F Books

Sex, drugs, scandal, breakdown, pigeons... an alternate universe altogether. This is so far out there is is best taken with burbon. If you are a Hiiasan, Barry, Hunter S fan this book can't steer you wrong. Valerie F. de Daulles must write more! Very strong, hilarious and anomalous content.

The fun never ends when reading Velkro. The author Valerie has quite the imagination. This is a book that once you pick it up you can't put it down till you have completed it. Mitzi is the woman every woman wants to be and Hugh Jorgen is the man every man wants to be. Reading this book I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I was so sorry to have finished it. I wanted it to go on forever.

Sex (& sex change), drugs, scandal, breakdown, pigeons... What more could you ask for! A fun, quick read follows the event-filled life of Mitzi St. Bernard from her lowly start in Boston's West End red-light district to zombie cult-queen climaxing with her own(?) funky funeral. Along the way we travel with a host of other off-beat characters - human and winged! - who add all the color, perversion and dementia one could possibly handle in a single life. Ms. de Daulles takes the reader through this romp with gusto, just as Mitzi lived her life - no rest for the weary here. My visualization of Nisi's "water-bed" will stay with me for a very long time! Go ahead "doll", take a ride on the wild side!!

RARELY do I laugh-out-loud when I am reading a novel... but I did so more than once when reading this remarkable debut novel from Ms. de Daulles. This book has everything.... scandal, intrigue, murder, drugs, incest, zombies, spaceships (yes... spaceships), trains falling from overpasses (just try not to think about THAT the next time you drive under one), cross-dressing, an evil twin, and, of course, "raw, jackhammer" sex. Oh... and did I mention there is a surprise ending. Well there is!! Ms. de Daulles has created a cast of characters so vivid, so memorable, so funny, you will come to think of them as the family you WISH you were born into! Read this book!!! And enjoy the ride!! Congratulations Ms. deDaulles... Jacqueline Susann would be proud!!

Mitzi St. Bernard has to be one of the most fascinating entertainers that ever lived. She has all the sensitivity of Marilyn Monroe with the stunning features of Bettie Page. Granted, I've never seen or heard this stunning beauty but the way Ms de Daulles describes her, I fell immediately in love. Just as I thought I knew how the story was going to materialize, it continued to twist and turn until the final page. Mitzi's life was filled with heartache and tradgedy but she somehow always manged to triumph. Long live Mitzi and long live Valerie F. de Daulles and I can't wait for the next book!!!!

I have to start by saying that I love to read true stories - the good, the bad and the ugly :) This is a good one.

Dave Richardson is a man who was sent to Vietnam in the late 60's and he chose to be a helicopter rescue pilot while he was in the war. This put him in a position to have some fascinating experiences and it gave him a chance to see his faith in action during trying and dangerous times.

Vietnam Air Rescues started out as a book from a father, to his family. It was the chance to share his experiences and to help the family understand what he did during his time in Vietnam. A big part of the book are Dave's recollections and pictures from his rescues. There are many pictures throughout the book which are a great addition. I should mention that Dave does remind us that the pictures were taken over 30 years ago and most were taken under "less than favorable" conditions. Some of the pictures are out of focus, but when you read the content and realize what he was doing at the time he was taking the pictures, a bit of fuzz should be ignored.

The book begins with Dave Richardson's "Totally Unauthorized History of the Vietnam War". He shares his reflections of the war and his time overseas. He also explains the various editions of the book. The first edition was written for Dave Richardson's family, but as others requested copies, slight changes were made to make the story appropriate for other readers.

Dave shares many interesting details throughout the book, a jargon section, information about a typical day, details about the missions he flew, he shares maps of the area and full details on each of his rescues.

I feel that the personal feel is very obvious in the book. It feels like a friend is telling you about a year in his life and you get involved in the things they did to kill time when they had time to spare. We also feel the tension as he struggles to rescue a pilot who was shot down, realizing that a mistake would mean death for a number of people. It was never a situation where he only had to worry about his own life.

I interviewed Dave Richardson on my radio show and I got the chance to learn so many additional details. Learning more about how a person handles a helicopter added more tension to the rescue sections.

Imagine a chance to talk with Dave Richardson and Kenny Fields about the rescue where they met. Both men wrote books about their experiences. One of the interesting things is that these two books give us the perspective from the air and the perspective from the ground. Dave was days from going home and he agreed to go out one more time. Little did he know what would happen over the next 48 hours. Kenny Fields was stranded on the ground and the rescue planes and helicopters had a very difficult time reached Kenny Fields.

If you would like to learn more about what happened behind the scenes this is a great place to start. There is no grandstanding, no political undertones and no agenda in Vietnam Air Rescues. But, there is a great story told from an author who is proud to share his story with us.

What a great book! Written with simplicity in mind---the book was written for the author's children, not for publication---it is an easy read with a big story behind it.

Richardson describes on several occasions his feeling that the hand of God was present on many missions when he probably should have died, but did not. This book is both educational and inspirational. I enjoyed this read very much.

One day, I saw one of my co-worker's with this book in hand and stopped to ask him what the book was about. (I think it was the colorful cover that grabbed my attention.) Then, my co-worker went on to tell me that his father was the author, grabbing my attention even further. After looking through his copy of his Dad's book, I just had to get my own so I could read each page. I am so glad I did! Dave Richardson's personal account of his time in Vietnam and the rescues performed are a most excellent read. I felt like I was part of the story. I also liked the section at the end of the book, where the author explains various acronyms and "subjects." Dave, thanks for sharing your story. Your love of God and family is evident. Thank you for your service!

This was a fast-paced, easy book to read. Good insight on the war, the Vietnamese, also the dynamics of our soldiers in a foreign land. I was amazed at his factual first-hand account supported by photos and documents.
Written in a no-nonsense, straight-shooting style that commanded attention and encouraged "reading between the lines" . . . thought provoking. It stayed with me long after I read the last page. The white light was awesome evidence of God's protection. Thank you Dave (and Kaye!) for your sacrifice and service through a very confusing and painful time in history.

I read this book from cover to cover in just a few hours. This book grabeb my attention from the first page and held it all the way to the end. I could not let go. This is a first hand story of how things really happened over in Vietnam. This story is told from the heart of a truly amazing man. This book is filled with great rescues and some amazing photos. I highly reccomend this book for everyone.
Thank you Sir for your service and sharing it with us.

David Stephenson's exquisite photography reveals these architectural marvels as never before. Coupled with Victoria Hammond's illuminating essay, this book is an excellent buy.

My quibble is that there is no photo of the dome of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, surely one of most important domes as Hammond's essay itself states. The Church of St Sophia in Kiev is represented but not the Hagia Sophia

I purchased the book as I am a decorative artist who has been doing more and more ceilings in similar fashion to the illustrations in the book. This has inspired me and filled me with awe as I see some of the God given talents being used for the glory of God. I believe my company faux-creations will start to go places with this book as a reference in Lexington, KY as well within the States and Europe.

I don't have much to add to the earlier reviews except to say that if you like kaleidoscopes, mandalas or snowflakes, you will probably love this book. It is full of images of 6-fold and 8-fold symmetry and even one each of 3-fold and 5-fold. The pictures can be viewed as realistic depictions of parts of buildings or as abstractions, pleasurable purely for the pattern. There is something in the human brain that loves this sort of thing, and if you want to indulge that something and just wallow in beauty, get this book. Wow!

Dome architecture is something special: and its special qualities and art are captured by photographer David Stephenson in his images of dome interiors VISIONS OF HEAVEN: THE DOME IN EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURE. Stephenson traveled across Europe and even into Turkey and Russia photographing churches, palaces, mosques and synagogues created from the second to the 20th century: his visual display captures over a hundred images of some of the finest dome construction in the world, while an essay by Victoria Hammond tracks and dome and its decoration.

Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch

'Visions of Heaven: The Dome in European Architecture' is one of those apparent coffee table books made to grace the room of art lovers and to initiate conversations about travel and architecture and art among guests. But this splendid book is far more than that (though a magnificent 'coffee table book' it most assuredly is!).

Photographer David Stephenson has traveled throughout Europe from Italy to Spain, Turkey, England, Germany, Russia and beyond, intent on capturing the magnificence of the domes that crown the cathedrals, palaces, mosques, syngogues and other imposing architectural wonders of the world. Technically speaking, photographing these domes is a feat unto itself: much time must have been spent on the floors or these edifices to capture angles of intent that would allow the resultant photograph to not only give the exciting detail of a concave surface but also to allow the available light to make the colors true.

The result is a book of over 120 full color photographs of art that too often goes unnoticed as visitors to these special places fail to strain necks to see the entire masterpiece above their heads. But the aspect of this book that makes it even more successful is the fact that Stephenson acknowledged the need for historical background to supplement appreciation of these domes and to that end Victoria Hammond in her essays and Keith F. Davis in his seductive foreword open discussions not only of the art itself, the creators, the materials, and the history of each dome, but they also address the concept of the dome as a reaching to heaven. The writing works as successfully as the photography and together create a book that is not only beautiful but also grandly informative. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, December 06

Under the Eye of the Clock is the autobiography of Christopher Nolan, the talented young poet with cerebral palsy. He can't walk or talk or write in the usual manner. Since Nolan lacks the use of his hands, this book like Dam-Burst of Dreams, the book of poems that preceded it, was written by means of a typing stick affixed to his head. The book succeeds both as pure artistry and as a window into the world of the disabled. Nolan has re-named himself Joseph Meehan and told his story entirely in the objectivity of the third person. This brilliant stroke allows him to avoid excessive self-pity while making his sufferings and triumphs real and deep. Nolan's use of language had earned him comparisons with James Joyce, Yeats, and Dylan Thomas. Nolan stretches the meanings and implications of words, rearranges their spelling, and even invents new ones to communicate his moods and perceptions and illuminate life, his own and those he observes, with his unique poet's sensibility.

As a college English and literature instructor, I intend to make this book a required reading if it becomes available in print again. It should bless all readers because it becomes a reminder that NO matter what the circumstances, people should still be respected, loved, and appreciated. And, with this in mind, the reader may receive a self-esteem boost when being reminded of inner-personal value. I appreciate this book so much. I have three copies and continually loan them out.

Christopher Nolan's "Under The Eye Of The Clock" is an autobiographical account of his incredibly awe-inspiring and miraculous life. Born a cripple, he could have been consigned to the rubbish heap but instead and against all odds became a celebrated writer of this Whitbread Book winner, "The Banyan Tree" as well as an early book of poems. Without taking anything away from Joseph Meehan (a self portrait of Nolan), he couldn't have overcome his debilitating handicaps to scale the heights he did without the steady support and tender loving care of his family. A father, mother and sister who are such warm and emotionally intelligent human beings anybody would be blessed and proud to have them as family. The school principals, teachers and fellow students who accepted him, nurtured him and gave him the chance to prove himself equal to the best among physically whole human specimens are themselves shining examples of humanity who deserve as much recognition in Nolan's lifestory. Although it has been compared with James Joyce's "Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man", it is in reality nothing like it. Whereas Joyce's work is for the most part depressing and full of pain and harshness, Nolan's story is so morally uplifting you almost forget its grave subject matter. Nolan's dazzling and inventive writing style is also unique and something to relish. He coins and mints new words which have a yet found a conventional meaning but are so emotionally accurate you know they're right. Read this if you're feeling down and need something to restore your faith in mankind !

To learn about such an exceptional poet who, without the faith of his family, would never have been revealed to the world, gives the reader a new view of people's limitations. I bought 12 copies of this book (when it was in print)and somehow have given them all away over time.

I found my way to this book after I had read "The Banyan Tree" by Christopher Nolan. This was a book that I read and reviewed back in February, and ever since I have been mystified why the book never seemed to gain the wide acceptance of readers. All of the reviews that have been posted by readers for "The Banyan Tree" have been 5 star reviews, and the same is the case for "Under The Eye Of The Clock".

If you read you understand how difficult it is to write anything, much less a full book, and then have it selected for and win a prestigious award. In the case of the book I review now it was the 1987 Whitbred Award that was awarded to Mr. Nolan. All very impressive, but that's just the start.

This is an autobiography written by a very young man who next wrote the book "The Banyan Tree" and would take 12 years to do so. This is a painfully candid, but uplifting book about a man with the support of a wonderful Family overcomes extreme realities that are his life to become an Author of international renown.

Mr. Nolan cannot speak, he can barely move at all. He types with what he calls his "Unicorn Stick" that he wears on his head, and even then his head must be supported while he works.

An Autobiography is a courageous work if honestly presented. When you add Mr. Nolan's additional challenges he faces as a writer, and as a person living with his physical issues it becomes an extraordinary autobiographical book.

I hope more readers find Mr. Nolan, he is a unique writer of immense talent, and if you pass by his work you deprive yourself of great literature.

Picking up two years after events depicted in "Closing Time" very little has changed for Terry Orr. He still misses his wife and young son and he still isn't writing. He is still doing some private investigator work in the hopes of learning the skills necessary to take down the madman responsible for the pain he and Bella feel.

When his housekeeper asks him to talk to a friend of hers in need, the least he can do is talk to her. The friend's name is Dorotea Salgado and she wants her daughter Sonia Salgado found. One wouldn't think it would be too hard to find her since Sonia only recently got out of prison after serving a thirty-year prison sentence for the murder of a diamond merchant in the course of a robbery. The murder was particularly brutal and Terry wonders from the beginning how a physically small high school student could have done it. He wonders that and a lot more when he finds Sonia dead days later. The case quickly becomes something he can't give up and before long this obsession, like his others, puts him crosswise with everyone around him.

This second novel of the series does not suffer the usual fatal flaws most second novels do. The writing remains top notch as the author continues to expand Orr's world and further nuance the cast of recurring characters. Bella continues to appear smarter than her years to the reader and yet, at other times, there is an endearing child like quality to her known by many parents of the young teenager set. Also realistic is Terry's continuing pain over the loss of his wife and young child as well as his first real tentative steps in returning to the world around him instead of just living day to day. Overriding everything is another complicated and well done mystery where almost everyone has a hidden agenda quite possible worth killing for.

Kevin R. Tipple © 2005

New to me, at least. This is the first book by him that I've read. I loved it.

Talk about atmosphere. This is a gritty NYPD kind of Manhattan book. Some of the police are just a tad better than the criminals and it's not clear who you can trust. The book is set in Manhattan just after 9-11, and the detective-protagonist lives not far from the site. From time to time, some memories of 9-11 are introduced. Everyone is still dealing emotionally with the impact of the attack.

Terry Orr, our detective (he's an independently wealthy but living modestly author turned private investigator), is also recovering from a devastating loss: his wife and infant son had been killed in a random act of violence in the subway, and he is left grieving and raising his daughter by himself. His housekeeper approaches him about a woman who is trying to locate her daughter, who has just been released from prison after serving 30 years for a violent murder. She says she needs to talk to her about her grandchild, the daughter's son she has raised.

Lo and behold, Orr learns that the daughter had no children, so he's left wondering what's going on. Before too long, he gets caught up in a murder investigation.

The writing, plotting, and character development in this book are very good, and it was compelling enough to keep me up long after my bedtime. I only hope his other mysteries are as good. I look forward to reading them.

For someone only on his second novel, Fusilli certainly has it nailed. Terry Orr, historian turned private detective, lost his wife and infant son four years ago when a madman (whom he thinks of as The Madman) pushed them in front of a subway train. Now he obsesses on revenge, to the detriment of his career, his friends, and (sometimes) his precocious daughter, Bella. The plot this time revolves around a thirty-year-old mugging that became a murder, and the death of the newly-released woman who went to prison for it. Everybody in the case has secrets, not least of all the Mango brothers, who are a good deal more scary than in Fusilli's first book. Terry works things out in a wholly believable manner, partly by research, partly by instinct. The subplot, about Terry's buddy, rock critic Dennis Diddio, and his hopes for an industry award, is funny and compassionate. So is his struggle to deal with the attentions of Julie, a very nice ADA who believes in him. But arching over everything else is New York City in the aftermath of September 11th, when Terry's personal loss is overshadowed. Fusilli's work has great specificity of place -- you could walk through the city, book in hand, and see every detail he talks about -- and that's what makes this a standout piece of writing.

If you want a mystery that does nothing but deliver suspense, this is not the book for you. This book opens with a quotation from Epictetus which speaks of the human soul and choice, and concludes: "For ruin and recovery alike are from within." A WELL-KNOWN SECRET offers both a literary mystery and a very engaging exploration of human ruin and recovery.

I see that this is the second in a series. I had not read the first, and found that the book stood on its own.

Terry Orr, our hero, is a writer turned amateur detective. He is engaged to solve mystery of Sonia Salgado, who has spent 30 years in prison for a murder she did not commit. What really happened? Why did she do it? Why was she murdered after being released from prison? Terry unravels this decades-old mystery in classic amateur PI fashion -- asking questions, getting less-than-straight answers, getting a bit battered in the process. That part of the novel is well executed, but not overwhelmingly new and different. What makes A WELL-KNOWN SECRET stand out -- and it does stand out -- is the other stories that Fusilli is telling.

A WELL-KNOWN SECRET is set in post 9-11 New York City. That story of ruin and recovery runs throughout the book. The more personal ruin that we unravel is that of Terry Orr himself. We read in a newspaper story at the beginning of the book that Terry's wife and infant son were killed four years ago. In the course of his solving the mystery, we find out more about what happened and why, and watch to see if and how Terry and his daughter will recover.

A WELL-KNOWN SECRET is a fine novel and an enjoyable mystery. Its somewhat leisurely pace will likely madden anyone after a strict suspense fix. However, if you are willing to slow down a bit, it is a very rewarding read. I found it a bit slow at first, but once hooked, I could not put it down. I read A WELL-KNOWN SECRET in one sitting. I will definitely pick up the next Terry Orr novel!

This book is a fantastic work of love. Love for New York, pre and post 9/11, love for music, food (especially Italian) and it's characters.
The central character, Terry Orr, is mourning his wife's death and acts as a sort of detective. His slow progress back to the world of the living parallels his attempts to unravel a mystery from the 70's. It's a great piece of writing, filled with poetry and hard, tough words.
There may be a few too many plot contrivances but the clear picture of modern NYC and the people who fill it more than make up for them. This is a great modern detective novel equal to anything by James Lee Burke, the other master of this type of novel.
I'm psyched for the next book.

Really enjoyed this book! Most adults-- never mind kids-- don't have a sense of how the bits and pieces of the Bible fit together into an integrated whole. Boyd addresses this need for children in a thoughtful and powerful way. Children will be able to get a sense of the big picture of Revelation, having a new frame of reference for all the little pictures they see when the many and diverse biblical stories come before their eyes.

I purchased this book for my children because it tells the story of the bible from beginning to end in a way that can be comprehended by even the youngest of children. This book is helpful for the adult as well, because it help's us what God's intentions are. This is a wonderful way to share Gods Way's with your children. I plan to give this book as a gift, and to keep my copy for my future grandchildren. This is book is a keeper.

I've given this book to several parents with young children, and the parents seem to benefit as much as their children! Why? The story line of the Bible is unfamiliar to alot of adults -- even adults who read the Bible regularly or attend a Bible study group. They may have a good grasp of Bible books like Psalms or Romans. But it's a challenge to see the big picture. Boyd's book provides the 'big picture' view for children and adults.

i am 26 years old and this book really reached out and grabbed me. even though it's a 'kids' book, don't be deceived. all walks and all ages can benefit from giving this one a read. the way 'what God has always wanted' is written takes the Gospel message from beginning to end and translates it on a child's level without diluting it!! the amazing thing is that after reading it, i didn't feel like anything was lost or looked over in the very fundamental truths addressed. i felt as though i had taken a step out of critical and opposing theological points of views and various other 'issues' that are haggled over and debated in many of the circles i find myself in, and gotten back in touch with the core message of what the Bible is saying to us. all that to say, this is an EXCELLENT children's book that i plan on reading to my kids one day, but will continue reading for myself, the 26 year old, until that day comes.

In Postmodern Children's Ministry, Ivy Beckwith writes of the danger of reducing the Bible to "doctrinal tenets, moral absolutes, tips for better living, or stories of heroes to be emulated." Instead of using the Bible to "teach children moral lessons...we need the Bible to introduce children to God, God's story, and God's ways."

That's why I was excited to discover Charles F. Boyd's book, What God Has Always Wanted: The Bible's Big Idea from Genesis through Revelation. It answers the question, "What's the Bible about anyway?" and introduces the story of Scripture to children.

Boyd says, "I believe we do a good job teaching children Bible stories, but we haven't done as good a job of teaching the Bible's story. By setting the gospel in the overall storyline of the Bible, I believe children can better see how Jesus and His friendship is truly what ties the Bible's story together from start to finish."

Boyd clearly presents the story of Scripture from creation and fall to Jesus and the new creation. It invites children to become participants in the story by becoming friends with God. Boyd also includes a helpful glossary to help adults answer questions that kids might raise as they read the book together.

Here's the real genius of the book: it's not just a children's book, it is a "parenting book disguised as a children's book." It equips parents and teachers to share the gospel with kids in a way that they will understand.

There are lots of entertaining books, movies, and curriculum for kids. What God Has Always Wanted moves beyond the normal approach of telling individual stories and teaching moral lessons, and tells God's story. This is a very encouraging book for kids, and I highly recommend it for churches, parents, teachers, and grandparents.

I thought that the book was very insightful from the centurions point of view. I felt moved at time. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend this book to all! Thank you.

We have probably all tried to imagine the crucifixion as experienced by Christ Himself. But have we stopped to think about others who were present, and what they thought and felt? A Witness at the Cross brings to life characters from the Bible and helps us understand what they saw and heard as Jesus died. The centurion who oversaw His execution becomes a real human being to us, a man who is able to question his own beliefs. This book has a lesson for everyone- from a child who may only have begun to learn the story of Jesus Christ, to an adult who has read the Bible many times. I am sure that all will enjoy it.

I really enjoyed the different perspective on the execution of Christ. The format provoked introspective thought on how I would have reacted in the narrator's position, which helped to personalize Christ's sacrifice. I strongly recommend the book.

Though i have only read the sample chapter of this book, i must be forthcomming in my feelings and say that it has captured my heart. Though i am a believer in Christ, i now fight back tears for the imaging, of the authors, that has truely struck home. I pray that all who read the sample chapter find it as compelling as i have. God bless us and praise Jesus for all eternity.

I found "A Witness at the Cross" to be a captivating story of the possible events in the life of a certain Roman Centurion mentioned only briefly in the New Testament. The story is narrated by the centurion in first person, which I think contributed prominently to the way I began to identify with the main character early on in the book. I felt as if I were there in person watching the events of the story unfold as I heard them described through the eyes of the centurion.

The further into the story I read, the more anticipation I experienced and I just could not put the book down. As I reached the end of a chapter, I felt I just had to keep reading to see what was going to happen next. I think in this way the author does an effective job of conveying the thoughts and feelings of the centurion, drawing the reader to become fully immersed in the story.

I like the way the story is fictional, but based on actual events recorded in the Bible. It added greater dimensional and detail to a man whose life was deeply and lastingly altered by the brief but powerful influence of the Savior of mankind. It also effectively illustrated one of the great principles of Christianity - that anyone, no matter how self-absorbed or hardened, is capable of being humbled by the powerful testimony that Jesus is the Christ.

"You have a hit! I've read a lot of motivation books and Position To Receive is going impact lives!" - Sanford

"This book is awesome! I love it! Now the bread that you've cast on life's waters is about to return!" - Jessie

"Great Book! This book is so good I couldn't put it down once I started reading. I can honestly say, you made me think of every day things in a different way, THINK BIG!!" - Gina

"It was awesome! If people would take the time to read this book, they would be very blessed!" - Sonny

"A book so simple everyone can understand, even the most intelligent can appreciate it!" - Jessie

"PTR should be a part of everyone's home library, whether an entrepreneur or not. You give such value to everyday things we take for granted!" - Ronnie

"PTR definitely change my thinking and the information has enhanced the journey of my business and Christian life. I really enjoyed it and can't wait for Position To Receive Too!" - Rochelle

"This book will be a blessing to your life and your library! If you follow Michael Matthews' blueprint, no matter what your field is in business and in life I promise you just like me, you will be in Position To Receive great things from God!" - Lebron

If you really want to learn to be a wizard like Harry or Hermione - this unique "how-to" book is a must. It is for the seekers of the wisdom of the wizard. You will actual learn with this step-by-step extraordinary easy to grasp,well-structured, thought provoking book. There is a tremendous amount of vital information here that teaches you how unlock your own power and apply it to your own life. The spellbinding methods found in this book will take you on a journey beyond your wildest dreams by awakening the wizard in you.

I just love it and gave it to my son to read and to use as a tool in his everyday life.

Although I didn't realize it when I ordered it, this book is aimed at young people, that is, approx. 5th grade through high school. I caught on when she used the phrase, "Ask your mom..." Still, it's a great book for anyone who's interested in learning how to have some control over what we manifest in our lives. It's sensible, wise, and very sound spiritual advice, not just tricks. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Wizardry 101 is for everyone and anyone who has had any curiosity about the occult and spirituality. The author is contagiously passionate about sharing her wealth of information. I have finally found a complete resource that answers all my questions in one book.

While this book opens ones mind to the ancient arts of transformation, it also modernizes the subject in a way that one can use this wisdom in everyday life. Ms. Abbamonte gives a perplexing subject a simplicity that redefines its use as a oneness with the universe. This book should be in everyone's library who lives outside the lines and who wants to find one's inner spiritual self.

In his book: Y2K: You Can Burn This Book!, Tom Potter has done an excellent job covering the basic elements all our communities should consider as the Year 2000 approaches. We've all spent many months and considerable resources reconfiguring our hardware and software so they will continue to support our businesses - now we need to look at our personal preparedness efforts and those of our employees. Potter devotes a chapter to each area of fundamental needs (water, heat, power, food, etc), explaining where disruptions might occur and then providing suggestions for different levels of planning. For a detailed resource that follows up on topics mentioned in many preparedness primers, this is just the book you need. ---Deben Tobias, Board of Directors; Business for Social Responsibility

Tom Potter's Y2K: You Can Burn This Book! is an excellent resource for anybody concerned with disaster preparedness. With an emphasis on personal and household preparation, he sets a positive but proactive tone for pursuing these preparation activities. Using his expertise in industrial energy use, he discusses the scope of neighborhood preparation that Boulder > is also concerned about, and offers a broad range of solutions. Potter's book is a great resource for taking that first step toward being informed - and ultimately being prepared. He's also been an excellent speaking resource for Boulder County Y2K meetings. > --K. Garcia, Community Coordinator, Boulder County Y2K Preparedness Group >

This book is thought provoking and droll. Ice storms and blizzards here in Canada make emergency preparations useful for everyone. Most of the information so delightfully presented here is of use in any of those situations. This book will be valuable even after the Y2k has passed.

I've read a bunch of these now and this one is easy to read and understand. I'm trying to get my church group to use it, becuase it would be good for helping people in the local area when things get rough. Bunch of lists and its funny too!

I wish it would have had more stuff on where to buy food and things. But he has it on a website, I guess.

Unlike some of the other Y2K books I looked at, this one offers a reasonable approach to personal, family, and community preparedness. In some ways, it's unfortunate that it's linked to Y2K, because it is such a useful preparedness book. Living in earthquake country, I can really appreciate the author's checklists, worksheets, and insights on how to calculate how much water, food, and energy a family will need to ride out any crisis. Also, the very optimistic outlook and focus on non-violent responses to crises was a unique approach, given many of the other guides that seem focused on seige mentality. I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who lives in an area that is subject to earthquakes, floods, blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, or any other possible disasters, including Y2K.

One of the best books I've read in a long time! Once you get to know the characters, you are compelled to follow them through their experiences of the war. The varied backgrounds of the characters gives the reader a perspective of the Vietnam experience from different points of view.

Great book! Once I picked it, up I couldn't put it down.

It's been almost 40 years that I was with Delta Company 2/1 196th LIB and also worked with F troop 17th Cav many times. I have never bothered to read anything about the Vietnam war but my son has really inspired me because of the excellent job our troops are doing today.
359 and A Wake Up was well done ! I really enjoyed it. Although a fiction, it was great to read about The 196th, Hawk Hill and the Americal Division. The story was excellent and I could not put the book down.

Everyone should read this book. I hope Dennis Daniels continues to write.
Thank you for a job well done - made me feel proud to serve !

Dennis and I were in-country at almost the same time. He was up in I Corps and I was down in III Corps serving with Special Forces. His principle characters; the hippie, the professional NCO and the West Point graduate; are drawn from a cross-section of America during the turbulent years of the late 1960's and early 1970's. What I found most striking was the change that wartime military service brought about to the characters.

Any vet who served in Vietnam can definitely relate to this book and will find it strangely compelling in that you don't want to put it down. For those who didn't serve or even those who protested the war - this book, told through the stories of 3 characters from a variety of backgrounds, shows the diversity of troops who fought not for glory, God or Country, but for their fellow soldiers.

Well Done, Sir! Charlie Mike and Scouts Out!

Very well written. I couldn't put it down. It was interesting to see how the three characters, with different views came together. Growing up in the 60's, I have a different view of the War after reading this book. I really like John Whalen, his feelings and his changes. This book should be a movie.

I could not put the book down, felt like I was there
great book