I Books

Back in the seventies, Silverberg really could do no wrong, at least by my estimation. Pretty much everything he did was an interesting bit of SF in its own right and often explored topics that SF didn't normally cover, or did it in ways that were new at the time. And he did this without being overly avant-garde or lessening the emotional impact of the work. "Nightwings" is probably overlooked because it was in its most famous form as a novella and in fact won a Hugo (and was also nominated for a Nebula) that year. Novellas are hard to release because they aren't long enough to warrant their own publication, so you either have to bundle them up in anthologies or piggyback them onto other books that may or may not have anything to do with the story in question. Fortunately Silverberg seemed to get around that problem by writing two other novellas to act as continuations of the story begun in "Nightwings". In the story he takes us to a far-future Earth that exists in the wake of a far more technologically advanced society that collapsed some centuries back. In this world humanity had fragmented into guilds, each serving their own purpose. Our viewpoint character is a Watcher, one of those who scans the skies in the event that we're invaded. Nobody really expects that to happen. But it turns out that everybody is wrong. The invasion, though, is almost beside the point. While it's the main bit in the first novella, what Silverberg does in the other two is deepen what we've already seen, exploring the intricacies of this new society and also how it reacts to sudden outside influence. In doing so, the Watcher sees humanity attempting to figure out if it has a place on its own planet, as well as trying to face its own shameful history that led it to this point. Its telling that for all the attention paid to the pretty flying people, they barely figure into the story, except to symbolize what most of us can't do. Silverberg manages to sketch out a fairly complex society in what amounts to very few pages, giving us enough for the big picture while letting us fill in the blanks, especially when it comes to the past history of Earth. He does this without making the novel six hundred pages and part of a larger trilogy. His prose, as is typical of this period, is sharp and lyrical, and he gives us plenty of nice mental images to take home: Pilgrims slouching toward renamed cities of our day, Fliers soaring into places most people can't go, people walking amongst the ruins of a past nobody can fully contemplate, decadent palaces and men both petty and bestial. It's fascinating and what other writers would spend entire series exploring, Silverberg nails it all in barely two hundred pages. And at the end we don't need to see more, he's shown us enough. Its impact isn't as great as his better known novels (it appears to share some of its themes with "Downward to the Earth") but the images it leaves us with of a future that is still recognizable even after everything is changed makes it one of his more notable works, and well worth giving your time to.

"Nightwings", an elegant collection of three novellas, shows the young Robert Silverberg at his lyrical best, telling a haunting, mesmerizing tale of a far flung Earth subjugated by the citizens of a distant planet once ruled by a brutal, imperial Earth. Told through the eyes of a "Watcher" - a former member of a feudalistic guild whose members were in charge of Earth's defense - the entire book works as a memorable tale of almost insurmountable loss, followed by redemption. Silverberg takes us on a magical journey through the streets of Roum (Rome), Paris and Jorslem (Jerusalem). Not surprisingly, the first novella, "Nightwings" - which chronicles the Roum adventures of the Watcher as the city is conquered by aliens - earned a Hugo Award.

The opening story of this collection, "Nightwings," is a classic: dealing with a decayed Earth, sexaul jealousy, a fascinating "guild" system, and alien invasion, it is one of the high points of the post-Golden Age era. The other two stories in the collection, while not terrible, do little more than flesh out the world. The major problem here is that "Nightwings" is avaiable in Silverberg's excellent collection _Phases of the Moon_; if you like science fiction at all, that book should be on your shelf. As such, it renders this collection somewaht unnecessary.

I am happy to say that this is the greatest book for science fiction lovers anywhere!! Silverberg has yet again astounded me with this awesome tale. Anyone who can read should read this book. :)

Long before Silverberg's Marjipoor Chronicles, there was "Nightwings."

This slim volume consists of three linked novellas that tell the story of a man who loses the woman he loves, and through one mistake, fails at his life's work and allows his world to be conquered. But ultimately, this is not a story about failure, but one about growth, renewal, love and redemption.

The story takes place on an Earth far in the future, one that has been brought to its knees by its own former arrogance. It is now a technological backwater in a large galaxy and has reverted to a medievalesque guild system. While some Watch the skies using intricate and decaying machinery, others Remember the world's history, and still others Dominate, using their position abusively where they will. The Fliers, descendants of genetically engineered humans fill the skies with beauty as they soar.

A Watcher loves the Flier with whom he has been travellling, but she loves another. He loses her in an invasion whose early signs he neglected to report. In the ensuing chaos, the Watcher becomes the unlikely custodian to a fallen Dominator and wanders the world trying to rebuild his life. He works as a Rememberer, learns the forgotten history at the heart of his world's downfall, and is ultimately purified, renewed, and given hope in the ancient city of Jorselm.

The story of "Nightwings" is simple and simply told, but it has a lyricism and beauty that make it memorable. Many of its themes resonate profoundly with contemporary concerns about cultural hubris, greed, and the growth of technology without the wisdom to regulate it properly. In the face of political devastation, personal redemption becomes intertwined with societal redemption.

"Nightwings" is a haunting and perceptive book. It made quite a splash when originally it was originally published, and the first part won a Hugo for Best Novella in 1969. It is good to have it available in paperback again.

P.S. I've Taken a Lover was truly delightful to read. I started reading it on a Saturday morning and finished on Sunday evening! I got nothing else done the whole weekend. White's story is about a meek housewife, Elizabeth; I would consider her a doormat, milk toast, wallflower kind of woman. Her life is spent in service to her husband and "his" house. But Elizabeth has a dream to become a writer that she buried long ago. Her controlling husband doesn't think she is capable of doing anything beyond taking care of him, his house, and his needs. I think any woman who has even a mildly controlling husband can identify with Elizabeth. And that is the real attraction to this story; the reader can identify with the characters and feel their pain, joy, hope, and laughter. Elizabeth writes a steamy novel under the alias Lolly Horn and her husband and his predatory secretary have her committed as a mad woman. This is the story of a woman reaching for her dreams regardless of the consequences and obstacles. It is truly inspiring, humorous and enjoyable.

P.S. I've Taken a Lover kept me sleepless most of one night--until I finished it at 4 a.m.

White's inventive story is about Elizabeth, a beaten-down, menopausal housewife whose husband has incarcerated her (and her alter ego, Lolly) in a mental institution. Lolly is a sexy writer of steamy romances, and everything that Elizabeth herself is not. Or is she? Elizabeth wonders if she is indeed going mad and Lolly is just a figment of her imagination. Unrepentant Lolly seizes the opportunity to finish her next sizzler. Besides Elizabeth/Lolly and her nasty husband, the story also features his predatory secretary and the mysterious man who becomes Lolly's secret lover.

This finely woven story masquerades as a comic romance but contains an allegorical tale of woman, reaching out for her dream. This is a great read. Kathryn North, author of Proud Mari

Entertaining and accurate--and what a TRUE heroine! With Scrupples! Having lived 15 years with a psychopathic doctor... I could identify with Elizabeth Gilmartin. Every woman deserves to be all she can be--every human deserves it! LIONHEARTED PUBLISHING has picked another winner AND continues to ELEVATE THE STATUS OF WOMEN. Lucas's writing style is a delight and hooks you. I couldn't put it down--I'm not normally a romance reader. I thank my friend for putting this book in my hands. Every woman should live her dream and no one should rain on another's parade. Ditch those "I know better than you do, dear" husbands and live! A. Vandeventer

Meek, submissive Elizabeth Gilmartin finds she can no longer deny, even to herself, that she is a writer. Not just a writer of fiction, but sizzling, sensual allusions for which she takes another identity, Lolly Horn. Her husband Edgar, stiff-necked and full of himself, would never approve, nor could he believe that his wife, whom he feels suffers menopausal delusions, is capable of such erotica.

Committed to expensive "Harmony House," Elizabeth must prove her sanity. But is she sane or mad? Has she been betrayed or is she merely deceiving herself?

"P.S. I've Taken a Lover" is a romping, lively read that takes you through hilarious predicaments, many of which are encouraged by Elizabeth's impish, life-long friend, Cass, who delights in aggravating Edgar.

Patricia Lucas White, an award-winning best-selling author has done it again. "P.S. I've Taken a Lover" bursts with energy, twisting and turning at every page. Don't plan on getting anything else done until you've finished this delightful book.

Reviewed by Mary E. Trimble, author of "Rosemount" (Crossroadspub.com).

This is a masterful first novel, opening as it does in the mental hospital into which Elizabeth Gilmartin's husband has had her admitted without her agreement. He thinks that she's crazy, almost certainly as a direct consequence of menopause. Then, she proves her craziness by telling him that, using a pseudonym, she has written a sexy bestseller. And she has. Or hasn't she?

There are mysteries in this story, primarily why the housewife has put up with all her husband's garbage, and why her adult children never see fit to intervene to assist her. These inconsistencies certainly are by the author's design; there are no holes in this book.

And where did the mystery lover come from? How did he track her down, and even visit her in the sauna of the mental hospital itself? Is he real, or is he a detail of her delusion?

This excellent book keeps its readers engrossed to very last page--and then leaves them wondering!

Mr. Templeman's ability to evoke real emotion in the plight of his characters makes this a book you cannot put down. The book is written from the perspective of Crilen, or Lenny as he is affectionately called, and the love that changed him forever. I found myself completely absorbed in the intriguing dilemmas facing Crilen and their relevance to the moral and cultural issues we face every day. You will continue to recount Crilen's life on this planet in turmoil long after reading the book. I would strongly support a sequel to this fascinating read.

The Planet of Mortal Worship is epic in scope and the plot is intricate and original. The hell-like imagery is both frightening and fascinating.

Although Christian apocalyptic fantasy is a popular genre, this novel has a unique and unusual protagonist. The author uses a great deal of creative license, fashioning characters not found in the Bible, but possessing spiritual abilities. The protagonist is likely the most atypical to be found in an adult novel, even of the fantasy genre. The imagery used to describe Crilen, an angelic sort of fire warrior, is vivid and captivating. Using fire as a tool of a heavenly being is an interesting choice, as is putting Crilen under the temporary charge of a demon. This protagonist is ingenious

I have wrestled long and hard with how best to convey all that should be conveyed about Templeman's book.
If you're on the fence about it, if the admittedly steep cover price is putting you off, then plunge ahead and go for it. You won't regret it. Every person I have turned onto it has been glad they found out about it.
The writing itself is top notch, lovely without any hint of pretension. It's visceral too; reading the first fifty pages or so (and the tragedy contained therein) will reveal that.
But the thing that makes the book so worthwhile is that Templeman has an unabashed agenda in his work. Questions of morality and the consequences of decadence abound. Templeman has his own viewpoint which he takes pains to put forward. But even if you don't agree with what he is saying you will still find yourself pondering his book and the relevance it has to our own confused world long after you've finshed it. That's the hallmark of the best writing: the question it asks stay with you long after the story has been told. That is precisely the case with _Planet of Mortal Worship_.

Don Templeman has created a fabulous world surprising, shocking, thought provocating, and challenging for the reader. Outstanding prose throughout - a very skilled story weaver! Full of surprises and twists. Love that taste of the darkside of humanity. The relationships between Crilen and Panla Jen are complex yet beg to ask what if...Truly a MUST READ.

Also, loved the mix of wit and commentary on society and the media. I finished Planet of Mortal Worship - ready for more!

Great Work - Should be a Best Seller!

The skill at which Mr. Templeman brings forth this story is truly amazing. He begins with his introduction of Crilen and quickly sets the stage for the story he has developed for us. His writing skills are are exceptional and his discriptive writing ranks with some of the best.

Right from the start he locks us into the world he has created, which very much mirrors ours and immediately we find ourselves attached to the main characters. We feel their joys as well as their pain.

What intriqued me most was as the plot thickened, it just seemed to thicken more. Mr Templeman brings to conclusion this turmoil in a most satisfying way. He honestly had me right until the end. It was excellent!

I strongly recommend (and I do) this as a must read for everyone.

I should have been here years ago writing this review. If there was _one_ book that I could attribute to changing my life in a real and significant way, this would be it. IE Irodov's 'Problems in General Physics' is a Sistine-Chapel, an Illiad or a Mona Lisa - if you will - of Physics. I am disappointed by the fact that it's probably no longer available. More so, there are just under 10-12 reviews on a book that touched millions and millions of high-school/college students every single year (atleast in the Indian Subcontinent and ofcourse, Russia).

The book is a collection of problems. Period. Few of them are easy, most of them are tough and all of them are a joy to tackle. Sometimes it may take you even days to figure out a single problem. I remember going to bed with a problem and waking up in the middle of the night just because I dreamed of a solution that might work. This book (along with Ressnick and Halliday) inculcated in me a deep understanding of the nature of Physics, the beauty in problem solving through rigorous mathematical and analytical techniques. Many problems in Irodov involved not only a good understanding of physics, but also mental alertness. A question in the "Optics" section could just as easily involve an understanding of gravity, electricity and even mechanics.

I hope this book is not forgotten anytime soon. It's a work of art.

-

I used this book in my preparation for the Engineering Entrance examination. I loved and enjoyed the compilation of the difficult problems it presented. I was about 16 years old when I used this book. I had it till I finish the high school. I am sure there might be a solution book already out there by now. I would recommend this book for all the physics enthusiasts, young physics minds who want some challenges, I am sure I would use this book when my son grows old. Fundamentals would never change. Great book, and I still carry this in my collection.

The problems in this book challenges even the best brains in the world. It mostly tests the fundamentals of your knowledge in basic Physics. Some problems may be very tricky and may require the use of principles across two or more topics in Physics (example: electromagnetism and heat). Don't be surprised if I told you that some problems may take a day or more to solve. In the end, this book will prepare you well to take any and toughest examination in the world, in basic Physics. A 'must have' for any Physics lover !!

I really feel proud to give a review on I. E. Irodov's renowned book tilted Problems in General Physics. I still remember those exciting days back in 95,96 when I used to remain engrossed with some of the mathematically challenging problems in the book while preparing for IIT-JEE .I enjoyed solving each one of the problems I've been able to solve.

But , as some one has rightly commented, it's targetted to a mathematically inclined audience,capable of appreciating the need to quantify physics.

So dear readers,a prerequisite for a successful venture into solving Irodov problems is a good grasp of Vector Analysis and Calculus.

Thanks
Santosh Banerjee
--I still miss those problems :-)

The classic Irodov problems are daunting in the sense that they are informal and need a thorough understanding of not only a single chapter but a good understanding of all the fundamentals.Some of the problems may take several hours long but don't get bogged down.If you can solve at least 80% of the problems in a single exercise you can rest assure that you have clear fundamentals and also do have the ability to apply them.They are a must for every IIT(Indian Istitute of Technology) aspirant and also comes helps in the olympiads.There are a lot of solution manual in the market(atleast in India) but one should try to stay away from them and have confidence in himself or herself.All in all a class act!

Packer does an outstanding job imparting the Purtain's' Christian beliefs and how it relates to our everyday walk with Christ.

J. I. Packer is one of the top thinkers of our day. His love for the Puritans is obvious from his devotion to their thoughts and theology. This is perhaps the best book Packer has written. Everyone should have this book on their shelf.

I heard that this was a life changing book so I took advatange of ordering it on Amazon and have been greatly pleased.

JI Packer is a master. Not because he has any unusual knowledge or superior intellect (altho he does possess these in abundance!) - but because he has chosen to make the past accessible to us.

This past is not an everyday event. The age of the Puritans was uniquely God-seeking and Lord-exalting. These Puritans knew whom to fear, knew whom to turn to, knew whom to extol, knew whom to obey.

In a century of persecution and The Great Assizes, during turbulent and antagonistic reigns, they made it known that they served only under One's rule. These men and women of the past, were fearless and absolutely committed to the Reformation. They were not satisfied with half-measures or the petty pay-offs their lords so regularly gave into.

Even in their everyday life, they suffered trials of incredible variety.
It is only an attestation to God's providence, His gracious benevolence, that they withstood the test of time.

And so this is the premier work on those Giant Redwoods. It is inescapable in its scope and God-revering in its content.

'The doctrine of revelation is in the melting-pot; the historic evangelical belief in verbal communication from God thru the Bible is at a discount; can Owen, the greatest British divine of his day, if not of all time, help us recover and re-establish the truth?

Or is he himself vulnerable to criticism? One feature of the contemporary theological scene is the polemic of Karl Barth and some of his followers against expositors of Reformed orthodoxy for having, as they allege, foreshortened their doctrine of divine communication by 'freezing' the Spirit in the Scriptures.

In fact, we shall find that the criticism, as applied to Owen, is wholly invalid, and that the point at which Barth regards Owen's generation deficient, is actually the point of Owen's greatest mastery.' pg 84

The Puritans are being heard from the pulpits again, thanks to men like Packer and Lloyd-Jones. Their legitimate voice has many a word of advice to a complacent, under-achieving Western world, where once they ruled in submissive allegiance to a glorious God. They are the intellectual giants of our Christian culture.

The author of the epistle to the Hebrews exhorts the readers in the last chapter to "remember" their leaders, "consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." There is a value, great value in learning biography of great servants of God in the past, the giants of Christianity; some of whom are the Puritans, whose theology and lifestyle are still relevant to this day, in our days when it is getting real difficult to define and find what and where true Christianity is. Professor Packer has done a superb work in expounding Puritan themes on doctrines, practical theology, which Perkins defines as "the science of living blessedly forever. Blessed life ariseth from the knowledge of God", ministry and evangelism. In regard to doctrines, a particular emphasis was placed on John Owen whom I regard as one of, if not the best dead Christian apologists where his treatises on the doctrine of limited atonement, spiritual gifts, communion with God, the beauty of piety and holiness are treated exquisitely. Pastor Richard Baxter, though somewhat erroneous in doctrines, seems to be a role model of a compassionate, God-serving, people-loving, talk-the-walk, walk-the-talk-type of minister and evangelist where pastors have much to learn from in our days of quick decision, quick conversion, prosperity gospel, emphasis on fun, numbers, and programs in running the church, exhorting people to go to Afghanistan to preach the gospel while the pastor himself enjoys the glamour of rich congregation in Aspen.

The beauty of Puritan principles in regard to family, keeping the Sabbath, marriage, and revival are covered impressively as well. The views on family and marriage are sober yet happy ones, for me personally, but I think are good for singles and married couples alike. If Puritan lifestyle were to be summarized in one statement, in my view, it is as follows: "a joyful compassionate, careful, thoughtful, serious, God-dependent commitment to live a life as pilgrims on earth journeying toward the blessed eternal residence of God in heaven, that expresses delight, reverence, worship of God, and display of the glory of God expressed in the gospel, particularly in the work of redemption carried out by the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross." I'm grateful to God to have the privilege to read some of their texts and biographies; some of which I thoroughly enjoy are those by Jonathan Edwards (Christian Pilgrims, Charity and its Fruits, The Excellency of Christ), John Owen (Overcoming Sin and Temptation, edited by Prof. Kelly Kapic and Justin Taylor), Thomas Watson (The Art of Divine Contentment, All Things for Good, A Treatise on the Beatitudes), Jeremiah Burrough (The Jewel of Christian Contentment); and look forward to read more. O how I long to fellowship with brothers and sisters in and be cared under a Puritan-like ministry, and if the Lord ever calls me to be a minister, or work in ministry, I desire to be like Owen when it comes to solidity and depth of understanding of biblical doctrines, and Baxter when it comes to counseling, ministering, loving and caring for people.

If you a Sherlock Holmes fan this is a great book to read. I like this Volume that I order Volume II to read this summer.

Recently I finished reading E.W. Hornung's The Crime Doctor, the outstanding novel about Doctor John Dollar (both physician AND detective), and I decided to pick up a complete set of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works on Sherlock Holmes. Although this collection is a little dated, I consider it to be the best availible on the market.

There's not much left to say about this literary classic. It's great to have all of the stories and novels put together, in the order that they were published--there are references here and there to things that happened in previous stories. Of course, you don't have to read everything in order, but its worth it all the same.

Some of my all-time favorite stories in this volume of the collection are "The Red-Headed League," and "The Adventure of the Speckled Band." Also worth a read are the short novels A Study In Scarlet, The Sign of Four, and The Hound of the Baskervilles. They illustrate Doyle's (and Holmes's) mastery of the art of observation. As Holmes says in a story in the second volume, "I see as much as you, but I notice what I see." Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is one of my all-time favorite authors; this collection is highly recommended.

Immerse yourself in foggy 19th century London, following the steps of intrepid detective Sherlock Holmes. This volume will give you a very thorough introduction to the official "canon" of Sherlockian lore. Recommended reading.

This book offered some of the lesser known writings of Doyle, as well as, some of the better known stories like "The Sign of Four". My only gripe was that the font was bit small and I was feeling like a detective myself holding a magnifying glass just to make out the words.

Arthur Conan Doyle captures my interest with each little detail and surprise that awaits our true Bohenian Detective and his companion Watson. The dialogue is always fluid and natural. And the stories are so involving. I recommend anyone hoping to become a writer someday to tackle Doyle's works headon. You'll be better for it.

What a wonderfully empathic book for children who themselves struggle with angry outbursts or who know someone who does. It is honest and helps a child know they are not alone when they lose control. A great book to help start a discussion between your child and you.

I have two sons who certainly have their share of temper tantrums. This book gives a tough childhood topic a sense of humor, realism, and sensitivity that is so approachable for them! It makes discussing their behavior and its consequences easier and so much more effective. A priceless gem for the parent of any toddler or preschooler!

My kids love to listen to this book. Lets them understand not everyone is always happy and it is ok to feel Bombaloo.

A great book, that teaches a good lesson, in a really creative way!

(review by Bob Smith's wife, Kathy)

THis book is about a sweet little girl who sometimes gets angry and then turns into bombaloo, who screams, hits, kicks, and gets sent to her room. And it's scary being bombaloo, she doesn't like how it feels, But then she calms down and is better.

I have several books about anger and dealing with emotions, actually. BUt this one is my daughter's favorite and mine too.

So I made her this bombaloo pillow. Now, I'm not a great sewer or artist, but basically I took her to the store and she picked out a happy fabric and an angry fabric. I then cut out a face w/arms and simple hands coming out the sides (kinda like where ears go). I then matched and cut out the same in the other fabric. I used buttons and ribbon to sew on faces - a happy face and angry face. Then sewed them together and stuffed it.

That's her bombaloo pillow. So when she's angry, she can punch it, bite it, throw it, etc. And then it has the happy side that she can put on her bed, cuddle up to, etc. She calls it her Bombaloo pillow and remembers the book when she sees it. PLus just the activity of making a pillow to go with the book was really great for helping her to remember what she learned in the story.

Kids need to know how to deal with scary emotions, like anger and fear. When they get angry, they want to strike out. Unfortunately, most parents don't want them to hit, scream, yell, punch, bite, etc. So the first step is helping them recognize when they are angry, then teaching them that the feeling is normal, and then teaching them how to express it "appropriately", and lastly, teaching them how to calm themselves. This book addresses many of those steps in a very visual, concrete way.

This is a wonderful book but it is most suited for serious practitioners who already know the CORRECT Yang 103 empty hand form. This book will truly motivate you to become a better Tai Chi Player.

If it is your intention to figure out what Yang Luchan could put into practice, you know that all we have are hints. A written hint here. An oral hint there. A rediscovery from this person. An oral tradition from that person. In other words, you know how hard it is to stay on the path. Well, here is a book that is chock full of hints, a veritable roadmap of them. If taijiquan is for you a "martial" art, why don't you own this book?

Here's a statement issued by the Yang family (Yeung is Cantonese for
Yang

-----
Yeung Family's Tai Chi Chuan

The Yeung family's style of Tai Chi Chuan is unique to the Yeung
family.

It was started by Great Master, Yeung Lu Chan, who was born over two
hundred years ago, and has been passed down to family members,
generation after generation to the present day. The lineage under
discussion is that of Mr Yeung Sau Chung, the eldest son of Mr Yeung
Ching Po. Mr Yeung Sau Chung moved to Hong Kong with his family in
1949, and continued to dedicate his life to practicing and teaching Tai Chi Chuan until his death in 1985. Since then his family has devoted
themselves to practicing and teaching Tai Chi Chuan.

Mr Yeung had taught for over fifty years, and his daughter Ms Yeung Ma Lee, taught for over twenty years. Over these seventy years, they both have taught many students. Their method of teaching is personal and individualized. Through this methodology, they have employed various teaching approaches that take into consideration an individual's learning level, capabilities and physique.

It is important to clearly define the different categories of learning
more fully:

Category one is family. Yeung family members are taught the complete
body of knowledge. In the family, the methods and formulas are observed
most strictly, and the teaching methods employed are quite severe.
While all family members learn, not all like teaching and not all take
disciples.

Category two is disciple. Generally, a student is required to spend a
specific amount of time studying with the teacher before being
considered for discipleship. Students are accepted as disciples based
on several criteria. The disciples must have aptitude and possess virtues
such as honesty, kindness and loyalty to the Yeung's family. Once
accepted, they would acquire from the Master skills that lead to a
level of comprehension that far exceeds that of the students so that they can help the Master to spread the Yeung Family's Tai Chi Chuan.

A disciple is allowed to use the Yeung family's name when teaching.
Disciples can choose to take their own disciples. All disciples are
listed in the chart of School of Yeung's style of Tai Chi Chuan but not
in the Yeung's family lineage despite the fact that some people
shamefully promote themselves this way.

Category three is student. With permission from the Yeung's family
students could teach using the Yeung's family name.

The family itself has published books about Tai Chi Chuan. One must
understand that books only serve as a guide; you could only learn the
art well with instructions from the Yeung family. Recently a movie of
Mr Yeung Sau Chung surfaced on the internet (without family permission).
The same principle applies. It may be the best form one has ever seen,
but without the underlying formula, it is impossible to learn from it.

There are a lot of claims by some people saying they are practicing the
"real" Yeung style, or they possess the "forgotten secrets" etc. It is
absolutely important that the followers should exercise the utmost
caution to discern the authenticity of these claims and whether the
martial art is appropriate for their physique, otherwise it is not only
a waste of time and money but also it might cause serious injury. Yeung
style Tai Chi Chuan is both an extraordinary defensive art as well as
an unparalleled health maintenance exercise. The principles and
applications are only as valuable and effective as the source from
which they spring.

Know your source.
-----------------------

Not my words, but the words of the Yeung family. There are a lot of taichi chuan masters teaching terrible and innacurate form. Buyer Beware!

It is a very interesting approach to Tai Chi. It explains the philosophy and the basic. It is good for people that are starting with the study of Tai Chi.

Though "secret transmissions" is somewhat of a misnomer, what the author presents is a collection of early published taiji material--mostly by Yang Cheng Fu, though there is one work
indirectly attributed to Yang Ban Hou.

These early works are not a step-by-step manual, but guides to the practicing student to help gain insight into what they're practicing. What any reader should immediately pick-up, however, is that these guides were written for someone learning how to fight.

Though much of the material is by (and thus, oriented towards) a Yang-stylist, the fundamental principles of taiji remain the same in all styles, so there is enough material that all taiji practitioners can benefit by. In fact, this book was recommended to me by a Chen-style practitioner.

The other part of this book, the author's foreword, gives the colorful (and sometimes conflicting) historical background and accounts of the Yang family, which is in of itself a fascinating read.

This book is definitely recommended for any serious taiji student.

NOTE: I am submitting this as a copy of the review from AvanteGuard Teacher's website, since it is what I might say.

TOP PICK: If I'd had Teacher Under Construction, a book written specifically for middle-school teachers, I suspect I would have gotten more sleep, fewer headaches, and organized my time more effectively. This book is a must-have gem for the new or initially-licensed middle-school teacher. Your pedagogy classes don't cover this stuff, and it seems that too few resources are dedicated to the squirrelly (but infinitely fun) middle schooler. (TOP FIVE AvantGarde Teacher Review)

Far removed from educational philosophy and pedantic educational theory, this little gem is a mine of practical teaching helps for new middle school teachers, drawn from the author's many years 'in the trenches'.

A book is only as good as the author's understanding of his/her subject, and one has only to read "What is a middle schooler?" on page one to understand that this author knows what middle school is all about.

The book has some helpful checklists, sample parent letters, and what to do on the first day of school. Even as an experienced teacher, I still found a few things helpful. But make no mistake, this book is aimed squarely at new middle school teachers. It has been used in countless university educational prep courses, and while not of the scope of some more publicized tomes, it addresses every aspect of cogent information a new teacher should know--from legal aspects, to seating logistics, to teaming.

A wonderful and helpful book. But "What is a middle schooler?" is the crowning touch.

Dr. Parks' book "Teacher Under Construction" is great! I am currently in college now to major in mid-level social studies and English. This little book really opened my eyes to the things I should prepare for. I am quite nervous about teaching but now I am more confident. Thank you for writing this, Dr. Parks! Tessa Suzanne White

This is an AWESOME overview of teaching in a junior high! Spend 2 days reading this, and you'll save yourself 5 years worth of trial-and-(lots of) error!

NOTE: Review written by Jim T., (K-12 instructor), Orange County CA. I used Donna's status.

I taught 7th grade for the first time last year as a veteran high school teacher and learned by trial and error some of the things discussed in this book. While experience is the best teacher, it was great to read it from someone who really knows what they are doing. A Must.

An excellent grouping of poems. They each reflect real life circumstances in today's busy world. I am pleased to be an integral part of my grandchildren's lives. As such, this book is quite relevant to circumstances that they could face as they grow up and out into a more independent world. Thanks Vickie for having the heart to tell it like it is. Your sensitivity and talent certainly shines through your work. You help us face and address so many of the current social ills!

Vickie,I will start off by saying your words,language and poetry are simply clear,down to earth and truly has a message.The only reason that I gave you 5 STARS is because there was no 10 on the board! My review may be quite different from your other wnderful reviews and that is because the reason that I said Divinely Awesome is because I do not understand God's Ways or Timing.I now know that He says that all things work together for His Good and purpose.I pray that every child,teenager,parent and also anyone that would like to have hope and press on and accomplish their purpose,would get your book and read it often.I really wish that I had mentors or someone when I was a hurting and confused child and teenager,to guide and direct me.I became a very angry and violent young woman that every poem in your short but very powerful book described with such clarity and humor.My prayer is that many more doors are open for you to help young people,which are our future to know that they will submit to someone for the rest of their lives,that they must develope character and that their gifts can take them but their character must KEEP them.They also will always have choices,there will always be consequences,they can continue to play the BLAME GAME and that they can choose to be BITTER OR BETTER BUT THEY CAN'T BE BOTH.Your words in each poem touched my soul and gave me hope in a way that you will never know on this side.I was the destructive child that grew up in a very violent home;chose all the negatives that lead to many addictions.I am now 52 yrs old,and the author of 'All Cracked Up" and at this stage i began to feel like giving up on my purpose to continue my triology of my books to help the youth,battered men and women,unhealthy relationship addicts,sex addicts,rageaholics,sucidal tendencies and eventually crack addicts.Why? because I became all of the above and more; I didn't have someone like you who cared enough to talk,write or show me the WAY and some how THE DIVINELY AWESOME GOD THAT CREATED ME and knew me before I was in my mother's womb;through all the rain,storms,fire ,trials and tragedies, He directed and kept me to tell my story from experiences to help someone.Now with all the mentors He has provided for me I am proud He added Vickie as a road model and mentor in this 52 year old woman's life.When the road gets hard as it has, I can read "The Trouble I See" and know to hold on,some more Help is on the way.Keep up the Awesome call and purpose on your life Vickie Lynn Wright Wilson!!! Again thank you with all my heart!

I really enjoyed this book and feel it can make an impact on the yougth of today. It is easy to read and in a language they can understand. The book projects prospectives of parents/adults and those of teenagers. The poems demonstrate deep feelings of concern, desires for sucess, christian principles, and provide situations of caution. The book should be promoted for parents and their children. The author has found a tool to make an impact on our society!.

A wonderful book of poetry!!! Ms. Wilson's concern for the well being of all children and her experience as a parent and teacher shine through in each poem. Congratulations on your debut. I look forward to reading your next piece of work.

Reminds us that it is still possible, at a time when irony and
cynicism are so much the fashion, to pay tribute to our greatest
asset 'our young teens', in teaching them to recognize 'failings
and failures', while being properly appreciative of virtues and
victories. If you need to read a single book to help save our
teens, 'THE TROUBLE I SEE' is it.