Carter Books

Dwayne Carter writes about a serious situation for gay people. When one is afraid to let close friends know of your sexuality, what do you do? Rick lives his lover, Rahsaan. When Rick's best friend, Tony, asks Rick to be the best man at his upcoming wedding, Rick asks Rahsaan to pretend to be house mates, and hide their relationship, when Tony comes to live with them for one month. Rahsaan reluctantly agrees although he feels that Rick is 31-years-old, as should not have to hide his life from his best friend. This attempt to hide their lives from Tony leads to interesting results! This books needs to be back in print!

It took me longer to get the book than it took to read it. Mr. Carter, did a great job of slicing a piece of life onto the pages of his wonderful story and allowing us to experience a world which we don't see very often. I would recommend his work to anyone, and look forward to his next project.

Carter did a superb job on his portrayal of friendship in this story. This book was fun to read, hard to put down. Now that I've finished it, I wish there was more.

I enjoyed this book to the hilt!

I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. THE CHARACTERS WERE DESCRIBED VERY VIVIDLY, IT WAS ALMOST LIKE SEEING OR BEING THERE.

DEADRA REEVES, ATLANTA,GA.

...a must have to add to you collection. I read this book in one day. The author has chosen a subject very close to HOME! Please read this book and purchase a copy for your best friend. You may just learn a thing or two about your FRIENDS! ( it is a great stocking stuffer)

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Buddy Carter writes with a style that is poignant, funny and very touching. This tale of pain and forgiveness touched my soul and I will recommend it to everyone. Buddy Carter is quite a writer and I am sure BOTH of his parents are quite proud of the way he brought forth this wonderful family story.

I only thought I had heard about Billy Carter. This is a wonderful book, written by a sensitive, loving son of a famous man. Buddy Carter is a thoughtful, intellegent author who gives an unvarnished account of his battle with and affection for his dad. I recommend this book to all of us who struggle to understand our relationship with our parents. Buddy Carter and his book are a gift.

Excellent book. Very well written and a pleasure to read. I hope Buddy Carter will take the time to write more about his historic family. This individual has a real talent!

This is a magnificent book. It is often painful and yet also very funny. Buddy Carter's relationship with his father is reminicent of the struggle many children go through for approval, while striving for independence. I am buying copies of this wonderful story for family and friends. Buddy has not only told his story...he has told the father/son story of many, including me. This is a must read!

I could not put this book down, I think Tuesday's With Morrie was the last book I was so touched by. What a wonderful and revealing portrait of a complex and interesting man. I suppose because I grew up in the South I so related to this book...a wonderful tribute to a father I always say the most we can hope for our children forgive us... Buddy seems to have been able to do just that...a loving tribute not only to Billy but Sybil as well.

you cannot go wrong w/ david carter "bug" books. i buy every one i can and my kids are getting too old for them. GREAT gifts.

my kids (boy 4 1/2 & girl 16 month) loves the David A. Carter books. the Bugs in Space book is very cute.

This book is really cute, in a weird and silly way. My son got it when he was five, and it was his favorite book for a long time. The space bug pictures and goofy plot were funny enough that I didn't mind reading it to him over and over and over and over and .....

This is the first "Bug Book" by David Carter I have bought. It has wonderful illustrations and pop-ups. I thought it was a little young for my four-month old son when I bought it. However, I thought it was too cute to pass up. As it turns out the colors are so vivid and eye-catching and the pop-ups so entertaining, that he actually laughs when I read it to him. I highly recommend it for children of any age. I plan on buying many more of the "Bug Books".

This book is full of silly plays on words, like "Capt. Bug Rogers" and "The Bug in the Moon." Although my 4-year-old daughter doesn't get the references, she still asks me to read it again and again. Every page has a pop-up, a movable piece, or flap to open. She broke two of them, which I was able to glue back together, good as new. Personally I thought it was kind of hokey, but I rated it 5 stars because it certainly seems to reach its audience.

I love Christmas books...and I certainly love this one! This is the kind of book you can read to your whole family. It talks about the real meaning of Christmas...and the special love that is is shared between family members.

Also recommended:

Christmas at Grandfather's House: a heart-warming novel in stories--a collection of inter-connected holiday stories.

Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--a story about the blessings simple acts of kindness can bring.

I first "heard" this book at a church women's group. Two of the ladies
presented it as the program. One read the letters - and at different times during the reading, the other lady placed items (mentioned in the book) on the table or board. It was very touching - brought back many Christmas memories to those of us present. Very well written. I, myself,
was so impressed, I ordered a copy for four of my grown children as a Christmas gift for each family.

Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (11/06)

"The Christmas Letters," written by Bret Nicholaus, is a heart-warming tale of a Grandfather's love for his family and the legacy he left them, that only he could provide. The reader is instantly drawn into the setting for this book, a family gathering in which everyone surprised when typically quiet `Grandpa' asks for everyone's attention and proceeds to hand out envelopes to each member of the family. As the family sets spellbound, Grandpa explains that he would like each member to open their envelopes. As the family follows Grandpa's wishes, confused glances are exchanged when hand cut red velvet alphabet letters tumble onto the table in front of each member of the family.

As the family sits silently, Grandpa explains that each letter symbolizes an important part of the holiday for him. Continuing on, Grandpa tells each recipient what their letter means to him and why each letter stands for a special part of Christmas. Combining the letters C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S, he explains, adds up to what makes Christmas complete for him. The family members realize that he is in fact telling them that they are each an important part of Christmas for him and without one of them; his Christmas would not be complete. As they sit silently thinking about their individual letters, Grandpa reaches for another envelope, tears it open, and withdraws the letter "J." Confusion is once again seen in the faces around the table until Grandpa speaks. He tells them that the "J" stands for `Jesus' and says..."without this piece of Christmas, there can be no peace of Christmas." As the meaning dawns on the family, Grandpa cuts the "J" into small pieces and hands one to each person present. With this simple gesture and the deep faith behind it, the family is reminded of what Christmas really means in their lives and how Jesus is the "piece" that defines Christmas for what it truly is.

This book touched a part of my heart that I didn't expect it to, upon first opening the cover. I found myself transformed to a Christmas Eve celebration, with my own family in attendance and saw through its pages, how everyone adds their own special "piece" of Christmas to the family. I was touched by Grandpa's love for his family and his need to tell them so. I too have an older father and I know my Christmas' with him will someday be no more. Somehow, through reading this book, although it brought tears to my eyes, it also brought a peace to my soul as well. It is a book that I intend to purchase for many friends this holiday season, as it is one of timeless love and deep faith as well. It is not just a story of Christmas but a story of deep love for not only family but for Jesus as well.

I would highly recommend "The Christmas Letters" as a gift for anyone on your list. It is a book that is rare indeed, as it can touch the youngest and the oldest heart alike with its message. It would be a welcome addition to any family bookshelf and reading it aloud could easily become a family tradition during many Christmas seasons to come. This book is one that will stay with you long after you close its cover and will touch you every time you read it. It is a jewel of a book for the Christmas season ahead and one that should be on everyone's "must read" list.

The Christmas Letters by Brett Nicholaus is one of those books that as soon as you finish reading it, you can't wait to pass it on to someone else so they can enjoy it too. While taking out Christmas decorations, the narrator reflects on the previous Christmas: the last he spent with his grandfather. Grandpa gave each member of his family a small piece of red felt cut out in the shape of a letter. Each letter signifies something special about that person that was important to Grandpa. Putting all the letters together spelled CHRISTMAS, and without any one of them, the holiday wouldn't feel complete. Grandpa also takes the time to remind his family the real meaning of Christmas and how much he loves them. The book has beautiful illustrations and is a really quick read. It's perfect as a gift book or to put out on the coffee table for guests to read. It will stir your emotions and remind you of what Christmas really means. I did pass the book on to my mom, and she thinks it will be a best-seller. I hope so!

As the family has done for years, they all come together to share Christmas with Grandpa. Four generations invade the patriarch's home to shower each other with love. However, this year turns out slightly differently as Grandpa announced to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild that "This may be the last Christmas I get to spend with each of you". He gives his beloved relatives nine sealed individualized notes using the letters in the word Christmas to symbolize the recipient. The loving notes explain how each brought joy and happiness into his well filled contented life as well providing them with a life parable.

Christmas is coming soon, but Grandpa proved accurate as he died in the summer. Yet everyone gathers at Grandpa's house because they all believe he is there for them through his letters and in spirit to celebrate Christmas with his loved ones.

This novella is a terrific tale as each of the family members receive a precious memento from a person held in high regard and cherished by all. Readers will appreciate the gift from Grandpa as Bret Nicholaus provides touching short vignettes of what Grandpa as says in his letters to each person. THE CHRISTMAS LETTERS is an uplifting holiday tale that reminds the audience what really is blessed about life is giving and receiving love.

Harriet Klausner

I've not only purchased a great book full of smiles and truth -- to be reread and savored many times -- but also gained a new friend in Julie. She's the real deal, a woman and lady with an abundance of spirit and faith blended to perfection. She can laugh at herself and is at ease with top hands or day work cowboys, ranch wives or cow dogs, kids or their grandmas and grandpas. She's someone that parents would be proud to have their children emulate, as she is that kind of person and personality to which more should aspire. Two thumbs up for Cowgirl Sass and Savvy and my hopes that more such books are on the way from this author! What a fine gift to give anyone, easily read and put into short vignettes. Read some or all; but READ THIS BOOK! You'll be so glad you did!

Unlike those who "visit" a ranch or farm then immediately think they're an expert on such, Julie has WORKED and LIVED on ranches, PHOTOGRAPHED and has had many a cup O Joe with cowboys and cowgirls her entire life. She's KNOWS how to fix a broken bridle, radiator hose, or heart.
Her book shows it. She can talk the talk and walk the walk.
It's refreshing to read someone who can actually sit equal at the table with any cowboy or farmer.

I've been a Julie Carter fan for several years, delighted to find she was writing a book. Bought three copies, two to be used as gifts. Have read the book twice, about ready to start again.
Julie's skills and insights have grown steadily during the time I've read her and she has done a masterful job of selecting the very best for this book.
She always puts forth a different perspective for me to ponder. Her stories and insights nearly always give me pause, requiring contemplation.
I am sure I'll be ordering more Sass and Savvy for special gifts to special friends.
Cal Harvey, Kansas

I have read many of Ms. Carter's articles for the last year or so, and they really express Ranch life, and the American West.

The name says it all. Ms. Carter is a real cowgirl, and she knows the West inside and out. She's lived the life and her stories are timeless to the West and America in general. Her writing is written in her style and is just as sassy and savy as she is. A great work, easy reading, and usually a very nice smile in each story. Very upbeat!

Take the time, pick it up, read just one of her short essays, and you'll be hooked. :)

Julie brings to life again the funniest memories in the lives of "us" horse people. Her style is witty, quick and honest. Cowgirl Sass & Savvy is guaranteed to bring a broad smile to every face ... rancher, horseperson, city slicker! A must read and a fabulous gift to give.

Cute children's story. My 5 year-old loved this book. She had fun finding the bugs on each page. Bright colors and fun pictures! For older kids, as the younger ones will probably rip the pop-ups.

My 20 month old daughter loves this book. It's a great choice for toddlers who like lifting flaps, yet are careful with their books.

I loved this book, the pop ups were really delightful. I would buy the entire collection for my Grandson!

I love David A. Carter's pop-up "bugs" books! I've bought several for my grandchildren, ages 5 and under, and they love them too! The pop-ups are so unique - unlike any others I've seen. I WILL be buying more of these books in the future!

My little boy is 10 months now, and ever since he got this book (when he was 6 months) he loves it. I mean L-O-V-E-S I-T !!! As soon as I pull it out he shakes with excitement. He LOVES flipping the easter eggs to discover the bugs underneath, and the last page is especially adorable, with all the bugs in a single easter basket. What an awesome concept. I have had to make some repairs with tape because it is hard to teach a 10 month old to be gentle ! ha ha. But it is SO worth it. This book is HIGHLY recommended even for little babies.

Three rather adventurous frogs find an egg. Is it a chicken egg? Is it, as they first think, a pebble? Well no, it is an alligater egg. this is a wonderful little tale right out of the swamp. The simple illustrations fit quite well with the story line and are quite eye catching. Kids seem to love this one and even like it read to the over and over and over again. The story does bring home the good lesson that is is just fine to be different, as the three frog find. This is one of those books that is nice to have in your book stack for something quick to read or for a quick bed time read for the little one. Like all of Leo Lionni's work, the quality is high, the story good and the art work interesting. It would be hard to go wrong with this one.

Jessica declares they've discovered a chicken egg. She helps the youngster find her mother and Jessica is astonished when the mother calls her baby an alligator. Simply loveable and laughable. An excellent read-aloud. See Lionni's imagery of Rodin's Thinker when Jessica visits her quiet place.

I always love to find a story that teaches important lessons with plenty of fun and humor. Jessica the frog and her friends are certain that the egg Jessica found one day is a chicken egg. One day, the egg hatches, and the "chicken" is born...a long, scaly green creature who crawls out searching for the water.

Despite the frogs' misinformation and their obvious differences, Jessica and the "chicken" become great friends. When they discover the chicken's mother at last, the frogs think it is the funniest thing in the world that she refers to her baby as an "alligator."

Both my 2 year old and 4 year old appreciate the humor in this story. I was worried that my 2-yr. old might become confused, but she just laughed and said, "Alligator, Mommy. No chicken!" This is a wonderful book for learning about friendship despite differences. It was also a nice introduction to alligators, including the fact that they hatch from eggs!

"An Extraordinary Egg" is a beginning reader picture book about three sister frogs that live on an island. One of the frogs, Jessica, finds an egg in some stones and brings it home. The three sister frogs believe it is a chicken egg, even though none of them has ever seen a chicken. The egg hatches, and it is an alligator but the frogs still think it is a chicken. They all become good friends, and "the chicken" even saves Jessica's life one day when she falls into the water. Soon though, the chicken's mother and the "chicken" are fatefully reunited. Jessica goes back and tells her sisters that it was very funny that the chicken's mother should call it "my sweet alligator." After all, their chicken couldn't have been an alligator!
I found this picture book by Leo Lionni particularly appropriate for children 4-5 years old, especially kindergarteners. I absolutely loved this humorous tale of three frogs who adopt an alligator they call "chicken" as their friend. Numerous lesson plans for teachers be drawn from its text, including concepts such as friendship, nature, and differences among animals. As part of my author study for World Literature for Children, I compiled a lesson plan about the many differences between chickens, frogs, and alligators. I had students make a chart listing the differences among each. They also explored new vocabulary, like the word "extraordinary," and each child was able to name something they thought was extraordinary. At the end of the lesson, students could write a follow-up story to "An Extraordinary Egg" and illustrate it with some of the same materials that Leo Lionni used to make the pictures for the book.
The illustrations in "An Extraordinary Egg" are nothing short of amazing and beautiful. With each turn of the page, a colorful double page spread is a feast for the eyes. Pen and ink, pastels, and collage were used to create the setting, three frogs, and the alligator. By doing this, Lionni creates a fun and entertaining world that kids won't hesitate to fall into. His illustrations match the age and reading level of the kids who will read the book because Jessica and her sisters are simply illustrated with materials and colors that four and five year olds like to see and use.
The overall quality of this book is outstanding. The text can certainly stand on its own without the illustrations, although the illustrations bring out a humorous element that is key to the storyline (i.e. the chicken is really an alligator). Both text and illustration complement each other in a way that makes the story funny and enjoyable. Other books by Leo Lionni that are similar to this one are: "Cornelius," "It's Mine!," and "Fish Is Fish." These have similar characters and themes (i.e. friendship) that go along with "An Extraordinary Egg." Ruth Heller also has a book called "Chickens Aren't The Only Ones: World of Nature Series" which is pictoral introduction to most animals that lay eggs.
In short, I think this book is a quality picture book, most appropriate for those who can't read yet or are beginning readers. You won't be disappointed with it, because it is simple, funny, beautifully illustrated, and has lessons about friendship and differences, especially qualities that make us unique. It also comes in a Big Book, so teachers can read it to their class without worrying if students can see or not.

It's that time of year again when many are looking forward to Easter and Easter Egg Hunts. But, what if someone found a really unusual egg, and to make it even more unique there's not a chicken inside but an alligator?

That's the proposition the irrepressible Leo Lionni puts forth in this delightful yarn about three frogs who find the surprise of their lives.

As always his illustrations capture the eye as his mind captures imaginations.

Rosalynn Carter's new book evokes compassion from the reader as she unfolds her personal experience of becoming aware of persons with mental illness. This affliction has many facets and is painful for the family as well as the patient. Carter leads the reader through various types of mental illness, noting symptoms. The reader may use the book as a reference and not a 'read for pleasure' book.

Carter writes simply and without exaggerating, so she is easy to read and to understand. With the resources listed in index "D", she equips the uninformed reader to bring understanding in his interaction with his/her co-workers and friends. This is especially important as mentally ill patients need support of those around them. They also need the same financial help that patients with surgical and medical problems receive.

The former First Lady's book is a very compassionate effort which can help a person who has to deal with mental illness for the first time no matter what the setting. Mrs. Carter gives a good over-view of the "whole picture" concerning all mental illness with enough detail to give the reader a good foundation in the subject. I think the really profound thing that I read in every line of the book was the real sincerity that Mrs. Carter has for her work. She really is serious about changing the way some in society look at individuals with mental illesses. I applaud her for her work and her book.

An excellent resource for family members and friends who wish to help a person with mental illness. I especially appreciated the book's emphasis on biological *and* social risk factors for various forms of mental illness.

The section on building resiliancy in children at risk for mental illness is reason alone to purchase this book. It is a wise, compassionate, humane treatus on a very important topic.

This was one book I did not hesitate to buy as I know so many people with the mental illnesses.

I must applaud Rosalyn Carter one of the former First Ladies for her help in understanding Mental Illness and for trying her utmost not to see it as a stigma in this twenty first century......but for us to learn that getting help is the priority here.

From Depression to Panic attacks......Paranoia to Schizophrenia, caregiving with lots of love and understanding can go a long way. Buy this book to assist you if not now, sometime in the Autumn-time when friends and love ones will be taken under that dark umbrella. The treatments for each mental illness is remarkable.Thank you Roslyn Carter with help from Susan K. Golnat for a book that's going to help millions.
Congratulations.
Reviewed by Heather Marshall Negahdar (SUGAR-CANE 26/10/01)

Rosalynn Carter's book tells it just the way it is and how you can treat the mental illnesses' the way they should be. Reading her book you cannot miss having the right treatment. I myself also believe a lot of the treatment comes from support of the family and guidance that is a must ,a mentally ill person whom does not have that benefit will become a difficult road to travel.

Mrs. Carter started her journey many years ago and never tired of it, she is a true believer that if you want to get well you can never stop searching for the answer of which she never did.

Understanding the illness is the first battle. When I seen Rosalynn on the Larry King Live Show and she had introduced her new book, just by listening to her speak I knew she gave a lot of her years on research, she is very sincere.

Thank you Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, as I have someone in my family with the illness and you could not explain it any better than you did in your book " Helping Someone With Mental Illness ".

1. Is this an in depth presentation?

Charles and Francis are on a mission! They want all believers in Jesus Christ to be able to heal the sick, cast out devils and to operate in the supernatural. This is their motivation for writing How to heal the sick and they make it clear in chapter 1: Double vision for a single mission.
Their main aim for writing this book was to increase the faith of the readers while introducing them to various aspects of the healing ministry. The book is a good introduction to the healing ministry, covering various ways of healing and many testimonies. I would not regard the book as an in depth representation.

2. Did I agree with the way that the author interprets scripture?

Yes! I especially appreciated the way Francis interprets the story of Elijah's "death" in chapter 7. The principle is that just as Elisha SAW Elijah being taken up to heaven and because of that received the double portion, so we too must continually look at our situations with spiritual eyes. We must apply our faith to Holy Spirit inspired visions and persevere until it comes to past.
It is also clear that Charles and Francis interprets scripture by applying a childlike faith, thereby gaining access to power of God. It is reading, interpreting and applying scripture in this way that has the power to save lives.

3. Was there any new information?

This book has been a rehash of many of the things that I have learnt so far this year. Even so, there were a few things that were new information to me:
* The discussion in Chapter 18 about the benefits and healing achieved by growing out arms and legs.
* The revelation in Chapter 7 of Elisha "seeing" his destiny was not altogether new (it was covered in the book by David Yonggi Cho called The Fourth Dimension), but I found it to be very helpful.
* The discussion in Chapter 6 about SPEAKING to the mountain. Francis emphasises that it is not "Whatsoever ye pray" but "Whatsoever ye say unto the mountain" that will bring results.
* I also found Chapter 5 - Let the sick lay hands on you - very interesting.

4. What impact did the book have on me?

Francis and Charles are spirit filled and anointed and boy, do they know it!! If they are not speaking to the mountain, they are laying hands on the sick or having the sick lay hands on them! What I took from this book is a whole dosage of faith. Faith that God wants to heal people. Faith that God wants us to be acquainted with the supernatural and want us to flow in it as if it is natural. Once again, I was impressed with God's heart towards people. God is so generous with His healing power and I just sense that God wants all his children to flow in the power so that He can heal the whole world!

Coming from a Fundamental Baptist background, I was extremely skeptical about this book and the ideas in it. I must admit though when I reasoned with my spirit and not my mind, I could truly understand the Biblical relevance of healing and miracles for today! After applying the principles taught in this book, my husband's legs have grown to be even, his spine was straightened, my arms are now the same length, my spine has straightened, and my husband has administered healing to others as well. Excellent, excellent book.

Even if you don't agree with everything in the book, as I did not, you will see the love of Jesus in the authors and the fruit of their absolutely child-like faith.

Hallelujah!

In 1996, I was invited to teach in a Spiritual Warfare Bible College in Goiania, Brazil. During that year I was given one of Charles and Frances Hunter's books entitled, "How to Heal the Sick". That little book made such an impact in my life as I began to pray for the sick everywhere and they were getting healed. I recall studying and applying the principles described in the book, and teaching and encouraging my students to do the same. Some of the students got healed during the classes after experiencing God's power, then they themselves began to pray for people outside the classroom: in their homes, in churches, in hospitals, and on the streets. People were getting healed on a daily basis! They were being healed from all kinds of sicknesses and diseases as well as delivered from Satan's bondage.

Not sure of God's plan for your life? Are you sick ? The Hunter's break open God's word to give conclusive proof that God wants you healed today. Don't give sickness one more moment than you have to. They have the experience to back up there words !!

This book kept me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. There is so much to learn from this book. This book is very thought & prayer provoking. I can not encourage you enough to read this book because it is so inspiring.

I am about half way through this book and I love it. I yearn for this type of teaching and preaching in my personal life and it seems to be at a minimum....at least in my life's experience. I plan to read it over and over until it deeply sinks in. I look forward to reading more of this author's books.

Most readers with an interest in contemporary theologians know Walter Brueggemann as an outstanding and insightful theologian. Few would, however, describe his major works as easy reading. INSCRIBING THE TEXT shows another side of Brueggmann. These prayers and sermons are infused with such lyricism and clarity that they rise to level of fine literature. The prayers especially are outstanding examples of religious poetry and provide a happy contrast to the usual saccharin stuff that masquerades as religious or devotional writing. Highly recommended for style and content....

I have found reading Brueggemann's sermons and prayers to be deeply nourishing and challenging. In a world of thin theology and even thinner devotions, this text is deep and rich soil for the soul. I have found this be a wonderful devotional for the thoughful - each day reading a sermon or prayer that stirs, quickens and inspires the heart and mind. This is a gem and catalyst...

This is a good book to spur your Biblical curiosity and to satisfy your longing for something new, yet trustworthy, in the way of a devotional resource. The subtitle only hints at the richness of this collection of prayers, poems, meditations on Biblical passages, sermons and what might better be called essays on Biblical themes. It provides the careful reader with concepts that will be helpful as devotions and for deeper reflective study.

Professor Brueggemann talks about the preacher's role as scribe-which may seem a startling notion for those who recall Jesus' warnings about the Scribes and Pharisees-however, the role of "truth speaking to power" is what he has in mind. In other words, offering those who can make a difference a view of God's truth so that it can become a motivating factor in the church's work and witness. It seems like a good approach for all Christians, by the way.

I particularly appreciated the sermon "Missing by Nine Miles" about the visit of the Magi. Dr. Brueggemann contrasts the halls of power in Jerusalem with the simple profundity of the stable in Bethlehem. Reminding me of the old saying "a miss is as good as a mile", the prophet in Dr. Brueggemann provides a Biblical argument for the efficacy of such overlooked character traits as vulnerability, neighborliness and generosity, in contrast to what "wise guys from the East" might have, at first, thought.

The way that the words are set onto the page, the reader can almost hear Dr. Bruegemann speaking-and those who have been fortunate enough to hear him in person will indeed sense the tone of his voice in the ink on the paper.

Walter Brueggemann is a towering presence of our time, for the Church at large, having served as a professor in several leading seminaries and as a preacher and writer whose words are consistently inspirational. He is professor emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary PC(USA) in Decatur, Georgia. If you ever have a chance to hear him speak, take it. And if not, this book is a good alternative.

As anticipated, the book was a delight to read, more like a conversation with a companion over a couple of days than a brow-knitting exercise in academic critique. And, writing a review is worth the price of the experience.

This collection of prayers and sermons by Walter Brueggemann, now Professor Emeritus of Old Testament in the William Marcellus McPheeters Chair at Columbia Theological Seminary, is a companion volume to an earlier collection by the same publisher, Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth (2003). Those readers who are familiar with Brueggemann's works (there is a plethora to choose from, the man is an industry unto himself) know with anticipation that this work too can only be good.

The sermons are wide-ranging in themes, scripture text, and occasion. The original context of these sermons range from chapel addresses to colloquia presentations; from congregational sermons to lecture series events; from homiletic conferences to the 100th anniversary of the author's home church (Peace UCC in Tilden, Nebraska). These sermons have a characteristic Brueggemann style in their construction, movement, and structure, and those who have heard the author speak will hear the echo of the spoken voice throughout. There are twenty-three sermons and twenty five prayers, and the book concludes with a helpful index of biblical references.

The first chapter of the book (though not designated as such) is a paper presented at the Festival of Homiletics in Chicago in 2002 (originally appearing in the Scottish Journal of Theology and revised for this volume). This essay, itself titled "The Preacher as Scribe" provides the title of the book. In this piece Brueggemann challenges preachers to "speak truth to power," but not by influence of office or personality or skill, but rather, through respecting the power of the text to do so. He concludes, "The text is a voice of truth, albeit an elusive one. Yet when text-time is well managed, truth does speak to power-but not through the advocacy of the preacher." (p. 17).

The sermons are model exposition, without being expository, with a decidedly didactic element to them. In these sermons Brueggemann models how it is possible to stay close to the text while providing both an authentic and contemporary interpretation and the prophetic function that is sorely needed in today's pulpits.