New Books

The third book in the Vicky Bliss series, this book unites Vicky and John with her old flame, Tony, and her boss, Schmidt, in the search for the lost gold of Troy.

This novel is excellent- it brings back the character of Tony from the first Vicky novel, and adds to the mix other historians. The suspense is great, and the relationship between Vicky and John reaches a new level.

This is an awesome book!

This is the book that I pick up whenever I need comfort. It's such a treat - funny with fabulous characters that you'll wish were part of your life. I've read this book many times and for ages, every time I started it again, I'd forget who the villain was. The mystery is fascinating with history and art mixed in and enough action and intrigue to keep you going. As good as the mystery is, it's the wonderful characters and their friendships and humorous carryings on that makes the story sing. And there's a fabulous romance to boot. Get ready to fall in love with the mysterious John Smithe!

If you like to read fiction set in the places you vacation, this would be a great book to take with you on a trip to southern Germany at Christmas time.

Art historian Vicky Bliss has been sent an interesting photo, a photo that at first appears to be the famous shot of Frau Schliemann wearing the gold jewelry from Troy. A second look shows Vicky that this is not yet another copy of that photo but a much more recent shot. The problem with that is that the treasure had disappeared during WWII. Soon Vicky was on the trail, accompanied by her boss, Schmidt, several of her collegues (returning from a previous adventure) and the mysterious John Smith.

This is an light hearted action adventure. The characters are well done, particularly the principals (Vicky, John and Schmidt) much of the situations and dialogue is hilarious.

The only complaints that I have are there are many German terms used with little translation - frustrating for those of us who don't know the language. The other issue is that this is definitely one of those series that needs to be read in order not starting with this the 4th installment (as I did).

I've read all the Vicky Bliss novels, and I can only say I wish Elizabeth Peters would write more. She has such a humorous touch with these novels that the characters are not only believeable, they're a downright likeable bunch. I like the way Peters uses humor to propel the story along, and the exchanges between Vicky and her sometimes lover, John Smythe, are hilarious. But don't leave out her boss, Herr Doktor Schmidt, who is a remarkably innocent man for one of his advanced years, and a wonderful co-conspirator (even if he does have a tendency to view desperate situations as some sort of wonderful adventure). For fans of this series, I heartily recommend this book, since it's about time that Vicki and John come clean about their feelings for one another. The avalanche scene is a real nailbiter, and in keeping with the adventure! Don't miss this one!

and I believe the best of the Vicky Bliss series thus far; I have not read the fifth one yet, preferring to read them in order.

Vicky Bliss is a beautiful buxom art historian, located in Germany, who would prefer to be taken seriously for her brains rather than her looks. In this entry, she receives a photo of a woman wearing the golden jewels that had disappeared during the Nazi reign in Germany known as the Trojan Gold. To make it interesting, however, it is not a photograph of the original finder's wife, Frau Schliemann, as Vicky first supposes, but a modern photograph, meaning the gold has been found.

Vicky figures out who has the gold and races with her boss Schmidt to a small ski resort town, also in Germany, to find the gold. Meeting here there are several other art historians with whom she had attended an art conference the previous year as well as, of course, her sometimes boyfriend, Sir John Smythe.

The action is fast paced enough to keep the book interesting while the romance between Vicki and John reaches new levels. And, making this a perfect mystery read, there is plenty of humor as well. This is an excellently written mystery with suspects to choose from and clues to help along the way.

I have already purchased the fifth and, at least until now, last of the Vicky Bliss series. I certainly wish that Elizabeth Peters would write a new one!

Debbie Lee Wesselmann has written a masterful novel. One so full of riddles and subterfuge, you wonder how such an imagination could come to be. This author has it all, intellect, superb mastery of the written page, and a keen insight into the workings of the kind of mind that you or I could not even imagine.

Michelle Trutor comes to New Hampshire to escape a life of physical and mental abuse. She loves "Ted" so, but she knows if she stays with him in their home in Boston she will surely die. The life of an abused woman is brought to life in this novel. We can surely understand what keeps a woman in the throes of such a man. Trutor as she likes to be called is going to be an assistant to help the man she calls the Balloonist and his family reclaim their rightful dues. In the process Trutor brings to life many of he secrets that have been kept hidden by Caroline. Caroline, the wily sister of the Balloonist and Proctor. Into this household come many strange people, some of them relatives, some of them looking for no-good and some of them wanting it all for themselves. All of the charscters in this novel stand alone in the depth of their intellect and surprising insights. Trutor alone, however, begins to grasp what the riddles are really about. The trips to Boston, Portsmouth, Oxford, the Colony all bring to fruition the reality of what Caroline's life has wrought. And, Trutor also delivers the best of people. We find in this strange household and town many loving and helpful strangers. Trutor is the heroine and she must, yes, she must have the Balloonist has her, well, I don't know ,maybe her lover? There are so many twists and turns in this novel I can't and won't betray any of the secrets. They are mine to keep. I helped solve them in my reading, AHA, you must read this also to find out what really happens, what is Caroline really up to? Why was she so strange and unloving?

A novel to bring you to laughter and to tears. Yes, Elvis Has Not Left The Building!
Heartily recommended. prisrb

Debbie Wesselman write another book!

I enjoyed the eccentric New England characters in 'Trutor and the Balloonist' but the real magic existed in the detailed painting of words that described New England. Like a jewel colored painting of autumn leaves New England shines bright in the pages of 'Trutor and the Balloonist'. Filled with wonderful writing that was perfection. Some writers' give an air that is above the reader but Debbie Wesselman invites you into this eccentric world with her words.

At first you think this is just another story of a woman escaping a terrible relationship but then the story turns to the one character that has no direct words in the book: Caroline Wharton. So much of the character development of Caroline Wharton is second hand and that was compelling. What a wonder device to use with a character that is the object of everyone's obsession and she never speaks directly to us.

I could tell you all about the book but since it's a mystery you should read it yourself. Debbie Wesselman takes you on an intriguing journey of theft, fraud, lies, and self-discovery while her characters Trutor and the Balloonist search their own hearts for personal peace. You'll find it all in this book: art, wonderful characters, riddles of life, and a character that you too will be come obsessed.

I got the distinct feeling Caroline Wharton existed in more than Debbie Wesselman's book. Usually that longing need to know more doesn't exist in a lot of fictional characters. Debbie Wesselman tells us just enough to want more.

girldiver:)

If ever a book cried out to be re-released in trade paperback format, to be made available for under fifteen dollars, this is it. I browse the shelves of Target all the time (can't help it, my sister works there) and I see so many inferior works. I don't know who picks 'em and I should, as I was sort of raised in the entertainment business, but I suppose the music business and the book business are very different, but maybe they're not, because I've seen some great bands sink into oblivion for reasons that made no sense to me.

In the case of "Trutor" I see that some very reputable reviewers have reviewed it and given it high marks. So why oh why have the powers that be at MacAdam/Cage dropped the ball? I don't get it. I've been to their website, they've got gobs of books on their backlist available in trade paper. This book deserves a second life and let me tell you, if they took a chance on "Trutor", did what I said, re-released it in paper, this delightful story would fly off the shelves with only just a little bit of promotion. Because in the end it's all about the story and this is a story so sublime, so engrossing, with characters quaint and quirky, who will live on in your imagination long after you've put the book on the shelf.

You know, dear reader, this could be a chance for you to cast a positive vote for something with your pocketbook. Put "Trutor and the Balloonist" in your shopping cart and take it to the check out. I know it's expensive for a book that's been around since the last millennium and I know it's not being discounted, but it's worth the price, really it is.

Reviewed by Stephanie Sane

I stumbled upon this title and after savoring the final chapters, not wanting it to end, I feel incredibly lucky. This novel has everything I crave: Plot, mystery, well-drawn, eccentric characters, RIDDLES, history, art, lyrical and descriptive prose. I was transported to New England while following the unfolding story of Caroline Wharton as discovered by the somewhat reluctant biographer, Michelle Trutor.

Through her main character, Debbie Lee Wesselmann paints Trutor's subject as an "intellectual enigma" and the owner of souls. As she unravels the "sticky web" left behind by Caroline, a woman who committed suicide and virtually imprisoned her family (the "Balloonist," Arthur, and his twin brother, Proctor, and their niece, Roberta) in a former mortuary, she offers riddles that one can't help but try to solve before reading further. The clever riddles pull you through this fascinating story of complicated relationships.

Because of a convoluted will and a watchful attorney, Trutor was the only one who had access to the clues Caroline had left behind, which included her personal journals. I particularly enjoyed the journal entries, which intimately portray the creative and multifarious soul that was Caroline Wharton. My favorite entry: "I spent hours reading today here in the Botanical Gardens before I felt the need to write myself: the small leap from someone else's words to my own like a garden shading from lavender to deep purple."

Deep purple indeed. This novel deserves the royal treatment and my highest recommendation.

From the author of A Line Between Friends McKenna Publishing Group.

A long time ago, when Johnny Carson, Truman Capote and Jacqueline Susanne were still alive, Truman and Jackie were guests on the Tonight Show. Truman was first, talked about one of his books, I don't remember which one. He did his bit, told a few jokes, they went to commercial, then Jackie came out. She was promoting her new book, THE LOVE MACHINE, but before she got a chance to say anything, Truman piped up with something like:

"When I start to read a good book, I might spend an hour on the first paragraph, longer if it's really good. I can take up to a week on a fair book, a month on a good book and a really good book could take me up to a year, as I savor every word, enjoy every thought." Then he turned to Jackie and said, "I read THE LOVE MACHINE in twenty minutes."

The audience burst out laughing, Johnny too, Jackie as well. She was a good sport. And you know, I liked her book, but Jackie's book isn't the subject of this review, Debbie Lee's is and if she would have been on that show way back then, instead of Jackie, and if she'd've handed a copy of TRUTOR AND THE BALLONIST off to Truman, he wouldn't have had enough time left in his life to finish it.

Mr. Capote graced this planet for many years after that and he'd've spent many a long night savoring and enjoying this book, only to pass away without knowing whether or not Michele Trutor finishes her biography of Caroline. He would've gone to his maker wondering if Debbie Lee's batch of humorous and very real misfits ever come to terms with her, her life, her forgeries. He'd've missed out on Halloween in Derbysville, on Roberta's not so very good meals, on riddles that will tickle any mystery lover, on oh so much that this book has to offer.

They would have shoveled an unfulfilled Truman into the ground with one of Debbie Lee's riddles still pinging around in a brain that would have refused to die. Truman's ghost would have become legendary, haunting the library nearest to where he expired, refusing to cross over to the other side, still wanting to savor each and every sentence in this masterpiece of a novel.

Well you know what, I've read Truman Capote. He was a masterful writer, a dealer in prose extraordinaire, and I'm telling you now and I'm telling you true, Truman would have loved this book as much as I do, as much as you will if you give it a chance.

Paul Hill has all the necessary credentials to write a book like this. Despite the fact that his employer, NASA, kept his interest in UFOs unofficial, he has come to interesting and well supported conclusions. The objects are real. Official disinterest in studying them and the associated ridicule are also real. He had seen UFOs himself and accepted the evidence at face value. He also makes mention of his work for a company called A.V. Roe in Canada and there is a photo of test pilots for a project he claims went nowhere. See Flying Saucer Aircraft by Rose for the connection. That project did, in fact, go somewhere.

The idea that such advanced aircraft are beyond the capability of manufacture on Earth may not be true. Also, reported abductions by 'aliens' may be part of a larger cover up as well. Perhaps this is why 20 years have elapsed since the time of writing and publication. Only recently, via an article in Popular Mechanics, have people learned about America's Nuclear Flying Saucer (actually, semi-circular). The atomic aircraft was also a program that had, reportedly, gone nowhere.

And Mr. Hill tells us that we are looking at the speed of light in regard to space travel all wrong. I recommend this book highly as a cogent and worthwhile addition to the library for those looking for good answers to this subject.

I didn't really buy this book with any expectations. and I'm not really a UFO buff but I do have an open mind about such things. When I received this book, I read it cover to cover and didn't take my hands off of it. This book, hands down, has the best explanation of the mathematics behind Relitivity, using the Lorentz Transformation, of any book I have read. After reading this book and absorbing the math, the reader will understand that interstallar travel is easily possible from the travelers reference time frame. I rate this book 5 stars and might buy another one because the one I have is starting to wear out.

I found that this is one of the best books about UFO subject from a scientific point of view.

A very good exposition for all the scientifically minded sympathetic skeptics (like me). I've enjoyed every part of this very entertaining book. However I would like to mention just a couple of points, for the sake of completeness. Mr. Hill's concept of 'effective' speed is an interesting one and quite valid for CONSTANT SHIP VELOCITY. However across pages 387-388 he makes the erroneous statement that "...all physical laws properly formulated hold good in ALL REFERENCE FRAMES." in paraphrasing Einstein. This should of course read "...ALL INERTIAL FRAMES." An accelerating space ship does NOT constitute an inertial frame of reference, hence the condition that the speed of light remain invariant in all inertial frames, does not generally hold. In fact in a non-inertial frame the value of the speed of light is C`a = C*(1+(a*cos r)/(2C*C)), where C is the usual value of the speed of light in an inertial frame and C`a is the speed of light determined in an accelerating frame. If you substitute C`a for C in Equation A5-12a you get the correct expression. This only affects the accelerated portions of the spaceship's trip. I've checked the effective speed during the constant velocity coasting and it seems to be a valid proposal.

Reference: Acceleration-dependent electromagnetic self-interaction effects as a basis for inertia and gravitation
Vesselin Petkov, arXiv:physics/9909019 v6, 1 Aug 2001.

Book like this one are a blessing, you can not miss it if you are getting serious in Ufology, only w/ all the technical juice in force field and suchs is enough to say than UFO technology is not a fantasy or scien-fiction theme as Big Brother want you to believe,(please read UFO and no ETs) is very real and a very well guarded secret, and "THEY" (the identity of this close circle of persons within the establisment is matter for a very good Tom Clancy's book), are so scare by the fact of his public disclosure, is in the word of GOD the true will prevail, sooner or later, I found "Revelations.." of Jacques Vallee a very nice complement for this book, mostly in the sensitive issue of media disinformation and distortion of this phenomena.

The book is very good, it has some good tips and almost every chapter goes straight to the point, although the chapters are too short. It really show me a different way of how to approach a women; I recommend it!!!

About a year ago, I began reading various pick-up artist material, including Neil Strauss' The Game, The Mystery Method by Mystery, and From the Bar to the Bedroom by the editors of AskMen.com. The information in those books was quite useful, but I felt the material that pick-up artists use didn't fit my personality. I tried using that material on a few ladies, and it seemed so unnatural and uncomfortable to me. I successfully creeped out a few of them. I felt like an actor reading from a horrible script. Plus, don't get me started on "the seven hour rule." Sex happens when she wants it to happen. You can't force it on her.

Every guy is different. He must use the strengths in his personality to become successful with women. What I like about this book is that tells you what not to do, what to do, what is going through her mind, and what she expects you to do. All you need to have is a decent personality, and the information in the book will guide you the rest of the way.

The book is nothing more than common sense that guys tend to overlook. The chapters are short and to the point. I read the whole thing in about two hours. By the way, she is hilarious but right, sadly.

If you had a bad role model growing up or your dad taught you absolutely nothing about women, I strongly suggest this book and only this book. It's all you really need. Please, don't buy into the whole PUA thing. The next book you should buy should be on tantric sex.

This is almost exactly what I have been telling my male clients about successfully dating women (and having great sex with them). By utilizing the techniques and strategies outlined in the book you will dramatically increase your chances of "scoring". Highly recommended!

this is the only way to go. A femaale author is the only way to understand what a women really wants out of a man. Rory really nails this one. Great job Rory!!

Finally, A book on dating written by a woman.So far, reading whatRomy Miller has to say regarding what women expect from men is right on target. Some chapters are short, while others are longer. She has a in your face, tell it like it is, no B.S. approach. It's verymotavational. If you never try, how will you ever ever know if the woman you want to date will say yes or no kind of thing. It's not how good-looking you are or how rich you may be. What you really need is confidence. Some maysay a lot of it is "common sense", thatis not the case here. Many guys make the same mistakes over and over again.With this book, you will told what to do, what not to do, etc. I'm not quite finished reading the whole book, it's only 160+ pages. But so far, it's easy to understand and Romy's info is down to earth real. The only thing she doesn't get into is how to find the right woman. Great reading for men who need help understanding women.

Glenn Harold's voice is hypnotic and relaxing to listen to.

The echoes, music and other special effects used in this cd really helps, by the next day I catch myself restating the affirmations in my mind.

(I'll be purchasing more of Glenn Ford's hypnosis!)

These CD's are an easy listen filled with wonderfully phrased, motivational words. Glenn's Australian accent is a pleasure to listen to. Places on the CD have music as well that accompanies the voice. I LOVE these CD's and own most of them. If you live in the states you may hear an occassional terminology that is not common in the U.S. (Example, in the weight series he uses a weight measurement of a 'stone' which is a British term that represents 14 pounds). This happen rarely and certainly does not detract from the message presented in any of Glenn's CD's. You can't really listen to these in the car as they are a little hypnotic so be sure you are in a stress free mind set and location when you listen to any of therse CD's. I felt they were worth every penny.

His voice an proper grammar have taken a while for me to get used to without smiling. By the second track I am often out. Whether my life is changing I will have to keep you all posted.
;-)

I own several of Glenn Harrold's CDs. I've tried many other relaxation/hypnosis products over the years and Glenn Harrold's are by far-and-away the best I've heard. As many of the other reviews have pointed out, the production values on these CDs are extraordinary, but that's not what makes them special. What makes these CDs special is how good they leave you FEELING.

Many of the other hypnosis recordings I've tried would either put me to sleep half of the time or just feel like a chore to listen to. Glenn Harrold's CDs actually make for a very enjoyable and pleasant listening experience. And regardless of how I felt before hand, I'm always left feeling refreshed, serene and on an "even keel".

If you're looking to purchase just one hypnosis title, make it one of Glenn Harrold's. You will not be disappointed.

I've only recently discovered the work of Glenn Harold. This is one of his most popular CDs and there is a good reason why. I like this CD mainly because there is no b.s. like on so many others. Everything is straight to the point, first you relax, then some positive affirmations are suggested to your unconscious mind which has to absorb them and start executing. One drawback is that I find he speaks a little too fast and leaves no time for the material to sink in. Perhaps if the pace was a bit slower, I would've given this CD five stars. Overall, good starting point for hypnosis exploration.

I must Say, that this book is among my "most used" books. I read it often because it holds so very many Answers to things that I question, or have that troubles me, or a dear friend, or my Son.
The "healing" procedures Absolutely WORK (for me). They have, on several occassions that I would have had to "have stiches", otherwise!
Also, the connections it "opens up" with other beings (and matter) and their Energies, on this Planet, and beyond, are nothing short of Fantastic. You will surely notice a stronger connection with all Animals as a result of reading this book.
I "Identify" with the "Merlin Falcoln", on the cover of the book. I see one "visit", flying above my head, or my car, or nearby, just "watching" me. ....Life is so Incredible!

This is an amazing little book by an amazing man. I found much in it that felt utterly familiar, and many new wonderful things which I'm pondering, trying, and incorporating into my daily shamanic practices. Some of them I'd already been doing, or had been heading that direction anyway. The teachings and methods described here go hand in hand with much Celtic shamanic practices and teachings that I've been reading elsewhere. Subtle, and an alternative to improperly coopting Native American spirituality practices.

Urban Shaman is a great book with a lot of very interesting, effective techniques. I have applied several of the techniques contained within this book to my life and have been surprised at just how truly effective this stuff is.

The seven laws as taught in this book as well as some of the exercises are very useful to know...and very effective when used.

Anyone can take something useful from this book if they actually apply the techniques before judging their worth. This book is a definite must read for anyone who is interested in a spiritual approach to improving their life.

The author is a shaman and huna philosopher.

Huna is an ancient philosophy going back 2,000 years, and contains many self realization techniques, including the unification of the three selves, removing emotional blocks and fears, and manifesting your goals. There is also an energy practice which uses the power of focus.

This book goes through the 7 rules of the Huna Philosophy, explaining them in some detail. It is an ancient belief system, and also an amazing self improvement system which I wholeheartedly recommend.

The world is what you think it is i.e there is no reality only perception. There are no limits. Energy flows where attention goes are three of the rules.

There are many self help books out there which focus on individual concepts, which seem new, yet are all contained within this philosophy, which is over 2,000 years old. I am thinking of books such as the Power of Intention, and the Power of Now, Unlimited power.

In addition the concepts of the conscious, subconscious, and superconscious or universal mind, have been around for thousands of years, yet only since the early 1900s with the writings of those such as Carl Jung have these ideas become more widely accepted.

This philosophy does enable you to combine your three selves, and clear emotional blocks and limiting beliefs for improved effectiveness.

There are excellent healing practices and visualizations within this book. Many of our illnesses spring from our unresolved emotions, whereas much of western medicine treats the symptom not the cause. I believe energy practice is very important for focus, as energy flows where attention goes.

Many other philosophies share common roots with this one. One of the main differences is this a can do not a can't do philosophy. To use one of the beliefs, there are no limits. If you buy this book your journey is only beginning because you will want to learn more.

If you find this review helpful, please click yes.

Insightful teachings of Aloha. "In Hawaiian the meaning of love is very clear and it provides a useful guideline for loving and being loved. Aloha is the word for love. Alo means to be with, to share an experience, here and now. Oha means affection, joy." {wwwhunaorg}

Serge King has articulated seven principles of Huna:

The world is what you think it is.
There are no limits.
Energy flows where attention goes.
Now is the moment of power.
To love is to be happy with (someone or something).
All power comes from within.
Effectiveness is the measure of truth.

Useful practice for modern shaman students and those seeking ways of exploring new ways of being.

I have had this book for ten years now, i read it once a year at least and am finding i get something new out of it each time i read it. I just bought this as a gift for a friend of mine who is big on poetry slams ( i didn't have the nerve to loan him mine). It is in my top five of my all time favorite books (and i own thousands of books!!) It pulls at my heart strings, makes me cry, and makes me laugh out loud.

I loved every minute of this book, you never know what you're going to read next, my boyfriend loved it as well, & I am purchasing this book for him as well.

I have read this book over and over and over. Every time I read this collection, the more I like it. Very unique. I recomend anyone who loves poetry and likes something different, to pick up this book.

"Verses that Hurt" is one of the best collections of poetry I've read in a long time. Ideal for people who don't really like poetry, because it's not structured and very free-flowing, and people who DO like poetry as well, because hey, we love free-flowing expression too.

Some of the poems describe sweet happiness, and some capture the essence of hate and anger. Sexuality is a constant theme in some of them. One of my favorites is "Please Master" by Allen Ginsberg. To me, this captures the very essence of sexuality. And not just gay-male sexuality, I'm talkin' the whole picture, ALL sexuality, even though the terms use seem to allude to the first.

Definitely a good read.

A few years ago a voice mail was set up in New York City, and poets were called in every month to read a new poem everyday onto the message. Then the public could call in everyday, listen to the poem, and respond after the beep with anything they had to say. The poems were recorded on an album, and the best printed in this wonderful book.

The book came out in 1997. The phone number they have listed in the introduction is either wrong or changed, I called it twice and kept getting the voice mail to someone named "Kika." The poets in this book are: Penny Arcade, Tish Benson, Nicole Blackman, David Cameron, Xavier Cavazos, Todd Colby, Matthew Courtney, M. Doughty, Kathy Ebel, Anne Elliot, Janice Erlbaum, Allen Ginsberg, John Giorno, John S. Hall, Bob Holman, Christian X. Hunter, Shannon Ketch, Bobby Miller, Wanda Phipps, Lee Renaldo, Shut-Up Shelley, Hal Sirowitz, Sparrow, Spiro, Edwin Torres, and Emily XYZ. All the poets get at least three poems, and very good portraits by photographer Christian Lantry. The poems are short enough that you can probably get through this in one sitting, or read a poet a day.

Penny Arcade starts the book off with a bang, using some really incredible verse. Tish Benson is next with poems that read like lazy blues songs, but filled with so much detail and activity, you can almost hear Billie Holliday gruffly whispering this in your ear. Nicole Blackman and her section is also incredible as she seems to speak for so many women who cannot find their own voice except hers. David Cameron's writing, while readable, is a little bland, like a freshman creative writing class. Despite his obvious emotion, I felt he was holding back on his own writing. Xavier Cavazos's section is slightly better, except for an entire poem that slams Rush Limbaugh. It may have been very clever when written and read, but it just give conservatives like Limbaugh more ammunition to go after art that they do not believe in. Why not a poem about Parkay hawking corporate monkey Al Franken, who had so much success slamming Limbaugh? Or Dennis Miller, whose rants against everybody was quickly dashed by asinine long distance ads. Nothing worse than a sell out. Todd Colby does better work with paragraph poems than traditional verse poetry. Matthew Courtney reads like poorly written Allen Ginsberg, full of "shocking" imagery and without a point. M. Doughty's work is scary and involving, and not your traditional stuff. Kathy Ebel left me with no response. I read it, I was done, and I was not terribly moved. Anne Elliot reads like poorly written Matthew Courtney. Janice Erlbaum is wonderful, filling a sonnet and sestina with modern situations, turning antiquity on its ear. Ginsberg is Ginsberg. Being a little familiar with his work, I expected to see poems about gay sex, followed by verses about a frog. Ginsberg is so Ginsberg. John Giorno's two poems are shocking, about more gay sex, and taking drugs. He seems to be shocking without TRYING to be shocking. I guess you could say his shock is natural.

John S. Hall also seems to be writing without getting to the heart of his point. His verse is so much posturing. Bob Holman is a bit of a bore, with quite a few poems here. Again, none stuck with me. Christian X. Hunter takes me into his world and it was hard to get out. He is probably my favorite poet here. Shannon Ketch reads like John S. Hall. Bobby Miller's very personal poems made me nostalgic for a time I could never experience. He writes about his first homosexual experience, and protesting Vietnam, so vividly, you swear you are there. Wanda Phipps opens with an angry poem, and never lets up. She is not threatening, but she has a lot to say. Lee Ranaldo also did not do it for me, his listed words seemed glossy and packaged. Shut-Up Shelley is fun because she is so different. Her changing font size on the page just screams at you, yet her photograph by Lantry shows her so whimsically. She is my second favorite poet here. Hal Sirowitz is my third favorite poet here, writing deeply personal poems about everyday things that had an obvious effect on his life. He is a blast to read aloud. Sparrow is weird. His first poem, involving possible sex with a cow, is a hoot, and his possible middle names for Bill Gates is a riot. Spiro is also very funny, especially his opening poem about heroin addiction. Edwin Torres also had me scratching my head for a while after I read him. His poetry is not hard, just inaccessible, and I was not interested enough in what he was saying to dig deeper. Emily XYZ reads like good Edwin Torres.

The 26 poets here are quite a variety, and I recommend this tome to any poetry lovers. I also repeat my mantra to read more poetry and keep buying those little chapbooks you might see in used bookstores or at flea markets. There is always time in your day to smarten up.

This does contain a lot of profanity, drug references, and sexual content, so giving it to your five year old to practice reading may not be a good idea.

Who would have thought that the ancient Vedic health science system from India could give rise to a highly effective and hip Western guide to creating successful, harmonious, and exciting relationships!

WHAT'S YOUR DOSHA, BABY? does that and more. Take the quiz and learn your dosha. Take the quiz and learn about the dosha of your significant other. Bring greater harmony and joy to your relationship than you could have dreamed. The principles apply across the board - business relationships, the sister you never quite understood, the relationship patterns you'd like to do differently and with more satisfaction.

I'm giving this book to everyone on my holiday list.

When I got this book I had just hoped to get informed about the various ways to improve life by learning new principles of mind & body. However, after reading it, I'm amazed by the wealth of information I got. Deepak Chopra has rightly said on the front page of the book that Coffey brings the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda to a contemprary audience and shows us how to discover more about ourselves and our relationships. I totally agree with his words and word like to congratulate Lisa Marie Coffey for coming up with such a profoundly amazing book!

Lisa Marie does an amazing job of taking ancient knowledge and putting it in easy to understand language. This book is a quick read with a wealth of information that is easy to understand and apply now!

When I first picked up this book, I expected to learn something about Ayurveyda, my "dosha", and considerations regarding my health, diet and well-being. This book was very informative in this regard and presents the information in a way that westerners can understand. I was pleasantly surprised to read further that Ayurveda has something to say about relationships. By understanding the nature of each dosha, I can apply the understanding to all of my relationships. This book is an enjoyable read and I learned something new.

While reseaching information on Ayurveda & Dosha's, I came across Lisa Marie's whatisyourdosha.com, which turned out to be very interesting. With an easy quiz, you can find which Dosha fits your personality and get a basic understanding of what it is all means.
Her new book, "What's you Dosha, Baby?" is a wonderful guide to understanding how you fit within this Dosha and how it works within your lifestyle. Most highly valued is the information on compatability with anyone in your life. Other suggestions cover best forms of exercise for you mind/body type as well as foods best suited. It is a wonderful way to introduce oneself to this ancient pratice/belief way of living.

Very insightful book. Basically Mr. Gire discusses situations, moments, windows that God opens in our lives that allow us to look thorugh them and see Him. These windows are opened, generally for a limited time, and we have the opportunity to look through them but are not forced or required to. Of course, in the failure - or refusal - to look through the window we also miss the opportunity to see God and what He is saying and/or doing at that moment. A common mistake is looking AT the window, and merely seeing the window (situation), rather than looking through it and beyond the situation before us. I will be re-reading this book as I think the thoughts are meatier than a single pass through and derserving of additional pondering. I would recommend the book.

In "Windows of the Soul" Mr. Gire Takes you to places where you have always known God was, but opens your eyes to realy "see" God. It is a poetic journey that touched my soul and allowed me to experience God in a whole new way. I would highly recommend this book to the new believer as well as the person who has walked with God many years, neither will be dissapointed.

I purchased this book off the shelf as its artistic references in the description attracted me to it. I soon discovered the value of Mr. Gire's wisdom, compassion, and his own personal knowledge of an intimate relationship with God that evolved through his own personal experiences. This book came at a time in my own life when, a few months earlier, I had suffered a sudden tragedy that resulted in the death of my husband of 11 years. This book, and its quiet reflective nature, brought me peace during many sleepless nights. I found the thoughtful wisdom inspiring, and appreciated his knowledge of literature and history. I have purchased several of his books since, and have been blessed by each one.

In 1998 I reveiwed this book by writing the following:
Ken Gire is one of the most expressive writers of our day. His words paint a picture of our soul. Words that are simple, yet profound. Gire shows us how we can experience God through different avenues that intersect our daily lives. Don't be surprised by the tears that come to your eyes, they are tears from God showing you an area of your life that may need to be explored, understood or enjoyed. This is a book that you will continually want to come back to again and again.

I continue to read this book and find it as refreshing as the first time.

I disagree with the review from Hooterville. Ken Gire is very sound theologically and his work reflects this. Ken encourages us to look for new ways in which we can discover God. There is nothing mystical about discovering new ways for one to grow in their love for God and in their love for people.

I think it's obvious there's nothing wrong with observing our world and the happenings within it and speculating what God's perspective might be. And there's nothing wrong with contemplating a piece of art, literature, music, or film and recognizing in it symbolic correspondence to transcendent truth as revealed in Scripture. And author Ken Gire does this well. If he had left it at that, I probably would be as enthusiastic about this book as the next reader.

However, in "Windows of the Soul," Gire goes a step further and teaches that such endeavors are actually communications from God, "moments of revelation." The book is Gire's attempt at giving Christians insight into how to perceive such "revelations." Gire goes as far as to imply that such "revelations" possess an importance equal to that of the Bible, even referring to them as "God's word." Gire implies that Biblical revelation sometimes fails to satisfy our spiritual longings because, through it, "we are fed the experience of others. But they are not OUR experiences. I can read a psalm about David crying out from a cave in the wilderness, and I should read that psalm, but it is not MY psalm. It is not my psalm because it is not my cave, not my wilderness, and not my tears." Thus, Gire feels a need for a new category of revelation.

I sense Gire is well intentioned, but I believe, in this respect, he's teaching a form of mysticism, not Christianity. [Webster: "mysticism - the belief that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be attained through subjective experience (as intuition or insight)"] And while I recognize that the defense of these ideas isn't the primary intent of his book, the theological extrapolations Gire offers are tragically sloppy and at times involve the assignment of new, unorthodox meanings to Biblical accounts and terminology.

Some might suggest that Gire's paradigm is just an elaboration on the concept of "general revelation," the Biblically supported idea that the world implicitly communicates certain things about God and His nature. However, the variety of channels described in "Windows," as well as the content of the messages Gire speculates they deliver, far surpass the traditional understanding of the nature and role of general revelation. (And Gire writes as if he's aware that what he's proposing is unconventional.)

READER BEWARE : I believe it is accurate to say that Ken Gire is advocating a theology and discipline not taught in Scripture.

When it comes time to contemplate the "furniture" of life and apply Biblical teachings to what you observe and experience, "Windows of the Soul" does document some good exploration in that regard. However, when it comes time to hear God speak, don't let anyone convince you God's revealed Word in Scripture is insufficient for the task.

For my more thorough critique, see: HotFudgeSunday.com/WindowsOfTheSoul

This is the most lovely x-mas story I ever read! It's about not giving up on your wishes, be bold and don't have the attention on you.
If you like this story, look for a book of Ariel and Shya Kane, they have found a way of living, that is beyond all I could immagine - all it takes, like in this book, is courage.

Get the movie. Get the book. Enjoy them together. Fun and quirky.

This is my favorite of the Breathed series of children's tales. I have a six year old son and this will be my fourth year of being sure this is a part of his Christmas season. As well as, throwing this title in several times throughout the year. A very touching experience to share this story with my son.

Our family absolutely LOVES all the Berkeley Breathed children's books. There's just one problem. If you're trying to read it to your children, it's difficult not to be laughing so hard you cry. Story and illustrations are just hilarious!!! My daughter now reads to children in after-school programs and it's a definite winner with them. Very entertaining.

If you purchase this book for the illustrations alone you would still have an incomparable treasure but wait there is more, because this is a story that is a treasure in itself.

Opus wants a pair of wings that work. But in his mind wings only work if you can fly. It's not until Santa's sleigh is sinking in the ocean that Opus gets to use his flippers and fly through the water and save Santa and his sleigh. It's then that he realizes he has something useful.

This is a story that's about recognizing the value of what you have in mind, body, and spirit. The courage and spirit to use what you have to go where help is needed and whenever possible, help save the day.

I blame the book industry's insatiable deluge of new and not very inspiring books thrust onto an already overburdened market place for burying classics like, "An Opus Christmas Story."

This is a book that every child would love immensely, one they would treasure and one the parents would not have to dig so hard to find the life lessons to discuss with their children after the read.