W Books

When I found out about this book, I was yet again trying to recover from another failed relationship attempt. The question I kept asking myself was "why do I keep repeating similar relationships that end in similar fashion". Fortunately, it was also at this time that I met Russell Friedman, who encouraged me to read this book and do the work. Here I am, a little over one year later, happier and possessing a greater understanding of what was standing in the way of the relationship that I desired. Best yet, after several successful and fun dating relationships, I have MOVED ON and MOVED IN with the right guy for me. Thanks John and Russell for giving me the tools to build "it" right this time. Sara

I first learned about the Grief Institute through a raido program. I was intriqued and bought this book. WOW. Many concepts I needed to learn since, as the book points out, many of us learn myths about grieving. I too learned to be "strong" where people see us happy and able to deal...when that is only a cover up of our feelings and not dealing. I also like the STERBs concept. Short-term energy releasing behaviors. I was doing many things I thought were helping with grieving, but they were only short lived. This lead me thinking "Time would heal my wounds" which we now know isn't the case.

This book helped me in many ways and I recommend it and even buy it for friends. This is a must book for everyone. No...it isn't the complete all book as nothing in life is complete, but certainly a fantastic book in the journey of life and giving you some tools to help along the way.

This was a great book. I listen to the author on a radio talk show Audrey Chapman and had to purchase this book. The execrise along with the reading really helped me get with my most recent relationship. I have finished reading the book; however, I still review certain chapters weekly. I strongly recommend this book for anyone getting over a bad relationship and want to love to forgive.

Pennye James

Great book...better than great. I had several epiphanies about myself that made a real difference. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to grow and be free of past mistakes.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. I highly recommend it to anyone going through a break up of their relationship or if they simply want to know more about relationships in general.

I read this book several months ago. Well, I read all but the last 2 pages. It had me on edge nearly the entire time, and this sounds silly, as I'm a grown mother of two, but I was too scared to read the last two pages!

Great job, R.W.!

We killed the retarded boy. He took his own life, but we killed him just the same.

Thus begins The Takers, the first book in R.W. Ridley's YA Horror series The Oz Chronicles. This debut novel (published in 2005) is well paced, with a great quest/adventure and and several likable characters, including the main protagonist, Osmond (Oz) Griffin. The second in the series, Delon City, is now published and is definitely on my reading list.

Thirteen-year old Oz awakens from a fever induced slumber to find his world dramatically changed, his parents and most of the other people on his block "taken" and seemingly eaten by nightmarish monsters who appear and attack when their name is spoken. His quest begins when he is given responsibility for a baby named Nate, whose mother is taken, so he piles up his wagon, takes a sword from Nate's father's study, and proceeds to the big city. Here, the mystery of the Takers (who are they, where did they come from) begins to unfold, as Oz and his growing army of misfit survivors (including a sign-language speaking gorilla named Ajax who understands more about what is happening with the Takers than he can say) do battle with several of the monsters. A comic book written by the afore mentioned "retarded boy" holds the key to the mysteries and the quest involving Oz, baby Nate and the Takers.

I read The Takers straight through as the action and the quest continue unabated through the book. The ending comes quickly, but sets up the second in the series nicely, leaving some questions to be answered but solving many of the puzzles.

Horror and YA (with the notable exceptions of Potter and Eragon) are usually not my genres of choice, but I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it to fans of both genres.

I didn't read this book, but my 14 year old son loved it! That's saying sooo much, since he has never read ( and finished ) a book on his own before. He does not enjoying reading, as I do. He started this book one evening, after I made him, and he couldnt put it down. For the first time ever, I had to tell him to put a book down and go to bed! We have already ordered book 2, and he cant want for it to get here. Hopefully, this will start a joy of reading with him!

What its about:
13 year old Oz awakes from a fever in his parent's closet only to find that everyone is gone. He also is startled to discover that the reason people are missing is due to these strange creatures call the Takers. He knows that he has something to do with the Takers taking people b/c of a comic book a kid down the street wrote. He starts traveling to find an uncle and along the way he gathers some friends to help him battle the Takers. He learns that he has a mission to protect a baby who is a "storyteller." Oz and his gang struggle to save the baby and battle the Takers.

What is good about it:
This is a great story. It is pretty original and has some scary, funny and actions parts. Oz is a great hero. He isn't perfect but he is smart and brave. He has this charisma that attracts others and they follow him. B/c he is a child he is more willing to accept that there are these weird creatures out there, that a kid wrote about this in a comic book and that he should take advice from a gorilla (believe me it makes more sense in the book). It isn't a long book and is very easy to read in one sitting. In fact you might not be able to put it down.

What is bad about it:
Oz is a 13 year old and sometimes some of the things he does or says aren't very realistic of what a 13 year old might say. The ending also sort of surprises you but then you feel better about it knowing there is another book coming along.

Conclusion:
This is a very original book that I think adults and young adults will enjoy. I am looking forward to reading the next one. Enjoy!

I picked up The Takers upon the recommendation of a friend, and enjoyed it thoroughly. It is definitely targeted at a young-adult audience, and the term 'young' hasn't applied to me for a few decades, so I sometimes felt the story was rushed. On more than one occasion I felt myself wanting more. That said, I couldn't put the book down. It is a horror story, but is not overly scary or gory (again, good for YA) but it satisfies the horror fan with an extra helping of creepy.

The Takers is a gigantic toothy maw of literary fun that is sure to swallow the reader whole. It is full of action, likable characters, intrigue, and (of course) monsters. The plot jumps into high gear from the first page, and doesn't slow until the very end. As the first book of a series, it tells a good story that can stand on its own while at the same time luring the reader into book two (which I now have on order).

My complete review:

Characters: 5 stars. In a fast-paced adventure like this, it is easy to lose character development. Ridley manages to create a cast of interesting characters despite this challenge, including a Silverback Gorilla that speaks with sign language (a mechanism that I was skeptical of when first introduced, but it works).

Plot: 5 stars. The plot evolves well, with sufficient twists to keep the reader's interest peaked. The plot is more complex than many YA horror stories. For example, I found the plot of EPOCH to be relatively flat in comparison.

Pacing: 4 stars. I'm holding back one star here because I would have liked to see more of just about everything along the way: more detail in descriptions, more character interaction, etc. However, as mentioned above I am older than the intended audience by a fair bit. Also, the trade-off results in an exciting roller-coaster ride of a story, and that's not a bad thing.

Genre: 5 stars. While not overly gory or scary, The Takers is creepy, with many classic elements of horror: post-apocalyptic survival; mysterious disappearances; taboos; and lots of monsters. The monsters are described perfectly: just enough detail to inspire the reader's imagination to invent more. There is also a god diversity of monster-types to keep things interesting (and, again, creepy).

First Impression: The opening line "We killed the retarded boy" is brilliant.
Last Impression: This would make a great video game.

Overall Score: 5 stars.


Finally, The Takers is an independently published book, and as a self-published author myself (Cluck: Murder Most Fowl), I'm glad to see another independent author who takes writing seriously: the book is well structured, well written, and free of the typos and grammatical errors that sometimes appear in independent works.

This was such a unique book. It wasn't close to what I expected. Two boys, who live with their father in Alabama, are pretty much raised by their housekeeper, Ella Rain. Their father is very abusive and it impacts the boys life in drastic ways. Tucker, a photographer, is running from himself and the person he does not want to become. Mutt is in a mental hospital dealing with his demons and the voices inside his head. When Mutt escapes from the hospital and Katie, an old girlfriend, appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face his tragic past. This books brings faith and hope together with great character development and a very unique story line. One of those I whipped through and did not want to put down.

I don't too often rave about a book I've read but this is one of those you just have to rave about and share with others. I am an avid reader and read probably 2-4 books a week. I read secular and inspirational and I have to say this author moved to the top of my list as must reads. The book is loaded with humor and wit, sadness, love; no, this isn't a romance though there is a little romance going on but mostly it's several people who have been damaged by life and how the love and prayers of a black house keeper and nanny affected the lives of 2 boys. This is about forgiveness and how God worked to bring these lives together and heal them. It's not a preachy book though there is one chapter of a Catholic priest who says more profound words in a few minutes than many preachers I've heard who preach an hour. The characters are all so delightful to read about and I wanted to read more of them when it ended.

Jase, the little boy in the story is so adorable and I loved his relationship with Tucker. Then there is poor "Mutt" damaged so much by the past. Yet he is a delightful character. Of course probably the most important character was Miss Ella who loved these boys and prayed them through life and took beatings from the abusive father but still wouldn't leave the boys.

Towards the end of the book, Tucker is talking to God and says it all. "WE had 33 years of misery, bitterness, and hell, but you were right. Whipped, battered and beaten, love broke through the rocks. I don't know how, but it did. I guess that's the mystery of it all." It will be worth your time to read the book to find how all of this took place.

I got this book from the library but loved it so much, I ordered it to have my own copy because I know I will read it again and lend it to friends. I have pre-ordered Mr Martin's next book, "Where the River Ends" due out in July. This is one author really worth your time to read.

This book is extraordinary. A Wonderful testament to God and to human resiliency. One of the best books I have read in a long time. Have since ordered all of his other books and so far feel the same about each of them.

Wrapped in Rain beautifully illustrates the saying, "No pit is so deep that God's love is not deeper still." Wonderful book. I don't have enough adjectives to do it justice. Charles Martin's stories embody all the best in Southern fiction: lyrical prose, quirky characters, a sense of child-like wonder. I pray the Lord allows him to continue writing for years to come.

Found the story line to be a little far fetched, especially a person being sent home from a mental hospital with 2 injectable shots of Thorazine and a bottle of so called pills.

The very explicate descriptions of a situation or a view I found to be long, they could have been more to the point.

I had a hard time in reading the story and I had to force myself to finish.

This book is a simple, inspiring parenting book. I give it to anyone I know who has children. And if you read it more than once, you will get more out of it every time. It's about raising kids, it's about living a full life.

I was given this book as a gift when my son was a baby. I was instantly drawn to the message. Mr. Vannoy's advice is from the heart and carries a loving and respectful message. I have read and re-read the book at least a half dozen times and once in a while, I'll pick it up and open to any chapter, just to give myself a parenting boost. It really lifts the spirits and reinforces that we can have deep and meaningful relationships with our children based on love and respect for each other. Over the years, there have been many times where I given thanks that this book came into my life at just the right time. I'm proud to say, it's played an important role in the Mom that I am, which my kids will tell you, is the best!

I've ordered plenty of copies of this book to give out to new parents, including it with their baby shower gifts. And I gave a copy to my cousin, when she married a man, who came with 2 teenage sons.

A big thank you to Stephen Vannoy for writing this important book. A must read for every adult that influences the lives of children.

I first read this book five years ago and just came back to it as I was confronted with some parenting challenges. What is most clear to me about author Steven Vannoy is that he's not a therapist or "expert." He's just a very observant parent and great teacher. Other reviewers said it perfectly: it's simply the best book on parenting ever.

Steven Vannoy and Catherine Schneider have encapsulated everything that we need to know to parent effectively from the get-go! I am recommending them to all my friends who are becomming new parents. Thanks!

It's a great book not only on parenting, but also on human relationship and communication. I enjoyed reading this book coz it gives real life examples and the changes made after applying the five tools that can work miracles. The most inspiring tool for me is "forward focus" which keeps us on the positive side of things -- this is essential for bringing up kids with positive perspective that gets them moving ahead in face of the challenges of the world. Regarding the ten gifts that we can give to our kids, I can't agree more. It's truly a book written "from the heart".

Ted Lawson's first-person tale of America's first blow back at the Empire of Japan is a "must read" for anyone interested in military history. The first book published on the Doolittle Raid, Lawson's narrative describes the genesis, preparation, and execution of the raid, and should be followed with a reading of Doolittle's autobiography, in which Doolittle describes his mission as well as his despair after bailing out of his B-25. Little did either of them suspect that a raid intended to boost American morale would have strategic consequences, and that Japan would divert badly needed resources to home defense that otherwise would have gone to the front lines.

Well told story of the Doolittle raid told by one of the pilots on the raid. The story is about the pre-raid, the raid itself, and the aftermath, which tells about the injuries sustained by Capt. Lawson and his crew and the help they received from missionaires and the Chinese in escaping capture by the Japanese. He also relates the stories of some of the other crews on the raid.

This is a tense account of the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in the spring of 1942. World War II pilot Ted Lawson describes the pre-raid preparation, taking off from the aircraft carrier Hornet, attacking Tokyo, and crash landing his B-25 bomber in Japanese-occupied China. As many know, the B-25's took off farther out to sea than planned after the Hornet was spotted while approaching Japan. With too little fuel to reach the safety of Chinese lines, the crews bailed out or crash land in Japanese-occupied China. The surviving airmen then tried to avoid Japanese army patrols and find help from friendly Chinese. Most flyers did so despite the language barrier and survived. But Lawson was injured in the crash-landing, and when infection set in his leg was amputated in a field hospital. Lawson survived, returned to the USA, and wrote this book in a matter of days in 1943. The story is often gripping but loses a bit of steam later on - thus just four stars.

I read this book as a youngster for its thrill value without fully realizing that war is mostly tragedy rather than adventure. The book became a 1944 film starring Van Johnson, Robert Walker and Robert Mitchum. As for Lawson, he returned with his wife to California where he eventually ran a machine shop and he lived until 1992.

It a first person account of the Doolittle raid over Tokyo in 1942, written by one of the B-25 pilots from the raid. It covers his story from flight school all the way through his eventual return to the United States. Its an amazing story, especially the crews crash in China and the 5 month ordeal of evading the Japanese. It is a great book for younger readers with its fast pace and informaly written style.

I first read this book so many years ago that I can't remember, but I think it was about when I was in the eighth grade, say about 1955. I remember the book, and I remember the Van Johnson movie. The scene where the Chinese peasant brings Van Johnson the pair of slippers only to see that he has lost one leg stays with me even now. ==This is a classic book. It was written by one of the pilots on the Doolittle raid over Japan. In fact it was the character played by Van Johnson, Lt. Ted W. Lawson, that wrote this book.

This book, these men as much as any other that I can think of illustrates exactly what Tom Brokaw had in mind when he referred to them as the 'greatest generation.' Especially so when you talk to one of them and they invariably tell you they were not a hero. Heros were the ones who didn't come back. Heros were the other guys. I was just doing my job. Heros they were all.

Read this book. Read it again if you read it years ago. Give a copy to that youngster in your family or church that you think will appreciate it.

I didn't expect to like this book, but when I put it down I found myself eager to buy the next volume. It is, essentially, a gay romance set in the pirate era. The characters are intriguing, the historical details are fascinating, and the talk of philosophy and religion is quite interesting as well.

The reason this gets four stars from me instead of five is because the whole plot is dependent on a premise that is frankly ridiculous. The premise is that all (or nearly all) buccaneers are gay, and they all engage in long-term monogamous relationships equivalent to marriage with a very low divorce rate. This leads to extensive talk about sexual orientation throughout the book, which is really not necessary plot-wise and comes across more as the author trying to make a statement (considering most people who pick up this book would already agree, it is really unneccesary).

That said, if you can get past the premise, it's really a fun book and the characters are great.

I was very surprised at how much I fell in love with this book. It sounded remotely interesting since it contained a slash (M/M) romantic pirate story with some hints of angst. It's so much more than that. This book is fantastic. The angst and hurt/comfort were better than I ever could have dreamed. I won't spoil anyone, but these themes are much stronger than the book description suggests.

Beyond that, this book was written amazingly well. I have never read a book before that made me feel completely absorbed into the story. I wasn't reading to find out what happens next or to get to the good parts. The point of view allows you to feel like you're part of the story. The descriptions were so vivid, I felt like I was really there. When I stopped reading, I felt like I was transported back to a different world. The book is that engrossing.

Another thing I love about this book is that the secondary characters all have depth as well. You get to watch them grow as the story progresses. No character is truly minor, and they all end up important in some way. Details you thought in the beginning were just filler, end up important. It all comes together in the end.

Finally, I've noticed that most independent slash books have poor grammar and spelling, which you must overlook to read the story. This book has no such problem.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend this book to any fan of slash, historical fiction, hurt/comfort, or angst. It's the angst, hurt/comfort, and romance that make the story one of the best I've ever read, but even without all of that, this book has merit simply for the quality of its writing.

This is an excellent book. I enjoyed the history although some of it may not be accurate. It is predominately about two men coming to terms with their past lives and how it has affected their present ones. Both men grew throughout the book. The sex scenes were tastefully written. Will and Gaston fell in love with each other the fact that they were both men was secondary. I enjoyed the supporting characters - they were interesting and three dimensional. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the sequel.

I bought "Raised by Wolves" thinking it would be a rattling good read. It is, but it is marred by poor editing, historical inaccuracies and a peculiar use of English. The main character, Will Marsdale, writing in 1666, claims to have lived through the Reformation (which took place in the previous century); he is, of course, referring to Cromwell's Commonwealth. He searches London after the fire looking for the "block" in which the family home was situated. London had a medieval street pattern. "Blocks" were never a feature of English towns. He also speaks of going to "mass" at a time Catholicism was proscribed and Catholics persecuted.

The author's attempts at seventeenth century English result in clotted verbiage which at times is nonsensical; for example, "I didn't think he'd be so conducive" (to what?) and "I will endeavour to try" (try to try?) Pepys never wrote like this! There are also elementary spelling mistakes - "miniscule" and "supercede" for "minuscule" and "supersede".

In the afterword to the book Hoffman speaks of having studied the subject of pirates in depth, which is commendable. Unfortunately she is too anxious to share her research with us at length and devotes several passages to aspects of pirate life we would rather not know - the curing of pigs, the origin of words and other irrelevant details. Other aspects of seventeenth century life, for example the laws on primogeniture and entail, she ignores.

Despite these shortcomings the reader still wants to know what happens to her amoral characters. It is a pity that more pruning and checking wasn't done at the editing stage. Reading "Raised by Wolves" would have been far more enjoyable. It would have really rattled on then!

When my friend lent me "Brethren: Raised by Wolves", she told me three things: 1) It's about pirates, 2) gay pirates, to be more specific, and 3) it was really well written in comparison to the quality of other gay romances that are available for a lesser price (free) on a wider forum (online). W.A. Hoffman's novel met all these expectations and surpassed them in style, much like her protagonist, Will. This is a book that I would gladly shell out the asking price for, and will probably end up doing so.

The story is solid (though it should be noted that Hoffman's seafarers are not pirates, but buccaneers - a difference that is explored and explained and backed with much research on part of the author). Hoffman writes a compelling tale of love and belonging centered around two European nobles (one disinherited, the other reluctantly embraced by his father), who have abandoned their fortunes and filial responsibilities (or have been abandoned by these things). Will does this so that he can do as he wants without the restraint of title and privilege. Gaston wanders aimlessly from port to port, lost in himself. Both men meet one another in Port Royal (Jamaica) and instantly recognize within each other kinship and understanding. These feelings of brotherhood transform into love over the course of 541 pages as the plot takes them from English Caribbean society to the high seas amongst fellow buccaneers. At the same time, both men must learn to deal with one another's demons, alone and together.

The only real problems with this novel are the author's tendency to overstate and a few editorial issues. Facts and information about characters will be relayed numerous times, which lead to readers such as myself (who are mindful of information given throughout the text) becoming bored when something is mentioned for the third or fourth time. Granted this novel is some-500 pages in length and richly written with lots of detail, making it difficult for less mindful readers to follow information, so I can forgive and understand this rehashing. The editorial problems are something that you'll find in smaller publishing houses and are a result of not enough people going over the galley proofs or the people going over the proofs missing something here and there. All of the problems involve format, and while they're not disturbing enough to take a reader out of a story, it is something the publishing house should take into consideration when reprinting this book.

There is a third problem, of course: that this book ends. Even after finishing it an hour ago, I feel the need to return to this world that Hoffman has created. I'm hoping the second book will be just as compelling and will leave me feeling the same way (much to my despair and delight). This, I think, is the sign of a wonderful story and (despite the few problems) makes this novel worth the five star rating I gave it.

A Child's Christmas In Wales CD: And Five Poems
Hurrah! Now I won't have to wait for the radio to play Dylan Thomas reading his wonderful Child's Christmas every Christmas. Truly a beautiful recording of the other poems as well.

My goodness, these illustrations are ugly. They completely detract from the beauty of the language. Either read it out loud to a blind person or stick with the version illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman.

This reading of A Child's Christmas in Wales is tops! It wouldn't be Christmas for us without hearing Dylan Thomas tell his story. He recounts a holiday of simple, family and neighborhood doings, and paints a picture of snowy, seaside Wales of the 1920's.

I love this story, as do all my children, who, from their earliest years, have not much struggled with the density of the language nor the scatteredness of the story. 5 of my 8 great-grandparents are from Wales, and the remaining 3 have the blood in them as well, so maybe it is like drinking water for us.:-D Our minds are all scattered, and words, even English words ;-D, fall on us in clumps....which makes it doubly hard to keep a clean house. LOL

The sort of prose-poetry imaginative way of seeing and describing the world unique to Welshwomen and Welshmen and Welshchildren, which does not seek to keep up the pretense that history can be separated from myth, story and desire, and which requires loving with eyes wide open to [and eventually embracing] one's own and others' bumps, bruises and idiosyncracies included, is extraordinarily well represented here. So, by the way, is speaking and listening to the close and Holy darkness!

My favorite version isthe one illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. To me she has captured the complexity of the Welsh personality best, though i have nothing to say against the other illustrators praised in these reviews. I DO have a warning for you: there are some skinny versions flying about which do not have the poem-story complete and correct. This sort of work cannot suffer removal or modification, IMHO.

gbg

If you have read A Child's Christmas in Wales, you know that it has to be a classic. But you can't fully appreciate it until you have heard Dylan Thomas read it. What a deep, expressive, poetic voice. For years, I have listened to the recording on a Caedman record. It is wonderful to have it on a CD.

Maximum Influence is superior to any books written about influence! Kurt did a great job teaching influence in his book and Maximum Influence is not only a fun read, but is written in a way that makes it easy to apply the principles taught.

A very practical book that seems to have pretty well everything you would want to know about persuasion in one easy to read volume. He has 12 laws that make sense as well as a checklist to ensure you have the best chance to persuade your audience. Definitely a library keeper, especially if you are a salesperson, in marcomm, or a speaker/presenter. Lesson reinforced, information helps persuade, emotion sells the deal. The twelve power laws are:

Dissonance

Obligation

Connectivity

Social Validation

Scarcity

Verbal Packaging

Contrast

Expectations

Involvement

Esteem

Association

Balance

This book is fantastic, it not only explains the importance of each law but it also verbalises it in a way where it's very easy to understand

This is the best and most comprehensive work on human nature and mind dynamics I have read. A must read for any salesperson or any one interested in bringing out the best in people. A very easy read with numerous every day examples of the Laws in action. Simple tools for major improvements in our communicatian skills.

Here, in one place, is a consolidated list, with examples, of the major ways people are persuaded to change behavior.

With all the reviews here, there isn't a need for another one lauding this series of readers. Our experience might prove helpful to some. Our oldest daughter completed reading the McGuffey Primer when she was three years and eight months old. She finished reading the First Eclectic Reader a couple of weeks before she turned four! [From there on she read at will and we didn't keep track of when she finished the rest of the books.]

The point is that this is a wonderful way for a parent to teach their son or daughter to read very early. You don't need to wait for an incompetent school system to teach reading; your bright child can already be reading and understanding what is read when he or she starts 'formal' education. As long as you make it fun, and show proper 'amazement' and pride when he or she sounds out a new word, your child will almost certainly want more lessons than you have time to give!

Finally, I can't say this will happen to your child, but when our daughter graduated from high school, Mensa (the group for people with IQs over 140) contacted her to join. She probably had a genetic marker for genius intelligence, but I am sure that part of the reason for her high IQ is due to the basics and discipline she learned by reading the McGuffey Readers before she started school.

I just bought these books for my four year old neighbor's granddaughter.
I used them with my son and he was reading and writing (albiet phonetically) by the time he was 3 1/2. Unless a child is dyslexic or has an auditory learning disability, McGuffey is The Way. This is how children learned to read before everyone got 'so smart'. The school systems would be be smarter if they went back to this.

I love the stories and poems. They warm the hearts of my children as well as my own. They are tender, thoughtful, wholesome, without any glut or glitter. But they do sparkle with beauty and they fill the mind with goodness.
Other reviewers have brought to light that there is an anti-semetic theme in some of the stories for older children. So far, I have not found even a hint of this type of sentiment. Even if there was, and if it was a minor allusion to such sentiment, rather than an overiding theme, I would teach my children that it's wrong.

I bought these for a friend who teaches an intro to teaching course. He uses them to emphasize a back to basics approach to reading and values. The binding is sturdy but a bit cheaper and flashier than I anticipated.

The set of books will be beautiful, if I ever get the complete set. The set I was shipped was incomplete. Packed Incomplete from the publisher I assume. It is a seven book set and I was sent six. I was told another set was being sent to me, and I hope I live to see them. It has been over a month since this all started.

There is no excuse that I can think of for a set to be plastic wrapped from a source, and for the set to be incomplete.

I'm sure that this will not be posted.

This book is based upon solid research of a natural substance that is nuturing every living thing. It is found in your own body.

One of the reviews here mentions the name "Bill Rich." Many of the statements about him are true, but he has nothing solid to do with MSM, other than he stumbled upon it and tries to sell it.

This book and Bill Rich should not be mentioned together (forgive me). Mr. Rich does not speak for MSM, anymore than a bad teleevangelist speaks for God.

Get the hardback edition of this book, it will change your life for the better!

I've been trying alot of things against my severe allergies since 1982.Tested in 1972 up-down my back.Nurse left for a min.I Turned Super-Red outside Burning up inside.Doc gave me a big shot of adrenaline.

In the 1990's those symtoms started to come back.On 5-11-2003 i went to Rainbow Grocery store.They sell alot of Herb type items there.I told the lady there i needed something really good for my allergies.She took me over to MSM quickly!

She also showed me the little handbook by Dr.Ley "MSM On our way back to Health With Sulfur".I started with 3 grams on 5-11-03 i now average 20 grams of MSM per day.It really helps w/allergies.
I'm 50 years old.When tested allergic to ALL Molds and Pollens.

Mold is hardest to Beat.MSM is helping against it too.

I've ordered 5 of The Miracle of MSM By Dr Jacob and Dr Lawrence.

Thank You amazon.com for the good prices on those Books!!!!!

MSM is wonderful for me. I have taken MSM for nearly 2 years now (off and on). I would quit taking it, just to see what would happen. It wouldn't take long before my pain and stiffness would return to my knees. I wouldn't want to go through life without MSM. I am able to go through life without pain in my knees when I take MSM on a regular schedule. I have had no problems taking MSM and I take 12,000 mg. a day. I use a powder MSM that I put in my water, which also encourages me to drink the water I need daily. I even use a MSM soap and lotion for my skin. It has helped my skin alot. I can't say enough good things about MSM. This is the first book I bought about MSM and would recommend it to anyone. I've also read many other papers and articles on MSM, plus I've read alot on the internet about MSM. In fact I've bought this book to give to other people. I am always telling the wonders of MSM to people. I wish you well and happy health.

This title by Drs. Jacob and Lawrence is by far the best word on MSM (along with product manufacturers dmso2.com etc).

I, also, prefer the hardback version of this book. It is out of print but I found that it is still available at the distributor (msmsupplement.com as mentioned by someone in another review).

I hope that there is a new, updated version of this book on the horizon, because I know that MSM is helping so many people with a variety of problems (e.g. Arthritis, Allergies, Energy, Joint and Muscle & Nerve Pain, Skin Conditions ...). I even give it to my dogs and cats now!

By the way, Dr. Lawrence (on of the authors) is the doctor of the famous actor James Coburn. Mr. Coburn now attributes his recovery from crippling arthritis pain to benefits derived from MSM.

This book is the best that you will get on MSM. It is written by the "father of MSM" (IMO), Dr. Stanley Jacob. Co-written by Dr. Ronald Lawrence, doctor of famous actor James Coburn...

Get the hardback edition - it costs less than the not-so-well-bound paperback. You will use this book as a reference for natural dosage, et cetera, so definately get the hardback.