Publications Books

Southern Fried Women is a fun and heart-felt book. I look forward to more from this author!

A very well written book. Very easy to follow. Her explanations and details make it easy to "see" what each character is doing and going through. They are short stories, so its a great book for people who do no have a lot time during the day to read. But each story will pull you in and you will not want to put it down. There are several stories in there that I wish were books in and of themselves. She is a fantastic writer.
I am pleased to have been able to meet this author recently. She is every bit as honest and passionate in person as she is her book. A true Southern Bell with a great talent. If you have not bought this book yet, you really ought to give it a try. I can't wait for the next book to come out!

Southern Fried Women is a beautifully written piece of literature. I savored each and every page and really hated to see the end of the book. I wasn't insulted by silly stories with juvenile plots and situations. It was mature writing that made me think she is a person who has experienced life and has become better, stronger and more resilient as a result. I was so inspired that she shared her wisdom with the world in such a moving and touching way! Her characters reminded me of Steel Magnolias and the women of the old south in Gone With the Wind. I can't wait to see future works from this wonderful, southern fried author. She's a keeper!

Yes, what a wonderful ride! There may be people who do not care for the use of photos at the beginning of each chapter - they are obviously wrong to think so. Sometimes I found myself studying the photos, even after I had begun reading the story - often going back and looking again - imagining how this story might truly have wrapped itself around the people and places in the photographs.

Also, the use of simile and metaphor is filled with imagery and life; painting with words what most people can only hold in their imaginations. "Cry" is so full of painful reality and "Coal Dust on my Feet" broke my heart. "Beach Babies" is probably my favorite - Bertie is a tragic character, but one that has so much to teach us.

Thank you, Pamela, for sharing your gift with the public. Sometimes as I read your words, I heard my own voice. We share many of the same beliefs, attitudes, joys, and heartaches in our observations of the world. Reading your book was like sitting down and spending an afternoon with you in conversation. Thank you.

Debra Thomas

Unlike most of the current "Southern Belle" books, this one shows a darker side. It took me by surprise and made a deep impression, especially since all of the stories are based on true incidents. But don't expect cutsie women secretly manipulating their men, or recipes for hush puppies. The stories in this book will stay with you for a long time.

A real hit with our six year old. The illustrations are wonderful and the educational aspect is not totally obvious. A very entertaining book that's he took to share with his class at school.

Once upon a time many years ago I watched my daughter Emma play with her cousin Brian, whom Emma lovingly referred to as Meatball, and I wondered how long it would take before he began to cry. At eight years old Meatball looked like a smaller version of Rhett Butler, he talked with a squeaky voice that was struggling to mature, and his blondish hair oddly matched the color of his skin. Every game between the two kids eventually turned sour--a bump of the head, a twisted arm or even harsh words would send the boy reeling into the kitchen looking for comfort. While I admired his theatrics, I did not acknowledge them. Emma, on the other hand, like to pretend he was her plaything, a doll she collected. Take, for example, the afternoon she dressed him up like a pirate and sent him out into the yard with a steak knife searching for the neighborhood tabby cat. Florence, the woman that lived across the street and spent most of her days with her nose between the blinds of her front window, knocked on my door and demanded that I do something. I invited her in for coffee but she ranted and raved, cluck-clucking about manners and responsibilities and child-rearing, none of which I particularly cared to hear about. Meatball ran inside and tugged at Florence's blue polyester pants. "Don't worry," he said. "I buried the knife in the backyard." Florence grabbed his wrist and told him that he needed to dig it back up. He sighed heavily, stared at the ground and then began to cry. I pulled the cigarettes from the pocket of my robe, lit it, and waved him inside.

Charlotte, Meatball's mother, picked him up every day at 5 o'clock. She sat on the couch with Meatball on her lap and listened as he recounted his day. She disregarded any of Emma's attempts to defend herself when Meatball claimed she had harmed him. But who would believe an eight-year-old boy that said his cousin had instructed him to hunt for prey and bring back souvenirs?

I am a student at the University of Arizona South, majoring in elementary education. I recently read this book to a class of 3rd grade students. The children anjoyed watching as the guests arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Comfort and re-arranged the tables and chairs each time someone else showed up. They also enjoyed the fact that only Mr. and Mrs. Comfort's names were given and everyone else was referred to by their relation to the hosts, "Mrs. Comfort's brother's daughter's twin sons". The children loved the chaos as more and more people arrived and fewer and fewer place settings were left available, while "extra" chairs piled up in the periphery. Every student was engaged in the book because each and every one of them knew what Mrs. Comfort knew, that without a seating arrangement of eight seperate tables each seating four people, there would not be enough room for everyone to sit down. And by the end of the book, they found out they were right! The extensions available at the end of the story increase the possible learning to be attained, illustrating how to actively engage the children in hands-on activities to learn about area, perimeter, multiplication and division. Children can find out how many seats are available for each table formation in the book. They can also determine how many meatballs everyone can eat. This is a lively and interesting tale that evolves into spirited and animated discussions involving mathematical concepts. The children had a wonderful time listening to the story, then engaging and actively participating with their eight squares and 32 paper clips (tables and chairs) as we went through the story page by page with them arranging and re-arranging the seating. It was fantastic to see them so happily involved with LEARNING MATH!

Cute way of having students know how they use math in their everyday lives. Great explanation of the mathmatical idea behind the book.

I read this book to my sister's kids (ages 4-8) and they all really enjoyed it. They had a lot of fun with the story (and didn't even know they were learning). This book is great for kids.

The Williams Brothers have been my all-time favorite male gospel group for about as long as I can remember. I read this heartwarming story when it came out back in 1999 and have since re-read it. I love the biographical voice of this book and it allows fans (such as myself) to get a feel of where these dynamic singers and entertainers come from and how they got to where they are. I had the opportunity to meet this group and spend a little time chatting and taking photos with them back in 1996 in Valdosta, GA. Aside from having talent to spare, they are also very inspirational and have absolute magnetic personalities. This book is a must-have for any Williams Brothers fan.

Kendra Norman-Bellamy
author of
For Love And Grace

This is a wonderful book that chronicles life as seen through the eyes of Doug and Melvin. I would very much like to have heard more from Henry Green and Leonard Williams regarding the early days in the business. The fact that there was not much dialogue from Henry Green makes one wonder what he has to say and how he viewed the same instances as the other two. I saw pictures of Leonard on the web a month ago when he signed the Jackson Southernaires to his Melendo label. He was my favorite, and it was good to see that he is still gorgeous!!!

I ordered my copy of Still Standing Tall and I read it in one sitting. Their story is very inspiring and uplifting. They are living testimonies that if you raise your children to serve God and live for Him , you will truly be blessed. Melvin, Doug, and Henry, you guys keep serving God and your blessings will runneth over.

I have every recording the williams brothers made they are simply the best. And might I add very handsome

I am a true fan of the Williams Brothers. I grew up with nine sisters and two brothers. I have every record, tape, CD, they recorded. My father was a minister,and I was raised up the old fashion way. I just purchased the book and I know it is a very good one. I have been to several of their concerts in North Carolina and have met them in person. I admire them for the old fashion up bringing and you can tell, by the music, they are true believers in the ALMIGHTY GOD. They have truly been BLESSED. Keep up the good work and please don't stop praising GOD.

Essie Bynum
Burlington, NC

This is a very special book and a wonderful present to give anyone. I have given this book to my daughter's teacher, a good friend and a sibling. It's story is universal and the message is wonderful. The drawings and layout of the book are genious. Highly recommend it.

By far...the best book ever written. Great gift item for baby showers or for a young child.

This is a gorgeous book with a beautiful story.
I read this book aloud to my guests at my own bridal luncheon and it was a hit.

I plan to buy several as gifts.
Buy this book for yourself and for those you care about.
Do not pass this book up. It is a gem.

We are using this book in lieu of the traditional Guest Book at our wedding. There are lots of blank spaces in the margins that guest can use to sign it "yearbook style" and it makes a nice book to have on a coffee table after the wedding. Much more unique than a plain guest book.

The Story of the Heart is very moving. The art is beautiful and the story is wonderful. I've given this as an early Valentine's Day present to my wife, daughter, and mother, and they all love it. So do I.

Quantum theory, time loops, alternate realities, the supernatural and one special story about a gentle old man whose pants are torn off by the side mirror of a speeding Torina are all included in this remarkable collection of short stories by Tim Powers.

Powers has the writer's skill of placing the utterly unreal into the norms of our day-to-day reality. Another great American writer, Edgar Allen Poe, used this particular skill to great effect with such stories as The Fall of the House of Usher and The Man of the Crowd. The tale begins ordinarily enough and then suddenly jumps, sometime subtly, sometimes not so, and we find ourselves bounding along to alternate realities, witnessing sad spirits in a catholic confessional or attending a strange gathering of immortals. And, incredibly, it all seems quite feasible. This is fascinating reading and extremely entertaining.

What really makes these tales stand out is their credibility, as one can perceive that their contents have been thoroughly researched. The vast majority of these stories' theme is the notion of time itself: where does it begin and does it ever end? Some of his characters are confused at the start but then later, as in the story 50 Cents, the character appears to accept their fate, that they are trapped in time, and this reality will never end, and continue to replay itself like a scratch on a CD.

In the story, Pat Moore, the character begins his day like any other, (except for a chain letter he has received, which if not passed on, could well prove unlucky), a professional gambler, sets out in his beat up Dodge, where he observes a man in a Chevrolet with a sawn-off shotgun, tries to run him off the road. An instant later he sees a woman appear next to him, who claims to be his guarding angel, when the Chevrolet crashes off the road. At first he is shocked, but as the tale unfolds, he puts together the clues, to discover it all has to do with his dead wife. The story becomes more bizarre, yet believable, finally sorting itself out in the end.

The two cleverest stories, Where They are Hid and Night Moves, on face value are outlandish, but are so well constructed, every loose end is tied up nicely, with a hint of irony, that they actually become credible.

This is Tim Powers's only collection of short stories, as he's predominately a novelist. All his novels are award winners and to a certain extent, as other writers have said, he leans towards Phillip K. Dick more than any other America writer. In fact a young Powers met an older PKD where he had nothing but praise for the younger writer.

After reading these exceptionally entertaining short stories, I hope Powers decides to write more short stories, because the one's included in Strange Itineraries are remarkable.

Tim Powers' STRANGE ITINERARIES is for any who love a touch of the supernatural in their science fiction and fantasy: here in his world ghosts are volatile powers, Ether Bunnies abound, and priests face the powers of the dead they are seeking to sanctify.

If you are smart, you would read everything by Tim Powers. He is that good. But this is a reprint of an earlier collection,"Night Moves" from Subterranean Press(2001). The contents are a little differant,
Introduction by James P. Blaylock
"Night Moves"
"The Way Down the Hill"
"Where They Are Hid"
"The Better Boy"
"We Traverse Afar"
"Itinerary"
Story notes by Tim Powers

This is the first Powers in short form I've read, and I plowed through it quickly. I wanted more. I like the way Tim's mind works.

I found "The Way Down The Hill" especially dark and alluring; The nightmarish image of immortal souls freefalling through oblivion, then taking a new hand hold on life by displacing unborn souls... I loved it. It is an image forever etched into my brain. I think that's worth the price of this book alone.

- john starr

I loved ghost stories as a kid then as I grew up and old my tastes changed, as they should. Tim Powers is one of my favorite writers of both novels and short stories. Broadly, I describe his work as Harry Potter written by Hunter S. Thompson but it is more deeply etched than both. "Strange Itineraries" is a collection of ghost stories for me as a forty-something adult.

John Robbins was a good friend to many people, and I was fortunate enough to know him when he lived and worked in North Carolina. "Strings - The Miracle of Life" is a great story by a talented historian. John was always a true raconteur - he could hold you spellbound with utter nonsense, or really make you think about the hard decisions in life. It came as no surprise to me that John Robbins wrote a book about love and death and healthcare that I had to read in one sitting.

This is a nonfiction book that baby boomers facing health crises--their own or their parents'--should read. But this tale of miraculous recovery from life-threatening illness feels more like a Vonnegut novel than the standard human interest story you might expect.

It cuts elegantly between the tense and fast-paced action of a quite miraculous liver transplant and sophisticated spiritual and philosophical questions about ethical issues in life and medicine. There is a wonderful section that presents the disorientation of a type A personality in a medical crisis--mental confusion due to prolonged illness, lack of control, medical complications, frustration at the slow pace of recovery--and reads like a primer for 50-somethings who are facing their first serious illness or surgery or trying to understand the growing frailty and increasing health care needs of their aging parents.

It weaves the varied and sometimes conflicting perspectives of patient, family, and med! ! ical professionals into the most complete picture of a modern medical crisis I've seen.

Mr. Robbins takes the reader, grabs them quickly, and doesn't let go until the end. You know he survives his ordeal, but you are still in tears in the middle wondering "is he going to make it?"

Thanks for writing this valuable book.

John Robbins uses a mix of Buddhaism and basketball (effortless effort) to tell how he survived and prospered after a near death experience. Part medical thriller and part spiritual exploration, he tells his story of surviving a liver transplant. His recollections about his surgeon alone are worth the read. A very good writer, he tells his story without without self-pity or fatalism. Inspiring is perhaps an over-used word in book reviews, but you will agree it applies to Strings.

It was with great saddness that I recently learned of the passing of Dr. John Robbins from one of his Thai friends.

I knew John in Bangkok prior to his illness and saw him in Washington, D.C. both while he was waiting for the transplant and later after he received it. My last conversation with him was at the time his book was published and he was so excited by the possibilities.

John's use of the Buddhist "stings" to hold the book together is wonderful. His "rat-a-tat" writing style in describing the fast pace of medical events is attention-getting.

John changed the world a bit with his book. I regret I will not be able to tell him how much it meant to me.

Excellent and deep text on Becoming ... a better person, liberated, purified in character. And much more.
I feel a deep measure of gratitude to the author.
Deep bows,
HikerBob

This is a cloudless and exceedingly matter-of-fact atlas for anybody who involves themselves with meditation practice. This book is truly a practice guide, as the title suggests. Although I would without hesitation recommend this book to beginner's, it's honestly more for those of us more familiar with meditative practices.

The author, Matthew Flickenstein, takes aim at what most of us commonly call vipassana (insight) meditation. He gives a pretty surprising investigation into both it's benefits, and what sometimes can lead to actual drawbacks. The purpose of insight meditation, he points out, is to simply see things as they really are. Reality as it is. In order for that to happen, we need to not discriminate what we are aware of, we must be truly be aware of all that arises, without grasping or even resisting any of our experiences. But whenever we move our concentration in a specific direction, such as the breath, we are subtly forming a purpose and we are no longer communicating "no preference" in our awareness of what we are experiencing.

This book goes into much more specific detail about the benefits and drawbacks of certain styles of practice, something I could never summarize in the confines of such a review. Matthew Flickenstein presents us with a most intriguing body of work here, a priceless companion on our road of discovery and introspection. So what are you waiting for? Buy it!

Finally, a Dharma text that avoids the unnecessary mystical, vague, and ambiguous writing notorious in much of Buddhist literature without devaluating the inherent mystical, vague, and ambiguous nature of Buddhism. Bravo, Mr. Flickstein!

Confused or adrift in your practice? Maybe reading a lot and putting off actually getting on that cushion you ordered? Well, read this book (and Ayya Khema's *Visible Here and Now*) and you will be confused, lost, or procrastinating no more. Brilliant insight shined right where you need it. GET THIS BOOK!

Echoing a previous commentator, the emphasis of this book is definitely Vipassana. Nevertheless, it is an exceptionally lucid read - quite a contrast to some of the more abstruse texts associated with Theravada. I thoroughly enjoyed the clarity of the work and find it a great addition to my small library of buddhist writing.

I am beginning a Qigong practice. After researching many books on the art, I decided on this one. I feel very lucky to have found it. It is a clear and helpful guide to the practice. Yang Yang is a scholar and martial arts master. You will benefit from both his skills. He very clearly directs you in a practice, while explaining the intention behind each direction. In a complete practice, you seek to acquire the internal and external aspects of Taijiquan. If either component is missing in your practice, "gong", the fruit of practice, is limited. Specifically, Dr. Yang Yang's complete curriculum includes, "Three essential pillars": Qigong, Taiji Form, and Push-hands. My advice is to search out a copy of this book and buy it. I think you will appreciate it as much as I do.

Best book on Taiji for beginners or more advanced that I have read. It is very clearly written. Scientific literature review is very helpful.

I am a Yang-style tai chi student but found this book to be perfect for everyone. Yang Yang perfectly captures the essence of our art and presents it in a readable and enjoyable style. I read it slowly to savor every concept and every turn of phrase. This book is highly recommended to those just beginning tai chi or those who have been doing it for many years. If you have never experienced what tai chi can do for you, this book will send you looking for the nearest sifu.

Yang Yang's book, Taijiquan, is very deep and goes beyond what most people will ever know or need to know about Taijiquan and science. As a M.S. student in Exercise Science, as well as a practitioner of Hunyuan Taijiquan, I was very impressed at the depth that Yang goes into in describing the neural mechanisms at work in Taiji. He also points out various topics that western science can delve into that has yet to be investigated.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Taijiquan as well as to students of Exercise Science in order to better understand why Taijiquan is as helpful as it is in delaying aging processes.

Whether beginner or expert, Master Yang Yang's book will provide a foundation on not only what Taijiquan is and is not, but how to work your way into an understanding of it.

The book begins with some self-history of Master Yang Yang, then dives into what exactly Taijiquan is, and what it means to practice a martial art, with emphasis on both words. There follows an excellent chapter on how to pick an instructor, which is often neglected in the face of advertising and convenience.

The meat of the book goes through the three pillars of Taji practice: meditation (feeling and building your Qi), forms (using and extending your Qi) and push hands (feeling Qi from the outside). In each section, he provides the why's (why is meditation crucial), the how's (how to get started, the basics) and motivation (if you need any). The chapters also discuss how these three pillars are linked to one another.

The final chapter, "Why Practice Taijiquan?" pulls it all together, describing what you will, might and will not get out of efficient practice.

There also follows a quite well done appendix on the history of Tajiquan and the Chen school.

This is not a technical "how-to-do-the-forms-and-moves" book. For that, I recommend Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming's series of books and DVDs (or, if you are lucky enough, take one of his seminars).

You will not learn Taijiquan from this book. But you will get a excellent background and a sense of what it is, how you should approach it and practice it, and what it can become inside you. Master Yang Yang writes not only with thought and intellect, but you can feel the passion that he has for his art. Martial artists say that the art lives through them, and that comes through in this book.

Reviewed by AJ Cooper for Reader Views (1/07)

"Things Invisible to See" is about a number of different families and people. It is also about spirits and death. The main focus revolves around Ben and Clare. Ben is on a golf course with his friends goofing off and they decide to hit baseballs towards the river. The ball is pitched to Ben and he hits it so hard it goes across the river and strikes someone. All of the boys hear the scream and take off without determining who they hit. Ben searches the local paper in the hopes of discovering who he hit. A number of days later he does locate a small article about the girl his baseball hit. He is wrought with guilt and works his way into her life and the life of her family. Clare is unable to walk due to the accident and it cannot be determined why she cannot walk. Clare has a spirit that visits her and takes her to see different images and people away from her body. There are also others in the book who are able to see and communicate with the spirit world.

The book goes on and on with each chapter describing different families. It is very disjointed to me and not really that interesting. It is as if parts from this book are taken from many other stories and then added together at the last minute. I found this book very hard to read. I felt I had been reading this book all of my life and could never get to or find the ending. There are small parts of the book that I found interesting. But over all I would not read this book again and I am not sure who might enjoy it. I am sure there must be a group of people who may enjoy "Things Invisible to See," but I could not take a guess as to who that might be.

This book turned my teenaged niece from a non-reader to an avid reader. Can there be a better tribute to any book?

Admittedly, I'm from Ann Arbor. But Willard is quite magical in capturing the feel of (what was then, before WWII) a smallish Michigan city, from an utterly unexpected angle. The book is one of the most successful examples of magical realism I have ever encountered, and Willard's prose itself is enchanting. I've read this book (and its successor, Sister Water, now out of print) many times, always with fondness, and I recommend it to anyone else who wants a thoroughly good read.

I just ordered a hardback copy of this book, because my paperback is falling apart from so many readings! I was not surprised to see so many other reviews for a book so old; because this is a wonderful, magical book. I picked it up at a used book-store, even though it looked to be a "fantasy", which I don't read. But this novel cannot be wedged into any genre. If you love baseball, are interested in (or lived through) WWII, grew up in S. Michigan, went to U. of Michigan, or believe in miracles, this book WILL resonate with you. And you may love it without any of those points of resonance! It also has those subtle references that make re-reading worthwhile. Example: a scene set in early December 1941, where Death-a little man who is a main character in the book-attends a seance several days early, because "he has important business on Sunday". It was my third reading before I followed the book's timeline well enough to realize Death had to be at Pearl Harbor that Sunday.

This book leaves you with not just a good feeling, but a tingle of wonder--like maybe there are always little miracles afoot in the world???? If Nancy Willard only had one "big novel" in her, I'm glad its this one; but I'd love to see more from her.

This is a wonderful book. I teach it in a class on "Baseball, Literature, and American Culture." Like all good baseball books, it's not really about baseball. It's really about love, war, families, race, and other universals. Willard is a gifted writer who understands that adults like stories with spirits and ghosts and magic and whimsy as much as kids. The baseball in it is well-rendered. Willard is a sophisticated fan (Tigers): she knows whereof she speaks. It's a shame it's not in print as there are so few works of baseball fiction by women. This the best I know of. I photocopy 50 copies for my class (with permission). It works. Students like it, especially the more literary types.

It has been over 30 years since this book was first published and it's really amazing how Kyokushin-kai has evolved. I would like to point out that some of the techniques depicted in this book are actually wrong. Ushiro-geri (back kick) for example is executed by turning your head in the opposite direction of the kick.

This book only contains the very basics as far as techniques are concerned but it does explain a great deal about breaking techniques. It explains the proper techniques for breaking stones, bricks and striking the tops off of bottles half filled with water. Unlike the first volume, this volume doesn't have any katas with the exception of Tensho.

Nowadays, low kicks and round kicks from different angles are an important part of kyokushin-kai but when this book was first published they were all but non-existent. The special kicks such as the low kicks and Brazilian kicks were developed over a period of time through competitions and from studying Muay Thai kick boxing techniques.

The value in this book is to appreciate how much kyokushin karate has evolved and has become one of the hardest systems of karate to learn.

I've read this before and watch the korean movie about the, authors life Kinda almost good as the book itself.
Hope they print more of this book "what is karate"1958 coz we shall introduce this to the new student who wish to study martial, arts.
anybody who wish to sell there books or just lyin around there bookshelves pls. contact me glim@asia.com

I have later (newer) version of THIS IS KARATE autographed by author himself Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate (Ultimate Truth) Full Contact Karate System. It always amazes me how Sosai Mas Oyama could put his knowledge together in this one book and in such a practical manner. I remember his speach was always full of spirit, and valable. He always had a good story to tell, and drew everyone's attention with his kindness and love....

I would also recommend WHAT IS KARATE. These TWO books are now getting harder to find, and increasing in value. These books should be used as a Text book for Kyokushin practicionor. You must SWEAT, SWEAT, SWEAT before you can even utilize the information shared in this book. OSU~!!!!

This is Mas Oyama's best work. I would say it is the most complete book for Japanese karate (Not okinawan). There are good practical applications in this book. And self-defense training.

This is regarded as the bible of kyokushin karate.

The author Masutatsu "Mas" Oyama, was a legend in his own time, and the creator of Kyokushin kai karate -one of the largest karate styles in the world.

This book is old and looks it, it is however one of the finest karate manuals ever published. Along with its brother books ("what is karate" and "Advanced karate") it forms the nucleus of the kyokushin style. On its own it is a outstanding work second to none of the inumerable more recent books on karate. When it was released it set a standard few books can measure up to.

It is a step by step introduction to the fundamental techniques and katas in karate, also it contains selfdefense and some more unusual aspects of karate such as breaking and other special training methods.

The section on history is very aged though, and should not be taken as absolute truth. Much has happened in the research in martial art history since this book was released 1965.

This book is recommended to any practicioner of karate, but especialy to practiciners of kyokushin karate or to practicioners of kyokushin derived styles.
Only please be aware that even kyokushin karate (the style the author founded) has changed slightly since this book was released.

It tends to be expensive, but it is worth it.