T Books

I love the way Keith Brown captures the essence of mother-son relationships in the African American family. It portrays the values that are developed between mothers and sons to produce strong black males. Each story is an example of encouraging motivation and hope for future generations of mother-son relationships.

This wonderful collection of stories to read about the bond between mother's and son's.

This book is so moving. Within the first few pages, I was so captivated by the warm feelings that are shared. This mother to son bond is unexplainable. I immediately told my family and friends that they have to read this book if no other.

This is to the response from Gloria Alibaruho dated 25 December 1999.

I just read your review of the book, Sacred Bond: Black Men and Their Mothers. You said in your review. "All of the mothers are acquainted with life as a journey rather than a destination." I think that is a very profound statement - your focus on "journey" implies a continuous activity as opposed to "destination" which is a fixed point in time. Too often, whether we set the stage or someone else does, we focus on a fixed point in our lives, the time when the journey is completed. We forget to celebrate the activities that brought us to our goal. This celebration serves to strengthen us and provides inspiration for the next day. That is why some goals are never reached - the preparations for the journey are not made and then we loose sight of our destination. Metaphorically, it is like taking a hike in a dense forest and forgetting to bring a map or compass.

I have a notebook of quotations that give me inspiration and I have just included your quotation in the book. Thanks for your words of wisdom.

Sincerely,

Susan Lightfeather lightfeather@exotrope.net

As I read this book, I could see myself in every one of the mothers. I laughed, I cried, and I was blessed to be touched by their experiences. As a mother, it was reassuring to read that I am on the right track. Through their trials and tribulations, the bond strengthened. To the authoris: Thank you for capturing these magnificent stories. To the mothers/sons: Thank you for letting us into your life.

SUCCULENT: CHOCOLATE FLAVA II, the Eroticanoir.com anthology, is more vintage Zane-esque erotica and you know what that means. Hotter than hot stories, unique storylines and undeniable entertainment. Stories like Curiosity Stirred My Cat, which features a curious love triangle, and Emma's Triangle, which puts yet another sultry spin on love triangles, had me turning the pages and fanning myself. Likewise, 'Til Death Do Us Part, was both touching and sizzling, and definitely in the running for favorite status.

Page for page, it doesn't get any sexier than this. So if you've got a sweet tooth for in-your-face erotica, this anthology doesn't disappoint. ZANE keeps bringing it, harder and hotter, and she always manages to round-up talented authors to help her pull it off. This one is worth adding to your collection.

Reviewed by T. Shelly B
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Once again, Zane keeps it BLAZING HOT! I thank her for introducing us to an array of talented authors from Tigress Healy, Ms. Lovelie Ladie, B. F. Redd and then not letting us forget who the master is by saving herself for last! Absolute favorite stories were Emma's Triangle, An Arresting, Intoxicating Situation, Cougar, Come See Me & Trisexuality. Please keep em' CUMMING :-)

I've satisfied my sweet tooth and any other cravings with this one for awhile! I especially enjoyed the story with the older woman accepting his wife's pregnant mistress, the friend going home with his boy for the holidays and getting lucky with the mother and the daughter, Riding the Friendly Skies was another favorite with it's engaging storyline that offered you something more than a sex scene was on point. Now the mile high club sounds like my kinda of place. Where do i sign up so i can ride the friendly skies?

Overall this book is a scorcher and deserves it's due. So if you want that itch scracthed or that sweet tooth satisfied then this is your book!

If you love chocolate like I do then you'll love Succulent. Be aroused as you read this erotic treat! LeBlanc author of "Characters of Lust" in stores now. Click here Characters of Lust

I was soo excited when I opened my door to find my book there on the porch before the scheduled date. I can't wait to read this novel. It was priced right and wrapped very good for long distance travel. Thank you for your promptness!!

As a cronic list writer, I can relate to this woman. I was able to see Karen Rizzo's life change, grow, stumble and reinvent itself. What a treat. Laced with sadness and great joy, this humourous book is well worth the read! I really liked it!!!

What a pleasant surprise! I feel like I know Karen better than many lifetime friends and I really dig her! Don't tell Vince the Mechanic:)

A lovely book. So real. So touching. I feel like I actually lived it along with Karen Rizzo and her family and that's a gift. I can't wait for her next one. (There will be a next one, I hope??? I wanna find out just what happens with these colourful characters...)

...or the journaler, or the parent, or the child, or - you can see where this is going! As a list-maker myself I found this book to be comforting, but its insights would be available to anyone. Following Karen on her path from childhood through motherhood in bits, here and there, was an amazing experience. I wasn't so sure about the book when I received it as a gift - a book of lists? are you trying to mock me? - but it was a heartwarming journey through which I (along with other reviewers!) laughed and cried.

You could send this out to all the people in your life that end up on your lists and they'll love you for it. I read this book in one sitting, couldn't put it down really. It puts the small moments in line with the big ones and reminds you that they all add up to a grand life. I gave it to my mom and she laughed and cried, which she loves to do... this one's a keeper.

THE THREE MUSKETEERS ranks as one of the ten best books I've ever read. With fast-paced and nonstop action the whole way through, this nearly 800 page book flies by surprisingly quickly. A great story with some of the most memorable characters in all of literature makes for an excellent reading experience. Dumas' style of wit, humor, and drama, and his ability to bring unique individual characters to life through dialogue makes him [IMHO] one of the best writers of the past and present.

This novel is a story of adventure, love, politics, and friendship. It could be considered a historical fiction, with a few real life secondary characters such as Cardinal Richelieu and Anne of Austria playing significant parts in the story and acting in ways that agree with their historical reputation. Still, the book is primarily a character-driven story. The main character, D'Artagnan, is brash and prideful, while still being utterably lovable. His friends Athos, Porthos, and Aramis are each so unique and well-developed that you'll feel like you know them. The antagonists are so deliciously evil as to make their triumphs painful and their defeats glorious. Each character, from King Louis XIII to the musketeer's lackeys, is central to the story.

The straightforward but eloquent style in which the story is told makes it an excellent book for any age. A proliferation of French words and expressions may cause some readers to stumble at first, but they quickly become familiar and add to the flavor of the overall story. The few scenes of a sexual nature are mild PG only and shouldn't concern parents or teachers. The vibrancy and color that Dumas brings to life in this story will delight any reader that is brave enough to give it a chance. Really nothing to complain about in this one. Extremely highly recommended.

One stupid rookie farmboy with a nice sword, 3 veterans, evil religious villains and wenches, enough beer and good swords means an outstanding good time, especially with the dry wit of Dumas. Crazy swashbuckling superskilled heroes, an evil controlling supervillain, crazy henchmen, a black widow, stupidity, sarcasm, and anything else you could want. Classic adventure.

After reading this book in elementary school (on my own) I had the urge to read it again, this time with the eyes of an adult. The book did not disappoint, and I further understood why it is a classic. Dumas is a master of invention, if he'd live today he'd be making shows like "24", but he's not ... and he didn't. Instead he gave us a timeless, serial classic peppered with a good deal of humor, romance and even some swordplay.

If you've seen the movies, do yourself a favor and read the book, if you haven't then you have an advantage.

I think most people are wary of "classics", either because the writing style is hard to read, or they're "school reading", or just boring. I won't lie, to some extent these are true...I still despise Dickens or any book about life in a boarding school. However, this is far from one of those. I'll assume if you're reading this that you're not afraid of books, and also that you're somewhat familiar with the story already. So here's what you should know: this is a fast paced book, so don't worry about the page count. There's a little genre in it for everyone: some romance, some spy-novel intrigue, historical politics, and plenty of action. It was written in the 1800s, not the 17th century, so the writing's not tricky and there are plenty of footnotes about the context. All of that aside, I liked this as much as any modern novel I've read lately. If you're considering this, don't hesitate; it's cheap and it's good.

Alexandre Dumas' The Three Musketeers is a thrilling tale of courage, loyalty and love. Anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, intelligent adventure will be intrigued by this story, centered around a young man from the country, D'Artagnan, on his quest to join the ranks of the king's musketeers and later to win the heart of the woman he loves. The story begins in a small town in France in the 17th century. D'Artagnan leaves his country home with hopes of joining the king's Musketeers in Paris. Here he finds three lifelong friends and companions--Athos, Porthos and Aramis--for which the title of the book was given. Together with D'Artagnan, they help thwart the plans of Cardinal Richelieu, the king's advisor and rival, as he plots against the queen, the king, and the musketeers throughout the book. Undoubtedly, The Three Musketeers comes complete with its heroes, villains, surprises and scandals that will captivate readers throughout the world. Alexandre Dumas uses the theme, characterization, and symbolism to appeal to a broad universal audience.

Alexandre Dumas uses close father-son relationships in The Three Musketeers, between different characters to illustrate the theme of friends are like family. One of the most outstanding father-like roles is played by M. de Treville, the captain of the king's Musketeers. He protects his courageous musketeers by vouching for and advising them. In his own words he teaches D'Artagnan, "A captain is nothing by a father of a family, charged with even a greater responsibility than the father of an ordinary family. Soldiers are big children" (30). M. de Treville cares about his men as if they were his own sons. He maintains a close relationship with them and helps guide them in the way they should go. Readers everywhere can identify with M. Treville's relationship with his men, in that they must look after others as others look after them. "M. de Treville was the father of his soldiers. The lowest of least known of them, as soon as he assumed the uniform of the company, was as sure of his aid and support as if he had been his own brother" (148). The company is described here as being a family, with M. de Treville as the father figure. Not only does he play this role in D'Artagnan's life but also in the lives of the other soldiers he has authority over.

Athos is another of the many father characters in this novel. He is the eldest of his three companions, and rightfully would assume this role. His friends, like children, turn to him for advice. Not only does Athos advise his three companions on the whole, but also individually. This relationship is particularly strong between D'Artagnan and Athos. "D'Artagnan began by making his most splendid toilet, then returned to Athos's, and according to custom, related everything to him. Athos listened to his projects, then shook his head, and recommended prudence to him..." (323). D'Artagnan eventually decides not to follow this advice though he continually asks for Athos' guidance, much as a rebelling child would ask a father for advice and end up shunning it in the end. It is a common part of human existence to rebel against one's parents at some point or another. Although his advice at this point may have been ignored, Athos still had a huge influence in the life of D'Artagnan. Athos' continual wisdom, loyalty and distinguished intellect provide this book with another example of a father figure. Though there are many more links to father-son relationships in this novel, these two are definitely the most prominent. There is an overall theme of friendships bordering on the brink of family in their manner of relationships. This theme provides one of the driving forces for this novel, whether in the beginning between D'Artagnan and his true father, M. de Treville and his Musketeers, Athos and D'Artagnan, the Cardinal and his followers, or several other characters in this novel.

The characterizations in this novel are also strong. Though some can be classified as heroes and others as villains, all have their moments of triumph and blunder. One example of this is the main character, D'Artagnan. Although he is a hero in this novel, he is a deeply complex individual with faults and weaknesses as well as strengths. He offends and challenges his future friends Athos, Porthos, and Aramis directly upon his arrival in Paris because of his headstrong discourtesy. This character trait is shown implicitly through his actions and speech when he comes in contact with others. Another multifaceted character is Athos. He is a melancholy man because of the past he attempts to hide from his companions. By far the most distinguished of all the musketeers, he guides them in wisdom. This characterization is shown directly through the way his companions speak of him. " `My dear Athos,' said Aramis, `you speak like Nestor, who was, as everyone knows, the wisest among the Greeks' " (467). In comparing Athos to Nestor, he is directly assisting in the characterization of Athos.

Finally, the main characters are symbols of courage and loyalty. Through the actions of D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, the reader gains a sense of their undying loyalty to the queen, the king, and each other. They show their loyalty to the queen by helping save her reputation. She secretly gives away a few diamond studs to the English Duke of Buckingham (who is in love with her), and the Cardinal finds out. He plots to ruin her by persuading the king to order her to wear them at an upcoming ball. The musketeers find out about this plot and ride quickly to England facing many dangers along the way to retrieve the two diamond studs. Their efforts effectively show their loyalty and courage. Another example of the musketeers being symbols of loyalty occurs on one of their missions; one by one each of the musketeers falls behind, except D'Artagnan. Once the task is completed, he goes back and searches for his companions, not stopping until they are all reunited. In this and other instances, the musketeers are shown as symbols of loyalty and courage.

The Three Musketeers, a brilliant action-filled novel, is an excellent read. The action and suspense provide the driving force of the novel, while the underlying relationships provide multifaceted characters who are easily identify with, as fantastic and extraordinary as their lives may be. As Dumas wove theme, characterization, and symbolism into his thrilling story, it became a treasure to last for generations. Truly this novel is a timeless attestation of the human experience that readers can relate to throughout the world.

Alex McNeill's "Total Television" is one of those reference works which is useful both for settling trivia arguments at parties and for helping those engaged in serious scholarly study of television programs and their impact upon popular culture. As of this review, "Total Television" is in its fourth edition.

The book is basically an alphabetical encyclopedia of thousands of television programs in every possible genre: dramas, sitcoms, game shows, cartoons, and more. Each entry lists the series' air dates, principal performers, and other relevant data.

In addition to the main body of encyclopedic entries, the book includes a wealth of supplemental features: lists of Emmy winners, a chronological gathering of one-shot specials, and more. Particularly interesting are the programming grids, which show the nightly lineups on each network for each night of the week. You can turn to a season (say, 1951-52) and see what choices the American TV viewer had each night! This feature is great for historians.

Although most of the entries on each series are brief, McNeill spends more time and space on certain series of outstanding impact. These extended articles on "All in the Family," "CBS Evening News," "Dallas," "The Ed Sullivan Show," and more are truly fascinating.

TV has been derided by many with such epithets as "the Boob Tube" and "The Idiot Box." On the other hand, it was praised in an episode of "The Simpsons" as "teacher, mother. . . secret lover." McNeill captures TV in all of its facets: from the depths of inanity to the heights of cultural significance. This book is a great achievement whose reputation, I believe, will increase with future editions.

This reference is superb in it's completeness. Anything you want to know about any program broadcast from 1948-1996 is in this 1251 page book. The 88 page index of names of performers appearing during those years is unbelievable. It includes specials, miniseries and the top 20 rated shows for each of those years. I use this reference at least 2 to 3 times a week.

Where this book is not as easy to use as Brooks and Marsh's "Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows"(see my review for this one), it offers more-as far as the addition of daytime shows and more explanation of the entries. I like the other guide mainly because it's a good quick reference for prime time. However, if I'm really interested in detail or, again, a daytime program-like some Saturday morning cartoon of my childhood-then this is the one to get. I have both books, actually-for reasons specified here.

First, we might note that "... To the Present," in the book's title, means through late 1995. So nothing in the last ten years is included. For years, I have enjoyed "The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present" by Brooks and Marsh. I prefer the format of the Brooks and Marsh book to that of the NcNeil book--e.g., the cast is in list form, which makes for easier and quicker reading; the showing time is also included. The chief advantage of the McNeil book is that it includes daytime TV, which the Brooks and Marsh book does not.

Alex McNeil's "Total Television" is the Mother of all TV reference volumes. If you can't find it here, it ain't worth knowin' about. How he was able to compile all this information covering 50+ years of TV is beyond me. Crack open this book at any page and you will be reading for hours, probably days.

Our English 11 class is very excited about reading a second title by McCammon, as we read Boy's Life last year.

This is the first book I have read by Robert McGammon and I was hooked. I could not put the book down. I laughed, I cried, I loved all the characters in this book and the relationship between the boy and his father is wonderful!! The fantasty sequences are outstanding. I sent a copy of this book to my son and daughter and I think it should be required reading for every highschool student. A Boys Life will sit on the shelf next to my copy of "The Stand" by Stephen King and I will read it again and again, as I have done with "The Stand".

If you really want a few GREAT reads, this is the book. I've read a good bunch of McCammon's books and these two are by far my favorites; on top of that, "Boy's Life" is one of the top books I've EVER read -- REALLY GOOD!! I generally prefer paperbacks because I can stuff them in a pocket and take them with me, but the value of this two-in-one hardcover was enough for me to get it. Both stories HIGHLY recommended!!

I have read more books than I will ever remember but I know for sure that this is my favorite book of them all. I do not know how many copies that I have purchased to give to friends and found that they felt the same and also purchased copies to pass on. McCammon will capture your heart with Boy's Life and resurrect emotions that you have long forgotten.

Folks - if you love these books, you better grab them while you can. Just read the news that Robert McCammon - the best seller author of these books is retiring. He has two new works and no one to publish them - so think he is just fed up and retiring...Check out the web site about him: ...These are awesome books and a terrific writer - he will be missed...

Great read that provides tangible encounters on how to be mindful of things we often take for granted in our character, persona, and aura that will inevitably attract or detract the opposite sex for either good reason or either perverted and selfish motives respectively. As a male, it helped strengthen my discernment in order to be able to identify certain traits in females that are wholesome versus mannerism that may be harmful or destructive to the longevity of any future relationship I plan to have with a candidate considered for marriage.

Helped get me back on track. Would highly recommend this and ALL of Ms. Hammond's publication.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was impressed with the savvy, wisdom and wit of both writers. What an awesome combination of intellect, experience and just plain old truth. The short anecdotes offered quality reflection time and the honest assessment of the way women pursue men like food when one is hungry was ON POINT! I couldn't be happier with the sage advice, strong yet purposeful rebuke and sincere testimonies of both Joel and Michelle. I am quite a big fan of Michelle and I know that because of her writing I am a better suited female, willing to wait and work for Jesus both now and after my husband "finds me."

I loved the encouraging and practical advice, based on the Scriptures.

I loved this book. You don't have to be single to benefit from this book. It is helping in my current marriage and this book is helping me to guide my daughters in relationships. My oldest daughter (22) bought it. I wish I had read this before marriage and remarriage. I also highly recommend Michelle's other book Get Over It and On With It!

Donald Kraybill does an outstanding job of showing that what Jesus is all
abut is pretty much contrary to our normal assumptions--that is wahat he means by "the upside-down kingdom." What Jesus preached and what he lived is almost the opposite of what we consider normal or workable. For instance, Jesus said that the only solution to violence is non-violence, in any and all situations. We don't just tolerate those people we can't stand, we actively recriut their help, promote their well-being and have them understand that they are of immense importance, whether we agree we them or not. Love is what animates all of our thinking and doing, a love that goes out of the way to include everyone. A truly great book that will cause a person to rethink Jesus and what is meant as to His being the son of God--and just what is demanded of those of us who claim to be His followers.

The book, The Upside-Down Kingdom, is an excellent book. I would highly recommend it. I also would highly recommend your services. You, again, were very prompt and very accurate in your response. Thank you. Agnes Goertzen

Don Kraybill has done a wonderful job of clearing any misconceptions of the purpose of Jesus' ministry in the three years he was on this earth. Kraybill looks at opposites in our society such as rich and poor, slave and free, amongst others and tackling the realities of each being apart of the other. The book has had a real impact on my relationship with God and my relationship with others. I recommemd the book to anyone who is looking for ways to make changes in our right-side up kingdom.

"-teaching and preaching ministries ought to call people to a common faith in Jesus Christ that transcends social ties. Is our common bond of unity in Christ stronger than the social glue that holds us together? This is precisely the genius of the gospel. Diverse people from all sorts of boxes are reconciled together in Jesus Christ." (pg 226)

Kraybill, Donald B. The Upside Down Kingdom Revised Ed. Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 1990. 275pg.

Authors Purpose(s)
In part this book is meant to show the believer what the world could be if we would only live out the beatitudes in our lives. The book clearly has human relationships in mind with everything it says. It is an assessment of the sociological systems in place and the statements of Jesus. It is about the upside down kingdom that Jesus ushered us into and how he was not only countercultural in His day but also in our own. As Donald Kraybill writes, "I hope the upside down perspective will provoke stimulating discussions enabling Christian believers to more accurately discern God's will for their lives."
Survey of Covered Topics
1. In the first section of this book Donald Kraybill defines the world he sees around him as being upside down from the world God created for His people. He also looks at a number of "detour[s]" that people use to "evade the kingdom message and bypass its relevance for today." These detours include a number of lies we allow ourselves to believe, such as seeing Jesus as culturally irrelevant to our society or the over spiritualization of Christ's words that make them emotional and take away from their practicality.
2. The second section of the book deals with the political, religious, and economic situations or Jesus' day. The main thrust however is devoted to political sways. Special interest is paid to the attitudes of the Jews towards gentile culture around the time of Alexander and Herod the Great.
3. This third section deals with the complexities of Jewish code and its casts of people. Great descriptors are given of the temple and the worshipers and solid distinctions are made between casts. Most importantly however is the explanation of those Jews for whom hope was found in the coming kingdom of the Messiah.
4. In the fourth section Kraybill asks the reader to look at the divisions of wealth and poor. There is also an important underlining theme that suggests Christ' wish to return to Galilee and care for the physical needs of the poor. It is clearly a precursor to talk later about "blessed is the poor" and "blessed are the hungry" in later chapters.
5. Chapter five is closely related as is talks about slavery and Jubilee. This chapter is about God being the true owner of everything including the people of the world and how we are but lowly stewards of his creation. It is about Christ and his relationship to the people and about a new kind of celebration of the Jubilee in an unexpected way.
6. This section of the book gives an extremely interesting picture of Zacchaeus and the rich young ruler and the existence of "treasures in heaven" and gives a wonderful example of Christ' view of money. Continually Christ used stories and images to overturn the assumptions of the day and uphold the low, the poor and the oppressed. Interestingly though the poor are not let off the hook by Christ when it comes to giving. They are shown to be just as expected to give as everyone else. (127)
7. Similarly Chapter seven looks at the parable of the talents and our responsibility to what we have been given from God. The chapter also talks about the ancient version of "health and wealth gospel" and how we are to seek the Kingdom of God's Judgment and not monetary wealth. It also talk about the persistent presence of the poor, the importance of tithing, the attitude and means by which you give, and perhaps most importantly the ability to asses ourselves on the world scale of wealth and not on the lists printed in Forbes.
8. In this section Mr. Kraybill devotes much time to the discussion of piety. He writes about the divisions of Pharisees and Sadducees. He writes about the Laws of Moses and differing applications. He writes about Jesus' picking of grain on the Sabbath and about cleanliness. Christ' expectance of the "unclean" or "last" is a direct counter to the culture of the Church in his day and Kraybill presents a case by which Jesus upturned this system. (159)
9. By chapter nine, Donald Kraybill has begun to get into the more difficult assertion of Christ to love ones enemies. Here much attention is paid to the word "Agape" and how it is applied to loving our neighbors who Kraybill describes as "everyone". (188) Though not fully dealt with in terms of "Law" Kraybill also confronts Jesus' command to overturn or add to the law of "an eye for an eye". (190-195) Perhaps nowhere else does the author show Christ' upside down ideas about the kingdom then he does here.
10. The tenth chapter of this book focuses on the different kinds of social connections people make with each other. It then shows the reader a number of applications including nationalism, ethnic superiority, religious piety, and sexual discrimination. These things Mr. Kraybill calls blocks "to the commission to evangelize", and what's more he gives examples of Jesus breaking down these barriers. (226)
11. In this section Donald Kraybill talks about the authority of Jesus and how he uses it for the good of others. It is about how Jesus came to serve and "look up the ladder". (244) As Kraybill writes "The hallmark of Jesus' upside-down power was his willingness to spurn what was rightfully his. Instead of mimicking a typical king, Jesus worked from the bottom up. Rather than demanding service, he served. Rather than dominating he invited."
12. The final chapter of this book is a simple recap of the previous sections. In it Kraybill writes about Jesus as a servant and a washer of feet. He writes about Christ living what seems to us as an upside down kingdom. He writes about a Jesus who "-challenged the conventional definitions of religious behavior", and who "upset the bedrock assumptions of the pious". (259)
Critical Assessment
Positive
First and foremost I noticed Donald Kraybill's great and undeniable love for his Bible. The stories he tells are wonderfully told and right from his heart. Second, I could not help but appreciate that Christ was not shown only through the modern rose colored glasses that see him only as meek and mild. Instead He is shown as a figure of great authority and power yelling "Get thee behind me Satan!", and as the man who told the disciples to buy swords at the Last Supper. (36; 56) In addition I found chapter two to be extremely informative. Kraybill's information of the Jubilee was new to me and that is becoming somewhat rare at this point in my studies. (93)
As well I found chapter six to be particularly intriguing. It is a chapter that could launch a hundred sermons and I am sure to use it in the future. Especially I loved the analysis of Zacchaeus and the rich young ruler as it introduces a number of wonderful topics. Most interestingly though are the small tidbits of information that expound upon the details of the biblical texts all throughout this book. They are insightful, sometimes questionable but always interesting. Although these seemingly unimportant details make up the majority of my "positives" list, I also found the point of the book to be right on target. The upside down kingdom of Christ is presented with crystal clarity. The lives that we could be living are staring up at us from the words of Jesus and today's Church should be attempting to turn our systems on end in light of the cross.
Negative
Though surprising to me, I have little to complain about from this book. The "negatives" I have are miniscule and largely stylistic. One problem that I had with the book is the assertion that "Jesus [wasn't] tempted to turn stones into bread merely because he was hungry" and the subsequent remarks in the book that I believe over dramatize and go far beyond what we are told in the Bible. (74) For me the literary liberties that are taken seem to overtake common sense and in some cases distract me from the reading.
Another sore point with me (though it was only but a drop of water in the ocean of this book) is the small section devoted to war. As much as I would love to agree with complete pacifism, I find myself living in a much more difficult world where even God begins His new creation with a war in which we will play a role. In addition I was also bothered by the amount of time devoted to "Agape". In my opinion far too much attention has been misguidedly paid to the distinction of "Agape" love; so much so that I can hardly stand to hear it anymore. With recent insights into this word, I would "Agape" to see "Agape" a lot less emphasized. (200-201) Personally I find most of what is said in this section to be overanalyzed and incorrect. As to the main idea of the book I can find no real fault.
Application to Ministry
Application to Personal Ministry
As far as applicability to my personal ministry, this book is very applicable. It is not just applicable in that I will attempt to change my world (though I agree with the personal effort to do away with cast systems both here and abroad), but it is also applicable as a teaching tool. Honestly I find this book to be a great resource for sermons, illustrations, and small group bible studies. Especially useful in my opinion are the questions following each section. I have no doubt that this book will prove an important resource in my library and I am glad that I bought it.
Rating the Book
Organization
[8] The book has a lot of overlap and many of the chapters could easily have been
combined. For example: 2-4 & 8-11
Clear statement of purpose
[8] There is no one "I wrote this book to..." statement that lays out exactly the function
of the book however, it is stated none the less.
Readability
[10] This book is written at about a 6th grade level. (This is fine - it is the average reading level of people in North America.) It is smooth and each chapter moves easily into the next.
Informative content
[7] It believe it is very informative, however it is hard to distinguish what is professional
liberty and what is exegetical at times.
Usefulness for your understanding and practice of ministry
[7] I agree fully with the topic of a countercultural Christ and Church and yet I always
did; so there is little impact on me as far as persuasion. I believe my understanding
and practice of ministry has always headed in this direction. Even so it proves to be a
good resource.

I will never forget the confused look I received from the audience when I said, "The Kingdom of God is Upside-Down." This revealed to me that many Christians probably have not given a lot of thought to the Kingdom of God. If the Body of Christ fully understood this Kingdom... I don't think she would squinch her eyes at the words "Upside Down." And I certainly don't believe we would be giving in to the temptations Christ rejected!

Kraybill focuses primarily on the temptations of Christ (Matt.4) to reveal the true character of the Kingdom of God. Jesus rejected the temptations in the bread (the economic), the temple leap(the religious), and the kingdoms of the world (the political)... thus accomplishing heaven's task in a way that is foolishness to the world(1 Cor.1:18). If you have had a hard time understanding the Kingdom of God and want to learn how this Kingdom makes no sense to human wisdom... but is the power of God to those being saved... get this book. Wonderful insights into the radical claims of the Kingdom!

I would also like to recommend "The Gospel of the Kingdom" by George E. Ladd

Couldn't wait to start reading this one after having read Mr. Simpson's first work, Until Death Do Us Part. This book was just as addictive. Mr. Simpson's style of writing is such that he brings you into the story physically somehow and you're wandering through the tale with the characters! This installment had me at the edge of my seat and once again got through this book in record time. You are missing out if you've not read this man's work. Bring on Unconditional Love!

Loved it! This was another page turner Mr. Simpson. He showed how at all elements of society were intertwined: corporate businesses, gangs, and academia. He weaved the paranoia of corporate business' love of money in the seemingly senseless killings of citizens. He showed how money and power are always an underlying evil. This takes a peek in how the internet is shaping the younger generation. Great development of the character Micah. He showed Micah's range of emotions and depth as a character. She is not just a killing machine gone wild. Great to have a woman kicking butt with no regrets. I also appreciate you keeping Bishop a true thug gentleman.

THRILLING and ADDICTIVE!!!! In his second book, the author clearly depicts how a woman can hold down a dangerous career, express her undying love for her man, while being the lovable, huggable and adorable mother to their two year old daughter. Micah's "bad girl" persona, coupled with her "love for Noah" is detailed in this thrill seeking, roller coaster ride you will experience in the new business partnership she has formed with Bishop (the bad boy). Their love/friendship for Noah is the ties that keep the new business partnership binded on a professional but more often brother/sister bickering level. The author has a "nack" for holding your interest, maintaining the mystery and thrill, while educating you on the "ways of the world". I read this book in one day and am now writing to Mr. Simpson's website to encourage the completion of his third book. WATCH OUT WORLD, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED..A TALENTED AUTHOR IS IN OUR MIST....Purchase the books and......ENJOY THE RIDE!!!!!

I could not put this book down from the frist page to the last. Can't wait for the 3rd book to be released. The persons in the book draw you in and you feel like you are going along with them for the ride. Please read the 1st book from Gregory Simpson and you will be drawn into this series!

This was one of the most refreshing books I have read in a long time. The characters were real and I was not only able to visualize them but I was able to identify with their circumstances. Mr. Simpson takes you on a journey of real life, and keeps your mind working. It was hard to put it down , very easy read and fast paced.
I can't wait until the next book!!!!

My son is 4 1/2 and has just discovered graphic novels, starting with W.I.T.C.H., book 2. We're on to book 1 and ready to start looking for #3 and beyond. He loves these books, surprisingly to me, and I love them as well. He's been watching Studio Gibli movies since he was little, so it makes sense to me that he would like the manga style. Now, we just have to get our library to stock all of the series!

Will,Irma,Taranee,Cornelia,and Hay Lin are 5 ordinary friends with an extraordinary secret.They have been
chosen as 5 guardians of the Veil.They have power over Phobos. Will is the leader of the group.She has red
hair. I like her the most. I read this book about 15 times. This review is written by Nalanda

I live in Sweden, where the W.I.T.C.H. magazine is published. You should all know that the comic came FIRST, before the novelisations and the show. Where else would the comic inserts have come from?

Also, I like the comic much more than the show because it has a nicer style and of course it's the original.

This is an excellent story about five girls who discover they're more than just a face in the crowd.

This book was AWESOME!!!!I own this book. Will,Irma,Taranee,Cornelia,and Hay-Lin learn about the magic of friendship and thier powers in this book. But anyway,if you like W.I.T.C.H., You'll LOVE this book!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like this book for a couple different reasons: one is the drawings, another is it kinda reminds me of well, Sailor Moon and Winx. Even though winx is a few years old,(like, 2002 maybe?) and Sailor Moon's from the '90's, I think in a way it went like this: Sailor Moon went on to Winx Club and Winx club went on to W.I.T.C.H.,maybe? Anyway, back to the review..... another reason I like this book is because it puts you in different moods, like, funny, happy, and a I-wonder-what's-gonna-happen- next-mood.Well I better not tell ya about the story if ya hadn't read the book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Don't wanna get the story spoiled, do ya?! And plus, I'll give ya some advice: Don't AND I MEAN DON'T try to read like the end, cause that will spoil it baaaaaad!