A. Merritt Books

This book highlights an age old belief in the demiurge (craftsman or creator). Alternative Gnostic names for the Demiurge include Yaldabaoth, Yao or Iao, Ialdabaoth and several other variants. The author must be applauded for bringing forth the following information to enlighten specifically those who have influence of a Judeo-Christian background:

The flawed Character of Jehovah depicting an evil and malevolent deity comparison to the devil himself (much evidence eg 1 Chronicles 21:1 and 2 Samuel 24:1, yet page 171 "may or may not" shows uncertainty to this position)- The Divine Feminine - The formulation of the bible and its corruption by Jewish and Catholic authorities - The murder & destruction of Gnostics, Gnostic views and manuscripts - Gnostics as being the true Christians - The widely held belief and acceptance of reincarnation and the suppression of this by the Catholic Church (excellent sources provided) - `Monkey see monkey do' I.e. humanity following in the footsteps in the sins of the father (Jehovah); Jehovah as an evil, malevolent role model for humanity. A look at the other reviews for this present work will provide numerous scriptural references for that which I have just mentioned.

Of special interest to myself was page 116 of this book. Herein is described the book of Genesis comprising two sources; one from the Elohist source and one from the Jehovist source. The author points out that within the Elohist document we find the religion of the northern tribes (Israel) who worshiped the God El and his underling elohim. The Jehovist document describes the evil and bloodthirsty Jehovah or Yahweh. It is stated that "in the 5th century B.C. Jewish priests combined portions of the J and E documents, adding some of their own thoughts, which are referred to as JE Documents". It is unfortunate that the author of this book did not provide further sources of information to corroborate this information, as this is a pivotal point, especially as this present book contains much repetition needlessly clamouring for authenticity. My own studies reveal that the God El has its roots in Armenia Mesopotamia. It is interesting to note that the wife of El is Ashtoreth, the mother of the Gods; interesting in that Ashtoreth is suppressed in the Old Testament in sync with the suppression of the Divine feminine. Also interesting to note is that Baal is the son of El. Further study is needed in clarifying sources and linking all of this with the Gnostic position of the seven Cosmo creators. H. P. Blavatsky in the `Secret Doctrine Vol 1' pages 136-152 provides information towards the Gnostic view of the 7 Cosmo creators, inclusive of correlation with the Bhagavad-Gita.

Firstly according to Gnostic understanding there are levels in the way scripture can be read I.e. Exoteric, mesoteric and esoteric. I've even heard it said that there were 3 bibles written in correlation to this. With this in mind, even with the acceptance of corruption, it is advised to not chuck the baby out with the bath water. Example: firstly the genesis story is not particular to the Jews. Second there is an esoteric side to the rendering of Genesis, inclusive of `spiritual death'. The author maligns the genesis story in sink with literalism, yet on page 173 slams Christians and Jews for using the "grammatical historical method" in interpreting scripture. The author does end the book admonishing to see beyond literalism (Archetypes etc) but this is a little too late when it comes to his maligning of the Genesis account.

Sin and sinners: even Gnostics acknowledge sin and the need for repentance and right moral conduct. It should be noted that there is an esoteric perspective on sin which is beyond the scope of this review.

Gnostic > knower. (Mythomania & the Gnostic egoic also require either the blade or fire). This goes beyond intellect. For those of understanding and insight, it is apparent when an author has Gnosis and when an author has merely an intellectual understanding of Gnosis; to the following next two points does this also apply (To transcend the physical body is to know of the reality of which I speak).

Hell: The author does not accept the reality of this realm. A study of most religions will reveal that this is widely accepted. See also the Divine Comedy and journeys of Emanuel Swedenborg etc.

Acceptance of Homo_exuality: The deeper work of Gnosis usually reveals a divergence at this point. See recommend book review inclusive of work with Divine Mother Kundalini, + - polarities.

Buddhism: The author states that he is disillusioned by his experiences; personally I have found that there is a good deal of correlation with the Gnostic work. I am aware that there are different schools, but once again filtering for that which is needful is always a good method.

Easy street, now that Jehovah is out of the picture: No such luck, the work just got harder since this Pandora's Box got opened. Take up thy cross and follow me is the admonishment. Readers are now required to ask "So what do I do now" especially in light of the revelation of the Gnostic work. Unfortunately the author only alludes to the NT Christ and book recommendations found in the last pages. This admittedly is a good start, especially Stephan A Hoeller's website and products. Still this only gives an intellectual understanding of Gnosis and sides with stagnant results similar to most in the 4th way school. The present author states in his book that the Gnostic can function on his own, citing the biblical reference of 'not needing any to teach you'; Good luck! Most adepts are of an order/school, empowered and helped; a sincere heart, willing to sacrifice all to obtain the great pearl, will always find a way.

Recommend Reading as a next step to go beyond the mind and exoteric gnosis:
Gnosis I, II, & III by Boris Mouravieff

Discover the truth about Judeo-Christianity and learn what true Christianity both was and is. The book is hard-hitting, pulls no punches. Answers the age-old riddle of how a flawed and suffering universe can be the creation of an all-good and perfect God.

I have read this book from cover to cover twice. I have shared it with my family and friends. They have been amazed. The truths contained in this book are mind altering, reality shaking and will absolutely turn your world upside down and inside out; in a very good and positive way.

Of course it will be scary at first to learn that everything you ever thought about the Old Testament God Jehovah was completely wrong, but once you embrace the truth about the loving Heavenly Father of Jesus and the you realize the Jehovah is a benefaker of jibes...

The amazing thing is that all this truth comes directly out of the bible. It becomes crystal clear once you can allow your mind to accept that even perhaps the God of the OT is not the TRUE GOD MOST HIGH.

Isaiah 14:1-28 tell it all so clear who is the creator of the world and the cause of all the suffering. Read the book and you will see for yourself.

I could not give this book 5 stars because it left me somewhat confused as to the author's position. The book overall was an eye opener for me. I have been a Christian for more than 25 years and always had questions about some of the actions of Jehovah. As I read the last chapter, I was surprised at my emotions (tears down my cheeks). My confusion however, stemmed from the author exposing all of the atrocious acts of Jehovah as literal act, but in the last chapter, states that we should not take anything we read in the Bible literally...yet he does in the OT. If OT scripture is literal, then I can understand his anger, but if it is mythical, then he should have explained all the wars and violence as our war with our animal nature and the spiritual enemies that seek to destroy us. In the question and answer chapter, it seems to me that he believes in Christ coming in the flesh, but again in the final chapter, he states that Christ is a myth. Other than that, the book was very interesting and I am open to his ideas, but found it hard to accept that Satan/Elohim and rebellious gods created this universe. That is stretching it, in my opinion.

Nathaniel Merritt has tackled The Problem of Jehovah, and has done an excellent job in uncovering the true nature of the Judeo-Christian "God". I found it very interesting to read the other reviews of this book. The reviews were quite revealing, in regard to the particular mind-set and prejudices of each reviewer.

I was brought up to believe that Jehovah was the One and Only True God, and, that he was also The Father, the God of Love, that Jesus proclaimed. Even as a child, I found it hard to reconcile the harsh, jealous God of the Old Testament with the loving Father of Jesus, as described in the New Testament. I found it hard to love this bloody, demanding God. Fear him - Yes. Love him - No. As I grew older, I noticed, as Merritt pointed out, that the majority of Christians that I knew acted more like Jehovah than Jesus.

The most insidious thing about religious programming is that it casts a veil over the mind, and it is extremely difficult to overcome. Reading about the terrible and destructive exploits of Jehovah should set off an alarm in any "normal" person's head. This is our loving Father?

Over the last 25 years, I have spent an inordinate amount of time in Biblical research. What I discovered shocked and disturbed me, but, it - definitely - lifted the veil. Along the way, I found out that the majority of educated Jews that I came in contact with don't believe that major portions of the Old Testament are Literal. They look at them as Allegory. I look at them as Horror, and unfit for children, as well as for adults.

Merritt's efforts in this book are reminiscent of the child in the children's story, "The Emperor's New Clothes". The child in the story loudly proclaimed that the Emperor was, in fact, naked ... It was all a con job, and the people were too intimidated to speak up. Like the child, Merritt is not deterred from speaking out the truth.

Nathaniel Merritt deserves a place of honor among his peers, the Honest biblical scholars who have risked it all in the name of truth. Do yourself a favor. Read this book.

Unbelievably inspiring. I challenge you to compare his reading with any one else's or your own in your head. He makes it alive. Not perfect, mind you. You'll find yourself suggesting to him in certain spots that he missed the meaning by putting some emphasis or other on the wrong words. Nevertheless, you know you couldn't do better overall. A real treasure.

My review is of the library binding edition released by Buccaneer Books. It is a very plain and small volume which is wonderfully bound. It contains nothing but the poem itself (including the prose arguments) with the original spelling and punctuation. That means no notes, commentary, or introduction, so if you're looking for lots of in-text help, this isn't what you want. The Fowler, Hughes, or Norton editions are all laden with helpful material like that. But if you just want to experience Milton's masterpiece alone, this is a lovely edition. I found that the book could be purchased much more cheaply if I ordered directly from the publisher's website.

Great for a long drive or while driving cross town in Manhattan. You can debate the issues of suffering with Milton in your head.

Sure do wish it were the whole work.

Contains extensive information in the introduction that is lends an understanding to anyone reading any of Milton's work. This particular version is very inexpensive, and contains everything one would need to understand PL. Excellent!

Milton in Paradise Lost unfurls a morning star banner heralding the cosmic story of the fall of angels and men in language eminently civil. I am sure that Homer and Dante were Milton's schoolmasters yet Milton almost exceeds them in the slendid language and poetry of this epic creation. Philip Pullman said "No one, not even Shakespeare, surpasses Milton in his command of the sound, the music, the weight and taste and texture of English words". This is a poem of majesty and sublime lyricism as in Milton's description of Mulciber falling: "from Morn
To Noon he fell, from Noon to dewy Eve, @@@+PARADISE LOST+@@@
A Summer's day; and with the setting Sun @@@+JOHN MILTON+@@@
Dropt from the Zenith like a falling Star".
Each book of Paradise Lost is introduced with an argument, or summary. These arguments were written by Milton and added because early readers had requested a guide to the poem. Milton's purpose in this masterpiece is to tell about the fall of man and justify God's ways to man. When the angels battle in heaven at one point they pull up mountains and hills and throw them at each other: "So Hills amid the Air encounterd Hills Hurl'd to and fro with jaculation dire, That under ground, they fought in dismal
shade." After their coup attempt in heaven Satan and the other rebel angels are lying stunned on a lake of fire. Satan rises from the lake and makes his way to the shore. He calls the other angels to do the same, and they assemble by and above the lake. Satan tells them that all is not lost and tries to cheer his followers. Led by Mammon and Mulciber, the fallen angels build their capital and palace Pandemonium. They decide to get at God through his new creation and Satan sets off on this mission. In reading Paradise Lost the poem reads the reader while being read. What I mean is that Milton lets his readers go awry in their affections and he corrects and instructs those misreadings as well as anticipates them. In this way the poem becomes a live text with meaning apprehended through the interplay between the peruser of the poem and the text itself. Milton allows the reader to subjectively question the justice of the current religious paradigm and then leads them back to the perspicacity of deity. Ultimately Paradise Lost is Milton's paean to a vast pattern in the universe, the disruption of that pattern by rebels, and the weaving of those rebellion threads back into an ever more beautiful tapestry.

Deborah Hopkinson is an engaging author, and is herself a prolific writer of *convincing* reviews. Her story about Fannie Farmer is a favorite of mine & tops a list of holiday gift amusements.

In the proper Bostonian household of the Charles Shaw family, Fannie Farmer was hired as a "mother's helper", more specifically a cook. Mrs. Shaw expects a 2nd child; daughter Marcia is 'put out' by being supplanted by someone who will prepare food & do many things Marcia feels she does *extremely well* - - like polishing lamp chimneys. This lively child, quite capable of getting herself into many scrapes, soon converts to admiration for Fannie & her cooking. The story is divided like a menu *from Soup to Nuts* and includes Fannie's trademark *precise measurements* in the recipe for griddle cakes, a BONUS bound to please all readers.

The 1896 edition of the Fannie's[ASIN:0517186780 1896 Boston Cooking-School Cookbook] played an important role in my childhood. One of Fannie's *hints* incorporated in Nancy Carpenter's hilarious illustrations is: "The mixing & baking of cake requires more care and judgement than any other branch of cookery." Happily, my mother took this to heart and became famous for her F. Farmer chocolate cakes.

Children will discover all sorts of historical objects in the illustrations - - these will doubtless elicit giggles as well as questions and tummy rumbles. Nancy Carpenter has made pen & ink sketches that are oh-so-cleverly *collaged* with period engravings on a computer, then printed and hand colored. Ingenious as well as educational, the pages also have a quaint and comical look. The match-ups of text & illustrations are thoroughly entertaining even when readers are not familiar with the name of Fannie Farmer. I love this book and hope Hopkinson&Carpenter team up again, and soon.

Reviewer McHAIKU says, "Thank goodness Fannie Farmer's cookbook was revered in our 1930's household" but WHERE in the double-spread of impossibly impressive desserts that decorate the "Fifth Course" is Fannie's (& my mother's) prize chocolate cake?

Kids might have seen the Fannie Farmer Cookbook in the kitchen but never known that Fannie Farmer was a real person. This is an obviously fictionalized story, but it does include some actual quotes from Farmer's early cookbook. Nancy Carpenter's illustrations combine Victorian clip art with her own drawings. Not a biography, but a fun introduction to the name of Fannie Farmer and a story about how a young girl gains confidence in the kitchen.

This is a delightful children's book that will appeal to adults, too. It's historical fiction about the real Fannie Farmer. The illustrations are warm and humorous. If your kids like to cook, this is the book for you!

I read recently, in an interview, that the author attributes inspiration for the book to being in excellent health. Said having quit all forms of caffeine freed the mind for more creativity. I say amen to that as I too am free with a little help from my friends at www.s oycoffee.com. They have an excellent coffee sub called s o y f e e that I simply adore. Made from soy that you brew like coffee, it's simply a godsend. I want to thank the author for writing a really great book.

Hopkinson has written a clever picture book incorporating tasty recipes, but take the details of Fannie Farmer's life with a grain of salt. Hopkinson has altered the facts to serve her story.

Farmer's first cookbook was an update of a cookbook, written by one of her predecessors at the Boston Cooking School, which already incorporated precise measurement using standard measuring cups and spoons. Farmer's contribution was "level" measurement (as suggested by Marcia) and kitchen-testing of all the recipes by the school's students and faculty.

Read "Fannie in the Kitchen" to your child as an introduction to Fannie Farmer. Then read "Perfection Salad" by Laura Shapiro to learn the true story.

I am an educator who likes to use historical fiction with elementary students. Students love the story of FANNIE IN THE KITCHEN, and we have also used the book to talk about how cooking has changed over the years. I bring in old kitchen utensils from antique stores to show them. (Many kids can't identify a sifter, to say nothing of a butter mold! And when was the last time you saw a doughnut cutter??) We also use the book as a jumping off point to talk about math and measurements.

Although this is clearly a humourous, fictionalized take-off on a footnote to history, students and I also enjoy talking about how young Marcia must adjust to change, as her mother has a new baby. The way the illustrator depicts the developing relationship between Marcia and Fannie is delightful.

As the author note states, Fannie Farmer was one of the first to recommend precise measurements in cooking. What a fun way for kids to be introduced to this 19th century figure

There are no words adequate to convey the effect THE STONES CRY OUT had on me when I read it in 1986. It haunted me for years. I wanted everyone I knew to read it.

Just several years ago I met a woman whose entire family - her husband and all her children - died under the Khmer Rouge monsters.

Amazingly, after the stories Miss Szymusiak recounts: of the young girl who was killed for being too pretty, of those murdered for daring to exhibit signs of affection for one another, and of unspeakable tortures inflicted upon absolutely helpless and innocent people of all ages, the chapter which really drained my blood was the one detailing her witnessing the beginning of the purge. The author notes the young Communist cadres being themselves called in for interrogation and torture and disappearing one by one.

This is a chilling account of the darkest period in 20th Century history.

One of the earliest (1986) accounts from the survivors of the Pol Pot regime, "The Stones Cry Out" seems to have set the style and standard for another more recent child's-eye perspective on the same era, "When Broken Glass Floats". The minute details of everyday life, not abstract poltical assessments, form the basis for our childhood memories. The author's account carries an unvarnished realism which draws the reader into her film-like image of daily life under threat of starvation and execution. This is probably as close as a reader can come to the truth of events in Cambodia during 1975-79. Oral histories such as "The Stones Cry Out" are perhaps the best way for survivors of human rights abuses to indict the perpetrators. Sadly, tribunals driven by international politics are unlikely to have the same impact as the simple testimony of a victimized child. Highly recommended reading for all those with an interest in human rights, Cambodia, and Southeast Asian culture.

You need a strong stomach to read the grueling ordeal of a 12 year old girl in Cambodia under the Pol Pot regime.
The latter and his cronies turned a whole country into a concentration camp guided by the iron fist of a centrally planned economy which was based on rice production quotas.
Starvation and killing of whole families including babies were part of normal daily life. The author herself lost nearly all her family.
The slogan was 'be deaf and dump if you want to survive'.

Exceptionally, this book also relates the disturbing facts which happened in a Red Khmer camp in Thailand until one year after Pol Pot's defeat by the Vietnamese.

Molyda Szymusiak tells only the facts. She doesn't explain the overall picture of Pol Pot's regime, politically, socially, economically or internationally.
Therefore I highly recommend the eminent works of David Chandler as well as Philip Short's magisterial biography of Pol Pot (Saloth Sar).

This book shows painfully the disastrous consequences of a power grasp by ideological fanatics who created a one party state bureaucracy which wielded total uncontrolled power over the population.
This regime was a terrible shame for the left.

A very disturbing read.

My heart sank lower and lower with each successive chapter. This is certainly not a book one can read while couching comfortably on a sofa. If you are familiar with Cambodian history of the Khmer Rouge regime, this book is indeed a chilling read. But at the same time, one can't help feeling admiration for the author's fortitide in the face of unimaginable hardship and horror.

Actualy I would rate this 4 and 1/2 stars.

Having read "First they killed my father" by Loung Ung It would be difficult for me to review this book with out comparing it to Loung Ung's memoir.

Both are essentially the same story, a young upper middle class girl living in Phnom Phen in april of 1975 when thier life, family and happiness are torn from them by the khmer rouge.

Many of thier experinces are similar as you might expect (long hours in forced labor, family deaths, witnessing murder ect..) but each has a unique story of thier own.

The writing styles also vary greatly and this is where Loung's "First they killed my Father is the better" book. Molyda tells her story in a very straight foward manner. Her discriptions of murder, torture and rotting corpses are alomost clinical in tone as if she is afaid to visit or express her real feelings at the time (and who could realy blame her) we are giving only hints about her family and life before April 17th 1975 (to be fair this may be in part to spare distant family members still in Cambodia from retalation)

In Loung's book however we are treated to two light hearted chapters discribing her life in Phnom Pehn before April 17th 1975 this gives the reader a chance to feel they realy know her, her brother's, sisters and parents thier strengths and weakness'.

Loung's memoir is far more emotional in tone and feeling leaving the reader almost gasping for air at points.

For those overly squimish that makes "The Stones Cry Out" the better of the two books. It is also the better of the two books if your sole interest is the surrounding history of the killing fields.

But for those just wishing to read a great emotional book "first They killed My father" is the better choice but I would highly recomend both to all.

It is a rare children's book that can touch so many senses, and span so many generations. This one is meant to be read aloud with a child on your lap. The illustrations are so charming that you can almost reach out and feel the fur of the dogs, hear them romp and chase through the city streets, and even smell and taste the steamy foam of Ms. Brady's latte. And the rhythm of the delightful poetry adds the right pace to its characters, and literally keeps the story moving. But its true magic is its heart: an intelligent and touching story. It is exactly what every adult yearns for: a means to convey life's hard truths and challenges in a way children can hear and enjoy them. This book is really an experience, that children will want you to repeat -- again and again, as children do -- but that you will also want to.

A fabulously illustrated story about the true meaning of friendship and the importance of inclusion and tolerance. A wonderful story for children. Both of my children loved the book!

My son loves dogs. I came accross it when I was looking for a book about them. Nice book, very good illustrations, I highly suggest it.

Delightful adventure story about the ways we learn to recognize a true friend. Fabulous illustrations bring the readers heart into identifing with the dog and flea.

The most loveable types are often the most unexpected. This sweet book
about a most unusual friendship is funny, wise and moving, and the images
filled with life. Great if you are a dog lover, and if not, it might
convert you.

An excellent and practical book. An easy to read guide on living in the present. A must for anyone who wishes to improve their life and live a more spiritually. The easiest reading book I ever read on this subject.

I have never before been motivated to post a review on Amazon. However, as the facilitator of a series of 6 week book studies on the topic of spirituality, with The Art of Being having been our latest study, I felt motivated to write due to the overwhelming and unified positive response of participants. Previous to this study, we engaged in a 6 week discussion of Eckhart Tolle's book, A New Earth. Since The Art of Being is a collection of essays centered around the topic of being present and living on purpose, it seemed like a natural next title, for Jones's book takes the principles identified so well by Tolle, and applies them, through essays followed by mindfulness practices, to real life. With the language given to us from A New Earth, we joyfully were able to use the essays in The Art of Being to springboard into marvelously rich discussions concerning relevant applications to every day life. The Art of Being allowed A New Earth to come alive for this group. It took principles of being and turned them into practice, and turned our group from being a class, to being a "sangha" (As Jones describes), or a spiritual community. It is a book whose value grew with each visit. In the words of one of the participants, comparing our last two studies, "Reading A New Earth was like enjoying a fine meal. Reading The Art of Being was like finishing with a delectable dessert."

...namely every single vignette.

In a world filled with distractions (or at least potential distractions), author Dennis Jones has assembled 101 peaceful reflections that he uses to help us focus on just being. This delightful book just oozes with a sense of peace and encouragement to be reflective about all that we have been blessed with.

I especially liked the way each vignette was punctuated with a couple of practices for integrating the message of the vignette into our lives.

For me, this is a book to be savored...to absorb one vignette at a time and really reflect on Jones' wisdom. Doing so, as I have been doing over recent weeks, creates a book with the potential to really make a difference in one's life.

I love this book. Triple kudos Dennis Jones.

I have not heard one word out of Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones that is not only brilliant, but very relevant to living a life today on purpose. This book is a must read if you want to get more out of your existance each and every day!

The Art of Being is a practical guide to meaningful spiritual practices that help us recognize the divinity that has always existed within each of our beings. Dr. Jones provides "Mindfulness" practices in the back of each chapter that help bring this recognition into our consciousness. My wife, daughter and I are now reading it together for the third time. Each time we read a chapter, we find something new and inspiring. I highly recommend it, it can be life transforming.
Stuart Azarchi
Hamilton, NJ

I am unable to bring up the "Tenth Edition All New Fannie Farmer Boston Cooking School Cookbook". My book records the last printing was June 1968, which was the 15th printing. It is a Bantam Book. I love this book. It has all the basic knowledge one would need, but mine is tattered and falling apart from age.
I would like to know if anyone else has the same book as I have.

I'm no cook. But this is the prize in my kitchen (an ancient paperback, yellow and torn, with a dozen markers noting the classics, the essentials). I figured I nice new copy would be a treat. Alas.

My mothers old copy won't last much longer. I have to have a new one. This book has all the basics anyone needs to learn to cook...

I was 12 years old when I learned to cook with Mother's Boston Cooking School Cookbook. My teen-aged brother thought I was nuts when I tried recipes like Hominy Gems, but I liked trying new foods. When Mother died, I took possession of the book, but when my brother wanted a good basic cookbook, I turned the family treasure over to him. The original book was in sad shape 25 years ago and he needs a new copy, and in spite of having about 30 cookbooks, I still miss my old favorite! It is a good basic cookbook, that offers a variety of good tasting foods that are simple enough for a child or a person of any age learn to cook! Bring it back!!!

This is the cookbook I learned to cook with by my mother's side. My mother is gone now 15+ years and I treasure my old beat up copy whose front cover isn't even attached anymore. The pages are like fragile parchment, grease stained and perfectly seasoned. Still I would love to have a clean, new copy and I 'm sure plenty of other beginners would love to have this available to them. It's a classic!

I say keep up the good work Mrs. Afflalo. You are an inspiration to many I will be looking forward to many other books that are yet to come.Luv u always !!!!!

First of all this book is excellent for middle school age girls. What I like most obout the book is kids being able to express their feeling and share their problems with each other; they look out for each other through good and bad times. There is nothing like growing up with childhood friends and becoming lifetime friends.

First of all this book is excellent for pre-teens. What I like most about the book is kids being able to share their feeling, and their problems with each other; they look out for each other through good and bad times. There is nothing like growing up with childhood friends and becoming lifetime friends.

First of all this book is excellent for pre-teens. What I like most about the book is kids being able to share their feeling, and their problems with each other; they look out for each other through good and bad times. There is nothing like growing up with childhood friends and becoming lifetime friends.

This book will have your young girls wanting to read again. You can really relate to the characters in the book and their situations. They're not running around with magic pants to make every okay. It's real, the situations are real and I just loved it. It's just long enough to make for a really good read.

Every young pre-teen girl and boy should read this book and then talk to your parents about it after they read it too.

Blue Street is not your average book of poetry. I read the entire book in one sitting. The more I read, the better it got. The poems in Blue Street portray the progression from youth to maturity with feelings you can relate to. I especially liked the poems on pages 109, 123, 125, 135, 137 and 145 on through to the end!

Blue Street makes me remember why I enjoy reading poetry. In writing so true it hurts, Keith Merritt captures the essence of love and serves it up in a collection of poems that sing in the heart long after you've turned the last page.

Peggy Webb, author of "Where Dolphins Go"

Blue Street is a new kind of poetry, sure to please most any reader! Keith has a style all his own. Poem after poem, you'll be
pleased. Love and emotion are perfectly "bottled up" into book form and masterfully written along each page.
I recommend this wonderful book of poetry!

The poems of Blue Street left me emotionally drained. The author has found imanginative and eloquent ways to touch our hearts with longing, desire, disappointment, unconditional acceptance, and love. The poems are so compelling that I, and people I know, couldn't stop reading until the book was finished. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to experience the tender side of romance. Like me you will probably say, 'yeah, I've felt like that before'! (The poem on page 145 is my favorite.)

Keith Merritt has taken a vanguard step by drawing on the full spectrum of emotions in his book "Blue Street". In it, the poetry will astound even the most emotionally hardened reader, and prove that his is the standard by which all others must be measured up to in the 21st century!

This book should have a wider readership and it should be back in print. Forever. It gives a gut wrenching narrative of life in a work camp. The suspense is carried throughout the book so that you are pulled into the various subplots with force. I have read several books about people in these kinds of situations and this is the best prison camp fiction I have read.

a book were you know whats going to happen but you keep on going because its writen to good. most likly people dint read it because of its name

This is one of the best books I have every read, it is up there with Diary of Anne Frank, and The Hiding Place. It makes you really FEEL. I think it should be required reading for everyone.

This is one of the best books I have ever read in my life! A Book of Songs is a story about a boy being reborn, and a man (a father figure) being reborn with him. The man's attitude toward the concentration camp and life in general are greatly altered because of the things that he learns from teaching the little boy to live again. I have read other "prison camp" books, such as Solzhenitsyn's One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Dostoevsky's The House of the Dead, Koestler's Darkness at Noon, etc., but NONE of those even comes CLOSE to A Book of Songs. This is a book for a parent to read: the descriptions of the little boy will make you weep. Anyone who has a soul should read this book: you'll look at your reality a bit differently afterwards.

A Book of Songs by Merritt Linn is a marvelous book. It is the story of survival in all senses of that word; physical, emotional, but especially spiritual. It traces the story of Jews in a forced labour camp and the small child playing the violin who appears to them. The originality in the characters and the vivid details of the situation sets this book apart from others covering similar material. It goes beyond merely the sheer horror of the situation and finds the novel's life in the individual characters trapped within that situation. The story finds its universal message not through a grand design but through finding the uniqueness of the individuals in small, personal ways. A truly touching work.