E Books

This story was a real page-turner, and one of my top three favorite Cooper Kids Books. Trust me, YOU WILL NOT WANT TO PUT IT DOWN!

Archeologist Dr. Jacob Cooper and his two kids, Jay and Lila, land on a mysterious island in search of a missing missionary, who was rumored to have drowned in the area. They meet a man who declares himself the missing man, but from his strange actions they suspect something is wrong. And what about the mysterious "curse" on the island?

What happens next is for you to find out.

Also check out The Tombs Of Anak and The Deadly Curse of Toco-Rey, books three and six in the Cooper Kids Series. Awesome books!

This, in my opinion, is the best of the series by Frank Peretti. I would rate this 10 stars if I could. It is a mixture of Indiana Jones, Hardy Boys, and Accidental Detectives. It is the most exciting of the Cooper books, yet it isn't scary, and it isn't gruesome. I reccomend this book to anyone over 10, because it is pretty intense.

Escape from the Island of Aquarius by Frank Peretti

In hopes of finding a missing missionary the famous Cooper Family were sent to locate and retrieve him. The family consists of the father Dr. Cooper, the daughter Lila, and the son Jay. The search began when a crew on a vessel found a dead body in a raft, looking thoroughly they found a note of the missionary, MacKenzie and a stone tablet with the symbol of Aquarius. Reaching the island they were greeted by a stranger with a mask yelling at them to leave. Following his trail they were led to a village, there they found MacKenzie ending up leading all the villagers. Not convinced by MacKenzie's charade the Cooper family investigated by sneaking by his hut, and learned of his impersonation of the reverend. Overall I would rate this book a 3 out of 5 because the personality of the book curves from bad to good too quickly.

This was the best in the series! It was really, really suspenseful. I like how it ties into the coming end times-about how the antichrist (no capitilization needed here,) will deceive people to become his followers, making them think he is a god or something, although he isn't a god at all. This is a wake-up call. We do not know when the rapture is becoming! In this book, the Coopers are trying to escape from an island that is literally tearing lose from its roots! But with the dangers from the tyrannical leader of the island and earthquakes, will they escape? And who will listen to the truthful message that they have to bring? Will they rescue the people from the tyrannical leader? And is this leader the kind missionary they expected to find? The suggested age level of these books is ages 10-14.

It's Frank Peretti's brilliant novel writing skills...condensed! It's a super-cool family of archeologists--minus a mother--who investigate phenomena in the spirit of Indiana Jones, only with a Christian perspective. A nice alternative to the gore and junk in the Indiana Jones movies.

In this book, Dr. Cooper and his kids visit the island mission of a missionary by the name of Adam McKenzie. However, it seems that things are amiss on the island. Their friend has become a patron of local myths and superstitions, and become involved in native rituals. Dr. Cooper is suspicious, and carefully investigates. What he encounters is not at all what he expected! With his life, his children's life, and island parishioners' lives at stake, the Coopers must all rely on Christ to help them Escape From the Island of Aquarius.

For the parents: This book doesn't contain as much death-and-skeleton type creepiness, but some more bizarre events that before. Still, as I said in my other reviews, I read them as a child, and loved them. I'd recommend them for any kid 10 or older.

Walters' comprehensive knowledge of the world of IT and incredible ability to explain complex concepts make this book a fascinating read for any gadget geek interested in how stuff actually works. And he doesn't settle for simple, surface level explanations. Instead of shying away from the details and tech-speak, Walters takes you one step further than you thought you could ever go through insightful examples and meaningful analogies.

In addition, his ability to put technological developments in context allow the reader to see the larger factors and trends that have and continue to drive change. A seemingly chaotic and overwhelmingly fast-changing industry suddenly seems logical and "trackable" after reading Walters' book. In this way, it's easy to forgive the fact that the text is a bit out of date. Everything I've read about today's technology I've easily been able to connect back to the ideas I learned here.

Truly one of a kind.

It is very cool book, I would say valuable book to build up your understanding of IT in general. It converges many technologies into one coherent pattern so you start to understand many things. I combined reading of this book with "UNIX Essentials" DVD and it nice to explore many of the conceptions in action. If you are lacking some evenness with your IT knowledge pick this one it is nicely shape your vision of it.

With 6+ years marketing management experience and an MBA, I feel this book was very helpful in understanding the many facets of technology and its evolution through time. The book is a must read for anyone who needs to build or brush up on a solid but basic understanding of technology. However, many of the newest trends in technology are only briefly covered. This is due, I believe, to the fact that many of the pervasive technologies and collaborative applications now being pushed in the marketplace didn't make the editor's draft of the book even though the published date is 2001.

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO COMPUTING is simply an extraordinary achievement. It reflects a breadth of knowledge and clarity of presentation that is remarkable. It makes every effort to distill knowledge about computers and computing in an easy, reader-friendly, memorable way. For computer users everywhere -- in organizations, schools, colleges and universities, and individuals -- this volume gives multiple ways of getting to know more about computing in its fast changing environment. First, you get to know the foundations of how computers and computing works in practical, everyday language. Second, you get a reference book that explains key terms, key workings, and key interconnections among the parts.

The most noteworthy aspect of the book is its superb coherence in presenting vast amounts of computing knowledge arranged in for easy understanding. Information and explanations in one chapter are referenced in subsequent ones, never failing to explain connections among them, with a view to present an overall picture of how computers and computing works.

Each chapter highlights technical terms related to computing and information technology, provides an overview of specific aspects as for example "An Overview of How Storage Works" (Chapter 2, p.40), and highlights in grey explanations of widely used terms such as "Disks From a User's Perspective" (p. 56). Each chapter also ends with a summary list of questions that focus on self-evaluating one's grasp of the chapter's contents.

E. Garrison Walters' book will continue to enrich the understanding of all who enjoy working with computers at work or for pleasure. I wish this book had been available to guide me in computing long before I found it, and, that I had written it ! It is a remarkable achievement!

There is a great breadth of information presented in a very lucid fashion. The material is easy to understand, and the author adds a great sense of humor.
However, with the rapid advancements in technology, the book is a bit dated. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a gain a great breadth of knowledge in the field of Information technology, in a short period of time.

Ethics usually looms small in the business and organizational literature and, sadly, in practice as well. Recent business scandals make the point eloquently. In Ethics at Work, Lattal and Clark set a new tone: Ethics is a indispensable dimension of decision making and performance management. The ethical dimension should be considered in every business decision not only because, with each choice, you are betting your reputational capital, but also because ethical "shortcuts" usually entail inadvertent costs whether or not one "gets caught." Note that this book is not a sermon or a speculative theory, but a "how-to" manual. Ethics is multidimensional and Lattal and Clark offer a variety of ethical frameworks that can be incorporated into one's decision-making to match the challenge at hand. They also offer behavioral strategies that change agents can use to improve the ethical culture of whole organizations. This is the only ethics book, and one of a relatively small number of business books, that I can fully recommend based on projected ROI.

This book offers advice beyond the walls of work. That advice is most important to those of us who also are responsible for raising ethical children. As a working mom, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the book contains information about some of what is known about raising ethical children. The clear examples of "saying one thing and doing another" with our kids is an addition that made this book extremely thought provoking. I hope Lattal and Clark write a complete book about raising ethical kids next. This is an easy read on a hard subject and they do it justice.

I found this to be a very readable, accessible, and well-organized book that engaged me throughout. It presents a strong case for the relevance of ethics in the workplace that has all too often been diminished. It contains just the right amount of ethical theory to provide the reader with a framework for understanding the considerations that do (or ought to) underlie the ethical decision-making process. At the same time, it provides real world examples that bring to life the significance and value of ethical behavior in the business world. One of the most interesting aspects of this book is that it explains in concrete terms how we can manage behavior to bring about ethical change in our work environments. Lattal and Clark succeed in recognizing and articulating the complexities that both employees and managers face in making ethical decisions in the workplace. They provide sound practical suggestions for implementing a consistent ethical approach as a means of improving and enriching the workplace. Anyone who wants to make a difference at work would benefit from reading this book. I highly recommend it.

This book presents a thoughtful and sophisticated approach to the issue of ethics in the workplace. The authors are clearly experts in their fields, but the book is written in a clear, readable style that will no doubt appeal to a very wide audience. It is relevant to anyone who has interactions with others in the workplace, no matter what one's role is in that workplace. Lattal and Clark provide many thoughtful examples of situations in which ethical dilemmas present themselves. I actually found it fun to think about these scenarios and to relate them to similar situations in my own life. The solutions to these ethical dilemmas are often not black and white and the authors do a terrific job of examining the nuances of ethical decision making. Most important, the book describes the consequences of ethical behavior and how decisions can impact productivity and general happiness in the workplace. I highly recommend Ethics at Work as a book that should be incorporated into any business training and as an extremely topical read given the wide attention being devoted to corporate scandals in the past few years.

Corporations often speak of the importance of behaving with integrity. Unfortunately, as demonstrated by the recent headlines of unethical activities that have taken place in corporate America, they don't always walk the talk. Ethics at Work is a very timely book and meets a critical need in corporate America. Not only does this book do an excellent job of stimulating thought around the topic of ethics, it prompts careful consideration of one's own personal behavior and offers practical guidelines for ensuring ethical motives and actions. If there were an excuse before, thanks to Lattal and Clark, there is certainly no excuse now for not demanding consistent ethical behavior in corporate America. They have scientifically demonstrated how to walk the talk!

This is a very information book. I am in the process of becoming certified in EMDR therapy, and this book has really helped me to understand the origins of EMDR, the reasons why it works, and how to use it in my practice. This book is a very useful tool in addition to an EMDR training program.

This book is a companion to the live course, the foundation for EMDR. A must have text if you are a therapist using this modality.

This restatement of Francine Shapiro's standard overview of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)outlines the standard protocols for this proven treatment method. The methods, theory, and failsafe procedures are carefully explained for clinician practitioners. Careful liability reduction checks are examined and encouraged throughout the manual. This book alone is not a substitute for training in EMDR, yet will assist the new and veteran EMDR practitioner in remaining competernt in the skills and therory. I keep it handy for frequent review.

EMDR may be an excellent form of overcoming trauma, and the research tends to suggest it does, although if you read the literature in a disinterested way, you will find there are many mixed reports on study results. Some find EMDR equal to or better than Cog/Beh Therapy intervention; some find it better; some find it not as effective. As someone who has conducted experimental research, I wish to point out several issues that should be addressed, even for true believers. First, EMDR is a perfect intervention for a technological age: after all, don't all our life's problems supposedly have a technological solution. Our culture says so, but of course, history tells us otherwise. Spiritual meaning, social integration, a personal credo, culture and religion still appear to be the ingredients that hold us together..or as Paul Tillich says, "Our ground of being." Technology may be helpful but it is ultimately ancillary. Of course, those who suffer from trauma may require immediate relief, and if EMDR can reduce suffering efficiently and quickly, that's fine. HOWEVER, that being said, one must look a bit further. First, one must consider the individual client him/herself. EMDR helps us return to a traumatic event, see it more objectively, and hopefully allows us to use our reasoning faculties which may not have been in play during such events owing to stress, shock, immaturity, ignorance, and so forth. However, we all have varied levels of experiencing or "reliving" memory. Some can visualize quite easily and can "see" the experience as vividly, even more vividly than the true life one. In keeping with Gardner's idea of "multiple intelligences," we should consider that different individuals have different "intelligences" in reconstructing or reliving events. Furthermore, we should consider that individuals have varying degrees in their ability to make associations. While a trauma may be a single event or several similar events, in all likelihood they have developed as narrative themes that compose the self-concept the client has. The better a client can connect the trauma to such themes, the more holistic the effect. A good EMDR clinician can encourage this reconstruction, but one should be aware that we have different cognitive styles.

Second, some of us have more entry into traumatic events than others. This may be attributable to personality traits such as openness to self-disclosure, and environmental influences of trust, and/or varying levels of general repression of uncomfortable (let alone traumatic) thoughts and events. So, one size may not fit all.

Another important variable that should be examined by practitioners/researchers is the background of the therapist. For example, since much of EMDR is used to uncover traumatic childhood events, I believe it is important that the therapist have a background in treating children--at least to some minimal level. For, as the client recalls events from childhood, he/she is recalling them as a child and may be in a child-like state during the process. Therefore, the therapist must be able to talk to the client as a child (not the inner child because EMDR, if it works for childood trauma, brings the inner child "outward." Finally, the therapist must sense when the client is "ready" for the treatment. The trauma may be known, but the ability for the client to address the trauma in a safe and secure environment may take time to establish and nurture. I do not see the metaphor of the mind as a computer. If we begin to think that way, our society is in very big trouble. Much of our culture already does. In conclusion, this method should not be viewed as a mere technique, but like any intervention for change, as a technique largely dependent on the individual therapist/client. It helps to have a rich sensory life and a good sense-memory. A therapist might be able to jog some of it, but it still is a trait. And finally, about the eye movement part, there have been few studies comparing EMDR with and without the eye movements. Studies regarding whether they are necessary to the process have not been highly encouraging.

Easy to read and helpful for understanding the process of EMDR. I would have to agree with the previous reviewer Laura M that PEACEFUL HEART : A Woman's Journey to Healing is a must-read. Aimee Jo Martin's story clearly illustrates and details her journey with successful EMDR treatments. Quite powerful if you want to really see how effective EMDR can be.

When we were at Ft Ord with the 7th Infantry Division and
D Company, 7th Combat Aviation Battalion, from 1981 through 1984.

Colonel Casper was a consumate leader in all regards, and if I had a chance to serve with him again, I would not hesitate one moment.

Finally! A great book written about 2 events of military history that I was a part of. Col. Casper tells my tale from a commanders perspective in a straight, to the point fashion. This book is 100% proof of the great care that the military commanders have for their soldiers. There wasn't a decision made that didn't involve or address the issues of soldier safety. Although, I never understood the military decision making process then (I was a buck private), I certainly have to give my respects to people such as Col. Casper, who always thought of the troops. The book is well written, at a nice pace(It doesn't stagnate or wander off), and is a MUST read for any and all people who lead soldiers in the military. From the young NCO to the brass, this book is an invaluable training tool.

Outstanding! Well written insights from the man who lived it. The leadership knowledge shared is valuable for military and civilian alike. Colonel Caspers military training was tested to the core as he takes command of the Falcon Brigade already deployed in Somalia. The Colonel and his soldiers quickly find themselves in the thick of it. He shares many leadership lessons learned over 25+ years of service and how he uses those lessons in critical situations. He shows us the good, the bad and the ugly without holding back. Personal stories and thoughts intwined with the facts make this a great read that accurately records historic events and grabs your attention. I couldn't wait to get to the next page. Well done!

This is an outstanding book to have in one's library if you have an interest on American military involvements. COL Casper book is well written and you get to see the picture of what happened not only from a soldiers perspective but from a BRIGADE COMMANDERS view. A must for any soldier or military historian.

I have six years experience in the U.S. Army, in light infantry, special forces and as a linguist (translating Haitian Creole, amongst other languages). I have worked with and flown in most of the helicopters mentioned in Falcon Brigade. Col. (ret) Casper did an excellent job discussing attack helicopter fire support to MOUT and staff operations for a joint/multinational task force. I especially liked his discussion of using hand-drawn sketches of the cityscape for controlling close air support and the use of snipers in helicopters for counter battery fire against mortars and his account of flag- and cabinet-level politics.

However, although quite a bit could have changed between 1992, when the events in Falcon Brigade occurred, and 1995, when I joined, it seemed obvious that Col. Casper was "not read in" (one of Col. Casper's favorite turns of phrase in this book) to special operations: his familiarity extended only as far as necessary for him to provide helicopter support. For example, his few references to SOF in Haiti usually evolve around his use of his helicopters for their re-supply. The further you get from the helicopter, the more sketchy his knowledge becomes: on pg 35 he claims soldiers are "attached" to the rope when fast roping. As someone who has fast roped, I can tell you that there was nothing attaching me to the rope except my steely grip. (although fast roping is done from a helicopter, these were SOAR helicopters and not under Col. Casper's control)

I enjoyed Col. Casper's discussion of clan geopolitics in Somalia. On the U.S. side, he does show insight (but does not elaborate) into U.S. foreign policy as far as it relates to the role of the U.S. military at the flag officer and cabinet level. The description of garrison life was also interesting. It seemed that Col. Casper had a few axes to grind with some of the generals who (mis)managed the campaign in Somalia. Unlike SOF and ground combat, Col. Casper seemed well acquainted with problems at the flag level. I just wish that he hadn't pulled his punches the way I have a feeling that he did.

I was put off, though, by Col. Casper's annoying use of the word 'crony.' According to Col. Casper, the "Crony" clan must be the largest and most prestigious clan in Somalia: every important Somali in the book is surrounded by Cronies. Why is it that Americans have assistants, aides, XO's, etc., but Somalis only have cronies? And, why is it wrong for Somalis to get through battle chewing khat, but not wrong for Rangers to get through battle chewing Skoal? Why the double standard?

Unfortunately, Col. Casper's description of Haiti and the Haitian people was rather ignorant. The Crony clan seems to be equally widespread and well placed in Haiti: every Haitian leader has the perequisite entourage of cronies. I'd really like to get 'read in' to this Crony clan! Then, on pg 201 he claims Port-au-Prince is a city of 1 million, but on pg 208 the population suddenly grows to 2 million. Either Port-au-Prince experienced some pretty intense activity nine months previously, or there is a mistake here.

His description of Voodoo on page 209 shows the typical American condescension for this religion. Why is Catholicism capitalized but "voodoo" is in lower case? Why is Catholicism acknowledged as a religion but Voodoo is just "magic"? Why do Catholics pray and Voodoo adherents 'cast spells'? Contrary to his claim that Voodoo lacks theology or clergy, Voodoo has a very well developed pantheon (the Loas) and clergy (the Hougans). Then, on page 221, Col. Casper claims that clairin, an alcoholic beverage, is the national drink and the 'sole pleasure' of the Haitian peasant's life. This is a rather skewed and unwarranted representation of the Haitian peasant. Why the double standard? I believe American per capita consumption of beer is far greated that Haitian per capita consumption of clairin, but I would certainly object to America being characterized as a nation of beer-swillers. If we are to believe Col. Casper, then it may have been a hiccup in the clairin supply that led to the sudden increase in population noted above.

On a more serious note, I believe that, regardless of military might, any U.S. peace keeping operation is doomed to failure unless Americans acquire a knowledge of the local people beyond the bare minimum necessary for combat operations. If we knew the people better we probably wouldn't have to fight them. As Col. Casper noted, U.A.E. had good rapport with locals and were able to accomplish the same tasks that severely tasked American military ability peacefully. Col. Casper's stereotypes of Somalis and Haitians as of khat-chewing, clairin-drinking, spell-casting, cronies will not help to establish that rapport.

Seeing as this book is entitled 'Falcon Brigade: Combat and Command in Somalia and Haiti,' I expected a balanced account of the U.S. involvement in Haiti (and Somalia) tempered by Col. Casper's personal experiences. Unfortunately, the account was largely about helicopters and I didn't find a lot of detail on Somalia or Haiti beyond what was visible from the door of Col. Casper's hooch or through NVGs from Col. Casper's cockpit at night. If you can't get enough 'Black Hawk Down' and are already 'read in' to the special forces portion, this may be the book for you. Stylistically, this is an enjoyable page turner with little complexity to slow you down. However, if you want true grit on the situation in Haiti or Somalia, this book may be somewhat of a pricey disappointment.

A wonderful book to have on your self and to give away.

Also check out:

Living Deliberately: The Discovery and Development of Avatar
Resurfacing: Techniques for Exploring ConsciousnessLove Precious Humanity: The Collected Wisdom Of Harry Palmer

When I read "Spirit of the Intimacy" I was really amazed. Such a wisdom, so vibrant... such an ancient knowledge. Ideas totally new for me, but I could feel the Truth in them.
The Dagara village, that place so special... that wonderful community.
I was fortunate of learning about these things.

I can understand that so many people put so much expectations on you.

Then, the fall. After all you are a human being, no more no less.

That is why I bow at you. At the great bravery behind your sincerity.
No pretend to be what others would like you to be, just sincerity, just humanity.
That is wisdom also.

Thanks for your book

Once again, Some has tapped into the wisdom that comes from the Motherland of Black folks. Falling Out of Grace, offers meditations and reflections for the times during one's life journey when we need to be reconnected to the deep, inner core of our being. Mankind is truly more than flesh and blood.

One of the most beautiful and genuinely helpful books I've ever read. Every page had something that I wanted to absorb into my life, and it's written in such a way that it is so easily absorbed into your consciousness. In Sobonfu's books, everything goes back to a connection or lack of connection with Spirit. Everything. And the way she describes Spirit is so elegant and accessible. Highly recommended to anyone who wants guidance on how to view their "failures" and difficulties in a positive light and turn them into opportunities for growth.

The right book at the right time. It is sad that the message of Sobonfu E. Some does not reach more people. Her message is the true message of living a purpose-driven life. Her message is deeply spiritual that does not dabble into the dogma that plague traditional western religions. Her message is about empowerment by knowing and accepting one's purpose, even if that purpose is one that you flat out deny. It is about embracing failure and using it as a stepping stone to move forward in one's life. It is about how we as a community can help one another when we fall, instead of running from and turning away those that have fallen. It's about not being stuck. It's about practicing humility and going home even when home is the last place you want to be. It is about accepting responsibility with choices we've made and even the choice we made to either stay stuck or move forward.

This is a book that you keep nearby because you will refer to it when you slip along your spiritual path. Despite what is taught in our western culture, it is sometimes necessary to slip or, as the author puts it, fall out of grace so that we can acheive our true purpose.

This is a book that you want to give to everyone you know that have fallen out of grace or to put in lay terms, is going through a bad time. After reading some of the meditations I had to simply pause and reflect because her message hit home with experiences that were very real to me.

There are self help books that are twice the size as this book whose message gets lost in the verbiage and whose message is not one of empowerment but of guilt and oppression and how to honor a higher power that keeps you in fear and oppressed. This is simply a powerful little book and probably one of the most powerful books you'd ever read.

This book gives a person pause to think about life and why we are here and what we are here for. It is also written by Jim Rohn, a wonderful speaker and author who can influence and enlighten your mind and character at the same time. I recommend this book to anyone who questions the meanings of life.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Get ready go get your journal out and take notes because this book is full of "good stuff" you can use in life and business.

I have been studying success for a long time.............and when I first read this book it all began to make sense to me. Your life changes when your philosophies change. When your philosophies change, your thoughts and thinking changes. Your thoughts create your attitude. When your attitude changes, your actions now change. Actions create your results. Results create your lifestyle. This is the success formula. Work harder on your self than you do on your job or business. This is what this rare book covers. If your wondering why you aren't getting what you want....read this book.

This book really cuts to the chase and challenges you "where you live". It's an easy read at only 121 pages. However, its content is Rich.

The first chapter deals with your philosophy about life. It points out the "little things" in your life, referred to as disciplines, that have a great impact on your future. Other chapters deal with your Attitude (about life and circumstance), your Activity (what are you doing to get you there), your Results (are you tracking them and making adjustments), and your Lifestyle (How we choose to live and design our lives).

My favorite is the definition of Failure: Failure is nothing more than a few errors in judgement, repeated every day. Why, you ask, would someone make an error in judgement and be so foolish as to repeat it, every day? Because, they don't think it matters.

A definite MUST READ, if you are interested in rescuing your life from Failure to Certain Success.

Many of us just live life without taking action toward improving ourselves as much as we should. This book helps me put in perspective my journey in life and what kind of lifestyle I want to live. There's plenty of room for improvement for all of us. The clock keeps ticking every day, every hour, every minute, every second. This book shares how you can make choices and take action to Live a full life, by doing RIGHT things.

I LOVED this book. I read a lot, and don't love most of what I read, but I loved this book. Kamla quickly and steadily emerged as the wise and quiet commentary over the unstable and difficult struggle faced by the family she came to love (and not love).

I swear I could SMELL and TASTE India while reading this book.

I am exhausted. I have just spent the last week racing around India in the late 1940's, struggling with the loss of love, fighting to keep faith and belief alive, and despairing at the imperfections of the human heart. Aimee Liu's Flash House is a myriad of subplots all rolled into one dazzling central theme - fighting for what you believe in and never giving up on what or who you love.

Joanna Shaw met her husband Aidan in a 'Maze of Mirrors' attraction at a beach-side carnvial. From word go, his interests in the world, his unique beliefs outside of Joanna's previous "Pleasantivlle" life were a gasping, sweet breath of fresh air for Joanna. When Aidan follows his journalism career to India, Joanna packs up their home and their son Simon and dutifully and happily follows. Settled in New Dehli, Aidan leaves Joanna asleep in their bed to set out on what she has been told is an 'assignment'. In his absence, Joanna goes ahead with her employment in New Delhi - running a Safe House for rescuing child prostitues...one of which becomes elemental in ironically rescuing Joanna. From the minute little Kamla, the girl with the turquoise eyes, rests her sight on "Mrs Shaw" she "claims" her as the physical entity of her freedom. After suffering a savage destruction of her innocence, Kamla runs to the only place she can think of, Joanna's residence. Amidst highly volatile political unrest, Joanna takes Kamla in after learning of her history and decides to deal with the consequences of personally rescuing an Indian orphan later. Just days later, Joanna receives a telegram of Aidan's disappearance after his plane went down in the Karakoram mountain range and Joanna's entire existence gets thrown off course.

So begins this wonderful, wild adventure told with scissor-sharp precision by the glorious writer, Aimee Liu. As it increasingly appears to the reader, the circumstances that Joanna met Aidan in, the maze of mirrors, may have laid the groundwork for what Liu slowly reveals of their smoke and mirror marriage. Accompanied by Lawrence Malcolm, an Australian friend of Aidan's and little Kamla who proves to be a talented translator, Joanna packs up her son Simon and does the only thing she feels sure of - going after Aidan.

This novel explores the strength, the stubborness, the fraility and the invicibility of unconditional love and all of the complicated mess of emotions that are unable to be contained, that don't fit neatly into a clean little box. Liu's language and descriptions left me breathless and shaking my head - walking alongside these beautifully crafted characters was an absolute joy...with the ultimate question of Aidan's location dangling above me like a carrot for the entire journey. Flash House is a convicting satsifying and unpredictable read and overall was a perfectly paced tale of adventure and love, a combination that Aimee Liu has pulled off with great skill and authenticity.

If I could give this novel ten stars, I would because this is everything that a novel should be. The twists and turns in the plot capture your interest and hold you captive yet it is the rich lyrical use of language that truly make the book memorable. This is an author who uses words like magic to weave you into a spell of love and intrigue.

The epilogue of this plot-driven novel is satisfying at all levels and the author does the reader the great service of truly wrapping up the novel to a lovely and believable ending.

The only negative that I would caution about is that on occasion the jump from the novel being told in the voice of Joanna to the voice of Kamla is not a smooth transition. However, it is hard to conceive of any way in which the author could have made the transition less jarring.

In the beginning it is somewhat disappointing that Aidan is not a fully drawn out character that would allow the reader to fully understand why Joanna is so driven in her search for the truth. Yet as the novel progresses, it becomes more clear why the author is so clever in slowly revealing the complexities of this character.

The insights into history and culture whet your appetite to learn more about Asia in the post World War II era. This is a book that will capture the delight of book clubs for the foreseeable future!

Set against the backdrop of The Game in which the U.K. and the Soviet Union strive to influence India's future, this historical espionage novel is a terrific read. The story is a good one, the writing better than usual and the detail and ambience superb.

I loved this book! I picked it up on impluse, just liked the look of it. I had no idea when I finished it, I would put it down as one of my favorites. Joanna Shaw and the people who make up her family and life are unforgettable.

When it is good (and beautifully written) advice is something you can never get enough of, and For Girls Only is proof. Weston combines her own always-accurate, thoughtful, and humorous words of wisdom with those of famous writers, philosophers, entertainers, politicians, and more. The result is a book which page by page offers truly inspiring quotes and passages to comfort any girl, at any stage of life.

I just finished reading this awesome book a few days ago, and immmediately sent the author a thank you email for what a great job she did! Not only did she do a great job of incorportating quotes from men and women, old and young, past and present, and all religions, but I came away feeling inspired and ready to take on the world! A perfect book for any girl!

Whenever I need inspiration or encouragement or a peptalk or just some sensible advice, I open this book to any page, read for a few minutes, and feel lighter and better. GREAT FOR ANY AGE!!! GET A COPY! You'll be glad you did!!!

I love how this book is full of excellent advice that I can read whenever I'm feeling confused or depressed. I am a big fan of Carol Weston's "Dear Carol" column in Girls' Life magazine (and also of her novels) so it's really cool to have her best advice in one book. She also quotes a ton of my favorite musicians, actors, and other writers. Basically, thanks to FOR GIRLS ONLY, even if I've already talked to my mom and best friend about a problem, I still have another place to go for good advice or just to get me motivated to get my work done or try to meet new people or whatever. FOR GIRLS ONLY is FOR YOU!!!

I confess, I like quote books. I even have my own blank book that I've filled with quotes over the years. Well, FOR GIRLS ONLY is like a gold mine!!! I'm not kidding, it has around 500 GREAT quotes that aren't the usual ones we've all already heard. I don't know where Carol Weston gets them, but she has great quotes from poets, singers, celebs, and some people that I thought I alone had discovered. It's just a great mix. I always liked her "Dear Carol" column in Girls Life, so I like having all her own advice under each quote. I mean, I grew up reading her novels and column, so I trust her. I read one page of FOR GIRLS ONLY every morning and I also go to it whenever I get mad or depressed or whatever. It gets me in a better mood because it gives me a new way to look at things. I gave this book to everyone who came to my last birthday party and it got us into some really good conversations. I recommend GIRLTALK too, but since I'm into quotes, I wanted to review this one. Get For Girls Only! You'll be glad you did!!!

This book contains four separate sections, one on each of the cardinal virtues. In each of these, Pieper takes a look at the virtue as defined, or often mis-defined by the contemporary world and he contrasts this with how the Church in general and St. Thomas in particular understand that given virtue. What emerges is a picture of true humanity. Often what the world offers us is appealing but insufficient, God calls us to go deeper and strive to reach higher, and in return He promises us true joy. As other reviewers have noted, this is a challenging but rewarding read. The insights it provides leave much to ponder as to how we can truly begin to live more richly in God's desire for us.

Simply brilliant reading. Living naturally is what the crux of this book is all about.

The book delves into ethics, civics, justice, philosophy, psychology, and I think it is a healthy tool for understanding classical literature: Shakespeare, for example, and the inner psychology of his characters as this moral plain, that Pieper describes, is so much closer to his than most of what we hear in our modernity.

Pieper, here, spends time defining what the classic moral compass is, taken primarily from the last officially sanctioned church doctor St. Thomas Aquinas. Pieper brings Aquinas and other philosophers' language up to date, for the ears of the modern mind. Christianityfs definition has too much to do with how it's enemies, or alterior users, wish to define it and Pieper spends a short time correcting this in places.

If you liked this you might like Pieper's Virtues of the Human Heart which is a bit less discriptive but more powerful.

Pieper also makes the point that the most important stuggle is the internal struggle for meaning and direction in any organization or person.

Tapping into the core of the western philosophical tradition, Pieper shows the reader how the ancient virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance, have a universal and pressing contemporary application, in the world of human decision making....i.e., the right thinking that clears a path ahead. Formulated out of the Greek, Roman, Hebrew, and Christian traditions, he reminds of their elemental spirtual basis in Faith, Hope, and Charity.

He notes with special emphasis, the primacy of the Cardinal Virtue of Prudence, as the clear eyed and humanly perfectable, effort to take a hard, and as objective as possible, look, at the entire factual context of a decision. And, in one of the most beautiful chapters among many in this wonderful book, is Pieper's elucidation of how this caluclation is aligned and informed by the the Spiritual Virtue of Charity.

I find the book to be both a practical and a spiritual insight into human awareness itself.

I first came into contact with this work because it was a required text for my seminary class on ethics. Pieper is a first rate German philosopher and expert on the works of St. Thomas Aquinas.

If you study this book, The Four Cardinal Virtues (fortitude, temperance, justice, and prudence), along with his other book, Faith, Hope, Love (the three theological virtues), you will have a wonderful primer on ethics.

One word of warning. Philosophy is not light reading. I know, it was one of my majors. Philosophy written in German and translated into English produces a book not for the timid. If you are willing to take on the challenge, more power to you. It is worth the effort, but you should know what you are getting into before you put down your money. This is a book for those who want to think and wrestle with ethics. It is not for everyone.

I read this book over and over again. Pieper is a great antidote to the vagueness of some modern Catholic writers who tend to use a feel-good approach to virtue and write vaguely about sharing, caring, and being nice to people. This book tells you what the virtues really are and what they have meant to the Church for two thousand years.