Publishers Books

This is the best book to read to young children, fantastic story and lovely pictures. My favourite children's book and still amazing. A moral tale

Every family with small children should have this book. The story and illustrations are out of this world.

This is a lovely, lovely story with very good illustrations. My little girl knew the book off by heart by the time she she was 18 months old. I would say it's a must have for all children.

I hadn't read this book since childhood, but recently my girlfriend and I started trading and reading books from our childhoods. I bought a copy of Dogger for her and she read it out loud to me. I started crying, and just couldn't stop. I can remember feeling just like Dave when I was younger and losing something, it was a horrible feeling. If only we could all have a sister like Bella. The wonderful story and pictures will touch you, and stay with you forever.

I have given over 15 copies of Dogger to friends and family when they have an arrival of a second child. Every one of them...every.one.of.them has loved it and weeks/months/years later, I still get glowing feedback on this book.

The way the older child (Bella) helps out her little brother (Dave) when he looses Dogger makes me and anyone I've ever given the story to sniffle at the beauty and kindness of text and illustrations.

Face it, when you were little and you miss placed your favorite toy/lovey, you basically went to DEFCON 5 alert status and nothing was right until your lovey was found. Now as a parent, you know if your child loses their lovey, nothing in your house will be settled until it is found and you would do anything ( beg, bribe and possibly liquidate your IRA to make your child happy (and sleep through the night) again. Bella is every mother's heroine.

She teaches the selfless act of helping and giving better than I ever could.

This book is getting harder to find, so buy it right now to help keep it in print. I need more copies for the next round of friends having children.

This book seemed a little far fetched and certain events unreal. I was with the 534th Trans. Co. 7th Trans. Bn. during 1967 & 1968. During that period there were certainly no "donut dollys" handing out coffee and donuts before convoys, apes in the hooches or a swimming pool let alone a library. Now this time was just prior to when the book took place and I being an enlisted man may not have been able to use these luxuries. I know I drove all the time and to the places mentioned in the book. I also know that the 5 tons we drove did have power steering and air-assissed breaks, the flat beds with steaks hauled everything and the 10th trans was the refrigerator Company. I liked the book and it did bring back memories but certain details were off. Maybe the Lt. should have driven more and rode in the jeep less.

Even though I was just a young kid when America was fighting the war in Vietnam, the subject always fascinated me. Guess I've read about every book regarding Vietnam that shows up on the bookshelf, each time getting more of the same thing-firefights with statistics, people who got killed or wounded coupled with how many of the enemy we wiped out in the process; frustrated military leaders held back by the red-tape, evasive politicians misleading the public into thinking the war was to support a democratic Saigon government. This is all just great but somehow the true feelings, bitterness, sorrows, fears, humor and doubts evaded my conception of the war until I read Rast's story from his diary along with the pictures he took. The events he describes stayed with me and they stuck, I felt like I was right there with him and I kept going back to chapters in the book and rereading them with different feelings each time. Theres a little bit of all of us in his characters and the situations and emotions they display: maybe that is why it feels so real to read and see something about the war I never experienced before.

Even though I was just a young kid when America was fighting the war in Vietnam, the subject always fascinated me. Guess I've read about every book regarding to Vietnam that shows up on the bookshelf, each time getting more and more of the same thing, firefights with statistics and who got killed or wounded with how many of the enemy we disposed of in the process; frustrated military leaders held back by red-tape, evasive politicians misleading the public into thinking the war was to support a democratic Saigon government. This is all just great but somehow the true feelings, bitterness, sorrows, fears, humor and doubts evaded my conception of the war until I read Rast's story from his diary along with the pictures he took. The events he describes stayed with me and they stuck. I felt like I was right there with him and I kept going back into chapters in the book and rereading them with different feelings each time. There is a little bit of all of us in his characters, situations and the emotions they display: maybe that is why it feels so real to read and see something about the war I never experienced before.

First of all, I am a member of Lt Don's platoon from the 379th Trans Co. Reading about our experiences gave me some laffs, a few tears and a lot of goosebumps ! Lt. Don has captured the absurdity, streaks of madness and overall experience of the convoy truckers of the Nam (unsung heroes). He tells of the maturing of young boys into men (American & Vietnamese alike). His insights into east/west philosophies, the politics of the day and the plight of everyman should be required reading.

Reviewer: David A. Willson, author of REMF Diary, The REMF Returns and In the Army Now

In my role as a Vietnam War literature bibliographer, I have read hundreds of books dealing with the war. Most of the memoirs and novels are junk or the same basic book over again. Rast's book is not junk. There is no other Vietnam War book even a little bit like it. His lively narrative (from an Army lieutenant's point of view) deals with 1969-70, when Nixon was taking his time withdrawing the U.S. from the war. The subject is the extremely hazardous job of convoy commander assigned to the "Orient Express," the 534th and 379th Transportation Companies, 7th Transportation Battalion. Rast has written a unique and fascinating book filled with comic absurdity, phantasmagoric scenes and believable characters of all ranks and races. And he includes the Vietnamese, unlike the authors of most Vietnam War memoirs and novels. The insanity of the war has never been better explored and exploded. I highly recommend Don's Nam.

This book is wonderful for any level of "raw foodie" and is a staple in my kitchen. I have only been making raw meals for a year and these are wonderful! My 10 year old even makes some of the recipes-the ice cream is a family favorite!!

I must say, this is the absolute best raw recipe book on the market to date, the recipes are easy to follow and taste great. I've dipped and dabbabled in the wonderful world of raw for years (since 2000)but didn't have the staying power to hang in there. I would get tired of the long preparation of this meal and that meal and would eventually throw my hands up and return to S.A.D. hey after all it's quick, tasty and easy.(it'll kill you though) HOWEVER WITH THIS BOOK MY WEAK MINDEDNESS IS OVERRRRRRRRR. over 90% of the recipes in this book taste wonderful and are NOT time consuming to prerpare even my 14 and 17 year old sons like most of the items I've prepared from this book the only reason it's not all is because they haven't tried all of the one's I've made but of the one's they have tried they come back over and over for more. Thanks so much Matthew for making my and my mom's transition to 100% live easier; this book is truy a blessing in my home. I also purchased Matthew and Sarma's book Raw Food Real World and while the recipes in that book are very tasty as well again the time it takes to prepare alot of the items were more than I could stand. However now that Everydayraw has taken me to the next level I will go back to that book and try out some more recipes. Man the two of them surely know how to marry favors and I am one that really likes well seasoned food and that's what most of the other raw food books are missing but these guys rock with the raw food.

I was very excited to get this book after owning RAW FOOD REAL WORLD.
While I was struck by some original recipes, I found myself a bit dissapointed. Overall I thought as if the book lacked a certain polish I expected. The food photos are ok (and a few confusing, sesame cashew dumplings- why is there another plate of untitled food in this photo?), the interior page colors were harsh, one recipe is not complete in the book (ice cream cone), several recipes were rehashed from RFRW, and I even found a exact quote about mangos from RWRF in this book again.
This is definitley not for those on a limited budget.
There are many out of the ordinary ingredients and large amounts used(some not completely raw either).

Prepare to use a lot of coconut meat, cashews and dehydration (one cracker recipe calls for 2-3 days of dehydration).

Good points - the price of the book, originality and taste of recipes -some simply wonderful(although he does hint they are not all his creations), lack of filler info (which is a major plus). Its straight up recipes. The font makes the recipes and ingredients easy to read. Most are also easy enough to make for everday(minus those needing dehydration).

I own several raw recipe books, and while this is in my top ten its not my absolute favorite. I do appreciate having a fresh new recipe book though and its good to see Matthew back on the scene, so maybe it will grow on me.

This is a great raw foods book! Ice Cream Cones on page 134 has a duplicate set of instruction from another recipe repeated, and so here's the fix for that errata. The recipe directions were sent to me by Gibbs Smith Publishers:


Blend all ingredients in Vita-Mix until smooth. Spread thinly into 5 to
6-inch rounds on dehydrator Teflex sheets. Dehydrate 5¬6 hours until dry but very pliable. Remove from Teflex sheets and shape each round into cones; press edges together. If needed, use paper clips to secure the edges. Place cones on dehydrator screens and dehydrate for 24 more hours until crisp.

I purchased this book mainly because I already have "Raw Food Real World" Cookbook by Matthew Kenney and Sarma Melngailis. Because I Love the first one so well, I didn't give a second thought to purchasing this one, and I'm glad I did, I love it! It has 144 pages of really Fabulous recipes, and in this book he focuses on keeping it simple which is just what I wanted. There are plenty of blended & squeezed smoothies and juices in this book such as: The Blue Green, which is one of his personal smoothie favorites. Immunity, another smoothie high in antioxidants, almond milk, brazil nut milk, Triple C, a favorite morning smoothie, chocolate-cherry smoothie, Vanilla-E, The Classic, with Strawberries and Bananas and Almond Milk, Banana Almond Butter Cup Smoothie, Mango Raspberry, Mint Cacao Cooler, The Muscle, a great protein smoothie, and one called the Best Smoothie, similar to a Pina Colada. Also, Raspberry-Agave Lemonade, Hot Ancho Cacao, Sweet Green Juice, Grapefruit Cleanser Juice. He also has a chapter with snacks such as Citrus Maple Granola, Mixed Candied Nuts, Curried Cashews, Blueberry-Almond Granola Bar, Raspberry Vanilla-Almond Granola, Chili-Lime Macadamia Nuts, Chocolate-Ginger Macaroons, Vanilla-Almond Macaroons, Super Goji-Cacao-Maca Bars, Almond Crumbs, Raw Chocolate Chip Cookies, Raw Chocolate Chips. Then he has an unbaked section which includes Cumin Flatbread, Herb Crackers, Golden Tortilla Chips, Za'atar Flatbread, Bar-B-que Crisps. Then there is the next section called Starters which include Blueberry Pancakes, Eggplant Bacon, Cucumber-White Grape Gazpacho, Portobello Sausage, Tofu Scrambler, Sesame Cashew Dumplings, Miso Soup, Silken Tofu, Marinated kalamata Olives, Savory Crepes. Then the Spreads, Dips & Sauces such as Chipotle Mayo, Red Chili-Pineapple Dipping Sauce, Sweet Chili-Lime Sauce, Macadamia Hummus, Salsa Fresca, Mango Guacamole, Macadamia Feta Cheese, Macadamia Red Pepper Cheese, Pineapple Mango Salsa, Black Olive Pesto, Lemon-Thyme Yogurt Sauce, Roasted Pepper Hummus With Lime, Chili, & Sour Cream. Then come the Salads with Blue Green Salad, Spicy Almond Dressing, Seaweed Salad, Ginger-Miso Dressing, Potato Salad, Potato Salad Dressing, Creamy Sesame Dressing, Thai Salad, Creamy Thai Dressing, Tabbouleh, Sweet Miso Dressing, Blood Orange-Crispy Fennel Salad, & Blood Orange Dressing. Then the Larger Dishes such as Tomato Basil & Ricotta Pizza, Mango Wraps, Portobello Fajitas, Pasta Primavera, Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Rosemary-Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Portobello Steaks, Summer Rolls, Tomato Torta With Pesto & Macadamia Ricotta, & Pad Thai. Then comes Desserts such as Mocha Pudding, Vanilla Creme, Strawberry Tart, Agave Caramel, Mocha Glaze, Sweet Cacao Sauce, Coconut Creme Anglaise, Pumpkin Pie With Thyme, Lemon Macaroon Cheesecake Tartlet, Chocolate hazelnut Tart, Chocolate Cookie Crumbs, Key Lime Tartlets, Vanilla Mint Flan, Frozen Goji Berry Souffle, Maca-Cacao Truffles, Warm Fudge Brownie, & Hot Fudge. Then the Ice Cream section with Mint Cacao Chip Ice Cream, Cherry Chip Ice Cream, Chocolate pieces, Ice Cream Cones, Strawberry Sorbet, Creamsicles, Almond Gelato, Banana Almond Butter Cup Ice Cream, & Almond Butter Cups. Now these recipes seem like they would be full of fattening, unhealthy ingredients by reading these recipe titles, but keep in mind that everything is his healthy version of each of these recipes using totally different ingredients than the typical recipe would require. I am extremely impressed with this Raw Foods Book, this would be a great book to have to encourage you to eat healthier and get a very tasty mouth watering experience that is good for you at the same time! I highly recommend to those of you who are trying to decide if this book is for you that you try it, it is also inexpensive and a great buy, so you can't go wrong with this one! I only purchase gifts for others that I myself love, and this would be a perfect consideration in that respect also!

I'd highly recommend this book for people who already know something about Catholicism, but need a bit more depth in order to understand why Catholics believe what they do. I have used it as a resource for people who are Catholic but it has been a long time since they have had catechesis, or for non-Catholic Christians who want to understand more about Catholicism.

It may be a bit too detailed for someone just beginning the Inquiry or RCIA process unless they want a thorough resource book, but in this case I would definitely pair it with a simplified copy of the Catechism.

It makes a great gift book too!

My seminarian friend recommended it to me. At times Opus Dei can be too black-and-white with no gray in between, but this book is still a wonderful way to connect all of Catholicism. I go to Mass regularly and have gone to a Catholic HS, but I still didn't feel like I knew my faith. This book was able to show me how we do know a lot about our faith, but we just have a problem making sense of what we know. Also, his analogies are brilliant. I use them constantly in explaining Catholicism to others.

This is required reading for the Catholic, literally as many catechism classes require it. It is also very useful for those wanting to learn more about their faith or the Catholic faith in general. It is full of useful information laid out in an informative and well written manner. It is easy to find information and questions. That being said it is also very dry, but its hard to make a book like this a page turner.

I've owned this book now for about 3 years and have read it through all the way, once. I've gone back to sections for refresher information, many, many times. What I like the most about this book is, if you do not have the capacity (time, or stamina) to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) all the way through - this is an excellent way to get "more than the basics" of what is in the CCC in a very clear, concise manner.

From the very first page (just like all catechisms of the Catholic church) it starts with the three fundamental questions. Who made me? Who is God? Why did God make me? Just that first page will have you hooked and you will not want to put it down. I constantly recommend this book to anyone over the age of 13 because it is that clear in it's method of explaining the faith. I do not believe this book is for anyone looking for a "dumbed down" version of the faith, and by that I do not mean there is anything wrong with the book written by Fr. Tregilio called "Catholicism for Dummies." Quiet the contrary, these two books are just for different types of readers.

Another interesting observation on this book is the different kind of people that love it. I have met such different personalities and ages of people (13 to 79) who love this book that I think that fact is also a recommendation of the book.

Read it, it's good for answering all your questions AND will untangle any misconceptions you have developed along the way, or just remind you of what you may have forgotten.

I highly and unreservedly recommend this book.

I use this text frequently for inquirers into the Catholic Faith. Every one says it is witten in a very interesting style. Many can't put it down once begun. Well written and faithful to Catholic Church teaching.

This is an amazing historical story about the hymn It is well with my soul. I have dug this song since Jars of Clay included it on their Redemtion Songs CD, but never knew what it must of cost the man who wrote these incredible words. Horatio and Anna Spaffords story is certainly about loss, but also about peace. This book also tells the story of their survival of the Great Chicago Fire of 1870. My problem with this book is this: I always pass my books along to friends, and I want them all to have it once and read it immediately.

[...]


It is 1871, and the Great Fire that hungrily devoured Chicago leaving it stunned and weeping starts a chain of events in the life of Horatio Spafford that will lead him to pen what will later become the well-known hymn "It Is Well With My Soul." As Spafford flees his crumbling office building, he is at once left in financial ruin. Standing knee-deep in ash that was once a thriving city, Horatio sees God in a way he has never before. However, as the exciting process of rebuilding overpowers him, he loses sight of the One that miraculously saved him from the flames.
What of the love of his life and the mother of his four young daughters? What of Anna? How does a marriage survive such a tragedy? Or does it at all? As Spafford helps restore Chicago to its former glory, Anna is left alone to gather the scattered pieces of their former life and marriage. As she ponders the hopelessly broken vessel of her existence, she takes off her apron, lays down her kitchen towel, and quietly begins to pack. Can Horatio's heart find its way back to her?
Before the question can be answered, one more tragedy befalls this weak union. But this one far surpasses any before experienced, its magnitude greater than any mere human can come to grips with. This time, it is more than mere neglegence that separates husband and wife. It is a raging ocean.
The first book in the Music of the Heart series, "Finding Anna" begins with a resounding bang and ends with a sniff and a sob. What happens between is the true story of God's working in the life of one man that impacted the world with ink and quill.
Christine Schaub has done a superb job of captivating the reader with one of the best openings I have ever read. I was at once enthralled and remained just so until the last page was turned, the last tear was wiped, and these godly heroes were sadly left in the annals of time.
Never again will the words or the tune of "It Is Well With My Soul" leave my lips without being accompanied by thoughts of the workings of our great God and Savior in the lives of his creation. More importantly--in mine.
"Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! It is well, it is well, with my soul!"

The book starts out animatly written and builds strength. You find that you can't put it down. I had to remind myself midway through the book that it was nonfiction! It is so colorfully written and you understand the charactors so well. I was sad the book ended. You cry for sadness and cry for happiness. You cry for what you take for granted. You gain a deep understanding of God and of life. You'll be thinking about this one long after you close the cover.

Schaub's retelling of the story behind one of the most popular and touching hymns is phenominal. From the moment I began reading, I was captured by her real-life characters. Schaub has an extremely unique way of narrating by connecting the reader to the inner-most thoughts of each of her major characters, stripping them of their protective shells and allowing us to see the true motives behind their actions; all without giving away too much and keeping readers intrigued. It is refreshing to find a new and unique voice among today's writers. I read this book in one day...and can't wait until the release of her next one.

What I liked most about FINDING ANNA is the human (and therefore dramatic) context in which one of the classic and beloved hymns of the Christian church was born in the heart of the song's writer. I was somewhat unprepared for both the events that lead to H.G. Spafford's composing the text, and the realization that a song which I have loved but taken for granted at times, was the product of a faith tried by circumstances that I can barely conceive.

Christine Schaub has written a powerful and poignant book and will hopefully emerge as an important voice in Christan fiction. I look forward to future stories in the Music of the Heart series.

Highly, highly recommended.

I love the development of the story lines and characters of this series. I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the conclusion. She introduces several sides to the issues, including the accompanying emotional impact on the families and on the Amish community as a whole. This series is based on an actual event, which makes it all the more interesting to read and contemplate.

I loved this book as I have all of the Beverly Lewis books!Great read! Couldn't put it down!

I couldn't wait to start reading this book as soon as I received it.
I read it over a week-end, and enjoyed it greatly.

I love ready these different series and I didn't want this one to end! Can't wait for the next one:)

The Forbidden picks up the story of Nellie Mae Fisher and her forbidden beau, Caleb Yoder. At the end of the first book, Caleb's father has told him that he must part from his beloved Nellie because of her family's split from the Old Order Amish Church. Here we see the separated pair trying to find ways in which to communicate and hopefully change Caleb's father's mind about their relationship. In addition, we follow Nellie's older sister Rhoda's struggle as she decides to leave the Plain life behind; the relationship between Christian and Zachary Yoder, Caleb's Mennonite cousins who were with Nellie's sister Suzy when she died; and Rosanna Lapp, whose cousin has recently given her the twins she'd borne so that childless Rosanna could become a mother. All of these stories are woven together through a sense of community and heartfelt conflict.

This book felt much more believable to me than its prequel, The Parting. I felt the religious issues were drawn more realistically, with fewer "out of the blue" conversions and less overt preachiness. The conflicts both within the community and characters showed the flaws of both convincingly, and Lewis has led us to care for the plight of our friends as they decide what will be the right path for them. Set in the 1960s, it's easy to see that the times are a-changin', not only for the Plain community but for the world at large as well. With her open endings, Lewis has set us up for changes in relationships that may not be what we are hoping for, but will make sense as they progress. I am eagerly looking forward to the final book in the series to see just how Nellie Mae and Caleb forge ahead with their lives in a world that's turned topsy-turvy.

I can't wait until her next book comes out...I've heard there's going to be another book...I hope there will be the 3rd book in the college series ended so soon...awww What happens when Todd opens his wedding present, huh? and what about Katie and Rick...She has to write another one, she just has too.

I didn't like this book as much. I own every Robin Jones Gunn book available and i was sadly disappointed with this book. I found it kind of boring. I read it really quickly and got very little out of it. I also didn't like that this thin little diary had 5 years of her life in it. It missed way too much. The only part i really liked was when she was talking about the meaning of her 'Forever' bracelet

This book is about Christy Miller, only deeper. It shows her life over five years in high school and in college. It gives a unique outlook on teen life with a Christian view. I couldn't put this book down! I would reccomend this book for all Chistians and people who are looking to be a Christian. This is a great way to start the Christy Miller series or to read along with it. JUST READ THIS BOOK! IT'S REALLY GOOD!

Hey ya'll...I think that these books are the most incredible books i have ever read. I have read all 12 of the Christy Miller Series and 1 and 2 of the College Series! I instantly Fell in Love with Todd, and I pray that the guy I marry will be just like him. He has the qualities every guy should have! I wish that my life was just like Christy's and I can't wait to read the 3rd book of the College Series! These Books have helped me in my life more ways than I can count! I love them and I can't wait to read them over! The things todd says to Christy are so sweet and caring, it makes you want to cry. I commend Robin Jones Gunn, she is an amazing writer. I like books that I can sit down in my room, and just get lost in a book. I couldn't put them down. I havne't been able to do that with a book in a long time! I encourage everyone to read these books, every one of them, and open their hearts to learn from them. God spoke to me in so many ways while i was reading the college books the most. I learned so much and my relationship with god was grown immensly. I look up to christy...and I try to be more like her each day!

Hello everyone. Robin Jones Gunn's books on Christy Miller are absolutely the best books I have ever read. When you read them, it's as if you've crawled inside the book and you're there with her everywhere she goes! Todd is such a great character, and he's the exact type I've dreamt of marrying ever since I got book 1. I cry when she cries. I laugh, and trust me, there's plenty to laugh at. I have a smile on my face during every book, and I definitely recommend every single on of them. These books are sweet and romantic, but realistic and give you a Biblical perspective on the way life should be. I have actually grown closer to God through these books. Especially the college series. Thanks, Robin! You're the best!

This is the second in the trilogy of the Army of the Potomac and I enjoyed it even more. I had been reading Gone with the Wind, stuck in bed with a terrible chest cold. I was planning on finishing it, but my Auntie's Beagle Pepper decided GWTW was good eating...so I pick up Mr. Lincoln's army and was hooked.

Bruce Catton writes like no other about the American Civil War. His insight makes you believe he was there, that he lived through it, coming from his years of listening to the veterans in his hometown. And though he is a Yankee, he strives very hard to be impartial. He tries, but surprisingly I sense an admiration for the colourful soldiers of the South slipping through the prose.

Mr. Lincoln's Army, centred around the opening of the war, the trouble's Lincoln had with find a general to run his army that wanted to fight. The "On to Virginia" cry, meaning march about 50 miles down the road and capture the Capitol of the Confederacy, was something Lincoln could not seem to rid from the mind of his commanders...he knew you had to cut off the head of the Army of Northern Virgina, not capture their capitol to end the conflict. Was surprising, Lincoln understood this so clearly, yet the trained Generals never could until Grant.

His struggles to find the perfect commander continues in GLORY ROAD. This book, quite possibly is Catton's best work, following Lincoln's army and the changes in Generals from the battles of Fredericksburg to Gettysburg. He gives you insight into each General, whiskered Burnsides inheriting command from "Little Mac" McClellan, to the rough-edged Hooker at Chancellorsville, and then the slow but steady Meade at Gettysburg. He was not flashy, but he would fight.

Catton brings these battles alive, but more than that, he gives you to the ability to see the war through the eyes of the common soldiers, showing you everyday life, the small touches that transcends just being another history book. Like Capt. James Hall of the 2nd Maine Battery. Catton's description of dashing Hall having a discussion under cannon fire, with Southern blasting away, yet he acts if nothing is happening. When one shell bursts too close, he dismounts, goes to one of his guns, and fires at that the ONE particular Southern gun that DARED disturbed his conversations, remounts and returns to the talk like nothing had happened!! These snippets are just too marvellous!!

His prose reads more like fiction; it's so enjoyable. I know it has been fashionable for many of the newer voices in the field to garner attention. However, if you really want a view of the War Between the States that is more like a visit with a time machine, then you must read the genius of Catton.

Glory Road is the second installment of the 3-part series written by Bruce Catton on the Army of the Potomac and covers the period from the Battle of Fredericksburg to Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

Written in the style that only Catton could write, the book is enjoyable to read the narrative is smooth. Catton seems to be fair and objective in his analysis of the Army of the Potomac's leaders and common soldier.

Personally, if I were living back in the Civil War period and was fighting for the Union, I think, I'd much rather fight for General Sherman!!! Yes, Sherman's Army traveled and conquered many territories, but at least his army seemed to have better leaders! Catton's assessment of the Army of the Potomac's leadership seems to be sound as I have read much newer Civil War books and they seem to arrive at similar conclusions.

The only reason I did not give the book 5 stars was because of the lack of maps. However, this is understandable since the book was originally written in 1952 and Civil War books back then typically did not have a lot of maps.

Complaint aside, this is still a highly enjoyable and entertaining read. Read and enjoy. Highly recommended!

This book by Bruce Catton follows Volume 1 in his famous Civil War Trilogy covering the Army of the Potomac. In this well written text, Catton covers the footsteps of the army dealing with the loss at Fredericksburg, following Burnside, then Hooker, Chancellorsville and then finally Gettysburg. Catton isn't truly descriptive of the battles and quickly covers the basics, though Catton loves to present the politics involving Union leadership and basically the war itself. While covering the end of 1862 and a majority of 1863, Catton's coverage brings the readers insight to popular sentiment, northern industrialization, the struggles facing the Lincoln administration, the perils of war and much more. Catton never dwells too long a subject and keeps things moving while bringing a bit of humor to uncommon situations or oddities of the war. Catton's books are never boring and either is this one. This is must read for any fan of the Civil War!

Bruce Catton's "Glory Road" was published in 1952 as the second volume of a trilogy on the Army of the Potomac. Unhappily, the book is now out-of-print, but it remains an outstanding, accessible study of the Civil War and of the Union's largest army.

"Glory Road" covers the period from the Battle of Fredericksburg in late 1862 through the Battle of Gettysburg in July, 1863 and concludes with President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address in November, 1863. The primary battles during this period were Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. The Army of the Potomac had a different commander in each battle, Burnside, Hooker, and Meade, to face Confederate general Robert E. Lee, who had already assumed almost legendary stature. Catton captures these battles well, in a rhythmic and readable prose without getting bogged in the detail of many more minute battle accounts. He also does well in tying the courses of the battles together, something more specialized accounts frequently fail to do. The reader wanting a basic understanding of the battles will find it here.

But there is much more to this book than a description of combat. For me, Catton made the Army of the Potomac come alive. He tells the story of how the Army survived its many defeats and came through as a strong, tough fighting force lacking illusions. The Army survived a series of weak commanders and took control of itself.

Catton also does an excellent job of weaving the military course of the War with political and social history. He discusses the politics within the Lincoln administration and the activities of the Copperheads -- Northerners sympathetic to the Confederate War effort. He also gives a fine account of the origins of the United States Sanitary Commission -- a private organization which played a great role in improving medical care for the wounded of the Civil War. Catton's history shows how the United States kept growing almost in spite of itself during the war years, and he captures the transition from a government based on the states, in both North and South, to a strong national government.

The book is well-written, easy to follow, and has moments of real eloquence. I was moved by the discussion of Pickett's charge on the third day of Gettysburg and by the discussion of Lincoln's famous address. There is real feeling in this book for the war and for the troops that fought it, with a focus on the Union side of the line. Virtually everything covered in this book has been written about with more detail by others. But for a basic account of the Civil War and of the ebb and flow of its course, Catton's account remains a gem. I learned a great deal from it. I also enjoyed reading the comments of the other Amazon reviewers who have discussed this book.

I started Catton's trilogy of the Army of the Potomac with Vol. II, "Glory Road". I did so because my vacation was taking me through Fredricksburg and Gettysburg and I planned to visit the three battlefields talked about in this book. While I had hoped for an historical background of the battles, I received so much more. I had not realized that Bruce Catton was such an excellent writer. I just assumed that he was another Civil War buff who was a bit more successful than his peers. How wrong I was! What comes through most clearly from Catton's writing in his respect and admiration of the foot soldiers of the Army of the Potomac. What comes through nearly as well is his ability to explain the circumstances of the times; what was happening in Washington, what was happening in the homefront, who were these men in charge. Finally, what is also very appreciated by the reader is the detailed overview of the three main battles in the book; Fredricksburg, Chancellorsille, and Gettysburg. What I mean by detailed overview is not the minute by minute account that so many battle histories have. Rather it is an overview that allows the reader a clear understanding of how the battle proceeded with focal points throughout the event to better bring it to life. Mr. Catton seasons all of this with some much appreciated philosophy of the meaning of the events that take place.

I am aware that I have just finished reading a masterpiece. What is embarassing for me to consider is that it sat on my bookshelf for several years. I will see to it that Vols I and III shall be attended to promptly.

It's in the knowing of someone that we can develop trust in who that person truly is. This is precisely what our Creator means for us to do concerning Him. Purpose to know Him, believe Him, understand Him, trust Him. As we come close to God through His written word and prayer, we know Him as our Comforter! This book leads us in that direction.

To me the title makes it sound like a book for those of us in need of sympathetic, "touchy-feely" encouragement. Instead I would say it is a book encouraging us to take God at His word, in spite of how we would want to wallow in our own ways, and thereby finding in Him true "rest for our souls."

To understand Scripture and God in a new light is powerful! For example, the chapter that has recently hit me is on Self-Examination. Too often we in the Church are urged to regularly examine ourselves, a practice that often leads to inward, self-centered and myopic, if not discouraging, spiritual vision. Yet in actuality the Bible tells us only to do this in two different passages: prior to Communion and once said to a church to check if "one is in the faith" - a Yes or No question. From that point, Smith writes that we instead read in Scripture to invite GOD to examine US (not we ourselves), asking HIM to reveal in our lives HIS ways and plans; in other words, we are to focus on HIM, learning of Him, growing toward HIM as a result of it being He who we chose to spend time with, about, and for. Taking our eyes off of ourselves, even when looking inward appears a pious undertaking, and turning our examination toward Him gives freedom from self-focus, inherently grows our relationship with our Lord God, and allows our hearts to be changed not from our own working but from God working in us! This was an incredible change of perspective for me!

Excellent, excellent book!

My wife has read this book off and on for years. She decided it was so good that she wanted to give it to a close friend who has cancer. Our friend said he really appreciated and loved the book.
E. T. Owens

Another WOW, just the depth and richness of her writing, and understanding of God, His words, and His LOVE will encourage, and enlighten you, you will be amazed at the simpleness, as well as the profoundness of her words, and more impressive, as it was written in the middle 1800's, and addresses anything that is relevant today.

The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life ( Complete and Unabridged)

I have been teaching this book for nearly a year to my ladies Bible class on Wednesday nights. The class consists of 25 women, who, in varying ways, need to be comforted. Even though this book was written in 1906, and these women range in age from 20 to 60, it is the best book I have found to address each of their needs. This book has taught me that God can and does meet all our needs and even though each of our needs are very different, His way of meeting them, individually, is very similar. Hannah Whitall Smith has a way of simplifying and explaining how God can and will comfort us. Chapter eight, The Lord our Dwelling Place, has been particularly helpful to those of us who have had wayward children. She has a way of convicting us that God is there and He really is Our Father. Even though I thought discussing 17 chapters would be long and redundant, the class has proven to be one of the best I have ever led and the women have recommended it to more people than any class I have ever taught. I highly recommend it.

I first bought this book in 1986 when I was still a student. I followed all the advice as best I could and found it very helpful. Starting work and a period of illness, along with all the other things that life has thrown my way has meant that I have not always kept up with all seven steps. But this is still a book that I return to time after time when I am trying to do something to improve my health. I know that I should be following the seven steps all the time - that's the whole point - but I also know I fall far short of the ideal. It's still a book I would highly recommend to anyone looking to get some perspective on how God wants us to care for ourselves.

I love this book! A friend of mine lent me this book several years ago and I had to return it after I read it. I recently decided to buy a copy for myself. It is full of very useful and wise information. I agree with almost everything that Stormie says in this book. It is written in such a way that is easy to put to use in my life. The seven steps are complete and can be put to good use in anyone's life that is truly interested in better health. I believe that if anyone were to read this book and put the information to use it could change their life in truly positive ways.

This book is very easy to understand. It gives great ideas on how to improve your life with God. There is a lot of helpful information. I would recommend this book.

Stormie OMartian has researched the health books and gleaned the best from them. She covers all the things we should do to be healthy, and inspires us through God to do it. I bought copies for several of my friends. One of the best condensed fasting books I've seen.

This book is an inspiring reminder that balance is the key in life and is chock-full of awesome ideas to help you get your own unique plan together for achieving greater health God's way.