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Publications Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Publications
Gilles Villeneuve: The Life of the Legendary Racing Driver (Motor Sport)
Published in Hardcover by Motor Racing Publications (1996-02-16)
Author: G Donaldson
List price: $34.95
Used price: $6.34

Average review score:

Vroooom
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-12
Very well written story on the life of Gilles and full of tons of facts on his races and the way he lived his life . I still can't believe he lived that long while reading this book . Check out Curtis Turners book " Full Throttle " for a perfectly written story that's imposible to put down , with an emotional ending on probably the first " Intimidator " . You won't be disappointed .

What else can I say?
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-19
The sad fact is that, despite the popularity of F1 now, nobody since has demonstrated Gilles' control.

This book is a good representation of him- it doesn't fawn on him, he's not without his flaws and I think it does a pretty balanced job of showing all sides of the man. If you're into Villeneuve's style, and want to know more about him, you will not do better.

In Montréal on GP weekend, they've a display of Gilles' suit on Crescent Street. The guy looks all of 5 feet all...a tiny giant among drivers...

best book I have ever read
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-29
This book is impossible to put down, if you are or are not a
Gilles fan this is a must. The book is very well written with
tons of insite to his years of racing as well as lots of
liitle known information about him and his family. I found myself
making time to get a few more pages in before I would have to
put it down. I was at six of the races mentioned in the book,
Watkins Glen and Canada, not only did it bring back great
memories, but I learned more about those races than I knew then
when I was there live. Buy it and god bless Gilles

The best racing book ever written?
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-15
I've read a lot of racing books, but never one better than this. It is at the same time gripping, compelling and very well written.

Donaldson's masterpiece is recommend without hesitation.

Let me be clear...
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2002-01-23
Let me be clear: this is simply the best racing driver biography ever written. It's complete, well written, touching and objective at the same time, respectful to the dead. It's an amazing book. No doubt the writer is a big Villeneuve fan, but he managed to avoid being totally partial.
It's full oof data, anecdotes, funny parts, tragic parts, competition, brief technical analysys of the cars, a lot of famous drivers in diverse categories... Well, this is the book.

Publications
Goddess Alive!: Inviting Celtic & Norse Goddesses into Your Life
Published in Paperback by Llewellyn Publications (2007-07-01)
Author: Michelle Skye
List price: $18.95
New price: $1.85
Used price: $0.99

Average review score:

excellent insight
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-16
refreshing and insightful look at celtic and norse goddesses, very easy read full of information!

A beautiful book.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-26
The drawings and descriptions of the goddesses in this book are beautiful. I bought it because I am interested in the pathworking meditations and working more with the Goddess/es. I also like that Michelle Skye takes her stories from both the celtic and norse traditions. The Goddess is back! And this book is very well done.

Alive and Well
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-13
As a folklore writer, I am always interested in acquiring new research materials for my library. As I already have a pretty extensive library, when I first saw "Goddess Alive!" by Michelle Skye I wondered if it could possibly offer me any information I didn't already have access to.

I was pleasantly surprised. The first section I turned to was the chapter on the Valkyries. I was so pleased to find that this chapter not only contained information about the Norse Goddesses who escort the slain battle heroes to Valhalla, and the Norse Goddess Freyja, but it also had some information on Brunhildr (sometimes spelled Brynhilde) that I'd never seen before. The names of the Valkyries are also given.

Goddess Alive! features 13 goddesses from Norse and Celtic folklore. They are connected to either seasonal dates or moon phases.

The first part of the book is titled "The Turning of the Year" and features the following goddesses:

The Winter Solstice: Cerridwyn, Welsh Goddess of Rebirth and Renewal
Imbolc: Brigid, Irish Goddess of Fire
The Spring Equinox: Eostre, Anglo-Saxon Goddess of Spring
Beltane: Freyja, Norse Goddess of Love and War
The Summer Solstice: Aine, Irish Goddess of Faeries and Fertility
Lammas/Lughnasadh: Danu, Irish Mother Goddess of Wisdom
The Autumn Equinox: Modron, Welsh Mother Goddess of Mystery
Samhain: Hella, Norse Goddess of the Underworld

The second part of the book is titled "The Faces of the Moon" and features the following goddesses:

Waxing Moon: Branwen, Welsh Goddess of Sovereignty
Full Moon: Maeve, Irish Goddess of Personal Power
Waning Moon: The Valkyries, Norse Goddesses of Battle Magic and Soul Journey
Dark Moon: Morrighan, Irish Goddess of Magic and Death
New Moon: Rhiannon, Welsh Great Queen and Horse Goddess

Each chapter is laid out into sections which include information on that particular goddess, the holiday or moon that they represent, a guide to a pathworking for that particular goddess, a guided meditation, an invocation to that goddess, an activity, and then a ritual.

The guided meditation is visually appealing, and rather complex, so you'd either want to record it or have someone read it to you. In the chapter on the Valkyries I chose to read the meditation several times over, then I just did the meditation on my own. I didn't enjoy this quite as much as recording it myself first, but it can definitely be done.

The information on the different goddesses is extensive and well-researched, and the details on the holidays and moon times are very informative. For the spiritual soul, the pathworking, activity and rituals are beautifully done and are sure to please.

Much more than a simple guide to ancient goddess mythology, I found "Goddess Alive!" to be not only informative, but beautifully laid out and rich in tradition and legend. I thoroughly enjoyed Michelle Skye's easy to read (and understand) writing style, and the illustrations by Kris Waldherr were beautifully done. I would highly recommend it to not only the folklore buff, but to all those interested in furthering their own spiritual practice.

I'm really glad I bought this book...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-21
I'm amazed at what I learned about the Goddesses, beyond what I ever imagined - what a delightful book and so well written. Michelle Skye, you definately have my interest. Looking forward to your next book.

A wonderful invitation
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-07
Come and invite the energies of these goddesses into your life, and see what lessons they have to teach and share! Step into the legends of old, and envelop yourself in a unique experience. Feel the cold winter air against your skin in one meditation; feel the ancient sun warm your face in another. I was so sorry to see this book come to an end.

Michelle Skye has authored a lovely compilation of ancient myths centering around these major Celtic and Norse goddesses. Through Ms. Skye's painstaking research, you will learn the story of each goddess, but this is much, much more than a history book. You will explore each goddess through wonderful guided meditations, interesting activities, ritual, and invocation. You will also explore each goddess' relationship to a Sabbat or Esbat, and discover what meaning she holds for you.

At the beginning of the book is a helpful section called "Starting on Your Journey," which gives a solid foundation in grounding and centering, explains pathworking, and prepares you for the meditations. Ms. Skye has an easy, informal diction that brings alive each goddess and makes for a very uncomplicated, comfortable, and encouraging read. The wonderful illustrations by Kris Waldherr beautifully bring to life a face for each goddess.

I believe you will love the opportunity to learn made available through this book. I especially just loved the meditations on Aine, Hella, and Rhiannon. I especially just loved this whole book.

Publications
Goodnight, Mister Lenin: A Journey Through the End of the Soviet Empire
Published in Paperback by Trans-Atlantic Publications (1994-04)
Author: Tiziano Terzani
List price: $19.95

Average review score:

As Readable as Fortuneteller
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-12
Surprisingly, my library system got this book from Vancouver Public Library for me. I would suggest those who yearning for Lenin try your library system. The out-of-print copies may hide in libraries. I am on my way with the author from Siberia to Central Asia. The writing style is as similar as that of A Fortuneteller, and as enjoyable and as readable. I also got Tiziano's early book Giai Phong! The Fall and Liberation of Saigon (1976) from the library system.

What a Fortune Teller Told Me: Tales of the Far East
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-02-28
I have never read a book that I have been unable to put down, and upon finishing - picked up a pencil, flipped back to page 1 and started again, underlining as I went. I have read the book 4 times now. Terzani is a brilliant and extreemly knowlegable writer who has embraced his love for SE Asia and put it to words so brilliantly. For me, a young Italian traveller living in Bangkok - this book is unsurpassable for ANYBODY who has visited South East Asia and fallen in love with it's charming and heart-warming character (excluding Singapore - Of course!). PLEASE contact me anybody is able to get copies of China: Behind the Forbidden Door, or Goodnight Mr Lenin.

A Fortune Teller Told Me
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-19
Like one of the other people who wrote in, I too have not yet read Goodnight, Mister Lenin. I have just finished reading A Fortune Teller Told Me and it's been the first book in a long time where I wanted to read every single word rather than just scan through. Tiziano writes as if he is speaking, and this, together with his travels and constant search for answers which lead him on a colourful and fascinating journey, left me looking for more of his books. Mr Terzani you're a gem, thank you for sharing.

A great pair of eyes.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-02-24
I think it is great book because it gives you an open window on the facts. It is obvious that in some way T.T. gives his opinion about the facts, but you also got all the space to try and imagine yours. In some situations I disagreed with his way of interpreting things, and this is the wonderful thing. Trough his eyes I've developed a critical vision about certain situations that came in depht to my attention thanks to his book. I agree with the idea that taxi driver or political leaders are not a onest and complete mirror of the state of things (talking for some minutes with these categories of citizen it is obviously not the same that would be living in a local family for a few years, but when you now it...), but they still are a contact with the community and for this pieces of local colture wherein you can read something. I didn't feel that this book want to be the "truth" about Soviet Union disgregation, it is just a great reportage.

Extraordinary
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-19
Just wanted to chime in my two cents on "Fortune-Teller"--I've lived and travelled in Asia for the last 3 years, and Terzani's book is the only travel writing I've read that opened my eyes to ways of thinking outside the norm, the mundane, the Lonely Planet view of the world. Extremely worth seeking out.

Naturally, this leads me to wanting to read "Goodnight Mister Lenin", if it can be found. Anyone with a dogeared copy laying around, please let me know!

Publications
Hand Bookbinding: A Manual of Instruction
Published in Paperback by Dover Publications (1996-07-02)
Author: Aldren A. Watson
List price: $12.95
New price: $7.78
Used price: $7.63

Average review score:

best book for beginners
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-27
I have purchased 6 books and 2 cd sets to get started in hand binding. This book by far will get you going with simple, straight forward instruction.

Solid Source Of Information
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-25
Less "flashy" than some titles out there but extremely substantive. A comprehensive guide that explains and explores its subject matter from every angle.

Hand Bookbinding: A Manual of Instruction - from a third generation printer
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-26
Even for a 50+ year old, third generation publisher and printer, this publication enlightened even myself on the lost art of handmaking and restoring books. Very helpful for the novice, or for the collector of fine books - to be learned and unes as a reference.

Great book on bookbinding!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-19
This book doesn't have flashy pictures, but it teaches you how to bind your own books. The instructions are detailed, the process is well explained and it worked great for me.

I have also bought another book on bookbinding (or so I thought) - Book Arts: Beautiful Bindings for Handmade Books by Mary Kaye Seckler. This one is the exact opposite of the previous - flashy pictures, but absolutely useless.

Probably the Best Hand Bookbinding Book Out There
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-12
After reading this book I was able to complete my first ever sewn multiple signature hardbound book with little to no problems. Watson's numbered and illustrated instructions were simple and easy to follow and his techniques - especially on proper folding, measuring, squaring, mitering the corners and attaching bookcloth - proved very helpful. He even provides a section in the end of the book on how to make your own bindery tools, which is great because equipment such as sewing frames and press tubs can be quite expensive these days.

Watson assumes that you have already collated the signatures for your text block. This is important because there are some things you'll have to consider when assembling the text block in the first place (such as squaring off the fore edge for a finished look) But overall, this is a useful reference for serious home bookbinders.

I highly recommend it!

Publications
Hilary Page's Guide to Watercolor Paints
Published in Paperback by Watson-Guptill Publications (1996-12)
Author: Hilary Page
List price: $24.95
New price: $24.95
Used price: $24.92

Average review score:

Compares with M Wilcox book
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2004-02-06
Helpful, providing definitive information on the behavior of the paint, accurate color photos, and information in disagreement with Wilcox's book--i.e. the color Opera by Holbien as a "permanent" color. (Color rec. by E. John Robinson). Useful when picking between different manufacturers, especially with online shopping.

Review of Hilary Page's Guide to Watercolor Paints
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-13
I recently purchased Page's Guide and I'm delighted that I did. Firstly, the book came autographed and with several appended additions to information. Page's dedication to accuracy and clarity is impressive. Secondly, the book has a remarkable amount of information about all the brands of watercolor paint available in the U.S. relating to lightfastness, transparency, granularity, opacity, and so on, and the colors are actually shown in the book. Unlike other writers of watercolor paint guides, she uses all the colors in her book, which makes it sigificantly more interesting to review and read. Lastly, I take painting lessons from a nationally-known artist who has also published books relating to watercolor painting and color, and she recommends Page's book over others. I had already purchased Page's book, so I was thrilled to hear another expert give it praise.
I rate Page's Guide with four stars because I believe there is always more we can know about art, and Page may decide there's a more detailed edition she needs to publish, and also because actual publication printing inks are not as accurate in depicting colors as seeing the actual watercolor paint on watercolor paper. But for anyone contemplating purchasing Page's Guide, I highly recommend it.

AWESOME RESOURCE
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-24
I've read dozens of books on watercolor pigments. This is by FAR the best out there. Complete and unbiased information on all the leading manufactures pigments. This is the only book I keep on my studio desk with me at all times.

A Necessary Resource for the Watercolorist
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-19
"Hilary Page's Guide to Water Color Paints" is a necessary book for anyone doing watercolor. Her coverage is very through and she also has a web page for updating the information. She compares every well-known brand of artists' watercolors from Holbein to Winsor and Newton and her observations will save the artist, whether professional or rank amateur, both frustration and money. What's more, she tested every one herself! I liked the index, which first lists the company and under each company the colors sold. It makes it very easy to check up on the paints that interest you. Her short introduction on pigments and paints is also quite informative. If you work with watercolor you simply cannot afford to be without this book!

By the way my copy was given to me by my daughter for my birthday and was autographed by the author. The author had also neatly written a correction inside the book. This is a dedicated person and her work is much appreciated!

A must-have book for every serious painter
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-11
This was the first, and is still the definitive book on the chemistry of watercolor paints. Hilary Page is a fine watercolorist, but her main contribution to the industry has been her copious analysis of the characteristics of various manufacturers, brands, and qualities of watercolor paints. I became interested in the stability of paint in the early 80's while trying to find the most fade-proof pigments available for my own watercolor paintings. I did many of the same tests Hilary did, but no where near as complete. When her book came out much later, I purchased a copy and still use it today. My copy is marked up with notes that I refer to constantly. I feel this book should be on the shelf of any serious student of watermedia.

Publications
Hoodtown
Published in Paperback by From Parts Unknown Publications (2004-05)
Author: Christa Faust
List price: $16.95
New price: $15.55
Used price: $12.95
Collectible price: $35.00

Average review score:

Best Heroine Ever!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-06
Within the first few pages of this novel, I was hooked. Christa Faust's heroine was a REAL woman, not perfect but still highly sexual and interesting. What I liked best though was the dialogue. Faust's use of a new "slang" that was a mix of spanish and Japanese is genuis as the "slang" used in A Clockwork Orange. It made me feel even more transported into the rich fantasy world that is Hoodtown.

You can't go wrong with Hoodtown.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-11
Christa Faust really takes the time to set up this bizarre mix of lucha libre culture and crime noir. She really knows her stuff and stays true to the unspoken tenets of both. The story starts off slow, with hints of back story and well thought-out character development. We get pulled in as this dark mystery unfolds. The violence escalates; the questions lead to stark realizations; the plot twists and writhes like a snake on hot sand. The pay-off is classic. All the elements are here. The story is logical, believable, and captivating. Faust has created a world that could easily become a franchise. It's a quick read due to the way it hooks the reader. Once you start, you just don't want to put this book down. Don't just think about buying it, kid...just do it. You can't go wrong with Hoodtown.

My kind of town...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-27
Where has this novel been my whole life? It's got everything I like: Female Masked Wrestlers,Noir and stilletto sharp dialogue that gets you like a knife to the ribs. The cover by Rafael Navarro is really eye catching too. All in all I give Hoodtown five masks,two thumbs up and all my love too.

Not a lucha fanatic, but LOVED this book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-30
Let me preface this by saying that I really don't follow the lucha world. I've never seen a Santo film, and my only familiarity with wrestling is from my early adolescence, when Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka was king.
That said: this was an amazing novel. I didn't want it to end. You do not need to be a lucha fan to love this, so don't let that aspect turn you away. I highly recommend this (and Faust's novel Control Freak, which also blew me away, and also dealt with a world with which I am unfamiliar). Faust does an excellent job making you feel a kinship with these characters and this world.

BRAVO CHRISTA FAUST
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-02
I loved this book - every dark, well-turned, beautifully plotted word. Although its byline is "a Lucha-Noir Novel" you don't have to be a fan of Latin American pro wrestling to enjoy this pulp wonder. Hoodtown is a ghetto where "Hoods" (a society where everyone from birth to death wear the lucha libre hoods as their identity) try to live their everyday lives among gangsters, drugs, and crime, just minutes from Angel City where "Skins" live a life of order and plenty. The heart of this book is "X" a retired, 40ish, luchadora (lady wrestler) who is thrown into the investigation of the murders of Hoodtown prostitutes. The women are not only brutalized but their mascaras (masks) are stolen, a crime as heinous as the murders themselves. Although this novel is allegorical, the character of X is beautifully realistic from her frustration that her life isn't how she planned it, to her inability to commit to the passionate trumpet player who adores her. This book is dark, sensuous, and wicked at every turn, and I take my hood off to the very talented Christa Faust who is in a league all her own.

Publications
How To Protect Your Family in the Year 2000 Millennium Crisis
Published in Paperback by Papillon Publications Inc. (1999-03-31)
Author: CarolJoy Towle
List price: $6.95
Used price: $77.66

Average review score:

A Great Book, Just In Case They're Right
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-11-10
What a great book. It's purpose is to prepare you just in case there is a problem, not to tell you there will be a problem. Simple, clear information on what you can do to be prepared and remove any stress that you may have in regards to Y2K. It explains how easy it is to be prepared, demonstrating that there is no downside. It compels you to take some action, a step that will be beneficial to you and your family if something does go wrong on Jan 1, 2000.

Easy to read and understand - a must for all family homes!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-06
A last, a Y2K book for the family home, written by a family orientated person. This easy to read book is just what every family needs to prepare their home for the possibility that Y2K does deprive us of services we normally take for granted. Read the book, heed the book, be prepared, and have a Happy New Year!

Y2K-OK your family in 1999 for 2000!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-09-04
I found the common-sense solutions and suggestions to get ready for 2000 easy to read, understand, and implement. This "ounce of prevention" book is a "must read NOW" for anyone concerned with possible Y2K problems!

Your one stop reference to prepare for Y2K!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-08-12
This is a practical book that provides important information to prepare you and your family not only for Y2K but for ANY potential natural disaster! This is a must read so that you have the basic necessities on hand for you and your loved ones! Every home should have a copy!!!

A Mandatory Manual For Preparedness in Any Emergency
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-08-12
This brilliantly-written bible of preparedness is a must for every family. It is written with heart and love for her fellow man, wanting everyone to be ready for possible emergencies.

Raymond Aaron

Publications
Hunter
Published in Hardcover by Tideline Publications Promotions (1986-08)
Author: J.A. Hunter
List price:

Average review score:

A Bygone Age
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-30
I first read Hunter's book as a teenage boy and was transported by his stories of hunting dangerous game in the African bush. Hunter's influence was one of the reasons that I became a big game hunter, myself, hunting all over the world including much of Southern Africa and Ethiopia. Still, it is with regret that I couldn't see Africa in a more pristine age as did John Hunter.

It is pitiful that Kenya, the site of many of Hunter's adventures, subsequently banned big game hunting and the traditions of one of the greatest of all hunting nations have largely been lost. I keep hearing rumors that Kenya is "opening up", again. Let's hope so.

Ron Braithwaite author of novels--"Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God"--on the Conquest of Mexico

Hunter
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-27
This is the best book on African Dangerous Game Hunting that I have read to date. John Hunter (coincidence of name and profession) hunted in Africa (mostly Kenya) in the first half of the 20th century and with his 'cropping' activities for the Kenya Game Department shot staggering numbers of the 'big five'. His unassuming old world style is engaging and I found the book difficult to put down and was disappointed when I reached the end - I was left craving more. That he survived to write his books is testimony to his skill as a hunter.

An outstanding hunter
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-28
A great book, one of the best on African hunting I have ever read. Hunter is right up there with Pondoro Taylor as knowledgeable yet entertaining as well.

The best book on big game hunting in Africa
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-13
This book is a timeless classic and definitely, definitely worth reading. If you are a big game hunter (or an aspiring big game hunter), this book is an essential addition to your library. This is quite possibly the best hunting book ever written. Better than Hemingway's accounts, in my opinion.

Hunter by J.A. Hunter
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-08
I first read "Hunter" when I was in college more than 40 years ago, and I can still remember J.A. Hunter's sadness and lament when he described his feelings upon the loss of his dog. In that instance he said "that you grow too fond of a dog. I sometimes wonder whether the pleasure in owning a dog is worth the misery caused by his death." An excellent book that I would recommend to all readers, but especially teenagers and young adults.

Publications
If
Published in Mass Market Paperback by CLC Publications (1992-06)
Author: Amy Carmichael
List price: $5.99
New price: $2.08
Used price: $1.99

Average review score:

A "Must Read"
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-17
Amy Carmichael is as close to a 'saint' as non-catholics have!
Her writing in this tiny book, "If," is so convicting that one shouldn't read more than one thought a day, but if you claim to love the Lord Amy serves, you need to learn to think as she inspires us to do! After reading this, you'll want to read her biography, "A Chance to Die," by Elisabeth Elliot. (may be purchased through Amazon Marketplace)

IF..this has to be the most convicting book I've ever read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-25

Amy Carmichael was an exceptional individual and writer. At first, I found her writings hard to follow, but once you are familiar with her style, the reading flows much easier.

Of all her books, and I've read many, IF.. has to be the most convicting book I've ever read. If you can live up to the ideas and standards in this little book, you'll have had the help of the Lord. One cannot live up to this standard in themselves. A most convicting book, and one that will definitely change the way you think (and hopefully, act) after reading it.

A must read.

Big conviction in a small package
Helpful Votes: 23 out of 23 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-07
This is a hard hitting little book. I can not pick it up without saying, "Ouch." It is filled with "If - Then" statements, all ending in "Then I know nothing of Calvary love." It is a small book, and "if" is a small word, but it has a big impact. It is filled with wise and profound statements covering many areas of life. Every time I pick it up it shows me how little I know of Calvary love, and how much God has yet to change me. This is not a book to read once and then put down. It is one to open up at random on a daily basis. It isn't a book shelf book, but one to be kept by the bedside, coffeepot, kitchen table, or any where else that will remind you to pick it up again. It is a convicting reminder of how God loves each of us, and how He expects each of us to pass His love along.

One of the most influential book in my life
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-31
Dedicated on Spiritual works, service and inter-Christian relationship in-depth. Because of this book I have visited Dohnavur Fellowship in S. India once. Suprising that not so many Christians (besides the fews mainly in England) care about (or even know) their exsistance: In their guest book we are the 1st Chinese (and properly the 2nd Asians besides Indian) to visit them.

Other recommendation by "Amma" would be "Mountain Breezes: The Collected Poems of Amy Carmichael": a big collection!

Supporting Dohnavur Fellowship's work if we could!

The way of the cross
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-25
This book it worth reading just for the preface. Then the content itself is even better. Be careful, God might ask you to change!

Publications
Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan (Volume 2)
Published in Paperback by Dover Publications (1969-06-01)
Author: John L. Stephens
List price: $14.95
New price: $7.20
Used price: $1.00
Collectible price: $17.00

Average review score:

Good Read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-11
Havnt quite finished reading but this is an interesting journal of the events experienced, people encountered and travels of Mr. Stephens as he visits Central America.

timless classic
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2003-03-15
This is a Must read for anyone with even a passing interest in the mayan culture. Still easy to read even though it was written over 150 years ago! Imagine you are one of the first explores to adventure into the the jungles of the Yucatan and vist the ancient cities hidden in the jungle. I wish I had read this book before My trip to the Yucatan, would have made my trip that much more enjoyable! The Catherwood engravings are spectacular!

Thoroughly enjoying this book for the second time....
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-23
I realize that not everyone shares my taste in literature, but if you are an armchair adventurer (or a real adventurer) with a refined sense of humor, I guarantee you will thoroughly enjoy this book, as well as Volume II. Many evenings, after a grueling day in the office, John L. Stephens transported me to another place and time with his excellent gift for writing, eye for detail and sense of humor that frequently had me waking my poor spouse with irrepressible laughter. As an author, explorer and humorist with the subtlest of wits, I place Stephens in the ranks with Mark Twain, and that is the ultimate compliment. Enjoy.

A glimpse in Central American history
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-26
I think this book is fascinating for two types of people:
- Those who are interested in the history of Central America, who will see in Stephens a witness of time
- Those very familiar with Central America's geography (specially Guatemala's), who will enjoy reading Stephens' descriptions of many places that (in their majority) still exist

In 1839, at 34, John L. Stephens was appointed as "United States Minister" - a sort of US envoy - for Central America (which at the time was still one country). Stephens was a serial traveler: 5 years ago, he had visited Eastern Europe (Greece, Turkey, Russia and Poland) and the Middle East (Egypt and Syria), and had already published a couple of books about these trips.

Stephens decided to combine his diplomatic duty with his interest in searching for Mayan ruins in the region. By October, he embarked with his friend Frederick Catherwood (another extensive traveller) in a trip that would take them to what was (already) a politically convulsed region.

At the time, Central America was filled with political turmoil. The largest state of the country, Guatemala, had basically fallen in the hands of Rafael Carrera, a non-educated peasant. Carrera refused to recognize the authority of Francisco Morazán who, based in San Salvador, was at least in theory, the President of the Central American confederation. Rumours, political intrigues and suspicions abounded at the time.

And so, in this setting, Stephens got into a boat, and after a few days in Belize, travelled (by boat again) to the Caribbean shore of Guatemala. He entered the country through Rio Dulce and touched land in a small village in the shores of the Izabal Lake.

Starting there, Stephens made a trip, generally by mule's back, that took him to Zacapa, Chiquimula, Copan (in Honduras), Esquipulas, Guastatoya, Guatemala City (already established by then where it is now), Antigua Guatemala, Escuintla, Iztapa (in the Pacific shores) and Amatitlán. He later took a boat and went to El Salvador, and then to Costa Rica, where he disembarked and returned to Guatemala by land.

Apparently, Stephens was one of the first "adventure tourists" of modern times. He ascended many volcanoes and spent a considerable time in Copan, cleaning up the forrest that was still covering the ruins and helping his friend Catherwood to draw reproductions of the ruins (these drawings are included in the book). In addition, and as part of his diplomatic duties, he met some of the leading political figures of the time, like Carrera himself.

Stephens not only did all the above, but ended up writing a very nice and enjoyable book that describes very well what he saw and thought at the time.

In short, this book is a rare jewel that allows the reader to better imagine how was life and nature in Central America in the middle of the XIX century.

(Note: the review above is based on Volume I - a book that curiously did not exist in Amazon's inventory at the time of my reading in 2005. Being respectful of my own past review, I havent' changed it. The next paragraphs though, are 2007 additions in which I comment on Volume 2)

If the reader enjoyed Vol 1, she/he will surely find Vol 2 a satisfying read. Vol 2 starts in Nicaragua, and continues in El Salvador, where Mr Stephens continues in his search of a Central American government. I will not delve into the details of all of Mr Stephens' adventures. Suffice it to say that he gets to meet the recently defeated Francisco Morazán, meets Rafael Carrera (again), travels through the Guatemalan western highlands, gets to know the story of the Los Altos state, crosses the border to Mexico, visits Palenque and Uxmal, finally returning to the US.

Its particularly interesting to read Stephens' account of Carrera and his young government. The fact that Carrera was even known at the time as the King of the Indians is an interesting point to notice -any reader knowledgeable with Guatemala's history and societal dynamics could extrapolate this to many events of the past 50 years.

Also interesting is Stephens' rebuttal of previous accounts regarding the difficulty of visiting ruins like the ones in Palenque. The more widely known stories at the time created the impression that visiting the ruins was full of dangers. Always the practical and matter-of-factly adventurer, Stephens bluntly says that they are (were) untrue, and that the greatest hardships he and Mr Catherwood endured were due to the unstable revolutionary state of the countries.

If the reader is interested or has knowledge of archaeology, he/she must also know that Vol 2 has plenty detailed descriptions and diagrams prepared by Mr Catherwood (who in my opinion was a very gifted artist, being able to draw the intrincated details of many Mayan ruins).

I strongly recommend Vol 2 to anyone interested in Central American history, archaeology, the mayans, or true old-fashioned adventure travel.

ADVENTURE TRAVEL WRIGHTING AT ITS BEST!
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-07
This is a must read for any one with an interest in the ancient Mayan culture an ruin sites. the other reviewers have summed this book up great, but I just wanted to throw in my two cents.


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