Virginia Books

First of all--this book was recommended to me--thank you!

I am taking a line from the introduction of this book for the title of this review. In this book, this line refers to the words of Abraham Lincoln, in praise, of the women of the United States during the Civil War.

This booklet is a tribute. Well written and informative, I have learned more in these pages than I ever have in hours in the classroom. I would like to thank the authors of this book. I will look forward to reading any future works by the Libby/Novak team.

To the person who recommended this book to me--thank you!

The title for my review is taken from a line in the introduction of this book. The line in the introduction refers to a statement made by A. Lincoln. He was referring to the nurses of the Civil War. I use this line because the entire booklet is a tribute.

I was able to learn more from these pages than from hours in a classroom. The authors have a definite flair for writing interesting and informative material. I will be excited to read future works by the MacCaskill/Novak writing team.

Parrish impresses her reader with not only the grasp and knowledge of her material, but with also a certain spice that is often missing in non-fiction. Through her vivid descriptions, the reader is immersed in the Hollins culture. This is most definitely a must for the Dillard and Smith fan, but even more so a must for the reader who enjoys exquisite writing.

The author provides an historical overview of the development of private Southern women's schools from finishing schools to respected institutions of higher learning. Primary in this change at Hollins is the influence of Louis Rubin on both the writing program and the writers that program produced, with many quotes from the students about their mentor. Parrish also gives many humorous and interesting anecdotes about Lee Smith, Annie Dillard and the other subjects of the book during their formative years at Hollins. She shows how their college experiences carried over to their writing both then and through the years since graduation. For Lee Smith and Annie Dillard fans, this book is a must-read.

A better bargain than this smashing little paperback will be hard to find. The blended letters of Susan and Charles Blackford, two erudite, observant members of the Virginian gentry, tell the story of one family's Civil War struggle in the frontlines and on the homefront beautifully. Susan describes the loss of children, the battle to feed family, and the "impression" she made in front of her husband's unit plunging headfirst into a mudpile. Charles observes the war from the vantages of both the line and the staff, and supplies some incredible character studies ranging from Jeff Davis to Lee and Jackson, down to the private soldier (with the impudence of a town cow). A collection of letters from someone who wrote on a warmed frying pan to keep his hand from freezing probably deserves reading regardless! My third reading...

My Uncle Minor was the author of this book. It was first published 40 years ago.We would sit on his front porch and he would talk about his work. He told me how proud he was that when it went out of print and became a library issue that he would get a phone call about once a year from a college student challenging him on one General he misquoted the name. My Uncle is deceased now but going through the house after his death I accidently found a stack of unpublished manuscripts that would headed for the dumpster as no one knew about them. I salveged them and working on getting them in print as they are wonderful cival war historical novels. The first one is named Cry Liberty as is centered around Lychburg and Col Lynch and the war. I am sure he would be proud that I saved his work so many can enjoy it in print.

A very fine book which appears to have two layers. Easy to read it would seem like a warm cheering up from an old friend. But as you read it a second layer appears grounding it into a solid and quiet yet bright philosophy. Just like fine sandpaper's effect on a piece of glass it makes things look more luminous while giving you a certain distance on yourself, others and the world. A source of comfort that doesn't smother you in moral principles and leaves space for discord. Highly recomended to untangle our minds.

I liked this book very much. I felt it has much to offer in the way of practical advice for those going thru trying times in their life. I especially liked how Virginia quoted many different sources to illustrate her ideas. It's chapters are short and concise and is very easy to read and understand. I highly recommend this book.

Felt like I was there. All this happened while I was a kid so I clearly remembre the times. Felt like a trip back there.

I have met the author and he is a great guy writting from personal accounts of his family.

Read it.

A quick and riveting read. Interesting characters and easy to imagine yourself in the sticky predicaments, trying to deal with conflicting emotions and instincts.

I have just finished Living Next Door to the Death House and really appreciated the good writing. The book was excellent! It has been very helpful to me in my work as a Methodist pastor; during Advent I did a series of lectures on "tough issues" and thought that Homosexuality or separation of Church and State/Prayer in our schools would be the most passionate subjects, but I was amazed in that the Death Penalty was, by far, the most passionate and difficult for many. I have learned that I can talk about why I am against the Death Penalty, but I have not had a loved one murdered...... the stories I have heard from my members have humbled me and I continue to learn that this whole subject is very complex. This book takes so many of the sides and I found it to be very helpful. I will suggest it to my people here that are struggling. Again, I commend the Owenses for their excellent book.

In Living Next Door to the Death House, the Owenses have taken on a difficult and potentially painful subject with great sensitivity and compassion. After talking to everyone from victims to prosecutors, guards to abolitionists, they present a balanced portrait of a system that can not be viewed in black and white. Along the way, they challenge the reader to think about capital punishment's relationship to justice and community, and what it means for someone to be executed in your name. A fair and balanced book, I recommend it to anyone seeking a greater understanding of capital punishment in this country.

If you are interested in lost Virginia artchitecture, this is a must-have book. Too bad it's so hard to find, but Amazon finally came through!

Lost architecture has long been a passion of mine: there's something so humbling and bittersweet about buildings that exist now only in memory or on a few frames of precious film. After reading great works on the subject such as Constance Greiff's LOST AMERICA or Larry Millett's LOST TWIN CITIES, I had often complained, "Why isn't there a book like this for my home state?"

I can complain no more. LOST VIRGINIA is here at last!

The book is certainly everything I could have hoped for, combining clear, informative text with beautifully reproduced photos. Hundreds of lost buildings are finally given notice and recognition, from mansions like Rosewell, Barboursville and Pratt's Castle to Rockbridge County's splendid boom hotels (including my favorite long-vanished building, Goshen's Alleghany Hotel).

I can't recommend this book more highly or think of a better gift for any fan of architecture or Virginia history. And since there are many lost buildings yet to be documented, I hope there will some day be a sequel!

Loving Yourself More is a wonderful, empowering book for women -- and men with feminist tendencies. Each of the 100 meditations can be read time and again with new insights gained. This is a great book to pray with, journal with, share with friends, and carry with you wherever you go. I, as a man, like it so much, that I have given it away to several of my women friends, including my wife. You don't have to be a strong feminist to benefit from this book. My mother, who is seventy-five and definitely not a feminist, would enjoy this book. I cannot recommend this book higly enough!

To quote the jacket, "Love your neighbor as yourself. Many women today are realizing that they have kept the first part of this commandment too well and the second part too poorly. In 'Loving Yourself More' the author invites women to dwell on the most basic of all Christian truths: Gods love for us and God's call for us to love ourselves."

Each meditation begins with a short scripture and then the author ties it to a special meaning for women. She explores a variety of ways we can become more aware of God's love for us and our love for ourselves. I found it insightful and supportive. I highly recommend it.

This second book in McMorrow's Tuldamoran Trilogy is a gem you'll want to read again and again. In this installment, Mage Alex Keltie finds herself thrust into an exciting chain of events that reveal some fascinating truths about herself and those she loves. You can read Mage Resolution as a stand alone, but I highly recommend you read the first book, Mage Confusion, too. This series has surpassed my expectations for fantasy. It is a fast paced, heart-warming read you won't want to put down! I'm looking forward to book three!

This second book in McMorrow's Tuldamoran Trilogy equals and, if possible, betters the first. The characters have grown internally and in their interrelationships. Once again, the challenges they face are physical, moral, and emotional. The action on all fronts is fast-paced, driving the characters and being driven by them.

The conclusion is most satisfying. It is a resolution indeed and seems almost the finish of a duo rather than the middle work of a trilogy. I am looking forward to seeing that final volume in the near future.

A charming, clear guide. In less than a week, I have set up my work space, had my supplies shipped and completed my first painting session. To my surprise, from one session alone, I have gained a refreshed visual perception with a joyfully enhanced awareness of colors, shapes and patterns in everything that I see. Can't wait to see what comes next.

Mess painting, a component of the Creativity Mobilization Technique, was developed almost half a century ago by M.D. and authority on autogenic training, Wolfgang Luthe. A student of Luthe's, Virginia Barclay Goldstein has written an extremely clear and instructive how-to manual for prospective mess painters. Everything you need to know to get started painting is in this book, including a recommendation of where to get your paint. I am halfway through a 6-week mess painting class and have found it to have subtle yet profound effects. I routinely remember my dreams after a mess painting session and am enjoying a practice where no effort is required. If you enjoy colors, you will probably like mess painting. (An interest in flower (vs. vegetable) gardening is often an indicator that you will like mess painting.) While participating in a mess painting class is helpful and interesting, Goldstein's book is precise enough in its instructions that you could easily paint on your own and experience many of the beneficial effects of mess painting. For more information on autogenic therapy, see the British Autogenic Society web site.