Howard Books

When I was given this book, I was told to "hang-on" when I read it. They were right -- WOW! Talk about cutting to the chase and laying things on the table -- it was terrific. When I try to explain to friends my love for my home church, White's Ferry Road, one of the things I tell them is that our leaders/instructors/ministers really do a fabulous job of bringing the scriptures to life. The stories, explanations, and references that they use are so timely, so understandable, so applicable to everyday life -- that I find myself wanting more. That's how this book was for me -- Mike Nappa did an outstanding job of "talking" to me in the book -- not preaching at me -- but holding a genuine conversation with a heartfelt concern for my spiritual well-being. I was so impressed...This is one that you'll want to talk about with your spouse, your friends, etc. and ultimately bless someone else's life by sharing it with them.

A wonderfully moving book with illustrations to make the points come alive! Nappa moves the reader to take some chances in their spiritual journey even if it means failure, because being a Christian means being courageous. Nappa uses personal stories and typical preacher stories to bring the message home. You will not want to put the book down.

First in a series with Jack Novac as the main character. I liked this series better that Stuart Wood's Stone Barrington and the Micheal Connelly series. If you liked White Cargo (Stuart Woods) you can't go wrong with this series.

Quick paced story full of sex, adventure, and lots of action. This book is not for leftist [people or] radical feminist!

Creole Gumbo (makes 12 quarts = 48 servings, can be made in smaller batches)

Recipe below evolved and adapted for the beach from "Creole Gumbo and all that Jazz" by Howard Mitcham,who nails it far better than anyone in print. This book is highly recommended.

6 quarts chicken stock or water 6+ washed tomatoes 2+ lbs washed medium shrimp 12+ washed live crabs (essential, buy 18 before boarding ferry)

Bring stock to boil. All in same stock, boil tomatoes 1 minute, skin and seed. Boil shrimp 4 minutes, shell and fridge the meat. Boil live crabs 20 minutes. Eat some crab meat for lunch, return all crab parts, well crushed with shrimp shells, to same stock. Boil vigorously 15 minutes, no longer. Strain stock well e.g. through paper towels and colander.

stick butter flour bunch scallions 3+ onions 1+ heads of garlic 3+ red or green peppers 4+ sticks celery

Melt butter in heavy nonstick. Add flour bit by bit till thick slurry. Stir with spatula over med heat till deep tan or as dark as you dare, without burning. Add chopped veggies (chop garlic and onions at last minute) and saute till soft. Move to heavy gumbo pot if this wasn't it.

3 lbs okra, fresh or frozen 2+ lbs good ham 3 bay leaves bunch fresh thyme bunch parsley 2-3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1-3 tbsp tabasco sauce 1+ tbsp freshly ground black pepper 1/2 lb double smoked bacon 2+ lbs fresh Andouille sausage or similar hot sausage, or kielbasa

Add okra sliced into rounds, diced tomatoes, diced ham, thyme tied into bunch, minced parsley, bay, any meat you crave and have (chicken? beef browned in bacon fat?). Add enough stock to cover solids and keep sloppy. Add some Worcestershire, tabasco, pepper. Slice and cook bacon, crumble and add. Braise sausage in inch of water till ready to eat, poking with fork to release fat. Slice and save.

Simmer gumbo 2-4 hours, low enough and stirred often enough to never stick at bottom. Tasting over next few hours, remembering flavors will "cure" and salt gets added at end, gradually add more W,t,p to taste. Add sausage 30 minutes before serving, shrimp 10 minutes before serving, add any seafood you crave and have (oysters? lobster? crawfish tails?). Salt generously to taste, serve with ample cooked rice.

I have used this book fro over a decade and am about to order a fresh copy. It is a great read and a great, practical cookbook. I have used it constantly.

The way the author entwines the characters in this novel are so interesting that you can't put the book down.You become part of the Doodletown resident population, feel the tradegy that faces those caught up in the draft riots of the civil war. The lives of of a young teacher, widow, boatbuilder, black man and their families are richly joined together in a story about struggle, love,respect,hope and caring.I loved the characters and the story they had to tell.

I highly recommend this quick-reading novel to all. It incorporates many aspects of life: coming of age, love and marriage, death, the turmoil of war, decision making, and tolerance of others. This captivating novel is a wonderfully written historical fiction piece. The true-to-life characters are cleverly introduced and are fully developed so that you cheer for them during triumphs and have true empathy for them during sorrowful events. The rich descriptions make this novel a pleasure to read. You actually feel that you are on a sailing vessel out on the Hudson River or walking about in the surrounding areas of the novel's many settings. Many fascinating historical facts are delivered within the story. Get hold of this novel and enjoy the adventure!

This is the eleventh book in Chaosium's Cthulhu Cycle series. This volume features tales of Lovecraft's most well-known creation, the octopus-headed entity, Cthulhu. Included are the foundational stories (i.e. "The Call Of Cthulhu" by H.P. Lovecraft and "The Black Island" by August W. Derleth), some rare reprints (i.e. "Some Notes Concerning A Green Box" by Alan Dean Foster) and some interesting new stories of Cthulhu in the modern world (i.e. "Rude Awakening" by Will Murray). In any collection the stories are of varied quality but I enoyed the majority of the works collected. If you are a reader of Lovecraft's Mythos fiction then this is a must for your library.

The Cthulhu Cycle

THE CTHULHU CYCLE and THE DISCIPLES OF CTHULHU are some of the best collections that Chaosium has put together. THE CTHULHU CYCLE is marked by strong writing and and classic tales pertaining to Cthulhu. Something included that I have missed from some of the other anthologies is the editor's notes that discuss academically the stories and their part in the development of the Mythos. Having certain influences pointed out is helpful to those who are familiar enough with Lovecraft's work to want more depth.

"A Shop in Go-By Street" by lord Dunsany: A few phrases on an idol in a reliquary seem to have sparked the first half of Lovecraft's famous story. Knowing that Dunsany strongly influenced HPL, I appreciated seeing one of his stories included.

"Count Magnus" by MR James: I'm not sure that this strongly ties in with the theme, but James is an excellent writer of terror and horror, and this is one of his better stories.

"The Call of Cthulhu" by that guy. You don't expect it to be missing, do you?

"The Black Islnad" by August Derleth: I have a beef about Derleth's "Shrewbury cycle." The guy is like some Scooby-Doo mystery gang, globe-trotting and solving mysteries. It has the feel of organized resistance to the Old Ones, and winning to boot. But, being the influence that he has been, Derleth's work deserves to be there.

"Patiently Waiting" is a story from Inspector Lagrasse's point of view, as he deals with cults and Things Man Was Not Meant To Know (tm). As with other stories in this collection, the characters are fleshed out along with their emotions and motivations.

"Recrudescence": this is an interesting story about a different cult, a different god, and a different mechanism for release. I've seen something similar in "The Greatest Adventure" by Eric Temple Bell, but otherwise it is an original plot device involving the stored bio-energy of dead species.

"Black Fire": Usually I don't care for lovecraftian stories where the good-guys triumph - it seems like a contradiction in terms. HPL's vision is that the universe doesn't care if there is a happy ending. In "Black Fire", a carefully-laid plan for the return of the Old Ones is thwarted by a simple man doing the only thing he can think of to stop the destruction. His great sacrifice saves the day, even as the next trap leading to man's destruction begins to unfold elsewhere. It has the feel of inevitable doom that we all know and love, but our capacity to sacrifice for the good of others makes the horror more poignant (if we are mere brutes with no redeeming and enduring qualities, it is hard to feel regret for our passing).

"Zombies from R'Lyeh": The main strength of this piece for me was the author's development of the setting. His description and invocation of tropical seas and islands is a siren song, and the horror is more personal when I feel the longing to be in the same place. I am now seriously considering dropping my thesis work and becoming a pirate to sail the tropical seas. Yar, be forewarned!

I love this book! I read at least a half dozen books to my 2 year old daughter each night before she goes to bed, and this is the one I always leave for last. The words are soothing and spark the imagination and the pictures are large and colorful. This beautifully illustrated book is a wonderful way to end the day and send your little one to dream land. I place it in the same company as "Goodnight Moon".

I bought this book for my infant who's father is Cuban. This book has enthralled him since he was 9 months old and enthralled us from the purchase. I've bought several more copies to give to my Latina friends as baby gifts, because I think all children should have this lovely book in their collection. Thank you

After being in Dr. Liebgold's classes, I developed an immunity against my phobias. This book explains it just as well as being in his class.

I had sustained a very traumatic incident in the dental chair and subsequently developed a phobia, "white-coat phobia" of all dental and medical procedures and staff. I was also experiencing random and crippling panic attacks. I was filled with fear and depression surrounding these issues though I had to undergo a series of medical and dental procedures. I was completely unable to go to my appointments. I could not even bring myself to phone a dental office. I was in danger of losing teeth, yet I still could not make myself go. I searched for something on the net and found this book. Thank God. Though I am still fearful, I dutifully perform the exercises and I am much, much better. Just went through a dental procedure 2 days ago and I am all right. I was able to stay in the chair and not leave. We can change the messages in our subconscious if we apply ourselves and do the work. Funny how many people can watch hours of TV but they won't commit to an hour or less a day at something that could very well change their life. This doctor has helped me tremendously! I hope more people become proactive and really help themselves rather than just resignedly stay in their fear and helplessness. Thank you Dr. Liebgold!

If you have ever considered getting rid of your car or cutting back on your car usage, this is one of several books that I'd recommend taking a look at. It's easy to read and comes with a wealth of info and statistics that will make you think twice about driving, and more importantly give you alternatives to driving. The author talks about how when you consider all the costs owning a car-car payments, gas, insurance, repairs, licenses, time stuck in traffic, you only move about 15 miles an hour, whereas a cyclist can go about 12 miles an hour. Really makes you think, how badly do I need to drive.

Many pictures and really good list of websites and organizations that can help you on your way to living a more car free lifestyle at the end of the book. For me, I live a carlite lifestyle, often traveling by bike with my Down Low Glow lighting the way for my night rides home. Down Low Glow Lighting Kit - Two Tubes -Ice(blue)Down Low Glow Lighting Kit - Single Tube - Envy(green)How to Live Well Without Owning a Car: Save Money, Breathe Easier, and Get More Mileage Out of LifeCarfree Cities

"Cutting Your Car Use" was a funny, educational, and quick read. If you have ever thought about driving less to save money, get some exercise, reduce stress, improve air quality, or fight global warming, this is the book for you! The many cartoons will make you smile and the profiles of ordinary folk around the country who have ditched their cars to take up biking or the bus are inspiring. The first few chapters will convince you of why to cut your car use, and the rest of the book explains how to do it.

Between the lush illustrations and elaborate, yet fun Halloween story, this is one of the greatest children's books. I love the idea of a pumpkin who dances, makes friends and helps children defeat monsters! This is quite a novel book. A real keeper.

This little known gem is without question the best Halloween story I've ever read. My children were riveted. It's got a Wizard of Oz feeling about it; something for children and adults.

This is an excellent story. The characters have depth, believability and it's packed with action. It's easy to see the author knows the north country and has done his homework. Once you opoen it, I suggest you allow yourself lots of time. It' damn difficult to put down.
Congratulations Mr. Leonard
Can't wait for your next novel.
Bill Levasseur

I must say this book was joy to read and damned near impossible to put down. While full of twists and turns the storyline is captivating and easy to follow. The author does a masterful job of pulling it all together.

Having spent some time in the North myself, I thought I was in the canoe in Lady Evelynn/Lake Temagami. It is evident that Mr. Leonard is a lover of the outdoors and he has done great research for this novel. His description of a light aircraft caught in a severe storm is really well done. Best of all, this tale has a great ending.

Congratulations Mr. Leonard, I axiously await your next novel!!

Craig Laing