Signs Books

Dave Bressoud tells, in his wonderful gripping style, the fascinating recent history of the proof of the alternating sign matrix conjecture, and the not-so-recent background that lead to it. The book can be read on many levels, and is full of fascinating historical tidbits. This book is a must to anyone who wants to know how math is actually done, and who wants to share in the excitement of discovery.

Everyone wants to know what mathematicians do should read this book. Yes, only very few among people can get familiar or endure gorgeous complicated formulas here, But even scan or skim this book one will learn much more than he predicted. The goal of this book is simple enough: To prove a conjecture (surely when proved, it becomes a theorem) But the structure and details are well selected and carefully designed. First it introduces and explains the original problem, than talk about it's history, how it does connect with other branches of math, what these branches is about, and what the other mathematicians do on this conjecture, and at last the most exciting: how these results all bringed together and then solve this 20-year-long famous conjecture in combinatorics. There are exercises after every chapter. so this is NOT merely a history survey (as most books do). Indeed it is a textbook and contains some very excellent introductions to some branches(for example, plane partition). And I think this is THE correct style to populating mathematics--- Do not afraid of formulas, just show readers the signs, the terrible formulas, show them how and what mathematicians study and think! Every student major in mathematics should read it, and it surely is a must-have for reseachers in combinatorics.

This book tells the story of one of the more important areas of research in algebraic combinatorics in the last few years. Not only does it tell the story of how the relevant conjectures were proposed, and how they were eventually proved (including some of the blind alleys and several cases where surprising connections were discovered), but it also contains a beautiful exposition of the relevant mathematics, at a level which a reader with no more than a reasonable background in linear algebra can follow. The history is fascinating and the mathematics is beautiful. If you want to know what research in mathematics is really like, this is the book to read.

It came as promised and in a timely manner.

I have been impressed with Elaine Costello's previous dictionary, so when I heard this book was out I was ready for something great! She did not disappoint. This book uses medical terminology to provide signed translations. I have found these to be very helpful. (In fact it helped me to understand the medical terminology better through the use of signs!) I think this is a must have for any interpreter, and beneficial for many deaf people.

This book is invaluable for anyone in the medical field who wants to communicate in sign. The medical term is defined and then how to sign the word is described in words as well as illustrated in diagrams. The diagrams are fairly easy to follow even if you aren't very good at translating things into three dimensions from 2 dimensions. I am very glad I bought this book.

Compiled by professional speaker Jan Yager, Road Signs On Life's Journey: Sayings And Insights To Help You Find Your Way is an inspirational "do-it-yourself" book comprised of quotable quotes of wisdom, all of which are presented as "road signs." Enhanced with an extensive bibliography, as well as sections for writing down one's own thoughts, Road Signs On Life's Journey is enthusiastically recommended for anyone seeking to improve their perspectives on life as well as they way they live. As much fun to browse through in its own right as it is to provide food for thoughtful reflection, Road Signs On Life's Journey invests its quips with heart and soul. "Don't try to see the past through the prism of the present." - Dr. Jackson, History 137

"Road Signs of Life's Journey" is filled with a wonderful collection of wisdom, support, concern and love. Dr. Yager shares the knowledge she has gained on life's road and passes it along in a heartfelt and clever manner. This book is a "must" for parents who are sending their children off to college. I wish I would have had such a sincere, honest and practical guide to assist me in my journey through the wonderful and enlightening years of my youth. However, this great book is also a guide for all, with inspiring and uplifting thoughts and ideas that can be passed along through the years - a timeless treasure indeed!"--Christine A. Hartline, M.A.

Author Jan Yager has succeeded in compiling a great many useful insights for anyone interested in living their best life. The succinct and pithy sayings have been presented in a particularly helpful format, especially for young people. The book is actually filled with road signs and the reader realizes the wisdom gained in a particularly reader friendly fashion. Perfect gift for graduates and anyone embarking on a new pursuit.

Although this book is miniature it is packed with information about your sun-sign. The feature of this book I enjoyed most was that it paired your sign with each of the other eleven signs (including itself; Sagittarius and Sagittarius). For example Sagittarius and Leo. It then described the chances of a relationship between the two. Another feature I enjoyed was the different chapters about Sagittarius. Such as your talents and careers, body and mind, and Sagittarius at a glance. I know that you will enjoy this small book as much as I have.

I like how they not only talked about the signs,but it's compatible signs too. This cute little book would make a great gift! I love it

This pint-sized book about the Sagittarius birth sign exceptionally covers in a concise, informative and very pleasurable to read style, all the basic information any astrology follower would enjoy having around in a single, beautifully illustrated, compact volume, more than suited to be carried around everywhere.
In merely eighty pages, it offers a fascinating look at many of the qualities and traits of the Sagittarius personality as studied by astrology and their relationship to almost every aspect of daily life, including:
*The Sign of the Archer
*Character and Personality
*Signs and Symbols
*Health and Fitness
*Home and Family
*Careers and Goals
*Pastimes and Play
*Love among the Signs
As a bonus, it also contains a brief introduction to the history of Astrology.
This is a fun read for everyone.
--Reviewed by Maritza Volmar

If you thought Calenthe was a fascinating character, wait till you meet Resenence Jeopardy! A mad charismatic prophet, heretic wanted by the church, leader of a new cult sweeping the land, seemingly able to make anyone love him. The story follows 3 people, all obsessed with him for different reasons and their quests to find him. (They do!) It takes about 100 pages to get to the point - when Lucien meets Resenence where you say, "I am not putting this book down today."

This is a subtle, rich, rewarding book. So much to think about here, especially on the power of the cult of personality, the elusiveness of obsession. This is exactly the kind of a book I want to read when I reach for the bookshelf. Storm Constantine had such fun with names here. Aside from Resenence Jeopardy, we have Cleo Sinister (one of the main storylines, a child-bride of a poisoner), Delilah (2nd storyline, a young girl who tames a cursed, plague-carrying, murderous madman), and more.

This is my favorite Storm's novel (along with "Calenture" and "Wraeththu", though). The novel is truly multidimensional: it is left at the discretion of the reader to decide whether this is just an entertaining read with some allegory in it, or a wise allegoric "nutshell" of the major religions' development and influence on the "sheep" of humanity (I feel Christianity and Islam being the most relevant ones).
Unfortunately, Storm herself appears to hint that this novel belongs to the "early" stages of her literary career. Storm's introduction to "Calenture" (2001) reads: ""Calenture" is part of what I call my "Headline" [a publishing house] period, the other three novels being "Hermetech", "Burying the Shadow" and "Sign for the Sacred".... I have a special fondness for these novels, as they remind me of a time when I was stretching my creative wings...Calenture, being the last of the Headline books, exemplifies both the end of an era in my writing, and also the culmination of all I'd assimilated and experimented with along the way..It was followed by a complete change of direction on my part, with the "Grigori" trilogy, in which I adopted a more streamlined style and also wrote, for the first time, in the "real world"...". Nevertheless, after reading this, I still hope I am just too pessimistic, and Storm eventually meant a recess rather than the "end of an era". Though "more streamlined" "Grigori" books are quite entertaining at times, but,in my opinion, the earlier novels - such as "Sign for the Sacred" - are much more superior. Storm may be a decent writer of such "real world" stories as "Grigori" (and I'm sure there are enough fans of those), but her "fantasy world" novels (such as "Sign for the Sacred") is the realm where her true Genius lies. I strongly hope that Storm comes back and finishes the sequel to "Sign for the Sacred" -"Death By Sweetness" - three first chapters of which are included in this "Stark House" edition. It promises to be a masterpiece.
To conclude, I'd like to bring up a quote from "Storm Constantine: The Profession of Lying", SC's biography included in "Stalking Tender Prey" Meisha Merlin's US edition (1998/2001), which is very descriptive of "Sign for the Sacred":
"There is a game starting to be played here between Storm and her readers, a growing confidence that runs throughout her novels for Headline, where the books can be read and enjoyed on a number of levels: of story, allegory and in the pleasure of uncovering the more esoteric reference and allusions".

This very weird book is really a philosophical parable on the value of religion. But Storm's not your ordinary anticlericalist, religion is people's drug and all that. There's something in religion that attains at the very center of human nature,and this book, apparently cutting religion to pieces,recognizes it. The strange metamorphosis of Resenance Jeopardy is very intriguing. The vibrancers are an eerie fantasy indeed, but think of the castrati in Eighteenth Century popish courts and you can find the possible source of the idea. What is most notable is the ability of Storm Constantine to devise unacanny yet convincing universes.This one is pervaded by a subtle perversion, by a purple feeling of Borgian decadence, blended whit a strange spiritual mix-up...or mishap. Was Resenance a real mystic or a charlatan? Storm Constantine lets her readers decide.

written by 13 year old daughter

Oh no! Mr. Drew is missing! Join Nancy as she goes to find her missing father. If anyone can find him Nancy can! But with only a strange drawing on her side, things are looking preety dim...
All in all, this is perhaps my favorite Nancy Drew book of all time!

I am a huge fan of Nancy Drew Books and thought Sign Of The Falcon was one of the best. It was everything you could want in a mystery. It had suspense, and took turns you didn't expect. In this book, Nancy heads to New York city in search of her missing father. They do eventually find him, but in a way no one would ever expect. When I first read it, I couldn't put it down. Since then I've read it at leadt 3 more times. I highly recommend it!

New york city...noplace more exciting for a great mystery. This title in a wonderful mix of mystery and emotion. Every time Nancy investigates a lead, the readers can almost feel the anxiety along with her. Bess, George and Nancy go to see Carson's hotel suite, when someone tries to break in. A list in her father's suite, leads her to five people and a queer picture of a Falcon..which is the key to the mystery. Meanwhile, Nancy is followed by a man is a buissnes suit. And best of all, when she investigates a lead, she finds her father's hanky, she's sure its his, but the other person- Julian St James denies it. What will she do! Sorry I can't tell you more. I really could'nt keep the book down. In fact I read it several times. Go get it !

These "In Uniform" series is TOP GUN!
Zack Prince becomes an "Ace" naval aviator in his efforts to protect his wingman, Lieutenant Michelle Dann, his oldest frined and his first love.
The story is action packed and keeps you on your reading toes until the end but lacks the emotional impact of Zack's sister, Tabby'a story in "SEAL it with a Kiss". [These two are great companion books].
Why would any woman carry around the emotional garbage Michelle did for twelve years? She could have made her own catylist to find the heart of her man.
Needless to say these SEALS books are highly recommended -- no one will find them a waste of reading time.
The imagery of the take offs from a ship [moving at that] still give me the willys. You Have to admire these men and their machines. God Bless them all - as we keep in mind those in the flesh and their heroic efforts to keep us safe.
Another great story.

SIGN, SEAL, DELIVER Rogenna Brewer Harlequin, Apr 2001, $4.50, 299 pp. ISBN: 0373709803

A Top Gun aviator for the US Navy does not make it any easier for Lieutenant Zach Prince to propose to the admiral's daughter, Lieutenant Michelle Dann. However, while on board the Enterprise in the Persian Gulf together, Zach plans to still ask Michelle to marry him even if the Navy policy refuses to allow her to be his wife and his wingman. He spouts love to his "Rapunzel", but she chooses career and rejects the notion of a lifetime relationship with "Renegade".

During a mission, MIGs attack in the No-Fly Zone and shoot down Michelle's jet. As Zach begins SEAL training, he grieves the death of his beloved. However, he soon learns she still lives, and he goes into Iraq to rescue Michelle, the Navy and CIA be damned with their orders and bureaucracy.

SIGN, SEAL, DELIVER is an exciting romantic suspense novel that never slows down from start to finish. The story line is faster than the jets flown by Zach and Michelle. The lead characters are an intriguing duet whose in the banner is amusing, but the "Rapunzel-Renegade" romantic side of the relationship seems a bit thin to this landlubber. Still, Rogenna Brewer has written a wonderful military romance and readers will fly through its robust plot.

Harriet Klausner

Naval ace Zach Prince is a renegade all the way. He wants to marry his wingman, pilot and childhood friend Lt. Michelle Dann, but Michelle, who plays by the rules, seeks a promotion instead. When her plane is shot down by MIGS over a no-fly zone, she is presumed dead.

A heartbroken Zach begins SEAL training and learns Michelle may still be alive. He goes to bring her back.

Ms. Brewer has crafted an exciting, fast-paced military story that will keep the reader on her toes right til the end. This story has many twists and turns, all executed beautifully. Highly recommended.

As a mature adult student of ASL, I found this book to be very helpful in finding the signs one would use in daily, casual conversation. This particular purchase was as a gift for my eight-year-old granddaughter, who tells me she is loving learing all the signs in it. It just proves that it is a good primer for all ages.

Very good book! It is simple and has full pictures showing exactly how to do the signs. It has really helped me to communicate with my deaf friend. The only dissapointment is that I paid like $2.50 for it and when I got it it was stamped with a .59 cent price tag! Shipping was like $3.99 and the envelope was marked like $1.89. If I didn't like the book so much I would feel a little cheated.

We borrowed this book from the library and my 5 year old is thrilled with how many of the signs she already knows, and is able to look up the new signs she wants to learn, even though she is still in a pre-reading stage. The pictures introduce the signs and make it exciting for her to use. Now my 5 year-old is teaching our 2 year-old new signs.

I have several other sign language books including a college course workbook. Mickey Flodin does great with the illustrations and grouping signs in logical easy to use patterns.

We have been teaching our children sign language in bits and spurts since our oldest (now 5 years) was 6 months old. By her 1st birthday she had a vocabulary of about 10-15 signs, but was already speaking over 100 words in sentences. She never had any frustration with not being able to communicate with us.

Our 2 year old has taken longer to speak, but we haven't used as much sign language with her. I am convinced it has been more frustrating for her not being able to communicate with us, and has delayed her speach development.

This has definitely been a family project, and has given us new ways to be close and express ourselves when "words" just aren't enough.

We did not know many signs when we decided to sign with our daughter, so when we were working on a new group of signs, we actually put the cards for those signs right on our refrigerator. They were easy to see during the day and helped us to remember the signs and do them correctly.

It was helpful that these cards showed actual people doing the signs, and my husband liked the descriptions of the signs, which often explained what the sign was trying to show. He found this helpful in remembering the signs. This is a great product for anyone who wants a simple approach to teaching their child to sign (with ASL), and we recommend it to all of our friends interested in signing with their children.

I originally got them for me to learn signs so when my son's speech therapist and special instructors taught him signs i knew how to do them correctly. I have since been able to teach my son signs without them as well. Its small and portable, easy to understand with very describable directions. Thank you

These flashcards are essential to a stocked diaper bag! Not only are these cards colorful and engaging to any child, but they are also a fantastic resource for any parent. I love that one side of the card shows a child making a sign and the reverse side shows an adult depicting the same sign so that you can learn how to do the sign yourself and learn what to look for when your child signs. What an ingenious feature! They are also very durable and easy to tote along wherever you go, ensuring that you can take advantage of wonderful signing opportunities on the go. These flashcards are a fabulous tool for any parent.

I enjoyed this book. It is written for kids of youth book age, but the warm happiness it exudes made it a pleasure for me to read myself. Parents and teachers of religious education will want to recommend the book because they'll see it as a way for kids of religious background to develop a closer relationship with God. The story is told by young characters, who are writing in their teen diaries, sharing their thoughts with God. I wish my own children had read this book in their teens, learning to bring their worries, hopes, and their new self-understanding into a conversation with God.

Signs and Wonders from Our Journals is a rare gem geared to the pre-teen engulfed in that "who am I? - doesn't anybody understand?" stage. Through the journals of a diverse group of middle-school students, young readers discover that nobody has it easy, and that they are not alone. While Buckman's book appeals to these kids, perhaps more importantly, it offers a unique and profound insight to adult readers.

Signs & Wonders from our Journals is a powerful testament to the value of journal writing both as a coping mechanism and as a personal and spiritual growth tool. As we read their journal entries, we recognize milestones in the lives of each character, and tag along as they discover the lessons of life.

The real value of this book for the adult reader is in Buckman's ability to transport us back to the awkward and often painful world of adolescence, and to help reacquaint us with the emotional roller coaster of growing up. Any adult struggling to understand the seemingly random and irrational behavior and thought processes of a middle-school child will appreciate the insightful quality of this book.

Adults and pre-teens alike will enjoy this book. I highly recommend it as an important resource for counselors, religious education instructors, and other youth leaders using journal writing as a personal growth tool for kids.

Author Carole Buckman has done an amazing thing-- she has entered the scary place of the young adult's experience and invited her readers in for some quality time. In her new novel, Signs and Wonders From Our Journals, readers get to invade the lives of several middle school-aged kids by reading their secret journals. As one reads these journal entries, stereotypes and preconceptions about pre-teens fade away, leaving only real human beings with real problems. The challenges these students survive (obese parents, fear of being dumb, the results of cruel practical jokes on other people) are not contrived, but reminders of the universal (and ageless) human struggle. Instead of focusing exclusively on what we think pre-teens worry about (being popular, making cheerleader), Buckman focuses on deeper questions that concern every human (who am I? where do I fit in this world? how do I know God?). Mostly, this book will engage readers because it tells wonderful and hopeful stories about people helping people and learning to survive in an imperfect world. Although this book could be used wonderfully in Sunday School classes as a fun teaching tool, don't be afraid to give it to any non-religious middle schooler, boy or girl. Not only will they (and their parents) find it a delightful read, they'll also feel, perhaps, a little less alone after meeting the characters. A fabulous investment that gives me hope for our childrens' futures.