Burns Books

Probably the best single source on the subject. Maybe too much concentration on codependence, although probably a huge factor.

In this little gem of a book, Rev. Lehr realistically addresses the challenges facing clergy in today's churches that can easily lead to burnout. The author openly discusses issues that often are skirted around in some congregational settings, such as congregations' tendency to expect clergy to be available 24/7 and to provide insufficient bodies to get the work done. Practical advice is provided on good self-care practices that can aid clergy in regaining balance and self-control. This book has valuable information for clergy and others who work in ministry.
Charlotte Eliopoulos
Editor, Health Ministry Journal

Clergy, laity and oversight officials alike had better read this text from Dr. Fred Lehr. In over thirty years of parish, hospital chaplaincy, and office counseling work, I have not ever read or heard of such a clear and honest view of the impossible profession of parish ministry.

Dr. Lehr integrates clinical data, theory and story from himself and other ordained clergy in such a clear and concise way, it is no wonder several graduate seminaries are making Clergy Burnout required reading.

The theory section is strengthened with special references to systems theory, adiction models and Myers-Briggs type indicators, Dr. Lehr brings considerable experience in parish ministry, the special healing ministry of the Church Renewal Center into an easily read thesus on the need for healing in the role of parish ministry. All clergy will appreciate the careful and honest use Dr. Lehr makes of personal experience to illustrate the hold co-dependence makes upon the clergy.

The stake your own destiny books take you back to the good old days of Buffy's high school years. But this time your the slayer and you make the choices. Your choices effect who changes, if you live, and where you go.

Each story will be different, but the things that won't change are that first a strange woman shows up and claims to care about the students self-esteem and the fact is just plain funny.

COLONY
Laura J. Burns & Melinda Metz (2005)

RATING: 4/5 Stakes

SETTING: Season Two

CAST APPEARANCES: Buffy, Xander, Principal Snyder, Cordelia, Willow, Giles, Oz, Angel, Joyce, Harmony, Amy, Jenny Calendar

MAJOR ORIGINAL CHARACTERS: Victoria Belakane (villain)

BACK-OF-THE-BOOK SUMMARY: "Because of the high incidences of death and violence, the Mayor of Sunnydale has invited a woman called Belakane to speak at Sunnydale High School. Her program, `Be the Ultimate You!' builds self-esteem in teenagers. But Belakane is a demon antlike queen, whose test-and subsequent nurturing of the skills she discovers-is simply part of her plot to enlist workers to build her colony, and to find mates to help her populate it. Soon Sunnydale High is full of kids with only one trait each: aggressive Slayer, brainy Willow, helpful Oz . . .and Belakane has only just begun. . . .

REVIEW

Colony is a strong entry in the line of "Stake Your Destiny" choose-your-own-adventure Buffy novels. The main plot thread enlists the reader in stopping inspirational-speaker Victoria Belakane from turning Sunnydale High into a giant ant farm, while the subplot pits the Slayer against a Sleaniman demon, a dimension-hopping brute with a surprising vulnerability. Much like its predecessors, Colony is a hard book to win-I died three times before deciding it was review-writing time.

In addition to an original and well thought-out plot, Colony boasts accurate characterization and fun, inventive dialogue. Xander's transformation into an enormously obese figure or rippling fat is a classic combination of disgusting and hilarious, and the portrayal of high school assemblies is spot-on. Fans of the "Stake Your Destiny" line should try this one out.

These two authors are great! They know their Buffy. The things they say sound like they came right from the show. This takes place at the beginning of season 2. So Angel's good and Jenny makes an appearence too. There are other characters like Harmony and Andrew. This book is longer then the other Stake Your Destiny books so there is more you can do.
The story rocks! My favorite story is when Buffy is under Mrs. Belakane's, who is an ant queen or can be in human form, control and she is someone who likes to fight and she would do anything for Mrs. Belakane. So your kind of like a dark Slayer. The other part is when all of your friends are under her control besides you and Willow. Also Xander gets very fat. There is another big bad in this book. A demon called Sleamm... or however it's spelled. I will be like Buffy and just call him Lucky or Leprechaun.
GO PICK UP THIS BOOK!

The book is lovely, it includes the script, a foreward by Paul Newman, wonderful photos and historical background. A must have for fans of the movie. However, the hardcover version of this book has only 150 pages (including the index) not 208 as advertised, so you are getting more than a quarter less book for your money.

This book includes movie script, many photos and the historical notes about the U.S. in 1930s.

The main plot is as follows: In the age of the Great Depression, the Federal Theater Project gave many U.S. people encouraging entertainment, and gave many actors and artists their jobs. The movement gave birth to Marc Blitzstein's masterpiece 'Cradle Will Rock' (directed by Orson Welles), but the play offended the reactionary congressmen. They made their soldiers lock out the theater. 'Cradle Will Rock,' can't the play see the light? Or...

In addition, the movie has the clash between Diego Rivera and Nelson Rockfeller over the Rockfeller Center's mural, etc. And the book has the detailed background notes of the movie. They are a great help for me. For example, I thought red-hunting movement was made by the Republicans, but it's my misunderstanding. And I learn that Harlem Renaissance (I like Zora Neale Hurston) wasn't an isolated and mutant movement. Etc, etc.

The movie and the book represent artists' courage. In the afterword, Tim Robbins says 'I believe threre are already too many artists who censor themselves.' I, too, think so. Bravo, Tim and his comrades ('gangs'?)! A toast to your brilliance, effort and bravery!

I got this after falling in love with the movie Cradle Will Rock, and it did not fail to amaze me! It balances a script with so much historical information to back it up, insights, and pictures both from the movie and the real moments of Cradle Will Rock. It has informational blurbs about Marc Blitzstein: Composer and Enigma, Orson Welles, Hallie Flanagan, Christopher Marlowe and the questioning of him being a communist, the real Olive Stanton, the death of Vaudeville, Diego Rivera, and so many other things. It also has great pictures from the film, including some candid shots. I used it as a source on my paper on the Federal Theatre Project, it's an excellent source of historical information, but it's also very entertaining to read! The day I got it I spent hours going through it. It's well worth the money, my favorite coffee table book!

Eleanor Burns' "Quilt in a Day" series quilt books contain clear, easy to follow instructions with good pictures. With Eleanor's method you learn to create pinwheel blocks without ever cutting a single triangle! Yipeee! I had been quilting for 3 years at the time I bought this book and had 5 completed quilts under my belt. Initially, I was "put off" by this quilt pattern because I thought the one on the cover was too busy. However, I saw Eleanor Burns show how to make this quilt on the PBS series "Quilt in a Day" and came to appreciate it and the technique. I ended up buying the book and making a scrappy pinwheel quilt. Then, I made another one (this time with light green floral and med blue tone-on-tone pinwheels on a cream background). For this second quilt, I set the double pinwheel blocks with cream sashing and corner blocks in a coordinating color (Moda Marbles dk green). The finished quilt received rave reviews. As you can see, I approach this (and all) quilt book as a source of tips and tricks and ideas - a jumping off point. Definitely will keep this one in my library.

The color pictures throughout the book make this even more spectacular and easier to follow than Elenor's previous books. The directions are easy to follow and makes the quilt easy to make for any quilting level.

This book gives you step-by-step instructions for choosing fabric, cutting, piecing and quilting. You will need to read it several times to get the hang of it, but keep at it - a great quilt will be your reward.

This book flows like poetry, and it is irresistable. The characters are human and flawed, and while they are sometimes beyond the scope of our understanding, it is that which makes them so intriguing. Ms. Burns has written a beautiful tale woven with lyrical descriptions and chilling detail that provokes thoughts of our own haunting dreams.

By TT reviewer and author Shannah Biondine

This is a very different book. It doesn't offer the traditional plotline and structure of a novel; rather it's comprised of a series of dark vignettes, loosely connected around a central theme. Strangers gather around the base of The Dream Tree and tell their own unique tales.

Ms. Burns has concocted a dark brew, swirled in glimpses and flashes. There is a man who writes his own fortunes--and they come to pass. A woman re-enacts the witch from Hansel and Gretel, ensnaring children into her mobile home. A desperate boy and his crazed uncle. Death, loss and love, aliens, Santa Claus, religious fanatics, the sudden assault of the bogeyman....

Readers who enjoy programs like "Tales from the Crypt" or "Night Gallery" will find this a similar eclectic mix. Dark metaphors and humor are interwoven with the sad and the scary, sacred and profane. I can't recommend The Dream Tree for the faint of heart, or readers who like stories tied up in a concise resolution. The metaphors and similes which abound here don't always lead to logical conclusions, and much is left dangling. Perhaps that's the point: readers may choose what's real and what's merely dark illusion.

Readers looking for the avant-garde and original, take note of The Dream Tree.

Reviewed by Michelle Anne Cox-Lomas for Reader Views (11/06)

Imagine a place, where you can go, to talk about your dreams, hopes, wishes, and nightmares. A very special place, where you can't help but be drawn to, even if you wanted to, well, there is such a place, a place where "The Dream Tree" stands. At first you meet a female character, Anna, who thinks that this is her special place and that no one else knows it is there, but, soon she comes to find out that one by one, other haunted souls are drawn there too. You will meet each of the numerous characters that appear and read all about their intriguing lives and mysteriously haunting situations. Each of their stories is unusual, exciting, and extremely creepy. They share their stories with each other and begin to form a special community bond with each other that gets creepier still.

Are they tied together by fate? What draws them to "The Dream Tree?" In the background of it all is another mysterious character, a little girl with a notepad, who seems to know about each of them and their life stories. Who is she? Could she be the author of their unusual situations?

Ah, but I don't want to give the plot away!

Haunting, alluring, intriguing, and mystifying, "The Dream Tree" is a page turner from beginning to end. You will have chills going up and down your spine, for this book truly is spine- tingling. I totally enjoyed this fantastic book. It's one that you will want to read over and over again! Suzanne Burns has an excellent writing style and her use of the paranormal will leave you wanting more. I can't wait for her next book!

Keep this book by your bedside and Sweet Dreams!

This book is easily one of my favorites. I highly recommend this to anyone with an interest in the history of a great old steel town. The captions are full of interesting facts and stories, and the photographs are fascinating, taking one back to a time when Duquesne was a proud city. Great book!!

An outstanding history of the beginning of a once bustling city. The city in which I was born and raised is near and dear to my heart. I only wish my parents and grandparents were alive to enjoy and embellish upon its content. I fully enjoyed and recommend it to anyone who lives or once lived in Duquesne or its surrounding communities.

My mother's family are longtime Duquesne residents. My mother loved it and is sharing it with her family and friends.

Even though the graphics in the beginning leave something to be desired and could easily be updated, this is my favorite beginning drum book. For one thing, it contains the 'rudiments,' which I find an important part of the learning process. The rhythmic concepts and technical aspects (flams, drags, etc) are introduced in a logical order that the student can easily grasp.

I've taught percussion now for about 15 years, and this book teaches all the important rhythmic concepts within about 11 pages. It will definitely give a beginning student a sense of accomplishment, and will keep them interested, which is the most important thing! It also has a list of all 26 major rudiments and has plenty of useful exercises.

I teach percussion privately, and I require all my beginning students to buy a copy of this book. It introduces the new percussionists to time signatures, rudiments, sticking methods, and playing auxiliary percussion instruments. It is a simple yet effective way to get started in percussion, and is a lot more interesting to play than _Stick Control_!

The book Fire on the Wind by Linda Crew is a great book and very hard to put down. It has many thrilling and gripping scenes. No one could have written better historical-fiction about the real Tillamook Burn in Oregon in 1933 that burned over 200 acres of forest. It almost seems as if the characters are real. While reading, I almost feel like I'm actually there, like I'm part of the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good well-written historical-fiction book.

It was like a window into life in a logging camp in the 30's during the Tillamook burn. It was interesting to see how much society has changed in the last 6 decades. I would recommend this book to any one!

I thought it was confusing, but I liked it. I however didn't like the accent, they do not talk like that in Oregon. I live in Washington, she could of done it here (we have more evergreens).

This is the second book in the McGrath brother series. It's wonderful....a truly romantic love story about two people who met in college and then 10 years later meet again, bidding on the same project

It restores my faith in happy endings.

I highly recommend this book and the first book in the series, "Like a Hurricane".

These two books are St. Claire at her best!

Fire Still Burns is truly a remarkable book. The situation that changed one person's opinion of someone for 10 years and suddenly is faced with that same person bidding on the same job. A great story that you can't lay the book down..I wanted more after I got to the last page. Rosanne out did herself on this book.

Ms. St. Claire has become an automatic buy for me, and THE FIRE STILL BURNS is further proof that she knows how to write for the "keeper shelf."

In her second Desire, we meet the second McGrath brother, the perfect hero for the uptight, old money Grace Harrington. Unconventional Colin McGrath has loved Gracie since college--and he's exactly what she needs to break out of her father's too restrictive lifestyle.

There are enough surprises along the way to keep the pages turning even when forced to read by flashlight (courtesy of hurricane Jeanne). Don't let this great read disappear from the shelf--you'll want to be ready for Cameron McGrath when her third book in the series comes out in April of 2005.

John Harrington Burns returns! After he wrote HIDDEN TREASURES, he wrote FIRST BITE. More short stories, one year later. The man is compelled to tell his stories. I'm glad that he is.

You know my story. At age 36, I decided to dust off the old dream and draw on my experiences, and I whipped out four books. Burns waited until he was over 70 to begin, so it's no wonder he wrote more than one book and is still writing them.

In FIRST BITE, Burns stretches his limits yet again to create an eminently satisfying read. Moving stories of human tragedy and triumph. A fine sense of humor and a subtle wit. Ventures into the supernatural, science fiction and mythology. His story-telling hand grows surer with each book, and he's told me more are on the way. I'm not at all surprised, and I'm thrilled to hear it. He's a rising star in short story writing, and he only gets better with each book.

And, to carry on with what I said in my previous review, you'll find more ideas in these two short story collections than you'll find in the careers of many novelists. Burns can give you an entire world in a few broad strokes and then move on before the paint is dry.

Mr. Harrington's, First Bite, is an intriquing collection of short stories I enjoyed reading very much. His writing style is very poetic in some cases and very much in the era the stories take place. I especially enjoyed Spider Moran and Madame Bey, and The Lucifer Chronicles.

First Bite is the second volume of work by John Harrington Burns that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. His dreamers, schemers, and thought-provoking situations keep your interest and have you analyzing your own feelings on the wide variety of topics covered in his work. His character development is extraordinary. I felt that I really knew and could visualize some of the people that I met in First Bite.