Brown Books

Having 42 grandchildren and 46 great grandchildren and being an advocate for reading, reading, reading I believe this book is the greatest for children to hear as first words from parents (well, first words after "I love you, darling.") I have testimonials of positive results from grandchildren of the effect the reading of this book has on even infants.

I bought this is a gift for a new mommy--My children LOVED this story and I can still hear it in my dreams!!!!!!

I love the night light. It's just enough light to avoid stubbing a toe. Love the book too.

If you don't have this book as part of your "bedtime" collection, you must have made the decision to remain childless. Awesome first book for baby, still works for 2-3 year olds.
Be a hero at your next baby shower, bring a copy to the new Dad...

This book and nightlight combo is absolutely adorable. It goes without saying that the book is a surefire hit with little ones, but I wasn't sure how the nightlight would be received. My girls ended up fighting over it because it was so appealing! Nightlight could be a little brighter, although I guess that's not exactly the point...I can't imagine anyone being disappointed by this set.

The Handbook of Program Management is extremely well written. It is easy to forget that much of Project Management comes from the space program. The book proved to be a very quick read and loaded with excellent insight into Program Management. The section on Stakeholder management was especially interesting, Dr. Brown describes a ranking system and communication techniques that are extremely helpful. Risk management is also a section that has good approaches for managing a successful program. If you are looking for some guidance as a newly minted Program Manager, this is a good book to read and re-read.

The Handbook of Program Management is a significant and useful contribution to the increasingly important field of program management. It treats the subject from an appropriate perspective, yet is concise, clearly written, and easy to follow.

It is all fairly common to consider programs mainly as "really big projects." While this is not actually incorrect, it does miss the point that most programs are complex systems of interconnected projects. They fail or succeed based on the coordination of the projects, each led by a separate project manager. Due to their size and importance, programs also have complicated, often labyrinthine networks of sponsors and managers. Because of all of this, programs are very much about people. James understands this, and provides a great deal of useful advice on leadership, organization, and (especially) stakeholder management.

The book takes you step-by-step through the basics of setting up the structure necessary for a robust program environment. Where needed, examples and pointers are included, with tips and scenarios throughout the chapters, and the essence of each chapter is boiled down to a useful list of "Keystone" principles at its close.

The book is a very useful and pragmatic approach to Program Management. He provides real world examples and guidance for improving your skills. He also does a great job addressing the leadership skills required to be a successful program manager. A highly recommended read for program managers and those aspiring to be one!

It is obvious to me that the author spent a lot of time thinking about this book before he started writing it. I bought this book to use as a reference while studying for the PgMP exam and found it to be very helpful for providing another perspective beyond the PMI standard and the exam preparation book that I bought.

For me, the ordering of topics is very logical and the writing is very clear. Where examples are necessary, examples are provided. Where topics are a bit more obscure, Mr. Brown takes the time to provide explanations to help you understand. I really can't find any major faults with this book.

This book was published in 2008, so the information in it reflects the current state of program management. In his forward, Dr. Brown states that his book will provide "a framework of structured, organized common sense". He observes that it requires "leadership and integrity to repeatedly execute successfully".

He then goes on to provide examples of project characteristics that indicate if there are problems with an organizations program environment. The examples he provides are both clear to understand and described in a way to understand the root issue. He then goes on to provide insight into attributes of an effective program manager, stakeholder management, program process strategy, program execution, communication and risk management. His book is written clearly, with practical examples and with actionable recommendations.

Now that project management methodologies have reached a level of understanding and maturity to provide companies with project managers that are highly effective, the focus needs to shift to the world of program management. Managing portfolios of projects across multiple business lines is extremely challenging and the processes to support these efforts are just emerging. This book is an excellent starting point to benefit from Dr. Brown's research and incorporate some new best practices into your Program management processes.

I like Simon Marsden's work , if anyone likes gothic they will like this type of calendar.

The Haunted Realm 2007 Calendar highlights the mysterious and other-worldly photography of Simon Marsden. His black-and-white photos capture scenes that are mysterious, somber and thought-provoking. Gothic architecture, gravestones, bare trees and gnarled branches, ominous skies, and foliage made un-earthlike by the use of infrared photography are the major elements that comprise his striking images. Additionally, each month provides a short explanation of what makes the photographed site "haunted". The calendar grid, itself, offers a clean layout and is easy to read, making the calendar as practical as it is beautiful. Highly recommended.

I first came across this book in my high school library, about 1990. I fell in love with it.... Anyway, this is a beautiful book that features lots of Simon Marsden's infrared photos of castles, manor houses, spooky natural places, etc., from all over the British Isles and Ireland. A page or two decribing the ghostly phenomena associated with each locale is included as well. I spent nearly three weeks in Scotland seeking out some of the places in this book (and the book that followed, "Phantoms of the Isles"), but sadly, they didn't seem half as creepy in real life as they did in the book. I highly recommend anything by Simon Marsden...Happy hauntings!

this is one of the most beautifully photographed books on the the subjects of haunted places.The British locales shown in black and white,as well as the stories documenting the haunted places make this a great book for your collection as well as a coffeetable book.This is 120+ pages of delight be it in portrayal of haunted England or the beauty of the English countryside and stately manors.

i first picked this book up when i was 10 years old. I'm 16 now and i still can't put it down. This is, without a doubt, the most chilling collection of stories i have ever come across. The contents of this book are psycologically affecting as well imagination provoking. I truly cannot say enough great things about this book. If you havn't read it-PLEASE do yourself a favor, and get ahold of The Haunted Realm.

Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (6/08)

Corporate world is tough, but even tougher if you happen to be a woman. If you've ever had any doubt about that, I bet you are male. As Trudy Bourgeois illustrates very well in the Introduction, even as recently as 2007, women were earning only 76 cents for every dollar that a man earns for the same job; and although women represent fifty-percent of the total workforce, they only hold less than 15.6 percent of all corporate officer positions in corporate America. After reading those stats, women basically have two choices. One is to shrug their shoulders and be defeated, since "things have always been done this way and will never change" -- the other of course is to read Trudy Bourgeois' book and act decisively.

The advice offered in this book is sensible, practical and well-organized. Guiding the reader through a process of self-discovery, definition and branding, the book helps any woman to be more successful in her career path, regardless of how high - or low - she is on the corporate ladder at the moment. Stressing the importance of knowing who you are, what you stand for, and what matters to you sets firm and strong foundations for personal and professional development. This process is greatly facilitated by a series of well-thought-out questions, numerous examples and handy "Points worth remembering," found at the end of every chapter. Those points are definitely my favorite part of the book. I found them to be both concise and impactful, as it can be seen from this example, taken from Chapter #3, the one on self-confidence:

Knowing yourself and what you want is the cornerstone of self-confidence.
Recognizing that events in your past have shaped your self-esteem and self-confidence. If you are blocked by a hurtful experience, get help to get past it.
A lack of confidence is often tied to a lack of preparation.
Confidence breeds confidence as you are willing to take on bigger challenges and make a bigger impact.
Believe in yourself; have faith that everything will work out no matter what.
Build a confidence vault. Keep a file of all the great things you have achieved in your life and from time to time revisit the file.
Another very powerful part of the book is the author's interview with her husband Mike, who spoke very candidly about his life with a successful businesswoman such as his wife; what it did to their family and his career for a while, and how they ultimately balanced and strengthened their relationship. It is actually those personal insights and first-hand stories that made this book particularly appealing to me.

While written primarily with women in mind, "Her Corner Office" by Trudy Bourgeois is a sound guide to anybody wanting to achieve success in the corporate world. I also believe that high-ranking men in the corporate world would benefit greatly from it, if they desire to help women on their career paths.

Any woman, at any age, at any stage of her career, will benefit from reading Her Corner Office. The author not only provides sage advice, she tells her personal story of thrilling triumphs, career-impacting mistakes and family/career balancing challenges.

This book is unique; not only has the author revised and updated the first edition, she reveals vulnerability not often shared with readers. Trudy interviews Mike Bourgeois, her husband, who candidly spells out the challenges of a career woman's spouse. A successful television production specialist, Mike is straightforward in confiding how he felt as a father of two with an absentee wife who, at times, appeared to be more focused on her job than her family. He also shares why and how their marriage is stronger today than ever.

The author covers all of the important "how-to" topics in the easy-to-read fourteen chapter self-help journey. You can read the book from cover to cover or pick and choose a stand-alone chapter that relates to your specific interest or concern, such as Personal Development, Blind Spots and Pitfalls or Marketing the Brand Called You. In many chapters, you will be tasked to strengthen your personal journey through self-awareness activities.

Upon entering the workforce, the questions you wished you asked are finally answered. The author illustrates her points, ideas, and recommendations with vivid stories of her personal struggles and journey to the corner office. It could be your journey, too.

Armchair Interviews says: Well said, sound advise.

Reviewed by Sandie Kirkland for RebeccasReads (5/08)

Trudy Bourgeois has updated her first edition of "Her Corner Office" to share her years of business experience with other women who are trying to break the glass ceiling and make it to the executive suite in business. Mrs. Bourgeois was the first African-American woman to be named a Vice-President in the consumer goods industry. The book is written in an inspirational, easy-to-follow manner that, when followed, can systematically improve both performance and perception for the woman businessperson.

Each chapter has questions for the reader to answer that helps them clarify what their values are, what they add to a business, and how to market her self. At the end of each chapter, there is a summary page with points to remember. Although each chapter is short, it is chock-full of great advice. Some topics covered include communication skills, marketing your self, personal development, and work-life balance. One of the key messages is that each person is in control of their destiny, and that they should not give that control away and expect peers or bosses to promote them just because they're a good person or known as the person who puts in more hours than anyone else.

I really enjoyed this book, and took away some valuable concepts from it that can be applied in my professional life. "Her Corner Office" is highly recommended.

The second edition of "Her Corner Office: A Guide to Help Women Find a Place and a Voice in Corporate America" is a book that can benefit both men and women interested in career and life success. It is written by Trudy Bourgeois, one of the first African-American woman VPs in the consumer goods industry. It is a fully revised and expanded edition of the first "Her Corner Office" which was released in 2004.

I like this book for several reasons. The first being that Ms. Bourgeois provides "Points Worth Remembering" at the end of each chapter. These highly focused points drive home what she says in each chapter. I think it is a good idea to reproduce each of these pages to keep next to your desk. They provide a very handy reference guide to career management and leadership.

Chapter 3 focuses on self confidence - on the five keys to success in my book "Straight Talk for Success." Ms. Bourgeois lists the following "Points Worth Remembering" for self confidence.

* Knowing yourself and what you want is the cornerstone of self confidence.
* Recognizing that events in your past have shaped your self esteem and self confidence. If you are blocked by a hurtful experience, get help to get past it.
* A lack of confidence is often tied to a lock of preparation.
* Confidence breeds confidence; as you are willing to take on bigger challenges and make a bigger impact.
* Believe in yourself; have faith that everything will work out no matter what.
* Build a confidence vault. Keep a file of all the great things you have achieved in your life. Revisit this file from time to time.

I love the idea of a confidence file. I have one. I'm going to spend some time with it this week.

Also, I like Ms. Bourgeois' advice on preparation. I often joke that "preparation makes up for a lack of talent." It's true, preparation is an important element of success. Joe Paterno, head football coach at Penn State, my alma mater once said, "The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital." I agree. Preparation will not only make up for a lack of talent it will build your confidence.

In short, I really like "Her Corner Office." I recommend it to anyone interested in becoming a career and life success.

In the 19th century women in the workforce was a rarity. In the 20th century women began to transition from the home to the workplace in increasing numbers decade by decade. In The 21st century most women work outside the home, with more and more of them entering the domain of corporate management responsibilities -- but there is still a proverbial 'glass ceiling' that must be dealt with respecting women achieve parity with men in corporate offices and boardrooms. Now in a fully updated and significantly expanded second edition, "Her Corner Office: A Guide To Help Women Find A Place And A Voice In Corporate America" by Trudy Bourgeois (President and CEO of The Center for Workforce Excellence) continues to draw upon her more than twenty-four years of experience and expertise as a speaker, executive coach, trainer, and the first African American female VP in the consumer goods industry to present an informed and informative manual for women seeking to succeed in a corporate career of their own. "Her Corner Office" covers issues of personal confidence, actionable blueprints for professional success, the 'general manager mindset', being a credible leader, overcoming stereotypes concerning women in the workplace, leadership styles within an organizational framework, as well as making conflict and change advantageous to success. Of special note is what Trudy Bourgeois has to say about women supporting other women in a corporate environment. As inspired and inspiring as it is practical and 'user friendly', "Her Corner Office" should be considered essential reading for any woman either entering the corporate world for the first time, or have been trying to work their way up the corporate ladder and achieve a corner office of their own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Fisher presents detailed, compassionate portraits of seven (plus) dauntingly complex individuals, as well as providing a highly textured sense of time and place. This biography goes far beyond recounting pedigrees and achievements to convey a real sense of the individual human being (in this case, each individual in the James family). I particularly enjoyed Fisher's careful attention to the less prominent family members. The "intimate" point of view (rendering events from the perspectives of family members) is compelling and effective in recreating this fascinating family. The author's opinions are presented respectfully and provide much food for thought without reducing the complexity and ambiguity of real people and events. This book--its rendering of a generation, its stories, its wonderful photographs--is a gift.

Dr. James Fisher is a professor of American Literature at Wellesley College in Boston. He is an expert on the family of Henry James Sr. His new volume of over 600 densely written pages is a detailed exploration into the lives of this important nineteenth century family of authors, oddballs, soldiers and scientists.
Henry James Sr was a Princeton Seminary dropout who was wealthy due to a huge inheritance from his father. The James came from Albany, New York where HJ Sr. was born. He lost a leg during a horrible childhood accident in which he was attempting to assist in the extinguishing of a fire. James was a scholar of Swedenborg and his philosophy. He wed the plain but rich Mary and they embarked on a long marriage filled with traumas enought to keep psychiatrists busy for aeons!
James Sr. was an alcoholic but gave up John Barleycorn in his later years. He was in the transcendentalist circle of Concord intellectuals counting the eminent Ralph Waldo Emerson as among his friends. James traveled widely in Europe where he got to know such luminaries as the crusty Scots philosopher Thomas Carlyle and the novelist William Makepeace Thackery, author of "Vanity Fair." Mary was a longsuffering wife as she put up with his dalliances with other women (none of which was probably consumatted) and his minor fame on the periphery of literary and lecturing fame.
What a house of wits was produced by these two midcentury New Yorkers!
The five children were:
William James-the eminent Harvard doctor who was the leading proponent of the pragmatism philosophy. He was the author of "The Variety of Religious Experiences". James married late and was neurotic always being worried about his health (as were all the James!). William had an intense rivalry with his younger brother Henry though the two loved each other.
Henry James-Born in 1843 he was the author of over 20 novels, essays, short stories and travel pieces which have won him literary immortality. Among his novels are "The Wings of the Dove"; "The American"; "The Ambassadors" "The Golden Bowl"; "What Maisie Knew" and "The Portrait of a Lady." Henry was a homosexual who had many close relationships with men. His closest female friends were two authors: Constance Fenimore Wolston and Edith Wharton. Henry lived in England for over twenty years becoming a British subject in 1915. He was angry with the USA for its refusal to enter the war. James won the Order of Merit. He was secretive, quiet and kind. He became disillusioned with his failure as a playwright and the loss of his parents and sibilings who all preceded him in death. It is impossible to understand him without examining his family. Fisher has done this!
Wilkie and Bob were the two James brothers who saw combat in the Civil War. They were failures in marriage and in life. Bob died as an alcoholic and Wilkie never made a success of himself living in Wisconsin in a number of boring job.
Alice died at 38. She was a woman who had major health problems though she has won a measure of fame for her diary. She never wed. Alice was known for her intelligence and wit. She was a lesbian who lived with a woman. Alice was brilliant but was restricted by the second class citizenship meted out to women in the Victorian era.
The James family was dysfunctional but produced geniuses in William and Henry. The Fisher work allows us to get a better understanding of them and their time. Boston, New York, Paris, London, Venice and other locals of the James travels are well described. The James were constant travelers as they sought to flee their restricted lives of study and literary labor. It is often hard to make the lives of intellectuals interesting but Fisher has succeeded in an outstanding book of biographical inquiry and insight. This book will become essential in the study of any of the James.

I've been reading books by and about the various Jameses for years and this is one of the absolute best for its range, wit, compassion, and modernity. The author isn't afraid to look openly at the dark side of this remarkable family, but he also doesn't overdraw conclusions. What I like best is that Fisher gives you a profound sense of the fault lines in the James clan, the allegiances, the jealousies, the ways in which they depended on one another and undermined each other. And the family exists in each historic period it passes through, so that the impact of technological and cultural shifts is always present. His grasp of the material is flawless, his insight sharp, and his writing is so good I read some passages aloud. This book marks a new era in James studies, but you don't have to know anything about the clan to be riveted by this complex story of wealth, ambition, despair, defeat, genius.

I love this biography. I grew up in the Albany-Saratoga area, lived in New York for many years and now live in Boston. Paul Fisher brings these places alive through his beautiful writing of this complex, troubled yet lovable family. It's a great book.

This is not the type of book I would normally read but I absolutely loved it! I am not a scholar and I knew nothing about the James family but it was a real page-turner. What I loved most about it was the family dysfunction, scandal and complicated relationships. I thought that people just spent their time painting china and doing needlepoint during this era and I was shocked and delighted to learn that this family struggled with many issues and challenges that we struggle with today! The book was funny, moving, informative and I learned a lot about the period. Looking at this family through a contemporary lens was really fascinating. It is a great book and a lot of fun to read.

I was so excited to finally get a copy of this book. After reading this book, I was totally blown away! It completely changed the way I think about dating and relationships. I have been telling everyone I know about this book. I honestly feel that every student and parent needs to read this book!

I am so glad that someone had the guts to write this book from this perspective. I was so encouraged by the author's story and his teachings. I totally connected with the author and loved how he just knocks you over the head with a bold new truth based on scripture that cannot be argued! Don't miss out on this one!

As a parent and Sunday school teacher, I am constantly on the lookout for new material to help students. When I discovered this book, the title drew me in immediately; but the content was incredible. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. When I finished it, I ordered enough for my entire Sunday school class. So far, every student that has finished the book has given the most incredible feedback I have heard from any book over the past few years. I highly recommend this book!

How Far Is Too Far? Is a powerful and direct approach to the issue concerning sexual purity. It will challenge you to look at this age-old question in a fresh and creative way. The end result is a new theology of sexuality and how God sees His children in that light. How Far Is Too Far? is a must read for every family with young adults, students, and teenagers!

I've been going to church for years and this is the first book I have read concerning pre-marital intimacy that I felt the author had the right to give me advice. He really put his heart on the line and shared a part of his life before he began to teach what God had revealed to him. As a high school varsity cheerleader there is constant peer-pressure to succumb to the temptations of pre-marital relations. Trust me when I say, 'I wish I had read this book earlier.' I have had countless discussions with my pastor and youth minister about overcoming sexual temptations and no one has ever provided answers as clear as the author did in this book. The author's personal story gave me a new outlook on life and myself. I now know that I am worthy of what God has in store for my life and that I will NOT settle for anything less. I hope that my review will cause one extra person to read this book - It will change your life... It did mine!

I shared this book with my eighth graders as we were discussing families. Each student wrote a poem about how to be the ___ family. We put these in a booklet that each student gets to take home and share with his or her family. It's a wonderful book to use as a springboard to writing poetry and talking about a variety of topics.

"How to be" is charming and engaging for a child to read and discover acting like different animals, but still being a kid. Lisa Brown follows two children (brother and sister) as they transition from the beach/lake to going home. Each animal has a different color and at the end she blends them all into one theme. I recently had the fortune of listening to Ms. Brown speak at a children' writers conference. She brings a unique sense of character to each of her books. I look forward to reading more of her books.

This is an excellent book to use with students K-2 when teaching sequence and transtions.

My neice is 4 and loves her books. My sister & husband have a tough time finding good ones, but agreed that this book was terrific. It used the word, "creative," a lot - which was just introduced to my neice's vocabulary. They really don't like a lot of childrens books, but loved this one. Good for bright kids!

This book is a rare find: a picture book that successfully moralizes and charms at the same time. The siblings in the book, who interact almost entirely via the pictures, manage to be endearing and feel realistic at the same time. Plus they have an entertaining sense of mischief. It is a big hit in our house, even with a three and five year old who would rather play superheroes than read stories most of the time, much to my own chagrin.

Tony

These photos create a unique sense for which I have no good words. The cover image gives an example: Stiffly posed, but without real tension, pale and luminous, and somehow beyond reach of human touch. Many of Tenneson's figures are swathed in flows of gauze or something just a little heavier. Only a few photos feature the clean-shorn model that appears on the front, but I find them appealing in that extra degree of nudity and truth to the body itself.

Several of these photos capture ranges of the human spectrum that others often ignore: a male model with whitened beard and sagging skin, a heavy-set woman with rolling curves, wide-eyed children in chaste and formal poses. The most remarkable among these remarkable photos might be a sequence of four, showing the same woman and child. The first three show the burgeoning pregnancy with the child inside, the last shows the newborn infant, held close against the belly that contained her just one photo ago. I understand least the images in which a seminude model is carefully capped, her body exposed and her hair hidden - or, more baffling still, only partly hidden. Understanding is over-rated, though, and not necessary for many kinds of appreciation. Whether I understand or not, I appreciate this memorable collection.

-- wiredweird

Most of the photos in this collection have been shot in a form of lighting that causes a slight, white blurring of the image. It causes the image to have a surreal effect, and it is dramatic. Looking at the images causes an impression at two different levels. At the general level, you are seeing an image as if you are looking through a very thin white sheet. Underneath that, there are very subtle messages in the photos. On one page, there are photos of a nude woman at three points of her pregnancy and one after birth, with the newborn baby at her breast. The message here is obvious, but most of the rest are far subtler.
Most of the pictures are of a human form, and while there is some emotion on their faces, it is very low key and subject to interpretation. In looking at the same photo, you can see sadness, low-key joy and perhaps a hint of boredom. I looked through the book several times, scanning the photos, studying them sector by sector, finding new interpretations each time I delved deeper into the image.
Tenneson is an excellent photographer, her hazy white light technique of shooting adds a quality to the photos that gives them a spooky quality. However, they are also beautiful.

I am not an expert in critiquing photography, but I know what I like, so know this: Joyce Tenneson's work is incredible! If only more of her books were still in print...

But if you don't believe me, see for yourself.

Spectacular dreamy/nightmarish visions of aging, youth, beauty and timeless images.

Black and white photos may be all the rage for people who want poetic images, but Illuminations contains some of the most surreal, breathtakingly beautiful images I've ever seen. From the haunted old woman to the progression of the pregnant girl to the androgynous figures, every image in this book carries a power that reminds me of the cinematic.

"In Our Shoes" is revealing, riveting and real. It presents a clear path for self-discovery and survival; of perspective from lessons learned and a visionary promise for all you can become. A recommended read for seekers of a better way.

"In Our Shoes" is a must read! The stories of these 7 women, told in an interesting Past-Present-Future series by each, provide a generous dose of reassurance of the power we forget we have, alone or together. Regardless of our circumstances, we women link together in eerie, synchronistic ways throughout our lives. This is one of the unique gifts to our gender from the Great Creator. And the incredible gift of this book reminds us that in our own communities we can always find healing, comforting links with other women -- if we will only look and reach out to each other, as these women did. What powerful and ultimately healing stories they tell! Read this wonderful book for inspiration, comfort and Truth. You'll go back to it again and again, as I have.

Seven women, using a unique format, individually reveal their life story. They each tell of their past experiences, their present situation and their future aspirations. The ladies are very open, honest and candid in divulging their innermost secrets. This makes for a book you cannot stop reading until it is completed. The reader is compelled to read some of the stories more than once because they are so intriging. You feel you know each person and can identify with their humaness. Everyone has a story to tell. These ladies have done so in a riviting and inspiring manner.

These are seven big, powerful, distinct voices. The courage and resilience of the women behind those voices make this one of the best books of this type I have read in a LONG time. It is one of those books we all need when we are dragging, when we need to refresh that connection with our community and maybe our community isn't right there just now. While we may or may not agree that life is one long birth canal, these women clearly see Light at the end of their tunnels and that Light has transformed them in a way that is simple and direct. There is no hocus pocus here, no new age mumbo-jumbo, just survivors who held on to their senses of humor every step of the way and who can write so well that we can share in their journey.

These are seven big, powerful, distinct voices. The courage and resilience of the women behind those voices make this one of the best books of this type I have read in a LONG time. It is one of those books we all need when we are dragging, when we need to refresh that connection with our community and maybe our community isn't right there just now. While we may or may not agree that life is one long birth canal, these women clearly see Light at the end of their tunnels and that Light has transformed them in a way that is simple and direct. There is no hocus pocus here, no new age mumbo-jumbo, just survivors who held on to their senses of humor every step of the way and who can write so well that we can share in their journey.

Drawning on a depth of learning in Biblical Hebrew, Brown demonstrates how the key Hebrew terms for healing have been systematically and almost universally mistranslated and misunderstood by Biblical scholars and most existing Bibles. From this linguistic evidence, Brown reinterprets Biblical healing in a radical fashion. Absolutely essential for anyone studying healing in the Bible. (Some serious students and scholars may be surprised at the portrait of Jesus on the cover of a book labelled as an "Old Testament" study, but not to worry. Brown is a meticulous scholar. The footnotes alone--more than a hundred pages--are worth the price of the book.)

I have just written a brief article on "faith" for the benefit of those in AA who want to be healed of alcoholism. I cite this book and seven others as resource books that state positively just what the Creator of the heavens and the earth can do for alcoholics and anyone else who needs healing. Others have reviewed this Michael Brown book quite well. So I will just stamp it as an important, recent, scholarly affirmation of the healing power of "Yahweh that healeth thee." Its citations and resources alone warrant this as a key book on healing alcoholism--particularly because its author was delivered from that very scourge.

I just now finished reading this book. I have been reading it very, very carefully - writing notes from time to time - for close to three months!

From the cultural background of the Hebrew Scriptures to the etymological study of the Hebrew (and Greek) word translated "to heal" (and the convincing suggestion that it should be translated "to restore, make whole") to a rather full study of significant Biblical texts on the subject of healing to the discussion of healing in the NT to his "Conclusion and Reflections", Dr. Brown gives believers the necessary tools to build up faith in God's desire to miraculously heal today like Jesus did and poses a serious challange to those in the Body of Christ who hold to a cessationist view or have a distaste for the teachings, which they may have heard or read, on the subject.

This book is so important, I would suggest a careful reading of end-notes and, even though Dr. Brown suggests in his preface that the "nontechnical reader may want to skip" the sections on the root meanings of the Hebrew word "rapa", I think it is important that the nontechnical (like me) read it anyway; you may not get all of it but you will gain some basic but vital understanding (along with a section that discusses healing deities), that I believe undergirds and is foundational to all else that is said. If you do not get a satisfactory and firm grasp of what he writes in the Introduction and first chapter, I think you will miss the central significance of everything else fail to achieve the necessary firmness of understanding to strenghten any area where your faith may waver concerning God as Healer.

I cannot over emphasize that those in the Church who do not believe God is healing today should read this book. It is a challanging read and his arguments are logical and persuasive. If you are adamant and serious about what you believe, let me suggest that you gather up all your books on the cessationist view and read them alongside Israel's Divine Healer and see where it all takes you.

The book, as a whole, is not technical but it is packed with information that would be hard for any Biblical scholar or theologian to refute. If anyone knows of a book that challanges Dr. Brown, please let me know.

Brown makes it clear that the Old Testament root concept of healing was that of being restored from a broken or unhealthy state. This is a key concept and one that present (and often past) philosophers and theologians have not considered carefully. The mindset today is to contain an illness, to splice new genes into the old (new patches on old cloth?) with the conviction that the new will satisfactorily replace the old. However, there has to be, as Brown notes, restoration to God and ultimately our resurrection bodies will be like Adam and Eve's before sin overtook the world. In one sense restoration is figurative because we can't go back to Adam and Eve, but it is also literal because our "new" bodies will be recognizable when at the resurrection we are restored with God and taken out of a sinful world.

Israel's Divine Healer is the most scholarly book that I have ever read on the subject of divine healing from a Pentecostal perspective. Many books that I have read tend to focus on the individual or positive confession but Dr. Brown does neither and focuses rather on building a case that God is indeed a healer based on His revelations to Israel.

Dr. Brown further argues that God is immutable and therefore His promise of healing is the same for today. Dr. Brown's book has thousands of footnotes and is full of Scripture. For those not use to reading a book on divine healing from a theological viewpoint then you will want to skip this book. It is quite technical and deep. However, don't let that scare you. Read this book and be filled with faith that Jesus is a healing God.