G Books

This book is beautiful and thorough, and even though I had to buy it for class, I am very glad that I did and will keep it when the semester is over. The price was right and I love the book.

This is a wonderful introduction to Italian Renaissance art, completely accessible and scholarly at the same time. Not to be read in one sitting though. An hour at a time is enough. Good for use as a college text as well. Don't feel you have to read every page. If your interest flags, go on to another section where you find the art more appealing.

Gave it to my husband for Christmas. He likes it very much and he is very fussy about books.

Its a subjective opinion "Good as New" - I would not give this description to the book I received. It was in Good condition, but definitely NOT "Good as New" - The book looked well used but not abused - Oh well, its a great book and will be well used again and again and again.

I don't give 5-star ratings very often. I reserve them for only the best, and this is indeed the best book on the Italian Renaissance. I received both my BA and MA in Art History and this was the text used for my Renaissance classes. The book does not read as a textbook for those looking for leisure reading. It reads like a novel and is written in easy to understand language. Chapters are broken down by time period. There are a TON of pictures! I would say 50% of the book is pictures and 95% of those are in color. There are a few B&W pictures but they are of obscure sculptures or paintings.

The book was originally written by Frederick Harrt who was one of the 'Monument Men' in World War II who went around Italy documenting art, missing, damaged, or otherwise. He has passed away but David Wilkins has kept up on the new editions with the current scholarship being done in Renaissance Art. Whether you get this as a textbook for a class, or leisure reading, a coffee table book perhaps, or even a Christmas book for a hard-to-but-for relative, it is well worth the money.

This book is such a great read. I read it before and rarely do I read the same book more then once. This got me emotionally invested now as it did the first time around. I am reading book two of the series and I highly recomend these books.

This series is a fast page turner .you should read the first which is

In My Fathers House
A Thousand Shall fall
Say Tt To This Mountain
Shiloh Autumn.
The stories are so clear, you become a part of the story.You will fall in love and dislike some, just as the ones you are reading about. Thoene is a wonderful writer.It is history at its best.I learned more than I have ever known of how bad it was in the pass.Because of the wall street crash and the very hard times that followed.Each book should be read in turn .They are outstanding for young and old.It is a very good knowledge of our pass, that a lot of kids today have no idea.Boys will love the Shiloh Autumn. It is packed with fun .I laughted so hard I was crying. Great Books!

I read numerous books by numerous authors, and Theone is by far the best I have ever read. I have read her Zion Chronicles and Galway Chronicles and Shiloh Autumn. But the Shiloh Legacy is definantly the best one. Theone defines hisorical fiction and makes it real to life. She is a master in descriptive writting. Her characters come alive and you find yourself becoming a part of them and their joys and struggles. After reading one of her novels I learn and understand so much more the events and places in history that she is writting about. I haven't read the second book in this series but I know that it will be just as good as the first book or even better.

In My Father's House got me started on Thoene books. Then I read the whole series of Shiloh Legacy. After thatI read Shiloh Autumn (which I think is the best book I ever read.) I have kept going on Thoene books and never regretted buying one of their books. Anything the authors write is a cut above. No wonder they dominate all the awards for Christian writing.

The Shiloh series is the best of the Thoene's work, but all of it is excellent. What really stood out to me, reading this book, was the experience of the black soldier. He served many more hours on the front lines, fighting in the most dangerous positions. He was honored while overseas for his service. Then he went home, proudly wearing the uniform in which he served his country, and was condemned for being uppity. Who did he think he was?

These black men were beaten, accused of crimes they didn't commit, and lynched.

As a white woman, I could never live that experience. But I lived it vicariously along with Jefferson Canfield.

The characters are real, with strengths and flaws, just as the people we meet every day. They experience good things, but they also experience horrible, awful things too. That's life.

It isn't light reading, but it IS riviting. And it is educational, because you experience things along with the people in the books, things that really happened at the time. I loved the love story between Birch and Trudy and the biding friendship that developed between Jeff and Birch.

This ties in with the Zion books, too, because Max Meyer and Ellis Warne were the fathers of two of the main characters in the Zion Chronicles, I believe, David Meyer and Ellie Warne.

They are worth reading. The only drawback is that once you've read the first, you HAVE to read them all, and they are LONG books!

I first read this book some years ago and really liked it. Now, after seeing Mel Gibson's PASSION OF THE CHRIST, I have read it again. As I didn't always agree with Mel's interpretation, I don't always with Dr. Hodges' version of JESUS, either. However, I loved the book, especially as Jesus is presented as discovering the Father's will for him through studying the Scriptures. (I am a Franciscan, and St. Francis of Assisi guided his life largely by the Scriptures, too!) That expression,"According to the Scriptures" had fascinated me all my life, and now it makes real sense. The book also gave me a greater understanding of our relationship with God as Father. Especially at this time in history, I'd urge everyone to read this book for a greater appreciation of how God loves us. We can place all our trust in Him! Thanks for your sharing, Dr. Hodges!

I found this an intriguing premise, and also found the answers plausible and well thought out. Many of the questions posed are ones that I had raised in my own reading. All in all a very interesting book.

As a practicing psychiatrist, Dr. Hodges intimitely knows the inner workings of the human mind. With this book he applies that knowledge to present the thoughts and refections of a very human Jesus Christ. In so doing, the author paints us a vivid portrait of the Savior that is unlike any we've ever seen before.
We hear Jesus speak in his own words as he explains his struggles, the reasons for his actions and his bittersweet feelings about how he was received (or rejected) by the men and women he encountered during his 33 years opn this planet.
Like most people, this Jesus has doubts about the hard decisions he must make. Like most people, he suffers betrayal and death. Unlike most people, he has a secure knowledge of his Father's kingdom.
His reaction to his humiliating and painful path to Calvary stands a as one of the book's most dramatic moments.
As Jesus lingers on the cross dying, he recalls, "It became blacker and blacker for me. I was squirming like a worm on the end of a hook with all of my enemies watching me squirm and enjoying it. I was totally alone and now my Father was gone, too. I was nude, dangling there disfigured."
Whether you're a Christian, a Jew or even an athiest, this book's vibrant characterization of one of the world's most influential thinkers will speak directly to you.
Jesus may be a diety, but on every page here, Hodges reminds us that he is also a man.

I had read this book back around in '92 finding it among a popular book store. What totally amazes me with this is the fact that if you just believe heresay and superstitions about who so and so heard and just go to church once a week or just once a year, this opens your eyes to a REAL God who actually desires you to talk with Him! Your hidden hatred toward the Jews will be minimized as your little knowledge of their culture is blossomed in Jesus' spoken love toward His people. You have a different view of Satan as being a master of deception as you "observe" him popping up on Jesus in the wilderness. "Oh! Hi there!" You hear behind His words the pain and sorrow He experienced when losing His stepfather, Joseph's passing away. You want to cry when He tells us how the children His age made fun of Him as well as the town drunks taunting "He doesn't know who his real father is!" You feel the responsibility He takes on as the new head of household while taking care of His brothers and sisters with His mother. I can go on and on! This is a great book for those who don't "get" the Bible. This will inspire them to open His Word: the Holy Bible and search the treasures inside for eternal life.
Sincerely, U.S. Marine Corporal Tracy J. Hicks

In this time of "How To" materials for Christians, and a galaxy of Christian superstars, it is immensely refreshing to read a book that deals with the central figure. Namely, Jesus Christ. Forget the prattle about how to experience God and similar fixes for your faith. Learn as much as you can about Jesus. Think about it. How can you worship someone you know very little about.

Dr. Hodges has "interviews" with Jesus taken from the Bible. A rock solid Christian, Dr. Hodges takes faith out of the realm of fiction and gives a good look at the reality of Jesus.

If you long for Jesus, you wont go wrong with this book.

Travis McGee and his friend Meyer are driving home on an abandoned road when a nude young woman races in front of their car. McGee and Meyer end up going off the road and rolling the car, but that's just the beginning of their troubles. Before long, they're shot at by someone in a beat-up pickup truck. As a final welcome to the area, they're arrested for murder and accused of being involved in a robbery some years earlier. Needless to say, McGee digs in and tries to get to the bottom of things.

Travis is loved by a legion of fans and he's at his best here. The supporting cast is interesting as we meet characters like Betsy Kapp, a waitress turned part-time call girl. King Sturnevan is a former boxing contender who is now a sheriff's deputy and befriends Travis. And Lilo Perris is a psycho who mixes freakish strength, extreme sadism, and raw sexuality to keep McGee on his toes. These few and more form a rich stew for Travis to work with as he tries to unravel the mystery of robbery and murder.

The mystery is interesting, and certainly had me guessing for a good while. My only complaint is that it dragged on for a bit too long. There is a climactic scene 50 pages before the book ends where MacDonald could have easily wrapped up the story. Instead, he went for another twist and the actual ending felt a bit anti-climactic and stretched out. It's not like it completely ruined the book, but it does keep it from being as tight as it might have been.

The Long Lavender Look is a solid entry in the Travis McGee series. Long time fans will probably appreciate that the story is a bit of a change of pace from the norm since it doesn't involve McGee performing one of his standard "salvage" operations for a reward. It's not a bad choice for first time readers either. While I did think the ending was a bit sub par, the book is certainly an entertaining read overall.

Master "helper" Travis keeps coming up with frightened damsels. And thankfully, Meyer is frequently there to offer advice and consent.

John D. MacDonald's mysteries are as tasty as the hamburgers of the same name! I love all the Magee books!

Before reading The Long Lavender Look, I would have argued that Bright Orange for the Shroud was the best Travis McGee book. After careful consideration, I have to admit that The Long Lavender Look steals the crown, even though they both remain extremely entertaining. Since MacDonald sets a high standard for hard-boiled detection, this should tell you that I liked this book very much indeed.

McGee swerves to avoid a nearly naked girl running across the road, and ends up in a swamp of more than one kind. In order to clear his name, he has to find his way to the center of a secret at the heart of a small town Florida police department.

Smart. Fair. Entertaining. Easy to find at used book stores for a small bit of change. What's not to like?

While I still find "Flash of Green" to be my favorite John D. MacDonald book, there's something so appealing about the Travis McGee series that it keeps me coming back to them. And "The Long Lavender Look" is just another addition to the spectrum of colors that his novels get their titles from. Also "The Long Lavender Look" has such a gripping opening sequence of events, and such an array of fascinating characters, that you cannot put this mystery down.

And while I know that MacDonald enjoyed popularity in his time, it seems that his popularity is running out of gas. I hope I am wrong because he is horribly overlooked.

If you appreciate an 'old fashioned' tale free of graphic intimacy and violence, if you appreciate vivid description, romance and intrigue this is for you. I read all but one of Mary Stewart's books in my early twenty's through late thirties. Now, nearing seventy, I am rereading them and cherishing the stories I read in my young years. I have divested myself of hundreds of books. Mary Stewart's remain a constant. Though I prefer some over others "Madam Will You Talk" is one of my favorites. It tells of a young widow vacationing in Southern France who accidentially stumbles on murder, betrayal and intrique. Of course there is a romantic touch, but who is the object of the heroine's affection? Good read...

Yes, yes, yes to all the earlier reviewers! That's why I put Madam, Will You Talk? on my listmania list of favorite romances - along with my alltime Stewart favorite: Nine Coaches Waiting. They both hold all the essential ingredients for a good read - not the least being excellent writing. It's all too true that most contemporary love stories, suspense thrown in or not, are written at an elementary school literary level. I've submitted 3 manuscripts to Avalon, all of which were returned with comments that my writing was excellent and my characters engaging but I spent too much time on plotlines and peripheral characters outside of the central love story - which is exactly what I prefer in a story! Thank goodness Stewart never followed Avalon's "Rules for Writing"! Unlike some other reviewers, I lost interest in Stewart with her Merlin series. It's her early first-person narratives that enthralled. Her sense of place, plot, and people cannot be beat in this genre! Sad to say, my local library does not carry a single one of her early romantic suspense novels, so I'm on a quest to build my own Stewart library. I don't reread many authors - but Stewart just gets better with time. Madam, Will You Talk? holds a line I've never forgotten over 30 years: "Who's Johnny?" Not what I expected the hero to ask in that scene but what an impact! Read the book and see if you agree. Lily's Sister

First Sentence: The whole affair began so quietly.

WWII war widow Charity Shelbourne whose holiday in France becomes life changing. It starts with a large dog and a young, clearly troubled, boy in Avignon and progresses with a suspicious step-mother, an Englishman who reads poetry and a way-too-handsome Frenchman via a thrilling car chase to a man who had been accused, but acquitted, of murder and is desperate to connect with his son in spite of others desperate attempts to prevent it.

I love Mary Stewart's pre-Merlin books. The story starts off placidly but you are told things are going to quickly change as all the players are in place. Stewart's writing is incredibly visual. Her sense of place is vivid to the point that you feel the heat and smell the flowers. Her use of analogy is wonderful. With only a few words, you know who these characters are. Her protagonist is strong, smart and very capable. Her friend, Louise, plays a minor role but is memorable in her own right. I don't always like the way children are portrayed but, again, Stewart has drawn a lovely character in the boy, David. Stewart creates and builds the suspense, but adds just a subtle, mostly off-scene, dash of romance to make a wholly satisfying read. Even the chapter headings add to the story. My only personal nit-pick is the use of portents, which is just a personal irritant for me, but so minor when compared with the rest of the story. This book was an absolute pleasure to read.

I first read this nearly 30 years ago (yikes), and it left such an indelible impression that when I recently started visiting this genre again, I had to have another taste of this story. There are a couple points where it's obvious this is an early work, but they are few and do not detract from the vivid descriptions and characterizations. By the end of the novel, I have been to Avignon and Marseilles, and I'm quite fond of Charity and her friends. Even Louise, a minor character, is well drawn and you feel you know her.

Time to revisit all of Mary Stewart's books, I think. I remember the Merlin series fondly as well. If you like this genre, you may also like the works of Victoria Holt, Susan Howatch, and Phyllis Whitney. And if you liked the Merlin series, I highly recommend The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley.

Mary Stewart writes great romantic suspense. This novel has the beautiful settings, fast-paced mystery and charming protagonist of all her suspense novels, plus an edge-of-your-seat climatic car chase that will leave you wanting to rush out and get her other books.

I love this author. I have read several of her books and they are all excellent, easy reading, full of fun and mystery. I look forward to reading many more.

I enjoyed the interaction between the characters. The story line was very serious and yet amusing all at the same time. Mrs Miricle was a delight that gave you the feeling there are really angels in our life that help us through the things we are going through. Debby McComber writings can be very helpful in your everyday life as you see her characters struggling with living out life.

I enjoyed this book so much. I have been reading a lot of Debbie Macombe's series book and was kind of disappointed that this was not one of them and before Debbie Macomber I had not been a fan of books in a series. This is an uplifting book. I highly recommed it.
Happy Reading,
Edie~

You gotta love angels!! This is a wonderful story of love, forgiveness, family and faith. My favorite Mrs. Merkle quote (each chapter starts with a quote or saying from Mrs. Merkle)is "You have to wonder about humans. They think God is dead and Elvis is alive." The book also includes a few recipes.

This magical story is part Mrs. Doubtfire/Mary Poppins and part It's a Wonderful Life! I love books set in a faith-based community, and the reason Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors is that her style of writing immerses the reader into the setting, making the characters feel like friends and neighbors. The healing power of forgiveness is exemplified in this story. Delivered in a subtle and non-preachy manner, it's a valuable lesson everyone can reflect upon, at Christmas, during Lent, and throughout the year!

As a fairly new resident of Florida I look forward to Robert Haehle's NGA email each month, with his great advise & tips. This book is a "must have" for anyone new to tropical gardening, as well as, the Southern natives. The information & beautiful photos are especially helpful in identifying what is in my yard & what I would like to add.

While no one book is perfect, this revised edition has a lot going for it. It has interesting chapters on Florida's climate and different plant communities, e.g. seaside, interior sections, etc. Then it gives an excellen t and concise description of plants, e.g. DAHOON HOLLY (Ilex cassine)with a GOOD COLOR PHOTO. I have one in my backyard. It gives all the relevant information in a clear and concise way: height, light, bloom,etc. Habitat was extremely helpful, i.e. usually found near streams and swamps. I started making sure it got more water! It is on my shelf next to "Florida Landscaping Plants Revised Edition" by Watkins and Sheehan, and between the two, I think I can usually find some helpful information.

I am the co-author of "Native Florida Plants". The new revised edition was printed in early 2004. The new book is not listed on www.amazon.com I think the problem may be the different ISBN number. The new ISBN number is 1-58979-051-0. The book is available from National Books Network at 1-800-462-6420. We hope to see our book on www.amazon.com very soon. This is a great site to get new and used books. I am a customer. Robert Haehle

Great book. Shows many pictures of native plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, vines, etc.
Also talks about how they grow, best areas, etc.
While this book will show you all the native plants in Florida, it does not touch (of course) on plants that WILL grow in Flrodai, of which would be an even bigger book.
Still very useful & will stay on my shelf for many years.

Native Florida Plants is NOT out of print! A new, updated edition was published early this year, and includes additional plants, an updated source list, and a list of family names. Hope it appears on Amazon's website ASAP. (I am the co-author.)

I read one of the stories in a volume of Junior Great Books. Then I went on a hunt for the whole book, after finding it in the library. The stories are wonderful! I really think that the book should be required reading in every school, the lessons are that good.

i really hope this book gets reprinted - I would buy a copy for each of my children, and perhaps a few extra for future grandchildren, too!

I just found a wrapped reprint hardback and reading the first few stories was bringing back memories from way back. I stopped and put it back in it's wrapping, planning on reaading it a little at a time. Ooka was a good judge who used common sense and compassion. My favorite story is "the Stolen Scent" and I realise how much reading the stories when I was a child gave me an idea on how to base my ideas.

This is a must read!! Once I find the second book, More Stories of Solomon, my set will be complete.

I remember reading this book when I was a kid and I absolutely loved it. I was disappointed when I looked it up to buy for my kids and it is out of stock. From the other reviewers comments, I assume it is hard to come by. Isn't there a way to get it re-released?

I got a used paperback copy of all Ooka's stories and still have it. I came online to see if there were any more collections- unfortunately I haven't been able to find any, but I would love to see this book reprinted! I'd really hate to wear out the one copy I own.

I first read this book when I was 10. That would be 40 years ago. I've tried to find a copy of my own ever since. It was one of the best and most memorable children's books I ever read. It's right up there with Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.

I liked it a bit better than my daughter (10), but she still wanted me to purchase it.

This book has a comforting message about letting go of special friends and holding on to memories after they're gone. A great read for young and older kids.

Enchanting, charming, and SWEET! We have an equally wonderful tree in our front yard, which has held a swing, provided shade, as well as a home to a family of squirrels that have been with us for years (much to our dog's amusement). Although we have never thought about naming our tree we have, after reading this heartwarming book, decided to name our tree. Announcing for the first time ever in print, our big old maple tree, MAY!

My 8 year old checked this book out at the school library and had to have it. She read it over and over! Good book for any family that may be dealing with the loss of something or someone special.

In a perfect world children would never have to experience the pain of loss. But, of course, this is not a perfect world, and just like their adult counterparts, youngsters need help coping when they lose someone they love. Be it that pet hamster who meets with an untimely (and usually slightly suspicious) end, a beloved grandparent who passes away, or the giant tree in the family's backyard that is cut down after providing so many years of comfort to those who hung from its limbs and took shelter under its shade- we all need help getting our children through such rough times. "Our Tree Named Steve" is the perfect book for such times.

Written in the form of a tender letter from a father to his three children this book teaches children about the importance of loving, to their fullest capacity, those who impact their lives; and then, when that most precious person is gone physically, embracing that same love, and, most importantly, feeling empowered by that love- perpetuating it so to speak. This book reminds its readers, both young and not-so young, that once someone has taken up residence in our hearts, they exist there eternally. Perhaps, in a different, less tangible form as the end of the book suggests- but they reside there nonetheless.

An obvious departure from the more adult-oriented comedy writing for which he is most recognized, Alan Zweibel has written a children's book that is entertaining, thought-provoking, and even a bit spiritual in its universal theme. But despite the heavy subject matter, the book is written with a softness and gentility that is soothing to children. It's also quite funny- the line "... and whenever our dryer broke down, he (Steve, the tree) held our underwear with pride" will undoubtedly make every child giggle because `underwear' is always funny! The illustrations that accompany Mr. Zweibel's thoughtful text are both beautiful and comical, and I simply love the colors David Catrow used. They jump off the page.

I highly recommend this book- it is one that should be accessible on the family bookshelf at all times for those days when your child needs some comforting... heck, it'll probably provide some solace to a few grown-ups, too.

This book is very easy to understand. The exercises are interesting and helpful. It has taught me so much.

Good book for beginners...I am a nurse and my daughter is starting school for her Associate towards her nursing degree...good book.

I'm an interpreter and this book is being very exciting to read, easy to carry around and easy to understand. It has graphics, and tests is a very good book.

Great book. Easy to understand and programmed text creates a good way of reinforcing what is learned. I have bought copies for all of my office staff and they find it very helpful.

The only medical terms I knew, before I got this book, were from "House" the Tv show. I didn't even understand much of it then. I can't wait to go back and watch it over and understand what they are saying.