Works Books

These are the first Christian fiction books I've ever read, and I must say I'm now completely hooked on Christian speculative fiction. After finishing the first, I bought the next two and read them both in a weekend. I picked up the third book the minute I finished the second. They were unbelievably riveting. The characters were so real that I even dreamt about them! Thanks, Mr. Scott. Now, go write more books, please.

After speaking with Jefferson Scott via email, I must say that these books bring an all new meaning to me. The fact that there is a real group out there doing this sort of thing is great. Overall this book is another pageturner made by a great author. Two thmbs up, and two big toes at that.

It's so sad when good fiction gets burried.

This is an awesome book! Jeff has done a wonderful job of fleshing out his characters and drawing us into their world. It's almost hypnotic. The Korean culture is painted with stunning realism. I actually got chills while reading it. Christians need more daring authors like this.

Thanks Jeff! Keep 'em comming!

Anyone who is familiar with Christian fiction knows that trying to find a well written book within the genre is sadly hard to find. Most novels are so sterilized that nothing can growth within them or grow from them. The characters are unrealistic, flat and let's face it boring. I have found myself constantly disappointed after finishing a "good" Christian novel. I kept coming to the sad conclusion that even the bad secular fiction I had read was better than 95% of Christian fiction. As I have grown and matured I had hoped that the genre would do so as well, but unfortunately it has not progressed at all for at least the last ten years.

At the point that I was going to give up on Christian fiction altogether I came across Jefferson Scott's "Firebrand" series. I set myself up for another disappointment, but was pleasantly surprised. His books are filled with realistic, imperfect Christian people trying to live right. The plots are exciting, well-researched and refreshingly real. No whitewashed, over-processed, bland stories here. The books also shine a light on the tragedy in other parts of the world that Americans (particularly Christian Americans) are often not aware of or refuse to acknowledge. With each novel the characters develop and grow and the plot lines get better and more intriguing.

For anyone who is tired of the same old boring Christian books and is ready for something groundbreaking in the Christian genre or if you just want to read an exciting and interesting book, I highly recommend any of the books in the "Firebrand" series, or anything by Jefferson Scott.

***I just found out that Barbour Publishing is putting the series out-of-print, so make sure to buy the books while you can. Also if you enjoy this series write to the publisher and let your voice be heard (email: info@barbourbooks.com. Snail mail: PO Box 719 / 1810 Barbour Dr. Uhrichsville, OH 44683). If we don't speak up the genre will never change and we will be doomed to marshmallow fiction forever.***

This book has an original premise and strong, tight writing. As a Christian, I could really relate to the inner struggles of the main character. I would love to see Operation Firebrand made into a movie. It's that kind of story.

Christian men who read fiction don't have a lot of choices that appeal to them but Jefferson Scott is someone I can recommend highly.

If only there was a real Firebrand team. And who knows, maybe there is...

This is worth a read!

Love love love this little book of end-less information. I have the HUGE regular DiPiro which isn't a joy to lug around. This handbook is the perfect reference for any pharmacy/med student. It covers the same topics as DiPiro 6th edition, but in a much more condensed, straight-forward way, including foundation & therapeutics. Very happy I purchased this book!

much more concise than Depiro; it's like ESPN for therapeutics, all the best highlights... but if you have a very picky professor they might bring up something specific enough that it isn't included in this book.

I bought this book hoping that it would serve as a shorter version of the larger and more detailed textbook. It turned out to do just that. I have used this book on many occasions to review the key things about certain conditions without having to read the lengthy chapters of the textbook.....this is a must have for anyone in the medical field....it provides a concise summary and key points from the bigger version.

Great therapy book to have in your pocket, but doesn't discuss much on etiology of diseases. Basically it's good as a review, but it's not helpful if you are trying to learn the disease for the first time.

gives a detail summary of the book... a must have for all pharmacy students.

Helen Lester has such a wonderful way of writing for children. The illustrations by Lyn M. Munsinger are so captivating that children want to see them again and again. So do adults!
This book teaches us all to accept ourselves for who we are. Trying to be someone we are not just doesn't work.

I don't have any kids, but this book has actually been around for a long time. I was born in 82, and this book was by far my favorite. The illustrations are great and the message is even better. It's a really witty way to tell children that labels don't matter. The illustrations also make the book even better, my personal favorite as a child being when Fluffy sticks marshmallows all over his quills to make himself more fluffy.

I bought this book because I'm going to school to become a teacher. It teaches kids that it is ok to be your self. Kids will laugh and so will parents.

This book is very appealing to me and my two kids (ages 2 and 5). The illustrations are wonderful, and it is very well written. The kids laugh as we turn the pages, and it is a book that reads well over and over.

I bought this for my three year old daughter...again based on reviews on amazon. Other reviewers were right: this book is a hoot. Everytime we get to: "H...H...H...H...H...Hippo" my daughter bursts out laughing. Highly recommended. Great illustrations set off the writing.

I literally breathed in every word of this book! It is absolutely the most informative, up to date, thorough and readable book I have read thus far on postpartum mood disorders. As an RN who has worked with postpartum moms for 15 years, and as a mom who suffered from severe ppd, I am always eager to research new literature on this subject. This book reached my soul deeply on both levels - the clinical RN and the vulnerable mom. Thank you, Dr. Shoshana.

Ginger Law
Registered Nurse, Speaker

I just finished reading "Postpartum Depression For Dummies". It is an absolute "must read" for mothers suffering from any aspect or degree of postpartum depression. Their partners and families must read it as well. It is clear, it flows, it's well written and easy to understand. It leaves no question unanswered, every aspect and element of this condition is covered thoroughly. I would not hesitate to call this book a "life saver". The author, Dr. Shoshana Bennett proves herself to be a well versed leading authority on this topic, and a compassionate, kind and caring person who is available for telephone consultations. A huge thumbs up!!

This book is a must have if you are suffering from postpartum depression. I am in recovery from this illness and believe me I read a lot of books on this subject as soon as I was diagnosed with severe postpartum depression. But Postpartum Depression for Dummies gave me more detail on the subject than the others. It helped me to understand the illness, what my options were, and how to deal with my feelings. It also helped my family know how to help me. It guided me step by step and encouraged me not to give up and that these awful roller-coaster of feelings I had were going to pass. And they did.

Gaby

I have read every word of this book and feel so strongly about it that I have wrapped it in a receiving blanket to give to New Mom's at their Baby Showers!! This is a must to have in a household where there are kids. The humor, the tips, the resources, the written...easy to read quality are exceptional! Shoshanna does not preach, she tells it like it is. Where was this book when I gave birth to our first. Congratulations, Shoshonna on spreading the news that woman can take their life back during postpartum. Sallie Felton, Life Coach and International Talk Radio Host, www.salliefeltonlifecoach.com

I suffered PPD after the birth of my second son. As a stay-at-home mom caring for two small children, I felt overwhelmed and lost. I was suffering, as were those around me. After reading Dr. Shoshanna's book, I was able to make positive changes to bring balance to my life and overcome my PPD. I stopped beating myself up for not being able to "do-it-all." I started caring for myself by putting good nutrition in my body, taking breaks to have "me" time, and asking for help with housework and childcare. By doing these things, I saw changes immediately and I feel better than I have in a long time. And this book helped my family understand how I was feeling and how to support me. I wish I would have read Dr. Shoshanna's book before I had my first child. Now that I am pregnant with my third child, I plan to continue with the changes I've made and have a much happier experience with my newborn and my family. Thank you Dr. Shoshanna for writing this book and for helping so many women. All mothers (whether first time or not) should read this book.

This book is easy to read, has good illustrations, symptom descriptions, and suggestions for diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

I found this to be the best book as far as having pictures to show how to do stretches and on good typing technique.

Other books I would recommend are:

`The Repetitive Strain Handbook by Robert M Simon, MD and Ruth Aleskovsky'.

`The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies'

`Living Better Every Patient's Guide to Living with Illness by Carol j. Langenfeld'.

This book is the single most useful collection of practical RSI information I've found. Highly recommended for anyone trying to figure out how to stop hurting themselves when they're working. I have bought four copies for friends.

"Repetitive Strain Injury: A Computer User's Guide" by Pascarelli is a good introduction for those who know nothing about RSI. Even a cursory search of the Internet will turn up several references to this book as the classic on the subject. It describes what RSI is, what the risk factors are, how to evaluate your physician in terms of his or her RSI awareness, how to treat RSI symptoms, and it offers tips on workstation configuration, typing and mouse technique, monitor settings, and daily living. If you think you have RSI and your first instinct is to go out and buy yourself a wrist wrest and a splint, stop and read this book first, it explains why these amateurish attempts at self treatment are a bad idea. I was disappointed that the book didn't offer more specific advice for actually treating RSI, though I understand that would have been difficult given the large number of causes and manifestations of the disorder. The book claims on the front cover to contain a "seven point program for treatment", but most of the advice for treatment itself consists of "go see a doctor". This is frustrating given the book's repeated claim that most doctors know nothing about RSI or don't even believe in it in the first place. Another thing that really annoyed me was the book's assertion that employers are largely responsible for RSI. The basic message was: "RSI isn't your fault. It's just another example of how `the Man' exploits you in a thankless and mindless job." In my case, my RSI was caused by my own obsessive work habits. The book does list "Driven Behavior" as a risk factor for RSI, but it gets only a perfunctory mention. Another negative is that the book focuses on tendonitis-type RSI, whereas my problem was clearly nerve-related (numbness, weakness, and lack of coordination in hands, forearms, and upper arms). The book that really nailed my problem on the head, and that I recommend as a supplement to this one if your RSI is caused by obsessive computer use, was "It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!", by Damany, who worked under Pascarelli treating patients for many years.

After years of extreme pain caused by ...poor working conditions ..., I ended up disabled. I found this book four years later. In that time, I had seen two M.D.'s, three chiropracters and two orthopedic surgeons. I was diagnosed as having a pinched nerve.

After reading this book, I made an appointment with Dr. Pascarelli. I was the last new patient he took before retiring.

He diagnosed me as having thoracic outlet syndrome, and wrote up a script of physical therapy treatment for me, which I took back to Ohio and showed to the doctor's here. I still live in constant pain because of permanent muscle damage in my upper back because this wasn't diagnosed sooner, but at least the pain is bearable. I also have problems using my arms and hands. But, today I'm partially disabled instead of totally disabled.

Maybe, if one of the doctor's that had examined me before had Dr. Pascarelli's knowledge, I wouldn't be living in pain today. Or, if I had the knowledge this book provides....

If you use a computer, read this book and follow the advice. You don't have to end up living in pain.

I was completely enamored by this trilogy! I had heard and read the stories that inspired these books many times but the poetic and allegorical way they are presented in The Singer Trilogy made me realize the reality and grandeur of the events on a deeper and more personal level then I ever had before. These books affected me while I read them and have lingered with me long after I finished.

This trilogy got me hooked on Calvin Miller's allegories (A Requiem for Love, Th Symphony in the Sand etc.) and I highly recommend them all !

I first bought the trilogy almost twenty-five years ago, and it is one of the few books that I have that wasn't buried in the basement shortly after reading. Recently, I pulled it out again and found that I enjoyed reading it as much as I did all those years ago. The best review that I can give is that I have purchased the complete set twice, individual books on several occasions, lent it others and given it away. It's a book worth sharing with others.

After all the reviews I read regarding this book I had expected something good and, still, it was better than expected. So good, in fact, that I read it a chapter at a time because I wanted to let it sink in.

All in all, well worth it: check it out.

I thought I did a review for this last week but it didn't appear to have gone through. This is a great book and anything Calvin Miller writes is worth the time and expense. I had read "The Singer" before, so when I saw the trilogy was available in one volume, I knew I had to buy it. I can't imagine anyone would be disappointed. It's really a must have!

This is one of those books I read over and over again. I have read it probably 20 times since my first reading. Calvin Miller puts biblical stories into narrative poems that are so well written they force you to turn the page again and again. This book is the first in the Singer Trilogy, followed by The Song and The Finale. It is a poetic retelling of three biblical books: The Singer parallels the 4 Gospels, The Song retells the story of Acts, and The Finale is Miller's version of the book of Revelation.

Miller writes explicitly Christian fantasy in these books. He is also widely known for his non-fiction AND Christian life application books.

The Singer is a powerful retelling of the life of Christ, where instead of Jesus and The Gospel you have the Singer and his song. His song, if you are open to it, can bring healing and restoration. The World-Hater, wants to destroy both the Singer and his star song. Miller's words moved me to tears the first time I encountered them. The story is so well written, it can be read over and over without losing its freshness. The book is also excellently illustrated by Chicago artist Joe DeVelasco. The drawings done in pen and Ink style add to the power of the story by transporting you into the events.

No matter how many times over I reread this book, it is always fresh and new and draws me into the story of Christ in a different way. It is truly a classic and a treasure for any bookshelf. Each time I pick these up and reread them, I find a deepening of my relationship with Christ, and of my prayer life.

Miller also has a Symphonic Trilogy that retells different stories from the book of Genesis. The two I owned were A Requiem for Love and A Symphony in Sand. As far as I can tell, there are also 2 stand-alone books by Miller in this style that are often compared to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and Lewis's Narnia. They are The Valiant Papers, an account of a guardian angel's experiences, and The Philippian Fragment, the retelling of the book of Philippians from the New Testament. I have owned most of these and lent them out to not be returned. I now have The Singer Trilogy, Valiant, and Singer Trilogy 3-in-1 hardcover. Over the next few weeks I will review those I still have, but cannot encourage you strongly enough to pick them up if you find them in a used bookstore. They are all great.

Over the next few weeks, I plan on reviewing some of the others that I still have from this author. And if I find the others again, I will review them. (It has just been too long since I lent them out and did not get them back for me to review them from memory.)

Other Miller Books:
The Singer
The Song
The Finale
The Valiant Papers
The Philippian Fragment (Currently OP)

I've read my share of books on Mormonism over the years, having found myself living among the LDS for six years. Looking at their religion forces you to consider what it is about Christianity that makes it distinctly "Christian", and I found the historic Christian faith to be richer and more intensely beautiful than I had formerly known it to be. This book explains the differences.
I have several wonderful Mormon friends and they believe with their whole LIVES that Joseph Smith really was a prophet. They are neither stupid or particularly gullible. I do believe that they are LOST, something Christians should more readily keep in mind. So many books on Mormonism seem to center on efforts to belittle Mormons and their beliefs. This book does neither. It will help you to think of Mormonism as a kind of "spiritual Titanic"...looks like an unsinkable ocean liner...plush, comfortable, but it won't get you to other shore. This book gently reaches out with "rowboat"-style truth. Pay special attention to the portion about "defining terms". The LDS and Christians often share a surface vocabulary but you'll quickly find that certain terms like "grace" and "salvation" mean totally different things to each.
Buy this book, in fact, buy two copies. Give one to your public library.

This is an excellent book for anyone who may not fully understand or are curious about the fundamental Mormon beliefs. The author, then in turn, shows compassionate and thought provoking methods for sharing the truth of the gospel of Jesus with Mormons. Highly recommend!!

There are any number of books that cover the religion of Mormonism, but Cares' is one of the best. He deals with pertinent issues that don't fly over the average layperson's head. In addition he provides specific references that anyone can write into their Bibles (along with other LDS scriptures) in order to become efficient in sharing one's faith. Cares' attitude of "sharing in love" is also appreciated, as it is evident that he has no bone to pick or desires an "anti-Mormon" label. I have only two minor complaints. 1) There are a number of grammatical/ spelling/ layout errors that could easily be cleaned up with a good editor/ proofreader. 2) The book doesn't appear to be on a publisher's current list...this is a timeless piece that somebody ought to pick up. For Christians hoping to have a healthy dialogue with their LDS friends and neighbors, I suggest this as one of the books you purchase.

Over the past two years, my wife and I have read literally dozens of books about and from the LDS church. This is one of, if not the best I've read.

I appreciate Pastor Cares informative, yet sensitive approach-emphasizing both knowledge and compassion for friends, neighbors and even family members in the LDS church. While many Mormons are great, moral and upright people, they are in bondage to a religious system that demands perfection. Therefore, I also appreciate his caution not to argue theology, especially by "Majoring in the minors," but to share our witness as Christians in God's Law (those demands for perfection that can never be met) and Gospel (God's perfecting unconditional love-grace- in Jesus that has made us perfect by his life, death and resurrection).

I highly recommend this book to any one who either wants to know more about their neighbors' faith. I especially recommend this book to those who wish to go further and share the hope that is within them in the Good News of Jesus Christ.

This book was SO eye-opening. I've read about 10 other Mormonism analysis books and I've had discussions with Mormons for over six months. This one is definitely the best book on the subject.

This book changed everything for me. My eyes were suddenly opened to the idea that I was approaching witnessing entirely wrong. I was getting bogged down with logic and minutia and taking my focus away from Christ. Clearly, that's how our discussions should focus, as with any Christian witness. I still pray for those Mormon boys that I had discussions with, and wish I had it to do over again, knowing what I do now. This book was an emotional read for me.

Of course, it's good to be prepared by knowing how Mormons think. They have different different definitions of generally accepted Christian words, so right away we're speaking a different language. Simple words -- like salvation, sin, heaven, eternal life -- have very differnt meanings under Mormonism. This book will enlighten you on those, and others.

Other books have more information about Mormon beliefs and more details and more rebuttals to their arguments, but this one gives you the best ammunition. Don't tear down a Mormon and leave them with nothing to believe in. Focus on Christ, and him crucified.

This book is truly informative and helpful. Reading it has empowered me to take steps to be able to live with the frighteneing diagnosis of heart failure. The suggestions given are practical and helpful. By reading the book, I was able to find support groups on line--most helpful. I heartily (pun intended!) recommend it for anyone who has been diagnosed with heart failure.

I bought this for my wife who has postpartum cardiomyopathy so we could really understand what the cardiologist was saying and doing. Prior to reading it we had been concerned that our cardiologist wasn't engaging us in many "standard" heart failure treatments that we had researched which might improve her daily quality of life. This book really helped my wife and I understand all the CHF jargon and, most importantly, what the heart meds do and how they are supposed to work in the body. Because of this book and other research we have engaged another cardiologist for a second opinion and learned that there are indeed other treatments and therapies available to us. Net Net - this book helps you engage in knowledgeable conversations with your doctor which is key to your survival and successful treatment.
4 stars only because I wish the author had expounded more on some of the topics.

I have been researching several pieces of literature and books regarding CHF.
This book was my first choice. I was not disappointed. The book was in pristine
condition and it was exactly what I was looking for. I was extremely pleased.

We learned a lot of useful information about medications and treatments, and what was happening to my husband's body. It gave him some hope when he needed it.

This book is an excellent resource for those suffering from heart failure or families trying to understand this disease. I highly recommend it for a resource if not reading it in its entirity. Chapter 11 on foods and salt intake is especially helpful if one has the determination to follow good advice! Success With Heart Failure: Help and Hope for Those Coping With Congestive Heart FailureThe book is so inexpensive that seems foolish not to buy it as a resource!

The clearest, most concise and most useful guide for living with and dealing with Bipolar Disorder we have found. For people with bipolar illness, their family and friends, this is a tool that helps all understand, deal and move on toward a full life.

Supporters of Julie Fast will find this book as easy to read, understand and follow as her other books and materials. Being a survivor of bipolar disorder myself, I appreciated the way she lays out a comprehensive plan of lifestyle changes, behavioral changes, asking for help, and using the 4-step treatment plan in everyday life. I like the way she keeps things interesting by using shaded areas, charts, conversations, people's stories, checklists, fill-in-the-blank response interactive sections, etc. to keep you involved in the process. I also like the charts and journal pages at the end. This book is not only a good resource for survivors of bipolar disorder, but also for supporters.

this would be the book i'd first give to someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder. but i find it really has to be done slowly. it is completely comprehensive and covers everything i would want someone working on their healing to know, even the things i might forget. but when i work on the part about my depression or anxiety thoughts and speach, i get scared because i feel like i am going back there into those moods. that's what i dont like, which must mean it is a good book. it is incredibly practical. no "this is what mania means" without any help for working to prevent it. i wish i could give up sugar because i know it causes mood swings, but the rest i was able to do! i know the "bipolar conversation" section that scares me to write has been of immense help for my loved ones. i hate when they try to be all rational when i am unable to hear any of it and just KNOW my paranoia or rage or suicidal feelings are "true" but they keep talking as if i can be talked out of them! so yes, the scary part may be the most important for me. it also gave me an idea that never crossed my mind - to tell my therapist what i will sound like if i am in a bipolar state and how she should not try to help me deal with the symptoms in a talk setting, but go straight for the "what do we need to do to get you back to yourself?" conversation. i wasted years in therapy coming in depressed and trying meaningless, worthless talks about how to cheer me up when it wasn't me that was depressed about my life, it was depression talking. it really is a wonderful book, i guess i am just scared to look at the way i am when in an episode.

This book is very well laid out and very helpful. Its a great book for newbies to the bipolar world and a good concise book for those of us who have done alot of reading. The four step plan is pretty common sense and touched on in other ways in different books. But it is nice to have it all in one book.

As a mental health professional who specializes in the management and treatment of persons with bipolar spectrum disorders, I find this to be the most informative and helpful book on the subject. I keep copies available in my office to make sure my clients have a copy in hand when they begin treatment with me. Fast's personal insight and well developed coping skills make this the best resource for those recently diagnosed or who have been struggling for years to find ways to live with this disorder. Fast/Preston help to bring "order" out of disorder in a well organized and easy to read book. Families and friends find this book user friendly and the best source of answers to many questions. It is a must read not only for those challenged with bipolar disorder but also for those who live with, work with or seek a greater sensitivity for someone trying to take charge of their lives. Thanks for providing such a user friendly text which provides hope and help in all the areas which need attention. Vilda S. Brannen, MS, LPC, NCC

This book is so well written, funny, and has truly helped me to question my fear and dare again to be the person i most want to be. i yearn less for a partner to complete me and now am more curious about the ways i can draw out of myself the qualities i so often seek in others.

I enjoyed Tama's writing style and honesty. This story is inspirational to people who are stopped by 'shoulds' and judgment in their lives. She shows us how to trust our inner voice during times of change, how to remain constant and sacrifice the superfluous for what matters most. She is an example of making a difference in this world by having the courage to follow her true path.

Tama Kieves was a successful Harvard grad/lawyer who walked away from her office with a view and high paying job to do what she most wanted to do. When she made her choice to jump in with both feet, she lowered her expenses and took a waitress job to sustain herself while she followed her dream.

She believes that people can and should be able to make a living doing whatever they are naturally gifted at and love to do. She wrote this book and when it didn't get picked up by a publisher, she self published it and then a major company approached her and bought it.

I have read a lot of self help and "Do what you love.." type books and I have to say that this one is awesome. I couldn't put it down. There is so much good advice on just about every page, and the thing is, it's all stuff she knows because she's experienced it.

I wish I had known that the secret to life is doing what you love to do when I first started working. But then, how would we know what we love if we didn't do all those things that we didn't/don't love in the first place?

This is a great book that I highly recommend and would give as gifts.

I loved this book! I finished it feeling inspired to pursue my own dreams of creating a life that my heart is telling me I want to pursue. If you are trying to take a leap of faith into a career or path that scares you and excites you, and if you are tired of trying to figure it out with resources that ask you to endlessly list your interests, talents and abilities to no avail, I'd say buy this book! I'd also recommend Your Heart's Desire by Sonia Choquette if you are having trouble figuring out what it is exactly that you want.

Tama J. Kieves is more than an author. At heart, she is a poet. And it really shows in "This Time I Dance!" This book is not only informative, but it is also a pure pleasure to read. From start to finish, it is packed with lush descriptions and magical metaphors that elevate this work of non-fiction to a work of art. "This Time I Dance" will not only inspire you to discover your passion in life and give you some practical suggestions for living your dream, but the pure artistry of its words will start your heart dancing before you even put the book down! This is a book you are going to treasure!

Steven Lane Taylor, Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A Guide For Living Life In The Divine Flow