Bridges Books

It's amazing.

Really the only TOJ book worth buying. The men and women that created WtA put their heart and soul into this game, and it shows in this final book...

Just simply amazing...

I must say that I had enjoyed the novel. It did an excellent job of portarying King Albrecht as a hero worthy of renown. All the intrigues were excellently crafted. It did an excellent job of culminating all the Werewolf lose ends. My only foible with the book is that the aftermath is a bit vague.

Dr. Kita hits with this work a crucial node in Japanese Art History: the transition from the medieval and classical traditions of art, from the art of the courtiers and handscrolls to that of the merchants and woodblock prints. Matabei is both chronologically and artistically at the centre of this transition, and his opus refuses simple interpretations.

Kita is the first scholar outside Japan to ever have researched on Matabei, and while his book gives a thorough review of the vivid discussions that Japanese scholars have held since the 19th century, it also presents the author's own extremely consistent study of Matabei. While Japanese art is often collected and admired in western museums, serious scholarship seldom transcends the borders of the archipel. This book is a fortunate exception, and it strikes both against the idea that Japanese-style scholarship is not suited for western readers, and agains the commonplace conceptions of Japanese art in the West, which has been looked at for too long now with the same blurred glasses of the "Japonisme" which, over a century ago, could not have more than a superficial interest for "decadent" woodblock prints or mysterious brushstrokes.

Solid image analysis, supported by reproductions for us mortals who do not have access to these rare paintings, is the base of Kita's argumentation, enhanced with abundant reference to earlier and contemporary scholars' studies. Leading us didactically, weaving a web of evidence that eventually comes down to the conclusion yet in no instance sacrificing academic consistency, this book is an ideal acquisition for both the experienced scholar of Japanese art and the serious amateur. Appendices, a glossary, and a character guide enhance the enjoyment of this book for many successive rereadings.

Dr. Kita hits with this work a crucial node in Japanese Art History: the transition from the medieval and classical traditions of art, from the art of the courtiers and handscrolls to that of the merchants and woodblock prints. Matabei is both chronologically and artistically at the centre of this transition, and his opus refuses simple interpretations.

Kita is the first scholar outside Japan to ever have researched on Matabei, and while his book gives a thorough review of the vivid discussions that Japanese scholars have held since the 19th century, it also presents the author's own extremely consistent study of Matabei. While Japanese art is often collected and admired in western museums, serious scholarship seldom transcends the borders of the archipel. This book is a fortunate exception, and it strikes both against the idea that Japanese-style scholarship is not suited for western readers, and agains the commonplace conceptions of Japanese art in the West, which has been looked at for too long now with the same blurred glasses of the "Japonisme" which, over a century ago, could not have more than a superficial interest for "decadent" woodblock prints or mysterious brushstrokes.

Solid image analysis, supported by reproductions for us mortals who do not have access to these rare paintings, is the base of Kita's argumentation, enhanced with abundant reference to earlier and contemporary scholars' studies. Leading us didactically, weaving a web of evidence that eventually comes down to the conclusion yet in no instance sacrificing academic consistency, this book is an ideal acquisition for both the experienced scholar of Japanese art and the serious amateur. Appendices, a glossary, and a character guide enhance the enjoyment of this book for many successive rereadings.

If you enjoyed Doctored Evidence, you will love this one. It is Karen Hayes at her best uncovering mystery and murder at the local hospital. With its multiple twists and surprises, it is impossible to put down and keeps you guessing. The book provides an interesting inside view of hospital operations and large attorney corporations. Don't miss this one.

Superbly written by professional attorney Michael Biehl, Lawyered To Death is a chilling mystery novel of murder, corruption, and legal shenanigans. Hospital attorney Karen Hayes becomes drawn into a scheming web of lies as she strives to defend her client from a sexual harassment claim that becomes a murder charge when his ailing wife dies from the administration of a drug she is allergic to. Karen Hayes must ultimately fight not only for justice, but to protect her own life and that of her infant son in this gripping and suspenseful tale. Also highly recommended is the first Karen Hayes mystery by Michael Biehl: Doctored Evidence.

The opening bid is one of the most important plays in bridge - and here to narrow the focus on this play is Leading Questions in Bridge, from a top player who addresses specifics such as whether to be an active or passive player, and how to lead trumps. Chapters are directed to intermediate players and discuss issues such as shortages, tricks, and more: perfect for any collection catering to serious bridge players.

I still think Mike Lawrences Opening Leads is the authoritative book on the subject. But this covers some areas it doesnt.

For example, you are on lead against this auction
1H - p - 1NT - p

You have 4 spades so you think that declarer doesn't have 4, else they would respond 1 Spade and not 1 heart. The author asks - what if they are using Flannery, where 2D shows a 4=5 hand with 11-15 points. Responded knows opener doesnt have 4 spades and 11-15 so there is no reason for them to bid 1 Spade, and they can instead bid 1NT. Opener can later Reverse to show 4 spades, but that didnt happen.

The point of the hand was that opponents agreements can give you information and you can't always use the same set of leads / assumptions.

Chapters like - when to lead trump are especially valuable. The author says early on she was taught to be wary about leading trumps. So she sets out to give clear situations when its a good idea to do so.

Not only is the material clear and well presented, it provides a set of inferences for pard and declarer. If you study this book, and LHO makes an unusual lead, ask "why might they do that? Teh auction does not indicate a trump lead". Hmmm, I wonder if its because LHO knows the suits are not splitting well, or the honors are poorly placed, and wants to cut down on dummy ruffs.

I'm not sure I agree with the author on all her examples of when to lead unsupported aces. But its still an excellent book. For all levels.

This book is a must to all Christians, it will help you to understand what it mean to praise, as well as the benefits of praising God. I found it a wonderful read.

This book is a classic. Judson Cornwall has been acknowledged as one of the first to write on public praise. This is the first of several books he wrote on worship.

Follow along as Judson learns about intimate worship. Learn from his struggles - one of the first to write about changing a congregation's attitude and practice toward intimate worship.

I especially recommend it because of an important gem. I keep coming back to reread a section, starting on page 70, where Judson is given a wakeup call. He says, "In real sorrow, I remember a dealing of God in my life."

The Lord told Judson, "My son, I would be first in your church...You do not lead your people to worship Me until you have lead them in the worship of demons."

At every service the pastoral team sensed demonic interference. At every service Judson would lead a prayer in which heads were bowed, eyes closed and Judson commanded demonic forces to leave the building. Judson was embarrassed to discover that the demonic forces accept this as worship and they come in great numbers for such attention.

He was told what to do. "Just ignore the presence of the demonic. Praise and worship Me. Center your people in praising Me, and I will deal with the demonic."

Judson did as he was told. He majored in God. His congregation used praise to break through the oppression. "From that day we never publicly acknowledged the presence of demonic forces."

The outcome: "Once the evil spirit forces were convinced that their days of being worshiped were over, once they knew that they could no longer hold our attention, they left. And they did not return."

Judson was first. Leanne Payne and John Paul Jackson have added their voices to warn of the price to pay for getting our focus off God. "Let Us Praise" is worth having on your shelf for this one important reason - to remind us not to give attention to the demonic and keep our awe, worship, prayer and praise focused on heaven.

As something of a freelance poet, Michael Palmer is someone I've turned to for inspiration. I don't know any pseudo-intellectual words to describe it, but his manipulation of words and ability to touch people with even really abstract work astounds me. He moves me. For an example of some of the brilliant work in this collection, try looking at "The Sun" online. (...)

P.S. Who is the moron that copied and pasted rave reviews but didn't star them? It really deflated the score.

Michael Palmer's poetry is so unique, & always unsparingly brilliant. This might be the most important book of his career, since it collects so much essential poetry he wrote over such a long period of time, such a major proportion of his life. He's done a lot more different things in his poetry since this book, & in the time span this selection covers. But this book is so important to get to know Michael Palmer, & what he's done to 20th & 21st century poetry.

I purchased this book for my mother but had to give it a read as we lived in Wurzburg 1962-65 and just loved every minute, bite and drink. Ms Rowan painted an amazing picure through the eyes of a very young girl about difficulties living in that gorgeous town during very tough times. It is truely heartbreaking to think of the terror and destruction that so needlessly occurred when the war should have been over. The reconstruction is incredible. I remember so much rubble just on our street. She did great credit to her family and I want to thank her for sharing the memories. A great history book. Danke!

A great historical read from a German child's perspective during Nazi germany.

A terrible car accident kills Emily's older brother and prevents her from the love of her life: dancing. Now her parents want to sell their house and move away - but it's the only place Emily still feels her brother's presence, so she wants to stay for the very reasons her parents wish to leave. The solution: thwart every sale; the results: hilarious and poignant.

Every Day and All the Time by Sis Deans is the story of a young girl who was in a terrible car accident that shattered her dreams of becoming a dancer and took the life of her brother. She is devastated by the loss of her brother and now another blow; her parents are selling her house. In the cellar of the house is the only place that Emily can still feel and "speak" to her brother, Jon. Emily decides that she must do everything within her power to stop the sale of the house she cherishes so very much. She is very creative and uses her powers of persuasion to lure prospective home buyers away from the house. "My mother's good silver got stolen last year. The police never caught the burglars, but we have our suspicions."
As time goes by Emily slowly begins to realize that change is often good. She begins to dance again and in turn begins to heal. She finds a way to say goodbye to her brother and her dream of becoming a dancer.
This is a heartbreaking and honest novel that will not only tug at your heartstrings, but also make you laugh. Sis Deans weaves an honest tale that will keep the reader interested until the very last page.

My fourth-grade son and I are reading "Jack Adrift" out loud to each other. We both love the book, which makes us laugh and nearly cry with the sensitive and humorous descriptions of a young boy's life. Gantos is an excellent writer, who really makes you feel sympathetic to the characters in "Jack Adrift." We are now eager to read his other books.

Jack Henry is back. The stories in this book weave together as Jack faces a new school with a nasty principal, a beautiful and smart teacher, irritating siblings, and parents who are preaching totally different approaches to success in life. The book has great humor and pathos. Gantos perfectly captures the mental state of boys at this age.

Some of the book's funniest moments are captured in the handwritten diary entries that precede the chapters. Be sure to read them. Also, given the fate of so many other Henry family pets, I have to admit I feared the worst when the vet tells Jack how to get his duck to put on new feathers. Like all his books, this one is a fun read aloud. You know the writing is terrific when listeners to the story put their hands over their eyes when the duck goes in the freezer.

What struck me about Raising the Shades was the believeabilty of the youngsters. After teaching middle school for 19 years you realize which students go home to a life like that of the main character. Those students are a joy to teach because they never do anything wrong, but you can feel how brittle they are as they deal with all the ramifications of addiction. Thank you Doug Wilhelm!

This is a great book for adolescents that like to read about solving problems in life. Raising the Shades will show you how one kid handled a problem that a lot of kids wouldn't experience in their every day life. This book holds you in suspense so you have to keep on reading. I liked it very much!