Adam Books

If you queer and your here and your geekier than your sheer, Buy this book. This is the first 12 issues of Allen Heinberg's Young Avengers and its done brilliantly. Buy this now, you wont regret it. And it has the best new faces and characters Marvel has to offer in a long LONG time.

The idea for Young Avengers alone could have been a complete disaster. Veteran television writer Allan Heinberg however injects so much imagination and innovation into Young Avengers though, that the final result is something that is surprisingly spectacular, and Heinberg's love of Marvel lore is apparent here as well. In the wake of Brian Michael Bendis' Avengers Disassembled arc, a mysterious team of young superhumans, dubbed the Young Avengers by the media, make their presence felt. There is Patriot, modeled after Captain America and wearing a uniform similar to Bucky's; Iron Lad, a traveler from the future who has united the group and harbors a huge secret; Wiccan, a magicly powered individual who appears to have abilities similar to Thor, but instead shares a surprising heritage with a former Avenger; and Hulkling, a shape-changing powerhouse whose own heritage is a shocker you won't see coming. This handsome hardcover collects all twelve issues of the series, as it begins with the Young Avengers facing off against, and eventually teaming up with, Captain America, Iron Man, and Jessica Jones; before taking on Kang the Conquerer, as well as losing a key member, only to gain two others, and the return of the Vision. The second storyarc deals with Hulkling's heritage, and the interstellar war that erupts because of it, culminating in a team-up with the Young Avengers and the New Avengers. The art throughout this hardcover collection features great work from Jim Cheung; whose efforts are undoubtedly the best to be found here. There's also work from Andrea DiVito, and special guest spots from Michael Gaydos, Jae Lee, Bill Sienkiewicz, and industry favorite and classic Avengers artist Neal Adams. All in all, this long overdue, complete hardcover collection of Young Avengers is an excellent addition to any Marvel fan's library, and if you missed out on the series and were wondering who those kids were running around in Civil War, this is an excellent pick up.

I just read Alan Heinberg's Young Avengers for, oh, I'd say the millionth time. I have to tell you it gets better and richer and with every reading.

The great thing about YA is how brilliantly Heinberg confounds your expectations as to what this book is going to be. When you first hear about the characters he introduces, they don't sound too promising. Hulkling? Iron Lad? A young Vision? It has the potential to be the worst kind of derivative drivel.

But Heinberg takes what could have been a purely commercial attempt to profit off these established names and creates characters that are truly fresh and unique. Yes, they all have ties to the existing Marvel Universe, but the true nature of those ties turns out to be very different than what you may have expected. In fact, the reveals continue well into the second volume of these stories, and they just get better and better.

The plotting and pacing of Young Avengers is fantastic - block out some time when you first pick it up, because you won't want to stop until you've read all 13 issues.

You'll also love the snappy dialogue - Heinberg's writing reminds me of some of the best episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The Young Avengers speak in a language that's frank, slangy, and often very funny - how can they be so clever even when fighting baddies? Their jokes are like Spider-Man's, only not lame.

Heinberg show tremendous courage in many of his choices here. One of the characters with the most potential, who is set up as one of the series' leads, comes to a surprisingly unfortunate end. Another turns out to be getting his powers from a different source than he or she claimed - and an illegal source, at that.

I also applaud Heinberg's decision to allow two of his male characters to fall in love. They discover their feelings in a way that seems natural, and without the usual angst that young gay characters are forced to suffer, especially in this age where MTV serves up as many queer images as Logo. No, these boys are more concerned with being grounded for using their powers than they are about being persecuted for being gay. Refreshing!

Plus, the boys' relationship sets up one of the best jokes I've ever read in a comic book - the offhand explanation as to why an openly gay superhero might not want to go with "Asguardian" as a codename.

I tend to read comics more for the story than for the art, but Jim Cheung leads a stellar collection of artists in a book that's a great feast for the eyes.

As an aside, my 7-year-old son was pretty Iron Man crazed, especially during all the hype for the new movie. But after I showed him Young Avengers (he's too young to read much of it, but he loves the pictures) he now proclaims himself "Iron Lad!"

I hope Heinberg keeps bringing us more adventures of this team - he has at least one reader who'd be only too happy to grow up with these as his favorite heroes.

Scott Sherman, author, First You Fall: A Kevin Connor Mystery

Brian Michael Bendis' "Avengers Disassembled" event was, all in all, a pretty poor story, apart from the unrelated conclusion to "Thor v.2" written by Michael Avon Oeming, which was utterly brilliant. However, it is fair to say that most of what spun out of it was incredibly valuable, the main exception being Bendis' own "New Avengers" series, which, while a sales hit, has never clicked with me; the AD reboot, however, gave us Ed Brubaker's Captain America, Warren Ellis and then Daniel and Charles Knauf's Iron Man, (belatedly) J. Michael Straczynski's Thor, and Allan Heinberg's Young Avengers, which has a seemingly awful title and premise, but utterly fantastic execution. If you are skeptical, give it a shot.

This first arc, titled "Sidekicks" (something of a misappelation in my opinion, since the characters are not sidekicks, unlike, say, the original Teen Titans), is just about the perfect origin arc for a superteam. Heinberg effortlessly weaves old continuity into his story in fascinating ways, carrying on from the fallout of AD better than Bendis ever did. The Young Avengers first appear in New York, consisting of four heroes whose appearances are modelled on Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and the Hulk; understandably alarmed, the real Captain America and Iron Man investigate, bringing along reporter and former superhero Jessica Jones (another Bendis creation); and two girls, Cassie Lang (daughter of the deceased Ant-Man II) and Kate Bishop (daughter of a rich family, and the only character without a connection to an existing hero) decide to look for the team, and insist on joining. Hanging over all this is the impending arrival of Kang the Conqueror, arguably the worst foe in the history of the Avengers (he physically conquered the world once, and blew up Washington, although that's rarely mentioned, since it's largely been ignored since). I won't get into much detail on the plot, but sufficed to say that by the story's end the team will have gone through the ringer, and come out both triumphant and sorrowful. Next comes a two-parter (drawn by guest artist Andrea DiVito) that continues the struggle between the Young Avengers and the adult New Avengers over their right to exist, and exposes a shocking secret at the root of one character's powers; after that, a sort of 'secret origins' special detailing the lives of the team before they became superheroes, with several artists; and, finally, a four-part (originally meant to be six) epic involving the Young and New Avengers, the Skrull and Kree Empires, and Hulkling's newly-revealed backstory.

Heinberg's writing is brilliant; witty, dramatic, poignant, and insightful; he takes basic character types and brings them to life. He is matched by Jim Cheung on art, whose beautiful work (albeit with a somewhat limited array of facial types) brings the characters and their world to vivid life. The only flaw on the part of each is how slow they are, but that's not a problem in trade (although it will be when you become addicted to the series, as I did, and are then confronted with the paucity of published adventures for this team). Guest artist DiVito is also high quality, although it is initially hard to see anyone but Cheung draw the team (and I'm not especially fond of DiVito's female faces, which have a sort of pinched quality). A panoply of other artists make small contributions to a special issue detailing the characters' origins, which generally work quite well.

The only flaw to be found is that, as of now, this is the end of the Young Avengers' adventures, and, when they return, it will be to a Marvel Universe that has changed heavily around them, affecting them in the process.

For those of us who are not in perfect shape, this book is like the answer to a prayer. It's the first book I've ever read that combines fashion tips with fitness tips. It was written by uber jeans model Paige Adams-Geller and fitness expert Ashley Borden. If you have too much junk in the trunk, Paige tells you how to dress to de-emphasize it, and Ashley helps you get rid of it. This really is a bible of tips. It covers fashion, nutrition and exercise, and all the tips are practical and sensible. I've read books that blithely say "Contact a well known local stylist," or "Find that perfect little Dior in a resale shop and accessorise it." Sadly, I live on planet earth where this is not possible. On the other hand, this book provides basic tips on small ways to alter your eating habits, easy to follow fitness and exercise tips, and some good ideas for dressing to emphasize your assets. It explains how to determine your body type and defines the styles that are best
for you ... and more important, how to find clothes that really fit. Regarding nutrition, I especially liked the tips that show how someone can stick to their food plan while on the road for business or holidays ... or if you are dating or married to Mr. Eats Everything and you have to share a table with pizza and pasta on a regular basis.

The fashion tips provided the biggest eye opener. It's amazing how, after reading the book, my sensibility about fit has improved. And it's true...clothes that fit well feel better and make you look better. Paige Adams-Geller is such a sensible woman for a fashionista, I almost forgive her for that model-perfect rear end. I've seen Ashley Borden on TV a couple of times, so I was familiar with her exercise routines. The book sticks to her basic principles of don't bite off more than you can chew when it comes to exercise. Keep it simple and do-able, and you'll stick with it. It's all about doing things in moderation so we don't walk away, and really, that's just good thinking.

And finally, the book does one other smart thing. It's divided into chapters by body part - so flat-chested among us don't have to read it from A to Z and suffer through tips about disguising an overabundant bust before reaching the section on derrieres. The book helped me understand more about my body shape. Instead of the old fashioned "Pear Shaped" or "Hour Glass" -- which nobody really is, the book uses gemstone cuts to define body types, with serious explanations and real measurements to guide where you fit in. I would recommend this book to anyone who is fed up with those super diet books and the recent crop of "Great Style In Five Minutes" type books that assume we are all size zeros, have secret swiss bank accounts, or magical resale shops where people drop off their worn-once couture. This is a good real-world book with real world solutions for real world women and their body/style issues. The book is worth the investment...I figure I save ten times that amount over and
over again every time I don't buy something that's not cut for my body type.

My mom got me this book for my birthday because I love fashion and even though I'd like to think that I already know a lot about style, this book had some great fashion tips that I never even thought of! So this is a great gift for both those who would like a little fashion help and for those who already know a lot (like me!). And even though I'm not that into fitness, I was really inspired by the fitness portion of the book because it seemed so easy. I've already tried some of the excersizes and so far so good! Great book overall!

I got this book from my aunt for christmas and the cool thing is - it kills 2 birds with 1 stone. you don't need to buy 2 books. And the authors talk simply and directly, I learned about a lot of fashion boo boos I was making because of the shape/size of my body. It helped me look at my closet differently.

I just wanted to suggest this read for anyone who struggles with all the conflicting diet/fitness information out there. Ashley breaks things down in the most simplistic and least intimidating manner. I've been following her lead ever since I read this book -- and the results and ease of her program are so encouraging. The pictures are fun...her program and the language in which she breaks things down are so simple....anyone can make it happen for themselves... Thank you Ashley for all the tips and guidance! I'm hoping you'll make an exercise video for all of your readers soon!

My 2 persian cats are my children so I could totally relate. This book would be a fun read for any cat lover, whether they have children or not. Also, I found the illustrations very enjoyable.

For those of us who choose to have kids with four legs and a tail, this is the perfect book. You'll never have a cat asking for piercings, never have to change diapers, they LOVE liver and litter training is a breeze. Sure, some people will never understand the bond between cats and humans but I know I'm their mama and they're my kids.

This book mirrors reality.
My wife and I have 3 short hair domestic cats, all adopted.They are our fur-children!
My Dad calls them his grandcats.Not having any children in our younger days, and unable to have them now, our cats are our 2 year old kids.
Watch your cats.
By far, this book is well written, and the graphics are excellent.If you have no cats, this book is not for you.
Also recommended is "I learnt everything for business from my cat". E-Ruff-moew-gruff or read this book, lady.

This is good for my wife to have written this book. It is very helpful in sermon preparation. The stories are brief, but filled with meaningful facts.

Lucy Adams has written a book I will long keep at my chairside. Each story devotion to me is like a pebble being tossed into crystal clear waters creating ripples of new understanding, life, appreciation for, and connection to the hymns I've grown up with. They are stories I can share with my children to enhance their worship experience. The human connection behind the words and music along with Mrs. Adam's personal accounts just may serve as a seed planted towards another great hymn. The reader is encouraged that all it takes is one thought, pen in hand, and the desire to grow in their journey of faith.

Lucy Neeley Adams writes in a refreshing style, leaving the reader inspired and ready to sing old hymns with renewed enthusiasm! 52 Hymn Story Devotions clearly conveys the various shades of meaning surrounding each song,while guiding the reader into a warm relationship with the hymn writer. I will never again sing a hymn in Church without thinking of Lucy Neeley Adams and desiring to know more about the song that I am singing.

This is the most insightful book on the topic of love that there is. After my divorce 10 years ago, I did what a lot of people do and read a lot of so-called "self-help" books. This is not a self-help book but it does provide a very down-to-earth discussion of what real love between two mature adults really is all about. Love is complex and one of the neat things about this book is that the author defines love in many different ways. The primary insight here is that ideally romantic love is not an obsession, not idealistic, and it involves re-defining oneself as a part of a couple. This is perhaps why so many people who are over 40 and are unattached find it hard to become part of a couple. But the book also holds out hope for love that is permanent and lasting and grows deeper with time.

About Love is a welcome burst of genius on the topic most in need and deserving of it. "Relationship" books are a category where sloppy reasoning abounds and where simple selfishness is often offered as a legitimate approach to meaningful intimacy. This book however, is a genuine masterpiece. More than any other writer on this topic, and more than most writers on any topic, Mr. Solomon enters the big issues and emerges with, in my opinion, the Truth. About Love is about, as it must be, people, history, intimacy, respect, loyalty and fulfillment. In short, it is about the things which matter most and the things which form the raw materials of romantic love and meaningful relationships. This is not a book which can be properly digested in one pass. Rather, it offers the more intense satisfaction of new and interesting insights from repeated readings. It is best digested a little at a time and held up as a lens through which to view one's personal landscape. A degree of dedication is required (just like love itself) as early portions of the book review the history of romantic love in a rather scholastic and philosophical light. Little by little however, the insights build upon each other and become more personal, leading to compelling insights and philosophies on all the big issues of love including love at first sight, romantic tension, loyalty, and making love last. Sprinkled throughout is also a series of inspired quotations: Lauren Bacall's observation on the importance of fidelity is worth the price of admission in itself. In the years since I was fortunate enought to stumble upon this book, I have not read or heard reasoning on the topic of romantic love or human relations which equals that found in its pages. Overall, it is the finest book I have ever read, and for the motivated reader, I highly recommend it.

I don't understand why this book never got "big". It is so comprehensive, with all its references to history and cultures and even mythology, and so balanced and insightful. I read this book over ten years ago and just recently pulled it out to reread the many parts I had highlighted. That's a rare thing. I wish more people knew about it. For anyone who is fascinated in analyzing and thinking about what love is, it's a very important piece of work that really makes you think and see things differently. Though the author is not offering his insights as facts, just the fact that they are offered opens up new doors from which to view love in your life and in general. One of my favorite works of non-fiction.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a definite must for all expectant mothers, especially first timers, and anyone anticipating pregnancy. I also think it would be great for Dads as well. I found this book to be thorough, detailed and very easy to read and understand. It is an excellent source of reference for valuable information and answers any and all questions that I may have had. I couldn't think of a thing that wasn't covered in this book. Knowledge is necessary, beneficial and very comforting. To have a book that is this informative and enlightening at this most important time of our lives is truly strengthening. This book addresses all aspects of pregnancy in a user friendly, fun and lighthearted way. I highly recommend this book!

I wish I'd had a book like this around when I was an expectant parent. I'd have read it cover to cover, many times over (which I did, anyway, even though my youngest is now a teenager). That is simply how good this book is.

What makes it a standout:

1. It has sections on EVERY stage of pregnancy, from the very first days to the final trimester. As soon as that pregnancy test comes back positive, an expectant parent could use the detailed list in the first chapters to find the right doctor and hospital, as well as learn what separates one hospital from another. This helps maximize the chances of a good fit in all areas - parent, doctor and hospital.

2. There are case studies based on actual patients along with lively comments from the co-author, herself a mother of five. The combined medical and parental perspectives are a delight to read.

3. The book was co-authored by both a doctor and a parent. One author is a doctor who has delivered over a thousand babies, the other a publisher who is the mother of five children herself. As a result, there is plenty of medical detail combined with down to earth questions and answers, information that anyone can read and understand.

4. First-time parents will be prepared for the physcial and emotional changes that occur in each trimester of pregnancy, from morning sickness to mood swings . Reading this section made me realize yet again how much I could have benefited from this book (and how I could have saved my obstetrician from many a panicky phone call). There is much reassurance here for the first time expectant parent - and even experienced expectant parents may learn something new (I certainly did).

5. All the practical matters are covered, from finding great maternity clothes to dealing with work.

6. Finally, the glossary at the back of the book will keep you from shaking your head and muttering, "Uh-huh..." with a glassy stare when your doc starts throwing around medical terms like 'Rhogham' or 'Pfannestiel skin incision'.

In short, you can't do better than this one. Highly recommended!

There are many great milestones in a woman's life which are easily and happily expected and accepted. The memorable firsts may include first day of school, first dance, first date, first prom, first love and first pregnancy. Most of these rites of passage are joyful events but some are fraught with fear or dread.
Dr. John Q. Adams' Absolute Beginner's Guide to Pregnancy is written specifically to allay the fears of a woman's first pregnancy. Dr. Adams is a Board Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist who has provided many years of women's health care. His book is a clear, concise, well written work which deals with all aspects of pregnancy and early motherhood. It is easy to read and deals with a plethora of information which is easily understood by the lay reader. All aspects of pregnancy and delivery are clearly explained. The chapters explaining prepregnancy preparation, hospital and caregiver selection are especially informative. Each of the three trimesters of pregnancy specifically provides information on maternal changes and development of the baby. Concerns such as exercise, circumcision, work, breast or bottle feeding anesthesia during labor are presented in a crisp and unbiased fashion. I especially appreciated the labor, delivery and cesarean section chapters
This book is a must for any woman who is pregnant and especially if it is her first time.
I am certain that this tome will become a classic of pregnancy, labor, delivery, newborn baby and after delivery information.

Mr. Powell another of our past heros, not be forgotten. Read about the horrible treatment he received from the US congressmen in his day and his fight for his people.

Mr. Powell another of our past heros, not be forgotten. Read about the horrible treatment he received from the US congressmen in his day and his fight for his people.

Adam Clayton Powell Jr's autobiography is an extremely interesting read. However, for its true historical significance, it should be read in connection with one of the two biography's that came about about Powell in the early 1990's - KING OF THE CATS by Wil Haygood and/or the Political Biography by Charles V. Hamilton.

Powell's life story is amazing. Unfortunately, his contributions to the cause of civil rights has been loss in the media coverage that he brought upon himself, particularly his explusion from Congress. There are those who are quick to say that Powell's problems were a result of racial discrimination. Sure, there was some of that, but Powell brought a great deal upon himself. His flamboyant life style, his absences from congress, his lavish spending at tax papers expense all did serious damage to his image. Probably the most damaging was his refusal to deal with a law suit brought by one of his constituants who he referred to as a "bag lady" while appearing on a TV talk show. The TV station settled with the woman for $1700 and it went away. However, Powell stonewalled the case for years until he was ultimately charged with criminal contempt of court. The case had gone through dozens of court hearings, several trials and numerous judges. There were even offers from supporters to pay the woman and get rid of the case. But Powell refused. It got so bad that he could only go to his district on sunday. Otherwise, he would have been arrested. He admits that his handling of the case was a major mistake.

In an era when JFK's romantic engagments were kept secret and before the Gary Hart affairs, Powell was able to get away with a life style that was literally filled with wine, women and song. Even his position as a Baptist minister did not limit his life style, his affairs or his three marriages. He was a creature of the time in which he lived.

ADAM BY ADAM was written near the end of Powell's life. In reading Haygood's account of his final days, you see a man trying to hold on to the past. He is alone and sick and abandoned by his former friends. As a result, Powell's accounts of his many friends and relationships rang very hollow to me. His finances were shot, he had no place to go. He was very much alone.

Powell made significant contributions to American life and should not be forgotten. However, in reviewing his life, one wonders if following the old advise - you got to know when to fold and know when to hold - may have been wise. When Martin Luther King and other civil rights leaders meet with LBJ, Powell was excluded. He had become damaged goods. At the March on Washington in 1963 he was not allowed to speak. For a man with his ego, it must have been terrible.

However, politicans create their own image. Powell was a loner who never listened to anyone. He had no close advisors. In many respects his life had a sad ending. But still his contribution to African American history should not be forgotten

The author's impressively poetic style of writing and choice of language graphically illustrate not only the character's undulating mental stability, but his struggle to understand the world around him and his place in it. This not only allows the reader to view the world through Cygnus's skewed perception, but is also highly a highly relatable story for those who have struggled with whom they are. Also notable is Marchi's poignant depiction of society and the personalities of which it is comprised. A compelling read.

This an interesting book that definitely employs the noir style of fictional wrting. The story goes deep into the thought process of the main character who battles both conscious and unconscious nightmares while seemingly progressing into bouts with apparent mental illness. The deteriorating mental condition of the main character reminded me a little bit of PK Dick's Valis, although this is not a Sci-fi book. The writing is surprisingly mature for a first book and I didn't really notice the "rookie mistakes" in most other first books by new authors. Most interesting is probably the dialogue between characters that features some interesting and enlightening conversation. The character devlopment is well done. As the story progresses the book explores themes of higher consciousness and altered perception, though not through the aid of any psychedelic drugs but rather through the main character's shaky mental bearing (and too much hard drinking), and along the way it manages to take a few shots at organized thought processes, mainstream religion, the disposable corporate world we live in.
This book is short and sweet and I would recommend it to those who enjoy the dark humor and minimalist style of books like Fight Club.

Jason Marchi's breakout novel. An entertaining fiction that veers into a thought provoking banter that sneaks up like a suckerpunch. The book starts out with an amazingly unfolding plot. Marchi's writing flows very well and pages turn almost on their own. I won't "give it away", but the book takes a real interesting turn and leaves you reeling. A great read!

It has been almost 60 years since anyone has taken upon themselves to write a new Bible Commentary series. M. E. Rosson has stood upon the foundation that the Bible is God's word and can and should be interpreted literally. There will be more books in this series and I encourage you to buy them all as they will become prized possesions that you will refer to again and again.

Tom Shepherd, Lexington, KY

M.E. Rosson has taken on a task that few would or could do
and that is to write commentaries on the books of the Bible.
After having read Sandals in the Dust and Abraham and the
Middle East I knew I would like whatever Mark set out to do
with his profound yet so easily understood way of writing.
When I received the opportunity to read his latest work I
jumped at the opportunity to do so and I have not been
disappointed. Having now read Genesis and Exodus I am now
reading Leviticus.

Genesis and Exodus were so easily understood that I believe
any young person could take their Bible and follow along with
Mark's commentary and easily understand the true meaning of
what God is conveying to us through His written word from the
expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden to the
Israelites wandering in the desert for forty years making mistake
after mistake in not trusting or having enough faith to get past
their own understanding to believe God and Moses.

The story of the literal manna or bread falling from Heaven
is made so clear that finally even I understood it's
great meaning and how they were to pick it up in the morning
for five days to do them only through that day then on the sixth
they were to pick up enough to do them on the seventh. If they
tried to hoard the manna up for more than one day on other
days it spoiled and could not be eaten. The God of Heaven was
and still is in control. Explaining that God took his own finger
and wrote for Moses the ten commandments would have to
make one's spirit soar in awesome wonderment of the God of
Abraham, Isaac, Noah and Moses and to know that the same
God in their day is still the same today.

These books will be keepsakes and heirlooms for future
generations if you choose to obtain them and should be a must for
every household who wants to understand the great books of
the Bible even better.

reviewed by Mary Ellen Goble Preece author of The Truth is in the Light


see her other books at Life in Appalachia: [...]

Have ever read the Book of Genesis and failed to understand the science of creation or wondered if there were Dinosaurs on the Ark with Noah? Then this is the book for you. All the facts are explained in such a way that a child can read and understand the Book of Genesis. A must read for every Christian who wants to defend their faith!

Wow this book is good and fast. I read it in one night. I like how its like an online rpg, only its for real. Anybody who plays video games should read it.

if you like video games you will like this book. THe gmae is like a roleplaying game, and the characters get trapped in it. They need to complete the quest to get out. It's funny.

Joe and Katie find themselves in a strange store at the mall, and jump at the chance to buy their favorite computer card game - which turns out to be all too real. Transported into a world of dragons where the goal is to locate a five-piece amulet, the two travel a dangerous world in their leisure time, struggle with the questions of parents and friends when not at play - and wonder what will happen if they fail. The Amulet Of Komondor is a riveting story of a computer game gone awry.