Becker Books

Despite being a novice player and owning other excellent end game books, in this book there is much material that is not out of my intellectual reach. It feels like I will be learning from this book for decades to come!! The accuracy and clarity of the text with the numerous diagrams makes the book excellent to even the weaker players. Doubtless this book has even material useful to grandmasters. Enjoy reading it, I do.

This book starts with the basic concepts of King and Pawn against King, gives a thorough tour of the situations arising with progressively more pawns, and ends with general advice about finding plans in complicated situations. The whole exposition is given in clear, logical prose supported by valuable and well-diagrammed game analyses and exercises. The authors do not shirk giving clear explanations of the basics, while there is enough advanced material to give food for thought, I suspect, to much stronger players. In short I was delighted with this book, and strongly recommend it.

Ok, endgame books are mostly raw facts and calculation. Accuracy is more important than writing ability. If you purchased this book, there is no doubt what you expected to take from it.

When I found the first typo on the first page of chapter one I thought I made a bad purchase. I don't care about excuses...poor editing, hard to translate from German, or anything else.

As I continued to read I found the book to be better than I had expected. Once I got used to the codes and symbols, the book was very enjoyable. The exercises were outstanding. They hammered home the critical ideas without wasting your time on exercises that would never occur in an actual game. And yes the book was very accurate. I learned a few new ways to quickly evaluate complex positions. The order of the exercises was perfect. Each exercise built on the previous exercises as they flowed smoothly through the book. You can not spend too much time with a book like this.

After living and playing in Germany for the past two years I am amazed at the strength of German players and their passion for the game. They are absolutely crazy about chess. I find chess everywhere I go in this country. These two authors are a direct reflection of chess in Germany today. I will look for more of their books.

I'm a class C player interested in seriously improving my game. My first endgame book was by Yasser Seirawan, Winning Chess Endings. I didn't really get enough out of the book's section on pawn endings. Due to this I decided to purchase this boook and I was amazed at what I could learn and how quickly. I believe this is the easiest to understand book on any aspect of chess theory I have ever read.

To get the most out of this book I highly recommend playing through the positions against a strong chess engine (Fritz, for example). Evaluate the test positions in your head and if you get any incorrect play through the positions against the engine.

I rarely reach endgames in my play, but I'm sure that I am able to correctly evaluate if I should trade off into an ending or not when I am faced with the choice.

This is a rather difficult book for us, C-players, to follow. The positions have only two types of pieces, Kings and Pawns. In order to win, some Ps must reach the 6th or 7th to demonstrate to us that game is decided. The King- and Pawn-moves are single squares; therefore to achieve this goal the game must take many moves. This makes the variations of many (sometimes dozen of) moves deep. Unless we have the visual ability like the masters or grandmasters do, we need a chessboard or program to follow the moves incrementally. To study and understand these deep analyses, the authors recommend us, average players, to use chessboard and play them through. I think this is good for even masters and GMs. For us, amateurs, with 10 percent of its knowledge we could hold ground fairly against our opponents. I need at least one year or so to go through all the details the book provides.
I just caught three major mistakes that I wrongly believed all these years.
1) Two isolated P's separated by 1 file against a King are an automatic win. Wrong.
2) Two connected passed P's with the rear P blocked by enemy lone P is an automatic win. Wrong.
3) In pawn ending with two P's each, the outside passed P wins always. Wrong.
Above are three of many simple rules I often aim for when reaching the pure P endings.
Diagrams 8.01D, 4.07 and 3.12 from this book debunks my beliefs. What is missing with my simple rules? The King-position. In the pure pawn endings, the K-position is the single most important factor. The list on the Crash Course page is very helpful. There are about 40 different themes. So far I could recognize and understand 3 or 4 of them, but not 100% certainty, unless I have to carefully and quietly study the book.
This book is worth 5 stars. Hope I could use what it offers in real games. At C-class, our games are often over during the middle-games by blunders. The fewer pieces on our endgames are, the stronger (or more equal) are we. Good luck to all.

www.OurGreatestHour.mypodcast.com ("Unconditional Love with Harold W. Becker" Show! March 8, 2007)

The concept of unconditional love is relatively new in the human psyche. This book takes us from its source to its multidimentional manifestations in the world and our own conscious evolution. Harold Becker's candor and sincere understanding of BEing unconditional love is conveyed in an easy, unpretentious manner. Reading it, you know he knows and fully shares how we can all let go and be inspired by the simplicity of love, and ultimately learn to feel and express unconditional love in our lives. A repeat guest on "Our Greatest Hour" RADIO Show!, Harold W. Becker has a rare gift of introducing us to the reality of living love.

I have had the pure pleasure of this book coming into my 10 yr old son and my lives. I can only describe it as amazing grace in our times. The title: Unconditional Love: An Unlimited Way of Being reveals a powerful truth that clearly speaks to the essence in all of us. Harold opens with language that allows us to relate and find tangible ways to bring into our own lives.
Many people have the hidden question, "How can I love more?" "How can I get past this pain in my heart?" In this book, Harold offers a clear vision of how we can resolve these pains leading to an open heart and happiness for all.

Unconditional Love - An Unlimited Way of Being contains basic truth and wisdom. I've read other books by Harold Becker and have attended some of his workshops. He lives his message and reaches others with compassion and gentleness through his work and also through The Love Foundation, which he founded. I'm sure we'll see his name with the famous in giving us life changing ideas.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to experience peace, growth and positive change. To unconditionally love makes life become a joy and a blessing.
It has helped me in my life and especially in my work with others: I help with Spiritual Direction and healing.
I've ordered several copies to keep in my office at our church when people come to seek answers.
What a beautiful tool for healing! Thank you Harold, for you wisdom, your truth, your willingness to share your gifts with the rest of us through your writing and workshops.

M.Murphy, Reno NV

Love is a pretty amazing thing. Love can heal any wound. It has the power to dissolve fear and doubt so that our wildest dreams can come true. True love, that is unconditional love, ultimately can make loneliness obsolete.

Unconditional Love draws the reader into an entirely new world of thought. Our world seems so chaotic and our problems so complicated. Sometimes, there doesn't seem like there is much hope at all. Yet, if you really think about it, all of our problems, complications, and issues begin and end with one thing- love. Not romantic love or sexual love but universal love, love that connects us all at our base, unconditional love.

Think about it. If we really truly loved ourselves unconditionally would we continue to torture ourselves with a constant stream of dialogue about how much we lack (money, relationships, body form, etc)? Would we trade off our precious life force to work in a job we hate? Would we cut ourselves off from love and true happiness? I think not. Pick up a copy of Unconditional Love. Learn to love yourself, change your outlook on life, and discover your passion.

I just loved this book. Unconditional Love - An Unlimited Way of Being is a very thorough explanation of who we really are and just how we can access the very essence of who we are through unconditional love because that is exactly what we are. The author Harold W. Becker takes us along on the journey of his own self discovery and he lovingly shares insights that help awaken the truth in your heart. As I read this book I could feel Universal Energy or Unconditional Love flowing from his heart to mine. This is a book you will want to reference frequently I use it for a little pick me up when I need a hug. I am also on the path to self discovery and I have had some very similar experiences and it validated for me that it is a good thing to be totally responsible for your life. I used to feel it burdensome to be totally responsible for my life and all that that entails but Harold lovingly reminds me that being responsible means total freedom to choose again to try something totally different and get new results. I really feel like Mr. Becker understands the human experience as well as the human potential and is leading the way. The human experience is getting a huge upgrade and this author has his finger on the pulse. The human race is evolving into the human angel and Mr. Becker is leading the way. This book made me feel hopeful and full of excitement and anticipation for the things to come into my life through consciously creating what I want to experience in my life. This is not just another self help book. This book creates a pathway to experience a whole new world, a whole new way of seeing and interacting with the world. Thank you to Harold W. Becker for writing a loving, thoughtful, insightful and richly informative book on the human potential.

This was a required reading for a graduate humanities class. Carl Becker expertly researched the events leading up to the birth of the Declaration. Carl L. Becker's research on the philosophical influences on the Declaration of Independence is some of the best scholarship on the subject. Becker notes that a by product of the Enlightenment is that "In the eighteenth century as never before, `Nature' had stepped in between man and God; so that there was no longer any way to know God's will except by discovering the `laws' of nature." Not only are the force of the ideas, such as pleas to natural law important, but also how the words sounded to the ear would become equally important for the Declaration to move people to rebellion.

John Locke, Algernon Sidney, and Charles de Montesquieu helped form Jefferson's political and philosophical ideas towards government, public service, and leadership. The Declaration is replete with the Natural Law philosophy of John Locke (1632-1704). David Lundberg and Henry F. May conducted a study of the 92 existing library records from before the revolution, to determine which authors colonists were reading. Their research found that John Locke was by far the most read philosopher in their study. Becker postulated that Locke's ideas had made a significant impression on Jefferson, since he found that the general tenor and phraseology of the Declaration closely followed key sentences from Locke's Second Treatise of Government. Jefferson must have read Locke's work several times to be able to borrow so liberally from them, and to be able to mirror his language so accurately. To illustrate the point, the following is an example of Locke's writing showing just how closely some of the phrases match from his Second Treatise of Government, and the Declaration of Independence.

The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges
every one; and reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind who
will consult it that, being all equal and independent, no one ought
to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions; for men
being all workmanship of one omnipotent and infinitely wise Maker.

Jefferson's original draft reads.

We hold these truths to be sacred & undeniable; that all men are
created equal & independent; that from that equal creation they
derive in rights inherent & inalienable among which are the
preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness.

The "self evident truths" of the Natural Law philosophy espoused by Locke and enumerated in the Preamble of the Declaration, and found that both, essentially, declared that no person should be subordinated to another because of birth or class standing. In addition, people choose to leave the state of nature on their own free will and consent to be governed by a government of their choosing. Locke's specific concern is, "Men being, as has been said, by nature, all free, equal and independent, no one can be put out of his estate, and subjugated to the political power of another, without his own consent." Algernon Sidney (1623-1683), a contemporary of Locke's and a political theorist who Jefferson reads, writes in his book, Discourses Concerning Government, "That man is actually free; that he cannot justly be deprived of that liberty without cause, and that he doth not resign it, or any part of it, unless it be in consideration of a greater good." The Declaration's wording is, "that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." These "self evident truths," that government is by consent of the governed, is the beginning of a political reasoning that all British subjects on both sides of the Atlantic came to understand was their right after the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688 in Britain, which was the inspiration for Locke's political philosophy.
The other reason for Jefferson to turn to Locke's writings, is his well-known ideas among the colonists regarding the rights and duties of citizens to overthrow an existing government when it ceases to provide for the proper welfare of its citizens. Locke, near the end of his treatise writes:
But if a long train of abuses, prevarications, and artifices, all
tending the same way, make the design visible to the people,
and they cannot but feel what they lie under and see whither
they are going, it is not to be wondered that they should then
rouse themselves and endeavor to put the rule into such hands
which may secure to them the ends for which government was
at first erected.


Jefferson, in the second paragraph of the Preamble to the Declaration takes Locke's words and constructs them thusly:
But when a long train of abuses & usurpations, begun at a
distinguished period, & pursuing invariably the same object,
evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it
is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government &
to provide new guards for their future security.

To prove to the world that rebellion was finally justifiable within the framework of Natural Law, Jefferson included a list of twenty-seven "abuses and usurpations" by the king in the Declaration.
The list of abuses by King George III, are an integral part of the Declaration, which proves that the king has, "in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over the States." Becker wrote that the list not only delineates the continued abuses by the king against the colonists, but it also "comprises a list of American political commitments." The next few sentences are a few examples of the twenty-seven charges leveled against the king, and the political commitments that the delegates enacted during their tenure in the Continental Congress. The king was accused of impeding and disrupting the legislative process, and in some cases, dissolving them in the first six charges. These charges are especially important to the colonists, considering their penchant for legislative authority above any other branch of government. The eighth and ninth accusations charge the king with not protecting the judiciary from the interference by the executive branch of government. This idea of a separate judicial branch of government was an idea that was picked up from the French philosopher, Charles de Montesquieu (1689-1755), and would be incorporated in the U. S. Constitution. The king was accused of forcing the colonists to quarter British soldiers in their homes and with disbanding the local militias. Both of these acts were so egregious to the colonists, that they would not soon be forgotten, and a prohibition on quartering soldiers and supporting the militias would become a part of the U. S. Constitution. One can easily see that reading through the list of grievances reveals that it also reads like a bill of rights, which the Continental Congress is declaring to the patriots as values that it will protect. The Declaration also takes umbrage with the king for disregarding the years of legal pleas made to him by the colonists to prevent this long train of abuses from causing such drastic actions as breaking away from the mother country. Becker astutely notes that nowhere in the Declaration is the word Parliament mentioned. All of the grievances listed are blamed on the king, even though they refer to laws enacted by Parliament. This important omission proves that the colonists were never given representation in Parliament. They created their own legislatures in the colonies, since they believed it was the natural right of any group of British subjects under British law to do so. Therefore, on July 4, 1776, after adopting the Declaration unanimously, congress resolves that the title read "The unanimous declaration of the thirteen United States of America," and that every member of Congress sign it. Thus, this summary or compact of the eighteenth century American political mind and Enlightenment ideals burst into the world screaming for attention.

As a graduate student in philosophy and history, I heartily recommend this timeless classic to anyone who is interested in political philosophy, and history.

Carl L. Becker's book on the Declaration of Independence first appeared nearly eighty years ago, and yet it is still a valuable and stimulating study of its subject. It is dated now, for two large reasons:

First, Becker wrote before the revolution in studying the history of ideas, and thus unavoidably predates the close-focus examination of the controversy between Great Britain and her American colonies in the years from 1765 to 1776. Two recent books should be read alongside Becker's monograph -- Pauline Maier's AMERICAN SCRIPTURE: MAKING THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (New York: Knopf, 1997; Vintage paperback, 1998), and John Phillip Reid, CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, abridged ed. (Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1995).

Second, Becker focuses on Jefferson as *the* author of the Declaration, neglecting that he was actually the draftsman selected by the Continental Congress and his colleagues within the drafting committee. Thus, the Declaration -- no matter what Jefferson said about it in later life -- was not primarily a window into his own thinking about natural rights and democracy, but rather the final statement by Congress as to the reasons for breaking ties with Britain. To be sure, later generations have read it as an expression of Jefferson's mind -- rather than of "the American mind," as he put it. But, as Maier shows in AMERICAN SCRIPTURE, Jefferson's thinking was nowhere near as unique or advanced on these subjects as later hero-worshipping biographers have suggested.

In particular, as Maier has shown, the age-old dispute about whether Jefferson was or was not influenced by Locke is somewhat beside the point. Even so, Becker's fine book is indispensable for deciding whether we should read the Declaration through Lockean or Jeffersonian lenses, and whether we should regard it as a codification of American aspirations or as a hypocritical catalogue of principles we cannot live up to.

R. B. Bernstein, adjunct professor of law, New York Law School

I have read this book, off and on, several times. It never ceases to amaze me. I tend to be a controversialist and rely upon this book often to help those who seem convinced that the Founding Fathers were of a particular religious persuasion. While foundationally on a personal level this may be true, in general they bowed down to a higher power: Reason. Yet this was not new to them nor were their political theories. Their roots came from somewhere else and that somewhere else was from the European soil they had left.

Becker does an awesome job dissecting the Declaration and its influences primarily from Jefferson through Locke. The natural rights philosophy chapter is awesome. This book is over seventy five years old and its arguments have been revisited and even countered but the book is still foundationally necessary for anyone who seeks to study the Declaration of Independence. In terms of studying the Declaration, there is before Becker's book and there is after.

There are many revealing insights and oddities that appear when Becker displays the lines that have been cut from the original draft (e.g. notice there is no mention of slavery in the final version; the reasons for its excision are included in the book). These little tidbits opened my eyes a bit to the relatively benign history of this document that I had been taught. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing so have a little fun and check this book out.

In high school, kids spend time reviewing the Declaration of Independence and learning its meaning. This book goes well beyond that to inspect the thoughts and ideas that were prevalent in the late 18th century and how they influenced the document. Becker goes into great detail about natural rights theory according to John Locke and explores the ins and outs of its implications. This to me was the strongest and most enjoyable part of the book. He also explores the thoughts and ideas that were circulating Britain at the time.

Building on this foundation, he weaves a tale as to why certain things were worded as they were (like Britain being run as a ruthless tyrant), and why certain things were left out altogether (like slavery). He also closely examines the changes that took place in the drafts and attributes them to individuals who proofread Jefferson's draft. I really could have done without his granularity in this area.

In all, this was a fascinating read. For those of you who want to extend your knowledge beyond the simple presentation of the document you received in high school, I highly recommend buying this book!

This easy to read book disects the wording and phrases in all the various drafts of the declaration. It explores the origins of the ideas and phrasing used, and discusses why individual words or complete phrases were changed, added or removed as they were debated first in committee and later by the Continental Congress. This book is commonly cited by other authors. As an example, it serves both as a source for and wonderful companion to Bernard Bailyn's book "The Ideological Origins to the American Revolution"

I watch Dr. Becker's program "Your Health" on World Harvest TV, (on my computer as can't get it off air any more.)

This book is the compilation of his years as a holistic doctor as well as M.D. who used what he has put in his book to help others help themselves get well. (He himself used what he wrote to aid in his own overcoming cancer). I firmly believe we are not only what we eat and drink, but what we don't. This book will help you, like it did me, discover which is which.

I recommend it with my whole heart.

First of all, I appreciate the large print.
It's easy to read and INCREDIBLY informative.
I have watched Dr. Becker's show for years.
He is very intelligent, informative, and honest.
Great book for ANYONE who has health concerns
and is interested in reaching beyond conventional treatment!

I had borrowed this book, originaly from a friend, but when I discovered
how beneficial Dr. Becker's information was, for my health, I had to buy it for myself! It is solid, helpful information for anyone who wants to
turn their poor health around! I highly recommend it to anyone.
R. Ruddock
Waukesha, WI

This book should be on your 'To read' list if you are interested in living a healthy life!!! This book will help you take charge of health issues you may be facing or have faced. Your personal health is up to you more than you may want to think!! Great information not usually found else where..Especially from your typical MD!!

This addresses a number of typical problems that people have that we only get the symtoms treated. This helps you get to the root of the problems, in a natural way. You can get you body back into it's normal balance.

For far to long the Pre-Prohibition era gangsters have been ignored in favor of their rum running followers but thanks to Rose Keefe that has now changed. Most gangsterphiles know Jack Zelig as the guy who came after Kid Twist Zweifach and before Dopey Benny Fein but there is so much more to the story. Zelig was a complex man who had no asperations to be a gangleader but more or less had the task thrust upon him. Thanks to this book he will move from the background and take his rightful place amongst the gangsters of note. There is also a plethora of new info about the Jewish & Italian gangs from the early 20th Century as well as surprising new evidence regarding the Becker/Rosenthal affair. All of this insures that the Starker will be the benchmark for all future historic gangster biographies.

I was really excited about getting my copy of "The Starker" from Rose. I started the book immediately and it is a great book. I've learned more and more about Jewish gangsters in the last few years than I ever have before. It's been a wild ride sharing stories and pictures of my grandfather, Dopey Benny Fein with Rose and I cannot wait for her next book about Benny.
I had heard stories about Big Jack Zelig before, but this book tells the entire story of his short, but interesting life. This is a real page turner. Keep up the great work Rose!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Being the great-great nephew of Zelig, I obviously took an immense interest in this book. However, putting all personal emotional attachments aside, I can honestly say that Ms. Keefe's book is wonderful. It is written in a style that makes the story incredibly interesting, and puts the reader right there in the middle of turn-of-the-century New York. It is clear that she devoted her heart and soul into the telling of this story, and spent many, many hours on the research.

I thank Ms. Keefe for teaching me about some of the unknown past in my family's history, and for introducing the rest of the world to this incredible man. I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in true crime novels or history in general.

Jeff Perlowin
Aberdeen, NJ

Well-researched and well-written (as always), Rose puts out a great work on a long-forgotten gangster.

I have read Ms. Keefe's other books, on Moran and O'Bannion they are both very good. I have read The Starker twice now the first time I could not put it down. I have read many books on the Becker affair and the early New York gangsters, but the Starker is by far one of the best out there.


I learned more about Big Jack and his cohorts and family than I ever did reading any of the Nash books or other smaller works. The insight into his family life and his childhood was very interesting, this book is a must for anyone who reads about the early Jewish gangsters. It has plenty of photos for those that like to see what the guys really looked like. It tells of his marriage and his child, and how Big Jack was a hero to some of the down trodden, I am sure those that came after him looked to him as a role model for thier own exploits.

Ms. Keefe pays very good attention to detail bringing you back to the period, using the vernacular of the time gets you into the swing of things and sets the tone for the entire book, more than likely i will re-read again to see if I can pick anything I may have missed.


If you had any questions about Big jack she has answered most if not all of them here, don't hesitate buy it now it is well worth the read. I can hardly wait for her next book.

London, England, is known around the world for its historical sites and tourist attractions, as well as for its thriving metropolitan atmosphere. However, London is also notoriously known for its dark past. One may wonder how a place can change so much, especially since the Victorian Age. Yet the past and present still seem to co-exist.

For Jonathan Starling, London is a place that never ceases to interest him. Despite having lived in the capital for most of his life, the 14-year-old finds its atmosphere to be an escape from his troubled school and home life. Jonathan is often in trouble for truancy and lives with his father Alain, a quiet intellectual. They get along well, despite not having much of a relationship. When Alain isn't locked away in his study --- a place that Jonathan has never been allowed in --- he is often in the hospital, gradually recovering from what he refers to as a "darkening." As a result, Jonathan has become self-reliant over the years and tries to care for his father as much as possible. Their neighbor, Mrs. Elwood, provides them support, since Jonathan's mother disappeared years ago. Alain refuses to talk about her, much to Jonathan's frustration.

When Jonathan's father ends up in the hospital again, Jonathan can't help but feel unnerved by the other patients' behavior, even though he has visited the hospital's mental ward many times before. They're afraid, and the atmosphere couldn't be more ominous. Although Jonathan has a strange feeling that something isn't right, he shrugs it off. However, when an apparent burglar breaks into the Starlings' house that night, and deep scratches appear on the door of his father's study, Jonathan begins to think that there is something more here than meets the eye.

His suspicions are strengthened when, the next day upon entering his father's study, he discovers a never-before-seen photograph of his parents and a reference to a book called THE DARKEST DESCENT. Why would anyone want to break into his father's private study, and what secrets has his father been keeping from him?

Jonathan goes to the British Library to check out the rare book and finds a possible link to his father's "darkenings" --- a place called Darkside. Before he can make sense of this surprising discovery, he is befriended by a strange, charismatic woman with fluorescent hair and sweet-smelling perfume named Marianne. When Marianne and her two associates, Humble (a mute giant) and Skeet (a creepy, little bald man), attempt to kidnap him, Jonathan realizes that he must turn to his father for answers.

As Alain goes in and out of an apparent stupor, he acknowledges Darkside and manages to make reference to "Carnegie," who, a dismayed Mrs. Elwood explains, is an old friend of Alain living in Darkside and can protect Jonathan. Jonathan must find Carnegie, even as the danger becomes alarmingly too close for comfort.

When Jonathan manages to cross over to Darkside, it appears as though he has gone back in time, where factories filled the air with choking, black soot, and dangerous thieves could be around every corner. The boy tracks down Carnegie, but the introduction isn't exactly what he hoped for when he learns that the private detective is a werewolf --- and narrowly avoids becoming his next meal!

Jonathan learns from the "wereman" about the origins of Darkside --- an alternate version of London founded during the Victorian Age and currently ruled by the descendents of Jack the Ripper --- but he also discovers a potential clue to his past and that, while all the residents come from "bad blood," some are more dangerous than others. It seems as though everyone is after Jonathan, and he must keep his wits about him as he begins to uncover his father's secrets.

Debut novelist Tom Becker transports readers to the thrilling, often creepy (and at times grisly) Darkside in this first book of a new series that fans of horror, adventure and Victorian history will enjoy. Without a doubt, they will look forward to the release of its sequel, LIFEBLOOD.

--- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle

London, England, is known around the world for its historical sites and tourist attractions, as well as for its thriving metropolitan atmosphere. However, London is also notoriously known for its dark past. One may wonder how a place can change so much, especially since the Victorian Age. Yet the past and present still seem to co-exist.

For Jonathan Starling, London is a place that never ceases to interest him. Despite having lived in the capital for most of his life, the 14-year-old finds its atmosphere to be an escape from his troubled school and home life. Jonathan is often in trouble for truancy and lives with his father Alain, a quiet intellectual. They get along well, despite not having much of a relationship. When Alain isn't locked away in his study --- a place that Jonathan has never been allowed in --- he is often in the hospital, gradually recovering from what he refers to as a "darkening." As a result, Jonathan has become self-reliant over the years and tries to care for his father as much as possible. Their neighbor, Mrs. Elwood, provides them support, since Jonathan's mother disappeared years ago. Alain refuses to talk about her, much to Jonathan's frustration.

When Jonathan's father ends up in the hospital again, Jonathan can't help but feel unnerved by the other patients' behavior, even though he has visited the hospital's mental ward many times before. They're afraid, and the atmosphere couldn't be more ominous. Although Jonathan has a strange feeling that something isn't right, he shrugs it off. However, when an apparent burglar breaks into the Starlings' house that night, and deep scratches appear on the door of his father's study, Jonathan begins to think that there is something more here than meets the eye.

His suspicions are strengthened when, the next day upon entering his father's study, he discovers a never-before-seen photograph of his parents and a reference to a book called THE DARKEST DESCENT. Why would anyone want to break into his father's private study, and what secrets has his father been keeping from him?

Jonathan goes to the British Library to check out the rare book and finds a possible link to his father's "darkenings" --- a place called Darkside. Before he can make sense of this surprising discovery, he is befriended by a strange, charismatic woman with fluorescent hair and sweet-smelling perfume named Marianne. When Marianne and her two associates, Humble (a mute giant) and Skeet (a creepy, little bald man), attempt to kidnap him, Jonathan realizes that he must turn to his father for answers.

As Alain goes in and out of an apparent stupor, he acknowledges Darkside and manages to make reference to "Carnegie," who, a dismayed Mrs. Elwood explains, is an old friend of Alain living in Darkside and can protect Jonathan. Jonathan must find Carnegie, even as the danger becomes alarmingly too close for comfort.

When Jonathan manages to cross over to Darkside, it appears as though he has gone back in time, where factories filled the air with choking, black soot, and dangerous thieves could be around every corner. The boy tracks down Carnegie, but the introduction isn't exactly what he hoped for when he learns that the private detective is a werewolf --- and narrowly avoids becoming his next meal!

Jonathan learns from the "wereman" about the origins of Darkside --- an alternate version of London founded during the Victorian Age and currently ruled by the descendents of Jack the Ripper --- but he also discovers a potential clue to his past and that, while all the residents come from "bad blood," some are more dangerous than others. It seems as though everyone is after Jonathan, and he must keep his wits about him as he begins to uncover his father's secrets.

Debut novelist Tom Becker transports readers to the thrilling, often creepy (and at times grisly) Darkside in this first book of a new series that fans of horror, adventure and Victorian history will enjoy. Without a doubt, they will look forward to the release of its sequel, LIFEBLOOD.

--- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle

I LOVE this book. I stayed up half the night to finish it....the story is well written. It made me feel like I was in Darkside, running through the alleys with the "wereman" and the boys. I read a lot of Young Adult books so I can recommend books to the kids and teens who come to our Library (yes, I do work in a Library.)and I must say Tom Becker will be an author I will suggest. Especially to fans of the Twightlight series by Stephanie Meyer and The Great and terrible Beauty series by Libba Bray. The Darkside books are a little "darker" but in a great, exciting way. I ordered the other 2 in the series and cannot wait for them to arrive! Spinetingling fun!

I enjoyed this book very much. Reminded me of Cirque du Freak. From the first page I was hooked. It's very much a page turner. I love the twist of vampires and werewolves in it. The mystery to it is just right, it keeps you wanting more. Can't wait to read the next in the series.

Picture a windy dark night. The rain is hammering against the house. The lights are flickering from the wind pounding the power lines. The rest of the house is asleep. The clock slowly inches towards 2:00am.

Does that catch your attention? Well, I had to set the mood for how I found myself last night with the horrible weather and DARKSIDE in my hands. I had spent the better part of the day in bed with a migraine. So, finally feeling better, the rest of the family was asleep, and I was wide awake. And in more ways than one.

DARKSIDE had my pulse racing from page one, and with the weather conditions going on outside, I wasn't sure if I should keep reading or put the book down and wait until the sun came out the next day. But I was already wrapped up in the developing story of Jonathan Starling and his journey to Darkside.

Jonathan is fourteen, a loner, and can pretty much do as he pleases. His father is often hospitalized for what he calls "the darkening," leaving Jonathan to fend for himself. After his father's latest hospital admission, Jonathan and their neighbor, Mrs. Elwood, venture off to find Carnegie.

Jonathan has never heard of this Mr. Carnegie before, and Mrs. Elwood is evasive. Driving toward the Thames River, Mrs. Elwood's car is attacked. The passenger door is literally ripped off the side of the car. Mrs. Elwood tells Jonathan to run, and the heart-pounding adventure begins.

Jonathan has investigated his father's study (which he has usually found locked) and discovered references to this Darkside. His father has never mentioned it before, and Jonathan can only surmise it is the reason behind his dad's illness. Following hints he's uncovered, he is able to find his way to Darkside and to the well known Mr. Carnegie.

Darkside is the opposite of Lightside, or the world as we know it. Darkside is the meanest, vilest parts of London. Inhabited by the likes of weremen, vampires, and the progeny of Jack the Ripper, Jonathan is forced to survive if he has any hope of helping his dad recover from his latest hospital admission.

Mr. Becker has written a fast-paced, page-turning adventure. I am not usually a fan of the fantasy genre, but I was pulled into the action of the book from the first page. The story is a bit graphic in the descriptions of Darkside, so the younger reader should be warned. But the book was quite thrilling and the ending has been left open for more adventures featuring Jonathan and Carnegie.

Reviewed by: Jaglvr

If you are one of those Christmas cooks always looking for the definitive book on Christmas cookies, look no further. The Joy of Cooking : Christmas Cookies is the answer. You will not need another book. It is simple to read and use and has every special dropped, rolled, refrigerated cookie you will ever want to cook for Christmas. A real sleeper.... that all cook book collectors need to have.

I've used this cookie book when making holiday cookies for family and friends for the last several years, and the results have always been a huge hit. Too often Christmas cookies look great but taste terrible - not something to worry about with this book. I particularly recommend the Cranberry-Cherry Pinwheels. They are delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare. However, be forwarned that most of the recipes in this book are also found in the new Joy of Cooking. Joy is great and much more comprehensive. I'd recommend taking a look at it before buying this book.

This book has super recipes. I've tried most of them, and they all work great. The illustrations and pictures are very helpful. It's also good reading, as the quality of writing is very good.

I have used this book time and time again, and not only for Christmas. The recipes are accurate, easy and great. The color photos really show how the recipes should look and they will! I have made more that a dozen different types of cookies from this book and each one was good if not great. The only problem I have with this book is that the ingredients are written into the directions. This makes it a little more time consuming when you are trying to get your recipes ready before the actual assemble and baking process. A minor set back for a really great book.

As the designated Christmas cookie baker in my family, I was given this book about three years ago. It's a wonderful resource for new ideas and rediscovering old favorites. I heartily recommend the snickerdoodles and the orange ginger wafers.

I am not into cards or tarot at all, but I was struck by these cards! The illustrations are so simple, yet beautiful. The interpretation book is informative about Hawaiian culture (chants, mythology) and full of wisdom that you can integrate into your life. I highly recommend these!

Love the Mana Cards. They have an awesome story and always a deeper meaning!

The author of this captivating deck is an assistant professor of communications at the University of Hawai`i in Hilo who specializes in intercultural communication. Becker has spent many years connecting "with the natural and spiritual worlds of Hawai`i" according to the biography in the almost 200 page book that acompanies this deck of 44cards. It shows. The artwork on the cards defies description - it's wonderful and accurately portrays Hawaiian cultural concepts and values while maintaining a definite aura of mystery and intrigue.

The book is a virtual primer on the Hawaiian culture. Each card's description consists of three sections: a brief relevant chant, a thorough explanation of the cultural concepts that are pictured on the card in a teaching section and an interpretation section that explains the card's meaning in a layout. Becker also provides the reader with 8 different spreads to use for different purposes. Becker's book has several other important features. There are extensive endnotes that provide excellent resources for further exploration of the Hawaiian culture, and an addendum that describes all of the symbols on each card, including their Hawaiian names.

My only criticism of this deck for fortune-telling purposes is that some of the cards' interpretations are complex and difficult to connect to the image on the card. Again, this can interfere (initially) with intuitive use. But whether you actually use the deck for fortune telling or not, it's a "must have," and studying all of the information here will teach you a lot about Hawai`i. I did give them a try, and my first reading produced some pretty incredible results (chicken skin kine). This deck will take a lot of study for a non-Hawaiian to use effectively, but I think the effort will pay off.

Pacific Voyager Cards - Journey to Kanaka Makua - Rediscovering the Light of Island Wisdom, by Greg Scott, Self Published, Kea`au.

This deck is very different from the previous two. The cards are made of inexpensive patterned beige cardstock instead of slick, coated paper. And the printing is in monochrome brown ink. And the deck doesn't come with a book (which is a work is in progress, Greg tells me), but only with a large folded sheet (which wraps around the cards and protects them) with only two layouts and a brief explanation for each card. These aren't shortcomings; it's a great deck for fortune telling!

There is a simplicity and authenticity about this deck that is appealing. Each of the 48 cards encompasses a basic Hawaiian concept that is illustrated with a single Hawaiian word, a simple phrase in both English and Hawaiian and a simple graphic. One of its special attractions is that once you have read the information sheet on the cards, the interpretation of a reading is pretty intuitive and can be done without having to look up definitions. This is a real asset for using this deck for its intended purpose of guiding you towards becoming a Kanaka Makua, a "complete human being." This is a great deck to use to get started and for quick readings (but don't confuse "quick" with "simple")

I've been looking for a deck of tarot cards that I could really work with, these cards are wonderful. I would recommend them to anyone who is learning or a novice at tarot reading as well as experienced readers.

Hawaiian wisdom has the power to heal and mana is something that everyone has. It connects people with the ability to heal physically, emotionally, spiritually. These cards will not heal you, but they will inspire you, as you will see, the author was inspired when she created these cards. After handling these cards for several months, or however long it takes, they will become "yours." If you handle someone else's deck, you may find yourself choosing cards that pertain to issues surrounding that person, or your relationship with that person.

There is nothing threatening in these cards, there is no "death" card, or any cards marked, "the unknown." These cards give evidence of our intimate connection with the world and the freedom that is involved. For example, the Hawaiian word for waves is "nalu." The card for nalu gives the reader perspective through the analogy of experiencing a wave on an emotional/spiritual level. Sometimes we duck under the wave where the current is calm or sometimes we ride it out. The richness of the Hawaiian wisdom presented in these cards is derived from Hawaiian language, chants, beauty, and culture.

If you want a deeper understanding of the power and beauty of Hawaii, these cards will put you in touch with your mana.

This is the coolest book. I saw this and thought my dad would absolutely love this for Christmas. We exchanged gifts yesterday and it was the best - the look on his face and the fact that he knew a lot about this history and he remembered the actual patches for the jackets and the bumper stickers from when they first came out. This is the best present I got him this year and he was more than happy with this book.

An incredible book with the history of the sport of Nascar. Very worthwhile reading and a definite keepsake for years to come. Thank you for offering this book. KC Gordon

This book is great! It is full of great old photos and memoribilia.

I have purchased two of these books, one for a seven year old and another for an eleven year old and they love them. They are filled with so much information and they like looking at all the memorabilia from past years and how the cars have changed. I suggest every NASCAR fan no matter how young or old, purchase one of these books, it is well worth it.

The book has an amazing amount of historical information, and the collectables are incredible! You feel like you've stepped back in time to the memorable events that have made NASCAR what it is today. A must have for fans and racers alike.

This book is a must for anyone in sales. Actually, if you have any contact with anyone at anytime in your life, this book is worth reading. This book is a great reminder on good salesmanship for those who have been in sales for a while and a very good place to start for people new to the sales world. Hal Becker also explains how good sales techniques aren't just for sales people they are for everyone. This is a must read for anyone in sales, business or customer service.

Hal Becker's book is the number 1 book for those of you in sales. Persistance, knowledge and courage are the ingredients, and Hal takes the time to help you apply them. This little book is worth more than its' size will convey. IF YOU ARE IN SALES THIS BOOK WILL KEEP YOU IN THE GAME.

I met Hal on an airplane ... little did I know that the total stranger I struck up a conversation with was about to change everything I thought I knew about my career! He gave me a copy of his book - and even autographed it for me. I am buying 10 copies to give to my sales staff. It reinforces all of the most important aspects of selling, and it's funny too. If I could give it 10 stars, I would.

I received Hal�s book after listening to him speak at one of our company offsite meetings. I have only been in sales now 3 years and just from reading his book and listening to him speak I have learn 5 times what I learned in 3 years. Hal makes everything about selling seem so simple and easy that you want to smack yourself in the head. �Can�t be that simple, and if it is why didn�t I think of this�?
Once I started to read the book I couldn�t put it down, you will fly through this book in 2 hours and not even realize it. It easy to read, it�s fun, and more than that it�s just full of the simplest ways and steps to selling. I have applied some of what I learned from him and his book and they work, bottom line! If you are in any area of sales I highly suggest you read this book. In the 2 hours it will take for you to read it, your view on sales will change forever!

As a sales professional, I found this book very worthwhile. Becker breaks everything down to simple, easy to understand examples. His pride and professionalism shine through in each chapter. If you are going to read only one book about how to sell, make this the one