Vans Books

This book gives you the facts, from a doctor who is ethical, descent, and talented. I have first hand experiemce as to Dr. Freund dedication, I know him, and this book is representative of how he practices and his strong and qualitative committment to his patients.

If you are considering breast surgery this book is essential.

I'm going through a difficult decision in regard to breast augmentation. I have now read this book twice. It's clear and helpful. The interesting aspect that Dr. Freund brought into the book that beauty is regional. What works in LA doesn't work in New York.

It's interesting, informative and I'm reading it again.

I bought all the books on cosmetic breast surgery, while researching my desire to have my breast lifted and enlarged, this book is by far the best, most informative and well- written. I also went on several consultations with different doctors and Dr. Freund was the most helpful and comforting physicians. His knowledge made me confident and the results were better than i hoped for. P.S. I travelled from North Carolina to see him and it was worth the trip.

I have been considering a breast reduction for years. This book answered all of my questions so thoroughly that I almost didn't have any left for my plastic surgeon. My surgery went very well, and I am pleased with the outcome. Thanks for writing such a clear and informative book that answers the many questions women have concerning breast surgery.

Ladies if you are looking for a well-grounded expert on breast reconstruction, Dr. Freund is the best. From the second you walk into his office you know you are in good hands. I had a serious problem and he brought me through it with flying colors and compassion.

Read this book, you'll get something from it. He is the consumate professional and even more than that.

Sydney J. Van Scyoc is simply one of the best science fiction writers.

First I read the book Darkchild and I loved it even though there were some strange parts in it. I could really relate to how Darkchild went through his first days on that planet. But on another hand sometimes I realy couldent relate to how Khira acted and how she treated Darkchild sometimes. Altogether this book was one of my favorits and I encorage to to read all of the books in the Trilogy of Darkchild.

What happens when a boy who is not quite what he seems meets a girl who will not stay as she is? A boy is sent to study the seemingly primitive Brakrathi planet and the rulers of that planet need to decide if he is friend or foe.

Van Scyoc's novel _Sunwaifs_ was long one of my favorite science fiction novels, but I had not read anything else that she had written. Darkchild is clearly imagined and strongly written and an encouragement to read the rest of the series.

As a kid this was my favourite book. I lost the book, though, and could not find it anywhere for sale anymore. Luckily with Amazon I could buy a used english-language version recently, and it had even the same cover art like the German version which I had as a kid.

The author really manages to describe Darkchild and Khira (and their emotions) in a very believable and "real" way.

And I still liked the book, when reading it again after so many years :)

The planet Brakrath was settled accidentally during EarthExodus, by a starship strayed far off course; it's barely able to support human life, so its involuntary settlers had to adapt. Brakrath has harsh winters, and left to itself most of its solar energy is spread too thin to support much in the way of crops. Most of the people live in the mountain valleys; only their culture and that of the redmane guardians (women who follow the herds of horselike, intelligent redmanes native to the planet, with whom they can communicate) is shown in this book, although humans have spread to other areas of Brakrath and have different societies, shown later in the series. The valleyfolk, who have mutated slightly from the human 'norm' over centuries, are able to hibernate through the worst of the winters, but they'd still be hard put to it to survive if it weren't for another series of mutations among the redmane guardians' daughters, which produced the barohnas.

When Brakrath was rediscovered and received a study team from the scholarly Arnimi, it unfortunately drew the attention of other organizations, such as Rauthfleet, always on the lookout for a vulnerable-looking world suitable for piracy and exploitation, and Brakrath's greatest strength and greatest vulnerability are the barohnas. When collecting data to be sold to the highest bidder, Rauthfleet's tactic is to plant the best tool possible among the people of a new world, to learn their language and their ways: an intelligent, appealing child with a drive to learn and explore (with posthypnotic commands to ensure that he or she can be retrieved), whose memory of previous assignments has been blocked. Such a one is the title character, a Rauthimage: illegal clone of the famous explorer Birnam Rauth. He's called 'Darkchild' by Khira, the barohna's daughter who finds him on Brakrath, not knowing what he is and still a child herself. The viewpoint changes between Khira, Darkchild, and 'the guide', the voice in Darkchild's mind that keeps him within the bounds of his assignment.

The barohnas are immensely respected, since they have inherited abilities to manipulate sunstone; they collect and store solar energy in sunstone throughout the winters, and just as the valleyfolk wake from wintersleep, the barohna of a valley returns from her winter retreat with the collected solar energy to thaw and warm the soil, giving the valley a proper growing season. Barohnas are always female, live immensely long lives, and bear only daughters. (Mutations still crop up from time to time, and there are some variations; for example, there are men with some sensitivity to stone who can't actually use it; they find it and shape it into the tools used by the barohnas.) It's actually a complex system: a palace daughter is generally raised by her next eldest sister, and in turn raises the next in line, until finally a daughter bronzes: that is, upon coming of age, she goes hunting for bronzing prey, and the adrenaline stimulus of near-death risks triggers the changes that bring on the changes in brain chemistry and physical appearance that mark a barohna.

Unfortunately, life is never quite that simple. Many palace daughters simply haven't inherited the potential to bronze, or are killed in attempting to take their prey; some refuse even to try, and remain permanent daughters all their lives. So it is that each daughter raises the next, and bronzes or (more usually) is killed, and the barohna has another daughter. (It's no wonder that a barohna doesn't dare get emotionally attached to her daughters; most of them have the lives of candleflames compared to hers, and she has to go on functioning for the people to live.) Alzaja, palace daughter of valley Terlath, wasn't the type to remain a permanent daughter, but all too obviously had no chance of bronzing. Her younger sister Khira was thus left mourning to spend the winter alone, and finds the distraction of Darkchild, her only companion in the days of wintersleep, a welcome distraction.

The characters are beautifully drawn; the tranquil Alzaja, having been left with many unfulfilled promises by her overconfident elder sister Mara, left Khira with only one promise, fulfilled by the two stories she told just before leaving for her hunt. Khira, on the other hand, is hot-tempered, and so forceful of character that her mother is assured that this daughter will bronze...if she survives the attempt. For his part, Darkchild is a divided personality: on the one hand, he likes her, but his internal 'guide' is increasingly alarmed. Usually a Rauthimage only has to fool adults with plenty of other distractions, not a single child concentrating on learning about the Rauthimage. Could Khira uncover his true identity? And what will happen if she does?

What will happen when Rauthfleet returns to collect him? And what happens to a Rauthimage who is no longer a child?

Hardy has written a meticulous and incisive book on TVZ that is sure to please TVZ fans. I have not read John Kruth's bio on TVZ so I cannot compare the two. Nevertheless, I was quite pleased with the ethos of this bio and am sure other TVZ fans will appreciate it in kind. Despite Hardy's obvious awe of Townes, "A Deeper Blue" does not come off unctuous. It never approaches hagiography, and comes fairly close to being quite objective. Moreover, the narrative methodically unravels, yet is consistently interesting. It is well-written and overall, offers a thorough and compelling portrait of TVZ. I'm glad I bought it.

Townes Van Zandt was a cult musician with a lot of demons like mental illness and alcoholism and drug abuse. It's all catalogued here for those who care. He left a lot of recordings, but never quite achieved the kind of fame he may have deserved. I'm not sure how thoroughly this book was researched, because I know of at least one manager of Van Zandt's who is not even mentioned. Still, it's unlikely that anything better will be done for a long time.

If I had 10 or more years to do the research Hardy has done (and I could write) I would not have done better myself. I could not detect one false note or major factual error in the covering of Townes 52 years. This book is a joy to read and gives a very close account and filling in of many "missing years" that had never been shared before now. The album and song reviews are well done, and the adherence to chronology is most rewarding. Highest recommendation.

Hardy's long-awaited biography of Townes Van Zandt pretty much gets everything right. This is an excellent work. Hardy's treatment of Van Zandt's life is appropriately thorough, but it isn't at all tedious. I know that this book was exhaustively researched (and in the interest of disclosure I should say that I contributed some research). It is also clearly a labor of love - Hardy is a fan - but he has not succumbed to the tendencies of so many biographers to gush or to simply list everything he learned over the years about his subject's life.
What Hardy says about Van Zandt's song "Waitin' Around To Die" is also true about this book: The archetypical story is well-told. To the extent that Van Zandt's story is a sad one, this book, "bears the weight of its seriousness almost effortlessly. . . it is handled so deftly that there is no sense of it being maudlin." But the details of Van Zandt's drinking and drug use are not glossed over or glamorized. Hardy is objective; he doesn't vilify anyone, and he lets the narrative speak for itself.
This book is well-written, well-organized, insightful and quite moving too. It's the one to read if you're seriously interested in Townes Van Zandt. And you should be.

This is an excellent biography. Townes' story is assuredly a sad one but he left a legacy of unparalleled songs. I actually put off finishing the book for almost a month just because I didn't want to read the end...I already knew what happened but it didn't make reading a detailed account of his last days any easier.

I've also read the other biography out there, To Live's To Fly, and there's simply no comparison. TLTF was largely anecdotal and the author broke a key rule of biography writing by attempting to project his own importance into the story; Hardy has simply done an exhaustive amount of research and cites all of his sources. He presents the story and then steps aside, so this is the one to go with if you want a more factual recounting of Townes' life. 100% worth the price and read if you're a fan, and if you aren't it just might convert you.

Dorie, The Girl Nobody Loved is one of the best books for the abused and those who wish to get in touch with those you love, for an individual, or a group. If you are struggling to understand, please take the time to read this.

What an exceptional story, What an exceptional Lady, What an Awesome God. Why God let this happen is beyond me but how Dorie didn't end up with a victim mentality and a wasted life is only because of God. I love to read accounts of people who came through incredible difficulties with flying colors and best of all attributes their success to God. This is that book. And in reading the other reviews I learned there's even more in another book Dorie wrote. In my prison ministry this book will prayerfully be an inspiration to a young gal who has a similar horror story and needs to know it's possible to overcome. I also read this book in one sitting, about 4 hours, couldn't put it down.

Another benefit I hadn't expected, I'm always analysing what I say and do for my little girl and thinking I'm going to mess her up for life sometimes by not saying or doing the exact right thing all the time. Dorie showed me otherwise. Whereas my little girl in no way will experience anything close to what poor Dorie went through (Lord willing) I pray her walk with our Lord will be as strong and I know He can protect her from my inconsequential by comparison mistakes.

I was totally captivated by this book. I read it at one sitting. My heart went out to Dorie as a child and soared with her in her triumphs throughout the book. Although I order the book used, and it was a bit tattered, it did not detract from the content at all. I shall recommend it to many and share with my dear friends.

Dorie has been a very very good friend of mine for the past 15 years. The story of her early life is true and tragic, but the second book, No Place to Cry fills in the blanks in the first book. Dorie, The Girl Nobody Loved was published before anyone wrote autobiographically about sexual abuse. As Dorie has courageously opened these chapters of her life, so has the Lord opened her world wide ministry of speaking. She has been 12 times around the world telling of the sexual abuse, the damage of shame and the way the Lord has brought change in her life by facing the past. I often tell her that her book needs to be renamed, The Woman Everybody Loves. She is loved and is hugged by more people than could ever be counted. She is truly a picture of the grace of God and the fact that He delights in taking what others meant for evil and turning it into good.

Hi my name is Alex and i love this Book !! My health teacher read part of it in my Health class .I think this is such a good book it is when your 13 ..... I love this book I think it is soo sad but I love how she knew the lord was there ... It is soooo sad but it is a excellent book I want this soo much I love it @!!

If you like to get down on the farm, this is a great book on dairy cows.

I have a dream of someday owning my own cow, maybe a horse, and another pig or two. Being a city girl, I wouldn't have the foggiest notion what owmership of large domestic animals entails. This book lays it all out for you in very pragmatic terms. How much land you need, the total cost of caring for a cow as well as the potential revenue for the milk and cheese. And now, when my country friends are talking about their cow problems, maybe I can even offer a piece of profound advice! (doubtful on that), Buy it, enjoy it.

This book encourages those of us who want to return to our farming roots and obtain the freshest dairy products possible from our own cow(s). He takes the fear out of stepping into caring for a cow for us first-timers. I can't wait to apply what I'm learning!

The book covers the subject well and is carefully written. It stands alone in that there are no other books for the prospective owner of a single dairy cow rather than a herd. Some of the information is dated; recent improvements in genetics have more than doubled milk production and changed the needs for feed. There is a little philosophizing with a '70s back-to-the-lander slant which I found distracting.

This book has everything you need to know about owning your own cow...kinds of cows and their temperaments, purchasing a cow, how to care for it, fences and barns to build for it, milking, foods to prepare with the milk, breeding and calving, you name it. Much detail is given in each subject, including drawings and pictures, but the author avoids being a bore with his dry humor. We knew absolutely nothing about cows, but now feel some confidence after reading this book!

If you're looking for the perfect gift for a fan of Forumula One, this book is it. I've given a few away as gifts, and it's always a riot to see the results. Whether it's a child, teen, or adult (I've mostly given this book to adults), faces light up, and the person who receives it becomes immediately drawn into the book . . . for hours. Try giving one at a party and watch as everyone gathers around to get in on the play. This is PERFECT for the fan who has everything (or the fan who wishes to have everything . . . such as a Ferrari F300). An unbelievable amount of fun. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!

The CD has fantastic sounds-- BRM car brings back fond memories. The Pop Ups especially the Ferrari instrument panel and the F1 with pit crew is great. All graphics, photographs are 5 star quality. This is a must book for the F1 fanatic.

I purchased this book for my husband, who has just become interested in Formula One racing. The whole family enjoyed reading and interacting with this informative book. We learned more about Formula One than we ever expected...this book has to be the best book I've purchased in years! HURRY - BUY THIS BOOK!!! Excellent, excellent, excellent!!!

All diehard Formula One fans can increase their knowledge of this wonderful sport by reading this book. The CD is fantastic,all of the engine sounds brings back fond memories. The Pop Ups especially the Ferrari instrument panel and the F1 with pit crew is great. All graphics, photographs are 5 star quality. A must book for the F1 fanatic's library.

Wow, great information, great fun! A must read, actually it is a tome to pour over. There is a lot to digest, and it is very interesting. It is a very clever layout, there are lots of pockets and flaps to explore. Not for children unattended though, it could be quickly demolished. My one beef is that I found the glasses (not 3d by the way) to be a little tough to view sometimes.

I purchasd this book in "used" condition. I was very pleasantly surprised when I recieved it. It was in PERFECT condition. Would definately purchased from this source again!

This is a great overall book on horses. However, the section on how horses actually move is really lacking. It does a good job discussing the basic walk, trot, pace, canter, gallop, but then says anything else is "artificial." "Any other gaits are caused by chains, chemicals, and shoeing practices". I have a completely barefoot Tennessee Walker trail horse that has some lateral gears that are not covered by this book at all.

I was first introduced to this book 20 years ago while a student of Dr Evans at UC Davis. Its the only text from college that I still reference. The information is informative, reliable and accurate. I strongly recommend this book for every horseowner from the novice backyard owner to the experienced showman.

This book was recommended to me when I was attending college for Equine Studies. The book is great! A must for those who wish to know more indepth about the care of horses. Not for the novice. It was so nice to read a book that didn't spend most of the chapters on grooming and mounting. You won't find that here. The four authors are some of the best horsemen in the business and Anthony Borton was one of my professors. I highly recommend this book to anyone taking any Equine studies or anyone who wants to learn more than just the basics. (from physiology to genetics to feeding, etc.)

Very thorough and informative text book. Has everything from calculating inbreeding relationships to nutrition to leg disorders and foal care. Used for my University class. Precise and easy to comprehend.

This book has been wonderful as we go through our authorization process. I strongly recommend anyone thinking about starting an IB program should get this book.

I must admit that I do not have the book, yet, though I do plan on ordering it. I have been helping my school firm-up the Extended Essay process and I found the downloadable supplemental forms (specifically for Chapter 11)EXTREMELY helpful. They are easily adaptable and well-planned. Dr. van Loo was very accommodating in responding to my request to use his forms even though I do not, yet, have the book. If his prompt and courteous reply is any indication of how profesional the book is, I have no doubt that it is worth the highest rating. My rating is for the forms that I used and I would recommend the format they follow (and the advice they give)for any IB school.

Coming from the perspective of a sheer dread of educational manuals this book is a first for me in terms of its easy to read, easy to understand, practical, insightful and intelligent approach to implementing IB.

I found this book to be an excellent source of information on all matters from planning and implementing an IBDP to teaching my own subject (Maths). It is accessible on many different levels; certain chapters and sections can be chosen to provide an overview of the whole progamme, whilst others explore a single aspect in greater depth. The case studies and advice from practising IBDP teachers and administrators are both revealing and insightful. The addition of a web site to provide updated information is innovative and helpful. As an experienced IBDP teacher, I would recommend this book to all high school teachers. It should also be in the professional library of any current or aspiring IBDP school.

I found this book to be very accessable and helpful in devloping my own IB classroom. For anyone new to IB coursework (or even for the seasoned veteran looking for different ideas and approaches), this book is quite good. Of particular interest was the section on Theory of Knowledge--an essential, but at times neglected, component of the IB program. The chapter offered great suggestions for structuring an effective TOK curriculum. The recommended readings were very insightful, too.

We live approx. 3 hours from KC and like to visit about once a year. This book is packed with useful information. It's a great buy even if you plan on visiting KC only once.

I am a resident of the area and was impressed with the ideas given to have a vacation without leaving the city.

THE INSIDER'S GUIDE TO KANSAS CITY is a wonderful book. It tells you where the best neighborhoods are on both the Missouri and Kansas sides; the best school districts; the best health care; and virtually everything you need to know about this area. Of course, it could talk about the shopping malls in more depth, like some other books in this series, and some radio station listings are inaccurate as to category and should be taken like the humor in AMERICAN WEDDING, SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE, THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING PANTS, HARVARD MAN, DRIVE ME CRAZY, 13 GOING ON 30, PRETTY WOMAN, MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, FRIENDS, DATE MOVIE, and/or the two GARFIELD movies featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt (for example, KRBZ belongs in the Rock/Rhythm/Soul category, not the Contemporary category, while KLZR is not even a Kansas City station but is based in Lawrence and belongs in the Contemporary category, not Rock/Rhythm/Soul, as does KFME, which is now KCJK, and moreover, KNRX is now KMJK- an adult urban contemporary station- and is located about 45 minutes away, in Lexington, MO), as should the listing of Countryside as a separate city (it merged with Mission in 2003), but overall, if you're interested in different metro areas, you'll crave this book.

When I read this book I felt like Katie was personally showing me KC. It was like she was holding my hand as we explored the neighborhoods and hot spots.

As a local, who takes the city for granted and continually revisits the old haunts, I am enormously grateful for this comprehensive insight into what MY city has to offer.
Katie has sparked the "adventurous" in me and now I am ready to hit the road. This is a book meant for every local's library not to mention all visitors to the city. Most of us are unaware of the myrid options that Kansas City offers. This guide gives us the opportunity to explore and enjoy everything that is available. We are also prepared when, when they come, to enlighten visitors as to everything that Kansas City is about.
Thank you Katie for making all of us who have the book "insiders." The book is a must.

What a wonderful and inspiring story. God does indeed call people from all walks of life into service. You are easily drawn into the heart and mission of Saint Katharine Drexel as you read this book by Mary Van Balen Holt. Mary's writing captures the reader and leads them to a deep understanding of how God called and used this beloved saint to serve Him and His people.

What a wonderful and inspiring story. God does indeed call people from all walks of life into service. You are easily drawn into the heart and mission of Saint Katharine Drexel as you read this book by Mary Van Balen Holt. Mary's writing captures the reader and leads them to a deep undestanding of how God called and used this beloved saint to serve Him and His people.

What an interesting and inspiring book! Woven carefully into Katherine Drexel's biographical information are intimate glimpses into her discernment of the direction her life would take. Through her personal writings and correspondance, and rich stories from her family life, we witness her spiritual growth and celebrate with her the crystalization of her unique call. Mary vanBalen Holt has presented us with a truly accessible saint whose circumstances, though likely quite different from our own, provide us with insight into the choices we all must make in discerning and following our individual roads to holiness. Katharine Drexel's story is fascinating. The breadth of her life experiences, the selflessness of sharing her personal fortune, the extent of her impact on the lives of countless poor and oppressed people in the United States, and the depth of her devotion to her God and to his work on earth, is an inspiration to all of us. It is also an affirmation of that little voice we each hear within ourselves. One life, when lived prayerfully and courageously, can touch countless others. Mary vanBalen Holt's conversational writing style makes this book easy to read and its message easy to take to heart.

What an interesting and inspiring book! Woven carefully into Katherine Drexel's biographical information are intimate glimpses into her discernment of the direction her life would take. Through her personal writings and correspondance, and rich stories from her family life, we witness her spiritual growth and celebrate with her the crystalization of her unique call. Mary vanBalen Holt has presented us with a truly accessible saint whose circumstances, though likely quite different from our own, provide us with insight into the choices we all must make in discerning and following our individual roads to holiness. Katharine Drexel's story is fascinating. The breadth of her life experiences, the selflessness of sharing her personal fortune, the extent of her impact on the lives of countless poor and oppressed people in the United States, and the depth of her devotion to her God and to his work on earth, is an inspiration to all of us. It is also an affirmation of that little voice we each hear within ourselves.
One life, when lived prayerfully and courageously, can touch countless others. Mary vanBalen Holt's conversational writing style makes this book easy to read and its message easy to take to heart.

First let me say I am neither a reader nor a writer, so this review will be plain spoken and direct. Having said that, be aware that this book has lifted me up and sailed me through my troubling times. I read this book in the waiting room while my mother was having open hear surgery. I read this book to my mother during her recovery. What a blessing this book was for the both of us! I read this book while struggling with the news of sexual abuse of boys in the Catholic Church. Again, this book pulled me through. I am so grateful that I can retreat to this book, in that while reading I can be at peace while experiencing the life of such a wonderful SAINT! This book has and continues to remind me that just because I don't see others around me helping those less fortunate than they or I, that is no excuse for me not to do so. Thank you so very much Mary van Balen Holt for this wonderful book!