Johnson Books

This book presented 12 powerful talkes about slavery that impacted me in a way were i could not believe what people when through back when slavery began. It showed the terrors and the savagery of slavery that no one can forget. It hit me with the realism of what effects and causes of slavery and i am glad that it has come to a point where slavery is abolished.

For a class in contemporary literature, I read Charles Johnson's novel, Middle Passage. The novel provoked a big response in me, big enough that I contacted the author to discuss the book. The book and the discussion piqued an interest in me to read more novels that reflect my ancestors' painful time in history.

When I purchased Soulcatcher, I was excited to find a collection of stories that bring many voices together to tell of the horrible tales of slavery. Each story was poignant and painful to read, but each enlightened me on the realism of an era where my ancestors were treated like the basic of animals.

Each of the 12 stories in this stellar collection provokes attention to a time in history that tends to get swept under the rug; however Johnson, with his tight, and at times, tongue-in-cheek, literary style, painfully brings it out with stories like, "The Transmission," a story about a boy's despairing journey on a slaveship and "Martha's Dilemma," a story told by Martha Washington about the care of her slaves after the death of her husband to a boy chained in a slaveship.

This collection is a must to everyone. These stories are testaments to a reality that won't be forgotten, and Johnson vividly portrays the horrific within beautiful prose.

Shon Bacon

Charles Johnson has compiled stories which are stirring to the mind. My favorite was "A Soldier of the Crown", you will love the end. I can see my grandmother laugh while reading "A Report from St. Domingue".

These tales should be shared at every church and every school. Because for a moment you are there and experiencing a life we can only imagine.

"Soulcatcher and Other Stories," by Charles Johnson, is a contemporary collection of stories that brings to life the era of African-American slavery. Johnson uses various techniques throughout the book: dialogue, monologue, third person narration, diary entries, a letter. This variety of form helps keep the book interesting throughout.

Johnson deals, either directly or indirectly, with a number of important names from U.S. and Caribbean history: Frederick Douglass, Martha Washington, Toussaint L'Ouverture, and others. The topics of the individual stories are varied; they include passage on a slave transport ship, black soldiers fighting for the British during the Revolutionary War, the pursuit of a fugitive slave, and more. My favorite story, "Poetry and Politics," is an intriguing fictional dialogue between groundbreaking African-American poet Phillis Wheatley and her mistress.

Overall, this is a solid collection which would, in my opinion, be good both for classroom use (high school and college) and for individual reading. My recommendation: read it alongside relevant works by such 18th and 19th century authors as Douglass, Wheatley, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Henry David Thoreau, and others.

Charles Johnson, previous winner of The National Book Award for Middle Passage, does a wonderful job of creating 12 fictional stories based on slavery times. He jumps in and out of the voices of everyone from a scared little boy being transported to America on a slave ship, having to witness his parents and sibling die, to Frederick Douglas, Phyllis Wheatley and even Martha Washington during the time she is trying to cope with her husband's death.

This book is innovative and creative and it gives great insight into a time that a lot of people would prefer to forget. Soulcatcher, the title story, is about an escaped slave being hunted by a bounty hunter for a $200 reward. There is another story about people trying to convince blacks to return to Africa after they are given their freedom and have outworn their welcome. It is amazing to think that people, our people, ever lived that way. While disturbing to even imagine it, this is a must read for those of us that take simple liberties for granted on a daily basis.

Reviewed by Zane

Sandra Johnson is an amazing storyteller! She brought the account of St. John's Baptist Church and the seige upon it to life for all of us who have had the good fortune of discovering this book. It is the incredible journey of hate and love and the enormous range of emotions in between. It is also the tale of unlikely friendships, terrifying and horrifying events, injustice, and the hope and promise of racial harmony. This is a book that I personally hope will be brought to the big screen -- so all those folks who aren't readers will be exposed to this story. (Film producers: somebody out there please take note!) I firmly believe that the entire world needs to learn of Standing on Holy Ground -- it truly is one of the handful of "must read" books. It would be wonderful if every high school or college literature class would somehow use this book as required reading. It has much to offer about friendships, volunteerism, racial inequities, dedication and hard work, and perseverence in the highest form. We should each take it upon ourselves to spread the word of this book, for it was by accident that I learned of this extraordinary tale. I was not surprised that Ms. Johnson was awarded the coveted Christopher Medal for her effort in bringing this true story to life. I anxiously await her next book with her special gift to convey emotions, report facts, mesmerize the reader, and spin the tale to the upmost. Don't keep us waiting Ms. Johnson!!

A really good book - easy to read and follow. The author makes you feel as if you have known Ammie personally, along with all the other players in this story. For most of us, we have not been exposed to the prejudice and hatred that exists around us and the pain and heartache that is produces. It brought me to tears several times, but it also warmed my heart. I highly recommend this book to all.

I was introduced to this book by Ammie's daughter, Christy. Christy played an integral part in my new book "Angels and Quilt Pieces...Our Journey with a Katrina Family" - which will be available July, 2007. Christy was one of our "Angels" and gave us the "quilt pieces" story and theme.

I was fighting tears before I finished the first chapter. I thought we had come farther than this. What broke my heart was not just that a few twisted individuals would commit such atrocities, but that the victims did not trust the system to come to their aid. That speaks volumes. We still have a long way to go and Sandra's book has made that abundantly clear. Those who helped turn things around for this church are true heros and much braver than I.
Betty Wilson Beamguard

STANDING ON HOLY GROUND is compelling and thought-provoking and reads like fiction, but becomes all the more riveting and terrifying when you realize it's a true, unadulterated story of the modern-day South and the racism that still exists. But it is also a story of triumph and how two women, against all odds, brought a community together -- a community that reached out beyond the town, the county and the state and effected thousands of concerned citizens in America. Sandra E. Johnson's prose is solid, unbiased, but also visceral an unblinking in its re-telling of the obstacles and challenges faced by two friends (one black, one white) and their fight to save a rural country church from hated and racism. This is a "must-read"!

Sandra E. Johnson has created a masterpiece in journalism! No bias can be found anywhere in her book--only the facts. As the story unfolds, one truly begins to feel as he or she were treading on Holy Ground (page after blessed page). Upon reading this book, no one can ever say againg that the truth is boring or that real stories must be embellished for artistic flare and entertainment. Johnson's words hammer home every riveting detail in a fashion that makes the reader feel as if they are gliding through a well-written novel. Who needs fiction when you can have this kind of truth?

Through telling of how diverse people banded together to rebuild St. John Baptist Church, Sandra Johnson shows the world that love, faith, hope and a spirit of unity can come together to work miracles. It is a message that she proclaims to us all and we're the better for it.

Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (8/06)

It is a rare and brilliant find that captures a reader from the moment they open a book until long after the covers are closed. With an inscription that reads, `To small towns, where we learn life's big lessons' I was captivated before I had even reached the first page.

"Summer of Champions" takes the reader to the small town of Roswell, New Mexico in 1956 and the life of 11 year old Joe Don Miller. Inspired by his fifth grade homeroom teacher he is determined to become a champion over the summer by seeking excellence in all things as the ancient Greeks had done. For Joe Don excellence includes winning the All-Star Little League baseball team, helping his Mom, a widow since his dad's death in the Korean War, and winning the school spelling bee. As the novel opens it appears Joe Don is well on his way to becoming a champion. However, things soon happen which send Joe Don further and further away from his dream. As he struggles to find his way back, he learns life's hard lessons and emerges "a better man".

The novel powerfully portrays the complexity of relationships, the impact of events, and the struggle to see clearly when emotions take over. It is a powerful reminder that in life what is important is not always clear, and what seems clear is not always important.

A beautifully refreshing `coming of age' story, "Summer of Champions" takes the reader on a journey to the days when life seemed simpler, but the lessons felt harder. It is a novel that will move you to laughter, have you longing for redemption, and cheering for the champion within. With deeply rooted lessons on the true meaning of being a champion, it is an inspiration for adults and teens alike.

Mr. Connell has told his 5th Grade home class to work hard--to become champions. Joe Don idolizes Mr. Connell, and decides to follow the teacher's suggestion. So, as Dewey Johnson's SUMMER OF CHAMPIONS opens, in January 1956 in Roswell, New Mexico, Joe Don has made a good start. He presents his mom with a straight-A report card.

But don't be fooled. As Joe Don endeavors to meet his goal, he's no Mr. Goody Two-Shoes. Dewey Johnson sees to it that Joe Don does all the things a boy might between excelling in school and working a Saturday job. Joe Don wonders what girls are like, clowns in church, and tangles with his principal. He has a back yard fort, and two friends with whom he sneaks out after dark to hunt Martians.

Altogether, his life seems placid, punctuated only by bad knock-knock jokes, and kid angst--like will he make the Little League All-Stars, or will Janet Mitchum one day be his girl friend?

However, Joe Don's life isn't totally smooth. He barely remembers his father, who died in the Korean War. His mother makes little money. Then Mr. Connell does something horrible, and goes to jail. No one will quite talk about what happened, except to say that it involved some 6th Grade boys.

Believing these kids made up stories about Mr. Connell, Joe Don punches a couple of them in the nose. His grades slip, bullies make his life impossible, girls start chasing him, a good friend dies in a fire, and suddenly he's fighting with his mom. Overwhelmed, he decides he'll never be a champion. Then he receives a letter from Mr. Connell, with one more piece of advice about reaching that objective.

Anyone who has ever survived growing up will love Dewey Johnson's SUMMER OF CHAMPIONS. Johnson touches on feelings and needs that both boys--and girls--have as they leave childhood. Writing in the first person through Joe Don's eyes, Johnson catches moments to which everybody can relate: a first kiss, a narrow escape, a moment outsmarting mom, a moment in which mom outsmarts a kid.

SUMMER OF CHAMPIONS is also filled with incidents, language, and ideas that anyone will instantly recognize, if they reached their teens in the late 50s and early 60s . However the story will appeal to anyone who has lived through puberty, because in some ways, growing up in 1956 was no different than growing up at any other time. Today's kids may dodge different bullets, but they have the same feelings and needs their parents and grandparents had. That realization is the best message that SUMMER OF CHAMPIONS and Dewey Johnson leave on the book's last page.

Remember "Indian Burns", "Big Chief" writing tablets, and storing school supplies in cigar boxes? In the "Summer of Champions", Dewey Johnson reminds us of what life was like in a simpler time. Kids took responsibility for themselves, playing outside until their moms called them for dinner, and riding bikes all over town. His novel, set in the 50's, tells of people in a small town watching over each other. He shows how we are meant to live as a community. A great read for those who want to remember a less stressful time.
Sandia Ladies Bookclub

Set in Roswell, New Mexico in the 1950's, "Summer of Champions" takes a profound look at the idea of championship. Joe Don, the story's eleven-year-old hero is not into "profound". He is into baseball, and school, and girls, and aliens but not necessarily in that order. He is creative, funny and charming. His love of jokes and humor make him unforgettable.

The plot is filled with action, and daily life. It is beautifully written and brilliantly plotted.

If you don't mind laughing out loud while considering weighty issues, this is your cup of tea.

"Summer of Champions" is refreshing. Read just for the story, it is an entertaining look at the 1950's through the life of a young boy, his single mother and their friends. Read more deeply, it has spiritual guidance for dealing with the curves life throws, making moral decisions, the value of caring for one another, and the importance of community. A book with character and richness. When finished, you feel refreshed.

This was one of those books where I found myself still reading at 1:30 AM, wanting to finish it but knowing I couldn't, yet wanting to try anyway. It's a wonderfully-told story, with characters that come alive due to Rattlesnake's great ability to tell the narrative. A great reflection on people, dogs, ths Sierra Nevada, and getting away from it all.

This is one of my favorite books!
I have started re-reading it about once a year now. [up to this point the only other book i have ever bothered to reread was Catch 22]

This is one of those books that you will end up buying copies of in multiples!.
This is because you will find yourself loaning your copy to a friend and never getting it back again. [i have personally gone through 4 copies this way -- no joke -- not to mention the copies i have given away as gifts]

The back jacket of this book does not do it justice.
It is more about the people that Robert Johnson met while staying in his teepee. They are the most interesting bunch or romantic outcast criminal philosophers who are brought together by living in the wilderness. Some are there to escape the law, some are there to find gold, and others are their to find themselves.

I have never read a book like this before, but it is hard to describe. Not to sound cheesy, but it is entertaining and inspiring.

ENTERTAINING: in its characters and crazy stories. While this is a true memoir, it is so entertaining it could be pure fiction [but it is not]

INSPIRING: in that if you have ever wanted to do something unique you will soon be inspired to do it. And to quote the book "Completion is vital."

If you do not read any other books this year, read this one.

I really enjoyed Thirteen Moons by Robert Johnson. I felt like I was there with him sitting around the campfire in the Sierras. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys camping and the outdoors...and the idea of spending a year alone!

What a glorious romp! Imagine Thoreau and Thucydides building a communal fire in the woods, drunk on Thunderbird and the ancient sky. (Just my impression, but imagine them anyway.) Now add in a damn good dog that will go for any stick, anytime and (almost) anywhere, no matter the consequences. Then consider trucks that won't start without a gravity-fed "bump," generations of criminals examining the fates, a mystical pyramid, bad food, mildewed marijuana, a single shadow that costs a whole day, weird logistics on land and on water and the phases of our moons that make it quite beneficial, for some, to trade bootie for booty. And there's much more. If you love nature even when its damn harsh, if you love people when they're impossible but still completely loveable, if you've ever used a shovel with no handle, and if you love a story well told that includes these things--and a leaking tipi--buy this book. (Then go Out There.)

Oh, man. What a ride. This is a gotta-read book. I haven't had such an enjoyable reading experience in years. Rattlesnake Cutthroat Johnson (a.k.a., Robert P. Johnson) -> seeks an inner "truth" . . . and, like, he really nails it. Rattlesnake escapes the rat race in order to discover his own soul . . . and in his search for an alternative to a daily dose of freeway driving . . . our Rattlesnake connects with his Zen spirit and offers the reader an enlightening understanding of such. God, I wanna read his next one and hope he continues writing such insightful truth. Thank you, thank you -> Rattlesnake. I hope the Ambassador forever slithers away from your tipi door.

"To Ride the Wild Condor" allows the reader to take a journey along the condor and the little girl. With the beautiful illustrations, the reader associates American Liberty with its landmarks. This book introduces children to appreciate what this country stands for: Freedom. As the condor shows the girl to embark into her own journey of national discovery, the reader is invited to embark on his or her own adventure. I highly recommend this well-written book. I have mailed copies to my nieces and nephews -- I know they won't be disappointed.

This book exemplifies the absolute best in children's books. It is both educational and remarkable without being boring and pretentious. If you want something your child will love and that will last throughout the ages, then this is the book for you. Anyone who purchases this book won't be disappointed and it will peak your interest for more.

My children adores "To Ride the Wild Condor" -- the illustrations are vivid and beautiful. But, more importantly the story and the rhythm of the book captures a child's imagination. By flying through the many wonders of the US, a child can see how beautiful these places are. The story behind the Condor also suggests how freedom, while not appreciated enough, is truly a gift. This book is a great introduction to the young just learning about the wonders of the world and it is a great reminder to the old, that every now and then a book comes along to remind us the importance of reading.

My kids just loved this book. I enjoyed the fact that it was also educational and left them wanting to know more about the sites depicted. A real winner!

Great pictures, wonderful rhymes and an excellent learning tool for children who loves animals and traveling. My son loves to read this book every night before he goes to bed and enjoys pointing out the animals especially the one of the bears in Alaska. A MUST READ!

This book was a God-send. I recommended it to my sister who is a Federal Judge. Growing up in Kannapolis, NC (only 8 miles from Concord) I felt an immediate bond with the author. This book is a must for every woman. You will laugh, you may cry, you will sing, you will shout hallelujah but most of all, you will never be the same.

Too Blessed to Be Stressed found me on the first pages of the book and ministered to my spirit throughout. Often we get so caught up in the drama that we lose sight of the choices we make that create our scenarios. I found myself humming me back to a centered wholeness and peace that I don't want to let go. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, thank you for this wonderful work. It has certainly blessed my life and the lives of my Sisterfriends!

Dr. Sujay has done it again! This dynamic, blessed & assured Woman of God has given a self-less, priceless gift of "spiritual homeopathy" to all women in ministry through this great writing, "Too Blessed to be Stressed". I saw all those books at Hampton Ministers' Conference Bookstore in June 1998 and took it for granted to get one the following day, and guess what, I came back 5 hours later after changing my mind and not a one was left! Sold ouutttt!!!! OOOOuuuchhh! Well a member of my Church had gotten a hold of one and blessed me with it as a gift. I was estatic! I couldn't put it down, I read it and read it & finished. I used it to teach my group meeting for the Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention's "Commission On Women In Ministry" where I am the Chairperson (1996-1999). How inspiring was the prayer for God's will to be done in our lives. Dr. Cook answered the inevitable -- how do I know when it's time to make a move? No more wondering, just assured guidelines to follow, thanks to Dr. Cook. Women, if you do not have this book in your lap, then your library, you are definitely "lacking" a blessing from God! Dr. Cook, keep up the wonderful blessings that God has so richly endowed you with, God bless your husband and children as well.

This book is on the mark for anyone not just women who are moving at a very fast pace and need to find peace and comfort in their daily lives. The Prayer of page 12, I call "The Stress Reliever's Prayer" is very powerful and has been of great comfort to everyone I have shared it with.

Dr. Cook's approach to women of the Bible brought them in to the "sisterhood" of my life like I have never understood before. I highly recommend this book at a training I do on stress management called "Are you too stressed to be blessed?"

For me personally, the book has been a great source of peace and comfort and a guide to seek and trust in God. Once reading it and not all at one time, I recommed her other book, SisterStrength as a companion to TBTBS. She indeed takes you on a personal journey to find less stress and more peace in your life. If you are seeking to manage the stress in your life this is a good investment to start with. TDBS

I took this book with me to the hair salon. A stylist sitting a little distance away asked if what the title listed was possible. Answering her was easy...the blessed state of mind from reading the book caused my lips to open to a resounding YES!!!! We as women are indeed "too blessed to be stressed". Thank you Dr. Cook for bringing life into such a dynamic perspective!!!!

Tracings is an exceptional collection of poetry. Each poem is elegantly written expressing the experiences and feelings of the writer in a way that few poets truly ever really achieve. The kind of works we all wish we had the ability to write and express ourselves. Moreover, almost all of the situations that the author expresses directly relate to real life experiences that we all face in our relationships with our families, while trying to belong, and as we start looking for truth and validation within ourselves.

In This Place My Heart Lies, the author looks at the subtle and not so subtle faces of racism. At the same time, this poem also illustrates another common issue: in-law issues. For many people, trying to please the in-laws is an exercise in futility as they will always find a reason that you don't belong or that you don't fit in.

Recognising Denial expresses the raw hidden feelings of a parent of a troubled child. The raw emotion and honesty of this piece touched me. Many parents will remember and relate to these deeply hidden feelings of love, guilt, and lost dreams that they thought they could never admit to anyone.

They Lied To Make Me Happy takes a look at white lies from the perspective of a child. The voice and tone of this poems is really rather unique as it contains a childlike innocence that immediately takes the reader back to childhood. As a parent, it really makes you rethink some of those white lies.

I had this book for months before I picked it up. What a stupid thing -- to put off reading this lovely little tome for so long is like putting off eating a fresh dish of tiramisu.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson is a natural talent honed to a bright polish by years of practice and exploration. "Tracings" is an example of her work at the height of her poetic expertise and passion. Poems like "Perfectly Flawed" start out with fiery word paintings and end up in a memory of childhood that moves us to our own memories -- the lovely ones scarred by reality -- but still lovely. Then there is "Earliest Remembered Sound" which also harkens back to childhood memories of World War II images, traumas and gallantry. And then there is "Mother in December" -- an ode to loss that is gradual and inevitable and all the more heartbreaking for it's seemingly endless duration.

This book is like gentle whiffs of Chanel #5 -- a perfect gift for mothers to give daughters, girlfriends to give other girlfriends, men to give lovers...poets to share with other poets.

I am an author, but anyone who has seen my feeble attempts at poetry will quickly agree that I can't write poetry. Not so with Carolyn Howard-Johnson.
Carolyn has a unique ability to take the mundane things of life and turn them into words that echo with love, joy, peace, harmony until they become almost an inspirational experience.
But then you come to one of her poems that makes you laugh out loud!
I don't write poetry, but I enjoy good poetry, and Tracings presents some of the best I've read in years!

Janet Elaine Smith, author of the new Old Habits Die Hard (the 3rd Patrick and Grace Mystery) and Bank Roll (the 1st Max Stryker Mystery)

/Tracings/ written by Carolyn Howard-Johnson is a collection of poetry written from the heart. Whether you enjoy poetry or not, you will find this collection a worthwhile read. Ms. Howard-Johnson tells the story of not only her life, but of growing up in a society where it hurts to be different. A woman dedicated to teaching diversity, Ms. Howard-Johnson's writing clearly reflects who she is and how she got there.Although I've never met her, after reading this thought-provoking collection of twenty-three poems, I feel like she's an old friend. I enjoyed reading /Tracings/ and will be recommending it to my friends.
Penny Lockwood

Author/Poet Carolyn Howard-Johnson displays a different side of her talented self through an unusual look at life and feelings in "Tracings" a collection of poetry that reflects a non-traditional structure, timing, wording and even personal outlook. This poetry does not fit neatly into most poetic styling formats. She is not afraid to hang a phrase or a feeling out there bare naked for others to ponder and absorb.

Her themes are as varied and diverse as her wandering thoughts allow. She does not self censor her feelings but allows them to reflect her inner voice. Her life observations are sometimes simply "photographed in words" or emotionally "painted" with many brush strokes across the canvas of the pages. Each poem stands alone and speaks for itself. Her individual words are not what matters but the magic of how she strings them together to create this visual concept of what she is sensing and feeling or remembering is boldly articulated and leaves the reader totally in tuned with what she was trying to convey.

Carolyn is a masterful and creative writer and this small collection of her poetry certainly proves that to be true beyond any doubts! There is a fire of feminine spiritual energy burning in her writings but also a powerful and steady hand of control that gives these poems a special kind of feeling. You too will notice that these simple poems are much more than what they appear to be.

This book receives the MWSA's top book rating of FIVE STARS!

This morning I picked up this commentary to see what he has to say, and it is good stuff. Dennis Johnson has written an excellent commentary on Revelation. I have also written one as well, and I have over 40 commentaries on this book. He gets to the heart of the matter. For any biblically literate person this is highly recommended. Great stuff.

For the past 15 or so years I have avoided Revelation, in part because I assumed the book would be too difficult for a normal guy like me to understand. Recently I decided it was time to stop neglecting this portion of God's Word.

Thanks to Dennis Johnson for producing such a well reasoned commentary without the sensationalism so common in modern Christian writings. I never dreamed that Revelation would make sense to me or, as it has, become my favorite book of the Bible. It pretty much summarizes the entire Bible.

I would encourage any who have, like me, been scared of Revelation to simply read it for what it says and compare Scripture with Scripture (rather than the evening news). Triumph of The Lamb will help you through this study. It certainly has helped me tremendously.

This is a wonderful exposition of Revelation.
Many people seem surprised by Johnson's excellent detailing of Revelation's truths.
Yet this kind of teaching is NOT NEW to the church or the world. It is what had been believed all down through the history of the church. WILLIAM HENDRIKSEN (1940), WILLIAM MILLIGAN (1800's), and many many others have taught for AGES that the Old Testament is THE key to unlocking this book.

The general population has a problem with their understanding of The Book of Revelation only because a couple of highly popular authors have been teaching their own unscriptural fantasies about the Book of Revelation for the past 30 years.

I don't have to name names because these two sensationalists are so popular that everyone knows who I'm talking about.

The false church, along with the world, latches onto the utterances of these people because they do not understand the Book of Revelation either, allowing these two, along with a few others, and also another very odd man and his scary wife to get away with saying all manner of foolish speculations about the Book......though no one can refute what they say because so few have read the first 65 books required in order to break the code of the Book's symbology.

For many, many years, great theologians and teachers have taught the correct translation of The Book of Revelation, yet their voices have been drowned out by the popular worldly speculators whose theology is just plain wrong.

Dennis E. Johnson is not wrong, and I whole-heartedly recommend this book to anyone who has the love of the truth, and whose greatest desire is merely to know the TRUTH, regardless of what it is.

I also want to communicate to everyone reading this that there are many other great authors and teachers who know and love the truth, and lay it out nicely for everyone to understand. It's time we stood up and put an end to these money grubbing so-called teachers, who are nothing more than wolves in sheeps clothing.

I recommend the Revelation and prophecy-related books of These other wonderful and highly competent teachers of Truth:

William Hendriksen, G. K. Beale, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Louis A. Brighton, John Stott, Craig Koester, Leon Morris, Everett I. Carver, Richard Brooks, John Wick Bowman, Jay E. Adams, Earl Wesley Morey, Simon Kistemaker, Eugene Boring, Paul Butler, Vern Poythress, Philip E. Hughes, G.B. Caird, R.C.H. Lenski, Philip Mauro, Louis Berkhof, William Milligan, Herman Hoeksema, Stephen S. Smalley, William E. Cox, O.T. Allis, Michael Wilcock, Albertus Pieters, Geoffrey B. Wilson, Archibald Hughes, Ray Summers, & Malcolm Smith. There are also many others whom I haven't the time and space to name.
These good people lovingly teach truth and are not given to wild, ridiculous speculations about a future which the bible speaks nothing about. They don't try to make scripture fit their own silly pre-conceived notions, but instead exegete scripture by what it actually says and means, regardless of their own beliefs.

I apologize for saying little about Dennis's book, but I'll let the other reviewers speak for that. I agree that it his is a fine tome indeed. It's an easy read as well, so you don't have to keep a dictionary by your side the whole time, and I consider that to be a major issue with Revelation related books. Many great theologians are very lacking when it comes to being able to relate their great knowledge to others, especially the student and layman. Dennis has the great gift of relating his truths in an easy and understandable way.

I merely needed to get this off my chest after reading some reviews here where people seem very surprised to see a Revelation commentary which espouses that which most of the underground church has ALWAYS believed. This is only what has been taught for century upon century by many respected teachers and theologians (Though overshadowed by the popular masses).

Yes, Left Behind and The Late Great Planet Earth sell alot of books. Thats about all they have done, unfortunately...That is, make money. Sadly though, the one thing they haven't done is taught truth.

I just finished teaching an adult Sunday School series on Revelation. My brother-in-law, who is a professor at the same seminary where Dennis Johnson teaches, suggested this book as a resource. I relied heavily on this tome throughout the 11 weeks of the course, especially since I did not like the curricula I had found and ended up creating my own curriculum. The writing is clear and easy to follow. The concepts are organized and well thought out. The theological concepts and explanations are sound, scholarly work. Dennis did a great job tying in themes and references to the Gospels and Hebrew Scriptures. Bravo!

Johnson's commentary is amillenial, exegetically sound, and detailed without becoming verbose. I have read numerous commentaries on Revelation, and I consider this one of the very best. It ranks alongside William Hendriksen's More Than Conquerors and Vern Poythress' The Returning King, but is much more in-depth than either of those. Also highly recommended is Kistemaker's commentary.

We live in a time when fourth graders are suspended from school for "sexually harassing" little girls on the playground and the names of 10-year-old boys names are published as registered sex offenders Texas. Some publicly proclaim, "sex before 8 or it's too late." And the American Psychological Association was forced by a nationally known a radio advice show hostess to explain itself for publishing perfectly good, peer reviewed literature about the lasting effects of child sexual abuse, because it suggested the some politically unpopular (though scientifically supportable) conclusions. A sense of balance and fairness is badly needed and Dr. Toni Cavanagh Johnson provides a good dose of it in this book.

Children are sexual people and she isn't afraid to say so. But she also describes how their sexuality is different from adult sexuality and how the two don't mix without risking dire consequences for the child.

Dr. Cavangh Johnson describes normal childhood sexuality as one end of a continuum. Most children fit that description. A few are on the other end - sexually aggressive children who assault others. In between are sexually reactive and sexually pre-occupied children, also carefully described. Concerned adults are given guidelines for assessing their child's sexual behavior, putting it in context and acting without over-reacting, when action is indicated.

As a practicing psychotherapist and Continuing Education Instructor for Child Welfare social workers, I'm whole-heartedly recommending this thorough, yet short and easy-to-understand book to parents, foster parents, teachers, social workers and anyone interested in sexual development and sexual behavior of children.

We live in a time when fourth graders are suspended from school for "sexually harassing" little girls on the playground and the names of 10 year old boys names are published as registered sex offenders in the state of Texas. Some publicly proclaim, "sex before 8 or it's too late." And the American Psychological Association was forced by nationally known a radio advice show hostess to explain itself for publishing perfectly good, peer reviewed literature about the lasting effects of child sexual abuse, because it suggested the some politically unpopular (though scientifically supportable) conclusions. A sense of balance and fairness is badly needed and Dr. Toni Cavanagh Johnson provides a good does of it in this book.

Children are sexual people and she isn't afraid to say so. But she also describes how their sexuality is different from adult sexuality and how the two don't mix without risking dire consequences for the child.

Dr. Cavangh Johnson describes normal childhood sexuality as one end of a continuum. Most children fit that description. A few are on the other end - sexually aggressive children who assault others. In between are sexually reactive and sexually pre-occupied children, also carefully described. Concerned adults are given guidelines for assessing their child's sexual behavior, putting it in context and acting without over-reacting, when action is indicated.

As a practicing psychotherapist and Continuing Education Instructor for Child Welfare social workers, I'm whole-heartedly recommending this thorough, yet short and easy-to-understand book to parents, foster parents, teachers, social workers and anyone interested in sexual development and sexual behavior of children.

While this is not an introductory text, it does cover many topics that are areas of concern for parents. Since there are so many children who have been exposed to adult sexuality, abused, or just experimenting with growing up, it is important for parents and clinicians to be able to access accurate and uncomplicated information. Dr. Cavanagh-Johnson has articulated this well in this book. A very good read.

This book is an excellent reference for educators and parents of a child who has been abused, but it may not be what the average parent is looking for. If you are simply looking for ways to help your child develop a normal sexuality, a different book would be better. If you have a child with a persistent sexual behavior which disturbs you, then this is your book. It can help you decide what is normal, what is not, and what to do next. Some of the statistical information is confusing and poorly explained, but the practical information could be invaluable.

This is a wonderful book explaining in simple language various levels of sexual behvior and development. Helpful to parents and professionals, you will be able to identify and recognize differences between normal, inappropriate and troublesome sexual behavior. Also helps parents understand how to talk to their children about sex at the child's developmental level.

I found "Unfinished Dreams" by Pamela Johnson impossible to put down. Her plot is perfectly paced, her characters are sympathetic and leap off the page, and the twists and turns she takes us through can't help holding the reader's attention. I highly recommend this book.

This book is well deserving of all the awards it has garnered. P. Johnson will set the romance industry on fire with her soothing settings, real life characters, and skillfully designed plots. You can't help but fall in love with the characters, and that's what it's all about.

I thought this was a well written story with good dialog.
I especially liked the fact that it was written both from her point of view and from his point of view, Of course, it was nice to see things in print that I had personal knowledge about, things like Davenport & other places around the area. It seemed like it had alot of "everyman's" thoughts from rural Iowa. I thought the book moved along at a good clip and didn't get bogged down in too many details. The characters had alot of Midwestern values I appreciated. Once I got started with it, I couldn't put it down!

This is a very heart warming story that was very hard to put down. I enjoyed reading it and didn't want it to end!

Medical bills and caring for his dying father left Gabe Russell facing foreclosure despite his promise to his father to save the family farm. Now he makes a living at repair, side stepping randy widows and dreaming of regaining his birthright with his work on a graduate degree in agricultural science little more than a memory.

After two years of struggle and heartache, Tess Graham is ready to start over when she receives a promotion at work and an in for the perfect home. The farmhouse needs repair, however, and she requests help from the local handyman. She does not realize that Gabe suffers from mixed emotions as he works on the place that was his home. Despite the obstacles between them, things begin to heat up until secrets erupt.

In a powerful mix of romance, dreams and hope, UNFINISHED DREAMS will capture readers' hearts. Both Tess and Gabe are strong characters, determined to overcome the past and set their own course for the future. Unfortunately, they find themselves at cross-purposes over their respective dreams. Author Pamela Johnson demonstrates a mesmerizing ability to weave a story with fluid grace even as her characters confront difficult choices and circumstances. UNFINISHED DREAMS comes very highly recommended.