X Books

From someone whose favorite reading is non-fiction, I find that the work of this unique team speaks effectively to the imagination. They carry the reader easily into the world that they create, leading one into a landscape that is visually vivid and peopled with characters that one is curious to follow. A good way to escape bad news.

Dr. Robert Goff and his son Micah sure know how to tell a tale and keep it interesting, as well as populated with colorful characters. I have to admit that, at times, some of the language had me going back and forth in the book (there is a brief Knurlish dictionary in the rear) to completely understand the dialogue, but that forced me to concentrate harder. Ereben and Jasper were my favorite characters and being an animal lover I liked Titus, too. By December of 2005, we can expect to read the sequel (part one generously includes the first chapter)and after being "hooked" on this one, I look forward to it!

These authors adeptly create a captivating fantasy that provides insight into modern day charaters and events. The characters are consistent and believable, as if they were your own friends, relatives, or enemies. As the characters struggle through hardships and develop enduring relationships, the reader is continually reminded of parallels with real-world religious conflicts, wars, and revolutions. At times, the authors seem to be commenting on present-day situations, exposing the beauty, humor, irony, hypocrisy, and/or stupidity of people, cultures, nations, and races. The authors have obviously used their own experiences with wilderness adventures, personal relationships, military duty, and travel to other countries, as well as their knowledge of medicine, weapons, and language to make this fantasy feel real. You can't help but be sucked in. I'm waiting to see what happens next!

Guardian of the Ruins kept me up all night! I couldnt sleep until I had consumed every last sentence and now Im hungry for more.

Way to go!!!!

For any physicist or chemist involved in finding the structure of a given crystal, this book gives a useful read. It treats the subject at a level suitable for a 3rd or 4th year undergrad, who has access to the various crystallographic equipment described in the book. Like a 3 circle goniometer, CCD collection system, and a computer for data reduction. The basic ideas often involve finding the reciprocal space of the latter, via the scattering.

There is not much quantum mechanical theory here. Much of the treatment involves classical scattering off the atoms in the crystal. A more sophisticated text would describe the QM. But it turns out that for finding structures, the book's level of analysis is quite adequate.

What could be a little surprising is that in the descriptions of the crystal classes, that Schonflies notation is also used, along with the standard international notation. In the early 80s, Schonflies notation was being phased out. Surprised to see it still in use.

This review is important for me because I'm working in a Lab.

This is the ideal book for the beginner and in my opinion a must-read. In the excellent translation by Robert O. Gould, "Crystal Structure Determination" by Werner Massa explains all the basics from symmetry in real and reciprocal space, over generation of X-rays and other practical aspects, all the way to structure solution and refinement. Massa keeps the book simple and understandable and uses mathematical formulae carefully and only when helpful or necessary.
I learned the basics of crystallography from the German original of "the Massa". Now that I am a teacher of crystallography myself, this is the book I recommend to my students.

Single crystal structure determination has become an important and extremely powerful tool not only for inorganic and structural chemists but for all kinds of chemists interested in the structures of their compounds. The major disadvantage of this method was hitherto the lack of useful introductions into it's practical use.
This gap has been filled by Massa's book.
It focuses - unlike other crystallography books - on the practical applications and enables the reader to attack own structural problems by himself. Additionally, this book will provide the necessary theoretical background to understand how X-ray diffraction works, how crystals are built, all this symmetry stuff and so on.
The absolute highlight is, however, the step-by-step explanation of a structure determination, where one can almost see the author sitting in front of his computer and struggling with one of his structures, explaining every step in detail.
Crystallography still needs heavy brain work sometimes. But this book won't cause unnecessary headaches as many other crystallography books do.
Therefore, I recommend this book warmly to my crystallography students.

A dirty little mistresspiece, rife with secrets, cotillions, rebellion, sulking, incest, and, um...yeah. Total pulp. Dig the large print in the original paperback version; it helps no matter what your age or blood alcohol level. I loved loved LOVED the cover illustration--one of those romance novelish wraparound vistas of hot women in rapturous poses...men gripping their shoulders. There are some passages in The Debutantes that have stayed with me for decades...a Jewish mother tarring her son's infested scalp, Ellis island-era...ripping his hair out in clumps. Ms Singer describes this method of de-lousing as "harsh but certain." The son goes on to be a magnate of something or other, and his daughter goes on to be one of The Debutantes...the beautiful Jewish outsider, too rich to not invite. I love it. EX-quisite garbage, my dears.

When I first read this book I was in the 11th grade. A friend had checked it out of the public library and said I must read this book. It took me two and a half days to read it, I literally could not put this book down. I did not sleep, or even do homework. That's just how good this book is. I had been searching for this book to own for almost 10 years. I found the story brought on a multitude of emotions; happy, sad, angry (very angry)... When reading this book, it was like I was there experiencing some the same things these girls were going trough. I love that the book took you through the eyes of each character and their life experiences. It also showed what it is like to have friends that no matter what happened, they would always be there for you in the end. A total must read!!

When i first got this book, I really did not expect to be so engrossed in it. The writing is such, that you feel as if you know the characters personally, and their stories touch the soul. I found myself in tears on more than one occasion. Spanning 4 decades in the lives of 4 "poor" rich girls, (well, one not so rich) and the joys, sorrows and tragedies that touch their lives, this book is truly a moving experience. A great read...recommended.

"In the landscape of the very rich and the very famous, at a Connecticut finishing school in the early 1940s, four young women of very different backgrounds first meet. They are the debutantes." "Spanning four decades, with forays into each young woman's history, "The Debutantes" is the story of the tempestuous, often tortured lives of these poor little rich girls."

This novel is a substantial read to be savoured.

Happy Sigh ...I Love this series and the two main characters. This is a rollicking good story in this series. I really got to learn a lot about Ryan and Jamie and Pride Weekend!

In Awakenings, the first novel of the the I Found My Heart in San Francisco series, we met Ryan O'Flaherty and Jamie Evans, juniors at the University of California at Berkeley.

I was completely delighted to see this novel in print. Excellent writing, perfectly paced plot, lovable characters, as well as characters you can come to loathe. I was riveted to every page and didn't want to put the book down. I always hold off opening this author's novels until first thing Saturday morning so I can read as much as possible in the next 48 hours.

The two main characters, Jamie and Ryan, are as endearing as ever (I just can't get enough of them) - as well as passionate and very sexy. In addition, their extended family and group of friends are endlessly interesting. The author explores them thoroughly so that the reader gets to know them as well as we do Jamie and Ryan.

In addition to a great plot the humor is laugh out loud funny. The author, who I thought was perfection in her other novels, All That Matters, Cherry Grove and Arbor Vitea just keeps surprising me with one hit novel after another.

I couldn't want more (already looking forward to re-reading it) and yet I am clamoring for the next novel in this series. I must mention that the quality of the book itself is outstanding from the paper to the cover to the printing.

This is a Keeper!

Don't miss the other novels in this great series:

Awakenings
Beginnings
Coalescence
Disclosures
Entwined
Fidelity
Getaway

This is the continuation of Jamie & Ryan's love story that was begun in Susan's book - Awakenings. The beauty of this series is that Susan takes the time to flesh her characters out. Each character in the story becomes a friend the reader will look for in the next book. She is also a master at conveying the feelings of new love. Susan doesn't write short books so you always get your money's worth.

Every book I have read by this Author is excellent! She is one of the best writers I have ever had the privilege of reading. If you love to read do yourself a favor and get every one of them and then settle down for an extremely enjoyable read. Netta

Susan has done it again! Disclosures is yet another fantastic addition to the I Found My Heart series. This book deals with Jamie & Ryan settling into married life, and with Jamie coming out to family & friends (not always voluntarily). Jamie has to get used to being perceived as a lesbian even if she isn't ready to adopt the label yet. Ryan begins to grasp just how much money Jamie really has & must adjust to the lifestyles of the rich & famous. Maids, gardeners, car detailing services, expensive restaurants, buying a Lexus with Amex - it's quite a culture shock for a scholarship student who has been saving for grad school by pinching every penny until it screams.

Susan also does a nice job showing the different characters' reactions to Jamie's new lifestyle. Jamie has always been closer to her father than her mother, & she predicted that her father would accept her new lifestyle quickly & her mother would be somewhat uptight. Instead, her dad freaked out & her mother was fine.

The print version of Disclosures is a well edited, high-quality book. The cover is a nice, heavy stock, the design is beautiful, and the binding didn't show any tilt or creasing even after reading it twice. Brisk Press is definitely a cut above many of the other `Uber' publishers. Don't settle for the web version of this series; the books will be a fine addition to your lesbian fiction collection.

Distant Valor takes you to Beruit International Airport 1982-83, if you were their it conjures up feelings of loss, remorse and a deep dark need for revenge. Sgt. Griffin embodies all that is the career grunt, a need to prove himself in combat and defend the honor of the Corps. Cpl. downs is the sum of all young marines, trying to leave a past behind he is constantly reminded of the girl he loved. Not wanting to soil his memories of her with all the carnage he was now being exposed to he forces her into the the dark recesses of his mind so only he can access her. The warrior must learn to trust his young apprentice and deal with his own demons. faced with politics and 'Rules of Engagement" Sgt. Griffin makes a decision that would alter the Marine mission in Beruit and possibly end his career. From all non-coms thank you Mr. Moreau, your tell of war and honor has reminded me of what I loved and hated about my Marine Corps. This book reminds me that "it is better to die in the Corps. than live anywhere else" . Semper Fidelis........

A superb book for any would-be leader. A must read for young Commissioned Officers in any branch. You must understand the conflicts an NCO experiences during your absence--the absence may be due to your missing character, your narcissism--your service academy notion that you are always indispensable. Officers are often their own impediment to effectiveness. The young NCO in "Distant Valor" is doing the best he can. The First Sergeant, who has the trust of the Officers, is out of control, and everyone looks the other way because of a few hashmarks. The Junior NCOs are left holding the bag. NO senior enlisted leadership other than a corrupt 1st sergeant and NO Officer leadership until after the fact. Ineffectual Officer Careerism is shown to be the Mortal Sin that is always is. The spit and polish of the Corps is there at long green table of a courts martial proceeding. While the Officers were busy crossing the "t's", no officer wanted the ugly job of backing down the moslem militia chieftain. Read this book and walk a mile in their boots. Put yourself in their shoes. Find out where you fit in this complex weave of characters and then re-evaluate. Where SHOULD you fit? Should your version of leadership change? What is more important? Your Men? Your Country, or your career? Find the Balance... What would Chesty do? What would one of those "potted palms" back at Division" do ?

C. X. Moreau's book is a must read for all Marines--former and active duty--enlisted and OFFICERS! It is not just a story of the Marines' experience in Beirut, but an insightful view of the inner workings of the Corps. It explores the personal relationships between officers and enlisted Marines as well as those between senior staff NCO's and all of the other ranks. It is my opinion that Moreau is making a dynamic statement about the raw courage of the Marines with whom he served as well as voicing his frustration with some of the legitimate problems he encountered. His characters are set forth in an honest manner that not only shows their personal strengths and weaknesses but also provides an insightful view into the strengths and weaknesses of the Marine Corps system itself. This book should be utilized by each Marine for an in-depth objective review of his own current or past performance. I consider Moreau to be a patriotic and loyal Marine whose honesty has been provided for the benefit of today's Marines and a tribute to those courageous Marines with whom he served. Semper Fi, Moreau, from a former Marine officer whose respect you have thoroughly earned!

Unlike many contemporary authors who have never served a day in the military and always write about officers, C.X. Moreau digs into the minds of the enlisted men serving in Beirut during the early 1980s. His description of the antics of a First Sergeant who is out of control is so real - only a former marine could truly relate. The real tragedy in the book is that the U.S. Embassy was bombed in April - why was that bombing not a huge red light for Marine Corps officers and the U.S. intelligence community? I was a little disappointed in Moreau's handling of the embassy incident. There are not just civilians in our embassies - the marine detachments and the Defense Attache Office are very much a part of most U.S. embassies. Overall, the book was excellent. Moreau was not grinding an ax, but telling it like it was. Hats off to a good read and semper fi from a former marine sgt.

I got this for my son who is currently on a Marvel kick. He really likes non-fiction books, so he reads this one like it is a biography/history book, memorizing facts and being fascinated by the back-story stuff. A lot of fun for an early reader book and plenty of info/fun.

In one very special way, I had a wonderful childhood. My parents shopped at a small grocery store that had an extensive rack of comics. The owners were very nice people who allowed me to read the comics while my parents bought groceries. Since my father also bought his mother's groceries, I had plenty of time to read (devour) them all. Therefore, I was able to read the original issues of most of the superheroes that erupted from the fertile mind of Stan Lee at Marvel Comics. When I opened this book, I recognized the cover of the first issue of the X-Men series.
The early sixties were a time of great political uncertainty and scientific advancement. Lee used both of them to great advantage in developing the idea of the mutant with great powers. By developing the character of Professor X who gathered together many mutants at his school, a crime fighting team known as the X-Men was developed. The group has changed a great deal over the years, both in appearance and in membership. This is a history of that group and young readers can also learn something about the world. For example, it is noted that the bones of the winged X-Man Angel are hollow, just like those of real birds. Other relevant science facts, such as details about water freezing in the section about Ice-Man relate the powers of the X-Men to the physical laws of the universe.
I strongly recommend this as a book for young readers. The topic is one that they will find of great interest, it is very well written at the appropriate level and they can learn something about the world. Perfect for the young mind.

This easy to read book aimed at young readers serves as a perfect introduction for those unfamiliar with the original X-Men team: Cyclops, Marvel Girl, the Beast, Iceman, and Angel all studying under the tutelage of Charles Xavier, aka Professor X. The book also talks about Magneto and the first adventure that the X-Men took part in. The classic team has taken many changes over the years, but few teams will rival the original. Great introduction to the original X-Men team.

This is a great book for any X-Men fan or someone who just became interested in them. It tells how Professor Xavier, Magneto,Cyclops (Scott Summers), Marvel Girl (Jean Grey, also known as Phoenix, Beast (Hank McCoy), Angel (Warren Worthington III, also known as Archangle) and Iceman (Bobby Drake) came to become the first X-Men. It also gives some info about other X-Men like WOlverine and some of their recent and former enimes like Juggernaut, and Quicksilver. One thing I enjoyed about this book is it had a lot of pics. from old and recent comics. Overall this is a pretty good book!

It's refreshing to be exposed to erotic material that is incredibly sensual yet somewhat innocent. If you really want to smolder at the sight of the perfect female body, then BUY this book!

This hard-cover book features nice sketches and illustrations by Serpieri, including very explicit hardcore paintings you've go to see to believe. If you love Druuna series, you must take one!

If you are a fan of Paolo Serpieri's works or just a fan of erotic art, you owe it to yourself to pick this one up. Serpieri's mastery and love of the female form is evident in the detailed sketches contained in this volume. Druuna is one of fantasy's most beautiful women and the art world owes Serpieri a debt for such a wonderful gift. The material may not be for everyone, but it is at least worth a look. Thumbs up all the way.

This book is a compilation of sexually-explicit paintings, drawings, and sketches by Italian artist, Paolo Serpieri.

While the content is definitely not for everyone, Serpieri's mastery of the human figure, and highly detailed style make for an amazing collection of erotic art.

Like other Serpieri books published by Heavy Metal, this title is a little pricey considering the number of pages. Still, fans of Serpieri and this genre will not want to miss this book.

Recommended.

This was a great book to see the signs of trouble at work and whether you should fight once fired. Especially in present times, when company loyalty is gone people need this.

I read this book in 1999 (previous edition) and while I've not read the latest edition, this book provides as much information as possible - an attempt in bridging the gap between what you should know and "employment law". This book is no guarantee that in fighting back you will win - but it does tell you what you should know when getting canned. Far too few people truly understand their rights under employment law and big business knows it and the workforce populus in general is frequently taken advantage of because of it. If you live in an "at will" state - as an employee you have very few ways to fight back.

Read, know your rights, act and react appropriately, and stand your ground. But remember, losing your job may simply be a matter of economics or politics - good companies will treat you with dignity, bad companies will trash you - and they don't care! Remember these few maxims: 1. Sometimes HR is a four-letter word! 2. Company loyalty does not exist. 3. Plan for your retirement yourself because no one else is going to do it for you. 4. Anyone who is not management doesn't share in the profits but pays for the loss in profits. 5. Management and executives will "always win" - its a sad fact of business life.

The average employee will never see a golden parachute in their lifetime - - again.

I found this book by accident while browsing at Borders. At first I thought it was only for people who had been fired. In fact, it is an invaluable set of tools for figuring out if your job is at risk and for handling any termination process so that you "win" even if losing your job. This author, whoever he is, really understands the physics of the workplace and the psychology of those on both sides of the tabel. It is a book I will re-read several times.

In this day and age, anyone can be fired. The title of this book is a bit misleading in that it suggests that it is focused on getting back at your ex-employer. In fact, though it does a very good job on that subject, it is absolutely essential to read before anything bad happens. Great sections on how to handle the termination interview and how to negotiate severance

Usually, I simply rate items based on whether I like them or not, but Florine Asch's "My Italian Sketchbook" was worth the effort of a comment. I borrowed this book from the library and have now purchased this book because I was astounded by the beauty and volume of drawings in this Sketchbook.

The sketches are absolutely superb and nowhere close to being the rigid architecturally perfect "sketches" which I have seen in other books. Now I greatly respect the talent that it takes to do those other sketches but as a fellow watercolorist, I prefer the looser quality and nature of Ms. Asch's. Hopefully she has future holidays planned and thus future sketchbooks. As a side note, I would love to see the two sketchbooks relating to France (one in Paris and another in Alsace, I believe) of hers which seem to be very difficult to get here in the U.S. Highly recommend this book. It is beautiful and gives one a strong desire to travel!

Beautiful book. The artist makes even the most mundane object interesting. Inspiring for both the armchair traveler and aspiring artist. This is one fo the best in the "My X Sketchbook" series.

Florine Asch allows us to accompany her on a Grand Tour of Italy. She takes us along, at a leisurely pace, that does recall a time when travel was more about the journey than the destination. Dominique Fernandez, who writes the Introduction to "My Italian Sketchbook," tells us that "tourist" originally meant, "one who travels, not to arrive, but aimlessly, as the servant of beauty."

Ms. Asch's attachment to Italy is palpable in her glorious sketches, all executed in watercolor. Her elegant sketches, 100 of them, depict the known sites, and the scenes that are rarely seen by the hurried tourist. She captures a sunset view of Saint Peter's in Rome, the beauty of Lake Como, a Tuscan landscape, the medieval majesty of Sienna, the Renaissance glory of Firenze, the Duomo in Milan, a studio filled with Greek plaster figures, a horse and buggy by Rome's Trevi Fountain, the carnival in Venice, street scenes in Naples, a Sicilian piazza, and marketplace.

Florine Asch uniquely portrays the ordinary and extraordinary vistas, and views, of Italy. My tourist photographs never looked like this. A wonderful book to keep as a remembrance, or to give as a gift. Anyone who loves all things Italian, will love this book. I certainly do!

I have loved Italy since I was a child, something about the people, the food, the great scenery, old, historic monuments, there is just so much to learn about and appreciate, and this wonderful gem of a sketchbook does just that. Florine Asch takes us on a Grand Tour of Italy which is brought to life by her amazing, beautiful, detailed watercolors - MIlan & the Lakes [also noteworthy are depictions of daily life like in the bustling markets], Verona, Venice, Florence, Rome [the Piazza Navona], the Bay of Naples & Sicily. It is a riot of color, a lush depiction of Italian life, and the beautiful rendering of the Italian countryside & cities. A wonderful addition to the Sketchbooks series [of which I am a collector].

An extensive set of ruminations on his journey from Cameroon to the United States of America. The kid from Cameroon tells all that needs to be said about love, loss and separation, about `why the tortoise's back is cracked, why snakes feel slippery, and why snakes' saliva is poisonous.'

Herman Yenwo explains the meanings of customs around the family, cultural, religious, and about the nature of goodness and simplicity. He uses the meanings of images, his experience of love and bond with his family and friends. In short, a summary of meanings of reciprocity in a relationship, and what it means to sustain bonds of trust and commitment.

He writes exactly as he talks, `extremely funny, must read it.'

Kathy Hannah, an avid reader, November 19, 2004,
An Educational Book!
Expect to read FOLK TALES on why the tortoise's back is cracked, How IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD, The differences in HOBBIES between children in so called 'THIRD WORLD' countries and those in the WEST, EDUCATIONAL Hand-Me-Downs, CULTURE as it relates to Births, Deaths and Burials.....Then proceed to Herman's ARRIVAL in Philadelphia in Fall 1987...The CULTURE SHOCK...The FIRST WINTER of a kid from the Tropics...His SUMMER Odd JOBS, DATING in the USA {One girl he dated is said to have been: 'A christian by day, and a hypocrite by night'. How this author survived 13 CARS in 10 years, will amaze you. From Africa, With Love, is both educational and entertaining.

FROM AFRICA, WITH LOVE
Herndons
US VIRGIN ISLANDS (6/23/2004) Referred by: PA Message Boards Comments: Hi Herman! "From Africa, With Love" sounds like a great--as well as enlightening--read. We wish you the best of luck! S&H

FROM AFRICA, WITH LOVE
Joan
USA (6/22/2004) Review by Joan DeMarle-Obe: "Herman: As an educator, your book - FROM AFRICA, WITH LOVE, has caught my attention. I recommend this book to any school district. -Joan."

FROM AFRICA, WITH LOVE
Cynthia Borris
U.S.A. (6/22/2004) Reviewed by Cynthia Borris (author) 6/14/2004 "Herman: Isn't it amazing how one event starts another in motion? Great success on your newest work. Cynthia Borris"

FROM AFRICA, WITH LOVE
Cynthia Borris, commenting on
U.S.A Today(6/22/2004) on How FROM AFRICA, WITH LOVE came about.
Herman writes: "One evening my wife to be, literally dragged me to attend a TOASTMASTERS meeting as a guest. She assured me that I would not be called upon to make an impromptu speech at the podium in front of the distinguished members of this elite club. Under those circumstances, I agreed to go. Little did I know that the idea to write a concise account of my life would be born in a small meeting room full of strangers. One of the distinguished gentlemen - 50'ish in age, introduced himself as a "Retired Navy", and went on to give an account of his travels through the Cape of Good Hope all the way to the horn of Africa, and on to the Mediteranean. I thought his presentation was interesting but limited as far as the depts of African culture. I suddenly realised that I was overflowing with information regarding some African miths. Thus, the idea of my book: FROM AFRICA, WITH LOVE, was born."
In Cythia's review (6-14-04) she says: "I am amazed at how one event can lead to another tantalizing event. This book is a must read"

FROM AFRICA, WITH LOVE
Rita Gerlach.
United States of America (6/18/2004)
As readers are inundated with books from romance to true crime, a story of a boy born in the African savannah to a single mother elbows its way through the ranks. Fiction gives readers a chance for escape, while Herman X's autobiography From Africa, With Love, reminds us that the human spirit truly can rise above the adversities of life. FROM AFRICA, WITH LOVE, brings readers a glimpse of how it was to grow up in Africa and then face the challenges of life in America. Rita Gerlach Author of Historical Fiction Website: http://users.starpower.net/rpkg/index.htm http://gerlach.ineedabook.net

Mr Toks Goncalves:
From Africa, with Love, takes you to the heart of Africa, through the life of Herman X. A young man born to a single mother in central Africa. He grows up poor with his grand parents. His youth experiences are facinating, informative, thrilling and exiting. After his grand father's death, he is sent abroad for further studies. Dispite some very interesting odds he excels in his education and now lives the American dream. This book is an easy and enjoyable read.

FROM AFRICA, WITH LOVE
Michelle R. Kidwell
U.S.A. (6/18/2004) From Africa With Love: From Africa with love is a book that can serve as an educational as well as an inspirational read, one of those books that you can both enjoy and get educated from, it is a wonderful autobiography that gives you a glimpse into the authors life both in Africa as well as America, and the cultural shock he experienced when he first arrived in America, and his experiences since then. Michelle R Kidwell Reflections On Life A Collection Of Memories

"From Africa, With Love", takes you straight to the heart of Africa through the true life story of Herman X. Born to a single mother in the late 50s, he grows up with his grand parents from whom he learns some very high moral character. His youth experiences are facinating, informative, thrilling and exiteting.The death of his grand father is a turning point in his life, as he is sent abroad, where dispite all odds he focuses on his education, excels, and now lives the American dream.
This book is and easy and entertaining read.