Passion The Books

Patricia Thomas writes a phenomenal book of science, of politics, of a deadly disease, intertwined with business and the age-old struggle of societal good vs. personal/business gain. I was at first daunted by the size of the book alone, but the writing is so clear, so concise, so reader-friendly that it is an easy read. This is a must read for everyone interested in finding solutions to science-society issues such as AIDS. It is a must read for every health care professional and medical researcher, as well. As a science/health writer myself, I also highly recommend it as a teaching tool for how to write science for the lay person.

Sept. 11 has had a galvanizing effect in reminding Americans that planet earth is really a small place where whatever affects one person ultimately affects us all. The emergence of AIDS in the early 1980s might also have united Americans to fight a common enemy. Might have. But the truth, so compellingly told by Ms. Thomas, is that personalities and politics (both personal and national), prejudice and posturing got in the way of mounting a cohesive campaign. As a result, we are still far from stopping AIDS. Sure, treatments are better, but most of the world cannot afford treatment.
What makes "Big Shot" especially timely is that, as America prepares to fight the "new war," more military personnel will likely be exposed to the AIDS virus. When the GIs line up for vaccinations and grimace comically for the camera, as our fathers and grandfathers did for previous wars, protection against the AIDS virus won't be part of the cocktail. Because there is no vaccine against AIDS.

It's a pretty depressing scenario, but Ms. Thomas retains a wonderfully upbeat message with the subtext "that was then, this is now, so let's move forward."
Besides, she tells a helluva entertaining story.

It's been said that politics, like sausage, is best not seen in the making. But those who wonder why we don't yet have a vaccine or a cure for AIDS need to know why. Pat Thomas takes us behind the scenes and lives of the cast of characters deeply involved in the science, politics and business of one of the most hotly sought-after pharmaceutical products of all time.
"Big Shot" gives us reason to despair that science can ever succeed, given the private and public agendas of so many involved in the AIDS epidemic.
But it also gives us hope, as we see the many dedicated to finding a way to stop the spread of an epidemic that has already claimed 22 million lives. This is a masterful job by one of the best science writers working today -- wonderfully written and compelling.

I think "Big Shot" is the first important nonfiction work of the 21st century. With a clarity and an exuberance not often found in books about hard science, Patricia Thomas explains how politics, human frailty and corporate greed have prevented us from finding a vaccine for AIDS. Comparisons with previous books about AIDS and public policy don't exactly do justice to "Big Shot." If books must be categorized, Thomas' scrupulous research sometimes places this book with top ranking medical journals; but the wonderful writing -- you can almost dance to Thomas' prose -- places it among the better mysteries. In the hands of a lesser writer, the workings of DNA, retroviruses, surface antigens and hard-working proteins would cause one's eyes to glaze over. Instead, I found myself turning pages with Evelynwoodesque speed to get to the next development and the next, wondering which young researcher would win the race to the vaccine goal. Thomas has raised the bar for future books about medical research.

Archbishop Sheen's work is an accessible text that provides a set of reflections that can deepen one's spiritual journey and redirect their eyes to the beauty and depth of the Passion narratives. Each chapter suffices to itself as a reflection, expounding on a certain characteristics of the given individual(s) to whom reflection is aimed. From these characteristics, the beloved Archbishop expresses the potential paths for spiritual growth, given the information learned from each individual's actions. This is accomplished in reflecting on both the good actions as well as by means of pointing out the negative actions taken. Although the text is particularly dated by a few references to Communism, the specter of Marxist thought in the present day does not eliminate the applicability of even these points.

In particular, it would be most excellent to read these reflections during Holy Week. They are most timely during that period because of their links to the Passion of Christ. Nonetheless, these reflections are most pertinent to life at all times and can be read with full strength at any point of the year. Archbishop Sheen's work is a most edifying set of reflections that provide depth while remaining very accessible to even the non-theologian.

Bishop Sheen as inspiritional as ever. This book is both a history book and a religion book. For those of us who know the Passion and Death of Our Lord so well (or so we think) this is a real eye opener. Ideal for Lent or anytime of the year. Personal meditation.

At age 82, and having been exposed to the wisdom of Bishop Sheen since I was about age 14, I have missed the voice and person of this wonderful priest. He is nominated for sainthood and his life surely qualifies him for this honor. His "Characters of the Passion" offers an on the scene glimpse of those close to Jesus Christ at His crucifixion, their motives and their actions. Bishop Sheen authored some sixty books. I have read many of them. "Characters of the Passion" is among his best. I hope to have read all that are still available While I'm still able to read.

Joseph L. Taylor
Grafton, WI

Bishop Sheen is an excellent source of wisdom, and he doesn't fail us here. In each chapter, he discusses one of the characters of the passion (Peter, Judas, Pilate, Herod, Claudia and Herodias, Barabbas and the thieves) and shows us what lessons we can draw from each of them--how what the Gospels have to say about them can change the way we live our lives.

A small book, but a powerful book.

Flor serious Christians who see Holy Week and the Triduum as the most imnportant time of the year, this book is a must. For those who keep the Holy Thursday Vigil it will guide their thoughts into a deeper appreciation of Christ's death and passion.

In brief, Fr. Brown's collection of essays (based on his larger work, "The Death of the Messiah") is an excellent introduction to an obvious question of exegesis raised every year during the Easter season. Each liturgical year, Catholics are exposed to an important anomaly in the passion narratives of the Gospels as a synoptic Passion account is read on Palm Sunday and the Johannine Passion account is read on Good Friday. Through this lens, Fr. Brown approaches each narrative in order to shed light on its own specific characteristics.

In brief form, Fr. Brown analyzes the heart of each narrative, casting its varied events into the light of that heart. While the brief text does not allow for much exegetical depth, it does allow for a general relief to be given to each narrative. He also extrapolates possible community orientations which led to the presentation in each narrative. While this remains somewhat peripheral in the short book, it is of utmost importance to the final synthesis which stresses the importance of the multiple facets of the narratives. In addition to this, Fr. Brown attempts to relate the passion narratives to their larger place in their given Gospels but fails to find much room to do so within the confines of each brief essay.

Overall, the text is an excellent, brief read for all looking to more fully understand the multiple faces of the Passion accounts and the beauty of the reflections off each of those faces.

These are not my views, I must admit, but rather those of Rev. Mark Stanger, an Episcopal priest at San Francisco's Grace Cathedral. In an interview published at salon.com in January 2004, he said,

'If people want to read something sensible about this whole thing, Raymond E. Brown -- he died about a year ago -- was a great, great Catholic scripture scholar. He wrote a mega-work called "The Death of the Messiah" in 1994 -- two volumes, 1,600 pages. But then he digested [it] down and did a little tiny popular work, a $5 paperback, 71 pages, called "A Crucified Christ in Holy Week." I think that would be the sanest possible book anyone could ever read.'

A CRUCIFIED CHRIST IN HOLY WEEK is a small summary of the late Father Raymond Brown's two volume THE DEATH OF THE MESSIAH. While such a book, a booklet in comparison cannot be more than just a summary of what the two volume set includes, it is perfect for the student who wishes top be introduced to Brown's major thoughts regarding the death of Jesus or for the preacher trying to recall Brown's salient points while preparing a sermon or homily. The book is divided into four chapters which tell of each evangelist's focus in the Passion narrative and concludes with some thoughts regarding the Passion itself, and the strengths and weaknesses of the composite view of the Passion we are accustomed to when we combine the four Gospel passion accounts and make them into one story as well as concerns regarding the misinterpretation of the passion and its connection to anti-Semitism.

As I mentioned earlier, this volume will be perfect for a student or a person involved in preaching. It could also be used my Bible study groups that are looking at the Passion narratives. Browns observations could certainly lead to lively discussions. It would also be a great guide for anyone who may be taking a closer look at the passion, especially during lent, and help the reader enter into a deeper understanding of Jesus'' Passion and its meaning for us today.

Have the series of the Delaney's and this was the missing book. Pleased to find it and enjoyed it very much.

This is the first story that I came across about the Delaneys. I absolutely love Iris Johansen's books and I was thrilled to read this! It is one of the best and it has made me interested in finding all of the books that cover the Delaneys. An awesome read, I couldn't put it down for a second and when it ended, I wanted more. I recommend this to anyone!

This is a lovely 3 in 1 book of the Delaney's: "Christmas Past", "Christmas Present" and "Christmas Future." A lovely mirror carved with holly was supposedly given to Shamus Delaney by the gypsies. Succeeding generations have discovered that it is a magical mirror enabling only Delaneys to see past, present and future. Don't miss Dominic and Elspeth's story in "This Fierce Splendor"--the one that started it all!

I loved Iris Johansen's "Christmas Past" because here we get a glimpse of how Silver Savron is doing, as well as the love story of Rising Star's son. Zara St. Cloud is outcast even among her fellow gypsies. She is desperate to prove she has Delaney blood in her by searching for the mirror. Kevin Delaney is bored. When he finds a housebreaker at Killara, he is determined that she will be his Christmas amusement. Hot!

This book tells the story of a mirror that brings love to those who look into it. It can drive people away, bring them home, prevent events from happening, and help events occur. No matter what a person sees in this mysterious mirror, the mirror brings love to many of the people who have looked into it.

I am into the second go around of this book. What fascinates me the most is the fact that Eric doesn't provide the tyical text book solutions. This book makes you think about your situation and helps you in creating innovative solutions.

"Achieving success is not an accident: it results from a deliberate process of identifying a compelling purpose, passionately pursuing your vision, preparing for high
level outcomes, and performing at your best." So begins Eric Allenbaugh's latest book, in which he masterfully shows you how to achieve it. He lays out scores of
ideas, peppered with lots of examples and inspirational quotes.

Allenbaugh weaves these together through five success strategies:

Direction - linking purpose and passion with performance.
Culture - sustaining a results-oriented, customer-focused climate.
Empowerment - releasing human potential.
Coaching - creating giants out of other.
Renewal - sustaining your competitive edge.

Underlying these, and woven throughout the examples, are three performance principles:

Being tough on issues and tender on people.
Honoring differences and aligning talent.
Building the bottom line and the human element.

He believes, as I do, that most people want to do their work well and to contribute to the success of their organization. Leaders must harness these individual
desires in a way that serves the collective purpose. Organizations that show this, really hum! They are the industry leaders - the best of the best - even if their CEOs
are not the flashiest ones around.

A primary role of corporate leaders is to shape and reinforce the culture of the enterprise. Allenbaugh provides a useful model of four corporate cultures, as they
are influenced by their attachment to the bottom line and to the human element. Closing my eyes and rifling through my memory bank of the organizations I have
worked in and the scores of companies I have consulted with, I not only could not think of any that did not fit this simple model, but I also understood why some of
them behaved the way they did. That set of insights alone far exceeded the price of the book!

Integration of values into an organization is a long-term endeavor, but vitally important. It's all about alignment - linking of vision with action, paying attention to
both people and profits, walking the talk, learning, growing, and striving always to exceed expectations.

In such organizations, leaders do not "manage" their employees. Rather, they "coach" them to draw out their innate talents and allow them to blossom. From his
years of experience, Allenbaugh describes several different coaching methods, all of which honor and build upon the many ways people learn. Of course, one must
deal with problem performers and even terminate them when their performance and attitudes do not match those of the organization, but it's surprising how few in
number such individuals are when given solid guidance, a supportive culture, and regular coaching.

This is not a fast read. Not because Allenbaugh's prose doesn't draw the reader along easily: it does. Rather, because the shear number of ideas is dense. I
frequently lifted my eyes from the page to ponder what he meant or explore a model he presented and to consider how I might apply it myself. These diversions
were necessary to absorb the full impact of the book.

I have deliberately left out of this review many of the most provocative learning points, so you can discover them for yourself.

The principles in Eric Allenbaugh's book can transform your life, as well as your company, but only if you will it. My advice is simple. Read it. Enjoy it. Learn
from it. Apply its lessons.

I have been a fan of Eric Allenbaugh for some time now and was pleased to see that he has put his ideas in print so that everyone can benefit from them. Dr. Allenbaugh's style is down-to-earth and common sense. He makes what so many people shy away from because they don't think they understand it, straightforward. The book is based upon his real life experience as a consultant and coach. If readers will apply Dr. Allenbaugh's advice on vision and mission and combine it with creating a culture of empowered associates, their organizations will reap long term dividends! If the reader does nothing else, the chapters on performance coaching should be taken to heart. The workplace will be so much the better for it! Deliberate Success should be required reading for all CEO's and executives!

"Achieving success is not an accident; it results from a deliberate process of identifying a compelling purpose, passionately pursuing your vision, preparing for high level outcomes, and performing at your best." Thus we being our journey with a seasoned (two decades) executive coach, professional speaker, and consultant in peak performance. The author is a proven expert in his field-a specialty that has enduring value for individuals, teams, and organizations.

The book--full of advice and counsel that would cost you thousands in a personal consultation--is organized into five strategies. The strategies are Direction, Culture, Empowerment, Coaching, and Renewal. Each strategy is presented as a section of the book, with three or four chapters on each category. Two special features add value to this book: an abundance of relevant quotes throughout the book and cameo contributions from thirteen fairly well-known authors and executives. A bibliography and index round out the book.

Under Direction, Allenbaugh shows readers how to link purpose and passion with performance. Chapters focus on creating a compelling mission and vision, linking into your passion, and implementing your vision. The Culture section describes how to sustain a results-oriented, customer-focused climate-valuable for individuals as well as organizations. The three chapters illuminate various aspects of culture, including the importance of values. The Empowerment section focuses on releasing human potential. There are several insightful chapters on empowering people, honoring the differences among people, and hiring winners by using Attitude, Aptitude, and Alignment as filters. The coaching section addresses building others' success, effective expression and listening skills, and a focus on results. The last portion of the book explores the "3 Rs of Renewal: Release, Reaffirm, and Reinvent." Chapters on individual renewal and organizational renewal contribute useful perspectives.

Easy-to-read book for individuals, managers, business owners, consultants, and those charged with the responsibility (and opportunity) of coaching others to deliberate success. This is a good how-to book, enjoyable and enlightening as a read-through and worthwhile as a reference when you need a re-focus.

I have scoured the libraries, bookstores, and the internet looking for a massive dose of Egon Shiele works. I took my chances and bought this book from Amazon after exhausting all of my local resources. This book is beautiful with more than enough pieces from the artist to spend years looking over his creations. The book is huge. It dwarfs the Egon Shiele: Drawings and Watercolors book by Jane Kallir. I thoroughly enjoyed that book as well. While looking over all other books in print, there are some color discrepancies. I seem to prefer the more orange yellow colored prints but most of the books including this one prints the female nudes with orange reddish shade. I look forward to the days I see these pieces in person. I like to live as minimalist and rarely collect anything. I'm pleased to own this gigantic book and will cherish it until I'm ready to hand it over to the next fanatic Egon Sheile fan.
I have to mention this. Another review mentioned this as well. There is notable canvas oil pieces not included in this book such as the Edward Kosmack, 1910 oil on canvas. But I'm going to give this book an all stars rating anyways. Enjoy the book.

Consists mainly of Schiele's drawings and watercolors, no canvases are given a full page which is a little disappointing if you ask me. Still, the volume of work here is impressive and the quality of the book is superb.

Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates Egon Schiele, especially his drawings. The absolute gem in this volume is an essay "My journey with Egon Schiele" by his friend the collector Heinrich Benesch, which offers many wonderful insights into Schiele's personality.

If you're considering buying a Schiele monograph you probably know a bit about the man, which is good: no reason to "read" this book. It's not that the words aren't instructive and at times interesting regarding the man and his work. The problem is that the text is a mess. This is due to, 1) the mumbo-jumbo jargon seemingly endemic to art scholarship, 2) a German-English translation that is at best awkward, and 3) despite a proof-reading credit for the English text, barely a page goes by without some embarrassing error, down to simple typos that any spell-checking program would have flagged.

But the purpose of an art book is the illustrations, and the reason the text didn't knock a star off this rating is because those in this volume are astonishing. The plates and the figures are beautifully rendered in amazing resolution and impeccable color. This work is a catalogue of an exhibit staged by the Albertina a year or so ago, drawing on some work (and respective photographs) provided by other institutions and private collections (with images a half-step down in quality, though still fine), but the bulk is from the Albertina and they are to be given a standing ovation for their digital archiving. An added bonus is that, even though they have such a large holding of Schiele's works, the Albertina's collection rarely travels and as such doesn't much factor into the pictorial history of this amazing artist. Despite having a personal library of 20+ Schiele monographs--I am a fan(atic)--I've never seen a fair number of these works in reproduction.

Buy this book! It's a steal at its full retail price ($75)...at the Amazon price, I felt like I should be going to jail. I will note that due to the foundations of the Albertina's collection, and the thrust of this exhibit, the focus is entirely on Schiele's works-on-paper (a few oil/wood panels excepted); none of his canvases are included. So for a full appreciation of Schiele's genius, this isn't the only book you should have, but it's one helluva start!

If you are looking for a book to edify and encourage your spirit, this is the one to read. The authors, mighty men of God with hearts for intercession and revival, passionately decree that this is the time to seek Jesus through prayer, repentance, fasting and holiness. My heart and my soul long for Him even more after reading this book.

Let this be the hour that the church would arise, to be passionate for the things of God, that He may reveal His good pleasure. When we seek His face, He rewards us with His presence and sweetness. Nothing else satisifies but Jesus...NOTHING.


Indeed, Elijah's Revolution will strengthen your resolve to abide in Christ, fast, pray without ceasing and calling upon the Father to bring revival and His kingdom - NOW!

This book is truly dangerous to the kingdom of darkness,I really enjoyed it

Jim Goll writes this book with an eye on the passion of the saint for their God. Goll is not writing to create fans or to sale books but to call the Church to be all that God created her to be. For far too long we have not responded to the cries of books, sermons, and teachings such as this and taken up our cross to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23-25).

I enjoyed Goll's book for several reasons. First, Goll is very open. He shares his heart. He is not trying to hide his own faults in the pages of a book but he is open in his own struggles for God. Secondly, the book is full of Scripture. While I didn't necessarily agree with Goll totally in all his uses of Scripture, Goll does offer many passages for the reader to "chew" on.

The negative side of this book is not too bad. Again, while I didn't agree with some aspects of Goll's book, I do feel that his message is one we need to hear. We need to be zealous for Jesus (Romans 12:11-12). We need passion for prayer (Acts 2:42; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17). We need a passion for the lost (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 10:45; 16:15-16; Acts 1:8). And we need a passion to truly worship God (John 4:24; Php. 3:1-2).

Overall, this book is worth the purchase and the reading.

This book is for the day we live in. As the book states, God is calling out passionate Esthers, and He is releasing the Spirit of Elijah upon us. There is an excitement in the body of Christ as we tap into what God is doing in our midst. This book helped me discover how God is moving by His Spirit, and where I fit into His plan.

This book is on the shelf with the favorites. I was ecstatic to hear a complete survey of Uglow's work was being published and I am not disappointed. Some of the images feel dark and maybe kind of small. But there are several hundred in one book. Many of the paintings have descriptions and anecdotes revealing the process or life of the piece. If you're a fan of Uglow, like British figuration, and love painting, it's worth purchasing this.

This handsome volume opens with two essays. The first essay looks at the young artist and his development; his time at art school, first Camberwell and then The Slade, and considers those who influenced him, especially William Coldstream. The second essay looks more particularly at the artist's main body of work, and considers again the influences.

The fully illustrated catalogue section provides much additional information about the individual pieces, many being accompanied by detailed descriptions and interesting facts about their production, often including the artist's own comments. The reproductions vary is size considerably, there are a good number of full-page or near full-page images, but at the other end of the scale a large number are very small. In total there are well over 400 of the artist's works illustrated, according to the publishers this includes every known oil painting, about 80 of which are reproduced here for the first time. In addition to the paintings there are also a number of representative drawings, designs, and a few rather personal more suggestive pieces.

The book includes a chronology, bibliography, and exhibition history for each work.

A quick glance at the content might suggest there is very little information about the man Euan Uglow, but careful reading gradually provides some insight in an almost incidental manner. We learn about the man from his work, and not about the work from the man.

Having the full body of Uglow's oeuvre to consider it becomes immediately apparent where his interests lay; the female nude predominates, still life features strongly too. There are landscapes but nothing like the quantity of the former two, mostly produced during summers away. What comes through strongly from all forms is Uglow's strongly analytical approach, his single minded interest in his subject and his striving for perfection; yet the work is never laboured.

It is a splendid book. The essays are well written and warmly appreciative of the artist and his work. It well designed and superbly illustrated in colour almost throughout, the only complaint being that some of the images are too small.

This is a very fitting tribute and long over due. Uglow is one of the great artists of our century. He does not get the press of Freud but is as good if not better. (Personal preference.) The images as reproduced are sometimes a wee bit small. Having been spoiled with so many great art books with large reproductions, there is little excuse in our day to put out anything less. It still gets 5 stars because I will take whatever I can get. The essays are top notch. The Browse and Darby book is still available from the gallery and reproduces many of his best works at a more appropriate size, but with far fewer paintings. On top of all that, get the book "Some Memories of the Painter" by Susan Campbell which is also available from Browse and DArby. Great anecdotal info on Mr. Uglow.

Contrary to the book description provided by Amazon this is not the first Uglow book, although it is by far the superior due to the increase in material. Uglow is relatively unknown in the US primarily due to his success in Great Britain (virtually his entire ouevre is in the hands of private collectors). He tended to work very slowly and often revisited a painting over many years. Recently, art students interested in figurative representation have been discovering his work. They (the pictures) have a kind of directness of intention and clarity of paint application that appeals to artists looking for integrity in approach. They are refreshingly devoid of post-modern myth making, avoid the hagiography and bravura that accompany so much of contemporary art (e.g. Damien Hurst, Jeff Koons, et.al.) And yet they are unquestionably dense with seriousness and meaning. This is one of the great painters of the 20th century, and this book will undoubtably gain at least five times its current price over the next ten years. Both an aesthetic and economic investment.

This guy is good. Mr. Carter captivated me from the moment I opened his book. His writing really comes from the heart and you can tell. The book is about love and love lost, and is definitely worth reading...check it out...

This book almost brought me to tears knowing that I am not the only one who has loved and lost. I think this book is a grain of sand on the beach of Jesse Carter's potential. I can't wait to see what comes next

This is some of the best poetry I've ever read!
His verse is outstanding. It's hard to believe he is only twenty-four years old.

The author was recently featured in a article in the Coppell Gazette, a local free newspaper. Among the flurry of quotes concerning himself were these gems: "This is a grain of sand on the beach of my potential" (sound familiar to the review below?) "Pick a star - that's what I'll shoot for" "I didn't choose writing - writing chose me. God chose me as an instrument" "Other people need to read this". "I don't want to check the sales" (you're ranked #2,607,620 as I write this, Chief). The article went on and on, throwing similar statements around like confetti. The book explores the pain of lost love, and I would predict the last poem is about when the girl realizes she's dating an artsy, self-adsorbed blowhard. But I'll give him 5 stars anyway, just for the self-confidence, and a sincere wish for good luck....

Reading other men's views and feelings about key life issues in Finding Our Fire provided an inside view of what other men think and feel. In understanding their perspective, I felt a sharing with all men making me feel more positive about my own sense of masculinity. This 'diving into me',so to say, provided a unique experience I've rarely received from other books. I strongly recommend Finding Our Fire not only to men but to women also so they can understand us better.

We live in a culture that devalues the masculine. This devaluation tends to promote negative stereotypes of boys and men which snowball in the media and become entrenched ideas. Brossman's "Finding Our Fire - Enhancing men's connection to heart, passion and strength" is a clear and insightful look into masculinity that bypasses and goes far beyond the stereotypes. It offers an easily accessible and perceptive view of what men need to do, and what men are doing, to connect with our passion and fire. Brossman is a captivating story teller and an old hand at observing and facilitating human development. You get pearls from him throughout the book but importantly you gain from the voice of the many men who for the last 10 years have been a part of his Men's Inquiry groups. In fact the book is a great source to bring understanding about men and their ways of doing things but also a very powerful guide and template for men to create their own inquiries with other men.

The book is also a great tool for women trying to love and understand the men in their lives.

Highly recommended.

This is an interesting book. At first, it felt a bit weird to read all of these guys' responses to the various questions. It's a much different book than a lot of others out there that just give you the author's viewpoint. This book gives you an assortment of viewpoints about all kinds of things related to life as a man. I am about halfway through the book and really enjoying it. I am taking the book as slowly as it deserves.

Martin is a unique character who never fails to find the golden core of those he meets. In this book, he touches the golden core of men in a way that enlightens and provides fodder for reflection and meaningful discussion. Oprah ought to be all over this author and his book. And I'm not a guy who generally cares for Oprah.