James Books

I am still digesting "Ulysses." I read it while walking around Dublin a few years ago. It was marvelous to trace the steps of Leopold and Molly, and to see what they "saw," but the novel remains a distant pleasure to the reader. I must admit it is not the most accessible book ever written, but it gets four stars for its intent ... and that it is better than "Finnegan's Wake." Be warned: This book is not for the casual reader. But this annotated edition makes it all worthwhile. You'll get genuine, comprehensible guidance. If you must read "Ulysses," this edition might be most helpful.

This book was a shock to me. It's not just a book of annotations, it's also a history of Ireland, literature, language, and nearly everything else Joyce decided to allude to in his masterpiece. I never would have guessed that just reading the annotations (without the source text) would make good reading, but that is certainly the case here. You do not by any means need this book to enjoy Ulysses, but it does give remarkable insight into the mind behind it

Gifford's book offers fascinating glosses and contextual annotations for Ulysses, but was not quite what I was looking for to help me with my first attempt at the book. The annotations are mostly disjoint explanations of specific allusions and references.

There are other guides to Ulysses that are better suited for the novice Joyce reader, helping the reader to keep track of the plot, the progress of the Odyssey and Hamlet corelations and explaining the shifts in style through the book. This kind of hand-holding may be unnecessary for more sophisticated readers, but for my first read, it was essential!

Just a heads up that this is NOT an annotated edition of Ulysses (as I mistakenly thought in purchasing)(duh). It is 600-some pages of notes only and does not include the text of the novel.

When I first tucked James Joyce's ULYSSES under my arm, Don Gifford's ULYSSES ANNOTATED was tucked under the other. (My biceps became very well developed because of this.) It took me an entire summer to read the books side by side but how worthwhile it was. Gifford's essential line by line, almost word by word, guidance made ULYSSES less overwhelming than if I had tried to tackle it alone. Once I got through ULYSSES the second time (the following spring) I was able to go to the more overarching analyses of Joyce's masterpiece. Stuart Gilbert's ULYSSES and Richard Ellmann's ULYSSES ON THE LIFFEY were particularly helpful.

I am a big fan of the Doors, and Jim Morrison (went to his grave in Pere La Chaise twice) and I had long been looking for a coffee table book on Jim that was both interesting to look at and a fine read, too. This pop-up book has pockets and slides of letters, photos and mementos so well reproduced they look like originals; it's a must-have for anyone who loves arts and crafts and The Doors! Enjoy it!!

I am a devoted Jim Morrison/Doors fan but wasn't aware of this book until my nephew mentioned it to me while we were at a Ozzie/Rob Zombie concert. I promised to give it to him for his birthday. I bought it from Amazon and before I wrapped it I spent at least two hours going through it. This is the most well-conceived, cohesive, unbelievably put-together book I have ever seen. I could not stop going through it and taking all the papers out of their pockets and reading Jim Morrison's letters to his mother, report cards, letters to Jim from his pastor, teachers, etc. Every insert looks like the original document. I cannot say enough good things about this book. I gushed over it so much I hope my kids get the hint and give it to me for Mother's Day!

Excellent collector's edition book for any Jim Morrison/The Doors fan. Full of never before published pictures, handwritten lyrics and letters by Jim Morrison. A must buy for any Doors fan.

My husband loved this book and all it has to offer. This is for a true fan of The Doors and collectors.

The Jim Morrison Scrapbook *****

With the abundance of material that has been released and re-released and alternately released from the Jim Morrison estate in the past decade very little of it has been any good. It is mostly things that had already been released on one thing or another deeming it pointless to own, but not The Jim Morrison Scrapbook. Oh-no! This is phenomenal and a must have for Doors-geeks like myself. This shows sides of Morrison rarely or never shown.

Chronicling the genius from birth, poet, songwriter, lover, performer, and death. This is a book explaining all of those things about the man, but with actually tangible documents like his will, report cards, letters, his handwritten lyrics, rare seen photos; some of which have never been released to the mass public.

The Jim Morrison Scrapbook is the first in a series of "scrapbooks" being released of famous legends. As of right now a Bob Dylan, and John Lennon version is also available. This is essential for all rock fans! A must read!

A very well written biography of a very complicated man. From the Duke's childhood to his later years in Hollywood, you get the full picture of an American legend that was patriotic, controversial, opinionated, grateful, and a deliberate artist.

John Wayne: American takes you into Wayne's inner circle of friends, family, and co-workers. If you love John Wayne, or even kind of like him, you'll love this book. There are some shockers that reveal the man behind the curtain that is sure to be a water cooler discussion after you read the book.

I am French and a huge fan of John Wayne's career.
I've found this book very complete whithout having long movies résumés.
This book is more focused on anecdotes' movies.
Moreover, the life of John Wayne is not depicted only as a pure "American" cowboy (despite the title of the book)and the authors really want to explain the choices of John Wayne in politics or in his own life whithout trying to influence the reader.
That gives us the impression that John Wayne lacked confidence in his own life but barely never in his career.
I've been reading biographies for a very long time and I can say that this biography is really well written and as I was reading it, I watched several movies with John Wayne, just for pleasure!!

The acid test of any biography is does the personality of the subject come through the pages of the book? After the reader is finished, do they feel they have meet the man or woman they were reading about. Historians Randy Roberts and James S. Olson have done so with this book, which is very difficult for two distinct reasons: 1) Wayne left no papers; and 2) there is the legend of John Wayne that gets in the way of knowing Marion "Duke" Morrison, the man behind the famous stage name.

Roberts and Olson have given their readers a well-written, engaging study that is both traditional biography of the actor, but a study of his status as an American icon. The authors also show that Wayne was a talented actor in addition to being a movie star and deserved the Oscar he won, even though he expected to lose.

A decent and diligent son, he was never able to win his mother's love. For whatever reason, she showered her affections on her second son who was a mediocrity in life. Wayne was a conservative, but mainly because he was a classical liberal in that he believed in limited government that did little to impose on the liberties of individuals. Even though he was worth millions when he died, he had invested poorly and had gone bankrupt, squandered most of his earnings, and most of his fortune was the result of his having an honest business partner that had looked out for him.

He went through three marriages, but was a loving, if removed father. In many ways, he placed more value in his friends than in his family. Perhaps because his friends could never hurt him the way his wives had.

There will be other Wayne books, but it is difficult to see this book being surpassed anytime soon.

I had wanted to read a John Wayne biography for some time, but never got around to it until buying this book. I think I picked the right one. It is chock-full of interesting information regarding 'the Duke'. I was surprised to discover how nasty director John Ford could be to his actors, John Wayne included; and yet the two were good friends. Surely Wayne must have wanted to punch the guy out a time or two. Regarding Wayne's mother; I don't think the writers did an adequate follow through. In the first sections of the book, much was written about the relationship between mother and son, but there was no follow up later in the book. Did his mom ever come around and begin to appreciate him before she passed away, or did she remain cold and aloof until she died? As a reader, I felt like I was left hanging on this one. Otherwise, this was an excellent book, and I highly recommend it. The final sections, covering Wayne's last days were sad and disturbing, but the man left us with quite a legacy on film. There will never be another like him.

I enjoyed this book more than I can Say . Being 80 yrs. old ,

I have grown up with John Wayne , more so than any other movie

" STAR ". Buy this book , you will treasure it .

Jack Yannuzzi

I love this artist and am always inspired by this book. I first bacame familiar with this artist through a series of greeting cards made from his art. When my mother found this book we both had to have one. It is a nice shelf size, with full page and double page images. There are also excerpts that are blown up to show detail, sketches to show initial concept and process, and clever writing to keep you engaged in each piece. I was delighted as I read the book to find out just how much symbolism he uses. It makes his pieces much deeper than the common fanciful fantasy art. It was a real pleasure learning more about James Christensen. No matter how many times you look over these pictures, they will never get boring. You'll always see something new.

I love this book! I am an artist and illustrator. When I need inspiration to open my own creative juices, I study the pages of this book. Christensen's images come from a pure expression of the inner creative child blended with the quirky imagination of a "Renaissance" painter gone wild!

I got this book as a Christmas gift along with a painting by the artist. He's a good artist. Make no mistake about that. But you'd better be an ardent gamer to really enjoy his subject matter.

There's really no way to tell what James Christensen's art is like. It's as unsatisfactory as trying to describe what chocolate tastes like to the person who's never tasted it. It has to be experienced to be appreciated.

This is a wonderful collection reproducing almost all of Christensen's earlier work. It includes some "serious" works of which the artist clearly is a master, but his fantasy art is unlike anyone elses. It takes flights of fancy and works of whimsy to completely new heights. The person who can go through this delightful romp among a truly creative genius' works and not find themselves smiling for most of it is suffering from an atrophied sense of humor.

If you like fantasy, get this book. If you like art, get this book. If you have a sense of humor and the willingness to use it, get this book. Warning: you may have to take this book in small doses, or your smile may suffer from overwork.

This book causes you to see through the eyes of a child again, playing with reality and delighting in possibilities. It gets your "imaginative juices" flowing to where you won't look at ordinary, every day objects in the same way again. The artist provides the reader with insight into his whimsy, while at the same time providing a magical feast for the eye!

Excellent book!!! It helped my kids and myself complete the game! Help alot during complicated levels.

This guide helped me a lot to beat the game. I got stuck at the second dungeon so I bought the guide. The only problem is that the walkthrough for the seventh dungeon, Eagle Tower, I got lost and couldn't really figure out what to do, so I just walked around trying different stuff. But other than that, this guide is perfect and you should get it if you own the game.

IT KICKS BIG BUT I BOUGHT IT FOR MY FREIND AND HE BEAT THE GAME IN ONE DAY! BUY IT NOW! ! !

What can I say? This guide book is very well put together, aiding the young adventurer (i.e. you) thru his quest in beating the Wind Fish and solving the elusive mystery of Koholint Island. It is very well thought out, with complete maps for everything. Of course, it being a guide book, if you really want to beat it you ought try to do it yourself first, and consult the book only when necessary. But they have done a very fine job.

There is one stint I have against it, however. At the beginning of each section, they have suggestions for things you ought to do. This is all well and fine - but one some of these they should direct you to the page number that dealt with that specific item or whatever it is. Example: they say in one of the later sections it is good to go and get your boomerang. You have to go back and find where they talk about the boomerang (which, as I remember, in the early part of the book, not the section it should be). But this is only a minor stint.

Another good thing is they have a map, and on the back of that is where to get all the new pictures from the camera shop. The only problem with that is if you lose the map, you're basically screwed in the picture department.

Visually very nicely laid out. You can very clearly tell where you need to go. The dungeons are taken step by step, and is an excellent example in the writing of guides. I would like to see more of their work: if its anywhere near this good, then they're great overall. They should be regularly featured guide writers (they probably are). The one problem I mentioned is only minor, and does not deserve to detract an entire star.

Therefore, this guide book is 4 & ½ stars. Keep it up you guys! Actually, on second thought, a full 5 stars.

What can I say? This guide book is very well puttogether,aiding the young adventurer (i.e. you) thru his quest inbeating the Wind Fish and solving the elusive mystery of Koholint Island. It is very well thought out, with complete maps for everything. Of course, it being a guide book, if you really want to beat it you ought try to do it yourself first, and consult the book only when necessary. But they have done a very fine job.

There is one stint I have against it, however. At the beginning of each section, they have suggestions for things you ought to do. This is all well and fine - but one some of these they should direct you to the page number that dealt with that specific item or whatever it is. Example: they say in one of the later sections it is good to go and get your boomerang. You have to go back and find where they talk about the boomerang (which, as I remember, in the early part of the book, not the section it should be). But this is only a minor stint.

Another good thing is they have a map, and on the back of that is where to get all the new pictures from the camera shop. The only problem with that is if you lose the map, you're basically [messed up] in the picture department.

Visually very nicely laid out. You can very clearly tell where you need to go. The dungeons are taken step by step, and is an excellent example in the writing of guides. I would like to see more of their work: if its anywhere near this good, then they're great overall. They should be regularly featured guide writers (they probably are). The one problem I mentioned is only minor, and does not deserve to detract an entire star.

Therefore, this guide book is 4 & ½ stars. Keep it up you guys!

Connie Strasheim writes about the latest and greatest Lyme Disease treatments as well as techniques for mind body and emotional healing. Her wit and humor make this book stand out among other Lyme books as she shares some of her experiences with Lyme. This is one book that will stay in my personal library forever.

The book includes:
-protocols for healing Lyme Disease including seven primary protocols
-detoxification strategies
-information about testing for Lyme Disease
-hormone balancing
-adjunct Lyme Disease treatments
-protocol considerations
-heavy metals and their affect on your healing
-diet and supplements
-exercise
-relationships
-finances and work
-travel
-helping others
-habits
-emotional healing...
and plenty of humor to make it all digestible

A must for all Lyme Disease patients!!!

Wow! It was so great to finally find a lyme book that had all of this information on different treatment protocols, and herbal supplements. I have been very disappointed in the past concerning lyme book purchases, as I felt that my own research had given me more information than the books did. As a late stage lyme patient I was fortunate enough to find a local llmd who practices integrative medicine, using the best of both western and alternative treatments trying to get this vicious disease out of my life. This book will be read again, and again and will be a tremendous resource when searching for new treatments to help me get well.

Lyme disease is nothing to sneeze at, but few have any answers as to how they will survive it. Strasheim has survived and has been gracious enough to share what she has learned on her journey.

First, we want to know "physical strategies for health Lyme disease." The author describes "finding your healing path in a labyrinth of possibilities" and explains the "seven primary protocols." This is a good starting point for anyone who has Lyme, knows of anyone who has Lyme, or for someone who may get Lyme. Being educated or prepared is essential.

Next, Strasheim explores the "detoxification strategies." Once you start killing off the bacteria with the treatment protocols, they either pile up in your body or you get them out through detoxification. And toxins are everywhere! The author discusses "eliminating stealth toxins from your diet and household." This is extremely important even without a Lyme disease sentence.

Testing and supplements are an important part of Lyme disease and Connie does a good job covering these topics. "Hormone balance" and "adjunct Lyme disease treatments" are two other areas the author wants us aware of - written in easy to read format.

Heavy metals, diet, and an easy to follow exercise plan are available. The author promises that the exercise plan will "get you moving, but won't leave you wiped out." Who doesn't want to benefit from exercise and still have enough energy to take the cap off the probiotics? And for those of you who may have little income, Strasheim discusses "formatting a protocol on a budget." For many Lyme disease victims, among the first things to go is the income. We find we are unable to work eight hours at one time - if we're able to work at all. This budget idea strikes me as unique - maintaining one's health on a shoestring just may be the answer for you. Connie rounds the book out with "habits" and a "little humor."

With Lyme disease, there are often obstacles and challenges. Of course the physical problems associated with Lyme disease can, in themselves, be horrific. But little do we consider the emotional and mental difficulties that may be involved. How do we handle a social obligation when we look fine, but we aren't feeling well? Is there a way to get through the day and still smile? "The Lyme Disease Survival Guide" provides insight and guidance from someone that has experienced the disease firsthand.

"Author Connie Strasheim is an accomplished healthcare journalist." She divides her private life between Colorado and Costa Rico [...]

Thumbs up for this educational book!


Sue Vogan
[...]
author of NCO: No Compassion Observed and The Experts of Lyme Disease: A Radio Journalist Visits the Front Lines of the Lyme Wars -- [...]

The Lyme Disease Survival Guide appears at first glance to be a book. But in reality, it is a GPS device cleverly designed by its creator to guide the Lyme Disease victim or caregiver successfully through the murky, bewildering, labyrinthine world of Lyme Disease.

What immediately struck me about Connie Strasheim's valuable contribution to our ongoing battle with Lyme Disease, was her personal dedication and sacrifice of time obviously required to research, accumulate and organize the crème de la crème of the bewildering plethora of Lyme Disease treatments and diagnostic protocols that currently exist.

Even though quite ill herself, Ms. Strasheim somehow managed to struggle through the omnipresent barriers of fatigue and cognitive impairment to pull together in a cogent and didactic format as much useful information as possible to help her fellow Lyme Disease sufferers.

It is sad that someone with her writing and organizational skills, enhanced by her innate ability to inject humor at the most opportune time to get the point across, should be stricken with such a dreadful disease. But if it is God's will that she carry this burden of sickness, I am grateful that He has put it in her heart to use her God given abilities to help the rest of us.

Every Lyme disease sufferer owes Connie Strasheim an enormous debt of gratitude for writing this book. If you yourself have Lyme Disease, are a caregiver or know someone with Lyme Disease, put this book in your cart... you will be glad you did!

Les Roberts - Author, The Poison Plum

Lyme disease is no longer as deadly as it once was. "The Lyme Disease Survival Guide: Physical, Lifestyle, and Emotional Strategies for Healing" is a guide teaching sufferers how to fight their disease, overcome it, and live a healthy and normal life. Advice covers topics such as healing, detoxification, testing, treatment, and life advice for dieting, exercise, romance, finance, airplanes, and other things that everyone has to deal with daily. "The Lyme Disease Survival Guide: Physical, Lifestyle, and Emotional Strategies for Healing" is a must for anyone who has unfortunately been afflicted with this ailment.

Anthropology is a field about which I knew nothing when I picked up this book, but this account got me interested. Shreeve does an admirable job not only of explaining the science, but makes the discovery process, with its conflicting opinions and lack of hard data absolutely riveting. This is journalism of the highest order.

This is a great book to get you started on more serious writing about paleoanthropology. Shreeve gives consideration to many theories without taking sides. His writing is clear & easy-going. I would have loved more illustrations & maps.

This book is probably already outdated, but it is still a good read. Everything about the Neandertals, as the book make clear, is the subject of often heated controversy. The author does a good job of giving all sides in the story their say, even if the to-and-fro arguments make it hard to come to come to a conclusion. There's plenty of information here in a not too-hard-to-read book.

The best thing about this book is that it is not just about Neandertals or Human origins. It covers enough from peripheries of science and the humanities as well as detailed natural history to make it accessible and interesting to anyone who has the slightest interest in this confusing subject.

Though Shreve identifies the complex issues allowing us to doubt everything, the book is far from confusing and there is an enormous amount of travel and biographical notes of the people he has met that Shreve has marshalled in. By all accounts this was an expensive and time consuming book to put together and almost no stone has been left unturned.

I think the fascination with this topic is because it asks the big question - What makes us human? Fortunately, though many answers are offered, Shreve takes care not to make any dogmatic assertion and provides a balanced overview of all the ideas, key workers and key debates.

As a student, I liked the way he discussed the basics of the biological species concept showing how difficult separating species can be at times, especially if using fossils. He also shows us how lots of ideas can be manufactured only to be holed by later workers or evidence.

Most of the book is very fluid. My only criticism is the lack of more illustrations of neandertals - perhaps in colour and a lack of any detail on the classic illustration showing Ramapithecus leading to Cromagnon which has been shown so many times, though this famous picture is discussed.

I think this book shows what science is not. It is not about a solution to the problem that you can believe and cling to. Rather, it is a provisional statement of current understanding and if it seems to explain things, all the better (speaking in the context of human origins).

So many people and ideas are mentioned that this is true journalism, no holes barred, sharp, comical, witty and above all accessible.

I thouroughly recommend it to anyone.

I read this book many years ago and it is still one of my all-time favorites. It combines an anthropologist's journey to answer questions about neanderthals with the scientific debates over human evolution. It is suspenseful and thought-provoking. Mr. Shreeve is a creative, objective and often witty science writer who will make you want to read more about this fascinating science.

Though the mitochondrial DNA evidence was just starting to be accepted when this book was written, it is still an excellent resource. It will also enlighten new anthropology enthusiasts about the separate battlecamps of multi-regional and replacement theorists in the human origins debate.

If you are on this page, you should just buy the book already. Then go get The Seven Daughters of Eve by Bryan Sykes!

Bell finds a great balance between characterization and plot that keeps the reader caring about his characters while unable to put down the book from the pace of his stories. No Legal Grounds follows this well-balanced formula and is guaranteed to keep you up until you finish it.

In this legal thriller, Attorney Sam Trask finds himself and his family victimized by an old college acquaintance Nicky Oberlin. At first, Nicky's desire to reconnect with Trask seems innocent enough but soon places Trask in a fight for life. When Trask and his family's lives are threatened, he follows the legal route trying to protect his family. When this fails, Trask toys with taking protection into his own hands. In his struggle, we can see how easy it might be to follow the wrong path and become a vigilante. Especially when Bell paints a picture of complete failure and despair in Trask's life.

The book also follows the rebellion of Trask's teenage daughter, Heather. She leaves home to find her way in the music business, succumbing to many temptations that would keep her parents awake at night if they knew what she was up to. The dynamics between Trask, his wife, and daughter are very realistically portrayed and give insight on how difficult it is to raise a teenager today. Through all of this, Trask questions his faith while Heather begins to find her way to faith.

I have read many of Bell's books and have never been disappointed in any of them. As a writer, he gives me concrete examples of how to craft a novel. His characters always resonate with me, in that he creates ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations, giving me the chance to take this journey with them and ponder what I would do in their shoes without the pain in my own life.

I have always enjoyed legal thrillers. No Legal Grounds has its share of legal jargon that keeps the story true to the genre, but the difference in this book than many other legal thrillers is that the life outside the courtroom is the real story. Love, family, faith, and hope are the threads that kept me reading No Legal Grounds. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed.

This compelling page-turner contains the kind of past-paced thriller I have come to expect from James Scott Bell, with themes that will force readers to make a through self-examination of their motives and desires. The questions that arise are common to all: What would I do if facing an ugly villain determined to harass and attack me? How far would I go to seek justice? What would I do if the system seemed powerless to prevent this menace from carrying out his diabolical plans? And the one that haunts us all: Are my priorities in the right place, or have I allowed my pursuit of vocational success override the importance of loved ones? I highly recommend this top-rate piece of fiction.

It feels strange to "discover" an author after he's written more than 15 books, but it is a joy nonetheless. James Scott Bell not only has an exceptional talent for writing, but he has that rare knack for creating stories that are as fresh as today's news. And he is able to keep you up way past your bedtime, eagerly turning pages to read just one more segment --- all this while avoiding the vulgar language that many authors rely on to define their characters. While ethical questions and Christian values are raised throughout the book, they blend perfectly and would earn nods even from non-believers.

NO LEGAL GROUNDS is Bell's latest legal thriller and is sure to increase his fan base. The theme poses the age-old question: why do bad things happen to good people? At age 47, attorney Sam Trask prayed, I go to church and raise my children according to your word, Lord. You keep them from doing anything harmful. You mold them into successful citizens. Right? Isn't that it? "Then why was his daughter running into ruination? Why was evil intruding in his house?" And evil was definitely intruding, not only in his house but also in his work and in the lives of his family.

The intrusion began innocently enough with an email from an all-but-forgotten old college acquaintance, Nicky Oberlin. He wanted to get together, buy Sam a cup of coffee and hash over old times. Facing two very important cases, Sam had no inclination to respond and deleted the message. But Nicky was persistent and eventually cajoled Sam into meeting him. The author's talent for characterization soon allows readers to realize that Nicky is up to no good. And, sure enough, before long he reveals himself to be an unbalanced personification of evil bent on destroying Sam and Sam's family at any cost.

The law that Sam has revered and worked within for years is helpless because Nicky has done nothing to warrant investigation. Should Sam take matters into his own hands? Should he take the advice of a private eye that he hires and allow him to "take care" of Nicky for good? Meanwhile, Sam's 17-year-old daughter, Heather, has hit the height of her rebellion and is estranged from the family, living with a friend who does drugs, drinks to excess and supports her rebellion. Sam's wife, Linda, and their 12-year-old son, Max, are as supportive as they can be, but they are terrified for Sam after they learn that Nicky knows where they live and that he can get into their home when they are not there.

The heart-pounding conclusion is worthy of the best of today's contemporary authors. With both Sam and Heather in the hands of a madman, death seems a certainty. Yet, despite seemingly impossible odds, courage, faith and determination bring about a dynamic and satisfying ending. If you are looking for real-life earthy stories without the smut factors, get started on books by James Scott Bell.

--- Reviewed by Maggie Harding

This book is a real nail-biter and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Every turn of the page leads into another area of suspense. James Scott Bell's expert knowledge of the law is evident and is keenly woven throughout the story. Best thriller I've read in a long time. Don't
miss this one!

NO LEGAL GROUNDS is James Scott Bell's latest thriller. James Trask is a successful lawyer about to begin work on the biggest case of his life. At home, he is learning how to cultivate his new found faith and to reign in Heather, his rebellious teenage daugter. One day, James hears from an old college buddy, Nicky Oberlin. Nicky wants to meet with James to go over old times, except there weren't really old times. James recalled Nicky, but knew they were never more than acquaintences. James meets with Nicky over coffee, and finds that Nicky intends to rekindle their friendship whether James likes it or not.

Despite his best efforts, Nicky continues to call James, showup at Little League games, harrass his wife and give all indications that he's never going away. James turns to a private eye and a district attorney for help, but soon realizes he may have to take his family's safety into his own hands.

The "stalker" plot has never been one of my favorites, but Bell immediately ups the stakes in the novel by creating a family on the verge of disaster. James is about to lose a case that means a lot to him, and his daughter has dreams of being a rock star, and abandoning her family in the process. Bell hooked me into caring about the family, so when Nicky Oberlin comes along, I'm even more concerned with the Trask family surviving.

Some reviewers on Amazon criticized the story line involving Heather and her suicidal thoughts and contemplation of losing her virginity. Everyone will agree there is evil in the world, and I guess there will always be debate on how much of this "evil" should be portrayed in a Christian novel. In my opinion, Bell never goes to far, and always shows the hope beyond the despair. He weaves a strong element of faith throughout the novel and shows that prayer can be a powerful weapon.

NO LEGAL GROUNDS is another Bell novel that delivers. I look forward to his next book. He continues to tackle tough issues and deliver entertaining legal thrillers.

This is one of my all time favorite picture books for all ages. Peter Spiers beautiful illustrations need no words to tell this story. The possibilities for interacting with a child are endless as you wander through the familiar and find the surprising! My granddaughter is 2 years old and loves animals. What could be a better birthday gift?

The happy and humorous tone of this book will make it appealing to any child, whatever the family's religion.

The only text is at the beginning and it is a charming translation of a poem that summarizes the story of Noah. The poem is delightful in and of itself- Spier did a great job of translating.

The illustrations are then left without text, which is very refreshing, since there are so few picture books nowadays. I enjoy leisurely paging through this book with my young daughter, talking about the pictures in and of themselves, as pieces of art and as pictures that tell a story. I feel that the pressure is off in terms of trying to finish a sentence or a story when there is no text there.

In addition, this book is appropriate for Muslim families as well, since the illustrations (and beginning poem) are sufficiently vague as to accommodate for the small differences in the telling of the story in the Qu'ran and the Bible.

My first Peter Spier book. Not saccharine, wonderful details (including Noah mucking out the ark). Great to have a child read to YOU.

This is an excellent picture book - my three year old really loves it. My only "complaint" is that it takes a long time to go through all the pictures and talk about each one making it less than ideal right before bed unless you want to spend 20 minutes on just one book! Seriously though - the book is just wonderful and allows parents to go into whatever level of detail regarding the Noah story as they feel is appropriate for the age of their child. It is a softcover and the pages and cover are not of the highest quality - it would be lovely to have in hardcover with larger pages.

This book really does not need any words. It is so well illustrated that you can understand every part of the story. His detailing is stunning. Every time we read this book, we find new details. This is the best book of Noah's ark story!

This book came quickly and in better condition than you said it would be in. I was highly impressed and grateful. Thank you!

All I can really say about this book is that it is so impractical. Percoco outlines many techniques that have worked in his classroom; the techniques range from giving students clay and allowing them to make whatever they like, without giving any historical context, to writing about their emotions associated with traveling over bridges, to discussing 90210 during a unit on World War II. I'm sure the book is great if you live in a district that allows teachers to set kids loose on field trips and arranges internships for each of them. I'm sure it's great if, like Percoco, you can hand-pick students for your class. Some ideas are usable,but for the most part, neither I nor anyone else in my class found it to be of much help.

Social Studies teacher James Percoco's book provides, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, "a new birth of freedom" for teachers, students and parents interested in reinvigorating the study of the past. I came across Percoco's book while reading an inspiring review in "The History Teacher" and no sooner than the following week did I find myself implementing many of the ideas that he created for his Applied History class. In each of the book's eight chapters readers are reassured that the study of the past does not have to be limited to overblown textbooks in lecture-oriented classes. In fact, Percoco, despite the challenges of national and state standards of learning, has created more authentic and therefore more enduring opportunities for each of his students to actively participate in the study of the past rather than reading about voiceless men and women in twenty pound textbooks. Whether it is creating historical bumper stickers, field trips to Andersonville, historical heads, or historically relevant monuments out of clay, readers of this book will immediately seek out ways to apply some of the same ideas to their own teaching style and schools. The book will also inspire readers to the fact that when the study of the past becomes meaningful to the students it also becomes fun. The book concludes with an in-depth appendix providing valuable resources for those topics Percoco addressed throughout the book. This is the first of two books (the other "Divided We Stand: Teaching About Conflict in U.S. History") by Percoco that should inspire in each reader a vision of how history can be taught to all types of students as long as it is taught with passion and meaning.

Whether you are new to the field of teaching Social Studies or whether you are an experienced teacher, reading and using A Passion for the Past is a must. It is philosophical, engaging, stimulating, and practical at the same time. Jim Percoco has been generous in sharing his insights, strategies, curriculum ideas and specific lesson plans. He also shares his enthusiasm for teaching history, which is highly motivating in itself. If you are interested in stimulating ideas for an interactive teaching style, this is the very best source to check. Give yourself some time to read and work with this material - you will be inspired and guided - and so will your students! I can't rate this source more highly. Anyone teaching American History today will want to be familiar with Percoco's ideas.

Whether you are new to the field of teaching Social Studies or whether you are an experienced teacher, reading and using A Passion for the Past is a must. It is philosophical, engaging, stimulating, and practical at the same time. Jim Percoco has been generous in sharing his insights, strategies, curriculum ideas and specific lesson plans. He also shares his enthusiasm for teaching history, which is highly motivating in itself. If you are interested in stimulating ideas for an interactive teaching style, this is the very best source to check. Give yourself some time to read and work with this material - you will be inspired and guided - and so will your students! I can't rate this source more highly. Anyone teaching American History today will want to be familiar with Percoco's ideas.