Authors Books

As a causal reader, I found ".....Scratch Line" to be a remarkably unique book. Therefore, "Echoes...." cannot compare to it even though it is outstanding on its own. "Echoes.." presents new a powerful characters and relationships that Johnson has masterfully brought to life. Johnson is genius at capturing the flavor of the time in both books, but there is only one Tremaine. Is this a good read? No. A very very good read? Absolutely.

Encore!! Excellent read! I can not recall a book that I enjoyed as much as I enjoyed these two books. Would love to see it on the BIG Screen. Thank you so much Mr. Johnson. If you haven't read it, get them both and take some time off from work because you won't be able to put the books down.

I loved both Guy Johnson's books. Living now in the bay area I can completely see the places he talks about in the book and picture myself there. I love the way he uses retrsopection and how well he links the two. I love Jackson Tremain's character and how the character evolves and changes when confronted with his grandfather's past. Can't believe or agree with Elizabeth's decision at the end, but it makes for a very circle of life kind of ending. Read Standing at the Scratch Line first to get the whole story behind it.

I was skeptical at first, that him being Maya Angelou's son made him think that was enough to make him a writer. He proved me SOOOO wrong (and I am glad!) I am usually not a fan of the gangster world, but he drew me in so fast with this book. Every bit was a delight to read. I actually read them starting with Echoes, and then moved to Standing, and I thought it worked well, changed my perspective of King. The only disappointment I have is that it's been a few years since these came out, and I haven't seen anything else by him. Hopefully that will change soon.

Do we have to get find and send a director to Guy Johnson with a planeful of actors... someone get this to the big screen! If Tyler Perry can commercialize Madea, I am confused why we can't have these books made into a movie. Heck, I have someone willing to do it! Let's face it, the world isn't a perfect place and less than perfect personalities bring out some interesting public discourse (Black women made Madea). Not all our inspirational people are noble God fearing and pious so why should our make believe "larger than life" folk be any different. One reviewer examined the historic accuracy of the book. While being a noble observation it misses the point that Black Folk, African Americans ...and for that fact Americans and the world need to be able to tell the truth in real historic events let alone the fictional stories. Further, in bring on a sense of Black Folk place in this world, there is still much to do with dismantling the rediculous vision of the timid, unlearned, unpatriotic, lazy, morally bankrupt Black Male that American has underwritten for all these hundreds of years. How long will these perpetuate? Answer: Until Black Folk change these images and begin telling their own stories... one by one; fiction and non-fiction alike. Lord knows, currently there aren't enough Black Historians to undo the less than honest works of the legions of half-truth historians America has seen and not enough Jewish historians to care (much Black is written by our Jewish friends). These stories will, like the lies that preceded them, go a long way toward gaining a foothold on the destiny of human kind everywhere.. not just Black Folk! Our destiny is tied together and human kind will never be whole nor great until nobody is allowed to be viewed as "less than."

Over the past 30 years I have read many, many self help books and it appears that within the structure of general self help books most authors tend to stroll down one of two comfort paths: One path tends to be ego laden within the authors own expertise and intentions with little acknowledgment to other possibilities or solutions. If the author did not experience it, then it must not exist and we are pulled down a path of only the author's view or adaption, hence we are held to the author's own growth pattern with little glimpse of anything else. The second and more common path is written in a way as to keep the own author's behavior away from the direction of the book as if their own character could flaw the outcome of the book's message or purpose. An example would be an author who knows how to schedule their time accurately and conveys it eloquently with active experiences and involvement but distances them self from other areas of the book when their own flaws are in conflict with their message. In other words, we like or adapt to the book based on the working principles and descriptions used in the book without much connection to the actual author. I think our parents said it best with: "Do as I say and not as I do."
Here is a book that takes a different path; a book written in authenticity as the author uses his own history and working principles to convey who he is and with total acceptance and intention that we probably are not like him. This book is not hypothetical but instead uses real experiences and examples covering each principle or point completely. This might be the only motivational book I have read in over 5 years that does not use any inspirational quotes and I can understand why because most books need additional validity from a third party to make them influential or believable, whereas this book stands on its own with sound principles and examples. To write in this manner takes a special person who can convey them self soulfully and openly and still stay true to their intended path.
This book is written about constraints that limit our daily lives and how to realistically reduce or eliminate them in a simplified manner. I do not believe someone can appreciate the methods or principles of this book without reading the book completely as each constraint is structured to exemplify the others. Not only are we informed on how to deal with our own constraints but we are also led to understand the limiting constraints in others, making us better leaders, managers, spouses etc. As the author honestly conveys his own constraints, we also gain a better insight of his own style of writing and can utilize these understandings to gain a better knowledge making this book a "Catch 22" with a positive ending. To not grow from this book is to ignore the very principles illustrated and clarified completely to our benefit. I see the possibility of not only improving my own limitations but to be a better communicator and interpreter from each constraint and behavioral example. I must confess that I found the first half of this book average and not until I discovered all of the constraints and their limitations did I come to really appreciate the author and find my own limiting thoughts that withheld valuable information from me. I found that the book was written exactly as it is because this is who the author is and it is up to me to interpret it accordingly. Thank you for this array of valuable insights.

Written by head of The Flippin Group and expert motivational coach Flip Flippen, The Flip Side: Break Free of the Behaviors That Hold You Back is a no-nonsense self-help guide to identifying how personal constraints and often unconscious restrictions can hold one back from one's full potential. Breaking free of those restraints and learning to "flip" negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones form the core of The Flip Side. Negative personality-driven trait types are listed and range from "bulldozers" (too dominant, ignoring all dissenting options) to "marshmallows" (too nurturing, avoiding conflict at the expense of their happiness) and "quick draws" (too impulsive, with poor self-control). A readily accessible guide to improving one's strengths through recognizing and turning around one's weaknesses.

As a believer in the process of self-reflective therapy, Flip has provided substantial direction and real-world situations to see that we all have personal areas that keep us from our best. I especiallly appreciated the opportunity and recommendation to take one step at a time and reclaim our best qualities.

The Flip Side: Break Free of the Behaviors That Hold You Back

I highly recommend this book for those who have found they have other roads to travel but have made personal road blocks that only the individual can remove.

I was walking through the book store a few weeks ago and saw The Flip Side on display. I was astonished to discover the author was my first boyfriend!

I bought the book because Flip wrote it. I was so delighted to discover that it offered insightful, practical advice on how to overcome my personal constraints to become the person I have always wanted to be.

The stories Flip relates reveal his warm, loving and humorous personality. He is open and honest with us about himself and his own life and encourages us to do the same thing with ours.

Flip's book is not just another self-help one that will gather dust on your bookshelf. He offers a plan based on his 30+ years of counseling experience with the tools to implement change in your life....if you just do it! It worked for him and it is working for me.

Thanks, Flip, for showing up in my life again in such a truly miraculous way!

Talking about capitalizing on a name... :) The Flip Side: Break Free of the Behaviors That Hold You Back by Flip Flippen. This was a book I picked up on in one of the personal productivity blogs I follow, and it is one of the most practical, easy-to-understand books on personal change that I've read recently. Even better, he goes into how *you* can react and respond more effectively to each personality type. And trust me, you'll find your problem coworker/friend/acquaintance in here with no problem. :)

Part 1 - Understanding Personal Constraints: Something Is Holding You Back; The Foundations of OPC (Overcoming Personal Constraints); The Five Laws of Personal Constraints; Overview - The Top 10 Killer Constraints
Part 2 - Identifying Personal Constraints: #1 - Bulletproof (Overconfident); #2 - Ostriches (Low Self-Confidence); #3 - Marshmallows (Overly Nurturing); #4 - Critics (Too Demanding, Nitpicky, or Harsh); #5 - Icebergs (Low Nurturing); #6 - Flatliners (Low Passion, Vision, or Drive); #7 - Bulldozers (Overly Dominant); #8 - Turtles (Resistant to Change); #9 - Volcanoes (Aggressive, Angry); #10 - Quick Draw (Low Self-Control, Impulsive)
Part 3 - Overcoming Personal Constraints: Building Your TrAction Plan; Constraints Are Personal - My Story; Personal-Constraint Combinations; OPC Starts at Home; OPC in the Workplace; Personal Constraints and Culture; Listening to What Others Say - The Power of Honest Feedback
Conclusion - Raised in Captivity; Next Steps; Acknowledgments; Index

I'm sure glad I don't have any of these... NOT! :)

Each of the constraint chapters uses a couple of examples (some historical, some personal from the author's work) to show how a particular trait can play out and limit one's effectiveness. This is followed by the "Are You ..." checklist, which has 10 questions you can ask yourself to see where you fall in terms of that constraint. If you're on the high end of the scale, you'll be interested in the "So I'm ... Help Me!" section that follows. That's where Flippen lays out specific actions you can take to change this part of your behavior. Even better, that section is followed by a "How Can I Deal With A ... Person?". That's where you get to find out what types of communication and actions you can take to make your interactions with that personality type go better. The goal isn't to change them (although that would be nice), but it's more like survival skills so you don't get caught in the debris and aftermath of their limitations.

And in case you're wondering, I have marshmellow-y tendencies with a little flatliner and turtle thrown in...

I think that any book that helps you categorize or examine your behaviors can have a positive influence. The Flip Side seems to work better than most in that you don't have to struggle to see yourself or others in the scenarios, and the advice and actions are concrete and do-able. If you're looking to kick things up another level in your life (or avoid kicking someone else in frustration), I'd recommend this book...

Shwartz is a Boston trail lawyer with an unabashed love for the well-written word. In the introduction Shwartz wrote about reading, "I would read, as readers do, to tame the unfamiliar or see the familiar through new and enlightened prisms; to see how different or eerily familiar, another person's interior life could be from my own."

This is a book of short commentaries by 115 writers on the books they love most. And indeed it is hard to flip many pages without finding the word love. Shwartz set out to produce the very book he couldn't find in bookstores!

This is truly a book that your reading group could share. Buy one copy and bring it to meetings. It can give you a wealth of insights and ideas for books to read- read a book written by one of the 115 authors interviewed and then select a book to read that influenced that author. The bibliographical index is reason alone to buy this book. Shwartz has said that he always found himself asking what the authors themselves read; and here you'll find that answered both in text and in the index.

Penelope Fitzgerald, author of "The Bookshop" wrote in her commentary that "Fathers& Sons" was one of the books that made the greatest impression on her, "I still feel close to weeping when I get to the end. . . " John Irving, author of "The Cider House Rules" named "Great Expectations" and said, ". . .the intention of a novel by Charles Dickens is to move you emotionally- not intellectually . . . " And Anna Quindlen, author of "One True Thing" said, "The books I've loved most were the books I could inhabit."

Our interesting word selection was "Verity"" The quality or state of being true or real. Faithfulness to aesthetic truth.

Our favorite quote was by Anne Fadiman: "I was so ludicrously unprepared for Humanties 190 that the course nearly proved my undoing. With a doggedness born of panic, I defaced nearly every line of Aristitle's poetics with citron Hi-liter and crammed the margins with felt-tip notations."

Shwartz wrote that it was his hope that his book "might inspire people to read more. . . " Oh yes!

Anyone who has ever wanted to be a writer will hear from writing instructors all about the importance of constantly reading. Books on writing theory state the same thing as do works about writing by published authors. The importance of reading cannot be disputed, but many writers may wonder what would be appropriate to read. Fans of great writers may also wonder what would be a great next read. Ronald Shwartz has edited a book that answers these questions for all who wonder, what do great writers read and what books have inspired these writers to write?

The book includes many well known authors of both fiction and nonfiction, including notables such as Anne Bernays and husband Justin Kaplan, Robert Coles, Joyce Carol Oates, Penelope Fitzgerald, John Irving, Norman Mailer, and Anna Quindlen just to name a few. Some of the writers simply list the books, others explain why they include the books. Most of the entries are short and to the point, and all the entries are insightful. I only wish Norman Mailer had a bit more to say, but since he just published a book on writing, any questions I may have will probably be answered in that book.

Ronald Shwartz was curious about what books writers read, how and what influenced them, so he set about to seek answers. This book contains 115 different viewpoints. Each chapter, written by a different author, begins with a brief biographical blurb followed by two or three pages describing the authors' choices. Some, like Mario Puzo or Norman Mailer, were quite terse, just itemizing their choices, but most of the other entries were a bit more revealing, giving us a feel for what the books meant to them, when they read them, etc. Their passion for books and reading were truly inspirational.

I kept a pad and pen handy as I read this book to make a list of the books mentioned that sounded interesting to me. By the end of the book I had a huge list of books that I wanted to find and read.

This book not only served as a great source for recommended reading, but provided a wonderful window into all of these authors' lives.

A wonderful collection of some of the most remarkable authors likes and dislikes and what books influenced them most. From childhood memories to adult appreciation, each author shares their favorite titles as well as how they came to appreciate reading and the written word.

As a fellow author, I felt like I had a window seat into the soul of many great writers. "WAR AND PEACE" won many votes as a favored choice.

Some authors distinguish between historic works and current favorites. Most agree that readers make writers! Each author seems to highly respect the written word.

Truly enjoyed the stories told about what was viewed as the catalyst to an early appreciation of books. My only negative comment would have to be on the size of the text. Personal opinion is that with so much written word on a page, you can lose the interest of the reader. These stories should be appreciated and read.

Easy to see why this would make an excellent choice for any adult book/reading group.

the only drawback of this book is that it will rob you of precious hours devoted to reading other books! i'm being facetious, of course -- this is a wealth of reflections to (a) place by your bedside table, (b) in the glovebox of your car, and (c) dare i say, in the bathroom to savor whenever you get a spare moment -- or to enjoy simply for its own sake. it's very much like sitting down face-to-face with a garrulous, self-reflective author (or grandparent) and hearing a lifetime of wisdom squished into a few minutes. so grab a pencil -- you're going to need one! -- and mark what sounds interesting. funny how often "the brothers k" gets mentioned, "moby dick" etc. but so many wonderful surprises in store, too. thanks to kurt vonnegut's (brilliant) short essay, for example, i picked up "candide" and am much the wiser. oddly enough, no one recommends "les misérables" -- i can't imagine why not -- or "musashi" for that matter. but "the tale of genji" is recommended, so all is forgiven. "for the love of books" = beautiful!

A fun read wrapped around insights into the world of DC politics and the television news biz. Interesting plot,clever asides and enough suggestions of how government actually works to make one wonder. A variety of characters make appearances and give added interest to the book. Jennifer Beth Oko does work as a TV news producer so she has in depth knowledge of her subject. Read it!!

Loved it. Well-drawn characters and a well-constructed plot. Protagonist is human, vulnerability and an accidental perfect sleuth. Throw in an insider's tell-all about the vapid news morning scene and a little international intrigue, and this is a fun book! Highly recommended.

I read Jennifer Oko's first book, Lying Together, years ago. That book was a frank memoir of her life and romances in Russia. With Gloss, she shows she can write fiction as well as she writes nonfiction! The rumor is she's got another book on the way. Don't keep us waiting too long, Jennifer!

Jennifer writes what she knows very well. With her being in the TV show industry, you know she has seen many interesting and humorous things. It just seems natural for her to write a book that takes place in the TV morning show industry.

The leading character, Annabelle, is a producer of one of those very popular and highly competitive early morning shows. Jennifer illustrates the hard work Annabelle does, how she puts up with difficult personalities, egos, and treated like a 2nd class citizen at times.

Out of the blue, the big boss from way up top appoints her to produce a story about cosmetic relief for a refugee camp overseas. The pressure is on for her to produce and outstanding story.

Naturally, Annabelle does some digging. It's her job to do so after all. The more digging she does, the more things become obscure. Her tenacity gets the better of her as she suspects some wrong doing is involved regarding this cosmetic relief project.

Annabelle is not satisfied with getting answers the conventional way. She takes matters in her own hands in getting to the bottom of the story and exposing the ugly truth. She has many setbacks and hardships during her adventure to expose the truth in which includes prison time where she befriends an amusing character that acts as her mentor and keeps her moral up. Annabelle also has a couple of good friends with some quirky personalities on the outside supporting her theory.

The whole time Annabelle is searching for the truth, she makes every news headline throwing off the ratings and putting the newscaster's careers at stake of the very TV show she is employed with. The reactions of the camera talent are humorous and totally believable.

Annabelle goes from being a peon to one with leverage in her favor. She uses it for all it's worth and takes you to hell and back.

Great reading, Jennifer Oko!

Ouch! Ms. Oko has really nailed the shallow trench of network morning news and it stings. Only an insider like herself could weave a tale that rings so true. One part CONSTANT GARDNER and two parts BROADCAST NEWS, it makes for a great read.

Heart Quest if full of romantic tension, murder, and mystery. Readers will particularly enjoy how Robin Owens has woven fascinating secondary characters into Ilex and Trif's story. Right to the end, you'll wonder who lives, who dies, and who has been right all along - Trif or Ilex. A truly enjoyable read, a solid winner that will have you eagerly awaiting the next book in the Celta HeartMate series. It's always a pleasure to return to the magical inhabitants of Druida City and find out who will be next to discover their HeartMate.

I read the first few books in the series years ago and have been reading her new series as of late. I know it has been quite some time since I read a book from this series, but I really think she surpassed herself on this one. I can remember the previous books being more mushy and romantic. This one was sweet but primarily I found it to be a mystery. A cult is killing people in horrific sacrificial manner and our main characters are not only trying to solve the case and trying to stay off the evil people's radar. Definitely worth your time. I loved it and had a hard time putting it down.

I somehow missed this book on it's release date, but was a must have as soon as I realized it was available. I loved Triff's story. Ms. Owen's continues to be one of my top 10 authors.

I have to admit, it took me a couple of Ms. Owens' books before I got the hang of the setting. It was so different from other works, but I kept coming back for more. In Heart Quest, the main characters Trif and Ilex were carefully crafted and so dear, story line was paced well, never a dull moment. I can't wait to read more on the Winterberry's in the next book!

Every time I get a new Robin D. Owens book I expect the best and I have yet to be disappointed. In Heart Quest, Ms. Owens brings two previous background characters to the forefront with their own story of love and heartache. When I read that Winterberry and Trif were the stars of this story I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as her other novels, simply because these two never seemed that important or remarkable, however, I am pleased to say that they really shine in this story, and of course there is all of the other characters from other books making guest appearances. As a stand alone novel, this is a good book, with a charming heroine and a serious, sexy, authority-figure hero. I love a man in uniform! As a continuation of her other Heartmate novels, Ms. Owens outdoes herself time and again and I cannot wait for her next one!

Loved it. Quick, fun read. Interesting story. The two main characters are great. The secondary characters play meaningful roles and are well-developed. I have nothing negative to say about the series.

I bought Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Book 1) on a lark. I was looking for something with a slightly different premise from the usual vampire/time travel/wolf/ghost paranormals that have seemed to flood the market. Dark Protector held something new; Warriors that returned from the dead to fight again and again but always with the knowledge that eventually, they would become the thing they fought against. Dark Protector was a very good read and though the author's writing was very rough in places, the premise and the character development gave me the desire to give her a chance and read the second, Dark Defender.

Dark Defender (Paladins of Darkness, Book 2) was as good as the first, the writing had improved, the character development in new characters was done well and the original characters stayed true to form. I thought I might have found a winner in Ms. Morgan.

In Darkness Reborn (Paladins of Darkness, Book 3) has verified my trust in her abilities. Her original characters carry through this story well, staying true to themselves and unflinching in their personalities. So many times, first characters tend to become wishy-washy as the series progresses. Not so with Ms. Morgan. In this story, Barak, who we met in the first book, has been well fleshed out and is a rich personality but is his own man and not a carbon copy of any other that she's written. Her heroine, Lacey Sebastian, is humanly flawed which is a delight in the face of so many perfect heroines these days. The story was very well done, easy to become engrossed in and even Barak, as an Other, was easy to relate to as far as the many problems he faces not only trying to fit into the human world, but to keep true to the honor he holds above all else.

If I have any complaints at all about Ms. Morgan, it is that she seems to latch on to an 'favorite phrase' and uses it too often, in this case "she stepped into his arms" or some such subtle variation. Other than that, it has been a joy to watch her growth as an author while I read a well thought out and consistent new series.

My only question now, can she maintain the standard she has set with the first three in her newest which will be released late November, Redeemed in Darkness (Paladins of Darkness, Book 4). I certainly hope so! It's already on my pre-order list.

I really liked book one in the series. Book two was average and number three was just silly. I can tell how much I enjoy a book by how fast I read it. If I lay the book down repeatedly then I know my interest is lost. It took me a month to read this. While I was interested in Barak's story, there wasn't much of one. To much of Lacey's brother and Lacey herself was annoying. I did not find her character believable at all. She barely spoke to Barak before their first sexual encounter. No chemistry there. Oh well, I gave it a try.

I fell in love with Barak the first time I read about him. This book just confirmed my feelings. The warriors are all strong as well as their women. I felt Baraks and Laceys pain at not being able to come forward because he was from a different world as well as their undeniable love for each other.

I blew through the first two books in this series and waited anxiously for this one. I was really curious to see how the author would handle Barak as a hero. We met him in Dark Protector when he saved Dr. Laurel Young's life. He's one of the Others, the Paladin's sworn enemy. I had no idea what to expect and - wow, this book was great. No one does the tortured hero like Alexis Morgan.

In the beginning of the book, Barak is alone in every sense of the word - he's a man between worlds. Then he's paired with Lacey, who has no reason to like or trust him. Her brother has dedicated his life to fighting the Others and now she finds herself attracted to the very man she's supposed to despise. But he's not like she expected. He's loyal, determined and intriguing. Both of them are torn. Barak has a secret that, if revealed, could cost more lives.

This book surprised me, made me smile in places and kept me reading way too late into the night.

This book is a "must" have 4 all poets!
It not only has great poetry, it has great writing.
Most poetry books, in my opinion, are overly priced. This excellent book is well worth the price.
I highly recommend this book. I like that fact that it has so many different poets writing the poetry. A book this size would become boring if only one poet wrote it.
I appreciate the effort that went into publishing this book and I also love the warm colors of the bookcover.
This journey into "Timbooktu" is a great read.
Thanks 4 sharing with us, Mr. Vaughn Jr. & contributors.

Poetry and prose come together in a journey of discovery to and from the e-land of TimBookTu.com. The selected writers in this work of an African American Poetic Odyssey have made the journey from aspiring to arriving literary voices.

...I personally feel that "Journey to Timbooktu," is an excellent edition to any anthology readers library. It has short fiction of many genre's (Horror, romance, suspense, ect.), heartwarming and at times tear jerking poetry. Also a variety of essays and other scriptured jewels, from some of the most talented writer's in the world. Mephis Vaughan has an eye for talent as well as a knack for the written word himself. I can't wait to see what he does with volume two. If you don't have a copy go out right now and buy one. As for those select few who can just order online and have it shipped to your home...buy two. You know friends and family are going to want to read one, so you need to have an extra one for yourself. To all the artists who contributed to the success of the manuscript..excellent job!!! I wish you continued success and best of luck on all future artistic endeavors.

Sincerely,
Levi James Baldwin III

The writings in this book will take you on a tireless journey through the Afro-American experience with poetry, essays,and short stories.
Many will touch your heart. A favorite will stay with you forever,and the desire to read on relentlessly will captivate you. I was taken through a wonderful journey from beginning to end.

Journey to Timbooktu is a must purchase! This anthology definitely offers an excellent array of diverse authors, writing styles and genres to explore from an African American perspective. Memphis has done a wonderful job in selecting the writings and offering something for everyone's palette. What a wonderful gift and treasure.

Philadelphia to be exact - in this case, the city of Sisterly love!

Oh My! what an erotic book! and yet it had just the sweetest love story!

From hospital corridors to not so private sex near the softball diamond this book has it all!

Thirty year old Bren is attractive, thoughtful and introspective, she has a fulfilling job directing the rare books department at Temple University but has never been in a long term relationship.

Twenty-seven year old Candace, a model pretty blonde, has a high stakes job as a self-employed commodities trader who lives and loves in the moment.

Thirty-five year old Liz Ramsey is a medical attorney who is lovely inside and out.

The three met during their college days and have been fast friends since. Totally supportive of each other but that doesn't mean that they know all each other's secrets.

And gorgeous thirty-one year old orthopedic surgeon Dr. Reilly Danvers is a joy to read.

As a bonus for her readers the author has nice appearances from characters from her excellent novel 'Love's Tender Warriors'.

If you liked this novel you will also enjoy these tiles by the author -
Fated Love
Tomorrow's Promise
When Dreams Tremble
Passion's Bright Fury
Turn Back Time
Love's Melody Lost
Love's Masquerade
shadowland

Once it ended. Friends thought I had disappeared for a day when I started reading this book and made other plans! Seriously though, great book, intriguing characters, sex-surprisingly not all that much, but enough to really keep you interested. Anyway, Radclyffe proves that whether weilding a pen or a scalpel, she can cut to the heart of a her readers and her characters alike.

This is another one of Radclyffe's that I couldn't put down. Excellent story. Excellent characters. Great portray of true genuine friendship. It was good that there were three different storylines going on all at the same time, yet all linked together.

I really liked Bren. The soft spoken friend (well it appeared that way at first). I hope there is a sequel to this one. I would like to read more about her character in the future.

As usual I am never disappointed when it comes to Radyclyffe.

Radclyffe does her best work when she writes her stand alone novels. Unlike her series, which sell books, but have gotten rather mundane, this book has a fresh concept. It's not often that a lesbian novel features a central figure who is pregnant and alone. While Liz and Reilly are the major focus of the book, the most interesting character might be Bren, who has a couple of secrets she's kept from her best friends. Any of these characters could have carried the book and that makes them stronger than is usually seen in this genre. This is what Radclyffe excels at when she writes her stand alone novels. She should stick with it. The Lonely Hearts Club is a good read.

I have to preface this review by saying I'm a HUGE fan of Radclyffe's books. I think I have only rated two of her books 4, while all the others have been 5. Her last several books have really teetered on the edge for me, but this one is a strong comeback for my favorite author.

Here, much in the style of Saxon Bennett, the author delivers a variety of different women in a single plot. Even with the large cast, all are well-developed and their individual stories are tied together with skill and artistry.

I won't take the time to rehash to story here because the back cover text is pretty descriptive. However, I will tell you just how happy I am to finally see a Radclyffe book that is worthy of her talent and capability. This one is a don't-miss, absolutely.

"Men in the sun", a novel by Ghassan Kanafani, is one of the most breathtaking realities that the Palestinian people lived in the modern history we know. "Men in the sun" is neither a story about Yasser Arafat`s legacy and his PLO's sense of politics nor a debate on Oslo or Madrid agreement. The novel is a piece of art that visualized the Palestinian tragedy from an aspect of extreme reality that has been forgotten or marginalized at any time and place frames.

It is the story of three men's quest for a better life. They plan to migrate from the occupation cage to a new "promise land" where they meet the promised demise in the desert, the home of the original Arabs and Bedouin.

The dream of the three Men is the dream of every man who loses the feeling of being at home at some time. The work to achieve that dream requires a struggle with harsh acquired values of life. The result is not guaranteed.

Struggle, suffer, dreams, hope, fatigue, thirst, and death will form an amalgam that would describe the Palestinian identity which has been evolving during the last decades.

I wanted to write more about the details but you would like to read it yourself. The symbolism in this story is just intriguing. In fact, the trends can symbolize the migration of any man to any "self-imposed exile", where "enforced dreams" replace the simple -but lost- passion, love and happiness to form a complex and bitter reality.

The novel ends with a beautiful and so influential paragraph that tries to raise the question of why the 3 men (main figures of the novel) did not try to knock on the walls of their symbolic "prison" (Empty tanker) or at least shout to ask for help.
"Why? Why? Why?", The "Why" of Kanafani while concluding is: why did not some of the oppressed people reject the abject reality? Why did not they fight for their life and freedom? Could it be that they were so hopeless and tired, or were they so afraid from going back to the occupied home? Did they prefer death to losing their dream?. The questions were asked by Kanafani in the past to project on present exprience and to reflect the suffer of the palestinean-age on the future memory.

This book gives you an idea of the suffering and neglection of a nation, on the watch of the whole civilized world.

This collection of short stories is a brief, but poignant look into the life of people living in Palestine. At the same time, the stark writing illustrates many universal themes forcing readers to reevaluate life as they know it. The writing is plain and easy to read, but ultimately, deep and impossible to dismiss.

The stories were great. Well written, poignant, the most so being the one involving the tank.

Written and published in the 1950s and 1960s, this slender volume of stories by Ghassan Kananfani speaks of the displacement of Palestinians in ways that are timeless and still fresh today. They speak of loss more than hope, and although the author was an activist and spokesman for the Palestinian Popular Front, he seemed in these writings to simply bring attention to the human cost of political struggle in the Middle East. He himself was killed by a car bomb in Beirut in 1972.

The most compelling of these stories is the novella "Men in the Sun," which tells of the efforts of three men being smuggled into Kuwait from Iraq and the truck driver who has offered to help them across the border. The fierce desert heat represents the terrible odds against their ever being able to escape the consequences of war and loss of homeland. But this is only one theme among many, as Kananfani explores traits of Arab character which seem to intensify inner conflict and erode the ability to act purposefully. The story "If You Were a Horse" concerns itself with superstition, fear, and overwhelming regret that divides father from son and leads to misfortune. The book includes an informative introduction by Hilary Kilpatrick.

If you took the poignancy and moving love story of "Bridges of Madison County", sprinkled some of the spiritual wisdom of Eckhart Tolle and Deepak Chopra, and added the ingredient of heart-tugging romantic music into the mix, you would have something approximating "Midwinter Turns to Spring." Not only did this novel and its music stir feelings in me I've never felt before, but while reading it, I would often close my eyes to ponder and experience the profound truth in the author's words. Alfonso's words, "I find that, in stillness, I am transported to that remarkable place where I can know God and be aligned with his wisdom" were reminiscent of Eckhart Tolle's assertions about being fully present. With stillness comes a knowingness that loving another human being is God's way of affording us "glimpses of His unfathomable love." I was also awestruck by the transcendent definitions of love that the author managed to weave into the dialogue. I've found that they've helped to redefine and liberate my own concepts of love. Brandon's words, "Love is not just a feeling - it is a choice, a commitment, a way of behaving toward another" is a concept worthy of the late Leo Buscaglia's teachings about love, and one that more people should embrace. "Midwinter Turns to Spring" stirred me emotionally and spiritually, and moved me to tears. I'm certain that all who read it will come away with not just another feel-good love story but will savor the same enlightened experience that I've had.

I love "Midwinter Turns to Spring"! I can't remember the last time I cried reading a novel. It made it more special listening to the music soundtrack -- and I cried even more listening to Zendrik sing, especially "La Ultima Vez." The book has given me a renewed sense of hope about love. It is such a touching, beautifully written love story and a feel-good type of book. I fell in love with Alfonso right from the start -- so passionate, caring and loved life so much. Savannah is what every girl can relate to. We have a little bit of Savannah in all of us. And the way the author described every place and thing and feeling was as if I was there. I've been telling everyone that this is a must-read book!! This certainly deserves to be on Oprah's Book Club and I've written an e-mail to Oprah telling her so. This book rocks!

"I enjoyed 'Midwinter Turns to Spring' so much -- it was such a lovely story, so believable and so well-written from beginning to end. The characters just came to life for me. Throughout the whole book, I was just riveted to it, and couldn't wait to find out what would happen in each chapter. I'm an artist by profession, and therefore, I loved the art aspect of the story -- it intrigued me and drew me into the world of the characters. I cried on numerous occasions throughout this book, but at the end when I read the letter from Christina to Savannah my heart just broke for them all. Whenever I read books, I usually tell the story to my husband as I go along -- and he got as engrossed in this story as I was. When I finally finished reading the book and was trying to tell him the ending, I just fell into his arms and broke down sobbing. I was so happy with the ending and I just had to fall in love with the character of Alfonso. The whole package is beautifully done -- from the book cover to the companion music CD. It's simply marvelous -- and I told my husband this book needs a big audience, and should be made into a movie -- I'd love to see it come alive on the big screen because the story is so lovely. Maria Veloso is an incredible writer -- I wish she'd write more novels like this."

I just finished reading "Midwinter Turns to Spring" last night! Amazing! This is the best book I've ever read! I did not want it to end! I loved listening to the music soundtrack while reading the book, curled up on my sofa with a glass of wine -- what an unforgettable experience!

I am a fan of Oprah, and have read many of Oprah's book club picks -- and I think "Midwinter Turns to Spring" is very worthy to be a part of Oprah's book club. The messages, emotions, and definitions of love given in this book should be shared with the world.

Maria Veloso is an amazingly talented writer. Before I read this book, I had stopped believing in love because of so many marriages I've seen end up in divorce. This book made me believe that love does exist and is something one can find if one chooses to. This book also strengthened my faith in God and reminded me to trust in him and follow his plan for my life. This book is life-changing -- it certainly changed my views on life. I've recommended this to all my friends and will be ordering more copies to give away as gifts.

Wow! I just finished reading "Midwinter Turns to Spring" and I can't say enough good things about this novel and accompanying CD. What a literary piece of work! This novel is one of the best love stories I've ever read. The accompanying CD really took me to a whole new level while reading the story! I hope that the author plans to write another piece of work like this one. The author has such a gift for writing. I can honestly say I just became so engrossed in the story I felt like I was watching a movie as I proceeded through the book. What a wonderful idea and interesting concept to incorporate music into the story...I definitely had a deeper understanding and relationship with the characters while listening to the CD. The music is just beautiful. I've played the CD so often my 3-year-old now walks around humming the songs.