Cross Books

Provides good overview to basic house rabbit care. A great book for first time bunny owners looking for info.

A local non-profit rabbit sanctuary recommended this book to me as a resourse, and it's been a big help.

I acquired a rabbit in March of 2001, rescuing him from an uncertain fate in a vacant lot. In September of 2001, he ate the buttons off my remote control. If I had had this book back then, I'd still have buttons on my remote. Yes, the remote control is a favored chew toy of a busy bunny, acording to Ms. Moore. I believe it. He has since bitten the "on/off" button on the remote for my cable, too.

That said, this is an excellent, no-nonsense guide to keeping a rabbit in the house. It describes breeds, feeding, medical considerations and, most importantly (to me, at least), how to "read" a rabbit. If you've never had a rabbit before, you may find them a bit inscrutable compared to a smiley, waggy dog or a purring, kneading cat.

The breed descriptions are interesting. You'd think that it was "big white bunny", "big lop eared bunny", and "tiny bunny". But, there are a lot of breeds, from the Flemish giant, who is the size of a Maine Coon cat, to the Netherland Dwarf, who is the size of an overfed guinea pig. There are a lot of coat desriptions from the Dutch rabbit, which looks like a police car, to the Jersey Wooly, who looks like a tribble from "Star Trek".
(I consider mine a mini Vacant Lot Lop.)

There's a section on special needs rabbits. This is an interesting facet of rabbit-keeping that I was unaware of when I picked up a stray rabbit in a vacant lot and took him home. Rabbits are fragile and can injure their backs easily. Many knowledgeable rabbit keepers are able to provide an injured or even paralysed rabbit in a comfortable and happy existence. This book outlines care for such delicate creatures.

There are a few black and white photos, but the descriptions are really well done enough that those photos are just there for seasoning.

Another bonus in this book, is that it appears to be in 14 point type, which meant I did not have to wear glasses to read it, but my middle-aged presbyopia is another story.

I was pleased to see a new house rabbit book on the market. While I found it slightly less complete than the House Rabbit Handbook by marinell harriman, it still covers most of the basics. It is a bit weak in the following areas:
The author writes about rabbits through an observation of her own house rabbits and I disagree with a few statements she made in the book.
Lack of colored pictures or many pictures at all
facts about nutrition not all 100% accurate.
Howver, I'd recommend it to one who is new to rabbits or has some experience but wants to learn a bit more. Overall, it is an enjoyable book to read and is the type of book you would probably need to read cover-to cover as opposed to using it as a reference

Latorial Faison is my favorite female poet. She is living proof of everything she writes about, which gives her work a great depth and honesty. I don't know another living female poet who affects me in the way she does. Every page is a pleasure.

Nathan Lewis
Fingerprint Press

Latorial Faison is both a prolific writer but also very ingenious and original. Her poetic style and flow reminds me of a young Nikki Giovanni or Maya Angelou. Latorial has a knack of making every day occurences like going to Walmart seem like a reflective thought that brings out and inspires us with her keen perception. I personally admire this author for raising the bar and continually doing her part. This author has a voice to be reckoned with and will be heard for many years to come. Her Immaculate Perception is true dedication to the art and study of life written in a thought provoking yet elequent poem. May she inspire us and give us more yet to come.

Read this collection of poetry by Latorial Faison, and you WILL BE inspired . . . because this writer delivers words in such a wise and wonderful way. She speaks on a myriad of life changing ideas and sentiments, and you are bound to relate to each selection read or come to the reality of an experience you've never had. This poet has joined the ranks of many great writers who have gone on before her, and those who have garnered recognition in today's society. Your spirit will connect with her spirit. I picked this book up at a booksigning, and I'm glad that I did. Faison's poetry is real, positive, revealing, uplifting and very much alive. You will pick this book up again and again to bring your own soul full circle with life. Poetry is experience, and Faison shares her world with readers in this collection. Faison writes that words leave her life "stunned." Immaculate Perceptions will leave you stunned as you gain power to reach your goals, confront your fears and make sense of this journey that we call life. This is a stunning book of poems, a must read for today's book lover! I will definitely purchase Faison's other book very soon.

Latorial Faison once again touches the heart, mind, and soul through IMMACULATE PERCEPTIONS, her latest collection of poetry. Separated into three sections, we are given a great variety from Mrs. Faison as she incorporates her thoughts into the many genres of poetry. Mrs. Faision touches on many topics, from faith and love to September 11th. Through each piece, Ms. Faison shares her heart and doesn't look back. My personal favorites included "And I Thought I Was Free," "Shop Wal-Mart for Life," "Deliverance II," and "Where to Now America?"

An amazing poet, Ms. Faison continues to shine through her work. Her poetry evokes a breathtaking passion that many will relate to. IMMACULATE PERCEPTIONS in a continued testament of Ms. Faison's tremendous talent and is one that continues to be among the ranks of Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and Nikki Giovanni. Thank you once again Ms. Faison for sharing your hearts and thoughts with the literary community.

Reviewed by Kanika (Nika) Wade
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This is one of the best books I've ever read. The author includes verses from John of the Cross, then analyzes and synthesizes, extracting the heart of what John is saying. The book is not at all "heady", it is extremely useful for the spiritual life of anyone in high school-on-up. This is one of the only books I've ever read that clears the way for deep communion with God literally every time I pick it up. I've read chapters 5-8 over and over again... the author talks about blockages to our relationship with God, and how to overcome them in a practical yet powerful way. The author shows how far and how deep a relationship with God can go. Anyone who desires to make serious advances in their spiritual life needs to read this book.

i bought this book at a carmelite monastery's bookshop. it was recommended by one of the discalced friars. for anyone who wants to understand the message of st. john of the cross this is the book for you. it is beautifully written in a simple and logical way. you can refer to it daily as you incorporate st. john of the cross' message in your daily life

Seeking the beloved makes sense to John of The Cross, the mystic. He considers such desire and action Christian progress: "Christian progress means: searching for the one who is giving joy to my life, who seems to believe in me, who makes me alive. When I am with him, every moment is a discovery; and being without him is like dying."

So the poet is quoted in the wonderful and inspiring book, "The Impact of God, Soundings from St John of The Cross" by Iain Matthew, published by Hodder and Stoughton, London, England. This work discusses the Saint, his poetry, and his doctrine. The great John of the Cross is a writer of wonderful love poetry, poetry directed at Christ, and his doctrine includes the idea that one cannot know God, for to ascend in contemplative prayer is to reach nothingness. He writes in a poem:

To come to savour all
Seek to find savour in nothing;
To come to possess all,
Seek possession in nothing,
To come to be all,
Seek in all to be nothing....
To come to what you know not
You must go by way where you know not
To come to what you are not
You must go by a way where you are not.

The author of this book explains this love poem, and many others, and the doctrine of the Spanish Saint. A Discalced Carmelite himself, the author is prior of a Carmelite Monastery in Dublin. As the jacket blurb aptly puts it, "John of the Cross testifies to a God who longs to meet us and to love us in our deepest need." I, as reviewer, think the writer is successful in meeting this description, and the book is very worthwhile reading before reading any of St. John's works (afterward, too, as did I).

John of the Cross writes love poems out of encounter with Christ. Here is an example regarding Easter morning. Iain Matthew says it is about a visitation St. John received:

My beloved, the mountains,
Lonely wooded valleys,
Rare islands,
Thundering rivers,
The whisper of love, carried by the breeze.

The tranquil night
At one with the rising dawn,
The silence of music,
The mighty sound of solitude
The feast where love makes all new. (Canticle A 13-14)

Jean Vanier writes a short introduction to the book (mine in paperback, and loaned to me by an Episcopal Deacon--good fortune for me to be introduced to the book). At the end of the introduction, this quote:

"For some people, John of the Cross, the John of Pain and of Ecstasy, seems too austere and complicated: for others he seems too pantheistic, not sufficiently Christ-centered. Iain Matthew reveals beautifully the true John, firmly centered in Jesus, in love with Jesus, the John who through all his life and teaching shows the path to inner liberation and union with God." I found the book a lesson on John of the Cross, the liberator.

An unusual thing to say, yes, but there are many lessons in this book that have helped me to value and enjoy, understand the writings and poetry of John of the Cross. One important lesson and activity of John of the Cross is clear. John of the Cross points to Jesus. As Iain Matthew writes of the Saint's dictum, "Essentially...choose the person of Christ, and get used to making him, not your feelings, your ultimate basis for action." Lots of doctrine and good thoughts in this book.

Here is one of my favorite quotes from "The Impact of God: Soundings from St John of the Cross." I think this is a sounding. It is also a strong statement on love. Love is explored in the book. I brought to this quotation a sense that the Ascension of Christ brings not only the perfected humanity of Jesus, but also the humanity of human kind. I found myself thinking about what was offered and brought my own questions right along as I read. The concepts of hunger, ache, dignity, being shaped for Christ resonated with me:

"So our needs--for answers or love or solutions to our problems ache is the price of our dignity. If we are meant for this much, we shall suffer that hunger.

"John designates that dignity by the term 'bride'. In the Ballads, creation was intended to furnish the Son with a 'bride', a whole people who would be his own. In Canticle, the bride is found and wedded beneath the 'apple tree' of the cross, where 'the Son of God redeemed, and so betrothed, human nature, and so each soul, with himself'. This means that humankind, and each person in it, has, necessarily, a bridal shape. We are, from our origin, shaped for Christ, a capacity, a need for Christ.

"That -- our incompleteness -- is our dignity, and when we feel it we are most truly ourselves. When we utter our appeal from there, we are being mature, being what we were meant to be. That appeal is prayer. For the human person, then, prayer is a supreme value."

The book has Chapter names like: "Prayer, a `Being With'," "The Gospel Has Eyes," "The Right Kind of Emptiness," "There is Somewhere to go," "It Has to be God," and "The Experience of God..."

If you as a reader find the following words by the writer of the book ones that resonate with you, then by all means read this book. Regarding prayer, Iain Matthew says of John of the Cross: "But in each as the need, though real, is a symptom of a deeper need, of a craving that is as close and as vital as we are to ourselves. The mystic sounds human needs; and about the person John has said many magnificent things. But the most real thing he says about us is that we are created to need God--`infinite capacity,' for God." The book and John of the Cross speak to people who have a need, craving, vital arousal in the heart for God.

--Peter Menkin, Pentecost 2008

This is a very readable book that places John of the Cross historically and as a mystic. I've read it three times and am now starting into his original works with some confidence. We'll see how it goes.

This is a small book, it can be read in a few hours, but it is an important book, hard to read, because of its brutal honesty. It is the story of a ten-year-old boy, whose childhood was forever shattered because of a parent's obsession and a child's innocence in trusting someone that their parent was willingly giving access to them.

This book should be a "must read" for all parents in order to make them more aware of the dangers that surround their children. Much more than just clergy, predators stalk our children be they teachers, scout leaders, coaches, or relatives who become too "friendly" with a child. Parents who are obsessed with making their child into something they want leave them open to such abuse.

It also is a "must read" for victims of such abuse. Many have suffered for years and years, thinking that they were alone, or worse, that they were somehow at fault for what happened to them. It will be a healing process for them that another, who shares their pain, has had the courage to share his story with the world.

You will cry from the horror this child went through, but wonder at how he managed to overcome this experience and become an exemplary member of society, not only a good and stable husband and father and gradfather, but an avocate for saving children everywhere from such abuse.

I have never met the Charles "Charley" Bailey, author of In the Shadow of the Cross, but over the last two decades, I have interviewed many Charles Baileys, victim/survivors of clerical sexual abuse in connection with my own book The Rite of Sodomy - Homosexuality and the Roman Catholic Church. I think every adult Catholic, lay person and clergy, needs to read at least one personal account of clerical sexual abuse as seen through the eyes of the victim/survivor, in order to begin to understand the implications of criminal pedophilia and pederasty by priests and religious. In The Shadow Of The Cross is a good place to start.



Charles Bailey was ten years old when he was sodomized, anally and orally, by Father Thomas Neary, a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Syracuse, New York, in his own bedroom while his mother and his siblings were downstairs - just a scream away if he could only manage one scream - but he could not. With the 175 pound plus weight pressing down on his back it was all he could do to breathe. And so Charley screamed silently, inwardly.



These criminal acts by Neary, more than 100 incidents in all, went on until Charley was twelve and entering puberty at which time Neary told him that he was not pleasing to God, and his "counseling" sessions to assess Charley's vocation to the priesthood were terminated.



In a sense, Charley's life was put on hold the day he met Father Neary. Charley kept Father's "dirty little secret" and Father's "dirty little secret" kept him in a state of emotional, mental, spiritual turmoil for more than forty years. The dam finally burst on the fateful Memorial Day of 2002 when Charles finally revealed to his wife Sue the story of his sexual abuse by Father Neary. On that day, Charley got his life back - and much more.



Bailey's assessment of the "collateral damage" he suffered for more than four decades as a result of his sexual abuse at the hands of an audacious and ruthless serial rapist and felon, Father Thomas Neary, and Bailey's advice to victims of sexual abuse on seeking competent psychological and legal assistance is the book's strong suit. Whatever the book's shortcoming in other areas, such as the area of confronting officials of the Diocese of Syracuse - a sorry lot if there ever was one - Charles tells his story well.



Clerics who sexually molest minors of either sex are guilty of felonious crimes. On a spiritual level they are slayers of souls, and destroyers of lives, a crime of an ever greater magnitude. Yes, both the priest and his accuser deserve their day in court. The Church should allow them to have that day and put an end to cover-ups, secret settlements and under-the-table payouts by diocesan and Vatican officials.



In The Shadow Of The Cross - get it. Read it. And if you are tempted to be hyper-critical of some of the wrong choices that Charles Bailey may have made along the way, ask yourself - What if Father Neary had molested ME - or MY son or grandson or nephew or someone else I really love?

I am a trauma therapist who works with clergy abuse survivors, and a survivor myself. This book is a powerful testament to resilience, and a courageous account of betrayal and the demonic sickness of sexual and spiritual abuse . I especially recommend this for clinicians and for clergy who have the courage to face the pain that their church has inflicted on survivors.

Let me begin by saying that I too am a survivor of clergy sexual abuse and rating a book like this is quite crass. It isn't the words you will read that earn one or ten stars. It is in the human experience of hope and despair, of prayer and need, of holding the pain of millions of papercuts and never letting on that pain even exists until the resiliency of humanity breaks through and truth must be shouted out in tremors and tears and nightmares and finally in the least efficacious means...with words, that you will have the privilege of sharing in another's personal Auschwitz. This book isn't to be read like any other. It is something to be experienced like sitting on the floor after dropping one's most prized object and feeling the reality that it is shattered and gone forever. How does one put "stars" to that. So give your seat belt another extra tug and sink into the human emotion of every word, for they each say more than you could possibly take in!

This book, published in 1984, is one of the first to actually focus on a specific award. In this case it's the Iron Cross; a German award that is possibly the most recognizable medal in the world (along with the Purple Heart and, perhaps, the Medal of Honor).

Gordon Williamson has gone into great detail in researching the history and legacy of the Iron Cross. He relates well the history of the award, from it's inception in 1813, through 'the glory years' of 1914 and 1939. Included in the book are many pictures of awards and awardees along with information dealing with detecting fakes, and the traditons of the awarding of the Iron Cross.

Although the book is not large at 5.5" by 9" and 176 pages it includes many clear (b&w) pictures and a wealth of information that any militaria collector cannot do without.

Those who have any interest in militaria, German military history, medals and ribbons or uniforms will be happy to aquire this book and the information contained within.

Mr. Williamson, through the publication of this book, is recognized as one who has made the collecting of militaria in general, and Third Reich militaria in specific, a respectable, enjoyable and rewarding endeavor.

A very well-documented reference work tracing the history of the Iron Cross from its origins to present day. Superbly presents information that makes for interesting reading, but also serves as an invaluable source document for collectors of Germany's venerated combat decoration. Five Stars!

This book is no longer in print, but is should be. A must for the collector and enthusiast. The author begins with the origins of the 1813 Iron Cross, which was first awarded during the Napoleonic Wars. Always interesting and difficult to put down. The book contains information provided by several World War II recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Fascinating read. Apolitical, it simply details some of the exploits of some very brave German soldiers, sailors and airmen (some non-Germans as well) who fought for their county, served the German Fatherland, and were given the gratitude of their nation in the form of a very special medal.

A great book that tells the story of German Soldiers and Sailors who achieved the Iron Cross from the Napoleonic Era through the end of WWII and the forming of West Germany. The author did an excellent job of explaining the lives of these heroes of battle and how they earned the Iron Cross (Germany's Medal of Honor). From Von Buehler to Otto Skorzney all of the recipients had to face battle and overcome overwhelming odds. Some of the winners of the Iron Cross do not deserve it but you can tell who the real warriors are from those who are just petty imitation. Highly recommended to any military history and WWII enthusiast.

Simply put, there is no book like this about rap in Los Angeles. From KDAY to the Watts Prophets to Death Row, this book covers EVERYTHING you know about Hip Hop in LA, a story that is distinctly different from Hip Hop in New York. It features interviews with LA's biggest - Dre, Eazy, Cube, Ice-T, Cypress Hill, etc. - and leaves nothing out. This is a story that's rarely told, which is strange when one considers that LA rap was the force that mainstreamed Hip Hop. Hard to find, but a must have for any mainstream rap historian.

I have to give it up to Brian for the very honest and understanding picture that he paints of the early to middle development of the westcoast hip hop scene. Through his interviews and writings, hip-hop fans get a real sense of how rap music developed on the west coast and they hear the stories directly from the artists themselves. This book is priceless and a definite must have for all music fans. In fact, somebody stole my only copy so I need to buy another one. Cli-N-Tel

My bedroom in the Picture section LINK'S Room with the SP1200 from back in the days

West Coast Style LINK

Freestyle Fellowship's Mikah 9 is the preeminent freestyle rapper of all time. He is the John Coltrane of the modern era.

Henty is amazing at capturing your interest and at the same time giving you a history lesson. Knight of the White Cross is so far my favorite of his books. There are pirates, battles, adventures, and young maidens to protect. I highly recommend this book, especially to junior high or high school boys.

Gervaise's father wishes that his son will grow up to be a Knight of the White Cross, and so Gervaise leaves his dying mother and travels to Rhodes. When he arrives at Rhodes he never dreams of all the adventures he will be undertaking, and the excitement he will be involved in. First comes the rescuing of Ricord and Santoval, after which the Grand Prior knights Gervaise and his comrade, Ralph, which is a great privilege for the boys. Some time later, after visiting the house of Signor Vsados, Gervaise mentions to Ralph that he did not like the looks of the Greek who had also been at the Vsados household. Ralph laughs at him, but Gervaise's suspicions are aroused even more when he sees the man talking to a slave of the Order. After reporting to Sir John Kendall Gervaise suggests he disguise himself and go among the slaves, to try to find out if a plot is being arranged. What will he find? Gervaise has many more adventures, and also a little romance, for Claudia De Forli bestows her colours on him. Gervaise also sets an example by the boy-galley that he was put in command of. It is the only galley ever to have only young knights appointed to it. In the end Gervaise takes part in the Siege of Rhodes, which was a bloody affair. Don't miss reading this story of a gallant Knight of the White Cross!

This is an awesome book. One will feel that they are there, fighting the corsairs or seeing the great fortresses at Rhodes. The scenes are vividly described, and the whole story is incredibly exciting. Gervaise is the ideal knight - strong, brave, loyal, and willing to give his life for Christendom. One feels like they know him in real life, so vividly is he described. The Turks can be pictured ad well, with their huge cannons and keen scimitars. The adventures of Gervaise are very perilous, and sometimes it seems there is no way out. Yet, there is a way, and he always finds it somehow or other. His exploits are phenomenal. He does everything from defending the fort of Rhodes to impersonating a Turkish prisoner, all in the name of the order. There are a few words in the story that most middle school students wouldn't know, but these don't interfere much with understanding the story as a whole. There is some violence in this book, but nothing else that would be considered repulsive. This book is a great read for anyone who likes action, adventure, history, or the Middle Ages. I give it an A.

England is embroiled in the War of the Roses. Young Gervaise Tresham is sent from his war torn homeland by his father to join the Knights of St. John. Initially, this order was a semi-religious organization with its members taking vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty for the purpose of ministering to pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. With more incidents of pilgrims being attacked, robbed, and enslaved by the Moslems, the Hospitallers quickly changed, out of necessity, to a great military organization.

Proceeding to the stronghold of Rhodes, Gervaise is eventually appointed commander of a war galley. The war galleys of the Knights of St. John patrolled the Mediterranean which was infested by Moorish corsair pirates.

Tons of adventure, fast paced story tellign and great attention to historical detal make this yet another great Henty read.

This is a long awaited addition to the collecting militaria, and specifically 3R Knights Cross literature...long awaited as it deals with the topic in a fresh light and with a purely objective approach.
Armed with this book the novice will be equipped to recongnise and understand the minute features to look for in originals of this unique award and its higher grades. By a similar token the experienced collector will be equally happy to have a ready source of reference, and a to benchmark pieces.
But best of all, its written in a clear and comfortable style, that makes it a "good read" and certainly not a cold reference work.
The author is to be congratulated, and I look forward to his future works that I understand are underway !

I highly recommend this book! It is informative and enjoyable to lifelong collectors, hobbyists, and anyone who wants to learn more about an award earned by some of the bravest to fight in WWII.

The information is presented in a logical manner that affords understanding to novices and expert collectors alike. Dietrich Maerz's extensive research is conveyed through the detailed writing and extensive close-up photographs (many never before published) throughout the book. For anyone contemplating collecting the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, this work is a must-have reference.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to future works by Mr. Maerz. He has distinguished himself as an expert in this field and is willing to share his knowledge with others for the advancement of the collection of militaria.

With the publication of his book on the Knight Cross, Dietrich Maerz has "raised the bar" and set a new high standard in reference books that will be very hard for anyone to match, let alone beat. It is magnificent work which deserves to be an absolute smash hit. In creating this book Dietrich has not only firmly established his credentials with the collecting community as an author and researcher, but as a skilled craftsman capable of putting together a book which not only provides all the information one could wish for - and then some, but in doing so has produced one of the most visually attractive works yet to appear in this field.
I look forward with great anticipation to those future books from B&D Publishing and wish him great success!

Dietrich Maerz has written the ultimate reference on the highest awards for bravery given by Germany in World War 2. He covers the various grades of the Ritterkreuz, including the Knights Cross, Oakleaves, Swords, and Diamonds. He had amazing access to unique items as well, and displays the Star of the Grand Cross and even Hartmann's awards.

But it is the depth of scientific study that sets this guide apart from all others. Maerz uses die characteristics and timelines to show even the novice collector how to determine an authentic award from a post-war fake. He also covers manufacturing techniques and history. This is NOT just a picture book, but rather a deep analytical guide to aid the collector. It is a must have for anyone remotely interested in these awards. Finally, the QUALITY of paper and binding is top notch!

Well, I have been a fan of the Mab's Cross Legend for a long time. I even read the on-line version of "The Betrothed" by Sir Walter Scott, which is actually pretty bad! Scott loosely adapted the Mab's Cross story into his 1825 novel, but that work bears little resemblance to the actual story of Sir William Bradshaw and Lady Mab. This is a real shame because the true story has all the appeal of "Rob Roy" or "Braveheart". I have always wondered why no one turned this stirring legend into full-scale historical novel. After all, they have had 700 years! Well, the wait is over. Jon Norris not only found the makings of a book in Mab's Cross, but an entire trilogy! And this is the real McCoy - a historical fiction with as much history as fiction. The research behind this book is impressive. All the major historical events are as accurate as they are astounding. In short, the spectacular madness of 14th century England comes alive in these pages. If Volumes II & III are as splendid as Volume I, this work will give the people of Wigan Lancashire something relish for another 700 years!

Oh, and I have to mention the introduction to this book. What a surprise? I was expecting the usual scholarly cross-references or struggling artist bio, but I was delighted to find an insightful essay on the parallels between medieval government and religion, and the appalling state of current world politics! This author makes a strong argument that the abuses of the great barons of the Middle Ages continue unabated into the present. They have just been cleverly disguised by the myth makers of corporate empire and justified by the hollow promise of advanced technology! Suddenly, "progress" we take for granted in the 21st century begin to look quite suspicious. For instance, I will never look at a dollar bill the same way again. (If you read page 10, you will understand this comment!) Let's just say that the Introduction is worth the price of the whole book! Get this book. You will be entertained and you will learn some troubling truths about our past that will have you re-thinking the prospects for our collective future. You might even be moved to follow in Mab's footsteps!

A very readable novel - it reminded me of Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles trilogy, but set 800 years later. In addition to writing an entertaining action story, Norris displays surprising historical accuracy. I assumed the passage about Archimedes' "Method of Mechanical Theorems" palimpsest was a fictional account, until I picked up the March '07 Smithsonian magazine and found an article covering the palimpsest exactly as Norris described it. I'm looking forward to reading Volume II.

This book is so much more than I expected. In addition to the traditional legend of Mab's Cross, it is chockablock full of sub-themes. First, there is a story of forbidden love between a Norman heiress and a Saxon lord. Then, there is the mystery surrounding the murder of Sir William Bradshaw that I suspect will not be solved until Volume III of the trilogy. The chapter on the Battle of Bannockburn contains one of the most vivid and gut-wrenching descriptions of medieval warfare that I have ever read. On top of all of that, there is a side-story following the scribe who writes Lady Mab's memoir. He is a Cistercian scholar, who has access to the archives of the Roman Church, and the more he delves into those dark secrets, the more his faith in Christianity is shaken to its core.

This book is quite an achievement. It doesn't have the mythical quality of your typical Robin Hood romance; rather it makes you feel like you are right there in 14th century Lancashire! Longshanks, Edward II, Queen Isabella, Earl Thomas of Lancaster, Robert the Bruce, Pembroke; they are all here as real human beings. And what a character we have in Lady Mab of Haigh Hall! At one point during Banastre's Rebellion, she leads the women of Haigh to join a battle against Sir Robert Holland. I was sweating one minute, then crying, then cheering--incredible! If you are a fan of historical fiction, this book is for you. I can't wait for Volume II to see what happens next.

The Lost Rebellion is the first volume of a trilogy set in Lancashire England in the 14th Century. For those who don't know, Mab's Cross is an actual landmark on the Standishgate in the Borough of Wigan. This cross has long been celebrated as part of a local legend revolving around Sir William Bradshaw and Lady Mab of Haigh Hall. Lady Mab was given a penance to walk barefoot and bare-legged to this cross once a week. She performed this labor for over twenty-five years until her death in 1347. The cross has been known ever since as Mab's Cross.

I have just finished reading Volume I, and I must say it is incredible - much more than just another re-hash of the legend. This is true historical fiction in the tradition of Paul Doherty or Patrick O'Brian or Bernard Cornwell's stellar series on Capt. Richard Sharpe. There is even a hint of Umberto Eco in the sub-plot of the Cistercian scribe, Alain Houard, as he delves dangerously into the secrets of the corrupt Roman Church.

It is a rare thing to find a book with historical accuracy, splendid character development, and an intriguing plot to boot. There is much to enjoy here. In addition to the love story between Sir William and Lady Mab, there is a disturbing portrait of medieval Christianity, Plantagenet oppression, the Little Ice Age, and an intriguing murder mystery. Scottish readers take note: there is also the most amazing description of the Battle of Bannockburn as experienced by a defeated Englishman! The book closes with a chapter on Banastre's Rebellion. This little known civil war between Sir Adam Banastre and Sir Robert Holland is one of the unsung tragedies in the march toward English freedom that followed Magna Carta. It is this rebellion that gives the book its name.

Author Jon Norris is a tour de force. Try this book - you won't regret it. And the best part is we still have the rest of the trilogy to look forward to. As Bogie said in Casablanca, "This may be the beginning of a beautiful thing!"

I found the novel, A Matter of Support, to be a wonderful portrayal of life on the Maine coast. The characters are very strong and the story is interesting, informative and romantic. I particularly enjoyed the wide-range of references and tight, focused writing. I look forward to more from this author.

Tom Direnzo has captured Portland Maine in a unique and realistic manner. His characters are delightful, eccentric yet realistic. Frank Mangino takes us into the inner workings of the Maine Child Support Enforcement Office through his own eyes and experiences. Whether it's the tart tongued clerk Madeline or Wild Bill, the renagade enforcement agent, the characters are charming if a little rough around the edges. I hope to see Frank Mangino as the central character in a series of books!
A quick read, I read it in a day!

I was initially drawn to this book by my interest in learning more about the support enforcement system. "A Matter Of Support" delvered that and a whole lot more. A cast of colorful, comical (and imminently realistic) characters are centered by Direnzo's grey collar "hero" Frank Mangino. Great story line that also offers a good cross class snapshot of life in southern Maine. Direnzo's stlye compares favorably to that that of Wally Lamb.

Funny, sad, and at times, un-nerving, this book is an eye-opener to the world of child support. A disturbing look into the world of "dead beat dads" and some "not-so-nice mothers" and the shenanigans they pull to pay or receive support for their children. A must read for those going through the misery of child support. A Matter of Support takes a look at just how lackadaisical the system really is and the extent someone will go to help others while going through challenging times of his own.