Hearts Books

I knew the author personally. I took a Holocaust course from Dr. Abzug while at the University of Texas. I asked him questions about the construction of the book. Placing key photographs right after controversial passages in the book. It was done for effect, and had a profound effect on me. This is a must read book for anyone interested in the Holocaust as well as those interested in how such a event could happen. More than anything else the book showed me how fragile we are as human beings, and that when inudated with violence and horror, how we can become indifferent to it.

This book attempts to chronicle the absolute horror that accompanied the discovery of Nazi concentration/slave labor/extermination/death camps at the end of World War II.

The story is primarily told from the perspective of the Americans, from GIs to General Eisenhower, as well as journalists and others, who came upon the camps, what they saw, and how they reacted.

There are separate chapters on the Ohrdurf & Norhausen, Buchenwald, Dachau, and Mauthausen camps, along with a chapter covering the discovery of numerous smaller camps. A brief history and background of the camps are also covered in these chapters. Interspersed with the text are numerous photos of the discoveries at the camps.

Also included are introductory chapters trying to assess America's knowledge of these camps prior to their discovery and closing chapters on the aftermath of the camps on the discoverers, the inmates, the Germans, and the world, and an attempt to make sense somehow of it all.

This is a somber book. The photographs (piles of corpses, burned bodies, humans reduced to skin and bones) and descriptions of what was found in the camps (the smells, the sights, the sounds) are not for the squeamish. Nonetheless, it is a must read for anyone trying to gain some sense (if indeed, any can be found) of what was the Final Solution for the Jewish people as well as the horrific mistreatment of other groups (Gypsies, Communists, criminals, etc.) that the Nazis deemed undesirable.

this book is shocking but true! the details are very graphic and the pictures even more so. the author has done his research--i took a class from him on the subject. really powerful and important reading for everyone to understand the horror of the holocaust and work to ensure that such a thing never happens again. leaves you with a whole new perspective on the nature of evil and the potential power of authority and those in it.

This was an interesting view of the horrors of the holocaust. I think there is better works that detail out what happened in the camps, but this book really gives you the insight into what it was like to roll through the gates of the camp in an American jeep. You almost can feel the chain of emotions the solders go through: confusion, anger, pity, and sadness. This must also be in some small part what the current American solders see in Afghanistan with millions starving. This is a well-written, very unique look at the topic and is well worth the price. You will "feel" this book for a long time after you have finished it.

I especially liked the special viewpoint of the book, that is the discovery of the camps through the eyes of American G.I.s

Marva Dawn has a believer's heart and a teachers mind and together they give us wonderful insights as to how to foster young people in the faith of Jesus Christ. This book would be a wonderful gift for a minister or Christian educator and would no doubt be referenced often.

Marva has included outstanding hymns that convey the message of each of the chapters, at the beginning of each chapter. "Bless the Ones Who Nurture Children" is just about the best hymn anywhere about teachers in the church. It would make an excellent rally day hymn or as a thank you hymn on teacher appreciation Sunday.

There are excellent discussion questions for each chapter which would make it a good adult study book, too.

If you find this review helpful you might want to read some of my other reviews, including those on subjects ranging from biography to architecture, as well as religion and fiction.

Written from a Christian perspective, this book has something to say to both Christians and non-Christians who are seriously concerned at the way our children are being raised (or more aptly destroyed) by modern "post-Christian" culture. Marva Dawn correctly assesses the threats to the well being of our children and offers the best way to counteract such influences. Mrs. Dawn rightly focuses on the Biblically rooted, Christ centered Christian community of faith as the key to saving our children from the influences of a dying culture. This book is a must read for the pastor, parent and educator (Christian or not) seeking alternatives to the way modern society has tried and failed to "raise" our kids. This work is insightful and at times heart wrenching in the statistics offered as examples. Be prepared to "dog-ear" pages and highlight passages at will! The information and insight in this book is worth coming back to again and again. (Chapters I believe Christian leaders should take special note of are 3-6 and 10)

This book is excellent for Christian educators and youth ministers who are feeling burntout and discouraged over the state of children in the church. Dawn goes beyond the recommendations of pre-packaged youth minstry programs and addresses the need to CHALLENGE youth in order to make them disciples. Dawn offers several examples of her own experiences in which children and teens embraced difficult teachings and sophisticated music in favor of things that supposedly cater to kids. This books is also a wake-up call to Christian parents who are too quick to embrace popular culture in their own homes and who may mistakenly believe that youth ministry is doing its job correctly.

This is a great book for parents, pastors, worship leaders, as well as lay persons. She explains worship, educates on why the church does what it does how it does, and challenges churches of all denominations and leanings (traditional to contemporary) to re-examine the way they approach youth involvement in church.

I enjoyed the hymns at the beginning of each chapter and the discussion questions at the end of each chapter. This would be a great book for a group to read together in that sense. Marva Dawn comments on a whole range of subjects, from worship to the media and the meaning of work. It doesn't have much of the "fluffy" stuff that I find in a lot of so-called "popular Christian books," and I find it bracing and refreshing, good tonic for the spirit and mind. Wish I could get some people in my church to read and discuss and act together on the ideas brought out in the book.

What is there to say? Well first off, the animation was fantastic. The perfect combo of anime-manga styling, humorous and yet serious when necessary. The dialogue was to die for. The scenarios fit well and it filled in all the missing pages of the series for me. (no pun intended)

I didn't feel like digging up my lost KH:CoM game and get used to the battle system all over again so I opt to just buy the manga. Didn't regret it one bit! I recommend purchasing the manga whether you're a lazy gamer like me or not. XD

I bought it as a gift for a friend, she seemed to like it so Im guessing its a good item. It beats having to go through the stupid GBA game anyway.

This was an excellent starter pack of Volume 1 and 2 Kingdom Hearts novels. My daughter about knocked me over with excitement on Christmas when she opened these up. The shipment came on time and was in perfect shape.

Love it. I played the game, and although it doesn't follow exactly, a must have for fans of the game/manga. Beautiful art, and flows nicely. A good way to be introuduced to the series.

The story of the two sisters' Libby and Sam seemed very real and as we grow up we do grow apart. I found myself not liking Libby very much, especially at the beginning of the story. I thought the end was rushed, and more of the story of why Libby's daughter wanted to leave college should have been talked about more. It is an easy read and worth reading just not as good as it could have been.

What a wonderful love story. This is a story about true love, the kind you feel unconditionally. This book was filled with all kind of emotions. Definetly a page turner.

The Law Of Bound Hearts: Separate them and only one - at most - would survive.

That statement sums up how Libby and Sam felt about each other as children...they were inseparable. All that changed one day when Libby did something to Sam that was unforgivable. Now, six years later, Libby is suffering from kidney failure and needs to find a donor and does not want to ask her sister Sam for help. As the story unfolds, we gradually learn a bit about each woman, where they are in their lives now, and what they are thinking and feeling. We also discover what transpired to bring them to this point in their strained relationship.

Once again Anne LeClaire has woven a story that takes you on a magical journey to the heart of the family where no one is perfect and forgiveness is possible.

Anne LeClaire writes compellingly and engages our empathy and curiosity about two estranged sisters who are faced with a life-changing decision. I became so involved with the characters, I didn't want the story to end.

Two years younger than her sister, Sam is a pastry chef living on the coast of Massachusetts designing wedding cakes that are a work of art. Libby, the free spirit of their childhood is living in the Midwest, near Chicago, having turned into a control freak of sorts. They haven't spoken in six years even though as children they were closer than twins. Now, Libby must go through dialysis and needs a donor to give her a kidney. Can she ask Sam?

But this story is much deeper than that. It's a lyrical and poetic story about sisterhood, love, betrayal, forgiveness, and hope. It's a story about families and friendships and marriage. Anne LeClaire has created a landscape of words that capture your interest and surround you with the spirit of giving without being predictable or ordinary.

Better than her other books (which were pretty darn good), you'll be glad you chose THE LAW OF BOUND HEARTS and look forward to LeClaire's future books.

A charming and slightly quirky look at the lessons of a southern life learned through the kitchen and cooking -- and the recipes are good too! This is a treasure you will want to share.

When you begin the journey that is this book you may think you will come away with some new ideas for the kitchen. However, By the time you have finished you will have had a few belly laughs, learned some great recipies and shed a few tears. Craig has done a great job in showing us that the best of times and yes the worst of times can be a source of inspiration to make us stronger and that everything looks better after a good meal.

A great read that you will come back to time and time again!

In reading this wonderful book I have found things to ponder and share with the many people in my life who have touched my heart. For example: page 66, My Friend, My Mirror, made me realize how my 19 year friendship with Brenda has lasted, when we are so very different. I was inspired to call my mom and read a chapter and a few recipes to her...she insisted on her own copy, which, to her surprise was just being delivered!

Craig McKneely has captured in a powerful way how we each are affected by those people in our lives whose paths we cross, and in turn inspires us to love ourselves, allow others to love us, and not to be afraid to share our feelings openly and honestly, and to say I Love You before the other person can't hear the feeling behind them.

While most "cookbooks" suggest obscure ingredients, Craig is not afraid to tell it like it is, and to encourage us to cook from the heart, no matter the ingredients. Comfort food is just that...food and smells which comfort our tummys and our souls.

After reading Lessons Learned While Cooking...From the Heart, I felt a Comfort or Loving feeling that will be there the rest of my life.
Craig has inspired me to take notice of life and never say NEVER. Always cherish the moments of family and friends, whether good or bad. What's LIFE without them?
Lessons Learned While Cooking ...From the Heart gives you all facets of life, ALPHA & OMEGA, the beginning and the end.
The recipes are bad for the hips, but good for the SOUL. I am proud to know Craig McKneely as a friend and confidant. LOVE YA!

...First time I was able to cry and laugh all at the same time while preparing a meal. Recipes are easy to follow and quick. It's a definite cookbook for the soul.

This book, #3 of the Beacon Street Girls is one of the best ones yet! Annie Bryant, the author, describes everything SO WELL! This series should go on and on and on! Keep writing these books Ms. Bryant! I picked this book up at Borders, and I could not put it down! It only took me 2 days to read! I'm serious, this is one of my favorite books in the series that is one of my favorite series! Just an awesome book, no questions asked.

Although this book is great, I liked book 1 and 2 better. Maeve lies to her family and friends so she can go out on a date with a boy. She does get caught and learns a lesson though. I will for sure be reading book 4!

I have to admit that lately I haven't been much of a reader lately. But since I've picked up this book I haven't been able to put it down.This book is something that girls can relate to. Many events that happen in this book happen in real life. This book is awesome!!!Find your self in an adventure that you won't want to get out of.

This is Joseph's daughter not Joseph. That clears things up!

I read the first and second book and I couldn't put them down. it was no different with this one. These books tell you what really goes on with sixth, seventh, and eighth graders if I'm not pushing it. I've never had to survive a divorce and though this book isn't a guide it let's you know how to deal with your feelings. There are tons of other things in this book that you can relate to and that are hilarious too. Annie Bryant understands everything that we go through as teenage and preteen girls! No matter if our arguments are petty or not! They matter to us!

i read this book and its just great. the beacon street girls are fun and real. there books make me wanna keep reading and never stop. i finished the first book in 2 days cause i couldnt put it down! i strongly reccomend this book!

A must read. It clarifies a lot of spiritual,theological, and philosophical ideas in an easy to read and understand format.

This book is easy to read and is applicable to everyone's life. Bishop Sheen analyzes the inner life of modern man and emphasizes spiritual growth as the key to happiness and peace. As relevant today as the day it was written.

I hope that you pick up this book. In its pages are wealth more immense than you can possibly imagine.

This book is easy to read and understand. For years I have gone to spiritual direction and this book has hit the nail on the head as far as getting you focused on the divine and not your own ego-wants. It's a step by step look at that process of spiritual growth that is so wanting and yet so difficult sometimes. Great book!! I've recommended it to everyone and want to carry it in my Catholic bookstore. Get it and grow spiritually!

I came to this book prepared to be unmoved by it's overly doctrinal approach to modernity and it's trappings - psychological and otherwise. I was surprised, however, when I found myself examining my life in new and profound ways. I say profound because Fulton's reflections go to the very heart of how we live. I find myself choosing my words more carefully, living more reflectively. And what more can I expect of a book...especially one picked up with such (initial) distaste?

I fell in love with this series since I read my first book. And with every new volume, I'm falling in love with all the characters in the story. Amy just keep giving her all in every volume, she writes her heart in every story. And you can visualize each character in a whole new perspective after reading one volume. My first love was Kyou, the elusive demon prince, the angst king of the story but, with every new volume, I could see all the different sides of the man, and love each new sides I discovered. Then comes, Shinbe. We always picture this shaman as a happy go lucky guy, a pervert, and sometimes seems like an airhead. But after reading Defy Not The Heart, Amy had given us a chance to get a look inside the man. And as the story developed, you couldn't help but see him in a different light. His passionate side, his sincerity and devotion and yes, his undying love. He would defy anything, risk everything for love. Then here is Kotaro. The last of his race, the Lycan prince. At first, I thought he is just the tamed version of Shinbe the perv, but after reading this volume, I get to know this quiet, and wolfishly handsome man. You fall in love with all them, Amy has a gift of making an impression on you. You will get to know each character, and no matter how small their role in the adventure, you can't forget each and everyone of them. You just can't wait to get the next volume to find out what happens next, and who would you think you would fall in love this time. This is a highly recommended series, each volume can be read alone or by their series. But, each one has a story to tell. And each volume would leave a lasting impression on you. You would thirst for more. ^_^

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Title - The Guardian Heart Crystal Series 5: A Light In the Heart of Darkness
Author - Amy Fushigiyugi
ISBN # - B0019BHZ5M
Published - By Amy Blankenship
Genre - Dark Fantasy Anime Novel
Rating - Strong 5 our of 5
Reviewer Name - Nicole Harvey
Wow, What can I say about this very gifted author? Amy Blankenship caught my attention from page one. The depth of this Passionate story, full of passion, need like no other that I have every read. The fight against good and evil in this story keeps you on your toes biting your nails. I fell in love with each of the 5 protectors that fight to keep Kyoko, the Priestess of the Guardian Heart Crystal safe. The wonderful thing that this author thought of no matter what one of the bks you are reading in the series you will find that each story has her ending up with each of the 5 guardians that fight to protect her from the Evil Hyakuhei, Uncle of Toyo and Kyou.
This story started 1000 yrs in the past where Toyo is killed by his Hyakuhei because Toyo knows that his Uncle wants Kyou for his own. Toyo gives his life trying to protect his Brother in the process. Kyou comes across his Uncle, Hyakuhei right after he not only killed Toyo his brother, but also caused Kyoko to kill herself so he wouldn't be able to get the crystal. He had lost so much due to the pure evilness of his Uncle. Making a pack with fellow Guardians Kyou knows that Toyo an Kyoko will be reborn to help him and fellow guardians in the fight to conquer his Uncle.
Then she goes into the current story that will blow your minds. The way she writes in such detail of what each character goes through just blows my mind. If you are anything like me I wanted each man to have Kyoko so that no one was hurt. But that is the great thing about the way Amy Fushigiyugi writes, she gives you that option in each of the books in this series. I cried, laughed and giggled through this wonderful book. If you are looking for a well rounded story that has passion, suspense, action with a great love story then don't walk but run to buy this series of books, you wont be sorry.
Reviewed by Nicole Harvey

I discovered A Light in the Heart of Darkness through the website Shelfari.com, by meeting the author. She recommended the book to me. This is the fourth book in The Guardian Heart Series, and the I first one I read. For those who are wondering, I have been told by the author that these books don't need to be read in order all of them are stand alone novels. I would describe this book as Dark Fantasy Anime, with a dash of Romance. This was my first dip into the Anime genre and I have to say I throughly enjoyed it. It was a fast paced, exciting and suspenseful. I'd definitley recommend it. I believe any Anime fan out there would enjoy this book. It's an entertaining story with amazing graphics.

What is Valentine's Day without Chocolate? And what to do with the last one before bedtime? I think you know the answer... This book will appeal to older audiences even though it is a boardbook because of the use of clever adjectives. Children need words to describe their world and Lilly and Kevin Henkes give them those words. Pleasant reading that makes you want to read more about Lilly.

my 2 year daughter had several friends over for a valentine party. we gave these books as party favors. everyone was thrilled!

my daughter's name is lily so we have all the henke books, but this is her favorite. we read it every night. lilly (the mouse) manages to finally find the perfect place for her chocolate heart, and then wonders "when is it valentines day again?" i love the way henke writes and my 2 yr old loves lily, owen and all his characters! its win win!

My just-about-to-turn-six year old little girl (and fellow chocaholic) adores this book. We've read it so many times together that she knows each page by heart.

Lilly is a cute little mouse who decides to save her last Valentine's Day chocolate heart. But where shall she put it? Where will it remain safe and clean? She searches throughout her home but nothing will do. It's far too dusty under the bed, the picture frames are too narrow (the heart will surely fall off & get lost!), the bookshelves are too crammed with books. Finally, Lilly decides the best place to keep the heart safe is inside her belly. When she's finished enjoying her last treat she wonders aloud when Valentine's Day will come around again.

This is an adorable little hardback filled with charming drawings of Lilly's pastel world. I disagree that the packaging will turn off older kids. The light colored palette and lively drawings are exactly what attracted my daughter (well, that and the chocolate heart!). Boy's, however, will probably steer clear of this one ~ I know my son runs when we pull this one out :)

Lilly has one chocolate heart left from Valentine's Day, and it's bedtime, so where is the perfect, safe place to put her chocolate heart until tomorrow? This little bedtime dilemma has Lilly searching around her room for just the right place. Does she find it?

In Henkes' eye candy, easy reading style he delights young readers with another of Lilly's fanciful tales. In a small board book, modest sentences pop off solid, colored backgrounds as Lily, the little white mouse, dances from page to page in search of the perfect place for her last chocolate heart. Like I said, it's easy reading and perfect for young ones with short attention spans, not to mention the pages are strong enough to survive the pulling, tugging and turning of small hands.

Lilly's Chocolate Heart has the spirit to be a favorite, to be read over and over again. I can just hear a little voice repeating the last page by heart in a fit of laughter.

There is one more book with Lilly (Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse) and other titles with little mice, such as Julius, Wemberly, Sheila Rae, Chester, and Owen.

I really enjoyed this book and will keep it. I probably would rate it 4&1/2 and PG. Parallel between past and present very realistic. Historical plus a little mystery. Clean reading. Nice romance. I would like to read more books by this author.

Excellent writing. Two stories in one have you anxious to find out what happens in each. You know they are connected but you don't know how - until the end. I highly recommend this book.

I'd love to see this one made into a movie. It's Twilight Zone without the irony and with a wonderful ending! I loved it!

What a sweet story! The love that Cassie and Lucas find warms your heart. Once again, Mrs. Wilson gives us her best. Thanks Dolores! Keep them coming.

At the Billings regional medical center, widower neurologist Dr. Daniel Lucas and his six years old son Joey are inexplicably drawn to his comatose patient a Jane Doe, the victim of a horrendous beating. Joey sits by her hospital bed as she done almost every day since Jane was admitted two weeks ago and tells her stories from the old west just like his mom used to tell him.

Somehow Cassie Ryan hears the little boy and dreams of a life in the old west where she lived with only her son Joey after her abusive spouse abandoned them on their ranch. When a drifter, Daniel Lucas arrives seeking a place to bunk down for a while in exchange for work on the ranch, Cassie agrees. They fall in love, but tragedy intervenes.

When Jane awakens she relates her story to Daniel who does not scoff at what she says but believes that what she dreamt could have occurred as he already is in love with her. However, whoever beat her left her to die.

This is a terrific romantic suspense thriller with two subplots (past and present) that tie very well together through the connection of a love that even death could not kill. Cassie and Daniel are star-crossed lovers who seem like their past history is going to repeat itself while Joey seems wiser than his year. Paranormal fans will enjoy this fine reincarnation thriller while wondering if good (love) or bad (murder) kismet will occur.

Harriet Klausner