Virginia Books

Dr. Turner writes with dry wit and intimate understanding of the beauty, complexity, and mystery of the Eastern Shore of VA.

Loved the book, couldn't wait for the next chapter. Easy to read. Turner has another book East of the Chesapeake and it is a must also. After you read the first one it's nice to check out his museum. In his books he has such an interest in people, he finds something interesting in anyone he seems to meet. Very enjoyable writer.

With the recent purchase of a 1926 farmhouse on Hoopers Island on Maryland's Eastern Shore, I wanted to learn more about life on the Bay. My family and I hoped this book would shed light on perhaps a gentler time, with a return to "the basics." William Turner has written a wonderful account of his life growing up on the Chesapeake Bay in the 40's and '50s. The stories are entertaining, with laughs, as well as gasps, as well as tears. My sons, ages 10 and 6, beg me to retell his stories on our drives to our new Eastern Shore retreat home. From bear sightings to pig butchering to duck hunting adventures to sinking boats in the dead of winter, William Turner paints vivid images in our minds of life on the Chesapeake Bay during a time of neighborly help and family closeness. He is an artist, and shares his sketches in this book as well, which further brings home the true meaning of his stories. This is a treasure!

This is the perfect book for those who like some substance to their form. The writing is wonderful - I felt like I took a trip through time and through Thailand. The photos are beautiful as well because they aren't just the standard head-on shots, but interesting details and angles.

Having bought a large number of architectural books on Thailand, I can validate that this is the best so far. It is a well written book and definitely worth purchasing. I definitely recommend it for whoever has a passion for the decorative arts and for plain class Thai architecture. Definitely a gem.

I wish I had owned this book before my month long visit to Thailand three years ago. I received this book as a Christmas gift last year and really appreciated the insight it provides concerning the history, culture, and style of Thailand. Not only is it a gorgeous book with wonderful pictures but it also helped me to better understand Thai culture and style.

It really helped me to better appreciate my experiences in Thailand.

A must have for ANP student or professional. Concise and accurate. Excellent source for collaborative practice agreements.

This is a great book for nurse practitioner students and NPs. The information is very valuable and organized. I highly recommend this book!

This book is a must for any NP in Primary Care Practice. Well written, large print, easy to follow protocols.

I'm writing about the 2nd ed. (1990), but if you landed here, I think what I have is of value for later editions too. The book is fantastic. There are a myriad of technical terms for various kinds of multivariate analyses. The average person has no idea what the names mean -- or how to choose between them! To be able to DO anything (right, anyway) you need a CONCRETE understanding. Such is what this book provides. Right off the bat, the book tells you -- not only what kind of data each technique requires -- but what questions you might ask (and want answered) for such data. So, in a mere 4 pages -- near the beginning! -- you get 1 or 2 paragraphs on each of these: factor analysis, discriminant analysis, cluster analysis, multiple linear regression, principal components analysis, and more. You'll know what these techniques require as input (what kinds of data situations) and what they assume the question(s) is/are that you want answered -- already concrete, already good understanding of the differences of the formerly cryptic technique names in a mere 4 pages! I have seen no other book do this. The rest of the book is nearly as effective in the decoding of other details of the multivariate analyses. In short, start with this book, because therein you will be way way ahead in acquiring a perspective on multivariate analyses with little effort. Go to any other book(s) first and you may eventually develope a perspective -- only by accident, that is with little author help -- after a long hard road. Get your perspective from the get-go instead -- with this book.

While this book will not teach you all you need to know about any of the techniques to be an expert, it WILL teach you enough to read research, and to learn what the various techniques do. The mathematical level is moderate, and the emphasis is on practical applications. Highly recommended for grad students in the social sciences

Often, students and researchers need to perform multivariate statistical analyses on their data. Unfortunately, a lack of mathematical training prevents many from taking advantage of advanced techniques, in part, because books focus on the theory and neglect explaining how to perform and interpret multivariate analyses on real-life data. Computer-Aided Multivariate Analysis is a welcome exception, helping students choose the appropriate analyses for their data, carry them out and interpret the results. Only a limited knowledge of statistics is assumed and geometrical and graphical explanations are used to explain what the analyses do. However the basic model is always given and assumptions are discussed. In this edition the computer emphasis is enhanced by the inclusion of three additional statistical packages written for the personal computer. The authors also discuss data entry, database management, data screening, data transformations, as well as multivariate data analysis. This third edition contains a new chapter on log-linear analysis of multi-way frequency tables.

I've always maintained that the best way to understand the founders is to understand them on their on terms. Mayer believes this too and does an excellent job at profiling the constitutional thought of Jefferson and his political philosophy. Too often, shoddy partisan scholarship like that of Richard Matthews gets it quite wrong on the founders. They do so quite purposefully choosing to dwell statically on one quote or episode instead of objectively highlighting the development of their subject. Mayer explains Jefferson on his own terms, as "whig," "federal," and "republican," hence his First Inaugural Address. Jefferson was an adament defender of federalism, state's rights and the Constitution. His alleged "radical egalitarianism" was more than tempered by his mistrust of central government and the huddled urban masses and his rejection of majoritarian tyranny. "Democracy is not practicable beyond the limits of a town," avows Jefferson. Despite his occasional contradictions, his early tenacity of youth and sympathies with the French Revolution, he was a true Whig and a classical republican, and advocate of limited government. He is an enduring founding father who deserves careful study and admiration for his statesmanship.

Also recommended: Alexander Hamilton and the Constitution by Clinton Rossiter.

Having consumed most of the recent volumes on the life and times of our third president, I would have to say that Mayer's book is one of the strongest when it comes to the concrete exploration of his political thought processes.

One of the reviewers on the back cover copy says that "Mayer allows Jefferson to speak for himself. This alone would recommend the work." Indeed. This is one of the strengths of the book with its extensive referencing to the words of one of our founding fathers. It also does the same justice to the philosophers and statesmen who influenced Jefferson throughout his life.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the scholarly analysis of what it meant (to Jefferson) to be a Whig. I was also compelled by the discussion of the whig concept of a government is more republican (small r) if it is founded in jealousy, and not in confidence.

Mayer is not reluctant to point to many of Jefferson's overly optimistic or downright naive assumptions on the practical implications of running a government.

One area I wished Mayer spent more time exploring was Jefferson's thoughts on bicameralism and separation of powers; and more specifically on the original contention that the Senate served as a break on run away emotions protecting minority interests (to avoid tyranny of the majority that Madison was so fearful of, but not Jefferson).

All told, this book is of value for those who admire Jefferson, who are critical of his standing, and for those who quote his examples without really knowing what they are doing.

This is indeed the finest study of Jefferson's political thought to date. Unlike other authors, Mayer penetrates to the core of Jefferson's political philosophy, revealing him to be fundamentally a "real whig," with emphasis on his distrust of government.

The book focuses on working with clients - any one with whom you work. Discusses partnering with others, and building trust and commitment. Covers the skills and techniques that make up the consultative approach, managing interpersonal relations with clients, and considers several types of partnering roles. Includes a glossary, resources and references. Our review finds that this is an informative book that offers considerable value to anyone working in an organization. Recommended.

It's really refreshing to read a "business" book in language that speaks in a balanced way to both the practicality of tools AND the more conceptual threads that weave the tools together. But then, this book is all about balance, and how we can begin to create balance in the workplace for our clients (and ourselves!).

This book offers great tips and ideas for all professions who want to provide fabulous service and be more of a business partner

A whole lot of talent in one little book. Awesome poetry that speaks to the cowgirl heart.

Fans of poetry and cowgirls will find Cowgirl Poetry a lively collection of cowgirl poets who write about life on the range and the work of the ranch. From funny quips and long humorous poems to serious observations of the struggles of ranch life, Cowgirl Poetry is a fine collection.

Cowgirl Poetry edited by Virginia Bennett is without a doubt one of the best selections of poetry by real Cowgirls available anywhere. With a diverse collection of many writing styles and subjects dear to the hearts of the writers. I found "The Edge" by Debra Coppinger Hill a particularly compelling piece and her "Yellow Slicker" is destined to become a classic. The lighthearted fun of finding the right man is handled so well by Dee Strickland Johnson in "Tomboy", that all women will identify with it. Editor Virginia Bennet's "All That is Left" has such a wonderful haunting quality that carves an indelable image that will follow you for days. A good book for those who are new to Cowboy/Cowgirl Poetry, because it contains some of the best authors available today. It will inspire you to search for more works by the individual authors. Perfect size for carrying in a purse or brief case. A real bargain for the price.

This book is a wonderful story about community efforts to make one child find a better life aside from the issues he faces with his incarcerated mother. Gives a unique sense of dealing with death of loved ones. Very similar connections as in Alice Sebolds "The Lovely Bones". Stephen really knows how to draw your interest right away. He draws you into the story. Makes you feel like you are one of the family in the book! Although its fantasy fiction, It could really happen! I really believe it could! I spend a week after reading this book living life in a different light. Waiting for the next Dance to show up! Excellent reading!

This book is a wonderful story about community efforts to make one child find a better life aside from the issues he faces with his incarcerated mother. Gives a unique sense of dealing with death of loved ones. Very similar writings as in Alice Sebolds "The Lovely Bones". Excellent reading!

I loved this book. One of my all time favorites. A reality check of sorts some would say. The way Franks kindness goes out to Kevin is truly the best kind of love in the universe. Teenage boys shouldnt have to struggle alone. Beverly is stronger than she realizes. Dealing with life issues is hard but these wonderful friends would be welcome in my house as they stick together and help each other through. The lights...I see them as strength and serinity. What a wonderful read. Even worth a second go round!

Recently, I visited Monongahela on vacation with my wife. What a truly fabulous place, rich in flora and fauna. And we used this book to guide us through. Each trail description (choose from 30 day hikes and 10 overnight) offers commentary on scenery, trail condition, difficulty, accessibility for children and solitude.

West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest is the mid-Atlantic's best kept secret. Sure, there are a few popular destinations, like the Dolly Sods, but there are so many other places to go in the "Mon". But with over a million acres of land, it's hard to figure out exactly where to go. That's where Mr. Molloy's new book comes in. It has there and back day hikes and overnight loops. It rates each hike and then gives a running narrative of the trail you are on. What is really nice, in my opinion are the concise directions to each trailhead, saving time and getting me to where I really want to be, and that is on the trail.

I just got back from a hiking/camping experience I'll never forget. I'd never been to the Monongahela, or "Mon," as it is known, but when I saw this new hiking book I thought I would give it a try. The first hike, to Rohrbaugh Overlook, in the Dolly Sods, stunned me. Have you ever just known you were in the right place at the right time? That's how I felt, while looking over the Red Creek Valley surrounded by rock outcrops jutting from green forests. After a little national forest camping, I headed down to the Cranberry Wilderness, enjoying Molloy's Middle Fork overnight backpacking loop. The Middle Fork Cranberry River flowed clear beneath stately yellow birch trees and when I got up to the highcountry, the scent of spruce trees provided an aromatic backdrop for a night beneath the stars. Unfortunately the work bell rang and I had to return to Pittsburgh, but with 31 other day hikes and nine overnight backpacking loops in this book I shall return to the "Mon" many more times. This is a very useful and interesting book... perfect for anyone considering hiking in this area!

A beautifully told story about a girl who is emotionally running away from the recent death of her beloved mother and about how life won't let her. The tension between what the reader knows the main character, Dil, is doing and what she believes she is doing makes this wonderfully poignant and rich. Lots of other great characters including Dil's charming best friend Cub, her colorful grandfather, and her increasingly distant father who has his own wounds to heal. The farm country setting and animal focus make this broadly appealing on a whole other level. Highly recommended!

I just finished Dog Gone and felt compelled to write a review. This book moved me in a way I hadn't expected. Having been raised in the South, it was great to visit it once again through the sights, sounds, and characters the author uses to tell the tale of a girl struggling with the loss of her mother and the possible loss of her beloved dog--who may or may not be doing something harmful to the local farmers' livestock. Like an engine leaving the station, the tension slowly builds in the story until it races past you and you can no longer put the book down. Then, the climactic scene in the driveway, leaves you breathless and teary-eyed as the main character's realization or what has been and what will be smacks her and you, the reader, in the face. It was a powerful moment and speaks to the great command this writer has over her craft. This is a gripping, must-read novel for school-age children and adults. Kudos to Cynthia Chapman Willis. I can't wait to read her next book!

This is a wonderfully written story about the love of a dog by a girl who has just undergone a tragic life experience with the loss of her mother. Very insightful with a happy ending ! A perfect life experience for those 9-13 year olds who are the target audience of this new author. I would definitely recommend this book !