J Books

The G8's Role in the New Millennium makes a significant contribution to our understanding of an important institution.

The G8's Role in the New Millennium makes a significant contribution to our understanding of an important institution.

This publication is a succinct but authoritative primer on this organization's role as a potential policy-making alternative body for managing global financial challenges.

This book goes a some way to lifting the curtain on the secrecy that surrounds the operation of a body that has no charter, no headquarters, no secretariat. --Business Worldaware

This volume makes an important contribution to the debate about the appropriate institutional architecture for the international economy of the next century. It is authoritative and accessible. --Dr Steve McGuire, Royal Holloway, University of London

Don't expect to read this one over the coarse of a couple of nights- or even a week! You really need to set aside time to savor each tasty morsel, chapter by chapter, tale by spooky tale, to get all the enjoyment out of this book.

Divided into categories like "Military Ghosts," "Restaurant Ghosts," "Animal Ghosts," etc, the book is peppered with actual photos of many of the haunted locales, plus eerie illustrations. Some stories are frightening enough to make the hair on your arms stand up, while others are comforting, in that they'll make you believe that there is an afterlife in which our departed loved ones are still watching over us... and occasionally making mischief!

Another great book by a talented author.

Mr. Pitkin has put together a stylish glossary of ghost stories, taking place in a series of Up State New York (among other places) Villages and Cities. Some hit close to home as I live only a short drive from where many stories are reported to have taken place. I bought two copies (one in a book store) and have lent it out to many friends who love it too. It is a wonderful book to take along on a country drive up and down New York State's open roads. The stories are told with honesty and an open mind, never attempting to capitalize on the "fright" factor, but instead bringing common sense to the stories, although there were one or two that had me sleeping with the night light on a couple of times. Truly one of the BEST books on true hauntings I have read to date. I look forward to more from Mr. Pitkin.

This is one of the best true ghost books that I've ever read, and I've read many. I would rank it high in my top ten. I thrilled to every page and had a terrible time trying to put it down even when my husband begged me to turn off the light and go to sleep. The information was presented concisely and deliciously, and I savored every chilling drop. But it gets better still as this is no book that you're apt to read in a single sitting and wonder what it was that you just ingested. This is a bounty of numerous spooky tales that will hold you enthralled with enough terrifying entertainment for a feast.

Most of the stories are even accompanied by photos, a rarity in ghost books, which helps the reader visualize the haunts.

In all, I can't recommend this book highly enough to ghost story enthusiasts who're looking for a good read and a bedtime chill. You'll gladly devour this book and wish you had more!

I'm an agnostic and a skeptic on the subject of ghosts, yet I found this book to be incredibly enjoyable and I was sorry to reach the end. I disagree with the other reviewer that these stories are Christian sermons in disguise. For starters, while Pitkin is obviously a "spiritual" person, he never indicates that he's a Christian. I do agree that he ends most of the stories on a heartwarming, spiritual note that I suppose could get old for some people; however, I wasn't irked by it--maybe because I took a while to read the book and therefore got it in smaller doses.

I think if you're reading a book of "true" ghost stories authored by folks who believe in ghosts (whether or not you do), you should expect to hear a bit about their spiritual beliefs as well. Are there any books of "true" ghost stories penned by absolute skeptics? I don't think so...

As for the stories, many are quite chilling, and Pitkin obviously knows his history. Most stories have accompanying photos of the houses, etc. in question, which is nice. The illustrations are mostly funny--actually, many of them are downright goofy. I was a little disappointed that there weren't more Massachusetts stories, as I live in MA. New York is well covered--I believe Pitkin lives there, and has written another book exclusively about New York ghosts.

This is one of the two best books of "true" ghost stories I've read. The other is "Haunted Happenings," by Robert Cahill.

I don't usually venture outside New England for my ghosts, but this bone-chilling collection was well worth every step of the journey! This is not a short read by any means. There are 380 pages of stories here, in fairly small print, and still you will wish there were more.

The author writes primarily about his regional area of New York. His writing style is inquisitive, with much information based in fact. I enjoyed his well-researched historical information about the places he visits, and the photos he includes. He then pulls it all together with contemporary stories, including eye-witnesses, credibly told and concisely written. He writes with just enough speculation to make you think, and I also enjoyed his wry sense of humor. Because there are so many well-varied stories, it becomes evident how many common threads run through ghost encounters and hauntings. You will be fascinated by what these people have witnessed!

It is tempting to read for hours once picking up this book. My advice would be to digest these stories slowly, if you can, to appreciate the full impact of each of these fascinating tales. I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking substantial goose-bumps.

I hold fully accredited undergrad and graduate degrees in biblical studies. I can tell you from years of experience, reading a multitude of books, and dedicating the majority of my life to the study of Jesus and the Bible, that this book is the best introduction to the historical Jesus that you will find. Furthermore, I have met Dr. Patterson in person at a Westar Institute seminar in Iowa, and he is as eloquent a speaker and as friendly and down-to-earth person as he is an excellent writer and scholar. VERY highly recommended.

This highly readable work by Dr. Patterson takes one on a journey back in time to the First Century, a place in some ways so alien to our modern world that visiting it would be like landing on another planet. Dr. Patterson covers a wide range of topics: an overview of the quest for the historical Jesus, the concepts of shame and honor in first century Palestine, the radical wisdom of Jesus, a fresh look at the parables of Jesus, an analysis of the apocalyptic controversy (was Jesus preaching the end of the world?), and the meaning of the resurrection. This text is a good overview and analysis of many of the topics looked at by the Jesus Seminar and provides wonderful insights into the teachings of Jesus.

This is an excellent introduction to research on the historical Jesus, especially for the way it connects those efforts with the concerns of believing Christians. (Marcus Borg also deserves mention for pursuing that emphasis in his work.) There are passages and sections in every chapter where the writing is wonderfully inspiring. It's a book that I'd recommend without hesitation. Having said that, and given that other reviewers have already detailed the book's virtues, let me offer a critique.

Going along with the Jesus Seminar version of research on the historical Jesus is a definite left-wing political slant. That may be appropriate, because Jesus may indeed have been a utopian social revolutionary who preached an early version of Marx's dictum that each should receive according to his needs. But one has to ask whether the research findings are driving the political thinking here, or the other way around. For example:

In an otherwise very good chapter on parables, we find an interpretation of the Wicked Tenants, apparently based on Herzog's highly ideologized, class-warfare reading, that is utterly forced and unconvincing. The exploitative nature of the social system did not need to be "revealed" to Jesus' audience of expendables; it was hardly hidden from them. In a later chapter, the same parable is revisited with a standard interpretation, which is said to be an allegorization by Mark. Perhaps, but no more than the earlier, preferred one was a Marxist allegorization by Herzog.

Jesus' execution is seen to result from the threat he posed to Rome and its imperial system. But there is a huge difference between being a trouble-maker, nuisance, and potential danger to public order among the large and volatile Passover crowds, which Jesus certainly was, and being a serious threat to Roman rule. In the event, Jesus was yanked off the street and executed, and his followers scattered. When militant Jews later actually did launch a serious revolt, it was smashed without mercy. The idea that Jesus and his tiny sect threatened the Roman Pax and its legions is wishful thinking in service of class-conflict ideology, cramming facts to fit a model.

Patterson believes that the mainline churches have declined in membership and attendance because they are not liberal enough, do not sufficiently encourage critical thought, including the sorts of historically-based reformulations he argues for. But if that were true, the Unitarians would be ruling the roost by now. Instead, it's the conservative evangelical churches and TV ministries that are showing the dramatic growth. Wishful thinking again.

Examples like that give the reader the right to assume that in any ambiguous case, Patterson will push the interpretation that best fits his ideological presuppositions. But even assuming that, the book is very much worth buying and reading.

Meet a Jesus more strident than Gandhi, more humble than Sister Teresa, more radical than Marx, more revolutionary than King and at least as clever (and funny) as Mark Twain. And in the process meet the God folks experienced through Jesus, and consider how to share such an experience.

If you have a serious interest in Jesus, "The God of Jesus" by Stephen J. Patterson is an extremely well written and thoughtful book that really ought to be on your night stand -- or at least on your Christmas list.

Once when attending a local revival as a guest of a friend, I was confronted by the fiery preacher with the question: "Do you know the Lord?" I, somewhat taken back by his zeal, lamely offered the typical liberal response: "Well, yes and no, depends on what you mean by 'the Lord.'" I was immediately "cast into the outer darkness," where "people will weep and gnash their teeth."
After reading this book, I replay that scene. This time I boldly reply, "Yes, if this is what you mean by 'the Lord,'" thrusting a copy into his hands. However, I still think that I would end up weeping and gnashing my teeth.
As a Christian, I have a serious major flaw. I have difficulty confessing that "Jesus is Lord." In my mind that's like saying that my big bother is Lord, something that sibling rivalry prevents me from doing. You see, I don't want to be enthralled by Jesus; rather, I want to be enthralled by what enthralled Jesus. And close to heresy, I don't want to see Jesus as God; but rather, I want to see the God of Jesus. This excellent book goes a long, long way in that direction. I can't recommend it too highly. And as an added bonus, there were parts of it that actually made me laugh out loud! Read it and see. Deserves wide circulation.

I've had a copy of this book for over 21 years and decided to buy 7 more to give to friends. It's a wonderful reference during times of trouble.

My family was given this book when my mother was dying of cancer. Since that time, I have no idea how many times I've opened it up again and browsed through it. The version I have is leather bound, and has thin pages like those you'd find in a Bible. It came in a box, which has helped it stay nice through the years. I personally would recommend buying the leather edition rather than the paperback; It makes a better looking, more sturdy gift.

I have so often used this book when trying to think of appropriate verses to add to the letters and cards I send to others. I plan to buy a couple copies to give to people who are going through trials right now.

For the most part the verses are organized in a helpful manner, and I enjoy reflecting on them when I feel discouraged, anxious, etc. There are 9 sections, with numerous sub-sections. For example, under the section titled "Jesus is Your ...", some of the subsections are "Savior", "Lord", "Love", etc. Other sections include: The Bible is Your ... What to Do When You Feel... What to Do When You Are ... What To Do When ... What the Bible Has to Say About ... Truth From the Bible About ... What You Can Do To ... God's Plan for Salvation.

Personally, my husband and I believe that a few of the verses, especially those found in the sections relating to Physical Sickness and Finanical Trouble, are not always applicable to us today. In some cases, they are taken out of context. (We are not promised that He will physically heal our ailments today the way Jesus and his disciples healed people while on Earth.) However, I would not let those few verses deter me from giving this as a gift.

This was purchased as a gift. The person who received it read it through in a single sitting- it beckoned her so! Now she is reading it on a daily basis.

I love this book as it is a handy quick reference book for when you are helping others and need a certain Bible verse to comfort, encourage, etc. Bought one of each of my 8 children to have! Many different topics to look up to help in times of trouble. A must have and small enough to carry with you, but print is nice size also.

The compiler of this book (Dr. A. L. Gill) has crafted the single most powerful book of God's Promises. First, the Scripture is primarily drawn from the King James Version of The Bible. Newer "Living" translations, while they may be useful, occasionally change the meaning and context as a by-product of "updating" the language. With King James Version Scripture, you can't go wrong. Second, this is a reference work organized in a primarily situational manner. If you have a need, the book guides you to Scripture that addresses that need. Finally, other than the organizational text, it's 100% Scripture. Too often authors of "Promises" books add their own agenda and interpretation. Depending upon the author, this can cause more harm than good. This book places God's word in your mind and in your heart and lets you decide what He is trying to communicate to you. I consider this to be an essential book for any Christian seeking a deeper understanding of God's Word.

The more popular version of my quote is "The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray" ;kept coming to mind to me as I read this excellent novel by Michael Merry.
Knowing this book was about Piracy ,I thought I would prepare myself by reading up on the Golden Age of Piracy;so I would be familiar with what those times were like. I dug out "Pirates-An Illustrated History" by Nigel Cawthorne ,and wrote a review on June 10,2008. I found this book gave a detailed account of the ships,weapons,treasures sought and captured,the involvement of governments, the locations where it took place both in the Americas ans around the world,the lifestyle of the pirates abord ship and ashore,and about some of the famous pirates themselves. Henry Morgan is well covered, and on page 64 we learn about the Golden Altar in Panama City and how Henry Morgan missed it during his 4 week sacking of Panama City in 1671.
In this well constructed novel, we find a descendant of Henry Morgan,who carries the same name, attempting to make up for the famous pirate's oversight and capture the great treasure for himself.
It is a great read,filled with details of plans,operations,exciting characters ,incidents and action that starts building up slowly in the beginning;but with every page gets more engrossing. The reader is held in suspense and is never sure how things are going to end until he finally puts the book down.
For anyone who likes a blend of real history and present day adventure ,this is certainly a saga that will fill the bill.
Come to think of it,this novel would make a humdinger of a movie.
Alough this book was first published in 2002,it reads very well today,and will still be a great read for many years to come.

If you are fascinated with the exploits of pirates, buccaneers or privateers, first time novelist, Michael J. Merry's fictional novel, The Golden Altar, which is partially based on historical events, will immediately seduce you as soon as you completed reading the first chapter.

In 1671 an infamous English pirate, or as some called him a privateer, Henry Morgan, accomplished one of his most daring feats, when he attacked, looted and pillaged Panama. However, unfortunately for Morgan, he was foiled in his attempt to steal one of the most famous and unique artefacts of the city the "Altar de Oro," the Golden Altar. This large baroque golden altar was housed in the Church of San Jose, and although Morgan stood a mere two feet away from this magnificent work of art, it was the clergy's ingenious camouflaging of the altar that duped Morgan.

The story is fast-forwarded and in 1985 a descendant of Morgan, a Major Henry Morgan, a British army officer, after learning and obsessed about his ancestor's escapades, meticulously plans the perfect crime, the theft of the Golden Altar from the Church of San Jose.

Morgan ventures to Panama and begins to fashion a strategy that will ultimately result in the successful burglary of this prized object.
The imaginative writing of the author induces the reader to cheer on the protagonist, notwithstanding that the crime about to be committed is shameless.

Complicating the plot, Merry introduces a second character, a woman, who is a journalist, by the name of Anne.
Up until half way in the story, Morgan constantly spurns female companionship for fear that it will lead him astray and defeat his primary objective. However, our hero succumbs to the beauty of Anne and agrees to accept her as an active participant, who incidentally proves to be of immense assistance.

Did Morgan succeed in stealing an entire altar crafted from pure gold? If he did succeed, how did dispose of the gold? Was Morgan a modern day pirate?
These are the many pieces of a giant jigsaw puzzle that the author cleverly assembles in order to formulate a blueprint of action.

In order to discover the answers to these queries, you will either have to read the book or travel to the Church of San Jose. I suggest, however, that you first read the book as a prelude to your trip.

This review first appeared on the reviewer's own site
www.bookpleasures.com

Very easy going, with captivating intrigue and a nicely decorated language, worth reading and enjoying. I am waiting for Mr. Merry's next artwork.

This is a book to take for a flight, or for a weekend stuck in a hotel away from home. It is easy to read, and the intrigue prevents you from leaving the reading, so you'd better have some food close enough, and some drink too!

Hacía tiempo que no me entretenía tanto con un libro de aventura e intriga. Además, puedo certificar que la acción descrita es escrupulosamente correcta, porque refleja muy precisamente un plan conocido por mí para apropiarse de un tesoro similar (aunque en otro país latinoamericano).

Creo que Michael Merry ha tenido acceso a fuentes de información que están fuera de los circuitos habituales. Y no he sido yo quién le ha facilitado los datos.

Por otro lado, el dominio del idioma que el Sr. Merry posee hace de la lectura de este libro un ejercicio muy conveniente para extranjeros como yo. Lo recomiendo a todos.

A very warm and touching account of growing up in a disfunctional family yet overcoming setbacks and becoming successful. Anyone who has even had an "Uncle Ned" or a caring "Gram" will easily identify with this true story.
Well written!

This was a book that was hard to put down. I didn't want it to end. I truly hope that the author has more to come in the near future. A story about a family whose perseverance through many difficult times is inspiring. We can all learn a lot from this uplifting book. Thank you Robert J Morgan!

The story of a young man growing up in a poor family in America, facing adversity in many forms yet triumphant - most of all full of fun and laughs. You won't forget this one!

One of the things I liked most about "Goodbye, Geraldine" was the upbeat, positive attitude throughout. Someone who experienced growing up in such meager circumstances could have become bitter. Morgan could easily have taken on the role of a victim, wallowing in self-pity and blaming the world for what life handed him.

But that didn't happen. His dear Gram, in her refusal to accept charity, didn't provide a role model about how to feel sorry for yourself; she didn't allow him or his brother to feel deprived.

Morgan takes his lumps - figuratively and literally - and carries on. He has the intellect and good sense to recognize and seize opportunities to improve his life.

This easy read is an uplifting story about someone who lacked the elements most of us consider basic to growing up sane and healthy, but does more than just survive a difficult childhood; he prevails. And he does it with incredible introspection, insight and humor.

I was touched by Morgan's story and glad I went along for the ride.

GOODBYE, GERALDINE,will inevitably be called an American ANGELA'S ASHES. Both books had me laughing through my tears. Morgan writes with unsparing honesty of his life struggle to overcome a childhood of abuse by an alcoholic uncle and humiliating poverty. His Uncle Ned, like McCourt's father, roused his nephews from sleep when he came home drunk. McCourt's father made his kids sing patriot songs. Uncle Ned beat his nephews up.
But tough old "Gram" who raised him and his siblings following his father's desertion and his mother's death, taught him courage and determination. She ruled more with the threat of a wet dishrag slung across his face than she did with her rare hugs, but she sang songs and recited poems that taught morality and values. Morgan brings this dysfunctional family alive with all it's squalor but also its humanity.
It relates, as well, the inspiring story of how one caring adult can make a difference in a young man's life. Although in the end, it is "Bobbie" himself who has to find his way into the light. This book brings out the preciousness of life even in hard circumstances, and the rewards of not giving up. I was especially touched by the love of the siblings for each other.

and you got saved every summer during the revival, whether you needed it or not -- if you spent a week going to Camp Meeting every July, and youth camp in June -- if bees could have lived in your mother's hair and your father had to hide to smoke or drink, you might have grown up Pentecostal in the South! And you know what a disorganized cultural bondage that was! But there is life after all that bondage - our ancestors walked in all the light they would accept - and it's not all bad, but there's a lot of useless emphasis on outward appearance, while` Grace is a foreign concept, and fear is the stock-in-trade.
This book spells out and laughs at us all - and tells us it's alright. Growing up Pentecostal, once you've survived it, is like eating watermelon. The meat of grace is wonderful, as long as you spit out the seeds of legalism and fear. I intend to buy a copy for all my cousins who are likewise wrestling with the rules, rather than accepting the Grace.

This was a very well written book where J Stephen Conn shares with the reader his life growing up in a Pentecostal home. At times I laughed out loud and I've shared several of his stories with friends in the past couple of weeks. There were parts that I could relate to from my own upbringing and there were parts I hope my kids never experience (hint: most of the clubs). It really is a very personal view that the author shares with us and really let's us experience being in a Pentecostal home with 11 other siblings on a pastor's salary. I was moved throughout the book and thought J Stephen Conn's writing style is very down to earth.

Having never been Pentecostal (and having never attended a Pentecostal service) I have to admit I am curious to see how much things have changed from the description we are given of the Pentecostal church 40 years ago and now. I believe he puts a human face on something that has been misunderstood over the decades.

GROWING UP PENTECOSTAL is a warm, funny, candid story of a pastor's kid in a strict denomination growing up with eleven siblings in Tennessee.

Conn captures a slice of Americana as he relives his childhood memories of growing up with a full house of brothers and sisters during the fifties. The "Mad Men Club", National Guard Armory, and impromptu church services with the neighborhood kids stories were priceless.

Having spent some time in a full gospel holiness church, I can relate to Conn's experiences in the church. The legalism of the holiness sects can stifle the grace, liberty, and love of the Lord. Only heaven will reveal how many people were hurt and disenfranchised by some of the legalistic Pentecostal denominations.

However, Conn seems to have survived with his faith and sense of humor intact. The book is great fun and makes you want to know him better.

J. Stephen Conn's biography, "Growing Up Pentecostal," provides a keen insight into the Church of God from the perspective of a child growing to manhood. Conn's wit, candor, and ability to look over the horizon in both directions create a fun and fascinating journey. From the first pages sketching the author's parents, the book follows Conn from earliest memories to the cusp of independence and manhood. Conn's journey is not just one of physical maturity, but also of spiritual growth. From the blind faith of a child to the graceful faith of maturity, Conn unflinchingly bares his soul's groaning while keeping the pace quick and the subject matter light.

The settings and situations are unique. Only Conn's Church of God holds the hands-down absolute conservative holiness Pentecostal line during a period of shifting values and emerging consumerism. The narratives tell as much about the time as they do the author. Conn's explanation of the Church of God's debate over the wear of wedding rings provides humor, insight, and even a bit of pastoral theology. The reader easily connects with Conn's amazement and anguish as he listens to the elders debate the issue with fervor and venom yet without Godly discernment.

For the uninitiated, Conn's tales of deprivation from television, movies, or other "worldly" entertainments as a preacher's kid seem almost too much to believe. The author takes us to a place even more sterile than Andy Griffith's fictionalized Mayberry. When mixed bathing (swimming with a member of the opposite gender) is a mortal sin and even drinking a Coke from a bottle might earn you a rebuke from a conscientious sister, the modern reader might likely respond with disbelief. Not so in this instance. The writer's narrative carries the ring of unvarnished truth.

This book commends itself on several levels particularly for those with a love for the Christian church. As a "just for fun" read, this book compares favorably with Brother Andrew's "God's Smuggler." Christian autobiography provides a wealth of valuable encouragement and instruction, and my children will receive this volume as part of their faith journey. I plan to give a copy to my church library as well, since a good book that respects the ethos of the Christian faith is hard to find.

Buy this book, find a comfortable spot, and turn-off your cell phone. Allow the author gently take you to a time of crew cuts, bobby socks, and the birth of rock and roll music, juxtaposed against a church where Hell lies waiting for those with pierced ears or bowling balls. Be sure to read this book in private so you won't need to explain your sudden laughter, gasps for breath, head shakes, or chuckles. More importantly, you won't have to share your copy!

Very rarely are words absent from my fingertips, hindering my ability to write a review on an excellent book. Today, however, I am having such a dilemma because this book has almost left me speechless. In fact, I had just gotten the kids off to school and settled in to finish its last two chapters, when an alarm set on "snooze" in the next room began obnoxiously sounding off. That alarm yelled out its insufferable collage of squeaks and horns for 42 entire minutes, and I didn't even care. I was NOT going to put that book down NOW!

In his true story,Growing Up Pentecostal, J. Stephen Conn effortlessly carries his readers down the captivating, hilarious, and tenderly emotional road that is/was his life.

Mr. Conn bravely and honestly lays his whole heart wide open for the world to see. He lets his readers watch as he candidly examines the deepest crevices of his thought life while growing up as a preacher's kid, and lets us know what he's learned along the way. It leaves the reader with a fresh and renewed awareness that every single one of us, even preachers and their kids, are all still very human. We simply share a bond that includes desperately needing Jesus for every breath, every heartbeat, every second of every day, and in every circumstance of life that comes along.

Having not grown up in church one single day in my childhood, this book gave me a delightful look at the people I always perceived to be the "lucky" ones. I was so very lonely in my love for Jesus when I was a child.

Mr. Conn, your book is a wonderful gift to any pair of hands that hold it. Through your story, you prove that anything can be accomplished when one surrenders the reigns to Jesus and lets Him do the steering. You taught me to take risks- to jump right out there, unafraid- and let the will of God be done in my life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for writing your life's story.


Carrie Lynn Jones
Author of It All Began... When Jesus Gave Me Sneakers

Being of Italian decent on my mother's side, I was overwhelmed by this fantastic collection of Italian accomplishments. This book gives detailed information about contributions made by Italians and Italian-Americans. Finally, a "User friendly" book which is quite addictive and difficult to put down. This reminds me of those famous stories my mother use to tell me as a boy. I only wish she had the opportunity to experience this pleasant and enjoyable reading material. I highly suggest giving this book to any young person who is trying to discovering his/her great rich Italian background. It is all here!

I enjoyed the Heritage Italian American Book immensely. Being Italian I found the book to be very informative and entertaining. The book became a wonderful gift for my family and friends. A close family friend-teacher/priest expressed to me how he was going to introduce the material in this book to his students. He complemented the true educational benefits of this exceptional book. Amore' Thank you Leon...Job well done.

Reading this book is like roaming through 2000 years of the Roman empire and all the transplanted Romans who grace the US. I loved it and I'm not Italian. And, sorry, Leon, but I don't even want to be Italian. I've got a better idea. Why don't you do one on Jewish or Irish people? They're pretty entertaining. The book probably deserves five stars, but I'd like to see some graphics in it, so I just gave it four.

When the family gets together either at home or for an outdoor picnic, we whip out our copy of "Heritage Italian-American Style!" We have a blast with this jam-packed collection of both recognized and some not-so-well-known contributions that Italians have made to better the world. Invariable, the teens and young adults chime in to test their own knowledge of their culture and are often surprised to discover in the process of "playing" a game...just how much fun learning can be! Especially, when you're learning about why we should be proud to be Italian!! The old timers are equally entertained while being secretly educated at the same time!!

As editor of AMICI Magazine, the largest Italian-American Magazine west of Ohio, I am inundated with requests to review Italian books. Leon's book is one of the few I couldn't put down. It made me think. It made me laugh. It made me proud...or prouDER, should say!!

I can tell you one the cultural tragedies of our time is that we're literally forgetting to keep our kids Italian. As silly as that sounds, the truth is many families today understandably marry outside of the culture or simply live life in fast lane and overlook the importance of story telling, carrying on Italian traditions and keeping ourselves informed about our culture. Books like Heritage Italian-American Style truly keep our heritage alive!

Once you get your own copy, you'll see why you feel inclined to buy several for your family and friends!

Radomile's presentation on Italian-American culture is a warm reflection on what has often been demeaned, or misrepresented in the press, or totally lacking in book form. I found so much information, in such a easily obtainable manner that I could not put this outstanding presentation down until I literally devoured its contents. A must read for all Italianophiles. Sincerely, A.H. Angelini

We were in the Grand Canyon in August 2008 and must concur with the other reviewers - this is an excellent guide that gives you all the information you need to hike the North and South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trails. The maps are well done, the elevation map / trail profile is invaluable (distance and altitude cross-section), and the description of each section of each trail (including facilities or lack thereof) is precisely what we experienced.

The book is easy to carry along in the backpack or fanny-pack - my only suggestion would be to make the actual binding and paper a bit more pliable / fold-able (a minor nit).

I had also purchased the Grand Canyon Trail Map (Schulte) but did not use it (actually gave it away to a group we ran into on the trail). There is nothing wrong with the map - it was easy to read, seemed accurate on the primary trails, had a useful elevation guide, and was printed on excellent paper - but we found the Hikernut guide more insightful on the 3 trails it covers. Note the map was much more thorough and included several trails not mentioned by Lane in Hikernut though we did not explore any of these other trails. If you do not plan to go beyond either of the two Kaibab trails or the Bright Angel Trail, hard to go wrong with this book.

Highly recommended.

The book is just what I was looking for. Basic, concise, to the point. Ready to put the information to the test!

Brian Lane presents clear and concise information on hiking in the Grand Canyon. The fact that he has focused on the Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and North Kaibab trails--the popular trails to Phantom Ranch--is a boon to anyone going on their first backpacking trip in the Canyon. With his book you learn the necessary info to have an enjoyable and successful journey into the mile-deep gorge. His detailed and easy-to-read text provides info from his years of experience about your drinking water requirements, protection from the sun, conditioning prior to the hike, and desert safety. Lane's beautiful photographs of many of the scenes along way is a pleasant bonus--his fine art quality photos are stunning. Lane has created a classic backpacking guide book with the specific aim to get people into the Canyon--and back out again--while having fun.
Grand Canyon: The Vault of HeavenThe Fun Guide to Exploring Grand Canyon National Park (Grand Canyon Association)Grand Canyon Map and Guide[[ASIN:189386099X

Excellent book, answers lots of questions ranging from temperatures, sunrise/sunset times, elevation gain, appropriate equipment and trail conditions to what to eat (and avoid eating) and how to avoid health problems and how to treat them if they occur. Although for a trip to Phantom Ranch (our plan) one wants to consult a number of sources, this is the best I've seen so far at answering questions. Practical, easy reading and worth more than the price.

This little book is packed full of useful information for anyone planning to hike the Bright Angel Trail (as we are) or other Grand Canyon trails. It is well written, has some great pictures, and provides excellent advice. I really liked this book!

Having worked and read many 12-Step books, Keith Miller offers an easy to read and much needed Christian perspective to many
in the church today. I intend to recommend it to all my family and friends who want to grow in their faith journey.

Carolyn P

I read this book after I had worked through the steps, but I wish I had read it before. Miller does a great job breaking down each step and applying it to his own life. If you thought the steps were just for alcoholics, think again. This book will open your mind to behaviors that keep you stuck in the insanities of life. If your new to the steps or if you have lived them most of your life this book hits the spot.

First step - Get Real! It's time for the church not to be afraid to admit they're dysfunctional. read this book. Also get "A More Excellent Way" by Pastor Henry Wright. Let's get the church and the body healed!

Our church staff recently presented a seven-part message series based on Miller's book and it had a profound impact on our congregation (New Life Christian Church, Centreville, VA, see newlife4me.com). We made the book available for our folks at our information table and it was the best received book we have ever used -- running slightly ahead of Lee Strobel's Case For Christ. It was so popular and there was so much interest in it that the book and the message series led to starting a couple of Celebrate Recovery/Hunger For Healing groups for those working through their own "hurts, habits, and hang-ups," including some who had never acknowledged having a problem other than some vague recognition that there was "sin" in their lives. Miller's book has been a perfect companion for our recovery groups. I highly recommend it for anyone struggeling with control issues -- those willing to admit their own lack of self-sufficiency and ready to return God to his rightful place as Creator and Lord of the Universe.

In doing my own recovery work, this book has been an invaluable resource that has allowed me to inventory and begin to deal with my past. J. Keith Miller has great perspectives and anecdotes that you can relate to. I would recommend this book to anyone, even those who feel that they are spiritually and emotionally healthy. I can bet this book would allow anyone to find things about their past that they still need to heal and resolve. For those that feel as though they are at the bottom, this book is definitely for you. This is likely going to be a book that I am taking my time with going through the first time and will re-read again and again.