News Books

Tango will change your life and this book tells you how and why.
This is one of the best of many books on the subject of life transformation experienced by a very large number of people outside of Buenos Aires.
Highly recommended.
However, it has even greater meaning when you have attempted the Argentine Tango.
So, hug a partner and dance with your heart.
Abrazos!

A quick read, packed with philosophical and insightful concepts. If you're a tango dancer, this book will speak to you as you compare what she is writing with what you already know. The Tao of Tango will have you nodding your head vigorously, agreeing that what she says is in fact true. Johanna Siegmann's
comparison of female/male energy to tango is a thought provoking, but compelling theory filled with accuracy. I couldn't put this book down .

This book is not so much about steps or sequences, so don't expect to learn cool moves from it. It's more about what lays beyond the movement. A balance between two energies: feminine and masculine that is what creates that strong unforgettable connection between people in dance or in life.

I recommend this book to anyone, either you are dancing tango or not; it's short and very easy to read. And if you don't find a nice dance technique suggestion in it, you might find something that would be applicable in your every day life in a relation with your significant one or friends, or colleagues at work.

The Tao of Tango is successful because it probes the right questions.
As the result of "feminism", we can enjoy a fairer balance of power with men, but what femininity is still remains a complete mystery to us. The book dares to praise passivity, surrendering and following, and reminds us that those words can still carry derogative connotations. At the same time it tells us about male and female energies present in each one of us and with that, it frees us of limiting patterns of behavior.

Dancing Tango is a beautiful way to play, rehearse and observe how we are as women and men. The Tao of Tango refers to it in a provocative, measured and grounded way.

Valeria Solomonoff
Tango performer, teacher and choreographer
Co-founder of TangoMujer
www.valetango.com

The Tao of Tango by Johanna Siegmann is a delightful chronicle of her discovery of the inner world of Argentine Tango - plus an insightful look at the application of Taoist philosophy to both Life and Tango.
On the surface, Tango is rooted in the sensuality and seduction that goes on between a man and a woman. But deeper things are going on. As Ms. Seigmann discovered, it is a conversation "in some language of the soul that resided in some part of me I never knew existed."
Drawing on key principles of Taoism, Ms. Siegmann shows how all people, whether men or women, are mixtures of characteristics that are either yang (masculine) or yin (feminine), and in order to be successful, in either Life or in Tango, each person must have these energies in balance within themselves. Yet in our post-Feminism world, this is rarely the case, for either gender. Johanna Siegmann discovered, as have many others, that learning to tango is much more than learning a new dance.
In order to dance tango properly, whether we are a man or a woman, we must be in touch with both our halves, both the confident masculine part, and the sensitive feminine part. Per Ms. Siegmann, "True happiness lies in the mutual embrace of both our [masculine and feminine] energies." Only when we can draw on both these qualities will our tango have the deep character for which it is so justly revered. In a real sense, it is a journey of self-discovery and healing. We find that, whether interacting on the dancefloor or in a Life relationship, having our energies in balance promises nothing less than a resolution of the age-old "battle of the sexes."

my how amazing this book is just goes beyond any human comprehention i am wiccan and i must say that this book has helped me learn of other riligions simmiler to mine and the rituals are grate.
(pleas excuse my spelling lol)

I can certainly appreciate the excitement that a lot of readers have expressed about this book--I felt the same way when I read it years ago (the book was first published in 1978 as *The Teachings of Taoist Master Chuang*). But I was schocked to see that the book has been reprinted, because, to put it mildly, it was not very favorable received in academic circles. Now, for many readers, this won't mean a thing, and may in fact be a mark in the book's favor. That's cool. But if you are interested in the history of Daoism, or in good ethnography, then you may want to read an old (and infamous) review article on this book, published in 1980. It's called "History, Anthropology, and Chinese Religion." [Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies, Vol. 40, No. 1. (Jun., 1980), pp. 201-248.] This is an *extremely* harsh review of the book, and in many ways a petty one. But it makes many damning points. For example that Saso gets his history very wrong. But perhaps more importantly, he does some strange things for an ethnographer, like introducing material from the published Daoist canon for Master Chuang to comment on--material that Chuang had never seen. This calls into question just what kind of Daoism Saso is learning, in the book. But, it's an exciting book, it gives some views of Daoism that are valuable, etc. Just FYI, caveat emptor, etc.

This is a real useful book. The beauty of it is that it gives us a deep look at the actual life of a Taoist master. Not a god, and not a perfect person, but a serious and committed Taoist who spent a lifetime practicing Taoism. That's a lot different from the average Taoism book, which is long on the vague restatement of philosophic theory and short on specific application of such theory. Want application? Here it is.

This is a totally unique book in that it provides copious details as to how a Taoist priest actually functions. Not theory but an actual diary of sorts. That's unique. For anyone who wants to go beyond the beautiful words of the ancients and discover how Taoists apply them, this is the book for you. That's important.

I give it my full support, and all 5 Stars.

TAOIST MASTER CHUANG (c. 2000) by Michael R. Saso, is a book of Taoist religious ritual and liturgy to control and exorcise evil spirits as practiced by the grade four Cheng-i Meng-wei sect (One Auspicious Alliance) priest, Master Chuang. The author, Professor Michael R. Saso, acted as a "participant/observer" on Taiwan as he recorded the style of magic from the Ch'ing-wei sect (The Heavenly Pilot, a Tantric Taoist order from the Tang Dynasty), from manuals originally in the collection of Wu Ching-ch'un, and as interpreted and practiced by Master Chuang.

The book TAOIST MASTER CHUANG contained the interesting 4th century Mao shan sect (Highest Purity Order of the Yellow Court Canon) rituals of the Tao of the Left black magic (Chapt. 4) and the Orthodox rituals of the Tao of the Right 'Thunder Magic' (Chapt. 5); and instructions of the use of the 'Lu' which is a register of spirit names. The Heterodox Tao of the Left black magic emphasized rituals to summon the six evil chia spirits; while the Orthodox Tao of the Right used 'Thunder Magic' to deflect those spirits. And the ritual of the 'chiao', bringing the priest into direct contact with the Tao itself, was explained to be dependent upon fasting, and a diet of simple foods, whole grains, and vegetables to alter the body's internal alchemy to become receptive to the required ritual. Also included were the drawn Talismans, finger-formed Mudras, and the chanted Mantras of all Ch'ing-wei sect rituals.

The book TAOIST MASTER CHUANG revealed that esteem and validity amongst Taiwanese Taoist priests seemed to rely on the possession of antique manuals, and that priests were constantly stealing each others books to gain knowledge of the name and descriptions of different spirits and the talismic charms and mantric incantations to control them; plus how to learn to perform various funeral and birth rituals. It appeared that being a Taoist priest in Taiwan was no different than any other vocation and individuals fell on Taoism as a means of making a living.

The subject of the book, Master Chuang Teng-yun (Chuang who ascends the Clouds) despite his alcoholism and bad temper, was a first rate expert on Meng-wei orthodox Taoism and a conscientious adherent to all the proper liturgy and rites of Ch'ing-wei Thunder Magic. Master Chuang was also one of the few advanced ordained Taoist priests on Taiwan who knew how to perform the rituals properly. Such as the dance of the Ho-T'U at the end of the Chiao festival which would bring the priest in direct contact with the Tao itself! Or the proper interpretation of the eight trigrams of King Wen; the Lo-shu (the octagon design you see on placemats at Chinese restaraunts).

Regardless of any scholastic short-comings, the book TAOIST MASTER CHUANG is an important work for the lay student of escoteric religious Taoism, contained a great depth of information which will require several readings, and should be read in conjunction with 'SEVEN TAOIST MASTERS: A Folk Novel of China'(c.1990) by Eva Wong

Ross Carter, a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne wrote this story almost 60 years ago. He then abruptly died shortly after WWII because of a "bad" mole which caused his melanoma cancer to metastisize. Too bad, because his story as told in this book is worthy enough to merit a follow-on.

His personal story is presented as a series of vignettes. Considering the arduousness of his task as a soldier, it must have been a tall order to write it down contemporaneously with living it. It starts with his tales of parachute training in North Africa followed by a prolonged bloody stint in Italy, circa the autumn of '43 followed by his units' subsequent experiences in the Battle of the Bulge in the Fall of '44. They were in frontline combat under the most difficult of conditions for over 300 days while suffering a >200% replacement rate. It's a miracle that anyone could live through the descriptions of combat as laid out in the book, meaning Carter was remarkably fortunate to have "made it". The core of the story reflects the self sacrificing nature of these men who carry the mantle of American greatness on their collective shoulders. When you compare their heroics to the carping classes in today's America the contrast is glaring. It makes me reflect on the attutudinal differences between the time of Rome's greatness and the time of its collapse.

I've read many stories of combat such as "Fields of Fire" by Webb, "Face of Battle" by Keegan, "Dispatches" by Herr, "A Rumor of War" by Caputo, "Once an Eagle" by Myrer, "Goodbye Darkness" by Manchester, and "Soul of Battle" by Hansen, to cite a few, but to my mind none are as relentless or as compelling as this story. The poignant little things that pop-up in every vignette plus the feeling for these men as nothing less than a force of nature is beyond comparison. One can only marvel at them.

This book explains both directly and indirectly the components of leadership, the kind needed to not only demand excellence, but to get it. It's a story thousands of years old, retold as though a composite of today. It's still us vs them and it's here or there. That there are differences in the technologies of war or of the geographical landscape makes less difference than that it's mano a mano with the will to fight and win the pre-eminent factor ( Victor Davis Hansen describes this well in his terrific work "Soul of Battle.)"

The way to read this book is to imagine a combat infantry paratrooper, dodging death both day and night on a constant basis, taking the time to write down his reflections of the conflict within which he's a participant. Read it and you'll see what I mean. This is one helluva book.

WHY WAS THIS BOOK NEVER MADE INTO A MOVIE??
It would have been much more engrossing than "Band of Brothers". It is at, or near, the top of all the WWII books ever written. Do yourself a favor and read this book. I read it when I was about 17 years old. I have never forgotten it, and many things have brought it back into memory over the many years since mid 1959 when I read it. Only "From Here to Eternity"and "Battle Cry" were as engrossing, BUT this one is TRUE. READ IT.

My Grandfather, Charlie Loyd Shipp, was named "Sheraton" in this fantastic book. A major mistake was made in the book on page 186. "Sheraton" did not die until October 24, 2004 of old age, after battling Alhezimer's, a battle this old solider could not win.The survivors from his regiment thought him dead until they some how learned he'd survived about 25 years ago. I had never read the book until now and now see Papaw as a warrior and not just my gentle grandpa. He married my Grandmother, Letha Shipp who still lives, in 1947, had two sons and two grandchildren. He became a successful automotive dealer in Texarkana, Texas and heck of a good grandfather. We'll miss you papaw!

Much like Company Ach to Civil War buffs, this novel is more of a memoir about the experiences in battle of an enlisted soldier. One may not find scholarly prose, but the first hand accounts are a good source of professional historical authorship.

Frankly, the book reads astoundingly well for a guy that didn't have more than a year to synthesize his thoughts after the actual battles had taken place - mostly, it seems, from memory. He died in 1947 of cancer, of all things. The person who rated this book as one star (above) must be a quite well read, and I would like to see his book list of four star ratings.

One takes away from this a sense of what the comaraderie of being a member of the elite 82nd would have been like, and that the members prided themselves not only on the valor of their volunteer status (actually, the definition of an elite troop), but an affinity to other paratroops, whose Airborne bond is the stuff of legend.

Heartbreaking, the only word I can think of when I think back of the book. It was because Ross Carter fought his last battle (Cheneux) not to far from where I live, that I bought the book.
It's so different from Megellas' great book "All the way to Berlin", mainly because Carter wrote his book just after the war on his sickbed, just before he died of cancer.
Maybe it's not a pageturner as Megallas'book, but it's so genuine, so real. Heartbreaking...

I read this book to my children (7 and 5) just before our vacation to Newfoundland. It was a great way to learn a bit of historical NL culture and prepare for a wonderful vacation. They loved Thunder and Tom, and could not wait for me to finish reading this book to them. Thunder, a smart and perceptive dog, helps Tom and his adoptive family survive many potential tragedies.

THUNDER OF THE SEA IS THE BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ!!!!!!!It's about a boy who's never had a home, finaly he goes home with strangers and hopes to find a home. then when he's starting to question whether he's going to be just the worker boy or part of the family he finds a miricle dog in the middle a of storm. then everything changes he starts trouble between familys he goes through a constant struggle to belong. thunders love is strong enouf to keep them together but is it stong enof to keep the family together as they face nature's fury and other opsticles.

Thunder From the Sea
How would you like to be an orphan who moved into a new family with new people? Well Tom, the main character in this book did and he always wanted a dog. Finally he got one while he was sailing with Enoch and their neighbors the Bosworth's. They saw a black thing in the water when a thunder storm was on the way . They rescued what was a dog and named him Thunder. " Thunder From the Sea" was written by Joan Hiatt Harlow.. If you like realistic fiction you should pick up this book in your library. My favorite part is when Fiona and Tom are trapped in a blizzard on a sheet of ice right before Fiona has her baby . The feeling that I have about this book is that it is a wonderful extravagant book especially if you like dogs. This book takes place on Back "O" the moon island. The most important problem is if Tom can keep Thunder. After all the dog is not really his. He tries to solve the problem by showing how much he loves Thunder. But will it work? Can Tom keep Thunder?

By Emily

The book Thunder from the Sea, by Joan Hiatt Harlow, takes place in 1929 on the island of Back O' the Moon, which is part of Newfoundland. It is a realistic fiction book, and the chapters are a little on the short side (around 5-12 pages long).

The main characters in the book were Tom Campbell, who is an orphan that is going to live with a fisherman and his wife; the fisherman Enoch, who is a kind man that has a nice house on top of a hill, and his wife, Fiona, who is also kind and very friendly. There are other families on the island, like the Bosworths.

In the book, Tom is just starting to live with the Murrays (Enoch & Fiona). He is treated as part of the family and helps Enoch with repairing fishing supplies, and he even goes out fishing with Enoch and his friends. One day, while they are out fishing, a storm appears and Tom rescues a dog struggling to stay alive. Tom names him Thunder, and soon the dog proves his loyalty many times by rescuing various people from disasters. Then Fiona gets pregnant and Enoch is out on a fishing trip. Margaret tells Tom to get Fiona to the doctor, all the way across the frozen harbor, because there isn't much Margaret can do to help under the circumstances. Thunder has to bring Fiona over the harbor with Tom's help very quickly. But then, Tom looses his compass and a blizzard strikes. Will Thunder be able to save Fiona and her new baby?

My favorite part of Thunder from the Sea is when the mummers come to the Murray's house. It is very mysterious, and some parts about that are confusing, but it's interesting to learn about some of the Newfoundland customs. And, later in the book, it's interesting to find out who they were in the first place.

I think that Thunder from the Sea is a very good book with a lot of action. This is a good book about a boy and the loyalty he has for his dog. I would recommend it to people who like dogs and who like suspenseful books. I would give Thunder from the Sea 4 stars. * * * *

I got this book from the book fair at my school.It is a very beloved story.It is about a boy name Tom who gets sent to live with a fisherman and his wife, and he finds a dog of his dreams by the sea in the middle of a storm,but now the fishermans wife is pregnant and the dogs owner may be found.Just read it and find out more.DO NOT listen to any bad reveiws of this book,just trust me read it is VERY VERY good.

When I was in school, 10th grade, we had a chapter in English Literature. This chapter, named In the Grip of Prejudice, was from the book 'To Sir With Love'. That was such a gripping chapter, that I decided to buy the 'To Sir With Love' immediately.

Amazing book and fantastic movie (with excellent performance of Sydney Poitier). The book has been with me for more than a decade and re-read multiple times. Very intelligent book that teaches the basics of right human existance.

Excellent!

I just saw "Amazing Grace" about William Wilberforce
and the ending of the British slave trade. There is little doubt that the Ricky Braithwaite who is a relatively young black teacher in England
is the breeding product of such slaves used by sugar planters
in British colonies. In arriving at their destination a large percentage died in the crossing. An even larger number usually died each year as
a result of over work and underfeeding. Genetically this actually tended to make the black slaves superior to their white masters in many ways.
Survival makes very good people.
But the question is not if Braitwaite was as good teacher a teacher as
he is a writer, but have conditions improved since 1959 when he first published this. From hearing about the life of Amy Winehouse who is a very popular British singer, one tends to think they may have actually gotten worse in London's East End, not better?
So for all the popularity of the book and movie of this book,
not a lot of attention was really paid to his lessons in understanding
and care for the poor and hard pressed of all races.
Amy Winehouse was expelled by a Weston type for being independent and different. Progressive education has been replaced with regimentation and discipline. Braitwaite made the point that music, even classical music, got through to these children, but in California we spend money on contact football instead? In California E. R. Braitwaite wouldn't be allowed to teach in an high school. He doesn't have a recognized teaching credential.

During my school days, we had an extract from this book as one of the lessons in our English subject. The lesson was named "In the Grip of Prejudice". After reading the lesson, I just wanted to read the whole book. ER Braithwaite has handled a touchy subject aesthetically.

Highly recommended! :-)

A very enjoyable book. Braithwaite tells an inspirational story about both teaching kids but also overcoming prejudice as a black man in post WWII England. I'm a new teacher and hope to develop the type of relationship he had with his students with mine some day.

I remember having read an extract of "To Sir with Love" during my school days and have been wanting to read it ever since. Unfortunately I never got around to doing so for quite a while. Recently while browsing in a bookshop, my eyes fell on the book and I decided to pick it up.

The book is an extremely inspiring autobiography which chronicles the life of a 'coloured' teacher in a particularly rowdy neighbourhood of London.

Written in an extremely touching, charming (and ocassionally witty) style, the author talks about how he has to deal with racial sterotypes. It is uphill all the way for Braithwaite as he counters the cynicism of his impressionable students and, ocassionally, that of his colleagues also. Slowly, he wins over the minds (and in the case of Pamela Dare, heart) of his students as he tries to wipe clean their minds of prejudices (racial or otherwise).

The book was also filmed starring the ever-charming Sidney Poitier in the lead role. See the movie after reading the book.

Sonia Choquette holds out the promise of a place where you are free. Where the spirit within you can emerge and you can actually be happy in this troubled world. But you have to follow your 6th sense, live by your intuition and your spirit, not by your ego and your 5 senses, as the ego causes pain--anger, jealousy, resentment, but the spirit is loving, forgiving and healing. Using examples from her clients, Sonia illustrates how people who trusted their vibes were able to free themselves from unhappy and confining situations, enjoy life and experience peace.
Writing with clarity and honesty, this down to earth pychic also has a great sense of humor, and never allows you to take yourself too seriously.
Instead of worrying and fretting over every little thing, which your ego and your reason urge you to do, she advises you to be lighthearted, spontaneous, and to go with the flow. By living in the spirit, doing what you want to do, and not what others would have you do, your life can turn around and you can become the person you were meant to be.

this is a really good book for anybody - not only for those who want to find their intuition. Ms. Choquette very nicely sums up how to percieve the world. So, control freaks of the world read this book and see what you are missing. :)

I fell upon Sonia's works and ordered this and another of her books together. I loved them both and will now read whatever else she has written. She is very down to earth, easy to read and gives practical, do-able tasks for anyone wanting to fine tune their six sense. For those of us who have lived with "premonitions" or good "instincts" it was nice to have someone help us feel more comfortable with our inner voice.

The message gets a little repetitive towards the end but I believe in what Ms Choquette is trying to convey.

In Trust Your Vibes, Sonia shares countless suggestions for increasing your intuitive awareness and living ahappier life.

Some of the tips she suggests for increasing intuitive awareness are playing intuitive games where you try to guess what the outcome of something is going to be, what is going to happen next, and in general paying attention not only to what your mind tells you, but also to what your heart and your body tell you, what do you sense and how do you feel. Sonia also offers many useful suggestions for dealing with increasing sensitivity of which also you may become aware in different ways - through sounds, physical sensations, smells, or in any other way.

If you feel stuck, Sonia suggests you ask for help from above, simply by saying "Help" to God, angels, spirits guides, devas, deities, ancestors, saints, etc. - whoever you feel affinity to according to your beliefs and spiritual practices.

Sonya also suggests many different ways to pick yourself up, if someone or something has pulled you energetically down - think of something you love or something you can feel grateful for and when you feel recharged with energy deal with the issue appropriately.

Please say this review is helpful to you. They told me that if I post another unhelpful review they're going to kill my ferret.

It was obvious to anyone who has known Peyser that something like this was bound to happen. I refer, of course, to Peyser's bout of aphasia during his freshman year at the College. Clearly this mysterious illness has returned in book-length, perhaps even a global, form. We may never really know what Peyser is up to in this book. Oh, for some Young and Champollion to decode this, the Rosetta Stone of post-modernism!

I don't usually tolerate so-called theory, but this was fun!

Don't let the title fool you--this is a down-to-earth, engaging work that deserves to be read by a much larger audience than the academic field it's probably relegated to.

This is a powerful, bleak book. None of the writers Peyser deals with is particularly optimistic. The possible exception is Howells but there is a dark undertow even to his work which Peyser makes sure we see. So a book about utopia is also a strangely, depressing read. 40 years or so after Brooke Farm, who would have thought things would have gotten so sad? Of course it was the turn the century and the best of the Western thinkers were thinking sad and pessimistic thoughts. And now here we are at the turn of another century and we have this powerful, bleak book. Have we come all that far after this century of bloodthirsty carnage? Is Utopia even further away than it was 100 years ago? Read Peyser's powerful, bleak book and see if you can answer some of these sad questions yourself. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

You know, this is not the sort of book I would normally read. But there it was, suddenly, on the coffee table one night. How it got there I have no idea. Just curious, I began to leaf through the pages, and the words began to resonate with me. Unable to sleep, I read it through in one sitting by candlelight. The next morning, I began to look at things around me differently. First, I removed several unessential appliances from the house in an effort to simplify my existence. Then it became time to de-clutter and I threw out several items I realized I had no more use for. Then, and this all seemed so logical in light of the things I'd read, I divorced the wife and sent her on her why. Sure, she cried a bit, but I knew I was doing the right thing. And I've never regretted it. This is, indeed, one of the best books I've read all year.

This book is well written in a conversational style that appeals to me. She seems to know her stuff. She includes instructions on how to reverse hexes and curses, and her take on energy is more like mine than anyone I've come across so far in the arena of published books. In fact, I got a couple of good ideas from it, not so much to curse or hex, but sensible and positive use of negative energy. Her take on energy and energy use is one of the best. She makes a lot of sense, and brings up things that some people might not clue in to on their own.

Much of what is covered isn't actually nasty, though some of it is very, very nasty. one I just got shivers from reading and I wouldn't ever do it. Or let me say, I can't imagine what provocation I would need in order to make me resort to it.

She includes some cleansings, which are excellent. She provides alternatives for many things in the book from if you don't have a bathtub to if you can't find a reversing candle to if you don't have access to where you need to place or bury the packet or doll or item.

She has a common-sense approach to getting the ingredients to a spell. as an example, when you need sulfur you don't have to buy some from a metaphysical shop or the internet, simply scrape the heads off some matches. A very practical book.

Her primary requisite for the reader is focus. Will. Concentration and vividness in imagery. She seems to be spot on magickally, and her ethics and stance on the use of hexes/curses reflect my own in many ways. I like that she points out both sides, including to-be-expected repercussions and possibilities and then leaves it up to the reader without any further soapboxes or preaching.

This book uses a purely magickal approach: although she does mention particular gods and goddesses now and then, it has pretty well nothing to do with spirituality; that's out of the book's purview.

It is a book I would recommend without hesitation to an experienced, seasoned witch or magick practitioner.

She has a nice section on poppets, and from an entirely 21st century pov along with a short reference list of substances and what they will do in the spell you use it in. She brought up things about poppets that I had not thought of.

She is a proponent of using dirt in spells and hexes. Graveyard dirt, dirt from other places for other reasons, which rather startled me. I have been in the way of thinking that "dirt from a grave or graveyard" was something out of the middle ages that didn't have any real value to a modern witch or magickal practitioner. After reading this book, I have revisited that issue, and intend to try it out in workings I do, just to see. She mentions additional positive uses for it in other types of spellwork, not exclusively for cursing or hexing.

I liked the book, and feel I got good value for the price.

Now this is what I'm talking about!! this book is top notch for when you don't want to play nice. this book brings me back to when I was 14 and had a traumatic incident with a male relative, when I told my aunt she did not believe me and called and accused me of trying to ruin her brothers good name, well the female ancestors came to me and asked what I wanted to be his punishment, I remember crying and saying I wanted him to drop dead of a heart attack, they led me to pick a switch, draw a circle in the dust, make some symbols say some incantations, spit in the circle and chant by heart attack he will die and jump out. well 2 weeks later that pervert dropped dead of a heart attack. although I adhere to a strong code of ethics of not harming anyone undeserved. being a cancer I can be wracked with guilt when I have to defend myself. thankfully I have a moon in scorpio and when I need to strike the scorpion in me is all too happy to oblige. you have all right to not only protect yourself but to teach those who are hell bent of sending harm to you and yours just for GP a lesson. this book is perfect for that, this is the type of witchcraft every witch needs to learn, just in case you ever need it. what I love most about this book is it reminds me of some of the type of spells my female ancestors have come to me from time to time to give me when I need it most. this is by far one of the most delightful books on magic I'm now a proud owner of. Thank you Mrs Morrison you have truly written a gem of a book for us witches who sometimes need to remember its okay to fight fire with fire.

I love Dorothy's books! She's so down to earth. When reading her books, it's like she's talking to you over a cup of coffee. My only regret about this book is that I didn't buy it sooner! Even if you don't plan on being "Utterly Wicked", this book is so informative. Many tips and tools you take away with you after reading (not to mention-a few good laughs also!). You would be mad not to go buy this book!

This book is like sitting across the table from a good friend, drinking good coffee, and conversing about things that makes the faint of heart swoon away. Many metaphysical books are steeped in opaque mystery, dry facts, and esoteric mumbo jumbo that leaves some readers lost and confused. Utterly Wicked will not leave it's reader lost and confused. Instead, this book leaves it readers delightfully satisfied. The wealth of information is presented to the reader in a clear and witty delivery. Dorothy Morrison does not take this subject matter lightly and encourages her readers to think a half a dozen times before they embark on the curses, hexes, et al.. If you're not faint of heart and would like an informative and entertaining metaphysical book for your collection, pick this one up.

"Airy-Fairies Beware: This Most Hex-cellent Book Is Not for Those Who Are One-Sided!"

So, if you're into a One-Way-White-Magick-Mentality (and yes it does happen even amongst "enlightened" ones), then this isn't the book for you. Many Neo-Pagans, Wiccans, Witches, etc. know that there really is no such thing as "White Magick" anyway, yet many writers have called it such to offset criticism when they've come out of the broom closet, coffin, etc. It's always been what the person brings to the plate (or Zero Point Playing Field as I like to call it:). It takes a brave Witch to own the duality, and Ms. Morrison is such! I'm sure it will/has shocked many of her readers; it even did me to a certain extent, I'll admit. Probably because the last book I read (over and over, by the way) of Ms. Morrison's was Everyday Sun Magic. Let me set the stage for you: It has a smiling sun on the cover with warm orange and yellow tones and the subtitle is "Spells & Rituals for Radiant Living." Contrast that with the cover art of Utterly Wicked: Curses, Hexes & Other Unsavory Notions which pictures a probably dead witch beneath a house. It conjures up the image of the wicked witch who Dorothy (also Ms. Morrison's first name:) has killed in The Wizard of Oz. The final touch is the red femme-fatale-like shoes, versus whimsical ruby slippers, also pictured on the cover. So, put on your big girl panties and settle in for some mind-expanding data if you dare!!

Curious about why "`for the good of all concerned' codicil doesn't always apply?" (Utterly Wicked p. 13). Or why anger must be the emotion used? Why the Threefold Law, etc. may not apply to everybody? If so, then this is a great book to read for new understanding. Everyone has a shadow side as well as the face generally presented to the outside world. To place a fluffy-bunny-bandaid over the sometimes festering, often subconscious, shadow-side doesn't help you grow to your full potential. So, even if you never decide to act on any of the curses, etc. presented, it's good, overall, to know that they exist. In this book, she covers a less-traveled path; in fact, modern followers of the late Anton Szandor LaVey might heartily approve of some of the curses! So, Ms. Morrison might even transcend some former religious boundaries with this discourse in a sense...there is even a "Living Hell Hex" on page 176! In addition, Hoodoo plays a major role in the book via the "tricks" (not to be confused with spells) that can be utilized. The Yoruba Religion is also expressed in the forms of the deities Yemaya and Oya in places. Furthermore, Morrison lightens the serious subject matter a bit with section headers like "Got Cavities?" (p. 46) which refers to where poppets can be filled.

Finally, you might be surprised to learn that some curses can actually be considered "good." For instance, "The Nurse's Curse" can curse disease and therefore eradicate it. And, for cleaning up the "psychic residue" after performing a curse? "The Beer Bath," of course (as one option). Well, even without having cursed anyone or anything, I know a few friends and fiends of mine that would welcome "The Beer Bath" for that and other things described on page 92. And, like Ms. Morrison points out, "those folks who once called [her] whitesy-lightsy...should've known better!" She has proved herself to be quite a multi-faceted writer.

G.L. Giles (Author of V3: The Vampire Vignettes ReVamped)
©2008

This book was amazing, I can usually only read books once or twice but i have read this book 5 times. This book has inspired me to become a voluteer at my neighbourhood hospital. This book reminds me of my life. a new virus that no one has heard of struck my city (Toronto) and everyone is panicking, and also the volunteers remind me of me and my friends who volunteer at our hospital too. Sunnybrook (my local hospital) sounds a lot like Med Centre. I LOVED THIS BOOK AND I GUARANTEE YOU WILL TOO!!!

This is an exciting book that gives you mystory love suspence all in one. Find out if the 7 or more people who have fallen ill get out of this disease alive. See if Will and Susannah do get to gether in these ruff times. So read the book and find out you wont be disapointed.

When an unknown virus lands many people of Grant, Mass. into intensive care at the local hospital, the medical staff know they are up against something deadly. And deadly is what characterizes Diane Hoh's plots perfectly! if you are a fan of young adult novels and enjoy suspence and "cliff hangers" at the end of every chapter, this is the book for you. The main characters are lively and believable, without being too stereotipical. Diane Hoh is definetely a master at her craft!

This was the first book that i have read by Diane Hoh and I have been reading her ever since. I thought this was a really good book and i am looking for more med center books right now.

Virus is a good book, but sometimes hard to follow. I enjoyed the story, but couldn't figure out some of the conflicts. Some of the things about Will and Susannah made me slightly confused and had to look through the book to understand. Overall, it was a good book

The author offers interesting perspective to our eternal soul, and some of the passages in the Bible - especially about Jesus. He does contradict his position about Mediums and "cold readings" at certain points in the book, but all-in-all this is a good book - worth the price.

Robert Brown is a phychic sensitive who shares what he's learned about life & so-called "death" in his book "We Are Eternal".

He begins by discussing his "early years" - including the fact that he started off as a "certified skeptic" - with his original goal being to prove the non-existence of psychic abilities. From this point, he shows how & why his views changed, as well as when he realized that he actually had this gift that could be used to help others in so many wonderful ways...

Mr. Brown then goes on to discuss what he's learned over the years regarding various "major" life topics, such as:

Suicide - you can't run away from anything, even through death.

Death of Children - there is a "reason"

Disease - the need to maintain positive thoughts, the damage of prolonged negative thoughts, and the need for there to be a balance between the body & the spirit

Disabilities - we all have the "right" body for our mission

Religion - it's time for people to move away from "blind" faith, and return to their spiritual roots. He also discusses the good and the bad of some of the world's largest religions.

Some of the other topics discussed include: pets, reincarnation, karma, life after "death", and what happens to "evil" people.

Overall, I found this to be an easy, interesting read. As such, I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in spirituality &/or the "paranormal". An open mind is a must!

My husband and I lost our 20 year old son, Nathan. Our grief was intolerable.We had so many questions; where did he go, does he still exist in another place, who is with him, helping him? The day after his memorial service, we found ourselves in a book store looking for answers. We both at different times picked up the book, "We are Eternal". We thought this was a sign for sure that we were to read it.
While reading the book, We were able to find strength in knowing that he still existed, that this was not the end for him but rather a new beginning. My husband, who rarely ever reads, read it at least 20 times. We became stabalized and when we fell pray to our grief, we read it again and found strength. This book got us through and continues to get us through the toughest times of our lives.
We will never see death the same way again. It has forever changed our understanding of who we are and what we are here for.

I'm giving this book five stars because I think that unlike Beatrice Eadie and Sylvia Browne, this author is on the level and actually gets communication from the people we consider dead. Beatrice went much too heavy on Jesus Christ, who is, after all, just a man, and Sylvia is, I believe, someone who makes it up as she goes along and sometimes contradicts what she has previously written. I don't believe a word she writes. So when I come across "the real thing" I have to give it five stars.

The subtitle of this book is "What the spirits tell me about life after death". The problem is that this book does not live up to that promise. It tells next to nothing about life after death. For that, your best bet is Journey of Souls by Michael Newton, the very best book ever written on the subject, taken as a unit with his second book Destiny of Souls. Newton's third book doesn't add much and focuses on less interesting matters.

What did I learn here about life after death? I forgot. Not much. Warning bells started going off early, when the author was simply too chatty, taking too much time to tell us his early adventures in mediumship, making us wait too long for some information of substance. Whenever an author does that, you can reasonably suspect that he isn't going to tell us much.

Give me a minute to remember ONE THING that I learned from this book about life after death. He said that we fall into four different basic types - teachers, healers, warriors, and philosophers. I'd be a teacher. I am always shooting off my mouth about things. Communication is a mania with me, which is why I write so many Amazon reviews. Also, I can take a kid who is failing high school math and turn him into an A student in one or two lessons because I have a gift for teaching, by determining what the person already knows, and building on that, rather than by following my own agenda and hoping he gets it.

I can see myself spending a lot of time with the Akashic records, viewing Napoleon's battles, seeing history develop from a bird's eye view, that sort of thing. I'm always reading books now, in this stupid life. Imagine how much I'll be "reading" back home, when the "books" are what we call reality.

I wish this book lived up to its subtitle and told us much more about what our lives are like when we leave this life. I have so many questions. None of them are answered here.

If you've lost a loved one, have psychic intuitive abilities that you are trying to figure out, if you are a fan of Jonathan Edwards or James Van Praagh or Tiffany Snow or Sylvia Browne, this book will be a pleasure. Understand what it is like to live the unique life, one where no path is there to follow, and the trail blazing is left up to you. May we each be as bold!