll in the seminary after it opened its door to women, she experienced
both support and condemnation for being there. But one remark from one professor caused her to
go on a search to prove him wrong. That remark was that there "have never been any great
women
theologians". In a field where admittance of women to theological institutions has been very rare
it
seems logical that there have not been any great women theologians, not because they could not
have been but because the system prevented them from existing.
From this point she begins the real meat of the book, and what a fine meal it is. By first pointing
out
that theology is really about knowing God and not about graduation from a seminary, she then
shows that there have been women in the Bible who came to know God and lived their theology
every day. Through a detailed examination of Mary and Martha with an emphasis on Mary, she
demonstrates how Mary grew into a strong relationship with Christ.
Carolyn James examines why women often shy away from theology. She examines how Mary's
experiences parallel our own in many circumstances. Starting with chapter five she looks at
Mary's
disappointment with Jesus as Lazarus lay dying. How did this circumstance affect her relationship
with Christ as the teacher and as the healer? Why does God often seem to not be there when we
need him most? How do we handle our unbelief when presented with things contrary to our
beliefs?
While she builds a very good case for Mary as the first great theologian who seemed to
understand
the mission of Jesus even when his disciples were confused, that is not the totality of the book.
Chapter nine is not to be missed by anyone seeking to understand the male/female or
husband/wife
relationship. It is an insightful, sound and refreshing chapter. Looking beyond tradition, she does a
fantastic job of shedding new light on the subject. This book is worth the price just for chapter
nine.
While it is directed toward women as the primary reader, it is a recommended book for anyone.
However it is especially appropriate for women who feel that their theology is not important
because
they need to be under the headship of a husband. Your theology, your understanding of God, your
relationship with God is important whether you are single, or married. For women readers it is a
highly recommended book and a source of encouragement for those seeking a deeper
understanding
and relationship with God.
Total Tai Chi
Matthew Rochford
Thunder Bay Press
5880 Oberlin Drive, San Diego, CA 92121-4794
ISBN: 1571459340 $19.98 Pages: 192
"Total Tai Chi" is one of the more practical instructional and informational texts on the subject. It
begins with an exposition of the history and philosophy of Tai Chi. In this section the author
points
out that Tai Chi is both an ancient martial art and a form of "moving meditative practice".
Matthew
Rochford discusses the history of the various styles of Tai Chi and how it is used today for health
and exercises. These health benefits are quite extensive and include blood pressure regulation,
more
energy, better balance, increased white blood cell count, better breathing capacity, better posture,
improved heart health, improved concentration, and a general state of calmness.
The second part is where the actual practice and forms are introduced. This section is heavily
illustrated and well written. The author does well with the formidable writing challenge of trying
to
explain various physical movements in sufficient detail that the reader can duplicate the
movement.
In addition, the author takes a unique approach by first concentrating on just the upper body
movements, then on leg movements, before combining them to produce the whole body
movements.
Finally an eight posture movement and a sixteen posture movement are introduced and explained
in
detail. The section concludes with how to work with a partner.
The book concludes with suggestions on how to use Tai Chi throughout the day including doing
some of the exercises while seated and a short morning, afternoon and evening routine. For those
interested in learning this ancient form of fitness this is an excellent book on the subject and a
highly
recommended read.
Season of Peace Devotional
Russell Pond
Season of Peace
2803 Needles St., Euless, TX 76040
ISBN: 0971884005 $15.00 Pages: 203
Not just everyday devotional messages, "Season of Peace Devotional" has contains devotionals
directly related to problems with anxiety, fear, and panic attacks. Each devotional is short, taken
from a particular passage of Bible scripture, has three primary points to think about, and ends
with a
prayer. Each is well thought out and speaks to a specific aspect of those who experience anxiety
and
fear in their lives. Whether helping to remove the grip of a fear or establishing hope about the
future
they are all powerful devotionals. This is a highly recommended book for anyone dealing with
fear,
anxiety, or hopelessness in his or her lives. Get it, read it, work toward a season of peace.
Northern Mysteries and Magick
Freya Aswynn
Llewellyn Publications
PO Box 64383, St. Paul, MN 55164-0383
ISBN: 1567180477 $14.95 Pages: 242
This is the fourth printing of "Northern Mysteries and Magick" and if you are into runes or
Scandinavian mythology and mysteries then it is easy to see why it has been so popular. Starting
with a short piece on the northern tradition in perspective, it proceeds quickly into a detailed
section
on runes. For each rune it gives the Germanic, Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse names, the phonetic
value and the traditional meaning as well as an illustration of the rune. Beneath this there is a
detailed analysis of the rune in terms of the culture of the time, it's derivation when known, other
words it is associated with, how it was related to specific Norse gods and myths, and various
other
pieces of information as appropriate. While the information is detailed the writing style is not very
technical in nature and so creates a flowing, easy to follow read that anyone can understand.
Following this section is an excellent piece on runic divination including the nine worlds of Nordic
mythology and how they relate to the conscious. Divination methods discussed include the basic
fourfold wheel and the more detailed eightfold wheel techniques. This is followed by a very
informative section on runic magic and traditional magic techniques and beliefs. Each of the
traditional Scandinavian gods is presented with a detailed profile that includes their name in
Norse,
English, Dutch, and German, their primary element, secondary element, color, number, totem
animals, personal sigils, magical items, the purpose for which they are typically invoked and the
runes used for them.
The book ends with a chapter on feminine mysteries that includes a short piece on the practice of
Seith (mostly the casting spells and enchantments), an examination of Odin and how he related to
the feminine mysteries, and detailed profiles of the feminine gods such as Frigga and Freyja. For
those who are interested in runes, northern magic beliefs and systems, or just a detailed account of
how runes and magic were used historically and what they meant to the people of that time it is a
highly recommended read.
Louisiana's Award Winning Recipes
Missy Armstrong, Dottie Brewer, Harrietta Randazzo
Billion $ Baby Publications
22817 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 408, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
ISBN: 0970794517 $14.95 Pages: 135
When I started reviewing the book "Louisiana's Award Winning Recipes" I expected to find some
fine Cajun style recipes. While I was not disappointed and found several such recipes, it also
contained many old-fashioned favorites. One of my favorites, old-fashioned skillet cornbread, was
included in the text and is a recipe that is not easy to come by with most cornbread recipes
including
a fair amount of sugar (this one does not).
The book is divided into several sections: appetizers, beverages, breads, soups, salads, vegetables,
meats, poultry, seafood, pies, tarts, and desserts. Other really good recipes include Party Shrimp
and
Mushrooms, Stuffed Peppers, and Poulet Luzianne. Unusual recipes that you are unlikely to find
in
other cookbooks include Crawfish and Corn Soup, Turtle Soup Manchac, Catfish Gumbo, Soup
Du
Crocodile, Jambalaya, Spicy Okra Puffs, and Creole Shrimp Stew.
This book is not about fancy cooking but the kind of dishes that you are likely to encounter at a
church potluck dinner or a backyard family get-together. It is the traditional home-style cooking
common to Louisiana and sure to please anyone looking for such recipes. "Louisiana's Award
Winning Recipes" is a highly recommended read for those looking for Cajun style cooking or
old-fashioned, traditional recipes.
Organizing Your Home Business
Lisa Kanarek
Made EZ Products, Inc.
384 South Military Trail, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
ISBN: 1563825155 $14.95 Pages: 275
For those who have made the switch to working at home this book is directed to organizing your
home office so it actually functions as a business. "Organizing Your Home Business" addresses a
lot
of the little things that may make or break your business if you don't do them right. At a minimum
they help to make the business run more as a business and less as a hobby. First she addresses the
creation of a useful workspace including what you should consider before deciding where to work
and how to organize it for efficiency.
One of the problems that most people don't think much about is the problem of office supplies.
How
much do you purchase? Where do you store them until needed? What supplies need a monitoring
system so you know when you are running low and which ones don't need to be watched as
closely?
One of the biggest problems that I have seen in this area is printer ink. There's nothing like having
to
stop what you are doing, run out to a store, and get another printer cartridge so you can finish
getting something out today. If you let your supplies determine your schedule you will find
yourself
frantically trying to get everything done.
The rest of the book deals primarily with organizing paperwork, creating a daily planner, home
filing
systems, how to handle incoming information so it is addressed efficiently, organizing receipts,
time
management, and even ways to turn your car into a home office if that is what you need. If you
have
minimal experience with office management then "Organizing Your Home Business" is a good
place
to start gaining an understanding of the details of organizing a home business.
The John Hopkins Medical Guide to Health After 50
Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D.
Rebus, Inc.
632 Broadway, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10012
ISBN: 0929661737 $39.95 Pages: 638 plus multiple appendices
From the highly respected John Hopkins University Medical School, "The John Hopkins Medical
Guide to Health After 50" provides extensive information in an easy to use and easy to understand
format. It is logically divided into three major divisions plus several extremely useful appendices.
The three major divisions are Disease Prevention, a thorough Body Atlas, and the alphabetic
Guide
to Medical Disorders.
The section on Disease Prevention includes information on longevity, exercises, diet, Weight
control, smoking, alcohol, and screening tests. It carefully discusses each of these items and their
importance to keeping healthy.
The section on the Body Atlas is exactly what you would expect from the name. It is thoroughly
illustrated and covers all major organs and structures of the body including the skeletal system,
eyes,
ears, endocrine system, digestive system, and others. The only one that I found lacking was the
part
on the muscular system. With a frontal view of the muscular system it clearly shows how they
relate
to each other, however, there was no illustration of the muscular system of the back. Since back
problems are fairly common as we age I would have like to have seen a view of the back muscles
in
addition to the frontal. All the illustrations provided are detailed, in full color and well
designed.
The Medical Disorders division is by far the most extensive section. It covers all the expected
items
such as arthritis, breast cancer, chronic pain, coronary disease, and emphysema. But it also
includes
some unexpected topics such as bipolar disorder, sleeping problems, and even wrinkles. Each
disorder typically include information on causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, side
effects, involved structures, current research, and alternative therapies. It is easy to look through a
particular disorder and come away with sufficient knowledge to intelligently discuss the condition
with your physician. Knowing what questions to ask and the purpose of a suggested treatment
regimen is a critical step in taking control and responsibility for your own health. This book
provides
you with that knowledge.
A very highly recommended book, it is extensive in its coverage, filled with excellent illustrations
that clearly demonstrate the accompanying text, contains a medical glossary, and a thorough
listing
of support groups and organizations for various disorders. With over a hundred specific ailments
common in people over 50 this is an important reference text for any home.
Java Script Bible - 4th Edition
Danny Goodman
Hungry Minds, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022
ISBN: 0764533428 $49.99 Pages: 1200 including appendices and index.
The "Java Script Bible" is one of the few technical books that live up to its title. It starts with the
author's view of Java Script's role in the Internet, some of the challenges of dealing with the
different
browsers, and writing your first Java Script. This section is followed by an extensive tutorial. The
tutorial covers browsers and document objects, HTML Documents, programming variables,
expressions, data type conversions, decisions structures and loops, functions, arrays and windows
objects. No area is left uncovered from the DOM model to Cascading Style Sheets, to XML. The
book ends with a detailed section on the core language reference.
The book has examples of work-arounds for bugs, example scripts (most of which are also
included
on the enclosed CD-ROM). There are other excellent books available but none cover all the
details
of Java Script to the extent this book does. This is the most highly recommended book on Java
Script that I have read to date - an absolute must on any Java Script programmer's bookshelf.
History of Science: Antiquity to 1700
Lawrence M. Principe, lecturer
The Teaching Company
4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 100, Chantilly, VA 20151-1232
VHS, CD, Audio Tape, DVD
Lectures: 36
Science has advanced more and more rapidly over the years and it is easy to lose sight of the
foundations of science. What seems obvious to us now is only obvious because we have been
taught
it from childhood, but at some point in time someone had to develop or recognize even the most
basic principles. Dr. Principe guides the listener through the early history of science in thirty-six
lectures. These lectures include not only what you learned in high school but he develops each
person as a complete individual. Not only does he include the well-known information and
successes
of each person but also their frailties and disappointments.
One of the themes that he examines closely is the relationship between science and religion. While
we have been taught about the problems between Galileo and other scientists and the Catholic
Church, we have not generally been taught the many, many times that the church was the primary
supporter of scientific research and inquiry. How does this historical information affect us today?
Would you believe that the sixty minutes to the hour is from a Babylonian base-60 math system?
With aqueducts that had to cover great expanses but only decrease a few feet and keep a constant
grade for the entire distance, the feats of Roman engineering are nothing short of amazing.
Dr. Principe clearly examines each advance in science within the culture of the time and in doing
so
makes it much more interesting. One of the more interesting lectures covers the contributions of
the
Arab world. There were great advances in astronomy, mathematics, optics, and terrestrial
navigation. If you had to face Mecca each day for prayer then they had to develop reliable ways to
determine the shortest distance to Mecca no matter where you were on the earth. This need lead
to
the creation of astrolabes, which could be used with considerable accuracy.
Not content to just discuss the successes of science, Dr. Principe also examines the fascination
with
alchemy and astrology. At one time these were serious pursuits and the scientific community in
general took them to be serious research. Dr. Principe has provided a delightful trip back in time
to
understand science as it was and how we eventually moved to the brink of the Scientific
Revolution.
The lectures are highly recommended for anyone desiring a complete understanding of the history
of
scientific thought from the ancient beginnings to the 1700s.
The Complete C. S. Lewis Signature Classics
C. S. Lewis
HarperCollins
HarperSanFrancisco Division
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022
ISBN: 0060506083 $49.95 Pages: 498
Clive Staples Lewis, better known as C. S. Lewis was one of the most influential Christian
thinkers
of all time. Whether through symbolism in the Great Divorce, biting satire in the Screwtape
Letters,
or unflinching logic in Mere Christianity his brilliance shows through clearly. "The Complete C. S.
Lewis Signature Classics" contains his seven most popular works - Mere Christianity, The
Screwtape Letters, Miracles, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain, A Grief Observed, and
The
Abolition of Man. While I read many of these years ago as a young Christian and college student
this
is the first compendium that I have reviewed. Make no mistake about it; this is a collector's
edition in
all respects - hardbound, nice dust jacket, crisp quality printing, and even
