Donovan Books

This book was fascinating, brilliant, stimulating. And also wonderfully readable and accessible. (And had gorgeous pictures, of course.) Truly wonderful.

Donovan Roebert edits SAMDHONG RINPOCHE: UNCOMPROMISING TRUTH FOR A COMPROMISED WORLD, a treatise linking Tibetan Buddhist principles with concerns of the modern world. Rinpoche is the first elected prime minister of the Tibetan government in exile and has long contributed scholarly and spiritual thoughts to the world: he's professor whose convictions are solidly based on Buddhism - and his blend of reflection, experience, and self-insight pair well with a world vision acknowledging modern social pressures.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

The many definitions of voice in the dictionary give an introduction to the variation of meaning behind the word, but, as with most dictionary definitions, leaves one grasping only the thinnest of meanings. It cannot give voice to all the meanings, subtleties, nuances, and uses of words. It speaks with an intentional voice, and in realizing that intention, leaves much out. So it is true with many throughout history, and it is still true even in today's relatively more tolerant pluralistic and diverse society.

Turner and Hudson, in this book Saved from Silence: Finding Women's Voice in Preaching, address the question of why and how women should find a voice in preaching in today's church. In so doing, they explore different historical examples, from women mentioned in the Bible to other women in later Christian history. The importance of voice is brought in from the outset, prior to specific examples. What does one mean by voice? '"Voice" as a metaphor corresponds to basic principles in feminist, womanist, and liberationist thought that recognise the issues of power and oppression in relationships.' (p. xii) Their terminology expands beyond the specific task of the recovery of women's voices, and speaks to all humanity. 'If the church recommitted itself to a "voice-centered" theology and mission, the church would be called to take more seriously the systems and structures that stifle the voices in human community.' (p. 139) To a very large, the recovery of women's voices, as one voice that has been explicitly excluded from the greater conversation in the church throughout history, can lead to the recovery of the lost and/or stifled voices of all in the church. This is true in many aspects of the life of the church, not simply preaching. Liturgy and biblical studies often overlooked women (among others). The ignoring of these other voices can have serious consequences. 'It challenges the accuracy of the claim that liturgy is the work of the people when so many of the people are rendered invisible and silent.' (see In Her Own Rite, by Marjorie Procter-Smith, p. 61, which I have also reviewed)

The recovery of lost or stifled voices is no easy task. 'The inability of the silent women to find meaning in the words of others is reflected also in their relations with authorities. While they feel passive, reactive, and dependent, they see authorities as being all-powerful, if not overpowering.' (see Women's Ways of Knowing, by Mary Field Belenky, et al., p. 27, which I have also reviewed) There is great pressure, both officially sanctioned and unofficially encouraged, that keeps those silent from speaking out. When the silent do speak out, it is often ignored. 'Our history as a church is blessed, however, with stories of women who, empowered by God's spirit, have courageously chosen to speak rather than to flee. . Yet, in each generation, feminist work is received as it had no historical past.' (p. 89) It is made more complex in that the silence isn't always a complete stifling. 'Because people do not share a single experience of oppression or define themselves in the same way, one person may feel "voiced" in one situation and then "silenced" in another.' (p. 17) Women in different cultures, and indeed different social classes, denominations, or other such varying conditions, may find greater or lesser degrees of being silenced.

One can look to the biblical text itself, Turner and Hudson argue, to see that there is a call for an empowering of voice to women (among others). 'We found in the biblical texts a model for ongoing interpretation that demands that the contextualised voice speak to its world. We found a hermeneutic that makes our own engagement with the text - because it is ours - important and necessary.' (p. 2) The example of Elizabeth and Zechariah at the beginning of Luke-Acts, and Elizabeth's interactions with Mary, are given as instances of women's voices being empowered over those of men.

If, as Turner and Hudson state, 'The purpose of religious life is to assist and sustain the conversation between God and humanity,' then the silencing of anyone on a categorical basis leads to a brokenness. (p. 50) Each of us can relate to the feelings of women in being silenced, although the correlation is sometimes, given our individual circumstances, an imperfect one - for instance, being a male (white male, besides) affords me other opportunities for voice for which I do not have to fight; however, there are circumstances in which I am silenced by design or by neglect. As we explore the silencing of any individual or group, it gives us opportunity to reflect upon ways in our own lives in which we have been silenced.

In the silencing of any voice, the church runs the risk of silencing an important prophecy. In the silencing of any voice, one makes a choice, and treads on the dangerous ground of not hearing those difficult things that God intends, that are necessary, that are good and just. The hearing of these voices can enrich our lives, even through the irritation that might occur.

This is an excellent follow-up story to Bare Necessities (Harlequin Blaze). I really liked Dane - actually, he was delicious. :-) Marie Donovan is on my must-read list from now on.

This is a classic on introduction to ARIMA modelling. Suitable for everyone, students and professionals.

The "Shrine of the Morning Mist" is the first volume of a hot new Manga series from Tokyopop and is based on the hit anime. This brilliant fantasy drama by Hiroki Ugawa will have broad-based appeal to many Anime and Manga fans. The story tells of a group of sisters named Yuzu, Kurako, Tama, and Miko who are priestesses who protect the world from demons and evil spirits. Kurako, the eldest sister, says ominously that "Evil is flocking to him and we must make preparations". Who are they talking about? Well we soon learn they are talking about their cousin Tadahiro.

Tadahiro is returning home to the city for the first time in five years and he hints at a mysterious letter about his father. He's soon attacked by a demonic figure and only the timely interaction of his cousins saves him from the creature. Tadahiro is taken to their home but is not exactly give a warm welcome by his uncle who immediately tears into him about an incident years ago when he and Yuzu went on a harmless date. Uncle wants him out and even though he loses in a family vote, he overrules his daughters and Tadahiro is sent packing.

While taking up residence in his new home, however, he is attacked by an enormous creature that kind of looks like an earth elemental. Will the sisters rescue him again in time? Just why are demons targeting Tadahiro and why? We'll have to keep reading to find out. I really enjoyed this Manga even though I have not seen the Anime that it was based on (but I think I'll try and rectify that soon). Ugawa's art is crisp and simply breathtaking. It's also easy to follow in the action sequences. Can't wait until Volume 2!

Reviewed by Tim Janson

It was the great literary critic Northrup Frye who said that most of western literature has the bible as its source. The children's book, Snuffles Makes a Friend has a resemblance to the biblical story of Noah and where the lion and the lamb lived together without the lamb being consumed. We all know that polar bears are powerful creatures yet in Snuffles Makes a Friend, Snuffles, the polar bear, is a vegetarian. Snuffles prefers raspberry tea and sweet potatoes to meat. The issue of social anxiety is also raised in this book as Snuffles makes friends with her next door neighbor Percy the Penguin, the latter being quite shy. This book is beautifully illustrated and printed on durable paper. It is a fair example of literature which aims for the facilitation of social interaction among its young readers and fair-mindedness towards neighbors.

I'm gonna give you the brief introduction of this book. It is of my opinion that this work, of art, is so billiant it's almost bizarre. It was quite a treat to read this book, and yet not a marshmallow. In an exciting and captiving recount, Donovan illustrates the uses of various weapons such as the flamethrower, the grenade, the thumbring, and of course...Big Betsy his favorite IED. In his brilliant tale he recounts his battle plans to invade Canada with a "bootle" rocket. Now a little on the author himself. He enjoys Pokemon Battles of Epic Porportions on the weekends, and bringing with him Western Civilization to his parties. Althought the entire work is worth reading, you only have to read the large type headings and be sure to actively read this work.


Durch.

Authors everywhere desire to become famous and have their novels sell millions. But fame, much like everything, carries a cost. "Spun Tales" is a novel of the Black Widow Agency series, following the group as they protect an author from those who would do her harm and those who would and beg her for an autograph. If that wasn't enough, someone is out for her latest book, and the Agency must deal with irritants in their daily lives. An excellently crafted mystery novel especially recommended for women, "Spun Tales" is thoroughly enjoyable.

Shipping was not as fast as I have experienced, but the book did get here quickly. The book was new, and did not have any marks.