Bennett Books

This is a really expensive paperback, but it should have an honored place in your home, next to your dictionary, your atlas, your Roget's Thesaurus and your Holy Bible, Koran or any other book that is important to you.

Its opening chapter, "A Universe of Life," is awe-inspiring, summoning up as it does the almost-endless, vast reaches of known creation and inviting us to consider how MUCH there is out there that might be home to any form of life --from the submicroscopic to beings, well, something like us (although not much of the book is given over to the latter possibillity).

It tackles the place of religion, too, in all of this -- including Creationism and its offshoots -- and gives you some pretty good reasons for setting aside your feelings and just going along for the scientific ride in this 346-page stunner (plus appendixes).

The artwork is superb. Worth the price of admission by itself.

So, drag out the old credit card and put yourself even deeper into literary debt, because you will return to this book again and again over the years.

This book seems to have two goals. One is to teach the reader something about astrobiology. The other is to be a text for a science course for college undergraduates (in most cases, underclassmen majoring in something other than science).

The book begins by discussing how stars and planets are formed. And then comes a major point: biology may be common in the universe given evidence that organic molecules form fairly easily, life appears to have originated early in the Earth's history, and there's evidence that Earth life can survive under a wide range of conditions. Next, there's a section on the nature of science and the scientific method. And then some material on the definition and nature of life. From there we go to the Earth's geological record. And there's a useful discussion of greenhouse gases, possible high surface temperatures on Earth when life first developed, and a possible "Snowball Earth" much later.

Now comes a key chapter: how did life get started? And when. The text shows that it was not all that long after the Earth emerged from forming and being heavily bombarded. And that hyperthermophiles may well have been the common ancestor of life on Earth today. The book speculates that the process was: synthesis of organic precursor molecules, development of replicators (RNA), development of protocells (enclosing membranes), primitive cells (the RNA world), and then DNA-based cells. It also addresses the question of whether life could have migrated to Earth from Mars or elsewhere. There's a discussion of the rise of oxygen in the atmosphere. And how primitive life evolved into the intelligent life that now exists.

These are certainly the right topics to start with. But I wish this book, even with the constraint of being for non-science majors, had gone into just a little more detail on all of them. It does just that on the rest of the topics.

The book continues with an excellent section about possibilities of life elsewhere in our planetary system, including the environmental requirements. We look at Mars (including evidence from Martian meteorites), Jovian moons, and Titan. And we see why Venus is too close to the Sun to be in the "habitable zone." I hope that the next edition of this book, due out in 2006, will mention the Saturnian moon Enceledus as well.

After that, there is a discussion of extrasolar planets and the serach for extraterrestrial intelligence. If anything, there is an excess of material here, including speculations about the possible technology levels of an intelligent society and interstellar travel. But this does lead to a worthwhile discussion of the Fermi paradox: if there are relatively nearby extraterrestrials, why aren't they here by now?

Writing an overview of this field for non-science majors is a daunting task, and I think the authors did a really good job. After reading such a book, I think one will find it much easier to understand any advances made in this field in the future.

This is the ONE Science Textbook I will keep forever and ever.

This book seems to have two goals. One is to teach the reader something about astrobiology. The other is to be a text for a science course for college undergraduates (in most cases, underclassmen majoring in something other than science).

The book begins by discussing how stars and planets are formed. And then comes a major point: biology may be common in the universe given evidence that organic molecules form fairly easily, life appears to have originated early in the Earth's history, and there's evidence that Earth life can survive under a wide range of conditions.

Next, there's a section on the nature of science and the scientific method. And then some material on the definition and nature of life. From there we go to the Earth's geological record. And there's a useful discussion of greenhouse gases, possible high surface temperatures on Earth when life first developed, and a possible "Snowball Earth" much later.

Now comes a key chapter: how did life get started? And when. The text shows that it was not all that long after the Earth emerged from forming and being heavily bombarded. And that hyperthermophiles may well have been the common ancestor of life on Earth today. The book speculates that the process was: synthesis of organic precursor molecules, development of replicators (RNA), development of protocells (enclosing membranes), primitive cells (the RNA world), and then DNA-based cells. It also addresses the question of whether life could have migrated to Earth from Mars or elsewhere. There's a discussion of the rise of oxygen in the atmosphere. And how primitive life evolved into the intelligent life that now exists.

These are certainly the right topics to start with. But I wish this book, even with the constraint of being for non-science majors, had gone into just a little more detail on all of them. It does just that on the rest of the topics.

The book continues with an excellent section about possibilities of life elsewhere in our planetary system, including the environmental requirements. We look at Mars (including evidence from Martian meteorites), Jovian moons, and Titan. And we see why Venus is too close to the Sun to be in the "habitable zone."

After that, there is a discussion of extrasolar planets and the serach for extraterrestrial intelligence. If anything, there is an excess of material here, including speculations about the possible technology levels of an intelligent society and interstellar travel. But this does lead to a worthwhile discussion of the Fermi paradox: if there are relatively nearby extraterrestrials, why aren't they here by now?

Writing an overview of this field for non-science majors is a daunting task, and I think the authors did a really good job. After reading such a book, I think one will find it much easier to understand any advances made in this field in the future.

I was given Eugene Curnow's book for a birthday gift... So, book in hand, I took off for the beach to see what it was all about. Unfortunately for my husband who wanted to take a good nap, he was repeatedly interrupted so that I could read bits and pieces from the book to him. Both He and I were laughing, chuckling, and enjoying what I read. Dr. Curnow is a delightful story-teller, and details a life that is amazing, hilarious, full of action, and poignant. My only complaint is that it ended all too soon!

Gene Curnow has done an excellent job writing scenes from his life as scenes, not just summaries, as we so often see in less competent memoirs. He has obviously studied what it takes to keep reader interest and combines the vivid content of his life with well-honed writing skills to deliver a fast-paced, action-packed, and so very often humorous life story. He is a man who has also thought deeply about life and death and what makes for a life of conscience and integrity. His fine character shines through every page.
As a college literature instructor, I recommend this book for anyone teaching a class around the genre of World War II Veteran memoirs.

I couldn't put the book down. Every chapter was a new adventure. You just don't read the book...you experience it. From the early days at 15, hopping a freight train with his cousin to travel over 1,000 miles to see their grandmother in Oregon to his bone chilling experiences as a Navy medical corpsman attached to the Marines on Iwo Jima.
After the service, he fell in love and was married. Using the GI bill, he went back to school to became a veterinarian. I especially enjoyed the chapter entitled "A Tribute to Spotty".
Like it says at the back of the book, this book is about life. A story that makes you believe that you too can be successful by utilizing the resources that are available. It is truly an inspirational book about life. A book that you cannot put down. This book is memories "that echo from a distant past". It is great reading for all ages.

When reading this autobiography I felt I was there with him at Iwo Jima and suffered along with him. This book is an incredible journey of a life that is filled with adventure and excitement told by an exceptional storyteller. This is a must read for anyone. Eugene Curnow is an exceptional person with a unique grasp of humanity and life. Don't miss reading this one.

Because I lost my father in WWII, Lost in the Victory, had a very personal meaning for me. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. The personal stories of what happened to several of the orphans once the war ended brought back memories that were buried for years. A truly touching book. Thanks Ann

A well documented reminder of how families that lose a parent in a war are permanently affected.

As one who lost my father in WWII, this was a difficult book to read because it triggered a flood of emotions that had been suppressed for many years. It should be required reading for all military officers and world leaders. Those of us labeled war babies or war orphans will be forever grateful to Ann Mix for bringing us together and our stories to light.

So few members of my generation, born in the 1960's, have been introduced to the full depth of a war's reach. Often our understanding is derived generally from the broadest high school or college survey class; or worse, Hollywood. So it is quite sobering that a member of the "me" generation receives the sharpest of slaps across the face.
As a collection of essays and interviews of American World War Two orphans, LOST IN THE VICTORY paints a broad and intense picture of a narrow and lonely subject. With each chapter, the sense of loss grows; not just the loss of a fine American to battle, but the loss of a child's identity.


However, the range of emotions is broad. While sad and desperate at times, the book also brims with pride and faith.


For a Memorial Day tribute, there could be no better slap of reality than LOST IN THE VICTORY.

this book really is tha best eva it shows real situations and helps you understand how things r and that if somethin happens to someone u know n love that doesn't mean it's tha end of tha world

I loved the book Love Without End.It is probably the best book I have ever read.I think it reminds parents that when someone dies that you should pay alot of atention to the kid whose brother or sister died because if you don't then they could start hanging around with the wrong people and might comit suicide.

I loved this book! Nicole learned a lesson on not getting caught up in other things while down on a mission. And Shelby was so sweet, I knew the reason she acted so tough was because she was hurting inside. The end was so touching. I would reccomend this book to everyone

Hey~I read this series in 7th grade, I will now be going into 11th, and I haven't found a new book in the series! Help! I love Cherie Bennet because she tells the truth. Her newspaper column for teens used to be in my local paper, but halfway through the year they discontinued it. I was mad because I liked how she made her point, blunt and to the point. I really wish if anyone had any news on if the series ended or if there are more books that you could tell me. Thanks.

This beautifully written book is about love and loss, and about one man's discovery of growing through loss and finding meaning in it. Rather than letting go of Bonnie, his beloved wife of 20 years who died of cancer in 2002, over time the author learns to let go of his grief and the pain of losing her. Ultimately he comes to recognize the gifts he has received from loving her, as he discovers who he was in her presence, and who he has become in her absence. An inspiring book that will bring comfort and hope to anyone mourning the loss of a love.

This book is a true gem. I recommend Loving Grief Loving Grief to everyone who has ever lost a loved one. It is simple, easily read, yet profound in it's impact. It can be read through or opened at random. The words and message are comforting and the poetry is beautiful. I have already given it to several other people experiencing grief, and just ordered more as gifts.

Not a "self-help" book--and better because of it. Just a beautifully transparent look at one man's struggle with the loss of his wife, and the search for how to integrate that reality into his life. Also a widowed man, I found myself deeply engaged in this book. It gave me comfort--normalized my grieving in a way that surprised me.

This book brought tears to my eyes. Loving Grief is well written from the perspective of a care giver and spouse. The insights help friends / family understand the sorrow, journey forward and another meaning for life after death.

Light Years Beyond Self-Help......

This small, concise, intelligent book offers tools for true and lasting transformation. I've studied and continue to practice the teachings and have found myself propelled into a self I'd only hoped exists. My sense of freedom, peace and contentment are all encompassing - and radiating!

As the author states - life happens. It's our perceptions and responses to those happenings that are our experience of that life. I understood through Buddhist teachings that my suffering stems from my attachment. What I didn't quite `get' was how to let go of that attachment. Now I know and practice diligently what I've learned and continue to learn.

This book has taught me the power of words, the power of my attention and of my intentions. If you have a longing for Truth and Freedom and to live as who you TRULY are give yourself the gift of these powerful teachings.

This is a great book -- very clear and concise. Not a lot of fluffy nonsense but practical and well written. It provides the reader with wonderful tools on how to live a conscious life. If you have any interest in quantum physics, meditation, living a more conscious life or just learning how to be true to yourself -- read this book.
People who have read Ken Wilbur, John Perkins and Florence Scovel Shinn or even Carolyn Meiss would really like this. I'm re-reading it for the third time right now.
great book!

I say "changing" because the practices outlined in this book are ongoing, and self-transformation is constantly unfolding. Doing these practices over time has transformed my life. I no longer experience much anxiety, I feel ever freer from anger, depression, and negativity in general, no matter what the circumstances. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is truly looking for guidance in how to change his or her life in these very challenging times. Sylvia Bennett has given me hope for a beautiful future regardless of outer events. I'm learning to be true to myself, thanks to the wisdom contained in this book.

Sylvia Bennett has created a powerful simple teaching that is the essence of the worlds most ancient spiritual teachings. You will find yourself reading this book over and over again for years to come. These simple teachings and steps for true radical transformation in your day to day life are so simple its hard for the ego grasp them as true, how could it be this easy, this simple? And yet as you begin to commit to doing the work, you see yourself change, your life change and your world change, that is the Real Magic. You can change anything in your life! This book can show you how. Sylvia Bennett is one of the great teachers of this age, working simply and quietly with her students in the Pacific North West. If true transmutation of the ego is what you are called to, then this powerful little book can help you create a simple, beautiful path to Freedom.

If you're an aviation, history or WWII buff, you'll like this book. The timeline is historically correct and you'll learn about the Russo-Finnish War---a war that you probably never heard of. It was a page turner that I hated to put down.

As a Nevil Shute fan I always wondered what happened to the Viceroy parked in the rear of the Airspeed Ltd. hangar that Shute described in his book Slide Rule. Now I know. Airspeed Ltd., Nevil Norway and the Viceroy are all packed into The Mannerheim Line. If you like Nevil Shute you'll like this book--it's a great read.

The author evidentally thoroughly researched the historical events in this book. It was well written and easy to read. The narration is excellent. The characters are made to seem as real American heroes. It records a part of history that is little-known to the average reader. Those familiar with aircraft would particularly appreciate the book and its terminology. Recommended reading for those who are interested in lesser-known world events.

This is a great period action story. The author certainly knows his way around airplanes and gives the reader lots of unusual detail that will be appreciated by airplane buffs. The chapters on World War II in Finland provide a new picture of a little known campaign. The characters are well drawn. They aren't unrealistic glamor types, but good guys trying to get the job done. Highly recommended.

This book allows you to incorporate Reading into the Math curriculum. The book is filled with poems that can be used to help children become more comfortable with Math as they learn about Poetry. I have found several poems in this book that can be used in a fun way in my Math program. This purchase was NOT a dissappointment.

"Marvelous Math" is a wonderful way to connect mathematics to communication arts. This book of math poetry shows children how math is readily used in one's daily life. The colorful illustrations help keep the children intersted. It has given my students the enthusiasm for trying to write some poems about math also. This is great for home and also as a teaching tool.

This was a great book to read. It allows you to think about math in a totally diffrent way. The illustrations were great. A must have in any classroom.

Wow. Poetry about math. And it's fun! Every classroom should have a copy of this book. It's a teacher's treasure!

I was amazed when I found out what was going on with Pepper, but it was cool because that really happens and people could realate to it.If you want to find out what is going on with Pepper you have to read the book.

I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK.ALLISON GAYLORD A.K.A THE VIRUS CREATED HAVOC.I WAS HAPPY TO SEE ALLISON SCAMED AT HER OWN TRICK.I HOPE THINGS WORK OUT FOR MOLLY,HER SWEET DAD,AND HER OVERPROTECTIVE MOM.I ALSO WONDER IF THINGS WILL ACTUALLY WORK OUT WITH DEAN AND KATIE FROM THE SOUTHERN PAGEANT.AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST WHO WILL WIN THE NATIONAL PAGEANT?

I've read quite a few of Cherie's books, but this series really stands out( along with my favorite series; TRASH). I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to see what happens at the next PAGEANT! I also read the first book in this series, and I just wish that this book told a little bit more about what's happening between Dean and Katie.

This book rocks! What is going to happen with Molly, her mom and dad? And what about Justin and Sarah; are they ever gonna be in contact with each other? And Pepper--what's going to happen with her and Matt? Is Shylo going to steal the crown from her half-sister, Shelby? Read it to find out!~

Molly likes to visit the art museum because she always has so much fun. From the moment she arrives at the museum's great marble staircase, Molly begins a magical journey that transports her into the works of some of the world's greatest artists. She chases Constable's rainbow, dances with Degas' ballerina, doges Turner's train, plays guitar with Picasso's musicians, and even floats on Monet's lily pad. With the story and illustrations by Denise Bennett Minnerly and the text by poet and freelance writer Gladys Walker, Molly Meets Mona And Friends: A Magical Day In The Museum is an unusually effective collaboration that introduces painting and sculpture to young readers, and is a welcome addition to any school or community library children's picture book collection.

Young boys and girls will find this day of adventure in an Art museum a visual delight! The children I read it to (I'm a school Media Specialist) were enthralled and their enthusiam generated curiosity about the artists. They checked out other art books. The Art teacher has her own copy for her young child and she loves it! I highly recommend MOLLY MEETS MONA AND FRIENDS for the young reader. It is a quality exposure to great art for the young artist or the future art lover.

Young boys and girls will find this day of adventure in an Art museum a visual delight! The children I read it to (I'm a school Media Specialist) were enthralled and their enthusiam generated curiosity about the artists. They checked out other art books. The Art teacher has her own copy for her young child and she loves it! I highly recommend MOLLY MEETS MONA AND FRIENDS for the young reader. It is a quality exposure to great art for the young artist or the future art lover.

Molly chases Constable's rainbow, dances with Degas's ballerina, dodges Turner's train,plays guitar with Picasso's musicians, and floats on Monet's lily pad. This is a wonderful and fun way of introducing painting and sculpture into the lives of imaginative young readers