Greens Books

I stumbled across a copy of GREEN SMOKE at the used book store, and grabbed it as it had that great vintage story "look" to it. I was right. I just finished reading it aloud to my two eight year olds and my ten year old. Boy and girl alike, they loved it and were sad to see it end. They laughed outloud at much of the dragon's dialogue, and my oldest is asking when she will learn more about King Arthur. Now I see that another reviewer mentioned sequels...publishers, bring these gems back!

Wonderful,lyrical story spurs the imagination and creates vivid visual images. We read it aloud as a family over a holiday weekend, to the delight of one and all! We loved the dragon's variable personality as well as the fantastic tales and adventures he shares with 8 year old Sue.

An eight year old girl meets a friendly dragon while on a beach vacation in England, and he tells her stories about his past as one of the companions of King Arthur.

I first read this book and its sequels, The Dragon's Quest and Dragon in Danger, as a child and am now passing them on to my own children. I can't believe they are out of print - any publishers out there?!

Glissendra is a young clan woman in a society where a woman is nothing more than her father's property. Glissendra however is not just an ordinary woman. She has an extraordinary gift, that of prophecy. This gift brings Glissendra to the attention of one of her father's slaves, former priestess of the Brehara. The Brehara are priestesses feared and respected by everyone.

Just before Glissendra is forced to marry a man she hates and fears, the slave-priestess helps her to escape and find her way to The Green Temple of the Brehara. There Glissendra's story begins and it's a story I couldn't stop reading till the very last page!

Well rounded characters, action, love, suspense in a world so realistic that even magic seems a fact of life.

A real page turner that I suggest to every epic fantasy fan. I'm looking forward to more books by Schelly Steelman. She is definitely on my favorite list!

The Green Temple is a well paced book with some intriguing twists that kept me turning the pages (and staying up too late). I found the world Ms. Steelman created to be interesting, complex, and consistent, as were her characters, especially Glissenda, Balderon, and Galden.

While reading, I found myself more than once saying, "Man, I should've seen that coming." Other times I said, "Hmmm, that's going to be a problem for Glissenda."

I have to say that The Green Temple is one of those novels that's even more interesting the second time through...picking up some of the details missed the first time.

This polished and confident novel does not read as a first effort. Schelly Steelman's deft description shows much of her enthusiasm for the characters.

The heroine-Glissenda-emerges a young woman of a powerful clan chief, as women are nothing more then chattel, to a powerful priestess that men and women seek but fear. With the help of sister priestess', she learns to master her fears and to marshal her abilities. But Glissenda will have to learn to trust before she can come to terms with her powers and her heritage.

Green Temple is a powerful fantasy, and its readers will clamor for more. Characterization is stronger than suspense here, but the level of powers and personalities will intrigue readers

Barbara Goldoftas delivers a moving and insightful illumination of the conflicting forces of politics, economics, religion, and environmentalism in her concise depiction of the destruction of the once-pristine Philippine ecology. Clearly loving the country and its people, Barbara Goldoftas even-handedly explores the reasons for the Philippine's environmental decline, unflinchingly ascribing responsibility where it belongs, yet she offers concrete examples of hope for remedy and remidiation. For realistic environmentalists, this is required reading.

This is an interesting book that describes environmental problems in Philippines from the perspective of a writer who also makes her own perspective very clear. It has useful information about what has happened there, and plenty of colorful anecdotes. A good read for anyone who wants to know about the Philippines.

A sweeping look at ecological problems in the Philippines. The author reveals a deep-felt love for the country, its challenges and its needs. Scientific and unexpectedly lyrical.

Another chance to spend time in the north Florida woods with my favorite "characters." Can't wait for the next book!!!!

The Bones Tell Their Story

A walking tour to visit long hidden slave graves and hear local legends yields a grisly discovery in Glynn Marsh Alam's sixth Luanne Fogarty mystery. The season is Halloween and a chill has descended on the swamps of north Florida that we have visited in Alam's previous books.

Luanne, an adjunct diver for the Sheriff's Department, is called on to explore what could be a modern killing ground in the midst of an older sad setting - a slave graveyard. Ultimately, newer bones found amongst the old tell their story, after a very enjoyable return to Alam's world.

Alam again has created such a real setting and characters that the reader is swept into life in swamp country, the myths and lore that have grown to explain phenomena, and the characters that inhabit this world. She is especially talented at getting the reader into the mind of Luanne, a strong competent character, yet with personal and work concerns that ground her in reality. Luanne's job as a linguistics professor at the university is well imagined, as is her relationship with her gentleman friend Vernon, and her work with the Sheriff's Department.

Smaller details are deftly drawn. Edwin, a recurring character, lives in the backcountry and hunts snakes, and is tuned into the ways of the swamps and the ghosts that may lurk there. An alligator that has learned to associate humans with food and wait under a footbridge is another nice touch. Combined with a backwoods preacher with a past, a lovely yet possibly sinister historic preservationist, university students who may harbor secrets, a funeral home, and other interesting aspects, this is a story that I really enjoyed and a setting and characters that I look forward to continuing to read about.

It's a rare day off for both Luanne Fogarty and her beau Vernon. They are relaxing by taking a walking tour in their area of Florida. While the guide goes on about the extinct volcano just under the swamp, the college kids also on the tour are more interested in the slave graveyard. When they head off to explore, one of them falls in a hole and gets injured. When Vernon goes to help her, he finds new bones mixed in with the old.

Since the graveyard had long since been abandoned, Luanne and Vernon know that something isn't right. Since they are both on the scene, they become involved in the case, even diving into a nearby pond looking for more bones. Luanne's find of three skull caps only furthers the mystery. Who do these bones belong to? And how did they come to be scattered all over the old graveyard?

This series has long been a favorite for its vivid descriptions, and this book is no exception. The story is set around Halloween, and I felt the crisp fall air. The pace of the story matches the setting. We are constantly getting new clues, but the story still feels nice and relaxed. I was always engaged, and the ending was a surprise. Luanne's day job of professor of linguistics is more prominently featured then normal and adds to her character. The other characters, both new and old, are interesting as well.

If you want an entertaining mystery and a glimpse of life in the swamps of northern Florida, this is the series for you.

quest to understand where she came from and where she's going. This first person narrative has you hanging onto every word. You'll feel you were there with the main character, feeling her every emotion as the writer forces you to view the world through Amelia's eyes. Excellent word usage paints a mural of the South in a period where race indeed mattered. This is a must read! Waiting on the next release from this womanist author. Bravo!

ALRJ (Diplomac)

quest to understand where she came from and where she's going. This first person narrative has you hanging onto every word. You'll feel you were there with the main charater, feeling her every emotion as the writer forces you to view the world through Amelia's eyes. Excellent word usage paints a mural of the South in a period where race indeed mattered. This is a must read! Waiting on the next release from this womanist author. Bravo!

ALRJ (Diplomac)

You will have a hard time putting this book down. You are taken through Amelia's life and her search for who she is. The book flows like a well written song. This is an awesome triumph for a first time writer!

What a great collection, the pictures were just amazing and I certainly won't be taking the postcards out of this book. As well as the great pictures there are also detailed captions, some of which are funny but mostly descriptions of the growing set up or the strains.

30 postcards, each looks fantastic, because they where taken by the High Times photographer, Andre Grossman, who many consider to be the best cannabis photographer at the moment. The postcards are all first-class quality and can be easily removed from the booklet, leaving behind a little stub with an image of the card you just sent. The photographs are all A+ and I am sure your friends would love to get them in the post.

Andre Grossman also took most of the photographs for The Cannabis Grow Bible by Greg Green, both that book and this postcard booklet are from the same publishers.

Wow, I couldn't believe how great these cards are, I felt like I should have been able to smell the sweet buds. And the size of the growing facility was mind boggling, Trichome Tech must have more bud than they know what to do with.

Beautifully -- in places lyrically -- written, this small volume makes a compelling case for preservation of the natural beauty that once prevailed throughout North America, and which now has become all too rare. Never straying far from her main theme (the life of Grey Owl), Jane Billinghurst draws us into the passion and dedication of her subject, leading us reflect on environmental questions not as dry policy issues, but as ones that can relate to an almost spiritual connection between the individual and his natural surroundings. Must reading for historians, environmentalists, and those with an interest in Canada, this insightful book is thoroughly rewarding for the general reader as well. Very highly recommended.

It has been said, "one cannot judge a book by it's cover", however, we must also keep in mind that there are no absolutes as this book is a story which is depicted, in large measure, by the cover. Sensitive, warm, and poetic presentation of the life and contributions of Grey Owl. The photos exceptional in quality, and accurate as to life and times of the era. These are real people, places, and times that were a part of North American history. The manner in which sayings and aspects of Grey Owl are available as the story unfolds are done in such a manner I think you get two books for the price of one. I read the book from cover to cover the first time then re-read the white pages only, and then followed by reading the tan colored pages. Either way it is easy, fast, and enjoyable. I think the author did an excellent job in demonstrating the efforts of Grey Owl. He was an interesting fellow who had a vision and purpose in life which is so unique that a major moving picture has been make about him as well as four documantaries. Jane Billinghurst has created a work which makes possible an interpretation of the content, by the reader, as it is a factual and well documented treatise. There have been several books published about Grey Owl, in my opinion this is, like the Land of Shadows (Don Smith), is a must read for a deeper appreciation of this most remarkable fellow, Grey Owl.

This is a wonderful book. Well researched and balanced. Jane Billinghurst tells the story of Archie B. and I could not put it down. Other's have borrowed it and have praised it also. I am off to check out what else Billinghurst has written!

Do you know what a green goopally glob is? When you read this adventure of Griego the Great and the Green Goopally Goop, you too will know and begin to love the rascally glob named Globby. Griego is a young boy who loves adventures, particularly playing knights and dragons with his dog Nacho. Imagine his surprise when a glob falls out of the sky right on his head on his way to market one day. At the market Globby proceeds to get Griego into trouble by eating too much. How does Griego solve his dilemma?

This tale by Manny Alfaro is witty and poignant at the same time. Young readers will have fun with all the alliteration, and may even make a tongue twisting game from some of the many words that start with "G". Do try saying the title rapidly. Yet, the story goes deeper and addresses a current, distressing issue in our society, that of children not eating healthily the result of rampant childhood obesity. Artist, David Harrington, in his appealing graphics style, marries the paintings well with the text, including more humor and expressiveness. Will Griego have adventures in future books? We will hope so. As well as a fun, learning book for a child to own, this book would go well in a classroom unit on health and foods, especially for second and third grades. Highly recommended.

This is a cute and creative little story with excellent illustration. My little ones love Griego's little sidekick Nacho :)

I read this book myself since my little nieces had it. They just love the story of the Green Goopally Goop eating everything up just like they do themselves. It's a creative story teaching kids not to eat too much junk food and it makes a rather good gift for a smaller cousin, sibling, nephew or niece.

This is such a beautiful calendar! I rarely hang a calendar on my wall but the illustrations are incredibly beautiful and magical. The Hafiz quotes are incredible enlightening poetry!

This is a beautifully illustrated calender laced with the wonderful thoughts and poems of Hafiz. Where the art work is pure joy to look at and the writing a pure joy to read. I am glad I bought it.

As a devotee of the Sufi poet Hafiz, it is with sacred wonder that I hang a calendar that depicts the art and poetry of his era. This is my second year to get a calendar and yes, of course, I had to open it right away when I received it! Thanks to the terrific artists and those who chose the poetry to go with it.

The new edition of Harriet Lane is an excellent buy. Concise, up-to-date and precise, it is an essential ward rounds and on call book for all pediatricians.
However, I would suggest two improvements to the publishers:
Better binding (considering how often the book is used) and a slightly darker print-the current one looks faded already, though the font is very user-friendly.
Dr Sajeev

I first used the Harriet Lane Handbook during my pediatric rotation in my 3rd year of med school in 1981 (?10th edition), & I still use it (16th edition) in my busy pediatric surgical practice. It is especially useful for med students, pediatric residents, other residents (eg, surgical) when rotating through pediatric services, & practicing pediatricians & other pediatric specialists.

The section I use most frequently is the formulary of drug doses. Physicians treating adults generally memorize the one dose of each drug to give, but kids come in many different sizes, so the handbook is indispensible for drug dosing indexed to body weight. My second most used section is the one with all the growth charts, primarily to check for failure-to-thrive. The other section I use a good bit is the one analyzing baby (& older kid) enteral formulas to help guide nutritional therapy.

My only problem with the Handbook is that it has grown in size with each edition. It used to fit conveniently in a lab coat pocket, & it traveled all over the hospital with me. Now it's almost too big & heavy to carry around, so it stays on my desk (& another on my nightstand by the phone at home).

If you can't get a free copy of the Harriet Lane Handbook from some drug rep, go ahead & buy it.

This book is so often seen on the pediatric ward that it hardly needs a review. I've been instructing residents for 20 years and can't think of one who hasn't used this book from time to time. Indeed, we joke that you can tell how old a pediatrician is by the color of his (her) Harriet Lane.

I must say that in the past I've had reservations about this book. The drug doses were very often conservative, and the formulary (which is the most frequently used part of it) was rather limited. If you ignore the resuscitation drugs, there are those that would find the Lexmark formulary more useful, especially since it includes much of the information that is in the PDR, such as dosage forms.

The present edition remedies the formulary, happily. Each of the sections is evenly well written, and consise, and the material is useful for the day-to-day work of the pediatric resident. Really, Harriet is indispensable, since it includes all the tables of lab values and growth curves that one uses every day. The present edition is so well written that I can hardly imagine future editions that could be improved in any substantial way. This book hardly needs my endorsement. Nonetheless, I heartily recommend it to any house officer who has a rotation on a pediatric ward.