Burns Books

This is my first review, so it may come off kind of shabby but I really thought this was a very good book that may appear to be less than it's worth and not all that exciting but hoped writing something positive would encourage others to buy it because there is not a single line in it's entire 128 pages that is worthless!

I had purchased and only noticed after that it was only 128 pages, and I thought for the stated Length of it, it was a rather high price -- but after reading it, I know, it IS worth it. It doesn't come off at all like a cheap, short, basic 'done a million times' story nor make you feel at the end like something was missing and the author did a quickie just for the bucks.

First off, and OF COURSE, the love story has a happy ending, and I knew it would, we all know romances will, but we read each page as if we aren't sure anyway, because what is different and special (or UNspecial) about each book is HOW it comes about to the happy ending when it seems it won't, and how the author decided to direct the characters towards that ending -- and I must say that the way this author chose to create each circumstance leading to the next, the way she connected chapter to chapter and the way the two characters thought and reacted was so wonderfully realistic, for once.

There is no ridiculous "he's the most gorgeous, she's the most beautiful" and no PERFECT witty/intelligent/profound replies and lines that NOBODY would ever think to say to another human being 'on the spot' in real life. (I think some people may know exactly what I mean... ) They were both the sort of characters that may not be like yourself... but you could relate to, anyway. They may be in situations you never have been, but can understand.

Personally, I enjoyed how there were not pages of extreme detail. I find that if I were to take out all pointless information in a typical romantic story, there would be about 50 pages! The purpose of romance books is to create characters that create the romance, not the other way around. Settings do not create the romance and I, myself, find reading page after page of "the lush velvet sitting chair to the left of the room overshadowed the simple yet elegant ottoman slightly off center and adding a subtle careless beauty to the room" more than boring, no matter how exciting the two characters may be.

This book had JUST the right amount of explanation and observation without detracting from the fact that it is supposed to be what the CHARACTERS think and what the CHARACTERS would notice... NOT something the author feels like talking about because he/she feels like showing off their vivid imagination and ability to put it into words!

As for the plot of the book, the synopsis really does say enough without giving away too much, I couldn't do a better job, only worse.

There's also an extra plus to the story (and perhaps this is why you don't feel like you are missing out on ANYTHING) and that is that it shares and adds to the story the MALES point of view and the MALES thoughts, as well as the females! It truly does make a complete story, and shares just the right amount between the two, there is no one-sided perspective. And yet the author goes between them in a very unconfusing way. Unlike the review tends to make you think, there is no real MAIN character. And that makes the most sense to me, it is a love story about TWO people, after all! :P

And last, the very end of the book closed the story so simply yet profoundly and with entire satisfaction -- it makes you realize the most amazing thing about the whole story - about love and acceptance, how there is so much truth in realizing the imperfections of another make them perfect for us, and in it's final line, telling you who those beautiful feelings are REALLY about and between.

I think the statement on the back of the book "You will not want it to end!" is wrong, to be honest. You will be so thoroughly pleased with the story, so fulfilled by the characters created, that there is no feeling untouched, and the inspiration to look into your own life and yourself, the good things about you, and others around you, will be far better a gift of new perspective and enjoyable a desire than the want to read for hours and hours more.

What you WILL want to do is read more by this author, though. She writes with pure quality and does not focus on quantity. It's amazing a writer that realizes the difference! And now I do too. 400 page romances do not hold a candle to this, that is for certain. (With the one exception of Cindy Holby) Though you could be lucky enough to have found other authors as great and if so, do share!! =)

Hope this helps in deciding on this book! Either way. Thanks for trudging through my review! Have a wonderful day! =)

James Ford Rhodes (May 1st, 1848 - January 22nd, 1927) was both an industrialist and an historian. Prior to this work, he produced seven volumes of a "History of the United States from the Compromise of 1850" (an eighth volume was published after this work), and he also produced a three volume "History of the Civil War 1861-1865". In the preface to this one-volume "History of the Civil War 1861-1865" he states that this is not an "abridgement" of his prior work, but rather was a "fresh" study.

Originally published by "The MacMillan Company" in 1917, this new History was awarded the 2nd Pulitzer Prize for History in 1918. Rhodes became known for his detailed research and lack of bias which is consistent throughout all his history works. His balanced treatment of both sides is a rather stark contrast to the first winner of the Pulitzer Prize in History (Jean Jules Jusserand's "With Americans of Past and Present Days") which was more of a celebration of Franco-American relations.

It is interesting while reading this book to think about the way the perceptions of the United States Civil War have changed over the years. As an example, Rhodes has no difficulty in emphasizing slavery and anti-slavery as the primary causes of the war, and since that time it has become more common to see more general references to state rights used, perhaps to cover the ugliness of issue. Another example would be the way History and Historians treat Robert E. Lee. Rhodes has high praise for Lee, though that is not to say that he doesn't point out his mistakes. Lee does not seem to fare so well with modern historians.

The discussion of other nation's attitudes towards the war is one of the more interesting sections, at least for me. Though ultimately there was no foreign interference, it is interesting to learn how a different outcome in a battle here and there, could easily have changed things considerably. One also gets a slightly different view on the French position towards the Union than one did from the essay from Jusserand's work, though to be fair the prior work was more focused on their attitude towards slavery and Abraham Lincoln, and not as much on the war and its negative effects on France.

Other interesting chapters and threads throughout the book include looking at how the North responded to the draft, especially after it became clear that the war would be won. There is a discussion of the politics and the Democratic Party turning into the Copperheads, while some legitimate opposition positions were lost as a result of the party pushing their opposition to Lincoln and the war. Rhodes also discusses the technology, and the failure to quickly move to breech loading rifles.

His discussion of the economics during the war is also very thorough. Obviously there is a discussion on the blockades and blockade running. In addition he discusses the currency problems faced both in North and South, as well as the debt resulting from the war and the consequences to the populations of the Union and the Confederacy. He also looks at the illegal trade between North and South during the war.

Not surprisingly, Rhodes gives an excellent and thorough evaluation of the Generals and other figures on each side of the war. In particular, his comparison of the Generals as they come into opposition with each other is particularly well done. While the perception of some of them as changed through time, one can count on an even appraisal in all cases. The same is true for his evaluation of the battles, tactics, and strategies from the perspective of both sides. Of course, there are many good books on the United States Civil War which cover these areas, but just as obviously this book would not be complete without them.

One weakness of this history, is that despite Rhodes' claim that this was a fresh study, he does in the very early discussion inform the reader that his discussion of the supporters for disunion was so complete in his three volume history that it is unnecessary to repeat it at length. The result is that one has to wonder how much he is leaving out in this one volume history that was included in his earlier three volume work. Having not read his earlier history, or his larger history of the entire era, it is impossible to judge how much he is leaving out.

Along the same lines, his discussion ends fairly abruptly after describing in some detail Lee's surrender, he then briefly mentions the assassination of Lincoln and the surrender of Johnston to Sherman. There is no discussion of the aftermath of the war to balance the discussion of the events leading to the start of the war. These weaknesses are small though when one looks at the overall strength of the book. This one is highly recommended, even after 90+ years.

Burns has written an interesting and thorough history of the Osage Indians from their origins up until about 1950. To those who aren't familiar with them the Osage were one of the most powerful American tribes. They ruled over a shadowy empire in the 18th century that included most of the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and held the French and Spanish at bay. Their downfall came with the tidal wave of Anglo and Indian emigrants from the east, disease, and the destruction of the buffalo herds in the mid to late 19th century. Today, the Osages live in Oklahoma and are among the richest and best educated of Indians. (Truth in advertising: I have a smidgin of Osage blood, as well as that of three other Indian tribes.)

I have a few complaints about this book. The author probably over-estimates the influence of the Osages on American culture. Similarly, I thought his statement that the survival of tribe was due to the Jesuits was a statement unsupported by any facts he presented. As the Jesuits were missionaries to the tribe during its period of decline in the late 19th century one might legitimately ask what benefits they brought. The author's connection of the Osage with the early explorations of DeSoto is probably off the mark -- in the opinion of most scholars. I also wish his footnotes were more ample. For example, he tells me the name -- which I hadn't known -- of my g-g-g-g grandmother but doesn't tell us where he discovered this bit of genealogical treasure.

However, points of disagreement aside, this book delves deeply into the society and history of the Osage. It covers just about every aspect of the tribe -- war, religion, agriculture, hunting, character, folklore, and population. Perhaps the most interesting section of all is about the early 20th century when the newly-tamed and "civilized" Osage became rich with oil money which led to both amusing and tragic consequences. The author relates a number of ancedotes from the period.

"A History of the Osage" is written with grace and conviction. Many maps supplement the text which is dotted with a great number of interesting tidbits of information.

Smallchief

Quite an intense little tome surrounding the history and controversy of the Shroud - probably a better book on the subject can't be found. I highly recommend it.

This book is a must for anyone growing up in the Steel Valley! I truly enjoyed seeing the pictures of the places I grew up seeing on a daily basis back in this era.

This book is simply great. It tells all about horse care, grooming, breeding, and the anatomy of the horse. A must read for anyone who loves horses.

Jim Burns is so very practical. I felt like I could use what I read that very day. I love his stories and his 10 traits of healthy families was very helpful. It was a very fast and fun book to read.

A good compendium of readings for someoneinterested in the serious study of humanrights. It was used as a textbook in aclass at the University of Maryland.The appendix includes several importanthuman rights documents.

Dr. Farrior's book is a delightful as he is. This book is a fun read that truly expresses the joy of knowing Christ. I would recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a happy upbeat Christian read.

The book is very and recommended for those in high pressure, high stress jobs that are exploring ways to gain an edge.