Woody Allen Books

Having started with "Madrox" and then moving on to volume 1 before reading this, I can easily say this is a great book. It's a little slower than the first one, but the payoff in this book is mind-blowing. Layla is still a part of the team doing her "I know stuff" thing, Quicksilver drops by for a scary guest stint, and there's an incredible moment of betrayal by one of the members of X-Factor you'll never see coming. Banshee's daughter deals with his death (from the pages of X-Men), and perhaps the coolest thing of all is how a simple plot thread from the very first issue of the series plays a huge part in the end of this book. Trust me, the story doesn't always move along at a fast pace, but there are enough shock-and-awe moments to keep you reading.

And through it all, Jamie continues to deal with the multiple personalities that are born whenever he's hit. The difference this time around is that he's slowly growing more in control and that's good. The plot device was a good place to start, but if it hadn't changed in a dozen issues the novelty of it would have worn thin.

This is not the book to start the series out on. Go back to the "Madrox" limited series, then get the first one before coming back here. Peter David is doing an incredible job of storytelling here, and you don't want to spoil anything by missing a key point early on.

the story seems to get more and more interesting to read. can't wait for the third arc

A proudly post-post-modern academic 'Sexpert', Kath Albury totally relishes the irony of her pop-media job-description and loves her subject to bits. This original, impressively researched book is really smart and really funny -- totally fascinating fun from cover to cover. It's kinda "discourse with laughs" (wait'll you learn about "the Whipple Spot"), but way smarter than just that. Albury leaves no stone unturned in this smooth-reading and sparkling argument for a truly liberated female sexuality in the post-feminist age, and backs it up with some eye-opening research from some of the more exotic corners of pop culture, a solid knowledge of feminist history, and a sprinkling of anecdotal evidence as well. If you don't hail from academia yourself (I don't), fret not! Albury is an earthy, life-loving young populist and makes her material deliciously accessible. Not afraid to take a healthy tilt at some of the icons of feminism's past generations, she busts the female (AND the human) spirit free of a whole lot of obsolete "thou shalt nots" -- her logic is delicious by the way -- in a gutsily optimistic journey round the sexual subway. I found "Yes Means Yes" to be just what its title suggests -- a truly liberating book by a truly liberated woman. It's our choice: why shouldn't life feel good? This book sure made this reader feel that way. And I loved the Mills & Boon cover artwork too.

This is a witty, smooth-reading and brilliantly researched post-feminist argument in favour of guilt-free moral, spiritual and above all sexual freedom in its most optimistic sense. Never has the noble pursuit of corporeal contentment in all its intriguing permutations been expounded in a more erudite, down-to-earth and lighthearted form. That's not to say the subject lacks solemnity: what should take greater priority than freedom? Full of fabulous facts, anecdotal evidence and incisive argument, this book makes a canny academic discourse not only accessible but entertaining for everybody of either (any) gender. It's really funny and really fascinating. The author, a committed and apparently lifeloving feminist, doesn't let the cause itself stand in the way of her occasional arguments against various restrictive theories of previous generations. She takes educated tilts at many of the movement's most famous exponents with calm and occasionally hilariously incisive logic. It's highly educational and engaging, and to me points an articulate way forward for anyone interested in casting off the shackles of sexual dogma. No stone, incidentally, seems to have been left unturned. Intellectual hedonism at its best -- I LOVED THIS BOOK!

This examination of Yoruba art covers a lot of ground, temporally and geographically. It covers the Yoruba kingdom by kingdom, looking at historical objects within each area. Accessible even to those without any knowledge of African art, it also has lots to interest the specialist--some controversial views on women's roles in Ife art, assignment of Esie carvings to the Yoruba and some previously unassigned bronzes to Ijebu, identification of particular artists' work and more. Written by three experts who specialize in different Yoruba areas, the writing is seamless and well-edited, neither talking down to the reader nor unduly academic in tone. The accompanying illustrations are superb, and many are contextual images. This book introduces Yoruba philosophy, religion, oral literature, and political organization interwoven with art, providing an excellent cultural overview. I use it as a university text, but it would serve as a beautiful addition to the library of anyone interested in Africa, particularly those who want to know more about this creative ethnic group which has left such an impact on the cultures of the Americas.

Academic, art collector and devotee alike enjoy this book. I have read this book about 6 or 7 times in the last 10 years. The photographs are beautiful and the text is some of the most well thought out, sensitive and enjoyable on Yoruba spirituality and culture. This is a history book, art book, anthropological study, religious reference and coffee table book in one.

Save your pennies, this is a keeper.

This is a valuable guide to psychiatric diagnosis and treatment that is immensely helpful for patients and their families. It also provides a fascinating view of human nature for the general reader. The authors illustrate how each of the mental disorders is an exaggeration of normal tendencies that have gotten out of hand. This helps a person suffering from a mental illness to feel less strange, alone, and helpless. An uplifting book that changed the way I see the world and the people in it, including myself.

This manual dispels the stigma about mental health and explains the different problems and disorders in a friendly and cheerful way. It is interesting to see that substance abuse (alcohol and drugs) can lead to a variety of psychiatric disorders that can equally be cured once abstinence occurs. I think this is a very relevant read for any college student who is subjected to rites of passage and other unhealthy pressure from peers to drink and take drugs excessively. The other topics discussed are exceptionally well handled and provide clear instructions and advice for those seeking to help themselves and others.

Southern California is not all freeways, suburbs, and smog. It features some of the most diverse and fantastic landscape in the country. When I first moved to Riverside in 1988, I was stunned at the sheer numbers of people; I had never been on a 6 lane freeway before, much less come to a stop on one, but I quickly discovered many great trails and mountains which have kept me here ever since. One of the great joys of reading '100 Classic Hikes in Southern California' was revisiting so many of these scenic locales. This may be my new favorite guidebook for hiking in this region.

One of the best features of this book are the numerous color pictures; one for virtually every trail described in the book, and many others as well. These are quality shots that allow even the armchair hikers among us to revel in the scenery. In addition this book features nice color topographical maps with the trail clearly delineated. The actual route descriptions are very thorough, and driving directions are for the most part adequate. In short, this book is almost perfect.

Almost, but not quite. I did notice a few mileage errors and several places where the maps were slightly misleading, usually by failing to show an alternative loop route. (For the record, described routes are mapped as thick red dashes and other routes or side trails are usually, where noted, delineated by a thin black dotted line.) One specific trail description, Ewoldsen trail and McWay Falls, illustrates both these points. The author lists total mileage for this combined route as 3 miles: following his description, however, actual mileage is at least 4.6. However, one can also make a loop of the interior hike, rather than just go out and back, and this adds only 1.3 miles, but the connecting route is not shown in this instance. As an aside, parking is no longer free at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State park, but no guidebook can keep up with California's changing fee structures.

These are fairly minor points however. Even where mileage is off a bit (and in most cases the author is spot on) or the map does not show connecting routes, you will not get lost on these trails if you use the book. And its many good features more than make up for a few flaws. Perhaps the hardest part of writing a '100 Classic Hikes' book is trying to pick the best, a very subjective process indeed. But having hiked almost 2/3 of the trails Reidell recommends here, and explored parts of many others, I must admit the author succeeded in this difficult task. This is an excellent book for hikers and anyone who wants to find out about some of the nicer parts of Southern California. Get it and enjoy.

Vol. II of the Pirate Writings 'Best of' series is just as good as volume I. Peppered with tales from big name writers and rising stars, this volume has something for everyone. I must read for lovers of SF/F short fiction.

If you cherish "As a Man Thinketh," then "Above Life's Turmoil" will not fail you. In this book, Allen disects the human condition and like a master physician, he offers solutions in his haunting and truthful style. This book is beautiful. As with Allen's other works, I re-visit the pages of this book often. Read it yourself and see why.

As a licensed social worker I had looked forward, with a great deal of interest, to reading this book as there is so little written information out there regarding how to properly screen adoptive and foster parents. Well, what a disappointment! I would strongly advise any professional who is looking to increase their knowledge about the screening process, or anyone thinking about being a foster or adoptive parent, to stay far away from this book. Not only do the authors suggest inappropriate ways to do screenings, but many of their instruction is downright unethical! Not to mention judgmental and extremely biased! This is a book that if you follow it's advice as a professional you could end up getting sued, and if you are a person considering being an adoptive or foster parent you will not be considering it anymore after reading this book. The only reason I gave it one star is because the Amazon review program requires some type of rating in order to post, but if I had my way this book would be a 0 stars. Stay away!

I certainly enjoyed having this book also. I was given the set of books by James Dickerson and Mardi Allen for Christmas. Both books are very accurate in the information shared. I have friends that are considering adoption and I will share these two sources of valuable information with them.

'Adventures of the Spirit: A Guide to Worship from the Perspective of Process Theology' is a collaboration of Clark Williamson and Ronald Allen, both professors at my seminary, both ministers in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) tradition, committed to ecumenical perspectives. This is a first-rate, practical book. It covers the various aspects of practical worship -- preaching, prayer, communal action, weddings, funerals, and more.

Williamson and Allen begin by looking at spirituality from the process perspective. Spirituality means different things to different people, and is not a universal good. Sometimes it has been used to create artificial divisions, between clergy and laypersons, between the material world and 'other' world, and sometimes has an irrational, or even anti-rational bias. However, every religion relies on spirituality to some degree, and it has a creative force to it that makes it irresistable at times. The authors argue that proper Christian spirituality needs to be lived out in community, in relationship, in covenant, and in creative adventure. As God's creative work never ceases, our response to that continuing work and call from God needs to be fully realised.

Apart from an adventurous and open spirituality, process theology looks toward an open adventurous spirit of thought and intellectual engagement. Process theology involves fully the processes of science, philosophy and other disciplines of critical thought. It does not fear or shy away from such endeavours, but rather looks to incorporate these into the overall faithful framework.

From this background, Williamson and Allen look at worship as something that affects us and affects God. The old ideas of a static, immoveable God do not make sense, indeed never did -- why worship something that can have no reaction or response? Why would a God who has no possibility of being affected need or even desire other beings to worship or pray?

Leading through the various issues and practicalities of worship, the authors show the important relationship between clergy and laypersons, leaders and followers, the biblical text and preaching, and all of these things and God. There is an interconnection between all these things, nothing being static but always being in the process toward the aim of God toward greater community. Some aspects are completely practical regardless of the framework (for example, in discussing worship styles for leaders, the authors discuss eye-contact, posture, movement, preparation and more that are important in any type of service). In other aspects, the interpretation from process theology becomes important; in looking at the means of grace through baptism and communion, the greater importance of the concerns of theology and the community of the world come through in ways that more traditional interpretations might miss.

This is a rare book, difficult to find, but it is a real jewel, and an important work of practical theology. If you find it, buy it! You won't be disappointed.

I have this as a reference book and I just love it. It's great to have in your personal design library.