Earth Books

Men: please do not be put off by the title! This book is an inspiration that proves to be accessible to both sexes. Beauty in the garden cannot be bounded by gender lines. The photographs (many of which are full-page, with lovely sepia and white prints of the women themselves) are stunning, and this is one of the few gardening books where I actually read the accompanying text.

This is not a how-to-do-it, but more of a how-they-did-it; the stories really capture the continuity that results from a years-long commitment to one's land. For instance, one photo shows how a single plant purched in the 50s has grown into a sweeping carpet along a stone wall.

18 women and their US spaces are showcased here. (However, Alaska and Hawaii are not featured and I think this could have made the book even more wonderful.) Each woman gets a separate chapter, complete with pages and pages of well-captioned glossy photos, very readable text, a hand drawing of their garden designs, and several relevant lists. Some of the lists cover woodland carpet plants, white annuals/perennials/bulbs, and personal recommendations.

All sorts of gardens - alpine, rock, seaside, miniature/bonsai, water, citrus, huge-scale, small-scale, woodland - make up this large compendium. The book is 12.5 by 9 inches - a great contribution to a field where books seem to be getting smaller and smaller, and its size is really appropriate for the subject matter.

This is a book that I would have been thrilled with, sight unseen, and it would make a marvelous gift for someone special in your life, if you could bear to part with it. This one's a keeper, and it will not sit still on your coffee table!!

I love gardening how-to and reference books. Although this book is neither, I love it nevertheless. The idea behind this book is simple. 18 women and their gardens. Each woman is interviewed, there are many many photographs of both the gardens and the gardener. You get to hear each woman's voice and hear her wisdom. You get to see plant lists, garden plans as well and understand the philosphy and approach that each woman has taken in her gardening endevour. If the context of this book were a village, it would serve as a storyteller of the female elders and their creation of special space. Gardening is most than simply landscaping. Reading this book you understand the difference. I only with there were more women gardeners in this edition!

Starr Ockenga's luminary profiles of some of North America's most dedicated women gardeners are inspirational for anyone who gardens. This book is a wonderfully designed blend of fine photography and eloquent writing. A must for the avid gardener.

Another fabulous Clarkson Potter Publishers book, Earth on Her Hands is a series of short biographies of 18 women who are non-professional, private gardeners and who have spent a lifetime growing and creating outstanding gardens. Each biography includes stunning color photos of the gardens and lovely sepia toned photos of the gardeners themselves as well as garden diagram sketches and individual gardener plant or project recommendations from their personal experiences. Ideas, inspiration and knowledge abound from these women (use flower arrangements IN the garden for areas where color is needed; 'Jersey Knight' asparagus is male and will not seed making it more productive) and their lifelong committment to their land, spaces, and plants gives every gardener something to aspire to. Any gardener worth her soil will find this an inspirational gift to give and receive, and a delightful off-season read.

This is definately one of the most beautifully photographed books I have seen. Eighteen women gardeners from across the U.S. and their stunning gardens are profiled. Most of the women gardeners here are older and have been working on their gardens for decades. Some of them are also active in their local communities in garden clubs, parks and botanical gardens. If you enjoy looking at other people's gardens, you will love this. The photos are mouth watering. Each profile (about 10 pages in length) is wrapped up with a list of the gardener's recommended plants. This would be a good companion to Rosemary Verey's excellent book "The American Man's Garden".

The best followup story I've read in a long time. I would love to read a third in the series!

This book show what it is like for all pastors. WE can learn to treat pastors with more kindness.

If found Heaven's to Betsy a great read. It's a light and fun story. It's good to read about a strong female character in a ministry position other than a teacher. The story has very believable characters and moves along quickly. I recommend it for christian women of all ages.

The item arrived very quickly and in great condition. My wife was very pleased.

If you've been wanting to give chick-lit a try but didn't know where to start, this is your book. EARTH TO BETSY, the follow-up to HEAVENS TO BETSY, is Beth Pattillo's fun yet thoughtful take on the perils of being female, single, and a clergywoman with all the attendant angst that makes for an enjoyable read.

In the first installment, Betsy struggled with her calling to the pastorate, her surprising sudden romantic sparks for her best guy friend David (also a minister), and her wardrobe, which went from frumpy to fashion-plate and now hovers somewhere in the normal range. The 30-something Reverend Betsy Blessing is back in full force here, this time contemplating a no-frills wedding with her best friend David Swenson and an offer to be senior minister of Church of the Shepherd in downtown Nashville. But chaos --- of course! --- is nipping at her heels. HEAVENS TO BETSY finds Pattillo digging a little deeper into the characters' lives, exploring their motivations and examining their sometimes misguided good intentions that go awry.

After a stint as interim minister at the dying downtown church, Betsy is on the brink of some big decisions. Moving the crumbling building's congregation to the suburbs could mean the chance to pastor a vibrant, growing congregation of young families with money, rather than the difficult declining group of mostly senior citizens who are the last hold-outs at Church of the Shepherd (not to mention the shabbiest member, "Booger," a homeless street person who frequents the services and serves as Betsy's conscience). Betsy has convinced herself --- and the church board --- that the move is all for the best of the congregation. But are her motives really pure? And the too-good-to-be-true offer for the church property has her wondering....

Meanwhile, Pattillo develops Betsy's romantic relationship with David, which goes from first date to a planned quickie wedding in almost no pages flat. David's demanding mother, the editor of Budget Bride magazine, has big plans for the wedding, which include spending the least amount of money possible. Chipped china, an eBay engagement ring that could double for an Easter basket, and styrofoam-packing peanuts standing in for snow at a summer wedding ceremony figure heavily in her mother-in-law's plans. And suddenly, David is overly busy with problems at his own church.

Or is he? When Betsy discovers David has been meeting with his old fiancée, Jennifer, her doubts about her upcoming nuptials begin to multiply. And David guards a secret that could jeopardize their relationship. But with two pastors juggling the demands of two different congregations, will they have a chance to work out their difficulties?

Pattillo is an ordained minister in the Christian Church, and her insider's view of the workings of church boards and quirky congregations lends authenticity to the words she writes. Readers are always fascinated by the lives of clergy (think of Susan Howatch's Starbridge series or Agatha Christie's vicar's wife), and although Pattillo handles her clergy with a lighter hand, they have the added cachet of her knowledge of the particular issues that go with being female and called by God to ministry.

This is the best sort of chick-lit: lightweight humor, thoughtful dilemmas, strong female characters who are still feminine, and some good soul-searching moments that keep the novel grounded. It's a smooth read from the first to last page. Yes, you'll have to suspend disbelief in a few places, but hey folks --- that's chick-lit! Kudos to Pattillo for creating a strong female pastor character. And double kudos for her inclusion of an interracial dating scenario in the novel, a plot element that rarely finds its way into the realm of Christian fiction. Chick-lit fans, don't miss this one!

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

I was impressed with the thoroughness that the authors displayed in their coverage of what they refer to as "indicator volcanoes," and the "greater activities" by which three specific volcanoes will indicate when Earth changes and floodings are to strike in the western U. S. and around the shores of the southern Pacific Ocean. The authors also deal with Cayce readings that talk about torrid area volcanoes that will erupt prior to a shift in the poles of Earth's rotational axis. These volcanoes will erupt in response to some sort of upheavals in the arctic and the antarctic regions. The authors provide evidence that in 1999 there were upheavals of lava on the floor of the arctic ocean northwest of Europe that may have caused torrid area volcanoes to erupt. Then, in what may be an original research finding, they show that the big Alaskan earthquake of 2003 led almost immediately to eruptions of two, maybe three, volcanoes in Ecuador, indicating that the Cayce prediction came true. If so, maybe we can expect a pole shift soon. Speaking of the Cayce readings' pole shift, the authors seem to think that the many other Earth changes predicted by Cayce will occur as a result of the shift of the poles. This pole-shift part of the book takes some study to understand. The authors think the shift will be small. They have a table in the back that indicates how the elevations of various cities will change relative to sea level, as a result of using their computer model. Would you believe that Miami will rise 908 ft, Honolulu will sink 171 ft, Los Angeles will rise 634 ft, London will rise 710 ft, Moscow will sink 149 ft, and Tokyo will sink 1126 ft? No wonder that a reading says that the greater portion of Japan will go into the sea, presumably with pole shift. All in all this is a fascinating and challenging book from may angles. The authors have convinced me, at least, that pole shift and Earth changes may really be future events to consider and even, perhaps, to prepare for.

The subjects of "Earth changes" and "pole shift" are dominant themes in this book, based upon several of Edgar Cayce's psychic readings. One reading even speaks of the greater portion of Japan going into the sea (during a pole shift) and the breakup of the earth in western America. Another reading predicts the destruction of San Francisco and Los Angeles, "before New York even." The authors explain how these events could take place given an understanding of the science of geology as it is practiced today. Humanity has some responsibility for some of the disasters to happen, it would seem, for in a chapter dealing with pornography, lust, and Los Angeles earthquakes, the authors assert that "as the present culture of science and materialism comes to a climax, it has to be destroyed. A 'flood' comes - namely violence, lust, barbarism, spiritual wickedness, and loss of truth. Then an ark is made to survive the flood and keep alive knowledge for the next culture, in the next cycle." This book presents readings' ideas about how to build one's own (psychological) ark. I particularly like the chapters about how to awaken to the new spiritual imperatives before us, and how to be worthy enough to be a part of the purity of the new cycle.

This is actually five books in one. Although the price seems steep, at 571 pages including multitudes of charts, graphs, photographs, excerpts from Edgar Cayce's psychic readings, and a comprehensive index, it is well worth the price--a real reference manual for those interested in Cayce's trance readings on earth changes, lost continents, pole shift, and human inference in these effects.

William Hutton is a professor of geology with an impressive resume as an oceanographer and geophysical researcher with extensive university experience in both the U.S. and Canada with over 100 published articles and project reports. He writes under a pseudonym to preserve his professional integrity in the academic community. But, he is also fascinated with the Edgar Cayce's psychic readings on the geological past and future of our planet. He brings his scientific expertise to an exploration of the psychic's trance readings on the earth's catastrophic past and future.

Co-author Jonathan Eagle uses his technical expertise to produce pole shift models, charts, graphs and maps. For up-to-date bulletins on earth changes, visit their comprehensive web site at www.HuttonCommentaries.com.

The five books included within one cover are:

1. Earth Astir--Cataclysms and Catastrophes. This section describes earth's most active volcanoes and pinpoints those which may indicate global upheavals according to Cayce's psychic source. In this part of the book, the authors Hutton and Eagle also delineates earthquake zones, possible tsunamis including an Atlantic tsunami, and, what I like best, an explanation of the causes of earthquakes.

2. Pole Shift. An intriguing section contrasting the rotational poles and the magnetic poles in which the authors consider whether a pole shift is in progress at this time. They draft a pole shift model that explains Cayce's predictions of earth changes and then delineate the areas which will remain above water as safety lands.

3. Recovering History. This is my favorite of the sections because my own books describe my search for corroborative evidence of my hypnosis-induced Atlantean memories. This part is rich with excerpts from the Cayce readings on that famous lost continent. The authors pinpoint those areas of the earth which Cayce's source says are remnants of Atlantis and they also describe their recent geological explorations around the Bimini islands off Florida's east coast where Cayce said that if a geological survey were done, evidence of Atlantis would be found. In this fascinating section, the authors also discuss the lost continents of Lemuria and Latinia as well as new evidence that shows that the Amerindians could be Atlantean descendents. They also describe the locations where Cayce said records of the Atlanteans, including those describing the workings of their deadly Great Crystal may be unearthed.

4. Human Responsibility. An absolutely fascinating section on the effect of humanity's thoughts and behaviors on earth's stability or lack of it. Although one would expect this section would be about the environment and nuclear testing, it is surprisingly also about the U.S. obsession with pornography and lust. The authors correlate a possible preponderance of earthquakes in the Los Angeles area with the center of the porn industry being located in that area, again turning to the Cayce readings, which emphasize that humanity has far-reaching effects on the planet. This chapter also addresses earth changes, Divine Law and visions of an age-ending fire in comparison with the deluge which ended the last age and each individual's responsibility in this precarious time of great change.

5. Reliability and Truth. A chapter on the reliability of Cayce's source.

Carole Chapman is the author of When We Were Gods and Blessed.

The authors' discussion of geologic evidence leading to a Pole Shift is stimulating to the scientific mind. However, the section on Human Responsibility: "Human Accountability", "The Developing Religious War", "Earth Changes and Compliance with Divine Law" culminating in "The Answer To World Conditions Today" makes a fascinating contribution to an explanation of why we're here and what our future and that of the earth might be.

Having worked for years at a U. S. Government weapons laboratory, I am familiar with the final storage of plutonium at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. This book states that there may be a connection between the coming sinking of "the southern portions of Carolina and Georgia" that would nullify adverse environmental effects of the huge store of plutonium there. Other locations of plutonium are mentioned as well, and all of them are in earthquake prone areas. I like the way that the authors have referred to Rolling Thunder's view about man's pollution causing earth changes and relating these to the Cayce predictions. This chapter makes a good case for man's inability to handle the radioactivity he has collected together at earth's surface, and the
consequences that may result from that activity.

Earth's Waters by Nicole Blades is a very moving book that this avid and picky reader would definitely pick.
The first pleasure is the pitch perfect dialect. I was living smack dab in the center of Barbados from first page to last. Next came the beautifully drawn characters, all complex and intriguing. Finally, there was the inspirational story of a downtrodden yet sweetly hopeful young lady coming into her own.
A special bonus: anyone reading this will gain an understanding of the extreme difficulties Caribbean immigrants may have experienced growing up. Hopefully this understanding will result in greater empathy and kindness towards them.

After attending a book reading by the author, I began reading Earth's Waters with high hopes. My expectations were far exceeded. On the surface, I prepared to have very little in common with the main character, Lilly. But by chapter five, I related so well to her, and I believe every woman who's struggled with finding her identity will discover the same. A great, fast read and a perfect gift any woman in your life.

My sister suggested I read Earth's Waters. I figured, a coming of age novel about a young woman having relationship troubles (romantic, friends and family) ... umm, sounds like a chick book. It didn't take long after flipping open the cover to realize that was a gross mischaracterization. EW is richly written, and the author is an architect of scenes and characters. You start to care deeply about the main character Lilly right off the bat, before she even knows how to care about herself, and by the end you love her and pull for her like family. As a guy, I can say with certainty, this is no chick book. EW is a human book. I'd recommend it to anybody.

I'm usually an "early-to-bed" type, but I was up into the wee hours reading EARTH'S WATERS -- it's that good. I just couldn't put it down. At the center of the novel is Harriette Leacock, a young woman "invisible" in paradise -- invisible not only to tourists who confine themselves to beautiful beaches, but to her family and even herself. ("'Now what of you, huh? Let's hear about you.' I didn't know where to start. No one had ever asked me what I was about.") Harriette's story is compelling, sometimes brutally painful, but redeemed by the honesty and strength of the telling itself. What really hooked me is the language; its cadence is like the sea that Harriette loves so much. The book closes as Harriette ventures "brave and sure, into the sea." But the ending is not candy-coated: a venture involves uncertainty, risk. The sea, in spite of its many positive connotations throughout the book, can also be unpredictable. By the end of the book, I've been hooked not just by language, but by Harriette herself. I'm rooting for her.

"Earth's Waters" is a packed novel. Packed with vivid images of this Barbadian paradise, the indelible encounters between the characters, and the warmth and beauty of the human spirit struggling to overcome life's harsh deals. There is not a wasted word in this book. One can hear the lilt in the dialogue and be amazed at so much that is said in the short verbal exchanges, which are very powerful. Once started, you are compelled to find out how and if the "floating" Lily will emerge into the self-determining Harriette, which is her real name and persona. This is so much more than a "coming-of-age" novel or a "chick" book. There is a piece of all of us in here that echoes with our own life experience. This novel continues to haunt your mind. I would call "Earth's Waters" a crystal clear gem of great depth.

This book isn't what I think of when I hear the word encyclopedia. Rather than short superficial articles, it's a collection of 47 detailed chapters covering everything I would imagine most people would want to know about the solar system. I only read two-thirds of the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed the parts I read.

This is a high level view of the parts of the book that I read. The book opens with three chapters covering the solar system as a whole. This is followed by chapters covering the Sun, each of the planets (some planets with multiple chapters), Pluto, an overview of the planetary satellites, chapters for several of the bigger satellites (the Moon, Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto, Titan and Triton), meteorites, asteroids, comets and the Kuiper belt.

Although the chapters were written by different authors, the quality was uniformly high. The text was well written and as far as I can tell very complete. There were also many informative diagrams and photos. Many of the photos were quite stunning. One example is the photos of a patch of Europa's ridged plains, the details were incredible. Another nice feature is that the book justifies how we know what we know, for instance it explains the reasons it's believed that some planetary satellites have liquid water under the surface.

This book is also fairly up-to-date. One of the main requirements I had for buying this book was that it included the information gather by Huygens on Titan. I wouldn't have minded a few more pictures from Titan's surface. Obviously in a dynamic field like this no book is completely up-to-date.

I didn't think there were any significant problems with the book. One word of caution is that there may be more details here than some potential readers might want. To fully understand all the material in the book one would have to understand basic Newtonian mechanics, some electromagnetism and a little bit of chemistry. Even without this background one could still understand the vast majority of the book. Although the chapters were written by different authors the amount of repetition is pretty small.

Just to be complete I'll outline the contents of the third of the book that I didn't read. Although these parts looked good from a quick glancing through, I didn't read them in detail (I do hope to have the time to do this later) and can't comment on them. They are solar system dust, four chapters on viewing the solar system in the non-visible spectrum (x-ray, ultraviolet, infrared and radio), ground based telescopes, planetary radar, remote chemical sensing, regular and chaotic motion in the solar system, impacts, volcanism, astrobiology, exploration missions and extrasolar planets.

In summary, I think this is an excellent book covering a huge amount of material, often in great detail, on the solar system. I would expect it covers just about everything potential readers would want to know.

This is the best work I've read on the solar system, period. The text is wonderful but I dearly wish the author had included the American measuring system along with the metric one. I'm one of those old fogies who has to cogitate in the extreme in order to convert kilometers into miles. Oh, well.

Seriously, this book is a "must-have" for astronomy aficionados and for those who merely wish to brush up on their knowledge of our solar neighborhood.

I also wish the book had a sewn binding. Otherwise, it is a really great read and a "keeper".

Don't buy this book thinking it will be an entertaining reference for your twelve-year-old nephew who enjoys astronomy. This hefty tome is more akin to a college-level textbook than an encyclopedia. If you want to get a detailed, but not overly technical, overview of modern solar system science, this is the book for you.

This review refers to the 2nd Edition. The book is comprehensive and current (as of November 2006). Pluto, for example, is classified as a dwarf planet and its two recently discovered satellites are discussed.

The only criticism is that the metric system is utilized for ALL measurements. It would be very helpful to have U.S. measurements in parentheses next to their metric counterparts, since many potential buyers of this book may not be scientists or college/grad. school science majors.

Overall, the book is outstanding in every other respect and fully worthy of five stars. James.

Following a thematic progression, ranging outward from the Sun to other planetary systems, the Encyclopedia of the Solar System details the dynamics of motions and rotations, solar wind, planetary, geologic, and atmospheric conditions, as well as other processes in the formation of planets, satellites and the smaller bodies of our planetary environment. The Encyclopedia covers the latest observations employing planetary radar, radio, infrared, and ultraviolet wavelengths.

Features convenient glossaries of technical terms, over 700 illustrations, numerous color plates, extensive cross-referencing throughout, further readings, useful appendices, and a comprehensive 4,500 entry index. Readers and web denizens like me will particularly appreciate the convenience of using the accompanying website (academicpress.com/solar) to link to related on-line resources.

Keep watching the sky!

I am a huge fan of Eyewitness books so this one is no different, it's great! I liked the way it covered the plants and animals in the forest and how people have benefited from them. It is amazing that so many life forms survive in one concentrated area. The book is very good at discussing rain forests all over the world and providing us with a glimpse where people in mass numbers couldn't possibly be welcome. I loved the book and my students will too.

Beautiful Book!!! My daughter is going to be SO surprised at Christmas!!

JUNGLES/RAINFORESTS ARE MY FAVOURITE ANIMALS AND PLANTS
HABITATS

[...]

This was a great book! I really liked it because it had many animal and plant facts. You should buy this book!

This book was exactly right for an eight year old boy who is VERY interested in rainforests. In fact, there is even a large picture of a bluc and yellow macaw on one page, and that is (at least at the time he got the gift)his FAVORITE rain forest animal.

Great book for the family and classroom for earth day. Gorgeous pictures with wonderful writings. A must have book!

All the books in this series contain beautiful pictures and an important message. My 8 yo daughter loves them!

I loved this book the first time I read it and have read it out loud to zoo volunteers who have gotten weepy over the message. I buy this book for every expecting mom I know and always receive much thanks about it. I read each copy before I give it and always have a hard time reading the end without getting choked up. A very powerful book that I hope hooks youngsters on caring for the Earth at a very young age.

THE FAMILY OF EARTH has beautiful pictures of animals. My baby loves to read it and to look at the pictures of lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, dolphins, leopards and chimpanzees.

The text is simple and poetic, but may be a bit lengthy for the board book audience. With my little one (16 months old), I find that I need to shorten the text on a couple of pages. (The way the text is written makes this easy to do. I just stop after the first sentence in a spot or two where it runs long for his taste.)

THE FAMILY OF EARTH has a political bent, and will likely be picked up by people with some liking for environmental messages. I would think this would be a safe gift book, though. The core message is that, "We all share the same earth." A fairly right-wing person I know read it and thought it "a bit odd," but was not offended.

My baby loves THE FAMILY OF EARTH. He is clearly interested in learning names of exotic animals and in looking at Schimmel's gorgeous pictures. THE FAMILY OF EARTH is one that he picks up and wnats me to read to him over and over.

This makes a wonderful gift for any grade K-4 teacher, or as a school library donation in honor of your child's birthday. It has a powerful message that can reach the hearts of young and old, that we (and all living things) have more in common than most of us realize. Schim Schimmel does this in a very gentle and non-preachy way that appeals to all.

Refreshing, no matter what your spiritual background. Gottberg's straight-forward style shows us that the path to true spiritual wisdom does not necessary have to come through thick, lofty academic tomes or decades of rigorous religious practice. The language of the spirit is revealed in the everyday - the struggles and gains we make through the issues of family, friends, money and self-worth. The objective comes in recognizing the spiritual lessons and applying that wisdom in the next situation - all without attachment to external results.

Practical Spirituality is "short and sweet". It is "short" because it does not take hundreds of pages to say that to live a more spiritual life, that is, to actually practice spirituality, like you might practice a life of industriousness or a life of devotion to a person or a cause, that you have only to be aware that "this moment" is the only moment you have control of, that your perspective and your reaction to the current situation are the only things under your control, and that if any of us are divine, then all of us are divine, regardless of how we are acting out our mortal lives here on this planet, which is certainly divine. It is "sweet" for the same reason, that is, to understand the last sentence is to be aware, responsible and accountable for what we think, how we view, how we react to whatever happens each moment of our waking life. Very practical, indeed. I liked it and I "practice" because I believe that "practice makes perfect", and that practicing spirituality tends to make one practically perfect, as a mortal, but divine, being...

In the last few years I've been researching the topic of spirituality & what it really means to be a spiritual person. Of all the books I've read to date, this is probably the most down-to-earth & easy to read/understand.

The author provides many great examples of both spiritual and not so spiritual living - outlining what it takes to step up to the plate and live from a higher perspective.

Much of this book deals with the importance of our intentions, and the need for a more holistic way of thinking/being. The harm that the current seperatist philosophy has caused is also discussed - The idea being that we need to realize that we are all connected in some way, and what we do & say really does have an impact on the world at large.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book for anyone on a spiritual journey, as well as those who are wondering what being "spiritual" is all about.

Kathy Gottberg's book, The Findhorn Book of Practical Spirituality gives a multitude of practical suggestions that help us develop spiritually, connected to It, God, the Universe, Mind, and Spirit. Personally, as a rosarian, I loved her practical analogies to gardening, reminding us that everything has a season, needs nourishment and we always need to ward off negative predators and weeds. As a licensed psychotherapist, I was pleased to see her simple relationship suggestions like people don't "satisfy our every need and want..." but "are walking with us as we learn who we are." At last, there is a practical book I can have in my office for patients who want to improve themselves spiritually as well as emotionally.

Kathy Gottberg's spirited little book delivers just what it claims it will--a down-to-earth guide to a happier, more spiritual life. Readers may encounter ideas from the New Thought movement, eastern religions, and metaphysics for the first time here or find welcome reminders during a journey begun long ago. Either way, "Practical Spirituality" provides support for almost all aspects life from finances to relationships. It's a quick easy read and comes with a practical price-tag too. For less than the cost of a movie and popcorn, you can spend an enjoyable evening and enrich your life as well.

I've read the book twice, now. I think it's better the second time around. I picked up so much more detail that I missed the first time because I was in such a hurry to find out what happened. True sign of a good book - I'd say. The book is action packed which is why I read it so fast the first time. It's definitely worth a second read. Can't wait for the rest of the trilogy.

Forest Singer is a very well written fantasy tale that follows a young girl Alexis through her journey of plights and perils, chases and discoveries through which she finds magic within herself and the world about her.
This book is great read for anybody who is a fan of the fantasy genre. From start to finish Forest Singer takes you along for an epic tale filled with the usual people you would find in a fantasy (centaurs, elves, majicians along with others, but I won't give too much away about the characters in the review). Kay makes you feel like you are standing there right beside Alexis and Orion, great detail on the settings! Be carefull when u start reading this book because you will not be able to put it down.


A great read!!! Good job Kay Ceryn!

A wonderful story recalling Celtic, Norse, and even Grecian mythic themes of conflict, the overcoming of adversity, heroic deeds, and ultimate triumph. We are quickly immersed in the very real confusion attendant upon finding oneself thrust from the comfortable "known" into a frightening and perilous gathering of circumstances which are bewildering and for which a happy resolution appears hopeless (in other words, pretty much your average adolescence!). The characters (whether real or mythological) are vivid, the world they inhabit is a world we can see and touch, their thoughts and beliefs are clear and sustainable...even if one doesn't believe in the magic that can, and does, exist. While Alexis' story is a familiar one, it loses nothing in the retelling. Rather, it gains in the evident craftsmanship of the storyteller...and the love she with which she tells it.

Looking forward to the next adventure!

Vince Vonheeder

A totally refreshing, treat that lifted my imagination and magically
triggered pure, delightful fantasies. The author's endless streaming of
heartfelt descriptions infused my mind with amazing pictures. What
a great book for all ages and genders who enjoy magical sagas of
worlds once known or imagined; that may or may not still exist.

Wow, just a big wonderful WOW! Your gonna love it! Did
you get a copy yet???
Linda Leith North Reading, MA

When I began reading this book, I literally could not put it down! The story captures you within the first few pages and takes you on a thrilling journey through a land filled with magic, mystery, fantastic creatures, and unforgettable characters. One young woman's struggle to prevail through the eternal battle between good and evil means she must learn to appreciate (and use) her unique abilities. If you like stories with dragons, centaurs, elves, ancient magic and of course, evil magicians, then The Forest Singer should definitely be on your list of must-reads! Although its target audience is teens, the story is extremely well written and adult readers will not find it lacking in detail, creativity, emotion or plot. Hats off to Kay Ceryn, I can't wait for the next books in the series!

It is so refreshing to fine a new and simple to follow cookbook. I have hundreds of cook books, Chef Ash teaches and reminds of things we should all know about cooking. If you are just starting to cook or are a seasoned cook you will absolutely love have this in your kitchen. I received this for a Christmas and have not stopped cooking from it. I've made all my friends buy it because I'm tired of writting down the recipes. Get yours now.

I've had the pleasure of taking a cooking class with John Ash. He's fun, informative and passionate about quality, organic food. His knowledge is deep and his ability to communicate, written and verbal, is first rate. The cookbook is loaded with fabulous recipes that are easy to follow and delicious.

I love this cookbook, not only because I love the flavors of the wine country and John Ash has a great mix of recipes that convey them, but also because the philosophy behind the recipes relies so heavily on using fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. The recipes are not super-simple, but if you have some cooking experience and are willing to take the time to search for the best ingredients, the rewards are well worth it.

I have used this book more than any other cookbook in my home. I am constantly learning about new, fresh ingredients and the results are really wonderful. Every time I cook using these recipes, my friends ask me for the recipe. I've purchased this book for several friends too - it's a great gift, especially if you live in Northern California. Visiting John Ash's restaurant is a wonderful experience too!

A new revised and expanded edition of an old favorite. We all know that the process of getting food is to plant, raise, or catch it, then cook and eat it. But John Ash takes it a bit further. He concentrates primarily on serving what is in season now, what he can get fresh - especially fresh from his own garden or at least local.

Sometimes, of course that's a little hard to do. For instance he cooks a lot of fish, tuna, sturgeon, pacific rock cod, halibut and more. It's a whole bunch of miles from here (Nevada) to the ocean, you want tuna, it's frozen. Sturgeon, never seen it here. Cod, I got some a couple of weeks ago for the first time. Now I wish I had had this book then, as the recipie of cooking it with oranges, tomatoes, and olives sounds really different and something worth trying. ==One point I really like about this book is his wine recommendations. With the rock cod he says sauvignon blanc, rieslings, Pinot Grigio or Noir. I think I could go with any of these.

On the whole, his earlier version of this book was good, this new one is even better, more recipies, more things to try, and nearly all of them sound good.