Publishers Books

Janelle Barlow and Paul Stewart got it right. Having spent my entire 30 year professional career in the services industry it was clear the book was based not only on comprehensive research but also on practical experience. Their theories and advice can and should be applied in organizations of all sizes.
The book is entertaining and convincing. The reader will be able to relate to the real life examples the authors describe. They explain in easy to understand detail how to brand your organization from the inside out, effectively defining your organizational DNA. In addition, I have seen their advice work in numerous organizations. Implementing their processes is the equivalent of a Super Bowl ad.
Branded Customer Service is not only the best brand development book I have read, it is also the best business book I have read.

The authors are really clear on the differences between "generic customer service" and "branded customer service". You still get the impression that it would be difficult to apply in certain areas / industries, but it is important to take a look at what should everyone do in order to continuously support your brand promise. Worth a read!

Written by chief executives Janelle Barlow and Paul Stewart, Branded Customer Service: The New Competitive Edge is a no-nonsense guide filled with strategies, exercises, and real-world examples to teach the reader how to harness the power of branded customer service. Unbranded customer service can potentially harm one's business, even when it is of good quality; branded customer service helps foster repeat business and word-of-mouth referral, among its many other advantages. Chapters discuss how to link the world of branding to one's customer service, how to embed on-brand service into the DNA of one's organization, tips, tricks, and techniques for supporting one's brand from within, and much more. Accessible to readers of all backgrounds, Branded Customer Service is a "must-read" especially for business executives, marketers, and even small business owners with the power and need to foster lasting improvements in this dimension of their chosen enterprise.

Branding has been inside the marketing thinking pattern for so long that this refreshing look, coming from an innovative perspective, gives the reader an insight on the true meaning of a brand. Like every other dimension of your company, it's your people who will make it or breake it. Barlow and Stewart guide us through new models for (re)thinking and developing a brand. Having employees with "on-brand" behavior should be the main concern of every company. Read this book to learn how you can achieve it.

I have been working on a branded customer service project for a few years now, and was looking for some research or reference material when I came across this book - it was like I found my "tribe"!

The authors do a brilliant job defining the concept of branded service, and offer great tools and ideas that you can use to start getting your organization "on-brand." It's easy and fun to read with real-life examples of what it's like to experience on-brand and off-brand service.

If you believe that branding only belongs in the advertising or marking department - think again. It's the job of the entire organization to not only represent your brand, but to also make it come alive!

Once you read this book you will never be able to look at an organization or service experience again without thinking... hmmm...was that off/on brand or what!

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is working in this field, or thinking about how to gain a real competitive advantage for their organization.

Cannot believe the twists and turns. Good read. Don't let this book get by you!

This book is exciting, suspenseful, and full of action...everything I love!

Couldn't put it down for a second. A great book to take on vaction. Easy to follow - Characters are full of life.

Get this book TODAY!

I like to read books that satisfy me...something that keeps me reading...that satisfies my free time. Breach of Contract did it! I love the life of the rich, the twists of love, the deceit of friends, and the risk of business. Will there be a sequel??? GREAT BOOK...

I love the Las Vegas casinos. Any book that has to do with night life, I'll read. It's a wonderful book. Easy reading to go along with it. No vulgar language. It's ultimately a "train" read or "beach" read. Sorry I finished it. T.

I like to read books that have a lot of action. Breach of Contract is not something I would normally buy/read. But my wife MADE me read this book because she personally knows the author...haha! I'm glad I read it because it did have a lot of action like murder, suspense, and business dealings. I would definitely recommend this book to any gender because it doesn't have just one type of theme. You go, Denise!!!

The 'Foreword' is dedicated to Lester Adelson, M.D. who was then working with the coroner of Cuyahoga County in Cleveland Ohio. Legal medicine and autopsies help the living. Dr. Adelson believes his allegiance is to the TRUTH, not to the side that hired him. A Medical Examiner should study the dead to help the living. Murder cases are but a small fraction compared to accidental deaths (traffic, industrial, or at home). Suicide is much more frequent than murder. Sudden deaths can appear to be suicide, homicide, or accidental. Unsuspected infectious diseases are one threat to the community. The forensic pathologist is important to the public interest, and should be an impartial fact-finder.

Mervin Selkirk is conversing with Norda Allison when he slaps his seven-year old son Robert for interrupting. Suddenly Norda sees the sadistic streak behind the mask of smiling politeness and affability over the selfish personality. Norda dislikes this discipline but Mervin says she's a "softie". The result is the breaking of their engagement. A few days later Mervin punches Norda's boyfriend, Nate Benedict, in a restaurant. Mervin explains it as self-defense and his friends there back his story. Later Norda gets anonymous letters about suitors who killed former fiancees. The postal authorities couldn't catch the sender. Mervin's previous wife, Lorraine Selkirk Jennings, tells of a toy printing machine; this is enough for a search warrant on Mervin. The toy printing press doesn't match. His first wife tells of Mervin's ruthlessness and cleverness, and the power of his family. Then Lorraine sends a flight ticket to arrange for a meeting in person. The Jennings surprise Norda with their plans; is this some sort of trick? They have an excuse for Robert's absence. [Did you suspect anything?]

Something happens during the night, Norda packs and leaves, then visits Perry Mason to tell of the problems. The investigation does not agree with Norda's claims. Something's wrong here. The mystery deepens when a gun is found in the bed where Norda Allison slept. The police were called and took Norda in for questioning. We soon learn the reason for this activity: Mervin Selkirk was found shot dead in his car, parked at the Country Club. Perry is visited by Nate Benedict, who has a permit to carry the gun he brought on his flight from San Francisco. Nate also owns a gun like the murder weapon. Perry meets Mervin's father Horace Livermore Selkirk, as unscrupulous as he is powerful, and he is very powerful. Perry and Della use a ruse to interview Robert's baby-sitter. By following Barton Jennings they find a clue to where Robert was taken. New facts are discovered to complicate the mystery. Chapter 12 starts to uncover the mystery and the disappearance of Robert. Perry meets the young woman who was placed in charge, and talks to her about the laws and her actions.

The Preliminary Hearing starts in Chapter 14. Perry's cross-examination of Sgt. Holcomb raises questions about the prosecution's theory of the crime. Other facts are brought out in the testimonies to clarify the question of guilt. But there is a new fact that connects Norda to the dead body of Mervin! The judge calls for a conference at the noon recess and there is a new development that could free Perry's client. But a shocking surprise shakes Horace Selkirk. Hamilton Burger brings in his surprise witness who was at the Country Club parking lot (Chapter 17). Perry's cross-examination of Millicent Bailey neutralizes her testimony. Then Barton Jennings appears as a witness, and tells of what he knows. Perry's cross-examination has this witness contradicting his testimony. Then another witness is recalled so Perry can question her. Now there is another material fact that is brought out. Norda is released from custody. The last chapter resolves the outstanding questions and explains the unknown events. Erle Stanley Gardner describes the corrupt and powerful people who run society, albeit in fiction. Like other novels, the courtroom scenes are the dramatic high points.

This Perry Mason book is a suspenseful action thriller and a spectacular page turner. "The Case of The Deadly Toy" is about a woman, Norda Alison who is convicted of murder after her ex-fiancé is found dead and the murder weapon is found hidden under her pillow. This book is very well written and keeps you clueless of the real murderer until the last few pages in the book. Norda Allison is the victim of a conspiracy between her ex-fiancés former wife and her husband. Perry Mason does a great job keeping the reader active and having new suspenseful ideas on every page. Perry, his secretary Debra, his close friend and detective Paul Drake do a great job solving the mystery after all hope is lost. The book is very exciting after Norda's ex-fiancés former wife's son fires a gun shot heard early in the morning and Norda's ex-fiancé is found dead the next morning. I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery books and I think everyone will love and cherish this book.

Mervin Selkirk is a wealthy man used to getting what he wants. He uses a campaign of terror to intimidate his ex-fiancé Norda Allison. He is in a protracted fight with his ex-wife, Lorraine Jennings, over their seven-year-old son. He also set up an ambush that allowed him to sucker punch a man with a pair of brass knuckles and break his jaw. Yes, Mervin is quite a guy, and it is not much of surprise when he turns up dead. The police decide to point the finger at Norda Allison, but she has Perry Mason on her side. With the help of Paul Drake and Della Street, Perry slowly uncovers the truth of what really happened to Selkirk.

This book is a classic mystery tale with excellent courtroom scenes. The setup is quick and interesting, and the investigation uncovers a terrific maze of clues and red herrings. Perry is obviously the star character and he is highly intelligent, driven to succeed, and quite funny at times. The author was an attorney himself, and that undoubtedly helps make the courtroom scenes so entertaining. The plot moves along briskly, at just over 200 pages there is little room for fat in the story.

Reading a Perry Mason novel is kind of like going to a Holiday Inn. They're all pretty much the same, and if you like one you'll probably like them all. That's no insult, because I happen to enjoy the series. For newcomers, this volume is as good as any for an entry point. If you're a fan, then you'll be perfectly at home with Perry, Della, Paul Drake, and even the ever-ineffectual Hamilton Burger. This book is not likely to help you think deep thoughts, but it's a highly enjoyable read that will entertain for several hours.

This is a wonderful mystery laced with humor. And the solution to the mystery is impossible to figure out...however, when you finish the book, and go back over some passages, you have to admit that all the clues were there.

Whenever I finish a Perry Mason, I want to start another (with the determination that this time I will solve the mystery before Mason.)
I feel the same way about Nero Wolfe mysteries such asBlack Orchids (Nero Wolfe Mysteries).

This Perry Mason book is a suspenseful action thriller and a spectacular page turner. "The Case of The Deadly Toy" is about a woman, Norda Alison who is convicted of murder after her ex-fiancé is found dead and the murder weapon is found hidden under her pillow. This book is very well written and keeps you clueless of the real murderer until the last few pages in the book. Norda Allison is the victim of a conspiracy between her ex-fiancés former wife and her husband. Perry Mason does a great job keeping the reader active and having new suspenseful ideas on every page. Perry, his secretary Debra, his close friend and detective Paul Drake do a great job solving the mystery after all hope is lost. The book is very exciting after Norda's ex-fiancés former wife's son fires a gun shot heard early in the morning and Norda's ex-fiancé is found dead the next morning. I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery books and I think everyone will love and cherish this book.

This is THE must have book for Catholic Prophecy. It is very well written and researched. Though chilling at it's accuracy, it is important for those who want to deal with the realities of what is happening in the world, and more importantly what has happened to the Catholic Church since Vatican II's revolutionary batttle cry. As the book states, We shall suffer greatly during the Chastisement. The important thing to remember is that when it is over, the Church will be pulled up out of the muck of that the modernist Robber Barons have dragged her into and her always perfect glory with be revealed to all.

This book was given as a gift. I did not read the book, but the person who received it was delighted.

This is a short book that can be read in one good, long sitting. But he who has the perspicacity to read it will have gained great initial insight into traditional Catholic prophesy.

It must be noted that the book is a bit dated in terms of historical interpretation. Completed in the early seventies of the last century, there was much emphasis on the monolithic communist empire in terms of historical interpretation. But, if the Zionist movement is substituted for communism, the prophesies and interpretation make perfect sense even today.

This lovely little book should be a source of great reflection and further study. We are very grateful to the wonderful folks at TAN Publishing of Rockford, Illinois for bringing it to print in this attractive new format.

Yves Dupont's commentaries are quite startling. His commentaries for Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (Anna Katerina Emmerich) was quite shocking. Her .visions and prophecies of the Catholic Church being undermined by worldly thinking as well as the Mass being changed into the vernacular, accompanied with a lot of grave irreverances and sacrileges.

It is a must read. He includes a lot of commentaries for a lot of saints and even the famous religious visionary, Nostradmus (Michel de Notre Dame)

This short, easy to read book is a great place to start if you want to know what is coming down the road. There are literally thousands of Catholic prophets from the second century on who prophesize virtually the same thing regarding future world events.

The prophecies as related to current events such as Islamic Radicalism and recent Russian resurgance or reversion to their "old selves" and seem to indicate that we are very close to the times foretold. The Popes listed by St Malachy are also close to the end.

If this book sparks your Catholic prophecy interest, you might want to next read "Trial Tribulation & Triumph" by Desmond A. Birch. That book is a scholarly look at end times prophecy and a very good and slightly unnerving read.

St Paul himself told us that he wants the faithful to know and understand prophecy. This book is a great start.

The births of my first two children were both very painful--They were induced with Pitocin, and the epidurals didn't work properly. With my third child, I was really hoping to do things differently. I read this book, and used a program called Hypnobabies, and that third birth was a BREEZE! I got to the hospital thinking that perhaps I wasn't really in labor because I wasn't in ANY pain--and they told me that I was already 7cm!!! This book is quite old, but the basic process of having a baby really hasn't changed since the beginning. All his stories of other women who were able to have pain-free births were very encouraging to me. It gave me the confidence to believe that I might be able to do it too--And I did--even though my baby was nearly 9Lbs! I highly recommend this book, and Hypnobabies (http://www.hypnobabies.com). Good luck to all of you!

This book explains a natural approach to child bearing.

I guess I am the second generation of mothers who have read this book. A friend gave me an old copy 5 years ago before the (natural) birth of my first child, and I read it again last year after the (natural) birth of my second child. It made childbirth a wonderful experience. Now I want to buy a copy of this short paperback that should cost about $10 for my expecting sister, and it's out of print and selling for up to $200?!!?? Publishers, obvously there is a market for this book. Please reprint it!

I don't know why this gem of a book is out of print. It is simply the best book on childbirth ever written. In the 1940's Dick-Reed went out on a limb and was WAY ahead of his time on the subject of natural childbirth. He pioneered the idea that childbirth does not have to be a painful and awful experience. As a result, he was ridiculed (and worse) by his peers in the medical community.

The theme of this book is that childbirth is a natural and normal process, and can be pain-free if fear is destroyed. Fear causes the body to produce adrenaline, which causes the uterus and cervix to tighten, which causes pain. And the vicious cycle begins. Dick-Reed explains how to overcome fear to prepare you for a pain-free enjoyable birth for you and your baby.

Dick-Reed backs up his theories by studying natural childbirth in other countries, places where women are not brainwashed into thinking childbirth has to be painful. He witnessed these women squat and have babies easily without much fuss or discomfort, because they did not expect pain.

Modern methods of pain-free natural childbirth, such as hypnobirthing based on Dick-Reed's research. So why not get it straight from the horse's mouth?

What a shame this book is not available to all the young mothers-to-be. As a very young, new, about to be mother in 1955, I read this book and managed to go through my labor without any medication. I entered the hospital at 9AM, and delivered my first son six hours later. This book was absolutely the reason that I understood what was happening, and following the directions it suggested, was able to work with my body to make the experience an empowering one. Perhaps someone will be able to see that it is accessible to pregnant woman again.

This story is simply one of the best I have read. It is a book that has mini stories that all tie into the main story so it's easy to read in chunks and the ending is so very satisfying. I have read it more than once and have bought several for gifts. Just can't say enough good things about this book. It's fantastic!

I used to work at a Christian bookstore. A man came in one day and bought 5 copies of this book that he was giving to friends. I asked about the book and he said it was a must read. So, I bought a copy, read it, and boy was he right. The story reaches out and grabs you, and pulls you right into it. I try to read this story every year during the Christmas season. The book is a smooth read and is excellently written. A big THANK YOU to Alan Maki for this great story

I was loaned this book to read a year ago and then determined I would buy some this year for high school graduation gifts. That is what I am doing now! Reading this little novel is just like you are there living every moment of it.

The simple, but very poignant, story of this grandson and grandfather made the rounds of many of my family members and stirred up wonderful conversations that had a lot of meaning for some struggling with bitterness and forgiveness issues. Thanks so much, Alan Maki, for writing this book!

I've read a string of short novels lately and this one was the best of the bunch (and if you look at my other reviews, you'll see I've read some good ones!).

It's refreshing to have poignant Christian fiction written by a man. The two main characters in this story are also men. Most Christian fiction seems to be aimed at women, unfortunately, so this was freshing. Another reviewer mentioned that he was going to purchase copies of this book for high school graduation gifts, and I think that's an excellent idea!

The story begins when almost 20-year-old Alan reluctantly agrees to spend a week caring for his dying grandfather in a small town in the mountains of Montana. There has been some distance between Alan's father and his grandfather, and during Alan's stay, he learns the reasons for this through a series of 8 stories his grandfather has written, to go along with 8 gifts that are under the tree. Grandpa has told Alan he can choose one as his Christmas gift.

Maki's depiction of these characters is outstanding. You really know these characters. It's wonderful to see the young man in the story grow in compassion through this book. Their relationship is precious. This book isn't predictable or sugar-sweet. It's just perfect and I highly recommend it. Don't wait til next Christmas - read it now - and while you're at it, get in some early Christmas shopping and buy a few copies for friends and family!

You might want to check out my other reviews of Christian books and music!

Committed But Flawed is a spiritual growth book that you'll want to refer back to time and again to enhance your prayer life and make that divine journey closer to God. We've been told all our Christian lives that we'll never be perfect like Jesus, even though that's what we are to strive for. As a Christian, that can be difficult to grasp. We're flawed, and we will always be flawed, yet our role model is perfect. So how can God possibly love us? How can we ever live up to His expectations? This book will hold a mirror to your thoughts as the author, Cecil Murphey, focuses on those great icons that were the heroes and heroines of the Bible. Even they had flaws, but were very much loved and favored by God. If you're new Christian, not yet a Christian, or even a seasoned Christian, this book will offer you silent mentors by providing insight into the lives of those who were pleasing in God's sight in spite of their quirks and flaws. With every character, I kept thinking there couldn't possibly be anyone else left for the author to write about that I could identify with. Then, as each chapter revealed another, I found that those individuals had a gift, or an attribute for which I strive in order to be pleasing in His eyes. It's a wonderful read in a length that is just right and will not only hold your attention, but will linger in your thoughts long after you are finished reading.

In Committed But Flawed Cecil Murphey introduces readers to an entirely new way to pray. His method of relating to people from the Bible causes readers to really think through familiar Bible passages and dig deeper for personal application. Spiritual growth is a guaranteed byproduct of reading this book! I highly recommend it.

In typical Cecil Murphey style, the author has once again written from his heart, humbly, sincerely, and effectively, drawing his readers into a deeper yearning for more of God. And he has accomplished this through the easy-reading careful examination of the frailties, failures, and feats of everyday (though sometimes obscure) Bible characters such as Barnabus, Timothy, Mephibosheth, and Hur. "I want to walk as far up the mountain as the Spirit will take me," Murphey declares. After reading Committed But Flawed, I want to do the same.

Prior to reading this book, I had read about "praying Scripture" but never about examining Biblical figures and praying for the strengths and character they possessed. "Committed but Flawed" spoke to me in every chapter---I too, should pray for these characteristics to increase my walk in faith. Not only did I learn more about people from Biblical times, but I learned a technique for prayer thanks to the author's humility in presenting his own prayer needs. Highly recommended.

Wow. This author offers us a fresh new approach to praying by identifying with characters in the Bible who are "committed but flawed." He expounds upon each character and relates them to his own short-comings and downfalls, as well as his strong points, in a brutally honest way. He explains how we can do likewise and grow closer to God.

I especially liked the chapter on "transparency"-- he ventures on that topic in a profound way. He identifies with the Apostle Peter--perhaps Peter's vulnerability - his transparency - was a trait that made him the leader of the Disciples, the man Jesus chose to be among his inner circle of three. Murphey's keen insight and knowledge of Scripture are brilliant, and this chapter is a perfect example.

Cecil Murphey's credentials as a missionary, Pastor, and professor are all impressive; however, as a writer he has a distinct flair. He makes us (the reader) feel as we know him as an old friend. His openness and sharing of his experiences embellish his smooth writing style. This book has inspired me to jump start my prayer life as well as to concentrate on reading the Bible in greater depths. Highly recommended!!

I bought this book expecting to learn something about online communities. I wasn't disappointed. While Block only mentions them in passing, he has a lot to say about what makes them work. He spells out what makes communities work in a real world--it is the sense of belonging.

People (customers) are engaging in online communities at phenomenal rate and this is impacting their relationship with the companies they do business with. In short, businesses are losing influence as communities and online networks increasing influence what people value and how they make purchase decisions. Block talk about a new future or possibilities for real-world communities. In the business world, the problem solving approach won't cut it anymore. The context for customers has shifted and businesses need to get in sync. As Block puts it, this will require a shift in thinking before one worries about methodology and techniques. If you come with an open mind, this book will help you make the shift.

This is an important book to help redefine what community means and to ensure that every individual in our society has a place of worth and value. It serves as both a call to action and a guide for community transformation. I highly recommend it to those who know that change is needed and seek more than lip-service from politicians to make change a reality.

When I open up a Peter Block book I am expecting something both thoughtful and practical. I expect to come away with some questions that brought pause...and also some ideas or tools that I can turn around and use in my own work. Block's latest, Community: The Structure of Belonging, did not disappoint. It was exactly what I expected and then some. Much more a fieldbook than a concept paper, Community is a resource I will be turning to for help in hosting meetings of all kinds. If you're responsible for building teams or collaborating structures, this is a resource you will want to own.

Seminal work on how to change culture by changing the conversations we have. Had Peter as a graduate instructor and his fireside chats were marvelous...and the book continues in the tradition of insight, optimism, the power we have in language and questions to create a better future (or as Peter puts it ...possibilities). We are at a precipice in organizations to achieve engagement, ownership, agreements that deliver success and accountability and reward. All of us especially those we elect as our political leaders should question our current path to community and ask how we might togethe embrace and practice these principles. It is our only hope to create a new and greater future.

Peter Block's new book Community really has a wealth of information about creating a healthyenvironment based on a structure that's not only innovative, but grounded in an easily adoptable format. This isn't just a consulting book, or "how to" book it has something that will appeal to anyone trying to create a sense of belonging. This book is a culmination of what Peter seems to have been building up to for years. If you're a fan of Peter's work then you probably already have this one, but if your new to Peter Block and his style this is actually a great place to start. Read Community and enjoy!

Edna Buchanan has written a multi-faceted book about many of the crimes in Miami and the nearby area from her career as a crime reporter for local newspapers.

She wrote about her childhood and the journey that led her to journalism.

The author related how publicity usually aids in solving cases and apprehending the guilty,but not always. The "Pillowcase Rapist" was used as an example where that tactic failed.

Victims are not always located. Like in the case of Christopher Wilder where two of his victims' bodies were never discovered.
The disappearance of a 17 year old girl was an unsolved mystery. The poignant story of her mother's courageous search in dangerous locales and her timeless determination was another side to that story.

Edna Buchanan documented the carnage of the race riots that resulted after the McDuffie police brutality-murder case.

There are a number of true life,colorful characters in "The Face had a Familiar Face" that make this book entertaining and hard to put down.

I WOULD GIVE THIS BOOK 4 1/2 STARS BECAUSE I WISH IT WOULD HAVE HAD SOME PICTURES. THE STORIES WERE REALLY DIFFERENT AND NOT SURE I WOULD LIKE TO LIVE IN MIAMI, FLORIDA.

Edna is a great (and very funny) speaker. Her writing is just as good. If you want to learn exactly what a crime reporter does and learn it in a truly very amusing book, this is for you. I read this book before I heard her speak. I expected that the talk would be boring (i.e., couldn't be as good as the book), and was I wrong! She kept all of us laughing for about 45 minutes. If you ever get a chance to hear her speak, don't hesitate! If hearing her appears to be extremely unlikely, you are in luck because you can read her book! Seldom do I laugh out loud while reading a book, but I did while reading this one. If I ever hear the song "I shot the Sheriff" I know I will start laughing out loud again. This is light reading and you won't regret the time you spend!

I finished this book in 2 days. I found it different from most true crime books I read, but very interesting.

First book. Mesmerizing. Tough, critical, witty, a read-to-the-end book (forget sleeping for about two days). A tough lady who won the respect of law enforcement and fellow novelist. Humorous, sad, caring,
historical and factual with no sugar coating. Just the facts, Ma'am! Street smart. If you don't have a member of law enforcement in your family, you need to read this book to garner some idea of their lives.

This was an excellent book. I found it most fascinating about Harriet Tubman. She was truly a great woman, far above her age and time. Great reading for anyone who is learning more about the underground railroad!!

I don't remember seeing or reading a book on Harriet Tubman as a child. Wendy Lawton's account of Harriet Tubman's childhood life was very realistic to me. I could visualize the deplorable conditions of the slave quarters as well as the less than nice slave owners. The book is easy reading and peeked my interest right from the start. Well worth the reading.

Lawton does an outstanding job of putting the reader right in the "Quarter" house for slaves on a plantation in Maryland with the young Harriet Tubman, her family and close friends.

The reader anguishes with Harriet every time her master whips her. We pull for her to return to her family every time she is "hired out" to other slave owners. We rejoice with her when God answers her simple yet profound prayers. And we are challenged when a young girl asks God for the courage it takes to run for freedom.

I knew very little about Harriet Tubman before reading Lawton's book. Now I'll never forget her.

This is a wonderful piece of children's prose, by dynamic author and sculptor Wendy Lawton. As a teacher, it would be advantageous to include this as supplementary reading for your students, but also as an avid bibliophile, it is a great read like for everyone. Lawton has captured the reader in an engrossing and mesmerizing tale. Well written, superbly detailed, factual without being compromising, engaging to the child yet still approachable, this work truly is paramount. I cannot express in words just how much children can learn and will be edified by this book. It sparks lively class discussion, piques childrens curiosity and is a great introduction to adolescent literature. I compare this prose to Anne of Green Gables and also Little Women. I highly recommend it without reservation for all! Destined to be a classic! Great work Wendy Lawton!

This is a very engrossing book and one I could not put down until I finished it.

I normally do not like to read any book written in dialect. In fact, I will quite often go out of my way NOT to read them. I find they tend to slow down the read for me because I mentally try to sound out the dialect as I read. Very distracting.

But Wendy has done a superb job with Minty, and she managed to pull me in right at the start.

I think Harriet Tubman has been an inspiration to nearly everyone, regardless of race, because of her courageous actions once she decided "this is what I have to do!" and I am no exception. To see her story through the eyes of her youth is very enlightening...and heart-breaking.

Well written and well researched. A great read.