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Louisa County High School recommends that you read Baby Alicia Is Dying. We all agree that if you read the book then you would think before you made a bad action like Alicia's mother did. Many of us cried in the end.

Baby Alicia is Dying by Lurlene McDaniel is a great book. Well I want to tell you a little bit about what this book is about.It's about a girl named Desi who is hiv free and is trying to stop smoking and who wants a baby who is hiv positive and who wants to take care of that baby.In my opinion i think this book is exciting to me because it tells you the problems Desi is having and what she does And how she's gonna stop doing what she is doing.I recommend this book to people who like exciting books about drama and that tells you about people's lives.

This book is the greatest book in the WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! its happy and sad at the same time. i could read it 10,000 times and never get bored of it!!!

I liked this book bacuase is told me about a little girl that was born with HIV. Also that seh was born HIV positive. I liked this book also becasue it has great details of what the young girl went through since she was born. I mostly liked this book bacaue of the was it decribes the characters are doing, and what is on in their mind at that time and place in the book. The sadest part was that when i read this book that I have felt the same pain as Alicia does in the book because my grandma Burger died of being HIV positive back in January of 2005.

Alicia was a unique and really nice baby. I didn't really think she should of got putt in the hospital because her mom didn't want her. The book teaches us that anyone can help the hospital and help little kids. It also teaches us that even though you got put in a hospital because your mom didn't want you, don't mean you're not a nice person. One example was when people started to tease a girl because she helped the hospital take care of kids.

Alicia was a great baby. She loved everybody. She knew what was wrong and what was right. Even though, she was only two.

This is a great book for ANYONE to read!

I originally bought this book three years ago. I had read the Game of Life by Florence Shinn and I was looking for more info about prosperity. WE have used the laws, specifically the law of vaccuum- giving things away freely,writing things down, visualization, affirmations and the most powerful law- tithing. I can't begin to tell you how using these laws have changed my family's life. It is like clockwork, everytime we use these laws wonderful things come about in unexpected ways. Actually, I have a list of things I wanted in life from three years ago when I bought the book and even though they seemed a bit unnattainable at the time, I can say that as of today, every single thing on that list (and more) have miraculuously came true. Now I stock up on copies of this and the Game of Life and give them to people who need and want to learn the laws.

This is the first Catherine Ponder book I have read and, while I normally read a lot of motivational material, I likely will not read any more Catherine Ponder anytime soon. Her message is certainly worthwhile: making affirmations in your own life will help you to draw upon God's assistance to achieve your goals. She is also a minister, which explains why she draws her approach from a sprirtual angle. While this effort is certainly worthwhile for a reader, her supporting examples are not specific enough to satisfy my need for "proof". In Ponder's book, her examples are full of "a woman I know...", "a businessman...", and other such vague statements. Contrast that with Napolean Hill's book "Think and Grow Rich." Hill's examples are specific and precise: "Thomas Edison tried over 10,000 times...". Napolean Hill and Catherine Ponder both have a similar message in their books. But while Catherine Ponder's message is meaningful and worthwhile, her examples are not down to earth enough to suit my tastes.

Catherine Ponder makes it sound easy - and it is. She relieves us of any old guilt we might carry from christian childhood that leads us to think we have to passively wait and see what god has in store for us. Or that wanting more money, health, peace of mind might be sort of selfish or evil. She knows we're built to go for it and when we don't, we get depressed. It's GOOD to be busy reaching goals.
I've had this book a while and just ordered one for a friend who needs a good shake - her goal is to have "just enough" to exist and no more. So silly. As Catherine taught, the universe is huge, wealthy and generous.

This is a no nonsense approach before the "tag alongs" in this field put their own spin on the same information. Very easy read with bold highlights on passages of intensity help in focusing attention for later retrieval.

If you don't get past the Introduction of this wonderful book, you will still have learned one of the many valuable lessons that it has to offer: "There's Gold Dust in the Air for You!" This nugget of wisdom evolves as Catherine Ponder tells the story of a salesman whose standard response to the "How's business" question was always "Business is wonderful because there's gold dust in the air!" And for him there was. Because he said it was so, each contact resulted in sales and people always remarked of him, "Everything he touches turns to gold."

According to Catherine Ponder the basic law of prosperity can be thought of as radiation and attraction: "that what you radiate outward in your thoughts, feelings, mental pictures and words, you attract into your life and affairs." But she goes on to explain that we don't get something for nothing; that we must give before we receive. Further, if you wish to enjoy more prosperity and success in life, you must "boldly and deliberately take hold of your thoughts and feelings and redirect them toward prosperity and success."

The tools she gives us to achieve our own prosperity and success are sprinkled liberally throughout the entire book. It is a gold mine of powerful, pointed affirmations and poignant, real life stories that guide inspire and motivate action. Affirmations are a form of command Catherine advises; you make your world with words. "Through verbally affirming or declaring the good you want, rather than continuing to talk about what you don't want, you begin to make firm in the mind and in the invisible ethers the good you desire. As you continue to affirm the desired good, it rushes forth as a visible result." She also suggests writing lists and letters as practical, hands-on means to achieving goals and finding solutions to problems.

Here is Catherine Ponder's Three-Step Formula for Prosperity:
"First, daily write out your notes of desired good. Second, mentally image the successful results. Third, boldly and deliberately affirm and command those successful results to appear. If you persist daily in following these three simple steps, you will not be able to stop the floodtide of good from overflowing into your life."

Some of the other topics covered are work, generating love and good will, financial independence, children, prayer, "genius" powers, intuition, health, self-confidence, and "charm."

Get out a highlighter, pen and paper to use as you read, because I guarantee you that you will be taking notes and copying affirmations as you excavate them from Catherine Ponder's "The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity" classic text.

- Mary Jo Shaffer, www.Heartprojects.com

Cannot imagine how I have made it this far in business without this book. Bob Burg's advise is priceless.

If you're looking to sharpen up your sales skills or expanding your contact base, this is a great resource and offers a ton of tips that can be easily implemented. It's more than just a networking book, although that's one of the main components, it's about getting to know people, forming relationships by genuinely caring about people. Everything in life is based on forming and building relationships and the people that have figured out how to get along with people, are usually more successful and just plain happier people. It doesn't matter what you sell or what company you represent, ultimately, you are the product. If you're wondering how to meet more people, get more leads, earn more business ... you'll learn these and more in this book.

This book has excellent and well developed ideas. Only criticism is the author gets a bit full of himself at times.

A recent editorial in Fast Company Magazine complained about the lack of meaningful and actionable content in many best-selling business and professional development books. The editorial talked about books that, quite simply, fail to deliver on their promise because they are all theory, no detail.

Luckily, some best-selling business books do sell a lot of copies, such as Bob Burg's Endless Referrals that has sold more than 150,000 copies.

And, deservedly so. Not only does Endless Referrals point out the numerous different options available for building referrals, but it describes specific, actionable steps that you can take to implementing a desired strategy.

By being willing to "dirty his hands" with specific details, Bob Burg provides the missing link between good intentions and taking action in a positive direction every day. A great book, extensively underlined when I finished reading it.

Good stuff Bob!!

Once youo start reading the common sense contained within becomes a little over whelming, why isn't this stuff taught in schools?

Cheers

Andrew Fenwick
Sunrider Business Owner
Newcastle Australia

guess im just gonna put this out there...
michael, i never knew you but you were so special and i know that now. i know steven and i know he didnt mean what he felt and now he feels so guilty but he shouldn't should he?
i wish i could have knwn you but after reading your book and meeting everyone who loved you i feel like your my friend.
and your dream will come true. i just know it and its all going to be because of you.

I love this book~ I ordered it from his website in 2001 and his story has totally inspired me to make a difference and has turned my life around, I now aspire to become a pediatric oncologist. I think this book is great for all ages! There are alot of facts but it wasn't confusing at all... I totally understood what was going on. I especially recommend this book to teenagers not neccesarily with a health problem but because these days, teenagers need a positive role model in life and Michael a great role model to follow! This book talks about various stages throughout his cancer and it has a lot of personal feelings and family reactions. This book ends with Michael triumphantly winning his struggle as you may be familiar. I honestly think that is will inspire anyone! He is very much my hero~ Even with his tragic death, I still consider him #1. He is the world's greatest...

I truely do believe this is one of the best books ever written. You can see right into Michael's life as he struggles with cancer, which threatens to kill him many times. The book is set up in a "diary" format, with actual exerpts from his grandmother's diary. At the end of the book, there are lyrics to Michael's songs on his solo CD (purchase at [internet address]) as well as the thoughts/situations that inspired him to compose each song. There are a lot of rare pictures in here, too. The book is not all sad cancer stuff, though. You also read about his life as a singer/actor and his "normal" school life. The book ends on a happy note that he is finally recovered, but unfortunately, that isn't how Mike's story ends. He died of complications in January of 2000. This is a wonderful story of a heroic boy who would do anything to help the world. I recommend it wholeheartedly! This book is good if you are a fan of Michael (or 2Gether) or even if you just want to learn about cancer -- the book discusses the different medicines/treatments/etc.

I think this book is great, it tells about his life and how much of a brave person he was or is. If you are a 2Gether fan or just a Michael Cuccione fan then you need to own this book.

"Nature's first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf's a flower; but only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay."
Robert Frost

This is far most the most heart warming book I've ever read! I have read it many times and I still cry I cried for Michael on the day of his death, I remembered back when my friends and I had backstage passes to see them and Britney Spears I was 15 at the time and now I'm soon to be 17, I remember how sweet and caring he was and so funny he remined me of my little brother who sadly passed away two years before Michael, My little brother would be 13 this year, I still can't believe that they are gone but I still remember that their not really gone they are still here with is in our hearts and I hope that you will go out and buy this book because it will bring you closer to Michael, God Bless You Michael and Brian! we will be 2get+her again!

Love Always and Forever,
Lindsey McCartney

The Andalite's Gift is the weakest, but still good

From the Back Cover:
We never should have done it. But we needed a break. You know, some time off from the superhero stuff. A chance to act like normal kids. Well-as normal as four kids who can morph, a hawk, and and alien can be. Everything should have been cool. Now Rachel is missing. And there's this... this thing that's after us. But it's not up to me to tell the whole story. Tobias, Cassie, Marco, and Ax were there, too. Even Rachel has some info to add. So go ahead and check this out. And remember not to tell anyone what we're about to tell you. It could mean the difference between life and death....

The Good News:
If you couldn't tell from the back cover discription alone this one was going to be different. The idea of every character getting a chance to narrate a few chapters was a great idea in my opinion and just helps to difference itself from the regular Animorphs. The second thing many fans will notice when they pick up the book it is considerably longer than the others. This proves a challenging quest for K.A. Applegate who has to create a plot that can last throughout the entire book without becoming boring. The author proves that this is not a proplem and fills the book with exciting chapters, riveting character narration, and action. The way the book plays out helps alot too. The back barely gives anything away and makes the many subplots came as a surprise and almost everything is unexpected. It doesn't even go into detail about the thing that is chasing the Animorphs and it reveals itself in a nice series of turns.
The characters are all still the same more or less and the lesser subplots from the regular Animorphs translates over to here. Such as the burden on Ax's shoulders of revenge on Visser Three, Jake and Cassie's relationships, and Tobias and Rachel's strange friendship leading to a relationship. It certainly is never boring and is certainly worth the time to read it.

The Bad News:
I did mention this is the weakest Megamorph and I stand by what I said. While it is certainly never boring it still lacks something from the regular series that didn't transend into here. My only other complaint is how the chapters seem to have a sense of reapeating the previous chapter before moving onto the new action. It begam a bit annoying, but it wasn't that bad and really the only bad strike against it.

The Final Verdic:
A good Animorph/Megamorph book and well worth the read

Young science fiction lovers will run to the bookshelves to get a copy of Animorphs: the Andalite's Gift by K.A. Applegate. The setting you will encounter in this book is mostly the forest. Every book has exiting characters but not as exiting as the characters in this book. They are Jake, Cassie, Rachel, Tobias, Ax, Marco, and Visser Three. There is major conflict in this book. It is between the Animorphs and Visser Three's Yeerks, which are slugs that can control your brain.
This book is a MUST READ book because when I read it I was addicted to it. It is extremely interesting. The book puts pictures in your head. It also makes you think it's real. If you watched the TV show and still didn't understand it the book will help. If you still don't know if you're going to read it you should read the back and take my word for it!
The author of this book seems very creative. The author is female and writes kids' books. One interesting fact is that you don't know if one book leads to another one. You should really check out this book and check out some other Animorphs books.

Megamorphs are always fun to read. Visser Three tries to capture the "Andalite Bandits"(Animorphs)by using a creature from Saturn that gets attracted to morphing power. This disastrous thing causes the seperation of the Animorphs in different places. They try to get back together, but Rachel loses her memory and Ax gets captured. The other Animorphs don't know where these two are. The final show down with the monster is exciting. Marco's jokes are all very funny in this book. It is definitely a must read!!!!

This book was full of action, emotion, adventure, and curiosity for the reader. Like when Rachel loses here memory, or when the Animorphs decide what to do about the Veelik. And is seems impossible to destroy the Veelik.This is a great book. Animorph fans, This is a MUST!

As always, I'm here with another viewpoint if someone like parents, teachers, etc. might be curious about an adult's point of view on the series. Megamorphs is the first of the series which steers away from the threads of something a little deeper which have been in all the other books to date (growing up, friendship, family, etc.) However, I still give this book the highest possible rating for other reasons. It's the longest one of the series up to this point, and Applegate kept her story together with a smooth, exciting flow which keeps the reader guessing. I was in my early twenties, and have read everything from Tolstoy and Dickens to Peanuts and Garfield. I figured it out, eventually, on the first read, but I wasn't all that far ahead of Ax when it was revealed by the plot itself. Rachel has to deal with a memory loss, Cassie with thinking she's a coward, Jake with keeping them together, and all of them with this dust beast which seems intent on destroying or capturing them. Marco's wit, as always gives a great laugh. The plot is creative, well thought out, and not too far out in left field (even for its target age group) for a sci-fi book to make it totally unbelievable. All in all, this is a very good read for a high action, mysterious, entertaining, and cohesive story for the target age. It can certainly be enjoyable for ages many years beyond 12, as well.

I am an elementary school teacher and this book is great to read to the kids within the first few weeks of school. It teaches them about the differences between people and how differences are ok. It is just the right length and repeats for easy reading. The video is also a great buy! Play it as a listening center for reading!

Great story for a child in elementary school or approaching. It touches on many levels the challenges of attending school for the first time. The author highlights Chrysanthemum and gives her depth. The school children that she meets also are made to be a challenge for Chrysanthemum.
The problem solving and the love of her parents touch on family values.
LOVE IT AND RECOMMEND.

I love this story! It's a great story for children to talk about bullying and getting teased in school. My first graders love it!

I love reading this to my three year old daughter. "Chysanthemum, Chysanthemum, Chysanthemum..." It's a charming story with emphasis on the strong bond between parents and children.

As a teacher, I would always share this book with my new class on their first day of school. Its magic worked like a charm. I like to start off the year by letting kids know that their uniqueness is to be celebrated, not made fun of. Chrysanthemum is the perfect example. She enters school, wrapped in the love of her attentive parents, who have always told her that her unique name is perfect, just like her. Then come her fellow students, who, by the way, have simple names like Bill, Sue, Tom, and Eve. Of course, they all giggle at her peculiar name and one even points out that it scarcely fits on her name tag (don't laugh, that's a big thing for a kid). Every night, Chrysanthemum returns home to her parents who assure her that she is perfect and special, but she is beginning to doubt that. One night she even dreams that her name was Jane. It was (according to Chrysanthemum) an extremely pleasant dream (I love it!) The teasing continues until one day, the class is introduced to their new beloved music teacher, who is also named after a flower - Delphinium. Suddenly, everyone wants a long, unique name and Chrysanthemum gets her self-esteem back. There's a clever little epilogue that always makes my students smile. The illustrations are absolutely adorable, filled with cute little details. I highly recommend any of Kevin Henkes' books, especially this sweet tale!

All of the Erin Hunter books are great! I just love them and have read them many times over. I am not a reader, I hate to read!!! But give me a Warrior series book and leave me alone for a few days. They are the best. Thanks Erin for opening up a new world for me.

Nice how the Clans could come together, and not rip each others throat out.
My fave bit would have to be when Crowpaw/feather said he wasn't afraid of dying because Feathertail would be waiting for him.
Kind of longish, but still good.

Pre-teen and early teen girls love the series. It has my 10 year olds attention. She is reading like never before.

This is the third installment of the New Prophecy series, the books based on Firestar's ( the hero of our Erin Hunter's first series )and Sandstorm's children, and Tigerclaw's children. ( Tigerclaw was the bloodthirsty villian on the last series ). In this book, our characters Brambleclaw, Squirrelflight, Crowfeather, Stormfur, and Tawnypelt all return from the long, sorrowful, and dangerous journey. They are missing a gentle soul though- Stormfur's sister, Feathertail, died in the second book.
If you haven't read any of these nooks yet, they are superbly written and star cats- my favorite animal! These cats live in four Clans, or tribes. They do not live with humans, but live in the forest.
Life is dangerous in the forest, as not all the Clans are always friendly. Especially now, since the humans are ripping up the Clan's territory and killing and capruring cats. When or heroes return to their home, each must cinvince their Clans to move out of the woods- and into a safe territory.
I suggest that you but every book in the series and devour them within 24 hours.I absoulutely love these books, though they contain heart breaking parts.
This review should have helped you decide to buy this book and every other one is each series. No matter the price, these books are solid gold to me!!!
Just another Amazon reader and reviewer,
Moonwhisker

"Today is a good day to die, but tomorrow is better. Unless, those doing the dying are six foot, mutated chipmunks with blaster rifles. But I'm getting ahead of myself. I should start at the beginning. If you ask me, the end makes a fine beginning. Things come together and things fall apart, and the fur flies a little easier with the help of a Rolling Thunderä shotgun, as long as that fur isn't mine, and I'm the one pulling the trigger. Yep, it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, but I ain't Mr. Rogers."

"But, I should introduce myself, you can call me Ishmael. Just kidding, bit of classical allusion there. Call me Hobo, warrior, poet, and one fine-looking feline, that's me. See, all cats are warriors, at least at heart, and that's why I'm the best one to introduce the series, Warriors."

Warriors is a book series first published in 2003 by Kate Cary and Cherith Baldry, under the pen name Erin Hunter, and introduced to me by cat and book lover Billy Waltz. The second series was written under the title Warriors: The New Prophecy. The third series, The Power of Three, and two more books, Firestar's Quest and Secrets of the Clans, are coming in 2007.

The series starts off with Into the Wild and a young "kitty pet"(house cat) name Rusty who yearns for adventure and has vivid dreams of the wilds. He meets a young feral cat, and this meeting leads to a chance to join a clan of wild cats called Thunderclan. He's renamed Firepaw and becomes an apprentice warrior. He finds himself in the middle of a tribal war with three other clans who coexist and compete for food and resources.

Allegiances are constantly shifting among the clans of warrior cats that roam the forest. With tensions so delicately balanced, former friends can become enemies overnight, and some cats are willing to kill to get what they want. Our young protagonist quickly moves from apprentice to warrior, to second-in-command, to leader of his clan. He must learn wisdom, deal with betrayal, and ultimately save his clan and the forest way of life.

The author has created an intriguing world with an intricate structure and mythology. There is intrigue, themes of loyalty, friendship and death, and an engaging young hero. The difficult life of a feral cat is described in some detail. (Oct. 16 is national feral cat day. Check out www.nationalferalcatday.org ) The cats, anthropomorphism aside, are true to their feline nature, which should delight cat and animal lovers alike. There is some violence. Some characters are killed through fighting and natural disasters, and there is treachery, betrayal and traitors, and even murder among the cats and clans, though it is crucial to the plot and not excessive.

Overall, I believe readers will find a fun-to-read series of books. Though not as elegantly written as Brian Jacques' Redwall series. The superb storytelling drew me into a realm so vivid that it could almost be real and I really came to care about the characters I found myself staying up late, with the old flashlight under the cover trick, to finish the books, and that Sand Storm sounds like a babe. Wonder what she's doing Saturday night? Hey, this cat is a fighter and a lover....

Author of "Hobo Finds A Home" editor "Of A Predatory Heart"

Discover the truth about Judeo-Christianity and learn what true Christianity both was and is. The book is hard-hitting, pulls no punches. Answers the age-old riddle of how a flawed and suffering universe can be the creation of an all-good and perfect God.

Absolutely a five-star book! My favorite gnostic Christian book for many reasons. Handing a copy of the Nag Hammadi Library to a Christian fundamentalist isn't going to awake him from the lies. Handing them a book on the history of gnosticism or a book that sounds new-agey won't help them either. But this book is different. The information presented is very powerful. Nathaniel Merritt plays on the turf that Christians like: the bible. There's no more denying the shocking and liberating truth! Jehovah is not our loving Heavenly Father!

I laughed with joy while reading this book. I hope you will as well.

Thank you, thank you Nathaniel for fearlessly serving your fellow man with the publishing of this book.

I have read this book from cover to cover twice. I have shared it with my family and friends. They have been amazed. The truths contained in this book are mind altering, reality shaking and will absolutely turn your world upside down and inside out; in a very good and positive way.

Of course it will be scary at first to learn that everything you ever thought about the Old Testament God Jehovah was completely wrong, but once you embrace the truth about the loving Heavenly Father of Jesus and the you realize the Jehovah is a benefaker of jibes...

The amazing thing is that all this truth comes directly out of the bible. It becomes crystal clear once you can allow your mind to accept that even perhaps the God of the OT is not the TRUE GOD MOST HIGH.

Isaiah 14:1-28 tell it all so clear who is the creator of the world and the cause of all the suffering. Read the book and you will see for yourself.

Nathaniel Merritt has tackled The Problem of Jehovah, and has done an excellent job in uncovering the true nature of the Judeo-Christian "God". I found it very interesting to read the other reviews of this book. The reviews were quite revealing, in regard to the particular mind-set and prejudices of each reviewer.

I was brought up to believe that Jehovah was the One and Only True God, and, that he was also The Father, the God of Love, that Jesus proclaimed. Even as a child, I found it hard to reconcile the harsh, jealous God of the Old Testament with the loving Father of Jesus, as described in the New Testament. I found it hard to love this bloody, demanding God. Fear him - Yes. Love him - No. As I grew older, I noticed, as Merritt pointed out, that the majority of Christians that I knew acted more like Jehovah than Jesus.

The most insidious thing about religious programming is that it casts a veil over the mind, and it is extremely difficult to overcome. Reading about the terrible and destructive exploits of Jehovah should set off an alarm in any "normal" person's head. This is our loving Father?

Over the last 25 years, I have spent an inordinate amount of time in Biblical research. What I discovered shocked and disturbed me, but, it - definitely - lifted the veil. Along the way, I found out that the majority of educated Jews that I came in contact with don't believe that major portions of the Old Testament are Literal. They look at them as Allegory. I look at them as Horror, and unfit for children, as well as for adults.

Merritt's efforts in this book are reminiscent of the child in the children's story, "The Emperor's New Clothes". The child in the story loudly proclaimed that the Emperor was, in fact, naked ... It was all a con job, and the people were too intimidated to speak up. Like the child, Merritt is not deterred from speaking out the truth.

Nathaniel Merritt deserves a place of honor among his peers, the Honest biblical scholars who have risked it all in the name of truth. Do yourself a favor. Read this book.

This book highlights an age old belief in the demiurge (craftsman or creator). Alternative Gnostic names for the Demiurge include Yaldabaoth, Yao or Iao, Ialdabaoth and several other variants. The author must be applauded for bringing forth the following information to enlighten specifically those who have influence of a Judeo-Christian background:

The flawed Character of Jehovah depicting an evil and malevolent deity comparison to the devil himself (much evidence eg 1 Chronicles 21:1 and 2 Samuel 24:1, yet page 171 "may or may not" shows uncertainty to this position)- The Divine Feminine - The formulation of the bible and its corruption by Jewish and Catholic authorities - The murder & destruction of Gnostics, Gnostic views and manuscripts - Gnostics as being the true Christians - The widely held belief and acceptance of reincarnation and the suppression of this by the Catholic Church (excellent sources provided) - `Monkey see monkey do' I.e. humanity following in the footsteps in the sins of the father (Jehovah); Jehovah as an evil, malevolent role model for humanity. A look at the other reviews for this present work will provide numerous scriptural references for that which I have just mentioned.

Of special interest to myself was page 116 of this book. Herein is described the book of Genesis comprising two sources; one from the Elohist source and one from the Jehovist source. The author points out that within the Elohist document we find the religion of the northern tribes (Israel) who worshiped the God El and his underling elohim. The Jehovist document describes the evil and bloodthirsty Jehovah or Yahweh. It is stated that "in the 5th century B.C. Jewish priests combined portions of the J and E documents, adding some of their own thoughts, which are referred to as JE Documents". It is unfortunate that the author of this book did not provide further sources of information to corroborate this information, as this is a pivotal point, especially as this present book contains much repetition needlessly clamouring for authenticity. My own studies reveal that the God El has its roots in Armenia Mesopotamia. It is interesting to note that the wife of El is Ashtoreth, the mother of the Gods; interesting in that Ashtoreth is suppressed in the Old Testament in sync with the suppression of the Divine feminine. Also interesting to note is that Baal is the son of El. Further study is needed in clarifying sources and linking all of this with the Gnostic position of the seven Cosmo creators. H. P. Blavatsky in the `Secret Doctrine Vol 1' pages 136-152 provides information towards the Gnostic view of the 7 Cosmo creators, inclusive of correlation with the Bhagavad-Gita.

Firstly according to Gnostic understanding there are levels in the way scripture can be read I.e. Exoteric, mesoteric and esoteric. I've even heard it said that there were 3 bibles written in correlation to this. With this in mind, even with the acceptance of corruption, it is advised to not chuck the baby out with the bath water. Example: firstly the genesis story is not particular to the Jews. Second there is an esoteric side to the rendering of Genesis, inclusive of `spiritual death'. The author maligns the genesis story in sink with literalism, yet on page 173 slams Christians and Jews for using the "grammatical historical method" in interpreting scripture. The author does end the book admonishing to see beyond literalism (Archetypes etc) but this is a little too late when it comes to his maligning of the Genesis account.

Sin and sinners: even Gnostics acknowledge sin and the need for repentance and right moral conduct. It should be noted that there is an esoteric perspective on sin which is beyond the scope of this review.

Gnostic > knower. (Mythomania & the Gnostic egoic also require either the blade or fire). This goes beyond intellect. For those of understanding and insight, it is apparent when an author has Gnosis and when an author has merely an intellectual understanding of Gnosis; to the following next two points does this also apply (To transcend the physical body is to know of the reality of which I speak).

Hell: The author does not accept the reality of this realm. A study of most religions will reveal that this is widely accepted. See also the Divine Comedy and journeys of Emanuel Swedenborg etc.

Acceptance of Homo_exuality: The deeper work of Gnosis usually reveals a divergence at this point. See recommend book review inclusive of work with Divine Mother Kundalini, + - polarities.

Buddhism: The author states that he is disillusioned by his experiences; personally I have found that there is a good deal of correlation with the Gnostic work. I am aware that there are different schools, but once again filtering for that which is needful is always a good method.

Easy street, now that Jehovah is out of the picture: No such luck, the work just got harder since this Pandora's Box got opened. Take up thy cross and follow me is the admonishment. Readers are now required to ask "So what do I do now" especially in light of the revelation of the Gnostic work. Unfortunately the author only alludes to the NT Christ and book recommendations found in the last pages. This admittedly is a good start, especially Stephan A Hoeller's website and products. Still this only gives an intellectual understanding of Gnosis and sides with stagnant results similar to most in the 4th way school. The present author states in his book that the Gnostic can function on his own, citing the biblical reference of 'not needing any to teach you'; Good luck! Most adepts are of an order/school, empowered and helped; a sincere heart, willing to sacrifice all to obtain the great pearl, will always find a way.

Recommend Reading as a next step to go beyond the mind and exoteric gnosis:
Gnosis I, II, & III by Boris Mouravieff

The author does a good job of showing contrasts in this entry. Not just between the families, but from one scene to the next. To open with the tee ball practice and go to the shooting was a brilliant depiction of how quixotic life can be. Great job.

When I first read the story line, I wasn't sure it could all come together well. But this 15 page sample changed my mind. It is well written, flows and leaves the reader wanting more. Well done. I hope we will see more of this work and more from the author. She deserves to be in the top 100 and more.

This excerpt grabbed our attention immediately. The characters are very realistic.The setting is complex. When do we get to read the rest of this story? We are intrigued.
We feel this author has a reservoir of talent and hope she does very well. Looking forward to reading more of Ms. Shank's works.

An incredible start for this author. The characters are immediately engaging and real and the insight involved in the plot is one only someone who knows the issues can achieve.


I can't wait to read more!

It's easy to write a tense melodrama about the clash of good and evil. It's the mark of real talent to show the inadvertent evil committed by decent men. Many authors would have made Ed O'Fallon their bad guy, a cop out of control. Shank shows him struggling to coach his daughter's team of six year old girls in tee ball. He has been set on to this by his wife, for his sin of taking his sons' sports too seriously. The picture of this tough guy taking on an organization named "The Purple Unicorns" is savory indeed. Then in the afternoon, he accompanies a SWAT team on a no-knock raid.

But something goes badly awry. They are at the wrong address and Ed shoots the wrong guy. In the next chapter, we meet Patrica Santillano, a nurse and now a widow as she learns of her husband's death.

The author has made the reader care equally for both families. This is thoughtful, exciting literature, asking big questions. I have only one question: why hasn't this been published already?

Wonderful experience. Seller worked out all the details with me and I was so pleased with the purchase. Would definitely refer others to him and also buy from him again. Thanks so much.

Pictures. These will remind you. Haunting. Sad. Heart wrenching. Moving. These words won't do it for you. The book will give you more. Over 3000 people died that day. This book will help you to never forget what happened to them and us.

The point comes across, but I think there is plenty of other work that should have been included.

A message to each and every reviewer who takes time to add thoughts to a any media of memorial of 9/11, World Trade Center Towers tragedy... thank you from my heart.

My spouse and I resided on the Lower West Side, Battery Park City, Gateway Plaza, So. End Ave. As survivors of the 9/11 World Trade Center Towers tragedy... From our Gateway Plaza apartment, facing the street and 300 yards from the Towers, we helplessly witnessed all from our apartment windows. The closeness of the Towers viewed from our windows - gave an illusion that one could reach out and touch the Towers; their beauty with night lights reaching toward the sky promoted a contemplative emotion.

We viewed the planes entering the Towers, the overwhelming inferno, individuals jumping, the collapse of the Towers, the darkness as debris hit our windows with a fury. What occurred over a period of hours, seemed like a much shorter time span. The darkness was darker than an eclipse, darker than the darkest night; and then a momentary hush after the air cleared. Viewing the roof garden one floor below, with the human reaction of looking out to see if someone might be on that roof garden and in need of help. Debris strewn everywhere, recording tape and paper hung from the trees of the garden and oh, so much ash. The momentary hush, whether real or imagined, then the viewing of debris for a second, fantasized that a parade had just passed by on our short street. I now really understand the expression a "feeling of helplessness", I couldn't fix what had just happened.

We vacated our apartment finally at 5:15 p.m. that day, waiting for someone to knock on our door, with only a battery radio to keep us abreast of happenings. "In a New York minute", we evacuated via the stairwell touched with ash, the result of a first floor door left open. With a few belongings, gathered with a tad of thought of what was being left behind, we stepped out of the door onto the pavement, seeing and standing in ever so much ash & debris, I wanted to turn around and go back to our home. It was one moment of reality in time, I carry to this day.

We planned to walk up the East Side, glimpsed the tired fire, police, volunteers, and med techs in our immediate driveway and street, so instead opted to pass through the building in back of the apartment complex. We gained access to the Esplanade walking the short distance to reach the Hudson River North Cove dock. We were escorted to the New Jersey shore via New York Police boat. From the boat deck, we viewed even more damage to the Manhattan skyline, especially noting the zigzag shape of the side of the American Express building, housed in one of the World Financial Center buildings along with the glorious Winter Garden, as well as the fall of World Trade Center Building 7. We were taken to the Jersey City Hospital, attended to by compassionate staff. Then traveled by National Guard truck to Hoboken, NJ where we were housed by a wonderful family who with great trust welcomed strangers to their home.

On Friday 9/14, our eldest son & daughter-in-law drove from New Hampshire via New Jersey routes to Hoboken for transport us to New Hampshire for temporary residence with our daughter, who along with her friend and our youngest son, greeted us with open arms & the overwhelming feeling of not wanting to let go with each hug that followed. Our daughter and son had spent that Friday in New Hampshire collecting items of clothing and necessities which the Concord community generously opened their hearts and donated by churches, stores, individuals, employers, American Red Cross, et al.

One of our grandchildren -- he was 8 at that time - arrived home from a few days with his Dad. He hugged us so tight, understanding the depth of 9/11 events for someone so young and yet so wise. He told Grandpa & Babcia that he had something for them... his Mom was not even aware of his gift. He had spoken to his classmates about his grandparents' closeness in location of the World Trade Center Towers. Presented to us was a large envelope full of hand-made cards from each of his classmates. And if that isn't love and caring, I don't know what is - from the hearts and minds of children!

Residing now in New Hampshire, not because of 9/11 drove us away, but circumstances just went that way as we continue to put our lives into perspective.

We Miss - New York City deeply; events found nowhere else in the USA, the introduction to & interaction with so many wonderful cultures. There isn't a day or night over these years that we do not think of 9/11... the Lady of Liberty & Ellis Island both on the merge of the East and Hudson Rivers. And that Lady of Liberty wept, I just know it, & still stands with pride that the USA is a democracy that will prevail.

We Remember - the victims, the survivors, their friends and families, the workers from the public and private sector, the volunteers, our neighbors in Gateway Plaza and staff in the small group of stores on South End Avenue, Battery Park City.

We Remember - the places we visited, the book signings attended, the celebrities we met, the concerts and theater plays, the movies, the arts, the parks, the strangers we talked with, on streets, on subway and those while standing in line for an event...

We Remember - Always In Our Hearts, Forever In Our Souls, Heroes, Victims, Survivors One and All... We Were There.

Painfully, the lump in my throat and the twist in my stomach, the tears in my eyes and the pain in my heart, to the depth of my soul, forever reside.

LIFE has done a first class job of putting together a book covering this horrific act by such a cowardly enemy.Rather than to make the Americans cower as these fanatics probably thought and probably thought and hoped for;it showed what a good and strong nation it is.History will remember both 9/11 and Pearl Harbor for the terrible and misguided acts of hatred they were.
This act conjours up different thoughts for everyone who witnessed it ,in whatever fashion,but no more so than those who had friends and particularly those who lost loved ones.
To those who may turn a little soft on the War on Terror a review of this book should remind one of what we are dealing with.
A great book TIME and thanks.