D Books

I liked when they ran from the police because it was not only exciting, but they did a lot, too. Like play Meteors, run away from some gangsters, try to find a copy of their game, and actually play their game that had virus in it. I also liked how the author switched to the police, and then back to the twins. He usually did this between chapters. I didn't like how he explained the hole in the back of the neck that was used to plug the human brain to the game. That was digusting! No one in the future would do that! Of course no one would be that crazy to get a plug in the back of their neck, because it would be quite costly. All in all I thought that it was good because it started out quick, and had a lot of detail. This is a very good book. A must read for you Sci-fi readers!!

I'm 14 years old, and I still enjoy this book as a quick read. I've always been a minor fan of video games, and what attracted me was the cover of the book. Very nicely done. Then I began reading it. Takes place in the future, blah blah blah. BUT, unlike many other sci-fi novels, this description of the futur is as dark and infested as others. Sure, there are the major slums and acid rains and society is in a rut, but that didn't detract from the novel at all. It actually enphasized the bootleg video game part vendors that were around, and all the places the twins could go to escape the cops.
From the very beginning, the book readl ike and RPG/Adventure game. Y'know: the characters had to go on little quests and met an assorment of characters. Then, they go into the game. Not only does this game sound like one heck of a game, but there's a bug in it. They have to get it out. I guess that is the supreme ordeal of the novel. The twins (Liz and BJ) went into hiding b/c the police were after them for making a game that put people into a coma. Now, they are trying to fix the bug. So they go on this quest.
This book is recommended for any age. For the kids, it's a thrilling page-turner, and for the older guys, its a quick 2-hour read with an ending that will leave you speechless. Buy this book. Its worth it.

Hi,
I am a 14 year old, I hate to read, and i hate books, one day i was looking throught the library, and i noticed this book in the online cataloge, I looked it up and immidiatly loved it after 1 page, i took it out and had it read within 1 week, This book is amazing, delivering more than an entertaining book, it has a suspensive plot that keeps you reading for hours on end! Now, im buying it to put it in my "fairly small" Collection hehe!

Hi,
I am a 14 year old, I hate to read, and i hate books, one day i was looking throught the library, and i noticed this book in the online cataloge, I looked it up and immidiatly loved it after 1 page, i took it out and had it read within 1 week, This book is amazing, delivering more than an entertaining book, it has a suspensive plot that keeps you reading for hours on end! Now, im buying it to put it in my "fairly small" Collection hehe!

Hi,
I am a 14 year old, I hate to read, and i hate books, one day i was looking throught the library, and i noticed this book in the online cataloge, I looked it up and immidiatly loved it after 1 page, i took it out and had it read within 1 week, This book is amazing, delivering more than an entertaining book, it has a suspensive plot that keeps you reading for hours on end! Now, im buying it to put it in my "fairly small" Collection hehe!

My family was given this book when my mother was dying of cancer. Since that time, I have no idea how many times I've opened it up again and browsed through it. The version I have is leather bound, and has thin pages like those you'd find in a Bible. It came in a box, which has helped it stay nice through the years. I personally would recommend buying the leather edition rather than the paperback; It makes a better looking, more sturdy gift.

I have so often used this book when trying to think of appropriate verses to add to the letters and cards I send to others. I plan to buy a couple copies to give to people who are going through trials right now.

For the most part the verses are organized in a helpful manner, and I enjoy reflecting on them when I feel discouraged, anxious, etc. There are 9 sections, with numerous sub-sections. For example, under the section titled "Jesus is Your ...", some of the subsections are "Savior", "Lord", "Love", etc. Other sections include: The Bible is Your ... What to Do When You Feel... What to Do When You Are ... What To Do When ... What the Bible Has to Say About ... Truth From the Bible About ... What You Can Do To ... God's Plan for Salvation.

Personally, my husband and I believe that a few of the verses, especially those found in the sections relating to Physical Sickness and Finanical Trouble, are not always applicable to us today. In some cases, they are taken out of context. (We are not promised that He will physically heal our ailments today the way Jesus and his disciples healed people while on Earth.) However, I would not let those few verses deter me from giving this as a gift.

This was purchased as a gift. The person who received it read it through in a single sitting- it beckoned her so! Now she is reading it on a daily basis.

I love this book as it is a handy quick reference book for when you are helping others and need a certain Bible verse to comfort, encourage, etc. Bought one of each of my 8 children to have! Many different topics to look up to help in times of trouble. A must have and small enough to carry with you, but print is nice size also.

The compiler of this book (Dr. A. L. Gill) has crafted the single most powerful book of God's Promises. First, the Scripture is primarily drawn from the King James Version of The Bible. Newer "Living" translations, while they may be useful, occasionally change the meaning and context as a by-product of "updating" the language. With King James Version Scripture, you can't go wrong. Second, this is a reference work organized in a primarily situational manner. If you have a need, the book guides you to Scripture that addresses that need. Finally, other than the organizational text, it's 100% Scripture. Too often authors of "Promises" books add their own agenda and interpretation. Depending upon the author, this can cause more harm than good. This book places God's word in your mind and in your heart and lets you decide what He is trying to communicate to you. I consider this to be an essential book for any Christian seeking a deeper understanding of God's Word.

This book is a topical reference for finding Bible verses according to what the verse is about. The topics such as love, suffering, grace, etc are listed alphabetically and are followed by one or more verses that pertain to that subject. This makes it easy quickly find a verse for every occasion and important topics covered in the Bible.

An excellent concept of finding a link between the world today and God. The "non-believer" can relate to this newly discovered God in his/her life who is not a threat, but is rather a source of comfort and intellect.Witty and entertaining, Dr. Adamse makes us rethink our relationship with a higher power.

Great title which delivers a thought-provoking, spiritually challenging glimpse into a dialogue between God & his shrink! This book has broad, interfaith appeal - whether you're a person of faith or simply an observer of human nature - this book will nudge you to question the existence of God's plan. Beautifully written - the author succeeds in testing the reader's willing suspension of disbelief - an essential requirement for good fiction.

God Shrink is a well-written, thought provoking book. The dialogue between God and Richard explores an array of issues from politics to humanity that will leave you questioning your own role in the world. The message of hope and peace shines through and Adamse does a great job in expressing how each person you cross paths with is an opportunity to grow and make a difference - especially when it is God himself. This is a must read!

God's Shrink has an intriguing title and is an absorbing and fascinating book; the unlikely scenario of a patient with possible psychotic tendency who claims to be God, can only stimulate our imagination and curiosity. We are drawn in by the superior intellect of the individual...regardless if he is God or not. His words are empowering and comforting. According to this God we are expected to solve our own problems; after all we have been given brains, and not collective ones, and we should be ready to use them without his help. We are not puppets, and he will not be pulling the strings. This God is very much like loving parents, who comfort us with their support and care but cannot live our life for us.

Particularly moving is Richard's return to his roots; the visit to his grandparents Oma and Opa's house and cemetery plot. I found this passage of the book very emotionally charged, because it brought me back to my own childhood, reconnecting me to family members that have since passed on. I was overwhelmed by emotions, and a flood of cleansing tears streamed down my face. I remembered how much their wisdom and love was instrumental in shaping my character, and helped me in the darkest moments of my life.

God's Shrink is a wonderful book that takes its reader on an emotional journey, based on individual beliefs in God. I found the experience beneficial, and will encourage family and friends to read the book.

Does God need to vent? Does he get stressed? Does he ever take a moment to just stop and pull himself together and decompress? God's Shrink is a book about the possibility of what could happen if The Supreme Being ever thought he needed to talk about his feelings to a mental health professional. The man he picks is Dr. Richard Johnson.

As extraordinary as it would seem to have God walk into a psychiatrist's office and state he has to `vent', Dr. Adamse handles the situation convincingly. Even after several displays of unexplainable feats (speaking foreign languages on demand, reading thoughts, describing the Doctor's morning routine) Richard is still struggling with figuring out exactly how Gabriel's psychosis is structured. It may seem clichéd to us as readers, knowing (or more accurately, assuming) that he actually is talking to God, but in a realistic setting the good Doctor just can't seem to wrap his mind around the possibility. The dichotomy of actually believing in God but not being able to believe you may be in his presence despite the evidence is a tricky subject to traverse. Adamse delves into his own knowledge of psychology, describing to us many technical details of the process and letting us know just how complex the therapy of dealing with a psychosis can be. There is a possibility of one being lost in the subject matter at these points but they don't last long and they are not germane to understanding the story.

As for the plot, Gabriel seems well adjusted and baffles Richard with many of his thoughts and feelings. The things he discusses can easily be coming from a very sane, very concerned person who just wants people to use their free will more than anything else to make the world a better place. The genius in the patient's motives is that he doesn't say it straight forward. Gabriel simply states the obvious in how the world works; things are in motion. He doesn't have control. We are not puppets. As God, he has set things on course and is somewhat disappointed in how they are progressing. Schlepping through this subject matter could easily be full of landmines to controversial damnation, but Adamse seems to have found graceful ways to get this across without (at least as far as I can tell) being insulting to anyone's religion. Of course with Gabriel saying things like `Who says I'm the only God' and making a point of every religion having a different name for him is most likely going to offend SOMEBODY.

There is a saying that the greatest tragedy of Religion is that there are too many names for God. But a simple notation to the fact that God represents himself to Richard as `God' and not Allah, or Buddha or Jehovah can be chalked up to the fact that the Doctor grew up with and has faith in Christianity. Just like many people, Gabriel wants to make himself as available as possible to the person he has chosen to open up to. If the Doctor was of another religion, he might very well have used a different name.

In the end, Dr Adamse makes a great ploy to ask yourself...did this really happen? Was this a real patient? If so, was he God? Or is this just the fictional fantasy depiction of what Dr Adamse would consider his dream patient? Either case, it's a brilliant plant of a seed in the reader's mind. Many questions are asked and many could be discussed in different ways with no clear cut answer simply due to everyone's varied beliefs in God. But the message is clear for the most part...we need to be better humans.

Reviewed by AJ Cooper for Reader Views (11/07)

John Cann, a senior associate for the law office of Loring, Matsen, and Gould, has just witnessed a horrific video of humiliation, torture and finally execution. His good friend, mentor and boss has asked him defend a man who was possibly responsible for the torture and killing of these Muslim people from the Balkans. The hearing for extradition will be held at an international tribunal in Germany. Other countries also have an interest in this man and they want him extradited to their country to stand before a court and answer for his crimes.

Of course John will follow the instructions of his boss and head to Germany to defend Dubran Mribic. His only request is to visit his friend Janie at her rehabilitation center in Georgia. Janie is recovering from almost life-threatening torture that she had received a couple of years ago because of her relationship with Cann. Cann and Matsen took it upon themselves to ensure Janie had the best care and also had themselves assigned as co-guardians with the approval of her family. Janie had come far as had been recovering fairly well considering she had been left for dead. The torture affected every aspect of her life and being able to function.

John hesitantly flies to Germany to defend someone he may not even be able to tolerate. When he arrives and starts to deal with the tribunal and Mribic, everything is not as it seems. Numerous attempts are made on John's life, yet there is another group that follows him and protects him. He discovers the nature of crimes committed by his defendant as well as crimes that had been committed against Mribic's people. No one seems innocent and nothing rings true. Then the unthinkable happens and Mribic is allowed to escape.

Back at home things go from good to bad for Janie at the rehabilitation center. She has a new doctor that has some unique and unusual forms of treatment. Matsen does not want to let on to John what has happened with Janie. He has his firm investigate the doctor and what they find is very disturbing. The law firm must now try and get Janie out of the rehabilitation center. Their only means is to kidnap her from the center and then fight the doctor through the courts. This takes all of Matsen's resolve and determination. Before Matsen is able to tell John about the troubles he has been facing with Janie, John is kidnapped.

Everything comes to a head in Europe and Matsen is forced to travel to Germany to rescue John. Old memories and horrors are brought to the forefront when Matsen returns to Europe. He served as an intelligence officer and became involved in the Balkans. Mribic really wanted Matsen, and not John, so he had to find a way to trick Matsen into returning to Europe.

I truly enjoyed the intertwining of both stories. I did not expect or figure out what could possibly happen next. I could not put the book down. This is a true thriller from the start that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This brief view into the atrocities of war and the hope for justice for the victims was very interesting. The good side of people can really shine through even in the direst of situations. I would recommend "A Grave Breach" to anyone.

Reviewed by Maria Elmvang

What is the gravest breach? Is it a breach of national security? A breach of peace? A breach of contract? Or a breach of confidentiality, of trust?

That is one of the things that James Macomber explores in his third John Cann book and newest novel, A Grave Breach.

John Cann would never have agreed to defend a war criminal in a court of law, especially not after seeing the atrocities he performed during the Balkan war, if it hadn't been for one thing: Arthur Matsen - his boss and a man whom he respects and loves as his own father - asked him to. Forced to find the blurred boundaries between his trust in Matsen and his own impression of his client, Cann travels to Europe and tries to get to the bottom of things and find out why Matsen asked him to take on this case.

Meanwhile, back in the USA Cann's colleague Katherine Price discovers that all is not as it ought to be at the facilities where Cann's ward, Janie is staying. When it is discovered that Janie is subjected to dangerous psychiatric experiments, only a desperate action will protect her.

Giving away any more of the plot would be a shame for others. James Macomber managed to keep me at the edge of my seat through the various twists and turns of the book until its final conclusion. Unfortunately by combining two unrelated plotlines, Macomber sometimes neglects one in favour of the other, and not all threads are properly tied up, leaving me with unresolved issues and burning questions.

It is an advantage, but not a necessity, to have read the two first John Cann books before reading A Grave Breach. I hadn't, but as all references to earlier books are well explained, it allows it to stand on its own without any problems.

Armchair Interviews says: An excellent suspense novel that definitely will leave you wanting to read more of Macomber's work.

Studded with a cast of memorable characters, "A Grave Breach" is an international legal thriller by James Macomber, a true master of this popular action/adventure/suspense genre. John Cann is asked to defend someone charged with war crimes by his trusted friend, mentor and colleague Arthur Matsen. Then there is Janie Reston, a young American college girl savagely brutalized left for dead because of her connection to Cann. The girl is under threat by Nathan Fredrich, an unscrupulous psychiatrist intent on exploiting her horrendous ordeal to capitalize on his questionable theories concerning repressed memories. With a complex and engaging plot involving diverse post-war legal, moral, and ethical dilemmas in Europe, compounded by strong emotional ties and vulnerabilities among the principle characters, "A Grave Breach" is a compelling, superbly crafted, totally engaging read from beginning to end that can be wholeheartedly recommended for personal reading lists and community library fiction collections.

Author James Macomber has set himself a tricky task in creating another thriller with two unrelated plots as part of his John Cann series of international legal thrillers with his recent tome, A Grave Breach.

Set against the backdrop of "ethnic cleansing" that transpired in the Balkans, Macomber has authored a poised and polished novel that unfolds when John Cann, a senior associate in the Washington law firm of Loring, Matsen and Gould is asked by the senior partner, Arthur Matsen to defend a war criminal, Dubran Mribic, after he watches a horrendous video tape that had been sent to Matsen.

It seems that the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia has now indicted Mribic for a variety of hideous war crimes committed against Muslims and he has now requested Arthur Matsen to represent him in any and all legal proceedings. We also learn in the opening pages that the law firm of Loring, Matsen and Gould are more than just attorneys as they are connected to the CIA, having developed a deep and lasting connection to the intelligence community since the creation of the firm. Why would the USA or for that matter Matsen be interested in defending a repugnant and repulsive war criminal who is now being held in Germany?

In addition to the main plot, Macomber includes a secondary plot involving a young woman, Janie Reston, who is now residing in a rehabilitation center as a result of a brutal crime committed against her by several terrorists. Apparently, two years prior to the happening of this atrocious crime, Cann had taken a sabbatical from his law firm and was a visiting lecturer at Charleston University Law School where he was the faculty adviser to Janie. Unfortunately, a connection between Cann and Janie was established in some minds-including the members of a terrorist cell within the Middle East Studies Department of the University, which in fact there had been no connection, however the terrorists didn't know that and they considered him and whomever was connected to him the enemy. The terrorists kidnapped Janie and what they did to her was beyond comprehension leaving her looking like a broken doll. The beastly criminals never stood trial as Cann made sure they were eradicated.

Cann and Matsen had taken it upon themselves to ensure that Janie received the best of treatment at the Whispering Marsh Rehabilitation Center, where, unfortunately, she nevertheless had fallen under the care of an unscrupulous staff psychiatrist, Dr. Nathan Frederich, who wanted to use her as a guinea pig in testing some of his far-fetched theories.

When Cann eventually meets up with Mribic and listens to the latter's side of the story, nothing seems to be as cut and dry as he anticipated. Moreover, when the legal proceedings commence before the tribunal, it appears that all cards are stacked up against his client. Cann also learns of some very interesting details concerning Matsen and his connection to Mribic, who turns out to be quite a devious fellow and who really wanted Matsen to show up and not Cann as he had some unfinished business to settle with him. If this is not enough to keep you turning the pages, various attempts at Cann's life are made by one group of thugs while there exists another group, who unknown to Cann, are his protectors.

Macomber is a great story- teller and he has concocted an interesting plot effectively negotiating the past and the present, east and west, young and old. Right up to the end he teases his readers with red herrings and unresolved questions such as why did he incorporate two distinct plots with very little links between them? It would have been nice if there were more of a connection rather than leaving this up in the air? I also found the complexity of the principal story quite confusing as I tried to keep track of the cast of characters and their past and present activities. Nonetheless, A Grave Breach did keep me reading well into the night and if you can endure some of the hideous scenes, it is still a great read.

Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures

Absorbing and horrifying, James Macomber's novel A GRAVE BREACH sets a story of revenge against the backdrop of the fierce ethnic conflicts in the Balkans. A Washington law firm is tasked with defending a soldier charged with war crimes, and even within the defense team, secret motivations exist, spanning decades. A videotape depicting the crime is the bait in the mousetrap, set by a brutal villain with a grudge against one of the lawyers. Soon, the lawyers, all of whom have ties to the intelligence community, are forced to use every weapon in their considerable arsenal to foil the plot and stay alive. This was a solid read for fans of real-world thrillers.

From her smart rhetoric to her personal story, Tania Grossinger is clearly a force to be reckoned with -- and she proves it chapter after chapter in this quick-read of an autobiography. The book also serves as a nostalgic memory peg for anyone who spent their summers vacationing at the Catskills' most celebrated resort during the 1950s & '60s, and a fun history lesson (packed with insider celebrity scuttlebutt) for anyone who didn't. Kudos to Ms. Grossinger for her candor and skill. I loved it and have been talking it up to everyone I know!

If you don't know Tania Grossinger personally, as has been my extreme good fortune, reading "Growing Up at Grossinger's" is the next best thing! The story of her young years, her mother, her family, the celebrities in and out of the hotel and her life--it's all one hugely entertaining, fascinating parade of personalities and characters. Tania's incredibly astute insights about people were of great interest to me as you see her grow from a vulnerable young girl to a sophisticated woman. Tania has a million stories to tell and the ones in "Growing Up at Grossinger's" will leave you with a wonderful, warm feeling that you've actually "met" an extraordinary person
who has lived a most fascinating life and shares it so well with all of us. Thank you, Tania!

by Sharon Hudgins, author of "The Other Side of Russia: A Slice of Life in Siberia and the Russian Far East"

Tania Grossinger had a childhood that many people only dream of: growing up in a famous resort hotel in the Catskill Mountains of New York, surrounded by celebrities, eating in the hotel dining room, even playing trumpet with the jazz band. The downside of this poignant memoir is Tania's relationship with her elegant mother, a distant member of the Grossinger hotel family, who was widowed shortly after Tania was born. Mother and daughter eventually ended up living at the hotel, as a matter of economic necessity, and Tania spent her youth as a "hotel brat," sleeping in a series of temporary quarters on the grounds of the Grossinger resort complex.
This engaging book is filled with stories about the stars who worked and played at Grossinger's: Eddie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Elizabeth Taylor, Buddy Hackett, Sammy Davis, Jr., Milton Berle, Zero Mostel, Eddie Cantor, Jerry Lewis, Jayne Mansfield, Rocky Marciano, Jackie Robinson. But Tania's story is much more than just another celebrity memoir. Told from the point of view of a young girl coming of age in the 1940s and 1950s, it combines social history of the Borscht Belt with social commentary about the times, along with the personal story of this precocious child who entered Brandeis University as a freshman on scholarship when she was only 15 years old and who went on to become an accomplished author and journalist.
Originally published in 1975 and reissued in 2008, Growing Up at Grossinger's is an entertaining and informative book that's as fresh today as when it was first written. The author holds your interest from start to finish: once you begin reading it, you won't want to put it down. Highly recommended.

"Great book and great insight for one who was never at Grossinger's. I could actually feel the excitement of those who went there. It was also a very touching story about this little girl who had no choice but to learn to live under very unusual circumstances and succeeded. I recommend it highly!"

I have been a high school English teacher for thirty years, and am always interested and arguing with students about books they like and why. We have often talked about a good story, and the "art" of telling it well. Tania's book reveals to us that she has both. Not only has she delivered an authentic,witty, touching, coming-of-age memoir, but she has crafted it with the gift of a writer with a capital W.
Everyone does indeed have a story, but unfortunately, many have the mistaken idea that anyone can put words onto a page and be an author. I beg to differ; it is clear to me that not everyone can tell their tale in a reader-friendly, carefully articulated and intelligent way that keeps the reader unwilling to put it down. Tania has done just that.
I spent every summer of my childhood in Grossingers and, therefore, wanted to read Tania's book. Through her memoire, she has not only opened the floodgates of a hundred forgotten people and places, she has given herself to the reader as only an artist can.

I K.D TOWNSEND
WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS BOUGHT MY BOOK.
I WANT YOU TO KNOW WHY I HAVEN'T WRITTEN A BOOK IN AWHILE.
THE GOVERMENT HAS SEIZED MY BOOKS AND HAVE USED THEM AGAINST ME.
I HAVENT SINCE THEN FELT THE DESIRE TOO WRITE FOR A LONG TIME.
I NOW HAVE BROKEN DOWN MY WALL OF SILENCE. AND HAVE STARTED ON MY NEXT BOOK ABOUT THE FEDERAL GOVERMENT AND MYSELF.
I HOPE WHEN THE BOOK COMES OUT YOU WILL READ IT.
IN THE MEAN TIME ENJOY MY OTHER BOOKS.
ONCE AGAIN
THANK-YOU

K.D TOWNSEND
AUTHOR

M.S Townsend, portrays the hurts of childhood from men, into her adulthood. She gives us all strenth to fight for a better world.
I would highley recomend this book to everyone to read.

M.S Townsend book touched our lives with her own life of sufferning. By showning the world that all of us go threw tragedy and survive. and if were lucky with a smile on our faces.
I enjoyed reading this book. and would recomend it too a friend.

I enjoyed this book very much, in life's everyday struggles its kind of comforting to know that your not alone and that other people go threw hardships like you. The author has brought this out so well in her book .I would recomend this book to anyone.

Mary

This author has style and grace, her book touches the human soul and makes us all look within too places we wouldnt want to travel.

My daughter loves this line of books and I love reading them to her. She is picking up on the words. She is also learning the lessons within the book. When I read the book to her, I will apply the situation to her life and ask her what she should or shouldn't do. Regardless of how she answers, we continue on to see how the story ends. Then, I apply that to her as well. It also makes reading fun. She almost always picks one of the lil critter books to read at bedtime.

My son is 8 yrs old and loves this series of books. The reading is fairly easy and the stories short so it keeps his interest. We read them as bed time stories and they are perfect. We own several of this series and we like them all.

My little guy is five, and we've been reading this book since he was three. Usually he likes to read long books, and has little interest in what he calls "short stories". This book is short; it only takes a few minutes to read. Mercer Mayer books have a special exemption, however - he loves the stories and this is one of his very favourites.

This was a funny book. It reminded me a lot of myself and how I leave things on or don't put them away on accident. Another part that reminded me of how I am is how little critter said they didn't forget to close the refridgerator he was just not done eating. I always leave the t.v. on in a room and come back to it because I'm still watching it. This book I think was made to say that you never forget the important things and the things that really matter. It also lets kids know that everyone is forgetful.

In the beginning of Mayer's book, our hero looks straight at the reader, slightly lifts both arms, and states: "Sometimes I remember, sometimes I just forget." For example he (or she?-it's difficult to tell the gender in this "Little Critter" book) puts his dishes in the sink, but forgets to put away the milk. Humorous twists on the `I remembered this, but forgot this' motif lift this book above the ordinary. For example: "I didn't forget to feed the goldfish, he just didn't look hungry," and, after a bath, "I didn't use soap, but I didn't forget to. I just don't like to." His mother is alternately tired, frustrated, and amused, and the clever story ends on a warm note. This is a sweet and simple story that manages to cover many familiar situations with honesty and empathy for all involved. Watch for the little mouse friend on every page!

This book is good. More for 5 year olds and up, I would think. I do have to explain a lot to my 4 and 2 1/2 year old what the words mean. But still, this is a nice book. Loving and fun! Pictures are bright and cheery!

This book is a perfect way to teach children how to be thankful for all the wonderful things God has given us. It shows that we should be thankful for non-material things. It is a precious book for parent and child to read together. It reminded me of a few things I needed to be thankful for!

I found this book at Marshalls, who knew that this author has other wonderful books. I have been reading it to my infant every chance I get - it really reinforces a lot of healthy attitudes and the basic tenets that I want to instill in him. It highlights a personal relationship that you can have with your God.

This book is wonderful. My daughter and I read it every night at bedtime, and I never get tired of it. Now, I am on a mission to collect ALL of PK Hallinan's books. I think they all have a great message, they are well written, have beautiful pictures and are just all around the best kids' books I have encountered. Definitely a must have for all toddler moms-- and moms with young kids!

This is one of my favorite books to read to my son (almost 3 yrs. old). I love how the author reminds us to be thankful for the things that are easy to overlook, like the power of the mind or the look of an autumn day. It's helped everyone in our house to stop and be thankful for even the little things in our lives.

I loved The Rock Orchard and had to read something else by P.S. (Paula) Wall. If I Were a Man, I'd Marry Me is a collection of short stories taken from a column she used to write (or still writes, not sure) that center on quirky southern characters and situations. She does the same here as she did in The Rock Orchard -- write some quirky, surrealistic takes of ordinary, every day people. Her wit is priceless in this collection and I enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed her novel. My favorite stories are "Maxine's Diet," "Faithful," "The Mortician," "Harley," "Warming the Bench," "Topless," "The Ghost of Elvis," "Chivalry," and "Fruitcake." I guess the one disappointing thing about this collection is that the stories are very short -- about three or four pages each. Other than that, I loved If I Were a Man, I'd Marry Me and I hope to read more stuff by this talented writer.

After a tough day I can count on P.S. Wall to lift my spirits. Wall has a gift for putting everyday occurances into a humerous perspective. Reading her stories makes you feel like you are a part of her group. And what a fun loving group it is! You go girl... and take me with you.

P.S. Wall is just as funny in person as she is in print. She's the kind of storyteller that you want to take home, sat her on the hearth and let her entertain you for the rest of your life. This writer is a well kept secret who is destined to become one of the great Southern humorists of all time.

The other day, my husband and I got a crazy waitress at a Shoneys. As we walked outside after lunch, we burst into laughter and agreed that we'd just had a Wall Moment. I could almost read the article she would have written about the incident. Buy this book, and soon you'll be having Wall Moments too.

If I Were A Man, I'd Marry Me draws you into P. S. Wall's slightly skewed universe. The same things happen to her that happen to all of us -- she finds and writes about the absurdity, the humor and the craziness of ordinary life. I'll never look at a dipstick or chocolate brown shoes the same way again.

Wall's book is filled with friends and family you want to be part of. You follow Rosie and Maxine and even Cat from adventrue to mis-adventure with constant chuckling, but also a growing sense of familiarity. These are your people. I met Sweetie once at a conference -- believe me, he lives up to his hype.

Though consistently out there, Wall's universe remains grounded in reality. She doesn't avoid tough questions -- "If you dream about another man," one character asks, "is that being unfaithful?" Of course, the man they all dream about turns out to be Al Gore -- go figure. Wall tackles emotional insecurity, the tribulations of being single, the difficulties as well as the rewards of marriage. Perhaps that's what makes these essays more than just fun to read once. Like Mark Twain or Erma Bombeck, P. S. Wall writes about our real lives, and we want to return to her again and again.

You can catch P. S. Wall at uexpress.com, and I'd travel 1000 miles to her her speak in person -- she's that good. But right now, for a good healthy dose of vintage Wall, buy If I Were A Man, I'd Marry Me. I guarantee you'll laugh on every page, and pretty soon you'll be having Wall Moments too.

Walls takes life and makes it into stories you can laugh about. The hooker story is the first and it is hillarious as the others. They are cleverly written. Read all of her works with girl friends.

Adrian Goldsworthy's book In The Name of Rome would be an outstanding addition to the library of anyone interested in ancient Roman military history. Goldsworthy is in my opinion, and based largely on the reading of this excellent book, not only extremely knowledgeable about the subject, he writes compellingly and engagingly and communicates not only his interest and knowledge but also his enthusiasm for the subject. I loved this book.

Goldsworthy breaks his book down into essentially self-contained biographies, or comparative biographies, of several major Roman generals and sometimes statesmen. He covers their lives, their campaigns in great detail, their careers in politics and what they accomplished or meant to accomplish. Some of the endings are triumphant, some tragic, some bittersweet. Subjects include Fabius and Marcellus, Scipio Africanus, Aemilius Paulus, Scipio Aemilianus, Marius, Sertorius, Pompey, Caesar, Germanicus, Corbulo, Titus, Trajan, Julian and Belisarius.

As can be seen, the book concentrates more heavily on generals during the Republic and the very early empire; he does explain how the politics of the empire caused individual generals to fade in importance vs the image of the emperors themselves. Not every stage of the Republic's growth is covered, nor every campaign of every general, and yet there is a strong and well conceived thread which goes throughout this book.

Besides the fantastic characters of the personalities themselves - and often, those of their enemies - Goldsworthy excels in describing the campaigns and the battles fought, the tactics on the field, and the qualities of leadership displayed and exercised. He contrasts the various styles with one another, and with the times in which they were used, and how these changed. The organization of the armies, how they were employed in brute force or in subterfuge, the importance of the various elements - all of it is well presented.

Finally, the book includes a chronology from the founding of Rome through the various major events in the wars and lives described in the book, through the death of Belisarius; and there is a useful glossary of Roman military terms that is very useful in the reading of the book.

If you have an interest in the Roman art of war, this book should be on your shopping list.

Mr. Goldworthy's book, like his others remains both readable and informative. As the previous reviewers have stated, Goldworthy has taken Roman history to levels previously unattainable in a common history.

The leaders covered are pretty exhaustative. Few are a surprise and all are covered in a manner that most readers will find enlightening. Some personal favorites are here such Fabius/Marcellus and Scipio Africanus of Punic War fame, Germanicus/Corbulo mid Principate and Trajan of later Empire. He also touches on numerous other leaders but explains why he does not delve into depth (Suetonius Paulinus for example) What Goldworthy emphasises is that the leader was important but Roman doctorine/troops was critical. When he highlights the differences between the periods of Roman history, this becomes more appartent.

Given the historical paucity of sources for the later Empire/Eastern Empire, he does a fair job of showing that though weakened, the Roman way of war still remained deadly. He also does a good job of highlighting Julian (the Apostate to us Christians) and his unworthiness of being called great rather than simply competent.

Overall both a great read and one that remains true to the standards ste by the author in previous books. I truly enjoyed reading this.

Roman-era expert Adrian Goldsworthy has written an outstanding history of seven centuries of Roman generalship with his latest volume, In the Name of Rome: The Men Who Won the Roman Empire. This is Goldsworthy's first volume that is focused primarily on individuals, rather than organizational studies of the Roman Army, but he handles the material deftly and brings these characters into sharp focus as individuals, rather than as mere ciphers. Goldsworthy also attempts to divine general lessons about the nature of the Roman command style from the behavior of these generals, many of whom are not well-known to modern readers.

Each chapter in this volume details the career of one or two generals in a given period and the chapters are arranged sequentially, covering the period from the Second Punic War to the 6th Century A.D. Generally, Goldsworthy covers each of these Roman commanders in 25-30 pages as well as providing background material about contemporary conflicts and leaders. It is particularly impressive that Goldsworthy has been able to construct such a rich narrative on these generals, given the fragmentary and incomplete nature of the historical record. The chapters on Sertorius and Corbulo were particularly enlightening. Readers may also note that Goldsworthy's discussion of the Emperor Julian's generalship is far less complementary - although probably more accurate - than some modern accounts that attempt to rank him alongside Julius Caesar.

Goldsworthy disputes the oft-held opinion that Roman generals were military amateurs and instead depicts them as professional public figures who alternated between military, civic and political roles. One of the chief attributes of Roman leaders that Goldsworthy cites is Virtus, the steadfast ability to endure setbacks and to endure until final victory was achieved. Although Roman armies were often defeated, they were rarely demoralized and they usually recovered quickly. While only a few Roman generals were truly gifted soldiers - Scipio Africanus and Julius Caesar being exceptions - most learned how to employ the operational art and tactics that served Rome so well for centuries (unlike modern military leaders, who must constantly update their professional knowledge due to changes in technology and doctrine).

As Goldsworthy notes, Roman generals did not typically participate in close combat, as Greek generals did. Rather, the role of a Roman general on the battlefield was to "serve as a witness to his troops' acts of bravery" and to dispense rewards. Goldsworthy's theory is essentially that Roman troops were primarily motivated by the anticipation of rewards. It is a good theory and certainly one that tracks well with what we know about other armies in history, such as Napoleon's Grande Armee. Goldsworthy also discusses changes in the Roman Army over these centuries, including a greater degree of professionalism and the fact that soldiers became more loyal to their commanders (the one who rewarded them, anyway) than the state. Goldsworthy's hypothesis appears solid and the narrative supports it well. Although readers familiar with Caesar's commentaries, Tacitus and other Roman histories will find few new details here, the skill and clarity with which Goldsworthy weaves together all these accounts into a coherent narrative is truly commendable.

This looked a little daunting but Adrian Goldsworth held my intellectual hand and walked me through 700 years of Roman history as seen from the viewpoint of the fightin' generals. Goldsworth demands a bit of rigor from his readers but the payoffs are fun and worthwhile. Join Africanus as he lays waste to Carthage, Caesar in France and Germany, and everbody else in Spain. Weapons and discipline are explained patiently. (When you get tired of crucifying enemies the regular way, try some new positions where the folks looking out at your camp can see what you have in store for them unless they surrender) He helps you understand how the process of war changed with the political drama constantly unfolding back in Rome. And finally helps you come to grips with why commanders ultimately came to feel that Rome was irrelevant. This is a meaty book for the serious ancient history fan. Thanks Adrian !

While it of course has a very interesting subject matter, it still is an extraordinarily easy book to read. It is no thin composition and yet I accidently finished it in three days. While I'm a fledging of sorts on the subject this book is easily the best written military history book I've ever read.