Publishing Books

I first read "The Berkut" almost 20 years ago and the story has never left my mind. I recently purchased a used copy and read the book again and it was everything I remembered it being.

This is an intensely character driven story with the fall of Germany and the Nazi party as the backdrop. While Heywood bends a few historical facts to make his story work, there is sufficient accuracy to occasionally convince you that you're reading a work of non-fiction. Heywood does a masterful job of creating characters you can identify with and understand, even sympathize with. No small feat when you're reading about Nazis.

This is a book that begs to be brought to the small screen as a mini-series.

This was a great book and nearly impossible to put down. The suspense and action in the novel will keep you on the edge of your seat, as it did to me. It's an absolutely brilliant mix of historical fact with fiction... even better than early Clancy novels like "Hunt for Red October". I would recommend this to book to anyone; regardless of their tastes and preferences.

I purchased this book due to the glowing reviews by amazon customers, sadly this is one of the few times that I've been let down. I'm an avid student of history and the Eastern Front of the Second World War is my forte. There is little historical fact in this book when it comes to the Soviet Union, Stalin, the Red Army, or the history of the war on the Eastern Front. The author takes well known, today, German myths and makes them a reality (for his time this might have been alright, but today it is too much to take). His conjectures are baseless, somehow Tiger tanks are on the Eastern front during the Moscow Counter-Offensive of 1941/42, if it wasn't for US Lend Lease the Soviet Union would have been under German rule, forgetting that Lend Lease made up 4% of the Soviet war effort. The Winter is what stopped the Germans, Red Army men do nothing but pillage, rape, dance, and kill in practically all the scenes at the beginning of the book. Sure, it's a fictional book, but the correct historical context could have been kept. There are many other historical errors, why Stalin ignored warnings about the invasion, Stalin screaming that Hitler promised the non-aggression pact would last for a thousand years when in fact the non-aggression pact was for a ten year period, and so on and so forth. If an author changes one event to suit his premise, that's fine, but changing the entire history of the war and that of the Soviet Union is just unacceptable.

Heywood is a master story teller who keeps you on your toes. This book took me away from my surroundings and put me back into Germany in the last, apocalyptic days of the Third Reich. I witnessed the escape of Adolf Hitler, saw the Russian NKVD Special Forces team went in, trailed him and his SS rescuers relentlessly, and took him off a ship, bound for Argentina and freedom.

The SS Men were men to be admired for their bravery and craftiness. Sometimes I almost wanted them to succeed as I trekked with them across the countryside of southern Europe with their Fuehrer. But then the Russian team, made up of a few men and one woman, were people I came to know really well and identified with. I followed their every step in their search for the monster of Berlin.

I really hated Joseph Stalin, especially when he kept threatening the most capable team in all Russia with death if they didn't bring Hitler to him alive. Stalin was a real slime in my view. Moreover I knew that he was genuinely wicked even more than Hitler was. But eventually he did reward the team generously for their work.

Intense suspense and action. A great read.

Heywood rocks

I read this book as a Marine sergeant stationed in the Philippines during Operation Desert Storm. Not only are the SS Men, Soviet spies, and American agents, all totally believable, the weapons systems are detailed and the characters are brutally real and fascinating.

My one complaint is that there was not enough of one particular character -- Rosemary Wilson, a WAC officer who stumbles across one of the Hitler Youth girls sneaking Hitler out of Germany. The author seems to have put her into the book just to have a bit of titillating lesbian excitement, then killed her off in a hurry. Frankly, though Heywood is a master at writing a taut, military thriller, his view of lesbians seems to be very old hat, almost stereotypical. Rosemary Wilson is predatory, blundering, greedy, and stupid -- she's so busy drooling over the mysterious blonde fraulein she misses the obvious hints that the girl is on some kind of secret mission!

I loved this book, but why couldn't Rosemary Wilson have gotten the upper hand? Heywood could very easily have written the opposite scenario -- the repressed German girl falls into the arms of the rich American woman and ends up giving away vital clues! That would have been just as sexy and just as exciting, and we could have done without the cheap and really pointless lesbian-bashing that comes out of nowhere.

But make no mistake -- this is a sizzling thriller!

My son did not show any interest in these books. Books are ok not very creative and rhyming as the "The going to bed book".

Sandra Boynton's books are so much fun to read aloud to babies and toddlers! My children adored all of Boynton's books and I had a blast reading them each and every time. Pajama Time is our #1 all-time favorite read aloud. We actually created a dance to go along with the book! These books make wonderful books for baby's first time library. These books beg to be read aloud and enjoyed together. Go ahead...bathe your baby with the rhythmic, dancing language in these books. You will be providing your baby with the ultimate listening experience and laying the critical foundation for early literacy learning.

I bought the Big Box of Boynton for my expected grandchild. I've been a children's librarian for twenty years and work with babies and their caregivers regularly. Boynton's board books are on my must have list and now that we get to be grandparents we are working on a library. This is really fun! We broke out the books for our little friend who visits regularly and he is enjoying being read to!

My 18mth yr old granddaughter and 2.5yr old grandson are delighted with these new books. Reading along with them is like 'Rock 'n Read' - the only thing missing is the music to sing along to these delightful rhyming stories. The children just love to look at the books alone and express their delight and interest.

This is a great set of books! Sandra Boynton is great at writing books with rhythm and rhyme. Pajama Time is one of my all-time favorite Boynton books. These books are great for very little babies up to 3 or 4 year-olds. These are three wonderful books to add to any collection!

The book was in great price, and it arrived in great condition. The best thing was, however, the promptness of the delivery!! Thank you very much.

Another in a collection of zany, wonderful episodes brought to us by a cartooning master. Keeps us in touch with sanity and makes us laugh because we need it! Good job, Bill!

The commentary provided by the author on each of the Sunday cominc cartoon included in the collection in itself is worth the book. Each cartoon is presented twice, though. The left panel is similar to the sketches and the right hand presents the same cartoon in color. Each of the two pages provide a narrative related to the specific cartoon - explaining the artistic characteristics and inspiration for the cartoon....All in all, an excellent addition to any Calvin fan (and which intelligent reader isnt!)

Calvin & Hobbes was much more than a really good newspaper comic strip.

Created by Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes will be hailed among the greatest ever created, right alongside Peanuts and Krazy Kat for its creativity, scope of influence and the enjoyment it offered the reader. It was a strip capable of being all things gleeful and all things sad, all things goofy and all things serious.

Bill Watterson's genius cannot be overstated. He was a master of the comic form. He somehow managed to be funny, clever, touching, insightful, warm, cynical, uplifting, devious, nostalgic, and mischievous, all in the space of a little three- or four-panel comic strip.

And his Sunday strips? A feast. His use of space and color, especially in the strip's later years, was masterful. He knew how to work a page like no other.

In this collection, some of the best Sunday strips are collected in glorious color. Each is amended with footnotes and annotations by the creator himself, along with early pre-newspaper versions of the strips. While many of these can be found elsewhere, this collection is a nice look back at some favorites, made even better by the insight and observations of the man who drew them. Even those intimately familiar with these cartoons will learn something new about the craft of comic creation through his annotations.

Each comic strip is a story - and for longtime Calvin & Hobbes readers, a memory. That final strip, with its clean slate of white snow into which Calvin and Hobbes disappear, talking of discovery and exploring ... just fantastic.

If you're a fan of Watterson's work and Calvin & Hobbes, you owe it to yourself to pick this up.

For the eleven years that it ran (1985-1995), Waterson's "Calvin and Hobbes" comic strip was one of the greatest ever. His genius is reflected in a combination of brilliant images, imaginative story lines, unpredictable situations, and just the fun, love, and silliness of a little boy and his stuffed tiger. I have a few of the large format books, and I get a bit tired by Watterson's gassy forewords, in which he never fails to yak on and on about the cruel cartoon industry with its shrinking sizes, loss of artistic greatness, and insistence on merchandising every successful strip. Whatever. He does it again in this book, so you'll have to skip past that. The book doubled as the exhibit catalog for a showing of Watterson's works at Ohio State a few years ago. The interesting pages are dozens of Sunday strips with his personal comments under most of them. They appear in both the original draft and the final colored form (though personally, I didn't see much value added in running the same strip twice --in black-and-white and then in color). But it is fun to page through and laugh again at some of the most creative, clever, humorous, and well-drawn strips ever.

I received this book from a friend at Christmas when I was a child. I always loved it. I sent a copy to my great granddaughters 8th birthday last year with a couple of other story books and she said she loved all of them.

A Child's Garden of VersesI had this book of poems as a child and loved it dearly. I recently purchased this newer (artwork) version of my favorite book, and WOW was I surprised. The artwork was beautiful and added greatly to the beautiful verses. I am sure that not only the baby that I gifted this to, but his parents will love the book (and artwork) as much as I still love mine. Thank You.

This book brought back memories of my childhood which I can now pass down to my grandchildren.

To wander through your childhood, as I recently did, I highly recommend Robert Louis Stevenson's, "A Child's Garden of Verses". The illustrations combined with the poetry reminded me of my first introduction to poetry. That early experience instilled a life long love of poetry in myself which I passed along to my children. My son has become "the family poet" so I purchased this volume for him for Christmas. Poetry conveys in a few eloquent words the emotions that no other form of writing can. We would be much poorer humans without this medium.

I was amazed at the difficulty of finding this literary classic anywhere . I checked in local stores , large franchises and even used book shops . I know I sound like my grandfather , but what is the world coming to ?! You not only had it , but shipped it immediately . My grandchildren will treasure this book as I did . Thanks !!

An absolute necessity for any fiction writer, whether new to writing or used as a refresher. Easy to understand with crucial points listed at the end of each chapter. Discusses the pros and cons of using mystery and suspense elements, pacing, prologues, creating a hook and completing the cycle of hints, red herrings and resolution. This would be a perfect book for a writing class. After manuscript completion, every writer should revisit this book to evaluate their project before submitting to agents or publishers. There are many books on how to write mystery or suspense, but this is by far my favorite. Well Done!

This edition covers just about everything to do with the craft of writing. Serious and succinct, it covers all stages of the craft and offers valuable insight.

Recently published in 2006, this how-to book of "24 Fiction Writing Techniques to Save Your Manuscript" has already garnered 26 reviews, all of them top-rated with five-star! As the reviews all agree, fiction writers of any disposition or genre will find this book beneficial and delightful! The suggestions are exactly right for improving fiction manuscripts, the examples clear and valuable, the author's tone amusing, the book's presentation entertaining! Without qualification, I recommend this book to fiction writers--be they literary, mainstream, or genre writers.

DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY is a remarkable book. Not only is it a boon to mystery writers, but also it has excellent examples, techniques and tips for authors of all genres. I plan on gifting this book to friends and all authors who write for Dog-Eared Publications. Nancy Field, Publisher

This book is a terrific primer for first-time or relatively new writers -- and not just writers of mysteries, but all fiction and even non-fiction. The examples of poor choices and better alternatives that Chris Roerden chooses are clear and relevant. My only nit to pick is the negative construction of the book: with some background in teaching, my preference is always to suggest the right thing to do first, rather than to point out what not to do or how not to do something. A valuable addition to the library of anyone who wants to become a better writer, editor, or reviewer.

This book put a realistic extra dimension into nearly any d20 driven game, especially D&D!

Other systems have had helpful guides for filling out the average town with something other than cardboard cutouts - now finally d20 has as well. While the book is a bit flawed in many of its assumptions about a few experts, overall it provides value for the dollar. Something that you cannot say about many of the d20 books.
For those looking for a better source about townsfolk I would look at Mystic Stations Design C&S material or the various Harn products.

Moreso than anything else I have seen, this book underlines the value of the d20 licensing system, and expands in the most invaluable way upon the rudimentary description of the Expert NPC class in the current Dungeon Master's Guide. A must for serious DMs who want to incorporate interesting Craftsmen, Professionals, Academics, Entertainers, and Scholars into their games--and a good bet for players who want to try their hands at playing such characters.

If you play D&D/D20... you NEED this book. There isn't anything else to say about the matter. Its that easy. This is one of the most comprehensive and helpful books I have come across within this genre... and what's more, its entertaining with great illustrations... you will NOT be disappointed!

A great reference for filling out my campaign world. Gives you enough details that you can just grab interesting characters, and the rules and flexability to creat every inhabitant of every town.

Writing for women's magazines like Elle, Cosmopolitan, Woman's Day, Ladies' Home Journal, Redbook, Reader's Digest and the rest of the big names in publishing takes more than technique and writing skills. It takes knowing what works and what doesn't. Donna Elizabeth Boetig demystifies the process.

>From links to resources and tips on how to slant a story to make it a must read, Feminine Wiles: Creative Techniques For Writing Women's Feature Stories That Sell offers sound, proven advice and a lot of experience in the trenches. Having made most of the mistakes from time to time, her timely and time tested methods illustrate how to take a so-so idea and make it stand out.

Boetig also gives the inside scoop on what editors like to see from writers and how to hook an editor with a winning query. She also explains the difference between gushing, a technique guaranteed to land a quick rejection, and plucking the right emotional string.

Savvy and honest, every writer needs a copy of Feminine Wiles if they're serious about writing that sells and keeps selling.

Boetig's lead coverline, "Creative Techniques for Writing Women's Feature Stories..." doesn't give the whole picture. I found it to be "Creative Techniques for Writing That Will Sell" - period.

I am a relatively new (notice I didn't say young) writer who reads every book I can find on How to Write, How to Market, and How to Paper My Walls With Rejections. Although I write mostly nonfiction, I give Boetig's "Feminie Wiles" a Blue Ribbon.

Her tips, examples, anecdotes, and words of encouragement apply (and appeal) to all writers. I will be using her book as a reference in my upcoming writing classes, and I will encourage my students to purchase their own copies. It is a gem.

Feminine Wiles may be marketed toward women, but the advice offered will work for anyone whether you are writing for women or Field & Stream. Boetig reviews the basic process for lining up an interview, dealing with editors, and writing what sells. This is by far one of the better resources for freelance writers on the market today.

As a freelance writer, I'm always looking to expand my interests and marketability. Boetig's book brought a fresh perspective with lots of real world helpful ideas. The packaging is clever and the voice is easy to read. I particularly like it that you do not have to read the book in order, but rather, open it to the page you need and benefit immediately. Organized well. Well written. Lots of helpful information. Highly recommend.

Of the many how-to books on writing that I've read, I am really pleased with this one. From the very beginning, I gleaned tips that I have never read before. It's written in a relaxed style, much like actually talking to the author. I highly recommend this book if you want to write for magazines.

Claire's book on his time with the LA Dodgers is a great read for any baseball fan. He provides a clear picture of the behind the scenes events in the front office of one of the most revered sports franchises.

Fred Claire writes about his days with the Dodgers-- and does it well. The book flows together in a way that makes you love reading, with in-depth stories and experiences, one of the best GMs of all-time amazes baseball fans with his profound book.

How many times have true baseball fans wanted to be a fly on the wall in a baseball general manager's office? Fred Claire's book, "My 30 Years in Dodger Blue," does just that. It is an interesting, informative and very entertaining look at baseball from the inside out.

This behind the scenes look at how a baseball organization operates includes an insiders look at the game. Much like a ballplayer who does more for his team than shows up in the box score, Claire's book takes into account the personalities that make up an organization. He explains player transactions and some of the politics that are part of every team.

In short, "My 30 Years in Dodger Blue" is a must read for die-hard baseball fans as well as casual fans who would like to learn more about the game. After reading this book, I sincerely hope that Fred Claire will grace us with another book about baseball. It would be well worth reading.

I am a big Dodger fan and found this book very interesting. The book focuses mostly on the 1987/88 seasons and the Mike Piazza trade. I don't read a lot of books and I found this one interesting and an easy read. The chapters are short and the language is very easy to read. I actually read the whole book over a weekend.

Fred Claire's story is a virtual travelogue of 30 years of baseball history, a blast for anyone who loves baseball, especially Dodger fans. He brings a variety of perspectives to his story, falling for the game as a boy in Ohio, covering the game as a beat writer for the Angels and Dodgers, becoming an insider as the Dodgers' publicity director, and building a world championship club as a general manager.

Along the way, Claire recounts unforgettable stories, everything from his own one-game Spring Training "tryout" to signing World Series hero Kirk Gibson, from the release of Orel Hershiser to the day Tommy Lasorda nearly gave up bleeding Dodger Blue to join George Steinbrenner's Yankees. Claire also shares a behind-the-scenes look into the business side of baseball, tracing the Dodgers' evolution from a family-owned business under the legendary O'Malley family to a piece of Rupert Murdoch's Fox empire.

Claire remains connected to the game through a radio show and column for [...] If you've heard or read his work there, "My 30 Years in Dodger Blue" won't disappoint.

I live in Old Louisville and David Domine gives not only ghost stories, but what appears to be some researched history for this area which I found very interesting. One night when driving past the First Church of Christ, Scientist, I looked up at the stairs and could have sworn I saw "The Lady on the Stairs". I tried to pull over, but because of the traffic and the fact that it is a one-way street, by the time I got back around, she was gone. I loved the book and also read the next book, Phantoms of Old Louisville. I am awaiting the next book that I've heard rumor of.

I thought the book was fantastic. And best of all it has alot of pictures of the wonder old victorian homes in the district. The book made the stories believeable to me

Ghosts of Old Louisville by David Domine presents the haunted past of America's largest Victorian neighborhood in an entertaining and informative format. His unopinionated, objective way of fleshing out the stories of those residents who haven't quite yet vacated their former abodes in the magnificent historic preservation district known as Old Louisville makes this a unique and spellbinding collection of true ghost stories. When so many writers of ghost stories today simply rehash stories that have been around for generations, Domine has taken it upon himself to track down dozens of stories of true cases of hauntings in his adopted neighborhood that have previously remained hidden. What I like most about this book is the fact that the author kept my attention throughout the entire book. Each story is fascinating because of the paranormal aspect to it, but also because it brings in a large amount of local history, appetizing bits of architecture and colorful characters. Although I have never been to Old Louisville before, I feel as if I know this area intimately, and I cannot wait to 'return' to it. Domine includes a chapter about the interesting haunting in his own home, the Widmer House, which was built around 1895. This lends an extra bit of credibility to the book and adds a nice personal touch as well. If you like history and ghost stories, you can rest assured that this book will satisfy your cravings for both. The good news is that this book is only the first in a series of five that will some day document the extensive haunted history of Old Louisville. Volume II, Phantoms of Old Louisville: Ghostly Tales from America's Most Haunted Neighborhood, carries on the tradition of ghosty goings-on in this unique area and is just as captivating as the first.

I just finshed reading this book last night. I felt that I needed to come express my opinion before it got pushed back into that recess of my brain that causes memory loss.

I must say that Mr. Domine's literary style is astute and never fails to keep the reader immersed in its depths at all times.

*begin spoiler*

Him sharing his story of having the hardwood floors in his home redone was one of my favorites. The way he described his thoughts and feelings while Lucy crept around his bed made me examine my own as I lay there reading (in the bed). He is blessed with the skill to give a description that shares his world to the reader for a short time.

*end spolier*

Not only is Mr. Domine an excellent writer, but he also seems a very likeable person. From his description of those days during, leading to, and after his encounters I found myself thinking "Wow, this would be a cool friend to have!".

Whilst reading this novel I imagined that the only things he loved more than the idea of the supernatural was his friends, animals, Louisville, fine drink and food. Probably in that order.

This piece of work has been very enjoyable. If you have any curiosity concerning the supernatural you need this book. I can't wait to aquire the rest of his novels and gobble them up!

I've also included a link to another one of David Domine's books that I intend to make my very next read.
Phantoms of Old Louisville: Ghostly Tales from America's Most Haunted Neighborhood

Ghosts of Old Louisville is an excellent book from an author who has a highly entertaining writing style. Full of history and paranormal tales.

Rose Pressey
Author of "My Haunted Family"

My book of the latest coin values arrived in excellent condition and expeditiously. The book has proven to be a practical and user-friendly reference source and guide to the most current US coin values.

There is no better guide for the novice or professional coin collector. Reliable information and up to date pricing.

This is the first book a person should buy when entering into coin collecting. It gives a base to prices and where one might start.2008 Guide Book of Us Coins Redbook (Guide Book of United States Coins)

This is a very comprehensive, filled with pictures, easy to understand and follow guidebook for a beginner, as well as a serious collector.

I ordered this book for my son as he is beginning coin collecting. He took up that interest after seeing the collection that my grandfather handed down to me. The book was perfect for showing him what these coins are worth today.