References Books

I use this lexicon over any Bible dictionary or other lexicon I've found, as it's the most historically accurate and un-indoctrinated version to date. Provides an excess of great information about the use of many words, their historical significance, and has a very wide coverage for such a small book. If you're looking for a portable lexicon, this is your baby.

I cannot do without the intermediate Liddle&Scott in my Greek studies: it is so useful: clear and comprehensive explanations, examples provided, verb forms presented in their different forms as separate dictionary items, which greatly facilitates finding the exact verb, in short, I recommend this dictionary to anyone studying the ancient Greek (I have used other dictionaries, like Benseler's Greek-German, or Veisman's Greek-Russian, but I like the Liddle&Scott the most.

Liddell and Scott's lexicon is available in three versions, the complete large set ("Great Scott)", this intermediate sized volume ("Middle Liddell"), and an abridged version ("Little Liddell"). I use the version of Liddell-Scott that is found on BibleWorks 7. And it looks to be this "Middle Liddell" that is the version on BibleWorks. And I would say this size provides sufficient material without being overwhelming.

Liddell-Scott gives the basic definition using one word or a short phrase. Shades of meanings are represented by giving more than one word or phrase for the basic meaning. When a word has more than one basic meaning, these are numbered using Roman numerals and listed individually. Reference to classical Greek authors is given for each of the various meanings or shades of meanings.

Being based more on classical Greek than NT Greek enables this lexicon to give definitions for words that might not fit with pre-conceived theological ideas. And that is good. Sometimes, a word has been traditionally translated in manner that does not reflect the original meaning of the word. So this lexicon takes one out of preconceived notions and back to how the word was actually used. And that was very helpful in finding exact definitions of words for my Analytical-Literal Translation of the New Testament: Third Edition (ALT). It was in part because of this lexicon that I rendered "ekklesia" as "assembly" rather than "church" and "hagios" as "holy ones" rather than "saints."

So I would highly recommend this lexicon.

Twenty years ago I earned a bachelor's in Greek. This was the only lexicon I needed (aside from using Autenreith's for a couple Homer classes). I still use this to this day. For a time I even had a copy of the "Great Scott" but it sat there unused...so I sold it and don't miss it. This one, the "Middle Liddell" all, and probably more than, you'll ever need.

This is an excellent work. It is unfortunate that in some fields, the tendency is to always prefer the latest and greatest, simply *because* it's the latest and greatest. This lexicon was produced in the late 19th Century, but is still the best single resource one can get. The Intermediate Lexicon of Liddell and Scott has just the right balance between portability and coverage.

The massive LSJ is updated and covers everything, but you'll tear your rotator cuff trying to lug it around. Bauer, et al, has everything you want for the New Testament, but not Classics. I am a fan of the Oxford pocket dictionary for different reasons, but for serious work, come on, do you really want to try using a pocket lexicon in a language whose development (covered here, anyway) spanned close to a millennium? This one volume covers Homer through the Hellenistic Period.

Speaking of which, it is a great resource, but not perfect. Depending on your field, there are some specialized lexicons I would recommend. Lust/Eynikel/Hauspie's _Lexicon of the Septuagint_, Bauer's _Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament_, and Abbott-Smith's _Manual Lexicon of the New Testament_ all incorporate early 20th C. papyri discoveries. They also have references to location within the literature they serve, and can act as a poor man's concordance. These other resources are useful because assigning existing Greek words to Hebrew/Christian religious concepts sometimes changed the meaning of those words in those communities. While the Middle Liddell has brief but sound definitions, I think these others are needed if you're working in Biblical Studies.

The quality of this Oxford University Press volume is outstanding. It will withstand many years of hard use. While the font is small, it is quite legible, and the printing and paper quality are very high. It's even reasonably priced! Once you have all the other specialized lexicons, you may not reach for the Middle Liddell as often, but if I was restricted to one Lexicon for all-round use (and thank goodness, I'm not), this would undoubtedly be it.

Very dissapointed. The goatskin eddition for less money is sooooo much nicer. No comparison! Now I must return this item.

I have had this KJV Concord Wide Margin Reference Edition for 4 years. It has held up beautifully--indeed it still looks virtually brand new (and I have used and written extensive notes in this Bible). Here's what I like about this Bible:
1. The Calfskin leather covering. This leather has held up unbelievably--as if it is still brand new.
2. The clarity of the font. Even though the font is somewhat small, it's bold font is crystal clear (and my eyes are not very good).
3. I love the fact that there is so much space in the margins for writing notes. And not just on each side, but the top and bottom of each page has plenty of room as well.
4. I also love the fact that bleed-through is not a problem. I use bold pens and multi-colored high-lighters, and yet none of them bleed through. Awesome.

The main plus is the fact that I've had this Bible for 4 years. And it still is in prime condition (and I have used this Bible very heavily).

If you are looking for a quality King James Bible, one that has plenty of room for your own notes, one that holds up even after heavy useage...well, this is the Bible for you. I love it and feel confident that this Bible will be in great shape 20 years down the road.

This was just the bible I Have been searching for. FJV, wide margin, marginal references, and extra pages for my own notes. This was the only KJV that offered everything I needed, along with superior quality.

This is a beautiful, very high quality Bible. I have nothing to add to the other reviews that praise this Bible beyond saying that while I very much prefer the King James Version, I do wish that those who claim it is the only valid English translation would get a copy of this Bible and read the Translators' Letter to the Reader -- it is a very fine, nearly 400-year-old refutation of the KJV-only crowd's arguments. Also, I am over 40 and wish that Cambridge would make a text or a Concord version with a font somewhere between the 10 pt they call "large print" and the 22/24 pt "giant print" -- somewhere between 12.5 and 18 pt would be nice. Still, this is a very readable Bible, and the center column references are very good. Spend the money -- it's worth it.

Excellent, beautiful, quality bible and workmanship. A treasure. Sturdy and well made, type is easy to read. The paper is sturdy and you can write notes in the wide margins without worrying about the ink passing through or indentations being made in the pages. The binding is also sturdy. This bible has a wonderful leather smell. With care it will last many years. Amazon has it at an excellent price.

I have to agree with the previous poster who said the Letter from the Translators to the Readers is good to have. It is definitely a solid refutation to the KJV only crowd. I myself prefer the KJV and NKJV because they are taken from the accurate manuscripts. However, I am saddened by KJV only defenders who either deny or just don't know the history of their own English Bible. While the KJV is the only pure preserved English bible today (Hebrew and Greek meanings and pure manuscripts), we would probably not have it were it not for the Geneva and Tyndale bibles that preceded it, as well as several other English bibles. Men literally gave (lost) their lives for daring to translate God's word into the English common man's language, as Tyndale put it: so that the plowman would have his own bible in his very own language. The Geneva was the preferred bible for 100 years before the KJV was commissioned by King James to be chained to Anglican pulpits and become the only version used. The Geneva was one of over four bibles used by the 50 KJV translators (Textually the KJV is 95% Geneva bible text). The KJV-only stance that began under the King caused a stir among the Puritans who loved their protestant Geneva bible (they knew the KJV was not considered a protestant bible), and this prompted them to sail to America in search of religious freedom. They brought with them their Geneva bibles and that was the first main bible used in early America, until early Congress declared the KJV to be widely utilized in government and by our founding fathers. The KJV at the time it was translated and published was another update of the previous English bibles as English had changed and adapted between the time of the Anglo-Saxons to Wycliff to Tyndale to King James. Updating English words as English changes, such as in the New King James, is not a sin as long as meaning has not been changed or taken from. Most don't know that the original KJV 1611 had 80 books in it (the 14 extra were the Apocrypha) until 1881 when the 14 extra books of the Apocrypha were removed. KJV-only often say that the bible they hold in their hands today is the 1611 Authorzed version, but what they don't know is that the KJV underwent at least 7 revisions between 1611 and 1881. And they don't realize that if they did really have a 1611 AV their bibles would have the original English spellings of 1611, such as "f" used in place of "s" in certain words, "l" instead of "j" in certain words, as well as totally different spellings of certain words that changed between Tyndale's time and the 1800s. The original 1611 AV spelled Jesus as "Iefus." Pretty hard to read that way, eh? That's why the KJV was updated spelling-wise over the next 2 centuries after 1611, because such spelling of words changed and began to resemble closer to how we spell today. The NKJV is the same KJV bible with certain archaic words replaced with words of the same meaning that we use today. Such as the word "commodius" in the KJV in Acts has been updated to "suitable" in the NKJV. If one looks up the word commodius in most dictionaries and reads the archaic usage of the word they will find that the definition given is the same meaning that the NKJV has updated the text with. God transcends language with his holy word and God did not speak King James English any more than He spoke Chinese, but His spirit is able to adapt His word and meaning into many languages as long as the translators are being faithful to the true, exact meaning. To change His meaning is to add to or take away from His word. The updated NKJV has not changed meaning, but instead has updated certain English words just as the KJV translators updated certain out of date words and spellings from the previous English bibles. So, when a KJV-only person yells at you for reading your NKJV direct him to some English bible history and welcome him to make himself more well-rounded on information.

For those who love the poetic beauty of the KJV and want it in a bible that will last and that has great quality, this Cambridge bible will not disappoint you. Plenty of room to write notes on the outter and bottom margins.

It helps to learn the history behind something you believe in.

book arrived as expected; great book! I am very excited to read entire book and cook also. I love amazon.com!

This is a cook book and a how-to-do-it prep book for classical French cooking. While the recipes are excellent, the pics on how to prepare in the classical style are the best I have ever seen--the phototography is exceptional. Pretty much every step in classical cooking is explained from prepping meats, poultry, and fish to baking. While extremely useful in the kitchen while prepping and cooking, this could also be a coffee table book--it is that beautiful.

This is one of those reference works that every cook should have at hand. Whether you are into serious gourmet cooking or you merely want to know how to carve a turkey or what part of the cow does a strip steak come from, you will have the answer in this book in beautiful color illustrations and easy to follow explanations.

I simply love this book. My native language is not English, but I could read it and understand very easily. Also, it's full of unforgettable insights which I like the best. So I would recommend this book to people like me - not very fluent in English, but eager to learn how to cook properly.

Not so much a cookbook as a practical guide to French technique, from the basics to the challenging. And it's got lots of color pictures! I've used the instructions to cut up a duck, to make bechamel, and to bake the chocolate-walnut cake. But I've also used the book to refine my technique to improve upon recipes from other cookbooks. A wonderful addition to my library.

I've been practicing as a lawyer, in big and boutique law firms, for about 6 years now, and LawyerLife has been a huge help for me in making one critical move from a prestigious, miserable and horrible firm to a happier one.

This book seemed simple to me when I bought it. Sure, everything sounds good and sensible here etc. But - it was when I had seen more and learned more that I realized how valuable this book is in beating you over the head with common sense. In certain law firms it IS the norm to work nonstop, drink too much, maybe try drugs, maybe neglect your health and family, start to treat others with contempt and bend the rules. Then the norm becomes "normal" - hey, everyone else does it.

That said, there is no rule that a career in law has to be miserable or wreck your or other's lives. We all have free will. Maybe we have to make changes, or take a little less comp, in order to be happy - but in a twisted "norm" setting we can forget that, or start to think that wanting health, balance and happiness is a sign of weakness (and big firm billing machine lawyers sure do love to rip on the "weak" who don't make as much or work as much "because they can't cut it").

This is a great sanity check and sanity reminder. Every younger lawyer should have a copy and read and re-read (or skim) it often. It could save your life, or at least keep you from drinking yourself to death or jumping to your death (it has happened) when it seems like a rotten life comes bundled with the JD.

In LawyerLife, Judge Carl Horn III combines a thorough review of the literature on finding meaning in the practice of law with his own very thoughtful insights. He describes the causes of the public's dissatisfaction with lawyers and with lawyers' discontents about their own lives and profession. Judge Horn then proceeds to offer constructive solutions for individual lawyers and for the profession generally. The "twelve-step program" for fulfillment in the practice of law is must reading for anyone who either practices law or hopes to do so someday. Legal educators and bar leaders will also benefit greatly from reading and implementing his suggestions. For anyone interested in the problems of the legal profession and those who work within it, and who have time only to read one book on how to improve the profession and the lives of lawyers, this is the book to read.

In LawyerLife: Finding a Life and a Higher Calling in the Practice of Law, Carl Horn III provides great insight and practical advice for those of us looking to optimize our life in the legal profession. Horn, a federal judge in North Carolina, recognizes that the law is a profession with a proud past that is now at a crossroads. As public opinion of lawyers continues to sour and scorch-the-earth tactics, incivility and burnout become standard fare for practitioners, we find ourselves a profession in crisis. But, as Judge Horn aptly chronicles, more and more lawyers are waking up to, and striving to redress, the problems that have changed our daily work from a calling to a far less rewarding and more stressful business. What distinguishes LawyerLife from similar commentaries on lawyer dissatisfaction is its hopefulness. While Judge Horn accurately highlights the difficulties plaguing the legal profession, he devotes even more of the book to helping us answer a key question: "how do we `pursue excellence' not only in what we do professionally, but also in a larger context of who we are as family, as friends, and as citizens?" In my work as an attorney and through my blog, LegalSanity, I help individuals achieve success and satisfaction and thwart career burnout by building key skills in communication and negotiation, the attorney-client relationship and career success and fulfillment. It was through this work that I first got to know Judge Horn (who features me in Lawyerlife as part of the "growing cadre of lawyers who have found professional satisfaction and balance"). Having dialogued with numerous disenchanted lawyers, law students and educators across the country, I know that they're very hungry for guidance on reclaiming the joy and meaning in the everyday practice of law. LawyerLife provides just the kind of thoughtful, honest and sensible direction that they need and deserve.

I highly recommend this book. It is an interesting compilation of studies about trends in the legal profession and suggestions on avoiding personal and professional pitfalls. No other book has provoked as much discussion among lawyers I know.

Relatively short and easy to read, LawyerLife tells us things we probably already know. But reflecting on its prescriptions may cause us to alter the path we're about to take or change the path we're on. This makes it invaluable.

Robert P. Johnston
Senior Resident Superior Court Judge
26th Judicial District
Charlotte, North Carolina

Ok,this book it's nothing special.We all know that every good paid job is related to stress and so is the lawyers life. We all know that we will burn out if we work 12 hours per day, not taking care of our personal life, family, hobbies etc. This book I would recommend to high school students before he/she enters into a real hard working life to be prepared and take into account what they should have in mind in order to keep balance and satisfaction in life.

I have been in business for many years as a literary publicist, but I am constantly
on the lookout for good reference books for publicity for myself and my staff.
This book is one of them. I highly recommend it.
Sherri Rosen
sherri Rosen Publicity LLC
NYC

As if the process of completing a literary work were not enough, Mr. Marich clearly illuminates the most treacherous path of promoting that work once it is complete. Having tried unsuccessfully to navigate this path on my own in the past, this book became a true beacon in my career. His insightful, witty comments make this book both a great read as well as an invaluable tool for anyone who ever had the courage to take the bull by the horns and promote themselves with the same energy as a PR firm. I know that on all subsequent endeavors I will gladly return to the core lessons found within to ensure my ongoing success.

I own a small PR agency in Chicago and am always looking for tools to help our junior staff be more effective and efficient. This book is great! Everyone of my employees now has their own copy of Literary Publicity: The Final Chapter. It's got everything a professional needs to know -- and, even better, what a non-pro needs to know to help make their book successful. I also like how Marich uses humor to make his points. I recommend this for any writer or any beginning publicist.

Mr. Marich has cured my writer's block. I realized after reading this incredible "BIBLE" that the root of my writer's anxiety was my fear that I would never be able to get my work to the public, press or broadcast media. I know now that there are tried and true ways to get my work noticed. After finishing Mr. Marich's book, I went right back to my P.C. with new inspiration. How very unselfish of Mr. Marich to share his experience and know-how with other writers. Anyone who is even thinking about writing for public consumption should read this book. No agent in the world could do in one year what Mr. Marich has done in one incredible book.

As an author, I am quite familiar with the search for publicity. This book was an enormous help, very clearly organized, and, most surprisingly, fun to read. The author obviously has a lot of experience in the field, and shares his trade secrets. It should be very helpful for beginning authors as well as more established ones looking to further their literary careers. Highyl recommended.

I have actually used this reference for years as needed for ActionScript. I still had a good use for this text in ensuring compatibility with Flash MX until the lack of features became too overwhelming. This is in the face of newer versions of Flash such as CS3 (9.0) that use ActionScript 2.0/3.0. All in all, this book was wonderful until the release of Flash 8.

Because of the new Filters that have come out with Flash 8.0 and the features of ActionScript 2.0 to support these and other enhancements, I would instead recommend Flash 8 ActionScript Bible if one is concerned with cross-compatibility in their ActionScript code and wishes to still be able to use AS with newer features such as Filters (but not as new as Transitions or other CS3 exclusive features - for that, I'd recommend ActionScript 3.0 Bible or something similar).

As far as who I could possibly recommend this book for: It's good for somebody who is still working with Flash MX 2004 and below to Flash 5 (much of the text is compatible with Flash 5), however, I don't know that there are many of those sorts of individuals.

This book is a great resource for when you're looking for that specific line of code. Its terrible to read from front to back, but its an excellent way to find exactly what you're looking for. Its so much code, it'll make your eyes bleed.

One of the few comprehensive actionsctipt titles on the market. The first half of the book boasts a large variety of tutorials and examples that skillfully lead the reader through both the syntax and use of actionscript. Personally I found the text clear and practical. The chapters on OOP were of particular value as they went beyond actionscript basics into application, bordering on philosophical.

The second half is an invaluable reference of the entire actionscript dictionary with a comprehensive CD full of .fla example files and bonus chapters on the XML Object. As a qualified teacher I found it hard to fault the methodology employed by the various authors.

Well worth the purchase.

I am a former programming teacher and I have a style to teach my students the most UNDERSTANDABLE way to do something not just how to do it. This text/reference achieves that purpose. If you have an understanding of Flash (which you should have before getting into scripting see Weinman books) then this book will serve you well. There are other books on scripting - great books - such as Moock's books but they are more so for the programmer. This book is for the novelist programmer that desires to learn about action scripting.

5 stars if you know Flash well.
1 star if you haven't had any experience with it at all.

I was a beginner once, who couldn't figure out Flash at all. I'd like to help you build a bridge between where you may be now, as a beginner, to where you may find yourself aspiring to go.

If your only experience with Flash is to have seen the many wonderful and breathtaking Flash movies on the Internet and just had a look at the authoring tool, I strongly recommend that you leave this book until much later. It has its place in the learning curve but it isn't, in my opinion, the first book to see.

There are understandings to possess that this book doesn't cover sufficiently well enough for those whose minds work in particular ways. This is a programming book, for using the phenomenon of programming to create great design and animations. Whilst the focus is on design, you aren't using the design tools on the interface. With this book, you are using the Actionscript language and you have to have a logical mind for this activity (as well as keeping your strong creative one).

I began my steep learning curve with Flash by watching others and watching video tutorials, especially those by George Pierson. In this way, I can ask questions that are tailored for me and I get tailored responses. Books aren't always able to do so well here.

What is great about this book is the MX Actionscript reference in it and the seemingly well designed theory tutorials. I can't find a fault with the reference. The theory is quite good. In the reference, all Flash MX commands are covered. There are examples of how to use them, but the coverage may not be enough for some. Brill. Just BRILL. I can be excited but because I can follow Actionscript.

Approach this book when you are successfully making Flash movies on your own. Yes, on your own. For me, this book is an aid for when I am going to where I haven't gone to before. It helps me make judgements on ideas I get.

Mr Spurgeon has a way of going deeper into the Scriptures and pulling out meaning that helps us in our spiritual growth, a wonderful devotion.

i don't even like devotionals, but Spurgeon packs so much truth into one paragraph in each one. it's just a really great blessing.

If you love Spurgeon, you will love this new edition. I love his writings and his words, but often I have to re-read his works for clear comprehension. But this new edition keeps the deep relevance and the heart piercing truth while using vocabulary that is more modern making the words jump off the page with lighening speed.
If you are new to Spurgeon, this is the book for you. It will whet your appetite for more of this deep thinker's insights into God's mighty Word.
Buy the book today and enjoy it for years to come!

This is a wonderful resource. The Original is a masterpiece. The problem is that the type size in the hardbound edition is Very Small. Not suitable for anyone with less than perfect vision and a lot of light. I am Very disappointed. This publisher, Crosswayd doesn't seem to pay attention to these details.

This is an excellent devotional book, a single page for morning and a single page for evening each day. It draws the reader into a deeper appreciation of Christ and what we have in Him. Often the entries are convicting, but only in a way that tends to lead toward greater -- and happier -- submission to the Lord. Reflections on short Scriptural excerpts are deep and insightful. I've been using it for four years and never find it old or unfruitful.

This book was excellent. In perfect condition. Exactly what I needed for class. Got to me even quicker than I expected. Completely satisfied.

Pretty self explanatory, but the side coloration page layout is great and the book comes with a cd rom, so you don't have to lug it around with you.

The book arrived in new condition, but it took over 2 weeks to get here.

I'm a first year nursing student and I would definately recommend it to anyone going into the medical field

I like this mosby book for reference. It's very reliable and informative. Helps me in my hospital job.

The book has some good ideas, but much of it explains really basic things like how to upload audio and video files. There's simply too much filler. All of the really good marketing ideas could have been written in ten pages or less.

There has never been anything available before that offers such clarity and knowledge of this industry. A must have for someone starting out either as an artist or anyone wanting to get into the field. The author really knows his stuff.

In today's world where music is the number one download on the Internet and connected with the top gift lines of today, making money with it has not been the on the "top of the online businesses to make money" for the average person. Until now.

From basic HTML codes to social networking, this book clearly and simply explains every single step of the way to the bank, with success whistling all the way. Its contents and index provide an easy way to browse through the book to find exactly what you need to know or do, with professional advice and teaching from cover to cover.

The book is written from heartfelt experience, tough roads, and successful insight. I enjoyed reading it, and with the information in this book opening up a new field on line--it would be best to jump in now ahead of everyone else.

I must say I was very surprised at how good this book was! Yes there were basic things included as well, as mentioned in another review but there was also tons of new ideas and more advanced strategies. I understand how many people dont know the basics such as my bass player..lol Myself I know alot more than basic and this book gave me lots of ideas.. we already have booked more shows and following is growing for sure as more people are coming to shows..and got a review in the paper! never would of done that without this book! great read, Great strategies, and useful ideas here! Thank-You, Thank-You, Thank-You!

I'm extremely suspicious of this book getting 17 5-star ratings. It was alright! Seriously though, any more than 3 stars is generous.

THE BAD:
It's quite basic, explaining how to set up a myspace page, etc. Now, maybe I'm biased because I was not new to MySpace when I purchased the book. I already knew about bulletins and blogs and messages and how things work on MySpace. I was more interested in getting more traffic to my band's page.

Certain things about the book were frustrating. For instance, there is a subheading in one of the chapters titled "Getting on the Front Page." Well, in that section it talks about what a great opportunity it is to get on MySpace's homepage. (Duh.) However, it does NOT tell you how to accomplish this. Instead, it states how unlikely it is, but that it's a "wild dream for everybody." Useless. Basically, the book tended to tell you which things would be good things for you to do but then left you clueless as to how to go about it.

There was a type-o probably every 5th or 6th page, and that REALLY irritated me. It was hard to take the book seriously when it clearly had not been edited.


THE GOOD:
It is a quick read. You could go through the whole book in a day.

It talked a good deal about promotions for your band. Although, most of it involved writing or hiring a writer rather than flyers or other traditional techniques I assumed would be the most proficient.

Nicky Kalliongis obviously has a lot of contacts and has done some great stuff in his musical career. ... but I would not by any means consider him a good author.

Anyway, yeah, 3 stars, no more.

This is a 50 card deck created by literary escort, Naomi Epel who would get writing advice/ideas from the authors that she toted around. She used an index card system where she had wrote phrases or questions. When she was feeling stuck, she'd pull out a card to induce ideas.

The cards have words, suggestions, ideas to help pull you out of being stuck or to spark your creativity with your writing. Accompanying the cards is a book that is slightly larger than the cards. The book contains suggested uses for the cards and meanings. I like in the introduction where Naomi says: "The spontaneity of pulling cards freed me from having to be too self-directive and my writing began to flow."

I have enjoyed using the cards and the book is interesting. I have been keeping the cards beside my computer when I write, and sometimes when I take a break I'll shuffle and see what comes up. This morning when I went to my computer, (after reading a book that had me thinking about writing down some goals)I looked at the cards sitting atop a pile of books. The top card facing me read: "Set realistic goals." -Wow, maybe they're psychic too!

The cards and book come in a nice box. Mine haven't been back in the box since I got them. This is a great gift for writers or anyone who enjoys creativity and expanding their thinking.

I bought the book used here sans cards and the book itself is interesting. It has about five references to the wonderful writer Julie Smith whose work I'm reading now as a result. She's terrific and until now I had not considered myself a mystery reader.

A few of the topics/ideas in the are common sense (well, actually they all are), but I am surprised at how having them in one place is inspirational. I wish I had this book on my writer's retreat last weekend for a craft lesson presentation.

The edition I have is a small paperback and has a colorful, interesting cover. It would make a great gift.

So, in short, I recommend the book as a gift for writer friends or for yourself to nurture your creative side. I'm so torn between the two, I'll buy another copy.

My soon-to-be published friend Debra introduce me to The Observation Deck -- which I now lovingly call "a writing class in a box."

This is not new, published in 1998, so I was late to join the fan club, and when I tell other friends about it, some look at me patiently and say: You just found it now!

The idea (should you choose to accept this mission) is to use the deck of get-off-your-duff cards to urge you out of writer's block.

This may sound melodramatic, but it has changed my life -- as a writer, editor, listener and observer of people, places and things.

When writer's block hits, pick from over 20 cards that might say: Take a walk; or zoom in and out; explore the underside; follow the scent.... You get the idea. My favorite is: EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER.

The purse-sized, 160-page book has a chapter on each of the "pushes" on the cards. My book is highlighted in yellow, with X in red and Q for wonderful quotes. I read a little, think a lot, and then an idea, or a new way to look at an idea that has been rumbling and grumbling around in my head pops into my thought process.

If you are wannabe writer (or better writer), this would be a great self-gift or for family or friends who are writers.

These pretty cards are an excellent device to jump-start ideas when that sneaky writer's block comes up. Great for brainstorm sessions and getting ideas organized. This is a fun tool for those who love cards - playing cards, tarot decks, and affirmations. Creative minds will have a blast using this "ingredient" in their recipe of book writing!

"The Observation Deck" is a cute boxed set from Naomi Epel for writers who suffer from writers block or other inspiration malfunctions.

The set from Epel contains 50 cards meant to inspire thoughts, stories or other ways of thinking during the writing process. A little book is also included that contains techniques that have worked for other writers such as "Eavesdrop" a little trick apparently used by famous writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Eudora Welty and many others. The book is more effective than the cards and I would like to see that thought continued in larger volume by Epel.

This set is a nice handy tool to have at hand when doubting your worth as a writer. Grab it for inspiration but rely on your own observations.