Brian Books

These guys know what they are talking about. Web services with real life examples and great points such as web services inside the firewall. I greatly recommend this book!

Real life examples, diagrams, easy to read, and is up-to-date - this book is recommended for architects, managers, developers, who would like to get a good understanding of SOAP and XML Web services. This book contains answers to your "what", "why", and "how" questions pertaining to XML Web services. The chapters flow nicely. It also talks about BizTalk and ebXML and how they fit in Web services paradigm. This first volume ends with discussion on more recent Web services standards (WS-****).

Collaboratively written in a light and engaging style, by Brian E. Travis and Mae Ozkan, Web Services Implementation Guide Volume 1: Getting Started is a straightforward and "user friendly" instruction manual that accessibly teaches the reader what web services are and how to take advantage of them. Written especially for systems architects and developers, it describes in direct, friendly language how to automate internal systems, determine integration points, and then reveal integration points as web services. Enhanced with a tutorial on the state of web services standards, real-life examples of web service use, code samples and more, Web Services Implementation Guide Volume 1: Getting Started is an excellent beginning guide for anyone ready to take the first step into capitalizing on the manifold advantages of what the World Wide Web has to offer.

I read the book very easily. It thought me so much about web services, how it evolves and where it is going to. It cleared many questions I had in my mind. I am technically enhanced now! It is fantastic to understand the cool technologies.

This book is one of many new titles on web services (the book's introduction makes the case for using a lowecase-w in "web" services). Most of the books that I have seen cover the world of web services in terms of this or that tool. Java J2EE, Microsoft .NET, IBM Web Services Toolkit, etc.

This book gets beyond a particular implementation of code and talks about the business reasons for implementing web services. This includes planning, automating processes behind the firewall, determining security issues and so forth. This is the only book I have seen that covers such architectural facets.

As a developer, I found the coverage of the technologies very helpful. As my company's chief architect, I found many things to think about in the book.

The book covers the standards (XML, XSD, SOAP, WSDL) in a very accessible way, with witty commentary so it does not get boring. This is quite a feat for such an acronym-rich technology.

Rachel Carson's seminal 1950s expose, "Silent Spring" began educating us about the dangerous chemicals industry spewed onto the land and sea. After decades of media coverage of toxic events (Love Canal, Three Mile Island,Taco Bell ecoli breakout) we're either completely paranoid about what we eat and breath or completely blaise because we don't know who or what to believe anymore.
Along comes Dr. Gary Ginsberg and his sidekick Brian Toal, the toxic-busters from Connecticut's department of health to give us some prospective. True, there are a lot of harmful pesticides and toxins especially lead, carbon monoxide and pressure treated wood the authors write, but there are many other air and waterborn invaders that are not as problematic. The authors adroitly dispel these myths and perhaps the most important page in the book comes early, page 10, where they list the Top 10 Toxic Risks and the Top Ten Toxic Myths.
Written in laymen's terms without placing blame, the authors stay focused on their mission---helping consumers sort throught our toxic wasteland. Using real life episodes to illustrate their points, they give us specific ways to protect ourselves and remediate pollution in our homes and neighborhoods.
Children are the most vulnerable to many of the biggest problems such as ozone air pollution and parents would be wise to read this book. Prospective homebuyers will also protect themselves and save some heartache and equity if they take the authors advise on mold, radon, powerlines and hazardous waste sites.

I came across this book while browsing in the health section. Once I got past the somewhat alarming cover, I found a really useful guide to sorting out the risks from chemicals in our environment. The authors have a commonsense approach, explain the science in everyday language that I can follow, and helped me to understand which toxic substances to worry about and which are ok. I thought it would scare me, but I actually found this book to be empowering, because each chapter ends with a checklist of things I can do to keep myself and my family safe. I recommend it: along with diet, exercise, and stress reduction guides, it will help you stay healthy, by enabling you to change your lifestyle for the better.

This is a must-have book.

I've never written an on-line book review but I feel so strongly about this book's message that I'm taking the time to write this one in the hopes that you'll act on it.

As a public health professional specializing in environmental health, I am always getting questions from friends, family, and the public about environmental threats to their health.

Recent examples: My water smells funny when I take showers, is this a problem for my child or me? Should I worry about living near the highway - my windowsills have black soot on them. My neighbor's wood stove smells up our house at night and I fear my father's emphysema is worsening. My employer just moved me into a new office building that stinks of chemicals and now at night my chest hurts - it's never hurt before. I love to eat fish but the media is telling me to stop - should I?

I must admit I don't have all the answers - not even close. The diversity of threats, the complexity of each threat, and the proliferation of new scientific research makes it impossible for one person to have all the most informed answers.

But Ginsberg and Toal's new book comes closer to covering all the bases--and covering them exceptionally well--than anything I've ever read.

These experts have dedicated their careers to public health. They've worked on the front lines for decades. Their vast real-world experience and far-reaching understanding of the science--coupled with a knack for translating complexity into easily digestible and practical answers--is a winning combination.

Section 5 (Tying it All Together) alone is worth the full cost of the book (which is considerably less than how much I typically spend each day commuting). Actually, the section is worth a lot more than the book cost. It's hard to believe this much useful and important knowledge comes so cheaply.

I just bought 10 copies of this book. I'm sending these new copies to some of my friends and relatives raising families, to others with health problems, and to my parents and siblings. Of course I know many more people who likely would benefit from the book. I'll send them this review and urge them to make the investment. Everyone I know will be covered.

I have no doubt they'll find this book one of the most useful purchases they've made in awhile.

The added bonus is I'll no longer need to spend hours trying to find answers to all of their questions. Ginsberg and Toal's book now gets the job done for me.

Great Book. Has lots of helpful information. An excellent reference for anyone concerned about their living environment.

By reading Mr. Ginsbergs book you will learn things uou never knew and confirm things you thought you knew. It is a complete guide that every home should have. This is a polluted and toxic world we live in. It is comforting to have an idea of what toxins are and how they can and should be dealt with.

If you like sci-fi, utopian societies or if you are a tech freak you'll love this book! The book loaded with tongue-in-cheek humor (the world needs more of this) Can hardly wait for the sequel. Go Brian!!

This book has page after page of fun, witty science-fiction wrapped up with a believeable future. It is almost like reading Futurama. I found myself laughing out loud several times which caused a problem because I had to explain the situation to my wife. The ending does leave you wondering, "what next". I surely hope Brian comes up with a sequal that is at least as funny comes out with it soon. I want to know what happens. I want a Sony PatientMan! Long live Tang!

This book is a quick easy read. My attention was captured from the opening pages to the very end. There was some sarcastic humor on every page that brought out a laugh, giggle, or smirk. Very enjoyable. I am looking forward to the sequel.

Always on the lookout for new and well-written science-fiction, I picked up this book. It's a tightly written sci-fi number with numerous comic elements that reminds me of Terry Pratchett. We're introduced to Calvin and follow him as he dies and is reborn 300 years into the future. The differences are explained quite well and in an entertaining fashion so you don't get bored listening to a history lesson as we're introduced to talking computers, sandwiches made from the other other white meat and the life of Kevin Bacons clones. My only complaint is that the book leaves you hanging, though it finishes that particular chapter of Calvin's life and that I'll have to wait a little while for the sequel so I can get my fix. Kudos to Brian for a great first novel and I am eagerly anticipating the next in the series.

Fans of the late great Douglas Adams and the Futurama Shows will love this book. SciFi comedy is something that rarely comes across well, but this book pulls it off well. Quirky characters and dialogue work very well together to create a real, albeit broken, sense of fun and familiarity to those who are familiar with Ford Prefect and Arthur Dent (if those are unfamiliar, google them, its worth it).

Tounge in cheek humor and plausible scenarios create a world I'm anxious to explore, with toys and gadgets that are too cool for words (I want the oakley xspecs). This book is riddled with fun bits of obsurdity that you will recognise from this world. Other bits from the book, such as conversations with regular appliances (yes they do respond) that actually talk back are pure gems. I would actually like to meet the shower.... read it you'll see what I mean.

All in all this author is off to a great start with this book, which is the beginning of a series which has a lot of promise, and is certain to become a book with much cult appeal. A fast read, but worth it. You owe it to yourself to purchase this book. It doesnt try to answer any of lifes big questions, just gives a few possibilities. Anyway, this has become much more long winded than I expected. Simply put, buy it. You'll like it.

Forget House of M, forget his monumental run on Daredevil, and forget his long run on Ultimate Spider-Man; Brian Michael Bendis was at his best with Alias. No, it has nothing to do with the show of the same name; Alias was the first title under Marvel's mature themed MAX line, and it shows the gifted writer at his very best. The series introduces us to Jessica Jones, a former Avenger turned private investigator who has her share of problems. Her personal life is in shambles because of her mysterious past and job. She's a so-so alcoholic and chain smoker. She has one night stands with Luke Cage. She goes on a date with Scott "Ant-Man" Lang. Needless to say she's not the typical Marvel heroine, and that's why Alias worked. It shows us the grittier underbelly of the Marvel universe in this collection. From Jessica stumbling upon a murder and a plot involving the secret identity of Captain America, to her traveling upstate to find a missing mutant girl; this all leads up to the excellent conclusion where Jessica's past is revealed, and she comes face to face with the once laughable Purple Man: a master of mind control who in Bendis' hands becomes one of the most fearsome villains in recent memory. There's nothing to not like about Alias if you're a Marvel fan, and Michael Gaydos' artwork is as gritty and Bendis' storytelling. This massive collection collects all 28 issues of Alias, as well as Bendis and Gaydos' new age What If? one-shot in which Jessica Jones remains an Avenger, and her life takes a very different turn, and there's some nice extras here as well. Alias also re-vitalized former Hero for Hire Luke Cage, as well as current Spider-Woman Jessica Drew; both of which have become favorite characters of Bendis. All in all, if you are a die hard fan of the series and either missed some issues or don't own the TPB's, this is definitely worth the price tag.

It's strange how such an important comic can be so relatively obscure. This is the book responsible for launching Marvel's MAX imprint, which is pretty much their answer to DC's wonderful Vertigo line. Not only is Alias responsible for MAX, but it introduces us to Jessica Jones and is a very intriguinjg read as well.
Written by Brian Michael Bendis, the 28 issues of Alias tell the story of Jessica Jones, a former superhero who hung up her cape after deciding that she didn't have what it takes to be a hero. Her powers, which include superstrenght and flight, are good, but nothing special. Furthermore, she is too self-destructive; she doesn't believe in herself and she has tons of personal issues, going all the way back to her high school days. Even her "origin story" gives her reason to doubt herself. Now she runs Alias Investigations, a private detective agency. Her cases take her to the darker side of the Marvel universe that don't usually get shown in the mainstream books live The Avengers or The Fantastic Four. The first case we see her on shows her finding a missing woman... who just so happens to be sleeping with none other than Captain America! Another case has her tracking down a missing girl who is rumored to be a mutant. However, she learns that there may be more to the story when she discovers that the town the girl went missing in is full of racists who hate everyone from Jews to mutants.
Along the way, we are given hints of Jessica's past. Her relationship with best friend Carol Danvers (whoose aliases include Ms. Marvel) is dysfunctional at best, she has angry sex with Luke Cage, and begins dating Scott Lang/Ant-Man, another hero with a questionable past, and the relationship is a rollercoaster for both. Occasionally, she acts as bodyguard for Matt Murdock, who had just been outed in the press as Daredevil.
Eventually, Jessica confesses the story of her origin to Cage, and the tale of how she got her powers is heartbreaking. Furthermore, she describes her early adventures as the superhero Jewel, and how an encounter with the mind-controlling Purple Man had lasting consequences on her mental state and which nearly led to a crisis with the Avengers.
Bendis' stories are very well-written and engaging. Jessica's cases are interesting, but it's her personality that is truly captivating. She smokes and drinks heavily for someone who once made it her job to protect people, and her relationships with others are very unhealthy. The fact that the book is published under the R-rated MAX imprint allows people to fully "express" their feelings through the ability to use hard-core swearing (and Bendis doens't hold back on the cussing). It turns out that the superheroes of the Marvel universe can have some pretty dirty mouths. As for the art, it takes some getting used to. I admit that it fits the dark and gritty tone of the story, but there were times when I wasn't sure what was going on.
This HUGE omnibus collects all 28 issues of the series in addition to the What If...? issue detailing what would have happened if Jones had joined the Avengers. While I really enjoyed the 28 issues of Alias, the What If...? issue was only OK, and (SPOILER!!) I find it very hard to believe that Jessica could have single-handedly prevented the events of Avengers: Disassembled. Still, it's enjoyable enough to see Jessica happy in a completely different environment.
This book is expensive, but it's pretty worth it. In addition to 29 issues presented in oversized format, we are treated to sketches, an interview with Bendis, Bendis' pitch for the series, and an introduction from Allen Heinberg, writer for The OC and creator/writer of Young Avengers.

some of bendis' better writing, it captures the essential noir experience with a superhero spin. This volume is certainly the best way to collect the series, as its cheaper than buying the trades individually.

One of BMB's strengths is the ability to make old characters who have previously been put out to pasture cool again. He did it with Luke Cage, 70's street-cred Hero for Hire. He did it with Jessica Drew, the first Spider-Woman (and to some small extent, Maddie Franklin, a newer incarnation of Spider-Woman). He even did it with Speedball, a wacky Steve Ditko creation. Hell, he even made Alan Quartermain cool! You'll find all these comeback characters in the pages of "Alias", detailing the adventures of Jessica Jones, an ex-superhero with origins firmly rooted in Silver Age storytelling. Along with the above-mentioned characters, you're treated to her friendship with Carol Danvers and her dating struggles with Scott Lang.

This oversized, hardcovered volume collects the entire "Alias" series, including the "What If...?" issue that compliments the series. Take the time to savor this collection, as it's a rare treat in comic book literature that you're unlikely to see again anytime soon. This is Bendis at his best, writing what he loves. The stunning Gaydos art sets the tone for the series, and only improves with each issue.

Though the series only lasts 28 issues, Jessica's story continues in "The Pulse". It's my hope that Marvel collects those issues and relevant tie-ins in a handsome Omnibus volume.

Worth the $, lives up to the hype. If you need a comic in which a supervillian gets fubared every other page, this isn't for you. If you like excellent character development, excellent plot, excellent dialogue, great art, pick this up. One of the best books I've read from Marvel, also one of Bendis' best work. Again, not the normal formulaic stuff, this is really good.

Author Brian Kaufman has woven a tight mystery around a sympathetic protagonist. Daniel Bain, a down-on-his-luck skip tracer, gets a bizarre job offer from a wealthy old geezer. "Find Jesus Christ," states Mordecai Ryan, "and I'll pay you a hundred thousand dollars." Daniel struggles with the case while recovering from personal problems that haunt him. His demons include a humorous battle with weight loss, a tender friendship with a seductive internet porn star, and bouts with his slightly dysfunctional family. Add dry wit, a dash of murder, and a touch of the biblical--you've got a well-written, page-turning thriller as well as a great read.

One of the joys of doing this column is discovering books published by small outfits that rarely get wide distribution. Such is the case with this novel by Colorado resident, Brian Kaufman. It is also one of those books difficult to slap a genre label on. It is part mystery, part thriller with a good dose of philosophical debate thrown in for good measure.

When widower Daniel Bain is hired by reclusive millionaire, Mordecai Ryan, to find Jesus, he at first thinks the dying old man is orchestrating some sick-twisted hoax at his expense. Bain is a skip-tracer who locates missing people, primarily through the use of computers and the internet. He's as far from being a private investigator as a counter clerk is being the head of a bank. Still, the obscene amount of money Ryan dangles under his nose is too much to resist and he reluctantly takes the job.

From that point on Bain's life is systematically turned upside as he experiences one bizarre event after another like a cosmic chain of good and bad luck interwoven together to confuse the hell out of him. Years earlier Bain's wife had run off to be with another man. She took their baby daughter with her and then both of them died when their car hit a patch of winter ice and flipped off the road. Bain's grief became so mixed up with his anger at her betrayal, he's become an emotional zombie and cynic.

Now his search for Mordecai Ryan's Jesus leads him to a nineteen year girl who sells pornographic tapes and pictures of herself over the internet. Like Bain, she too is a wounded soul and they instantly find a kinship together. Neither is aware of just how strong that bond is a stalker threatens the girl's life and Bain finds himself cast in the role of her protector. All the while he finds himself getting closer and closer to find Ryan's
lost Messiah.

Kaufman writes with courage in tackling spiritual themes. He clearly recognizes the human condition for its broken state, yet through Bain he refuses to accept the tired old platitudes that come from thousand year old gospel. Yet the book's gruesome climax hints at a begrudging acceptance of the greatest mystery of them all, love. This is a well written book with weighty themes. If you aren't afraid to think about the big questions, then this is a book you should seek out and read. Whether in the end, you agree or disagree with Daniel Bain, you won't easily forget him.

While Mr. Kaufman's newest novel has Christian aspects to the story, I did not find it to be a novel about Christianity. I am not a Christian, even if I do find some of their purported values to mine as well. If this had been a novel of Christianity, I probably would not have read it. No, for me, this was a novel of self exploration, of psychological and philosophical juggling, dealing with the darker side of man's nature. That nature can be destructive, as is portrayed by the antagonist, it can be self doubt as portrayed by our protagonist or it can be a loss of faith, exemplified elsewhere in the story as an on going theme. This is a story of a hero going on with his life, not appearing as a hero to anyone, not even himself. These heros exist in our daily lives, such as fathers going to jobs they hate, so that they can provide for their families.

Mr. Kaufman's writing is layered with meaning, most of which is lost on me, if not pointed out. The structure of this story is precise, with every scene and chapter having a specific purpose and meaning, and having an evil twin elsewhere in the book.

The ending is, in my opinion, what makes this story worth reading. If you are tired of being spoon fed a plot with a conclusion you can see from the second chapter, then read this book. It'll leave you wanting more from Kaufman, even if he does jump genre, keeping us all guessing what is next from him.
Aaron Spriggs

The Apocalypse Parable: A Conspiracy Of Weeds by Brian Kaufman is an original, engaging and complex suspense novel depicting the life of a wealthy man, Mordecai Ryan and his pursuit of Jesus Christ the services of Daniel Bain, a small-time private investigator for missing persons. Readers will be enthralled as Bain's pursuit of Christ leads him through a twisting and evermore intricate plot involving Hitler, discovering rewrites of the Gospel, and many more modern and estranging studies. The Apocalypse Parable is very strongly recommended to all readers of fantasy-fiction, particularly those inclined to the Christian faith.

Where would Jesus go if he were to return today? Which broadcast station would he choose to spread his word? What would the censors say? Haven't people been interpreting the words of Jesus since the moment he spoke them? Chances are, if he did come back, he might have some editing to do to the Bible; chances are, people would ignore him and assume he was just a nutcase. It is what people assume about others that really touches home in Brian Kaufman's book, "The Apocalypse Parable."

Daniel Bain is a skip-tracer. He finds people who are in debt, have run away from life and responsibilities, or are hiding for other various reasons. When Mordecai Ryan, an eccentric wealthy invalid, hires him to find Jesus, Bain assumes at first that he is being taken for a fool, or else his client is one. He turns the research onto Mordecai himself, trying to find out just a bit more information. What turns up is very interesting. The research uncovers a connection to Hitler, a lot of importing business, and a church that stands empty. Getting deeper into it, Bain uncovers a connection that has to be more than coincidence; in fact, if he believed in such things, he might think it were divine intervention.

During the investigation, we are given a personal glimpse at the character who is Daniel Bain. Readers see his personal life and along with it, a parallel plot that is full of suspense and interest. Being a skip tracer he is able to track down a pretty young thing whom he has met at a questionable site on the internet, and arrives near her home just in time to save her from another, more sinister, stalker. The two have an instant connection and will end up learning a good deal from each other. Also in the story are Daniel's sister and her not-so-nice life partner, his terrible cook of a mother, and his best friend who also happens to be the priest at his seldom-visited church. Through it all, people make assumptions and learn from the repercussions of doing so.

The book is very well written, and is impossible to put down. Just when you think you've got things figured out, think again. With interesting and original twists, author Brian Kaufman will capture your attention and leave you with a satisfied understanding of his presented points. Something to think about, and a great tale!
Review by Heather Froeschl

I'm getting my Doctor of Ministry degree in preaching, and so I've read lots of books about giving sermons through the years. This is one of the best. Dozens of scholars have written articles divided up into different categories (style, delivery, preparation, application, illustration, introductions, conclusions). Timothy Warren has several articles defending the topical expository sermon. He is strongly committed to expository preaching, but he doesn't necessarily feel that this always has to be from just one passage per Sunday.

Haddon Robinson has a convicting article warning about plagiarism, and he also has a great article about planning your sermons ahead of time.

Rick Warren has a good article about purpose driven titles for your sermons. The title should clearly communicate what the message is about without giving too much away.

John Ortberg discusses the use of illustrations, and there are also articles about outlining and discovering the main point of the scripture passage you are preaching on (frequently referred to as "The Big Idea").

Don Sunukjian has some contributions to the book, and one article warns about using too much alliteration, which is often the result of the preacher forcing his outline on the text.

You could read this book straight through, or you could pick out the articles that interest you at that moment in time. Many of these articles were first made available only to those who had an online membership to a certain website. But now these sterling pieces have been compiled into this thick volume. The book also comes with an mp3 cd. Highly recommended.

This is an A-1, first class book. Very inspiring and worth every bit you pay for it. We need better preachers and this book will for sure help you be one!

this was an excellent book on preaching. it taught me so many things. i do not agree with everything, but most of it was excellent. i would strongly encourage you to buy it.

I recently received a copy of The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching: A Comprehensive Resource for Today's Communicators, and have been browsing through it from time to time. Whether you're a full- or part-time preacher or even if you spend any time at all speaking in front of others as a Christian attempting to bring others to a better understanding of the Bible, or to bring them to a point of decision, you need this book on your shelf. It is the finest compendium of useful preaching/exhortation articles I have ever seen.

I've only just started to browse through this tome, but every article I've glanced at or read has excited me, filled me with ideas on how to improve my preaching and prep-time, and given me already useful techniques to make my delivery more effective. Many of the articles were repurposed from timeless Leaderhip journal articles, some were culled from the Preaching Today website's "Skill Builder" articles, but there are a ton of new articles written fresh just for this project.

About the two editors: Haddon Robinson is considered by many to be one of the finest preachers alive today. I've always enjoyed the interviews and teaching I've heard from Robinson, and he has a clear, fatherly style of teaching. The blurb from Preaching Today Audio says, about him:

"Dr. Robinson has been named one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English-speaking world. His text, Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages, is used in more than 100 seminaries and Bible colleges in North America. He is also host of Discover the Word which airs on 400 radio stations across the world."

Craig Brian Larson is pastor of Lake Shore Church (Assembly of God) in downtown Chicago, and is the managing editor of Preaching Today. He's well-known in the world of sermon illustrations, having compiled several illustration compendiums (see Movie-Based Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching, volumes one and two, for example), and coauthored a guide for helping preachers add journalistic impact to their messages (see Preaching that Connects).

If you preach or teach at all, you really owe it to your listeners to pick up this book and refer to it from time to time. It will be a resource you refer to for years, and it will challenge you at every turn. This book is truly a gift to the Church!

Rich.

This is a thoroughly exhaustive resource in the toolbag of the pastor. The multitude of author's writing on a variety of topics from one end of the field of homiletics to another adds a fresh view to bringing a Holy Word for God to affect the "Fallen Human Condition."

The reviewer had to read the book for a seminary preaching class. It was somewhat tedious reading this long book cover to cover. This is expected when there is such a vast number of author writing, but this cross-over isn't necessarily bad. It does give weight to techniques that are shown to be pragmatic. None of the authors are claiming that "their-way-is-the-best." They are merely showing what's worked for them and what is tried and true. They are passing their perspective on...because everyone has something to learn.

So from the lay minister to the scholar, this is a worthy resource to be in your homiletical arsenal.

This is a great book especially the abstrat things. Colors and Ancient Cave paintings. Not only was the class fun (for me) because I like van gogh, and The first abstract colored painting whoms which name i forgot. The text book gave very good information into the class and art. Then afterwards I had a dream of me and that Flower painting woman. So this class was an eye-opener into the spiritual relms of art for me, since that is who I am. Hence; Theren lies Art as a religion. Godbless everyone and you and yours...

One love.

Peter.

I didn't really use this book that much in my class but when we did it was ok. It has a lot of famous artwork and people in there so its an extremely good way to catch up on what most artists talk about and stuff. It also teaches you different styles of art, mediums, history, and terminology. It's a decent book.

This is just like any other text book, a lot of words that you only read a third of. The pictures are beautiful though.

I just puchased the latest edition of Artforms which includes the CD-ROM with interactive explanations on elements of art. Artforms is a great introduction to art and art history for those who have always wanted to understand how to look at art and interpret it for themselves. Over half the book is dedicated to elements and principles of art and craftsmanship. I use this book in training my art museum volunteers so that they have a clear understanding of why some works of art have strong visual impact while others do not. I like how the book uses a mix of artwork from various time periods, media and cultures to explain the elements and principles. Far too many art/art history books become a history of painting, and Artforms represents a variety of art forms other than 2D. The history portion of the book is a gloss of art history, but good enough for someone just delving into art. The book is easy to read, relatively jargon-free and has a nice glossary at the end. I wish the CD had more information on it that you could use in a classroom setting, projecting it on an overhead, but that is my instructor point of view. For someone studying at home it is quite nice. To sum up, the book is so good I now own two editions and will continue to recommend it to people who want to understand how to look at art.

I purhased this book as a requirement for an art history and appreciation class as a required text. I think the book although a bit pricey is an excellent text book for the class. Additionally if you just wanted to get a good foundation for art history and appreciation I think this book would provide that as well.

Many (many!) years ago I read this story; years later, I saw the film "Smoke" with Harvey Keitel and William Hurt. I was so deeply influenced by both that I suggested that the Great Books discussion group I was in should read this story for our December reading (never mind that half of us are Jewish).

However, back in the day, the story was only a figment of my fevered imagination, if you searched the libraries or the internet (young then). The story had been published only once, in the New York Times, and then dropped to the bottom of the sea. Meanwhile, director Wang had gotten in touch with Auster and they had agreed to make it into a film. So it HAD to exist somewhere, right?

After digging into the internet, I located a gentleman who had published a limited edition, William Drenttel. He had published it in a small run of very nicely bound books for a lot of money, or a REALLY limited edition for well over $100.

I wrote (humbly) to him, and here is what he said:

Lori, happy to send you the text for the limited use of your reading group.
I've attached it as a Word file, as well as posted it below. Hope you have a great evening on 1/19. Best, Bill Drenttel


Published by William Drenttel New York & The Delos Press
December 1992
Printed by Libranus Press, England, in an edition of 450
Story Þrst published in The New York Times on December 25, 1990.


Auggie Wren¹s Christmas Story
Paul Auster
Illustration by Brian Cronin

So that is how my book group was able to discuss "Auggie Wren" years before this book became an affordable reality.

Of course I think it is a wonderful and complex story about growth, redemption, sadness, joy, pain, and how to move on with one's life...instruction of a sort.

Auster is brilliant, as always.

Auggie Wren's Christmas Story by Paul Auster is one of those short books which is fun to read either before, during or even after the holidays.

Paul Auster, the highly regarded author, is asked to write an editorial piece which will appear on Christmas morning in the NY Times. At first Mr. Auster doesn't even want to write the article fearing he has nothing to say, but then he's worn down and agrees to do this. One thing the author knows is he doesn't want to write
anything sentimental. Readers should think of his thoughts as a non Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus. When in fact he sits down to write the article, though, he has trouble actually write this unsentimental tale. Days go by and he has nothing written on paper to show for his efforts.

Fearing he may never write this article, Mr. Auster mentions his problem one day to the man who owns a small newspaper and cigar store in his neighborhood. The man, Auggie Wren promises to tell him a Christmas story if he treats him to lunch. And so over lunch the author listens to a tale which is both sentimental and poignant which asks what does a wallet, a blind woman and a camera have to do with each other. More important than the answer which these questions raise are the more important ones like what is true, what is lying and did any or all of these events really ever happen.

This is a warm and somewhat sentimental story, despite what the author hoped for, about the spirit of the holidays in the tradition of O. Henry's Gift of the Magi. Consider buying this title for next Christmas. This book is just perfect as a holiday gift and sure to be a keeper in the future.

Auggie Wren runs a store where you can buy tobacco and magazines. One day a youth steels a few paperbacks and Augggie Wren runs after him. The young man loses his wallet and Auggie stops to pick it up. He looks in the wallet and finds the address
of what turns out to be the grandmother of our young delinquent. ( I can't tell anymore without spoiling the plot ).

Film director Wayne Wang was seduced by this little story and it was he who persuaded Paul Auster to write the script for "Smoke". (1994).

The present edition of "Auggie Wren's Christmas Story" has two parts. The first part is a kind of introduction and uses a scene from the film where Auggie shows his photo collection to Paul. Even in this introduction reality and fiction are intertwined to become one and the same.(And isn't this the true value of literature, to erase the borderline between dreams and every day reality ?).
The second part is the story like it was told by Harvey Keitel in "Smoke".
At the end Paul Auster says: " As long as there's one person to believe it, there's no story that can't be true."

Auster succeeded in what he attempted to accomplish: to create an unsentimental Christmas story. The story is surprisingly effective, in that the reader is not entirely certain of what direction the plot is going. This slim book -- little more than an elongated article -- is pure, forced action. One event closely follows another. What I enjoyed about it is the series of moral dilemmas offered up to the reader. Should Auggie have turned in the thief? Was it a wise choice to visit the thief's home? Should he have stayed with the grandmother? And should he have taken the camera that he found in the bathroom? If he had not done any of these actions, then we would not have today the collection of Auggie Wren's a-picture-a-day. Does the end justify the means? I read this book to my two sons and had a very interesting discussion regarding the choices that Auggie made. This book, in combination with Auster's "I Thought My Father Was God," makes for worthwhile discussions around small, fascinating stories. The beautiful illustrations by the artist ISOL merit close study.

In this slim book, Paul Auster authors a new version of a Christmas Story. The book recounts a very interesting story about what Christmas means to so many. It represents a time of hopefullness and wishes that people have and how they may come true.

The obvious similarity between Auster's story and O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi" involves the giving of gifts, one person to another, but not in the regular way we give gifts at Christmas. In this book, by a simple twist of fate, Auggie Wren, the protagonist comes upon a wallet, that was dropped. For a long time, Auggie just keeps the wallet, but eventually he attempts to give it back to its owner.

Upon arrival at the owner's house, it turns out, that he is not there at the time. However, the grandmother of the wallet owner is there. And she is blind. Yet, she allows herself to accept the visit and perhaps the spirit of Christmas by allowing Auggie to represent her grandson, as the Grandmother to believe that he is who she wishes him to be. Likewise, Auggie allows himself to accept a gift that is given in a very unusual manner.

While Auggie believes that even blind, the women knew he was not her grandson, yet she allows Auggie to act as the grandson, because that is her most personal wish at that time. In return for this favor, the grandmother in turn gives unknowingly, a gift to Auggie. Auggie though is bothered by the manner in which he acquired the gift and goes back to return it. When he arrives, the Grandmother no longer is resident at the apartment.

What actually happens to her, Auster never reveals. However, the concept of the story is tightly bound to the giving of gifts, one to another, and with the gifts, there is both sorrow and love. As each gives what they have, and each sacrifices what they have, in order to please the other.

Such is the case in this book as well. The book is highly recommemded for those who have a familiarity with "The Gift of the Magi" and also with "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. A good familiarity with those stories enhances the reader's understanding of Auster's point.

Because of the books short text, it can be read in lest than 30 minutes, but it is strongly advised that the reader reread the book immediately after finishing it the first time, in order to get the full flavor and impact of Auster's version of Christmas.

As a sport & fitness professional working with children's fitness I recommend Eule's book for anybody looking to support their child's athletic endeavors. Eule has identified the true role of youth sports and importance of a fun athletic environment. Children can't help but be inspired by this book- regardless of athletic skill level, every child who has read this book has been positively influenced both on and off the court.

As a father of eight, I have read over 50 books written for a kids' audience devoted to the topic of basketball. Without a doubt, this book by Mr. Eule redefines the genre. It simultaneously managed to engross my twin five year-olds while also entertaining my sixteen year-old daughter. It's written clearly and passionately with a clear emphasis on Fun! Fun! I am already excitedly waiting for Mr. Eule's next publication! Awesome! Awesome!

Eule has captured the magic of the game for young people.
Along with the colorful pictures, Eule's clear, simple explanations are buoyed by his obvious love of the sport.
I'd recommend this for any child who has ever dreamed to play with the pros.

After I bought him Mr. Eule's book, my eight year old nephew became a better basketball player and person within three days. I would recommend this well-written and illustrated book for kids of all ages! Also, before reading this book my nephew was self-conscious about wearing tank tops without a t-shirt underneath. But after seeing the happy basketball player on the cover of this book, the Youngster wears only tank tops for all functions! I can't wait for the next edition!

This book was just given to my 9 year old son, and he loves it. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone with a kid who loves basketball.

This biography of the generally forgotten acting dynasty, the Bennetts, is a tour de force. While father Richard Bennett is long forgotten, daughters Constance and Joan Bennett are still accessible through a number of classic films ("What Price Hollywood" and "Topper" for Constance and "Scarlet Street" and "The Woman in the Window" for Joan, among others).

The author has captured the personalities of each Bennett. So many biographers fall into the trap of providing superficial detail around a chronology of the subject's life, but not so Mr Kellow. He has managed to bring alive the autocratic Richard Bennett and his 3 daughters, the troubled alcoholic Barbara, the mercurial, opportunistic Constance and the refined but passionate Joan. The book moves between each of their lives and Kellow benefited from the co-operation of many surviving members of the family. He has also created a vivid sense of the period in which the story is evolving from the girls rebellious behaviour in the roaring twenties, through career highs for Constance in Hollywood in the thirties and Joan's emergence as a femme fatale in the forties to both actresses move to the stage in the fifties as film work dried up. They were much married and all the details about their stormy relationships are vividly recreated, not in a gossipy tone but creating portraits of intelligent woman who were not afraid to take risks, particularly Constance.

This is a very clever well written book.

At long last, someone has tackled the fascinating story of the Bennett family. The result was well worth the wait. Kellow's book is enthralling, nicely balanced, objective, and well-researched. Anyone interested in Joan or Constance Bennett or even in film history will enjoy this book.

For anyone interested in Hollywood's golden era, this book is a must! Far superior than The Bennett Playbill which was published in the 1970's with Joan and a ghost writer, this book is exhaustively researched and provides a much fuller picture of father Richard and daughters Constance, Joan and the ill fated Barbara. Fans of the tv show Dark Shadows will remember Joan, but probably a lot fewer remember Constance who was one of the top film stars in the early 30's only to be washed up in films by the end of the decade. Joan had a much longer film career, though it took awhile for hers to catch fire. All the marriages, scandals and career highs and lows are covered in depth and Kellow provides a critical evalution of their many film roles. The narrative does skip back and forth between family members, but Kellow does a good job keeping the narrative flowing and after a few chapters the reader will adjust to it. The Bennetts may not have ranked as high as the Barrymores, but they rank right up there with other Hollywood dynasties.

Brian Kellow has done a wonderful job in telling the personal and professional stories of the acting Bennett Sisters and their father theatrical legend Richard Bennett. This book really fills a gap and is so well done that it would be difficult to imagine a better book about the Bennetts unless there were individual books on Constance, Joan, Barbara, and Richard Bennett. I would have liked a listing of the various plays that particularly Constance Bennett starred in. This versatile and glamorous star appeared in the Cole Porter musical "Silk Stockings" and this was not discussed in the excellent text. This is a small complaint and I think this book is a must for fans of Joan and Constance Bennett and for great books about show business. There are also some wonderful photographs and that alone should induce the reader to buy this book!

This well researched and presented book is a fine addition to anyone's library of books about Classic Hollywood or about the Broadway stage. The Bennett family were hard-working and talented performers, extremely famous in their day, but not as well-remembered today as they deserve. Their stories are full of human drama and Brian Kellow tells them in detail, without any wiff of the snide, nasty edge far too many show business books have today. He's honest about the faults of his subjects, yet compassionate about their humanity.