Fletcher Books

I stood in Atomic Books in Baltimore and read the whole thing. Seriously. My knees almost buckled. They had four copies on the table. I bought them all, took them home, wrapped them and handed them out as Christmas presents. I didn't get one for myself. (But doesn't that make my gift of the book the best present, as it was the thing I wanted most but instead passed on to someone else?!) I hope someone gives it to me for Christmas this year as I'd love to look at it all over again.

Miranda July is great! This book invites us to create more art, in ways that connect us more to each other. Her movie and short story collections are also really beatiful.

this book made an awesome valentines present ((compared to the typical cards and flower alternative!))....it's a very fun, sentimental and thought-provoking book that makes you wanna slow down and take notice of all the small beautiful and day-to-day thinks in life!

I bought this book because I am a fan of Miranda July's. I loved her movie and her book of short stories, No One Belongs Here More Than You: Stories. This book has none of July's original artwork. It is a collection of work done by other people based on a list of assignments she wrote. The assignments range from the quirky (create an object from your youth using only construction paper and tape) to the profound (spend time with someone who is dying and then write about it). July's brilliance lies in her ability to bring out creativity using specific assignments and rules. As a teacher, I can really appreciate the value of a good assignment. I also love her on-going theme of "it's not about you". Her assignments often remind artists to stick to the rules instead of being creative. Still, this book is an inspiration to be more creative: to create more.

I truly enjoy Mr. Fletcher's writing - a man who can so profoundly write about "doing nothing". As he goes off on his various hikes, he offers a tremendous amount of food for thought - around issues of environment, harmony, relationship and connection - just to name a few.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the outdoors.

:-)

All of Colin Fletcher's works reflect the wonder of the world around us. This is simply a fantastic little collection of some of his "mucking about" stories. Anyone who knows how to stop and enjoy life's simple pleasures will relate to this amazing man and his great books. A great addition to any nature lover's library.

Mr. Fletcher's SECRET WORLDS is a revealing book centering on spirit of place without revealing the geo-specific location of place. Though we may not know the exact location of a coastal valley somewhere in northern California or southern Oregon, we can sense the joy and exaltation of the author for his secret little valley with spruce and fir and cool, dark cliffs. How does he keep the location secret? By altering ever so slightly descriptive details of a mountain pass or the direction of high, snow-capped peaks. While there might be a certain amount of frustration for the reader who intends to retrace the author's footsteps, there is no frustration whatsoever for the deconstructionist critic who is sensitive about literary mapping--a process which may lead to the destruction of the place so admired by the author. An extreme deconstructionist stance leads to the condemnation of John Muir's writings on the grounds that they ultimately inspired countless millions of people to come and unwittingly destroy that which Muir describes (like Yosemite Valley). SECRET WORLDS will certainly not duplicate such a result, but it will, nonetheless, inspire the reader to that which is true, good, and beautiful in nature

Call me picky for marking down an outstanding book like "Silver Linings" for two omissions that probably aren't even in the author's control, but so be it. A combination between a travel guide and a collection of memories, this book badly needs at least one more detailed map of Northern Ireland than the small ones provided at the start of each chapter. Fletcher makes the reader truly wish to visit many of the sites he describes, but one could never find them with the maps provided. Second, a few pictures, even black and white, would add immensely to the impact of Fletcher's words. That said, this is a terrifically entertaining and informative book that I'd recommend, "Go you out and purchase it!"

I just finished reading Martin Fletcher's book about his travels around Northern Ireland. I'm so sorry my wife and I didn't know about this book before we visited Ulster in September 2002. The author correctly goes out of his way to let the reader know that there's more to Northern Ireland than bombings, religious stife, and high unemployment. A trip to the British province is an educational experience -- a wild and complex history, beautiful countryside, and warm people who welcome visitors. It's not surprising that Travel Weekly magazine, "The Travel Industry's Leading Newspaper" (as it calls itself) highlights Belfast in its 10FEB03 article, "The Next Big Thing -- Up and Coming Destinations." Silver Linings opened my eyes to the opinion that the USA probably wouldn't be what it is today were it not for its links to Ulster. If you read this book and like it, you'd probably enjoy reading one of the "Incidents of Travel" books written by John Lloyd Stephens about his travels throughout Mesoamerica and the Middle East during the 1800s.

Martin Fletcher has captured the essence of Northern Ireland in this delightful book. He introduces us to a wonderful patchwork of characters while he describes the beauty of the countryside. He addresses the sometimes-tragic history of the province, but he also provides some fascinating historical tidbits about the connections between Ulster and the United States that should interest American readers. Those who enjoy the work of Bill Bryson and anyone who loves Ireland, north or south, will appreciate this book. I have traveled to Northern Ireland over fifteen times since 1974, and I just happened to find this book on the last day of my recent five-week holiday. I have never read anything else that mentions so many of the people, places and things that I love about the country. I certainly share the author's hope that there are some "silver linings" on the horizon for this special corner of the world.

CHAMELEON by Doranna Durgin

Samantha Fredericks has a very rare talent. Unlike most people, who sometimes imagine that they are someone else-anyone else-Sam has the ability to actually make others believe that she is whatever persona she wishes to put on. Sam wants to be a gothic punk-rocker on a skateboard? Sam pictures it in her mind, and everyone who glances her will see that girl on a skateboard with the multiple piercings, black eyeliner, and constant sneer.

Or maybe Sam needs to get somewhere without anyone knowing there's another presence in the room. With her abilities to go unnoticed or even unseen, Sam can infiltrate any type of situation. The only time where her façade fails is in photographs-pictures don't lie, even for a woman who is every bit the master of disguise.

When Jethro Sheridan shows up not once but numerous times around a secret shelter for battered women, Sam uses her special abilities to warn him off. Not one to take the hint easily, Jeth becomes a thorn in Sam's side. As the stakes are raised to do a dirty mob boss intent on bringing his abused wife back home, Sam and Jeth find themselves in danger-from outside forces, and from the attraction that's brewing between them.

Romantic suspense with a paranormal twist, CHAMELEON is an engaging story with remarkable and memorable characters. Maybe if we all send Ms. Durgin an email, she'll write a follow-up story starring Sam I Am and her "Holy Batman" beau. One can always hope.

UPGRADE by Meredith Fletcher

In the year 2052, many things have changed in the way of technology and bioengineering, especially when it comes to advances made to the human body. For FBI Special Agent Christie Chace, advancement has brought change in the form of her special enhancements-vision, hearing, strength, adrenaline, speed. You name it, and Christie's probably had it enhanced-upgraded.

The enhancements help her do her job, but when a blackmailed scientist is murdered right before her eyes, Christie gets caught up in a dangerous game of hide and seek-and search and destroy-with a terrorist group known as Bronze Tigers. Thanks to the help of former Master Sergeant Dalton Geller, Christie escapes the set-up that claims the lives of several of her fellow agents. But now she's determined to bring down the Bronze Tigers, and she needs the ex-Ranger's help to do it.

But Dalton has his own problems, the least of which is his growing attraction to Grace. Ever since the death of his best friend, Mac Reynolds, was killed in battle, Dalton has made it his mission to protect Mac's widow, Dr. Grace Reynolds, and his son, Michael. Now that the Chinese Triad is after Grace and her research, and threatening her son to get it, Dalton has no choice but to work with Christie to protect everyone he loves.

Fast-paced action adventure with a strong romantic subplot, UPGRADE is the best of suspense, sci-fi, and medical thriller all in one. You won't go wrong with this strong, factually based story.

TOTAL RECALL by Vicki Hinze

Captain Darcy Clark, who works for the top-secret government agency known as S.A.S.S., has the unique abilities that require her to work alone. After a devastating fire in which she suffered a traumatic head injury, Darcy has the rare talent of total recall-everything she reads, hears, smells, tastes, or senses is immediately-and forever-imbedded into her brain.

When her commanding officer, Colonel Sally Drake, is ordered to put Darcy undercover as a customs agent alongside Agent Benjamin Kelly, things really start to get interesting. For Darcy, a self-imposed hermit since her accident, learns that she must not only work side by side with Ben, but at a very busy border crossing where she's bound to be inundated with an overload of sensory input, panic sets in. But Darcy is above all else a professional, and she sets out to do her job.

This job is beyond important, and failure is not an option. GRID-Group Resources for Individual Development-is a terrorist cell headed by Thomas Kunz. Kunz doesn't just hate Americans, he's made it his mission in life to destroy as many of them as he can. And when S.A.S.S. and its superiors learn of a plot to unleash radioactive bombs disguised as fireworks at the White House Fourth of July celebration, its up to Darcy and Ben to save the day.

For Ben, his attraction and admiration of Darcy is strong and immediate, but he knows as well as Darcy that the job must come first. Finding the traitor within their midst, stopping the delivery of the "dirty" bombs across the US border, was imperative. For the two of them, failure didn't just mean disappoint-it could well have lasting recriminations upon millions of United States citizens.

Tightly paced action and adventure along with two strong characters determined to overcome their own personal grievances make TOTAL RECALL a short story that you won't soon forget.

SMOKESCREEN is a book of three short stories in the Silhouette Bombshell tradition. You won't be disappointed with any of the three stories, and might, in fact, have only one complaint-that they had to end at all.

Ok, this may not have been as great as some of what I've read of hers, but it was nonetheless enjoyable and worth every minute!

"Chameleon" by Doranna Durgin. Samantha "Sam I am": Fredericks can change into any disguise including becoming a street hooker or invisible. She is the only hope to keep a battered women's shelter safe when a mole reveals its secretive location on the Underground Railroad. However, only Jethro "what you see is what you get" Sheridan can keep her safe as he seeks his missing sister.

"Upgrade" by Meredith Fletcher. In 2052 bionic superwoman FBI Agent Christine Chace is assigned to uncover the identity of who is leaking classified information to the enemy Bronze Tigers. Anyone including friends and peers she has known for years might be guilty so Christine trusts no one. However, her investigation spins out of control with an innocent young life potentially becoming collateral damage with her only help coming from security expert Dalton Geller, but can she trust him?

"Total Recall" by Vicki Hinze. The terrorists plan to bring their trademark destruction to the United States by bombing the White House during a Fourth of July fireworks gala. U.S. Customs Agent Ben must stop them because cancellation is not an option because that means giving in to the terrorists. He turns to incredible photographic memory Special Agent Darcy as his only hope to stop a catastrophe.

These three novellas star courageous strong women with a special skill each and the men who love them risking their lives to try to keep them safe in precarious situations. Each exciting tale is high octane super fast so that fans of romantic suspense with a touch of sci fi will want to read supercharged SMOKESCREEN.

Harriet Klausner

I still have my copy of the original White Sox Encyclopedia and over the years I've enjoyed leafing through it and discovering countless facts, figures and items of interest regarding the history of the Chicago White Sox. This worthy update comes hot off the heels of their 2005 World Series championship, and even if you have the original you'll definitely want to have a copy of TOTAL WHITE SOX in your collection. Virtually everything from the original is here (the only items I've noticed that were not carried over are the color memorabilia photographs), and the season-by-season summaries, statistical information and player profiles have been brought up-to-date quite nicely, plus there are many more additional photographs encompassing the nine seasons since the original volume was published.
One word of caution: as much as I love this book, I had to deduct one star from my overall rating. While reading the summary of the 2005 World Series I came across a glaring factual error regarding the final out of the decisive Game 4 (page 532): "Orlando Palmeiro then grounded out UNASSISTED to Paul Konerko, who, for the second time in the post-season, stuffed the souvenir ball into his pocket." The final out was actually a softly hit ball chopped over the head of pitcher Bobby Jenks, shortstop Juan Uribe charged the ball and fired it to first baseman Paul Konerko, enabling the Sox to win their first World Series in 88 years. Considering the magnitude of that final out, I am somewhat surprised that this mistake made its way into print, but that error notwithstanding TOTAL WHITE SOX is a beautiful volume no White Sox fan should be without!

This is a must for every real White Sox fan.
Unfortunately, no color photos but the resarch and format are excellent.

Awesome book for the Sox lover. Great history, stats and world series coverage facts.

The leaders of the Athena Force know how to best use the talents of their academy graduates. So when someone arranged the murder of Marion Gracelyn and the kidnapping of two Athena students, they turn to investigative writer Winter Archer to learn who; few people can obtain information better than she can.

Using the guise of writing the biography of the Athena Academy's late founder, Winter asks David if she can look at his mom's papers. However, David, the U.S. Attorney General, rejects allowing an author look at his late mom's papers. Winter persuades him that her interest lies in uncovering the real culprit behind the homicide. David grants her access, but soon finds himself working to keep her safe from a killer who wants to remain the anonymous star of a soon to be cold case.

More a suspense thriller than a romance as the latter takes a back seat to the former, the latest Athena Force tale continues the delightful saga with a past and present thriller. The story line is fast-paced in both periods so that readers are caught up with the non-stop action. The lead couple is fully developed although the romantic interest between them seems forced, as a requirement rather than a plot enhancer. Still fans will enjoy VENDETTA.

Harriet Klausner

Vendetta by Meredith Fletcher is a new exciting story in the Athena Force series. Not just another romance-adventure novel, this book offers two love stories that never take a backseat to the action. Meredith Fletcher has undergone the task of writing the history of Athena Academy's founder, Marion Gracelyn, and by doing so has also revealed more secrets.

The initial plot follows Winter Archer, an Athena Academy graduate, who is asked by the academy's current head, Christine Evans, to investigate the past of murdered Marion Gracelyn. While examining the past, Winter must interact with David Gracelyn, who is not only the United States Attorney General, but Marion Gracelyn's son and Winter's old high school crush.

Winter's research leads her to the year of 1968 when Marion Gracelyn had her first chance to handle a murder investigation as newly appointed assistant district attorney. Fletcher takes the reader back and forth between the past and present seamlessly while creating two simultaneous plots. Marion's story is not only about killers, murder, and death threats, but also of meeting the love of her life attorney David Gracelyn. The book is a whirlwind of conflict met with many obstacles that are all fed by Marion's mysterious enemy. The only way to find out how all of the excitement concludes is to read until you turn the last page, and I know because that's exactly what I did.

Meredith Fletcher has been a part of the Athena Force series from the beginning, and wrote 2006 Look-Alike. And if readers of the series enjoyed Look-Alike than they will like this book because it has danger, romance, and in-depth characters, elements of all Athena Force books. Fletcher has done a good job of continuing her involvement with the series.

A strong point of the book was that I thought each of Vendetta's two love stories were formed uniquely around the individual character's feelings and needs. They were not carbon copies of each other, and any reader would enjoy the layers of emotions threaded throughout the two stories. While reading, I at first was more wrapped up in Winter's romance, but then I was wrapped up in Marion's romance, then I was hooked on both. And by the end, the action and intensity had heightened, so that I couldn't put down the book, literally.

The fact that the book did not explain the history of the Athena Force series thoroughly was a weakness to myself, a reader who had never read any other books of Athena Force. I was a little confused about the incidents that lead Winter to be asked to the academy like kidnappings and deaths that must have occurred in previous books. But I was so intrigued with the characters that, despite my somewhat disoriented perception, I continued reading, and by the end of the first chapter I understood everything that was going on. I suggest to other readers that have never read an Athena Force book to pay close attention in the first chapter because it will be well worth it in deciphering the mystery to come.

Overall this book was easy to read with an interesting story intensity carried through to the end. As someone who loves to read about the little thrills that guide characters to the moment they realize their attraction to each other, I had fun reading this book. If you're that kind of person then you will like reading this book too, and you will want to read more in this series.

The Athena Academy has a powerful enemy, someone from their founder Marion Gracelyn's past. Marion took her secrets to the grave but which one is behind the attacks on the Academy? Investigative reporter and Athena graduate, Winter Archer, has been hired to uncover the secrets of Marion's past. But will Marion's son, David, be willing to work with her in this quest?

VENDETTA is actually two stories in one, both packed with romance, intrigue, and action. The main story is the past, Marion and Adam's story. Through Marion's journals, the past comes vividly alive. Meredith Fletcher will have readers on the edge of their seats, wondering just what will happen next. Their story is definitely a thrill ride as Marion's past is filled with secrets that will shock even long time fans of the Athena Force series.

The second story is Winter and David's story. The attraction between these two sparks immediately as they instantly clash. The action in their story doesn't really heat up until the facts from the past start interfering with the present. What secrets did Marion hide and will David be able to cope with all that is revealed?

VENDETTA is another superb entry in the Athena Force series. Meredith Fletcher does a fantastic job at intertwining the two stories, making this a very deep and moving tale. I must admit that Marion's story intrigued me far more than Winter's tale, but perhaps this is because Marion has been such a strong presence throughout this series. VENDETTA will be appreciated even by those unfamiliar with the other Athena Force books but fans will absolutely love this installment! Highly recommended!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

What a wonderful book. The recipes were easy to follow, sometimes simple, but wonderful. The photos were breathtaking.

As a resident of San Francisco who loves his city, I am hardly the most objective reviewer of this book, but I do think this is a worthy if rather cursory overview of the culinary treats and idiosyncratic dining experiences that make up the best of what this city has to offer to local and tourist alike. Chuck Williams has established one of the more unavoidable upscale gourmet store chains in Williams-Sonoma, and this tome is the latest in a series of cookbooks focused on the premiere food capitals of the world. The first third is actually a well-organized explanation of what makes San Francisco unique from its culinary history to the distinctive flavors currently found in its major neighborhoods. There are sections on local specialties such as artisan bread, coffee, wine, Asian produce and chocolate. The breezy but informative text is by Janet Fletcher.

The recipes actually don't start until page 79, but the 45 selections all look tasty and not overly complex to prepare. I have always had good luck with the recipes in the Williams-Sonoma catalog, and this one is proving to be no exception so far. Personally I have tried making the orecchiette with broccoli rabe; the braised chicken with tomato, pancetta and zinfandel; and the stir-fried long beans with Thai chile paste. All were hits with friends, though I would think items such as Chinese long beans may be harder to find outside the major metropolitan areas. There are even snippets of local information interspersed among the recipes. The book is also abundant in nice color photographs courtesy of Jean-Blaise Hall, though I wish the editors would have included captions so you know where some of the places are. Highly recommended for those who left their palettes in San Francisco.

I lived in San Francisco for several years and had to privledge to become familiar with the city's fantastic cuisine. This book is part of the Williams-Sonoma series focusing on cities with unique culinary traditions and letting the reader get to know both the city and the local food.

San Francisco is more than just a cookbook. The introduction provides an overview of the city and the important culinary influences. The book then dedicates about 40 pages to discussing local specialties, both their origins and how they're made, ranging through artisan bread, coffee & tea, beer, wine, dim sum, asian produce, local cheese and chocolate.

There are only 45 recipies, but they cover a wide variety from "steamed shrip dumplings" and "quesadillas with chorizo and jack cheese" to "slow roasted king salmon with braised lentils" to "buttermilk panna cotta." Insets scattered among the recipies provide backgroup information, culinary tips, or pairing tips such as dessert wines. Each recipe is clearly detailed and beautifully photographed. You also don't need to be a gourmet cook to follow the clear directions!

This book provides a beautiful and delightful culinary tour through San Francisco, and is well worth adding to a personal library.

This is a great book about a great man written by a great man! A must read!

Does it get any better than this? One solid Bible preacher writing about another. This is an oldie but goodie - written about 1948 I think. Interesting insight into the challenges facing Simpson approx. 100 years ago; also laced through with that unspoken reminder that God never changes regardless of what year it is.

A.B. Simpson was the founder of The Christian & Missionary Alliance. Simpson was among the better known religious leaders of his era. That in itself makes this book an enlightening and educational read. However, it is at least as interesting for what it reveals about the author A.W. Tozer who is perhaps the best known figure to emerge from the C&MA.

Simpson's influence represents something of a convergence in the late 19th century of Calvanistic doctrine with the holiness movements of that time, particularly the Keswick movement.

The C&MA and Simpson subsequently went on to have a tremendous influence upon the evangelical foreign missions movement of the 20th century. Influence was also exerted upon the holiness movements of Azuza Street and the formation of the Assemblies of God.

Simpson is an interesting and vital figure to understand from several perspectives, particularly as his teachings on the Four-Fold Gospel and healing represented major influences upon 20th century evangelical thinking and practice.

What makes this book a special treat however, is to see the treatment of Simpson by Tozer who is widely regarded by many as one of the most influential prophetic (in the sense of forthtelling, not future predicting) voices of our time. His sympathetic presentation of Simpson and integration of the man with his teaching and influence reveals a great deal about the author as well as the subject.

This is a classic biography worthy of reading and study regardless of why you come to it. A great many crossroad's branch out from here. You'll be glad you invested the time to read this biography.

David Fletcher's BRITISH MARK IV TANK tells of the Mark IV tank which worked against the Germans from 1917 to the end of World War I. It charts the first tank-versus-tank actions against the Germans, British technology, and displays rare footage of the Mark IVs used against the Allies. An excellent addition to any serious, in-depth World War I collection.

British tank expert David Fletcher follows up his successful British Mark I Tank 1916 (Osprey's New Vanguard 100) with an even better British Mark IV Tank (New Vanguard 133), adding more detail on British tank operations in the First World War. Fletcher describes the Mark IV as the "first main battle tank" and this volume provides an appreciable level of detail on the tank's technical details, its production, unit organization and use in combat. The author succeeds in packing a considerable amount of detail into this short format and in a manner that assures the reader that they are getting `real' information instead of recycled boilerplate. Although the author is does not mention this, his role as a curator at the Tank Museum at Bovington has allowed him a great deal of hands-on experience with British World War I tanks and he even drove one for a BBC documentary. Nevertheless, the author's expertise on this subject is apparent on every page.

The author devotes 5 pages to describing the technical details of the Mark IV tank and several pages and photos to how the tank was built. After discussing the expansion of the British Tank Corps, the author then outlines the Mark IV's baptism of fire in Flanders in 1917, as well as its possible role in the cancelled Operation "Hush" and in Egypt. About 6 pages are devoted to the Battle of Cambrai, the highlight for the Mark IV tank. Final sections cover mechanical improvements, the Mark IV's role in 1918 fighting (mostly as a supply tank) and post-war activities. The author even mentions the role of a Mark IV tank briefly resurrected for home defense by the Royal Navy in 1940.

The color plates depict a Mark IV with fascine at Cambrai in 1917, a Mark IV winch tank adapted for the cancelled amphibious operation on the Belgian coast, a supply tank, a Mark IV under construction, a captured Mark IV in German service and several other Mark IV scenes. The B/W photos throughout the volume are excellent. The author provides an index, but no bibliography or notes on sources used. Overall, this is a well-crafted volume with a good amount of information on this subject.

I read this book years ago & thoroughly enjoyed its twisty plot and sardonic humor -- so much so that I re-read it a couple more times in subsequent years. But I hadn't thought of it again until this past weekend, when GOP presidential candidate John McCain picked largely unknown Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Palin's politics are at the other end of the spectrum from the hero of "Dark Horse." But the process for how McCain picked her, her colorful background, and the series of revelations about her that followed, immediately made me think of this book. I may just have to re-read it again to find out what's going to happen next!

Very entertaining... watching Eddie Quinn doublecross the bosses and the fat cats, only the hardest of the hard-hats could root against this happy represntative of the hard-hats.... the plot twists and turns throughtout the book.

It's hard to figure on who Eddie Quinn most reminds me of by today's political standards. Mix in a little Bill Clinton, a little bit of Ross Perot and a dash of "Dubya" and you have yourself an Eddie Quinn. By all accounts, this book will have you thinking of the 2000 election.

Also, most people don't know, but George Bush (the father) has read this book and really enjoyed it.

Eddie Quinn, Commissioner of the New Jersey Turnpike, is made Presidential candidate after no one in the power bloc ruling the party can come up with another agreeable person to all factions within it, and shakes the United States from pillar to post in a refreshing populistic campaign to give all people a "fair shake" in Washington, DC.

At times dramatic, humorous, and hard-hitting, it's a book to read if you like a political thrillers.