Seven Books

I was half way through the first volume of Foote's epic 3 volume "The Civil War: a narrative" when I paused for a breather and read Catton's Hallowed Ground.

So, compared to Foote's 3 volume The Civil War, Catton's Hallowed Ground provides a good overview of all the major battles in the Civil War. He had also included quotes from letters soldiers had written to family which I thought was a nice touch as it provided a different view of the civil war and illustrated how tough things were for them. What I also liked about Catton is that he had referenced the quotes and pointed to other books if you were interested in that particular regiment or battle.

For someone new to the civil war, I would definitely recommend reading Catton's Hallowed Ground first then refer to Foote for more detailed description of the more interesting battles. However, as another reviewer here points out, there is a hint of bias in favour of the confederacy in Foote.

Bruce Catton is one of the best history writers of the Civil War. He writes in a fashion that is easy to read yet leaves no doubt what he is saying. Very good way to enjoy history. It is almost like reading a novel.

I have been a reader of Bruce Catton's Civil War histories for years (I own 10 of them). I agree with the reviewers about Catton's vast talent as a storyteller and as a narrator of events. It was through reading his works that I first became aware of some of the lesser known colorful characters of the time, such as Gen. Phillip Kearney, Gen. D.H. Hill, and Robert Toombs. In fact, it was the writing of Bruce Catton that first turned me into a Civil War buff.

I have a rather strong objection to the subtitle of this work, which the late historian would never have approved were he alive today. This book is not "the Union side" of the Civil War; it gives BOTH sides. In fact, the author is more sympathetic to men like Gen. Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis than I would have been. For many years, some influential historians have sought to label any history that seems to hint that the right side won the Civil War as biased. (Over four score and seven years, actually.) This work is a balanced account, and one of the best one-volume histories of the war ever written, both on the battle front and at the home fronts. It deserves to be thought of as such.

If you're interested in the Civil War enough to browse this book, go ahead and snag it. To get a grasp on this period of our history, you must read Catton. He tells the overall story in the style almost of a novel. He is accurate and factual. Never fear. But this isn't reading history as you might remember. Catton will get your attention, draw you in and help you to feel some of the myriad of emotions that coursed through our ancestors on both sides of this conflict. He made me understand that wherever they trod was indeed hallowed ground after their passing.

Of all the heartbreaking, sacrificial, and exhausting wars that the United States has encountered, the Civil War is the most upsetting of all. Bruce Catton, part of the last wave of a generation of romantic historians, paints a vivid portrait of the Union side of the conflict. Like all war historians, he is impressed by the elements that are found in the crucible of a long fight: the pageantry, brilliant tactical moves, feats of individual courage, and the inexhaustible source of stories. But on the other, he has enough judgment to temper his own writing with accounts of casualty lists and useless battles.

Catton's main thesis is that although the war did not begin over slavery, it became so through the force of the war's tide, and that the tide only became inexorable after a series of poor decisions on the Union side. He is especially adept at tracing the threads of the various campaigns - the Army of the Potomac's stalemated situation in Virginia, for instance, is contrasted with Grant's quick thinking out west with the Army of the Tennessee. As the title would imply, the book focuses on the to and fro movements of the Union side. Lincoln, Lee, and the particularities of the situation prior to the war are not dealt with in any depth.

Nor is this is a book with a list of laundry items for the typical soldier and a slew of footnotes, although it is well-researched and thorough. Catton is more interested in quickly sketching an army as they march through the heat of the Mississippi and the lush countryside of Georgia. He unabashedly plays favorites with his "cast of characters" - Grant and Lincoln are praised, McClellan is not - but in most cases his biases are justified.

One could argue Catton's taste for drama and humorous anecdote overrides his ability to assess rationally the Civil War, but perhaps his romantic/realistic view of history is more in keeping with the age it is describing. The Civil War was fought by stubborn men who refused to cede a tenet long past its due date - and that in itself is the true tragedy.

Barnabas Sackett's life from his evasion of the Queen of England in Europe to fighting and befriending different tribes of Indians North of Jamestown and South of Plymouth. Makes a long drive seem much shorter! John Curless has a perfect voice for this story. One of Louis Lamour's best!

I discovered books on CD from a coworker. Having a one hour and ten minute commute each way makes listening to books on CD a great way to enjoy the travel time.
I found this book very well written and very well spoken. One person having to read the voice of many characters is probably not the easiest thing to do. This reading is well done. I found myself sitting in the company parking lot just to finish a chapter before facing my workday. This was my first L'Amour book on CD and it was very enjoyable.

Sackett's Land and To the Far Blue Mountains make a complete story of the life and times of the Sackett progenitor. The combination is entirely satisfactory. L'Amour had the ability to tell the story well, and he developed that ability with years of work and research. It is probably fortunate for Sackett enthusiasts that he wrote the first books in the series later in his writing career. We benefit from his seasoned skills.

As in his westerns, in this book L'Amour focuses on what he finds interesting and what he thinks the reader will like to know. For the most part, he doesn't go into the technical detail that some authors pursue, but he paints a clear picture. The reader has a feeling of being there, or the strong sense that they could be there, right along with our hero.

The Sackett family saga is the story of an American family. Like all of L'Amour's work, it is wholesome and educational. He consistently hits on themes that his readers recognize, the importance of education and critical thinking, respect for our fellow creatures and the world in which we live,loyalty to family and friends, and taking positive action to shape one's own life. All that and a fun story too, for the cost of five bucks.

Dramatically narrated by John Curless, To The Far Blue Mountains is an flawlessly recorded audiobook presentation of yet another of Louis L'Amour's classic western novels featuring the hardy endurance of the Sackett clan as they addressed the challenges of life in the Old West. To The Far Blue Mountains follows Barnabas Sackett, who is on the run with his steadfast wife Abigail and his only escape is to the west. This is a superbly written adventure story of earning a life for oneself on the frontier, surviving all manner of hazards both human and environmental, and eventually prospering despite the hostilities of nature and man alike. To The Far Blue Mountains is an enthusiastically recommended audiobook for personal and community library collections!

I picked up this book because the intro on the back cover sounded good and I've liked almost every L'amour book I've read. Its written in a first person narrative as though he was sitting across from you on the couch telling the story.

The first half of the book is terrific, following his escape from England. We learn of his thirst to be out in the wild open spaces of the newly discovered America, he is falsy accused and is running from the law collecting people to join him as he describes the new beginnings they can have in the New World. Its very tightly written (though I think his escape from prison was way too easy) and you really love the character.

Once the group got to America things changed. In an effort to show the WHOLE life of Barnabas the whole story changes, now we have 50 years of history in 100 pages. So the narrative changes from a day-by-day upbeat story where friends are joining the group to a list of significant events, usually where one of the group dies from an indian raid. It becomes a series of "we built a fort", "xxx died in an indian raid", "the fort burned down", "we went down to sea and traded our skins for supplies", "yyyy died in an indian raid", "we built another fort", etc.

I didn't like the ending either, I think the whole story basically got pretty depressing towards the end with all the group dying or leaving to go off and do other things. All the next generation were grown up and strong but we don't have the emotional connection with them that we did with the first group.

This is the first book in Terry Pratchett's Bromeliad Trilogy, and it gets the series started well. It is about a group of nomes who live in a department store--but they have lived there so long that they have forgotten there is a world outside. The only problem is that the store will be demolished in 21 days. It's up to a group of just 8 outside nomes to convince thousands of stubborn people to leave a place they think is the entire universe, then hijack a truck and leave. This book has a perfect blend of humor, mystery, and plot, but the in my opinion the greatest element is the characters. The seemingly emotionless yet somehow smug spaceship computer known only as the Thing provides a touch of science in a world whose inhabitants don't even know what the word "thousand" means. Dorcas del Icatessen, the mad scientist of the nomes, who has complete control over the store elevator system. Angalo de Haberdasheri, who is fanatic about the possibility of life outside the store and has a pet rat named Bobo, and finally Grannie Morkie, the annoyingly apocalyptic nome elder. The final scene, in which hundreds of nomes wielding levers, pullies, and wires manages to hijack a truck and drive it on a chaotic romp through the city, might be one of the cleverest and funniest scenes in the history of fiction. One of the greatest quotes: "Give me a big enough lever, and a firm enough place to stand, and I could move the Store." The next two books in the trilogy are even greater, and do a good job of developing the already marvelous characters.

Pratchett is best known for his off-the-world Discworld yarns, but he also has produced a number of highly engaging, wryly funny, and thoroughly humane novels for younger readers. This one, the first of the "Bromeliad" trilogy, introduces the "nomes," four-inch-high people (well, humanoids) who live on highway medians and under the floors of buildings. They live fast (ten years is a very advanced age for a nome) and humans strike them as slow and stupid. Masklin, in escaping danger in the back of a truck with the last remnants of his tribe, finds himself in the Store -- "Arnold Bros. (est. 1905)" -- where there are thousands of nomes. These are divided into contending tribes by store departments, live a good life in the Food Hall, and worship Arnold Bros. And then he becomes aware that the store is about to be demolished. The strength of the story is Masklin's struggle to convince everyone else of the danger when most of them don't even believe in the existence of Outside, and then to organize an exodus by stealing a truck and learning to operate it. (Think lots of long levers, pulleys, and bits of string.) But the nomes turn out not to be "little people" at all. The nomes' interpretation of the signs they see will give you thoughtful pause, as will their unthinking belief in a nome-centered God in the sky. Or on the top floor. Pratchett fans will enjoy this, regardless of their age.

These books (Truckers, Diggers, and Wings) are a fun romp! Well thought out, well told, with a liberal dose of humor. If you have read any of Terry Pratchett's "Disc World" books, you'll love this light hearted series....

Truckers is the first book of the Bromeliad trilogy (followed by Diggers and Wings).

Masklin and his family are the last ten nomes of their warren, devastated by cold, predators and hunger. Desperately, they set out on a last chance journey and climb up on one of the lorries of the humans.

What they'll soon discover is that this lorry has lead them to the Store of Arnold Bros (est. 1905), the home of thousands of other little nomes who, having never left the Store, think of the Outside as of nothing more than just another fairy tale. The coming of Masklin will be a great upheaval in their quiet lives. And as they learn that the Store is to be demolished, they make plans for their escape.

Although Truckers was originally written for a young audience, it's an enthralling adventure but also a story about understanding other people's ways and helping each other, and no doubt grown-ups will love it too. Because Terry Pratchett's unique sense of humour is lurking round every corner, especially when nomes try to interpret our human world... and what's more to make sense of it!

Terry Pratchett's Bromeliad trilogy is a mix of childlike fantasy and offbeat SF. While the opening book, "Truckers" lags in places and takes quite some time to really get moving, it's imaginative and very funny. Certainly it's a good place to start off with Pratchett's fiction.

Masklin and the other nomes are tiny people who scavenge on the streets, and now there are only a handful of them left. In an act of desperation, they climb into a lorry and ride to... The Store. Also known as Arnold Bros (est. 1905), where a complex civilization of nomes (about two thousand) live in semi-peace and prosperity. They either are dazzled by the idea of "Outside," or insist that the whole world is in Arnold Bros (est. 1905).

Seemingly, everything is fine for Masklin and his friends, especially when the mysterious Thing (a black box that is a spaceship's flight computer) comes to life and tells them more about their history. But suddenly their world is disrupted by the news of "All Things Must Go -- Final Sales." Now the nomes must escape the Store and find yet another place to live.

Tiny people living in a department store? Who are from another planet? That is something that could have bombed easily and hideously. But it doesn't, at least not in "Truckers." Clever plot elements like the sign-based religion (they take "everything under one roof" seriously!) and the department-based clans (Stationari, Corsetri) keep this unlikely plot afloat.

While "Truckers" is a self-contained story in itself, it has plenty of loose threads (mostly involving the Thing and the origins of the nomes) at the end, for the second and third books of the trilogy. The writing has Pratchett's usual sparseness and wit; the only problem is that it takes forever for the nomes to do anything. At least it's a fun slow ride. The wacky truck drive near the end is one of the best parts of the book.

Masklin and his nome band (especially the indefatigable, vaguely frightening Granny) serve as a good window into the nome civilization, since they're learning about it too. The better-off nomes are a bit snottier but eager to explore the Outside. But the Thing steals the show; despite being just a computer, it has a better idea than the nomes what is going on.

"Truckers" will delight fans of Pratchett, but you don't need to be a fan already to enjoy this story. While the plot takes awhile to go anywhere, the quirky characters and wonderful worldbuilding make it worthwhile.

Walking in Victory is a must read for any believer at any level of maturity. This book lays out some amazing truths from God's Word in a clear and easy to understand way. Mr. McCallum does an excellent job explaining how we can have victory day to day because as you will see in the book, Christ has already accomplished what we were never able to do. We have a new identity and learning about this new identity will change your life! This is also a great book to go through in a small group and study guides are available at [..].

Years ago, studying this book clarified key areas of the Christian life, helping me to finally get my own walk with God and ministry going. Victory lies in a believer's full acceptance before God based on Christ's atoning work on the cross. It's by understanding and focusing on this truth that Christians are able to develop lives of zeal, ministry effectiveness, and slow growth toward true holiness. Aside from the Gospel message itself, this concept, my identity in Christ, has been the most important lesson I've ever learned, and I haven't found a more sound explanation of it than in Walking in Victory. Now, I rely heavily on this book in mentoring students, and I'm able to see in them the fruit that is born from an informed and enthusiastic grace-focus.
The content matter, perfect for the scholar or new convert, is masterfully presented and extremely useful. McCallum skillfully mixes careful Biblical exposition and interpretation with down-to-earth application and insightful observations of human nature to create a work that is both provocative and practical.
I highly recommend this book to all believers who want to begin their walks with God on the right foot, who wish to deepen their appreciation of their identity in Christ, and who seek to help ground others in the firm foundation of grace.

Books like Walking in Victory are invaluable because they directly use and teach the Bible. This book is a guide to the crucial concepts in Romans 5-8, concepts that every Christian needs. The interpretation is accurate and the application contemporary. McCallum writes in an easy to follow, to-the-point style that is, as other reviewers have mentioned, very useful when trying to help a new Christian. On the other hand, because these concepts are straight from the Bible, long-time followers of Christ will be consistently challenged.

I really like this author's body of work. I've read all his non-fiction. He's very objective and can sound a little bit like notes from a lecture. But it is also emotionally productive, without the bells and whistles, unlike many Christian authors, and has genuine feeling and vulerability to appeal to anyone's subjective sensibilities. This book is my favorite from this author. He wrote that walking with God is about tranformation by the Spirit, not a change of behavior. The author makes points about principles and leaves the reader in charge of how to purpose God based on teachings from the Bible. This message is biblical and encouraging to anyone who has accepted Christ but doesn't know what to do next. This book is not a self-help book. It's not a method plan. Many Christians love the book of Romans and should really take a look at this book as extracurricular. This book is not a substitute for reading the Bible but a companion, conversation piece, the result of the word of God in the author's live - which the author states could happen to anyone who wants a personal relationship with God through Christ.

If you've never understood God's acceptance and grace fully, this is a book you would definitely benefit from! McCallum obviously put a lot of thought into how he could make these deep truths easier to understand and apply. Personally, I love the tables sprinkled throughout this book. They do so much to make things clearer, and are a great resource for group bible studies!!

Some of the many tables found in this book:
<> Comparing Biblical and Modern Love
<> How the Means of Growth (Prayer, Word, Fellowship, Ministry) work together and affect one another.
<> Our Old Self (in Adam) vs. Our New Self (in Christ)
<> Living under the Law vs. Living in Grace

Wenny Has Wings
By: Janet lee Carey


(1.) This book is about a young boy named, Will and his sister named, Wenny. Will and Wenny where walking down the street and got ran over by a truck. Wenny died and went to heaven. Will's heart stopped for 10 minuets. Will said he sped through a dark tunnel when he died. Then we flew around in the sky. After that he said he woke up in the hospital. Will blames he's self for Wenny's death. He thinks there must have been something he could have done so prevent the accident. His parents said to him
"Why did it have to be Wenny?"
Will got very upset because we thought they meant they would rather have him die then Wenny. They meant why Wenny had to die. Will's pastor tells him that when he's angry, he should write letters to god, but Will decides he'd rather write to Wenny, so will writes to Wenny every day, maybe even 2 or 3 times a day. In his writing we talks about many things. Most of the time when Will writes to Wenny he is talking about stuff he did that day and some times he talks about how much he misses Wenny. 50% of the time he writes he is in the hospital trying to get well, so he can go home and go back to school to see all of his friends. When he gets home he is very excited, but that is just until his parents seem very depress. Will thinks that talking about his near-death experience may comfort his and help heal his family, but no one seems willing to listen to him and talk to him about it.

(2.) This book was very exciting to read because you did not know what was going to happen next. For example one of the notes Will wrote to Wenny said, "How much Will wanted to see Wenny. The next thing you know he is saying his mom is pregnant and she is getting ready to have a baby, so they are taking every thing out of Wenny's room and painting the room and putting in stuff for the new baby. The only thing that I really was disappointing was the end of the story. I thought it was disappointing because it just had the last letter and said love Will on it. It did not say anything like I will miss you or I will write to you soon again. It just stopped. I did not really like that.

(3.) I really liked Janet Lee Carey's writing because it's not like a long story where nothing really exciting happens. It is written more like an AIM or like a journal. I really enjoy these kinds of writings because I can relate to them a lot and I really enjoy writing AIM to friends. I have not read any other books by this author but I am soon planning on it.

(4.) If I could rate this book 1-10 I would defiantly rate it a 9. I would rate it a 9 because I really think it is a fantastic book. I would recommend you reading it.

I thought that book was the best book that I have ever read. It was sad when Wenny died because of a truck. And it was just the way the book was made and I could proubly read this book any day. It was just the way the author had wrote the book alot of wondeful details in it and the book was just out standing. It was the the family was falling apart because of when Wenny died it changed everthing and then later through out the book it was like there family was like done the parents have been aruing alot and then at the end of the book well close to it they bacame a better family and Will felt like they were a family agian and the new baby was comming and there parents hated going into wennny room but they had to do it that was going to be the new babys room.Will made sure though to leave some of Wennys things in there for the baby and Will had been trying every thing to tell his parentsd about how he felt when he died and they would just nevr listen to him and will felt like he was just a nobody and he wanted all of that to change well it did and they alll became a great family agian and they were sill pretty happy except for when Wenny died

There is a brother and and a sister named Wenny and Will. Will is older than Wenny! One day they both go walking to the auto part-store to get parts for their derby car,when all of a sudden a truck came out from no-where and hits the two kids, because the brakes went out on his truck.It killed the little girl and broke his leg and ruptured his spleen.While they were operating on him his heart stopped for a whole ten minutes, he claimed he saw the white light. The boy has to stay in the hospital for a while. His mother and father hardley ever stay in the room with Will.His mother is expecting another baby soon the end

This is a great book it tell readers to watch out and be careful when their crossing the road, but also they need to know the whole conversation before they start blaming people for doing stuff.
Will and Wenny were on their way into town to get a part for will cart thing when they got hit by a truck that tried to stop but it just wouldnt. They both died, but when they were dead Will saw Wenny flying ahead of him going to a light person in a big hole in the sky, then will felt a blast of energy and saw his parents in the waiting room while the dockter was reviving him. He woke up a while later with a broken legg and asked his mom if they used the paddle things on Wenny too. It was too much so mom started crying and left the room.Will starts writing letters to Wenny in a blank book that the youth minister gave him, and he gets into a lot of trouble trying to make his parents happy again. Icant tell you any more becouse that would ruin it so your just going to have to get the book.
This book makes readers lauph and cry its a great book you would enjoy it, I DID.

In the beging of the story Wenny and her brother was off to the craft store to get patches for the the scout troops so they can get badges made for the leader and the troop. Wenny's brother didn't like her following him, she never played barbie dolls or baby dolls she just wanted to play with his toys and do the things he wanted to do. One day they were on there way back from the craft store from getting the badges when the truck pop over the hill and the truck hit the 2 kids and there cat's tail. When the guy got out of the truck he notice that the little girl was nearly alive and the boy was atill alive so the boy was sent to the hospital and the cat got token to the vet but the sister died on the way there. The guy who was driving the truck sent him a card that was girly saying I'm sorry that i hit your kids and that i will do anything for to help you and your kid

This book is well written. It lays the basis for why the reasons people leave is mis-understood. It gives specific guidance on things you can do to bring new employees in and keep them.

This was a very informational book. It was a quick read and a great tool. Managers should be reading this book.

Leigh Branham has done it again. The phrase, "a must read" is probably overused and a bit shopworn today, but Leigh's book truly is "a must read" for anyone who leads, serves or depends upon people to get the work of the organization done. As with his earlier book, "Keeping the People Who Keep You in Business", Leigh's style is highly informative and academic yet warmly conversational and user friendly. His clear and compelling guidance will carry the reader to greater understanding and facility with the talent management challenges that are already upon us. The 7 Hidden Reasons is a comprehensive, no-nonsense and energizing learning experience.

Leigh's years of study, focus and practice in this crucial area of the talent management life cycle is clearly evident. Leigh is one of this Nation's leading experts in the world of retention and engagement.

Leigh's 7 Hidden Reasons really are hidden, quite real and too powerful to ignore. Enjoy reading this one . . .

Branham has given us powerful and practical tips for running a better enterprise. The implications of understanding why good people leave their employer are far-reaching. The 7 Hidden Reasons Employees Leave book tells us what tell-tale signs to look for, and how to conduct exit interviews so that we can collect the real reasons people jump ship and act on them. If you've ever experienced turnover and scratched your head about why folks are leaving (as I have), you will benefit from reading this book. It is very easy to read and a good reference book for the office bookshelf.

I am in the sales department of a top pharmaceutical company. Retention of top performers is a real concern in our industry. This book offers practical steps you can take immediately to improve retention. It not only shows what you need to do to be an employer of choice but also reinforced for us what we were already doing right. A must for all managers who care about the bottom line and know that taking care of your high performers is the way to see the best profits.

Michelle, I am so glad that I read your book. It served as a reminder that we possess everything we need to be happy and whole!! The book is great and I wish you much success!

This is a wonderful guide,and if you are short on self-esteem- this book will indeed serve its purpose in your life. Michelle speaks with such one on one tone,you would think she was actually speaking directly to you.

I've recommended this book to a few people,and I've passed the word that this is an informative book about a unique lady, that is worth checking out!

I WAS GIVEN YOUR BOOK BY MY SISTER ANDREA ROYAL, TO BUILD MY COURAGE AND SELF ESTEEM TO FOLLOW THE DREAMS THAT I WANTED TO PURSUE IN MY LIFE. YOUR BOOK WAS VERY ENCOURAGING, MAKING ME FEEL AS IF I COULD DO ANYTHING. I REALLY ENJOYED READING YOUR INSPIRATIONAL WORDS AND LOOK FORWARD TO READING ANOTHER BOOK OF YOUR'S IN THE FUTURE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WORDS OF WISDOM.

CHERYL POWELL

Kudos to Ms. Heath for writing a book that share's her life experiences, shares the 7 basic principles that helped her triumph from being a "victim" to being a "victor", and also provides a plethora of resources to assist you on your journey towards becoming "your own super hero". I initially read the book to consider it as a tool for my nieces (ages 14, 17, and 19). However, after reading it I found it not only appropriate and valuable for them, but also for women of all ages--and men too! Truly an enjoyable and informative quick read.

I had the pleasure of seeing Michelle Heath give a motivational lecture at a book signing, and I was impressed enough to buy a copy of the book. I'm very glad I did! If it helped me to become only one percent as dynamic and upbeat at Ms. Heath, it was well worth twice the price.

The best feature of the book is the way in which complex psychological issues are boiled down to terms I can understand. The insight provided gave me excellent motivation to respond to her ideas about positive thinking and a healthier lifestyle.

My fiancee thought it was a great book as well, and that it was particularly relevant on the subject of women's issues. So, we both say, if you buy only one self-help book to help you to think positive and live healther, make it this one!

My love of horses brought me to this book and it didn't dissapoint. The surgery done on Piebald ( the horse) was explained in detail. The old horse was useless to the Circus. They wanted and needed horses who could perform beautiful movements like the "Airs Above The Ground". The old horse is rescued and as in all Mary Stewart books there is a chase, this time along the top of a mansion. MS is intriguing in that she writes in detail. You can smell and feel the circus and everything about it. As always, MS keeps me reading even when I guess the ending.

If you love horses, that makes this book even better. Trust me, you don't need to read a plot summary, this is a great book even though it is nearing 50 years old.

Having read one too many very bad books lately, I went back to one of my favorites. Mary Stewart is one of the original true storytellers of the last generation. Her ability to research and create a in-depth tale of intrigue is amazing.

I can recommend most of her books, including the Merlin series, but AIRS was one of her greatest.

This is the kind of book I can imagine lots of people being sniffy about, cheesily packaged and unashamedly romantic - probably a lot wouldn't even pick it up in the first place. Well that's their loss, but I'd like to get a read-mary-stewart campaign off the ground. She is so good: a deft and clever writer who wears her literary nounce lightly. I adore her stories, her settings and her feisty (but not too feisty!) heroines. No one else is as consistently good: let's hear it for romantic fiction! I've been chastised on the bookwormonthenet blog for offering qualified praise to writers like Mary Stewart and for using phrases like 'pulp fiction' - but no, it is no slur. These are stunning books by a vastly talented writer. I also think film producers ought to be trawling the stewart back catalogue: I can just see Cate Blanchett as the heroine of Airs Above the Ground and the whole sub-plot around the Austrian circus, spies and a lost Lipizzaner stallion would translate fabulously to the wide screen. Go on, someone, do it!

Airs Above the Ground is not quite as compelling in its descriptions and plot as The Gabriel Hounds, My Brother Michael, or This Rough Magic (my favourite); however, it is still a classic Stewart mystery/romance, even if the romance is quite evident from the start. Vanessa March is quite likable and the only Stewart heroine thus far to not have annoyed me just a little bit. My favourite element of the book is the friendship that develops between Vanessa and young Tim Lacy, who is trying to break away from a stifling household and forge a path for himself. As far as the descriptions of exotic locales go, trademark to Stewart, I enjoyed the chase scene through the castle. Airs Above the Ground didn't wow me and I found the ending a bit strange as it didn't feature Annalisa at all..., but all in all, a pleasent read.

I have loved every novel written by Mary Stewart, some more than others. I read this one well over twenty years ago and many times since then. It is one of my many favorite of her books. In her books you get to travel; you feel as if you are really there. I have wanted to visit almost every place I have visited in her books. I too had pledged to see the Lippizaner stallions someday & I finally got to see them a few years ago. They were wonderful of course. There is magic in all the Mary Stewart books; the relationships in this one in particular were warm and appealing.

Alabama moon is a very adventurous tale with lots of facts about the woods. And its so good I got up in the morning and read it until it was bedtime. I rate it 5 stars, my favorite book yet (even better then the golden compass and man was that gooooood.)

This book tells the journey of Moon Blake, who have always lived with his father. But when his father died, he must find a way to escape the outside civilziation and find his home. This novel has an exciting plot, wonderful research, and is a great read. By reading this book, one could also learn the meaning of friendship.

This book is abselutely action-packed, full of adventure and shocking endings (made me cry when I read the shocking ending.) Some parts just makes you want to say "OOHH DDAARRNNIITT! But it's still the best book I have read in my whole entire life! This book is so great, I would give it 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 stars!

My 11 year-old is a reluctant reader, but every now and then a book comes along that keeps his interest even when it is not "reading time". This is one of those books. Moon Blake is a compelling character, having grown up in the woods with his reclusive father. And his story is captivating. He just wants to be left alone to go to Alaska, but he's picked up and taken to a boys home instead. I love how the story evolves, how you see Moon change his ideas of the world, and how he deals with the abusive constable who won't leave him alone.

A terrific book you won't be able to put down.

This book begs for a sequel and soon, too. We--we readers--have to know what happened to Moon and to Hal...What happens to them as they grow, mature, and face their young adult high school and college days? And when they grow up, get married and have families of their own...As they approach old age...Will they, can they, escape (overcome) the events described here in the formative days of their youth. Rarely has a book cried out for a sequel more than this one.

In fact, Mr. Key may have his own cottage industry here, a book on their continuing relationship (Moon and Hal) and/or single books on each boy.
Mark Twain did it and did it well with Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Mr. Key has the same oportunity here. Here's hoping he's up to the opportunity--not the "task," but the "opportunity."

Orginally written as a book for teens and a little older, Alabama Moon has touched all and stirred the slumbering chords of all generations as it deals with youth, growing, up, family, love and lack thereof.

Outstanding. Don't miss it.

Along the Templar Trail by Brandon Wilson is another fascinating book about the author's amazing treks across continents. In this book Wilson and his senior French friend Emile whom he had met on a trak in Spain, attempt to walk across two continents on a Peace Mission. Wilson flew from his home in Hawaii to meet Emile in Paris, France. They both bid their wives good-bye for an anticipated seven months' journey, following the trail of Crusaders and the original Knights Templar, all the way to Jerusalem, promoting peace and friendship all along the way. However, Emile, in his late 60's and not well-prepared for the journey, made the first 3,000 kilometers to Istanbul where he had to leave the trail and return home. Bravely and all alone Wilson resumed his trek, accomplishing from 20 to 50 kilometers in a day and receiving some food and modest accommodations from "angels" along the way, or directions from strangers who told him where he might find a hostel or simple food or water. The thousands of miles were accomplished through war-torn lands, over rugged mountains, across barren lands, along seashores, through villages and dangerous highways and busy cities, and always Brandon trekked onward, exhausted, thirsty, hungry, but determined to speak of peace with everyone he met, and he met many people along the way. In every situation he found people to be the same all over both continents, and all wanted peace. Finally, he reached Jerusalem and had several days to see the historic sites of the various world religions. His peace mission accomplished, he returned home tired and happy to write of his journeys. This book is a MUST READ for his amazing determination and fortitude and dedication to his mission. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!

Imagine taking a journey of 7 million steps, across 11 countries and 2 continents, racking up over 4,200 kilometers on your sneakers. Award-winning adventure travel writer and explorer Brandon Wilson invites his readers along on this amazing walking trek from France to Jerusalem, and while we may wince at the eloquently described struggles and challenges he and his companion face, we are spared the exhaustion, sweat and blisters. Instead, we can enjoy the magic and adventure of this amazing odyssey that unfolds along the ancient roads of the Knights Templar and be inspired and uplifted with these brave visionaries' endeavors in spreading messages of peace and hope where there has so often been strife.

Wilson's detailed and often tongue-in-cheek chronicles of the 5 month trek read almost like a diary and draw the reader into each scene and episode, from charming descriptions of bucolic landscapes and unforgettable characters, to tales of comical escapades and even frightening accounts of dangers lurking along the way. We are swept up as the travelers dodge murderous traffic and hostile encounters, adapt to hosts of local customs and struggle with language barriers, and we are truly uplifted by the countless poignant miracles of the "angels" the pilgrims meet all along the way,

Along the Templar Trail is written from the soul and in thoughtful, clever, and humorous style. In Wilson's own words, this is about a "...fellowship shared between pilgrims--those who travel with their feet--and those who join us with their hearts." This is the heartwarming story of an incredible pilgrimage, and it is impossible not to be touched by the vision of peace and humanitarianism at the heart of this journey.

by Zsuzsana Summer
www.arcanamatrix.com
authour of The Now Age: Demystifying Spirituality, The New Age And The Metaphysical

and Angels Abound: 111 True Stories of Angel And Spirit Encounters

In Along The Templar trail, Brandon Wilson takes us on an odyssey across 14 countries, and you feel you're walking along with him and his pilgrim companion, Emile, on each of his 7 million steps. He not only beautifully teaches us what it takes to be a modern pilgrim, but he paves the way for those inspired by his effort, to follow in his footsteps. With so much valuable and practical information of where to stay, where to eat, what roads to take, safety, what to pack, and descriptions of the different cultures he passed through, you feel you've got a wonderful travel guide as well!! In fact, this book has it all: drama, suspense,danger, moments that make you cry, and others that make you laugh. This is not a book you want to speed read through....you'd want to take your time, savor every step like you would if you traveled through exotic places and you didn't want to walk too fast and miss something important.

If you think backpacking through 2 continents on foot through foreign countries with dangers of war, fatality, and the daily challenge of finding water, food and shelter is fascinating...imagine transforming an ancient path of war, into a path of peace!!

Brandon is a friend of mine, but we've never met. You could say we are more like family, brothers of the road. We both explore this world we live in and the world inside of us. It is something of a shock to us, how the world's civilizations can be so at odds with each other because when we travel, we seem only to find open hearts despite differences.

It is with this in mind, that Brandon decided, with a fellow 'pilgrim' Emile, to walk from Dijon France to Jerusalem for Peace. And I write that with a capital 'P'. While both are experienced travelers, this was not an easy undertaking. Besides language barriers, they had almost no reliable information on the safest routes or possible accommodations. The road was long, and usually dangerous to anyone on foot. Their path took them 3000 miles in 6 months.

But despite all the aching muscles, near-death collisions with speeding trucks, and more rain than the earth could need, Brandon still is able to share through his words the beauty of the landscape they walk through, the grandeur of the history, and probably most of all, the wonderful people who, despite having little 'riches', opened their hearts and homes to these weary travelers. Everywhere Brandon walked, the message was perfectly clear from the 'average' man, "We want peace!" Now, in only governments could see that.

It was a long trip and Brandon has tried to bring the reader on that journey, complete with all the bad and the good, including heightened worry as war escalated in the Mideast. But it is with a kind of joy that everyone, Brandon and his readers, finally reach Jerusalem. But Brandon sees it only as stop along the path. We must keep moving toward peace, we must. And here I quote:

"We are all pilgrims, each on their own path, each with their own story to tell. Walking is only a first step, but one we each can take to discover the peace within. In that way, eventually, war will become unconscionable. Darkness will be dispelled with light--one person, one step at a time."

Along the Templar Trail: Seven Million Steps for Peace completes an amazing trilogy. In Yak Butter Blues, Wilson dealt very deftly with lofty themes exemplified by China usurping the independent existence of Tibet. He redeemed a slender, but significant stripe of that tragedy by allowing people with nothing left to lose to sustain him in his spiritual journey. In Dead Men Don't Leave Tips: Adventures X Africa, he repeated the themes, this time for a whole continent, and did so in bolder and more practical terms. The etching of the message became clearer: Ordinary people, however poor, are generous and good, and they want nothing more than they want peace and a wholesome future for their families. Along the Templar Trail writes the message in brilliant, even blazing letters: Peace and shared prosperity are undeniably possible, and they can come in our time... for all time. If only a few more ordinary mortals had the will and fortitude of this author, we would live in a very different world.
Truth be told, Wilson doesn't call the three books a trilogy. That's just how I see the series so far, and you can certainly read the books in any order. Still, if you read one of these nonfiction, trek-adventure thrillers, I'm sure you'll go on to read them all.
The earlier books took us from Lhasa to Katmandu, over the Himalayas on foot, then across "the dark continent" from the Mediterranean to the tip of South Africa by every close-to-the-ground transport, including the ol' feet. Along the Templar Trail is more overtly spiritual, an all-walking, 2,600-mile pilgrimage from France to Jerusalem following in the long-ago footsteps of the Knights Templar.
Take a moment to think about this. What would cause you to undertake a 2,600 mile walk--aches, blisters, blazing sun and all, always hoping to find food and water when you need them--even though perfectly good airplanes are willing to carry you to your destination? Wilson's answer is both simple and profound: He walked for peace.
In the beginning, as Wilson and his friend meet in France to set off on their pilgrimage for peace, it's like watching a train wreck in slow motion. You know the funny Frenchman is not attuned to the purpose, not prepared for the hardships, not "into it." Without overdoing any comparison of the author's trek to Jerusalem and Christ's walk to his crucifixion, the companion became "Brandon's cross to bear," for me as I read. The story enthralls, its high ideals are impressive, but I thought a Higher Power must have decided the experienced trekker-author needed a burden greater than weather and distance--and "blessed" him with a partner who could make crossing Europe appropriately difficult. Sooner or later, you know that "Émile" will turn back... or worse.
For the sake of the peace-purpose of the pilgrimage, the walk had to attract attention, and it did. Starting in Sombor, Serbia, television and newspaper reporters take notice.
The message was possibly endangered by the fact that Wilson was from the U.S.
"Peace" and "U.S." don't fit together in the thinking of much of the world, particularly the parts of the world from Serbia to Israel. So, Wilson tried letting his French pal answer the inevitable question, "Where are you from?" When "France" didn't work, he'd say, "I'm from Hawai`i." That didn't always work either. People knew that Hawai`i is in the U.S. However, over and over, those who listened to the message, overlooked the trekker's nationality.
"What do you hope to accomplish by this trip?" a reporter asked.
"First, we're taking this journey as a personal pilgrimage," Wilson answered. "But more than that, it is a journey for peace. Countries and especially the common people have suffered too much. There have been too many tears shed by mothers for their sons, wives for their husbands and children for their fathers. Yes, it takes courage to face an enemy, but it requires just as much bravery to say `No' and refuse to capitulate to war. The time has come. This is now a global imperative."
Later, speaking to someone else, Wilson said, "...envisioning peace is half the battle. As the world's consciousness changes, the rest is sure to follow." He sticks to his message, demonstrating repeatedly that it is truly what keeps him walking, even when he is confronted with the scars and memorials of war, even when he speaks to warriors.
No doubt, Wilson was on the right path. Even when he was lost for a while or took a detour, the result was totally central to both the personal growth expected from the pilgrimage and to the peace purpose. "Maybe," he mused, "there never was a `wrong' path--just one awaiting a new reason for being."
Christian, Jewish or Islamic; male or female, old or young; Kurdish, Serbian, German or Israeli, everyone who crossed Wilson's path was welcomed and, although he doesn't say so, loved. Learning to walk through our own lives with that same grace would be reason enough to read Along the Templar Trail, even if the reading itself were not a joy. It is.