Bryant Books

After the party in the last book, the Saddle Club is left to deal with the emotional aftermath. Not much new happens in this book. Carole is still obsessed with Samson to the point of wondering if she should buy him, Lisa is still dealing with her boyfriend's (unwarranted) jealousy, and Stevie is still helping Scott Forrester campaign for student body president.

I loved the way the charachers were portraied in this book. I love anything to do with horses. Bonnie Bryant you did an awsome job.

I really liked this book!!It was good.Except I wish it had more on the A.J. thing.I liked him. This book mentioned his name once.It didn't even expain his problem,it just mentioned he had a problem.I still LOVE the book.

This book was by far the best book Bonnie Bryant has written about Pine Hollow!We finally findout more about the mysterious Ben, she includes plenty of parts about horses, and she includes the girls' lives and complications.I just wish Stevie would get a grip.Especially about the campaign and being grounded.She spent all her time talking about how she'd help Scott win the election.She didn't even care that he got away from the police at HER party while she and the rest of the kids got busted for drinking.(He drank too)It's just so wrong that he didn't have to face the consequences of his actions just because Stevie wanted to protect his "GOOD NAME" for the election.I see why Ben doesn't like him.I really liked the way Carole and ben started to become better friends too.He helped her realize what she had to do when her friends Lisa, and Stevie were wrapped up in their social obligations.I'm only twelve, but I see him as being a better friend to her than Lisa and Stevie were.In the other books they made Ben "the shadow" and in each book he seemed to come out of his shell a little more, atleast to Carole.Now if only she can make Ben get along with the rest of the group... ;)

Ok, i like Pine Hollow books and all...but comeon! This book is a clear illustration of why 50 year old authors shouldn't write books about teenagers. Would average teenagers freak out because they found a beer in the fridge? It was like they were scared of it. And then the next minute totally turn around and get drunk, and EVERYONE was drunk. At highschool parties there is always alcohol, but that doesn't mean that everyone gets totally drunk. By describing how teenagers will get completely trashed when in the presence of alcohol Bonnie Bryant isn't giving teenagers much credit;it's like she is saying we have no idea about right and wrong, nor does she show an understanding of real teenage issues. i suggest the author stick to horses, (isn't that what the book is supposed to be about?) and not something she is obvioiusly clueless about.

The graphics in this book makes it easy to understand. Great for a beginner.

there is nothing wrong with this book as a real introductory book for Access at such low price, but I guess anyone who want to buy an Access book need sth more in depth. I would personally recommend Access for Dummies, which is the second book I bought for self-study.

While Quicksteps covers the basics, I found it shallow, not well organized and a very weak index. If you are starting a database from scratch, it will work you through it, but it was not much help where I wanted to convert several databses to Access. Inexpensive, but worth it.

Great Beginner Book


This book gives great pictures will each page and a great how to. Great for first time users.

I am very proficent at Excel and thought that Access would be somewhat similar. I was wrong, Access is proving to be a difficult learn for me. I have learned enough to know that Access is a better way but I am still struggling. I bought Video Professor CD and it was adequate but lacks the reference material that an average learner like myself needs. This book has helped me tremendously! I am currently on Chapter 5 (of 10) and it is beginning to come together. The book, I believe, is for beginners but will handle most issues right up to intermediate needs.

Nothing earth-shattering. At some points you can see the authors were more influenced by popular practices than Biblical standards. In one part, the authors posit that marriage between Christians begins 'in one sense' with sex, not with the ceremony. They quickly add that pre-marital sex is a sin, but this seems to be more of a concession than a conviction. There are other problems which overshadow the benefits of the book. This book might be a worth while skim for someone looking to know the mechanics of ministry, but not to much more. I would suggest 'Brothers We are Not Professionals' and 'The Supremacy of God in Preaching' by John Piper, 'The Christian Ministry' by Charles Bridges, 'An Earnest Ministry' by John Angell James, 'The Reformed Pastor' by Richard Baxter, 'Lectures to My Students' by C.H. Spurgeon; all vastly superior to this book.

Bryant and Brunson have done ministers at all stages of development a great service in this book. I have taught ministerial ethics at university level for nearly twenty years. I now use this book as a text because the authors cover most of the matters I tried to hammer into ministry students over the years...and do it just as well as, if not better than, I.

They could have done better at a few points. Examples follow. First, their interpretation of "one-woman man" is deficient (pp. 55-56). Living in a culture that prohibits polygamy cannot automatically rule out that interpretation as an option. The same culture forbids murder, but that does not empty the mandate against murder of all meaning! Second, the remark that "it is the intimacy of the couple and not the ceremony that marks the beginning of marriage" (p. 144) should be tied more clearly to the discussion in which it appears. My students regularly misunderstand this as approval of premarital sex. Third, the writers misused Romans 11:29, a passage about the irrevocability of salvation, in an attempt to say a call to ministry is once and for all (p. 57). They may be right--although I am not sure they are--but they need another text on which to base their statement. Fourth, most ministers drive too many miles a year to make leasing a car a good option (p. 172).

All in all, however, the book offers tons of practical and valuable guidance! I recommend it highly.

The chapter titles listed include 'the Pastor and his Call'; the Pastor and his family'; etc. What about 'her Call' or 'her family'? There are more women pastors all the time! We need good solid information, too.

Jim Bryant and Mac Brunson (and B&H Publishing) have done a great service to pastors and church staff. Every church staff person should read this book. Each chapter begins with a brief personal testimony by different professionals in the field. Then Jim or Mac gives the content of each chapter out of their own depth of wisdom and years of experience. I know both of these men, and they live what they preach. Most ministers' manuals simply tell how to do funerals, weddings, etc. While Bryant and Brunson offer appendices on such topics, theirs is a book on the everyday issues, challenges, and joys pastors face. I say all church staff persons should read this book, because much of what they say applies not only to pastors, but to other church staff as well, and becuase it will help other staff members to appreciate the challenges their pastors face. The book is perfect for gift-giving. Church members can give it to their pastors, or people can give it to someone they know who is beginning a life of vocational ministry. The authors address what one would expect to see in such a volume, and much that is unexpected, including changing churches, retirement, and how he should deal with moral and political issues. I recommend this book with enthusiasm and without reservation!

A pastor leads as a shepherd, but who will lead the pastor? Certainly, in addition to God's spiritual calling, a pastor needs not only spiritual support, but also practical advice and resources for his ministry. The New Guidebook for Pastors accomplishes both. These two experienced pastors have not only influenced my spiritual walk, but have given me practical living- by- faith advice in my teaching ministry. Even though the book has much practical advice, including a valuable appendix and list of resources, the spiritual tone is never forsaken, and the reader learns much about theological doctrine and church organization, administration, counseling, missions, evangelism, and other areas of concern for both the clergy and the layman. Not only is the underlying spiritual call for the pastor emphasized, but also biblical support and case studies are given for each section. In addition to the introductory testimonies by reputable, experienced pastors in their specializations (worth the price of the book alone), the authors relate their own personal narratives and experiences in each section, serving as illustrations for each point being made. Both classical authors and contemporary authors of other books are quoted for advice, never forsaking God's Word as the center of their purpose. Although the book is written in a conversational tone to the reader, the academic depth is not ignored by the authors. Sometimes the authors have a bold statement that might alienate some readers in their tone, but they tell it like it is in the Bible: leave the ministry immediately if you are not called (p.32), or a preacher is not a pastor if he is divorced, but can still be a preacher or evangelist (p. 57). The reader should appreciate their candor and honesty in the book. Finally, the book serves as a history of guidebook advice for pastors and others, referencing at times the fantastic career of W.A. Criswell who wrote the original Guidebook for Pastors in 1980, but their book goes beyond where no other pastor has strayed, and hopefully will shepherd the pastor back home to God's calling and Word again. I am honored to know these authors personally and to be led by their own spiritual calling, reaching out to others through this fine book and resource for all those who desire to come to the Lord and do His will. The book will inspire generations of servants to come as well as my own students and my own spiritual growth.
Harvey E. Solganick, Ph.D.
Professor of Humanities, History of Ideas, Philosophy
The College at Southwestern
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas
July 20, 2007

I have a lot of questions about the sentences of the people involved in the brutal murders of Art Venezia and his mother. Art who was in love in a disastrous homosexual relationship with James Allen Bryant who was the mastermind behind killing him for his money, property, estate, etc. Art even bought a restaurant for his lover to manage but he robs him blind. In the meantime, Allen falls for Henry Ramos, a Latino bisexual gigolo, while the waitress Dee Casteel, a troubled alcoholic in a bad marriage and mother of neglected children during this time, has feelings for Allen like a schoolgirl crush despite his homosexuality. Anyway Dee's ashamed face is on the cover of the book while the other three men are shown later. I have a trouble with reading this book because the writing is somewhat poor compared to other true crime books. I'm sure that I'll read it in a day. I do feel sorry for Dee but it was a no win situation for her. I don't have pity for Allen because I think he's just using Art for his own financial means. While the case is almost 25 years old, it's not incomprehensible that these crimes don't happen for money and it spins out of control just like alcoholism and drugs sometimes.

I read this book years ago - right after it came out. As a distant relative of one of the participants, it was of intrest. Well written, easy to read, informative, and more than likely accurate. If you like 'true crime' books, this one is for you.

This book mentions the singer for the now infamous punk rock band, Against All Authority. I have spoken to him about this and he tells some chilling tales about jumping their BMX bikes over the open grave that smelled of death, and trying to figure out what the puddle of stinky fluid was that leaked out all over the floor underneath where the bodies were stored. He and Dee's sons hid on top of the shed while they watched the hit men steal things. He spent many nights in the house because the boys were afraid to be in there alone. Apparently there was more to the story but at the time thebook was written the hitmen were out of jail and most of the people that new things were afraid they would be next.

This is an excellent book, could not put it down. I live in Homestead, I have never heard of this crime. Everyone I talk to wants to read this book. They have said to me, I can't put this thing down, it is so interesting. Of all the places they describe in the book, landmarks, people and place of business, I know them all. All of these places actually exist. You really need to read this book. I would like to get my hands on the re-trial book !

Just finished the book; fascinating case study of a female alcoholic. I found some information about Dee Casteel on the web; her sentence was reduced in 1990 to Life In Prison. After that, the trail on her runs cold. Is she still in prison? Released? Dead? Anyone know? Tried to find out through the author, but apparently, he is dead now.

An interesting look at the junior JFK and how he shaped his view of the Black community and his understanding of how to move up in politics.

I came to this book from the standpoint of an observer with a general interest in American politics and history rather than from a purely academic standpoint.

I have enjoyed it immensely having found it both detailed and informative reflecting exhaustive research. Nick Bryant gives a real insight into how civil rights fitted into the wider political ambitions of the Kennedy machine. Would Kennedy once in office be as true to the civil rights cause as his pre-election manoeuvrings suggested and if so, when, and what would be the catalyst? It is this question that made the book a real page-turner.

This book is one of the more objective books about President Kennedy. It explores his seemingly lackadaisical attitude in re civil rights. He is described as being charismatic, yet lacking in personal depth. He was excellent at taking written material, courtesy of his speech/script writers and giving an outstanding performance.

This is not to discredit the man's obvious intelligence and ability to respond to the issues and questions of the day. His alliances with people who were known segregationists don't exactly point him in the direction of civil rights activists. His brother, then attorney general Robert Kennedy was the fire, the drive, the passion and commitment to civil rights.

While the civil rights/racial equality issue is the main focus of this book, other issues during the New Frontier are also explored. This is a well written book that will certainly maintain the interest of readers.

This is solid history. It is a fair and careful account of JFK's failure to pursue a civil rights agenda. It is the very opposite of a hatchet job: the author makes every attempt to look at events from President Kennedy's standpoint, but concludes that JFK dropped the ball. This should not be surprising: JFK was the sort of politician who once gave an empassioned speech to farmers in West Virginia and then said to an aide with a grin "FFN" (meaning "f*ck the farmers after November").

What's interesting about this book is the way the political Left has either ignored it or unfairly attacked it. Unable or unwilling to come to grips with its past, the Left provides no guidance for those who take up the torch. Enamored of their charismatic Presidents, Democrats make no demands on them, either while they are in office or afterwards, when they are of mere historical interest. The result is that they are willing to overlook the clay feet of their heroes and underrate the achievements of their Presidents with less charm but more substance.

The tragedy of the Democrats is that with every election, they get more frustrated at their lack of success (even when they win), but are absolutely clueless why that is so. Their idolization of JFK (and lack of respect for honest and accomplished books like this) ought to show them why, but never will.

Most of Kennedy's biographers fall into two camps; hagiographers like Goodwin and Schlesinger and dozens of others, or much more honest examinations of the character of the man like Thomas Reeves very good book. The hags have outnumbered the wags by at least ten to one, but this book is a good addition to the latter camp.

This way-too-long book has many good examples of how JFK really did not have some burning commitment to civil rights (or much of anything else for that matter) and was really a fairly shallow man with good speech writers who could turn a phrase and have Kennedy deliver it with passion. His willingness to appoint segregationists such as William Cox to the federal bench and his friendships with Senate bigots such as Al Gore Sr. and Bill Clinton's hero, William Fulbright, shows him to be far less the advocate of civil rights than his hagiographers have made him out to be.

Much of this book is focused on the civil rights for blacks movement, but there are some good insights into other issues that were front and center at the time.

I loathed this book! I waited on baited breath for this book to arrive in the mail after all of the glowing reviews. Not so much. I am an educated person and an avid ghost story reader, but to me this book read as though the author was attempting to wow us with her highbrow metaphors rather than tell a good account of a haunting. The result was the ghost story was lost in a verbose nightmare! I found the author's writing style pompous, and narcisstic. My vote is for SAVE YOUR MONEY...

Jan and her story are fascinating. If you have any depth at all you'll love it. I have read it more than once because I guess I didn't want it to end, {except the sad parts about her pets}. If anyone knows anything about Jan I wish they'd leave a comment about this review. I'll find it. I'd like to know more about Jan. Where are her relatives ? Any of her friends still living ? Jan was interesting,very sensitive and complex... so it's frustrating that there is not a lot of information about her, aside from her book and "Wikipedia". She was unique enough to deserve a biography. I read a rumor that Jan had prior suicide attempts. But I also found it very ODD that Jan would commit suicide before her book was actually published. Think about that. You are about to publish your first book, manuscript is done and accepted, all that. Then you kill yourself ? Why her death did not receive more investigation I can't figure, even with the depression and prior supposed suicide attempts I've heard about. It just doesn't figure. Kind if like Marilyn Monroe's "suicide", or Inger Stevens "suicide". Just because a person attempts suicide in their life does not mean a ruling of suicide should be automatic when they do die. What an easy excuse,"everyone knows,she was suicidal"... and the person who did the crime of ending Jan's life would KNOW that. Just use the suicide excuse. Is that what happened to Jan ?

Like another reviewer I read this book in the 70s when I still believed in parapsychology. Although I don't really believe in this sort of thing today, the book is still engrossing. It is well written and the author obviously believes in what she is experiencing whether real or imagined. It's well worth reading even if you don't believe in the supernatural.

This is not your average hum-drum or hysterical "haunted house" account.
It's the kind of book that never truly closes after you've read the last sentence, snapped the book shut, and placed it in your bookshelf. You return to this account again and again throughout the years in an attempt to solve the non-fictional mystery the writer couldn't. It resides in a particulary special and permanent place in the back of my mind at all times....It's THAT kind of book.

I first read this book many years ago, when it was
originally published. It affected me viscerally, I was
totally caught up in the unfolding story of the
haunting of Jan Bartell. She was a wonderful, creative
woman, extremely talented, with a deep sense of the
connection of all levels of consciousness. There are
still times when I think back to certain mysterious
happenings in this saga of the Greenwich Village townhouse,
and I shiver remembering the strange series of deaths
that ended with Mrs. Bartell's own, when she believed
that she had finally escaped the psychic whirlpool on
West Tenth Street. Not to be missed.

This book was my #2 favorite book ever. Next to the Sisterhood Of the Traveling Pants! You are a very inspiring author and I have decided to write a book simalar to this one. My BROTHER even liked this book! Once again you are a very inspiring author & thank you for writing this series of books.

I bought this book for my 12 year old daughter. I feel it is a wonderfully written book series for "tween girls." It is very positive- sometimes a bit too positive for real life at times. If reading books like these make girls think about how they treat each other and be kinder to one another, then I say it's a good thing! I am reading the books after my daughter finishes with them. And enjoying chatting with her about the different issues contained in the stories.

At times the story can be a little hokey/unrealistic. The girl's homeroom teacher assigns the students tables to sit at lunch, and has a tablecloth on each table. Charlotte has a klutzy moment and notices her zipper is down. She unknowingly zips the table cloth in her pants, making a huge mess and angering the other girls at the table. The girls start off not liking each other and are told a sleepover might help them to work it out. At the sleepover the girls become best friends. I have never had any of these things happen to me in real life, but it makes for a good story. And brings the girls together. In the stories, aside from the hokiness, the girls have real life problems- lying to their parents, being the new girl, overextending themselves, weight issues, being bullied, parents separating, having an ill parent, etc. I feel the author wraps it all up in a positive but not perfect story book way.

I liked that the girls all represent something different. They are of different ethnic backgrounds, have different issues & problems as well as different personalities & talents. The girls compliment each other very well. The BSG
(Beacon Street Girls) try to protect their friendships and are very supportive of each other. In the books, there are girls who are nasty. The BSG, aren't fond of those girls but are never mean or cruel in return. Hopefully, this will encourage the girls who read them to be kinder to people/ friends than they had been. I can't wait to read the next book!

I started reading this book and I couldn't put it down. I thought that it was so great and true to life. I love the Beacon Street Girls books and I would really suggest reading them.

my mom got me this book cause she read about it in a newspaper or something. i think it has a stupid title. i read that loads of girls suppposedly loved it so i tried it anyway. but i think its grown ups who like this book cause its not like real girls. this book is like a tv movie for girls ( not even cable) but written by a guidance counsellor or a shrink not a real writer writing from their heart or their life. its like the book is good for you but not good. i think girls could write better themselves. its 2 babyish and 2 adult. btw the books got one of everything like a menu at an appleby's or denny's: one asian girl, one african american girl, one red head, one blond, one shy one, one "drama queen," got it? 2 many girls.I like babysitters club better or harry potter. And one has a father moving to oxford in england to teach, like the best college in the world. how many dad's do that? and her mom is dead, and another girl's mom is sick and another girl's mom and dad are breaking up but she can save them. the writing is ok and i kind of like a couple of the girls but i would not read this again or read another one or buy a cd or anything.

My mom just brought me these BSG books and they are the best. Everyone should read them. I only read two of them so far but we are going to buy the rest soon. If you are a girl and you like to read you HAVE TO get these books TODAY!!!!!

This book explains lots of algorithms, the author tries to give you a brief overview on each of them.

However, if you're interested in the concrete ideas and proofs on how the algorithms help you to compress your data, with some mathematical works, the book isn't enough. You'll find it difficult if you want to implement the algorithms by merely reading the book.

Some idea are not clearly explained too, say, the the information on Gzip is just a summary of the GNU documentation with no in-depth discussion.

Anyway, this book is a great one judging from the (sad) fact that there are not many references on the subject.

This book is more about breadth than depth. It explains the workings of pretty much every data and image compression algorithm you've ever heard of. It's not as strong on theory as Bell/Cleary/Witten's _Text Compression_, and doesn't have source code like Nelson's _The Data Compression Book_, but it does a fine job of filling in the space between.

If you're not looking for source code or lots of theory, and just want to know what all these dozens of algorithms actually *do*, this would be an appropriate book for you.

This is by far the most all-encompassing and thorough data compression book I have ever come across. Every method covered is carefully explained in great detail leaving no doubt as to how to implement it into your various projects. This is not just some ho-hum discussion of existing software and how to copy the coding of it, as some other texts turn out to be. For once, an author did not clutter his pages of pure compression information with mountains of proprietary source code or over abundant mathematical nonsense. This book is the real deal for true data compression enthusiasts looking to follow along in real world usages and research new methods. If your sole purpose is to draw up a statistical analysis of a particular algorithm, grab your calculator and go someplace else to write your term paper. To copy someone else's source code, search the net. For those of you interested in getting in there and really tackling modern compression methodology and adapting it to whatever your needs and desires may be, this is the only book you will ever need.

This book covers a needed middle ground between the more formal books on the subject such as Sayood's "Introduction To Data Compression" and easy programmer-oriented books such as Nelson's "The Data Compression Book". This book is an encyclopedia of compression methods that briefly describes the technique of each method, along with any required math, and then shows the algorithm. Code is not shown in the sense that there are no CompressionAlgorithm.cpp files included that you can lift without knowing what you are doing. However, the algorithm pseudocode is such that you should be able to translate any algorithm into code without much trouble. I know that this book has helped me. I would suggest that any true student of data compression methods use this book in conjunction with Sayood's book. Use Sayood to get the mathematical background that you need. Then use this book to read the details of a particular algorithm in plain language. This book is truly an undiscovered gem for most in the field and I highly recommend it.

The book is quite comprehensible also if English is not your mother tongue.

Many algorithms are touched on, but often not profound enough to allow programers to implement the methods. Also the subtitle "The Complete Reference" is questionable: I bought the book because I was looking for facts about the Elias-Willems algorithm. In vain!

It's not meant to be a "gung-ho, kill'em all and let God sort'em out" type of military book.
It tells the story of how our brave men and women pass the time in a foreign land while waiting for their orders, knowing that just over the horizon there's a country to invade and enemies to battle. Meanwhile, they're trying to create the illusion of home and the comfort of routine...they get their hair cut, they play cards, they wash the jeeps and humvees, they horse around and write letters home and shop for soda and hot rod magazines.
These aren't the stories and photos of glory on the battlefield. It's what our soldiers do before and after their job is done.
Yet, Bryant shoots his subjects in a touching way and really captures the spirit of each soldier as an individual, with hopes and dreams and fears.
It's an engaging and unique book. Not like the other books of military photography out there.

I am a SIXTEEN (more than 12!) year veteran of the Corps and I think a book like this is long overdue. I found myself in the Gulf War after only 2 years in the Corps and subsequently went to Haiti, Somalia, Bosnia, Afganistan, and then Iraqi Freedom. Thank you, Russ Bryant - for making a book that shows us outside of combat, just being ourselves.

Those who are nostalgic for combat are usually those who didn't see any in the first place.

The photography in this book is by far the most captivating of any images I have seen come out of Iraq. It sidesteps the horrifying shock-value images so often splashed across the media pages and newsreels. Instead, it shows what our soldiers are doing day in, and day out. A beautiful book.

The photography in this book is by far the most captivating of any images I have seen come out of Iraq. It sidesteps the horrifying shock-value images so often splashed across the media pages and newsreels. Instead, it shows what our soldiers are doing day in, and day out. A beautiful book.

If I could rate this book in negative stars I would. I am a 12-year Marine Corps combat veteran and have been following the Marines in Iraq closely. I recommend The March Up and Generation Kill but this picture book is a waste of time and money. The pictures are entirely of rear echelon types in Camp Fox and other camps washing their hair, wrestling, standing in line at the PX. Not a single combat photo except two pictures of a burnned out Amtrak in two locations in the book and one of an M1 Abrams that flipped off a bridge. The photographer should have got some guts and gone and got some good Marine Grunt combat photos. What a waste.

Continually thought provoking and without question, a very frank and intelligently written narrative. Every chapter fascinates, delights and intoxicates from the first line. Rarely is a true story so delightful to read.

Past events are described in remarkably vivid detail and each observation is compellingly told without seeking any sympathy. Almost impossible to put down and whether cancer has affected the reader or not, this story is an inspiration, regardless.

Past events are described in remarkably vivid detail and each observation is compellingly told without seeking any sympathy. Almost impossible to put down and, whether cancer has affected the reader or not, this novel is an inspirational piece of work.
Loved it!

Catherine Stone's true to life non-fiction, astoundingly observant novel, "Down to the Marrow" reveals a harrowing account of her battle to overcome not one but two different forms of cancer is told with such tremendous determination, wit and charm that every turn of the pages fills you with heartache, laughter and a frank, honest revealing insight into how life's events affected this remarkable woman.

I loved the book! Both men and women would enjoy this incredible journey of hope. My book club read the book and loved it also. The club started discussing the amusing and frightening experiences that Catherine had dealt with in her life, and couldn't stop discussing. There is so much texture and depth to this story. Hopefully Catherine will write another book in the near future. A must read!

This is really a delicious read if you are a woman of a certain age or if you have ever had to face a life threatening situation which filled you with fear. Mostly, it helped me to make sense of my past as a tool for dealing with the present.