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Characters Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Rabbit and the Bears (Grandmother Stories, 4)

Published in Hardcover by University of New Mexico Press (2004-03-15)

Author: Deborah L. Duvall

List price: $14.95

New price: $9.69
Used price: $4.74

Average review score:

Rabbit and the Bears

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-23

Wonderful retelling of Cherokee story handed down through the oral retelling of old stories by the grandmothers of the tribe.

Rabbit and the Bears is perfect for the classroom!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-04-20

I am a former fifth grade instructor, a National Board Certified Teacher, and a college professor in Teacher Preparation. I highly recommend the Grandmother Stories series to elementary and early childhood instructors and parents who are homeschooling their children. The books have appropriate vocabulary and tell stories that explain nature in a creative manner. I learned several things I did not know about nature and its interactions from these books. Children love to have the books read to them and to read them to themselves. Duvall and Jacobs are a wonderful creative force as they merge their talents to produce books that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

From Roundup Magazine Book News, Oct. 2004

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-25

This review appeared in Roundup Magazine, Oct. 2004. A children's picture book that recounts Cherokee historian and storyteller Duvall's latest rabbit tale. Volume 4 of the University's "Grandmother Stories," Rabbit and the Bears tells the story of Rabbit accompanying his friend, Yona the Bear, to the Mulberry Place in the Smoky Mountains where Yona participates in the bears' ceremonial dances every autumn. Rabbit sees a bear with an arrow in his shoulder running from a hunter. Yona and Rabbit follow the wounded bear to the Magic Lake, Ata-Gahi, where the injured bear is healed. Rabbit wishes to know more about bear medicine, but Yona teaches him many other things...a wonderful story suited for the very young as well as elementary school children.

The Grandmother Stories

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-20

The Grandmother Stories are eloquent, beautifully illustrated tales that recapture the imagination of Native America. Deborah Duvall and Murv Jacob have done a brilliant job of revisiting the mythic world of Rabbit, Bear and Otter and introducing them to a contemporary audience. These characters are timeless, as are their stories, and readers of all ages will delight in their antics and unique insights. (...)

Cherokee legends and art for today's children of any age

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-16

Takes the reader into a magical world where real problems are solved in the ancient way by teaching examples of timeless characters, such as Rabbit and Bear. Based on Cherokee legend and tradition, the prose and the artwork are subtle and refined enough for adults but also intriguing to children. I'm sending all four of the books now available to all of my grandchildren, knowing that not only will the kids enjoy them but their parents as well. It's a pleasure to be able to recommend something new in the world of children's books that is so fun and worthwhile.

Reality Check

Published in Mass Market Paperback by Simon Spotlight Entertainment (2000-07-01)

Author: Diana G. Gallagher

List price: $4.50

New price: $1.50
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

Cute and witty

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-28

Sabrina the teenage witch competes in a witch's spelling bee(a spell-casting contest)and her prize is a reality check(a cheque she can cash in to change any event of her choice)Only problem is that EVERYTHING is going wrong so how is a girl to decide what to change?!!!!!!!!!!Life's hard!

Pretty Good!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-06-16

This is a pretty good book.On this book Sabrina competes in the Other Realm spelling bee,wins and gets a Reality Check!But Aunt Hilda and Zelda are under a 24 hour time-release spell witch is causing a disruption in their lives!To learn more just read the book!

A bewitching good time.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-04-04

Reality Check (Sabrina The Teenage Witch)is a great book. I could read it over and over again. It's fun reading about all the trouble that she gets herself into, and how she gets herself out of it. It's fun and easy to read. Everybody should read it.

It's the bee season

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2000-08-30

Sabrina wins the first prize in the spelling bee contest -- and it is a reality check.her spelling bee prize has her world abuzz.she can change only one incident. but which one? she has no idea.Aunt hilda and zelda are in a 24 hour time release spell which is causing many complicated problems in their lives,HARVEY Needs money after his motor cycle accident,Val resigns as school news paper editor and libby twists her ankle just before her cheerleading stuff.

in the end she used it wisely though. it was a great read. the ending of this book was mind boggling. it was too good a read. She finally uses the check to save - nah fooled you. I am not 1 bit interested in spoiling your read. so i suggest you to buy this book which is another great book added in this great series.lllooooovveeeeellllyyyy.Got to read it

Way cooooool

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-08-30

This book was completely a breath taking addition to this sereis.Tooooooooo coooooooool. Sabrina wins the national spelling bee and the first prize is a REALITY CHECK. but she doesn't have a single idea on where to use it. because her spelling bee prize has her world abuzz. Finally, she uses it in the right way - by using it to save - no no no i don't want to spoil your read . The ending was a little dissapointing though. anyway the style of writing was great . Diana.G.Gallagher is by far one of my favourite Sabrina authors.Keep up the good work!

Reallivepreacher.com

Published in Paperback by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (2004-10)

Author: Gordon Atkinson

List price: $14.00

New price: $3.95
Used price: $2.56

Average review score:

Intimate snippets of *real* everyday Christianity

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-30

I bought this book on a bit of a whim. I'm glad I did. It has become a great blessing in my life. Basically, it is little snippets in the life of a Real Live Preacher who happens also to be quite human. The people in his life and in his church are quite human. Together, they live lives that transcend human. They give me great hope that even I may one day grow to be like them.

Reading in the Driveway

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-29

Call me a disciple, if you will. Someone linked to someone who linked to ... through a myriad of weblog links I found myself at RealLivePreacher.com and became hooked with the first sentence.

My copy of Preacher's book came in the mail today and my own muse hit with a fury after I dipped into it.

"It arrived in a plain bubble wrap envelope and was sitting in the mailbox at home. As soon as I saw it, I knew what it was. Something I was anxious to read. I plucked it out of the box, hoping the rain hadn't damaged the book inside. Nervously, I opened the envelope full of hope and pulled the book out; no damage. As I squeezed between the recycle bin and the shed to put the envelope in the trash can, my hands shook as I opened it.

What would the inscription say? Did they even remember to send it to the author for signature? He doesn't know me from anyone. Well, maybe as that woman who has sent him more than a couple of emails basically saying, 'your blog piece on this really touched me.' He also knows me as that woman who asked him to read a story of hers. Gracious man that he is, he read it and replied. I held my breath and found it, 'Hi Stephanie, peace!' Cool.

As I squeezed back out to the driveway, I completely forgot about the groceries in Car's backseat. Randomly flipping pages, I stopped on a two page piece and started reading. The words sucked me in, I was completely transfixed. It was like jumping into a really comfortable swimming pool and staying under for the sheer joy of it.

I forced myself to go back and read the parts I skimmed over because I was so anxious to read it. The topic was fundamentalism. As I read, I wondered how one of the people I work with would feel were she to read these words. That thought lasted a femto-second as I kept reading. At the end of the piece, I breathed and came out of the book. There, in the cool air that promised more rain, I had lost track. I stood in my driveway, looked at the cover and blinked. Darn, now I have to put the groceries away.

The book is RealLivePreacher.com and all I have to say is, 'Thanks, Preacher and peace to you too.'"

Read Preacher's book and you'll understand why his readers are so devoted.

Praying for Hermit Crabs

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-21

For the last several nights, I have been tucking myself into bed and reading an entry from the book RealLivePreacher.com, which is from the website bearing the same name. I happened to come across the site by accident when I was designing my blog. When I saw the words "RealLivePreacher.com" I thought, "Oh, great... some ultra conservative fundamentalist Christian is spreading fire and damnation online." Despite this initial knee-jerk reaction, I felt compelled to click on the link to see just what kind of fruitcake was at the other end of the internet.

The rabbit hole I stumbled down led me into the world of Gordon Atkinson, who really is a real, live, preacher with a blog. He was doing an online booksigning for his newly published compilation of weblogs, and was sitting at a desk in a bookstore in Texas with what looked like can of beer sitting in front of him. (Maybe it was sarsparilla, the resolution was bad.. it was hard to tell.)

I thought, "Hmmm, well that's rather odd and oxymoronic ... who IS this guy?"

What I found as I navigated through the site were entries with titles like "Apparantly I Might Be A False Prophet", and "What's In the Preacher's Pants?" I don't think I have to explain the immediate liking I took to the preacher's blog.

Gordon has an easy way of writing, weaving a tapestry of words from the heart. It's an honest and sometimes blunt look at life and faith from a man who readily admits he doesn't have all of the answers. You won't find any prehistoric brimstone here. What you WILL find is a creative, funny, surprisingly real man who not only shoots straight from hip - he's shooting straight from the heart.

Gives a whole new meaning to Don't Mess With Texas.

My favorite entry, which can be found in his book is titled, "Something About Prayer" - a tender story about a little girl fervently asking the congregation to pray for her ailing hermit crab. What happened in the preacher's heart in response to this request brought tears to my eyes. No request is too small, and no question is too big to ponder. Real Live Goodness awaits you inside this wonderful little book.

deep, deep stuff...

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-15

Have you ever picked up a book, flipped it open... and fallen in love?

The book that did that to me is RealLivePreacher.com, based on a blog of the same name- just blog entries, collected and published (hope for all you bloggers out there!).

I had to buy it.

And now, I have to recommend it.

While a pastor writing essays about his preaching and church experiences may not, on the face of it, promise engrossing writing and gripping tales, this book delivers.

I don't see eye to eye with Gordon on everything... but where would the fun be in that? In fact, more than just entertaining, this book is challenging- And I love that.

Buy it.

Striking honesty about faith

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-06

"If the wafers are going stale for you, be the bread yourself. Break yourself open and nourish the world..."

Two years ago a pastor of a small church in San Antonio, Texas, signed onto the web at Salon.com and began a journey. This dangerous expedition was an odyssey to plumb the depths of his core in order to share his own fears, doubts and desires. And, in the daring process of baring his soul before faceless millions, his weblog, RealLivePreacher.com, grew into one of the most widely read blogs in the world.

This collection of some of "The Preacher's" finest essays is a fascinating study into belief as experienced by an all-too-human man of the cloth. Atkinson is a no-holds-barred type of blogger. He makes no attempt to beautify the ugly realities of dealing with faith. He struggles in the dirt with it; he uses the f-word when appropriate; he takes no prisoners and leaves no stones unturned. And, when he occasionally loses his belief in God, he freely admits it. For example, when he can't deal with the glossiness of the modern-day, super-organized church versus the simple loving communion that Christ and his followers shared, he doesn't rein in his aversion.

Both new and veteran readers of RealLivePreacher.com will adore the characters who have helped Atkinson trek the dusty roads of his faith walk. There's big Earl the Gravedigger, friend and atheist. There's George the Deacon, dying of AIDS who enjoys a hit on his bong while partaking of his last communion. There's tiny Everett, born too soon, who dies before he can take his first breath but somehow manages to testify that hope can be born of sorrow. And then there's precious Elliot, a long-awaited child whose parents demonstrate the true meaning of forgiveness when a newcomer in Sunday school brutally bites him.

All in all, the most fascinating aspect of RealLivePreacher.com is its striking honesty. The Preacher shows us how God works faith in each and every one of us, no matter how broken, lost or thoroughly screwed up we are. This is Good News indeed. -- Cindy Appel for the FEARLESS REVIEWS

Robinson Crusoe (Norton Critical Editions)

Published in Paperback by W. W. Norton (1993-12-19)

Author: Daniel Defoe

List price: $10.75

New price: $8.00
Used price: $1.75
Collectible price: $12.00

Average review score:

A Classic Wasted on Youth

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-07

Several years ago, I read a review essay on Defoe's book which startled me... apparently it was considered to be the powerful and influential "Christian Classic" of its day. I read "Robinson Crusoe" as a youth in the standard abridged form. I didn't, of course, realize that the abridgement involved the removal of all the philisophical and theological reflection of the protagonist.
This is, as it was at its original printing, a serious book for adults.
this is not a book about mere "survival." It is a man searching for the meaning in his life before God, who has allowed him to live when the entire crew accompanying him has perished in a storm. Though I do not share the heavy predestinarian bent of the theology, I fully respect the honesty of (Defoe's) reflection through Crusoe. this is a spiritual journey from which we may larn much.
This is serious reading of the very best type. Rewarding to the end. In an earlier time (and not much earlier), you would not have been considered to be either educated or cultured without reading this book.
Please, read and enjoy.
Rich Moore

This is not a review but a recommendation for orders from foreign countriies

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-08

If you're interested in a good (and cheap) critical edition of Gulliver's travels, I strongly recommend the Norton Critical edition. I ordered it by Amazon and my copy was received in a couple of weeks

Superior and inspirational reading for adults and teens

Helpful Votes: 13 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-22

After reading Glyn Williams' trenchant 'The Prize Of All The Oceans' I had an overwhelming desire to read this classic once again. I first read it when I was a mere 10 year old and it completely mesmerized me; I find that it still held the same power over me thirty years later. It is difficult to put this tale down once the title character becomes a castaway on the "island of despair" (as Crusoe refers to it) and he begins the battle against the odds to survive. Facing extreme tropical heat, torrential storms, a dreadful loneliness and the struggle to master some of the simplest of skills we take for granted Crusoe wages his one-man crusade for survival. Beginning his desolate existence steeped in woeful self-pity he slowly realizes through a series of trying circumstances, devotional reading of the Bible and finally relief from his isolated state that the experience proves to be one of reverie. In the process Crusoe becomes quite possibly the most inspirational figure to spring forth from the pages of literature.

Though it is annually listed by literature scholars as one of the 100 finest works of fiction, today primarily adolescents read Defoe's enduring tale as part of their required reading for school; very few others rarely bother with this nearly three century old tale. 'Robinson Crusoe' it seems is a classic awaiting a renaissance of rediscovery by adults who regularly read for either leisure or as a part of continuing education. While the novel's approach to morality may seem a bit old fashioned by today's contemporary standards, the character's awakening to wisdom, inner strength and faith will inspire any reader of any age. Crusoe's ability to steel himself against the onslaught of natural elements, his own self doubts and finally a band of savages who discover his "island empire" should win over even the most jaded of us. This Norton Critical Edition is the perfect package to gain a deep appreciation for this masterpiece of the English language. So do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book today and transport yourself back to your youth and also to a time long past. It's a journey you won't regret taking.

An underrrated masterpiece

Helpful Votes: 19 out of 22 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-24

Unfortunately, this book suffered the fate of many other masterpieces: be classified in the "children" bookshelf. That guarantees most editions will be abridged, censored, and forgotten, since kids today read very little and waste their time playing with horrendous japanese toys. Enough lecturing. This is a book about a man who, yes, goes through many adventures, and in the way finds himself. This is not the story of a man who goes through pleasant experiences, enjoying adventure. He suffers very much finding himself alone for many years, having to survive by himself in the midst of a desert island. The book is narrated in the first person, so it's a long monologue by a truly lonely man. His reflections are deep and moving. It's good that this is a complete and unabridged edition, since the first part is usually severed from the rest, which is a pity because it puts the whole story in context. This is a fun but also an interesting reading.

Redemption!

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-28

This is a simple, beautifully written story of a young man who rejects the advice of his father and pursues a life at sea. His fate, of course, is to dwell alone for many years on an isolated island. The main point, however, is his slow realization that, in finding God and religion, his "cup is not half empty but half full". This is NOT a childs book and should be read by those in their 30's and above...otherwise the message may be lost on youth.

Running On Empty: Life Lessons to Refuel Your Faith (B)

Published in Paperback by Life Journey (2005-05)

Author: Arron Chambers

List price: $12.99

New price: $5.19
Used price: $0.85

Average review score:

The Next Max Lucado

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-26

After reading "Running on Empty" by Arron Chambers my first thought was "this is the next Max Lucado." Arron's insights into the gospel of John are creative and original. That's saying a lot as not many of us take the time to think new thoughts, but Arron is obviously using the old noggin. His ability to weave personal experience, historical and contemporary anecdote, as well as humor into his narrative means that Arron entertains as he instructs. This medicine goes down like the proverbial "spoon full of sugar." I was challenged to "get a life" (in a good way) and sensed some of the 21 "Elements" of life illuminated in the book filling empty places in my inner being. My wife read the book and then insisted that I buy her a copy and get Arron to autograph it. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to top off their life with an extra measure of fullness!

"Refueled " Bobby Bradley , Hustonville,Ky

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-15

Arron Chambers (Running on Empty)Life lesson's to refuel your faith.This is a very easy book to read and understand,with Arron's down to earth,every day situations that have happened to all of us .With his own unique style of tieing these situations to the 21 chapters of the book of John to help us understand and apply them to our lives today. This Book is truly a must read book for all christians.

Living the Life

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-25

This is a book every serious Christian disciple should read. The title resonates in our souls for there is not one of us who cannot immediately identify with what it feels like to be "Running on Empty". Arron Chambers breathes new life into our hearts through his messages that bring to light new perspectives on each of the 21 chapters of the Gospel of John. Do not read this book unless you really want your walk with the Lord to be transformed. I would also caution anyone who reads this book not to read from cover to cover in one sitting. Study it, digest it and ponder it. Each chapter has simple daily life illustrations declaring the truth of God's Word. God's Word is the fuel we need but many of us are looking in other places. Arron giftedly guides us through the thorny places with some very challenging exercises and extended study to help us live the life that Christ wants us to live as His disciples. As you dive into the Bible through Arron's helpful lense (this book) you will experience a new dimension of spiritual growth. You will experience Arron's excitement and passion for the Lord's transforming power to work in our lives. Arron, in the end, challenges us to get up from our comfortable couches, leave the locker room and be courageous. We must read this book to refuel our own lives, to live as Christ's true disciples and to bring The Light and The Truth and His Love to others.

Running on Empty by Arron Chambers

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-07

A whimsical, witty, and thought-provoking book based upon the Gospel of John. The author uses touching contemporary situations to illustrate and highlight deep spiritual truths. It is a good study guide for small groups as questions & directives for action are provided for each of the 21 chapters. Individuals will find it a fine source for inspiration. All in all it is a practical and challenging book. It is a good read!

Running on Empty by Arron Chambers

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-03

This is the perfect book for those of you who are really want to get closer to God, but don't really know how. Arron relates the book of John in such a way that you get a much clearer understanding of the book, plus he gives clear examples of events in his own life that we can relate to and exercises for each of us to use to continue our journey to that closer walk with Christ. He writes in such a way that you enjoy the humor, but you realize that everything he says has true meaning and he brings your focus back to what you need to do. The exercises are very helpful. It is a great book and I recommend it to everyone.

The Second Rumpole Omnibus (Rumpole)

Published in Paperback by Penguin (Non-Classics) (1988-11-01)

Author: John Mortimer

List price: $18.00

New price: $10.14
Used price: $0.99
Collectible price: $18.00

Average review score:

Reading for a summer afternoon--and week!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-26

What a way to forget the outside world and enter the charming world of Horace Rumbole, barrister. I enjoy his droll humor and uncanny way of seeing things not on the surface to defend his client.

Having Read 1 and 3, Had to Have 2

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-11

One may not always agree with Rumphole, or She Who Must Be Obeyed, but these compilations of short stories are great as a fun read on a recent period in English history and law that one can readily identify with if you don't lead an insular life (that grey area above the U.S. is Canada, and the grey are below it is Mexico on the TV weather maps).

Fun for Rumpole Fans!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-09

We love the Rumpole books. My husband and I have read all the Omnibus books. We've never watched the series, so we have our own images of all the main characters: Rumpole, The Bull, "She Who Must Be Obeyed." Good stories...fun characters. Good threading of plot and characters through all the stories. Love it!

Rumpole

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-27

I certainly don't need to review "Rumpole of the Bailey." You know all about it. So, I'll just mention that he's especially good company when you fly. You can read a well-crafted story in what, 30 minutes? Ideal for airports and airplanes. Do this, sit for an hour, do that, sit for another hour, etc.

More of the Great Rumpole

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-03

Horace Rumpole presents himself as just an Old Bailey hack doing run-of-the-mill burglary defenses and the odd car-heist case. In reality he defends the best in the Anglo-American legal traditions against modern forces (for example, the presumption of innocence) - and this was written 20+ years ago!

Rumpole is the lovable defender of the average man and foe to all stick-in-the-muds. His motto "Never plead guilty." It could just as well be comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Hilarious, warm, human, touching, self-effacing and ever-ready to pierce the pompous gasbag - that's Rumpole of the Bailey. Start with the First Rumpole Omnibus and work your way through the rest.

Guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and warm your heart.

See No Evil

Published in Hardcover by St Martins Pr (1998-02)

Author: Eleanor Taylor Bland

List price: $22.95

New price: $2.90
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $36.95

Average review score:

Top Notch

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-05-18

We don't expect anything less than top notch from Eleanor Taylor Bland and she hasn't let us down!

From Publisher's Weekly:

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-05-30

"Bland tightens the suspense with realistic details and subplot twists before wrapping the narrative up in a satisfying solution."

From The Portsmouth Herald:

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-05-30

"The story is particularly engaging for its character and situations, but Bland doesn't scrimp on suspense, building through tragedy, wasted lives and hope to a breath-catching climax. A well-written standout series."

From Booklist:

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-05-30

"Bland has succeeded here in producing her most sophisticated, complex, and successful work yet ... the unexpected denouement is as satisfying as it is surprising, giving Marti new evidence as to the quality of her parenting. With this compelling page-turner, Bland firmly establishes her credentials as one of today's most talented mystery writers."

BLIND EYES, BLIND HEART

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2001-04-12

He comes into your home, goes through your things and plots your family's death. Yet detective Marti MacAlister is totally oblivious to this evil presence in her own home. Will her blindness and that of her friend Sharon cost them their lives and that of their family?

In this sixth case of the Marti MacAlister series we find the detective consumed by the murder of a woman and the disappearance of her snitch's best friend. Marti's room mate is consumed by her inability to say no to "Mr Wonderful" thus compromising her self esteem and neglecting the children. Throw in a kid trying to become a gang member, a flasher and people who refuse to report what they see and you have quite a mess going on the job.

This is an intriguing story as we see the intertwining of Marti's personal life with that of her job. We see the budding sexuality of her daughter and the courageness of Ben, her fiance. Marti's consuming time on the job interferes with what is so plainly before her as she begins a new step in her life. Follow her along this track of evil. See if she awakes before it is too late.

The Shadow Dancer

Published in Hardcover by Berkley Hardcover (2002-09-03)

Author: Margaret Coel

List price: $22.95

New price: $3.55
Used price: $0.44
Collectible price: $22.95

Average review score:

Shadow Dancer

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-25

Book arrived timely and in good shape! The book was purchased from (I believe) a California Bookstore, and when it arrived it was funny to see that it had originally been a book from one of Tucson's public libraries, funny to see that it had made it back full circle. A good experience!

Wonderful addition to a wonderful series!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-04

Margaret Coel's Father John O'Malley series is a winner. It's nice mixture of modern-day life with a solid background in Native American history. In this book Ms. Coel highlights shadow dancing which is an ancient Indian custom. A modern-day cult leader has gathered a bunch of young, idealistic natives together to practice this ancient art as well as to prepare for the end of this present world and the beginning of another that will place the Indian at the top of society. But people are killed, and one of them is Vicky's ex-husband Ben Holden. As Vicky tries to clear her name in Ben's murder she uncovers a plot that will destroy the Wind River Reservation. These books are great. The characters are believable, and Father John is one of most real sleuths out there today. I highly recommend this series, but suggest that it should be read in sequence.

False Prophet

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-22

THE SHADOW DANCER is one of the best of the Wind River Series. Vickie Holden's ex-husband has been murder and she is the prime suspect. Father John's mission is about to lose its charter. Hearkening back to the 1880s and a cult that swept the reservation called the Ghost Dancers, a new prophet James Sherwood, called Orlando by his followers charms believers with his Shadow Dancers.
Father John looks for answers when summoned by the aunts of a young computer genius who has disappeared. Are all these happens related to test his endurance and perceptive skills. A fine mystery with sharp curves and tight storytelling.
A great read at any time.
Nash Black, author of TRAVELERS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.

Interesting Addition to Series

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-11

I really enjoy this series of books set on the Wind River Reservation. When I first started this one, though, I was a little disappointed because it sounded like it was just rehashing all the same plot points from previous books - Father John and Vicky pining for each other, Ben Holden demanding that Vicky return to their marriage, a new assistant for Father John, and his superior's threatening Father John with the closing of the mission.

However, as soon as the stage was set with these events, things irrevocably changed. I found this mystery very intriguing and am anxious to see where the author takes things from here.

Multi-layered plot

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-06

This is one of the best books in an excellent series. Margaret Coel spins a multi-layered plot which begins when Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden returns to her home at the Wind River Reservation after going to Denver to try to sort out her relationship with the reservation's priest, Father John. Her ex-husband, Ben, talks her into meeting him for lunch but their conversation ends in a bitter argument. When Ben is found dead, Vicky becomes a major suspect. Meanwhile Father John is dealing with the disappearance of a young Indian named Dean Little Horse and an Indian cult whose shadow dancers are twisting some of the early Arapaho religious practices. Added to this, Vicky is working on water rights for the Indians and Father John is battling his superiors who want to close the mission where he is the priest. Mix these elements together and you have an enjoyable reading experience with well-drawn characters and the beautiful Wyoming reservation as a background.

Sheer Gall (Rachel Gold Mystery)

Published in Hardcover by Dutton Adult (1996-10-01)

Author: Michael A. Kahn

List price: $23.95

New price: $2.97
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Average review score:

Sheer Pleasure

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-18

This fifth and best of the Rachel Gold mysteries starts with a deception, ends with a surprise and in between involves our heroine in myriad plot twists surrounding a most unusual profit scheme and a most unusual murder. Rachel, spunky and vulnerable, a Jewish attorney with a nose for detection, works her way through all the puzzles most satisfyingly and even ends up close friends with one who started out as an enemy. Rachel is a delight as she peels the layers of the puzzle like a rose and at the end this reader is left with only one question: When will we see the sixth Rachel Gold book?

Enjoyable

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1999-04-08

Rachel gold gets better in every novel. This one is a thoroughly entertaining piece of fiction with an unusual and quite exciting plot.

The characters are very well drawn and I'm really looking forward to the next novel by mr. Kahn.

Sheer Pleasure

Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-18

Sheer Pleasure

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-18

Another great Rachel Gold mystery

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-10-05

The fifth in a great series of mysteries. Rachel is a brilliant, beautiful, crime-solving attorney with an appealing cast of confidants. These books should be far more popular.

Signal-Close Action! (The Bolitho Novels)

Published in Paperback by McBooks Press (1999-10-01)

Author: Alexander Kent

List price: $15.95

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Average review score:

Bolitho sets the stage for Nelson

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-10

In this, the twelfth book of the Richard Bolitho series, Bolitho has risen to the rank of Commodore and is dispatched to the Mediteranean to try and figure out what the French navy is up to. England's Admiralty is rivetted on this question as the deployment of the whole British Fleet depends on the answer to that question. So, who better to send than ... Nelson! Oh, but there is a problem you see. Nelson just lost his arm in an engagement and is still recovering. Hmmm... Who is the next most trustworthy commander on the seas ... Aha! Richard Bolitho!

Bolitho assumes command of a squadron that is surprisingly populated by most all of the characters that have survived the previous eleven novels. The Captains of the 74 gun ship of the line are Thomas Herrick (Bolitho's closes friend), Charles Farquhar (who was a Lieutenant under Bolitho), Charles Probyn (served as a Lieutenant senior to Bolitho), Inch (was a midshipman in one of Bolitho's ships), etc. In addition, Adam Pascoe, Bolitho's nephew is on the flagship serving as a Lieutenant. I suppose the British navy of that time was quite closely knit, and perhaps it was not surprising to have all the senior officers having served with one another in the past, but it seemed too convenient and pat to me.

Bolitho starts on his mission and almost immediately finds out that his real struggle will be the petty jealousies and serious disruptions caused by the relationships of his subordinates to each other. As the book narrative continues, most of the senior commanders make decisions that affect the outcomes of complete naval battles based purely on how they view their colleagues and what possibilities for advancement these actions might have on their careers. This is quite different than Richard Bolitho's own experiences as a Captain of his ship and he is quite taken back by it. In addition, some of these officers have reached the end of their abilities and may even be cracking under the strains of command - even some who are quite close to Bolitho which makes it trebly difficult for the Commodore.

As far as naval action goes, there is something going on non-stop. From cutting out expeditions, to shore attacks, to handling storms, to pitched battles among large ships, they are all there. Bolitho is not handling the individual ship but is trying to focus on the strategic direction he's been given as well as rule his unruly crew and that provides its own set of challenges to our hero. He comes through it with flying colors even though he tries to do a bit too much fighting in the front lines to what one would expect of senior officers. Of course, this is noted across the squadron and appreciated by the typical seaman who responds by putting out much more than is expected of them including doing some very outrageous actions which change the course of battles. (The subtheme of having the officers treat the men decently so they do better is a general one in this whole series)

As Bolitho figures out what the French intentions are, he immediately moves to counter them. So, one of the subplots in this story is how Bolitho's actions changed the course of history. As the book progresses, you read about what he is doing and at the end realize that one reason why Nelson was able to win the decisive Battle of the Nile and thereby change the course of world history was because Bolitho and his small squadron took risks and gave their blood and lives for England.

With so much going on and so much happening in the book, it was also nice to see how well written the book is. Although there is much technical jargon associated with the art of sailing ships in the late 18th century, that same jargon is a key element of the story and adds, rather than distracts, from the pleasure of it. the characters that are regulars in these books continue to develop - sometimes in surprising ways. Since this book is happening almost completely at sea with the British Navy, it is not surprising that there are not many elements of sexual relationships (with the exception of Bolitho's recent escapades in London) or romantic involvement. Therefore it is kind of jarring when the author introduces a woman to Herrick who falls in love with Herrick after speaking with him for one hour (ONE hour!). This has been a significant failing of many of these books in that the man - woman relationships are being portrayed in a completely unrealistic manner. But, never mind, these are minor matters for this kind of book.

A further disappointment for me was that Bolitho and Nelson manage to be at the same place and time for only the second time in this series in this book. According to the Epilogue, Bolitho and his squadron fought in the Battle of the Nile. That is glossed over in a few paragraphs and then Bolitho is sent back to Gibraltar and England. Since the last two books were all gearing up to this point in history, it was kind of deflating to not have at least a complete chapter devoted to that famous battle. I suppose that since Bolitho and his mates are all fictional, it was kind of difficult to place him in any kind of context that made sense in a famous battle like this one. It also brings to mind a question: How will Bolitho participate in the Battle of Trafalgar?

Signal-Close Action

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-19

The series continues with plenty of action and suspense. The Bolitho novels have given me an insight into Enlish as well as nautical history that I never learned in school.

Bonaparte's retreat

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-29

In this Bolitho adventure, Post Captain Richard Bolitho is made a Commodore and given a small squadron consisting of three 74-gun ships-of-the-line and a couple of smaller vessels and ordered to the Mediterannean to discover the French Fleet's intentions.

Eventually he is instrumental in getting rear admiral Horatio Nelson's attention, and bringing a full-fledged British Fleet into the Med, leading to the Battle of the Nile.

This story has the usual hard fought sea battles, as well as cutting out action and other forays onto foreign soil, with only minimal love interest this time.

Bolitho is faced with a couple of subordinate captains' jealousy, and in one case hatred, but manages to pull it off anyway.

Alexander Kent has written another winner, and provided us with another great vicarious adventure.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre, USN (Ret)

author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books

Intense psychology of command

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-07

This is one of the most heart-wrenching books in the series, no longer just action stories but studies in personality. It is intensely personal amidst the usual carnage. It's fascinating to watch Bolitho struggle with his promotion to Commodore and his new, enforced aloofness from shipboard affairs and his officers. Bolitho's typical concern for his crew is now extended to an entire squadron of some 2000 men, their faces no longer known but their fates wracking poor Bolitho. Particularly affecting is his struggle to contend with the failing nerve of his closest friend and protegé, flag captain Herrick, who has been with him from early days. The waters of personality move into the deeps as Bolitho rises in rank and others reach their limits. Bolitho suffers a relapse of the malarial fever at a critical junction in the cruise from Gibralter to Egypt, and rivalries among his subordinates come to the fore. Just another source of the immense tension Kent builds in this novel of the desperate British attempt to fathom Napoleon's intent for his vast Mediterranean fleet buildup. Kent again avoids including Bolitho in one of the great historical fleet actions, this time at Aboukir Bay. While he does give Bolitho a role in directing the French into a weaker position, and does explain the battle's great importance, that climactic battle passes much too remotely and quickly to satisfy.

The suspense in this series is partly the eventual goal and task set to Bolitho and mostly how Bolitho is ever going to solve impossible tactical situations at sea. The usual solution he proposes is a surprise maneuver, but what form will it take this time? Like many of Kent's book titles, "Signal - Close Action!" is a stirring phrase but barely hints at the situations and solutions to be found within. Conversely, his chapter titles too often prefigure the event. As usual it's easy to spot who will be "good" officers and who "bad," so thorough are the differences, but Kent does provide one surprising development. As always, it is absolutely vital to pay closest attention to the sailing directions (wind, tack, etc.) if you want to visualize the sea maneuvers, because Kent won't tell us in lubber's terms. The cover bears an excellent wrap-around picture, "ripped from the living text."

The complexity of command- when you are all there is....

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-10-25

If you loved Forester's "Hornblower" series, as I did, then you will also appreciate Alexander Kent's "Richard Bolitho" tales. You do not get the sense that they are derivative of Forester's work, for they stand on their own original merit. The action flows nonstop and logically with hardly a calm or doldrum. The author clearly understands the complexities of handling and fighting a ship under sail. He doesn't just use nautical terminology and commands as colorful filler- he uses them accurately as a fundamental part of the narrative. In fact, as a secondary feature, these books are a decent primer on 18th century seamanship.

As much as the author excels at technical accuracy, his character development and knowledge of human nature is even stronger. He shows that the politics, gameplaying, and back-stabbing aboard a warship can be every bit as complex as that in a Turkish harem. Yet, there is the underlying sense of the imperative of setting a positive example as an officer, of showing your people that you can truly LEAD as well as you can simply COMMAND their daily lives.

In this volume Bolitho has been promoted to Commodore and given command of a squadron (three seventy-fours, a thirty-two gun frigate, and a sloop of war.) He takes command with orders to find out what Napoleon is up to in the Mediterrean- and then to handle it as best he sees fit. As the majority of the British fleet is tied up on blockade duty in the Atlantic, he will be the sole projection of British naval might this side of Gibraltar. The details of commanding an entire task force instead of a single vessel, as in the earlier volumes, is fascinating in and of itself. Ultimately, Bolitho finds that he must place his command between the Nile and an entire French fleet....