Burns Books

I read this book to a 4th grade nephew of mine, being he is the only family member I have anywhere near the desired age for the assignment given. The child already displayed adaquate knowledge of the ability to discern the topic touched upon. The concept of money was not new to him and was quickly able the book shuffled around the concept of equal amounts, just grouped differently. He was not so captivated by the illustration(s) and found them to be rather on the mediocre side, *kid is spoiled on flash animation and japanimation*. He did say that perhaps at one time he'd expressed interest in the book, but that that time had since passed. Good book, wrong audience for me I think.

While learning to read a child develops a concept of ten cents in every concievable fashion. All the while it entertains a child to the point of giggles.

My Kindergarten-aged son loves this book. He enjoyed seeing all the different pets that the monsters bought. He also got very good at figuring out how to make 10 cents from different combinations of coins.

I found the book very insightful as to how writers approach the process of writing. It is easy to move from topic to topic. The information is encouraging for the new writer.

Off the Page: Writers Talk About Beginnings, Ending, and Everything in Between is an anthology of interviews with a diversity of authors describing the creation process of a literary work. Joyce Carol Oates begins and ends her writing process creating and reworking the beginning of a book; A.S. Byatt assembles a novel from "blocks of color"; and E.L. Doctorow crafts a story from a specific and compelling image that often springs to mind without context. From the intersection of sex, love, and literature (Martin Amis insists that good sex is impossible to write about!) to the reader's part in the creative process (or at least, the effect that readers' imagined reaction has on the mind of the author), Off the Page runs the gamut of influences and effects upon the evolution of a book. Originally typed directly on interviewer Carole Burns' computer as she listened to the interviewees and posted in real-time on the Web, Off the Page is undeniably authentic in his honest portrayal of the authors' mission to write literature worth reading.

In 2003, Carole Burns began conducting a series of interviews with a variety of authors for the Washington Post's Web site. She later mined the best quotations for her collection, "Off the Page," an entertaining and thoughtful book that touches on "all the vital elements of fiction." Burns interviewed forty-three authors from Pulitzer Prize winners to first-timers, and she arranged their comments into thematic chapters. Some of the usual questions are addressed: What are your sources of inspiration? How did you come to be a writer? What is the importance of revision? What advice would you like to pass on to future generations of writers? In addition, the contributors weigh in on the differences between creating novels and short stories, how one knows when a novel is finished, what the author should keep in mind when inserting historical characters into works of fiction, and the role of sex and love in literature. The tone is delightfully informal, as if A. S. Byatt and Richard Ford were sitting in our living rooms chatting with us. The conversations include passages of lighthearted banter, touching revelations, and even profound wisdom.

This is an engaging compendium that can be read from beginning to end or dipped into at random. In these pages, the authors reveal a great deal about their methods, their artistic vision, and themselves as people. "Off the Page" is not a handbook, but an intriguing glimpse into the minds of novelists who have brought events, places, and characters to life through the power of their skill and imagination. "There is no magic formula, no set way to write a book." The ways of approaching the craft of writing are many and varied: John Irving writes his last sentence first, Michael Cunningham starts with a particular character in mind, for Paul Auster, the story takes center stage, and E. L. Doctorow bases his creations on an evocative image that he wants to explore more thoroughly.

Marie Arana states in her introduction that writing is one of the most difficult professions a person can undertake; therefore, "writers, having lived through the agonies of purgatory, deserve to climb straight to heaven." The remarks in this volume give a good sense of the many obstacles a novelist must overcome. He must create a narrative that satisfies him, find a publisher, and hold his breath until he learns whether or not the critics and the public embrace or reject his creation. This is not a task for the thin-skinned. Since "good writing looks so effortless," few of us truly understand the blood, sweat, and tears that go into this risky and frustrating undertaking. Reading "Off the Page" provides a fascinating window into the writer's exhilarating, fulfilling, laborious, and sometimes agonizing world, "filled with equal portions of desperation and joy."

This book is unexpected and unlike other Thomas Merton writings I'm familiar with. He wrote this collection of reflections on modernity late in his career, when, as he tells us, he had become a different man -

"[People] demand that I remain forever the superficially pious, rather rigid and somewhat narrow-minded young monk I was twenty years ago, and at the same time they continually circulate the rumor that I have left my monastery. What has actually happened is that I have been simply living where I am and developing in my own way ..." (p 172)

"Raids" is hard to classify. It is a collection of essays, poems, parables, and other forms. It is at turns blunt, scathing, poetic, mystical, obscure, inscrutable, and nearly incomprehensible. But always, as with all Merton writings, it is nakedly honest, penetrating, and challenging.

The book contains 13 brief reflections -
1. Asks the question, what do we need?
2. Explores mercy versus determinism.
3. Interpretation of Flannery O'Conner's work, focusing on the idea of "respect".
4. Asks, upon reviewing the career of Adolf Eichmann, what is sanity?
5. Challenges us on the hazards of moral neutrality.
6. On the emptiness of modern society.
7. On Prometheus as hero and villain.
8. On the tension between myth and modern reality (I think).
9. Similar to #8.
10. "Notes for a cosmic meditation."
11. Exploration of the thought of a Sufi contemplative.
12. The modern poet's response to modern absurdity.
13. On what artistic freedom really means.

Each of these, one way or another, forces us out of our comfort zone, to grapple with issues we'd prefer to ignore. Here, Merton seems far more concerned with what we are doing than what we are thinking or feeling. The spirit of the book is summed up well in this passage -

"The true solutions are not those which we force upon life in accordance with our theories, but those which life itself provides for those who dispose themselves to receive the truth ... For since man has decided to occupy the place of God he has shown himself to be by far the blindest, and cruelest, and pettiest and most ridiculous of all the false gods. We can call ourselves innocent only if we refuse to forget this, and if we also do everything we can to make others realize it." (p 61)

The modern world is what it is ... unless we rebel. "Raids" is calling on us to do just that, in just about every way possible. Uncomfortable, but hard to ignore.

This was Merton's favorite book (of his own writing), and my favorite book as well. He was a scholar and a poet, and his essays reflect that: he does not write down to his audience. Merton was that great rarity: an existential mystic. He had incredible insights; his writing had a profound influence on ME. These essays are meant to be disturbing. Written in the Sixties, they are as meaningful today as then.

Merton is regarded as one of the few prophets of the 2oth century by the Catholic Church, and Raids makes it clear why. A series of essays and drawings, Raids on the Unspeakable provides valuable insight into the cultural phenomenon known as the 60s. While some of Mertons essays are hard to understnad, on a whole the book is well written and provides interesting philosophies on life. Merton's prophecies also seem to deal wiht many present day problems. Some highlights of the boke are Rain and the Rhinoceros', and Meditations in the Memory of Adolf Eichelman.

The CD ROM VERSION is great , with very clear pictures which zoom on double clicking , a very good search engine , a navigator and the text in different colours and backgrounds .Easy to print ,is worth having, only the cost is a bit high.I would certainly recommend the CD ROM version to those who are planning to buy the book .

My father spent hours and hours working on this new edition, which includes the definitive guide to ectoparasites in dermatology. It is the Brit bible of dermatology.

This is a great book ,it used as a standard text book by generations of dermatologists in INDIA , the text flows like a story , the pictures are very good (especially the CD ROM version)and the information is exaustive.
There is just one problem the information is too exaustive --- 4 volumes and 3700 pages--at this rate it will soon overtake encyclopedia britannica-- a dermatology residents nightmare when it comes to exams--the sole advantage of the size it awes many non dermatologists . My only request to the authors is they come out with a more concise edition , sparing us all the past theories of etio-pathogenesis which have been disproved now anyway, syndromes from single/two case reports of rare presentations giving us clear cut guidelines with regards to treatment on the basis of their personal clinical experience .

I, too, am a contributor to this anthology, but I can speak objectively. This is a wonderful time-capsule of what was happening in Los Angeles in the 1990's. Poetry was going through a Renaissance. This was long before poetry slams, and coffee houses were just starting to pop up. Notice there is no mention anywhere in this book of Starbucks. You'll see. It's worth the price of admission.

I am a contributor (one of 75 or so) so therefore biased, but I think this book is a great compilation. Having attended an endless number of open mikes, I find about two or three pieces at each one that really speaks to me. This book is like having all those moments mushed together in one place. There are moments of pure grace and moments I could do without, but overall, it's a great read and an honest look at pop culture. With luminaries like Bukowski and Lifshin and a pretty neat interview with Allen Ginsberg, I think Scream When You Burn is required reading for the modern poet.

This book is an absolute must have for any reader! I must warn you that it does have curse words and other mature content in the poetry, but when you don't look at the words on the page, but at the meaning behind them, the emotions that they have put into words is absolutly astonishing!

Reviewed by Cathy Yanda for Reader Views (5/08)

Has there been one day in your life where you knew if you could just get things together, your life would be much better? Has there been more than one? If you are like most of us, the answer would be a resounding YES! In this case, this book is for you. If you have never experienced the need to simplify and uncomplicate your life, you can stop now, as this book is not for you. Borthwick writes, "Lack of focus often manifests itself in multi-tasking that results in unfinished projects." I never thought this was true for me until his words caused me to think more about it. He was right. I began thinking about what I needed to do to make things happen, to tend to the more important things in my life and found that I would have more time and focus if I let go of some things that I really didn't need or want to do.

"Simplify" is a small book that is laid out in short chapters around topics that look at determining whether you need or want something, staying fit, how to spend your downtime, and much more. The book has many references to Biblical principles and a resource appendix. With 106 different topics, you can choose to read one a day, two a week, or even one a week, or you can do as I did and read the entire book, highlight the ones you need to concentrate on and re-read them as needed.

Borthwick reminds us to remember that our life is not the norm for others, and that we should make decisions about how our life goes. We cannot depend on someone else to do so. He shares that "God's priorities for us are summarized in Micah 6:8. What does God want from us? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God." When we begin to look at our lives through this test, we will begin to live with moderation in all things. "Simplify" is highly recommended reading for those of us who have at any time felt like we lost control of some of the important things in life and want a simpler, better life.

Simplify is not exactly the book that I thought it would be when I picked it up. To me, the title suggested that this book would tell me how to manage my time and focus on the really important things in my life. That by the end of the book, I would feel just a little more centered and would have deleted a half dozen things off my to do list. Perhaps, I might even come away with an idea of why I overstress myself and be armed with a few new strategies to counteract this unhealthy behavior.

Instead, as I read through Simplify, I realized that this was a book about downsizing your life of material objects and saving money in the process. I'm already pretty frugal (downright cheap) so the majority of the ideas presented in this work are already part of my routine. Still, it's a very important concept, especially in this material driven world. I am sure that many people are looking for ideas to help them save money so that they can focus on their faith and family.

If the simple life equates with the good life, then it stands to reason that the more complicated, cluttered, disorganized, and complex the life the less likely life will be experienced as 'good' on a day to day basis. That's why Paul Borthwick (a Senior Consultant for Development Associates International -- a training group dedicated to the character and ministry development of leaders in third world countries) draws upon his years of experience and expertise to write "Simplify: 106 Ways To Uncomplicate Your Life", a compendium of tips, tricks, techniques, and strategies to get more out of life by decluttered the daily schedule, reducing wasted efforts on things that don't really matter, keeping fit, becoming aware of how our time is being spent, and fostering a life-style that is truly suited to our needs and deftly adapted to our aspirations. Practical, articulate, and very highly recommended reading for anyone seeking to improve the quality of their daily life, "Simplify" is as informed and informative as it is inspired and inspiring.

After failing for years to sell a literary screenplay, Jacob writes a shoddy horror movie in five weeks and receives one million dollars in compensation for it. After taxes and paying off a sundry of supporters, Jacob nets $300,000. This allows him to become a househusband while working through a mid-life crisis. Along the way, Jacob solves two homicides so it is natural for his best friend to ask him for help when he is arrested for murder.

Will Schmuckler is running for a seat in Congress from an area in upstate New York that has never voted democrat let alone for a Jew. Schmuckler happens to be both so is expected to be one of worst losers in the district's history. However, the odds change when someone murders Schmuckler's opponent in the green room where the victim and Will wait to begin a radio debate. Will insists he went to the bathroom when he heard the shot that killed his opponent. The cops arrest Will, leaving it up to Jacob to prove his friend's innocence. His investigations reveal many suspects with dirty secrets that leads to Jacob and his family into danger from an angry person fearing the screen writer knows too much.

Matt Witten is a master at characterization by creating people so real they in turn make the story line feel plausible especially in light of Mr. Clinton's sex scandal. Jacob is a likable chap who always finds himself in remarkable situations in which he does nothing to expedite himself. STRANGE BEDFELLOWS is a treat for amateur sleuth gourmets. The author imbues the work with a touch of humor that pops up at the most unexpected times.

Harriet Klausner

Amateur sleuth novels are not usually my cup of tea but I love Matt Witten's Jacob Burns series. Must be because Jacob's so delightful...a devoted father who's a little embarrassed by his financial success as a screenwriter of a schlocky but hugely profitable Hollywood movie. However, I do wish Jacob wouldn't be *quite* so pushy when he goes about his detective work. You'd think a man with two young sons would be a little more careful. If he weren't a fictional character, someone surely would have bumped him off a long time ago! Witten is a writer for "Law and Order" but don't look for the grittiness or realism of that show in his books. Still, if you enjoy humorous, well-plotted mysteries, give this series a try. Witten's books are among the few that always make me laugh out loud.

I read this when it first came out (Election Day), but didn't get around to writing a review until now. I'm surprised at how many scenes and characters I still remember vividly. In a style that's almost breezy, Witten confidently, swiftly tells an absorbing story, with plenty of twists and humor along the way. This book, like the others in the series, reads like the work of a talented and accomplished author who's writing these mysteries from sheer love of the genre. Highly recommended.

Excellent review book. Helpful for studying before quiz. Allows learning through repetition of material presented in different formats.

I am not a nursing research fan BUT if you have to do it then this is a great introductory book to teach you the ins and outs of research.

The content reinforces the research concepts. A must have if assessment of learning includes testing. I really like the idea of paper rather than on-line for this product. A break from the computer screen can be a motivator and welcome relief these days. If your goal is to jump into the process of research the book is more valuable.

In 1733, John Wesley wrote, "Men are generally lost in the hurry of life...". The problem has only compounded in the 275 years since he wrote those words. In addressing this serious problem, Dr. Spaite was the speaker for a minister's retreat that my wife and I attended in the Fall of 2008. He speaks and writes from the perspective of a medical doctor, son of a pastor, and Christian committed to the study of the Bible. Coupled with a genuine concern for ministers, and with a very good handle on the demands of ministry today, he writes with clarity and passion. Much of what we heard at the retreat is in the book. There are great truths in the book, with its greatest strength being excellent insight into the Sabbath rest commands of Scripture and explaining its original meaning as well as its necessary application today. This is not only an important book for those in ministry, but for anyone who wants to escape the frantic hurry of life.

This book doesn't handle every stressful issue facing the modern pastor but it does address the main one that every Sr. Pastor has and/or will face. This book really connected to me. It showed me my real source of frustration in the ministry. Not only did this book show me the root causes of my frustration but also a plan on how to overcome it and keep from falling back into its trap. I have given this book to all my staff and deacons other pastors and will recommend it to the entire church.

I believe that Dr. Spaite and Ms. Salter, conceptually have a very good topic here. The number of clergy leaving the field is staggering. The author and contributor, however do place some unrealistic expectations on the shoulders of the pastor. One area, which should have received more attention is that of pastoral salaries. While their treatment of the psychological aspects of burnout and tension in the parsonage was sympathetic, only about one paragraph in 300 pages of work dealt with the very real problem of paying the bills while serving God.

Well organized, comprehensive and easy to read travel guide that covers all types of travel whether it's for business or pleasure. Includes a lot of safety tips that everyone should consider before they leave home.

Deborah Burns writes with an easily readable style and provides thorough coverage of topics many authors leave out, such as hitchhiking, freighter travel, and dealing with beggars. She also gives special attention to concerns common among female travelers, like safety in social situations overseas. Helpful checklists for planning and packing are included, and the index is very well done.

This book was published in 1997 and is a little dated now (which is the only reason it gets four rather than five stars). Most of what it covers hasn't changed, though, and readers interested in travel will still find it extremely useful as a supplement to other books.

I love to travel. I have seen a lot of America but have never left the country, however, I want to desperately. I am not at an age yet that I can travel alone or make my own travel plans but I dream of the day that I can. This book gave me lots of ideas. I just couldn't stop thinking of the trips I would take one day. This is a great book for any person who loves to travel, is planing a trip, or, like me, is waiting for the day they can hop on a plane and fly to Europe.