Publishers Books

What I like most about Pfitzinger's and Scott's book is that it is a very friendly efficient book that gets right into the subject matter and it breaks down what others describe in more complex fashion, like VO2 Max, into much simplier terms making the comprehension easy and in far fewer pages. Although written in the very late 90s, this book is still an excellent guide for HS and runners virtually up to local elite status. "Daniels Running Formula" is probably mote satisfying, and more detailed for top guns but Pfitziner and Scott give you a lot of the same information with a variety of workouts based on goal times at various distances. The authors even quote Daniel's research and others so it still is in the game. If you want a quick grasp training book that is top knotch, pleasant to read with examples and pictures, then this is your book.

Pfitzinger's book finally delivers on what I always want from a book on a complex subject, simple explanations and simple solutions. Why write 800 pages when 188 will suffice. If you are only looking to train for 5K's then you can skip the section on 10K and marathon training and get even more concise explanations. This book gives short, simple explanations to the key elements of a training program. We now know everything we need to know about VO2 max and lactate threshold training, their relative importance, how to improve them and how to incorporate them into your training program. Pete indirectly points out how most of us are doing no lactate threshold training (by running most of our daily runs to slow) and doing all of our interval work to fast. I recommend this book to anyone looking to improve his or her racing times.

I would also suggest buying "Daniels Running Formula". I bought it last summer and my 5K's times went down from 19:40 to 18:50. I bought "Road Racing for Serious Runners" to basically get a second opinion on Daniel's theories. Actually these are not opinions or theories. These are time-tested methods back by sound science. I'm 43 years old and I'm living proof that random training will yield random results. Both Pfitzinger and Jack Daniels book will eliminate the "lets try this" approach to training. Both books cover the same topics and both authors come up with the basically the same training program. Daniels book breaks his schedule into 4 six-week phases while Pfitzinger has a 10-week and an 11 phase. When you look at both plans it becomes obvious and almost laughable on how easy it is to improve on your racing times (and in my case actually cut back on the training intensity).

I would buy both books so you can really feel good about your new training methods. Pete's book is simpler and has separate schedules for some of us low 20-40 mile per week folks. Daniels book has slightly more science and covers more topics. Daniels also has been around longer and has trained more athletes. There are only a few contradictions in Pete's book. He states on page 21 that your volume of Vo2 max workouts (your hard intervals) should be 1 workout per week with a total distance covered of 4 to 8K with the possibility of adding a second lower volume session each week. This corresponds with Daniels book where he has 2 Vo2 max sessions each week (or 1 Vo2 Max and a race). But when you get to the detailed 5K schedules for the 20-40 miles per week you only see 6 Vo2 max workouts scheduled in 21 weeks, despite them being listed as the number one priority. Also only 5 threshold workouts are scheduled in the last 11 weeks for the 20-40 mile schedule. I guess Pete is no dummy. He knows that Bill Rodgers may not use his book and that it will be geared towards people like me. He knows that I'm going to sneak in a combination of ten 5K and 8K races this fall before I attempt to peak in early December. The Daniels book just encourages it and has those realities clearly shown on the schedules. Just buy both books, start training smarter and in some cases a little easier. I've bought bad unhealthy lunches for [PRICE]. If you run this will be the best [PRICE} you will ever spend.

Very good book for learning to race everything from 5k to marathon distances. There is no fluff, just the facts on how to prepare for a specific race distance. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is the authors schedules are a little too general for those of us who must have a detailed schedule. This book is not a beginner's book. To get the most from it you need to have some experience running races, even if you are a slow runner.

I can't imagine a better, more concise book on running training for distances over 1500m. A great introduction to the physiology of endurance racing, and how to apply this knowledge directly to your own workouts.

If Jack Daniel's book is the bible of running, this book is a close second. Clear, concise, and with good training tables, this book is a nice tweak on Daniel's book.

Using the methods espoused in these two books has improved my race times dramatically. Instead of random training, every training run now has a purpose; be it a slow easy run or speed workouts at the track.

Since buying this, I find it exciting to see the expanded edition and the red-letter edition far better than the original NASB Bible. I also like this better than than the NIV.

I bought my first Ryrie Study Bible, New American Standard version, in 1979. I took it through Bible college, seminary, and have used it for reading and for my Biblical studies until now, it is worn and tattered.

During the last 26 years I have bought many other study Bibles but I keep coming back to Ryrie.

So I just bought the Ryrie Study Bible/New American Standard/Red Letter Indexed Bonded Black Leather. This is the expanded edition which has more notes, better footnotes, updated maps and many other useful tools for your study.

I look forward to using this Bible for another 25 years.

God Bless

I conduct weekly Bible studies at home and in preparing for this study I consult several comentaries as well as versions of scripture. The NASB Ryrie expanded version has been a tremendous help in gathering a better rounded as well as deeper insight of The Word. It is to the point and concise in its comments as well as easy to understand and assimilate, mostly when you are using other commentaries as I do. My son also uses his in his young adult study in another state and he feels the same way as I do. Very good purchase. For those of you that are serious STUDENTS you won't regret it as well as for those that are starting to read and study the word for the first it will make it very simple to assimilate.

I have a KJV Thompson Chain Reference Bible and an NIV Study Bible. The Ryrie Study Bible is the best study bible I have owned. The NASB version, unlike some of the reviews I read prior to purchase, is not obscure and difficult to understand, it is just different. I learned in a history of the Bible class recently that the NASB is one of the closest to the original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic. I find it easier than the KJV. Now - to the study aspects. I have never owned a bible that provided an outline/summary throughout each chapter. This is very helpful as it puts the reader on notice of the upcoming topics and spiritual themes as they read. The notes at the bottom are also very helpful and the overall design allows one to easily make notes as they study. I give this Bible an A+ and will probably wear it out. You will not be disappointed with this one!

Though the NASB translation lacks some of the beauty of the KJV or the NKJV, those versions lack the NASB's accuracy and contemporary language, it's a trade-off. (The NASB is based on older, closer-to-the-original Greek texts that the KJV translators just did not have access to in their day.) Regarding the notes part of this Bible, Ryrie is a dispensationalist not a covenentalist, so the notes reflect a more literal than allegorical approach, where Israel means Israel (not the Church) and where 1000 years means 1000 years. Ryrie is well-respected for his systematic theology (see his book 'Basic Theology' for laypeople), and this Bible is a great tool for grounding a person in the faith.

Co-written by an emergency room medical Doctor and his wife based in Southwest Missouri this book takes the subject of medical drama and adds a Christian perspective to it. I haven't read much of the book (my mother had it and I've bought a copy as a gift)but I see that the author's mention a real hospital or two in southwest Missouri as well as a couple of real towns (I don't think there is really a Knoll but there is a town called Noel).
I'm curious as to which real hospital the Doctor works at, it would be interesting to know if the difficult patient/ Doctor plots are in any way based in reality. I think the Christian faith is a constant theme throughout but it is handled well, no fraud ministers, not pushy in display of faith.

Hannah Alexander's "Sacred Trust" introduces us to Dr. Lucas Bower, a Christian doctor who is trying to start over in the small town of Knolls, Missouri in the Ozarks. He runs into problems however, as a envious doctor named Jarvis George has it in for Dr. Bower, and tries very hard to have him fired. Dr. George is a good example of what envy can do to a person. Dr. Bower also makes a few other powerful enemies by doing what he knows is right, including the drug seeking son of a prominent attorney. Dr. Bower is helped out by a sympathetic administor, and another doctor named Mercy Richmond, who is trying to get her daughter back from her alcoholic ex-husband who is also abusive. Alexander makes sure that we don't feel preached at, and Christians are portrayed realisticly, as Ivy and Dr. Bower vehementlyu disagree on the DNR issue, but share the same evangelistic belief. Very good fiction with little weakness.

This was my first read of a book by Hannah Alexander. I read a lot of Christian fiction and am often disappointed in a book's slow beginning. Not this book!! I was immediately taken in by the characters and their lives. All characters were believable and the dialouge was fantastic. I love reading good books...I got so caught up in this one, that I read it in just a couple of days. Then I was frustrated because it was over and I didn't have the next in the series.

I have found a new favorite in this writing team of Hannah Alexander and am anxious for the next in the series "Solemn Oath" to arrive in the mail.

I loved this book.

The characters are wonderful and will live in your heart long after you put the book down. Read the other two books in this series, too, which are equally as good.

I enjoyed the very human qualities of the characters -- they were vulnerable yet all had strengths sometimes they didn't even know they had. Even the Christian characters weren't perfect, but true-to-life, especially Dr. Bower whose endearing mishaps only added to the strength of his character.

Sometimes the middle section of a book sags, but that wasn't true with this book. It started out interesting and remained so throughout.

The one disappointment in the end is not knowing what becomes of Lukas's relationship with Mercy. You have to read the other two books to find out!

A thoroughly satisifying book with a strong (though not intrusive) spiritual message.

I read a lot of Christian books, but most of them are non-fiction. I'm very selective about the fiction I read - there's just not enough time to read all the good stuff out there! I used to enjoy reading Robin Cook's medical suspense books, so I was glad to see this series of three medical/suspense Christian novels.

This is the first of a series - the second is Solemn Oath and last is Silent Pledge. Reading them in order is highly recommended!

This wonderful series is centered around a small-town hospital emergency room in Missouri.

The medical parts ring true for a good reason - Hannah Alexander is a pen name for a husband/wife writing team and the husband is an ER physician! These books will appeal to both men and women, and contain suspense, drama, a little romance and a lot of inspiration. I became very attached to the characters of Lukas, Mercy, Clarence, Ivy, and many more. The story also paints a wonderful picture of God's forgiveness and grace in the character of Theodore and others' responses to him.

The only downside to these books is that there are only 3 of them and I've read them all...

Happy reading!

The title Samsara Moon refers to the full moon. The full moon is a symbol of renewal, the beginning of the cycle of all the various phases of the moon that are to follow. With that in mind, I believe Samsara Moon is an apt title for this book.

Samsara Moon begins with the story of Captain Stephen Hamilton, a military man from the Queen's cavalry. Hamilton has dreamed of being in the military and going to India since he was a child listening to his grandfather's military tales. He fulfils his dream and on a trip back to England meets Katherine Grey, the opinionated passion filled beauty woman who captures the military man's heart.

At this point, barely into the first chapter of the book, I thought that Samsara Moon was going to be a beautiful historical love story about the young couple. It was for a few condensed very fast paced pages and then the unthinkable happened, Katherine died leaving behind two children and an utterly broken husband.

What followed in the wake of this tragedy is heart breaking, genuinely realistic, and so filled with hope that I was filled with a myriad of emotion as I followed the journey of Captain Stephen Hamilton.

A great blend of England's colonialism and personal human challenges of family, love and war. I enjoyed every part.

Samsara Moon initially finds our hero, Stephen Hamilton, in the late 19th Century/British Empire era. Soon, the reader is immersed among beautiful images of far-off lands where colorful characters abound. While this tale contains plenty of action to keep the story moving, ultimately Samsara Moon is a tender story of family, faith and determination. S.H. Post has crafted a heartbreaking yet uplifting story full of unexpected and page-turning twists and turns.

Superb debut effort by S.H. Post.

I thought Steve did an excellent job with the Samsara Moon novel. Prior to reading his book my reading interests have been mostly with Crime/Corruption type fictional novels so I was not sure how I would like this Historic Period piece.

Did not take me long to get hooked on this book. Steve's knowledge, vivid descriptives and weaving of historical events made you believe that this was a very true story. His development of the characters in the book really got me interested in and had me rooting for the good ones.

As I got into the book was rooting very hard for Captain Hamilton to persevere and find his way through all his hardships. The fact that he managed to be able to do that and still stay focused on his career with the KDG was very inspiring.

I look forward to the future works of Steve and this book has allowed me to broaden my reading interests.

Samsara Moon struck a special chord with me as I'm currently going thru my own personsal journey in moving to New York City. Throughout the ages, I have amassed friends from various backgrounds: Persian, British, Latin, Asian, etc. etc. This book made me go down memory lane involving my adventures (good & bad) and the wonderful friendships forged along the way. This book made me think of the movie called "Four Feathers", which highlights love, loss, friendship, and nobility. The whole story was seamless and allowed me to get captured in the changing landscapes like a gypsy would do on their travels......

It's about time that we have a very simple and accessible way to talk with kids about how to deal with the subtleties of humiliation and bullying. It is never easy to advise our kids about how to address the realities of peer pressure but the story in "Say Something" gives me an "in" for talking with my kids about some simple ways to intervene. Thank you!

As a retired classroom teacher, I have read many books to classes over the years. This book stands out as one of the best, both for it's message, it's illustrations, and writing style. I now use the book in the anti-viollence program that I teach in schools.

The story sends a powerful message to children (and adults) about taking action to change injustices that we see. There are times when we notice things that are unfair or mean, but we believe that we are doing enough to feel sorry for those who are the brunt of such unkindnesses. The story clearly demonstrates the importance of moving beyond feeling sympathy to feeling empathy. We must speak up for others and do something that makes a difference.

The ending provides the students with provocative food for thought to initiate a reflective discussion. This book is suitable for 2nd through 6th graders, and even beyond!

Bullying has become so pervasive because too often other kids look the other way because it is not cool to defend a victim or they are simply afraid. It is about time that the responsibility to do something to stop it is put on the head of the bystander. A great story that brings home this important message. We all must work to eradicate bullying. I also would suggest that every parent read Bully-Proofing Children: A Practical, Hands-On Guide to Stop Bullying, probably the best book on the market that deals with this important subject.

Say Something is an essential book for children in elementary school. The book is short and simple but is made powerful by the way it reflects the experiences of the readers/listeners.

The children I read to are ages 5, 3, and 1. I asked them to look at the illustrations and identify the people the book is referencing. They can easily tell which child is sad, alone, or angry. We could easily identify the emotions being illustrated and therefore we were able to better empathize with the characters in the book. Empathizing with the characters helps teach a lesson in doing the same with others in our day to day life.

This book not only teaches empathy, but also demonstrates a beautiful solution that works with many problems.

Say Something portrays an enormous message with a minimum number of words. As I read it to my class of 3rd graders, their response was immediate and powerful. They identified with the characters on many levels, and for the first few pages, thought that being a silent, "innocent" bystander WAS the right thing to do. As the story went on, their faces and comments demonstrated that they had reached the realization that they had the power to help. Months later, they still talk about the concepts introduced to them in the story. When we discuss problems at Class Meeting, it's not unusual to hear, "We have to look out for each other. Nobody wants to be a bystander!"

I was given this by my pastor's wife as a Christmas gift. It's the best gift I have gotten in years, hands down! As a busy homeschooling momma I have short periods of time to read and this book is just awesome in that regard. This chapters are short enough to be manageable, yet are so powerful that each one leads you a bit closer to Christ bringing your spirit into a state of worshipful awe with each word. Sometimes we become so distracted by the everyday things of life, and we lose sight of the magnificence of Jesus Christ. This book will bring you to your knees, ignite the zeal for Christ in your heart afresh and revive your spiritual life. This is the first book by Mr. Piper that I have read, but it will not be the last.

This book has taught what it means to appreciate Christ in all his glory. How easy it is to for us to who Jesus really is. This book brings us back to gaze upon the majesty of the glory of our blessed Lord.

After reading this book I fell in love with Jesus all over again! I was going through a rather discouraging time of my life when I read it, and was letting satan's lies get the best of me, but God used the truths in this book to encourage and strengthen me. The book is not very long, and contains 13 short little chapters, each one focusing on a different aspect of the character of Christ. Jesus is so awesome! He's the Lion and the Lamb, the express radiance of the glory of God, and in fact God himself. Yet despite His position He gave it all up and suffered through shame and reproach and inexpressible anguish on this earth because of our sin. Jesus knows when to be tough and when to be compassionate, and He always has our best interest in mind. He is the source of invincible life and there's nothing that can keep in in the grave! And some day He's going to come back in all of His glory, and faith will be swallowed up by sight. John Piper states all of these truths and many more in such a clear, concise way. This book contains so much scripture, it could almost come straight from the Bible. Each chapter ends with a powerful prayer that really makes you think. This is one book I can wholeheartedly recommend for ANYONE, saved or unsaved, and it ends with a clear gospel presentation. "Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ" is definitely my favorite Piper book because it gets beyond all the theological talk and the reasoning and the mumbo jumbo, and you're only left with Jesus, and He is the only thing that matters anyways. His lifechanging power is displayed on every single page of this book. Order two copies, one for yourself and one to give away. And reread it often as a short devotional, it always reminds me of how much Jesus has done for me and how awesome he is, and I go about my day rejoicing!

What I like about this book, written for Christians and non-Christians, is that it is so full of Christ because I am so fed-up with man-centered gospel, that is all about me, all about men, by which, I refer to Arminianism and its stench that so defiles the gospel and is a disgrace to the glory of God. The only true gospel that can satisfy the deepest longing of men's soul is all about Christ, not men.

"God is the wealthiest person in the universe. He owns everyone else and everything everyone else owns." (p.83)

"Christ does not exist in order to make much of us. We exist in order to enjoy making much of him. Christ is not glorious so that we get wealthy or healthy. Christ is glorious, so that rich or poor, sick or sound, we might be satisfied in him." (p.21)

Amen! What I love in particular, among the biblical multi-dimensional views of the Lord Jesus Christ in this book, is the description Dr. Piper derived from one of Jonathan Edwards' texts, "The Excellency of Christ" (1736), which I also highly recommend, of Jesus being the "Lion-like Lamb" and the "Lamb-like Lion" (ch.3). The prayer at the end of each chapter is worth following and repeating in our personal prayers. These are prayers that come from a pastor who genuinely loves God and people I have learned to distingush from those of money-loving, world-loving, gospel-manipulating, man-centered, man-pleasing, self-centered preachers.

The healing of the soul begins by restoring the glory of God to its flaming, all-attractive place at the center (of our soul). (p.15)

There is no one who doubts there is something that needs healing in the human soul.

But the proposed cures are many, even in Christianity.

The fact that American Christians are largely just as dysfunctional as unbelievers is testimony that we largely haven't gotten the cure of the soul right.

To overuse a cliche', maybe we haven't kept the main thing the main thing.

The main thing is Jesus Christ. God created our souls to see and savor the glory of His Son.

That is what John Piper helps us to do in Seeing & Savoring Jesus Christ. In 124 pages Piper gives us portraits of Christ's deity, His power, His wisdom, His sacrifice, His mercy. Unbelievers will be confronted with the truth and the beauty of who Jesus is. Believers will get to lovingly gaze at their Savior.

Seeing & Savoring Jesus Christ is a wonderful book for personal devotions, group study, and outreach.

This is a very readable, engaging, and concise look at the U.S. Civil war by Fletcher Pratt (1897-1956). This book first arrived in 1935, but don't worry about its antiquity. This is an excellent account of that tragic conflict, and you should enjoy it whether you are a Civil War buff or one with only a casual interest. Pratt concentrates heavily on the major battles and events, and tells the story of this bloody conflict in concise and readable detail. As one who has read superb in-depth accounts of specific campaigns or occurences by James McPherson and Bruce Catton, I'd recommend these two excellent authors for indepth reading. For a solid, concise, general history, Pratt has the ticket.

Where I thought the book was really outstanding was in the occasional observations about the big picture that the author threw in occasionally. For example, this is the first book where I have read that the North's oft cited advantage in men and machines at the start of the war was not as great as most claim. Also interesting was the observation that it was the battle at Chickamauga that was more important than Gettysburg. Agree or disagree, I really liked these observations when they happened.

What disappointed me was that the battles were dealt with in such a cursory way that they were hard to follow. Probably a necessity when dealing with the entire war in 480 pages. But Gettysburg, for example, took only about 15 pages. It was hard to get a sense of the drama and the personalities involved. Little was mentioned of Stuart's disappearance and late arrival to the battle or of Chamberlains desperate defense and repulse. Also, there were few dates given in the book. If you are already knowledgeable about the Civil War, this may not matter, but if not, it could be a problem... especially since the author sometimes follows one campaign to it's conclusion then backtracks in time to pick up the thread of another campaign.

This book's value, to me, came in those moments where the author put aside simply recounting events and offered up some insights into the bigger picture. I'd recommend this book most to people who know a bit about the war already but want to get some new insights.

I have the new edition of this book, I bought it soon as I saw it sitting on a store shelf, despite already having 5 or 6 copies of the old pocketbook sized editions. I love this book. If you are going to read only one history of the civil war, make it this one. If you are going to spend the rest of your life reading histories of the civil war, start with this one.

It would take thousands of words to express the reasons I love this book. But somehow that wouldn't be appropriate. What I will say is this:

Bruce Canton could spend two pages discribing a muddy campaign, and you will come away knowing it was muddy and what a loggistical problem that was. Shelby Foote could spend a chapter on a muddy campaingn and you will come away knowing it was muddy and how much the troops complaigned about it and maybe a funny incident or two. Fletcher Pratt could spend a paragraph or two on that campaign, and when done you'll notice your leg's hurt. Why? Because you didn't want to get mud on your couch.

What can I say about this book? Well, how about in a lifetime of reading many books on the Civil War, both good and great, this one stands head and shoulders above them all. While more ink than the blood that was spilled has been used by many others to explain this terrible war, Pratt managed to capture the essence of the conflict in a short, brilliant book.
Pratt was a military historian of the first rank, but was also known for clever and exciting high fantasy stories. Perhaps it was this versatility that honed his storytelling ability to the sharp edge that we see here. While not missing a single important detail of politics, causes, battles, and personalities, he weaves an engrossing tale from start to finish, and creates a solidly researched history that is also a page-turner. This book is a joy to the student of the Civil War, but also appeals to those with no particular interest in that conflict, solely on the merit of Pratt's tight storytelling.
This book was written in 1935, and much new material on the Civil War has surfaced since then. Others, such as Shelby Foote, Bruce Catton and James McPherson have written much longer and more comprehensive works on the war that are excellent in their own right. Yet this little book still shines out as a gem among them. With its solid scholarship, sharp storytelling, and precise choice of details, it is the first rate Cliff Notes to the Civil War.

Theo Logos

I first read this book when I was about nine years old, having fished it out of my parents' bookcase to while away some idle hours. Eventually, I wore out its fragile binding and was left with a heap of pages until one day, on a visit to Washington DC, I was delighted to find a fresh copy in a second-hand bookstore. To this day, if I crave entertainment and inspiration, I take this book down from the shelf and open it at random. Whatever chapter - paragraph! - I choose is bound to shine.

Just how accurate or balanced Pratt's account of the Civil War is, I do not know. I have not read any other books about it. But he has made Grant, Lee, Lincoln, Stanton, Davis, McLellan, Hooker, Sherman, Sheridan, Bragg, Jackson, Stuart and dozens of others come alive for me.

Aged nine, I did not understand all the long words by any means. (What on earth was the "Dithyramb of Shiva", and what was an "Experiment in Tauromachy"?) But I loved them, and almost always figured out the meaning by the context.

In a way, Pratt made it possible for me to study history at university many years later. He inoculated me against the idea that history has to be boring, because I had such a stunning counter-example at the back of my mind. There are very few books of fiction that I have read that come anywhere near being so entertaining.

Anyone who hasn't read this book really ought to, if they have the slightest interest in military matters and delight in fine writing. Just one tip: if you can get hold of a hardback, it will last longer. The paperback gets fragile after a few readings, and the pages are apt to fall out unless you hold it very carefully.

I read so many books, that I often read and forget them a week later. Not this book. Static has stayed in my mind. Many of the concepts Dr. Martoia shares in this book can change the way you see the people around you, and the language you use to talk to them about important things in life. I keep hunting down my copy to remember points. To me, that has to be the mark of a book that impacts my world.

Are you interested in learning how to share Christ with others in a way that doesn't come across as arrogant or demeaning? Do you really understand how words like "gospel," "born again," "saved," etc. come across to someone who doesn't follow Jesus Christ? Words like these have become part of our Christian heritage, but when we use them with people they doesn't always communicate what we're trying to communicate!

As a Worship Pastor, I found this book to be both incredibly timely and incredibly pertinent to the state of Christianity today. Dr. Martioa weaves a narrative from his own experiences to illustrate the foundational principles of learning how to communicate our faith in Christ clearly, without the "baggage" associated with some of the standard "Christian terminology." It's a smooth, easy read that really challenges those who claim Christ to learn about how we represent Him when we talk to others. The words and phrases we typcially use, which make perfect sense to us, does not send the message think we're sending when we use them. To be effective in sharing our faith, we've got to learn to communicate in a language and vocabulary that makes sense to the people who are receiving it. "Static" will start that process in your life!!

If you are tired of reading something that promises to be fresh, but just is not, then STATIC is your next book. It truly is a fresh twist on the words and stories that Christians use. It takes what we have thought the text to mean and helps us find the truth without reading more into the text than that is there. Static will cause you to re-think how you view sharing your faith. It will help you find answers instead of just raising questions that leave you paralyized. Static helps us see that the Churchs need for relevance is not just "being culturally connected" it is about taking the language of the scriptures and connecting them to the human story. Ron Martoia has written a piece that every Christ follower needs to take a good hard look at. Great Job Dr. Ron Martioa.

In true Martoia fashion, Ron takes things that we think we know and articulates them in ways that make them new, exciting and inspiring again. This is a critical read for anyone who is serious about experiencing the 'real message of Jesus' and (more importantly) actually living it out.

This book made me think...and then think some more. You need to read this book!

I can not express what an explosive book this is. As a minister of the gospel, I was renewed, refreshed and rebounded back to action from reading this book. The hand of God was recognized on each page. If you need to draw closer to God, read this book. If you need to know how to handle you vocation, read this book. If you need to be lifted up, this is it, because Preachers, Prophets, and etc. need lifting up too. Often I have found that being a Minister, we are always at an aloneness. This book says why. This is a excellent book. I wish I could explain it more clearly.

This is an AWESOME book!!!
I could read it over and over and get something new out of it every time!

This is an amazing book like all of Bill Johnson's books. I would highly recommend reading this since it is so "meaty" and a book that will challenge you. I am actually leading a bible study group of ladies with this book now.

I am not one who normally writes a review, but I must tell you that this book came at a time when I needed to learn the Truth regarding strengthening myself in the Lord. The principles taught are simple but life-changing if applied in daily doses....becoming part of your spiritual arsenal. This is not another "self help" book that there seems to be such an abundance of these days, but an honest, genuine book for the body of Christ to read and be reminded of these simple, yet profound truths that God has laid out for us in His Word. Very refreshing to me...like a cool drink of water....very life-giving. Simply written and not over anyone's head. I believe you'll be blessed and your spiritual life truly enriched from this book. Grace to you.

This book is a "must read". If you are just thinking about getting it and aren't sure, I'm here to tell you it's worth every penny. It's an easy read, but profound at the same time. Whether you are a professional minister or minister non-professionally (which that is all Christians responsibility), this book will help you Strengthen Yourself In the Lord. Practical words, Godly words, and words of vision for your life. Loved it!

The magical Prince Krishna, who is uncle to Eddy and Elanor Hall, has built a summerhouse in their backyard. Eddy and Elanor are warned they may use any opening in the summerhouse except the one entitled "Grow Up Now." They agree, and hang a swing in the middle of the summerhouse. Eddy and Elanor use it to swing into all of the other openings, having magical adventures. But what happens when someone goes through the forbidden archway? Read this book and find out! It is suspenseful, well-written, and above all, a wonderful book. I highly reccomend to other kids, and any grown-ups who are young at heart.

This book had a great influence on me as a child. I found it in a library and read it to my own children. If it was back in print, I'd buy it in a second.

I highly recommend it.

Yes! It's back in print . . . but nostalgia hounds, beware. The 2001 paperback edition does not include Erik Blegvad's illustrations (except for the frontispiece.) How unfortunate they chose to reprint it this way; the illustrations were such a huge part of what made this book special and memorable. Well, maybe the next edition will get the proper treatment this incredible book deserves.

I read the first three books of the Hall Family Chronicles when I was a girl. I was lucky enough to find hardcover copies of all three at the same library used book sale in 1982. I decided to reread them all again over this past weekend.

Prince Krishna has built a lovely summerhouse for Eleanor and Eddy Hall. This is no ordinary summerhouse. There's a magical adventure built into each archway. You enter the adventure by jumping off the swing. Once the magic starts, there's only so many swings until the summerhouse disappears forever. The bugs haven't been worked out of the last adventure before Prince Krishna has to fly back to his native country to avert war. Prince Krishna takes precautions by boarding up the archway, painting "KEEP OUT" on the boards, getting Eddy and Eleanor to promise they won't go through that archway, and not putting a swing in the summerhouse.

Prince Krishna's precautions are in vain. Eddy hangs a swing in the summerhouse. Of course Eddy wouldn't break his promise, but his obnoxious friend, Oliver, didn't promise anything. Oliver sees the "keep out" notice as a challenge. He swings until he breaks the boards with his feet, then sails off the swing -- and vanishes! What's poor Eddy going to do? Oliver's parents are very worried, but he can't tell them that Oliver jumped off the swing and disappeared into thin air. They'd think he was nuts. Eddy can't go through the SAME archway because of his promise, but that doesn't mean he can't go through the OTHER archways.

Meanwhile, Eleanor is very suspicious of Uncle Fred's new student, Mrs. Dorian, who has moved next door along with her little girl, Georgie, who isn't even in school yet. Eleanor is sure that Mrs. Dorian is a witch and has bewitched Uncle Freddy, because her uncle acts so silly around her. If you're older than Eleanor, you can probably figure out why.

Eleanor and Eddy don't get along as well as they did in THE DIAMOND IN THE WINDOW. Eddy has become a normal, messy boy who loves junk. He makes Eleanor so mad because she's become a prissy prig. Eleanor can hardly wait until she's old enough to wear pretty dresses and go to dances. She hates the fact that her uncle's school isn't making them rich because Uncle Freddy cares more about teaching than making money. Will the summerhouse show Eleanor the error of her ways?

My favorite archway adventure was "Make New Worlds". Sure, the man-castle and the big clipper ship were neat and the giant cash-register can teach you how much you're worth, but what's that compared to having the worlds you create come alive? (If you don't like the world of Princess Cinderellanor, wait until it's invaded by Eddy and Georgie's worlds!)

Time goes by. There's a tick-tock every time the swing is swung. All the adventures before the dangerous one have been tried, but Oliver is still missing. Eddy boarded up the archway after his friend disappeared, but Georgie is tempted. Georgie wants so much to be able to read and add two and two. Georgie is sure that she'll get what she wants if SHE breaks the boards and goes through. Will she? Of course she will. Who's going to rescue her (not to mention Oliver)? Eddy and Eleanor don't know it, but time is running out....

Edited February of 2002--Finally, this book is back in print!!!! I read this book so many times as a child and as an adult. I probably borrowed it from the library more often than anyone else in my town. I am buying this book today now that it's back in print!

This is the book you're thinking of. I too read this book as a child and was fascinated by it. There were a number of areas the kids could jump out to through the windows in the Gazebo. I particularly remember one where the children end up inside another person looking out through his eyes. And the last window was "Grow Up Now." I've been looking for a copy of this book for years. Recently I wrote a letter to HarperCollins asking them to consider reprinting it. It's odd that they'd reprint Diamond in the Window but not this one.