Novels Books

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A number of reviewers of this book have compared Benson's ghost stories to Montague Rhodes James - justifiably, since they were probably the two greatest Victorian authors of supernatural short stories after Sheridan LeFanu and Algernon Blackwood. But there are also differences, some subtle and some less so. For instance, James's stories, drawing heavily from his own experience, frequently have a whiff of the ecclesiastical or academic about them, while Benson's tend to center on a middle-class, often somewhat smug Englishman going about his daily routine with no greater concerns than what to have for dinner and what seaside resort to spend the summer in. James's supernatural creatures are almost always malignant and frequently solid, as in "Canon Alberic's Scrapbook" or "Mr. Poynter's Diary", while Benson's, while they can be heard, felt and occasionally smelt, tend to be more traditionally misty and sometimes more anguished than malevolent. As the useful introduction by Richard Dalby points out, the trademarks of Benson's stories (overbearing fathers, malice-filled women, men whose closest friendships seem to be with other men and for whom love of the opposite sex has disastrous consequences) tell us a great deal about him as a person, whereas about all one gets about James from his stories is that he had a great love of ancient manuscripts, was religious and was a profound scholar.

Another difference is that while James occasionally shows a bit of dry irony, Benson more clearly has a sense of humor. As other reviewers mentioned, he frequently inserts psychic interludes dealing with mediums, seances, and somewhat exasperated spirits, but he also points out that the mediums and seances depend on fraudulent tricks (especially in "Mr. Tilly's Seance," where the disembodied spirit itself gets irritated at the medium's chicanery). His attitude seems to be that mediums and spiritualists are less to blame than those who swallow their bait - if you want to believe that Aunt Martha has nothing better to do with her afterlife than answer your impertinent questions, he seems to say, don't ask me for sympathy! In stories like "Spinach," he betrays a clear affection for the likable young sibling mediums, even if they are clearly at least partly frauds. And in one of the book's most hair-raising stories, "How Fear Departed from the Long Gallery," centering on an ancient murder that will make any parent's skin crawl, he argues that the attitude of the other-worldly apparition may depend on how you approach it, not the other way around.

Having said that, the one thing James and Benson have in common that separates them from lesser hack writers is that in both cases, the persons who tell the story are likely to be pottering along in their daily lives, totally oblivious to signs of trouble, when something sudden and terrible comes out of the darkness and either almost overwhelms them and carries them off, or actually does so, never more terribly than in "The Face." For those whose acquaintance with Benson may be restricted to "Mrs. Amworth" and "The Man Who Went Too Far," both frequently reprinted in anthologies, this book will open up a whole new, and somewhat frightening, world.

Benson was a good friend of classic ghost-story writer M.R. James, and was among those present that Christmas Eve when James read aloud his first ghost stories.

Benson didn't have the genius or the highly literate background of James, but he did know how to write a good ghost tale, and he did just that. His stories, as has been mentioned elsewhere, deal largely with a man or two men going on holiday and finding horror instead. Women often get the worst of it in his stories, either being innocent victims or horrifyingly evil antagonists; it doesn't often happen that a woman in one of his stories is a regular person who helps to solve whatever mystery is entangling the characters.

One classic in the misogynist vein is "The Room in the Tower", in which a young man experiences a recurring nightmare of visiting a school friend, whose frightening mother always speaks the same words: "Jack will show you to your room; I've given you the room in the tower." Our protagonist knows that he must, at all costs, avoid that room, but he always awakes before the evil inside can overcome him.

"The Step" is one of the finest ghost stories ever written, about a heartless English businessman in Egypt who begins to hear someone following him down the street, at night... and what happens when he confronts his pursuer.

For those who, like me, love the ghost stories of the Victorian and Edwardian era, this is a must.

E.F. Benson, perhaps best known for his amusing 'Mapp & Lucia' comedy-of-manners stories also wrote a respectable body of ghost stories which are gathered together in this excellent omnibus anthology. All make for quality reading as examples of the English supernatural genre but a few stand out as darkly-luminous masterpieces, unforgettable in their haunting hold upon the reader and written with real verve. 'The Room In The Tower' is an undeniably chilling narrative of vampirism featuring a truly terrifying female revenant - the words spoken recurrently by Mrs Stone to the protaganist: "Jack will show you to your room: i have given you the room in the tower" are enough to instil a frisson of pervasive dread every time one reads this story. 'The Sanctuary' is a delectably macabre tale of damned souls and secret diabolism at an English country house complete with a hidden Satanic chapel for nocturnal celebrations of Le Messe Noir. 'The Man Who Went Too Far' unfolds by awful degrees the seductive but injudicious immersion of an artist in the deeps of nature mysticism which can only culminate in the most hideous revelation of truth and the sign of the cloven hoof - it is marvellously written, exquisite prose and descriptive passages and has a most beguiling undercurrent. 'The Cat' likewise is utterly engrossing and 'Mrs Amworth' stands as a unusual classsic of the vampire tale. But these are just a few of the delights this packed volume offers to the curious reader, there are many other marvellous tales to cause one to look over one's shoulder as the clock strikes twelve and a sighing midnight wind scrapes the twigs of an overhanging bough against the window. Quintessentially English, wrought with a delicious lightness of touch and a hint of a stylish insouciance but nevertheless conveying a genuinely disturbing charge of the uncanny these tales will be read again and again. E.F.Benson's contribution to the field of supernatural terror is of a very high standard. This anthology is well-worth obtaining.

I have been soaking up horror anthologies like a sponge for well over two years now. I would have thought I would tire of them, but I just can't get enough of the atmosphere and the gloom these types of tales relate.

My current favorite is this dense book compiling the supernatural tales of E.F. Benson. At the moment I am only about of a third of the way through. Perhaps I should wait until I finish, but judging by the variety of stories here, I feel safe to say that I highly recommend this hefty volume.

Many may find some of these tales a little dated, for science may have disspelled a few of the subjects covered. But for the most part these are timeless tales, rich in description, drenched in dark moods and never failing to surprise with the seemingly endless ways Benson appears to construct a solid ghost story cleverly and elegantly.

I'm not given to superlatives, but I find it hard to express anything to say about this book where superlatives or comarisons to the greatest writers of this genre without seeming trite. There ARE a few contemporary authors of the Victorian-Edwardian Era, which the Benson Brothers bridged, who have a story or even several better than many in this collection, but just mentioning these names says more about how great E.F Benson is- I'm talking about J.S Le Fanu, M.R James, Villiers D'Isle Adam and in the modern era, the list is even more impressive: Flannery O'Conner, Thomas Liggoti, Clive Barker, Issac Bashevis Singer and Peter Straub(who has quietly taken over the crown as America's Horror Short Story king with two masterpieces "Houses Without Doors", "Magic Terror" and several novellas masquerading as novels). I urge you to read E.F Benson's Book of Ghost Tales, then demand that some publisher do a public serviced and re-publish Benson's two nearly(?)as talented brothers R.H and A.C Benson who, from the few tales I've read in anthologies and old magazines may well be as good or,dare I say it?...even better.

I love this book. It's hard to put down & is a great comfort when the world seems grim. A must have & a must read. Diane DiMassa is truly gifted.

Hothead Paisan keeps me sane.


I would probably explode out of tension and frustration if it weren't for her and my own cat.

This is a great book for any rainy day. You can open the book to nearly any page and get wrapped up in Hothead's story all over again. I bought this book years ago, and I am still picking it up and having fun with it all the time.

Hothead is the ultimate revenge fantasy for any oppressed female. DiMassa's art is distinctive and entertaining.

I can only imagine what HH would think of the current state of this country...

This is a wonderful underground and quite subversive comic premised around overthrowing patriarchy and phallocentric society. DiMassa is witty and bold and clearly very angry with a world that has and continues marginalised women and create normalising barriers for non-hetrosexuals.

While the work is clearly tongue-in-cheek and based on exagerrated fantasy, the truth resonates, and DiMassa has a wonderful way of saying and doing exactly what all women have wished they could do. The characters are wonderful, particular Chicken, Hothead's lovely yoga-esque cat and her blind but centred friend Rox. It is definitely not as violent as I had imagined and much more plot driven, which is good.

The Complete work chronicles an entire comic, and while the work at the beginning is quite basic, the middle section is an absolute joy to read. However, the final section is somewhat patchy and difficult to follow, as Hothead slips into depression and seeming hallucination. The art progressively becomes more refined, and was very funny at times.

Overall, the entire piece was better than I expected, let down only by the confusion shrouding the final sections of the work. Nevertheless, a favourite comic collection of mine, to be read when I am feeling particularly inflamed by societal inequalities.

I've read this book through about twelve times (and that's a lot... it's a big book!) and gotten several friends hooked on it. It's gory and gross and violent and completely over the top. The ultimate angry Riot Grrrl feminist takes revenge on the sexist jerks of the world.

Anybody who's ever experienced the unfairness of the world and wished they could take revenge will love this book. It's simply the most fun book to read you'll find, but at the same time there are real insights here, things that will make you stop and think, things that will make you see the life a little differently, if only for a few minutes. And plenty that will make you jump up and yell, "YES!!" But it really can't be described in a review. You just have to experience the awesome power of Hothead for yourself.

I aquired the book,"The Complete Guide to Writing Christian Fiction," in a group of several otherbooks I wanted to buy to help me learn how to write non-fiction books. What I didn't see was that it was for fiction writers, and I am a non-fiction writer. I decided that I really had wasted my time and money. But I decided to check it out anyway, because I didn't want to send it back.

I was very pleasantly suprised to find out that many of the principles that Ron Benery was directing toward fiction writers also worked well for me.

To tell you the truth, I got more out of his book than I did from some of the other so called non-fiction guidline books.

So if your are not sure if you want to stick with one genre, this book would be a great choice for you to have no matter what direction you go.

BTW.. I met Ron Benrey at a writer's conference, and you know what? He breathes the same air I do. He is a very friendly, caring, concerned, guy, and it shows in his work.

I have read quite a few books on this subject. I can honestly tell you this is the best of the lot. It is loaded with lots of information, is well written and easily readable. The content is a must read if you are considering becoming a Christian writer I would consider it the textbook on this subject. Do you know what words are prohibited in Christian fiction? Or Content is prohibited? Can two characters spend the night together in the same house? Before you answer read The Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction . You may be shocked. He also instructs you on how to improve on your craft, and to write the dreaded proposal that will get attention.

The Complete Idiots Guide to Writing Christian Fiction is a MUST HAVE book for any writers or hopeful writers of Christian Fiction. And it needs to be the FIRST book such folks should read. I have a pretty good library of resource books on writing but this one tops them all. I wish I had known about it much sooner! I have recommended it to all our writers' group. ---Elva Martin, President, Upstate SC American Christian Writers Chapter, Anderson, SC

After reading "Left Behind", I thought to myself "I could write something like that". After reading this book, however, I realize just how wrong I was. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction" functions both as a writing manual and as a set of detailed guidelines as to just what Christian publishers are looking for and it was through reading those guidelines that I came to the realization that I just wasn't cut out for writing Christian fiction. That's OK, though, it's better to know this sort of thing before I begin, rather than after I've wasted two years of my life on writing un-publishable fiction. That is why this is such a fantastic book. Writing Christian fiction isn't just about writing a book without any sex, violence or coarse language, there's a lot more to it than that and that's what Ron Benrey (a published Christian fiction writer) explains in this book. The writing manual (how to write a novel) sections of this book are mediocre in quality, I've seen better secular books on this topic (for example, "The Plot Thickens"). However, even if you don't read those sections, this book is well worth your money just for Benrey's insight into the way Christian readers and publishers think.

Love the ease of use in this book. Benray obviously knows his way around the cba market and it shows. His references and advice on what/who/where/when/why to include in manuscripts and submissions is priceless.

This is a pretty good purchase if you want to get mostly up to speed on 'The Darkness' comic. There are gaps here and there, such as events that occur in Witchblade and the Darkness/Batman crossover, but you get the meat of the story overall.

A great buy for Darkness fans. Though it took two weeks just to ship and the sender didnt bother wraping it in any kind of plastic to protect it during shipping so my copy has a few minor rips in the spin. Other then that great condition and a great read.

The Compendium allows you to catch-up on the history of The Darkness with the first 40 issues. Please note, it is missing a few of the cross-over issues like Witchblade #18 & #19, but it tells you which ones so you can get them later if you like. For the price and free shipping, you can't beat it! Warning: this book is fatter and heavier than some dictionaries with its 1280 pages, but so well worth the hand cramps it may cause in holding it. Not for children! After reading this, I recommend getting the Witchblade Compendium #1, as it will tie up a few of the lose ends you get when reading this. Enjoy!!!

I thought that the book was very captivating and over whelming in gory details. I also was taken on a magic roller coaster ride........of emotion. Super awesome until towards end when the new artist and writer took over and f*&%ed it in the @$$.

This is a great collection and my criticism must not be allowed to distract from this. I had not read The Darkness before, having returned to comics after a ten year absence and ordered the compendium on reputation and reveiws alone. The service was great, I was delivered in South Africa on time in pristine condition.

It's hard to comment on this publication without referring to its size. It is huge. While this is a good thing, it is not without its drawbacks. The compendium cannot be read as I would a standard graphic novel in that a degree of discipline is needed. I found myself racing through it missing the artwork and the natural pace a comic has by nature of its original monthly format. While the standard comic can be frustratingly short, nine or ten bound together is a great afternoon's read, taking time to savour each panel. Over 1200 pages is a bit indigestable and I would have perhaps preffered to buy a series of smaller collections to make up the whole. Text close to the spine is difficult to get to without risking the spine and it's not something that would be easily shared with a friend, being a bit unweildy to lend out or have someone help themselves to over a coffee (unless they are a comic enthusiast).

Having said all of this there is still something nice about it being ridiculously huge.

While I am particularly "non-religious", I do find myself questioning the content at times (as enjoyable as it might be). There is a point or two where I was struck than a line was being pushed, such as the offhand killing of an inocent person because its all our hero could come up with on short notice to save himself or the ham-fisted religious references in the Magdelina editions. This is obviously a discomfort I have with the genre itself. Violent dark action/humour would perhaps be less enjoyable if it didn't push the boundry of moral offensiveness. Potential purchasers should know that this one does so more than most and is certainly not for kids.

I am however splitting hairs on what is an excellent collection; the artwork is fantastic, and the humour dark. In my opinion it is the best of the genre.

Daughter's is about a Gullah family, the Peazants, and neighbors on the barrier island on the Georgia & South Carolina coast. The primary characters are Eli Peazant, Eula Peazant, Elizabeth Ayodele Peazant, Cousin Amelia, and a host of eclectic characters.

The story is primarily coming from the prospective of the oldest daughter and first child of Eula and Eli, Lil Bet(Elizabeth).

The Gullahs/Geechees are unique AA communities. During slavery, they were distributed on all the barriers islands, which are isolated from the mainland. There were numerous Africans from various nations and ethnic groups from West and Central Africa.

The whites abandoned the islands because the mosquitoes were making a feast of them and malaria was kickin' their butts. So they left overseers and managers to work the Africans(property), beat the Africans, and pretty much whatever they wanted as long as it was profitable and insured their wealth. As a result Africans were able to maintain much of the their culture, unlike the mainland Africans, who were exposed to white society and live in close and intimate proximity to them.

Amelia is the grand daughter of Haagar and the daughter of Myown. Her mama and grandmama left the island some years ago, and Amelia doesn't know too much about them. Before she ventures there as an adult she has a very negative perception of them. She has an opportunity to go the island and research for her dissertation. This is an opportunity to become acquainted with her family who still abide by many of the old African ways and traditions. She was completely out of touch with her heritage

The backdrop of the story is Ibo Landing. Ibo Landing is AA folk tale of how the Ibos(Southeast Nigeria - Bight of Biafra) formed a ring(ring shout) and called down the Great Spirit and flew/or walk back to Africa after getting a brutal beating from the overseer. Another variation is that they drown themselves after a brutal beating for not working fast enough or doing it wrong. A cat-o-nine tail(whip) was one of the whites' favorite torture tools for Africans.

I highly recommend this book. It is a pleasant read and takes your mind to another world.

Question of the Day?

What is your basket name or nickname, and do you know why you were given it? Elizabeth's is Lil Bet. During slavery parents weren't allowed to give their children names. Your child wasn't yours. It could sold off at will or the parent(s) could be sold away. The slave master assigned names. So the family gave their children secret names to be used for the family and close family friends(like family). This tradition still continues throughout Africa America. However, most of us don't know why we have the nicknames or how it came to be. It is just something we do. I don't believe too many have thought why. What is your

I arrived late to this book. It is more than ten years old and I feel as if I just missed a friend who had waited for me as long as they could, but had to leave. I've always been curious about the surviving tribes of Afrika (I chose to spell it that way)that live off the coast of South Carolina. I've often wondered what sets them apart from the rest of us. What made them so different? Now, I know. The book was fascinating. The story was beautifully written and I was entertained as well as educated. I loved the "old" ceremonies and the "lies" (which I believe)that actually gives Afrikan people living in this country a look into their history. Our people have always had strong belief systems and these have survived. They are alive and well today. I would encourage anyone that has read this book to follow up with other books that will let us see the history of our people without judgement and the ability to live and survive independently of outside factions. A triumphant and informative work of literature.

Wow...the "Geechees". I'll be seeing you soon.

Daughters of the Dust is a very moving, mystical journey full of haunting imagery and simple pleasures. It is the story of Amelia, an anthropology student, who has to decided to study the people of Dawtah Island as her thesis. Dawtah Island has been a mystery to her for as long as she can remember. Her mother and grandmother were born on the island. Her grandmother seems to despise everything about the island especially the people and their ignorant and backwards customs. In direct contrast her mother's fondest memories are of her life on the island, she remembers being truly happy there. Amelia has only visited the island once and was in awe of the simplicity of life there.

It is decided that Amelia will live with Eula and Eli, her aunt and uncle, while she studies the culture and customs of the island. Initially she finds the residents of the island reluctant to talk to her. They consider her an outsider and fear she will not understand them. As the islanders become more familiar with Ameila they begin to open up and share their stories with her. Through their stories she realizes their culture is rich in customs; they live in harmony with the animals and elements. They live a simple life but they control their own destiny and revel in life's simple pleasures. Their stories also tell of the joys of love and heartaches of lost or unrequited loves.

Reserve a couple weeks to read this one, it's a "ponderers" delight.

Daughters of the Dust is set on the Sea Island. The story follows the lives of the Peazants. In one sense, it is historical fiction in that the plot refers to the slave trade in explaining how the residents arrived on the island. The author also interspersed some of the history of the Africans and Native Americans in explaining the characters. Finally, she also uses the oral tradition of Africans to further allow the reader to see into the heritage of the characters.

Amelia grew up with her father, mother and maternal grandmother. The dynamics of the household are disturbing to Amelia. Her grandmother, Hagar, is bitter and runs the household with an iron fist. Her father spends much of his time at the family business. Both her grandmother and father tend to verbally abuse or ignore her mother who just seems to suffer through it all. Amelia is the only bright spot in her mother's days. Amelia vaguely remembers trips to the "island" and her mother's family. She has a lot of curiosity about this facet of her family. Neither her father or grandmother has anything nice to say about the island but her mother seems to long for the island. Amelia decides to go to the island to "study" her family with her mother's blessing and against her father & grandmother's wishes.

On the island, Elizabeth befriends Amelia. Elizabeth is the one who has ventured away from the island and furthered her education. She routinely works for two older white women on the "mainland" as well as teaching on the island. Elizabeth is Amelia's guide to not only life on the island but their family's history. Elizabeth, like Amelia, must chose between staying with family or following her dreams.

The supporting characters in Daughters of the Dust are colorful and endearing to say the least. There are children, teenagers, elders, newlyweds, hopes & dreams realized and lost in the lives of the supporting characters: they each have a tale to tell. Ms. Dash does a great job of telling a "story" with strong African-American women of character. I would recommend this book to anyone that is curious about the history of Africans in America and enjoy reading about the challenges of family life.

Leanna Bailey
R.E.A.L. Reviewers

This was such a well written book. The way Julia Dash developed the characters and described the scenery of the Gullah Islands caused me to want to visit South Carolina myself. I recommend this book to anyone.

It is easy to forget the personal voice of violence, private and collective. It is even easier to distance oneself in dates, place names, and events. - this number of human cargo shipped to that port, the price that could be gotten for a "prime" young man, the political and societal arguments swirling around the economics and morality of the slave trade.

Day of Tears strips away all defenses and makes the listener or reader come face to face with the terrible loss of losing a beloved and becoming lost to loved ones. Parents were torn from their children. Husbands were wrenched from their wives. No photographs to hang in a place of honor and remembrance. No letters to cherish and serve as the voice of memory. Once the loved one, family member or not, was bought and began the journey to the new plantation, he or she was as good as dead, but worse - those left behind or carried off to a different place by a different owner knew that the loved one still lived, still struggled to survive.

Available as an audiobook, it is well worth the effort to track it down in this form. Although marketed to school-age audiences, it does not read as geared for that audience. Excellent for classroom use as an opening to a discussion on the realities of slavery. Characters are powerfully developed, presenting the variety of survival responses to an inhuman existence. Rather than simple caricatures of the different positions on slavery common at that time, even the accusation of being an "Uncle Tom" is no longer relevant. Highly recommended.

I read this book to understand what my daughter had been assigned to report on. And since I've read it, I am so excited to have discovered a truly gifted author who has many more books I can explore.

Normally, I don't like dark stories about slavery because of how difficult it is to experience the senseless cruelty of it. This story truly illustrated that cruelty. However, the dialog format allows you to get more absorbed in a "conversation" than just experiencing a painful piece of history.

Lester explains that he wrote the book to give voice to those "who did not have an opportunity to tell it for themselves." Because history only tells of this incredibly large slave auction and the details of the white slave owners and sellers, Lester fills in the details of the experiences of the slaves during this incredible event and after.

I loved how he allowed us to peak into the minds, emotions and motives of parties from all sides: the slave owners, the southern people absorbed in the slave culture, the slaves, both old and young, as well as those who disagreed with slavery and how they walked out their beliefs. And just when you were reading an account of a "villain" or a some other character whose views you disagree with, Lester would hit you with a profound, provocative statement that would transcends all social, economic, or others barriers and speak to any human condition, compelling you to take stock of where you really are on your own "road to independence."

This book is no easy read though it is a fast read. It confronts you with the consequences of institutionalized hatred, ignorance and greed. It also forces the reader to search his or her own heart to discover what part they play in their own contemporary environment of backwardness and to open one's eyes to the residual effects of this often "forgotten" institution of slavery.

This is NOT what I expected--I expected an actual story of slaves and their experiances but instead it is a book of a Play told in story form, where it gets confusing and frustrating trying to piece together who goes with whom. The author also leaves you hanging in the end--the final chapter starts out as if there is more then suddenly it ends and is over--nothing more. Many threads were left untied and hanging and those that weren't were short and not too sweet--very confusing but great on historical facts aside those which were also short not much to this book and certainly not worth buying--borrow it from the library instead.

The main character in the book called Day of Tears by Julius Lester is Emma. Emma is a young black woman, and she lives a life as a slave. Emma is faced with very many challenges. She is the nicest person in the book. In this story Emma is a slave for this man that has no name in the book except "master." Emma thinks he would NEVER sell her, so at the slave auction she told all the other slaves that they had nothing to worry about because he wouldn't do that to them. The master's daughter who is nine falls in love with the slaves and treats Emma like her mother. Master doesn't like that because his x-wife was a "slave lover" and he didn't want that for is daughter. Emma tries to run away with others but it doesn't work and they get caught. Master is very upset with Emma, and threatens to sell her. She can't believe her ears. I really like this book. Its non-fiction book and it's great. It was one of my favorite books. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Day Of Tears by Julius Lester is about slavery in the mid 1800s and how slaves felt about getting sold off at a slave auction. The book is also in dialogue. The characters in the book reminisce about their experiences with the slave trade, and what happened on the day of the auction, and also how they are feeling.

The book was very interesting. I think its good enough to read. It really shows how the slaves were feeling about having an owner, for example they didn't like getting sold off to mean owners.

I wanted to add that disclaimer so you wouldn't reject my review out of hand. Even though it is a bit preachy, the lesson is a good one for the religious and the secular alike. It's a message of mercy, and also makes it very clear that just because you have made bad decisions in the past doesn't mean you are worthless or that you cannot overcome your mistakes.

Preaching aside, this is an entertaining adventure, and I enjoy it for that reason alone. Just because a book has a religious theme doesn't automatically make it bad. And heck, just because the lesson is religious in origin doesn't make it less valid.

I Want to know why this fella hasn't written more books. I loved the Med- evil setting,the authentic characters, the intrigue, and the romance in this book. This would be a great read for men and women.

I am an avid fantasy reader (though this is actually the first fantasy novel I've reviewed on Amazon). I would like to support what previous reviewers have said-do not listen to the editorial review for this book. Those who would say it is nothing but a corny mini-sermon with overly simplistic characters obviously could not have really read the book-and I do not say this lightly, because as a rule that is what I think of many Christian/allegorical fantasy novels.

This book is the final title in the Seven Kingdoms series, set about 120 years after the reign of King Perivale and the collapse of his Empire. The main character is Evalonne, a girl of the kingdom of Louchland who is forced to flee for her life for becoming pregnant out of wedlock, and eventually becomes a prostitute so as to support her baby. She is freed from this life and becomes a traveling companion of a wandering swordsman named 'Roburne', who is in fact Lanson, the prince-in-exile of Louchland. Eventually, Evalonne is captured and taken to Louchland to be executed, while Lanson takes his murdered father's throne and confronts the Kirk (church) and its corrupt bishop to save his lover and gain justice for his father.

Like William's other books, the characters are realistic and the writing is excellent and very descriptive. Though the Christian/allegorical message is indeed easy to detect, it does not become 'preachy' like so many novels in this genre. Indeed, like William's previous writings it is a very philosophical and thought-provoking book. It only took me three days to read, but gave me food for thought for weeks.

I found this book at a thrift store and bought it for 90 cents because it sounded interesting. It was an awesome read and the best 90 cents I ever spent! I was engrossed in this book from the very beginning, and the characters were great! The review by publisher's weekly should be ignored because they obviously don't like the Christian perspective. But I think anyone who reads it could appreciate this book. I ordered the first book, "The Crown of Eden" because I wanted to read them in order. "The Crown of Eden" was a great read too but I liked this one better. I just bought the 3rd book called, "The Bride of Stone," and I can't wait to read it!

Thomas Williams' first book (CROWN OF EDEN) was wonderful - fun and unique characters that don't always make the right choices. I found I could relate quite well! It also taught me to relax: God's will is going to be accomplished despite the plans and attempted manipulations of His Enemy.

This book was even better! After deciding to see how the Master of the Universe would use every evil plan of the "bad guys" to accomplish His plans, I sat back and fully enjoyed the creative way Mr. Williams has chosen to show us the love and enjoyment of the Master of the Universe in the characters' lives. I could not put the book down. There are many truths from scriptures in this book. For the person who says this is a "sunday school lesson," I say, give me more sunday school lessons like this!!!

This book was a great take on how the life of one dog destined to be destroyed was saved, found a wife, lived part-time in France and yes...was able to jacuzzi whenever the mood struck him.

Carole's ability to capture Jinky's plausable thoughts on what it was like to endure callousness from uncaring owners who abused him and "threw him away" into the joy of being given a second chance is uplifting.

This book is a testimony to those who can not speak for themselves and gives the reader a look at how saving one life destined for death can be turned into a life that dreams are made of.

Being a member of the United Yorkie Rescue Organization, Jinky's message really resonated with me. Not only is he hysterically funny, his lessons on rescuing a dog instead of buying from a puppymill or pet store (where most of the dogs are puppymill babies) or backyard breeder are right on target.

Carole Davis gives Jinky a distinctive voice. Everyone should listen--and read! And let's have more Jinky books. I'm recommending him to everyone I know--and what a great idea for stocking-stuffers!

Jinky Tells All

Have you ever wondered what your dog was thinking? Well this dog tells all in a really funny tail (oops) about a terrier who goes from down on his luck to the good life. Wherever there's a scrap on the floor of Hollywood, Jinky is there. He's been everywhere from Cannes to Cancun, but he is still the every-dog, taking on the elite and effete in a dog eat dog business! If you like Hollywood, see it from a dog's eye point of view. And if you don't like Hollywood, you'll know why after you read Jinky. I loved it!

This is one of the best books that that I have ever read. The humor and honesty is unparalleled. I truly believe that every adult should read this book and especially the last 4 or so pages where the author discusses important issues such as adopting versus shopping. She is so right, that people should take a trip to their local shelter and LEARN that until we spay and neuter we will ALWAYS face the sadness of all the wonderful animals that await their forever home. Mrs. Davis is a wonderful person and a true hero of mine. God Bless her and her wonderful animal companion Jinky. May we all learn from him and one by one change the world!

From death-row in San Pedro to the A-List in the Hollywood Hills ~ I Love Jinky!
This book is hilarious! I think Hollywood can only benefit from a dog's diary. Jinky teaches us all that humans are a nutty breed and that we spend way too much time complaining about things that don't really matter. So much so, that we can barely appreciate the finer things in life. Like the the perfect "Tootsie Roll" poop. Life is full of Stupid Kitties, so what? To know Jinky is to have the answer to the eternal question, "Is the dog bowl half-full, or half-empty?" Especially in Hollywood, there's nothing like a little laughter and gas between friends!
Thank you Carole Raphaelle Davis for writing such a fun and entertaining book ~ and thank you so much for your continuing work in support of animal rescue!!!

It has been years since I have read anything to which I connected in this way, and I am in the phase where I recommend it only to people I very much like.

I have never read a book that better describes the fullness of life and emotions and the grace of acceptance. The weaving of philosophy throughout the book provides a handle for the characters to check and compare the lives they thought they would lead and the ones they are living and how to help each other along in that journey. The many sides of friendship shine brightly. The perils and joys of love in all its complexity are drawn with Schwartz's lush brush of words. The depth and breadth of grief felt with the loss of a child will never be better defined in all it's many facets. This book is a gift to readers.

I really enjoyed this book. But I disagree with the other reviewers about the language. I thought it was good to discuss philosophy but I felt the rhetoric got in the way of the story. I lost interest in the characters for awhile and skipped over much of the dialogue. I liked the theme of the book and definatly understood the "Disturbances in the Field." I just wish the author didn't jump around from chapter to chapter. I hardly realized what had happened to change their lives so drastically until a few pages into the chapter. All in all, I'm glad I read this book but I didn't need Philosophy 101 again to enjoy it.

This book is, quite simply, a wonder to read. Lydia Rowe -- a grown woman, married to an artist and the mother of four children -- experiences one of life's deepest tragedies. But the novel is not about the tragedy; rather, it explores nothing less than how to be human.

How do the insights and guidance of ancient philosophers impact us when life temporarily stops making sense? How is romantic love different from platonic love and the love of friends ("another self"), and how do they complement each other? How do you reach a point of acceptance -- with yourself, your dearest friends, and the haphazard world? When do you need to be apart and when must you come together? And what is the role of forgiveness in often unforgiving times?

All these questions -- and more -- are explored in this masterwork. Never is a false note hit. The growth and blossoming of friendships...the trials and rewards of motherhood...the coming together and rendering apart of marital couples...all these are tackled and the characters are all rich and three-dimensional.

After reading Disturbances in the Field, I found myself easily irritated with the next couple of books I picked up (some of them prize-winning). Lynn Sharon Schwartz has an instinctive knowledge of being human, and it shines throughout. I cannot recommend highly enough.

I recommend reading this book as a pair with Kate Walbert's "Our Kind," for a rich and comprehensive look at what happened to the "Seven Sisters" (i.e., Wellesley, Smith, Vassar, Barnard) women from the 1950s and early 1960s. "Disturbances in the Field" is the kind of book that makes you run out to the bookstore or library to see what else you can find by the author--it's that good. I think other readers probably got even more out of it than I did, being unfamiliar as I was with a lot of the philosophers mentioned and the tenets of their schools of thought. But the stories that this novel tells about Lydia and all her friends from this era have plenty to offer even if you are not familiar with the philosophers. I would recommend sticking with it through the first few pages, which might seem a little daunting at first--it is definitely worth seeing through to the end.