Cross Books

The deep feelings and powerful insights shared by the poets in this unique anthology touch me on a level that no other poetry book can! I often find myself crying and laughing with the talented women who shared so much from deep within. Edwina Peterson Cross and Barbara Crooker are two of my favorite poets who write so eloquently in this unique book! I am also in awe of the variety of exquisite artwork that accompanies the poems. Lynn Van Couvering and Kathy Strahota are two of my favorite artists who have work published in this anthology. This treasured collection is one of my favorites when it comes time for gift-giving!

This anthology is so beautifully written as well as illustrated. It truly takes one on a "Journey of Love". Every reader can walk in the shoes of the expecting mother, nursing mother, sleep-deprived parent, parent of toddlers, and mother who is learning to "let go". There is so much wisdom expressed so intimately. This is the perfect book for every mom to have on hand for those special quiet moments of reflection. It is also a terrific source of shared comfort in the universal thoughts of motherhood.

Read Paula Moore's book "Cricket in the Web" first.

Then get this book for a surprise solution to the mystery. "Murder Near the Crosses" was written by the son of one of the law enforcement officers who investigated the Cricket Coogler murder.

He offers a solution to the crime that would have been revealed had the officer not died under very suspicious circumstances.

If you have a preconceived notion of what happened to Cricket Coogler, this book will shock you. The killer is revealed, but if you blink, you'll miss it.

By the way, I'm not sure what book Mr. Weinbaum reviewed, but it is not this one. He seems to have a vendetta against the region.

The local publisher has died, but the book should be sought out. This is one of the very few modern books on Las Cruces. It is a fascinating true story of how a cover-up is orchestrated. Any reader will be able to see the similarities to other governmental actions. This story provides the 'roadmap' for the involvement of civil servants, supported by the courts, in other local illegal activities. Legalized gambling is now state-wide in New Mexico. In Las Cruces that has been replaced by government promoting religion to justify the actions and the out-of-control annexing of land for construction purposes. The city is rife with prejudice. From 1907 to 1983 the local university yearbook was named "Swastika" and imprinted with the usual symbol. The recent Homecoming brochure was titled: "Swastika." Las Cruces is situated between Mexico, Texas, and the northern political forces of New Mexico, like a Third-World country left to the wiles of the power-brokers. Research these facts and one will realize how the attitude of a city will support a cover-up. Bring a shovel when you visit.

Everyone needs to have this cook book. It is filled with the best receipes ever. This and the first cook book by Theresa Cross are all I use in my kitchen. Happy cooking.

First, I bought Theresa's book, My Favorite Cookbook. When I found out a SECOND book by this author had been published, I bought it too. I was concerned that it probably wouldn't "meaure up" to the first book, but was I ever wrong! This "sequel" is fantastic! More Moroccan recipes and more challenging recipes for cooks, like me, who enjoy preparing some more complex dishes. Most, however, are simple and delicious and, as always, they actually turn out exactly as stated. I love the little comments at the beginning of each recipe too...makes me want to hurry up and cook it!

George Basil Hume,O.S.B., of blessed memory, was a prince among men long before he was mad a "prince" of the Roman Church. These refelctions, given as mostly homilies{sermons] during,but not exclusively, Holy Week,are broken into 3 sections 1:Embracing mystery 2:Inner Peace 3:Celebrating mystery. Hume was singular among churchmen of his elevation in his common touch{owing somewhat to his benedictine training},and had a gift of speaking plainly. As he was also slwoly dying of cancer, these meditations are therefor more poingnant.He is especially good on the centrality of the cross, which,then makes this all the more appropriate during lent. A good book from a great man.

Basil Hume (d.1999)lived as a Cardinal of the Church, but lived at the grassroots. His real humility is very evident in this book and in his words. He has an extraordinary capacity to communicate the Gospel message in simple and evocative ways that touched ordinary hearts -- like mine. This book is an essential companion for anyone on the journey that leads to God, and for me, it has been the "good news" about God's love for us, the heart of the Christian message and mission.

This is a collection of articles and research summaries from ten different people and teams. Its implications go far beyond mathematics education, and there is enough agreement and disagreement and provocative content to keep us all thinking for quite a while. My favorite section is the eighth chapter: Fostering Mathematical Thinking in Middle School Students: Lessons from Research -- which comes from John D. Bransford and others connected with the Cognition and Technology Group at Peabody-Vanderbilt. John Bransford is the author of The IDEAL Problem Solver, another book that I recommend. In this chapter, the authors detail their journey into researching mathematical thinking as they began in 1984 to explore learning and instruction in general, without connection to specific content. Over time, they developed entire multimedia mathematics curricular units (The Jasper Woodbury Problem Solving Series) in order to create a truly challenging, non-routine, stimulating learning environment. It arose, essentially, from their recognition that traditional "word problems" such as are found in mathematics textbooks are not useful to meaningful assessment of student cognition and learning styles, nor do they build essential thinking skills as a means of instruction. A very worthwhile book!

A thorough and stimulating investigation into the nature of mathematical cognition.

Do you ever get confused by operas -- following the lyrics, questions about the plot, difficulty in figuring out what the heck these people are doing? Well, when viewing an opera, it's a good idea to check up on the plot beforehand, so you can enjoy watching it unfold instead of thinking "What's he saying? Why's she doing that?"

With that in mind, "New Milton Cross' Complete Stories of the Great Operas" is an excellent resource for anyone checking out an opera. Gillian Cross does the job thoroughly -- not only does she give a detailed, insightful, act-by-act summary of the operas, but also provides a listing of the characters, the vocal types that should play them, the setting, the time, and a short biography of the composer (Strauss, Mozart, Verdi and many others).

The summaries of all these operas, from "Aida" to Verdi's retelling of "Otello," is also rounded by a trio of essays: "How to Enjoy An Opera," which might help wary newcomers be more open-minded about operas as a whole, "A Brief History of Opera," and "The Ballet of Opera." Not to mention an extensive reading guide for more information on the subject.

Most operas are more like Shakespeare than a modern movie -- to many average viewers, they seem almost incomprehensible if the plot isn't clear beforehand. But this book does an excellent job of bringing across the plot -- and many of the nuances -- of each opera without seeming dry or dull.

In fact, it's a pretty fun read. It also has a wealth of interesting facts that can serve as unusual trivia -- for example, Beethoven wrote only one opera, when he found a suitable libretto for his work. And while the summaries don't get TOO detailed, often stretches of dialogue are examined and plot twists studied. It doesn't replace the live experience of watching an opera, but it does make sure that readers will understand what they do see.

For someone dabbling in opera, or even to a die-hard fan, "New Milton Cross' Complete Stories of the Great Operas" is an invaluable handbook to keep nearby. Solid, entertaining and informative.

The first music reference books that I owned were by Milton Cross. Even now, with a shelf full of opera references, his COMPLETE STORIES OF THE GREAT OPERAS is the first book that I consult when I am looking for a well written, easily read, act by act synopsis of an opera. As an added bonus, Cross begins each opera write up with a paragraph which includes a few pertinent facts about the composer and the circumstances surrounding the writing of the particular opera.

In addition to the slightly more than seventy-five operas discussed, he has also included sections on how to enjoy an opera, a history of opera, and a discussion of ballet in opera.

As I do before attending a Shakesperean play, (see my review of SHAKESPEARE A TO Z.) I find it helpful to prepare ahead of time by reading about the opera I am about to attend. Cross's book is fairly detailed, leading you through all the significant actions, and accompanying music, of each act in the order that they occur. I often supplement this reading with shorter, more succinct discussions in other references. There is a real value to owning multiple references on the same subject.

Included in this book are most of the operas that are in the normal reportoire of any contemporary opera company. Only the newer and/or experimental operas written in the latter part of the twentieth century are missing, and they are not often performed.

In his chapter on enjoying the opera, he states, as I did above, that for full enjoyment of an opera, you need to already understand it. Understanding, according to Cross, can come from some, or all, of the following: Read a libretto. Read the story. Listen to the music either on a recording or in an instrumental transcription.

He also reminds the reader that opera plots are often weak and illogical. Some are filled with obscure symbolism, some based on legend, and some just plain puzzling. The music is what is important.

He suggests other, more extensive, forms of preparation that are probably too time consuming for the contemporary opera goer, but I agree with him that some sort of preparation will certainly enhance your enjoyment.

The last two sections of the book, one on the history of opera from the sixteenth century to the present, and the other on the use of ballet in opera, are more appropriately read than summarized. These sections are interesting and are readable on a stand alone basis.

The bulk of the book, exclusive of the last three sections, is a reference and is most useful for the purpose of preparing yourself for an opera performance that you are about to attend.

This is an invaluable reference and belongs on the shelf of any opera goer or potential opera goer.

What an utterly charming book. I want more. I was born and raised in Northern Nigeria and can just picture in my mind the faces and voices of the children his book. His love and relaxed understanding of the people is rare.

I loved this book! The author really has special insight into the traditions, beliefs, and events - big and small - that make up the life of a West African village. His warmth, humor, and love of the people that he writes about comes through on every page. I had this book with me when I was travelling through Nigeria and had to wrestle it away from my travelling companion. Definitely recommend this - and his other book "Under the Lemon Tree." Loved them both!!

I have really enjoyed the projects in this book. I am a beginner and I have had a hard time finding a book that I actually want to do the projects in. Either they are too simple or too hard. This one is just right.

A great book for Plastic Canvas lover

This is one of the most wonderful books that I have ever read.
I must admit, Brook Berringer was a hero to me growing up.
I have always liked him as a Quarterback, but after reading the book, I realize that the way Brook lived his life and accepted God as his savior and higher Power.. it's the way I want to live my life. He was the most wonderful, caring, kind hearted person.
The way he held his head up high when the chips were down was amzing. He will always be a great hero to me and I absolutely recommend this book to everyone who is wanting to have someone to look up to.

I can't believe nobody reviewed this book so I'll take a crack at it. Brook Berringer was one of the greatest Nebraska quarterbacks ever and he was really considered a back up. Sadly his life was cut short in an airplane accident. I haven't talked to anyone here in Nebraska that doesnt know where they were when they heard, he had that much of an impact on everyone. The book does talk about his football days but I think more importantly it shows how he came to find God and how his faith helped him through trying times. It is a very moving book and it is very inspirational, it will bring a smile to your face and make your eyes well up in tears. I hope you'll read this book if only to learn how good of a man he was and maybe you'll find a little comfort in knowing God will always be there when you are ready to accept him.

Anthony and Joan both could not put this book down! Anthony read it first, then read parts of it to Joan, then Joan read it. In the spirit of The Work and the Glory series by Lund, Standing on the Promises, combines factual history and characters with an outstanding story. The characters really come alive and the reader can truly imagine themselves right in the story and experiencing the events portrayed. The actual events and research are documented after each chapter and provide a wonderful historical review of the evidence. After, becoming acquainted with Elijah, Jane and Isaac in other publications, being able to read their stories was truly inspiritational. We are eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!

The following review appeared in November 2000 online in "Dunbar on Black Books" (http://www.queenhyte.com/dobb/dobb_archives/dobb_00/nov_00.htm ):

One More River to Cross by Margaret Blair Young and Darius Aidan Gray (Bookcraft, ISBN 1-57345-629-2) is the first of a trilogy entitled Standing on the Promises. It is a historical novel about black Mormon pioneers. With it "Dunbar on Black Books" (DOBB) makes an exception to its custom of reviewing only nonfiction books. We do this for two reasons. First, this book, albeit a novel, observes canons of history more dutifully than some works that hold themselves out as pure works of history. In the author's notes, the reader is told: "We have been true to all the facts that we could find but have freely fictionalized the spaces between the facts." Second, this book deals convincingly with an important subject about which very little has been written: black Mormon adherents whose membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City dates back as far as 1832.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes much of the point that this book is not an official publication of the church. Bookcraft, its publisher, states that the book does not represent its position. One must know that Deseret Books publishes doctrinal works by Latter-day Saint leaders, biographies, and "enlightening" church historical books and that Bookcraft is a registered trademark of Deseret Book Company. It is in this context that DOBB reviews One More River to Cross.

When we overhear Delilah Abel whispering to her sleeping son Eli[jah] on the plantation just before they flee, we may think that they are fictional characters. We later learn from citations of the records of baptisms in the Nauvoo Temple Church of the Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City that they were living people and that Eli[jah] Abel was baptized there. So that while we may have reservations about the dialogue between the persons in the book, or even the accounts of events that took place on the journey to Salt Lake City from Maryland or from Alabama, or from wherever, we know that Elijah Abel made it to Salt Lake. More than that, we are provided with evidence that he was one of the very few blacks to receive the priesthood in the early church and that he was ordained by the Prophet himself.

This book is one of the first, if not the very first, that this reviewer read by starting with the end notes. Quite frankly, to me the notes are a most significant part of this book. The authors make excellent use of records in the Missionary Record Books of the church, of information from conversations of Joseph Smith, as reported in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, from U.S. Census records in Salt Lake City, and from Brigham Young's Journal, to mention a few of their sources. They have given us a book providing information about African Americans in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that is not widely available.

A word about the authors is in order. Heber G. Wolsey, former managing director, public communications, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says of Darius Gray, the black co-author, "I know of no one who can express a more objective, more compassionate, more honest portrayal of blacks in the Mormon Church than Darius Gray." Gray is a former journalist and presides over the Genesis Group, an official arm of the Mormon Church. The Genesis Group was organized in 1971 to support church members of African descent. Coauthor Margaret Blair Young is a lifelong white member of the church, "with pioneer heritage," Mr. Wolsey points out. "She has felt deeply over the past few years the inspiration of her pioneer forebears, many of whom knew the Saints of color portrayed in this novel," he says.

This is an important book. It ought to be read by everyone as it throws light on some little-known facts about the history of the membership of African Americans in the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this era in which Protestants are looking to their roots after decades of ecumenism, Darius Gray, as a black Mormon should not be on the defensive because of widely held, erroneous perceptions of the history of black membership in his church.

If this book were a nonfiction work, I would make the observation that an index would have been useful. The bibliography is excellent. William G. Hartley, associate professor of history, Smith Institute, Brigham Young University, says it all when he says, "In a way that pure history cannot do, this story attaches us to black Saints who deserve to be known about and appreciated by our generation."

With two more volumes to come, the contributions of African Americans to the Mormon Church should be well documented for the general public. It has been said that the best way to keep information from black men is to put it in a book and classify it as nonfiction. Perhaps Margaret Blair Young and Darius Aidan Gray have found a formula to set this situation right.