T Books

I loved how Suzanne incorporated her mother's comments on each chapter. It really shows how far their relationship has come over the years and makes the book so real. I am sure writing about their life was very humbling for both of them. I identified with this book and could hardly put it down as my mom had many issues that I wanted so badly not to transfer down to my own daughter. I reviewed this book as research for a book I was writing on prodigal daughters and found that Suzanne gives a wealth of information that is helpful both for parents who are trying to overcome their own past as well as those who find their children repeating some of the generational sins of the parents. A must read for every parent.
Janet Thompson author of "Woman to Woman Mentoring," "Dear God, They Say It's Cancer" and "Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter" (release 2/08)

I grew up in a loving Christian home and yet, I was spellbound by this book. Eller's commitment to the Lord is contagious, her spirit refreshing, and her down to earth candor very helpful. I plan to use this book for my next Bible study.

Suzie Eller's heart is all over this book, and she doesn't hold anything back. Her mother's contribution to the book helped me look at my own mother in a different light and to realize every person has a some kind of baggage that spills over into their own parenting.

I found myself drawn into the stories of her life that it was hard for me to stop and work through the questions after each chapter. That's why I'm going to read it again, and this time take a closer look at my upbringing, and present parenting habits. Suzie's story gave me hope and helped me see that I could be the mom I really want to be. And it's not too late, no matter how old my children are.

The Mom I Want to Be is different from the other "mothering" books I've read. Eller tells her story of a dysfunctional family life and how she has overcome it to be a successful, loving mother. If you had a less-than-wonderful childhood or even if you simply struggle with minor pain from your past, you'll want to read this book. It's a vivid portrayal of the effects of our words and actions as parents can have on our children. It's also a touching story of how these hurts can be overcome.

Don't let the title fool you. This wonderful book is for women everywhere. It shows women how to deal with major issues, whether they have children or not. It talks about forgiving, breaking down walls, and much more.

Ms. Eller is a breath of fresh air because she's real. Her mother, Mrs. Morrison, deserves five stars for her courage in this project. Both of them made me laugh, and cry.

The following lines, written by Suzanne's mother in chapter ten, brought the tears: "If I could talk with someone whose life is like mine once was, I would say that God is the great Healer. He can make you whole again no matter how broken you once were. He can give you a new spirit on the inside of you. He can give you what you need to forgive the wrongs done to you, and he can give you what you need to forgive yourself for what you have done to others."

These lines, written by Suzanne after she mentions having surgery in chapter nine, made me belly laugh: "Faith was holding my hand. Her bright cheerful voice was just as powerful as the drugs in my system. She was also the person who hit the drug-dispensing button too many times (because I was moaning in my sleep) and helped me discover I was allergic to morphine. I woke up swollen like a sausage."

I grew to love these women by the end of the book.

I believe you will as well.

I highly recommend this book.

This book is the first book that I recommend to anyone interested in learning about the Catholic faith. I use it myself as a Catholic and I have recommended it to non-Catholics, those interested in becoming Catholic, or Catholics who just want to know their faith better. It contains sound doctrine. Nothing modernistic or liberal, just the truth of the faith and what a true Catholic must know and believe. It is an incredible resource and wealth of the true faith. Every Catholic home should have this and every Catholic should read it to strengthen their faith.

Every person that I have recommended this book to has treasured it.

I learned of this book from a friend who was getting nstructions in the Catholic Faith. He told me about the book and said it answered all of his questions. He said he now understands what Cathoics believe and he believes, too! He said this book is a "treasure" which is true. I recommend it to anyone who wants to know about the Catholic Faith. It is easy to read and has wonderful illustrations.

MY CATHOLIC FAITH is really just about the best Catholic Catechism I've ever seen. It is thorough and comprehensive and - thank God - 100% Orthodox. It's only drawback is that some of it is "dated" information, i.e. the National Catholic Welfare Conference has been replaced by the USCCB, etc. But these are miniscule issues. If you want to learn the Catholic Faith accurately yourself, or teach it unadulterated to your children, MY CATHOLIC FAITH is the book to use. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

A beautiful catechism written by Bishop Louis Morrow in the 1950s. My Catholic Faith: A Catechism in Pictures was a very popular catechism in the 1950s until the 1960s. A special Jubilee Commerative edition was published in 1961, 1963, and 1965.

In the Philippines, My Catholic Faith is being published again by Catholic Trade, Inc. It is divided into 3 separate volumes and sold individually for P 36 Pesos which is about more than $0.50 in US Dollars! Sadly, the edition they reprinted was the 1965 edition under the pontificate of Pope Paul VI. It contains Modernist and other innovations such as calling Mass, "The Last Supper" or concelebration of the Liturgy by several priests. I know this because I own the 1965 edition of My Catholic Faith.

My Catholic Faith, was republished by Sarto House according to the 1954 edition prior to the Modernist revision of Pope Paul VI in 1965. It teaches the Catholic Faith very dogmatically and truthfully.

Here is an excellent example:

An anullment is when the Catholic Church declares a marriage to be null after thorough investigation and the evidence have proven that in the very beginning there had been no marriage thus it was not valid.

Nowadays, Catholics confuse anullments with divorce. Most Catholics believe they can get an anullment like getting candy from a baby. Ted Kennedy, a notorious liberal Catholic scandalizer had his 38 years of marriage "annulled" and is now married to a young woman about half his age.

I tell you this... This is an excellent catechism. It is even better than the Baltimore Catechism. It contains no Modernism or Americanism heresy teachings.

This catechism talks about everything---such as:

1. The [Tridentine] Latin Mass of the Roman Rite (prior to its simplication and revision in 1965 by Pope Paul VI and the reforms of the Second Vatican Council that preceeded the 1970 Novus Ordo Missae). It explains why Latin is used to celebrate Mass and why not the vernacular.

2. The role and organization of the Holy Office and Roman Curia* (prior to its reorganization in 1967 by Cardinal Jean Villot, the Vatican Secretary of State with the approval of Paul VI).

3. The Initiating Rank of the Priesthood---the ranks of the Minor Orders and Major Orders (prior to the abolition of the Minor Orders and radical reform of the priesthood by Pope Paul VI).

3. The Dogma of No Salvation Outside the Church.

4. Distinction between Venial Sin and Mortal Sin as well as Sacrilege.

5. The definitions of Heresy and Schism including the invalidity of the the Anglican or Episocopalian holy orders for bishops and priests according to the 1547 Edwardine Ordinal.

6. Differences between the Eastern (Uniate) Catholic Church and the heretical schismatic Eastern Orthodox churches.

7. The liturgical setting, background, and consecration of a Catholic altar according to the Roman Rite prior to the New Rite used in 1969 under Paul VI.

You'll never forget about learning about your Catholic Faith. If you have family, this is a wonderful catechism to instruct your children. If you have a friend or family member that has apostasized or was never born a Catholic, here is the best catechism to instruct and convert them with.

Many people think that the Catholic Faith is hard to follow, but in reality it is that simple to follow out of obedience and love for Our Lord.

Timelessly orthodox Catholic faith, beautifully expressed. One can go into more detail by reading everything, or move faster through just the larger type in some sections. Good-sized illustrations are designed to distill abstract concepts into memorable impressions that can stick in a reader's mind.

For the past year, we've kept our copy in the back seat of the car. I ask my sons, who are 10 and 13, to read aloud from it several times a week during short regular commutes we make. I have never heard a groan! Amazing! We all freely interrupt the reading with comments and discussion.

Everybody's lives are so busy now it's hard to keep any kind of regular schedule of teaching our children their Catholic faith (as we vowed to do upon Catholic marriage). I highly recommend this way of sharing the Faith with preteens and older kids especially.

This book is just a opening for all who plan to go into the field of crimminal justice. It shows you what the departments are really like without fear of what people think Mr.Lachapelle wrote this book standing up for what is right and letting the rest of the world know!!! It's not easy and you won't make to many friends when you stand up for what is right, but I really respect Lachapelle for writting this book to share truth!! There is corruption within today's police departments so don't be decieved by others and what they tell you that the departments are good...
so now tell your friends to go buy this book, not because I'm telling you, but because you too would like to stand for truth and be different!!
The book is amazing. It shares a story of a great man who many respect for his courage,integrity and leadership.

Fight for what is Right with us!!!!
wwww.us-sia.org

I could relate to this so much. Because I was in Special Education and diagnosed with ADD, I could see that people did not see my strengths. Kevin seems to always pull out the good in others while most pull out the bad. His book has really helped me excel in life and understand how much I cna help other people. I ususally cannot finish reading a book, but this was so interesting, I could not put it down. I like how he doesn't proclaim to be all that, he is real, and has weaknesses like everyone else.

My name is Ulysses I am a tenth grade student at a local San Diego City High School. My opinion towards the book "Please God Don't Tarnish my Badge" is that it is a really good book. I enjoyed my time reading the book because in every page it had an illustration of Mr. LaChapelle with people that he has had an impact in their life. The book really made me stop and think of how I manage my life and the decisions that I have made and am going to be faced with in the near future. When I was reading the book I could visualize everything that I was reading about. It was like Mr. LaChapelle was reading the book to me. I would find myself reading during my free time such as lunch which is not normal for me to do. Personally I don't like reading, but this book I had to keep reading. I relate to this book because at one point in my life I decided that my career was going to be a police officer and up until today I know I can and will continue with my dream.


U.A.
San Diego, Ca.

I must admit that my review is a little biased because have I known the author for more than 12 years and he has some nice things to say about me in the book. Nonetheless, his inspirational message rings true.

Kevin's story is about how one man can make a difference. Whether he was working with gang members during his days as an El Cajon police officer or helping victimized consumers as the director of Special Investigations Agency, Kevin has stood alone to make a difference in the lives of the people around him.

After reading this book, you too will be inspired to make a difference in your community.

This book is an example of being true to yourself following the moral values you were brought up with. I like the fact that he didn't try to hide anything and how he shows the dilemmas that officers face on a daily basis. I wish there were more officers still that have such a great influence on a person that will make them strive to be better persons, and achieve greatness to the highest level. This book goes to show how one person can have such a great impact on those that surround you.. Kevin has a lot of guts to stand up to a powerful force such as corruption. He proves to the world that good ethical values still exist in the type of society we live in today. I enjoy reading about his experiences and what type of person he really is, and he is just as many others, joking around, being fun to be around, and serious when necessary. Kevin has the ability to reflect change in this book and in real life of how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you. I enjoyed this book so much, I finished reading it and have given to my family members to read. Great Job Kevin

This book is probably very true however it may be more applicable for families living in larger more metropolitan cities. Still, it is worthwhile reading for any parent of a teenager.

"Promise you won't freak" out is book with great characters considering all of them are real. That is right, a teenager is putting her, and her close friends and family's lives on a plate for you to eat up. There is a lot of flavor on the plate that she is handing us including the first two most racy topics you could think about talking to a teen on. Sex and drugs. Well those are just two of the many juicy chapters. The setting changes from time to time but is set in common day, as in 2004. It teaches, parents, and teens alike new vocabulary, most of which is rated R. But if you can put up with the views of an over-protective mother, and her rebellious teenagers, Greg (in collage now) and Natalie, then this is a pretty good book.
It moves along quickly but it's content makes it so that you keep looking over your shoulder to make sure that the person behind you does not see that word that you just read. It kind of makes you feel guilty when you are sitting in the back of your car with your mother driving, and she asks you about the book you are reading as glance up learning the definition of an even more interesting word from the chapter titled Sex Period, and your reply is "oh, just a teen novel!" I must admit that it is educational. Not just the sex and drugs part about it either. It tells you how to start conversation with your mother on hard topics, and how to handle the stress of teen-hood.
I have gotten to know and love Natalie, not always agreeing with her decisions, but still seeing her point of view. Every mother and daughter should read this book together. Aside from dreading the fact that my mother now knows the Web sites for security programs that e-mails her every time any obscene language or Web site is used on my account (not that I ever would) thanks to Nat's mother, it helped me reach a level of understanding with her. Now every time I go to school, I will be more aware: More aware of the new language that my supposed best friends are pushing on me, more aware that any second I might have to refuse drugs, more aware that I am now a teenager, and that I have no choice in the matter of whether I should grow up or not, because it's happening right now.

Extremely well written and interesting. Every teenager and every parent of one should read it, regardless of their own situation (and even if they can't relate to the examples). A good study book for schools and churches. Although the subject matter covers many of the lapses of integrity in today's teens, the book itself reeks of honesty. The authors are courageous in putting their lives out for public view. The excellent conversation starters should help any parent.

From a grandparent in Flagstaff, AZ.

Finally, a book that reflects the way I want to raise my soon-to-be teens, but I didn't know it! I'd read several books, all of which didn't touch a nerve until this one. It also helped me to realize it's time to connect up with other non-judgmental guerilla moms.

I don't want to put my teens in a bubble, and then be in denial whenever the bubble bursts behind my back. Instead, I want to weather their teens with them, keep an open dialogue to a reasonable degree, and maintain my composure in their presence. How else can they develop their judgment than by some experimenting coupled with accountability and a parent to talk to? This parenting approach is not for the faint of heart, as it requires objectivity and self-honesty, but I'm ready. It also requires confidence that you've instilled good judgment in your kids.

It's a relief to finally have a way of thinking about raising teens that works for me.

Wish I'd had this book earlier in my parenting. I learned a tremendous amount, but the biggest value was in ideas for conversation starters with my teens. I tried a few suggestions and was amazed at the discussions that followed. I left the book on the kitchen table during a teen party and the kids zeroed in on it immediately, particularly the chapter on sex (no surprise there!) I have made gifts of the book to my younger sisters, telling them it is an easy read, well written, and packed with useful information and suggestions. Read this book if there are teenagers in your life.

Simon,

I appreciate you for sharing your own personal journey to find your brilliance. Your book inspired me to write my own book! You helped me to find my brillinance. I highly urge you all to read Simon's book!
Do not waste time! Do it now! I am grateful to you, Simon.


Sincerely,

Lana

Through four simple steps in the book, RELEASE YOUR BRILLIANCE, author Simon T. Bailey explains how to discover and activate the unique individuality in each one of us that will make the world a brighter place for all of us. He uses the analogy of diamond hunting and developing. He points out that no matter what our limits we have hidden abilities that define purpose, a "universal assignment."

Unfortunately society's stereotypes of "average" behavior encourages repression of peculiarities that could be channeled into productive, self enriching patterns, if we only knew how. This book is the guide that reduces what sounds like a monumental job to an easy, common sense approach based on eight aspects of personality. It furnishes everything needed for the task, including a website, www.releasingbrilliance.com, and an offer for a free CD.

I particularly like the comfortably embracing tone which will motivate everyone who wants more satisfaction from life regardless of priorities. Reading the book RELEASE YOUR BRILLIANCE by Simon T. Bailey is a single New Year's Resolution that will encompass all the details of a long list of "do's and don'ts" and result in a more productive, contented, shining NEW YOU!

I bought this book a month ago at the airport for a quick read on the way to a business meeting. Being in sales, I am always looking for a quick pick-me-up to get me moving in the New Year. I was completely shocked to be moved to tears in the first chapter. The exercise of finding my "Universal Assignment" or true purpose in life caused me to dig deep and really think about what I am doing with my life. Subsequent chapters gave me a roadmap and hope that I will be able to achieve my ultimate goals for my family and career, while motivating me to leave a positive mark on the world as well.

I found this book incredibly inspirational and the exercises caused me to create an action plan and not just read it and think "What a great idea!" put it down and never think about it again. Bailey shows us how simple it can be to become the person you always wanted to be--before your life got in the way. I have been truly moved by this book and I have read hundreds.

This is not just an interesting way to spin the same old thing, it is a new dimension in self discovery. So simple and yet so poignant, it will leave you with a real sense of who you are and where you are going.

"As Americas' first Sales Stylist I know how important it is for professionals to feel their ideas are..well.."Brilliant". Simon T. does a tremendous job of making the reader believe they are the diamond in the rough just waiting to shine! I now give my coaching clients "Release Your Brilliance" to further incent them to bring their true genius to the world."

Jennifer Abernethy
The Sales Lounge
[...]

So many self-help books are long on details of how to improve but short on an analytical framework that would help a reader to remember much about the book even one week later. Author Simon Bailey has skillfully used the analogy of each of us being like a diamond to provide an easily understood framework for polishing our god given blessings.

This is a power packed gem because of the way Bailey builds self-help concepts around the diamond analogy. For example, Zig Ziglar was the first to introduce me to the "wheel of life" concept wherein one evaluates ones status in eight different aspect of one's life (e.g., spiritual, physical, financial, etc.). Bailey has beautifully retrofitted that concept to tie into his diamond analogy.

I especially liked the author's chapter on "authenticity." Many are writing on this subject, but some who do so give me goose bumps what with their stretching of their credentials even as they challenge the reader to be authentic. Bailey seems to be much closer to the authentic he pleads for us to be than some of the new wizards on the self help scene. I felt incredibly comfortable with the author, his personal stories, and his positioning of where he is on his life journey.

Likewise, his comments on investing in relationship capital were very thoughtful and seemingly from the heart.

I could go on and on, but doing so would have me standing between my review and your reading this gem. Sure you will find more comprehensive self-help books, but few provide a better framework for a life companion. Definitely a five star book.

Anyone familiar with Eugene Peterson knows the man is the consumate wordsmith. Each paragraph is a tapestry and each chapter is an experience that doesn't leave one with new information, as such, but always with something new to think about.

The focus is on experiencing Revelation - reading the book out loud and not just hearing the words or even hearing the thoughts, but striving to actually experience John's vision. Peterson believes that apocalyptic visions are to be experienced, not so much studied, and this experience should result in a life change meeting the need of the moment.

I've read several books on Revelation but none strive to bring one into the experience and into the desired life change that this book seeks. The four stars are given mainly because this is my first review and I want some "breathing room" for future reviews. Also, if you are seeking to learn what Peterson believes about what the various images actually mean, you'll find it lacking there. It's not about the particulars - it's about the whole for Peterson.

This is the best "pastoral commentary" on the book of Revelation I have read. The author has a clear overall picture of the book and has the writing skills to express what he sees. He relegates the various confusing symbols to their rightful place, ie. to high-light the overall message about Jesus. I have begun to present this book as gifts to kindred-hearts.

recommend this book because it addess the number one problem in USA Christians - head knowledge over heart knowledge - the Bible is the writen Word made Flesh and still lives among us - that we can have a personal relationship with Jesus - I have not finished the book BUT what I read has me moved to live a life to Him - if you are looking for a book on time tables about the end - this is not for you

"Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John and the Praying Imagination" is the most significant treatment of the book of Revelation that I have read (or indirectly experienced through such books as the "Left Behind" series). Eugene Peterson, himself a pastor, always works from the understanding that John was also a pastor, separated from his small, beleaguered churches as he endured exile on the isle of Patmos. John was writing to communities gathered around Word and Sacrament; communities that gathered to pray and ponder the Word of God; communities that struggled to live faithfully in the midst of a society that was dangerous, decadent, despotic, and demonic.

Peterson examines the book of Revelation as a series of "last words" upon various themes in Scripture: Christ, sin, power, the Church, worship, etc. They are poetic, imaginative, pastoral, and sometimes cryptic reflections and summations of what has already been treated elsewhere in Scripture. Thus Revelation does not merely quote Daniel and Ezekiel directly, but alludes to their images (often almost literally) while setting them in the context of the Church; the person, work, and lordship of Christ; and the final triumph of God over all that would seek to oppose him and destroy his people.

Peterson downplays the "future foretelling" that is so prevalent in many works by some interpreters and popularizers of Revelation. He believes that an overly literal "timetable" reading of the book distorts its message, flattens its poetry, and ignores its deep pastoral heart. On the other hand, Peterson never simply "explains away" or dismisses some of the difficult, often bizarre imagery of the book. Rather he strives to show how John, a faithful theologian, pastor and poet of the Church, used those images to grip the imagination and strengthen the nerve and the faith of his hearers.

Peterson's writing is both "meaty" enough for most pastors, and accessible enough for most interested laypersons. It is the one treatment of Revelation that I have unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended to both categories of readers; AND it is one of the few books that I've underlined lengthy passages and dog-eared just about every other page. Not only that - it's one I return to for the sheer pleasure of reading it.

I'm not sure I would have said that you could read and understand Revelation as a "devotional" book, but with Peterson's insights I can now say it. Revelation is a wonderful study and adventure as you take along this book as your guide. You will find that it will inspire you to prayer, worship, devotion, repentance, and hope as you read through Reversed Thunder.

Everyone needs to have this in their library not for the didactics but for the amazing devotional that it is. I highly recommend this read.

I PURCHASED THIS BOOK TO READ WHILE WAITING IN A DOCTORS OFFICE . IT WAS A GREAT READ . I SHARED IT WITH ALL THE GIRLS AT WORK AND THEY HAD TO HAVE ONE.IT IS A GREAT BOOK TO SHARE WITH CLOSE FRIENDS WHEN THEY NEED COMFORTING OR JUST HAVING DAILY LIFE STRUGGLES. I CARRY MINE IN MY PURSE AND ONE IN MY CAR.

Very comforting message, beautifully illustrated. A nice gift book.

This book has so many comforting and inspirational comments by Mr. Lucado. I highly recommend it for anyone.

Safe in the Shepherd's Arms: Hope and Encouragement from Psalm 23What a great book. Read also "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller [available at AMAZON]. You will be amazed to learn how much more God loves and takes care of you than you have realized. Both books are great as gifts. There is more to being a Shepherd than one would think.

This easy-to-read book is excellent for people who find themselves in survival mode. The book is very portable, small enough to slip into a handbag. The illustrations display hope, safety, and love, and the words speak comfort and solace. I gave this book as a gift, and I am thoroughly impressed with it. Author, With Great Mercy.

Author Terrell T. Garren's dramatic story of war crimes in Western North Carolina is a captivating, dynamic true story of what happened to his own family members during the American Civil War. What an adventure! This book will capture the reader as if the reader is there, in person, living in the community, experiencing the events as they are happening. How intriguing to have the photos of the leading characters! The secret kept by the author's great-grandmother for one hundred forty years is now known and the historical facts leading up to the event are told in this epic story of war, war crimes and, romance on the homefront. This story left me with deeper empathy for the suffering of not only the troops but, of the women left alone to suffer on the homefront the crimes of the Civil War. I will never forget this moving story of "The Secret of War".

I found it difficult to put this book down. I've read a number of histories and historical novels about the civil war. This one was more personal as it followed members of a family through their war experiences and tragedies.

War is ugly. Up close and personal it is an abomination. Observing its impact on the Russell and Youngblood families and how the war brought out the best in some and the absolute worst in others, was a sad reminder of the horrors and atrocities being commited in wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Sudan.

At least at the end of the Civil War for these two families, honor was restored to some degree and healing could occur.

I don't know when a first chapter (can be read on Amazon website) has "grabbed" me like this one. As a lady who normally avoids war stories, I found this one extremely interesting, and very relevant to our current war in the Middle East. This book will keep you thinking about the situations involved long after you've finished reading it.

The Secret of War is an indelible and pivotal contribution to our understanding ot this most disturbing passage in American History. Against a backdrop of beautiful Western North Carolina mountains, we learn of a grim and silent history that has often been ignored.

Without taking either Union or Confederate side, Garren lays before us a spread of heart-touching and terrifying events. He shines a bright light on the fact that war begins and continues with power-hungry men on both sides who do not realize the full ramifications of their actions.

Through the story of Delia Youngblood, Garren gives a voice to women everywhere who have for too long fallen silent victims of the senselessness of war. That voice says: "Look at this. It will destroy us, even as we are destroying ourselves."

I read the book about a week ago, and I am still thinking of Delia. For the spirit of women and men, past and present, I am glad that her story has finally been told.

The Secret of War
Terrell T. Garren

I once believed historical fiction was a corrupted form of non-fiction. Thanks to Terrell Garren, "The Secret of War" has changed my mind. Mr. Garren has written an absorbing, completely engaging book, from start to finish. As Mr. Garren said, when he graciously visited our book club to discuss his book, "fiction can be used to tell a greater truth." Amen to that.
In July, 1861, Joseph Youngblood, a reserved, yet love-struck young man from a German immigrant family, left his beautiful western North Carolina farm and the woman he loved, to fight for states' rights against Mr. Lincoln's invading Union Army.
What this cost Joseph, his family, his fianc?, Delia Russell, and that region of western North Carolina, is the subject of Mr. Garren's book. Based on a true story, this is a magnificent and poignant study of Mr. Garren's family history. "The Secret of War" is an apt title; not only because of the "dirty little secret" that we rarely hear about - the brutality that faces the families who are left behind in war, but also his own family's secret that was kept for generations. The story was told, finally, to Mr. Garren by an 85-year-old great aunt three days before she died. This quest to unearth his family's history was an obvious labor of love and an exploration that consumed Mr. Garren's life for 15 years. The more he dug, the more he found.
Mr. Garren delivers us to this time in our young nation's history, carefully relating the struggle of his family, and tries to make sense of Delia Russell Youngblood's (Mr. Garren's great, great grandmother) daemons caused by a disastrous, ludicrous set of steps that led to her mental and physical breakdown. I won't give it away here, but the anger one feels for uncaring, unsympathetic, and violent characters while Delia is left, with the help of two very old, loyal slaves, to manage the homestead without safe, secure help, is just one of the ways Mr. Garren's story consumes you.
Western North Carolina's economy was, like most of the South's at that time, agrarian and rural. Yes, slavery was entrenched in this part of America. Some small farmers may have owned one or two slaves, yet it was the large, "corporate" farmers, who owned and contracted the most slaves. This was big business for these select few, mostly leading Southern politicians who were the slave owners.
The 19th century was also a time when honor and dueling among men were not only an integral part of upper class society, but also encouraged. Fight or light were the only options. This historical detail was, according to the author, one area usually not covered by historians as to one of the reasons for the War Between the States. When Mr. Lincoln's troops invaded the South, it was an act of dishonor to all Southern men. There was no choice but to fight the North's obvious disrespect. States' rights were a convenient excuse to protect the economic machine known as slavery.
Fort Sumter, and its aftermath, were just means to an end for the wealthy Southern slave and largest landowners used to protect their wealth and position. Thus, honor was the South's talisman for the Civil War. The Fort Sumter bombing and the Union Army invasion became a rallying cry for the Southern elite, who often bought their way into commissions and jobs away from the actual fighting or could afford to pay someone else to fight for them.
The young men like Joseph Youngblood and his brothers, who did not own slaves, were caught up in that rallying cry for states' rights, and ultimately went to fight the Union Army bravely and without reservation.
"The Secret of War" cuts back and forth between Joseph's constant struggle to survive and return to his beloved Delia; and Delia and the events surrounding the Union's Army advance on Asheville, North Carolina and surrounding area. However, the most crucial detail is the horrific loss of the Southern men. An entire generation was lost. Mr. Garren has meticulously set forth the numbers of soldiers lost in Western North Carolina - 25% or 27,486 of the men died in service. The number of soldiers who were permanently maimed, who lost limbs, etc. is staggering. The young, independent farmers - an entire generation -were either killed or maimed and unable to support their families.
Mr. Garren has delivered a stellar work of historical fiction. He helps us relive this awful time in our history and to understand the despair and ultimate loss. We live in the hearts and minds of his characters soaking up the descriptions of the land and the tragedies. We are forced to acknowledge the criminal element, (a historical reference often forgotten) and the men, like Delia's father, who pushed for war to support their own economic means; not necessarily for the good of their community.
There is no question that Mr. Garren gets it. War is hell and our country lost more men in the Civil War, than all of our other wars combined. The nation lost a part of its soul that was tied to the land. It was the beginning of the end of the family farm and homestead. We will never fully comprehend the result of the exodus from this part of the country to find ways to support families devastated by the war.
"The Secret of War" folds us into all the secrets of war and we are better informed. Unfortunately, this information has not taught us anything because of our obvious inability as a nation to learn from our mistakes.

After reading books like Heart of Darkness, and Benito Cereno, Shadow Patriots was happily read. I loved the character Lizzie, her strength and personality was humerous. I also enjoyed how this book was fictional, yet didn't stretch the truth very far.

After being able to hear Robson speak at my school, I was overjoyed to be given the opprotunity to read her novel. Not long after reading the book I became enthralled and unable to put the book down. Every second of the book was fascinating. The way Robson wraps the historical figures in with her fictional plot is remarkable. As far as I know the book is historically accurate and has all the great names in American history such as George Washington, Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamiliton, and much much more. The main character Kate Darby is truely unique and sensational. She tears down the stereotype of a damsel in distress and proves that women can do whatever they put their minds do. Incredible Novel and quick read.

I read this book in my 11th grade English class not too long ago and it was so much more than I expected. The way the historical figures are mixed in with fictional characters makes it so interesting, and the mixing is so well done, you find yourself wondering who is made-up and who is not. On more than one occasion, I found myself unable to put the book down late at night. When I finished reading, I looked into some of the historical figures in the book, and Ms. Robson was very accurate with her information. All in all, this book makes history come alive!

This book was absolutely incredible for its detail. I loved reading the description of how life was in the time period. Robson's little tidbits-perfectly placed throughout the story- were so fascinating and knowing they were true added to the story. Robson made me feel as though I were there in the war and knew all the characters. It was not a typical book about the Revolution. It was captivating; I could not put it down. Its plot kept getting better and better with each page, and the ending, although sad, was perfect. The book was suprising and entertaing from the first to the last word.

Kate and Lizzie were characters I adored. Kate's bravery to help her brother, and Lizzie's devotion to Seth were fantastic attributions to each character and helped me identify with them. While reading, I didn't feel as though I was learning about history, which is a perfect way for historical fiction book to be written.

If you have interest in revolutionary times in USA this is a must read. The role that Quakers played in the war was very interesting to me. You will not be sorry you bought it.

It's a good book, but I mainly wanted the audio-book that came with it. It is a very poor recording, with the narrator seeming as if he thinks he is on a stage and feels the need to project. I felt as if I was being yelled at and was unable to listen to the recording for more than a few minutes.

I seen W. Clement Stone referenced in other motivational books by Zig Ziglar, Earl Nightingale etc, but had never read any of his writings. I have found The Success System That Never Fails to be inspirational and very enjoyable reading. Mr. Stone wrote in a very conversational manner and consistently urges readers to put the ideas gleaned from his writings into action and do it now. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in trying to get the most out of life.

It seems like the classics like these and Dale C & Earl N. Will always be the best.

When I was about 14 years old my dad a self made successful real estate broker in Inkster Michigan insisted I read this book. This book has been etched in my mind ever since. 43 years later, I've found an original copy of this book to give to my dad as a gift. That's how important this book is. If you do a you tube video search you can hear Stone in his own words give you the first 8 segments of the book. After hearing him, I know you'll want to buy this book. I like this book because 1) he gives you practical, useful stories of how he developed a success system which never failed for him in business. He gives concrete ideas on what to say and do to develop a success system. The most important thing you will take from this book is a perspective and behaviorally specific tips on how to become successful. What this book shows you is the key to your own wealth: you will learn that you need to track all of your activities, behaviors and goals and do a critical analysis, and apply that which works in every step of your processes. What you will discover combined with the principles he's sharing, is your own success system which never fails. Sometimes we forget when involved in our daily activities is the necessity to look at what works and discard what doesn't. We need to fine tune our approach to tasks and develop systems which can be duplicated over and over again. If you're one of those type of people who yearn to understand how "self help" works and how it can be applied in "your" life then this book is for you. There is no fluff; at the time Stone wrote this book I think people were less enamored with manipulation and more focused on helping people.

I think the words inspiration, enthusiasm, action and focus sum up the core principles of this book nicely. How could one not be compelled to read a book by a man who went from door-to-door insurance salesman to owner of a billion dollar company -- Mr. Stone's wisdom is timeless, and he reveals all in this book.

Do yourself a favor and buy this one, read it twice, and begin to practice its principles immediately.

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