Blair Books

Excellant book. I borrowed it from the library a couple of years back and thought so much of it that I wanted to purchase a copy for my personnal library. A very insightful look into the lifes of Robert E. Lee's daughters and their lifes.

Anyone interested in Robert E. Lee the man, will be delighted with the insights into his family provided by author Coulling. Lee was an exceptional leader, but his role as a father was even more revealing of his loving nature and the nuances of his personality. In my opinion, this book does a lot to demystify Lee. I do not see him as such a complex and mysterious individual as some historians have labeled him. His consistency is especially evident in this chronicle of family life.

Apart from Lee, the book focuses extensively on the lives of the daughters. Each daughter is portrayed as a complete person, and their individuality is celebrated. One can learn quite a bit about Mary Lee the mother, too, and even the grandparents who were so deeply loved by the girls. The sons are not ignored, either.

There is an overcast of sadness about the story, at least I felt a little sad, because they did have a difficult life. It's true that the Lee family was prominent in society and certainly they can be seen as privileged, but these privileges carry their own burden.

I highly recommend The Lee Girls to all those who want to escape to the past for awhile and enter into the Lee household.

The book was a wonderful view into the life of Robert E. Lee's family as well as perfect picture of what the social, educational and family scene was in the mid 1800's. The dairies of family members allow us to picture their journey through life with intimate detail. The book points out the closeness of family, as well as the lost art of letter writing, as our society has progressed from pen and paper to e:mail and instant messages.

This book is a well written and very well documented account of the four Lee daughters. Most of us are aware of the generals and battles of the Civil War. This book gives an insightful look into the lives of women during this time period. The author gives us an accurate account of the attitudes and behaviors of the time even when they are not currently acceptable. She also portrays the individuals in a very balanced manner. You realize that aside from being a prominent military family they are also a loving family with the struggles and triumphs all families share.

The Lee Girls by biographer Mary P. Coulling is the informed and informative story of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's four daughters: Mary Custis Lee; Eleanor Agnes Lee; Mildred Childe Lee; and Anne Carter Lee. Diaries, letters, paintings, and other contemporary records were utilized as primary source materials upon which to base an bibliographically historically accurate narrative of these women's lives through girlhood, the horror of war, and the era of reconciliation and rebuilding. A truly excellent and well balanced chronicle, The Lee Girls is a welcome and highly recommended addition to American Regional History, Civil War Studies, and Reconstruction Era Studies collections and supplemental reading lists.

I always like to read new works and it's especially gratifying when new writers are so creative and daring and are willing to break the rules of traditional "novel writing". This combination of genres is a dizzying entertaining exercise of creative storytelling and well worth the read.

This is a totally bizarre book that had me laughing out loud over and over. It's about a gay poet and his two female friends--each one forging their future a little differently. The humor is irreverent, the commentary sobering and the romantic elements very sweet. The several writing styles threw me at first, but then it all starts to gel and you see how clever and effective it really is. Once you're hooked, it's hard to put down...and it's over way too fast. I hope there's a part two!

If you enjoy funny, clever, off the wall and back to the chair humor, you will enjoy this book. Every word in all the reviews so far is true. Yeah...what they said!

A Roller Coaster Ride of Humor, Whitticisms, Wild Bi-Coastal Observations, and Word Smithing.

How many of us have had a friend drift in and out of our lives, seemingly changing before our eyes and then becoming again the good friend we know and love? How many of us have spotted someone across a room and wondered what kind of relationship could be had with this person? How many of us wish we could give up our material lives to follow a poorer but more creative and satisfying path? This book is a funny, heartfelt slice of the lives of three friends. Read it!

I read technical and business publications for work and enjoyment. Very rarely do I pick up fiction, but Last Call was an exception. Each story in the book kept me turning the pages and entertained me from start to finish. It's a fantastic piece of work by Blair Oliver and I recommend it highly, even to those who seldom read fiction.

Blair Oliver's "Last Call" is a rare, intelligent glimpse into the psyches of complex, introspective men who ask themselves difficult questions and struggle to live with or without the answers. Reconciliation with the self is central to these stories, and it doesn't come easy. Oliver's men approach significant transitions in their lives, whether it's that first awkward date, the elusive missing component of a marriage, or a conversation with a father who prefers martinis to fly fishing, and somehow, each man falls short but not without holding himself accountable. These stories resonate, linger. The best ones, in my opinion, are "Precious Metals," "Missing Things," and "Last Call," the title story.

LAST CALL is a small book that packs a big punch. Although set in the American Rocky Mountain West, the short stories carry an Irishness, a thematic concern that colors all the tales. Oliver's writing makes me think of Joyce's "The Dead" and Doyle's "The Van" -- painful, yet honest, glimpses of a character's search for meaning in life, marriage, fatherhood, and friendship.

Reviewed by Danielle Feliciano for Reader Views (12/07)

Let me start with a confession: I am not at all a fan of short stories. I have tried over and over to be open to this genre but I can count on one hand the number of times that I have actually been able to finish a collection of short stories. Blair Oliver has restored my rapidly dwindling faith in the possibility of ever finding a short story collection I actually enjoy.

In his book "Last Call," Oliver strips away all pretenses and forces the reader to face that we are, in fact, human. We all make mistakes, and those mistakes affect not only us, but those around us. Man or woman, everyone faces the same basic themes in life (love, loss, betrayal, redemption), but how we choose to deal with those life themes is what is at the core. Do we ignore life and watch it pass by or do we choose to actively live?

Some of the actions of the men in this collection are hard to like. Starting with the boy who plans to use his father's rare coins to pay for a date and continuing with infidelity and lack of love, it would be obvious to detest these characters and place the blame on them. However, Oliver brilliantly manages to get the reader, if not to feel sorry for, to at least understand these men and the choices they make. It would be easy to judge, easy to say "how horrible," easy to say "I'd never do that," but as you are reading, it's not so easy to imagine yourself being any better than the characters.

The main theme throughout each story seems to be of disconnect, not only the disconnect from child or spouse, but the disconnect from one's self. Each of the main characters seems to be an observer rather than a participant in his own life. He finds himself married to someone whom he doesn't like. He finds himself a father to a child he has nothing in common with. He finds himself waking up each day and saying to himself "How did I get here?" without ever really seeking the answer to that question.

The stories in this collection are bleak and raw but in the end, Blair Oliver finds humor in the black hole his characters have created for themselves. He makes it possible for us to see ourselves mirrored in the depressing circumstances, yet in the safety of an outsider's opinion, find a small silver lining. I am honestly stunned by this collection and the stories in "Last Call" will stay with me for a long time to come.

These are very readable, entertaining stories about the complications of love, lust, and family. The main characters dig holes for themselves and don't just fall in -- they dive. They lie and cheat but won't look at the answer to the crossword puzzle. Somehow it's a lot of fun, reading about it.

The Serpent Handlers: Three Families and Their Faith tells the stories of three families of the Signs Followers faith - a branch of Christianity originating in 1910, whose members take Mark 16: 17-18 as a central tenet of their belief. Known for the sensational aspects of their belief - picking up poisonous snakes, drinking strychnine, and speaking in tongues - Signs Followers have often been negatively portrayed by the media, and . Journalist Fred Brown earned their trust through longstanding respect, and offers The Serpent Handlers as a counterbalance. Great pains have been taking to present the stories of the serpent handlers in their own words, without extraneous or editorializing, though each individual's memoir is prefaced by with a summary of who he or she is and his or her role in the movement. A "must-read" primary source highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about Signs Followers and their faith.

Serpent handling is a controversial practice that is often sensationalised by the media. However, the adherents of the Signs Following churches generally avoid publicity. That is what makes this book so special: The handlers are allowed to speak for themselves in telling their own true stories in their own words. What emerges are real people and an impressive testament to an enduring faith provided in moving personal accounts of people who are prepared to risk their lives for wat they believe is obedience to the Bible.

Believers who take Mark 16: 17 - 18 as a literal part of their faith call themselves Signs Followers and are found mainly in the southern Appalachians. Serpent handling is not the only sign; others are handling fire, healing the sick, drinking strychnine and casting out demons. It is important to know that the taking up of snakes and performing the other signs are not attempts to prove anything but is done to confirm the Word of God. This is emphasized by many of the interviewees.

These independent churches are in various ways connected to three great strands of American protestantism: Holiness, Pentecostalism and Fundamentalism. Generally considering themselves as Holiness, they share with fundamentalism a total acceptance of the Bible as the Word of God. Pentecostalism is their link with mainstream protestantism where the signs or Gifts of the Spirit, like speaking in tongues, are practiced.

The first part deals with the Brown Family of Tennessee and the House Of Prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ, situated in Marshall, North Carolina. The people include John Wayne Punkin Brown, Melinda Duvall Brown, Peggy Moore Brown, Rachelle Martinez Brown and Richard Cameron Short. Part Two looks at the Coots Family of Kentucky and the Full Gospel Tabernacle In Jesus Name in Middlesboro, Kentucky. Speakers include Louvernia Coots, Tommy Coots, Gregory Coots and Linda Turner Coots. The last part features the Elkins Family and the Church Of The Lord Jesus in Jolo, West Virginia. The people include Barbara Robinson Elkins, Joe Robert Elkins, Barbara Church Coleman, Lydia Elkins Hollins, Lucille Chafin Church and Charles Church.

In every case, the sections start with a family tree graph followed by a description of the areas or towns like Cocke County, Tennessee, Middlesboro, Kentucky and Jolo, West Virginia. For every individual, there is a short introduction by the authors before the person talks about his or her involvement in the church, their family and their community, what it means to be annointed and how they feel when they are practicing the signs.

Black and white photographs of individuals and families enhance the text and there are accounts of services in each of the aforementiond churches. The book concludes with an index. In addition to this most inspiring and illuminating work, I recommend Serpent-Handling Believers by Thomas Burton.

Salvation on Sand Mountain: Snake-Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia

Mountain Holiness: A Photographic Narrative

Serpent handling is a controversial practice that is often sensationalised by the media. However, the adherents of the Signs Following churches generally avoid publicity. That is what makes this book so special: The handlers are allowed to speak for themselves in telling their own true stories in their own words. What emerges are real people and an impressive testament to an enduring faith provided in moving personal accounts of people who are prepared to risk their lives for wat they believe is obedience to the Bible.

Believers who take Mark 16: 17 - 18 as a literal part of their faith call themselves Signs Followers and are found mainly in the southern Appalachians. Serpent handling is not the only sign; others are handling fire, healing the sick, drinking strychnine and casting out demons. It is important to know that the taking up of snakes and performing the other signs are not attempts to prove anything but is done to confirm the Word of God. This is emphasized by many of the interviewees.

These independent churches are in various ways connected to three great strands of American protestantism: Holiness, Pentecostalism and Fundamentalism. Generally considering themselves as Holiness, they share with fundamentalism a total acceptance of the Bible as the Word of God. Pentecostalism is their link with mainstream protestantism where the signs or Gifts of the Spirit, like speaking in tongues, are practiced.

The first part deals with the Brown Family of Tennessee and the House Of Prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ, situated in Marshall, North Carolina. The people include John Wayne Punkin Brown, Melinda Duvall Brown, Peggy Moore Brown, Rachelle Martinez Brown and Richard Cameron Short. Part Two looks at the Coots Family of Kentucky and the Full Gospel Tabernacle In Jesus Name in Middlesboro, Kentucky. Speakers include Louvernia Coots, Tommy Coots, Gregory Coots and Linda Turner Coots. The last part features the Elkins Family and the Church Of The Lord Jesus in Jolo, West Virginia. The people include Barbara Robinson Elkins, Joe Robert Elkins, Barbara Church Coleman, Lydia Elkins Hollins, Lucille Chafin Church and Charles Church.

In every case, the sections start with a family tree graph followed by a description of the areas or towns like Cocke County, Tennessee, Middlesboro, Kentucky and Jolo, West Virginia. For every individual, there is a short introduction by the authors before the person talks about his or her involvement in the church, their family and their community, what it means to be annointed and how they feel when they are practicing the signs.

Black and white photographs of individuals and families enhance the text and there are accounts of services in each of the aforementiond churches. The book concludes with an index. In addition to this most inspiring and illuminating work, I recommend Serpent Handling Believers by Thomas Burton and Salvation on Sand Mountain: Snake-Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia by Dennis Covington.

If you only read one book on signs followers(serpent handlers),this should be the one.An accurate account of the beliefs of these unique people is provided in their own words, from the viewpoint of three of the most prominent families in the world of the serpent handlers. Stripped of the sensationalism prevalent in most accounts of believers of this faith, this book will present an honest look into the lives of some of the most honest, likeable people you would be proud to call your friends and neighbors.

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FACINATED WITH SERPENT HANDLING.
I THINK THIS HAS TO BE THE BEST BOOK,IF YOU WANT AN HONEST
LOOK INTO THE LIVES OF SOME SINSERE JESUS LOVING PEOPLE AND THERE
LIVES.I LIKED THIS BOOK BECAUSE ALOT OF IT WAS WERITTEN IN THE WORDS OF SAINTS THEMSELFS.BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE.AND A GREAT BOOK,I HIGHLY RECCCOMEND THIS BOOK OVER OTHER BOOKS THAT I HAVE READ ON THE SUBJECT.PEACE BE.STEVE SPARKS

This is one of my favorite Rogues, but then I liked them all. The twist here is that once Alexandra was the beast and Hawk the beauty, but after he is scarred at Waterloo, he comes home to find his mousy wife grown into a beautiful woman, and the switch is harder for him to take than her. She's thought him dead, though, and he begins by stopping her wedding to a man he dislikes, so he stays married to her to protect her, while trying not to take sexual advantage of her. Meanwhile, Alex sets off on a full scale seduction. Funny, warm, and witty. One of the best. For another treat, try Blair's The Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe, or any of her witches.

An Unforgettable Rogue by Annette Blair is the story of Alexandra and Byrceson. Byrceson marries Alexandra his best friend since childhood and leaves after the wedding for battle. Everyone thinks he is dead and she is the process of remarry when he breaks up the wedding. This is sweet story of two very stubborn people trying to do the right thing. I off to read the rest of series An Undeniable Rogue (1) , An Unforgettable Rogue (2) An Unmistakable Rogue (3)and A Christmas Baby (3).

Alexandra "Alex" Huntington had loved Bryceson Wakefield, the Fifth Duke of Hawksworth, since childhood. She knew he married her to care for his relatives, freeing him to join the war against Boney. She never expected him to leave only moments after their vows had been spoken though! When she received word Bryceson had been killed at Waterloo, it was up to her to care for his nieces, his uncle, and her own aunt. Hard to do, since Bryceson never provided for them in case of his death! Everything went to his cousin, Baxter, who cast the lot of them out and began spending his new fortune. A year after her husband's reported death, things became desperate. Alex made a bargain with Judson Broderick, Viscount Chesterfield. She would marry him if he would pay off all debts. Judson kept the bargain. He paid everything. Yet in the church, only seconds before Alex said "I do", her deceased husband walked into the church to claim her!

Bryceson was horribly scarred, inside and out. As he and Alex courted, the Ton had called them Beauty And The Beast. He had been the golden one. She had been the plain one. As he claimed his wife, Bryceson could not help but notice their roles had been reversed. While he had been away, Alexandra had become a beauty! Feeling she deserved better than he, Bryceson planned to give her an annulment. However, not until his childhood nemesis, Chesterfield, had married elsewhere. Until then he would keep his hands to himself, no matter how hard that would be. What he did NOT expect was for his wife to set out to seduce him!

***** This author, Annette Blair, swept me off my feet with the last book, The Undeniable Rogue. I never thought I would read such a wonderful story again! With this book, I have been proven wrong!

The main characters of her last book return as secondary characters. Also, as with last time, the author added an unusual pet. It all sums up to one of the best tales written during the entire 2002 year! Hmmm, I foresee awards ...

Pre-order, if you can, or mark your calendar. Either way, DO NOT MISS OUT! Marvelous! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Alexandra "Alex" Huntington had loved Bryceson "Hawk" Wakefield, the Fifth Duke of Hawksworth, since he had saved her from a muddy ravine when she was three and he was eight. On that day he became her `knight in shining armor'. When he married her, for whatever his reasons, it was the happiest day of her life and the most devastating when he left immediately after the wedding to run off to war. Hearing later that he had been killed at Waterloo, she would carry on, in spite of the fact that it was to his sister-in-law that he sent his last letter. As his widow, she was left in charge of his aunt, and two nieces but no provisions had been stipulated in the event of his death, wrongfully assuming that all of the Hawksworth widows would be cared for in the event of his death. Unfortunately, upon his demise everything went to his cousin, Baxter, who promptly tossed Alexandra and his family out of their home. A year and a day after his death, Alex made a pact to wed Judson Broderick, Viscount Chesterfield. The arrangement was made in return for a very large sum of money to pay debts. Moments before saying `I Do', Bryceson, limped down the aisle and stopped the wedding.

This then was where the horribly scarred Hawk finally decided to come back to life. He took one look at the beauty Alex had become and knew he had to stop her from marrying, of all people, his old nemesis, Chesterfield. He vowed in his mind that it would only be until he could get an annulment before setting her free, not wanting to subject her to a life with the broken and disgusting looking man he felt he'd become. Thinking that Alex would be repulsed by his appearance, he vowed he would keep his hands off of her, but what he never expected was that SHE would have the devil of a time keeping her hands off of him! Alex didn't see a monster, she saw the man she thought of even as she walked down the aisle to marry another. She'd always loved Hawk and after waiting all this time for her wedding night, she would do whatever was necessary to become his wife in truth!

In this second entry to the `Rouges' series, the author treats you to another wonderful story centered on a survivor, scarred physically and mentally, from the infamous battle of Waterloo. She paints a vivid picture capturing the emotional baggage Hawk brings home as Alex does her best to prove that the beauty of a man is in his heart and gentle ways, not his countenance. In addition, the reader is introduced to new and old cast members that will amuse and infuriate you. As the scenes unfold she will make this a story that you never want to see end yet it will leave you totally satisfied, even as you sob into your tissues or clear the lump in your throat that will form by the sheer talent of her prose. For me, another total read that I can highly recommend.

Alexandra has loved Bryce all her life. To Bryce, she was his childhood shadow always following him around and getting him into trouble. In a last (and futile) effort to gain his father's approval and respect, Bryce honors his father's deathbed request to go and fight Napoleon. But before he leaves, he decides to marry Alex so that she can take care of his family (two nieces and uncle) while he is gone. He leaves immediately after the vows are exchanged without a wedding night or staying for the reading of his father's will. He should have stayed for that one, since the will stated that if Bryce married Alex (his father disliked and disapproved of her), he would lose everything but his title.

Alex does all she can to care for the family, tossed out by the new heir when Bryce is reported killed in action. They move into Alex's run-down family manor but need money. After grieving for a year, Alex agrees to marry Viscount Chesterfield for financial security. But the ceremony is halted by a disheveled, limping, bearded Bryce seemingly back from the dead.

Yes, he's back but for how long? Though he claims her from Chesterfield (his nemesis) he plans to annull their marriage and set Alex free to marry a man she can love. She deserves better than a dispirited, broken man like him. As he discovers what she's had to deal with in his absence he becomes increasingly ashamed of himself. He's returned, but has nothing to offer her - no money, no estates only his loser self.

If only he knew that she has never stopped loving him. But she won't show him that because she is still smarting from the fact that he waited a year to tell her that he was alive. She decides to teach him a lesson by seducing him and then walking away. See how he likes being left! Alex slowly learns, however, that Bryce's war experiences have left him damaged not only physically, but spiritually and she longs to help him heal. Will he let her?

I liked the family dynamic. Love and concern for family is ultimately what keeps them together. I found the soon-to-come-out Claudia and her relentless pursuit of Chesterfield amusing ("he's my destiny!") and six year old eavesdropper Beatrix ("Bumble Bea") just adorable. It was also refreshing that Bryce (along with Alex) has to start over and build a new future instead inheriting one. A good read, if a bit on the slow side.

Excellent book for any new manager as well as managers with experience. I like Mr. Blair's approach to leading people vs managing them. His examples of situations he has experienced really show his understanding of leadership and ability to execute results. This would be an excellent book for companies to give to new managers before they have the opportunity to make unnecessary mistakes with their employees.

There is not a lot of good information on the important considerations for a new manager. Howard Blair has done a good job of describing some of the most important things a new manager should know. I wish that I had been able to read a book like this when I first started as a supervisor many years ago.

"Don't be a Dead Fish" has sixteen of the fundamental rules of great leaders in an easy to understand and logical format. The author says this book is designed for new managers (leaders), but even experienced executives will find some areas where they can improve. "Don't be a Dead Fish" is easy to read, concise, to the point, and contains advice all managers can use. You can't go wrong with this one.

Don't be a Dead Fish is definitely not a dead fish - it's a great read! The author is speaking with over forty years of experience in higher management and he presents several management techniques in a clear, concise and entertaining manner. I think this is a must read for both new and veteran corporate leaders alike.

Who should read this book? Anyone who supervises people, who is going to be supervising someone, or who will be working for someone else (in order to find a boss that will be a joy to work for).

It is a marvelous list of examples to show how to avoid being a "dead fish" manager, and instead, become a real leader. It is applicable to any organization: big business, small business, government offices, non-profits, volunteer organizations and, to some extent, even a family.

If everyone who reads this book takes the suggestions to heart, organizations would be more productive, more efficient, happier places to work, and the leaders would progress up the ladder of success much more rapidly.

Every pastor must from time to time prepare for funerals and weddings. In today's individualized world, people expect that their pastor will come up with a unique and special service. Where does one turn when the creative juices are running low? Bob Blair's Funeral and Wedding Handbook holds the answer.


I recently conducted a wedding that try as I might, I couldn't get to come together. I pulled Bob's book off my shelf and it provided just the spark I needed. Afterwards, the father of the bride told me it was the best wedding he had ever attended. That I could go from "I've got nothing," to putting together a meaningful service is a testimony to how God can use the help found in this book in the life of an ordinary preacher.


Rev. John Battern
New Sharon United Methodist Church

As a preaching minister I have found myself going to Robert Blair's book numerous times for help and suggestions in ministering in two of the most emotional times in a person's life -- marriage and death. I would highly recommend this book to any one who is involved in these area's on peoples lives. You will keep it close for quick reference.

Some books in this general category are primarily collections of readings and references to be used when performing a religious ceremony. "The Funeral and Wedding Handbook" is not such an anthology. It provides a good discussion of the important issues and circumstances one should remember when involved with a funeral or wedding ceremony.

What emotions will you encounter, in your own experience and in working with families and others? What are the formalities or legal issues one must remember? What are the accepted and expected activities for which you will be responsible.

This is an excellent book for the new member of the clergy. It would also be of real value to funeral directors or their staffs, and to the many workers involved with weddings.

This book is excellent in every way. Most books on homiletics cover 5-10 pages on these subjects (if anything at all); here is a resource book with over 200 pages. It is very informative (on what to do) and filled with several practical examples (on how to do it) of ministry during these important times in people's lives. For the student preparing for ministry, the "rookie" or experienced minister, this book is a must. It is "as good as it gets" on these subjects.

This book is not only helpful to the clergy but to anyone who is trying to plan a wedding or a funeral. The author calls on his many years of experience conducting weddings and funerals in laying out the proper steps needed to organize either event regardless whether you are a minister or not. Mr.Blair approaches both events with respect and humor. This book is an absolute must have!

This is a very fun book, though most of the story is via illustrations due to the limitation of only using a ten word vocabulary.

I read this to my daughter once. Then I made ten flash cards and we practiced with them until she knew them backwards, forwards and upside down. Once she learned them, she was "allowed" to read the book all by herself and thus began the "backwards" tradition of her reading to me instead of me reading to her.

She is 25 today and a voracious reader, so this book worked! And it's *fun* to read!

As a toddler this was my favorite book (my parents tell me). Now that I am a parent, I looked to find this part of my childhood for my own toddler. It was difficult to come by, but worth the time spent searching. It is a very simple book (uses only 10 words as the series denotes), but simplicity is its strength. My toddler is quickly learning to say "pickle" and "popped" after only a few reads.

Again, a memory from childhood. This had to be one of the very first books i check out of the school library in kindergarten. I can't believe how hard it actually was to track down over the years, but again the internet and amazon save a collector again. This is a funny little story about a town and their king gathering pickles and piling them high, until suddenly they explode and a huge pond of pickle juice is made. It simple, easy to read, and you can have a heck of a lot of fun with it reading it to your kids...or if your board in the office. So please consider this book as a funny piece in a kids collection that could be passed down from generation to generation. There are other versions available of this book, including a 10-word reader series book, as well as the original scholastic hard back (and this paperback). there is also a paperback reissue available at some places online.

This was the very first book I ever checked out from the library at my school when I was in kindergarten. Make it the first book you child wants to read and hear every night. It is a ridiculously simple book, and utterly entertaining. Plot: Peter has to pick some pickles... Then fun and chaos ensues. The artwork nicely compliments the story and still makes me giggle to this day. Well worth any price you pay for it.

I don't know what it was exactly about this book, but I REALLY liked it as a kid and now I want to be able to share it with my twin boys (age 4). Wish I knew what happened to my copy! Definitely worth sharing with a whole new generation. LIVE ON PICKLE PICKLE PICKLE JUICE!! (ha ha)

Tom Blair writes a colorful story that is an easy read for teenagers in middle school and above. The book keeps the reader's attention at all times and allows for the reader's imagination to take hold and grow with the story.

Tom Blair creates each character and story line with great detail and life, and manages to connect each to form a happy ending to a great book.

I enjoyed this book immensely and I'm looking foward to the sequels.

I gave The Sabatini Prophecy to my 11-year old niece -- a big Harry Potter fan -- as a Christmas gift. Shortly afterwards I visited with her and she exclaimed "I read the whole book in three days -- I couldn't put it down!" She is eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.

Although thematically similar to the Harry Potter series, Blair has created a completely original story in a setting that is all american. The protagonist, Davey Boehm and all of his friends are brilliant characterizations of american icons: young boy temporarily transplanted into a small southern town, the local young girl, the indian boy from the neighboring reservation, the local town toughs, and the town's patriarch and titular ruling family, not to mention the local flora and fauna. As an adult captivated with the "Potter" books, I was immediately swept away by "The Sabatini Prophecy", and I can't wait for the sequel(s).

You had better pick up the pace Rowling, because Blair is nipping at your heels.

Being in the book business myself I read a lot of young adult fantasy books. Ever since Harry Potter invaded all of our worlds we've all been looking for the NEXT Harry-like series. I'd like to tell you, this is it! This is a sensational debut teen fantasy novel that is sure to be enjoyed by people of all ages 9-90. The author blends magic and fantasy, family love and devotion with loyal friendships, then adds a mysterious aura of Cherokee mysticism and legend for a winning combination that should result in bestseller status if promoted and marketed properly. Thomas Blair has created a more advanced novel for the age group with multilevel plots and sub-plots, and has written this with more of an adult style which is also a breath of fresh air in teen literature. Our young hero learns early on in the book that he has a talent for talking to animals and soon learns he is a decendent of a secret line of Italian magicians. Davey's magical powers start out slow and simple and steadily grow throughout the book keeping readers totally riveted and engaged page after page, until the end where we find a young man with magical abilities that is a force to be reckoned with. The story revolves around a magical tree, a very spirited squirrel, some kamakazi ravens, a flying gypsy wagon, a kidnapper, a wise indian chief, a school bully turned hero and a Native American boy who loves to talk like Crocodile Dundee. How much more can we ask for in a book as fun as this? Hopefully word of mouth with spread the news that this novel is a hit!

For all of you Harry Potter fans this is another wonderful fantasy about Magic! A fast read and very exciting. The story keeps you engaged and entertained. An interesting side benefit is some insight into the lives of the Cherokee and their ceremonial activities. The story is centered on three children in their awkward years and the fight between good and evil--with a heavy dose of nature tossed into the mix. Many twists and turns that keep you wondering just how the characters will get out of some pretty tight situations.
A fun read for all children between the ages of 10-90. This is a good book for vacation entertainment. I cannot wait for the sequel!

This has come to be one of my most often used tools of divination for personal and spiritual growth I love this book and the amulets. Beauty sings thru them and they are easy to use with meditations and small personal rituals.

For those of us outside the judeo-christian tradition, who resonate to ancient drum beats, this set of book and "amulets" is a unique and delightful way to connect with the sacred feminine. I use is often to refocus, overcome inner obstacles, and dig myself out of old ruts. Based on actual archeological goddess artifacts, the symbolism of the amulets is explained from both a historical standpoint and an interpretive one. Recommended for women (and men) open to this path of the spiritual journey and wanting an interactive experience.

This set is worth the price for the book alone. It is easily one of the best Goddess books I've seen, containing much information about the history of the Goddess as well as valuable practical information that can easily be applied to daily life. The stones are great to use during meditation as they give you something physical to focus on, and work very well for divination also. I just love this set!

I've had this book for many years and enjoyed its wisdom. We painted our amulets which brought them even more to life. Recently, I used them every morning on a challenging journey to find a lost family member in a big city. The synchronicity of these little omens is amazing. On my trip, they served as support, guidance, a mirror, and validation for each day. They have become even more precious to me since my trip.

I was not disappointed in this book. I am a student of comparative mythology and have been doing research in Goddess mythology. I am also interested in divination through either stones or the tarot. This book has the background iniformation on the design of each amulet and the Goddesses that each stone represents. I'm buying more of these for my friends.