Authors Books

One of the most provocative first collections I've ever read. This book has it all--a father who slaughters a horse because his son is killed, a young Amish boy who becomes English, and jumps the fence to do so. These stories are about hope and salvation, about dysfunction and survival. Read it. It's good. I heard this author is coming out with a collection of essays, and I can't wait to read them. I believe it will be published by Warner Books, so keep your eyes open, because I know it's going to be good.

I took creative writing with this woman and can tell you she is not only a great teacher, she's also a very talented writer. Diana Joseph's stories are humorous and sad and tell it like it is. Take her classes and read this book!!!

"The septic system man likes Leslie. He found her needy and vulnerable and sweet.
"He would mistake this for love."

So writes Diana Joseph from her story "Windows and Words," one of the many resonant stories from her debut short story collection Happy or Otherwise. With a rhythmic voice, like some surreptitious siren, each story draws you in- anyone who reads a Diana Joseph story will not mistake the magic of her sentient spells.

Happy or Otherwise is a collection of short stories, the kind that know how to open certain locked doors of emotion inside you. And when one of those doors is opened, the well of truth flowing from these stories cannot be dammed. You find yourself chanting the voice of each narrator in your head, and question certain illusions about happiness and what it means to love.

As editor of The Pathfinder Magazine, I've had the pleasure of reading and editing many short stories. Never have I read an author as funny or truthful as Diana Joseph. She has the biting humor of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. and the emotional truthfulness of Tim O'Brien.

In "Bloodlines," Tabbitha tells the story of her dead brother and of how her grief-stricken father reconciles his son's tragic death in an unthinkable way. The story sears into your mind with passages like this: "We found him sitting on a hickory stump under his deer stand, his elbows were resting on his thighs, his hands were covering his ears, he was looking at the space between his feet, and I have seen men sitting this way since-in airports and bus stops and train stations, at this very moment on the edge of my bed; men broken by bankruptcy and faithless wives and their children's hate . . ."

"Naming Stories" is about the narrator's sense of identity, something everyone questions in their lives. One day, in school, the narrator learns about genetics . . . her parents both have blue eyes, as do her brothers-she has brown eyes. "Two years pass before I mention this to my parents. It's Report Card Day, and I've failed math. I need a way to distract them. And it works."

Happy or Otherwise is a work of art. Creative writing at its finest, funniest, most gut-wrenching and truest. This collection of short stories fulfills the reader's imagination and heart. You will not be disappointed and you will find yourself re-reading these stories, Diana Joseph's unique and rhythmic voice chanting through your mind the whole time.

-John Steele
Managing Editor

Pathfinder Magazine

Diana Joseph writes with heart, wit and intelligence. Each story in this collection reads wonderfully on its own--"Schandorsky's Mother" is my favorite--and builds toward a unique collective vision of motherhood. This should be required reading for every parent. Diana finds a rare blend of metaphors to access those painful struggles and exhilarating joys that make child rearing such a punch drunk experience. This is so good in so many ways.

This is a beautiful book of stories, each of which made my heart ache. Diana Joseph writes as if she's in love with each of her characters, even the not-so-nice ones; her sentences are soft and true. There wasn't a story in this collection that I didn't like, but my favorite is "Sick Child," if only because it has no business being a story: it's about a single mom with a sick son, and nothing really happens, except the kid coughs and the mother thinks. But it's lovely, and completely authentic.

It begins, "She'll remember this as a friendlier time: he's coughing, but only because he can't not cough. His cough is a barking seal; it's a clogged drain. It's her name in the middle of the night. As tempting as it may be to ignore him, to put a pillow over her head, to pull the comforter over her face, to close her eyes and count to ten in every language she knows--English, Japanese, Pig Latin--he'll still cough; she'll still hear him."

As the story continues, she remembers other times when her son was sick or injured, and times when she was, as a girl. She remembers an incident when her son was outside and came in with a wound near his eye that required stitches. She remembers the reactions other people in her life--the doctor, her parents, her ex-husband (the boy's father), her lover--had to this injury, and in their reactions we perceive their characters and their influence on her. She remembers, and looks out the window, and smokes, and her son continues to cough and call out her name. She is a woman who is keeping it together, but not well, not neatly, and not to her own satisfaction. She both loves her son and is sick of hearing him cough.

At the end of the story, she remembers a trip to the bank, when her son was two; as they were waiting in line at the drive-through window, he abruptly vomited in the back seat; she couldn't decide whether to continue to make her deposit, or go home to take care of her son:
"He emitted another deep belch, then he turned his face from her. He hiccupped, he was frowning, he was trembling. She knew he wanted to cry, and if he did, it would be explosive, loud and insistent. It would fill the car.
Relax, baby, she said. You'll be okay, I promise.
He wouldn't look at her. Instead, he looked out the window. As she soothed him, he continued to stare sadly out the window, and in his profile--his forehead wrinkled, his brow furrowed, his bottom lip quivering--she could see what he'd become, how he'd be when he was a man with troubles beyond his control."

This passage illustrates what I love about Joseph's writing: the small details, the honesty, the eloquent and gentle sentences. She writes like a poet--with evocative imagery, efficacy of language, and as much attention to how words sound as to what they are conveying. I can't wait to read her next book.

Z. Budapest, one of (perhaps I could even presume to say the "primary") the foremothers of the contemporary Women's Spirituality Movement has just released the third revision to her book, The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries . It was this book which probably saved my life and got me out of an abusive relationship by teaching me how to empower myself. It is far more than just a "self-help" book, however. In my own opinion, this is probably as close to "scripture" as any pagan will ever get. There, I said it, flog me. (No, not really! Notice I said "as close to" -- please notice that qualifier!)

Beautiful Goddess-Woman, Z. gives us the tools to find the Goddess within each of us in this book filled with ancient and practical wisdom, anecdotes, and women's history. Every time I read this book, I learn something new about the Goddess, the world and/or myself.

This is a book that I love. I want to get the new one because I understand that it has been updated and the new cover is beautiful. I have worn my original one out. It is full of wonderful info and rituals.

I bought the 1st edition of this book almost 10 years ago and felt so blessed to find a book that is feminist in view point. The information and knowledge that is contained in this book is amazing! This book is a must for anyone wanting to connect with the Goddess and their inner Goddess. I will be purchasing the new edition as well. I can't wait to see what Z. has put in the new edition!!

This is the re-publication of a timeless classic. Z has incorporated new material and photos. The photos of Masika's (Z's Mom) sculptures shows the talent that this line of Women have been blessed with. All Dianic homes should have a copy of this as reference material. The Holy Book is easy to read and understand. Feminists and Women world wide can relate to the various topics and appreciate the old ways of celebration of the Holy Days that have been shared here even if they have not chosen the Dianic path as their own. This work has and will continue to withstand time!!!!

Kellie Matthews a/k/a Hazel Da Healer

This book is a treasure house of wisdom in the tradition of old Europe, that was largely lost to human-kind after the middle ages passed. For that reason alone, women should cherish it. In Z's voice, we hear our grandmothers speaking, sharing their knowledge of herbs with us, showing us how to read the cards when times are confusing, teaching us to trust ourselves and our inner knowing. Great for discovering or re-discovering the Goddess in ourselves, in the world.

There were many funny stories in this book, (Sourdough and Burd being among my favorites,) but also some good heartwarming life lessons. Like the story about the lottery winner Emil and his principles, and the overall theme of the everyday ups and downs of life and family relationships. I really liked how the complexity of feelings for family was conveyed. Great read!

I picked this up on a whim in a used bookstore because I needed something to read while waiting for my son to finish with an appointment. What a find! Mr. McLean has a terrific eye and ear for wry observations and dialog, especially concerning kids and teenagers. And then there is his wit, sharpened by the fact that he laughs most readily, ultimately, at himself. I haven't laughed this hard since James Thurber, Garrison Keillor, and David Sedaris.

I picked this book out of a list given to me by my 12th grade english teacher. After searching everywhere i ordered it off amazon and am very pleased i did. it is an amazingly light, funny story about a 'stock' family that is a great summer read. i recommend it to both guys and girls, great book!

I can see why Stuart McLean is one of Canada's beloved storytellers through the warmth, humanity and humor of his stories. My favorite stories came early in the book, one of them being "Turkey" which starts off both the book and the Winter section. The description of the turkey before it was roasted had me and my husband howling with laughter. Another favorite is the one about the birthday party, especially the scene where Dave tries to frost the cake while it is still warm. My husband recently made the same mistake when he was frosting my birthday cake. I think there is enough depth to this collection of stories that most any one can come away with a favorite story or at least a favorite scene.

... a very ordinary family. Now, I don't mean ordinary in the boring sense of the term, quite the contrary. This is a collection of short stories spanning a year in the lives of a middle-class family. Everyone will be able to recognize themselves or others in these people to whom funny things tend to happen.

A quick read that will have you smiling (and giggling) on the bus.

You won't regret picking it up, and will look for McLean's other collections of stories about this wonderful family upon completing it.

"from one nightmare to another" in I Romanced the Stone, Marvin Wilson carries us through the horrors of addiction to the glory of salvation in a rollicking, sometimes terrifying journey to joy.

A great reference book for anyone involved in "The War on Drugs" no matter in what capacity. I plan to obtain a copy for my police officer grandson as well as my eldest son who has overcome his personal addictions. [first to drugs and then to "That Old Time Religion]

Raw, down-and-dirty, and unfiltered, "I Romanced the Stone" is the story of an aging hippy and his descent into the madness of becoming a crack user. Marvin Wilson had used just about every drug known to man during the Peace and Love Years of the 60s so what would one little experimental hit from the crack pipe hurt? He soon found out that smoking crack cocaine wasn't the same as smoking marijuana, the main drug of choice for the "tune in, turn off, and drop out generation." Marvin is a very lucky man in the fact that he is still alive to tell this compelling story. "I Romanced the Stone" is a must read for all who have even THOUGHT about taking that first hit from the crack pipe.

Kristie Leigh Maguire
Multi-published, award-winning author
[...]

Little did I know when I sat down to read Marvin Wilson's I Romanced The Stone" I would be reading about myself and my addictions. Different drugs of choice, of course (computer, television and procrastination), but addictions nonetheless. Anything that keeps you from being your true and total self and anything that keeps one from finding their true inner peace is a drug. And just when I had "serious doubts about my ever being whole again", here comes a book so poignant, so deep, and so apropos I now know that healing is possible. To experience the joy of being healed, delivered and set free has to be an awesome feeling. A must read for everyone who is addicted or not! Rosa Ferguson author of LOVED TO DEATH: A Different Kind of Love Story

Marvin Wilson transports you into the world of a drug addict with the art of a writer. This is a well written book and a testimony to the resiliency of the human spirit in crisis.
He lost everything before he was forced to face his demons. He faced them head on and won the fight. This book speaks to everyone who has known his agony or had known someone who has walked the same path as he.
This book is a must read.
Pamela Templin

Marvin Wilson destroys all the stereotypes of drug use on both ends of the scale. He is neither part of the Hollywood/New York "elite" associated with upscale drug abuse, nor is he a part of the underclass. He is just an average middle class guy who fell into a bottomless pit.
His recovery from drugs and the recovery of his marriage is an inspiration for anyone who has felt that their lives had become hopeless.
His book takes the reader on a ride of emotions as he shares a truly remarkable story of despair and redemption.
This is a must read.

Just started the book. Another great novel by Tom Morrisey! He writes about
another one of his passions, climbing. His books on diving are also excellent
and have a Christian theme interwoven in them while being thoroughly
entertaining reading.
N. Young

Tom Morrisey's best novel to date, IN HIGH PLACES, cost me a good night's sleep and a set of chewed-off fingernails. As a young boy's coming-of-age story, it is superb; as a suspense-filled cliffhanger (pardon the pun), it will keep you on the edge of your seat. I found I couldn't put it down until the very last page.

In several previous novels such as YUCATAN DEEP and DEEP BLUE, Morrisey (executive editor of Sport Diver magazine) took readers under the water in scuba thrillers. This time, he takes the adventures topside. Morrisey poignantly unfolds the first-person story of Patrick Nolan, a 16-year-old rock climber who returns from a father-and-son climbing trip to his home in Toledo to discover his mother's apparent suicide. Patrick and his dad leave Toledo to open a climbing shop in West Virginia, where Patrick must grow up fast in matters of family, faith and love.

Morrisey has always been a good adventure writer (his work has appeared in the adventurer's Bible --- Outside magazine --- as well as other publications). What sets this book apart from Morrisey's previous efforts is the appealing first-person point of view, strong, tight editing, refusal to succumb to clichés and lovely prose. His chapters begin and end so compellingly, you can't help but turn the pages.

The opening lines are especially beautiful, almost poetic:

"It was not the rock --- it was never the rock; it was the air. Air: gusts and threads of it, rustling my hair at the edge of my faded red rugby shirt collar. Air: swaying the thin red climbing rope that dropped beneath me in a single, brief, pendulous loop. Air all around me and above me and behind me, open and empty and unsubstantial, drying the sweat on my dread-paled, beardless face, an entire sea of air, an ocean of it, lying vacantly beneath my jutting, quaking heels."

If you're not a climber (like me) you'll struggle a bit with the plethora of gear, technical terms and climbing lingo. The epigrams of gear drawings and their uses at the beginning of each chapter lend insight, but most non-climbers will skim some of the climbing jargon as they read. For climbers, however, this might well be the meat of the book. Even non-climbers though will enjoy some of the catchy names of various rock face climbs ("Ye Gods and Little Fishes," "Thin Man") and glimpses into a world that us vertically-challenged folks may never explore.

One of the final and succinct but devastating scenes of the novel takes place at K2, a climbing venue I had just read about in detail in the fascinating THREE CUPS OF TEA. Morrisey's book will remind readers of a very abbreviated version of Jon Krakauer's INTO THIN AIR, with all the attendant disasters that climbing can bring.

I think I'd know a Morrisey novel anywhere by the inclusion of at least one character wearing Ray Bans (does he get endorsement credit for this from the company?), although he's much more restrained about brand names in this novel than in previous ones. Most impressively, Morrisey eschews the easy Christian fiction ending without eschewing faith. This is not one of those happily-ever-after tales; there are no assurances that right choices have been made. Unlike some previous books, where Morrisey tended to be a little preachy, he strikes a good balance of faith themes with reality. Choices, after all, have consequences. And there are regrets when we make the wrong ones and our lives turn out differently than we expected. But, as he writes in the final scene, "Sometimes, hope is all we have. And sometimes, hope is enough."

Morrisey has taken a giant step forward with this novel. I can't wait to see what he has next.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

In High Places by Tom Morrisey is a story about rock climbing, and climbing over life's unexpected rocks. Patrick Nolan didn't think he'd come back from a rock climbing trip with his dad to find out that his mother had committed suicide. He also didn't expect to start his life over in West Virginia, or to find a beautiful girl. Life isn't always what we expect, but readers can feel the hope that exists throughout this book, a hope that is more than enough.

Morrisey brings readers into the valley of Seneca Rocks, in the rolling hills of West Virginia, and teaches them how to rock climb. He explains things while Patrick and his father make their many climbing excursions, so that any readers who have no experience with rock climbing will feel as though they are experts. While his description is vivid and entangling, the journey he sends Patrick on is even more complicated.

After his mother's death, Patrick and his father relocate to Seneca Rocks, West Virginia. As a part of starting over, his father opens up a store for rock climbers and people involved in other outdoor hobbies. Both men are trying to cope with their loss and are left wondering why there weren't any signs to warn them. Patrick worries about his dad when his dad starts taking very risky climbs. One morning Patrick runs into a girl. He is taken by her with his first look. She tells him to come with her and the next thing he knows, he's dressed in his hiking shorts while attending a very conservative Baptist church service. There he finds out that the girl, Rachel, is the pastor's daughter. The story moves quickly, uncovering clues of his mother's death, expanding the relationship between Patrick and Rachel, and revealing another relationship that Patrick begins to explore with God.

At first glance, this book looks like it's a book for guys, but anyone who loves a story deep with characters will easily relate. The first person narrative also appeals to people who enjoy reading memoirs. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a detail-rich story with plot depth. It is a great narrative of the hope we have and the journey it takes to find it. [...]

Reviewed by Tyler R. Tichelaar for Reader Views (5/07)

"In High Places" by Tom Morrisey opens with Patrick Nolan and his father, Kevin, bonding as father and son during a rock climbing expedition at Seneca Rocks in West Virginia in 1976. The opening is a bit too filled with rock-climbing terminology, but if the reader is patient, within a few pages, the novel draws us in as Patrick and Kevin return home, only to discover Patrick's mother has died, apparently by committing suicide.

Patrick and Kevin's grief is tremendous, but as men, they find themselves unable to discuss it with one another. The reader is aware both are silently suffering, not knowing how to comfort each other, and their lack of belief in God makes it more difficult for them to find solace for their pain.

Unable to live in their home because it reminds them too much of their lost loved one, Patrick's father decides they will return to Seneca Rocks and open up a shop selling climbing equipment. This new life keeps them busy and helps them forget their grief for a short time.

The plot becomes complicated when Patrick meets and falls in love with Rachel, a preacher's daughter. When the preacher and Patrick's father meet, the preacher tries to talk to Kevin about God and Heaven, but Kevin's father becomes angry, refusing to believe in a God who would allow his wife to commit suicide.

Some readers may be turned off that "In High Places" is clearly a Christian book, but Kevin Nolan's questioning of God made me feel the book was not trying to preach or convince the reader of the truths of Christianity. Instead, it asked a legitimate question about why God would allow bad things to happen to good people. The book does not give easy answers; even when Patrick learns more about the details surrounding his mother's death, the novel does not seek to answer the question of why God allowed his mother to die. Rather than bring simple closure, the book opens up layers of complexity regarding the human condition and human behavior; it explores the difficulties and unanswerable reasons behind why people love and hurt each other. The book is hopeful, but the hopefulness is mixed with a strong realism throughout.

I think Morrisey handles the difficult questions and situations he creates with great maturity and tactfulness. I especially admired his decision to tell the story from Patrick's perspective, which allowed for all the questioning of a teenage boy, making the novel a story of a father-son relationship, a coming of age story, and a love story combined.

I have always thought rock-climbing would be fun, but the book's descriptions of the complexities of rock-climbing made me think I should stick to reading books. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the descriptions of the activity, which clearly Morrisey is an expert in. Whether or not the reader is a Christian, "In High Places" will appeal to a wide audience, especially male readers, who will enjoy a father-son story where the male characters act with maturity and respect toward each other. Many young men would do well to model themselves upon the character of Patrick. This book would make a great gift for Father's Day or to a teenage or college-age boy. "In High Places" has made me want to read more of Morrisey's books.

Review by David White

In High Places is not an average coming of age story. It's a story of continued hope and faith made real by the fact that even years later the narrator continues to struggle with those events.

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Seneca Rocks in West Virginia in 1976, we're introduced to our main character, Patrick, and his father as they climb. At first it seems like an adventure story, giving an intimate account of what it's like to be a climber. In High Places does indeed give its readers an in-depth look into the life of a climber, sharing the experience with unexpected clarity and honesty.

The death, an apparent suicide, of Patrick's mother causes Patrick's father to move from their home in Ohio to Seneca permanently, where they set up a small climbing shop and can escape their pain. Of course, their loss follows them, and while Patrick's father only finds solace by making terrifying solo climbs, Patrick is befriended by the beautiful Rachel who helps him make a new life for himself.

Of course, Rachel is not any beautiful girl; she's a pastor's daughter, and religious folks have always been viewed with skepticism in Patrick's family. His infatuation brings him back to church week after week with even more frequent visits to her house. Patrick's conversion is not miraculous. If anything, it is accidental. It's his father's reaction that is of Patrick's greatest concern.

Revelations about Patrick's mother's death, and the faith she apparently came to just before it, brings about two major shifts in the novel. While both draw Rachel and Patrick closer together, they also bring unexpected consequences. If anything, In High Places is about such consequences. These revelations and Patrick's actions in response to them pushes Patrick's father from a kind of reckless sadness to anger, and then, perhaps, to hope.

But actions have consequences, not only for Patrick's father but for Patrick and Rachel as well. Once their relationship reaches its climax, it's never quite the same again, and apparently neither is Patrick. But In High Places is a book about hope above all else. There is hope for Patrick, Rachel, and, most of all, for Patrick's father.

This book is one that will cause conflict in the reader's emotions; it will make him question what happens as surely as if it were his own life. From a personal standpoint, I thought that this book held an attraction for me because it took place only fifty miles or so from where I grew up, but now I know that Tom Morrisey's writing, with its honesty and liveliness, is what made it truly gripping. In High Places is my personal pick for best book of the year.

In High Places shows so clearly that there is no hope without fear of disappointment. As Rachel once points out, movies have a tendency to make people think that things turn out as they should regardless of the actions of the characters. This is a trap into which In High Places never falls, but there is always hope.

This four-part story that spans the entire "Star Trek" universe (until the fifth show arrives, that is) begins spectacularly, continues well, and almost peters out before returning with a bang. The first segment, "First Strike," takes place in the 23rd Century and depicts Kirk as a hero in both his accomplishments as a warrior (impressing even the Klingons) and in his determined efforts as a diplomat who wants to avoid the war in the first place. "First Strike" could easily stand on its own. But "Soldiers of Fear" fortunately avoids the danger of becoming just a remake/sequel to "First Strike." The added element of new technology for the villainous Furies -- a weapon that strikes at the very minds of the Enterprise crew -- creates an interesting element that maintains our fascination with the story. Then the whole thing goes south in "Time's Enemy." The initial premise -- involving time travel and the mysterious appearance of a centuries-old Defiant -- is certainly intriguing, but the story itself is rather dull and turns out to have very little to do with the Furies story as a whole. In my opinion, it is completely unnecessary, especially considering that the fourth segment, "The Final Fury," picks up exactly where the second segment left off. I wasn't much of a "Voyager" viewer at the time, but I became interested in the series when "Invasion" so fluidly continued the same story from the original characters to the Next Generation to Voyager. I would definitely recommend "Invasion." But skip the DS9 segment, which is as boring and pointless as the other three segments are exciting and epic. Well, three out of four ain't bad.

This was an immensely spellbinding and interesting read... The concept of having such a wonderfully continuous storyline is great, and extremely well thought-out. The stories blend nicely, and tell different parts of the complete story in each book. The characters, especially in the last two books, are portrayed very lifelike and true to their roles in the TV series -- they had me laughing at quite a few occasions! I had to put down everything else to finish this book first!

If you're like Trek then you will like this book. The 4 novel saga spans the centuries and does so with the greatest of fluidity. The basic premise is simple, an epic war took place in our little piece of universe before we got here. The loser of the war wants the universe back and the winners are nowhere to be found. The first novel introduces the losers and reveals that their presence has actually been well documented in the history of our quadrants aliens through mythology, from the Vulcan mythology to Human mythology and so on. The second novel finds Picard and the NG crew fight the FURIES off again in a true epic. The third novel gets a little more technical but finds us finally introduced to the victors in that epic war fought so long ago. These creatures are just plain cool... If not a bit gory... LoL. The 4th brings us back to the FURIES as they attempt to simply transport their entire planet into the alpha quadrant! This is by far the best of the 4 and completes the saga perfectly. I read this installment in a day. All and all it took me 10 days to read the 958 pages and that's saying a lot for me... You'll enjoy this..

Diane writes them well, whether it is the war between the states or Trek, she seems to add the human factor into history and the future. My personal opinion is that she does best with ORIGINAL stories that she creates but she does a very fine job with a adaptation. A writer of detail she seems to bore some but to each their own. She adds color and impact to the picture of your imagination while reading the words. Some readers tend to be too critical, Lighten up and enjoy. Ship of the Line was fun and she interacted a character from 2 shows. That story needed at least 100 more pages. Thanks Diane, From ZC (ghost from the past)

This great first crossover series and great first Star Trek Omnibus contains at least three out four of Star Trek fiction's best tales. First encountered in the twenty third century by the Klingons, the Furies sent a vanguard in the form of a nearly indestructible starship where it was met by the venerable Captain James T. Kirk and the USS Enterprise. Some one hundred years later, the Furies became an issue once again where they were dealt with by first Captain Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D and concurrently by Captain Sisko and the crew of the USS Defiant in an extraordinary time sweeping tale. The conclusion to this massive Star Trek tale is wrapped up perfectly by Captain Janeway and the crew of the USS Voyager, lost deep in the Delta Quadrant.

Included both with "The Final Fury" and this Omnibus is fantastic section titled "A Word from Our Authors," where there are some great insights into what the authors were thinking when writing these novels.

Overall, I'd highly recommend this "Invasion!" series to any and all fans as, with one exception; it is a highly intriguing and epic tale that sweeps across all four series. Listed below is the premise for each tale!

Star Trek #79 First Strike, Invasion #1:

The premise:

"Across time and space comes a fury...!" A quote directly from the cover and yes, it is an extremely accurate and telling statement. For many years the Federation has dealt with the Klingon Empire from either open war or cold war but never has the Federation received a call for help from them. That is exactly what they receive and the Federation sends their very best to deal with whatever the situation may be.

The Klingons have found themselves dealing with a massive starship that they're unable to destroy. Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise come on the scene and discover that this ship and its leader, Vergo Zenner are but the mere vanguard of a massive invasion fleet that is headed to reclaim what they believe to be there territory since time before memory and that territory happens to encompass the Federation, Klingon Empire and the Romulan Star Empire.

What follows from there is an extremely interesting and intriguing tale that is also a bit rare in Star Trek fiction where it deals more with Captain Kirk as the negotiator. Of course, when comes time to revert to the creative combat leader that he is, he steps right up to the plate.

Star Trek The Next Generation #41 The Soldiers of Fear Invasion #2:

The premise:

After a century of peace and no sign of the Furies, they return with a vengeance to reclaim the territory they believe is rightfully theirs. To make matters worse for Starfleet and the rest of the Alpha quadrant, the Furies have returned with a massive fleet of even more deadly ships than the one that came a century before. To add to that, they learned something from their first encounter and are now employing a weapon of fear upon their enemies, literally crippling them and then moving in with their physical weapons to destroy them.

What follows from there, as stated above, is novel that was wrought with potential that is ultimately unrealized in its execution. I would still recommend this novel and the other three in the series as this is only a bump in the road for the series as a whole.

Star Trek Deep Space Nine #16 Time's Enemy Invasion #3:

The premise:

Captain Sisko, Dax and Bashir are called to Starbase One, which is at the fringe of the Terran system by Admiral Judith Hayman. Once there she asks them to review some data chips, which they do and it doesn't take them long to discover that they're from the Defiant under his command, and these data chips describe in some detail, the destruction of the Defiant. They soon learn that these chips were found aboard the Defiant, which had been encased in a comet in the Oort Cloud surrounding the Terran system for over five thousand years...

What follows from there is nothing less than one of the most spectacular and intriguing novels ever written in the Star Trek line of fiction. I highly recommend this novel either as a stand alone in the Deep Space Nine series or as the third in the "Invasion!" series as it furthers that series extremely well, for it is here where we finally get some of the history of the Furies and the why behind their invasion today.

Star Trek Voyager #9 The Final Fury Invasion #4:

The premise:

While the battle rages on in the Alpha quadrant between its inhabitants and the invading Furies, the USS Voyager and her gallant crew are steadily making their way home when they receive a distress call from a Starfleet vessel, something of which they thought they'd never hear again. They soon discover the source of the distress call and massive Fury invasion fleet on a constructed planetoid containing twenty seven billion Furies. As the novel progresses, Captain Janeway finds herself in one heck of a quandary as she comes upon the realization that in order to save the Alpha quadrant, she must destroy the twenty seven billion Furies who are bent on invading the Alpha quadrant and a possible way for her ship to make it home quicker, if there is to be a home to return to...

What follows from there is nothing less than a impressive and decidedly compelling Star Trek Voyager novel and a brilliant finale to Star Trek fiction's first crossover series. I highly recommend not only this novel but the entire "Invasion!" series, whether you procure the individual books or this fantastic "Invasion!" Omnibus. {ssintrepid}

I first got this book because I was curious about it from the obituary. I read it today in it's entirety. I think the author does deserve a superb job in allowing us to understand each of the real people with flaws and talents. I was led to believe that Natalia and Janet were always together but as I read. They were separated and torn apart for other reasons. Natalia never really comes out to acknowledge her sexual orientation. Bill never doubts his own. He reveals a lot about himself like losing his virginity to a prostitute. Bill's childhood was not entirely spent at home but at boarding schools in New England. I think Janet served as a father figure. When she was 83 years old, she had to retire to New York and live the last 3 years with Natalia. Why she kept coming and going to and from is puzzling to me? Janet was a complicated woman and these two women truly loved each other. Maybe the separations allowed them to love each other more apart. Will never really know? We weren't truly there ourselves. Bill allows us to see his childhood was normal. I was surprised that his mother would worry about his sexual orientation. I wondered what would have happened if he turned out gay himself. Would she blame herself? Who knows? I read about Alice, his second wife. I don't think Natalia understood their relationship. Now that all 3 members of that unique family is gone, I think Alice deserves some mention. Bill wasn't the best husband or father. They did live together for 5 years before their marriage. I say give Alice a break. They were together for 30 years. At the end of Natalia's life, she was unbearable probably because she was ill physically and medication often can contribute to a person's mental state. Bill and Alice stayed together for 30 years. I admire Alice and his first wife Doris who managed to deal with an overbearing mother-in-law. I also think Natalia had trouble letting go of Bill all his life and that's why there is so much trouble. Since Bill is gone, my condolences to Alice, Doris, Natalia, Julia, and Bill III over your more recent loss.
After reading this book, I became fascinated with Janet Flanner. I bought other books which educated me more about this situation. Sadly, this book is only a part of an amazing woman's story. I won't say that Janet didn't love Natalia but she had two other lovers, Solita Solano and Noel Haskins Murphy in France. Janet did not belong to anybody much less Natalia. Janet belonged to the world. She was larger than life. In fact, Noel and Solita did share a negative reception of Natalia's part of Janet's relationships. The reason that Natalia did not move to Paris was because Janet's partner Solita and Noel did not care too much for Natalia. They found her possessive and overbearing. Janet was not always happy in New York City with Natalia. She was happiest in Paris where she belonged. I won't say that they didn't love each other but it was not an ideal relationship. Natalia wanted Janet all to herself and Janet was torn between Noel, Solita, and Natalia. Janet was an amazing woman. This book only tells part of the story from Bill Murray's point of view. The book asks more questions than provides answers. I don't think Bill wanted to know about the true nature of Janet's relationships. She was not monogamous and she didn't belong to NAtalia but she did love her to spend time with her. Regardless, they're all in heaven having a ball.

I admit that my knowledge of Janet Flanner was hazy when I bought this book, my exposure to the "New Yorker" limited to a few issues per year only in the last ten years. That wasn't the selling point for me -- I had read good reviews that this was the memoir of a boy raised in a non-traditional home in the 1940s and that detail fascinated me.

This is a crisply written, completely fascinating account of William Murray's gypsy childhood in the literary circles of New York, Fire Island and Rome. It is a story of becoming a man, of weathering stormy relations with parents, and about his own struggles to make a life for himself as a writer.

There are two generations of literary lives detailed: I was fascinated to learn how much professional writers struggle even after achieving success. Janet Flanner lived in hotels across the world, constantly missing her deadlines; the author himself resorted throughout his 20s and 30s to gambling and part time jobs to scrape by. Even his first two years working as a writer for the New Yorker came and went without him getting an article published. This is the dark side of the artist's life, and one we hear too little of.

My only disappointment with this book -- and it's minor-- is that it is really the story of an artist's life, not the story of being the child of a lesbian. Janet Flanner's role in the author life could just as well be that of a step-father; the fact that she is a lesbian is superfluous. But, maybe that in and of itself makes a point.

A fascinating and well written memoir -- worth reading.

When I look back on the many books I've read over the past year (easily 50 or more), I can say emphatically that this was one of the best and most memorable. I can remember where I sat (by a fountain) when I began the book, and where I was (at a garden) when I closed its cover for the final time. Murray captured the essence of a very complex, yet loving relationship between two sophisticated, intelligent women. After I finished his book, I yearned to learn more about them, and read a biography of Flanner, Murray's mother's book of correspondence between herself and Flanner, and several of Flanner's New Yorker compilations. A heartfelt thanks, William Murray.

I just finished this book and enjoyed it tremendously. This book appealed to me on several levels. As an American ex-patriate living outside Paris, I could relate to many of the comments Janet made. Although I love France, I will always be an outsider. This book is not so much an homosexual story as it is a love story among these people. It is a testament to how love can endure long distances, different cultures and social constraints. I recommend this book highly to anyone who enjoys reading historically based biographies with a love story intertwined. Besides, I can't resist buying a good book with good photographs.

As a New Englander of mixed Italian and English ancestry, I feel I can relate easily to William Murray's experience, even though the Italian ladies in my background were houswives and factory workers, and not the brilliant and accomplished sort of person his mother was. Natalia's relationship with Janet Flanner is interesting and shows her (Natalia's) deep sense of humanity and commitment as well as her strong nurturing capacities. Italian mothers always think they are right, and my own opinion is that they always are right. Murray emphasizes Flanner's virtues and other good points, but I wonder about why she was so incapable of sacrificing a little of her time, her career, her work for the woman who loved her and whom she said she loved.

By the time I finished reading this book, which is a very lovely memoir, I had really taken a strong liking to Natalia with her patience, tenderness, humanity, character, and love.

What an opening into a soul, and what a sharing of a self!
Mus White's book combines images and reflections into a story,
which is as much a sweeping epic across time and place, as
it is a personal tale. After reading this book, I felt like
I was, indeed, holding Jasmine in my hand.

When we read we travel to a world that is not ours. We are given the transportation to another's consciousness. Mus White's novel Jasmine in my hand carries us to more than a couple of corners of the world. One of these places, for example, is a dimly lit corner of Copenhagen where we follow the life of small worried girl. Pia falls into an oily green canal in her brand new gray coat which she had begged her mother to buy though her mother couldn't afford it. Another place is LA, where this same small child has grown into a woman who has everything modern America has to give, all the coats in the world, more light and light switches than anyone could possibly use or want. But in these and other locations the real place through which we move and travel is Mus White's consciousness and what a consciousness it is. Using language that dances more than it sits, we dip and slide, slither fall, lift and ascend. Ms. White's sense of the movement of language is a language of its own. It sits not in letters and sentences, words and paragraphs, but somewhere between an intense consciousness of the senses and the dream life of both wordiness and wordlessness. Mus White moves us with the confidence of a witch across these boundaries and back again. Read her, dance with her, sit and ascend.

If you want to rediscover and exercise all your emotions in a single read, buy this book. White's writing is so raw, honest, and powerful, you will instantly see what sets this book apart from all other heroine-centered, first-person novels. This is no manufactured study of a woman with imagined torments; this is the real thing. Pia is a flesh and blood person, fully alive and sitting right in front of you, telling you her remarkable story, with all of its anguish and passion, as if you were in her kitchen holding her hands. You can see the tears, hear the laughter, and smell the coffee. You smile with her; you cry with her; and you want to support her like your new best friend. After all is said, Pia is right there for you, a magnificent woman, with all her complexities. Very highly recommended.

In Jasmine in MY Mind, Mus White sets an initial cadence with her writing
that beats through her novel with the hum of humanity.
At times, through her poetic use of language, she creates sublime images
that are unique in their nature. And other times she reaches to the dark side
that resides in all of us and comes forth with observations that are totally
honest and at the same time utterly terrifying.
Ms. White seamlessly shifts between childhood and adulthood and never loses
the threads of her mesmerizing story.

Nothing about the title and summary of this book prepared me for the absolute uniqueness of this writer's voice and story. She somehow manages to make you feel as if you've burrowed deep into her very soul; you experience right along with her everything that's happening, both the familiar (in a new way) and the unfamiliar (as if you were there).

Her story keeps you turning pages, as riveted as one might be by a soap opera. But this is no soap opera. Rather, it's the debut of an extraordinarily talented new writer with a lot to say and the wherewithal to say it in a most literary and expressive way. I dare anyone to put it down once they've start reading it!

That's a serious warning, by the way--I very nearly drowned laughing at the great confluence of events surrounding the bagpipe playing in the town square.

Parkinson is a flawless writer in several genres--but Jubilation Gap is by far my favorite of his books. We've read TWO copies to tatters in my family. Of course, the fact that one was dropped in hot water during the aforementioned near drowning probably contributed to the first copy's disintegration.

The characters are crisply and distinctly drawn, and as wildly funny as this book is, there's nothing out of place--just a long string of silly little events that somehow add up to nearly drowning.

If you haven't read this book yet, order it immediately. Just keep it away from the tub--or the pool!

Most people who read it think that this is the funniest of Dan's books. He is truly the best writer around today though... and ALL of his books are marvelous! I agree with the person who said it was hard to read his books in a public place... I have been embarrassed many times by laughing out loud when reading them! And sometimes I laugh so hard....I cry...or I can't even get my eyes open to read! He is a master at the running jokes... and the unusual twists!
It took me years to hunt down several of his books. But they are all worth the effort. This man is a real treasure... and so far not even an appreciated one! I reread his entire collected works...every year! I need the laughter. And his characters are so wonderful... I KNOW these people...and he reintroduced me to them. Plus, it has been so wonderful to learn so much history in such a fun way. BUY HIS BOOKS...read them... he is an American treasure!

Dan Parkinson is the master of creating chaos out of order.Unusual characters thrown together in an out of the way -turn of the century Las Vegas in Kansas of all places. Toss in a Russian master of "Wadka", an out of place Massachusetts blueblood,a drunken Shakespearean,a lost herd of cows, girls, illegal booze, and oh yeah a circus elephant.How Parkinson weaves all these elements together is pure mastery of the obsurd and the hilarious.Laugh out loud? Impossible not to!

When my father-in-law recommended this book I took it with trepidation. It was old and tattered. I should have known, no one reads a book that many times unless it's great! I have now read the book 3 times. It is uproariously funny! Parkinson is a master of juxtaposition of his characters--be they people or animal. If you've read Parkinson before, you'll know he usually includes a running gag all through the book. This one revolves around the Russian character Vladimir. His native tongue is misinterpreted in many ways. It reminds one of Mrs. Malaprop!

This is the funniest thing I've ever read. I got in 32d hand from a cousin on ma's side, who had already passed it thru her entire family twice. From me to my dad to my cousins on his side and back around to my sibs. Nobody could find it in a bookstore, and we kept passing this volume around until it literally fell apart despite valiant efforts with glue and tape by several of us.

Every kind of humor is here -- man/woman humor, cowboy humor, slow humor building from inocuous beginnings that evolve into outrageous consummations, plays on words and names, memorable phrases by forgettable rascals ("Shoot the scutter!"). This homely tale of the range of the Old West has cunning cows, stupid people accidentally winning, smart people outsmarting themselves, bad guys getting their due. Everyone's on the make in some sense and no one's plans work out quite as envisioned.

If God has a sense of humor, this is surely how he sees the human comedy.

Many years ago I seen Mr. Power's speak. I am not much into speakers, but this man grabs your attention. I got his book which he personilized to me, read it and it has become one of my favorites. I grew up in Chicago so could relate to alot of it, it is the one book that I suggest to everyone. If you get the chance to read, or hear him speak you will remember it.

I first discovered John R. Powers when a co-worker gave me the Unoriginal Sinner and the Ice God to read. It was so good I wanted to own that book and other books by Mr. Power. I was diappointed to find that all of his books are out of print. My local library had three of his tiles but have found it difficult to locate his works to purchase. I recommed all of John R. Powers books espesially to baby boomers his books will bring back wonderful memories. I would like to know more about the author.

Architechts and Urban Design folks who consider themselves New Urbanists will love this novel. Powers understands that our missing of the "old neighborhood" is about the sense of place and belonging that was left behind in the search for the suburban dream. Powers tells all the stories: the one mom on the block who worked, the garage which is behind the house, off the alley "where it belongs". Powers lets us recall the calm and orderliness of life in a neighborhood of diverse population, mixed uses(corner stores and front porches) and care for neighbors. The book is a delightful reminder of the days and places that defined middle class not in terms of income or profession but of an ethic shared with the families next door and across the alley.

I think this book is an excellent book and I just love everything that John R. Powers writes. He has a way of being funny and poignant at the same time. He writes about growing up in Chicago as if you are actually doing it yourself. His way of writing draws you in because it is very funny and touching and really makes you think about life. The fact of the matter is that I loaned this book to a friend and now I can't find it in print again. It is truly a good book!

I loved the other John R. Powers books and discovered this one, believe it or not, in an airport gift shop. As with his other books, it was a joy to read and had an emotional depth so rarely found in books that are also miraculously funny. Powers may well be the most underrated writer to emerge in the last 30 years. His books are so entertaining, you don't notice yourself being moved. Until later, that is. Like, ten seconds later. Wonderful writing I recommend to anyone with a heart and a funny bone.