Jones Books

It has been awhile since I read this book so I have to rely on my memory somewhat of the book's contents. Yes, it is a very interesting book and as a Motown fan, I certainly enjoyed it. Sometimes, though, I wonder about some of Mr. George's comments (and if you are reading this Mr. George I mean no disrespect).

Did he really have to describe the talented Kim Weston as a "dark skined woman with a tendency to put on weight?" Was she really laughed at when she got on stage? To me, Kim Weston was one of Motowns most talented female singers. Couldn't the author have spent a little more space on her vocal talents?

He dismisses the Supremes post-Diana Ross career in a few sentences. Did he ever listen to any of those records? The post-Ross Supremes made some wonderful music which is just now being rediscovered.

He writes off white singer Chris Clark as a "not very gifted singer". From the few songs I have heard, she may not be a virtuoso, but she's not that bad! I know of some rabid Chris Clark fans who would challenge Nelson George on that point.

He spends a lot of time on certain subjects such as Motown's post-70's decline, but seems to spend very little time actually analyzing the music.

A writer, of course, has a right to his opinions and I think, in all fairness, he does a very good job with the book. My biggest complaint is that he seems a little cynical about Motown. I know that not all was happy beneath the wonderful music people heard, but there is still something in his attitude that bothers me a little. Sometimes he seems a little bit mocking in his tone. He wrote a later book about hip hop (a music style I don't care for) and seemed to treat the whole subject with more respect.

I'm probably being a little too analytical about this book.

Anyway, this is still a good book. Put on some Motown music and enjoy.

One of my smartest purchasing decisions was to pick up this work by Nelson George in June 1986 when it was still in hard cover. I've never let it out of my sight since. Time has proven it the precursor of a deluge: `Dreamgirl,' & `Supreme Faith' by Mary Wilson (1986, 1990), `Temptations' by Otis Williams (1988), `To Be Loved,' by Berry Gordy (1994), `Inside My Life' by Smokey Robinson (1989), `Dancing In The Street' by Martha Reeves (1994), and `Between Each Line of Pain and Glory,' by Gladys Knight (1997), among others. I bought them all and I read them all. By far the worst, was the October 1993 work by Diana Ross, `Secrets of a Sparrow,' which was quickly named the worst non-fiction work of the year by People magazine. I couldn't argue with them.

`Where Did Our Love Go,' on the other hand, proves a truth we discovered in the day of the very music it chronicles: no amount of tepid covers surpasses a towering original. Perhaps because Mr. George was not an insider at Motown in the 60s, his history of the company is so objectively good. I've read it many times in over 16 years, and haven't found a date or factual mistake.

And it is balanced. The wonderful music of those glory days in Detroit is given the respect and affection it deserves, as well as the how-it-came-about details. Mr. George acknowledges as most of us do, that Motown's 60s sound is timeless, and is going to outlive Berry Gordy, the artists whose names appeared on the labels, and we baby-boomers who were weaned on it.

Yes, the who-struck-John stories of disappointment are delineated fairly too: the career declines and /or disappointments of folks like Martha Reeves, Gladys Knight, Chuck Jackson, Marvin Gaye and, especially Florence Ballard. But unlike the recollections of the authors listed above, `Where' is not told by a writer needing to come out smelling blameless or put-upon at the end.

All these years later, `Where Did Our Love Go,' by Nelson George remains the single most essential biography of Motown Records you can own. Buy it anyway you can manage to, even used - just don't ask to borrow mine. Beyond it, there are two companion works you should also seek out for some fair and detailed `inside' looks of Motown in those days: `Divided Soul,' David Ritz' account of Marvin Gaye's life, which appeared first in 1985, and might have been helped in its excellence by the fact that its subject was no longer around to censor it or `advise.' Finally, from 1989, J. Randy Taraborrelli's `Call Her Miss Ross,' could likely be a dozen times more factual and objective than the 1993 work of the former Supreme herself could ever be!

For the time that it was written, I found this book to be my Motown bible. I still enjoy reading this book on Motown by someone who does not have an axe to grind with the company. Upon seeing the first review of this book, here at Amazon, I felt the need to respond. The reviewer mentioned that the author should have focused on Kim Weston's talents more than he did. Since 1986, Kim Weston has had a ton more recordings released by Motown then ever before. She never even had an album with Motown during her tenure. Her solo stuff released since 1986 could easily fill a box set. Her duets with Marvin Gaye could fill another two CD's. Had these recordings been available when the author had written his book, I would agree with the first reviewer. Her best recordings have only seen recent release. Kim Weston is probably the most talented woman to ever come out of Motown. Diana Ross had the luck and the hits but there was a stable full of women at Motown who were much more talented than she was. Also, the first reviewer mentions the talents(?) of Chris Clark. I love the whole Chris Clark persona and story. There are about four of Chris' recordings that I do love. However, if you listen to all of the Chris Clark recordings currently available on the Motown label (about three CD's worth) you'll question her talents, as the author also did. Mr. Gordy, in all of his arrogance once said, "Give me a singer who can sing three notes and I'll get a hit on her." I think he might have been thinking of Ms. Clark when he said it. By the way, he never got a hit on Chris Clark. This is an amazing book & a great introduction to Motown.

I found this book to be very informative on the music that I grew up with but it also revealed how Mr. Gordy has ruined the lives of talented but uneducated people.

Although a little short on photos (it was obviously not the authors' intention to be another photo book), this is in many ways the best book for someone really interested in the subject of Motown to own,in that the author pulls no punches. Other books on this record company/hit machine of the 60s & 70s suffered from censorship by the record company's head and his people.

This book does not suffer that hinderance, and it allows us to read what really went on behind the scenes. It was not such a happy family with Berry Gordy Jr. as the paternal head as it is often depicted.

An excellent book, both readable and informative, and well worth getting hold of for all fans of the music who want to know what really went on as the records were made and the tours were run.

I love this book. I originally checked it out from my library but, decided that the recipes were too good and the story of this family was too endearing to not have my own copy. I have shared it with many people since I got my own copy!

I found this book very calming and reasuring in these troubled times. The book is a soothing escape from the exterior modern world to that of our culture, our food and our entertaining--no matter what our heritage. A great glimpse into the lives of everyday Russians through their food. The recipes are simply written with readily available ingredients. Steep a cup of tea, put your feet up and enjoy!

Jones's memoir-cookbook takes the reader on a personal journey to Russia, the land of Jones's ancestors. It's full of interesting stories about the people she encountered there, with a focus on culinary topics. Each chapter deals with a single theme: springtime in Russia, tea and birthday parties, home-canning, mushroom hunting, weddings, Christmas and New Year's celebrations--all from the personal perspective of the author and her experiences in Russia. The 40 recipes she includes are accurate and can be easily reproduced in American home kitchens. A "must-buy" book for anyone interested in Russian cuisine.

I've been interested in all things Russia since adopting my son two years ago from the Voronezh region, and this book has helped to keep that interest going. It's not just a basic cookbook, but more a travelogue and cultural history with recipes added in.

I like how the author explains social and family traditions along with her seasonal exploration of Russian food. After all, our special foods aren't made and consumed in a vacuum - tradition and custom dictate many of our special menus. If you read this book you will get a better understanding of how and why the Russians do what they do. It makes me wish I'd tried harder to eat real Russian food when I was there.

Catherine not only captures the essence of the food, but also gives us a most intimate glance into the country, it's culture, and it's people. Living there for a time and having a Russian mother (and grandmother) on hand has given her an edge that almost no one else can duplicate! Her descriptions are interesting, the recipes are clear and easy to follow, and the insights and traditions on the food are priceless, making it an absolute "must" for the serious "foodie."

This is a terrific resource from two terrific doctors! Dr. Gordon was my RE and guided my husband and me through three IVF cycles which resulted in two spectacular little girls (now almost 5 and almost 3 1/2). The book provides intelligent, caring information - which is what I would expect from a doctor that is caring, kind and funny in person. Highly recommend the book, the blog and the Doctors.

When a couple is suffering through infertility, they have a million questions. Fertility Drs. Gordon and DiMattina attempt to cover the basics in a single, reliable source with 100 Questions & Answers About Infertility.

They start with the basics: What is infertility and what does normal reproduction look like? Then they move on to infertility evaluation and treatments. Next they touch on specific problems such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Tubal Disease, Male Factor, and Endometriosis. They address treatment options, specifically Intrauterine Insemination, In Vitro Fertilization, and Third-Party Reproduction. They also answer questions regarding lifestyle (stress, exercise, etc.) in regard to reproduction, and finally they address pregnancy loss. There is also a plethora of statistical information.

If you find yourself in the throes of infertility and you are lost in the lingo, this book may be a good start. It will answer many clinical and technical questions you may have about your problem and where to start. This book will be especially helpful for those who have the conditions mentioned and those who want details on medical measures. It should also help you decide what steps you want to take in the process. The information seems, in my experience, to be accurate and up to date.

What this book won't do for you is answer the more emotional side of infertility. It won't tell you that taking Clomid might cause you to cry for weeks on end. It won't tell you that you will get pregnant. And it won't have a definitive answer for why you aren't achieving pregnancy when all the testing says there is no reason. However, this is a very informative book on many of the more common and clinical aspects of the process.

Armchair Interviews says: A book with answers to many questions some couples might have

What a great book! This book is a wonderful launching place for someone facing infertility and needing answers. I have already been through some treatments and learned new things reading this book. I liked that the definitions for words used in the text were right in the margin of the page. It is easy to follow, but the authors do not talk down to you. Good balance of information.

I've been having infertility issues for almost 6 years and I've purchased several on-topic books during this time. No book covers as much detailed information in as few pages at this one. I read the entire book the night I received it. The authors honestly acknowledge the frustrations accompanying the mysteries of fertility while outlining the proven medical procedures that lead to parenthood. My favorite thing about the book is that it assumes that the reader is an intelligent, resourceful patient who is approaching her infertility with a problem-solving mentality. I wish I had bought this years ago!

I have read many books on infertility. The topic can be overwhelming, just as the treatments can be. (I am in my 3rd round of IVF.) "100 Questions and Answers about Infertility" is by far the best infertility book available. First of all, Dr. Gordon makes you feel "normal" by listing all the questions you have, but might not realize everyone else also has. Then he answers them in a manner that is easy to understand, yet technical enough to help you broaden your understanding of infertility. In addition, they have patients who share their first hand experiences in the book. It's another example of how they make you feel less alone during an unchartered experience. (And yes, despite this being my 3rd round of IVF, there is always something new and scary...but this time I could just open up my book, and better understand what was going on!)
I am truly grateful that Dr. G and D wrote this book. It is the perfect handbook for anyone experiencing the trials and tribulations of infertility.

Kirk Byron Jones has given some invaluable information for anyone living in the 21st century and challenged by all the 'divine opportunities' of family, church, school, and life in general. It is one that I intend to share with friends and family. In fact, I already have!

It is of particular value for persons seeking to find the peace and calm of the day, centered in their spirituality, rather than in the physical, which often destracts and frustates.

Part serious social commentary, part self-help, Addicted to Hurry examines how constant hurrying diminishes people's lives, and it offers advice on slowing down.

The first half of the book examines our cultural addiction to hurry in general terms, examines reasons why people run, and what they are running from. I especially liked two things in this part of the book: first, that Jones labeled chronic speed as a form of idolatry, and that he showed examples of what people are missing in their rush. Although Jones takes a strong stance against so much hurrying, he does display a good deal of understanding (rather than condemnation) for people who are caught up in the rush.

The second half of the book describes a "savoring pace alternative" and offers numerous suggestions to help people slow down. While many self-help books fall into shallow platitudes and slogans, Jones resists this tendancy. Instead, he provides spritual food for the journey to a slower, saner life.

Kirk Byron Jones is a professor of social ethics and pastoral ministry at Andover Newton Theological School, and also has twenty years of experience as a pastor. He offers a significant number of Biblical examples, so confirmed atheists may not like this book. Anyone with a healthy respect for Christianity (whether they are Christian or not) should find it helpful.

The idea for this book grew out of Jones's writing of Rest in the Storm: Self-Care Strategies for Clergy. I ordered Addicted to Hurry because I loved Rest in the Storm. I thought Rest in the Storm was a bit better, and I would recommend clergy start there. However, Addicted to Hurry is still a very good book for both clergy and general audiences.

If you're like most people, there aren't enough hours in the day to do all that you have to. Life seems to be a never-ending cycle of hurrying from one activity to the next, but does this make you more fulfilled? Not necessarily.

In Addicted to Hurry, Kirk Byron Jones examines our need to hurry from one project to the next. Filled with biblical teachings as well as quotes from notable figures, his book also includes exercises to examine your own way of living to help you discover ways to slow down, and utlimately become more fulfilled.

Jones starts the book with a look at how much speed has been incorporated into our daily living by looking at some of the "fast phrases" we use: "I'm going as fast as I can," "The sooner, the better," "ASAP," and others. He then discusses the seven sacrifices that we all make as a result of our addiction to speed: patience, judgment, depth, joy, dialogue, personhood, and spirituality.

From there, we are given a list of reasons why we are in such a hurry, with a special emphasis being placed on running away from aches and fears, running away from ourselves, and running away from God.

We then get down to the meat of the book: how to overcome our need to hurry. Jones discusses how to imagine and choose a less hurried life, and how to maintain your new pace once you've made this decision. He shows us how to become more in tune with this pace by making a conscious effort to really see the marvelous things going on around us and to listen carefully to all that life has to offer--whether it be a loved one's voice or the sounds of nature or accepting silence, which many of us are uncomfortable doing.

Finally, Dr. Jones ends with a chapter entitled "Savoring Pace Life Lines," which talks about the importance of self-coaching and gives us memorable statements to counter the cues we are given by society to move faster. Based on this idea,Jones developed a fifty piece card collection to help family and friends change their pace of living, one thought at a time. He gives us a peek into this collection by offering fourteen Life Line reflections including: "Welcome the Day," "Stop Sleepwalking Through Life," and "Discover the Fullness of Being Empty."

Jones has done an excellent job of giving us insight into taking the time to savor all that life has to offer based on sound biblical principles and life-changing exercises. The fact that the book is short and straight to the point is an added bonus, although after reading it, many may want to go back and savor the book's insight and wisdom, and re-examine their own lives more closely.

I am not a theologian or pastor. I am an ordinary Christian, housewife and homeschooling mom. But I read a lot to help me live closer to Jesus. This is by far the best and most helpful book I've read in years. Dr. Jones has many helpful examples and life applications for slowing down and living a more deliberate life. If you've bought or read The Purpose Driven Life, you need this book to be the other side, the balance to your purpose. I fully intend to read it again, to savor it with slowness and apply it more deeply to my daily living.

The hectic pace of life in the twenty-first century creates a fertile garden for this empowering book. Pastor and professor Kirk Byron Jones confronts his audience with the cultural expectation for speed and hurry in our lifestyles. Jones explores issues from technology and the explosive amount of information it brings, to our hidden fears as reasons for our addiction to hurry. The questions raised for our addiction to hurry are very revealing.

The first half of the book explores various factors that create an addiction to hurry including running away from God, running away from our fears, and running away from ourselves.

In the second half of the book, Jones introduces a method he calls "Living life at a savoring pace." The discussions around The Savoring Pace Alternative focus on "seeing more clearly," "listening more carefully" and "thinking more deeply." Jones gives us a wonderful road map for the discipline to manage life at a savoring pace.
Jones combines a scholarly mind with a profound imagery of language to challenge his readers to "relish" rather than "rush" through life. The use of poetry, scripture, famous quotes and anecdotal experiences from the author's personal pilgrimage make this work jump off the page and into the reader's frenzied lifestyle. One gets the impression that Jones has lived every one of his illustrations to the fullest.

This book is a provocative and challenging exploration of our compulsion to hurry. The author prepares us with his profound insight and equips us with chapter-by-chapter learning exercises. Learning exercises at the end of each chapter are important to fully comprehend the value of the author's presentation.
Jones uses a quote from an unknown author to illustrate one of his savoring pace alternatives, the art of listening more clearly. "The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you do the work."

Anyone who needs to take a long, deep breath during his or her busy day will benefit from this easy but life-changing manuscript. Published by Judson Press, the manuscript is one hundred twenty pages in length.

This review was completed by Dr. Jim Royston, Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of NC.

This cookbook as an absolute must have! You instantly feel welcomed when you open the cover. It is a wonderful compilation of food and friendship. The recipes are fool proof and out of this world. The Frosted Lemon Bars are the best and so easy I feel guilty when I serve them. People think I have slaved for hours. LOL After reading it you feel like you have known these ladies all your life. It certainly reminded me what good friends are all about. Truly an inspiration! I hope they write another one!

I have been looking all over for a cookbook in menu format. This one is perfect! I was looking for a fun menu for a barbecue and I went right to the section on "Summer Barbecues" and found just what I needed. I have already recommended this book to all my girlfriends - we take turns cooking out of it!

This book IS fun! It's about how 5 friends share their love of food and fun times. It's about preparing easy gourmet-like recipes that will knock you off your dining room chairs. It's about putting love into your food preparation. It makes me wish I had 5 friends with a tradition like theirs. I especially enjoyed the Potato Chip Cookies and the Fiesta Dip. Easy and oh so delicious! These are the perfect recipes when you're cooking for loved ones.

My aunt went to high school with one of these ladies. She gave me the book as a gift. I have read it from cover to cover. It has great recipes and tips but it also makes you feel like you are part of the group. It really focuses on friendship through food.

Since I purchased this cookbook I have used it many times with
every receipe being a success. It is also filled with lots of helpful hints and fun reading on how the book developed. Great for an experienced cook or someone just getting started.

This book is a must-have for all of the Godfather fans out there. Almost every page has interesting trivia or little-known facts about the movie or its production. The only drawback to the book is that it only covers The Godfather, and not The Godfather Parts II or III. I take it that the author is working on additional books for these movies.

If I could give this a six star review, I would. Indispensible for any
fan(atic) of the Godfather.

If you are a film buff and a Godfather fan, this book is an absolute must. Its meticulous attention to detail and beautiful graphics are astounding. If you think you know everything about The Godfather, you will be shocked!

Movie fans, rejoice - THE ultimate guide to one of the greatest films of all time is here. Lavishly illustrated (I especially loved the photo of James Caan, post-slaughter, sitting and having a smoke covered with stage blood) and packed with more information than I, movie geek that I am, ever thought available on the film. Lots of behind-the-scenes stuff, revised and deleted scenes, explanations of why things were done a certain way, and much more.

The book literally makes you see the film in your mind as you dissect it, piece by piece. Positively the next best thing to being there.

Take the book. Leave the canoli.

This book is perfect for THE Godfather fan. The entire script is in the book along with many details and pictures. Notes by Coppola are written out to the side. My husband wants to watch the movie while looking along in the book.

Great gift!

Over the years I've found Ruth's books to be beyond informative. She is a groundbreaker in her field and no healthcare provider should be without her reference material. Her discoveries in the field of fitness, health and healing are a "must know" for healthcare professionals.

Over the years I've found Ruth's books to be beyond informative. She is a groundbreaker in her field and no healthcare provider should be without her reference material. Her discoveries in the field of fitness, health and healing are a "must know" for healthcare professionals.

this book gives everyone from the novice to the aquatic veteran infromtaion. it is inclusive and it reminds you of things you should be doing.

This book helps, not only the professional fitness expert but also the everyday person who just wants help with their exercise program. Great job, Ruth.

This book is an excellent introductory resource for individuals working in an aquatic environment. While the text is geared toward Aquatic Fitness Professionals it contains fundamental information necessary for anyone working in the continuum of Aquatics to Aquatic Therapy. Although the information is basic, the book contains information often over-looked by clinicians unfamiliar with the water environment. It possesses the elements that transition a therapist from a land based practice to the world of immersion.

As a professional who lectures and writes about Aquatic Therapy, I often use this book as a reference. It is destined to become a standard book in the aquatics arena. Ruth Sova's style is knowledgeable and informed, yet pleasant and easy to read.

Dont know whether the praise by Philip Yancey (my most favorite living Christian writer) on the book cover had set so high my expectation or my frequent reading of books on prayers had numbed me, I didnt find it thrilling, intriguing nor insightful. However, I am obliged to rate it a four star (I do always give one star ratings) for

1) the excellent prayers in the end of each chapter/topic.
2) the profound elaboration of "The Lord's Prayer"on pg 156
3) the relatively insightful messages on silence and complaint (to God, the Job way) that both can be alternative forms of prayer to God
4) the very useful study guide presented as Appendix from pg 205-239

In case you seldom read books on prayers, you probably like this book much. If you are a veteran reader of masterpieces from Philip Yancey, Richard Fosters and so on, you may not be well satisfied.

p.s. Below please find my favorite passages for your reference.

Lord, I am not good at slowing down. I like to see things happen. I've become hurried and harried. And I like to fill the silence with sound.
Draw me to the rest I find in you. Remind me that time with you can re-create me, and fill my life with all I need. Amen pg 44

O Lord,you know how busy I must be this day. If I forget you, please do not forget me. - General Lord Astley (adapted) pg 44

A single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer. - Gotthold Ephraim Lessing pg 73

Only God can move mountains. But faith and prayer move God. - E.M. Bounds pg 90

A man prayed, and at first he thought that prayer was talking. But he became more and more quiet and until in the end he realized that prayer is listening. - Soren Kierkegaard pg 113

This book takes you by hand and walks you through the art of learning to pray. It is inspirational!

I found this book to be immensely helpful in my prayer life. Jones has very practical advice for modern Christians, and he isn't afraid to draw from many traditions (RC, Orthodox, mainline Protestant). I found his chapter on Silence and his closing chapter to be the most helpful.

I concur with a previous poster: I got a copy out of the library, and now I want my own! I think it will be dog-eared and battered pretty soon.

Jones captures all aspects of prayer in this book. It's a great guide for pastors and laity alike. I would highly recommend this book.

I'm about 2/3 of the way through this book, but I can't wait til I'm done reading it to post my review of this awesome book! Timothy Jones covers the whole range of topics related to prayer. When I'm reading a book such as this, I put those Post-It arrow flags in it to mark parts that I might want to copy into my journal, or reflect more on, and right now, this book has about 40 Post-Its sticking out of it! It's a library book, so I think I'm going to have to buy this one!

Timothy Jones speaks in everyday English, yet his style is poignant and whimsical! I love his writing style! He talks about how to pray - no formula stuff for him. He talks about how to be STILL and QUIET in the midst of a busy life. He talks about how prayer doesn't even have to be words formed in your mind. He tells about those desperate HELP! prayers and how God hears them all. He covers such issues as why we should pray when God is all-knowing and is going to do what he's going to do anyway, what to do when we feel that our prayers go unanswered, and many more issues.

I've read quite a few books on prayer, but this is my favorite so far. I also highly recommend Timothy Jones' other books "Awake My Soul: Practical Spirituality for Busy People", "Prayer's Apprentice", and "21 Days to a Better Quiet Time with God". There are probably more, but these are the one I own.

Timothy Jones is the kind of person that you'd just love to sit down with over a cup of coffee - he's real and authentic and isn't afraid to tell about his own human failings and his own experiences with prayer.

Take a look at this book, by using Amazon.com's Look Inside" feature!

You might be interested in reading my other reviews of Christian books and music!

Harris Sklar has captured the essence of life on the backstretch. The pictures are gorgeous, and the people and horses come to life through the skillful intermingling of text and photographs. The backstretch really is a small city -- of people who work very, very hard and have dedicated their lives to chasing an elusive dream. They are out every morning, often in the worst kind of weather. Anyone who works with Thoroughbreds risks life and limb every day. This book is a tribute to their dedication. The section on Smarty Jones is compelling. My favorite picture is the one of Smarty galloping, his neck arched, the rider standing straight up in the stirrups. Talk about raw horsepower. Wow!

The track can be the height of glamour and ceremony where the genteel hang out with the touts. This book has haunting images of a whole invisible underworld society that is surprisingly complex. There is pathos and charm in these people's devotion to the horses and the challenges of producing a winner. The inside story on Smarty Jones was a special treat. Highly recommended for anyone who loves horses.

This book is a tour de force. The photographs perfectly capture the magnificence of the horses and the special relationship they have with those who care for them--a relationship that's rarely seen or appreciated by even the most avid racing fans. Sklar shows us a world few of us know (the backstretch), and it's almost uncanny how well he does it. I look forward to more work by this fine photographer. Highly recommended.

This book is about people, not only horses; an insider's view of a self-contained community little known to most of us. This is an informative, enlightening, candid exposure to the bonds between the workers and their families who RESIDE at the racetrack with each other and with the horses to which they dedicate their lives. The photographer evokes empathy from the reader because of his unusual sensitivity and stirring photos. It is a treat to enter and savor this special place.

I found the book to be entertaining as well as informative. It's like watching the making of a movie with spectacular photos of every aspect. The imagery evokes emotions from my childhood when I would go to the track with my father. I would recommend this to anybody who has ever felt a love for the sport of horseracing or just wanted to know more about it. You won't be disappointed.

I'm not into historical fiction, but after reading Nicastros 2 novels, "The Eighteenth Captain" and "Between Two Fires" aroused my interest and made me a fan of this gifted author.

These compelling sagas of tragedy, bravery and adventure kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning. I'm waiting to devour your next book, Mr. Nicastro.

The second novel of the John Paul Jones Trilogy by Nicholas Nicastro, Between Two Fires continues the saga of America's first naval hero. An historical fiction, Between Two Fires offers the reader a riveting 18th Century odyssey of bravery, battle, tragedy, and loss on the high seas, exciting and tautly written. Also very highly recommended is the first novel of this outstanding trilogy, The Eighteenth Captain...

I read this almost immediately after finishing The Eighteenth Captain. I was happy to see characters I'd just met again.

Different stories run side by side in time and are connected, if only by a thread. It's a complex book.

With distressing verisimilitude, the anguish, pain, ugliness, and gore are written onto the pages. The author describes horrors that depict the events of the time; these horrors are so unlike my shining, sparkling image of an army walking home with freedom held high, a vision I developed in an apparent haze of patriotism, that I find myself a bit disappointed in history.

The novel has succussfully conveyed that the world was as dirty and complex then as it is now. Nothing is simple. Seeing Washington behave as a politician rather than a hero takes some of the shine away from his sterling image.

I can blame my shift in perception on character development. Having read his previous book, I know the author can create characters who have enough depth to make me actively hate them and love them, all at once. This book's characters, happily, do not escape that talent. The players were intriguing enough to make me want to know them better, to spend time with all of them so I could watch as they tell each other what fools they each are or clap each other on the back with congratulations.

They may also want to congratulate their author for making them real enough to convey the interconnectedness of events, people, and the larger implications of both.

There are no easy blacks and whites in Nicholas Nicastro's wonderfully written tales of the American Revolution. Forget about the flag-waving pabulum that your ninth grade textbook passed off as American History. Nicastro portrays John Paul Jones as a Napoleonic .... who alternates his barks with his bites as the never-say-die commander of the Bonhomme Richard. The monomaniac runs many of his men and his ship into extinction while defeating the British Serapis.

The even more engrossing parallel tale in "Between Two Fires" revolves around conscience-stricken Captain Severance, who watches his Colonial comrades barbarically commit genocide against the Iroquois Nation. Nicastro takes Lechterian delight in describing the atrocities perpetrated under General Sullivan's command--officers parade around in flesh cut from the hides of Native Americans while burning and desecrating village after village. Yes the Indians do commit their share of torture, but theirs, as described by Nicastro, is a far more noble form of sadism.

Should David Lynch ever decide to direct an 18th Century war picture, this book is filled with a wonderful cache of quirky historical curiosities. A female character aboard Jones's ship dedicates her life to capturing the ideal physical traits of people she meets in her sketchbook. Her goal is to create a composite which would match the image of Jesus Christ. I won't betray the macabre manner in which she locates the preeminent nose. Joseph, the noble Native American hero aboard the Richard, has his teeth knocked out halfway through the saga and speaks the remainder in a humorous lisp. George Washington is a self-conscious poser, pretending to act as a great commander should act-- the Ronald Reagan of his day.

The book does have a few narrative flaws. Would an eighteenth century officer really write letters describing all the grotesqueries of war, not missing a morbid detail, to his bride-to-be? Would he also write extensively about his obvious attraction for a headstrong Native American woman?

But minor exceptions aside, this is a novel not to be ignored--certainly for fans of seafaring novels but more broadly for anyone hungering for sharply written historical ficition, fiction with a harsher, less propagandistic view of the era.

The worst thing about reading great trilogies is the wait. I re-read the first book, "The Eighteenth Captain", just prior to the release of "Between Two Fires"; as I often do with a much anticipated release. If you haven't read the first book...do yourself a favor and grab a copy.

"Between Two Fires" provided some of the best historical fiction writing I've had the pleasure to page-turn. You don't need to be a history, war or nautical buff to truly enjoy the well-developed, fascinating characters in Nicastro's follow-up book. He has a way of writing dialogue that makes you feel a part of the conversation...as if you might be standing next to the characters. No easy task.

This book has everything I enjoy...action, compelling characters, period atmosphere that draws me into the time, and a great story. Please get the third book out a bit quicker.