Francis Books

I was entranced by this book. I began reading it to relive my own experiences of growing up on the Natal South Coast in the 1960s. The author's descriptions took me right back: the beaches, the climate, the vegetation, the culture, and even the coastal train are all described with affectionate precision. Her reference to amathungulu berries as `martin-gulus' gave me a `shock of recognition' at a distance of forty years. Her accuracy and honesty make this a valuable first-hand witness to what it was like to grow up there, then.

This attention to language is reflected in the presentation of the text. Non-English words are italicized and expressions peculiar to South Africa are placed in bold. Both are explained in the glossary, with aids to pronunciation when necessary. The author is an accomplished artist, and her clear maps and diagrams, and original artwork and photographs (some by other family members) enhance the book throughout.

As a direct contemporary of the author, I recognised the authenticity of her accounts of other life experiences that are similar to mine, such as the process of coming to Christian faith as a young adult or the controlled pain of emigrating with a young family. Again, I found that her recollections rang true, capturing with simplicity some of the complexity of these experiences.

The author's personal narrative is helpfully located within a wider historical perspective. The shaded `bhansela' (bonus) boxes offer a shift of focus that places her story in 3-D. Chapter 7, `Suid Afrika,' differs from the others in offering an overview of South African history, from the arrival of the Dutch in 1652 to 2006. The use of the Afrikaans name for the country reveals that this is a re-telling of the former `official' Afrikaner view from the perspective of an English-speaker. It is an example of oral history, artfully incorporating within it the recognition that others will have their own `meta-narrative', and that these are all likely to differ from whatever the official version is at the time.

A beautiful book, then, that deserves a wide readership. Readers familiar with South Africa will find much to enjoy, celebrate and regret. Others, curious about what life was like for South Africans of British descent in the apartheid era, will find here an honest, enlightening and appreciative family story with implications for us all.

Writer's Digest 15th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards.

Judge's Commentary: I greatly enjoyed the artwork and the juxtaposition of the art with the stories and locations described within the text. The writing is excellent and all is purposeful. The author has truly lived a remarkable life. Unlike many life-story/memoir writers, this author seems to see beyond herself and is able to reflect on the community at large, namely, South Africa and the U.S. She is one of the most learned, brilliant people I have ever read/learned from. From cover to cover: most ingenious.


Jeanette Gilks: Artist/Educator

Here is a story that sweeps broad and deep. Shelley manages to engage with both the micro and macro visions of things: minute, intensely personal details are seamlessly woven into the larger web of world events. Everything and everyone that has touched Shelley has been remembered - no, resurrected - in meticulous and often humorous detail. You peep into her world as you peep through a jeweller's loupe, where even the smallest worlds are vast landscapes of great clarity, colour and depth. Her world, our world, is made precious. The wisdom in this anecdotal tale is dished out with spice and flavour. Entirely to my taste!


Andre van Niekerk: Sculptor

An exquisite read for another expat. I relived my life in South Africa through the prose on these pages. Shelley brought back the vibrancy, the smells and sounds, the joy and pain that is Africa. The unbiased historical background will give readers a deeper understanding of the 'White Tribe of Africa'. To quote the author; 'True art is a sacrificial offering, a precious gift tremulously given to fellow human beings. The gift can be accepted, appreciated, thirstily imbibed - like sweet water from the last oasis on a parched planet'. This reader drank gratefully from this gift and in his humble opinion, considers the author to be a true artist.

I would like to review this chapte

I would like to review this chapte

This book is great. I was looking for a clear and concise introduction to the world of ancient western music, and this is it. There are other books, thicker and full of technicisms, detailing all the little nuances of modality, tuning, lexicography... Try to read them if you can. This book manages to cover all the topics I was interested in (instruments, scales, notation) and some others in a brilliant way. It is a bit on the expensive side, but totally worth it.

This is so far a fascinating book to read. It covers music from ancient times and he uses actual music that was uncovered from those times. What I find very interesting is the connection to the modal/tonal music that we are most familiar with in this day and age. I like the way he connects things in his book! I recommend this to anyone who is interested in history and music alike. I think I shall enjoy this book for years to come!!!

For those parents who have forgotten some of the words to this inspirational song or for children who are learning this song or want to know more about the meaning of "My Country Tis of Thee" words, I would recommend this book.

There are pictures, paintings and real-life photographs throughout the book, depicting significant events in U.S. history. One example, when versed "Land of the Pilgrim's Pride", we see paintings of what I would presume to be the Mayflower (distinctly recalling the sight of it) and another painting of Pilgrims setting foot on land.

There are depictions of voters, mountains, U.S. flags, the Liberty Bell, the Bill of Rights and just about anything American.

It is a short book. It hasn't any descriptions of the pictures, just the words to this song.

I am a public school music specialist in an early childhood learning center. I teach 3 and 4 yr old children. In this day and age, literacy is very important and mandatory, even in our curriculum. The children love pictures and these pictures have so many words. This book has the children wondering about our beautiful country and how vast it truly is.

Rational, clear description of Quantum Theory concepts and their philosophical implications. Contains intuitive introduction to QT fundamentals. An excellent tonic for those books/articles written to sensationalize and make unwarranted philosophical claims based on QT. Author is an applied math professor with greater-than 100 articles on elementary particles. Presents the philosophical problems created by QT and the (respectable) alternative explanations. After describing the alternatives, the author makes some excellent arguments for realism, which some QT pioneers suggested should be abandoned.

Although non technical in its presentation, it contains precise presentation of the implications of quantum mechanics. The author has taken great care not to lose its reader in technical jargon or mathematics. On the other hand, the reader can still understand with precision the origin of the puzzling nature of quantum physics. It will appeal to someone interested in understanding quantum physics for its philosophical implications. Clearly written and enjoyable.

Under Moran and Groome Catholic Education has suffered from modernism and generations of Catholics are left with little understanding of their faith. Msgr Kelly's text, the Mystery We Proclaim is one of the foundational texts used at Fransican University in the Catechetics Program. Along with the preventative method of St. John Bosco (See: The Educational Philosophy of St. John Bosco), it is changing the face of Catholic Education. Entire dioceses are being transformed through this catechetical method. This method works, keeps students interested and helps them retain information better. It draws them to the heart of our faith, Jesus Christ. What could be more important when it comes to the Deposit of Faith? This book is well worth an investment of $10.

Methods come and methods go. Theology shifts focus from century to century, depending on the needs of the faithful. "The Mystery We Proclaim; Catechesis for the third Millennium" gives us just what we need for today.
Faithful to the Catechism, General directory for Catechesis, Vatican II documents, and all of Revelation, this book is a synthesis of these things as they relate to catechesis and a helpful tool for those who cannot study each in depth individually. In the "Ecclesial Method" of catechesis outlined and the end of his book, Monsignor Kelly gives us a prictical and Christ centered method which will serve our catechists and those they teach very well.

I agree totally with the other reviewer. Dale has blown away the dangerous theorists who have tried to 'prove' Japanese uniqueness - often as an excuse or precursor to racist actions. Read this book.

In this politically correct world, rarely do we see the truth in such inadultered form. As a long term resident of Japan, I figure that this truly is the most incisive, scholarly work out there--even better than Van Wolferen's "The Enigma of Japanese Power". I sincerely hope that it acheives a wider readership, especially among people interested in doing business with the Japanese.

I read a lot more than most of the people in my family, but, based on my testimonial my entire my family has read Nannie Eva. The way the author used descriptions in this book made me feel like I myself was living in Laville. I also could picture Mama Nannie and Eva when thry did their reading. I felt like I was a part of this book. It is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good book that they can cuddle up with!

As an avid reader of fiction, I believe that this story, which is set in a fictitious Louisiana city, will appeal to readers of all cultures. There are many characters in this novel, all of very diverse backgrounds, but they are all connected through the protagonist, Eva. She is a healer and in this novel, Francis follows the blueprint which has been laid by many African American writers for centuries; that of a strong, matriarchal figure. Francis' imaginative use of description is what will make this novel stand out from the pack. What is unique about Nannie Eva is that it follows a soap opera format and it is definitely a page turner. You will not be able to put the book down until you have finished it. I recommend this novel to anyone who simply enjoys reading a great story.

This book challenges white male assumptions about Native American narratives. Unlike the racist and sexist ideologies of eurocentrism, Native Americans lived a very different way, and their voices must be heard. I really came away with admiration for the author, Lee Francis.

Having Native Time on your bookshelf or bedside table is like having a Historical Reference Book, Encyclopedia,and Chicken Soup for the Soul "Indian Fahion" all rolled into one. This is not a quick read. It is a meal that wants to be savored over and over. This is a book that is so rich with historical information, both contemporary and ancient, I could only read a few pages at a time and then think about them for many days. And whenever I dip into my copy of Native Time, I am immediately aware of the daily lives of so many Indian people throughout the U.S. and I am amazed they are still here, in modern time America being who they are and always were. It's a good read! Each time I pick it up I come away with another pinch of wisdom to keep.

The first edition of this book has been around since 1996. It is essentially the same book only this one has been expanded.

One of the best examples the author gives in the book of why we should be concerned about toxins is when she shows the exposures of an average female office worker on the typical day. The exposures are as follows:

Showering: chlorine in the water used to bathe
Clothing worn: fabric softener used, or maybe dry cleaned clothing that wasn't aired out
Toiletries used: deodorant, makeup, hair spray, or perfume
Food consumed: pesticide or fertilizer residue
Traveling to work: air pollution in the form of car exhaust, or pollen
At work: cleaning supplies, office furnishing or building materials outgasing, other indoor air pollution
Home: chemicals in cleaning supplies, tobacco smoke, animal hair or dander, dust mites, plant pollen, mold present in improperly ventilated kitchens and baths.

Who wouldn't be depressed reading that list? I think the items on that list touch everyone's life every day. When you add in the fumes from carpeting and the link to Kawasaki syndrome in kids, what are we suppose to do?

The author gives you lots of suggestions for reducing the level of exposure to toxins. I am particularly fond of the detoxification baths. I don't know if they are working, but it is a great excuse for a nice long uninterrupted soak in the bathtub. If you are looking for an excuse to have a sauna installed in your house that is included in this book as well.

This book is great for opening your eyes to potential toxins and outlining ways that you can reduce your family's exposure without having to move to Montana. I highly recommend this book and "Toxic Overload" by Dr. Paula Baille-Hamilton if you are interested in reducing your toxic exposure.

Detoxification is not something that is traditionally given much time in medical training. In fact, many in the medical profession will give you a blank stare if you mention the topic.

Granted, terms like "colon cleansing", etc. are commonly used terms. However, there is enough misinformation out there, that many of these techniques have gotten a bad name.

Dr. Krohn does an outstanding job describing and outlining the process. First she starts with a history of medical approaches used. Next she describes how "politics" help to shape the face of traditional medical practices.

As the book continues, the reader is taken through different ways that a person can be exposed to toxins and other problem substances.

Finally, the book finishes up with suggestions on ways the person can improve their health.

At times the reader hopes that more detail can be provided. Dr. Krohn does mention however, that there are times where these techniques are best left in the hands of a professional.

She does an excellent job however, of suggesting things the reader can do to improve their overall health. This book does a very good job outlying special challenges with children's health as well.

If you are interested in the history of detoxification, want to know exposure risks, and education yourself on ways you can improve your health then this is an excellent resource.

If you are looking for a step by step recipe approach to this, then you may want to look elsewhere. Dr. Krohn does share precise techniques at times. Other times, she provides more of an overview. Given the size of the resource however, providing a step by step explanation for every technique out there would probably add several volumes to an already rich, extensive work.