Bridges Books

This beautifully written reminiscence of growing up in Brooklyn captures neighborhood life in the 20s in Brooklyn and goes beyond, containing all the elements of childhood dormant in our minds and inherent in our experiences growing up in cities around America. Life was simpler --Bernice Carton brings the beauty of that life vividly to the page and helps us reenter a world that is well worth recapturing.

Bernice Carton's Beyond The Brooklyn Bridge gives today's reader a slice-of-life look at growing up in another, more simple era. From the street games kids played to the medicinal remedies we no longer use to parental guidance of a kind we no longer experience, Bridge takes the reader on a journey back in time. Written in a thoughtful, evocative style, Carton's book is a delight to any reader - no matter where they grew up. I recommend it highly to the young and not-so-young alike. Carton's fictionalized account of growing up on a specific block, on a specific street in a much-loved part of America is a treat for the imagination. It's a book that makes you comfortable - like cookies and warm milk.

I am a Californian who has lived in Brooklyn Heights since 1991. Beyond the Brooklyn Bridge is a delightful story about a Brooklyn that was here long before I arrived. The characters in the book are the kind of kids with whom I would love to have played. The Mothers are to sort of lovely people one would like to have gotten to know. I recommend the book for those who are new to New York and to people all of the country who would like a view of Brooklyn past.

Reading her book made me feel I knew her. Certainly, she took me by the hand and led me down Memory Lane and it was fun all the way. I haven't heard anyone say "Holy Cow" for long time. I loved the part about the empty lot because a house burnt down. The kids on my block in New Kensington Pennsylvania had an empty lot, too. There, we had roast "mickies", too. We didn't call them that, but we loved eating them. Cindery black though they were, and usually raw in the middle. Open streetcars. Penny Candy. I had to laugh out loud when I read about ice cream plopping out on the sidewalk to "Good-bye, Charlie!" It's been a long time since I heard that, and "Hot diggety dog!" I was surprised to learn that Brooklyn kids used the same expressions that we did in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, where I grew up in the 1920's. I guess I didn't expect the use of language to be the same everywhere. This book gave me so much pleasure!

Entranced by this wonderful compendium of nostalgic reminiscences - written in a lively, irresistible style - I have given the book as a gift on every occasion that calls for one. Without fail, recipients tell me that not only did they thoroughly enjoy the trip down memory lane, but, in turn, "lent" the book to friends and relatives, who, in turn, have "lent" it to others... In each case I receive lengthy letters, e-mails or telephone calls of thanks from people wishing to add their own personal memories to Bernice Carton's remarkable store of nostalgia...This includes readers in locations as disparate as Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, Canada, Australia, England and France. Not just Brooklyn! (I have recently learned through the grapevine that this book now even numbers among the possessions of exiled Prince Michael of Rumania himself, a gentleman whose presence graces the pages of this work)!...What a wonderful springboard for hours of delightful conversation! It has proven itself to be the gift of the century... Everyone tells me they are eagerly awaiting the sequel - tales of Ms. Carton's adolescence in Brooklyn...

Dorothy Hayden Truscott's BID BETTER, PLAY BETTER has been in print for over twenty years, and no surprise. This is a generous and well-explained guide to correct evaluation of the hand, with an emphasis on "reading" what your partner and opponents are holding; Ms. Truscott excels in making us read the context of the bidding process. And this book offers sound strategies for the playing of the hand as well.

This is not my very favorite book for rank beginners (in my opinion BRIDGE FOR DUMMIES by Eddie Kantar is actually quite good and more comprehensive), but it is really meant for developing players -- advanced beginners and intermediates. Those who would forego Ms. Truscott's no-nonsense prose style might instead consider S.J. Simon's WHY YOU LOSE AT BRIDGE. Like BID BETTER, PLAY BETTER, it deals with how not to form bad bridge habits or how to chuck them a-borning, but its take on bridge-playing is more social and Simon's prose style is appropriately quite droll.

This is a new, updated edition of one of the greatest bridge books of all time. Teaches you how to think like a bridge player. Much of the material is aimed toward advanced beginners and intermediates, but even new players will benefit from her clear approach and practical advice.

I was looking for a book without a lot of blather. This is it. It's straight forward and simple. I can sit down and read a particular section and get the idea quickly. No cute stories or long-range examples covering 50 years. I'm happy.

This book explains bridge in a simple manner and the information that my partner and I (she lives in Dallas and we play on Bridge Base Online) have utilized from this book has improved our game, and our understanding of it. It is in sync with the bridge lessons I have taken from my genious and excellent educator bridge teacher Bob Hinkle in Tucson Arizona.

Thank goodness Dorothy Hayden wrote this classic BEFORE " for Dummies" became the obvious title for any non-text book one might read to learn ANYTHING. Yet, that is really what this book is about. Reading (and practicing what you learn by reading) will indeed develop "card sense" where once there was very little (or none). After you have the basics of our amazing game in hand, this book can help you take another step toward mastery.

If you're up on modern bidding methods, you'll feel a temptation to skip the "old" material on bidding. Don't do it. Unless you're expert enough to design a complete bidding system from earth, air, fire, and water; the presentation of the fundamentals herein will help you improve both your understanding of Standard American (or 2/1) biddng methods AND your grasp of the foundation of your own bidding methods (even if you bid differently). That foundation will help you intelligently incorporate (or reject) new methods as your personal biddng methods and style mature.

How smart this dynamic author/illustrator duo was to disguise learning as pure reading fun. Love the story, wish I'd written it myself!

This is a remarkably original and highly educational book. Kids will greatly enjoy the witty dialogue, and learn new vocabulary.

Boris Ate a Thesaurus is so cute my 9 month old laughed out loud when I read him all of the synonyms in the book. The story is fun, the illustrations simple and engaging and overall the story is educational while being entertaining to read. It is a witty approach to children's books that is entertaining for parents too. I bought one for all of my nieces and nephews and highly recommend it!

Boris Ate a Thesaurus is a children's picturebook about a young boy who happens to eat a thesaurus - and suddenly starts talking in synonyms! His fame and popularity increase, and he is even invited to meet the President and deliver a big, giant, huge speech to all of America. But is one boy up to giving a great speech, or will his grand words suddenly disappear, evaporate, vanish? He discovers the answer in the Library of Congress: "All the words in the world are right here in these books. The secret to remember is that books are for reading, not for eating. Every time you read, you discover new words that last a lifetime." Playful illustrations by artists Barry M. Chung round out this friendly picturebook ideal for encouraging young people to read more.

This is one of the most original stories I have read in a long time (and I have read alot of stories!) My boys were so captivated by the exciting adventure that they didn't even realize that they were learning an important lesson regarding synonyms at the same time. In addition to the clever story the illustrations are superb! I would highly recommend this book for all 1st-4th graders. This book would make a great birthday and/or holiday gift. It is sure to become an all time classic!

Directs you to the real focus of your spiritual warfare; oneself and not Satan. It is appropriately placed as the second book in the Keys of the Kingdom Trilogy.

This book is another excellent book by Liberty Savard. It is has more powerful words and more powerful prayers to pray. When times have become tumultuous for me, I get out her books and I do a number of prayers. I find that afterwards, I feel more at peace and much more relaxed. I have also found that if I do the prayers many days in a row, things seem to go much more smoothly. I am also finding that things from my past do not have quite as much influence over me. I am more able to think of those things without all the pain and anxiety that I used to have. But, when I get lazy and ignore doing the prayers, I find that things become more tumultuous as my soul tries to rebel to the changes that I have been making. As a result, I find my soul longing to console itself with what I was trying to shake off and I end up regressing.

I still have a long ways to go, but I am seeing more changes in me than I have ever had before. It has been because I have cause myself to be more open to the working of the Holy Spirit. As I have done these prayers and as I have listened for the Holy Spirit, I have become more aware of where God wants me to go in life. I also have ideas of my college major. I also have a greater desire to see changes in other people. I used to be so focused on myself. Because I have done these prayers, I have been able to surrender more of myself, and as a result, have become more self-less and less self-serving. I praise God for the changes that he has been doing in me. And I am thankful to Liberty Savard for bringing a new revelation to me so I can get rid of more stuff in me so I can become a better witness to the world.

As a 48 year old woman who has been unhappy most of my life and a straddling the fence christian, I had no idea until now, why I am so unhappy and how our unsurrendered soul keeps us from getting the blessings God so desires to grant us. I now suffer from panic attacks and am on medication. The prayers in this book to assist you to release strongholds and realize that the past is the past and must be let go has been a liberating experience. I feel happy and more equipped to let Go and let God. This book has prompted me to order two other books from Liberty Savard. Her method of writing is clear, concise and to the point. I could not put this book down and intend to keep it near me daily as a reference. This book is a must have!

Liberty Savard has hit the nail on the head when it comes to getting set free from sin, recurring attitudes and behaviors, and better yet, she explains why we have not been able to get victory over it on our own.

She teaches the reader 'training wheel' prayers to get us on the right track to being able to 'ride that bike on our own' and grow up spiritually. As a result, you find that your relationship with God grows and becomes so alive because you are not living out the lies of the enemy and you know better than to let the devil steal your blessings and the fruit of the spirit from your walk with Christ any longer!

This is an outstanding book and if you want one that goes hand in hand with it....read Henry Malone's - Shadow Boxing.

These 2 books are truly inspired by God and He used the authors to teach us how to Get Over It Already and be productive in the kingdom. That is what we are here for...Praise the Lord!!

Enjoy and God bless, Tina <"}}}><

I read the whole book in one whole night...Was amazed about my findings. Excellent

Bridge End World A superb book that covers areas not addressed by other similar books.The author has vast experience in the subject area.Speth is aware of the magnitude of the problem but is persuaded it can be resolved.A good read ! John Cairns,Jr.

This is a book that must be heeded. It is about the most crucial, portentous issue of our time: the rapid destruction of the natural world by human activity and human institutions. Other issues that now dominate the news and with which we are preoccupied--the war in Iraq, the presidential campaign, the faltering economy, the health care debacle--are from a broad perspective merely transient. They will pass. But The Bridge at the Edge of the World makes us look unflinchingly at a crisis that will not pass--the eroding ability of our planet to support life. Global warming is only one of the megaproblems that threaten our future. Others include the toxification of the environment, the loss of biological diversity, dwindling per capital supplies of water and arable land, too many people consuming too many resources and producing too much waste. Dean Speth is most trenchent in pointing to the underlying causes of our environmental failure: market capitalism that does not value the environment, human health or the future of life; corporations whose only duty is to profit; government that fails to protect us from corporate misdeeds and, of late, has abetted those misdeeds. We are standing before the abyss. Speth warns. But he offers a bridge across that fatal chasm. A better economics that reflects the realities of what is happening to the world. A new politics that recognizes and addresses the real crises facing humanity. And a new consciousness by all of us to end our indifference and lethargy and demand that we do what is needed to protect the future for our children and grandchildren. This is a quiet, beautifully written book, but what it contains is explosive enough to wake us all up.
Philip Shabecoff

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R227HOY1RAP1LO This is a quick introduction to the book. The video is on YouTube at [...]. Enjoy!

I hope that "The Bridge at the Edge of the World" has been written soon enough that it is not too late.

Conservatives will not appreciate his thoughts on capitalism as it relates to climate change, but they would do well to read them.

This book is a gem written with authority and principle. One of his conclusions is that today's environmentalism has not been successful. I wish that he were wrong, but know that he is right.

Author of Mr. NewHeart (New Heart): Heart Attack to Transplant and Beyond

Google "david hollar the face of war" to preview my next book about my year in Vietnam as an infantry officer.

As do other current writers such as Thomas Homer-Dixon and David Korten, James Speth sees us heading for catastrophe in the way we're over-using and over-polluting the earth, but holds out hope that we may yet turn back from the brink of destruction. He attributes our predicament to an economic system based on little more than constant growth, which in turns requires ever more extraction from the earth; weak or nonexistent government leadership; and an environmental movement that has been less "movement" and more an insider operation that down deep believes a) the government can and will eventually do the right thing and b) there won't be need for drastic redirection of our economic and political systems or serious change in our way of living.

Speth calls for a rediscovery of the true meaning of life (relationships, service, enjoyment of leisure, etc.)--and orienting our economic pursuits around this; a new form of participatory democracy that takes back our country from the corporate-led government we currently "enjoy"; ending over $850 billion in annual global subsidies for "perverse" practices such as overfishing the seas; developing an economic model that incorporates environmental care, human rights and worker well-being at its core; and international treaties with "teeth" to enforce environmental protection of critical habitats and endangered species and ecosystems.

This is a depressing book in that it clearly lays out the challenges facing us; it is hopeful in that it does provide a "bridge" to get us from this world to the next. It's up to us to build it and then be ready to walk over it.

Telling quote: "When the crisis occurs, the actions taken depend on the ideas that are lying around. That, I believe, is our basic function: to develop alternatives to existing policies, and to keep them alive and available until the politically impossible becomes the politically inevitable."

This is the greatest book in the United States of America. It is a fun book for people of all ages except if you can't read. It has a lot of pictures in it. The best picture is the one in chapter 5, another heartbreaker is the cover picture. I cried when little Timmy died. It just broke our hearts to see him go like that*sniff*.

This book inspired me to call all of my friends back and have coffee . I truly believe that it is a good book for people of all ages. This is one of Ms.Kelley's and her co-author Michael's
best work ever. They should plan on writing a sequel. ...

The Bridge Club is a good coming-of-age story. The protagonist, Kate, is a character with whom we can all relate: a high-strung teenager eager to change the world despite her limited views. The fervor with which she faces her struggles propels the reader through the climactic ending. All this-combined with the brilliant symbolism of a not-so-far-off storm, the bridge itself and the court of life-make for a thought-provoking read.

Happy, happy, joy, joy for Ms. Kelley! She wrote a book that inspired people around the world. It inspired us to write a book of our own this summer. It will be about our lives and reading a book that inspired us. And we shall dedicate to our favorite English teacher Ms. Kelly. It will be about a monster that made us read a book called "To kill a Bluejay", our title will be "The Highway club".
I hope we don't get in trouble for this and if anything we should get extra credit.PLEASE!

At & Am

"The Bridge Club" opens with an unnamed narrator gazing upon a shattered covered bridge some ten years after the main arc of the tale being told. The bridge plays a central role in the story to come and its broken state serves as a metaphor for the melancholy musings in the character's mind - of times, people, and places that now belong solely to the past. Descriptions of locations are given as contrasts between what is and what was, and into those differences are poured reflections on the invincibility of youth, of friendships, and good times that surely must last forever but somehow have diminished along with everything else and have passed into the oblivion of fading memory.

This prologue sets up the bittersweet tale that follows, a story of teenagers traversing through the certainty of their high school lives, grappling with the uncertainty of the days that will come after graduation. With the gloomy prologue casting its shadow over every aspect of the story, a foreboding sense of inevitability hangs over each page. What is not known though is what, if any, kind of victory might be drawn from a narrative whose conclusions find only tears and regrets ten years later. This is a credit to the authors, who give the readers a vague sense of the future that forewarns them of some things but surprises them all the more for the many twists of the tale and how the characters react to them.

Everything about "The Bridge Club" is accomplished. The teenagers sound like they ought to, seeing the world in black and white, and we marvel at the possibility that we might have seen things in such a way once upon a time. The adults speak like the parents and teachers we recall and perhaps have become, murky shades of grey. We read what the adults have to say half-understanding the ways in which they negotiate life's problems and half-wishing they were not so quick to dial down the ideals and dreams of their children and students. All the characters are well-written, defined by the struggle between idealism and compromise. This inner conflict provides the dominant theme of the book, and, framed by the prologue and subsequent epilogue, our own journey with "The Bridge Club" causes us to consider what we have given up in our lives, what we have lost, what we have gained, and most importantly we wonder if those parts of ourselves we cherish and have lost might be found again. "The Bridge Club" is a wonderful tale of adolescence into adulthood, and well-worth the time you invest in it.

If you are reading my Ramayana series, then I gently urge and request you to please not buy the UK or US editions, even if they're available at bargain prices. Which they probably are, since the publishers there have more or less put the books out of print, due to a lack of interest by non-Indian readers.

The Indian editions are the definitive editions of my work, containing a lengthy Introduction by me titled 'Retelling the Ramayana', which provides an essential perspective on the work, the final versions of all the books--including some small but significant changes, particularly in some book endings--no glossary, thank God, and are generally the best-edited, designed and published versions, in my opinion at least. In short, they're the Author's Preferred Edition, particularly the new hardcover omnibus editions, which represent the story in the way I had originally intended and are truly sumptuous to hold (and behold). Also, significantly, they aren't packaged as 'Fantasy' or 'SF' like the firang ones, which is a ridiculously transparent attempt at cashing in on the commercial success of the fantasy genre a la LoTR and Harry Potter. Please, people, my Ramayana series is a retelling of an epic, and that's exactly what it should be called, 'Epic'. I'd venture to call it 'Itihasa', but even Mythology, which is the label Penguin uses for the books here in India, is acceptable. But certainly not Fantasy as in one of the ubiquitous Tolkien rip-offs that are churned out in droves by western publishers, or even SF, both genres that can sometimes be wonderful in their own right, but are totally inappropriate in the context of an epic that pre-dates Tolkien by some thousands of years, and the entire tradition of western literature as well!

Frankly, I feel so strongly about this that I'd even go so far as to say, if you can't get the Indian editions, then don't read the books! That's why I'm currently in the process of re-acquiring the rights to the US and UK editions and they will soon be out of print everywhere but India. Which is how it ought to be: this is a quintessentially Indian story, written by a contemporary Indian for other contemporary Indians to read. And the Indian editions are really the only way to go.

Ashok K. Banker
www.ashokbanker.com

After finishing Bridge of Rama, I now worship Ashok Banker! His ingenuity is simply unreal! I am glad to say, it does not seem that I am the only one who thinks so! Banker has hit a lucrative business, and he sure has the knack for it! Regardless of the fact that his book series is one of the best that many people have ever read, Banker has tried to outdo himself - and he has succeed wonderfully! The fifth book just totally blows away any competition! Of course, those steadfast fans of literature could compare this book to ones like Dr. Zhivago, Atlas Shrugged, and books like that, and with that comparison they could say that Bridge of Rama is simply not one of the best books written. But, come on, nobody enjoys a book because of its reputation or classification as "literature"! People enjoy a book when it appeals or entertains them. It's a bonus if the book not only captures your attention but also manages to teach you some valuable, applicable lessons about life! I am happy to say that Ashok Banker's Bridge of Rama is one of these books. Pick it up and enjoy, whether you're Indian or not, whether you've heard of the Ramayana or not (if you haven't, start at book one, Prince of Ayodhya)! Oh, and I also had a complaint that Hanuman's character was not well-done in my review of the preceding book (book four of the series, Armies of Hanuman). However, here, Hanuman gains his powers and supernatural abilities (as he does in the actual epic), and his character now totally rocks! And, the last parts of the book are pure, intense action, so nerve-wrackingly jolting that even those gore-fest maniacs will be satisfied! For those who like just talk better, there are many well-written (seriously!) conversations between the well-developed characters of the book. Even the slowest parts of the book won't lose your attention for a fraction of a second. This book is simply too good to be summed up in a mere review, so get the book for yourself and experience what I'm talking about!

What I love about Ashok Banker's style of writing is the way he engages the imagination of an entire generation of kids being brought up on an intensely audio-visual world with slick productions and video games. I cannot thank him enough for having made this ancient tale come alive for my American-born 21st century kid who proudly takes Banker's books to school for reading hour. Every parent and child out there who need to grapple with issues of identity, cross-culturalism etc. absolutely need to read this series.

To tell you the truth, I felt that Bridge of Rama is Ashok's best book yet!!! The narrative is fluid, he never lets down the pace a bit, and the book is so so cool... Everything in the book is PERFECT!!!

Rama and the huge armies of vanaras and bears have reached the southern coast of the mainland, and are busy building a bridge to Lanka. Meanwhile, Hanuman discovers his special powers. But sita's life is in peril; hence, Hanuman has to undertake a daring mission- to leap into Lanka and bring Sita back.

Hanuman assumes centrestage in this book- he is truly one of the best characters in the Ramayana series. The readers can identify with him, because of his immense faith in his lord Rama. The way the author shifts the narrative from Hanuman's POV to Ravana's POV and back, is just too good, and the battles between Hanuman and the rakshasas are awesome!! The scene where Hanuman and Sita talk to each other, is one of the best moments of the book..

One of the things that set this series apart from other versions is that the author spends a lot of time in Lanka, thus enabling us to understand more about Ravana, Mandodhari, Supanakha, Vibhisena, Indrajit, etc... And that continues in this book too. Banker really scores in the dialogues between various characters. The scene where Hanuman describes the truth in Ravana's court and lavishly praises Ravana is portrayed beautifully. And the climax of the book, where Hanuman sets Lanka on fire, is absolutely magnificent..

At this rate, i'll run out of superlatives trying to describe Bridge of Rama :~)... I think that 10 on 10 says it all!!!!

Banker Proves His Story Telling Is Still In Top Form, March 17, 2006
Reviewer: gypsyman from Kingston Ontario Canada
Once in a while, an author manages to captivate you so completely that you are drawn into the world they've created without even noticing. You open the pages of the book, and the next thing you know you're on page one hundred, two hours have passed, and you've no recollection of when you started reading.

What's truly amazing is that you don't even feel like you've been reading. It feels like there is an external voice whispering the story in your ear and the only effort required on your part is to listen. There's no fighting to understand what the author means, or feeling of being spoon fed information in order to lead you to some inevitable outcome. It's like having your own personal storyteller sitting on your shoulder.

This is the case with the work of Indian author Ashok Banker. The first four books of his adaptation of the Ramayana have all been like that, and book five, Bridge of Rama is no exception.

Bridge Of Rama picks up the story where we left off; Rama's wife Sita has been kidnapped by the King of the Ausras (bestial demon type creatures) Ravana, and taken back to his island home of Lanka. Rama and his allies, the vanar, an ape like people, are massing on the shores of the mainland hoping to find a way across the final hurdle of the ocean so they can rescue Sita.

Even when the devoted Hanuman, the vanar to first recognise Rama's inherit greatness, returns at the head of an army of countless number of his own kind, plus an additional army of rksa (bears) the seemingly insurmountable problem of crossing the ocean is before them. After dismissing the idea of building boats to transport them as impractical, they settle on building a bridge.

At first, this too seems an impossible task, until one of the vanar strikes upon a plan that utilizes their major strengths, their willingness, and their numbers. All of a sudden, their goal appears within reach. That is until Rama is visited by the shade of his father who informs him that if he is not able to rescue his darling within twenty-four hours it will be too late.

Aside from beings of great strength and courage, the bears also turn out to be repositories of all knowledge. They remember their incarnations, and thus all the events of not only this lifetime, but lifetimes dating back generations. They are therefore able to reveal a secret that the Gods have long kept hidden from Hanuman: that he is actually the illegitimate son of Marut, the god of Wind.

The events that occur in this story are exciting and well paced but ther are also a means of expressing themes. Travels and journies take place on more than just the physical plane in Ashok Banker's Ramayana. This is a story of faith; faith in one's self and where we find it, and faith in the veracity of our chosen path.

Doubts plague us all weakening our resolve and literally bring us to a standstill. Doubt in your abilities to accomplish something and you will never accomplish it. Doubt in what you believe in and you will continually second guess all your actions and be rendered immobile.

Blind faith, faith, which has no justification or basis to rest on ends up being hollow and unable to sustain itself. Those who follow Ravana have given themselves over to him body and spirit and have little or nothing left for the nurturing of self. Without that, they are unable to grow beyond their bestial appetites and are continually at the mercy of their baser selves.

As Ravana desires complete control over his followers, this works to his advantage as it allows him to dominate through fear and intimidation. But this form of rule is not fertile ground for loyalty or individuality, and contributes to the stagnation of the inhabitants of Lanka.

Ravana sees his subjects as objects at his disposal, to make use of as his needs dictate, and thus cares not a whit for their aspirations and desires. Unless of course they happen to coincide with his own, or if, he can contrive to utilize them to achieve his own ends.

In the character of Hanuman Mr. Banker shows over the course of two books the process that is necessary for the development and utilization of faith. In Armies Of Hanuman the young vanar learns to recognise and appreciate the values that are expressed by Prince Rama.

As Rama expresses faith in his abilities, Hanuman begins to not only have faith in himself, but when the time comes is ready to accept his godly aspect with humility and awe. His only desire is to utilize these powers in repayment for the faith shown in him.

Rama leads by example, never threatening and always grateful. By reciprocating the faith of his followers, he elevates their sense of self worth, which precipitates growth and loyalty. Hanuman's devotion to Rama and his faith in the precepts he adheres to provide him with the strength to overcome all of his inner demons and insecurities.

What makes Bridge Of Rama work as both an entertaining story, which it is, and an exploration of faith and other ideals, is Banker's ability to integrate plot and thought seamlessly. Even at the books most philosophical moments, you only ever hear the voice of the character, never the author.

His characters are so well created and thought out, that every word out of their mouths is believable and fits into who they are. Rama, Sita, Ravana, and Hanuman are just the tip of the iceberg for this attention to detail. No matter how minor a role the character could have in the story, each has their own distinct voice, and stands out from the rest of the crowd.

Mr. Banker's eye for detail, and his descriptive turn of phrase allows the reader to feel like they are seeing their surroundings through the eyes of the person who's there. Sita's exploration of the tower floor that she is being held captive on, and her gradual realization that what she thought was a forest grove is actually something else is a fine example.

Little clues are offered up to make her suspicious, but what finally tips it over the edge is the fact that the moonlight covers every surface of everything. Instead of just illuminating the tops of leaves, their undersides are just as bright. As we haven't really understood where she is being held up until that point, the realization that she is in some sort of magical prison strikes us both as the same time.

With Bridge Of Rama Ashok Banker confirms himself to be one the best storytellers of our time. Not only does he create memorable characters, but has the ability to describe their circumstances and situations in a manner so vivid that you can almost feel the breeze he describes blowing on your face.

Within the context of the series Bridge Of Rama is somewhat akin to the drawing in of breath before the last battle. The forces are gathering in one place for their final confrontation and the leaders are marshalling their thoughts. With Sita remaining Ravana's captive, there is now no other choice for Rama but to invade and attempt to rescue his wife.

What will happen when Rama and Ravana finally confront each other? How much of themselves will they each see in the other? In my minds eye I can see the countless bears and vanar beginning to line the bridge from the main land to Lanka making their way across the treacherous ocean. I can't wait to join them for the last chapter of the Ramayana

I was so disappointed to find she has not written any more- The trilogy was full of everything you could possibly want in any story- The twins made the bridge and I just wanted to keep climbing it........... who knows if I'd still be in Midgard~

The Bridge, Forrestýs third and final installation in the story of Tomas the Rhymer, presents a game of intrigue, a game that will determine who controls the pivot-world Midgard (earth). Elfland sickens as it continues to drift from Midgard. The elves grow weaker. On earth, Loki assumes the name and identity of Lucifer. While Loki seeks to sever all ties between Midgard and the other eight realms, Tomas and his allies strive to create a permanent link between the worlds. Owein and Fraineýthe twins of the Elves Prophecyýuse their unique capabilities to create a bridge that ties Midgard to the other eight realms. This bridge becomes the focal point of conflict. Unable to destroy the bridge, Loki turns to manipulation. The game boils down to a single choice for those who oppose Loki: love or duty? Both bonds cannot be preserved.

A bittersweet novel about choices and perspective, The Bridge brings the story of Tomas to a satisfying end.

For the past week I've been so mesmerized by Jodie Forrest's magical world that I've scarcely been able to concentrate on my work. I love her vivid imagery. I love her rich characters, who seem to be real people, and so much more. I loved the interplay between Tomas and Moira, between Tomas and his twin children, and between the twins themselves. Their relationships were complex and compelling, filled with love and trust and mistrust and rebellion and misunderstanding. This is a book that makes you think about your place in the natural world, in the spiritual world, in your family, among your friends, and in the span of your life.

"The Bridge: The Book of Necessity" is a remarkable, even magical read that satisfies on every level. It surpasses the two excellent earlier volumes of the trilogy, which were also immensely appealing to this journalist whose "fun" reading typically consists of more realistic material. If more fantasy writers had Jodie Forrest's command of language, vivid imagination and ability to develop characters and plots, fantasy would probably become my favorite genre. In addition to its ample entertainment value, Forrest's book feeds the mind. Never "preachy," it gracefully weaves into the narrative issues of the environment, spirituality, the masculine and feminine and more. It's a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding read that goes beyond entertainment to enchantment.

Well, Jodie Forrest did it again-she kept me awake all night reading. "The Bridge" is even better than the first two books in this series! There's an evil Loki and a bad elf queen who are lots of fun to hate and a good elf queen where you're never really sure if she's good or not and it's all set in history in a way that's easy to believe in spite of the magic. The main character from the first two books, Tomas the Rhymer, seems older and smarter now, but you don't see him as much as before. The action has sort of shifted to the children he and the elf queen had, but those characters are really cool as well. They're not sure if they are human or elves and so you see a lot about their different points of view, and a lot about the way Christianity collided with the old religions. It's not a "Christian" book though, reallly pagan instead! Mostly it's just a really good story. It says its a trilogy so I guess this is the last one. I wonder if Jodie Forrest's audience will make her write more like they did with Stephen Donaldson and the "Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever" books. I hope so. If you like fantasy that seems real, you'll love these! -Brad Snipes

This book has wondeful illustrations which compliment it's informational content. I enjoyed learning about all the different bridges, when they were built and who they were built by. I read it to a Kindergarten class and they loved the pictures and all the different kinds of bridges. I learned a lot by reading it so I know children will too.

These cut-paper illustrations of bridges are so complex and exquisite that looking at one a day is enough! Their texture and depth is astonishing. There's not a lot of text with each illustration, and that's probably just as well, but what there is is nicely designed. Add this ostensible children's book to your collection of art books.

Also a beautiful gift for an adult interested in working with craft projects, especially paper. Beautiful illustrations, with rich color, of bridges from around the world. Excellent descriptions of various bridge types from suspension to rope bridges. A book for budding engineers, future artists, but especially new readers! A far better gift to give your young nephew, niece, grandchild, or cousin than a stuffed animal.

I bought this book for myself, a professional cut paper artist, for the illustrations. The paper sculptures in this book are exquisite--some of the best I've ever seen. I took it to bed with me for days, so I could fall asleep looking at the pictures. The illustration work in this book will provide a visual feast for children and adults alike.

This is my boys' all time favorite book. Living in NY it's only natural they developed a fascination with bridges. I bought this for them when they were 3+4 yrs old. It's got wonderful illustrations. We found it quite educational too. How many 3+4yr olds do you know that can drive across a bridge in NY and tell you 'this is a steel suspension bridge'! :) Would be a huge hit with the K grade level.

I have read both of Timuel Black's books and recommend both highly. Black is the right person for this job, having a nearly perfect memory for a past that includes important work as an activist, educator and scholar. He knows what his subjects are getting at and knows how to tweek the most out of them. Timuel Black's memories intertwine with the memories of his subjects and create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. It is truly living history

This is a book that everyone should read but can particularly important to young people, black and white, who don't quite understand that they are standing on the shoulders of giants.

I loved Bridges of Memory Volume 1... and this book doesn't dissapoint either. I love his interviewing style and the variety of people he has choosen to interview about their personal Chicago experiences. This is a well written book and I am looking forward to reading the next volume when it is released.

Here's my bias. I like history. I like to hear people talk about their lives. I like intelligent, articulate, effective language. And I loved this book. The people interviewed are fascinating, and Timuel Black helps them tell their stories in an unpretentious but by no means diffident way. I learned a great deal and enjoyed myself for many evenings.

What a gift this collection is!

In 1988, Timuel Black began to record and preserve the recollections of people who had lived in Chicago a long time, particularly the first generation of the Great Migration. When he wrote the introduction to this book, he had recorded over 125 conversations and still had "many , many more people with whom I would like to speak." Thirty-six of those conversations are presented here, with two more volumes planned to follow.

The interviews are conducted using the "participant observer" technique, and since Dr. Black - a long time resident himself - is an "insider" these interviews are essentially honest, intimate conversations among old friends, many of whom have now passed. As Dr. Black makes clear, this book is not intended to be a history of Black Chicago and its institutions, but rather a collection of oral memories from people who participated in shaping those institutions. But his field work provides invaluable data for future researchers attempting to compile that history.

If this book contained nothing more than the biographical information about each of the 40 participants (some are joint interviews), it would make fascinating reading. But the interviews bring each vividly to life. We meet people from all walks, including civil servants, educators, politicians, jazz musicians, railroad workers, business people, even two generations of South Side Chicago represented by mother and daughter Mildred Bowden and Hermene Hartman. Some, like George Johnson, tell a story of "from rags to riches." Others fall into a category of "just keep on keepin' on."

But all are riveting. I look forward to the next two volumes!

The strength of this book is in its informality. Mr. Black is friends with nearly all of his interviewees (he has known several of them for over 40 years), and the sessions read as a conversation rather than an interview. This book is especially useful for one looking for supplimental material about the neighborhood of Bronzeville in Chicago, segregation (from an individual perspective rather than scholarly leaning), and smaller aspects of city history and social change that are often forgotten. Some of his interviewees include a man that owned a company that distributed hair straightener around the U.S., a man that started what would become the Illinois state lottery, well respected teachers, and military servicemen.

There is a great deal of repetition that could have been eliminated regarding DuSable High School, locations of buildings, boundaries of the neighborhood, and references to people that are not elaborated upon; it is possible that Black chose not to edit this out to keep the interviews intact. It would have been extremely helpful for maps of Bronzeville throughout the past 80 years were inserted among the small selection of pictures that are included, in order to help those unfamiliar with the neighborhood navigate through some of the interviewees' memories of businesses, theaters, and homes.