Literature in Art Books

This book offers a clear understanding of how Jews deal with death, bereavement and mourning. It provides the reasons behind the customs, the social and cultural meanings that support them and a personal statement by the author. It neatly blends the objective and the subjective yet without blurring the view from each -- a remarkable accomplishment. Best of the Jewish mourning books available.

This is a sensitively written book that combines the analytic view of what death, bereavement and mourning mean to Jewish tradition along with the author's personal experience with the encounter with death. For those who want to know not only what tradition demands but what the underlying sociological, psychological and anthropological meaning behind those traditions is as well as how this all affects those who practice the tradition, this book will be a useful guide. It will take you inside -- deep inside -- what happens when a Jew dies.

Prof. Heilman's book was the comfort of a wise friend when I needed it most, just after I lost my sister to cancer. As a Jew, I wanted to seek solace in my faith after this devastating loss - but, having grown up essentially unaffiliated, I did not quite know where to turn, nor what it all meant. The Jewish rituals of mourning, burial, kaddish - all were largely foreign to me. I was very fortunate to be given Prof. Heilman's book as a gift from a dear friend, and it became my guidebook through what was, for me, new and frighteningly uncharted territory. "When a Jew Dies" provides an explication of Jewish law and custom on death that is understandable to a layman, but textured enough to be of great use to an academic as well. But what I found most warming of all was Heilman's moving account of his own struggle to cope with the death of his father, after a long and nightmarish battle with the effects of a debilitating stroke. Anyone who has suffered a similar loss will find this book an invaluable companion.

This is a really beautiful book that intertwines scripture with glorious artistry to tell the story of the birth of Jesus.

This book is one of the most beautiful depictions of the birth of our Lord. The images are so emotion-filled. The one I like particularly well is of Joseph and Mary and the infant Savior. Mary is holding the baby in her arms while Joseph looks at him with love, amazement and a little curiosity. Priceless!! A must have!

Absolutely beautiful, poignant pictures accompany the scriptural telling of the Saviors birth. I read these same scriptures to my children every christmas, how nice it will be to have them all together with pictures to go with them. This a brilliant artist whose paintings seem to come to life. One can feel the emotions on Mary and Joseph's faces and the pictures of the Christ Child are fantastic. LDS readers will enjoy this book best because some references are made from LDS scriptures .

I enthusiastically recommend this well written, provocative and thoroughly enjoyable book to anyone who is on a personal development journey and especially to anyone who is going through a transition of any kind. It is an extremely effective guide to one's search for meaning in life. Entertaining, touching and sometimes humorous stories inspire the reader to ponder some of life's larger questions such as karma, good and evil, and making a difference. Thought-provoking questions and exercises guide us in taking a serious look at our values and choices and help us to understand ourselves more fully.

When I worked in the corporate world, I struggled with how to stay in touch with my essential self, my spiritual self. This book provides inspiration and tools which assist one in doing so. For me, it provided a serious wake-up call and influenced my decision to leave corporate life in favor of the non-profit sector, where I have found greater fulfillment and more time to spend with my family. Trust me. You don't want to miss this excellent, powerful book!

What do you think they'll say about you---on your gravestone? Do you care about meaning in life beyond meeting your daily needs? If you are looking to make sense of it all, Why Get Up in the Morning is a provocative book you'll want to read. Author Tom Kramlinger writes, "...the purpose of this book is to examine themes about the meaning of life and to offer some ideas about how you...can lay claim to your own personal meaning--something to live by, something to stand for."

Why Get Up in the Morning offers illumination of the path from Having to Doing to Being---a path that is lined with both secular and religious bricks. Having includes someone to love and to be loved by someone; appreciating and enjoying beauty; finding and applying fairness; and, of course, humor.

Doing relates to achievement; making a contribution; seeing life as an adventure; following time honored traditions. More, Doing is about right and courage and honor. Kramlinger asks in one of the many question and answer segments found in each chapter, "When in your life did you struggle to do the right thing?"

The realm of Being, the most spiritual of the three, is about appreciating the wonder of existence; knowing the truth; growth through enlightenment; communion and unity with others; and discerning the value of "letting go" through the pilgrimage of life.

In his superbly written book, Tom Kramlinger offers wisdom and consciousness to the reader. Each chapter ends with questions that will get you to think---and after all, isn't that the mark of a great book? In this reviewer's opinion, Why Get Up in the Morning is a book that can help add meaning to your life. It worked for me!

I highly recommend this interesting gem for personal growth and enjoyment as well as for counselors and teachers. In addition to providing opportunities for personal reflection, this book is well written and organized. It exposes the reader to great traditions through easy-to-follow sections called the realms of "Having, Doing, and Being." Thought-provoking quotes from a variety of Eastern and Western sources provide springboards for optional research. Reflective questions are framed in a non-threatening way. Readers are encouraged to pursue the ancient ideal, "Know Thyself."

Counselors and teachers will find it a helpful tool as their students strive to set goals and identify and cherish values. I used it with my students in an "Introduction to Philosophy" course. It encourages readers to DO philosophy as well as to study about it. It engaged my university students. When I announced the required text title, "Why Get Up In The Morning?", one woman exclaimed "That's what I wonder!" A fellow admitted, "The exercises really force me to think." Another student added, "My life is so busy I seldom have time to reflect on what is really important. I'm grateful that this book makes me stop and take some time to clarify what I really feel and value." "I could really relate to the stories," commented a man who had at first been unenthusiastic and resistant. One student even liked the size: "It's small and thin!" The final course evaluation asked whether this book should be used again. The response was a unanimous "Yes!"

One of Hazell's talents is to sit you right down with the women she writes about as they live some telling moment. This book doesn't just outline facts about each person but gives the reader a feel of the time, the culture, the conflicts and private reasons each writer had for writing what she did. Sections with titles like "Love's Different Faces" help the reader contextualize each writer's main focus, and how each woman writer spoke for her time. Hazell's beautiful illustrations and margin graphics capture the inner landscape as well as pensive portraits of each writer; the faces are caught in moments of reflection, discovery, or some secret delight. This will inspire young writers to persevere despite obstacles, as the women in this book did; these women writers were/are real heroines. The author never talks down to the reader; adults can get a good read from this very informative and insightful book.

After reading this book, I was so impressed that I sent a copy to my daughter and my neice. After receiving great reviews from them, I decided to write my first review... ever. The author tells the truth about these women's lives. Some had happy lives. Some had difficulties. Some lived happily every after and some didn't. The book inspires girls and women of all ages and interests. It especially encourages those who wish to write. The pictures are beautiful. The bibliography points the reader to additional material. BUY THIS BOOK AS A GIFT. IT WILL BE APPRECIATED! IT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHEN FACED WITH LIFE'S UPS AND DOWNS.

After reading this book, I was so impressed that I sent a copy to my daughter and my neice. After receiving great reviews from them, I decided to write my first review... ever. The author tells the truth about these women's lives. Some had happy lives. Some had difficulties. Some lived happily every after and some didn't. The book inspires girls and women of all ages and interests. It especially encourages those who wish to write. The pictures are beautiful. The bibliography points the reader to additional material. BUY THIS BOOK AS A GIFT. IT WILL BE APPRECIATED! IT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHEN FACED WITH LIFE'S UPS AND DOWNS.

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of devotional writings out there, from the periodicals such as Upper Room, to full-size books for everyone from dieters to caregivers and general books such as Daily Guideposts. We all have one or two, or an assortment. But Writer's in the Spirit is, I believe, the first one specifically for writers. And it is excellent.

Sally Stuart (Christian Writer's Market Guide) wrote: "Writers in the Spirit helps connect me to God while reminding me that writing is a gift from Him and a calling to be both treasured and nurtured." This reviewer agrees. Reading this book has been a unique experience and a book I will probably reread over time.

Carol Rottman writes with a fresh voice, providing inspiration and introspection with each paragraph. In places, the book reads like a journal, revealing discoveries about herself and her writing journey. Chapters are written as mini-essays and never fail to drive home a point to the reader. Doesn't matter what type of writing you do, there is something here that is bound to bless, encourage, inspire, and even admonish.

The book is divided into eleven topical sections such as "Nourishment," "Understanding," "Realism," and "Creation." No, that last is not about God's creation - the sub-caption says "Writing is creating. No writer writes like anyone else; each voice is unique." Each of these topical sections consists of several short essays that delve into the topic, followed by tips, hints and advice, and a writing challenge.

Says Rottman: "Writing for me is a form of meditation. I love the discipline of writing everyday using the ever-changing experiences in my life. I've discovered that God has equipped many of us with a desire to share our understanding of life through the written word. I agree with Jerry Jenkins, who once said, `I don't sing or dance or preach. I have been given one gift, so I feel obligated to exercise it in the work of the kingdom.' I treasure the awesome gift."

WRITERS IN THE SPIRIT is a great book, and would be a wonderful gift to another writer in your life, and definitely for yourself, too. Christmas is right around the corner. Get your copy now.

© Peggy Phifer, Editor, Wordsmith Shoppe Writer

Side bar: Writers in the Spirit was one of only six featured books in the quarterly publication, Christian Retailing. The author, Carol Rottman, was also chosen to lead a discussion on the national teleconference for the Association of Christian Writers.

WRITERS IN THE SPIRIT is a well-organized tool to both inspire and educate aspiring writers of all skill levels. Author Carol J. Rottman, Ph. D. has developed this book to encourage and teach Christian writers how to find the fullness of experience through our spiritual selves and translate that into words through all types of writing.

Rottman encourages writers to embrace life, learn from it, immerse themselves in it and then share that life through words put to paper.

Eleven chapters are divided into essays that further explore each facet of a writer's life, both physical and spiritual; a writer's prayer and tips, hints and advice; followed by a writing challenge.

WRITERS IN THE SPIRIT acts as a guide for the journey writers must take to fully realize their talent. Rottman has shined a light on the Christian writer's path and that light can illuminate the works of art inside us all

Throughout this unique book for writers are in-depth explorations of topics such as opening up God's incarnational spirit, taking nourishment from God to provide fruit that will outlive the writer, and writing with fervor to overcome our self-imposed limits.

Rottman doesn't stop there, though. She shares her personal experience of applying each concept to her life and illustrates how it then translates into discovery of one's self, which can then better express the words residing within us.

Searching for the meaning of our lives through writing is addressed with a reminder to return to the Bible and explore famous writing incidents such as the handwriting on the wall and the creation of the Ten Commandments. As we ponder the inspiration of the storytellers who recorded the biblical events, how then do we open ourselves to that same inspiration?

WRITERS IN THE SPIRIT is not a book to be read once then set aside to gather dust. Instead, it is a book to be digested, pondered and treasured for the long journey.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and I find myself returning to different sections as I come upon a challenge in my own writings.

This book is a much needed new angle on writing. Instead of a mechanical guide to the elements of writing, Christian author Carol J. Rottman offers hope and inspiration to writers.

This is a very personal and practical book, offering examples from the author's own life experience. What makes this book distinct, however, is its spiritual perspective. It draws its principles from the bible and applies them to the real and often painful world of writing.

I found that this book does not just guide its readers. It motivates and inspires them. I found myself captivated as I read each chapter. Well worth reading.

This is such a great book! For kids, for coffee table, for people all ages. I can hardly wait to make my own circus. The instructions look easy to follow, but even if I never get around to picking up the scissors, I'll enjoy looking at the book.

My Children loved this book! Each Zoo Flake is so clever. My kids couldn't wait to make their own! I had to help my four year old with the folding and cutting, but the older kids did great on their own. They have asked if this could be "a Christmas thing" we do every year.

In this enchanting book, the author has created "zoo flakes," or paper snowflakes cut into animal kaleidoscope shapes, for each letter of the alphabet. What time and patience this process must have taken! These are not crude cutouts of rough animal shapes, but highly detailed silhouettes of unicorns, foxes (foxen?), and more. I encourage you to click on the book cover picture above so you can enlarge it and get a glimpse of the animal shapes shown on the cover. Great as an alphabet book for kids or a fun book for adults to look through -- it would be a unique conversation piece on a coffee table. It also includes directions at the end for making zoo flakes.

I bought it for my daughter, and now I also could draw fun things following the steps, it made drawing fun and eady

The latest addition to an outstanding series of instructional drawing books for children ages 5 and older, Freddie Levin's 1-2-3 Draw Baby Animals: A Step-By-Step Guide focuses upon drawing cute baby animals including elephants, piglets, chicks, kittens, ducks, sheep, mice, guinea pigs, and so many more. The instructions are methodical, easily followed, and thoroughly "kid friendly". Also very highly recommended, especially for homeschooling curriculums and rainy day activities, are the other titles comprising Freddie Levin's inexpensive and highly effective "1-2-3 Draw" books for Pets and Farm Animals; Wild Animals; Knights, Castles and Dragons; Cars, Trucks and Other Vehicles; Dinosaurs; Ocean Animals; Mythical Creatures; and Horses.

The kids love to use this book as a guideline to follow for drawing. They were always asking me how to draw something so now they have a reference. Sometimes they use the book to trace as well.

I use this whole series in my Art Class to Elementary children. They love this extra activity. It builds their confidence that they can draw identifible things. They even take multiple instructions and create a whole picture. I ripped the book apart and laminated the pages into easy to use cards. Works great!

This is one of the best books I have ever read. I am currently reading the rest of the series. (All of which are great.) They are moving and exciting. He brings the characters to life. The situations are as real as though you are living them. This book follows the Bible and cultural norms of the time. It is a real page-turner. I just can't say enough about it, and the others in the series, that I have read, have not let me down.

This fictional account of the adult life of Abigail, a wife of King David, is based on biblical accounts as well as cultural knowledge. You will want to read more of this series.

This is another excellent book in this Williamson art series for children. The cover says it's for ages 8-13, and I'd like to emphasize that it's definitely not for younger children, although a few can be adapted for younger children. Many projects are challenging enough that high school students and adults should enjoy them also.

Many of the projects take a definite commitment to time and care in order to have good results. There are some that require meticulous attention to details and fine motor coordination. Quite a few projects use an exacto knife to cut our small pieces of paper or poster board. There is a soap carving which requires a paring knife. Other potentially difficult and dangerous materials and equipment include glass sheets, turpentine, bleach, nail polish, cooking oil and paraffin heated for making candles, dye, needle and thread, tiny bits of paper for mosaic, wire cutters, pliers, handsaw, drill for a wooden birdhouse, nails for piercing a metal can, vegetable peeler, iron.

There are paintings and drawings using special techniques with pencil, paint, charcoal and markers, as well as many 3-dimensional projects that use folding, carving, building and other methods. Although there is an excellent variety of projects that can turn out very satisfyingly, there should be supervision for many of them, especially for younger children.

I highly recommend this art activity book. The ideas are original and fun and yet they are not exhausting to complete. As I homeschool our girls, I have found this book to be a great asset in my thematic approach to learning.