V Books

I've really enjoyed reading all 3 volumes of God Chronicles. Man, what a trip! You really need to check this out for yourself. It's absolutely fascinating. Hey, I also happened to be surfing the internet looking for more information on God Chronicles and I came upon a really great site that explains in greater detail how the revelations that have been given to Mary relate to our everyday events. This site www.authorsden.com helped me make the connections between what is being revealed in the books and what is happening with current events. Anyway, check it out for yourself. I go to this site on a regular basis. There is something new being posted there quite often regarding Mary's revelaltions. Pretty cool.

Hi! My name is Doris Hollander. I am an editor for KNBC TV NEWS, Channel 4 in Los Angeles, CA. On July 14, 1998 a story came into my editing room. It was about a young housewife, Mary Gorgani, who was having visions. In 1996 a Rock appeared in a vision to her and spoke to her. It said, "It is written." Later that morning, a Rock identical to the one in Mary's vision miraculously appeared on her property. That is where the media came into the picture. In July'98, the Rock manifested a 3-D image of Jesus Christ. The image on the Rock is identical to the face that appears on the Shroud of Turin. I've since stayed in touch with Mary and her mother. In fact, we've become friends. When I first met Mary and Z I discovered I had been prophesied in the journals before our meeting.

Since reading God Chronicles, I have witnessed the phenomenal visions and have had incredible, mystical, magical, miraculous experiences. In the book, Mary and Z experience numerous physical manifestations. As I began reading, I too began to experience the unexplained. Things began to disappear and reappear...particularly shoes. This is a book that needs to be experienced. If you want to experience blessings and encounters with the divine, reading God Chronicles is a must.

Pure magic! From the moment we received our copies, my family and friends have been experiencing signs, wonders and miracles! It is the promise built into this supernatural work. We have never witnessed anything like this before. We don't know how it works, we just know it does. We are also experiencing supernatural dreams guiding our destiny. It is amazing to see how God begins revealing Himself to Mary and then how He begins to awaken her to the fact that she is the long awaited prophet Elijah. We are watching ancient Bible prophecy being fulfilled right before our eyes. Everyone needs to experience the power of GOD CHRONICLES. God has fulfilled the prophecy found in Malachi 4:5...I would never have thought this Scripture would have been fulfilled by a woman. What a controversy!

I don't know who wrote the synopsis, but I give them a lot of credit for attempting to describe a miracle, a sign and wonder which has somehow miraculously, supranaturally become manifest in the form of a book. All I can say, my hat is off to you! I can't wait to read Volumes II, II, III, IV V....I know one thing now - He is alive! I would like to add my two cents here and say you can't describe God Chronicles, it's an experience, it has to be experienced, it has to be lived. It's true! It's all true! He really resurrected...it's true! If you are a believer, your faith will soar. If you are an unbeliever, you better think again...and again...awesome! Bye bye evolution.

Too be honest, I am not a 'reader', but my grandmother insisted that I read this book. It was not what I expected...I completely enjoyed this book... because first it was easy to comprehend and the peoples are real. I feel like I know Mary, her Mama, and all the others that come into her life. Her visions are amazing to me: Jesus, the angels and I wonder what Puff Daddy and the presidents have to do with God because they talk about it in the beginning of the book. I especially like how all the coincidences happen. Every time I hear something about shoes I think about God Chronicles. I'm glad my grandmother made me read this.

Well, I'm sure living through Noriega's rule was not nearly as much fun! A fun voyage combining historical fact with behind-closed-doors fiction, plenty of psychological analysis of a despot that becomes more and more unhnged. You really do feel like you get inside the head of "pineapple face".One of the best of this genre.

It's devastating that Wright's novel wasn't taken to tradepaper where it would have had a wider readership. This is a terrific thriller so authentic the book speaks directly, clearly and thrillingly. Wright is an execellent writer and this novel is one hell of a fine read. You'll be sorry if you miss it. Wright really has a handle on the reality of certain corrupt Latin politics and he renders it exciting fashion.

I can't fathom why this novel has had so little exposure. His publishers must be short-sighted or loony or both. I wish I had spoken up sooner here with a review since I read the book shortly after it was published. It remains in the top three of best thrillers I've read.

This is a spectacular piece of writing by one of America's outstanding political reporters and writers, Lawrence Wright of the New Yorker. One can only marvel at the blind stupidity of the publishing industry insofar as no one has taken this book to paper and marketed the hell out of it!
It is a total gem --- a piece of unparalleled political reporting wrapped into a beautifully written novel that raises all the most basic questions good books like this should raise --- what is good and what is evil in the context of Central American terror and corruption, who is good and who is bad in a maelstrom of American and Israeli buccaneers and corrupt drug lords tied to deadly militarists, is there a God if Noriega lives and thrives while decent idealists are horribly tortured and massacred by his thugs, and what is religion in a place where people interchangeably use the rites of voodoo, buddhism, and catholicism to try to survive. Grim and rasty thriller wrapped in hilarious absurdity and dark broodings, all tied together in sharp easy-read prose. So very very good.

A novel of the highest order, taking in religion, history, various world views, politics, and cultures while introducing the reader to modern times. Set in Panama in the late '80's it is a bottom's up view of the top of the hierarchy and how the way that world works from both the macro and microscopic view. The bloody view of personal and corrupted power will make the reader wince, laugh out loud, and possibly bring a tear to the eye. We find out how an ugly Mestizo can own a country and as the reader gets into Mr. Noriega's skin to see his view, we find that the writer has a good grasp on the ordinary things that bring meaning to one's life; however it is also the view of a mad man. We are given a look at the USA machinations into that region and the ultimate purposes involving new-old fashion terrorism, narco-terrorism, with a pinch of romance. Often I felt as if I were participating in the movie Casablanca. An enjoyable read from front to back. On the other hand, my wife put the book down after page 10.

An utterly arresting blend of fact and fiction, "God's Favorite" thrusts the reader into the bloody maelstrom of Panama under Noriega. The book is incredibly accessible, even entertaining, but it never loses its intent to put you into the heart of the situation, sparing no one, revealing everything. Of course, one cannot know what a historical figure thinks, believes or desires. Even their own words are tainted by the unswerving gaze of history. Wright, however, does not let his book rest on his assumtions of thoughts and feeling. He brings a trained observers calculated analysis and the well known documented facts of the situation to frame his narrative.

This is a truly delightful experience, crisp in style, engaging in content and memorable in the final experience. Recommended.

i loooove love love this series, and i can't wait to read the last volume. the art is gorgeous, full-color, and alternately really poignant and really hilarious. the plot lines are simple, but still totally intriguing. i'm just as into houndu's story as catsby's, and it's rare that i find side plots to be as important as the "main" plot. read these books, you'll definitely fall in love with the characters.

The first book is a little depressing. Catsby is a sad, and pissed character, it is a great book. A lot of the situations are real life, and easy to relate to.

I just had to read the 2nd one, and I just ordered the 3rd and 4th

I've been around comics for a long time, and I have finally found something that is 100% good. In fact it's genious. The art is great and the story is constantlt realing me in. The best thing is that it realstes to real life situations with relationships, friends, and basically everyday life. Pick it up as soon as you can because it truly won't dissapoint. The best

Having collected comics from a young age, I've always had a penchant for the pictured-books. Coming recommended, I perused "the Great Catsby" (vol 1) and found it to be very entertaining and a good read. The pictures are lively and the dialogue was witty, humorous, exactly to my taste. I see that comics don't just pertain to superheroes, but that there are genuine stories, true experiences that can be shared through this appropriate vehicle. The book itself was tastefully designed, and I am looking forward to the upcoming volumes.

This book has changed how I view graphic novels.
There's no reason why this couldn't be a classic like The Great Gatsby. The only thing? It's even better.
Anyone who has tasted "love" and "angst" will not be able to let this book go. A must read. Beautifully written, sharp and poetic and funny. It's got everything a book should have.

My copy is falling apart from use! I love the way the author takes a biblical passage and then gently explains what it means for the layperson, and how a biblical passage can apply to a personal conflict in one's life.

Personally, I consult it regularly -- it's so calming, soothing, and wise. I feel like it's a good friend who gives me the best advice. I recommend it highly to those who are depressed; going through changes in their lives; etc. I think that this book gives spiritual comfort and helps the reader figure out answers during a period of conflict. And if that answer is, "not now", this book is wise enough to provide the strength & courage one needs, to wait.

I had bought this little book some years ago and was drawn to it for the purpose of helping my care receiver. I was in awe of the wisdom that is so beautifully expressed through the healing power of the Bible. I would recommend it to anyone, but especially someone who is in need of emotional or spiritual healing. I purchased an extra copy to give to my Stephen Ministry group.

I had bought this little book some years ago and was drawn to it for the purpose of helping my care receiver. I was in awe of the wisdom that is so beautifully expressed through the healing power of the Bible. I would recommend it to anyone, but especially someone who is in need of emotional or spiritual healing. I purchased an extra copy to give to my Stephen Ministry group.

This is one of the best books on success using principles and wisdom from the Bible. If you enjoyed this one also check out "Pray and Grow Rich : Seven Overlooked Secrets from the Bible That Control Your Wealth, Success and Happiness" ~ by Richard Gaylord Briley and "Bible Power for Successful Living: Helping You Solve Everyday Problems by Norman Vincent Peale with Donald Kauffman and also on the another super book on why people hold themselves back from being successful is PERMISSION TO SUCCEED by Noah St. John. Beyond Motivation... Beyond Positive Thinking... Learn How to and Why to Give Yourself Permission to Succeed.

This book speaks to what each and every one of us as human beings struggles with daily, and throughout our lives. It is simply a wonderfully balanced, common-sense guide to everyday problems we all face, and helps us put our difficulties - whatever they may be, in perspective. I recommend it highly!

I had actually borrowed this book from the library many years ago and dreaded giving it back. My roommate at the time was so intrigued with my unsolicited review that she special-ordered it for herself; I always regretted not having done the same.

I was extremely pleased recently to find it in reprint. Since then I have ordered extra copies and have given them as gifts. I believe that anyone sincerely looking for insight and guidance will not be disappointed in what this book has to offer.

This three volume set gives new insight into the world of The Hobbit. The first book is The Hobbit as you know it and the second two are a annotated copy of J.R.R. Tolkiens' original manuscript. It is extremely interesting to see the work as it evolved. This is a must buy for any Tolkien fan!

This three volume box set is a truly magical compilation. By publishing all of Tolkien's original manuscripts, Rateliff allows Tolkien's devoted fans to see how one of the greatest children's stories ever came into being. In addition, the third volume, a newly updated 70th anniversary volume of The Hobbit, is a welcome part of any collector's library.

Bilbo Baggins just wants to live his quiet, peaceful life in the Shire. And he's doing a mighty fine job of it until the great wizard, Bladorthin, shows up at his door with a gaggle of dwarves. Their leader, Gandalf, tells of the vicious dragon, Pryftan, who overtook their home. Bilbo joins up with them for a grand adventure. Ultimately he saves the day and along the way happens to discover a magical ring.

That is how the story originally took shape.

With THE HISTORY OF THE HOBBIT, author John D. Rateliff pieces together fragments of history in order to present THE HOBBIT as it was originally drafted by J.R.R. Tolkien. With access to the documents at Marquette University, the project was originally undertaken by Taum Santoski, who passed away following a battle with cancer at an all-too-young age. The torch was then passed to Rateliff with the full blessing of Christopher Tolkien.

Some of Tolkien's original papers have been lost to time. Seventy years is quite a period to have anything stashed away. The opening page, featuring the handwritten line "In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit," is one of those long-lost pages, but for the most part, a rather complete version of the initial draft of this book can be pieced together. In essence, THE HOBBIT is a phenomenal read for a number of reasons.

On one level, it gives readers the first look at the origins of legend. This is how Tolkien originally viewed his mythical Middle-earth before it grew into THE LORD OF THE RINGS. These characters bore different names, endured different hardships and took on other roles. Gollum, in the original vision, held to his end of the riddle game and, after losing, shows Bilbo the way out of the mountain. The guardsman Bard, who slays Smaug in the final version, is barely introduced before he is killed.

And this opens up to aspect number two.

As Tolkien begins to make his second pass through the draft, notating and correcting as he goes (in pen over the top of original pencil writings), names begin to change, the story arc and scenes start morphing and readers get to see and understand why those alterations were made. This is a wonderful view for writers to see the mindset of a second draft but also a way for any ordinary reader to understand why things evolved and changed. And in some instances, it gives a greater weight to the final version.

Thirdly, THE HISTORY OF THE HOBBIT is, as the title says, a history. Not just a mere presenting of the manuscript in its rough form, Rateliff has documented the timeframe of the work, giving us the most precise record as to when it was first conceived and when it was completed. His insights into the reasoning behind changes are culled from Tolkien's own notes and letters, and much of what was once believed is corrected. This historical perspective illuminates the book rather than bury it.

The story of THE HOBBIT evolved because the world around Tolkien evolved, not to mention that the author himself underwent changes over the years this work was in creation. Rateliff does an outstanding job of presenting the original draft and its subsequent transformation, including his own discoveries and commentaries along the way. At no point does this ever become a chore to read.

Equal parts fantasy fiction and biographical fact, THE HISTORY OF THE HOBBIT is a true gem of a set. For the first time, the timeline of the creation of this premiere novel is ironed out and separated from myth.

Finally, Tolkien's original vision is presented for the world to see, and the extent of the expansive growth of Middle-earth and its characters is opened up to inspection. Rateliff pulls together loose and seemingly disparate threads and weaves them into a profound tapestry and companion that THE HOBBIT, now in its 70th year, richly deserved.

--- Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard

I have to admit that on my first glance at this, I was expecting disappointment - because, while it followed the format of Christopher Tolkien's ten-volume "History of Middle Earth," it was not BY that esteemed Professor of Anglo-Saxon, and therefore could not be as good. Believe me, I got over it quickly! Rateliff, who repeatedly mentions his debt to the younger Tolkiens, as well as to Tolkien scholars like Tom Shippey, has done a superb job of tracking down how Mr. Baggins started out at his doorstep in the 1930s with a wizard named Bladorthin and a dwarf-king named Gandulf (a dwarf by that name does appear in Sturlasson's "Voluspa," the source of most of Tolkien's dwarf names) and ended up back at Bag End somewhat wiser and richer in the 1960s with a wizard named Gandulf and the memory of a heroic dwarf-king named Thorin.

The history of "The Hobbit" itself is fascinating, the history of how it interwove with the developing mythology of "Lord of the Rings" and the "Silmarillion" even more so. But there are also detached analytical essays scattered throughout, on subjects like the goblins/orcs, Beorn, the Great Eagles and Tolkien's attitude towards spiders, which are unexpected bonuses, as well as the revelation that Gollum originally was not only more well-spoken but somewhat nicer than he later became.

One very minor niggle (unaccompanied by leaf): in his essay on Beorn, Rateliff mentions that the Middle Earth equivalent of Grizzly Adams was of indefinite but probably immense age, and in fact was a "leftover from an older world" -- but then died shortly after Bilbo's adventure, according to LOTR. Rateliff doesn't quite explain this, but the explanation may lie in his suggestion that Beorn's were-bear nature was inflicted on him by a curse, which not only made him turn into a bear under stress but made him effectively immortal, and that this curse was lifted by his heroic actions at the Battle of Five Armies. If the were-bear curse was lifted (presumably by the Valar or by Eru Himself), it seems likely he lost the immortality as a sidebar and then lived out a normal human lifetime.

A reviewer noted that some of the early drafts have been unfortunately lost to history. Rateliff mentions that the thrifty Tolkien saved on paper by writing on unused portions of blue exam booklets. The paper used in such booklets is of fairly minimal quality -- Rateliff pointed out instances in which it has turned brown, making Tolkien's handwritten text even harder to deceipher. It seems likely that some of the earlier papers (including the famous blank page on which he wrote: "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit") may no longer be with us because they literally crumbled away.

Anyway, I strongly recommend Rateliff's set, not only for would-be Tolkien scholars like myself, but for those who simply enjoyed their first expose to Tolkien, be it via reading "The Hobbit" or by seeing Peter Jackson's movie versions, and would like to know more.

This boxed set will be appreciated by any hard-core Tolkien fan. It contains a two-volume set about the History of The Hobbit, and the 2007 edition of the novel. All three books are beautifully designed and bound.

The Hobbit novel is the first American edition to feature Tolkien's color illustrations made for the book, the latest round of typographic corrections, and an introduction by Christopher Tolkien. The endpapers are color reproductions of Thorin's map of the Lonely Mountain, another first for an American edition. And the dust jacket is produced with Tolkien's original design in mind with a red sun and dragon, and pink tint on the mountains, which were removed from the original design due to money concerns.

Fans of The Hobbit have heard for decades now how Tolkien rewrote the book after completion of the Lord of the Rings, in order to bring the two stories in line with each other. Until now, only people lucky enough to find a copy of the British first edition have been able to know how extensive the changes were. The History of the Hobbit not only recreates the original draft of the story, but points out how the story evolved and changed. For example, the ring was, originally, just a magic ring and not the One Ring. In fact, the ruling rings didn't even exist in Tolkien's history of the Middle Earth at the time The Hobbit was first written. The Hobbit wasn't even conceived as a part of the Tolkien universe, but was intended to stand apart and alone. J. R. R. Tolkien changed his mind about that when The Hobbit proved a best seller.

The author gives The Hobbit the same extensive treatment that Christopher Tolkien gave The Lord of the Rings in his History of Middle Earth series. Multiple versions of the novel are given, with extensive annotations, and footnotes to the footnotes. The only drawback to the History is that the author is frequently referring to obscure and out of print books and documents that the majority of readers will not have access to, without reprinting the illustrations or articles referred to. And the double layer of annotations and footnotes are hard to follow. But the History can be enjoyed without digging all the way through the notes.

The book presents a shocker, too. In the 1960's J. R. R. Tolkien set about rewriting The Hobbit in the style of The Lord of the Rings. What survives of this attempt is reprinted for the reader's enlightenment. I won't spoil the surprise by saying anything further.

This set is an excellent gift for any Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan.

Well first of all I really did like the entire series. I read it till the end. I will not give it away for anyone else reviewing these comments, anyway. I love the series and I got the final manga volume like last week. It is worth all the money I spent -_-; anyway please note this is a manga meant for older teens. But to those who feel bad about that there is going to be a novel version that comes out in Feb.2007 that favors more Shinogu. It will be calling it Hot Gimmick S. and they are thinking of making a Azusa version too.

This was a great issue with an ending I did not expect. I can't wait for Volume 12 to come out!

I have been reading this series from the beginning. It has several unexpected twists! Hatsumi is a quiet teen who ends up in a "relationship" with Ryoki, who seems to be a jackass. As the volumes progress it begins to seem as though he really might care for Hatsumi but then there are two other guys that could be her main squeeze too! Even by the end of volume of 11 you just aren't sure who will get the girl. Though it looks like it might be Ryoki my vote is for Shinogu OR Azusa(I don't think he is really as bad as he wants you to believe!)

I can't wait for vol. 12 to find out if she really goes running back to Ryoki!

Hot Gimmick is my #1 manga and I have been a faithful fan to it from the first volume. The story is so exciting and the characters are so beautiful.

I like Shinogu much more than Ryoki and I kinda hoped that Hatsumi will end up with him instead of Ryoki but it seems that it is not going to end up this way. But hey, did Hatsumi really slept with Shinogu? It is so scandalous and juicy :D. Shinogu is so hot and if I were in Hatsumi's place, I would have gone for him.

I am so looking forward to have volume 12, but I cannot hold my horses here :D. What is going to happen? I think it is going to be the last volume of Hot Gimmick, which is a total dismay to me and to Hot Gimmick's fans :(.

Miki Aihara brought us a wonderful manga and I don't think that you can find a better manga out there. Her other manga "Tokyo Boys & Girls" is good but not as much as Hot Gimmick.

Recommended for fans of Miki Aihara

I have been a faithful fan ever since Hot Gimmick first started coming out! In the 11th graphic novel Ryoki and Hatsumi had just broken up and Hatsumi's ADOPTED (and totally hot) brother Shinogu wants Hatsumi to see him as a man and not just her brother. This series keeps on ketting better and better and more intense.

You've got to read the whole series bcause I know you'll love it!

PS: Root for Akane and Subaru!

How was the pyramids built? Humanity tends to easily forget how great achievements are made, at least close to their actually performance. However, over time the question "how" is often subject to more debate and interest than the question "why" and "who". This book really fills the gap and explains in great detail the different technical aspects of Apollo's fligths to the moon. It's also written in such way that you really don't have to be a nobel prize winner to understand it or appreciate it. If you haven't read any books on this subject before, I strongly recommend you to begin with this!

I think this is a great book. I'm an Engineer and am therefore quite interested in the technical aspects of the Apollo program. I found this book covered enough of the technical aspects to satisfy my curiosity, but not too much to bore me with details. It is very well written and an easy read. I'd recommend it for anyone who is interested in descriptions of the hardware as well as how and why the missions were run in the way that they were.

This is a wonderful book! As an aviation Journalist I write about these topics myself - but David Woods helped me a lot with filling the gaps in my knowledge about Apollo. Of all the (about 50) books I have about the Lunar Landings, this is among the best four! (The other two are "Last Man on the Moon by Gene Cernan", Scott Sullivan's two books "Virtual LM" and "Virtual Apollo" and "Stages to Saturn". Many of the other books really only copy the official historical documents - but David Woods explains the stuff nobody else bothered to explain. Best example: the trajectories of Apollo took to the Moon. This is the book that explains the physics in a way a non-rocket scientist will understand it intuitively!

This is an outstanding work and a great compliment to the Apollo Lunar Surface Journal. I received it today and didn't put it down till I scanned the whole thing. I can't wait to give it a detailed read. It explains how the whole project was possible and should answer any 'naysayers' with scientific explanations of the successes and the problems that had to be dealt with.

Praxis, the company that also printed "The Manned
Spaceflight Log: 1961-2006", a compendium of every manned mission
from Gagarin to Spaceshift One.

In the author's preface he makes a point that I had been craving
for years:

"A particularly popular sub-niche is the astronaut bgraphy, a
somewhat variable collection of tomes that do much to relate the
story of humanity's only fora away from the grip of planet Earth.
Other volumes relate, in varying levels of detail, what the
intrepid explores actually did during their far too brief spells
on the surface of another world.

"Remarkably few books discuss the practical aspects of how
the voyage form the Earth to the Moon was achieved. The genre
seldom describes the equipment that was used; nor does it relate
the procedures and techniques that allowe the Apollo crews
to accomplish their audacious task: in general, historians
are not concerned with how a feat was achieved technically.
Instead, the dominant form of written history on Apollo studies
the experiences and interrelationships of the pople involved,
the political and social millieu in which they operated or it is
the polemic and ranting of those who are doing the commentating.
[...] The details of how something was achieved are considered to
be the realm of the 'geek' or 'nerd', and should not be presented
to the general public."

I've recently finished "In the Shadow of the Moon" and enjoyed
the stories of all of the astronaunts (and cosmonauts) who made it
into space, and how they were selected by the beocratic system to
be so honored. In case you were wondering, Alfred Worden was the first
divorced astronaut (an entire chapter!) and Boris Volynov was overlooked
for years due to his Jewish mother (being another chapter!).
Likewise, "The Right Stuff" is full of fighter-pilot bravado,
womanizing and alcool.

These are fascinating stories, but the are woefully lacking in the
technical details! Where is the red meat for the (geeky) base?
I want to know who designed the F-1 rocket motor and how the LOX
inlet combines the hypergolic fluid with the output of the turbo pump.
I want to read about the six dozen different abort modes that were
considered and the detailed arguments about earth orbit rendezvous,
lunar orbit rendezvous, direct TLI and why we selected LOR.
I want to know the Max-Q for the Saturn V as compared to the
Delta IV Heavy and the SSME. And I want details on the solid
waste system!

"How Apollo Flew to the Moon" delivers. I've been reading it all
evening and feel that it was written for me. Why aren't there more
historical books like this?

I am a former fifth grade instructor, a National Board Certified Teacher, and a college professor in Teacher Preparation. I highly recommend the Grandmother Stories series to elementary and early childhood instructors and parents who are homeschooling their children. The books have appropriate vocabulary and tell stories that explain nature in a creative manner. I learned several things I did not know about nature and its interactions from these books. Children love to have the books read to them and to read them to themselves. Duvall and Jacobs are a wonderful creative force as they merge their talents to produce books that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

This review by Melanie Tait appeared in the Spring, 2005 issue of the Journal of the Association for Childhood Education International: This is a delightful retelling of a Cherokee legend explaining how the rabbit lost his long, luxurious tail and how the otter learned to love swimming. It also teaches valuable lessons about pride, deceit and justice. The story is told in language simple enough for young independent readers, but would make an entertaining read aloud as well. The beautifully detailed black-and-white illustrations capture the essence of the story and set the scene for the traditional tale. Even the cover background and endpapers are intriguing. This book would be of particular interest to young people learning about or celebrating Native American cultures. Ages 6-12.

Stories abound in the Native culture about how the rabbit lost its tail, but few are so elegantly presented as this one. The dialogue and the story line keep a child's interest piqued, page after page, and the illustrations are a feast for the eyes. And of course, there is a happy ending for Ji-Stu the Rabbit. Now he can run through the woods much faster "without that troublesome tail!"

Deborah Duvall and Murv Jacob have brought the old Cherokee animal tales back to life with their How Rabbit Lost His Tail and their other titles in this series from the University of New Mexico Press. The old tales, recorded previously in mostly pedantic prose for dusty scholars to peruse, have been rewritten by Duvall in lively and very readable English for young readers and old alike, and they are lavishly illustrated by Jacob. The tales involve Ji-Stu, Rabbit, the Cherokee Trickster, who embodies all the characteristics of man: pride, arrogance, greed, deceit ("The path to the dance grounds followed the river that ran through the Cherokee lands. In some places where the river curved, the water formed deep pools that reflected the river bank above. Each time he passed such a pool, Ji-Stu stopped just long enough to look at his reflection, for he was very proud.") He even occasionally shows courage.
You can't go wrong in picking up How Rabbit Lost His Tail or any of the other beautifully illustrated books in this series, for you will enjoy them, your children will marvel at them, and you may even learn something about Cherokee culture or about human behavior from reading them. (...)

The Grandmother Stories are eloquent, beautifully illustrated tales that recapture the imagination of Native America. Debbie Duvall and Murv Jacob have done a brilliant job of revisiting the mythic world of Rabbit, Bear and Otter, and introducing them to a contemporary audience. These characters are timeless, as are their stories, and readers of all ages will delight in their antics and unique insights. - Teresa Miller, Center for Writers and Poets, OSU Tulsa

I have been hooked by this manhwa author. She is the most intriqeing author I know. Nothing she puts on paper or in picture is boring...ever...I love I.N.V.U. and I am so excited that book four is finally making it past the red tape and being published in September. The Queen's Knight is another series she writes and it is almost completely out in Germany...up to book 15. What a great series! Hot men, drama, humor, mystery, beauty, fantasy..it's all there!

This is an incredible manga. I really love the art & style of Kim Kang Won. She has finished Queen's Knight & has restarted the series. I hope that it makes it's target date of September '07 for US release. It looks like it has already been released in Italy...

I adore this shojo manga, with it's beautiful art, interesting plotlines, and loveable (not to mention very cute!) characters. Unforunately, the manga artist who created this title has put it on hiatus while she works on other projects. Volume 4 won't be coming out until the artist returns to this series. (Which she said she will eventually, but no idea when.) So while this series is extremely addicting, it's going to leave a bad taste in your mouth when you realize the cliffhanger is going to be there a long, long time.

I absolutely love this series with all of its twists and turns. However, with this volume as a cliffhanger, I cannot wait till the next one comes out. However, it has been so long that I doubt they will release volume 4. It's a little annoying, too, because this is the kind of series where you truly need to know what happens.

I.N.V.U. was the first Korean manhwa I ever read, and despite my initial difficulty with the -new to me!- Korean names in vol.1, I enjoyed all three volumes immensely, and I'm looking forward to vol.4, whenever it comes out! I.N.V.U. has real characters that could be living down the road, even if some of them seem to be constantly dealing with extreme situations. They are the kind of characters you get to care about and want to see what happens to them next. Some of them are so easy to identify with, although its been a long time since I left school! I like the way we get a glimpse of the inside world and the psychology of this particular sample of modern Korean schoolgirls, their everyday life and problems. The style is very similar to Japanese manga -and having read so many manga in my life that I can't even count them, I found I.N.V.U. both comfortably familiar and pleasantly refreshing. Thanks and congratulations to Tokyopop for taking the initiative to introduce Korean manhwa in English -and the same goes for the other companies following it up. I can only wonder what happened to vol.4 of I.N.V.U. -it seems to be taking a long time to come out!

This title is FANTASTIC. The plot is MUCH deeper than what fans expect from YAOI, and is both artistic and intriguing. The artwork is WAAAAAAY above what YAOI fans are used to, with not only beautiful boys, but whole frames that can truly be called art. You WILL NOT regret adding this title to your collection.

I've always loved Yaoi. Every chance I get, I browse any book store to find a new title or continue an old one. So naturally, when I saw this one, I jumped to it and started to read. The cover art is truly beautiful in itself, and the art inside was amazing and flowed rather well. The plot itself is a bit fast paced and I'm sure a few yaoi first-timers may be flipping back a few pages and skimming over once or twice, and the schizophrenic Riya can be a bit confusing to determine once you realize his major problem, but the drama, intensity, and character connections will indeed keep you hooked. I couldn't believe I had finished, but when I did, I immediately said, "I must buy volume 2!!!" An overall wonderful story (though hard to pronounce title), I give this book a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars! Recommended strongly for fanatics.

I think it's very gorgeously drawn and I'm in love with it! D:

*bounce*
So cute.
So beautiful.
I highly reccomend it! :D ^__^

I'm not really into yaoi, but the storyline intrigued me to buy it. So I did and I read both volume one and two and must admit it's pretty good. But I've also realized that I do like yaoi. Maybe even more than my other manga. I can't wait for volume three!
~omega-rose

So refined. The art is gorgeous plus the story is intriguing. If you understand psychology and the way multiple personality disorder works than you will realize the author did their homework. Also and ofcourse if you are not into guys falling in love with guys than you will probably not enjoy this. I personally don't care who falls for who as long as the characters are emotionally engrossing and the story is able to hold my attention, this will. Volume II only gets better! It's so sexy, musically, erotically and subtly.