O Books

Lynn Austin has hit a home run with her 5 book series on the chronicles of the kings. They are biblically accurate, and thoroughly engaging. Even if you are not familiar with the biblical accounts, you will enjoy reading these books. And for those of us who are students of the scriptures, these stories bring an added dimension to God's Word. I recommend that you get the entire set because when you finish the first, you will be hungry for more. They are a quick read.

Lynn Austin is a wonderful writer who has been able to bring the history of the Bible to life while maintaining true to historical fact. It is amazing how you can visualize the trials and events that shaped the lives of these people from so long ago.

I've been nothing less then impressed with this series since book #1. And after book #4, "Faith of My Fathers," I'm still highly impressed. Taking the story of Manasseh, Lynn Austin seemingly took it, and split it into two parts. And she was quite clever with the delivery. Some might assume that this came to an abrupt ending, leaving the reader clueless. If you know your Bible, there's nothing clueless about it. This is what I'd call the II Kings version of the story. Yet in The Bible, Manasseh's story continues in II Chronicles. And it worked that way with a lot of the kings. In a lot of cases, most of the kings we read about in The Bible concerning The Northern and Southern Kingdoms were split into two different sections, II Kings, and II Chronicles. From Jehoshaphat, to Joash, to Amaziah, to Jotham, to Hezekiah, to Manasseh! ALL THESE KINGS and more were split up into the two sections. Ok, there's the Bible history lesson! What about this story? Read on!

Ahaz, Manasseh's great-grandfather, was one of the most worthless kings in all of the history. And Manasseh wasn't too far behind him. He was the son of one of the greatest kings to ever reign, Hezekiah. If you don't know the whole story and read this, you'll wonder if anything good ever came out of Manasseh. Lynn Austin, being the author, and better yet, the voice of reason, gives Manasseh a reason to be bitter, and to do what he did. But Austin gives Manasseh a childhood friend in Joshua, who's as clumsy as an Ox! His nickname is Ox. But something happens. And from nicknames to nonsense, there is a reason that these two former best friends are now bitter enemies. King Manasseh is nothing but a master of disaster, and he raises hell throughout the land! He has people executed, and he destroys what he father put together. Joshua wants nothing more then to get even.

If you're wondering if some of the things in this are extreme, they are indeed. What's worse, they really happened. But the good news is that certain people didn't forget the faith their fathers held so dear. I think that's where the title comes from. Because when times get so tough, the question is simple. Are we going to run to God, or run away from God? I'd personally suggest not running away from the great Yahweh! But I think when things get tough, you want to be a rebel just as much as Manasseh. But what do you do? Where do you turn? And for the record, by the time THIS story comes to a close, he still has a chip on his shoulder.

But there is one final installment, and it happens to be "Among The Gods." I think it should be pretty good. That's probably going to be Lynn Austin's II Chronicles part of this story. I already know the end, but I can't wait to read her novelization of it! She's a great storyteller. So far, I have yet to be disappointed.

ms austin is the first female author i,ve ever read, but after reading this series on the kings of judah it's completely opened my mind to all writers;the only regret is she didn't continue on with more books in the series.

Faith of my Fathers is the 4th book in Lynn Austin's Chronicles of the Kings series. After King Hezekiah's death, his son Mannasseh becomes king at age 12. Fear grips Mannasseh's heart as he begins to question God as to why his father died when he faithfully served God. Years later, as he goes to visit his mother's grave in the cemetry he comes upon a man who calls himself a "priest" and begins to accuse everything Mannasseh has grown up with and had been taught. The accussations make Mannessah call upon the prophet Isaiah and his palace adminstrator Eliakim--Mannessah's boyhood friend Joshua's father. During their conforntation King Mannessah accuses Eliakim and Isaiah of conspiring aganist him, using Isaiah's own prophecies aganist him. Eventually Eliakim and Isaiah are executed leaving Eliakim's family in great danger. Joshua and Mannasseh, once best friends have become bitter rivals. Joshua must now find a way to flee Mannasseh's terror while keeping his family safe.

I found this book to be the best out of the first four. And since they keep getting better and better I am guessing the fifth and last book to be more amazing! Lynn Austin does a wonderful job depciting the terror of Mannaseh's reign. He is simply insecure and believes everyone is plotting aganist him. Instead of turning to Yahweh he starts turning to the stars, mediums, etc. for answers. He even begins promoting orgies for worship and sets up Asherah poles and places for women to "offer" themselves to the idol goddess. I have never shed a tear in the first 3 books of this series but the beginning of the book when Eliakim and Isaiah were being falsely accussed and then executed drew a tear from me. It's amazing to see how even when confined to the darkness of a prison and facing death the next morning, these two men trusted God to the very end. I also found it exciting to read about Joshua's plans and such for smuggling himself and his family out of the country. Especially near the end he decides to smuggle the ark of the covenant and Mannasseh's brother--Prince Amariah to Eqypt.

With a host of new characters and some old ones as well this is definatly worth the read. I'm looking forward to reading "Among the Gods" and hope Lynn Austin decides to write more biblical fiction in the future. :-)

This book contains a wealth of information most people never knew about beer. This includes the history of beer brewing and the health benefits of moderate consumption of quality micro-brewed beer.

I think it was William Blake who said that the world is contained in a single grain of sand. O'Brien shows the world in a single (and multiple) glasses of beer.
Someone else said that if we each keep our little corner of interest clean, soon the whole earth will be clean. O'Brien shows how to clean up his little corner.
The writing is sharp, interesting, with more facts than Britannica. It shows how beer had and still has the potential to bring equality, ecology, and pure joy to the world. By focusing on his part of the world-- on his interests-- O'Brien gives us drink for thought about what the rest of us can do. The book is inspiring! --Mykel Board

Mr. O'Brien has brought together vital information for those who are seeking to think about as well as better appreciate this noble beverage.

Goes well beyond the works of Michael Jackson or the single facet beer history books books in my collection.

A call to action with ramifications on your view of business ethics, community and trade.

"The Beer Jockey" of Kansas City- Jim Quinn

Humor, history, and business savvy blends with a beer activist history so it's hard to peg this title for any one section - it's featured here because its strength is a coverage of the sustainability movement's values and business interactions, which documents beer marketing, the evolution and growing strength of microbreweries, and their interactions with local communities. A fine survey of corporate and non-corporate powers and divisions makes for involving reading.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Part history, part manifesto, and a lot of fun. This book is one of the most informative yet enjoyable non-fiction that I have read in a while. O'Brien provides lots of good facts and figures about good ol' beer that you can use to surprise and impress friends and family. This is also a practical guide to living more sustainably by enjoying a pint or two from your local brewpub. Moreover, the book is well written and easy to read.

My husband had received this book for his 50th birthday so he knew it was good. Our neighbor is enjoying it too.

Knowledgeably edited by Ronnie Sellers, Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is an informed and thought-provoking collection of fifty writers contributing ideas, advice, observations, and instructions upon turning fifty years old. As an ideal how-to and what-to-do book informing its readers of the many fears and beliefs that might concern most fifty-year-olds, and explores why they might feel as they do and what to do to avoid or confront such barriers. Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is very strongly recommended to all readers who have or are contemplating turning fifty-something as the ultimate guideline of staying young as an explorative and practical fifty-year-old.

This is a compilation from various authors writing on the subject of turning 50. The first contributor really lays it on the line by saying "Stop complaining" and get your act together so that you'll get through many years after 50. I appreciated that these 50 writers "provided essays on a pro-bono basis" and profits from the book will go toward non-profit organizations focused on cancer research. This is a great book to give as a gift to friends reaching this sometimes challenging milestone.

Knowledgeably edited by Ronnie Sellers, Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is an informed and thought-provoking collection of fifty writers contributing ideas, advice, observations, and instructions upon turning fifty years old. As an ideal how-to and what-to-do book informing its readers of the many fears and beliefs that might concern most fifty-year-olds, and explores why they might feel as they do and what to do to avoid or confront such barriers. Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is very strongly recommended to all readers who have or are contemplating turning fifty-something as the ultimate guideline of staying young as an explorative and practical fifty-year-old.

Knowledgeably edited by Ronnie Sellers, Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is an informed and thought-provoking collection of fifty writers contributing ideas, advice, observations, and instructions upon turning fifty years old. As an ideal how-to and what-to-do book informing its readers of the many fears and beliefs that might concern most fifty-year-olds, and explores why they might feel as they do and what to do to avoid or confront such barriers. Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is very strongly recommended to all readers who have or are contemplating turning fifty-something as the ultimate guideline of staying young as an explorative and practical fifty-year-old.

There is no more complete review of the finite element method. Furthermore, all notation is written in matrix from without any hard to read diadics. Every section gives explicitly, the implementation of the procedure discussed so there's no guess work required.

This book is really THE milestone, the only one I really enjoy. A page-turner, a must for all people into FE stuff.

The enormous influence Zienkiewicz and Taylor have had on the profession of engineering as mentors, teachers, engineers, and researchers, places them among the very best professors this century has seen. May I take this opportunity at Amazon.com to pay tribute to such professors worldwide for the spirit they infuse, dynamism they create, and the legacy of selfless service and excellence they leave behind. Students of 21st century will be grateful that Zienkiewicz and Taylor went before them.

From the masters of the finite element method, this may well be the best book ever written on the subject. In this book, the authors come across as the sages of ancient India preaching what they know is the best, guiding us, and setting a stage of research for the years to come. This is a monumental piece of work in the history of engineering.

This is the ideal book for beginners in finite elements, though the approach is slightly more theoretical. If you have a good background in linear algebra and are comfortable with matrices etc, you should have no trouble finishing this one. You can aim at the definitive work by Professor Bathe after finishing this one.

This is the most beautiful text book I have ever seen! With this book I am learning to "key out" fish for identification. A whole new world is opening before my eyes!

This is a very informative book. I would have preferred more pictures and less artists renditions, but one can't be too picky.

This may very well be the best fish guide we've seen yet. The organization and utility of "Fishes of Alabama" has clearly been influenced by the best previous titles which use a similar format (such as "Fishes of Arkansas"). For each species, national range maps are given in addition to Alabama dot localities overlaid on a state watershed map.

Perhaps the most important aspect of this title is the illustration. Some artistically uninclined individuals will prefer photographs, an opinion to which they're entitled, even though photographs are, for most vertebrate groups, inferior to accomplished artwork in both a functional and appreciable sense. Truly landmark wildlife compendiums tend to use quality artwork over photos - that's an historically-substantiated fact. "Fishes of Alabama" is no exception here. Each species account is headed by a beautiful, small specimen painting that showcases important identification features. Each account's painting is duplicated in large plate format in the book's center. The artwork, for those with enough culture to appreciate such achievement and an eye for depiction of important detail , is worth twice the purchase price on its own.

Throw in the consideration that the biological information on each species will help not only sportfishers, baitfishers and ichthyologists active in Alabama, but also in additional states inhabited by the species covered, plus a better-than-average foreward, and you've got yourself a must-have title. "Fishes of Alabama" is likely one of those books for which the timeless esteem and utility that it beckons will cause the price it commands to increase substantially once it's out-of-print.

This book is a great reference for any ichthyologists or anyone who loves fishes and art. It contains a lot of information and citations for each species.

This is an excellent reference book. Joe Tomelleri is a remarkable artist with a talent I have never seen before. His illustrations are so close to looking at the fish in a stream. He is a master at capturing life. The information in this book is very complete and concise. A great buy for the money and just a beautiful book to look at even if you are not extremely interested in fish.

This book makes it easy to fix Access. Simply look in the table of contents for the annoyance that is plaguing your database and go to the page that fixes it. Most of the fixes are simple ones that are either hidden from the user or just not documented well in the Access help. Just one of the fixes was worth the price of the book. The rest were bonuses. My database now works the way I had envisioned it would.

0-596-00852-X
Reviewed: 1st Edition

If you work with Access (or are thinking about it) you really need this book. Access is a very capable and powerful app and can certainly handle the majority of small business needs (and even enterprise class as well, say if you're using Access as a front end to a backend SQL database). The catch of course, is that Access is full of inconsistencies, irksome quirks, weird "features" that don't work as expected, and of course (like all complex software) bugs. (Although to be fair there are many things that MS probably can't change to ensure compatibility with already written applications).

This book notes the weird stuff that can crop up in using Access and more importantly how to work around same.
In my case I had never done any development with Access before but wanted to develop a custom application using it. Before starting however I bought this book - and am REALLY glad I did. There were many pitfalls that I would have fallen into unless otherwise warned (of course at the start it was kind of discouraging seeing all the "issues" one can have with Access, but better to be advised than sorry after!)

The format of the book is primarily a question and answer format, like "I'm trying to do XXX but it doesn't work" with an explanation of what's going on and *why* it's not working and solutions for accomplishing the task at hand (which may include VBA code or diagrams to help illustrate the point). The Q&As are organised into chapters dealing with a specific topic (i.e. Forms, Queries, Reports, Code Modules etc). In the course of my app development I have reached for this book more often than some of the thicker and heavier (not to mention more expensive) Access books, but you will undoubtedly need other books for reference as well (this book isn't a tutorial nor for absolute newbies to database or Access development, even though there are explanations describing normalisation, relationships, etc).

Aside from the Q&As there are very useful tips regarding recommended options to enable/disable ("Access's Bad Defaults"), Optimization ("How can I speed up a slow combo box?") and avoiding database corruption. This kind of "real world" information is exactly what you NEED to know when you do development and is precisely the kind of thing you'll NEVER find in the help files.

There's also other information such as a list of common Visual Basic functions (and what they do) which is useful when you need to do some task but don't know the name of the function. Likewise there's a similar list for Access Events which is helpful in figuring out which event you need to attach code to in order to have something happen. Lastly there's a Glossary of terms ("What's the difference between a bound & unbound control?").

Unlike other books this one doesn't come with a CD. But that's OK, because typically to solve problems you don't need a lot of code once you understand what's going on (in any case code will have to be customised for your app).

If you're developing an application in Access using custom forms, reports, VBA etc you'll get the most benefit from this book. Overall, I think this book's value exceeds the purchase price.

Wow what a great idea for a book series!!

I thought I had seen it all, but then when I picked up my first "Annoyances" book I learned there was a whole new niche out there that had yet to be exploited.

For many of us out there, we pick up technical books for a few typical reasons: to learn a new skill or a reference for an existing skill. What about if you already use an application and there is a whole known set of pitfalls and problem areas that you either need to find a workaround for, or you just want to learn about so if the need arises, you know how to deal with these?

Well, enter the "Annoyances" line of books.

'Access Annoyances' by Phil Mitchell is a great companion book for anyone that has a lot of Access books on the shelf or uses Access on a daily basis and needs to read up more on the problems that will be seen at some point. With a layout that takes each problem one at a time, the flow is very good, and the writing style is clear and concise. Unless you are the MOST experienced of Access users/developers, you will be able to pick up something from this book, and it's more likely that you'll pick up a LOT of things.

Some of the O'Reilly prices on books blow me away because they are so low. It's like you are paying x amount and getting xxxxxx in return. If you use Access on a daily basis, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of 'Access Annoyances' right away.

***** HIGHEST POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION

I wish I had this book when I began programming Access, it would have saved me a lot of frustration. The writing is easy to follow and it contains a wealth of information I had to either learn through trial and error or lots of searching google groups.

That said, there isn't much of value here for someone with a couple of years Access experience--you've already learned this stuff through trial and error or searching google groups!

I only found one piece of incorrect information--it is possible to create page headers on a subreport by creating a dummy grouping level (=1) and putting your headers there. The book says the only way to do it is by putting the headers on the parent report.

I consider myself fortunate that I converted my last regularly used database off of Access awhile back. While the software served me well in learning about database systems when I first made the move to PCs, I always found myself fighting with things that should have been easier than they were. Now I find out that it wasn't just me. Phil Mitchell and Evan Callahan have put together a great book titled Fixing Access Annoyances. If you spend any time in Access, this ought to be on your bookshelf.

Contents: Access Basics; General Annoyances; Performance, Versions, Security, and Deployment; Data, Tables, and Database Design; Queries; Forms; Reports, Mailing Labels, and Charts; Expressions, Macros, Code Modules, and Custom Controls; Appendix; Glossary; Index

The Annoyances series is set up in such a way that each chapter covers a series of "questions" posed as to why a particular software package behaves in a certain way. The questions range from minor "why does Access always do x" to "my #$@%@ database is corrupted!", and the conversational tone between the questioner and the authors is fun to read. After reading some of these things, you wonder why *anyone* would use Access! Mitchell and Callahan, although experts in Access, maintain a healthy cynicism towards the product's features and foibles, and all it would take is for you to find three to five annoyances that bug you to no end in order for you to think this is the best money you've spent in a long time. They also try and cover a range of things, from beginner to advanced level gripes, so that you should see value wherever you are in the continuum of Access experience.

If I had this book available to me a year ago, I might still be running my reading log database in Access instead of in Notes. I certainly would have experienced far less frustration than I did. After making sure you have a solid Access reference guide on your shelf, this should be your second purchase on the subject...

There are certain things in life we all know but never really say them out loud. Flashpoint emphasizes there should be synergy of family, social and work life. All three are critically important and we must not ignore any of them or they ALL suffer. Flashpoint can help you find the proper balance for your life in order for to achieve emotional and financial abundance.

Until I read the book I did not understand the word Abundant. Now its clear to me that an abundant life is being involved equally with all aspects of my life. I am no longer a workaholic, although I love my job and do work many hours,but I am also deeply interested and much more active with my children, my home, my wife and relatives. I had been narrowly focused on professional life as exclusive to success, but with the help of the Matsons and FlashPoint I have discovered my own personal FlashPoint and that is success comes from many areas of life. I intend to enjoy it all.

FlashPoint gave me the opportunity to put in perspective my work and home life. I work for a school system and found myself staying late and missing my own childs school functions. After reading FlashPoint I realized how important it was to accomplish my work, but to also be a successful mom. Now I leave work at the prescribed time and I hope I never miss another of my childs concerts, games, plays or whatever. Afterall, to paraphrase FlashPoint, success at home should be atleast as important as success on the job.

Flashpoint does a great job providing real world examples of people just like me and how I can take concrete actions in my life to master the art of economic abundance. Believe me, after reading this book I am ready to create my first economic Monet!

This book has a more profound, deeper message relating to principals of self character and integrity. The premise of the exercises are to help an individual keep not only financial commitments but personal committments as well. Being "brutely honest" while simultaneously allowing oneself to be open minded to rapid change and new methods, especially in relationship building, opportunity and abundance are unlimited. Thanks Mark.

If you like experimental aviation, this is a must read.

Completed by Curtis Peebles after the death of Milt Thompson the story of Flying without Wings is told by a pilots pilot. Milt has the uncanny ability to mix the technical engineering side of experimental aviation and then put the reader in the pilots seat for a hair-raising ride from 40,000ft down to the ground.

Milt thompson has written a great book on the hardships of the early attempts at flying with out wings. He describes in detail how the M2F1 was designed and tested and how the program eneded with the futuristic X-24B. A great book and a must read for aviation buffs of all ages.

Lifting body research may be an esoteric subject, but is fascinating for anyone interested in aeronautics; Thompson was in the cockpit during most of the testing of the early forms, and draws an exciting picture of the high risk drama of these pioneering flights. The final chapters link the early research in the 60s with the later design and construction of the Shuttle, and the reader will understand how these "mad monk" test pilots really made the orbiter possible, by proving the validity of the core design. Finally, one interesting note is how the early testing was done with minimal funding, and a lot of do-it-yourself common sense by the teams at Edwards. Those days are certainly gone. Highly recommended if you have an interest in the field, and at least a basic understanding of the terms, concepts, and physics of flight.

The late Milt Thompson, one of the top NASA research test pilots during the glory days of flight testing at Edwards, kept an extensive diary of notes during his years of work. The book digests these notes and presents them in a very readable format that truly captures the imagination of the reader, describing a time of grassroots research and the determination of individuals at Edwards. Thompson, the pilot, and other great engineering minds, notably, Dale Reed, truly believed that there was a better way to bring spacecraft back to earth that didn't involve splashing down somewhere in a large ocean. Their efforts resulted in the construction and testing of the Lifting Bodies, giving us a body of knowledge that led to the Space Shuttle concept and will continue with NASA's newest efforts...the X-38 and Venture Star single stage to orbit concepts. The book is a must for anyone with an interest in this field of aeronautical history.

This is an excellent gift book, to give to people who are suffering the loss of loved ones, personal health, and other griefs of life. It is easily read, but the theology is sound and helpful.

Excellent book for anyone going through a loss or time of grief - from Christian perspective. Beautiful pictures and layout.

I read this book 25 years ago, yet the truth rings the same today. I was very depressed at the time and didn't understand what was going on in my Christian life. How could I as a Christian be suffering with depression? Then I read this book, which used II Corithians 1:3-10 as it's basis, and found that the Apostle Paul stated he dispaired even of life. It states, how God is the God of all comfort. So if Paul the Apostle was dispairing of life and looked to the God of all comfort for help, then so should I. Dr. Swindoll goes into much greater detail, and does a very good job of driving the truth home. It helped me tremendously, know that God doesn't look down on us in our struggles, but has compassion. I highly recommend this book. I reference it in my suicide prevention website, (www.bungechord.com/suicide),and a link to purchase it, at Amazon.com of course. If you are stuggling with depression and/or in pain, this is a book for you.

I love this book! I have given copies to many people I know when they are going through something difficult in their lives and I don't have the right words of comfort for them. This book helps to make sense of why we go through some of the things we do in life. I first read it 20 years ago and it helped me through a very difficult time in my life. Everyone should read this book!

This book is (especially considering its brevity) one of the finest treatments of suffering available. It is sensitive, Biblical,and perfectly suited to pass on to anyone that is going through a difficult time. I highly recommend it.

I started school at West Georgia College Fall of 1967 and going off and on finally graduated Fall of 1974.
I never lived at Foster's Store and don't think I ever even went inside but I was part of the overall culture that was going on at that time. Some of my art is printed in the book and I'm the passed out drunk on page 161.

The book paints a realistic portrait of what life was like at that time for kids living away from home for the first time and testing the waters to see how much they could get away with.

There were many fun times and some very dark scary times but overall I'm glad I was there and would not trade my experiences for anything.

Oh, and by the way, I managed to get an education while I was there too.... sorta.

Philip DeLoach

Full disclosure- I'm related to one of the contributers. But on its own merits, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The semi-scattered, collaborative nature of the book gives it a warm authenticity and made me nostalgic for times I wasn't alive to see. It is part wartime letter collection (both from those who went to Vietnam and those who declined the government's kind offer), part fireside chat, and part trip down a hallucinagenic memory lane. Good times, good book.

Bill (Son of the one Carmichael that DIDN'T go to WGC)

What a wonderful book this is .....

I truly enjoyed reading it and feel as though I know each one of you from Foster's Store .... I envy your journeys and the friendships you forged from that experience ...... but it brought back so very many memories from my times back then ...... THOSE WERE THE DAYZ in many ways - but you were able to bring to life the reality of the drug scene and the personal demons it held for so many ...... as well as the Vietnam War and the impact it had on those dear, young men back then - with their fears and uncertainty of their futures .... the lives lost will never be forgotten! The funny times were so entertaining and I really laughed over the trips for booze and the parties you had .... the cole slaw story was a favorite!! I'll never eat it again without thinking of you, Wayne!

Thanks again for this wonderful adventure .... and I will share this with all my friends so they can buy the book for themselves - my copy is much too precious to loan out !

PEACE and LOVE to all ......

Sandi Farinas
Tampa, Florida

By Terri Rimmer

In Foster's Store by West Georgia College graduate Wayne Lankford we are treated to a cornucopia of treasured memories in a coming of age tale that depicts what life was like for students living in a converted country store and the escapades that went on in the dorm residence of sorts.

As an alum of the college this book brings to me such vivid portrayals of love and adventure and relishes the past in a way that can only be captured by someone who lived it such as the author.

L.R. Foster, owner of the mom and pop grocery, who lived to be 97, welcomed its first tenants to the store and house in 1966, the year I was born.

As the book states, so many of us did leave the school with more than an education and the rich retellings of these 1960s and 1970s antics and comings of age smoothly display to the reader all that was and can be.

Despite the fact that students now lived in the store during these decades, numerous vendors like the ice cream man would continue to try to deliver goods to the store turned housing unit.

One episode that happened in the residence involved a tenant getting a little too wasted and proceeding to preach after having accidentally attended a Pentecostal tent revival.

This excerpt reminds me of the glory days of the 1980s when my newspaper staff friends and I had our weekly parties and Tray Baggarly, the leader of the pack, would engage the entire party with something just as revealing.

The tenants at Foster's Store, who at one point, made their own Den of Inequity by raising the floor and installed carpet in the residence, only had to pay $35 for rent - astounding, to say the least!

From partying, to selling your class ring at the local pawn shop to keep your buzz going with a six-pack of beer and some Orange Sunshine, these were students with excitement yet purpose in their lives, all the while playing, debating, discovering, and rallying against the war as well as trying their hand at cooking in the old store.

Numerous other alumni contributed to the book as well and their stories are thick with store mate images.

Pictures throughout the book depict a life rich with fun, antics, relationships, and pushing the limits, all in the name of rediscovering one's path.

I just finished Foster's Store - could not put it down - and it was wonderful! Wayne Langford and some of his former college cronies from the late 60s and early 70s have created the most refreshing and original book I have read in years. It is hilarious, yet provides an insightful and sobering look at a generation that grew up being drilled by elementary school teachers on what to do in the event of a nuclear attack by the Commies.

Because of totally honest writing, I can feel the sense of youth, freedom, adventure and awe that the authors enjoyed while at Foster's Store. But, I can also feel the confusion, fear and dread these young men endured as a result of the unprecedented contradictions that defined the era. And, I know I can smell the stale beer that must still permeate the ruins of old man Foster's former store turned student housing commune. I miss that smell.

This book would make a great movie! The story is far richer and more real than Animal House.