Attractions Books

A highly detailed account that is part of a published series from the Florida University System. It has terrific detail and the writing style is enjoyable. Chock full of photos! Gives a perspective on the park that tells the positive and negative impacts on Florida of these attractions. I liked that it also gives a perspective on development of other water attractions in Florida and the people. I never knew that Ricou Browning, who played the underwater role in "The Creature from the Black Lagoon," had so many other accomplishments and played a large role in the Florida springs attractions. I really enjoyed this book and I believe it is a real bargain for the price. Recently, I visited the park and if you get to Florida I can recommend Weeki Wachee Springs for a great fun-filled day!

I ordered this book by mistake thinking I put it on my wish list, and am sooo glad I got it!! It is a wonderful book not only about the mermaids of Weeki Wachee, but also a history of Florida and the Roadside shows. It brings one back to a simpler, more wonderful era. Very moving and nostalgic. Now I must make a trip to Weeki Wachee. Great book for mermaid lovers.

Book was recommended by a former Mermaid from Weeki Wachee - it's a great book, well done - wonderful pictures and history from the area.

I grew up in a small town just a few miles from the Springs in the 40's and 50's and Weeki Wachee was our old 'swimming hole' where the men of the town would go clean out the 'grass' every summer so we could all swim and play even tho the water was ice cold and we would shiver and shake but refuse to get out and warm up. I remember a lot of the things happening that are included in the book and knew some of the 'mermaids' since I went to school with them and our P.E. teacher was also a mermaid. I spent many summers trying to learn how to eat a banana and drink a grapette under water(I never did accomplish this). This book brings back lots of memories and I think anyone who can 'remember when' would enjoy it and also anyone wanting to see a slice of 'old Florida' would also enjoy this book. I took my grandchildren back to the Springs last summer where we saw the mermaid show twice and once again swam in the icy water. They tried to be mermaids for weeks after and were enchanted with the 'mermaid' idea just as I was back in my day.

Lu Vickers has captured the history and essence of a very special Florida attraction in this book. This book offers a glimpse into a fascinating place during a very interesting time in Florida's tourist history, where the unusual was the draw. It has obviously been written with great care and attention to detail, and is a beautiful homage to the legacy of Newt Perry's vision & creation. We are very lucky to still have this historical and unique attraction~ perhaps this book will help to further encourage locals and tourists alike to take a trip and visit this special Florida icon. Doing so will help to make the experience of watching such graceful and talented performers available for future generations.
~Marina~MeduSirena~

Review of It Was YOU All Along

I'm not fond of the title, because it doesn't make clear what the book is about. But it fits. It Was You All Along shows step-by-step how we create both the bad and the good in our lives. If you're still not sure about that, I dare you to read the book and try the suggestions. Your results may surprise you.

I've read a lot of self-help and self-actualization books. Spinell is no John Assaraf (The Answer: Grow Any Business, Achieve Financial Freedom, and Live an Extraordinary Life), but that may be the best part of this book. The Secret (The Secret), The Answer, and similar books discuss principles of success and principles of being the right kind of person. Spinell shows us through his personal experiences and his thoughts how he was before, how he changed, how he slipped up and how he changed again, on and on, progressively, real time. That's what's missing from many other success books.

It's precisely his meandering style and flashbacks to something he covered in full in a prior chapter that makes this book work. The testimony of a seemingly very ordinary guy with an ordinary marriage and divorce, layoff, unemployment, success in work only to lose another job--real experiences and real revelation, in the way it happens. I got to take baby steps with him as I read it, and that's what I found transformative.

Here are two things I learned:

You've heard of focusing on what you want. But how do you whip your mixed emotions into obeisance to that which you desire? What about that part of you that doesn't want it, or doesn't understand it, or just plain filters it out? How often do you find a misplaced object in a place you already looked and confirmed it wasn't there? Your "filters" didn't let you see it. And so it is with what you want in your life. It's right in front of you - part of the time - and you just don't see it. You're still whining about not having it.

Furthermore, your actions may not be on board with what you say you desire, or what you say you believe. (Sarah Palin's daughter said she believed in abstinence, but that isn't what got her pregnant!) Our actions demonstrate our beliefs. God helps us get what our actions indicate we prioritize, not what we say is important to us.

I took three pages of notes. I logged 25 principles new enough to me to write them down. As you probably suspected while reading other books on the topic of manifestation, the little things make all the difference. What nuances did those celebrities forget to reveal? Gary Spinell nails those nuances!

Read the other books, too, but don't stop until you've read this one.

"It Was You, All Along" is built on the premise that individually we have the power to make our life be whatever we want it to be and that our world is comprised, created and built by the energy of our thoughts, words and a actions. Gary Spinell writes openly of his journey from low self esteem and self confidence to a place where he created change and the life he desired by acquiring new beliefs and traits by learning to release positive energy.

The book is made up of two parts. Part I summarizes where we have been as a society: the result of our belief systems, the impact of the depression of the 1930s, the generation of baby boomers, women coming into the work force, and the new age of technology. Spinell discusses the impact of impatience, discrimination, the quick fix, the concept of suing, and the lack of assuming individual responsibility.

In part two Spinell introduces five universal laws and ten key steps that help the reader discover how to create the world of their desire; their own reality. The book is formatted with highlighted significant pointers and tips, short synopsis reviews, and a natural lead paragraph into the next chapter. All of these that help the reader quickly assimilate and retain Spinell's key points. He challenges the reader to approach their journey with a feeling of curiosity and expectation.

Gary draws heavily on personal examples of using the universal laws and the dynamic forces at work in the world to create his desired reality. I found his eight action steps to becoming a person of high esteem especially helpful. He tells his story in a candid yet positive approach that helps the reader identify, empathize, and emulate Gary's success principles. Spinell provides a formula for inner strength and personal growth.

"It Was You, All Along" is a powerful reminder of the importance of determination, perseverance, and faith. It is an easy to use guide for achieving success, happiness and abundance.

Gary recalls his journey to realize one of the most powerful statements that can change one's life: the power to create our reality. Down to earth, easy to read, filled with stories, tips and reflexion points, this book is a hidden gem. I made me think about my choices and what I have created for myself as a result of it. Gary expands into destiny, God, and the laws of attraction to find an explanation to the surprises we find in life. His refreshing and positive message is very inspiring.

Gary Spinell has managed to cover all of the details of a lot of the oldest generation living at this moment. I can see what he is trying to tell us, I can hear it and I also have experienced a lot of what he says. "Changing your belief-changes your experience." These are important words for us to understand and also words to share with our children, so they too can benefit from our experiences.

He has written a book using his personal experiences and shown that he too had to go through this process of changing his beliefs in order to get to his goals. His methods are clear and true and you will find that they resonate with the "Laws of Attraction" and a lot of other methodology that is currently in the news.

There is a lot of solid information here and as he recommends, don't jump from chapter to chapter without reading the first one first! He is involving "all" of us by also explaining to us, that we need to pay attention to our inner voice-our intuition.

Successful people follow what he has written daily and they can tell you that they too had to change their beliefs, in order to get to their ultimate outcome of a successful person, whether it is a a personal or business success.

Very interesting read. Covers similar ground and includes the Law of Attraction, which I firmly believe in.

Gary starts off a bit slow, with a lot of his life experiences to set the foundation. If you continue past this foundation then you get into very strong truths.

I actually got goosebumps when Gary describes how he was laid off, and then unemployed for 6 months, but he found a job once he changed his beliefs in himself. This personal example illustrates how valid and powerful his message is to all of us today. I have twice gotten hired mainly because I believed I was the best person for the job and the job was perfect for me.

Knowing that we create our own reality has no value, unless we are able to take actions that help us create the reality we desire. Gary details in Chapter 17 how we can work towards creating the reality we desire.

The multitude of personal examples in this book illustrates the points that Gary makes. I would like to have seem other examples as well though, and not just examples from a single perspective.

In summary, if you accept the sameness of the many personal examples then you will enjoy the book. It will generate food for thought and shed new light on things you thought "happen" to all of us. You will also learn tools to create your own reality, which is the most important reality for all of us.

If you want to change your actions and your income, then get Gary's book.

It is said that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. And so it was when I met Joe Donlan several years ago, as we chanced to sit next to one another on a flight from New Orleans to Atlanta. I was ready for his teaching! Before long our conversation drifted to his passion -- how to create a satisfying life utilizing the positive forces of the mind. Already on that path myself, Joe's message encouraged me to explore the field of positive thinking. Additionally, he invited me to become one of his "test readers."

"Ordaining Reality" is a book I've read several times in its initial stages, but have vastly enjoyed having the finished product in my hands. It requires time to read and digest, but it is worth every moment of time thus spent.

How many of us are rankled by the Doubting Thomases of this world who say, in response to matters of faith and the metaphysical, "Prove it to me and I'll believe it!" Joe Donlan's book does just that: he proves the existence of a universe that is both interactive and all-empowering.

There are many sections of "Ordaining Reality" that I have read and re-read. Thanks to Mr. Donlan, I have at least a basic understanding of the quantum world. Additionally, his history of man's search for knowledge about how things really work is fascinating. However, he also enlightens us that many ancient philosophers, as well as Eastern Mystics, have, for millennia, intuited the existence of this "cosmic soup" that surrounds us.

I smile when I read notices that researchers are narrowing their pursuit of the Akashic Records (as if they could be a "physical" find!). Mr. Donlan proves to us that the universe itself is the Akashic Record (although he does not call it such). The universe contains all that ever was, is, or will be, we are told in his grand book.

The message of Joe Donlan's work is very empowering. Although he does not discuss reincarnation or karmic cycles, his message of FOREVER is very comforting. In the metaphysical world, there is no linear sense of time. All exists simultaneously -- past, present, and future. And while many of us already sensed this, how delightful to have it proven to us!

Mr. Donlan's highly entertaining and very readable style is at its best as he enlightens us on his Harmonic Theory. Just the name itself sounds like something we should ALL read about. As I have praised "Ordaining Reality" to other readers, several have asked to borrow my copy. Just seeing the book on my office table reminds me that I, too, as other reviewers have stated, will re-read many sections lest I be tempted to slack off in my positive quest for a harmonic and positive life. And so I tell them to go get their own copy!

Thank you, Joe Donlan, for this wonderful book and all its knowledge and lessons. Please write another one soon.

Our actions are driven by our thoughts; it is therefore logical that our thoughts influence the actions of others. This book, unlike The Secret explains this link clearly. Although the science portions of the book may be more than some readers can tolerate, the author presents it in layers so that the uninitiated can pick and choose the parts they need. In converse, I found that The Secret confused this principle via the simplistic black and white world it paints and its unabashed advocacy of materialism and greed. I recognize that in the US, at least, materialism is the Holy Grail, and success in life is measured by the toys we have and the size of our portfolios. That is why people who are struggling financially are grist for this mill and led to the success of her book. While it is true that positive thought beget positive outcomes, The Secret suggests that people who are starving in parts of Indonesia and Africa are entirely responsible for their own circumstances. In contrast, Ordaining Reality fosters human compassion and empathy and makes the case that we are all in this world together, and one's own happiness and gain is brought about by helping others to gain. This book should be read by every member of our government so that they would understand nature and re-align their priorities.

This book, unlike any other that I've ever read, explains in clear terms how events and objects are connected through thoughts and how they either attract or repel each other. As its title states, it actually explains the science behind the power of positive thinking. I have a background in science, so I drank all of it in. Good stuff. However, I can see that readers with little or no background can read the first 100 pages or so 'all non-technical', jump to chapters Seven and Eight and then go to the last chapter and probably get just as much out of it in the end. Read what you can and then carefully follow Chapter Thirteen.

I just finished it. Very good writing style for complex topics as the author presents the complex portions in a layered form and uses italics to give supporting details that most readers will just skip.
This book is just loaded with information about who we are, why we're here, and where we're going (or at least where we could be going). It addresses subjects that I've been thinking about my whole life. I would pass it on, but I want to reread parts of it and really get my money's worth. The last chapter is something that I plan to read every few months to refresh my ability to concentrate on what I want from deep inside me.

I read many books, often several at the same time. I generally read non-fiction. This is the most informative and provocative book I've read in a long time. It gets into so many topics of interest and presents them in understandable language. There were parts I needed to read more than once to fully grasp them, but I think I followed everything, even the sections that the author said were optional. I'm wiser for my effort. The book reinforces a lot of the topics it presents and makes a lot of forward and backward references. That was very helpful.

This was obviously quite an effort to produce, and I think its title betrays its range of value. However, now that I am through with the last Chapter, I shall put it to the test of helping me to shape my future. I am confident that it will and I think others will gain this ability when they read this book.

I really enjoyed reading Erika's book. It was an easy and enjoyable read. I picked up some new ideas and tips towards building my business. I also was reminded of ways to market myself that I had forgotten about. Some notes/quotes I took from the book: "Stop looking so hard. Look easy. Be open.", "Who is served when you stay small?", "How can I be of service?", Smile before you pick up the phone. Thank you Erika for inspiring me right when I needed it!

I already use the LOA in my everyday life but had not been using it in my work environment. This book helped me get focused and stay that way. Now I am getting everything I ask for in my business relationships.
It's an AMAZING GIFT when you get just the nudge you need to realize your dreams.

A positive, feel-good book. The idea that prospecting when you're happy will make you more successful is not rocket science. But how many of us take the time to get in a good place before prospecting? This book is a great reminder of how important and easy it is to do just that. A very enjoyable read with wonderful pearls of wisdom.

Erica does a wonderful job of explaining in simple terms how to apply the Law of Attraction to your business. This is a must read for people looking for more abundance and happiness in their business!

Erica Nelson clearly has a thorough grasp of the Law of Attraction and all the nuances of putting it into effect in order to attract success and happiness! Her writing style is fun and kept me fascinated and wanting to know more with each page, and her ideas flow smoothly and are easy to understand, which is so important if you want to actually put new concepts and habits into your life! I'm a professional psychic, and I've been using and teaching the Law of Attraction for years - it's been around about 5,000 years at least - Buddha said "What we think, we become". I feel Erica is a wise teacher. I'm very impressed with this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who desires practical help toward happiness and success!

The principles defined and explained in this tape are practical and easily understood. Listening to this tape is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. If you're truly serious about finding balance and peace in your life, this is a FANTASTIC first step! BRAVO, Carole!

Carole's principles clearly outline hang ups many people have in search of happiness and other life desires. Explained also are the steps we need to take to get unstuck and make our hopes reality. ...A must hear!

I loved this audiotape and have listened to it several times. The interview style with two pleasant voices (Carole herself and a radio quality male voice) made it easy to listen to. The concepts are clear with excellent examples of each principle -- and explanations of how to achieve each one. This is truly a step by step guide that makes sense. The concepts helped me change my life! I heartily recommend it for anyone who wants much more satisfaction and joy in their lives.

The principles defined and explained in this tape are practical and easily understood. Listening to this tape is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. If you're truly serious about finding balance and peace in your life, this is a FANTASTIC first step! BRAVO, Carole!

Carole's principles clearly outline hang ups many people have in search of happiness and other life desires. Explained also are the steps we need to take to get unstuck and make our hopes reality. ...A must hear!

The Interstate Exit Authority was ordered on June 3 and it had not been received by the 27th of June. Correspondence with Woody's led to a refund quickly. However, within a couple of days I received the book, it had been mailed on the 4th of June, the USPS took three weeks to deliver! The book was in great shape but the packaging looked like it had been through a war. Woody's Books was repaid and all is well. I consider them a great Company and certainly would order from them again.

It's amazing that they have a book of this sort. If I'd have known earlier, I would've bought one every couple of years. I drive a lot and this is perfect.

Best book I have ever used while traveling in the U.S. You will know what services are available well in advance of signage. Has been extremely helpful when automotive mechanical emergencies occur, since you can look up the exits ahead to determine service availability

If you have traveled, will travel, or currently are traveling on any interstate highway, you need this book. No more guessing where gas, food, or lodging are located.

Stop guessing what's ahead when you'r traveling. Interstate Exit Authority takes the guess work out of traveling. It list all the rest areas and services available to the traveler in a clear and concise format. If you've ever traveled miles and miles to find a restaurant or motel to stop at you will love this guide. Driving has just moved into a new dimension.

This book was great! I found myself seriously laughing out loud, having people look at me weird. But it's understandable when you read something like this. Jane goes through some funny stuff. She has to deal with all the problems of high school. The evil witch who used to be your best friend, the case of the crush, and more. Poor Jane. She's got to deal with all that ... in a beaver suit. Really funny and romantic! At first, you might wish for a different ending. But once you think about it, everything ended perfectly. Loved this book.

Seventeen-year-old Jane Quincy is convinced that her life is nothing more than one huge Conspiracy. Unfortunately, that Conspiracy doesn't run in her favor. Instead, it chooses to play against her, plotting to keep her from experiencing any happiness or joy within the course of her lifetime. Thus far, romance has evaded her clutches like a kindergartner evades naptime. But Jane is finally putting her foot down. Now, during the summer between junior and senior years; her last chance to taste freedom before entrenching herself in schoolwork, and bracing herself for the long road of college that lies ahead, Jane has decided to switch it up a bit. After hearing the song "Summer of Love" by the B-52's, Jane - a big-believer in Radio Karma - decides that there's only one thing to do...become Bikini Jane. With the help of her best friends, Mel and Becca, Jane concocts an alter-ego known simply as Bikini Jane, who is flirty, fun, and totally hot. Now, whenever Jane finds herself tongue-tied, or nervous about...anything, she simply has to ask herself What Would Bikini Jane Do? Luckily, Jane has snagged the job of a lifetime at Magic Waters - Tragic Waters to the locals. For once, luck is shining a bright light upon her, giving Jane the opportunity to be one of the ultra-hot, boy-enticing mermaids in the Mermaid Show. Jane can't believe her luck. Usually only girls who are surgically enhanced land a job in the Mermaid Show, and since Jane is the complete opposite, she's thrilled. Sadly, her happiness is short-lived, when she learns that, if she wants to land a swimming scholarship to USC, she'll have to kiss her fins goodbye. Now Jane is left starstruck. Craving to be a mermaid, but forced to spend her afternoons dancing around Tragic Waters dressed as Eager Beaver. It doesn't sound terrible, but it certainly is. As Eager Beaver, Jane is forced to wear a heavy, furry, beaver costume all day long that makes it nearly impossible to breathe or to see. This was supposed to be Jane's summer of flirting with countless guys as she spent her days swimming circles in a glistening pool. But the only guy Jane is able to do much flirting with is Grayson, her new pal who has played Platypus Rex for the last three years. Grayson is a fun new acquaintance, whom Jane is quickly drawn to. As a friend, of course. But she's looking for something more - with someone else. Luckily, that something more appears in the form of seventeen-year-old Alex Walker. While working her second job as a swim instructor at the YMCA, Jane is introduced to Alex, a Washington-native staying with his father and hip-talking - and totally lame - stepmother. Alex is terrified of the water since a near-drowning experience he had when he was a kid, but is determined to conquer his fear. Jane is convinced that she can work her magic touch on Alex. But the more time she spends with him, the more she begins to see him as a potential boyfriend. Someone she would certainly enjoy spending a little more one-on-one time with. But to snag him, she'll have to reinvent herself, and embrace her confident side. After all, that's what Bikini Jane would do.

As odd as it sounds, I have always dreamed of spending a summer working as either Chip or Dale at Disneyland. To me, that sounds like a bizarre, off-beat, yet totally fun way to spend your summer vacation. So when I spotted the cover of Jamie Ponti's ANIMAL ATTRACTION, depicting a teenage girl wearing a furry beaver costume at an amusement park, I couldn't resist giving it a whirl. I am happy to say, it doesn't disappoint. Jane is an enchanting character, whose determination to not only pay off a debt to her parents, but snag a great guy all in one summer shows how dedicated she is to getting what she wants; while, at the same time, displaying her loyalty, and ability to be true to her word. Her thoughts regarding Radio Karma are quite humorous, and actually plant the Radio Karma bug in the reader's mind, making it seem like the perfect way to start the day. Jane's two closest friends - Mel and Becca - add a little diversity to the tale. Becca, a bombshell with a bee tattooed on her behind, is flirty and fun, and confident in everything she does; while Mel, on the other hand, brings intelligence and logic to the table, making them an ideal threesome. While it's great to see the three girls share fun times with one another, the one thing that can make you feel slightly uncomfortable is how downright nasty they can be when they get together. Some of the comments they make about their classmates - the uber-popular Crystal Gentry, in particular - along with random girls are just downright mean, and make you view the trio in a different light. However, the fact that Ponti makes their gossip-fests more of a side-story, makes it easier to tolerate. Alex is a handsome character, who seems like the charming, dashing prince. And, while he's a smooth character, I actually found myself partial to Grayson. Grayson seems like a fun person, much like a guy you'd want to know in real-life. The fact that he's not embarrassed by his position as Platypus Rex is a great trait, and actually makes him more endearing as the book goes on. It doesn't hurt much that he has a fabulous sense of humor, and knows what he wants in life. Ponti has made it easy to love each and every character; while her ability to describe life as a walking stuffed animal seems eerily accurate and knowledgeable, making you wonder whether she has ever held a position such as Jane or Grayson's. YA fans will certainly find themselves attracted to Ponti's debut.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

this book is perfect for girls my age. it is completely true to voice as well. i found myself saying "i would do that" many times throughout the book.

"Look at that," Mom says. "Janey's actually smiling at breakfast. That's unusual."
"That is unusual," Dad says. "Janey, why are you smiling?"
I roll my eyes. "Because I just love my Honeycombs."
Dad nods. "That must be her pet name for him-Honeycombs."

Okay so we know the story. Girl meets boy. Girl likes boy. Girl embarrasses herself to get boy. So when girl gets boy, why does this other boy so attractive?
I've been reading this book since I woke up this morning and I cant stop laughing. I love how Jane is just like me. She's not like the Gossip Girls who are all concerned with money and the best clothes. She just wants to have fun.

Wow there are no words to describe how much I loved this book. It was awesome. For one: I loved Jane (the main character). I hate the whiny, annoying, self-involved brats that seem to pop up in teen literature so much these days so Jane was a refreshing change. Jane was very real and yet very sweet and cute. I would love to have a friend like her.

The romance - or should I say romances? - was fun and really believable. I liked both guys Jane was attracted to and she didn't come off being wishy-washy. I recommened this book to all young women. Enjoy!

This is a wonderful book. It's simple, easy to read and fun. I highly recommend it to everyone. Stephanie Brannett

It made me want to grab a pencil and paper and do a number of the exercises!!!

In fact--I just did the "Give Your Cells A Pep Talk" exercise and it felt great! I am VERY excited about making friends with my body again--and the possibility of getting a lot of relief (if not an actual cure) from the chronic health problem that I suffer from!!

While reading this book-warmth and friendliness just jump off the page. Plus the book is very interesting--so much so that I had a hard time putting it down! It's also not a book that's going to confuse you--it's very clear.

It's like reading a letter from a dear friend. And I don't know too many books that I can say that about!!

I didn't want it to end!!!

I've done a good bit of reading lately on the Law-of-Attraction--and this is certainly the best book for beginners that I have ever read!!!

Actually even if you've been at this LOA thing for a while--this book could still be valuable to you--there were a number of exercises in it that I had never heard of before!

This is a must read if you are into the Law of Attraction. Melody Larson makes it easy to read and understand and the whole book was wonderfully written. I enjoyed reading this book and others will to. I give it.
A+++++

I'VE BEEN BLESSED WITH SEVERAL BOOKS, WRITINGS, ARTICLES AUDIO & VIDEO MATERIAL RELATED TO THE LAW OF ATTRACTION AND ABUNDANCE. This Book is a must have by all means.

Funny, easy to read, USEFUL, filled with deep insights.
If you're Looking for an 101 class on manifestation and abundance... THIS YOUR BOOK.

I'm looking forward on reading melody's next book.

Eduardo Meneses

What I love about this book is it hits the "real" button for people ready to truly attract what they desire. Even though it focuses on abundance, the overall message can be applied to anything in our lives. There are so many people right now talking about "how" the process of attraction works, but no one can talk you through it. The only way to move into mastery is to take the beginning and middle steps of true internal action.

With so many practical and simple exercises readers can apply to their own life, those that take the time to practice and develop the connection to manage their energy and focus will find all aspects of their life improving.

Yes, true creating doesn't require physical action, but all creating requires mental discipline and The Beginner's Guide To Abundance offers many opportunities to begin to develop the mental muscles that are required on the road to mastery.

This book will put you well on the road to true abundance which is so much more than just money!

Jill Bertelli
venusfactor.com

A girl in a bikini is like having a loaded pistol on your coffee table - There's nothing wrong with them, but it's hard to stop thinking about it. Garrison Keillor fans might recognize that quote, but it could easily have come from mouth-breathing Hooter Pridley, the books central character . Bender has been compared to Dave Barry but there is alot of 'Lake Wobegone' in his works as well. It's always a treat to discover a new writer, and this book will leave you smiling

There's a line between appreciating a tasteful picture of a swimsuit calendar model and driving across the country to meet her. "If Every Month Were June: A Comedic Quest for True Love" follows Hooter Pridley as he crosses than line. Smitten with Trixie Foxalot, he begins to drive to Los Angeles and meets an array of characters. Laugh at loud funny, "If Every Month Were June" is recommended for anyone looking for novel that will be too humorous to put down.

If you're getting a little bogged down with tomes of the Clancy and Koontz ilk, this is a wonderful, refreshing change of pace. At just over 200 pages, the story breezes along. Which is amazing with all the ground that's covered. The distance from the plains of Colorado to L.A. and back, in fact. Sex, booze, jazz, joints, shrinks, hookers, thieves, bums, con men, philosophers, hot cars and more.
Those familiar with Bender's columnar work (newspapers--not a phallic reference) know of his ability to combine humor and poignancy. What man hasn't--in reality or fantasy--hit the road in pursuit of that perfect woman? Hero Hooter Pridley lets us vicariously relive that experience, while we admire his resourcefulness, envy his hedonism, and laugh at what a doof he is. My vote for his best piece of philosophy?: "I don't need a road map to tell me where I've been".
You should put JUNE on your calendar.

Very Funny and light hearted. I'm a native of Sterling, Colorado, so I was curious about a book whose main character was from Sterling, Colorado. A good summer read.

Tony has written the great American novel.
The hero, Hooter is not only a gunslinger with ammo
but knows how to maintain that aura of mystery
so no woman can resist him. A must for summer reading.
Can NOT wait to see the movie.

With so many ancient manuscripts, some of which contradict, how can one really understand what God wants? "Make a Joyful Noise: Searching for a Spiritual Path in a Material World A Book of Hope" seeks to explain the will of God seeks to explain the spiritual laws to help readers come up with their own ideas about what God wants and to find their own happiness through these methods. A fresh message of spirituality, "Make a Joyful Noise" is definitely worth a read.

Reviewed by Sandie Kirkland for RebeccasReads (10/08)


Chariss Walker has written a book to give hope and help to individuals facing various life issues, through a Christian filter. She divides the book into three sections. The first section is titled Understanding Spiritual Laws. In this section, Ms. Walker tells her story and how she came to believe in these ideas. She talks about concepts such as how we come to understand truth, that we are led to those who can help when we are ready for such help. She discusses the power of words, and how having the right attitude can change the way a life unfolds.

The second section is titled The Spiritual Laws. Ms. Walker devotes a chapter to the following laws: The Law of Oneness, The Law of Vibration, The Law Of Attraction, The Law of Polarity, the Law Of Action, The Law of Rhythm, The Law of Cause and Effect, The Law of Asking and Receiving, The Law Of Increase, The Law of Compensation, The Law of Transmutation, The Law Of Relativity, The Law of Reciprocation and The Law of Forgiveness. Each law is interpreted through the filter of Christian concepts, and Bible verses are used throughout to illustrate the principals. Each chapter ends with various affirmations the reader can use when practicing the law.

The last section is titled Putting Spiritual Laws Into Practice. It covers topics such as prayer, meditation, thanksgiving, praise, affirmations, visualization, dreams, miracles, light of the world, and angels. The same format is used; each topic is explained with either a short parable or Bible verses or both. I found the indexing of angels into various groups very interesting. The book ends with recommended reading and a glossary of terms.

The audience for this book would be either a reader who is interested in the Christian faith, or one who is searching for answers to make sense of their life. Readers in those categories will find this book informative and helpful.

Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (8/08)

Are you one of those people who are thinking about living a more spiritual life but do not know how to go about it? Then this book is definitely for you. A person new to the spiritual path as well as a person already well into their journey would benefit from reading this book. The author knows the topic well as she has spent the last thirty years studying the subject.

The author, Chariss K. Walker, truly understands that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. God wants to give us what we want but it is our humanness that often precludes us from asking the right way for something or understanding God s response when it is given. The first section of the book lays the foundation of spirituality by exploring what spiritual laws really are.

The second section of the book delves into the different spiritual laws. These fourteen laws include the laws of oneness, vibration, attraction, action and very importantly the law of forgiveness. It is very important to read and understand all of the laws as they build upon each other.

The third section explores how to put the spiritual laws into practice. This can be done through prayer, meditation, thanksgiving and visualization to name just a few. A combination of these practices will also strengthen what you are looking to accomplish. Chapter Thirty was particularly valuable as it discusses how this information can be beneficial to you.

I really enjoyed every aspect of this book. The author's approach was easy to read and comprehend; it drew me in from the first page to the very end. The quotes and affirmations used were inspiring and relevant to the topic at hand. Make a Joyful Noise" by Chariss K. Walker is an excellent resource for anyone who is on the spiritual path or contemplating it.

Chariss Walker's new book, Make a Joyful Noise , is aptly described in the subtitle: Searching for a Spiritual Path in a Material World: A Book of Hope. Ms. Walker's goal is clearly to help individuals sail a straighter course through today's seas of spiritual confusion and improve their lives. While Make a Joyful Noise has a very strong Deist and Christian focus and relies heavily upon biblical wisdom and direction, Walker does make an effort to be as inclusive as possible within those parameters, and stresses at several points in the text the need to respect the faith of others. As it says on the jacket: "Chariss Walker uses liberal Biblical references to explain Spiritual Laws, their relevance in your life and how to put them into practical use without destroying your present convictions." She is also spiritually eclectic in her selection of fine quotes throughout the book, including for example, snippets of Zen Buddhist wisdom, and a quote from the Bhagavad-Gita.

Distilling the wisdom of the ages into an easy to understand self-help book on spiritual growth is an extraordinarily ambitious task, and that makes it interesting to see how she goes about it. And Ms. Walker does take an interesting approach, marshaling her personal beliefs to shape and buttress the text, but also striving to be inclusive and allow for some imaginative flexibility as she strives to create a book which will appeal to those whose faiths may differ subtly or substantially from her own.

She proceeds toward by this goal by identifying herself and her prospective readers as "seekers," and by laying out a series of Spiritual Laws which each seeker is invited to follow. These laws, each encompassing a mini-chapter, include the laws of Oneness, Vibration, Attraction, Polarity, Action, Rhythm, Cause and Effect, Asking and Receiving, Increase, Compensation, Transmutation, Relativity, Reciprocation, and Forgiveness. These laws, she believes, are anchored in science and natural law as well as God's will. The laws are supplemented with examples from real life and a large number of intriguing quotes. After describing the laws and the principles behind them, she provides seekers with a toolkit for moving forward. The tools include: Prayer, Meditation, Thanksgiving, Praise, Affirmations, Visualization, Dreams, Miracles, Light of The World, and Angels.

This book is worth reading just for the rich treasury of quotes it contains. In addition to many passages from the Bible, Ms. Walker cites diverse religious texts as well as a huge array of quotes from an amazing assortment of individuals, including: Aristotle, James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Albert Einstein, Muhammad Ali, Billy Graham and Pliny the Elder. Joyful Noise concludes with two appendices: one containing a glossary of terms and one containing a list of recommended reading. Finally a set of endnotes provides a profusion of web links for those who would like to pursue some of these topics on the internet.

Individuals, especially Christians, interested in seeking a clearer path to spiritual growth are sure to enjoy this thoughtful and serious book.

What an inspiration! Chariss Walker illustrates for us The Spiritual Laws and how we can put them into practice. Quotes of wisdom from biblical and other sources support her points and are supremely motivational! This is one book to read over and over again....