Reds Books

In many ways Oberg is the Carl Sagan of space engineering. He's worked in the trenches at NASA as an engineer (Johnson Space Center in Houston 1975-1997) but he has a talent for bringing his area of expertise to the masses. He's big, friendly, engaging, and surprisingly telegenic for an engineer in his fifties. He speaks English, French, and Russian and has used his language skills and friendly demeanor to gain access to the heart of the Russian and European space establishments. He's in the golden rolodex. He gives testimony before congress. He appears on PBS, cable news, and the Discovery channel. He writes for a wide range of publications about space engineering.

Oberg is probably best known for authoring Red Star in Orbit, a history of the Soviet space effort up until 1981. In 1991, PBS transformed his book in a documentary series. HBO has optioned Red Star in Orbit for some future made-for-TV miniseries.

Oberg is also a proud, card-carrying member of CSICOP. He was part of a small maelstrom of controversy in 2004 when it was revealed NASA had contracted him to write a book that finally takes on the "moon landings were a hoax" crowd. The book was to address the hoax "proof" point by point and showing why the thesis is based on a poor understanding of basic physics. Oberg was to be paid $15,000 for the book. Critics felt that if NASA made it an official publication it would give credibility to the hoax theory. Oberg himself declared he'd write the book on his own dime.

What's fascinating about Oberg is his involvement as a skeptic in the world of UFO nuts. For years, and to this day, he's been a regular haunt on newsgroups like alt.alien.visitor. With humor and a vast store of knowledge he takes on the "they're up there!" UFO crowd. It's quite a joy to watch the wild eyed UFO nuts accusing Oberg of being a NASA/CIA stooge, falsely attributing quotes to him, and generally just raging at someone who not only doesn't share their point of view but does not share it based on a sound body of historical and technical knowledge they lack. The man has patience. He seems to best the UFO fringe time and time again. It's a joy to watch.

Oberg was and is one of America's experts on the Soviet space program. This book reflects his knowledge on the subject. One of the questions answered in this volume is "Did the Soviet's race the US to the moon?" The answer is a strong yes. Did the US beat them? Again, the anwer is a strong yes. This is a good book by one who knows

Mr. Oberg, an internationally recognized expert on the Russian (FSU) space program, provides an excellent description of the triumphs of the Soviet space program. The story is fascinating, and the author clearly respects his subjects. What's special about Oberg, though, is his perspective on Soviet affairs. He is also a scholar of Russian studies, and rather than simply recounting historical data and technical details of the Soviets' space efforts, he also outlines the details of the political realities which the space program faced. It makes a nice companion to studies of the US space program. Highly recommended.

Just wanted to post a 5-star review to help offset the effect of the reviewer who was impaired...

With so many attacks on Christmas and on Santa Claus, this book is a breath of fresh air.
This man truly embodies not only the spirit of St. Nick but the true and real Christmas spirit. He relates how he got to be "Santa", stories about children and their parents, about his service to the disabled and about how children and adults do a double take when they see his real beard. Judging by the picture on the jacket of the book, I can see why. The man looks like Santa!
He also talks about the real miracle of Christmas, the birth of Jesus and how when Christmas is put in that perspective, it makes everything else about Christmas more wonderful.
It will make you laugh, it will make you cry but most of all, it will make you believe!

I was told about this book right before Christmas 2004. I bought two copies and sent one to my mom. We both read and cried about this book! This is such a heart-warming book! This brings back the magic of Christmas. I really loved the end where Santa tells us grown ups why he thinks Santa helps kids have faith. It teaches them to help others, to think of others, and puts God's love and face on a very special time of year. I really liked the part when Santa is talking to a young girl that is asking him how he flies. Santa tells her that with all of God's love, her Parent's love and her love, it gives Santa the magic he needs to fly on Christmas Eve. There were several things that Mr. Butchart shared in this book that my Husband and I will use when we have kids. If you have anyone in your life that thinks telling their kids that there is a Santa is lying to their kids tell them to read this book before telling their kids that. Also if you are one of those parents that ruin the magic of Christmas for their kids please tell them to keep the information to themselves. I can't tell you how many times I've had a niece, nephew, or family friends children come home crying because some kid at school told them there is no Santa. By reading this book you will understand that most of us use Santa to help us teach our kids about God. Its a very easy quick read. I bought several copies last year to give as gifts to all of our friends and family. My Husband was transferred to GA last year and my Christmas present was to go to Stone Mtn and see Santa!! I was so excited. I waited in line with all the kids and then it was finally my turn! I went and sat on Santa's lap and told him how my family really enjoyed his book. He said that he appreciated the compliments but had to share with me some sad news. On Christmas Day 2004 Santa's wife Annie Butchart passed away and this Christmas was very hard for him. His wife worked with him at Stone Mtn and was very active being Mrs. Claus. From reading his book it is very clear how much he cared for his wife even though I'm quite sure it doesn't even show the half of it. I wanted to share this news so you can appreciate the book a little more. Please buy this book and share it with everyone in your life. I have two copies so when we have guests during Christmas they can read the book and enjoy the season as much as I do.

Ed Butchart is an amazing man. The gift of love he brings to others through his ministry is amazing. The Red Suit Diaries is a wonderful heart-warming story that will surely make you laugh and cry!

This is an inspiring true account of one man's journey from Marine to real life Santa. Ed Butchart recounts moments in his life he choose to reach out to other people in need which is one of the true forms of giving. This book will move readers through laughter and tears as you meet many children (and some adults) who have shared their hopes and dreams with Santa. The similarity between Ed and Santa is uncanny from his photo in the back of the book to the fact he has been Santa for over 15 years at a park and has an organization that distributes wheelchairs to kids in need...this book is one you will give year after year to inspire and encourage those in your life.

Having read (and been semi-consumed by) 'Wired', I was more than ready when I got my hands on 'Red Tide'. It did not disappoint me, as had been the case as soon as I turned the first page I was hooked.

T.G. Browning has always had the ability to create scenes that literally pull the reader in, and this skill is most evident in 'Red Tide'. On more than one occasion, the experiences of Pam and the other central characters lingered with me for some time after I had put the book down (not an easy task).

I highly recommend 'Red Tide' to anyone who enjoys mystery, hard-edged Fantasy, or simply getting scared out of their wits from time to time.

TG Browning is back with the second book in his "Unaligned" series, "Red Tide". This is the sequel (roughly) to "Wired" and we find the magician Kevin dead, leaving Pam to carry on their work. Seeking something she does not understand, Pam has wandered to the coast of Oregon and ends up in Oceanside where strange occult occurences are afoot. She is a reluctant heroine, tapped by the godess Hecate for a job she doesn't want, but cannot walk away from...but then, she does get to work with a talking cat (although even that has its drawbacks).


The characters are developed well in this novel, giving the reader reason to identify with any of several possible strong
contenders and events move quickly in rapid fire succession - carrying the reader along in a mad clash with dark forces bent on breaking free of an age old chaining. The basic concept isn't new, but Mr. Browning's particular brand of vision gives the old plot a decidely new flavor.


As usual, Mr. Browning has several appendexes to the novel explaining background and research into the myriad facets of the story - all fascinating and helpful to the reader who is not familiar with this particular part of Oregon and insightful into the mind of the author.


I recommend this book highly - more so if you have read "Wired" - this novel, unlike so many sequels, is better than the original in many ways.

I just finished Red Tide and although it is not in the genre that I typically read, I absolutely loved it! While reading it I felt as if I were actually on the coast watching a frightening play unfold before my very eyes.

I thoroughly enjoyed the local flavor and the vivid descriptions. It was fun to read about the characters and the scenes that are so familiar to those who know the area and its people.

Good job!

I sat on my bed reading this book and hearing my heart pound within me; what a ride. Pam Whitby was to be married, that is until Kevin was killed in a car accident. Kevin worked magic, knew the powers that be, was gifted. Pam also is gifted, but is not prepared for the battle against evil she will be thrust into.
Traveling across country Pam is drawn to an ocean town where something is devouring the people, literally. This evil is eating them, controlling them and becoming stronger with each victim. Pam teams up with some very colorful characters, such as Jack Westfeld, a local bartender who is seeing people change before his eyes and Casey Nugent, a teenager who is forgotten by everyone who ever knew him, including his own family, once he was touched by the evil. Add to that a talking cat, several women who see into the future , robbing of graves and the walking dead, you better know you are in for one chilling adventure. I have to tell you; I read this book in two nights and was so engrossed in the read that I actually jumped when I heard a noise, for a moment thinking could it be "The Maker of Night!" Scary!
If you want a book that has a great storyline, is bone chilling and chock full of the supernatural this one is for you. A work that grabs you and locks you in until you have read the last word; now that is a book you don't want to miss. Very highly recommended especially for those who love to feel the terror as they read; I know I did.

This is going to be quite a short review, since it's been years since I've read this book. I do remember just how beautiful and vivid a picture the words paint. Pick it up now that its coming out in paperback. I had to spend like 25 bux on a used copy of the hardback edition because it was so hard to find. It's definately worth it. Oh yes, beware, it has a morbid twist to it, (not freaky or insane, just a darker feel) so if you hate that in a book, this might not be for you.

While absorbing this book, at times I couldn't hold it close enough. I experienced a genuine oneness with the world Rudy created. In the next moment, the shift in my awareness it caused was so foreign, I wanted to throw the book as far away from me as possible. But of course, I held on... for all I was worth. This is a real literary treasure, in a class of its own as is the author. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Wilson's work.

I loved this book. It was sad, yet beautiful. It was different and totally colorful and sensitive and strange. Thanks -

I first read The Red Truck years ago. It completely blew me away then, and, upon my fifth reread, it continues to do so. The novel is eerie, almost otherworldly, and Wilson's use of colors and images leaves the reader feeling disjoined and yet strangely connected to the characters of his world. The Red Truck is absolutely a masterpiece and should not be missed. If you can find a copy (if Wilson's stalwart but small base of maniacal fans haven't snatched them all up) by all means buy it, read it, love it. Disturbing, beautiful, terrible, honest, gripping, sad, lonely

Here is how the dispossession of the Utes really happened. Should be required reading in history classes. Fascinating account. Highly recommend!!

"Red Twilight: The Last Free Days Of The Ute Indians" is a remarkable eye-witness testament to the plight of the Ute Indians. Val FitzPatrick was born January 4, 1886 and lived to the age of 102. All his life was spent in northwestern Colorado and gave him an intimate knowledge of the Northern Utes (especially the Whiteriver band) after their encounter with the white man's culture. FitzPatrick provides the modern reader with a window into a yesteryear of the western frontier during the time of white settlers displacing the Utes from the homelands. This is an account more accurate and compelling than those of the newspaper journalists of the day were able to print. Very highly recommended for personal and academic Native American studies collections, Red Twilight is enhanced with a rare oral history by one of the Ute warriors who fought in the Battle of Milk Creek; excerpts from the diary of early cowboy Wils Rankin (nephew of Joe Rankin, scout of the ill-fated Major Thornburg); and a special section describing life on the Uintah-Ouray Reservation in the 1950s and 60s.

Red Twilight: The Last Free Days Of The Ute Indians is a remarkable eye-witness testament to the plight of the Ute Indians. Val FitzPatrick was born January 4, 1886 and lived to the age of 102. All his life was spent in northwestern Colorado and gave him an intimate knowledge of the Northern Utes (especially the Whiteriver band) after their encounter with the white man's culture. FitzPatrick provides the modern reader with a window into a yesteryear of the western frontier during the time of white settlers displacing the Utes from the homelands. This is an account more accurate and compelling that those of the newspaper journalists of the day were able to print. Very highly recommended for personal and academic Native American studies collections, Red Twilight is enhanced with a rare oral history by one of the Ute warriors who fought in the Battle of Milk Creek; excerpts from the diary of early cowboy Wils Rankin (nephew of Joe Rankin, scout of the ill-fated Major Thornburg); and a special section describing life on the Uintah-Ouray Reservation in the 1950s and 60s.

This book is unique - it tells the story of the removal of the Ute Indians from a sympathetic viewpoint, and by one who was there. Val FitzPatrick was a settler in northwest Colorado when the Utes were displaced into Utah and forced from their ancestral homelands. The real story is different from what white history records.

Well written, great reading, and fascinating first-hand stories. If you like reading about the West and its history or American Indians, you can't go wrong here. The author was there and is a great writer. He personally knew the Utes. Winner of an award from the Utah Humanities Council and used in their diversity program. I also highly recommend FitzPatrick's other book, "The Arbuckle Cafe: Classic Cowboy Stories."

This book is for anyone who is looking for intrigue and surprise, but most of all, if you're looking to do a little soul searching, this is for you too! While not classified as a mystery or suspenseful novel, The Red Woman and Water Lilies sure will keep you on the edge of your seat.

This novel is packed with vivid descriptions of life as it was during one of the most exciting times in American history. Each word appears to be selected carefully to allow the reader to imagine that they are actually there at that time, with that person. If you have time to read the book slowly, you can savor each phrase. The book keeps you interested in finding out more about each character and what will happen next. It is a book to be enjoyed by the reader. When you read this book(and you should), it makes you feel good about how good life can be if you follow your heart. The author has a deep insight into people. This is her first published novel, however, there are more on the way. I shall look forward to reading more of these works in the future.

I thought this was an excellent novel. The detail in the book made the images come alive in my mind, and the characters were well fleshed out. They were the kind of people that are actually walking around, far from perfect yet incredibly compelling. They were just far enough away from the fairy tale story that one minute I would side with one, then the next, I would be behind another. I found myself rooting for everyone, even when I knew perhaps there was no way everyone could come out on top, especially with all the love triangles. I would reccomend this because I think it reminds us that sometimes we think we know our own hearts, and others hearts, but really, we just need to keep searching, and listening to what really is going on inside of ourselves. Anyone that has been in love, been out of love, been lonely, been scared, been through that soul searching kind of moment will be able to identify with these characters and this story.

This is a book that I enjoyed, and with some research due to my curiousity, to my surprise, found that the author is only 20 years old, which made me even more impressed! This is a book that I sat on my back porch and read while drinking my morning coffee. It's about mother and daughter bonds and family life, siblings and roles we take on. I found the love story sweet, but I thought the point was deeper than that. It was about that search I had almost forgotten, that search when we try to figure out who we are and why we are here, what the world holds for us, and how to do our best by this gift of life that we have been given. It's a wonderful reminder, and I look forward to her next works. I cannot imagine what this author may do in the future, if at 20, she has already written this. I highly would give this to my friends and family to read. And actually, already have.

Though Reed suffers from chronic name dropping and repetitive, trite expressions ("inner space" appears at least twice a page), his poetry is as visionary and original as the heroes he worships. It is in the tradition of Rimbaud, the poet as deranged rebel and tortured visionary, and Reed is clearly not pretending. "Outsiders" is one of his most iconoclastic pieces, and perhaps more than any other poem in the collection expresses his credo. It is also, despite very upbeat imaginative trips, very dark material: Reed is not praising the felicities and trivial joys of life so much as reaching for its core in his urgent, existential fashion. Some of the most haunting poems are dedications to his deceased friends who were obviously as committed to his 'live on the edge' philosophy as he is. There is no posturing involved, and it would not surprise me at all if in twenty or thirty years "Reed" is mentioned in the same breath as "Artaud".

Despite suffering, ultimately, a bit of classic British reserve, Reed's poetry is quite probably the best currently being produced by anyone, anywhere. While lacking the warmth and humanity of Desnos, for example (clearly one of his major influences), Reed's work is awash with the telltale signs of true genius; from his unrivalled use of color to his ultramodern, up-to-the-minute employment of late-century vernacular, his writing shimmers with a top-to-bottom coherence,imagination, and clarity of thought that no other current poet in my experience can equal. To find another poet of this caliber, you have to journey back to the aforementioned Robert Desnos, circa 1926-45.

Red-Haired Android is my first foray into the world of Jeremy Reed, and in reading his poetry I have discovered a voice for my generation. His vivid use of colour to describe feelings, emotions and surroundings, give words a new meaning. The imagery in his thoughts is astounding. He can create a mental picture using only a few simple words. The passion the Jeremy Reed conveys through his use of language was quickly passed on to me, and this book has been relegated to the 'favourites' shelf in my bookcase. This is a book that is is for anyone. For lovers of poetry and those who have yet to be convinced of its power.

Jeremy Reed is open and unabashed about his bisexuality, his affection for rock stars, and his fascination with science fiction. All this could, and sometimes does, make surprising, interesting, and superb poetry. Unfortunately, Reed also tends to be repetitive, meandering, and narrow in his focus. Of his sexuality, he has said, "Why be one or the other?" so many times it seems like a mantra or creed rather than a deeply held belief, and this simple piece of rhetoric disbands at one sweep all the interesting possibilities and societal challenges raised by such fluid sexuality. Still, Reed has the ability to delight and surprise his readers as well as the authors he admires most: Artaud, Rimbaud, Ashbery. His tendency to bring science-fiction staples such as androids, robots, and astronomical phenomena into his poems is one that could potentially create a whole new genre: the science fiction poem. Since the best science fiction is that which rises above the level of pulp material, and which also has a tendency to become science fact, perhaps Reed's vision isn't so farfetched as it may seem.

I love this book because it is well-written and market savvy, but it doesn't talk over my head. The suggestions for how best to utilize my real estate equity are clear and forthright. The predictions for new up and coming areas to purchase in are so helpful(and worth the purchase of the book alone.) Also, the various strategies for planning for retirement make this book an absolute must-have for anyone who owns or dreams of owning a home. I highly recommend this book. As far as financial books go, this gets my highest rating!

If you or anyone you know has questions about real estate and the investment aspects of it - particularly as they get older then this is the book. After reading it, I decided to give copies of it for Christmas to my parents and my inlaws.

It does a great job of laying out the options homeowners have of using their single family residence as an investment. The real life examples of using home equity with a variety of reverse mortgages, interfamily loans and home equity lines of credit were very useful. It helped clarify a dizzying array of options available to me and others as a homeowner who may one day need to use my home equity to assist in retirement. I found this book to be incredibly thorough, well-researched and well written.

I highly recommend it to anyone with a meaningful amount of home equity and to those who advise investors on home investment options.

This is the first book I have seen that clearly describes the many ways one can use home equity as a source of retirement income. With Social Security diminishing in importance, shrinking corporate pension plans, and a volatile stock market, using one's home as an investment can be the cornerstone of a comfortable retirement for many Americans. The authors provide very practical ways for using home equity to enhance retirement, including: renting, selling high and moving to other "value" areas, private annuity trusts, interfamily loans, and sales and reverse mortgages. I like that the authors have invested successfully in residential real estate themselves and that they have advised clients on many of the strategies described in the book. This book is a winner with timeless strategies and loads of advice.

This is a great book. Well written and well thought out. I highly recommend it without any reservation, whatsoever.

I purchased this book for my son, just because it was written by my favorite author. Although I immediately fell in love with it, I wasn't so sure what my 6 year old son would think of it, but, perhaps for different reasons than me, he insists on having it read to him frequently. Like any classic folktale, it uses a simple style and classic images to present timeless and complicated truths. The illustrations are gorgeous and evoke just the right feelings for the story.

I read this book to my daughters, ages 6 and 4. Several weeks later when we were visiting my in-laws, my oldest daughter ran up to me holding a "red mare", a small wooden horse that her grandparents had purchased in Sweden. She retold the entire story and then offered to rescue her brother if ever he should be abducted by trolls.

When I think of "good children's books," this is the first one I think of. I gave it to my five-year-old daughter years ago, and I read it to her first-grade class as a parent helper. I've never seen children so entranced, so silent, hanging on every word. Now I'm buying another copy to read to my own classes after I get my teaching credential.

This is a fantastic story with beautiful illustrations.

I bought it for my daughter when she was five. At the age of twelve it is still a favorite of hers, and for me as well. Since Le Guin has used techniques from oral traditions, it is simply wonderful to read aloud.

I think this is an example of a perfectly written short story. Everything in the story has a purpose. Not a word can be taken away without detracting from the story, and any additions would be superfluous.

This is one of the few books that will not be traded in or given to a library.

I bought this book based on Amazon reviews for a first birthday. My grandson absolutely loved the book and was intrigued by the dog's disappearing, the bunnies popping up, and the duck's wings expanding. However, the pop-ups should be heavier cardboard. It wasn't long before Scruff, bunnies, and bubbles started to be ripped from the book. However, my grandson then invented a new game---sticking Scruff back into the pictures. I would have been willing to pay a little more for a more durable book.

My 19 month old son LOVES this book! I purchased it after reading such glowing reviews and noticed his great interest in doggies in our neighborhood. It is so enticing for him to see Scruff duck behind the animals as you open the pages but sometimes tries to grab him and I've had to tape him back twice. A simple task given the joy it brings to my son. He also likes the "moo", "nibble", and "baa" the animals say and finding the ball and mouse on each page. The large illustrations and cute theme of needing a bath ending with a good doggie in the bath makes me think this is a great toddler book.

My two daughters always loved lift-the-flap books, esp. Maisy books. But as they get older, finding the same old things behind the same old flaps gets boring. This book's flaps feature a disappearing dog. As you open the flaps first you don't see him, then you do, and then you don't again, as the dog slips behind a cow or under the window. Adds novelty enough to keep 5-year old "big sister" entertained as well. (Plus Mommy and Daddy.)

Nice text, as well...fun and easy for toddlers/pre-schoolers to "read along" with.

It's time for Scruffs bath. The water is ready but where is Scruff?

You get to follow his tracks through the pages as Scruff tries to hide somewhere on the farm.

As asked in the book "Has anybody here seen my dog, Scruff?" The answer "Baa-no, oink-no, nibble-no, moo-no, quack-no, squeak-no, Cock-a-doodle-do-no"

So where do we find Scruff? If only my dog would do what he did!

As far as pop-ups go, the pages are sturdy. The author understands children and little fingers as the popups are activated by turning rather then pulling strips.