Western Books

Leadville at its pinnacle is no comparison to pistol-packing, hard-drinking, poker-playing Inez Stannert, proprietor of the Silver Queen Saloon, widow (or is she?) of a one-time counterfeiter. The local assayer is murdered in the street outside her saloon, leaving a widow-friend penniless with a child. Inez vows to do what she can. First up, find out who killed Joe, then unravel his affairs. But that can be treacherous, bad for the health. Counterfeits show up, and only some of them are money. What's real? Who's real? Who's leaving stabbed rats as threats?

Ann Parker's mystery kept me guessing throughout the book. Great plotting and good execution. A few more characters could have been more fully drawn, but Inez comes through Parker's pen full, rounded and engaging. I look forward to more books in this series.

Last month I was in Leadville, a town I love to visit when I get to Colorado. I'm afraid it's going to be Starbucked soon, but so far it still has its faded glory charm. I stopped in The Bookmine, and the proprietor recommended Ann Parker. I've had some bum steers with 'local' authors, so only bought Silver Lies. At first the dialogue seemed a little clunky, but soon the rip-roaring plot, with multiple layers and twists and turns, took over. One of the best debut mysteries I've read. I'm looking forward to the next one.

On street level, this is a straightforward western morality play, with forces of evil arrayed against forces of good, hard pressed to survive. But across the street is a mystery as well. As the executor of a slain man's estate, Inez Stannert struggles to put the lose ends together for his widow, even as she struggles with the lose ends of her own life. Clues abound, and the solution to one puzzle reveals yet another. Western history buffs will not be disappointed in the unsparing attention to details from chamber pots to Bat Masterson. Moviegoers might imagine roles for Lauren Bacall, Morgan Freeman, and Harrison Ford.
But that's just street level in the town of Leadville, and what happens in the rooms above is just as important. Images abound. Start with the fortune of a shattered mirror. Assumptions, rodents, and people are turned inside out and occasionally back again. As the battle of good versus evil is painted, the devil's face is penciled in; but is it the right one? Angels go armed. The key to one mystery unlocks a key to another. Hell freezes over, paradise has lost its way, and your nominal spiritual guide speaks of black, white, and gray. Along the journey, we are invited to think. So think about prejudice, think about the desperation of the poor, think about honesty, think about slavery old and new, think about the consequences of passion, think about justice, think about public sanitation, and think about the eternal trade-off of freedom versus order. The ancestors of our institutions and pretensions play a role in this messy, high-altitude 1880's boom town and none escape without a little horse manure on them.

It's the end of 1879 in Leadville, Colorado's "Cloud City" and Joe Rose is found dead outside of Inez Stannert's saloon. Thus begins the mystery, and many plot twists, turns and big surprises until the very end. Who killed Joe? Is Inez's husband dead or missing? Is the new minister really a minister? Is he a good guy or a bad guy? What does the surprise visit from Bat Masterson and his knowledge of the minister's past portend for the growing attraction between Inez and Reverend Sands? Is there some mystery in Emma Rose's past no one knows about? Is someone passing counterfeit currency? Who? To say more would give the whole story away, which I don't like to do.

Suffice it to say that this was a jolly good mystery that kept me guessing until the very end, and I especially enjoyed going on a trip through the Rockies and the mining towns of days gone by, although you can still find many of those towns still there and thriving on the tourist trade. Five stars, and I look forward to starting the sequel, Iron Ties.

Parker has written a wonderful first book. Her descriptions of 1870's Leadville are vivid and integral to the story. Her characters are diverse, real, interesting and fully developed. Inez is a smart, independent woman, capable of holding her own yet will doubts and insecurities of her own. Her dialogue is appropriate to the period. The plot is interesting and compelling; it caused me to read way too late into the night in order to finish it in one read. There is a romance, but it doesn't overwhelm the story or the character and very good suspense. I highly recommend this excellent book.

It was great! Just started reading her series and this one I just couldn't put down. Enjoy!

This Book i just could not put down. it was a very good book and i would tell anyone to buy it!!

The flow of love from two worlds so far apart! So wonderfully done by Cassie Edwards! THANKS!

He was the chief of the Nez Perce. He went to the convent in San Fransisco to look for a Bible. He wanted the Bible because he wanted to his people to learn about the "White's man religion", but Harry Weston, the convent's gardener overheard this and went to teach Silver Wing's people. Audra, a short red-hair beauty and Silver Wing fell in love since the first time they saw each other. Seems interesting? Buy the book and read it! I'll bet that you will love it!

I loved Silver Wing, I am just into reading Indian Romances, Iwill tell all to read this one. I could not put it down, Cassie Edwardsis a great writer, I just wish I had started earlier reading about Indian Romances. Make sure you put this on your list to read Donna Dillon(ldillon@bright.net)

We are all in unison just like those sixteen cows! All the other books in are cabinet are MOOoooVED over when my [...] year old sees this book! It is a delightful read and the rhyme text is fun to read. Definitly a gift that I would be proud to give to any young reader!

This book is such fun. We have read is so much that my two year old now recites it from memory. I get a kick out of it every time. For some reason it just sings.
"In truth, cows aren't too bright."

What a fun book. The rhymes catch you up and the graphics are very appealing. My kindergartner loves to practice her reading with it. Completely worth the money spent, particularly if you have an early reader or a toddler that just likes cows, cowboys, and cowgirls. Very sweet book.

I am not sure who enjoys this book more...me or my children! I love reading the rhyming verses and getting my kids involved by "Mooing". It's fun, the illustrations are great, and it's easily become a favorite book in our house!!!

"Sixteen Cows" is one of those rare children's books that is not only fun for the kiddies, but may actually be more amusing for the adult reading it.

Lonely Cowboy Gene and lovely Cowgirl Sue share a fence, but despite their neighborliness and like herds of eight humorously named bovines, a bit of competition keeps the two at odds. The deus ex machina of a tornado rips down the fence and the cows do the rest, intermingling hopelessly, while refusing to hear the calls to come back to their respective sides. Forced to cooperate, the rival cowpokes finally drop the competition and work together. Can love be far behind?

Clearly there is plenty to like in the book. Many kids' picture books fall down in the text, but not here. Lisa Wheeler's long rhymes capture the reader's heart and flow nicely, complemented well by the sprawling, glowing, watercolor images of Kurt Cyrus. Together there is a synergy that makes this book oddly compelling. Little humorous touches abound - such as the cow names and the items tossed up by the tornado - that may mean more to adults than kids, so while my toddler son likes the book, his dad enjoys it even more. (At the cost of a star, the backstory of the book may be lost on the very young, who may not fully grasp love stories and weddings.)

With its large illustrations and silly/sweet story, this paean to the prairie is clearly designed to be read out loud and often. So pick out your best West Texas drawl, mosey on up to your favorite lil' pardner, and share the fun of "Sixteen Cows."

Small boat or dinghy sailing, camping out, excitement, nice people and strong writing: what more could a reader ask for? I first read this book at the home of a boyhood friend about ten years after it was originally published, and I count the series (this is the second of 12) as responsible for my lifelong interest in camping and sailing. More than half a century later, I acquired a set and found to my absolute delight that they read as well and are as powerfully satisfying as ever.

Here, within the covers of a very well-written book, you'll find a group of charming children and a few adults, spanning a wide range of ages and character types. Swallowdale is by turns funny, thoughtful, insightful and so well written it is a distinct pleasure for readers of any age.

Did I mention the writing? It's better written than most current novels.

"Swallowdale" continues very much where its predecessor, "Swallows and Amazons", leaves off, with the Walker children returning to "that remote lake in the north of England" one year after the events of the first book and looking forward to another couple of weeks of fun, sailing with their friends, the Amazon pirates. Plans quickly begin to go awry, however, and Ransome turns events away from the anticipated activity of sailing on the lake to an altogether different sort of fun, as the children take off camping and exploring in the surrounding fells and mountains.

The book has all of the fine qualities that make its predecessor such an excellent read for children (and adults) of all ages. Ransome's prose is a delight throughout, his characters engaging and the events that befall the children entirely believable. As in all of the other books of this series, simple pen and ink drawings by the author add considerably to the enjoyment. If only the world (and the Lake District!) was still like this!

Incidentally, although this was the second of Arthur Ransome's "Swallows and Amazon" books to be published, it is best read after the third volume, "Peter Duck", because it is set chronologically after the events of that book, and makes occasional back reference to it. You will enjoy "Peter Duck" much more if you read it BEFORE you read "Swallowdale". And if you enjoyed "Swallows and Amazons" you will certainly enjoy this.

This was the second book in the series that we read. After the first I did not think it could get better, but I was wrong. We were shocked when their boat sunk, but they seemed to do as well on land as they did on water. My kids will do their chores and finish their homework as long as I read this to them each evening. To me that is quite impressive. Now we are reading Peter Duck...

The Swallows return to their favorite lake a year later, but things have changed slightly...the Amazons are dealing with a visit from a tyrannical great-aunt and can't go sailing with them! While sailing about on their own, the Swallows' boat experiences a wreck and their sailing adventures on the lake are in danger.

This book continues the adventures of the brave kids we first met in SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS, only they're a year older and a little nervier. The books' descriptions of camping and exploring are fun, fun, fun; I remember doing similar things as a child. The story also gives some good lessons to kids, although not in a preachy fashion...we see the importance of being calm in a crisis, and how an otherwise bad situation can be turned into a positive experience. Also, the boat-race scene at the end has a great scene of good sportsmanship, as the losers enthusiastically and sincerely congratulate the winners and compliment them on their sailing. And, as present in SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS, there is the element of using one's imagination.

The mountain-climbing scenes are good, with an unexpectedly poignant moment at the summit. The lost-in-the-fog scenes are actually quite atmospheric and memorable.

The book's main problem is that it is rather dated, but for some readers, that's part of the charm. The great-aunt's insistance on Victorian-era manners may not click too much with modern readers, although they'll probably be able to think of their elders who they see as being too old-fashioned. The book takes place in a circa 1930 England, when charcoal-burners and horse-drawn wagons were still commonplace in rural areas; some might find the setting too alien, while others may become absorbed into it.

Despite those few flaws, this is still a 5-star book in my view. Great for parents and children, and a great inspiration for outdoor adventures.

Note: This book makes references to an imaginary character, "Peter Duck," who was the subject of a sort of collective fairy tale that the group made up over the winter holiday. That story is told in the next book in the series, PETER DUCK.

One year after the events of "Swallows and Amazons," the four Walkers return to the Lake to spend the summer holidays, looking forward to more thrilling adventures with the Blackett sisters and their uncle, Captain Flint. To their dismay, they discover that the Blacketts' Great-Aunt--a strait-laced and somewhat tyrannical person who brought their mother and uncle up--is staying at Beckfoot and badly cramping the two pirates' style. And then the Walkers' boat "Swallow" is wrecked on the far side of the lake, forcing them to find a new camp. In dealing with these challenges the six show their mettle once again--and even manage to get away for an overnight climb of Kanchenjunga, as they christen the tallest of the nearby hills. Along the way Roger and Titty get lost when a sea-fog rolls in over the moors, and the outwitting of Great-Aunt Maria furnishes a fair share of suspense. Once again Ransome tells his tale without talking down, seeming to assume a child's viewpoint with an ease matched by few writers. Another excellent family read-aloud that should be owned by every household even if they don't care for boats or camping.

great book... its up there with hagakure, book of five rings ... i like it so much because it gave me a good example of what you can acomplish with budo his story was very clear and understandable at same time admirable and unbealiveable.

Other than the constant referances to buddism, this was a great book. I could not put it down for the first few chapters. This greatly inspired my kumdo(kendo) training & teaching. Every traditional martial artist should read this.

This is not a detailed biogtaphy, nevertheless, the author gives you a good overview of Yamaoka Tesshu's life. Yamaoka lived during a time when Japan was moving toward industrialization, and we get a glimpse of key historical moments during the transition.
There are numerous accounts that give insight to Yamaoka's mindset and character. Thus, no matter what art the individual reader may practice, Yamaoka's approach to training will reinforce the ideals of the serious-minded.

Unlike other books where certain martial arts figures are ridiculously protrayed like gods, Steven's book has humorous stories and Tesshu comes across like a normal human being who achieved everything throigh his diligent search and practice.

The book's strong point...it inspires hard training.

I bought this book used at the recomendation of my sensei. Mine is a tattered copy and I treasure it. I was suspect about buying it initially because I'm not a great fan of John Stevens' work in general he's good but tends to be a bit diefying. But that was not the case with this book I've re-read it so many times that it is truely in tatters...so I am happy to see it has been re printed. I will buy I hope you do to.

This is a very well written and entertaining account of Tesshu, one of the last samurai, a retainer in the Emperor's service who lived during the period of Japan's transition from feudalism to a modern, industrialized state. Tesshu was a man of great martial skills and equally great compassion who was always poor because he gave away most of his considerable stipend to support his poor and starving relatives, friends, and innumerable homeless (human as well as animals) that he took in and fed, often saving them from almost certain starvation. As a result, he often went without food one or two days a week, preferring to give it to those in even greater need. A devout Buddhist at a time when most Japanese had long since adopted Shinto, Tesshu was also an accomplished calligrapher and poet. Overall, a very readable account of a great man who remained loyal to the old ways and traditions even as they were crumbling around him.

This is a great book that has given me inspiration and insight into myself and the way of The Tao. Derek Lin uses wonderful stories to make his point on how Taoism works in our everyday life. This is not a book that I read once and put back on the shelf. I enjoy reading it over and over and sharing some of the stories with my friends.

I highly reccommend this book to others whether they are practioners of Taoism or not. It is a book about cultivating the mind, body and spirit of Life that can help us all.

This book is like my taoist bible. Every night, I pick a story out of it to read and try to apply it for the next day. This book makes taoism simple and applicable. Kudos to the author!

In a nutshell--Absolutely Delightful! I laughed quite a bit as I read The Tao of Daily Life. Derek's brilliant and insightful understanding of the Tao teaches in that most miraculous method--sympathetic, compassionate and at times, quite humorous.

I gained far more `soul food' in one afternoon of reading The Tao of Daily Life than I did for most of my spiritual life. And it was not a difficult task. In fact, the lessons that Derek teaches are easily absorbed in simple to grasp concepts and stories, and the humor that is evident in his writings makes the impressions lasting ones. Long after I have forgotten many of the concepts that I've learned, I will still remember how he made me laugh and learn at the same time.

If I could give more than five stars, I would, in a heartbeat!

The book contains enjoyable stories and comments which are enlightening yet easy to understand. Great book if you want to put the time proven wisdom to practice.

Based upon the stories of sages from days long past, The Tao of Daily Life, offers practical and thought provoking lessons on topics ranging from spiritual journeys to work and our families. It is through the retelling of simple short stories that Derek Lin imparts wisdom in this accessible work.



This book has 34 chapters, each beginning with a story. The story illustrates in just a few pages the topic. Lin then expounds upon the story to bring a deeper understanding of these principals into our present day context. In some chapters the connection with the Tao Te Ching is explored, however, this book is primarily a guide to living fully and deeply offering teachings that can be employed by anyone.



"Cultivating the Tao isn't all about solitary meditations and mountain retreats. It is also about community. It's about interacting with people, sending out oneness with them, and feeling the invigorating energy that results from personal interaction. The more we do for others, the more blissful contentment we experience; the more we give to others, the more joyous satisfaction we receive."

Here is the best commentary on the Tao Te Ching, along with an excellent translation. Of all the translators, Ellen M. Chen is the finest Tao Te Ching teacher! Why? Because she has the most complete understanding of those deep, deep Chinese sensibilities that are alive and at work in the ancient Chinese characters. As an experienced teacher, a master teacher, she also knows how to lead the student into the heart of the meaning of the Tao Te Ching, carefully linking each chapter to the next, and often jumping forward or back to connect expressions that repeat in different contexts. However, there is nothing overly academic or dry here. Chen's delight in the text, and her joy in unravelling it, are so evident that we are encouraged to join in, becoming mystery-seekers ourselves, like a Chinese cat with a ball of string...

The book by Ellen Chen is outstanding for the completeness and clarity of its comments. Anyone who is at all serious about studying the Tao Te Ching needs to read several interpretations to get an idea of just how ambiguous the original text is. One translation is simply not adequate. You will find that different chapters seem to be translated more fittingly by different references. No one author will convey the message most convincingly to you for every single chapter, and what is best for you may not be best for me.

I first compiled my favored, composite translation of the Tao Te Ching 23 years ago. At that time I relied mostly on the translations (and commentary) of Wing-Tsit Chan and Lin Yutang, although I used about 8 references altogether. I recently checked out of the library three new translations, including the one by Chen, in order to compare them with the earlier works. As I delved into Chen's book I became more and more impressed by her translation, and especially by her commentary. Although for me, Wing-Tsit Chan still has the more consistently preferred translation, I am learning much more from Chen's commentary than I ever learned from other works. I think it is a shame that her book is seldom cited in lists of "best translations" of the Tao Te Ching. Her work is far more penetrating and lucid than all the favorites.

Even if you finally decide of a particular section that you prefer another translation to Chen's, you will learn much from her explanations. I'm going to buy my own copy when I return the one I have to the library!

In our humble opinion, this work should be seen as superior to all other translations and interpretations of the Tao Te Ching; and I have read and studied over 20 of these while developing a synthesis for a multimedia CD. This text contains a very broad and deep foreword. The verse translations and commentaries are both very authentic and yet poetically spiritual. It further contains a bibliography, a glossary of Chinese terms and an index.

Ellen Chen's translation, along with her excellent commentaries for each chapter is one of the best.

I rank it up there with Derek Lin's version for its clarity and succinctness.

While these two versions don't always agree, they do offer more than just a translation. I believe that is a major plus factor.

Although I must have collected upwards of twenty different editions of the Tao Te Ching over the years, Ellen M. Chen's has always stood at the top of my list,... it's a shame this truly wonderful edition isn't better known.

Chen, who is a Professor of Philosophy at St. John's University in Jamaica, New York, is not your usual sort of scholar, the type who views ancient wisdom texts as a mere quarry for materials. In contrast to the sterile type of academic who pride themselves on a purely illusory 'scientific objectivity,' Chen is a dynamic and concerned personality who seems utterly committed to trying to get the world to see the fantastic importance and value of the Tao Te Ching.

For her, in fact, the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching is a wisdom that could save us from the utter ruin the human race is heading for, if only we would start to take that wisdom seriously. Hers is a wise, well-written, thoroughly researched work which rises way above the usual run of scholarship, and it is far too rich for me to be able to do justice to it here.

Briefly the work falls into three parts. First we are given a full and quite unique 48-page Introduction in three chapters: 1. Date and Authorship of the Tao Te Ching; 2. The Tao Te Ching as a Religious Treatise; and 3. Use and Translation of the Text. Chapter 2, which is divided into six sections, is a minor masterpiece, and even if you don't intend to acquire the book, you should certainly read her 'Humans Become Gods on Earth,' 'Two Pseudo-Religions of the Twentieth Century,' and 'Religion For or Against Life' (pages 31-39). Here in a nutshell you will find her striking analysis of the essence of the modern problem, and its solution. I often return to her words, and I wish there were some way of getting everyone in the world to both read them and take them to heart.

The second and main part of the work is made up of her New Translation and Commentary. For each Chapter of the Tao Te Ching we are given: 1. A translation with interspersed key terms given in Chinese; 2. A brief General Comment on the import of the chapter; and 3. Very full and valuable detailed comments. Chen is a well-qualified scholar and highly competent translator, and her work reads very well indeed. Here is a brief example from Chapter 32, slightly modified since it should be set out as verse:

"Tao everlasting (ch'ang) / is the nameless uncarved wood (p'u) / Though small / Nothing under heaven can subjugate it (mo neng ch'en). / If kings and barons can abide by (shou) it, / All creatures will arrive as guests (pin) to a banquet" (page 133).

Her interspersing of the Chinese is a marvelous device, and provides a painless way of aquiring a vocabulary of key Chinese terms. The third part of the book, besides containing a full and scholarly 13-page Bibliography of both Western and Chinese sources along with an index, also contains a detailed 12-page Chinese glossary which gives the romanization and Chinese graphs (characters, ideograms) for all Chinese names and terms used in the book.

The Tao of Ellen Chen is evident everywhere throughout this book, and she has placed a splendid banquet before us. It's a banquet to which we have all been invited. I'm certainly glad it's one I didn't miss.

I am only a half way through the book and can tell that it works. However, some things i wish were explained better, more detailed.

There's not much to say, only that it is very "enlightening" (pun intended). A great beginner's guide, a short yet compelling compendium, and a joyful read. Excellent book.

Very nice compilation. It was an easy read, and for those that are interested in Buddhism, this is a good primer for them. I agree with one of the other reviewers, the opinions needs to be ceased, so that is it

Jack Kornfield did a great job in putting this together.The book gives concise Buddist teachings a smooth english read.I travel alot on my job and take this on my travels for short mind breaks.
this is a great take anywhere book. I highly recommend it.

There are very few books that I can repeatedly read without getting bored. Teachings of the Buddha is one of them.

I consider this book a great source of inspiration and definitely awe-inspiring. Whether you're a Buddhist or not, it is a must-read. It is actually a must-have, because it opens your eyes to the essentials of life.

The fact that you don't have to read this book from beginning to end, but that you can just open it anywhere and read the little stories, is what works for me. "Teachings of the Buddha" is a compilation of life's values, molded in time-transcending stories that peak every reader's interest.

A paragraph in the editor's preface of this book was also the inspiration to my book, "The Awakened Leader: One Simple Leadership Style That Works Every Time, Everywhere." It is the paragraph where Buddha, shortly after his enlightenment, met a man, who was captured by his radiant glow. So the man asked Buddha: "Are you a celestial being or a god?" Buddha said "no." The man then asked, "Are you a magician or a wizard?" Buddha said, "No" "A man?," and Buddha said, "No." Finally the man asked, "Well, my friend, what are you then?" Upon which Buddha answered, "I am awake."

I believe that, in a time where globalization has become a part of our everyday life and has ignited increasing interdependency, multiplicity of mindsets and approaches, and multi-faceted workplaces, we have no choice BUT to be awake.

The book, "The Awakened Leader" presents a meta-leadership approach, which guides leaders toward implementing the appropriate leadership style once they have assessed the situation, the followers, and the environment at hand. Awakened Leadership is based on flexibility through open-mindedness, or wakefulness. And it completes the perspectives that many great leadership authors have presented us in the past decade: successful leadership of the self and others, based on proven trends of the past, the now, and the future.

Kornfield's book is a great asset to everyone's private library, and so is "The Awakened Leader, One Simple Leadership Style That Works Every Time, Everywhere."

I hired the author years ago as a Cajun Creole consultant and learned
how knowledgeable she is. I have bought her book on that cuisine five
times over the years since it is the bible of NEW ORLEANS cooking.
I was thrilled to see she has done the same for TEXAS. Not only is the
book beautiful but it is destined to be the bible for Texas cooking.
I am using some of the recipes in my tex-mex restaurant Copabanana.
I just returned from Austin and the Hill Country and the photography
and recipes made me long to return. Bill Curry, Philadelphia.

This is a wonderful cookbook. I've made 4 recipies from it that were absolutely outstanding. One recipe in particular...the spanish rice is above and beyond. I think it's because neither me or my husband are big fans of spanish rice and I made it on a whim. It's so good that he's asked for it a couple of times since I made it.
Pictures are wonderful and because I am a Texan I am very pleased with the fact that it's written by someone who has lived here for a long time the recipies are exactly the kinds of things that we would eat.....
I've recommended the book to friends and even bought another one for a gift.

NPSBookie order # 464878 One book, TEXAS ON THE PLATE arrived in a tiemly fshion. However, the spine was broken, and prompt communications from NPSBookie offered a refund since they had no other copy for exchange. I countered with request for a discount. They agreed to a $3.00 discount, and I accepted since I could use the book personally rather than gift as I had anticipated.

The recipes are wonderful and the book itself full of gorgeous photos, drawings and, in general, just wonderfully produced. I'm buying several for Christmas gifts for out-of-state relatives and friends. I'm new to the state and this is a fabulous introduction to the food and customs.

Definitely goes "beyond bbq and chili" to wonderful fusion of the traditional and the most up-to-date. You will not be sorry you bought this.

Terry Thompson-Anderson has produced a marvelous collection of Texas recipes, beautiful photos of food and scenery from around the Lone Star state, and a wonderful contribution to the exciting new Texas cuisine that is sweeping the southwest and beyond. As a native Texan I found the book not only a delight to the eyes, but a wondrous and far-ranging assortment of recipes with ingredients and influences from all over the state. Of special note are such heady entrees as the "Slow-Smoked Quail on Savory Bread Pudding withThree-Chili Sauce" (using Scamorza Cheese from the Mozzarella Company in Dallas) and the "Grilled Medallions of Venison Backstrap with Ancho Chili and Honey Sauce" - fabulous! Throughout there are wine recommendations from the growing number of Texas wineries; definitions of cooking terms and ingredients; and a "Texas Cook's Pantry" telling where to find hard-to-get ingredients. Texas on the Plate is a delight to use and a pleasure to read.

There have always been wise men in every culture and time period. In this book, we catch a glimpse into the wisdom of life from a time where family was the only security a person had, and where the simplicity of everyday life allowed cultural and personal insights stripped of a global context. Profound explanations of human nature are found here, and they apply to us today. A few of my favorite quotes:
--Hilmi--They asked Hilmi: `Why do you take so much interest in matters which are not connected with the progress of man?'
He said : `When you want to know how hard the coppersmith had been working, you look at the shavings on his floor.'
--Do not rely upon your own opinion when you think you need books and not exercises. Rely less on your belief when you think you need exercises and not books.

Real learning is found in this book.

Sufis, as well as Buddhists, date back thousands of years before Dr. Freud was born, so calling this book "Spiritual Freudianism" is superimposing a western perspective on an Eastern text. Also, using terms such as "a priori" assumes, again, a western perspective. Sufis demand that the student "know how to learn," and this requires dropping our western prejudices towards learning and towards what we've been told wisdom really is. Sufis do not always provide evidence or justification when teaching--their evidence takes the form of asking you, the student, to really observe yourself, without prejudices, without conditioned forms of thought, and see if what they say might be true. If you have issue with what they teach, investigate the matter (yourself) to see what the truth really is--and don't lie about it because your ego has been stunned or cracked. If you don't want to give up your western approach to life, Eastern teachings won't benefit you much; and I must ask, if you are so stuck to your western views and thinking, why did you pick up the book?

"Thinkers of the East" is a compilation of timeless Sufi teaching stories hand-picked by the late Idries Shah. These potent teaching narratives, traditionally, have been prescribed based on time/awareness/development of a student, by a competent Sufi teacher as a means of facilitating the interminable process of self-discovery. Treading the Sufi path without a guide is as advisable as trying a critical case in court without the legal guidance; doing heavy excercising at a gym without a well-respected trainer; taking a course examination without any time spent getting clarifications from an esteemed professor; or performing life-altering surgery on oneself by oneself. It is certainly possible to do these things by oneself and avoiding trusting another with one's best interest. But which would produce better results?

Listening to a teacher reciting these stories in real-time (replete with pauses, inflections), or receiving them as a written/ or visual message, is a very different experience than reading these linearly by oneself. Nevertheless, this title, like most other writings on Sufism, is a wonderful "snapshot" in the picture album labelled "Sufism".

In my understanding of Sufism, "Trust", "Leaps of Faith", and "Surrender" are critical in progressing on this path, as much as excercising "care" and "good sense" are. This much cannot be easily executed in the framework of minds that have known only to trust their own limiting, relativist perceptions. It is quite likely there is a well-reasoned fear that the assumed end-result of such talk is likely some crazed idolization of a teaching figure-head. What's more, in the real world, this type of thing happens all the time -- Shah speaks of this frankly and frequently.

Nevertheless, there still exist cases, wherein, those attained on the Path are freed from idolizing anyone or anything because the focus of their world-view isn't only about their egoic selves. Sufism is all about "Love", a state which does not adhere consistently with any mental constructs, or help one escape from any other unmentioned aspect of life. It is all about living Life, experiencing all aspects of it, finding the lessons, and recognizing "The Face of The Beloved".

ah, mr. PA has shown PRECISELY how much more he needs to develop. that he "sees" it shows how much he has "progressed"...bravo. but freud is no connection. link instead the acasual, not casual...jung. (n)either-(n)or...

These tales encompass beauty, humor, teaching situations, fantastic adventure and even occasional sadness. They provoke me to re-examine my own experience to understand the implications of a tale. Some remain puzzling.
Shah wrote this book of 'Eastern practical philosophy' for those who want to enlarge and enrich their perception and experience of what it is to be human. He states in the preface, "This book contains, arranged in a manner commanded by the tradition.... the materials belonging to the Sufi teaching, selected in accordance with the needs of the time. It might be termed applied specific experientialism."
Enjoy the stories for their obvious content. Then re-read them for possible other qualities and effects. Sometimes a second interpretation will jump out at you. Sometimes a smile or a sense of wonder or possibiliy will lodge in your heart.
Sample story:
I'll Make You Remember
One day Latif the Theif ambushed the commander of the Royal Guard, captured him and took him to a cave.
'I am going to say something that, no matter how much you try, you will be unable to forget,' he told the infuriated officer.
Latif made his prisoner take off all his clothes. Then he tied him, facing backwards, on a donkey.
'You may be able to make a fool of me,' screamed the soldier, 'but you'll never make me think of something if I want to keep it out of my mind.'
'You have not yet heard the phrase which I want you to remember,' said Latif. 'I am turning you loose now, for the donkey to take back to town. And the phrase is: I'll catch and kill Latif the Thief, if it takes me the rest of my life.'