Chang Books

I came into contact with Stuart Anslow around 2002 via internet. As is the case of every good instructor I have met, he is first and foremost a dedicated martial arts student. He showed a passion for TaeKwon-Do beyond physical practice, and simultaneously carried out an important number of projects: developing an international network of martial artists, offering an extraordinary martial arts resources webpage, keeping a serious standard in his personal practice and his duties to offer intelligent instruction to his students. As a part-time TaeKwon-Do researcher myself with 24 years of diligent training and more than a hundred martial arts books in my library, I had found some of Stuart's ideas quite interesting, but they seemed an attempt to cover too many matters.
When I saw the book, my opinion changed completely. Stuart has successfully condensed his experience on TaeKwon-Do patterns in a coherent and solid piece in which he shares what he knows (a bunchful of knowledge, indeed), his reaserch, and is not afraid to publicly discuss his doubts on alternative interpretations of the motions. In the martial arts environment there is a tendency of teachers to force their students into their opinions, preventing a decent dosage of independant thinking to develop. Free spirits typically depart from regimented styles, and thus such styles tend to stagnate. Beyond the good content of the book, Mr. Anslow shows ITF stylists they can and should think for themselves. This refreshing book is very attractive in its format, the pictures are easy to follow, and there are some "pearls of wisdom" that make the purchase almost an obligation. Most of the content of the book is simply excellent (which doesn't mean I fully agree with some concepts, but in each case, it would deserve an in-depth discussion, at the bottom line, on whether applications were meant to be the heart of ITF TaeKwon-Do patterns). Mr. Anslow has obviously put a lot of energy into this book, obtaining an impressive result.
My reason for not granting a five star qualification (I would have actually awarded the book a 4.5) is that (a) the history part is rather simplistic, and has some mistakes (maybe edition problems: Taek Kyon is called Taek Kwon; Tae Soo Do and Tang Soo Do names are interchanged); (b) the book serves to preserve and enlarge Gen. Choi's image as adroitly designing TaeKwon-Do techniques having specific reasons in his mind, while authorized historical accounts have pointed out that many changes in technique resulted from more or less casual circumstances in which Gen. Choi had little or no participation; (c) the book assumes all moves found in ITF patterns have a reasonable and effective combat application, of which I am not yet convinced; and (d)some techniques -specially the comparison between ITF TaeKwon-Do and an unspecific Karate style- are shown in photographs of students with evident lack of Karate skills, and even a TaeKwon-Do level insufficient for a book of the quality Mr. Anslow intended, although it is evident Mr. Anslow was being generous with his own student allowing them to actively be part of the book.
If my students were English language speakers, I would make this book mandatory reading before black belt testing.

I have almost 30 years in the arts and a collector of all things Taekwon-Do/Martial Arts related and this truly is one of the better books out there. Stuart has put a lot of work in this first volume and it will end up being a book that in ten years time will be considered a must have for all Taekwon-Do and especially ChangHon (ITF) stylist.

Having conversations with several ITF MASTERS and they are in agreement, one of the better books out there even though we may not agree with everything that Stuart writes about, but it's well worth it for any martial artist!

I found the pattern applications to have a fair amount of resonance with my own training. (Not to mention Mr. Anslow's usenet postings and older articles which I'd already read elsewhere.) I thought the historical explorations of the pattern stories, and the look into what each pattern was generally intended to teach was the most compelling reading.

Chang Hon Taekwon-Do has deep roots in Shotokan Karate. The applications of the Chang Hon and Shotokan stands close, and this is the first book who take this fact seriusly.

If you like to see what the Cang Hon patterns is all about, you cant miss it.

I have practiced martial arts for 23 years, have exposure to three main styles, and am graded as a 4th degree BB. I currently practice traditional Taekwondo, and have for the past few years been researching and writing my own TKD bunkai book.

Stuart Anslow's book is THE BEST taekwondo book available on the market.

The book goes through history and background of each pattern, pattern sequences, applications and variations. Though there are some typos, the information is presented clearly. Another plus is the book is written in such a way that you feel like you were standing in Stuart's training session - it's written in such a personable manner.

The applications are practical and well thought out. I have not seen such breadth nor insight coming from any other ITF TKD instructor. In fact I have not seen a collection of such solid apps in any other martial arts book (and I have quite a lot).

Given my research over the last few years into TKD bunkai, I know for a fact that there is a major dearth of such information for the traditional and ITF TKD world. Publication of this book fills this hole and I think the book will be a profound toolkit for any serious practitioner or instructor of TKD.

I have been acquainted with Stuart since 2003, and I know for a fact that this guy literally pours his heart into his martial arts school, his training, and now this book. Stuart upholds many of the values that small independant schools and traditional stylists hold dear - and I applaude him for putting the extra effort into improving the resources availalbe for martial artists everywhere.

Colin Wee
[..]

Of all the books I own on this subject (more than I can list), this is the 'Best' one. There are many aspects of taiji and other martial arts that extend far beyond the mere physical motions of the form. There are two main sections to this book. The first section explains the principles of Chinese martial arts, Taiji single form, and two person practice. Chen Pan-ling explains in depth his Yang form (steps, etc) with words and pictures, as well as common mistakes, advanced steps, and ways to improve - in the latter section.
Chen Pan-ling was one of the most knowledgeable and practiced Taiji players of his time. With this book, he has made it possible for even beginners to understand Taiji philosophy and to further one's own development as both a Martial Artist and an influential member of world society.

A Must Have for anyone in this game.

There're lots of "New Age Tai Chi Crap"out there. This is one of the "rare" books that deals with what Tai Chi Chuan is: A MARTIAL ART!. Chen Pan Ling was one of the finest "old guard" MASTERS of the Internal Arts. He is the ONLY disciple of Yang Shao Hou (His brother Yang Cheng Fu changed the original form into an smooth EXERCISE taking away every martial aspect like Fa-jing and Dim Mak) who was skilled in the real Yang Lu Chan's Tai Chi. I'm fed up of coming accross with fake masters and "soft and sweet" Tai Chi materials. The real Tai Chi CHUAN (Fist) is a devastating martial art that requires hard practice. In the West, only Mr. Erle Montaigue (you like it or not) keeps the Internal and Martial Tai Chi way. If you want to have a book on REAL TAI CHI CHUAN this is THE ONE.

Chen pan Ling was one of a few students of Yang Shou Hou (the elder brother of Yang Cheng Fu)who taught the same fighting style of Taiji as the one created by his Grandfather,Yang Luchan.This makes the book a rare pictorial record of the "Old" Yang Style,or something very close to it as there are a few changes made to the form that reflect Chens varied martial arts experience,but all in all a good reference book for the serious Taiji practitioner.The only issue not addressed is the different "ways" to perform the form other than the standard basic slow way.

The book is written without any speculation. It just tells you "how to do" even for what regarding the deep internal feeling during the tai chi practice. Much more great are the flow charts of the several tai chi skills development. (first that , then that, then that......) .In the initial chapters it looks like a great "Tai Chi Classic" written in modern (and concise) language.
No one word more, no one word less.
The sequence, very well illustrated in the book (with photos, foot diagrams, applications), is Chen's own stile. The footwork shows a Bagua Chuan influence that makes much more interesting and exciting to study the form. In addition there are clear and deep explanations of the applications (movement by movement during all the form description) and the self feeling on executing each posture.
This is really an excellent book. Even though I can not say it is a book for beginners It contains alone almost everything you need to practice and further study Tai Chi Chuan.
I teach Tai Chi and I own a huge amount of Tai Chi books, anyway, if it could happen I got lost in a faraway desert island, that's the Tai Chi book I'd like to have with me.

...Chen Pan-ling was a practical martial artist who had a background in not only Tai Chi (Yang & Wu), but also Hsing Yi and Bagua. The book not only includes clear photos (clearer than in my original Chinese version of this book) and precise descriptions of the proper movements and applications, but also descriptions of how you should feel. This is Tai Chi at it's most practical, not a new-agey easy to learn sequence.

Chen was a pioneer in that he did away with a lot of the superstition and ritual associated with martial arts teachers at the time. His attempt at educated scientific study of this martial art is a welcome addition to the mibrary of the scholarly martial artist.

There are several patterns in this book that I want to make. I made the short version of the cover mitts in the recommended yarn, and they came out very well. They are a cute and fun hand garment! I love the layered gloves, and that will be my next project from this book, but I have already gotten the yarn for the mittens with button on separate cuffs, and the ones made from Lopi. All in all, a great little book for quick projects that include traditional and contemporary.

This is really a very beautiful book. The pages are matte, and thick, the cover is gorgeous, the designs are wonderful and her descriptions of the items and the names she has given each pair of gloves are inspirational. I love to see a designers thought-processes and she explains in detail how she thought up each pair and the symbolic meanings behind the types of knitting she has done on them. Yes, the writing is in about a 9 pt font, but it is nothing that is unreadable. Directions are explained in detail for each pair of mittens and fingerless gloves and I am ecstatic that I bought this book. I sense a winter full of beautiful gloves coming my way....

From wrist warmers to gauntlets to opera gloves, mittens & gloves - it's in here! Old-fashioned charm, as well as up-dated versions for the younger crowd of knitters! If you love knitting mittens & gloves, this would be the book to choose for your inspirations! There are many ideas to choose from, that you can tailor to suit your own tastes or needs.

What a wonderful book! Each design is unique & gorgeous, while also being completely accessible & wearable. There is plenty of room for yarn subtitutions as well. The only problem with this book is deciding which project to start with, and sticking with it without casting on several more!

I bought the book because of Grumperina's comments and am glad I did. I have finished one pair of gloves for my Mum and will CO for the next pair this weekend. There is something interesting for everyone whatever your style is. The patterns are very creative but practical at the same time. But yes the print could be a bit larger for those darker nights to come .......

This is a very neat book that gets you started with broad knowledge
about what you can do with the overwhelming World Wide Web.
If you are curious about what are behind those search engines and
how can these "things" get you stuck in front of
your computer around the clock, this is the book for you.
It not only tells you how these "things" work,
but also calms you a little bit by telling you that
those guys who developed these "things" REALLY tried hard to
get you what you want and in the meantime save you some time :)
The best part is that you don't need to know many theories and
you still get some sense about the devils who drive these engines.
If you are a professional who wants to know where to read about the
"know how", this book could be a good starting point.
It not only gives you a good survey of what is going on,
but also provides you with 286 references that guide you
to what you need to know next.
If you are a graduate student who wants to start a project
on the subject, this book could save you some time.
It takes you only couples of hours to scan through it.
By the end, you would probably know where to dig deeper or
you might get burnt and choose a different subject.
One thing I was wondering was that the authors didn't go further
in many aspects. Some subsections have only four to five sentences.
These could be spaces to extend.

The fields of Data Mining and Information Retrieval are incredibly complex and deep subject areas even when they are divorced from the structure of the world wide web. If the world wide web is viewed as a giant data base, it is without a doubt the most complex data base which has ever existed.

A major problem is getting a grasp on the synthesis of these three fields, DM, IR, and WWW technology. Even current research in DM is distributed among gropus of people with such diverse backgrounds effective communication of research results across groups is extremely difficult.

This book has taken the major concepts from these three fields and organized them in outline form. The outline cuts just deep enough to be meaningful and never too deeply to "lose" the reader. For the serious student, this book provides a Christmas tree on which other books can hang like ornaments.

Obviously, I think very highly of this book. It is not the "be all and the end all", but it fills an important niche. ... Almost limits it to library and other institutional purchases. Which is a shmae because I'm sure every worker in WWWIR&DM would like to have a copy on their shelves.

BTW, the bibliography isn't bad either, and, includes many www URLs, a must for any truly useful bibliography in todays environment. The search engines just aren't good enough yet to give you all the URLs you need. But, then, improving them is part of why there is so much active research in WWWDM&IR.

Feel free to write the author of this review (Dr. John Aiken, PhD)...

This is a very neat book that gets you started with broad knowledge
about what you can do with the overwhelming World Wide Web.
If you are curious about what are behind those search engines and
how can these "things" get you stuck in front of
your computer around the clock, this is the book for you.
It not only tells you how these "things" work,
but also calms you a little bit by telling you that
those guys who developed these "things" REALLY tried hard to
get you what you want and in the meantime save you some time :)
The best part is that you don't need to know many theories and
you still get some sense about the devils who drive these engines.
If you are a professional who wants to know where to read about the
"know how", this book could be a good starting point.
It not only gives you a good survey of what is going on,
but also provides you with 286 references that guide you
to what you need to know next.
If you are a graduate student who wants to start a project
on the subject, this book could save you some time.
It takes you only couples of hours to scan through it.
By the end, you would probably know where to dig deeper or
you might get burnt and choose a different subject.
One thing I was wondering was that the authors didn't go further
in many aspects. Some subsections have only four to five sentences.
These could be spaces to extend.

This is a very neat book that gets you started with broad knowledge
about what you can do with the overwhelming World Wide Web.
If you are curious about what are behind those search engines and
how can these "things" get you stuck in front of
your computer around the clock, this is the book for you.
It not only tells you how these "things" work,
but also calms you a little bit by telling you that
those guys who developed these "things" REALLY tried hard to
get you what you want and in the meantime save you some time :)
The best part is that you don't need to know many theories and
you still get some sense about the devils who drive these engines.
If you are a professional who wants to know where to read about the
"know how", this book could be a good starting point.
It not only gives you a good survey of what is going on,
but also provides you with 286 references that guide you
to what you need to know next.
If you are a graduate student who wants to start a project
on the subject, this book could save you some time.
It takes you only couples of hours to scan through it.
By the end, you would probably know where to dig deeper or
you might get burnt and choose a different subject.
One thing I was wondering was that the authors didn't go further
in many aspects. Some subsections have only four to five sentences.
These could be spaces to extend.

This is a nice introductory book, short and well written. Don't expect any details, it is only an outline. It does a good job of covering terminology, and suggesting additional reading, but it isn't a primary resource itself.

The book is divided into 3 sections. The first is on 'information retrieval' (IR), the second on data mining, and the third describes a 'case study.'

According to the authors, IR is engaged in storage, retrieval, organization and display of unstructured or ambiguous file structures. Research is currently engaged in classifying, filtering, modeling, query design and user interface issues. The key question for IR is 'relevance' assessment. Each topic gets at least a few paragraphs, some a few pages.

The authors differentiate data mining from IR in terms of focus. A data mining project is designed specifically for finding hidden structure (whatever that means), while IR might be characterized as the 'quick and dirty query.' This is a bit confusing, but the emphasis on terminology makes it unimportant. Most of the data mining section is a review of various measures used to determine the existence of associations. This includes some simple formulas. Also, there is a section on webcrawlers and text mining.

Though the book is titled 'mining the www', the largest section is IR, what most would call 'search engines.' Mining itself gets only about 1/4 of the book.

The case study is fairly brief, but outlines a way to structure a simple project.

The book contains a nice bibliography.

Great book if you're planning a trip to Ireland or if you just want to enjoy a pint in your own living room!

When I'm in Ireland -- which isn't nearly enough -- I try to avoid the trendy new pubs and stick to the joints where the local people go, where you're still likely to find a session in the corner, where the food is simple but hearty, and where the Guinness is pulled with pride.

Eric Roth, a Boston-based photographer, pays tribute to the "real" Irish pubs of Ireland in "The Parting Glass." Of course, there are thousands upon thousands of pubs to choose from, and the book had limited space, so after exhaustive research (read: going to lots of pubs) he picked 43 representative establishments to capture on film. Eileen McNamara, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe columnist, went along for the trip and provided the text to support Roth's images.

Of course, I have my own favorite spots in Ireland, and sadly, they're not included here. And yet, of the 43 pictured, I've been to only a handful, and they ALL look a delight!

The book includes numerous large, colorful photos of pub facades and pub interiors. Too, you'll find distinctive pub signs and unique pub decor. Better yet, you'll see people manning taps and hoisting pints, people who make up Ireland's traditional pub scene as much as the Guinness-stained tables, peat fires, live music and pleasant conversation.

There are city pubs and country pubs, ornate pubs and plain, crowded and empty. Roth's photos are gorgeous, rich in color, detail and personality. McNamara's narrative is equally colorful, informative and evocative of the pub experience. Combined, they create a desire to dive through the pages, take a seat and order a pint.

Great photography. Great for Irish conversation. Makes a great gift.

This book is for those who want to be swept away on a marvelous journey through a land of incredible scenery interrupted by warm and friendly people invigorated by mouth watering blends of spirits served in the most welcoming places short of heaven.

This book made a wonderful gift for my husband this Christmas. He and I went to Ireland a few years ago to see a U2 concert at Slane castle. To this day, it remains one of my favorite vacations of all times, and this book rekindled those wonderful memories. So much so, that after browsing through the pages together, my husband and I are planning a return trip "across the pond" as a gift to each other! We're even planning some of our itenerary around these cool cities and pubs.

The photos are just beautiful and so are the stories of the owners, the bartenders, the patrons and pub histories. Neat facts are tucked in between the pages, making it more than a photo essay -- I learned that a special place called a "Snug" exists in the older pubs, where the women used to share a pint or two without the company
of men.

If you are looking for an unusual and thoughtful gift, I recommend this book. It would make a wonderful father's day gift, (or mother's day gift!), it would be great as a birthday present, a graduation present, a coffee table book for a new homeowner, or for any other occassion where you want to raise a pint in celebration. Cheers!

Korean-American executive protection expert Allen Choice has doubts about his failing romance with Hispanic reporter Linda Maldonaldo while concerned with his weak business. The adrenaline that fueled the beginning of his relationship with Linda (see OVER THE SHOULDER) is gone along with the thrill. The lack of executive protection clients in the Bay area has forced Allen to accept sleazy sleuthing that he knows is way below his skill level, but allows him to eat.

Adding to his depression is his feelings of guilt for not being there when Linda's brother died in a drug-related car crash. To ease his remorse Allen travels to Malibu to be there for his girlfriend. Already feeling like a fish out of water, instead of finding a family mourning a tragedy, Allen walks into a nasty Internet child pornography venture that could leave him as the next accident victim.

Readers who took delight in Allen's first tale will enjoy this story, but will quickly realize that it is not quite on a level with its predecessor. Perhaps it is the change of location, but Allen seems out of place in Malibu because he fits so well in San Francisco. Still readers will appreciate his self-deprecating doubts about himself and Linda, and enjoy his latest investigation just not the first choice.

Harriet Klausner

Wow. I was up all night reading this. I loved Over the Shoulder, and found Underkill to be equally engrossing. Chang does an incredible job of writing literary fiction (his use of language is just gorgeous) that's propelled by a real, page-turner plot. I wish more books combined being this well-written with being this suspenseful.

Choice makes a great reluctant protagonist, and his thoughtful, candid narration is enough to make this book worth reading by itself (even without the raves, car chases, and gun fights!).

This series is turning out to be one of the best and most interesting ones I've read, and I've read a lot of them. I love Michael Connelly and Dennis Lehane and Sue Grafton and a bunch of others, and this one definitely ranks up there because Allen Choice is a very realized and intriguing character. I was trying to tell a friend about this series and found it hard to describe because it's so centered on the character instead of just the mystery. It's almost like this is a regular novel about an investigator and so there's naturally a mystery because it's his job, but it's not about the mystery...it's about the guy himself. The writing is awesome.

This is a series that continues to improve and reward the reader. Leonard Chang is writing some of the best current detective fiction now available in these books. And it doesn't hurt that he's also able to address issues of race and alienation at the same time. _Underkill_ brings back reluctant investigator Allan Choice to look into the apparently accidental death of his girlfriend's younger brother. The investigation takes Choice into the underground rave scene and competition between ecstasy dealers, which may have had something to do with the death. At the same time, Allan's relationship with his girlfriend, Linda, seems to be unravelling and try as he might, he can't figure out how to prevent it. This is an excellent, fast-paced mystery that left me wanting more--Bring on Book #3!

I'm a literature grad student, and I've had the opportunity to follow Chang's writing for some time now. His first two novels were clearly attempts to delineate the racial dynamics in America (Asian/African American as well as class issues), and with this Allen Choice series he seems to be trying to write about Korean Americans in a similar but almost subterranean way. He is writing about an Americanized Korean American man as a Private Investigator, a man who looks into the grit of American lives (Korean American lives in Over the Shoulder, and now the L.A. Underground and ecstasy scene in Underkill) all the while investigating his own life, both external and internal life. Allen Choice has no ethnic or racial ties--he's afloat and alone. He actually has NO ties (familial or relationship), which on some level echoes Chang's previous novels. The archetype of the PI is the isolated man, and here Allen Choice is isolated on so many levels it's dizzying, because family, race, profession, and now relationships have served to separate him from conventional society. Chang has taken the model of the PI and used this to exploit his other themes of alienation. This takes not only mystery fiction but Asian American fiction to new levels. I highly recommend this series for readers looking for exciting, well-written stories with a bit more substance than the usual genre entertainments.

A very intrigueing, and facinating book - absolutly wonderful and hauntingly beautiful photographs. This one is hard to put down...MCB

A very intreging, and facinating book - absolutly wonderful and hauntingly beautiful photographs. This one is hard to put down...MCB

As soon as I found this book in a used book store, I knew I needed to buy it. I love all the images and reading through all the angel names. Whenever I feel like the world is rapidly becoming overwhelming, I sit down with "Visions of Angels" and it helps to restore my balance. I highly recommend it - a coffee table book, it is not!

My favorite is that of "JASON, 1995" by Kelly Grider which depicts a male angel portrayed in a classic 19th century european romantic style. My second favorite is "Descending Angel" which also appears on the cover.

I am not a big fan of "coffee table" books. They gather more dust than the table, but this book demands attention. I find myself picking it up and contemplating the images. They are all deserving of multiple viewings - they are ART. The best image from Thursday may become hated on Wednesday because of the emotions generated by me, combined with the photo. I encourage all to pick up the book and I challenge you to the challenge of contemplation. Enjoy the ride.

Brini is a domestic Guru! I wanted to entertain for hours after
reading this delightful how to. Style and Grace and over all happiness comes from learning to enjoy life like Brini can! A must read for any fledgling
Domestic Demi- Goddess. Why didn't I think of that?

I think the most wonderful thing about Brini Maxwell isn't the admittedly brilliant skewing of the whole "domestic goddess" ethos by having a male actor (the super-talented Ben Sander) portray her, but that she actually connects to more people than most of the people putting out books today. Martha, Sandra, and the rest are great if you have a place with extra bedrooms, a seven figure income and scores of assistants willing to weave you place settings or 3000 thread count sheets. Brini will show you how to eke out storage space in a cramped apartment, or spur you on to create a party in a galley kitchen using an electric skillet and a blender. The most subversive thing about Brini is how much useful information she gives while turning the whole home-show thing on it's ear.

If the people at the revamped Oxygen network have a brain, they'll sign this ultimate domestic diva up for a show for people like us who live in apartments, but aspire to some chic on the (I hate to type it) cheap! Because Brini's the gal for that!

This book is full of how-to projects that will keep you busy. Everything from entertaining, to recipes, to organization, this book has it all.

This book was really inexpensive and cute....Can't wait to try some of the projects...

It's nice to have this book, though it's not as engaging as the show. In this book, Brini tells how to pack for a trip, how to entertain, how to organize a living space -- it's very nice, but no substitute for her show.

This series of books makes a great gift for young and old alike. I have given them on four separate occassions and they were always loved and cherished.

What a beautiful book! The poem is moving and the illustrations fit perfectly. It can be used with many age groups. I would highly recommend this book to parents and teachers.

This is a great children's book and a great poem about music. It is a wonderful book to read to a child about music appreciation. The illustrations are wonderful!

Ntozake Shange's poem, "i live in music", along with Romare Bearden's collages are presented together in this appealing book. The text and the visuals are skillfully paired and they feed each other's expressions.

"i got 15 trumpets where other women got hips

& a upright bass for both sides of my heart"

Shange's words are in turn playful, soulful, artful. The music she describes is encompassing and tangible - a real thing to be felt and true part of our beings.

Bearden's collages and paintings are vivid, engaging images of African American life and culture. The images are expressive and rich illustrations of musicians and singers. "Show Time" and "Fancy Sticks" are nearly audible - one can see the rhythm and song.

Shange and Bearden's talents complement each other so well one would think this had been a concurrent, collaborative effort rather than subsequent assemblage.

Along with i live in music, I highly recommend all the books in this series by Stewart, Tabori & Chang's Art and Poetry series:

"Life Doesn't Frighten Me", poem by Maya Angelou, paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat..... "may i feel said he", poem by e. e. cummings, paintings by Marc Chagall...... "Dance Me to the End of Love", poem by Leonard Cohen, paintings by Henri Matisse

Each one would be a wonderful gift for a teacher, art lover, musician, poet,.... or anyone seeking inspiration. Treat yourself to one - or all.

For all ages.

Someone read this book to me when I was young. Ever since then I've been inspired to write. I love this book. The word use by Ntozake is refreshing. Her poetry is very original. She has accomplished a lot, because it's suitable for all age groups.

Though it's written in the context of a story about two lovers, the deeper message of the book is one for every human, every critter.

The book is a beautifully simple but profound little story that whispers a reminder to us all at our deepest levels to remember our soul origins and our energetic connection to Every Thing that is. All-One.

Book is so perfect I sent it to a couple of friends and bought an extra copy for myself!

The illustrations are sweet and juvenile. Gets the point across!

Well written and presented in a simple yet fun way. This story can particularly touch somebody who can relate to the story. I can think of several couples whose love story mirrors this book! Love the illustrations and simplicity of it all!

After flying through this book you'll want to read it again and again. The simple but profound message about love, and the clever, beautiful illustrations have a lasting effect. The perfect gift for anyone with a heart.

Stine's song of love is one of the few volumes you will tuck in your rucksack as you head for a desert island. Its soulful words grow effortlessly from earthy, tropic-toned pastels. It is about our journey, together and alone, our rites of discovery, as revelation leads to transformation. Save your shrink money. Read the book and cherish its timeless song.

I didn't know what to expect when I was given this book. I must say that its simple message is indeed powerful and a quick page turner to boot! It comes off as a children's book, but no, no, no, it is certainly not.

This book will make the feelings that you are trying to articulate easy to understand without going overboard. The person who gave it to me was trying to do just that.

And succeeded.