Ferguson Books

I had read a couple of biographies of Tycho Brahe years ago, but never anything on Johannes Kepler except the bare-bones discoveries that made him famous. This book was a well-conceived and well-written biography of both men. Starting with Tycho and his observations and ending with Kepler and his discoveries based on Tycho's data, the book interleaves their lives in the middle where they were contemporaries. What a shame that Tycho died only a year or so after taking Kepler on board. It's interesting to speculate what might have happened if Tycho had lived. But he didn't, and Kepler's brilliant use of Tycho's data made them both famous and greatly advanced the science of astronomy. Thruout, you can see astronomy splitting away from astrology and leaving it in the dust.

Kitty Ferguson tells the tail of the unique and often humorous relationship between Johannes Kepler and Tycho Brahe that led to some of the greatest astronomical discoveries of our time. Going against the common belief of the geocentric universe, Kepler changes the world forever with the essential help of Brahe's observation on the heavens. Although the result of their relationship is extraordinarily beneficial to astronomy, the relationship is not as peaceful as one would think. Ferguson makes this evident throughout the story and gives numerous examples of their feuding and bickering over their work together. It reminded me of a 17th century spin off of the odd couple. Both informative and entertaining, this book covers everything from Brahe's golden nose to Kepler robbery of Brahe's information and is definitely worth reading if you are interested in the subject.

Tycho and Kepler: The Unlikely Partnership That Forever Changed Our Understanding of the Heavens, by Kitty Ferguson, is a 402-page dedication to two astronomical greats of the early seventeenth century, Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler. Beginning with an examination of the society into which Brahe was born, the book traces him throughout his childhood and adulthood, from the building of Uraniborg, Brahe's astronomical observatory on the island of Hven to his banishment from the kingdom of Denmark. Not until nearly the hundredth page is Kepler discussed, but from that point forward, tales from each man's life are alternated. It seems that more time is devoted to Brahe. The two stories come together when the men meet, and it follows them together from that point forward. When Brahe passes away, the focus immediately and entirely shifts to Kepler and follows him to the end of the book. The story comes to an abrupt finish with Kepler's death, though the volume also contains three appendices explaining and elaborating on complex astronomical terms discussed in the body of the book.
I think Ms. Ferguson decided to recount this story because she was interested in both astronomy and history. From reading the book, one can feel the interest the author has in the subject matter. While reading this book, I became interested in the topic as well, but sometimes felt a bit lost. Occasionally, it seemed that she went too much in depth on certain topics, such as the construction of Uraniborg, which she described in great detail. In general, however, Kitty Ferguson seems to like enjoy writing about this topic, and conveys her enthusiasm in her writing.
This is a good book. I read it for a school assignment, and was not especially interested in the topic at hand at first, though I rapidly became drawn into the story. I only grew bored of the book when it began to explain complex astronomical concepts. While all ideas were explained in full and in understandable language, accompanied by appropriate pictures and diagrams, it was still somewhat tedious for someone not especially knowledgeable about astronomy to wade through. The flow of the book is excellent. It never felt rushed, and the transitions between sections focusing on each scientist were smooth. The one thing that I really disliked about this book was its sudden ending. It ends at Kepler's death; it does not even mention the impacts of Brahe and Kepler's work on later scientists. Despite this inadequacy, I was left with a good impression of Ms. Ferguson's book, and with much more knowledge about astronomy, Tycho Brahe, and Johannes Kepler than I had when beginning to read this book.

An amazing and inspirational account of one of the greatest stories in the history of science. Extremely well written and scholarly. I have average reading skills but at times found the book impossible to put down. In spots I had to stop reading it because emotions took over. The best book I ever read about the classical scientists.

Tycho & Kepler - The Unlikely Friendship that Forever Changed Our Understanding of the Heavens is, for the most part, an excellent novel and easy read. Although it is a little confusing and dry at the times when complex astronomical concepts are being explained, they are outweighed by the wealth of historical accounts and gratuitous, but juicy tidbits. For instance, besides explaining the extensive instruments that Tycho built, Ferguson offers that he was also the first Dane to write a poem in Latin, that he had a twin that died at birth, and his aunt and uncle kidnapped him from his parents who wanted a girl and didn't much care. As for Kepler, not only did he develop the Harmonic theory, but had a miserable marriage, a mother accused and tried for witchcraft, and was the first author of a science fiction novel. Kitty Ferguson thus tells the life stories of the astronomers Tycho and Kepler in an informative, educational, yet narrative and interesting way. She effectively spans the 20-year gap between Tycho and Kepler by beginning the book describing Tycho's childhood and indeed his life exclusively up until the advent of a comet on December 27, 1571. Ferguson explains that, when Tycho saw the comet, he was out at one of his 60 manmade fish ponds on his estate at the Danish Isle of Hven, catching fish for dinner that evening. Meanwhile Kepler saw the same comet, but he was only five, and it was during a rare warm moment that he shared with his mother on a hilltop in Leonberg. Thus Kepler enters the story. For the rest of the book, Ferguson fluidly integrates the two men's lives, switching back and forth in an understandable, connected way. She eventually merges the two stories in a dynamic, functional manner, and shows how they used each other, and that many of their final results were synthesized versions of their combined efforts. Basically, Tycho provided excruciatingly accurate data that Kepler confirmed mathematically and extrapolated on. Kepler could have never figured out all that he did with out Tycho's data; he had bad eyesight and could not observe the sky he so dearly slaved for. It was because Tycho initially mistrusted Kepler that Kepler received only slight amounts of data that Kepler discovered that planetary orbits are elliptical - Tycho gave him only data on Mars, which happens to have the most extreme elliptical orbit, otherwise Kepler never would have noticed. Tycho also used Kepler to advance his own work and complete (among other things) the Rudolfine Tables, which are not merely the positions of planets, but guides to figure out what positions they are in at any time, (now, 586 years ago, or one thousand years into the future). The aptly-named chapters are elegantly punctuated with helpful pictures, like paintings of people discussed, illustrations of instruments, maps of the places mentioned, explanatory diagrams, and more. There are also obliging appendixes in the back, explaining astronomical terms (even though they are well-explained in the reading), and an index.
Just as the accomplishments of these men were great, so were their lives, which is probably why Kitty Ferguson felt compelled to tell the story of them. I would highly recommend it, even if you do not much care for astronomy.

This book lays out in clear, concise language the essential parts of the reformed Christian faith. Sometimes if I put the book down for a while I would have to go back and re read some but it is not so dense that it is incomprehensible. It is very approachable and I would recommend it for self study or a Sunday school class

Simply stated, if you want a better understanding of grace and our need for it, read this book. A great book to introduce you to the most essential aspects of the Christian faith and how they impact our lives. This would be a great book to give to someone who needs answers to basic questions! Highly recommend it!

This overview of the Christian life in terms of its key components as expounded in biblical doctrine is one of the most deeply scriptural, Christ exalting, and personally edifying books a young Christian - really, ANY Christian! - could read. Ferguson covers the full scope of a believer's saving relationship with God in simple language with incisive biblical explanation and warm pastoral application. In reading this book of just over 200 pages, I felt that there were no wasted words - no fluff in this book - just good solid food. Reading it was like eating an exquisite steak dinner with all the trimmings at a high class restaurant - I simply wanted to savor every bite and enjoy the whole meal! I hope this review is persuasive enough to get you to buy and read this book. After reading it, purchase five or ten more and give them away to others - this is really a very good book that deserves much wider distribution.

This is a lovely little read that makes for a great introduction into reformed theology. This book is not one of systematic theology, but rather allows the reader to get his/her toes wet with the various doctrines that guide the Christian pilgrimage. From the Effectual Call to Glorification, this book provides the practical implications behind the things we now about God.

There are two things that I particularly enjoyed about this book aside from its overall qualities as mentioned above. First, Ferguson includes the works of various Christian intellectuals from throughout history in his chapters. This makes it feel like the book is part of a larger Christian tradition. Some examples of intellectuals Ferguson likes to quote include C.S. Lewis, John Bunyan, and Thomas Watson. The passages that Ferguson quotes from such sources are truly beautiful and make this little work a treasure chest in terms of exposure to other notable authors. Secondly, Ferguson places a fair amount of emphasis on the practical implications of the theological doctrines he is writing about. I really felt that these points were particularly helpful and enlightening.

I read a chapter of this book each week and it gave me a really good boost during my week to be exposed to some basic reformed theology with such a rich tradition. This book definitely made me want to come back for more and I'll be reading some of Ferguson's other books, hoping for the same quality as I found here. This book's best demographic is probably that of Christians who have been in the faith for less than five years but more than one. Also, this would make a great Christian book club or small group selection. In any case, the book is fully deserving of the "classic" label that is has already earned with many.

Most believers (including myself early in my walk with Christ) somehow believe that doctrine divides, that it is unimportant, or that it is only necessary for the "professionals" of the faith! As Sinclair Ferguson writes in his excellent, understandable, and practical book, The Christian Life: A Doctrinal Introduction, "The conviction that Christian doctrine matters for Christian living is one of the most important growth points of the Christian life." (pp.2). Ferguson breaks down some key doctrines in relatively short, easy to follow chapters that are filled with straightforward explanations of Scripture. If you think that doctrine and theology are too hard, give this book a try! You don't even have to read it straight through. You can simply read a chapter as a reference (for instance on Justification).

Ferguson writes, "We may have to rethink our personal response to doctrine in order to integrate it into the very warp and woof of our spiritual experience. For too many Christians for too long, `doctrine' has been thought of as impractical, stodgy and relatively useless. But we cannot obediently hear our Lord (surely the most practical man who ever lived), if we turn away from his doctrine. For he teaches doctrine in order to fill our lives with stability and grace." (pp. 4).

I've actually "field tested" this book at my last church. A small group was having some battles on predestination. I photocopied the chapter on Election from this book and gave it to one man who was struggling to both grasp and explain the issue. He found it very clear, helpful and faith-confirming. I hope that you will find it the same and your walk with the Lord will be richer and more joyous as a result.

In The Great Exchange, Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington show us what the apostles taught in scripture about the atonement, patterning their work after George Smeaton's The Apostles Docrine of the Atonement, a classic study written more than 130 years ago. There are two sections in this book: a first section summing up the teaching of the apostles on Christ's atonement and placing this teaching in it's historical context; and the second--the bulk of the book--examining the apostle-authored texts dealing with Christ's atonement, moving from Acts through Revelation.

The authors are firmly convinced that the message of the cross is central to true faith.You can't read more than a few pages of The Great Exchange and not clue into how much these two gentlemen cherish the doctrine of the atonement. Over and over, page after page, they show us from numerous texts that the apostles are teaching us a precious truth:"..[T]he Great Exchange that results from the death of the perfect sacrifice is a twofold substitution: the charging of the believer's sin to Christ results in God's forgiveness, and the crediting of Christ's righteousness to the believer results in his justification."

There you have it--the great exchange of Christ's atonement. If you desire to better understand and appreciate this great exchange--and we all should, shouldn't we?--this book is the right place to start. It's good theology coupled with writing that anyone can understand. I plan to add it to my short list of theology books for the lay person, but it would be well-suited for any pastor or teacher, too.

I have just a few very small complaints, too small to mention were this an ordinary book. But it's not ordinary; it ought to be a classic based on the depth of content. It's that depth of content that makes some of the awkward phrasing, like "equally as", for instance, worthy of mention. There are also a few factual errors that I found as I read and studied along. The text says, for example, that the phrase "in him" occurs twice in 2 Corinthians 5:21 and it's only there once. (It occurs occurs once more in verse 19, and this is probably the second occurrence intended.)

In addition, there are more than a few places where statements are made that are undoubtedly correct, but that I'd like to see defended more explicitly. Let me show you what I mean. The book states, "As God, and as co-maker of the law, Christ was under no obligation on his own account to be under the law or to obey the law, and, as a result, he is capable of giving his voluntary obedience away." I don't disagree, but I couldn't give the reasons why this statement is right. I wish the authors had given the reasoning behind this statement and several others like it, perhaps not in the text, but in endnotes or appendices.

I do hope The Great Exchange becomes a classic, because it is a wonderful tool for expanding the reader's understanding of Christ's work and increasing their love for Christ himself. I highly recommend it, and if enough of you buy it, maybe they'll take care of my quibbles in the second edition.

If you want your soul enriched, your mind renewed, and your heart impassioned, read the book.

Go figure, a theology that you won't want to put down! - This vital topic (the atonement) is explained in a thoroughly Biblical and readable way. - I'm thankful to the authors for their fidelity and attention to the Biblical texts without getting lost in the controversial areas of the atonement. Reading this book reminded me how we so need to major in the vast riches of what can be clearly understood. I was humbled; enriched; encouraged; and sure of my faith after reading and studying this book.

This book is awesome. I really enjoyed the entire book, it's right on target and in many cases presents in a context I had not thought of prior. I would recommend this highly. I'm thinking of buying copies for all the Pastors, Elders, and Deacons at my church.

I have been a fan of Jerry Bridges for several years. I was first introduced to Bridges when I picked up 'Transforming Grace'--a warm and refreshing treatment of the grace of God and how we can practically apply the liberating truth of God's grace to our daily lives. Then I read The 'Pursuit of Holiness,' followed by 'Discipline of Grace' and then The 'Gospel for Real Life.' Needless to say, I quickly learned that Jerry Bridges is not only doctrinally in-tune with the truths of the gospel; he is relentlessly passionate about the gospel. When I heard that Bridges was teaming up with a close friend (Bevington) to write a thorough and accessible treatment of Christ's atonement, I was excited to devour the truths I knew would be clearly and practically expounded in their work. I was not disappointed.

'The Great Exchange' is, in simple terms, a book about the gospel. More specifically, it is a book that explains what the Bible teaches about Christ's substitutionary atonement, and how this atonement makes us right with God. The theme verse of the book is II Corinthians 5:21, "For our sake [God] made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." In chapter after chapter, Bridges and Bevington explain, from from many Old and New Testament passages, what it means that Christ became sin on our behalf so that we could become the righteousness of God. In a word it means that Christ, the sinless one, was charged with our sin, while we, in the Great Exchange, received Christ's perfect righteousness.

Bridges and Bevington also focus on the representative life of Christ, explaining that the fullness of Christ's atonement not only happened at the cross; it was occurring over the course of his whole life, while Christ was walking in perfect obedience to God's law on our behalf. Christ was our substitute, not only in his death, but also during his life--he lived a perfectly righteous life in our place and died the death we deserved. As a result, God can now justify those who trust in Christ because he credits Christ's righteousness to them, while transferring all their guilt to Christ; a guilt that has been fully paid for at the cross. God remains just and we receive pardon from sin and perfect righteousness.

Bridges and Bevington also emphasize the truth that the work of Christ's atonement is not a work that happens on the inside of us (although it is the grounds for God's work on our hearts), it is an external, finished, objective, historical work that has already fulfilled the law of God in our place. There is no work left to do; that is why faith is the instrument by which we receive the benefits of this great atonement.

In the latter two-thirds of the book, Bridges and Bevington take the reader through every major passage in the New Testament that speaks of Christ's work of representation and atonement, mining each text for precious truth. Major passages from the book of Acts, all of Paul's epistles (excluding Philemon), Hebrews, I Peter, I John and Revelation are examined and proclaimed. The final product is a Scripture saturated exposition of Christ's work for our salvation (there are over 1000 Scripture references in the book, and only five references from other sources). Well-written and throughly grounded in Scripture, this book is one that deserves to be read and reread.

I know how easy it is to be tempted to think that we, at some point in the Christian life, get beyond the gospel. When I oblige this temptation, I am usually led into paths of self-righteousness and spiritual frustration. On the other hand, when my mind is enraptured by the fullness of Christ's work on my behalf, I find what Christ calls, "rest for [our] souls" (Matthew 11:29) and power for obedience. For these and other blessings, I recommend this book to you.

My oldest daughter gave this book to her sister when she was very young and they both have loved having it read to them and later reading it for themselves, using it for school projects, etc. Now I have a great-grandson and want to give him a copy of this wonderful book.

I loved this book as a child. Unfortunately my copy was lost, but a family member who had received the same book gave hers to my son. Reading through the book has brought back many happy memories-- I hadn't looked at the illustrations or read many of the stories in over 20 years, but I still remember them. I look forward to years of reading this book with my son and am thrilled the book is still available so that I can buy it for friends and family.

I have become the keeper of the family copy of this wonderful book. It is filled with some of the greatest fables and stories that you'll want to share with your child. I'm trying to find a new copy for my daughter to keep for the rest of her life. Meanwhile, I'm going to have the one we have rebound. < a native New Englander >

I loved this book so much as a child (of the 1970's) that I had the foresight to save it for my own children. It is one of three books I saved, the other two being "A Child's Garden of Verse" by Robert Louis Stevenson, and D'aulaire's "Greek Myths". These are classic stories that have not been softened and dumbed down or made politically correct like so many modern children's books. They really pack a punch and evoke thought, and the illustrations are gorgeous.

This book was given to my mother by my great aunt when I was 2 1/2 years old (my sisters were 1 and 5). We have fought over it ever since. I have been unable to find it for years (my mother kept the original copy and it is now a favorite of her grandchildren). I was fortunate enough to obtain a copy from a used books dealer in New Hampshire last year. I am ordering two from Amazon.com so that I can surprise my sisters at Christmas (amen!). With everything from Aesop to Wordsworth, and stories, poems and songs from Mother Goose to Rudyard Kipling, there is someting in this book for any child of any age. These are the classic tales of Peter Pan, Winne The Pooh, The Velveteen Rabbit, Heidi and Gulliver, to mention a few. My mother would read aloud from this book every night - "The Goops" on page 65 was a favorie poem and "Over in the Meadow" on page 101 was a favorite song - I know my mother enjoyed reading it equally as much as we girls. The illustrations are wonderful, and most are reproductions from the original books. Finding this book has meant finding a part of my childhood, and I'm sure anyone else who grows up with it will feel the same.

I agree with so much Pam Ferguson has to say in this book. We mourn the absence of our children, but we must focus on the positive. My 16 year old son, Peyton had been gone five months when I read "Surviving Ryan". The title alone says so much. We have survived and will continue to survive and live blessed lives if we so choose. The Fergusons choose to honor their son and their relationship with God by living. You will be encouraged if you read "Surviving Ryan".

In this powerfully moving, yet practical book, Pamela Ferguson uses the poignant story of the loss of her oldest son, Ryan, to help others deal with the greatest tragedy a parent can ever imagine. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has experienced the loss of anyone close to them and also to their friends and families who are struggling to know how to help them best.

Thank you Pam Ferguson for finding a way to give to others, even in your most difficult pain and devastation. This book explains everything that a family had to go through with the death of their son (brother, grandson, nephew, friend, etc.) - written from the perspective of a loving mother. I found this book to be so helpful, in the way that I will relate to people in the future, after the loss of a loved one. Everyone should read this book, and always remember to say "I love you" to important family and friends.

A book every parent should read. A story of an extraordinary family and how they coped with losing a young member of the family. Exploring the raw emotions each member of the family felt and how each individually and collectively as a family used their faith and family bonds to survive.

A book every parent should read. A story of an extraordinary family and how they coped with losing a young member of the family. Exploring the raw emotions each member of the family felt and how each individually and collectively as a family used their faith and family bonds to survive.

Our Theology Professor recommended two books as must-haves for our collection, this title and the other was New International Dictionary of the Christian Church, The (Hardcover) by Earle E. Cairns (Editor), J.D. Douglas.

A good reference work, a ton of articles of all kinds (supposed to be over 600)lots of excellent authors/contributors, should help me a lot with vague phrases and definitions. I like the fact that it is a one volume rather complete reference.

The New Dictionary of Theology is an excellent resourse for the broad and timely expanse of theology. From Abelard to Zwingli, this edition covers with precision the vissicitudes of theological movements and of the erudite artificers who commenced with fervour such oblate campaigns. This Dictionary, however, is evangelicaly biased, but yet equally partial to the immense scope of Christian doctrine and thought. I have thoroughly enjoyed opening this Dictionary, and will continue to do so as it knowlegeably inhances my erudition towards theology. This book has been a blessing on my shelf, and it would be wise to purchase such a masterwork for yourself.

By way of introduction, Christians will sometimes confuse a Dictionary of Theology with a Bible Dictionary. A Dictionary of Theology describes how theologians have thought about Biblical themes during the past 2,000 years. A Bible Dictionary merely describes such themes (and names and places) as they appear in the Bible. So, for instance, "Benedict" would not appear in a Bible Dictionary, while "Rome" might not appear in a Dictionary of Theology.

I found that there was, generally speaking, great clarity of writing, a healthy avoidance of overly technical language, and little if any sacrifice of content in the process. The Dictionary is encouragingly up to date, while not overlooking older subjects, such as Arianism. Yet there are some puzzling omissions, such as Postmodern Theology. However, the book clearly needed to make choices, and, by and large, they would seem to have been the right ones. The Dictionary often includes characteristic quotations of theologians through the ages. It also contains vital bibliographies at the end of each entry, and it is cross-referenced throughout. It can rarely be said to favour a particular point of view, although there are a few amusing exceptions by seemingly irritated contributors, such as a reference to "much faddishness" in Contemporary Theological Trends.

Upon opening the book, it is immediately obvious that the publishers have decided to give a thorough treatment to just a few select topics. By "a few", I mean between six and seven hundred. Thus the range of topics is inevitably limited, and there surely would be no perfect selection. What I did miss was an index at the back. For instance, Gustavo Gutierrez appears in the book, but only under Liberation Theology. If one did not have a reasonably good idea of where to look, one might be thoroughly stuck for certain information. Sometimes (but not always), the Dictionary smoothed over major distinctives in the Church, which is precisely where one might wish to see some detail. So, for instance, the seven sacraments of Roman Catholic theology are referred to vaguely as "sources of truth". With language like this, it may be hard to discern what is meant at all.

In its definition of theology, the New Dictionary of Theology quotes Thomas Aquinas: "Theology is taught by God, teaches of God, and leads to God." That, too, would seem to be the general understanding and emphasis of the book. All in all, it is readable and useful, and not least, it has been reprinted nine times in the past seventeen years, which surely cannot be a bad recommendation.

I am a former graduate from a Christian University. Throughout my tenure there I took several theology courses, a half dozen bible courses and even more ministry courses as my degree was in Church Education. There are so many theological terms and research one would be forced to do at college, that are often absent from a hands on position in a local church. This all depends on the church and denomination. Fundemantalists generally value theology, while some of the mainline charismatic churches value practice over theology.

I can say that this theological reference as been a great asset to me to aid in my online debates with Atheists, cults and the like [...]. It also has been a great asset to my website where I am creating a bible curriculum (http://johnw.freeshell.org/bible/published_works.htm).

Previously to owning this book I only had a Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms. Such a reference was useful only for simple definitions of huge terms. But know since owning the New Dictionary of Theology I can gain far more depth on these and many more terms, that are absent from bible dictionaries and the simple pocket theological dictionaries.

Sabellianism
Systematic Theology
Pantheism
Transubstantiation
The theological views of some of the mainline denominations

The Nobodies is a fantastic surreal adventure that had me on the edge of my seat for the whole ride. This sequel to The Anybodies allows us to revisit Fern and her 'brother' Howard. Howard and Fern were switched at birth. Howard was supposed to be raised by the ever-boring Drudgers, while Fern missed an upbringing by her very unusual father, the Bone.

The Bone is unusual because he is an Anybody. An Anybody is a person with a special ability to transform themselves or things. One of Fern's abilities is that she can shake items out of books. But nowadays she can only shake out Diet Lime Fizzy bottles with messages in them. Fern's grandmother (the ultimate Anybody) believes it is time for Fern to go to Camp Happy Sunshine Good Times to meet other Anybodies and to learn more about her powers.

But when Fern gets there (with Howard by her side), they find that Camp Happy Sunshine Good Times is not at all what they expected. Something is amiss. The counselors are mean, the campers are scared and no one has that Happy Sunshine Good Times feeling about being an Anybody. Fern has to find out what is wrong and, at the same time, she has to find out how she can save the Nobodies (it turns out that they're the ones who have been sending her the messages in the Diet Lime Fizzy bottles.)

In so many carefully crafted "jujitsu-style" twists, the author tells a wonderful tale about Fern and her brother, the Hermit and the mole, Holmquist and the campers. I loved every turn that it took and recommend this book to everyone. Great story, great writing. A real winner!

This book was great! My daughter and I read it together. We laughed so hard at some parts we cried! This author really gets kids. I would recommend it to absolutely anyone!

This is the sequel to the Anybodies. Fern is the main character in the book. She is now living back with her father. She is spending the summer at Anybodies camp called Camp Happy Sunshine Good Times. The camp is really weird and she has lots of adventures here! Fern keeping finding soda bottles with messages for her to same some one. Join Fern as she tried to find out who she has to save and what she is saving them from!


The black and white illustrations through out the book were interesting. I enjoyed learning more about each character as I read.

This is a must read for those who enjoyed The Anybodies!

Now that Fern knows she's a natural-born Anybody, she can't wait to learn more and meet other Anybodies. When her father, the Bone, signs Fern and Howard (her almost-kind-of-sort-of brother) up for Camp Happy Sunshine Good Times, Fern is as thrilled as Howard is mortified. The camp is for young Anybodies, and the sappy name and matching brochure are intended to discourage "normal" camp goers.

Before Fern and Howard can even depart for camp, strange things start to happen. Fern overhears the Miser, a former villain, talking with a nasty mole--not the kind on one's face, but a furry, beady-eyed rodent with an unusually flared nose. And this mole is threatening dire consequences if the Miser doesn't get something from Fern. Just as strange are the notes-in-bottles Fern gets every time she tries to shake things from books. "Help us, Fern!" "Only you can save us!"

A rhino hunt, hunter hunt, flood and terrifying bus ride (really, blind men should NOT be allowed to drive camp buses!) later, Fern and Howard arrive at Camp Happy Sunshine Good Times to find what they did and did not expect. Fern did not expect the famous Anybody camp to be so dreary and frightening, and Howard did expect that very thing.

The summer camp gets progressively worse, with no end, or even a tunnel to the end, in sight. I mean, it's so bad that the end isn't even on the radar! How are Fern and Howard ever going to make it through the dangerously horrifying sequential events that are certain to bring them to their doom?! This is serious, indeed.

Young readers should make a point to read this extremely important novel. Fern learns things that will inspire courage and imagination. Or is it imaginative courage? Or courageous imaginings? Or... ?

Ahem. Er, yes. Anyway. I highly recommend THE NOBODIES. Whether the narrator, N.E. Bode, is or is not killed by his former writing instructor, readers will be wise to choose this exciting adventure for their literary lists. As with THE ANYBODIES, each intrepid soul will be challenged to diligently note all references to classic literature. (Recent classics count, too!)

Go forth, Young Reader, and seek adventure, with Fern, an Anybody among Anybodies.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer (or not...)
7/16/2006

What an imagination this author has!

In this sequel to ANYBODIES, fearless Fern, our heroine, has some frightening, fearful adventures, but nothing she can't solve ... with a little help from the amusing, magical characters in this book.

Fern no longer lives with the boring DRUDGER family who were ANYBODIES in the first book. She now lives with her real father who is a NOBODY, and is having even more exciting adventures, if that's possible.

I cracked up when she finds notes in soda bottles, like in fortune cookies! And WHERE she found them ... well, read for yourself. I promise you a fun time!

In fact, this book is fun from start to finish, but I recommend you read ANYBODIES first.

Having been to Neah Bay, and knowing of the "dock business" atmosphere, this fiction seems more like a true story to me. I could not stop reading Troubled Waters and actually read the whole book in one day.

Micky is not only stubborn, she is tough and intelligent. I can't wait for the next book in Ms. Ferguson's series!

Dont miss this one. I couldnt put it down. Donna Ferguson is sure to become a great mystery writer. I'm looking forward to the next novel.

I enjoyed Ms. Ferguson's book very much. Not only was the plot good, original and believable, but I learned a great deal about harvesting sea urchins, a creature I am totally unfamiliar with. All in all an excellent first novel.

I stayed up reading Troubled Waters and finished at 2 in the morning. It was very well written and moved along at a comfortable speed. But most of all, it kept my interest. I look forward to finding out what's in store next for Mickey and Colin.

I read Troubled Waters from cover to cover in one sitting for it made me feel that I was really a part of the story. Mickey is a great character; I loved her and was cheering her on from the very beginning. Can't wait for the next book in the series to see what Mickey gets herself into next time. This is a must read for anyone who loves mysteries as I do.

Reading Turd Ferguson brought back a ton of hilarious college memories - definitely a hysterical reminder of college life. This book is perfect for anyone who went to college, who plans on going to college, who thinks about college, who lives near a college - you get my drift. Go out and buy this book!

Ben and Derrick serve up a manure-pile serving of the best college slang dervied from their site - CollegeStories.com. I've been a fan of the site for a while (hey - anything that originates from Wake Forest University has to be pretty damn good). The stories are hilarious and addictive to read. Buy their book for some good laughs.

With their new book "Turd Ferguson," the editors of collegestories.com take college slang to the level of high art. A delicious blend of the lowbrow and the highbrow, "Turd Ferguson" covers an impressive range of college
terms, from Greek life to studying, bathroom humor to dating. Whether you're a recent grad looking to reminisce or an incoming freshman hoping to learn the lingo, "Turd Ferguson" is guaranteed to leave you in stiches. Highly recommended.

Fraternity Pledges should be required to have this resource on their bookshelves, next to Webster's, Bartlett's, and Cliff's Notes. These two authors will have you in stitches recalling (or trying to forget) all of these terms!

These two authors have a great website "collegestories.com" and I was very excited to see they finally published a book. Some of the slang they have written here is just hilarious. If you're looking for Hawthorne, or Dickens hit your back button, but if you're looking for basic crude, hysterical humor check this book out!

Public speaking is a wonderful way to gain self-confidence and self-esteem. This book is a gem in that it helps women become more sure of themselves in the competitive world of men.

The book is well-written and helpful to all who wish to know how to speak clearly.

Watching women break through the glass ceiling when I was an executive at Catalyst convinced me of the importance of effective communication skills for women's success in the workplace. Written in a winningly personal style by two seasoned pro's, Women Seen and Heard is chock-full of practical advice, insights on overcoming the stereotypes that women speakers still face, and exercises sure to yield immediate results. Whether you are new to public speaking or an old hand at the podium, you need this book!

I wanted to pass on to you some of the great ideas I have
personally been using from this book.
First, I have been actively learning from the women speakers I have come across. Developing my "role models" is important to me at this stage of the game.
Second , as a woman of color, I really appreciated chapter 10. The points that are touch on are so crucial. Establishing your credibility from the start -and keeping it- is so important, not only in speaking engagements but also in life.
For any woman that wants to seen and heard in her life this book is a very valuable tool!!!

Both very useful and fun to read, unlike a lot of "How-to" public speaking books. I appreciated the history mixed in, too.
I do public relations for high tech companies so I'm required to be a good communicator, but I often run into huge challenges because of the fact that I work with technologists (who are notoriously bad communicators) and 99% of whom are male and have a tendency to immediately dismiss me as a source of valuable insight because I'm young, attractive, and female. In battling past those first impressions, I've found that effective communication is 20% what you say and 80% how you say it. Although at first blush this seems to be geared only to professional public speaking, the examples in it are really good for everyday interactions as well. A great book!

Here, at last, is a practical guide to enable women to assess how they present themselves not only on the podium but in almost every context of their lives. The accomplished authors are not male aversive, but very supportive of our capitalizing on our feminine perspective and it's delivery in a riveting manner that is "seen and heard". As a psychotherapist, I wish I had had this book long ago as a support to my clients who could not find or doubted their true voice on stage, in the workplace, and even in their interpersonal relationships. Bravo! and thank you Lois and Anita.