Reds Books

The book was for my son and he truly enjoyed it. He wants to get other books in the series

I bought this for my daughter and she just tore thru it in about 3 days and loved it. She just finished the 4th book and is looking forward to reading more of them.

My nine year old son loves this series. He says "It is great for Christian families and kids. It is great as a read-aloud and a read-alone."

This book was great! I usually don't like mysteries but this was real cool. It's not scary or anything..and it's not all mystery, mystery, mystery. It has touching bits too. I love Bryce and Ashley! You can't just read one book though-you have to read them all becuase they continue on from each other. Cool book!

This series of books has something for the entire family - the kids will love the pages chocked full of action and the parents will love the faith and values that the authors manage to mingle in. The action is so fast-paced that the kids won't put the book down until the very end; even then, they'll be ready to immediately read the next book. And somewhere along that road, they get exposed to Christian behavior and ideals. These authors have proven themselves time and time again to deliver good books. Don't miss out on this series!

I am very glad that I found these little books written by Petra Eiko. The author manages to cover serious topics while keeping the fun in reading intact. It is great to see something new and innovative on the crowded book market.

What kind of secret does 'Heart' share? It shows you what your 'Heart' would tell you if it could and allows you to better understand yourself.

I highly recommend the whole Seeds of truth" series.

I've read all of the books in this series except for "Wisdom" and I just ordered that one. These books by Petra Eiko are so refreshingly different and fun to read. This is a great collection of information in a conversational approach that makes you think and feel good about yourself and helps you through problems in your life. I can't wait for the next book by Petra Eiko.

a friend of mine gave me these books to read. i just loved cuddeling up on the sofe with a fresh cup of coffee and let myself get inspired by the ideas and thoughts of these book. i loved all of them. Thanks, I will be back with more....

This book explores the heart from different, quite unique perspectives.
It helps you to look into your own heart and it takes the reader on an interesting journey that explains why and how the heart reacts in different experiences, and what makes the heart so unique..I really enjoyed reading "HEART" I recommend it to anybody, pick it up and give it a shot, you'll love it.
Aloha, Svenja

This book gives very good insight in to our core being. If we really think about what we've read and apply it to our body and life, we realize that Petra Eiko's books make a lot of sense and give us a lot to think about.
A wonderful, easy to read, book!
I recommend it to everyone.

This is a Wonderful Book, although it burst my Bubble a few years ago. I consider this book to be a *very* important addition to any Occultist or Esoteric Freemason's library.

In 1991, I joined "The Brotherhood of Light," based in CA, (currently going by the name of "The Church of Light") and I thought I had joined a prestigious Occult organization. Their history was documented back to T.H. Burgoyne and the organization was "reformed" by C.C. Zain (aka Elbert Benjamine), but prior to this time period, they claimed lineage from "The Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor."

The BofL newsletters had pictures of Max Theon, etc., and the organization was supposedly founded upon "The Light of Egypt, Vol. I & II," by T.H. Burgoyne, after a period of time in-which they were supposedly named "The Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor." However, "The Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor: Initiatic and Historical Documents of an Order of Practical Occultism," by Joscelyn Godwin, et al, disputes the CofL/BofL connection to "The Hermetic Brotherhood of Light."
With all this Pedigree stuff, I thought I was a member of a Big Deal occult organization.... then, when the internet age hit, I was utterly baffled by the fact that NO ONE took the CofL/BofL seriously.....
....until, I read this book!
Basically, all the bizarre and nonsensical aspects of the organization I had Previously held afiliation with suddenly made-sense.
"The Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor: ....," by Joscelyn Godwin, et al, really opened my eyes and saved me a lot of money.
Luckily, I had not sunk much money into the organization--a very small amount, in fact, due to scepticism on a local level.
I strongly recommend this book to Occult Practitioners and Esoteric Freemasons. Waite's "Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry" is also very enlightening in regards to these organizations and "T.H. Burgoyne" and "Max Theon."
Apparently, Mr. T.H. Burgoyne was quite a shyster !
This historical account of "The Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor" really helped me out, prevented numerous headaches, and saved me a lot of money.
It seems that "T.H. Burgoyne's" motto of "Omnia Vincit Veritas" was rather self-defeating.

This book really goes back to the beginnings of occultism. I would suggest reading
Paschal Beverly Randolph: A Nineteenth-Century Black American Spiritualist, Rosicrucian, and Sex Magician (Suny Series in Western Esoteric Traditions)
first, however; as you will get more out of it if you have a context to put it in.
Enjoy!

This book really goes back to the beginnings of occultism. I would suggest reading
Paschal Beverly Randolph: A Nineteenth-Century Black American Spiritualist, Rosicrucian, and Sex Magician (Suny Series in Western Esoteric Traditions)
first, however; as you will get more out of it if you have a context to put it in.
Enjoy!

The Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor has become "en vogue" lately among certain circles of occultists and occult historians. This book, unlike others written by persons of questionable academic reputation, gives a complete and unbiased account of the HBL, its structure, system, and personalities.

Complete and concise, contains several useful documents including sources for high degree OTO materials, this book is a must-have in the library of any serious occultist.

The Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor was a fraternal order founded in the 19th century by the enigmatic Max Theon. People like Max Theon are usually described as 'enigmatic' or 'shadowy' and with good reason. But this book goes a long way toward shedding some light on Theon, Peter Davidson, Paschal Beverly Randolph, Emma Hardinge Britten, and others, all of whom had a great deal to do with the channeling of the American current of Magick. The research conducted by the authors' is truly impressive, although it simply left me hungry for more information. (Mr. Deveney has also written a marvelous biography of the mystic and seer, P.B. Randolph.) Read carefully, however, this book provides the background to the secret history of our times.

Wow! Winter's "A Hidden Order" is AWESOME! It has reached the core of my being and while only part way though has already had several very major impacts for me. This is a book to be savored, sipped slowly like a fine wine. It is a "life compass". Pay heed to resources she recommends, especially the "I Ching Workbook" by R.L. Wing. As a Life Change Coach, I have already recommended "A Hidden Order" to fellow coaches and clients and it will make a wonderful Holiday gift for many of my friends.Thank You Winter!

Incredible,wonderful, enlighting, truthful, gentle, clear. These are the words I have for `A Hidden Order'. I have been working in the energy field for over 30 years. Everything I have been taught by my teachers, everything I learned from my healer grandfather, everything I discovered on my own and everything I teach is incorporated into, `A Hidden Order'. I wish I had written it! `A Hidden Order' is written with a sensible, simple voice, but it is not a simplistic book. No ghosties or goblins going bump it the night. Only clarity and simplicity of truth. Simply reach into your heart, the truth is there, listen. I guarantee this book will change your life forever.

Sonja Christiansen, KRMT
Author, International speaker
www.healingfocus.com

What a wonderful, sweet book for my soul... I have read through it once, and now I am ready to really read it and do the recommended exercises. I am actually going to do it... which is unusual for me. Thank you for your book and sharing your experiences and insights. You get an A+ from this strict teacher.

Kim

This is like having a dolphin as your guide and mentor as you learn how to swim skillfully in the oceans of energies in which we all live. A HIDDEN ORDER is informative, inspiring, and practical. It's like being shown how to discover the blueprint for your life. Truly the work of a master teacher! Al Siebert, Ph.D.

A HIDDEN ORDER helps you find your core essence, while discovering the path of least resistance and maximum joy in your life. Author Winter Robinson provides exercises and shares fascinating real-life stories to help us better understand how beautifully all the aspects of our lives come together when we practice listening to intuition and reading the more subtle road signs in life. The hidden order Robinson describes "is rapidly making itself known, suggesting to every one of us that there is spiritual evolution going on; that we have the potential to rid the world of fear, confusion, chaos, and greed and bring humankind into harmony with nature and the cosmos." Much of the confusion in the world can be cleared when we take time to meditate, feel the energies all around us, and discern the difference between what we truly need and what we may have thought we wanted.

A HIDDEN ORDER is written in two main sections; the first section introduces stories from Robinson's life, basic principles related to the hidden order, ideas about health and love and death, and chapters on manifesting with creative power and experiencing a shared consciousness. The second section contains chapters with master practices for dealing with ego and beliefs, quieting the mind, understanding dreams, and setting intention.

What I love best about A HIDDEN ORDER are the stories that Robinson shares from her fascinating life. I also love the way she includes references to relevant studies and research throughout her book, and the way her book provides a such a wonderful way to discover the joys of seeing and understanding life's hidden order and grand designs!

I am overjoyed with this Bible. I was searching for an updated, accurate translation of the Bible. Like others I was impressed with the ESV, but could not find a high quality binding. While I realize this is not an ultimate issue when choosing a translation, it is important to me personally to enjoy "using" my Bible. I looked around a bit more and found the HCSB. What a wonderful translation! Notes on translation variations at the bottom of every page gives me a depth of understanding of the original manuscripts, and an understanding of the translation process, which I have not experienced before. I also learned that it is the first Bible to use the in depth Bible study software, Accordance, for checks and cross checks, therefore it has extreme software compatibility.

To top it off, this the the highest quality binding I have seen in years. My first Bible was a King James Version, Morrocan Leather, Leather Lined, which I received for a birthday present when I was 12 years old. It still looks and feels great! This is the only Bible I have found as an adult which can compare with that binding standard.

The one thing I wish for in this Bible is wide margins. It has opened my heart to God's word in a fresh way. I wish there was more room to write the insights it brings!

The HCSB is a good translation overall that seems to combine the readability of the NIV with some of the accuracy of the NASB. There are some places where it can be a bit colloquial in its langauge, or trendy. Matthew 5:22 uses the word "moron," which is a very poor translation for the word, which actually means calling someone wholly worthless or a fool, while a "moron" is someone who is considered to have the genetic mental capacity of about 8th grade. There are also strong points, such as capitalizing names for God, and using bold print for OT quotes in the NT. The binding and quality of the Bible itself is very good, with soft leather. The pages are a bit thin and the print a bit light though. Overall, it is a good translation with some changes that could improve it.

This is a very high quality Bible. The binding and overall craftsmanship is superb. In fact, the publisher (Holman) offers a lifetime guarantee. One caveat is that the print size, at 10.5, is not really what one would consider large print, although it is quite legible. The translation itself seems to be quite readable with a fairly high level of accuracy. It appears to be a cross between the literal accuracy of the NASB and the readability of the NIV. (Note: While I personally prefer the ESV, the quality of Bibles released to date by its publisher, Crossway, has been rather disappointing, to put it mildly)."

I was very slow to warm to the Holman CSB. I avoided it for the most part as I believed that there was little reason to bring out yet another modern translation--we are literally awash in a sea of translations. And, like Larry below, I loved the ESV, but was waiting for a quality edition (Crossway cannot seem to publish a quality Bible).

At some point I began including the CSB in parallel searches online and was impressed, upon doing word studies, with the sense of the translation. For example, the CSB, along with only the NJB, captures what I believe is the correct sense of John 3:16. I also like the the treatment of Romans 6:6. Occasionally, I run across phrases that are at first not pleasant to my ears, like "human race" instead of the more usual "sons of man", or "temple complex" rather than just "temple". But, I seem to quickly get used to them and I'm generally delighted with the readability of the CSB. Perhaps most striking is the clarity of the translation. It is rendered in contemporary English and is very clear as to the meaning of the text. It is not a biblical English like the ESV, but not a street English either. At any rate I'm using it more and more and am benefiting greatly from its use.

This particular edition is very nice. The leather is a fine cowhide, thinner than the Cambridge calfskin Bibles that I own, but softer as a result. The paper is fine--it could have been a little thicker, but it's better than standard Bible paper and the amount of bleed-through is acceptable to me (It is an Ultrathin after all). The print is large enough to be comfortable at 10.5 and the Bible is very nicely laid out as regards the general typography. This is the nicest edition of the HCSB to date. I highly recommend this translation and this particularly edition. I don't believe you will be disappointed.

After a couple of decades of bonded leather and cheap genuine leather Bibles bound in pigskin, Holman designed a nice affordable cowhide binding that will stand up to the wear and tear of daily use. Other publishers should take note.

The New American Standard Bible is considered by many scholars to be the closest direct translation of the Bible from the original Hebrew and Greek. While perfect for legalists it is not as reader friendly as other translations. Still for the Bible scholar and serious Bible teacher/reader, the New American Standard Bible is a must have when you want to know exactly what the original text might have said.

Even my 17 year old son likes this one. I have one for my own use and he picked it up and after reading for awhile said to me "If I had a bible like this one I'd even read it". So I'm here looking for a new one just like it.

I have used and looked at many, many versions of the Bible, but this one is the only one I like anymore. First, this is the version that the scholars say is the most accurate (Greek and Hebrew experts and scholars). Second, I find it to be the most readable one there is. I don't like the updated version--just the New American Standard. This one keeps the flavor of the King James with out the unreadability and is accurate to boot. It's readable, understandable and beautiful all at the same time. I don't like the way that people can change the words and meaning in the Bible (including the people who wrote it all through history, even for the King James version). I feel much more comfortable using a version that scholars in the ancient languages have arrived at as the most accurate, since I am unable to make that determination. I can're recommend this version highly enough!...

Holman did a great job on this NASB (1977). The paragraphing alone (by that I don't mean section titles, but, in the non-poetic books, putting the verses in the same paragraph into one paragraph, not starting every verse with a new line....) makes the text twice as readable when reading sequentially, rather than just looking up verses.

Compared to Foundation's paperback, ISBN 1885217722, you have the advantages such as these:

1) being the 1977 edition, it is closer to the original text, especially in its connectives, the "but ... because ..." words, and in the genders of the original Greek, e.g. Rm 2:6;

2) the Red Letter (a nice, dark-red ink), which is not a theological statement but helps you find familiar phrases;

3) Holman's paragraph titles. The paragraph titles are descriptive rather than analytical, and so while they also help you find passages they do not dictate what you find. They are also more frequent than Lockman's.

4) It stays open on practically any page, whereas Lockman's is too thin for that.

5) The Holman has 16 pp. of helps at the back plus concordance, while the Lockman only has a concordance.

This is a simple Bible. Because of this, I bring it to church. It lacks the study Bible attributes I enjoy in other editions, but, in church, I am not likely to spend the time required to utilize those features.

What I have it a sturdy paperback with a few footnotes to indicates translations variants, or to define an odd term or two. It is flexible, and can withstand (as mine has) being tossed into a briefcase or handbag without worry.

The margins are about the size of any novel, and so notes are difficult to write, but this its best use is as a second or third Bible, not for primary study. Its strength is its clean presentation and portability.

A basic, 62-page concordance is in the back, listing a few citations for key terms for easy lookup during Sunday school.

A section called "Biblical Backgrounds" surveys in a few paragraphs the function and history of all 66 books. This brief introduction says who is believed to have written, for example, I and II Chronicles (Ezra) and how it relates to other books (Samuel and Kings). Short and sweet, the reader will be able to get a quick look in the middle of a sermon and track better the context of the references.

The words of Jesus are in red. Others might find this distracting, but when I am ooking something up, knowing Jesus said something, but unable to remember the verse number, this helps.

The paper is of a decent width without making this book 100 pounds. Set in a Times New Roman or similar typeface, at what appears to be a 10 pt font, I find it easily readable.

It is a paragraphed Bible, meaning that contiguous ideas are connected using paragraphs, much in the same way we do in modern English, complete with indentation. This makes the reading more natural.

There are a few short introductions explaining the principles of translation (how Hebrew tenses were considered, for example), and an "Explanation of General Format," which succinctly presents the ways the publishers of this version managed Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic translation difficulties and what modern punctuation was employed that was unknown during the time of the Bible's writing.

A note on the translation:
The New American Standard translation claims to "adhere as closely as possible to the original languages of the Holy Scriptures, and to make the translation in a fluent and readable style accordingly to current English usage." There are paraphrased editions, like the New International Version (NIV) or New Living Translation that are both more reader friendly. In buying any translation, I suggest looking over samples of each to see which best fits your purposes. Ask your pastor which your church uses if reading along during the service is your goal.

A good way to make comparisons is to read the first few chapters of John from several translations. The differences will be obvious.

I fully recommend "Holy Bible New American Standard: Red Letter Edition, Paragraphed."

Anthony Trendl

This is one of my toddler's favorite books. She loves moving the honeybee through the slots in the pages to discover what is on the next page. It helps with dexterity and hand-eye coordination. We will buy more of these books.

Great book. My son always wants to read one of this authors books first. It allows my son to be a part of the story as well as hearing it. I

This book was one of my daughter's all time favorites. She got it when she was three. She is ten now and has informed me that I need to put it away with her other baby treasures for safe keeping. We literally spent hours looking for all of the little critters on each page. She would never let me be the one who slipped the honey bee from page to page. We potty trained her with his book. No kidding.

This book is great fun for my 1 1/2 year old. She loves to maneuver the honeybee through the pages. It is an innovative concept, and it works well. The only problem is that where the honeybee is pushed through the page, the page rips pretty easily. But the honeybee has stood up well.

This was given to us as a birthday present for my then one-year-old boy. Immediately his brother, 4, commandeered it for himself and spent quite a bit of time that afternoon pushing the cardboard honeybee on her path and through the pages to the other sides to continue. Seeing me do this once was all it took to fascinate them both.

The honeybee, which is stored in a plastic pocket on the cover, starts on page one to follow a path of words that curves and turns across the spread to disappear behind a cleverly disguised cut into the next page. The flowers and objects are identified specifically, like "Iris" and "Cornflower", so kids do learn a little uncommon info for their age. I think that when they try to take over moving the bee for themselves (which is inevitable), they also learn good hand eye coordination skills. Best of all, the words are like a magic path that has direction, pacing and meaning. Clever!

I'm a big fan of children's picture books that are interactive because they work! Kids' attention will be riveted, they love to play with the book even when you're not reading to them, and they develop an understanding and appreciation of books. I remember cherishing Eric Carle's Very Hungry Caterpillar book myself at that age because it was just so cool. It made learning easy and fun. This book has a similar appeal, and I would recommend it to anybody whose children respond to that sort of thing.
-Andrea, aka Merribelle

I think that this book has a great variety of fellings. I belive that Tomi's life was hard for his age. I encourage people to read this book I am glad I did.

Graham Salisbury's HOUSE OF THE RED FISH provides a companion novel to UNDER THE BLOOD-RED SUN, so familiarity with the prior story will lend uniformity and smooth transition to this ongoing tale of Tomi Nakaji. Here it's a year after his father and grandfather were arrested after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and everyone's waiting for another attack. Japanese American Tomi and his family discover new enemies among old friends as they face new challenges.

THE HOUSE OF THE RED FISH pulses with energy, enthralling images, captivating narrative and most of all, empathy for the downtrodden.

THE HOUSE OF THE RED FISH is the house of Tomi, his little sister, Grand'pa Joji, his mom and dad. A flying red paper Fish on top of the house is a Japanese emblem for a happy family in times of peace. They live on the property of the Davis family, home also to Keen who is a bully. Keen also hates Tomi and his
family because they are Japanese.

The narrative takes place in Hawaii just before and after Pearl Harbour, when Japanese-Americans were perceived as the enemy.

After his dad and grand'pa Joji were incarcerated as prisoners of war, Tomi has one goal and that is to retrieve his fisherman father's sampan that was sunk because it was Japanese. A great deal of imagination and creativity must be used in order to bring it back to the surface. Without doubt, Keen will find ways to stop him from reaching his goal. Surprisingly, grand-pa Joji returns, as he was saved by Mrs. Davis and he secretly guides his grandson on how to save the sampan for Keen's dad, whom he hopes will soon be out of the concentration camps that were built for Japanese-Americans.

Tomi, his little sister and all his friends show a sense of camaraderie that one can really feel in Hawaii. In fact, Graham Salisbury's family has lived in Hawaii since the 1800 which makes him well versed in the lingo and the sense of friendship that exists among them.

THE HOUSE OF THE RED FISH conveys a message of understanding the perceived enemy in times of war. He also conveys a sense of pride in one's heritage.

The author's style is entertaining and endearing. We get to root for the good guys and boo for the bullies. Dialogue is fast and witty. Characters are so true to life that you will find yourself cheering for the winners.

Graham Salisbury's foray into a delicate subject is highly recommended.

Lily Azerad-Goldman, Artist and Bookreviewer for Bookpleasures

Here it is, HOUSE OF THE RED FISH, the eagerly awaited sequel to Graham Salisbury's UNDER THE BLOOD-RED SUN. Readers already acquainted with Tomi and Billy (and their neighbor but "enemy" Keet Wilson) will delight in renewing friendships and going on more adventures in Salisbury's newest novel. HOUSE OF THE RED FISH opens with a brief flashback to September 1941, but the next chapter takes us to March 1943. Tomi Nakaji and Billy Davis, still best friends, are now ninth graders at Roosevelt High. Salisbury makes readers very aware of the ravages of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the way life in Hawaii has changed in the interim for everyone, but especially for Japanese Americans like narrator Tomi and his family. The setting details subtly include many aspects of life in Hawaii during World War II: the boys get stopped, asked for their ID's, and warned that they should also have their gas masks with them; barbed wire fences stretch across the beaches; cardboard must cover the windows of their home each night; curfew is imposed on all residents. The World War II years in Hawaii were rife with prejudice against Japanese Americans--often suspected to be "enemy aliens" (43). However, Salisbury shows how Billy's haole family accept his friendship with Tomi and how Billy himself, paradoxically wise beyond his years yet still charmingly naïve, explains to Tomi why Keet is no longer his friend. Tomi tells us: "It took me a week to force it out of him [Billy]. Keet Wilson turned on me because I was Japanese, and he had been told by his friends at school that white guys weren't supposed to like Japanese guys" (17).

Early in the novel, the boys amble down to the nearby Ala Wai Canal where Papa's sampan, sunk by the U.S. Army one day after Pearl Harbor was attacked, is still visible just below the surface of the muddy water. The boat quickly becomes a symbol of the way life was before the attack ("in the before time"), when Tomi, Papa and Grampa Joji were together before the Army took Papa and Grampa away to U.S. Army prison camps. It also represents Tomi's personal war, which Salisbury adeptly counterpoints with the Big war of the real world. The novel follows Tomi engaging in his battles against the backdrop of the bigger war; we see the young dragon in the making carrying on the traditions of his ancestors; even at the end of the novel, Salisbury leaves Tomi still at war: "How many more battles stood between me and the day Papa would finally come home?" (287)

As Tomi and Billy battle to raise the Taiyo Maru from its muddy prison, their conflict with Keet Wilson and his blatant prejudice against the Japanese crescendos. Salisbury incorporates many details of Japanese culture and values. (Note: Salisbury includes a helpful glossary of Hawaiian and Japanese phrases and words at the end of the book.) The mantra Tomi remembers from his father, "Don't shame the family. Be helpful, be generous, be accepting," shows the importance of this and other values being passed from generation to generation (15). Family treasures such as the "family katana or samurai, symbol of our family's long history" had to be hidden to protect them from being confiscated by the government. Anything deemed "Japanese" could cast suspicion on the family's loyalty to America. Nevertheless, Keet seems to take every opportunity to cast aspersions on Tomi's family, culture, and values.

The title of the novel (and related title of Chapter 29 "The Red Fish") comes from another Japanese tradition: the "Koi-nobori. Carp made of paper looking like kites" hanging from a bamboo pole above Tomi's house for Boys' Day. Tomi tells us: "The four colorful fish streamers" represent the family: "Just below Papa's and Mama's blue and white ones was me--the red fish, a dragon in the making" (134). This tradition is vibrantly depicted on the novel's cover, too. The red splash of the third carp and the red letters of the last words of the title draw the reader's eye to this important part of the predominantly blue and green cover illustration.

HOUSE OF THE RED FISH focuses on themes and positive character traits in other novels by Salisbury: the relationship between father and son, the importance of tradition, and values such as integrity and perseverance. HOUSE OF THE RED FISH includes several father and son relationships; however, it is Salisbury's contrast of Keet and his father's relationship with that of Tomi and Papa that makes the strongest statement. Keet's father seems oblivious to even his most destructive acting out, but readers get strong sense that Tomi's father will someday be proud to see that his son's overriding motivation was to act as his missing father would want him to ("This is all for you, Papa, I thought. All for you.") (213).

Rich discussions could certainly flow in class or small reading groups from issues such as these in HOUSE OF THE RED FISH. Because Salisbury's characters are so believable, so human, middle school readers can relate to their conflicts and see similar situations in their own lives. I highly recommend this book not only to young readers who enjoyed UNDER THE BLOOD-RED SUN but also to parents and educators who want to point their charges to a well-written, engaging, inspiring, historical novel.

Sequels are tricky beasties and any author that attempts one is going to have to wrangle with a variety of problems. On the one hand, they have to satisfy their core fan base. The people who adored the earlier book and presumably clamored for a sequel in the first place. Then you have the new crop of readers. This is especially true with children's fiction. Kids grow up and often abandon the authors they loved when they were young (at least through adolescence). In 1994 Graham Salisbury wrote the award winning "Under the Blood-Red Sun". Now, twelve years later, he has come out with a long-awaited sequel, "House of the Red Fish". Fortunately, Salisbury's earlier title is so well-known that the requisite fan-base is already in place and ready. However, there's yet another problem with writing sequels. They have to be able to stand on their own. If you absolutely have to have read the previous book, then your sequel, nice as it is, is going to collapse under its own weight. And weighty books of this nature don't win awards. I, personally, had never read "Under the Blood-Red Sun", so I felt that I was in a pretty good position to determine how well "House of the Red Fish" stood on its own two feet. The advantage to having never read a work by an author like Graham Salisbury is that his talents have a tendency whop you upside the head and leave you wanting more. "House of the Red Fish" is everything an author would want out of a title. Consider this puppy a contender.

Tomi is still dealing with the fact that his father and grampa are interned far from home merely because they are of Japanese ancestry. It's 1943 and America is at war with Japan, many of its white citizens terrified of their Asian neighbors. Living on Honolulu, Tomi and his best friend Billy go to school and try to avoid the nasty bully Keet, who (by awful coincidence) just happens to be the son of his mother's employers. Then Tomi comes up with a crazy plan. It happens while he and Billy are staring at his father's underwater sampan fishing boat, sunk not long after the attack on Pearl Harbor. If Tomi can raise this boat and fix it up, he may have a chance at having it in working condition when his father is finally released from his internment. The only problem is that Keet knows of the plan and will do everything in his power to stop Tomi and his friends. Worse still, raising the boat might mean putting his family's home and livelihood in danger. But when Grampa Joji is released from his imprisonment, Tomi finds an unlikely ally in helping him achieve his goal.

The characters in this book are remarkable. And the best of these, without a doubt, is Grampa. He's a cranky crochety old man with a single-minded tenacity that the reader grows to adore. I personally am going to adopt his standard phrase of "Confonnit" into my own vocabulary. Grampa has a great sense of pride, worth, and history. Salisbury complicates things nicely, however, when he has Grampa repeatedly give some of the family's chickens, eggs, tomatoes, lettuce, string beans, and fish to their landowners, the nasty Wilsons. Salisbury doesn't shy away from complexity. I mean, Billy's pretty straightforwardly super. Ditto Billy's family. But Tomi has his doubts and requisite crises of faith once in a while. And as for villains, Keet is marvelous. By the end of the book you begin to think that if someone doesn't give that punk a swift kick in the butt then you're going to have to do it personally. I did find that the oddest thing about reading this book without having so much as glanced at its predecessor was that I had very little idea of who belonged to what race. Billy's white and Tomi's of Japanese ancestry. Check. Got it. But how about their friends Mose and Rico? Are they Filipino? Of Hawaiian ancestry? It didn't much matter to the story, but it would have been nice to get a little clarification.

As a writer, Salisbury seems to be utterly in control of each and every scene in this book. Yes, it's a little long, but I can't imagine removing so much as a sentence. Everything fits here. The people. The events. And definitely the climax. The tension really escalates by the end of the book too. I kept finding myself nervously counting the number of pages left against how far our heroes were in their plans. I actually found myself hoping that Keet and his lackeys wouldn't show up and that maybe if I read fast enough I could beat them to the end. Not to give anything away, but no such luck. Salisbury's grasp of Hawaiian Pidjin is also superb. I've a friend born and raised in Honolulu (she attended Punahou, Keet's school in this book) who once told me that her mother would severely punish her if she ever heard her daughter utter casual Pidjin words or phrases. I wonder what her mom would have thought of the Glossary of terms in the back then.

Works of historical fiction tend to suffer from a dire fate: They're humorless. Dry dull titles without a spark of wit or whimsy to save their soul. I expected this of "House of the Red Fish", frankly. Somehow 280-some page tomes always look like they'll be deadly serious. How wrong I was. Salisbury's a great writer, yes. But he's so great partly because he lets, for lack of a better term, his boys be boys. When Keet decides to invade Billy's bomb shelter there a wonderful moment where the reader knows what Keet doesn't... that the shelter is chock full of nasty centipedes. Oh, that's good stuff. And the nice thing is that even when the plot is turning dire and our heroes have to raise this boat as soon as they can, characters still play jokes on one another, laugh, and have a good time. The fact that you're having a good time right alongside them just happens to be a nice bonus.

So the good news is that I'm a Graham Salisbury convert. The bad news is that I don't want to wait another twelve years to continue Tomi's story. I comfort myself with knowing that since kids today still read and love "Under the Blood-Red Sun", I'm sure they'll love both this book and any others that Salisbury happens to come out with in the course of his lifetime. It will be worth the wait.

The book is fascinating. I enjoyed the Felix character who totally donimates all characters. Quite frankly I do not find Aundrea to be bitch, but Lisa who froliced through men like children on an Easter Egg hunt. Quite an intriguing story. I enjoyed it.

This book is hilarious, enthralling and well written. I love her articulated "Fade Out" and Fade In". I like that! It makes the reader feel like a part of the entire event.

When Aundrea went to answer the ringing of the chimes, the "Fade Out". That was great, because one would lead you to believe that when she did answer the chimes, the scene with the young man releasing the sail was at the door. This is truly unique and I find her to be an excellent writer, her imagination goes well above and beyond.

Great job!

My favorite chapter? All, but I will give an extra star for the final chapter, "The Reunion". Fantastic!

DEVINE Jennifer!

Sweet and scrumptious!

This novel is like yourself!

I'm stuck, on this novel like I'm stuck on you.

EXCELLENT! Continue your good work.

Excellent imagintion! Symplicit writing. My favorite kind of writer. Not confusing. I did not have to ready this book twice to get the jest of it. Not too many authors can compare. I find the best writers are the ones with innovative minds. Fantastic writing. Characters are well maintained and right to the point. Aundrea, a natural devil, demeaning, yet professional. The scenery is rather amazing. I saw it exactly as I read it. Great Job!

The book is truly a pleasure to have. Breathtaking, educational, hilarious.

Aundrea seem to be the main character in this book. Dominating, disgusting. Can't figure out why the author would want to write so much repulsive dialogue for this character. Aundrea seems to be the housekeeper most of us would want to have around. What Aundrea did on her personal time is no concern to Felix, Jim, nor the lady of the mansion, Miss Cora. Yes, she caught up on a piece here and there, but she was a damn good housekeeper.

Felix? Stupid. Cannot describe him any other way, yet he was determined to improve himself and he did it in fashion. Great guy. He too like Aundrea, is the caretaker one would be eager to hire. Though he showed stupidity, he was still smart in many ways.

Darn, the abortion, or what should have been an abortion. How amazing. I give this author nothing other than a 5 for her imagination. How wild! Having an abortion then learning 13 years later that you have a son, and living right in your father's home, the father that she was searching for, for years.

The last chapter of this book has given this author the 5 stars. The most un-forgettable ending. "The Reunion". What a reunion that was.

Fantastic dialogue!

While I have always remained partial to Sturman's first book in the Rachel Benjamin series, 'THE PACT' I have to regretfully admit that I now have a new favorite in this engaging series...'THE HUNT'! Not only was this installment filled with unexpected twists and turns (not only in the whodunit but also in Rachel and Peter's relationship) but it was also laugh out loud funny!

In the 'THE HUNT' Rachel finds herself, not so successfully in her opinion, trying to fit in with her super normal in-laws-to-be when her best friend Hillary seems to be abducted by a billionaire who does not want some sketchy information leaked just days before his company is supposed to go public. And journalist Hillary has collected all sorts of nasty tid-bits about this billionaire and his company and is all set to write her article when she disappears. Now it is up to Rachel and Company to find Hillary, thwart the company's endeavors to go public all the while trying to impress her soon to be in-laws! Stir all of these ingredients together and you have one hilarious concoction!

If you have enjoyed the rest of the series get ready to enjoy the best!

I'm happy to say that the 4th Rachel Benjamin mystery lived up to my expectations. Rachel is quirky, real, & a good laugh as well. This time, the mystery moved from New York City to San Fransisco, & the change of scenery was welcome. Rachel's college friends (from "The Pact") were also a big part of the story, which I enjoyed. The mystery itself was a sort of scavenger hunt that made for an interesting & fast paced read.

I hope that Ms. Sturman continues this series because I am looking forward to the continued growth of Rachel & Peter's relationship.

I got this book yesterday, and I loved it. Watching Rachel, her fiance, and their friends try to peice together clues to find someone was great. Jennifer Sturman hasn't lost her touch where writing these characters or her stories are concerned. I waited for a year for this book to come out, and it was worth the wait.

I wish it had been longer though. I noticed out of all of Ms. Sturman's books, this was the shortest and the thinnest.

Accompanied by her friends (Hilary, Luisa and Ben), Rachel and her fiancé Peter visit his parents on the West Coast for the weekend. Rachel plans to behave with decorum so as to not make any waves. However, during the engagement party thrown by his parents, Hilary dumps Ben before leaving the gala.

Not long afterward Rachel receives an enigmatic message from Hilary asking for her help. As Rachel and her posse try to find Hilary, they learn she was seen frolicking with Igor "Iggie" Behrenz. As one clue leads to another, Rachel realizes someone is setting them up, but is not sure why even as she begins to have commitment doubts again.

This is an engaging amateur sleuth (though Ben is a professional) that readers will enjoy especially the chick lit asides from the heroine as she has increasing doubts about Peter even as she tries to behave in front of his parents. The story line is fast-paced as the posse work in humorous ways to win THE HUNT for Hilary. Readers will enjoy this fine tale and seek Rachel's backlist of misadventures (see THE PACT, THE JINX and THE KEY).

Harriet Klausner

I don't know how she does it, but Ms. Sturman has given us another delightful read! This time, Rachel finds herself in San Francisco juggling niceties with her soon-to-be (probably) in-laws with trying to track down her somewhat headstrong friend Hilary who has disappeared and seems to be mixed up with a sketchy internet mogul! So witty (I actually laughed out loud 4 times) and suspenseful, the book (unfortunately) flies by. How soon til the next one, Ms. Sturman?