Big Books

I love this - love all the old info - I lived in Detroit 1953 - 1964; nostalgic!

Being in my mid 50's this book brought back many memories listening to radio in Detroit,Michigan back in the late 1950's and the 1960's. Very easy to read and a book that keeps your interest.

This is an amazing book. I loved it. I am a 35 year student of Detroit radio. I have been a radio station Program Director (WWWW) and Sales Manager (WWJ). I picked up all kinds of facts, context, connections, and progression of events I never knew. When it covered a subject matter I really know (the WKNR Keener 13 story, for example), I was amazed at how accurately David Carson nailed the story... not only the facts, but right down to the nuance of the story. Detroit Radio is honored by this book. If you are interested in the subject matter, I highly recommend the book!

This book deserves the most enthusiastic of accolades. Hopefully, five stars says it all. And I'd like to add that this superb look at Detroit radio is not only for rock and rollers. Detroit's enormous rock-guys are all represented, of course, but so are the pre-rock guys. The book has tremendous appeal for anyone who grew up in the Detroit area during the period. And, it was a hell of a period. The radio of 1950 was WAY different from that of the mid-Sixties. I was there in '50, listening to Don McLeod and Paul Winter playing Frank Sinatra, and I was on the air in Detroit in the mid-Sixties--with Don McLeod and Paul Winter, I'm proud to say--playing the BeeGees. I was only an insignificant peon, but I was there, and I was paying attention. David has done a real good thing with this book: a first-class creative effort, historically accurate, and evocative of the feel of the times. Casey Casem says on the jacket, "I read it in one sitting." It's just that compelling. Detroit radio deserves a book like this, and David Carson has given it to us. Thanks, Dave.

I just want to add to the other reviewr's here and they all have excellent reviews. I have read about all of the decent books on this subject and I believe Roger Darling's book here hit's the nail on the head. This work is clearly the very best on this subject. You can read all the works on Custer but in the end this is the very best.

Paul Posey
Grovetown, GA

Darling has obviously done extensive research and throws new light on the attempt to make Custer the sole scapegoat for the disaster that befell the Seventh Cavalry at the Little Big Horn. As one who has extensively read in Custeriana, I share Darling's views for the most part. I am not sure what Gen. Terry meant when he referred to a Sad and Terrible Blunder, but I think the blunder applies end to end, starting in Washington D.C. and carrying down to Custer and his subordinates. There has been extensive discussion for years of whether or not Custer disobeyed the surviving order that Terry provided to him. Assuming he did, and I don't think so based on my own military experience (e.g. I'd have felt comfortable with a set of discretionary orders like those in marching to Washington D.C.) one wonders what would have happened to Terry if Custer had literally followed those orders as Terry later implied he should have. Perhaps we need a book called CUSTER BLINDLY OBEYS, TERRY DIES. READ THE BOOK AND SEE WHAT I MEAN.

A true revelation on what General Terry actually planned in his two point attack of pinching the "hostiles" between two columns and how the plan was poorly executed. The book provides an excellent overview of the campiagn along with Custer's trials and tribulations. But more importantly the roles of Gibbon and the Terry are discussed in detail. From Gibbon's failure to report the location of large villages that could have saved weeks of useless campaigning/scouting for the hostiles for Terry to Terry's incompetent ability to direct the blocking Montana column into position. This book provides a totally new perspective on the LBH battle. It also reveals the failure of Terry from the drawing of his plan to his hands on field decisions. Routes taken by Terry are covered in detail with excepts from diaries, areial photography and wonderful terrain maps. Darling presents well that Terry carefully planted total blame on Custer through indirect statements that leads one to believe that Custer failed entirely and "paid the price". Terry never mentions how he took a long detour through rough country without obtaining information from his true scouts, his engineering officer who knew the land or the crow scouts that lived there. How he marched only four miles in one day, lead the column to a dead end, and lost his gatling guns in a night march. However, he states in his report that Custer turned down gattling guns as if Custer could expect them to keep up with them while they failed to keep up with Terry's infantry. Some of Darlings critque on Custer's decision making from the divide to the LBH could be challenged but they make the book more interesting. Whatever mistakes Custer made, he received his punishment not just from his own but from many others starting with the command. It appears the campaign for Terry was not just a battle against the Indians but one of a war hero's battle with character.

In researching the history and decisions leading to, and culminating in, what is now known as the Battle of the Little Big Horn, I came across Roger Darling's work and became so engaged in it I find myself referencing his basic premise in discussions with other like-minded Little Big Horn "investigators". Darling allows the reader to understand each act in this tragedy from a literal, gramatical and historical perspective. While acknowledging what "experts" say TODAY about the events leading to the battle, Darling takes a fresh approach. "Where was Custer when he made decisions, what, precisely, did he base those decisions on and about what and to whom did he transmit those decisions"? This is no 'Monday morning quarterbacking' from an historical perspective; no 20/20 hindsight vision. Darling emphasizes that neither Washington, General Terry, Colonel Gibbon, nor Custer, himself, had the vaguest notion of understanding Indian warfare and allowed their bigotry to hinder any understanding. Darling reveals the Sioux Campaign of 1876 for what is was, a blundering about on the Plains by ill-equipped, ill-trained and ill-informed offiers and men of the US Army - pitted against what every soldier already knew of the Sioux and Northern Cheyenne; the finest force of fighting cavalry in the world. Did Terry and Custer have a clue about the hostiles' location? Was Washington aware the estimates of Indian strength were erroneous by 300%? And was Marcus Reno the most surprised man on earth when he discovered that the small band of Indians he pursued at Custer's orders led him directly against the largest concentration of Indians ever seen on the North American continent? Historical hindsight allows Terry, Custer, et.al. reasonable intelligence about the force they sought to corral and bring to battle. Roger Darling's well researched and in-depth writing reveals a series of blunders beginning in Washington in the Fall of 1875 and culminating in disaster on a Montana hillside on June 25, 1876. Get the book, devour it, think on it. Not only is it great historical reading, it finally makes sense of what happened and why.

This weiter does not mence words. I was excited to find a writer who tells it the way it is and then proves what he says with factual data.The number of subjects were unreal and all of them are factual. Oue group was excited beon belief. This is the secound book we have read that was written by this author and we are looking forward to reading his others.

I have always belived in a creator but I never could prove same.It is so great to understand and know the answers to enough of the questions that I can now really say I do believe and know why.What a relief and pleasent feeling. I can not explain my excitment!After 40 years of confusion and constant stress, my life has taken on a totally new meaning of truthful belief.Reading these two books has changed my life.

The class before us recomended Book Two and Book One and we were not disapointed ,both books provided imformation that was needed to ans. the profs test questions on creation.The books were very exciting and very straight forward. I never realized I would some day be confronted with such a clear explanation of Creation.I could write for ever but you can find out for your self by reading the books. They are very up lifting and excitingly to the point!

I truly believe that the subjects used (astrology, Biology,embryology,physics.and so forth are expertly used and the excerpts from each area are used exactly where they should be.I have never read a more straight forward book! The author is very convinceing and his explanations are very believable.Our research class has backed up all of the writers statements.It is not an easy book to read but we certainly did not expect it to be.We are looking forward to reading his other books.

Astrophysics today is required to observe the infinitely small, in order to find answers for the big picture.
In this view the book explores particle physics before plunging into astronomy. It retraces the history of discoveries, starting from the ancient greek concept of the atom, all the way to the latest theories and discoveries made through modern particle accelerators.
The book does not propose answers; it limits itself to presenting the accepted theories, and does so with an everyday language. I would say the book is at such a level that anybody with high a school level of education will be able to understand it.
I would criticize the fact that the authors don't make questions that invite the reader to be more curious about the universe. We know there are inconsistencies in the existing theories but this aspect is not explored. Too bad because I think astrophysics make a very fascinating research.

Reviews the major developments in science relating to the inner structure of the atom and quantum physics, and the efforts to understand the nature of the stars, galaxies and the universe. Easy to read and accompanied by clear diagrams and photographs, as well as comments on the scientists. Packed with information, making very complex ideas understandable. If you have any interest in what is happening on these frontiers of science, start with this book.

Each section begins with the understanding of the Greeks. Then traces the developement of understanding to present day, first the very small, then the very big. Every two pages cover a diferent era, filled with excerpts, photos, biographies, and can be read alone. Some of the expanations are better then any others I have seen, for instance Quarks. I enjoy reading it with my children. It is well written for both scientific, and non-scientificly minded readers. A good addition to anyones library.

This is an exceptional book because of the way the information is organized and for it's wonderful use of graphics.From quarks to Black Holes--it's all in there. I am not a nuclear physicist nor do I hold an MS--I am just interested in knowing more about subatomic particles and the gasses in the gallexies. That's why I love this book's approach which enabled me to absorb the new information and gain some understanding of the world of quantum mechanics. Gratefully, I can report that the authors have managed to make this material accessible and fun! I give extra cudos to whomever designed the book because it is a visual treat which begs to be read.

Every once in a blue moon a great piece of artwork, whether it being a movie, a book or music, is created while at the same time possessing the two most important qualities of any piece of art: enchantment and emotion. Although these qualities are extremely rare in today's creative achievements, they do thankfully sometimes occur. Some examples of this include (in music), Coldplay's album "A Rush of Blood to the Head," and in film, the great "Field of Dreams."

And now in books: "The Secret of the Dogs," by Rich Douglas.

The Secret of the Dogs begins with four dogs, a greyhound, Basenji, a Pomeranian and Airdale Terrier, trapped mysteriously in a square city park. Dangerous, mysterious flames appear if the dogs step one paw print over the boundary layer and try to escape the park(as on the cover). They want to escape so badly and find human Master's of their own, but they can't. Yet when Leroy, a Basenji, discovers that a young boy who visits him at the park is being physically abused by his father, he finds a way to escape the boundary layers with the help of The Great White One, a magical dog who has the powers to take the flames away. But Leroy and the other dogs must find the boy and rescue him, and work together as a team and fight the Mastiff named Brick, a hateful beast who has evil powers and tries to stop the four dogs from accomplishing their mission.

The characters are engaging and very relatable, including Pooky, the cute girlish Pomeranian, the selfish but powerful Diggy, the Terrier, the complaining but quick Ms. Quickfeet, the greyhound, and the main character of the novel, Leroy, who the entire story is told from. There are also the smelly dirty but loveable mutts, Led, Sed, Sned and Fred, who are stinky but hilerous!

The Secret of the Dogs approaches spiritual issues without being preachy or demanding, emphasizing faith issues. In a contempory novel, it is hard to do something like this, but this novel pulls it off, showing that in the end good always dominates over evil, regardless of a particular beliefs, religions or creeds.

Last but not least, the novel's ending packs an emotional wallop that is so strong in may just be the one of the strongest conclusions to any book that I've ever read. I don't want to spoil it. You have to experience it for yourself. Every reader should.

Hold on to your seats reader, this novel is filled with so much action and adventure that it could entertain a statue. Filled with exciting chases, (chapter 3 and chapter 6) wild strange rides (chapter 5)edge of your seat canine confrontations, (chapter 10 and 12), and a powerful gut wrenching ending, the book will please all. And it is filled with constant humor throughout. A must read.

Four endearing canine characters embark on an oddessey to rescue one of the dog's human master while the other three strays long for the day when they will have master's of their own. But first there are dangers and a vast fantasy world in the Johnson City Canine Control Center! A story of great imagination that shows the power of love over evil. Excellent debut by author Rich Douglas, if it is his first, that I'm assuming.

The Secret of the Dogs by author Rich Douglas isn't like any novel I've read before. Told through the eyes of a dog named Leroy, I was at first expecting a boring kids book with no plot, excitment or emotion. But as I soon got passed the introduction, I couldn't put the book down. The fantasy, action, mystery excitment and humor is so incredible and runs so smooth, and the way the author so marvelously shows the powerful bond between a dog and a young boy who is taking physical abuse from his father, pleased my adult mind. There are so many interesting things to read about, like the secret underground tunnels of the city park, the flaming boundary layers, the strange Johnson City Canine control, the mystery that lies in the school, and the monsterous canines of the terrifying pound, invisible to humans of course! The charecters are incredible, funny and unique, like the fluffy Pomorarian Pooky, who wears clip on earrings! Then there is the independent terrier Diggy, who collects playing cards and has a secret room underground! Ms. Quickfeet is the greyhound, a nervous, rejected dog who loves attention and even wears a clown's mask to attract humans! Oh, I love these characters! I laughed so hard, I cried!
Finally the book leads up to the exiting, emmotional climax when the dogs rescue the young boy who is abused by his own father. I must say I did shed a few tears during the last chapter. You will too.

In The Secret Strength Of Angels: 7 Virtues To Live By, Frederic Flach focuses on the subject of angels, who they are, what they do, and how we can learn from them to communicate better, strengthen our mental and physical health, and lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. This abridged audiobook presentation is ably narrated by the author and highly recommended, informative, life affirming listening. Total Time: 3 hours.

"The Secret Strength of Angels" speaks to the soul expressing what has been too often inarticulate in our busy and troubled lives.An astonishing book full of surprises,describing experiences we rarely admit to others and usually deny to ourselves. We pay a high price for not heeding "The Better Angels of our Nature" and though living like an Angel is never easy, Frederic Flach does point the way in a book overflowing with human beauty.

Taught by Judeo-Christian heritage that we are created "a little less than the angels", this book is a guide to becoming more like the angels and as a result better persons. Since this book is incredibly easy to read its content may be dismissed. I hope it won't. I read it during the early part of Advent and plan to re-read it during the Lenten Season. I strongly recommend this book for all who are tired of books of instruction on how to manipulate others as a route to happiness.

It is about time that someone helped us to better understand angels! This is not your typical recounting of this and that angel story but a real life lesson on how we can in a sense become angels ourselves, or maybe we already are! This book is for non believers that may want to tap on this power that is within and around us . And for believers who always need affirmation. This book is for all of us who ask, "what is the purpose of my life?" This book will guide you to the answers you seek and maybe even with the help of an angel!

I'm Craig's little brother, but I was surfing Amazon and didn't even know he had a book out until I saw it here! So I ordered it.
I like to cook, but I was very intimidated by trying my famous chef brother's recipes. I have to say, the way the book is presented that making these dishes is very easy to understand, you just have to be willing to search out a few uncommon ingredients, and be willing to buy a few items for cooking that you might not have had before. But if you are passionate about food and don't mind some extra effort, it is really worth buying this book and trying these supremely delicious recipes!

You might think it's biased of me to write a good review, but seriously, one taste of Craig's creations and you'll realize that relation has nothing to do with it. ;)

Although I may be somewhat biased in my opinion (Craig is my brother), I am unbelievably impressed with Craig's culinary skills. I have personally been to Sierra Mar and tasted many of Craig's creations. My brother was somewhat skeptical of my opinions because I used to be an extremely picky eater growing up, so I hope he's been surprised by my lack of fear in trying new foods.

If you have never been to Sierra Mar and tasted the fine cuisine invented by Craig, you are truly missing out on a culinary adventure you will savor for years.

Way to go Craig!

Love,

Your Little Sister Suzanne

This cookbook is a valuable addition to the library of those who have a greater-than-average interest in the preparation of fine gourmet cuisine. The recipes are well-described and keyed to seasonal ingredients. The photographs are beautiful, and illustrate artistic presentations. The preparations are interesting, creative and delicious without going way over the top.

I would warn potential purchasers that this is not really a cookbook for the casual home cook. You should ask yourself the following questions:

Do you enjoy spending an entire day in the kitchen preparing dinner?
Does your list of kitchen equipment include a mandoline, a chinois, and a juice extractor?
Do you know where to purchase ingredients such as grade-A foie gras, diver's scallops, guinea hen, ramps, or baby chioggia beets?

If the answer to any of those questions is "no", then this book will probably spend more time on your coffee table than in your kitchen.

I think a lot of books of this sort are written by chefs who prepare their dishes in restaurants with an army of sous chefs, line cooks, dishwashers, and the necessity of feeding a crowd of customers each evening. Moving the techniques to the home setting where you are preparing dinner for your family and maybe a few guests requires a process of translation that leads to error-prone and incomplete recipes. This cookbook has been well thought out and edited, and avoids the problems that others have found with "gourmet chef" cookbooks. All recipes are calibrated to serve 6 in a format of a multi-course "tasting menu" dinner. That means the portions are each relatively small, and designed to be individually plated. Each course has well-thought-out wine recommendations for those who like to pair indiviudal courses with wines. Definitely not Tuesday night dinner.

I have looked over the recipes, and personally prepared the "Smoked Salmon-Wrapped Day Boat Scallops with Quail Egg, Fennel Emulsion, and Salmon Roe". It worked very well, with no missing ingredients, steps, or poorly-thought out proportions.

I think this book was well worth the price. As Jaques Pepin likes to say -- "Happy Cooking!"

"You can learn so much about food just by listening to people from different cultural backgrounds talk about their food memories...what you hear is about the soul of their food, not its science." ~ Chef Craig von Foester

The Sierra Mar Cookbook features recipes from the #1 Hotel Restaurant in California. The ever-changing menu features a fusion of French, Mediterranean and Asian culinary influences. The pictures alone produce a sense of awe and are beyond inspirational.

The unique style of this cookbook displays six intriguing menu options that represent six evenings at Sierra Mar:

Local Farmers Markets & Perfect Timing
Monterey Bay Salmon, Taste Memory & Total Utilization
Tomatoes, Terroir & the Artistry They Inspire
Preserves, Marmalades & Capturing Flavors that Sustain Us
Black Truffles, Shellfish & Pondering the Soul of Food
Slow Braising of Flavors & Big Sur Chanterelles, a Rustic Spirit of Taste

It seems rare for a cookbook to have the variety of stunning scenic pictures and it leaves you longing to visit this restaurant. A slopping field of flowers melts into a perfectly pink sunset in one picture and in another waves dash against the rocks.

Recipes that looked especially tempting include:

Salad of Grilled Black Mission Figs, Bitter Greens and Bleu de Haut Jura Cheese with a Port Reduction

Pancetta-Wrapped Sika Venison Loin with Pistachio Puree, Huckleberry Sauce and Pumpkin Dumplings

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage-Pecan Brown Butter

Composed Main Lobster Salad with Satsuma Mandarins, Hearts of Palm and Basil Oil
(the colors are gorgeous and look very tropical)

Grilled Rib-Eye Steak with Crispy Potato Cake and Oyster Mushroom Cambazola Compote

Ceylon Tea - Glazed Salmon with Hoisin-Braised Bacon and Pea Tendril Salad

Throughout the book there are step-by-step technique pictures with descriptions so you can learn how to slice potato gaufrettes. A section of "basic recipes" introduces you to Brioche, Pate Brissee, Champagne Vinaigrette, Fig Jam, Red Wine Syrup and Fines Herbes.

If you are looking to impress someone with recipes that will create an intoxicating culinary experience, I can't think of any cookbook that compares to this one! The pictures are stunning and the flavors are complex and have comforting seasonal appeal.

100 Stars!

~The Rebecca Review
Author of Seasoned with Love: A collection of
best-loved recipes inspired by over 40 cultures

Strategic and Tactical Marketing specialists alike concentrate on myriad issues affecting business success, but tend to assume facilities management is not an issue. This book clearly shows just how important the bathroom can be to the overall marketing picture. If your local retailer or restaurant neglects this simple issue, imaging how their customers might view expectations in the greater value proposition.
Skip to the Loo brings to light a serious issue that too many business owners neglect or ignore completely. This should be required reading for any small business that is looking for ways to differentiate themselves. This is an easy read, thorough, and a great resource for "how to do it right".

Linda Wright has delved into a subject that most business owners are aware of but never take the time to do something about. Bathrooms make an impression on our customers and the extra effort in providing an appealing room DOES make a difference. Linda goes the extra mile with details that make a statement for the business. Thank you for an easy approach to a great marketing tool!

I really never thought about how stores, resturants and supermarket bathrooms made me feel about their product line or business, until I read this book. Linda Wright has hit the nail on the head. If businesses want to improve customer relations they need to read this book. some small changes can make a lasting impressions on customers. I certainly seek out the places that have friendly bathrooms and do my business there, no pun intended!

Like Linda Wright, I'm a photo industry retailer. And I've always felt a little guilty when one of my customers wanted to use the bathroom. Like it wasn't exactly up to par.

Unlike me, Linda DID something about it. In "Skip to the Loo" she shows exactly why the right bathroom makeover is a much better form of marketing than many of the advertising media we keep throwing money at.

The right facilities - coupled with the right policies - may not have customers beating a path to your door. But one woman tells another, and she tells 2 others. We'd call it "viral marketing" but probably shouldn't talk about viruses and bathrooms in the same sentence...

My initial reaction was that Linda had taken a topic deserving of a paragraph and turned it into a book. Then I read the whole thing and realized it's all good.

From little things like choosing which way the TP should come off the roll (yes, there really is a correct choice) to the layout of fixtures, "Skip to the Loo" covers EVERYTHING.

Spurred on by the comments of industry pundits, I had upgraded my own store's loo several months ago. Now I'm going to go back and do the rest of the job.

"Small Business, Big Life: Five Steps To Creating A Great Life With Your Own Small Business" by financial and business expert Louis Barajas is an articulate, 'reader friendly', step-by-step, how-to manual for aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to establish a business enterprise, building a viable business, and still have a robust and satisfying personal life. The key to it all is the creation and maintenance of a proper 'mind-set' based on the four basic principles of Truth, Responsibility, Awareness, and Courage. "Small Business, Big Life" explains how to identify values and priorities and then fashion them into a kind of 'life blueprint'. Barajas reveals the components for creating a successful business include doing what you love, doing what your good at, and being profitable with what you do. The importance of systems for orderly, manageable growth are stressed, as is creating access to good attorneys, bankers, accountants, insurance agents, and vendors. If you are thinking about launching a small business, regardless of the products or services it will entail, then you need to give Louis Barajas a careful and considered reading!

After many years searching for a book that offers guidance in creating a successful business without compromising family values, I finally found it. I'm a business owner with minor children that hardly know me yet they are the most important part of my life. I have spent countless hours building my business to provide a comfortable living for them but I have failed as a father. After reading Small Business, Big Life, I realized my business was running my life instead of me running my business. I already started creating my life blueprint and the business blueprint and I have to admit that it's been a long time since I been as excited for my business as I am right now. For the first time in many years I will be taking some time off to go to my kid's basketball games. Thank you Mr. Barajas for this magical book.

Small Business, Big Life is a must read for all small business owners. Louis Barajas takes a step back and gives us practical knowledge about establishing and running a business.

The book emphazises that the purpose of a business is to give us more life, not to be consumed by it. Oftentimes, however, we neglect and forget this pressing issue until we have health, marital or emotional problems. Mr. Barajas explains, in a step-by-step process, how to avoid this inevitable pitfall.

Being that I am a business student with aspirations of establishing my own business, I wish that the curriculum would incorporate and emphazise this theory. I loved reading this book because it is inspirational, practical and helpful.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was well-written, and easy to follow. It explains that a small business does not have to be about ego and/or money. But instead a small business can be about having more control and quality of life. In a way, this book made me think of another book I am going to review tonight: How to Run a Business Like a Girl (ISBN: 1593374550). I liked that book, too.

This book is comprised of 11 chapters:

1. Why Start a Business?
2. Truth
3. Responsibility
4. Awareness
5. Courage
6. Your Life Blueprint - The purpose of your business is to give you more life.
7. Your Vision - The source of leadership.
8. Your Business Blueprint - Your business is your business, not your product or service.
9. Your Business Systems - Make it easy to build success.
10. Your Team - The bigger the dream, the better the team needed.
11. Conclusion - Living the dash

Chapters 2 to 5 the author calls the "Four Cornerstones of Personal Success." Chapters 6 to 10 are referred to as "The Five Steps to Build a Small Business, Big Life."

The book is more philosophical than it is practical. But I think any wanta-be entrepreneur should give it a read. When starting a small business a person needs to be somewhat philosophical so the practical things that need to be done and get done will in fact get done.

I would have liked the book better if chapters 2 though 5 had been left out. And I would have enjoyed seeing chapters 6 through 10 more developed. I suppose I say this because I like reading business books, and not a mixture of business and "something else."

This book comes across as a business coaching book. It is equally applicable for people starting a business as it is for people who are in need of improving their business. Much of what is included here can be found in the various titles written by Bradley Sugars. My favorite of Sugars' books is Instant Systems (ISBN: 0071466703) which covers a bunch of what is covered in chapters 6 to 10 here. 5 stars!

This book was recommended in Focus on the Family's magazine. I immediately purchased it and loved it. I took it when I served jury duty! :-)

This book is amazing. The Martins and their town and church have adopted the most needy children in Texas, and have built a beautiful community because of it. Their story is amazing, I found their website which tells more about the community. [...] I definitely recommend this book!

We'd all make fun of a place called Possum Trot and why not? What a silly name for a tiny little no-where place. But wait, this is just the type of place that Jesus shows up through people that believe Him and give their lives away in service to others.

Small Town, Big Miracle is a commendable effort to document the selfless acts of incarnational Christian living that we must all rise too. Too oft we sigh about the world's woes. "Who, oh who can come calm the storms of the lives of the broken in our midst"? Big Miracle, a Focus on the Family resource, offers the answer but I won't even make you read the entire book to find out the answer.

Its you and me and the Martin family and their loving friends and church family show us how.

Its easy to read and very encouraging. Adoptive families will see a model of stick-to-it examples in parenting tough kids. Others will see the great need of the orphans all around us and perhaps take the initiative to get involved.

In just 139 pages, the authors manage to tell a fabulous story, introduce amazing kids and big-hearted adults, and stir at least in this reader a powerful desire to help young people be more than the troublemakers or losers they're labeled as being. One pastor in a dinky town inspired the townspeople to adopt seventy-two kids who otherwise would have been written-off for life. The result was a transformation in both the kids and the adoptive parents. God's grace touched and softened even the hardest hearts. The places from which mercy and compassion welled up are surprising and inspirational. Very well written, from its folksy tour of the town of Possum Trot to the helpful tips for people considering adopting, this is a wonderful book everyone should read.