Reds Books

I forget how I was introduced to this book, but I eventually bought it from Amazon. All I can say about The Red Right Hand is it is one of the best thrillers I have ever read.

I will admit I had picked it up then put it down again because I wasn't in the right mood to read it; but once I picked it back up and finished it, I realized the ending alone was worth reading the somewhat slow beginning.

I won't even talk about the plot. To give any details to this book would be unjust to any person who will have the great pleasure of picking it up one day.

Just know you will be knocked over the head by Rogers' denouement.

The mystery genre is not one that I am fond of. I bought this book from the now defunct (sadly) Common Reader catalog because of the name and description. I'm so glad I ordered it because this is one of the very few mysteries I have ever liked. Joel Townsley Rogers was one talented writer! Some of his gooseflesh-raising descriptions have stayed in my mind for years. This book is not only mysterious and suspenseful but downright scary.

Rogers was a much better writer than some of today's authors who think that gore and perversion are the only way to scare readers, and that we can only handle one and a half page chapters or our puny little attention spans will collapse.

They should all have to read this book--so subtle, so creepy. I promise you will never forget the crazed little sawtooth killer--the hair on my arms is standing up as I type--if you buy this book you will not regret it!!!

I read this years ago after one of my favorite authors (Donald E. Westlake) cited it as his favorite mystery novel. I loved it. The book is a constantly-shifting and mysterious narrative that repays a close read. Mystery fans: Find it and read it-- the designation of this book as a "classic" is completely justified!

I found this book by chance at a second hand book sale while on summer holiday about three years ago. The edition was printed in 1975 and by now (after reading over and over) looks rather shabby.

I had never heard of the author before and was merely looking for something to pass the time. It didn't pass much time, because once I started reading I couldn't put it down, and only took me one day to finish.

Joel Townsley Rogers puts you, neé, throws you right in the middle of a first-person account of this murder mystery that unfolds in one day. The story and subsequent mystery slowly unravels as he takes you back in time, revealing the characters and the events leading up to the day in which the story is told.

You start guessing and wondering, painting your own mental images of the characters and surroundings desribed with meticulous attention detail.

There are clues throughout the book, and careful reading is required. Read it again and again, and more clues are revealed.

As far as endings to any book are concerned, they're pretty imprtant, so I won't divulge any details. I will say this though...be prepared!

This is whodunnit to the very end, and even though the ending has never changed in the 7 times that I've read it...I'm reading it again for the 8th time right now.

Enjoy and share

A corpse with a missing hand, sightings of a twisted gnome driving a sleek convertible, the lone hitchhiker on a deserted highway comes straight from a nightmare's central casting. "The Red Right Hand", written in 1945, fresh and jolting in the 21st century, must have absolutely rocked the literary world of its day with this strangely creepy tale of young love gone impossibly wrong. Dr. Harry Riddle finds himself implicated in the murder of Innis St. Erme, a young New York businessman who had set off to New England to elope with his bride-to-be when a roadside picnic takes a terrible turn. Author Joel Townsley Rogers spins this bizarre and eerie tale tightly around a non-linear plot, leading the reader down a hallucinogenic trail of murder and mind games that is sure to confuse and delight - like you're kicking back on a lazy Saturday afternoon a pick up an early "Twilight Zone" episode mid-flight. But by the time its over, you're on the edge of your seat, yet still completely unprepared for the final twists and turns that would leave Hitchcock stuttering. Classic stuff - the best - don't miss this one.

Pretty tremendous sequel to Final Impact pulls off being scary and full of brooding sense of doom. Really feels like the world has ended! I hope there will be a third book! The story line carries over better than most overblown epic fantasies out there.

This is a classic big-canvas novel, as the children of the FINAL IMPACT characters come into their own. Don't worry: most of the original gang is back as well -- but they take a back seat to the young men and women born during and after the cataclysmic Impact Days. As usual, Navarro's main focus in on her characters, and those in this novel are firmly within the Navarro tradition of strong, intensely believable people, who carry with them that Stephen King-like sense of being someone you actually know . . . or wish you that did, or fear that you might . . . Overall, another superior effort from a consistently fine author. As one of the other perceptive folks quoted on this page recommends, buy both books and read them back-to-back.

RED SHADOWS is a follow up to FINAL IMPACT, where a rogue planet crashes into the Earth. Before DEEP IMPACT and ARMAGEDDON, Navarro weaved a tale of survival. In RED SHADOWS we find out how well the survivors are doing and what they are doing to stop a plague. Navarro has been totally underrated in the women of horror movement of the `90's. We all know about Brite, Koja, Kiernan and Faust. But please add Navarro as an heir to their throne. This novel is an excellently written, character-driven story. The people in this novel live and breathe and you feel for them when some of their decisions are made. Emotionally engaging. Highest Recommendation.

This story had great characters and good detail. You can really feel you are in one of the three zones described in the book and your really worry with the characters about what could be 'out there'. For anyone that likes science fiction and thrillers, they should love this book!

I was so impressed by this book. It's my first by this author and I quickly surmised that it is a sequel, but that was on special order, so I went ahead and read this one anyway. It stands alone as a pretty powerful work of fiction that stayed with me after I'd finished. (a 2-sitting read because I was caught up in the characters. I am not a frequent reader of sf and/or apocalyptic fiction, but this is a wonderful novel anyone would enjoy. I was pleased to see the character names were as ordinary as the circumstances were extraordinary! These people seemed familiar, flawed, and ultimately heroic.

What a great book. My mother inlaw got me hooked on Dorthy Keddington.
I loved this book what a great story. It keeps you guessing till the very end.

This story of family friends, on a hiking trip in the Uintah Mountians of Utah, takes many unexpected turns and keeps you rivited until the very end. They encounter a plane crash, drug lords, death and other surprising events along the trail.

The worst part about the book is that it ends, leaving you wanting more! I am ready to read it again...and I just finished it. Don't plan on doing anything but reading once you pick up this fast paced, ever intense book.

Bravo, Ms. Keddington!

This is my favorite book in the world. I would love to see this book made into a movie... If only she would write more books like these. If you have never read her books, they are a must for everyone. I am not a book lover, but her books seem to touch my heart in just the right ways. I have read this book at least 6 times. Her descriptions of the characters are so vivid it leaves an impression on you long after you have (regrettably) finished the book. She has written 7 books(that I know of) and her first 5 are the best. Jayhawk, Flower of the Winds, Shadow Song, Mermaids Purse and Return to Red Castle. DOROTHY... Please write more books like your first 5.

Dorothy Keddington enables you to live the story. Her descriptive words not only tell a story but allow you to feel like you are right in the story. "Return to Red Castle" has adventure, mystery and (my favorite) romance without all the implicit sexual details. Her description of the mountain scenery lets you visualize and feel you are a part of the hiking expedition. I have read it twice and will keep it to read again in the future. I like her style.

I read this book when I was in 7th grade (that was awhile ago) and loved it. I usually can't stand first person story telling, but Ms. Keddington does it very well. It also was clean and I appreciate that - I just can't comprehend how most writers don't seem to understand the difference between romance and sleaze. I'm not sure if I love it for nostaglic reasons or what - but, I would say if you're going to read one of her books, read this one first.

Melissa comes back to Utah, sees the man she's had a crush on since she was a kid, tracks up the mountain, meets creeps, falls in love, man saves her from creeps, etc. Romance and adventure - this book has it all.

If you run fewer than 30 miles a week, have never uttered the words "my coach" or "my physiotherapist," have never won more than a goodie bag at a 10k... in short, if you are a committed, non-elite, non-professional runner, this book is a must.

This is not to say that professionals won't benefit - they will. But for those of us who don't receive regular training-level medical attention, the great value of this book lies in its ability to clearly distinguish nagging pains that you can often home-treat from those that - even from the first twinge - signal something more serious. Add it to your running library.

If you are a runner for nontrivial amount of time, you are very likely to experience some sort of injury already. I did. And I hope I could have bought and read this book before I started running.

The book covers many common forms of injuries experienced by runners, and gives several treatments you can practice in home. Even if you do see a doctor later, the book is an excellent introduction to what happens to your injury so you can coordinate with your doctor in a more helpful way.

The book is written in a very plain and easy to follow way which is a big plus for non-medical background person like me.

I recommend this book to any runner. If you just start running or plan to run, buy and read this book. You won't regret it and could avoid many possible painful results.

I am only a recreational runner, but this book certainly applied to me as well as the active competitor. It hleps you understand when you should see a health care practitioner, or when you might be able to alter a factor of your regimen to solve some of your own problems. Even in the event that you must see a physician, the book helps you understand the type of information you should share with your provider to be a partner in your own treatment...not to mention how to be a good consumer of healthcare. One aspect I found irritating was the authors several references to his days in Medical school. With DPM after his name, I would think he went through the rigors of a school of Podiatry rather than Medical school. It's just a semantic, but irritates me.

I find that this book has been very helpful in my running and triathlon training. The first few chapters are very good, replete with some basic theory about running and remaining injury free.
The second third of the book is very informative regarding injuries and their treatment.
The last part of the book has great stretching exercises, and good information about how to stay injury free.
My only criticism of the book is based on a comment that my physical therapist had. I've recently had big problems with sprained ankles in both feet and receive physical therapy from a PT specializing in runners. I discussed the book and the chapter on ankles with her and she mentioned that the chapter only describes the author's success and that for every successful treatment outcome, there are lots of not-so-total successes. It would be helpful to understand both.
But overall, a worthy book to buy and read and re-read as the need arises.

Not only did this book manage to supply the info I needed in enough detail to be meaningful, particularly with the case studies, it was actually an entertaining page-turner. The author had such a human voice and managed to entirely avoid the tone of smarmy condescension that seems to be rampant in books of this sort. I was particularly won over by his willingness to even poke fun at himself as a case study. I certainly came away with a new respect for the field of podiatry in sports medicine.

What a great book! This breaks down the seasons and the aromas appropriate for each. I love the easy to follow recipes and suggestions.

I love the way this book focuses on just 12 essential oils. As a newcomer to aromatherapy, I would like to start with just a few oils and add more as I learn more. This book has been a big help in deciding which oils are the most versatile, and are therefore the best ones to buy when only buying a few. Having hundreds of recipes that only use these 12 oils is also a big help. The book is beautifully written with a fair amount of humor. I don't know about you, but I can always use a little extra humor in my day.

I have purchased a number of aromatherapy books over the past year or so and taken out about every one my local library holds. This book far exceeds them all for practical, accesible knowledge. They make it fun and start you out with oils that most people can afford. Some of the books I have list recipes, supposedly for beginners, that use 10 drops of rose absolute, jasmine and the more expensive or unusual oils. That's all well and good, but for someone just getting into aromatherapy, they aren't likely to spend... $$$ for a 1/4 oz. bottle of rose EO.

This book is easy to understand, the recipes are easy to make and easy to enjoy and the information provided is good. They start out with oils that are affordable and easily found, but also present special oils each month, like jasmine, frankinsence, and rose, that one can "move up to".

The only thing I wish they had made more clear or stressed more was about applying oils neat. Some of the recipes aren't clear about that and for someone who is just starting, they may not realize that there aren't a lot of oils that you want to use neat due to their strength.

Anyway, great book! I love it.

Paula and Judi have compiled an incredible introduction for someone new to aromatherapy. The book is so easy to follow and read, and the blends are so easy to make and use. In addition, the blends in this book are timeless. You won't outgrow this book. What I liked the best about the blends is you see results immediately. To top it off, it's one of the most beautiful books I've seen. Great on the coffeetable, a great conversation piece, and forever in use. Keep it handy!

Seasons of Aromatherapy by Paula M. Bousquet and Judith Fitzsimmons is a joy! This book feels like an invitation from an old friend to go exploring. I have been borrowing a copy for much too long...TODAY I AM BUYING MY OWN! Thanks!

Jennifer Graham --- mother, student and embalmer's apprentice --- could use a friend. She finds one in McLane Larson, a newcomer to Mt. Dora, and is delighted to learn that the young woman is expecting a baby. While McLane's soldier-husband serves overseas, Jen promises to support McLane and then learns that her tie to this woman goes far deeper than friendship. When a difference of opinion threatens their relationship, Jennifer discovers weaknesses in her own character... and a faith far stronger than she had imagined.

Don't miss the new novel by award-winning author Angela Hunt that Library Journal calls "a top-notch inspirational plot that maintains a lighthearted touch".

I have had mixed opinions about Angela's books so far (The Novelist - didn't love / The Elevator - I liked but it was very cerebral / and now She Always Wore Red...) and so I was very glad that I enjoyed this book so much. It is book #2 in the Fairlawn series about a woman and her 2 sons that inherit a funeral home and move in. It is not macabre and actually is quite interesting and fun. Angela deals with some intense issues (racial issues, abortion, unknown siblings due to dad cheating on mom, etc...) and handles them expertly. I have not read book #1 in this series, but I would read it based on how I enjoyed #2. I have found that with Angela's books it is a book by book basis for me and this one is worth reading and enjoying.

Angela Hunt weaves a finely tangled plot with believable characters amidst an interesting career backdrop to paint a beautiful picture of love, forgiveness, friendship and family.

"She Always Wore Red" is an incredible book! Angela Hunt is an engaging author who really does her research for a project. She had me completely riveted while she went through the embalming process. Yes, embalming.

This is the story of Jennifer, a single mom and funeral director. As she lives life, encounters death, and makes friends, she is confronted with what is truly important in life. This touching novel made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me see where I've faltered and made insignificant events too important. It also opened my eyes to where I've treated certain occurrences too lightly. My life is richer for having read this novel.

I'll be the first to admit that the wide and wonderful world of Christian fiction is still so new to me. Since the time of conversion most of my reading has been dedicated to parenting, homeschooling, children's and various non-fiction and reference works in the very large Christian books category. I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this title - after all, how could this sort of women's fiction draw me closer to Christ? I thought I'd give it a try - and let me tell you, this book blessed me!

Jennifer Graham is the owner of a funeral home, though she is still very new to the business. We have the delight of following her as she learns the ropes of dealing with the dead and their families; fascinating details are provided for those of us who are interested in human anatomy. We are able to meet the members of her family and see them move through challenging situations where faith in God carries them through.

This title is the second in the Fairlawn Series (I'm now eager to read the first installment as well as future titles), and reads very well on it's own if you aren't familiar with the rest of the series. Angela Hunt quickly brings us up to speed with the circumstances of the main characters without the need for lengthy expository passages. She quickly endears these quirky individuals to us by including the miniscule details of their lives that make the book all the more realistic.

It seems as though there is a rash of books in Christian women's fiction where the leading ladies are divorced, and then become entangled in romantic involvements, and even remarriage with other men. My mind was set at ease to learn that Jennifer, though she had been divorced, was now a widow. Now I could relax - even if romantic situations developed without worrying about sin on the main characters part, whew! Thankfully any potential romantic interest was also very subtle and free of sensual overtones.

Hunt confronts controversial, contemporary social issues from a Christian viewpoint where the rubber hits the road - within the family. While dealing with the issues of peer pressure, abortion and racial prejudice the themes of God's love, grace and sovereignty shine through. Hunt was extraordinarily successful at engaging my emotions - I gasped in joy as I rejoiced with them, and I wept with them in their times of sorrow and doubt.

I have now been opened up to the possibility that well written Christian fiction can indeed, draw a believer's heart closer to Christ, can lead them to examine themselves in the light of His love, can teach us how to relate to, and love each other. How could I ask for anything more? I look forward to reading more of Angela Hunt's work now that I have discovered her.

She Always Wore Red by Angela Hunt is the second book in the Fairlawn series. Hunt, the reigning queen of Christian fiction, returns to Mt. Dora Florida with Jennifer Graham who is now in mortuary school. Jennifer's life is hectic, but when she discovers a half-sister from her profligate father, it forces her to re-evaluate her life and her view of it. McLane, the sister, is recently married and pregnant and in desperate need of support from the big sister she never knew she had. Meanwhile, Jennifer's 13 year old son Clay has fallen in with a rough lot of boys who are searching for one of the town's long held secrets. Hunt is a terrific author who makes the reader empathize with both Jennifer and McLane in their search to understand each other, especially over a touchy topic. Hunt handles abortion with compassion and an understanding of both sides of the issue rarely seen in most Christian fiction. Her books always teach me something about the nature of faith and what is means to be human.

The illustrations here are nicely done, but the story is a bit thin, even for 3-4 year olds. Another problem is that the paper stock used for the book's pages is very thin, and not very sturdy. This is a big problem for younger readers, since the book has one page that has a lift-up flap (a door that Loris is behind), and another page that folds out to reveal a larger scene. Because the paper is so lightweight, it is VERY EASY for kids to accidentally tear the door or the foldout page. (I have the paperback edition, so perhaps this is not the case with the hardback edition.)

I took a chance on ordering this in part because it was so inexpensive through Amazon (around $7 when I ordered it). After seeing how thin the book and the pages are, though, I don't think it's worth the money.

I recommend Deacon's other book, Beegu, which our children love very much. Beegu has better illustrations, and the book itself is of much sturdier construction. (I have the hardback version, but it only cost about $3 more than the softcover of Slow Loris.)

We purchased this book to read to our daughter(s) and found it to be an instant success. Sometimes, the book reading requests from the youngsters get a little bit repetitive. This book, however, we were happy to read over and over again. The story is just long enough to engage the mind, but not too long to be tedious at bedtime. The illustrations are great, too. With all the animals of the zoo represented at various times, it's a fun way to start reinforcing the names of the animals by identifying them at the Slow Loris' nightly gatherings.

I fell in love with a slow loris at the zoo as it fell in love with the wide-eyed glassy stare of my almighty cutest stuffed raver elephant pet Akookie... I immediately had to learn all I could about the adorable lor-able, and as a present for dearest Akookie (and Ak's doting human parents) bought Slow Loris... So beautiful and funny and somehow reminiscent of my deranged circle of friends and their amassed collection of hats. *blink blink* The Loris loves you. Prepared to be Awwwwwww-ed.

My family got a big giggle out of the "slow" loris having a wild time after dark, wearing crazy hats and carrying on. It puts a new slant on why the animals you see in zoos are always asleep.

This illustration style doesn't always work for me, but it does here.

cute and funny story about 'slow' loris who is slow during the day for good reason. the drawings are dark and sleepy, a perfect accompaniment for the story which is written in text that makes you feel as slow as loris is.

as the story unravels, the mystery of slow loris is revealed. when she comes out of the nighttime blackness wearing a fiesta hat i had to laugh out loud. truly a delightful children's story. highly recommended. plenty of other zoo animals are involved in the story as well.

I am fifteen years old, and this is my ultimate favorite book!The characters are believable, and the plot is fascinating. It is a mystery/adventure/romance book that, without being preachy, teaches strong morals and christian virtues. I find it refreshing to read a book that has the courage to do all that.

After reading this excellent book a few times each year since it has come out, I have finally decided to read the Grimm's version and may I say that Ms. Doman is one really acurate writer. I really hope she DOES continue the story of Blanche, Bear, Rose and Fish as she mentioned at the end of her book. Also, after reading a book like this, I feel so lucky to be a homeschooling Catholic, Ms. Doman makes every reader feel proud of her religion and so VERY proud of Bear and Fish for their courage. I hope everyone who reads any of these reviews will find the hear(and the time!)to pick up this book and read it and read it and read it, over and over and over and over....

I love reading fairy tale novelizations, because I'm the one who always wants to know the why behind characters' actions. Novels offer a much better glimpse into fairy tales than a simple story book. This novel knows what it's doing.

The main characters, Blanche and Rose, are well-drawn and believable; their personalities are distinct but both likable. Doman also does a good job drawing Bear as a sensitive hulk. The swing dancing scene is one of my favorites! The plot flows smoothly and quickly, with heroic adventures along the way, but nothing that a real person couldn't handle. Sometimes, even if you like a fantasy book, the characters seem superhuman (well, I suppose they occasionally are!). But in this real-world adventure, all characters are true to life.

My one complaint is that Doman resorts to the Nancy Drew technique of having the villain explain his plot to his victim, so that the reader figures out what's going on. Still, it's only her first book (written at age 23 or so), and it's remarkable! I can't wait to see what else Regina Doman has for us.

AKA Shadow of the Bear.

Some books just fall into your hands, and instantly become treasures you want to share with all you know. This is one of those books. It is a modern retelling of the story from the Brothers Grimm, of Snow White and Rose Red. It is the story of two brothers and two sisters, all of whom have lost much in life and are not fully what they at first appear. The sisters have lost their father and had to move back into New York City. The brothers have lost their mother and have both been convicted of drug charges. Then one fateful night their fates become somehow intertwined.

The sisters are Blanch and Rose, two girls who grew up in the countryside, and who now reside in the city. They live with their mother and attend secondary school. The first of the brothers we meet is named Bear; he has dreadlocks, is big and tough, yet upon spending an evening with the Brier sisters and their mother he reveals different parts of his past. He has a passion for life, loves poetry and takes the girls on outings. But there is always a dark side to a Bear and this one is no different. He has secrets and his story and journey are still unfolding. The mystery revolves around a murdered priest, an abandoned church and the school the sisters are attending.

This story is wonderfully told. The author draws you in and keeps you captivated from first page to last. Each chapter begins with a quote from the original fairy tale, and foreshadows what is coming, yet in New York the mysteries and magic of a fairy tale are very different from the German countryside. Regina Doman is a true storyteller, not just an author. His skill with the pen makes you see the action as it is taking place, and you feel so drawn into the story that you feel like a character sitting on the sidelines waiting to see what will happen next.

This is the first book in a trilogy and I cannot wait to lay my hands on books two and three. This story was so captivating that it left me wanting more immediately. If you are looking for some great summer reading this term, give this book a try.

The book is about two sisters, Blanche & Rose, who live in N.Y.C. They are new to the city, and they do not have to many friends. They are well read in poetry and other peices of liturature, they are also christian. They meet a boy, who calls himself "Bear", and then there adventures begin. I won't go into detail, because that might spoil it, but I will say that it is loosly based on Grimn's fairy tale, of the same name. I hope that everyone who reads it will love it as much as I did, (all 7 times) but I don't think it's a book that guys would get into. Regina Doman, where ever you are, thank you for writing a book with intelligent, christen characters, that's still exciting.

So many different people and groups claim lineage with the Rosicrucians there is no way to really tell which one's are legitimate and which are not. Although this book may be about the true Rosicrucian Order it doesn't mean the information is accurate. It does contain some interesting information but I think it needs to be taken with a grain of salt. And I have to admit that I got bored with the many pages of tarot explainations that were presented as if they represented the true inner teaching of the Order.

Dr. Case was a gift to humanity and True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order is a crown jewel amongst the treasure of material he left behind. It is not for everybody. This book requires patience and many readings to get the full value out of it.

I agree with the other reviewers who say that the BOTA lessons provide a necessary foundation for truly getting the most out of this dense and difficult text. That being said, there is so much value here words fail me.

I have read so many books on occultism. I have started so many "self-initiation" programs. When I found the BOTA I felt like I was coming home. When I then discovered this book I felt like I found a treasure chest in the attic. I have spent the last two years primarily focused on studying this text and no other experience in my life (outside of my marriage) has provided me with such clear exercise and evidence of spiritual development.

I am humbled by Dr. Case and his legacy. My only prayer is that I might become a channel for that Divine Love that has so graciously provided my being. I owe it to Dr. Case that I even have an inkling of the worthiness of that prayer.

Those of us who are serious Seekers can struggle for years before the light begins to dawn. I have been a Freemason for many years and an SRIA member. I have read Boehme, Blake and others. Struggled with Tarot and Qabalah, but on getting into this book the scales fell from my eyes. Many feel within; and struggle to find words. Paul Foster Case finds them for us.

Who were the Rosicrucians? Appearing out of nowhere in 1614, the Rosicrucian fraternity anonymously published two manifestoes and then went silent. Because of this silence, many scholars surmised that the Rosicrucian Order was just an elaborate hoax... but the the Rosicrucian manifestoes undeniably had an immediate and profound impact on the philosophy, science, and politics of the age. Even unto the Twenty-First Century, Rosicrucian thinking continues to play a major role in Freemasonry and many other esoteric organizations.

Paul Foster Case wrote "The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order" because he believed that the original Rosicrucian manifestoes were written in a sort of Qabalistic short-hand, making them clearly understandable to those versed in alchemy and Qabala-- and obscuring much of their meaning from the general reading public. The first portion of Case's book is an exhaustive look at the Rosicrucian manifestoes, gleaning a treasure-trove of Qabalistic symbolism, numerology, and sacred geometry from the literal words printed in the documents; the second half of this book presents a series of highly subjective meditations on Rosicrucian philosophy, using Tarot keys to communicate the wisdom of the Rosicrucian masters.

The first portion of the book, covering the Rosicrucian manifestoes, is hardly light reading. Case spends page after page delving into the esoteric significance of the two Rosicrucian documents, reading deeply between the lines for a hint as to their real meaning. Admittedly, Dr. Case's style is relentlessly analytical, and he writes with a sort of focused intensity that may not appeal to everyone. Much of this material is difficult to grasp, many of Dr. Case's references are obscure, and there are several entire chapters which are little more than advanced occult geometry lessons. Despite these entirely valid criticisms, however, Case's analysis of the Rosicrucian manifestoes stands as a tour de force of Qabalistic Gematria and Rosicrucian philosophy. You simply won't find a better work of this nature anywhere! As Case correctly points out, the Rosicrucian manifestoes were addressed to an "erudite" reading audience, and their occultic significance could not have been missed by the practicing alchemists and philosophers of early Seventeenth-Century Europe.

My favorite parts of the first section of the book are those discussing Brother C.R.C.'s allegorical tale, the geometry of the Vault of the Adeptii, and especially the meaning of the Rosicrucian rose-cross symbol (Case's analysis of this symbol will undoubtedly have special significance to Scottish Rite Masons!).

Where the first half of this book is unnervingly direct, the second half is more subtle. This section covers the traditional Rosicrucian scheme of initiation (patterned after the Qabalistic 'Tree of Life' diagram), and provides the reader with a true system of self-initiation very much in accord with the Golden Dawn tradition. Because each Grade of Initiation is associated with a particular center on the Tree of Life, Dr. Case focuses on one aspect or attribute of that center, and then uses the Qabalistic attributions of the Hebrew letters in that word to establish a set of "doctrines" for each Grade. These doctrines are then exemplified using their associated Tarot Keys, providing the would-be initiate with a complete series of Tarot meditations to guide them up the Path.

The methods suggested in "The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order" are solid, but unfortunately, this book doesn't provide any instructions for carrying them out. This was probably by design, and there are certainly strong arguments in favor of this omission, but it's easy to see how the would-be initiate might become frustrated with the book's total lack of guidance. Individuals who are already familiar with Case's writing will probably have an inkling about how to use these meditations to their best effect, and for this reason, I would strongly recommend reading Case's other masterpiece, "The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ancients," before attempting to tackle the exercises suggested in this book.

Paul Foster Case was a gifted teacher, and this book is probably his crowning achievement in the field of occultism. Outside of B.O.T.A., the Order that Case founded, you aren't going to find a more open discussion of his techniques. However, because of the complexity of "The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order," this certainly isn't a title that I would recommend to a beginner on the Path.

For more information about B.O.T.A., see http://www.bota.org.

SHALOM!

Paul foster case presents a true understanding of the inner principles of the Invisible Order of The True Rosicrucians based on the two true manifestoes.I was skeptical of course at first,but being a student of occult sciences such as Qabalah,Mental Alchemy,Esoteric Astrology,and yes Esoteric Tarot,he hits it at the heart.He does not claim to be a rosicrucian nor his school to be a Rosicrucian Order as such.He simply states what is clearly seen by those with eyes to see.The True rosicrucian order is in the hearts of all the children Of the ONE INFINITE REALITY,plain and simple.

I bought this book to help with our 30th wedding anniversary recommitment service. I was hoping to find religious and secular poems and prayers about love to express how important my marriage has been. I was not disappointed. There are many beautiful examples to use in any kind of wedding ceremony. The book is beautifully presented and has a great variety of poems and prayers.

This a great book that has various quotations & poems from a variety of sources that range from Rumi to the Bible. Great for a couple that will be getting married to personalize their wedding program/service/invitation/video/thank you cards etc.. And is something they'll treasure as they go through anniversaries. Great gift for the newly engaged as well those well-seasoned in marriage!

I am a calligrapher and I am always looking for poems and prayers to write and have framed and then present to the newlyweds. I was excited when I opened the book and read some of the beautiful verses. I tell you I am in a calligrapher's heaven. My brother is a minister and as the "wedding season" is approaching I will be ordering a copy for him. If I could rate this book higher than the 5 stars I would. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!

Are you looking for a special blessing for a wedding? Chances are good you will find something that is perfect right here in this book. In the book, WEDDING BLESSINGS by June Cotner, you'll find page after page of unique blessings to add a special touch to your occasion. I've included numerous derivatives of what I've found in this book in many of the weddings I have performed.

Cotner has separated the contents into seven chapters here to include Verses and Readings, Wedding Vows, Wedding Prayers, Wedding Blessings, Wedding Toasts, Wedding Anniversaries and Wedding Reflections. I seldom use something verbatim, but often put together some sort of derivative to fit a particular couple or occasion.

At a recent ceremony I performed, I read a slightly altered version of the reading titled "Abundance and Light"(p32). After the ceremony, I had a couple come to me to thank me. Their story was, they almost didn't come to the wedding as their marriage had deteriorated and they were going the following week to file for divorce. The woman told me, as I was reading it, her husband reached over and took her hand. When I finished the reading, he whispered to her that he thought they needed to go home and work this out. Well, to make a long story short, after counseling with them several times, their marriage is now on the road to recovery. It's just one of those things that makes being a minister worth all the hard work. Perhaps you too, will find something valuable in this little book that will have a very positive influence on you, or someone close to you.

Even if there isn't a wedding in your future, you will still enjoy reading what Cotner has assembled here. So many books of this type offer the same fare as the next one, but here I found many verses I had never heard before.

Monty Rainey
Wedding Ministry by Design

Finally, a wedding book not full of cheesy love poems - but of quotes, poems, and vows that I would actually use for my wedding!
I recommend this book to anyone. It has traditional/religious and more modern stuff, and is so useful if you are trying to write your own vows, or kind of create your own unique ceremony.