Lee Books

I read all of the Sherlock Holmes stories (short stories and novels) in a relatively short period of time (good for comparisons), and this was by FAR my favorite of them all. _Nothing_ is as it seems to be, not in the presenting murder mystery, nor in the background story. Both of them are fascinating stories in themselves; combined, it's truly amazing.

The last of the four Sherlock Holmes novels, and one of the two best. It contains more detection in its first section than The Hound of the Baskervilles, with Holmes (off-stage for much of The Hound) actively investigating the murder at Birlstone, and drawing his ever-fascinating deductions from raincoats and dumb-bells; indeed it is the only pure detective story among the four, with the reader given every opportunity to solve the crime. Although the solution is justly famous, it is but a variation on "The Norwood Builder," at much greater length. The second half of the tale concerns the doings of the Pinkerton agent Birdy Edwardes in the eponymous Valley, terrorised by the Freemasons, a gripping and powerful account which is perhaps of greater interest than the detection.

The story is a report on the actual events surrounding the arrest, conviction, and hanging of the Molly McGuyers in Schuylkill and Carbon Countys, Pennsylvania at the end of the 19th century. In the story the Mollys are like the gansters. In the Pa. coal region they are folk heros who fought and died for workers wrights. See the movie, "Molly McGuyers" staring Sean Conrey, it's an exact match.

The actual Pinkerton, McGowan, Died of old age in California.

'The Valley of Fear'. A real page turner but what makes it most memorable for me is not that Holmes is at his best, but Conan Doyle is. After reading this book I recommend you to read this book because it was a suspense story. The whole story moves around Mcginty who was a big criminal in the valley of vermisa also called the valley of fear. There was only one person who could face to that criminal and his name was Jack McMurdo. He behaved as a gangster and he had taken many risks in his life and he was not afraid to take more risks. Don't miss 'The Valley of Fear'. It's terrifying, exciting, and best of all, real.

I liked this book a lot and it's right up there behind The Sign of Four as the second best Sherlock Holmes novel. Though it's well known that Conan Doyle was growing tired of the character by this point.

The story is of a brutal murder in a mansion house in the English countryside. There's not much sense-making evidence to work on so Holmes and Watson go down to investigate along with Scotland Yard and the local police. Sure enough, Holmes solves the case rather quickly and all is revealed. But it's here that Conan Doyle uses the same split narrative he used in A Study in Scarlet. The story jumps far back in time and details the long, sinister plot leading up to the murder in the mansion. It's a good story and quite addictive. But I'm afraid I saw the plot twist coming (though it's an imaginative surprise) and only because there were no small revalations at any point, therefor I knew I big 'un was coming and deduced the logical conclusion.

And is it just me or is there a major anachronism in the story? Holmes speaks of Moriarty as if he is still alive. But didn't he chuck him of the Reichenbach falls and watch him fall to his death? Unless this story is set before then. And who is this mysterious Porlock? It was never cleared up. Perhaps in a future story eh?

Sorry, meant to mark four stars.

I like that it has so much information all in one place, however much of the information in this book can be found on the internet (although with A LOT more work). This book gave me a much appreciated focus to my cancer research.

There are breakthoughs that the book does not cover (for example fungal infection) and it was written when the understanding of prions (the cause of mad cow disease for example)and their role in health risk was only beginning.

Would like to see a more updated version, almost 10 years old, a more recent version could only be better.

With a working diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer, this book gave me HOPE and DIRECTION. Statistics say: One in two men and one in three women will face cancer. IF POSSIBLE, be prepared in advance to know what course you would take. BUT, if you or a loved one are diagnosed with cancer, have courage! There are MANY choices BESIDES surgery, radiation and chemo. Better choices! This enormous book will educate you.

Don't miss the AMAS test on pages 702-705: an accurate blood test that can detect ANY cancer up to 19 months BEFORE conventional medical tests for cancer can find it! This test gave me GREAT PEACE of MIND as it ruled OUT cancer for me before my surgery to remove a grapefruit-sized endometrioma (NON-malignant). Praise the LORD!

Im a 33 year old young woman, who was diagnosed with advance local breast cancer 5 months ago today (24 May 2001, date of diagnosis). I was fortunate enough to have a close friend in the US who know of this book, due to working with one of the doctors who are published.

This book has become my Bible and has literaly saved my life. Im sitting here tonight in the wee hours of the night to let you know that today I have no turmors and am living cancer free. Five months ago I have 4 tumors all at approx 4cm each, today they are all gone, by the grace of God and his direction led me to this book which in turn gave me the information, the wisdom and guaidence to get through this tragic disease that so many people, possibly thousands world wide die from.

God Bless the all those who contributed to the truth about cancer. I thank you.

"Enza"

A large part of beginning to win the battle with cancer is reasearch and information, so that one can make informed decisions about ones own health care. This book provides a wealth of easy-to-understand information about the options to conventional treatments. Whether or not one chooses to prescribe to any treatment offered in this "encyclopedia" of different modalities, one is almost certain to come away from reading with one of the greatest cancer fighters of all - hope!

This massive (1116 pages) book is published by the editor of the magazine 'Alternative Medicine.' The first section consists of richly detailed accounts of the successful cancer treatment plans of 23 respected alternative physicians from Robert C Atkins to Charles B Simone. Part 2 is a fundamental explanation of the nature, causes, politics and prevention of cancer. I have never read a better 225 pages on the subject. When you come closer to understanding the conditions that precede cancer you are empowered to change those conditions and assume control over your own body. The final section presents alternative therapies one by one from nutrition, botanicals, and metabolic factors to physical and energy support therapies ranging from ozone and thermal (infrared heat) to acupunture and magnetic. In all, a finely-written explanation of a life-and-death topic meant for those who have cancer, their friends and families who refuse to give up and, who knows?, maybe even your doctor! This is a book I run to every time an acquaintance is diagnosed. I learn about the specifics of their condition and the hope that exists beyond the conventional.

Like Ditko? Like Kirby? Like crazy monsters in twilight zone style stories? Well, even if you dont, buy this amazing collection of Amazing Adult Fantasy if only for the art. The Kirby and Ditko work of the pre marvel hero days is definately worth the money. Just having the entire collection of the series in one volume is great by itself. But add the incredible Ditko and Kirby art along with some fun stories by Stan Lee and youve got something special worth the price. Is it Ditko and Kirbys best? No. But these two masters of the art of visual storytelling, whether at their peak or not is still better than most of the derivitive artistic styles seen today. It captures the fun of comic books, which are what comics are supposed to be. The Ditko tales are something special and if you're a fan of his work, or of Kirbys for that matter, then pick up this amazing collection. Its worth the price.

My guess is that everyone who buys this book or is interested in buying it, grew up during the "Golden Age'' of comics, circa the 1960s and 1970s. If so, then you're like me and you'd view this collection of comics with a completely biased eye and you'd give it 5 stars as I have (and as have the 9 other reviewers before me). But if I am totally honest and try to read the stories contained therein in a wholly unbiased fashion, I would have to tell you that while the artwork by Kirby, Ayers and mainly Ditko is a joy to behold, many stories are quite frankly, weak. All were written by Stan Lee and in many cases u can tell they were obviously rushed out to meet looming deadlines. It's also obvious that one person wrote them all because although the monsters or aliens might change appearance or names, the underlying storylines are all too similar. Ditto for the supposed surprise endings, which after a while, become predictable. But hey, as I said at the start, none of this should detract from your purchase decision. I honestly don't think people are going to buy this book to discover cutting edge, 21st-century comic book fare - you could get that from hundreds of other titles - you buy this book because these were the pioneers for countless genres to follow. You buy it because this was how it all started.

A visual feast for fans of King Kirby and Sturdy Steve Ditko. Never in my wildest dreams (or forty years of collecting comics) would I have thought this material would be collected and reprinted.

This tome is absolutely perfect! The writing by Stan Lee and the art by Steve Ditko and Jack Kirby are prime indicators that the Marvel Age Of Comics is about to begin! The production on this MASSIVE collection is top notch! The oversize format showcases Ditko's brilliant yet subtle illustrations, while Kirby's bombastic and kinetic storytelling explodes off of every page! The rich, vibrant colors originally used in these tales get a whole new life in this format! Every page is the comic book equivalent of watching a 52" plasma HDTV! Stan Lee's tales of the unknown, suspense, twists and valuable lessons learned do author O. Henry proud. You can almost see Stan gaining steam as a storyteller on this series!
Bottom line...Amazing Adult Fantasy Omnibus was worth every penny I spent on it.
'Nuff Said!

This is a nice historical collection, gathering the full run of Marvel Comics' tumultuous and short-lived "Amazing Fantasy" title. It was one of the last "monster" books Marvel published before the revival of their superhero franchise, and indeed, the last issue featured the birth of Spider-Man, who is arguably the most famous of all Marvel characters. The individual original issues are hard to find and terribly expensive, so this hardbound omnibus is a real blessing for fans who just want to read the old stuff, and not pay a gazillion dollars or have to worry about preserving the fragile old artifacts.

The scripts were mostly by (or credited to) Stan Lee, and illustrators Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko were his main collaborators. A couple of leftovers from the 1950s genre books were also on board, notably Paul Reinman, but the real sizzle is with Ditko and Kirby, who were developing a truly new, explosively expressive style that burst away from the stale, cramped design work of the Atlas era.

The stories, generally speaking, are pretty flat and formulaic: the six-pages-and-a-zinger-ending format did not, in all honesty, leave a lot of room for brilliance. Nonetheless, something was bubbling up under the surface of the moribund genre... There were plenty of hints of things to come: professors named Storm, rocky-skinned monsters, a skinny kid with big, round glasses who discovers he has superpowers, and of course, the proto-Dr. Strange, Dr. Droom, one of the few recurrent characters of the era. In one of the most fascinating later stories, the Ditko-penned teenage hero looks a LOT like Peter Parker, but what's even more amazing is the script, about how the boy is a mutant, and how he must hide his powers due to the prejudice of normal humans -- the entire "X-Men" mythology was laid out in '62: it really should be anthologized along with the early X-books from now on.

The book really hit its stride in the last half-dozen issues, when Steve Ditko basically took over and was given full reign on the creative end. The book developed a strong signature style, and Ditko came into his own. Some of the best surprises come with the famous Spidey issue: the one-page editorial about how they planned to change the look and format of the book (and, boy, did they! they canceled it and started up "The Amazing Spider-Man" instead) and also the fact that the book *still* had back-up features full of aliens and things that go bump in the night.

This is a fascinating look back at the history of Marvel Comics. Probably best appreciated for the dynamic, colorful artwork (which looks fabulous in the glossy archival format) but also good, goofy fun in its own right. Face Forward, True Believers! (Joe Sixpack, Slipcue)

This is MOST DEFINATLY a MUST-HAVE item. One of the most beautiful books I have seen! Perfection is the one word that sums up this purchase! And wotta deal!! What are U waiting for??????? Order this NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The quality of this fist stories are still the best. There is drama and humor, there is action and quit moments. The revolutionary visions of Steve Ditko shine in this oversized pages. I review the second printing and the binding is different to the older Omnibus editions. The binding is better because now it is possible to wide open the pages.

Marvel did a good job on creating this book. If you are a spiderman fan get this book, you will not be disappointed.

Steve Ditko's art work was an acqired taste for me. His old people all looked Asian, his girl's were too thin, and his adversarial figures had
bowed lower legs. That said, he was more adventurous than King Kirby, es-pecially when he tackled Dr. Strange. Ditko was perfect for that strip,
but his breakthrough was the early Spider-Man, and for that, I will always be grateful. Get this one, if you're young. Compare it to the
masturbatory, nihilistic issues of today, and come to your own conclusions, if you can.

Simply put... If I was stranded on a desert island and I could have only one book... this would be it. Quite possibly the greatest run in comics history. These are not only the best Spider-Man stories ever, they're some of the best comic stories... PERIOD. Stan Lee's writing is fun and upbeat with a great sense of comic timing and adventure. Steve Ditko's pencils are tight and bursting with kinetic energy. (Definitely the best work of his career). Even though I have all of the original issues, as well as the Marvel Masterworks collections of these stories, I still bought this book. It is loaded with extra goodies, like all of the letters columns and some early guest appearances of Spider-Man in other comics, such as, his first team-up with the Human Torch in Strange Tales Annual #2. However, it's the attention to detail that really makes this collection shine. The publishers even went to the trouble of exactly matching the colors to the original comics (i.e. in the first few issues the blue in Spider-Man's costume looks purple, just like it did in the original printings). It may sound cliche, but the bottom line is, if you are a Spider-Man fan or just a comics fan in general, this book is a MUST HAVE!

I was relieved to find out that God isn't a humorless, authoritarian parent figure keeping tabs on us. Thanks, Nanci!

Elaine Lewis

I've read just about every book there is about life after death, life before life, etc. and some of them have really touched me deeply, especially Michael Newton's "Journey of Souls" and "Destiny of Souls" and Neale Donald Walsch's "Conversations with God" series. I really thought that this subject had been so thoroughly covered that there wasn't much new that could be offered but this book, "Backwards" by Nanci Danison, somehow captures the best of all the previous books in this genre and then goes beyond that. It is a book filled with breathtaking new insights and mind-expanding revelations. This book resonated with everything inside me that I think of as "me" and then went beyond that to touch who I really am and that is a Being of Light. After finishing this book I bought the CD audio book so that I could listen to this over and over again. After reading this I have gone beyond just hoping that what other near-death experiencers have told us is true to actually believing that what Nanci saw & heard is the true reality. This book takes the FEAR out of life. For the first time, the very first time in my life, I find that I'm actually looking forward to each new day, no matter what it brings, and I'm looking at it without that FEAR that permeated my outlook before. Love is all that matters and no truer words were ever spoken. What an awesome experience this book has been.....and still is every day. Thank you for sharing it Nanci and I hope there are more books to come.

BACKWARDS is an interesting and profound book despite of being an easy reading - a well and articulate style. Congratulations Nanci L. Daninson!
It will be nice if all people will read the book and reflect about their lifes and what they do - we will leave in a better world, a kind of return to Paradise.

There is so much talk about our "End Times," these days... I was extremely interested to listen to this author's recollection of what she had "seen" would become of the coastal regions of the U.S. and the major islands of the world. Even though all of what she was "given" could not be retained once she'd returned from her NDE, it's still phenominal information. Raise your vibrations, everyone! Do more, be more, love more and wake up to our "wholeness" inside the Light. Don't be left behind!

Near death experiences - a subject of controversy. Are they merely hallucinations ones body creates for them as they are about to die? Or is there something more waiting for us on the other side? "Backwards: Returning to Our Source for Answers" is an examination of this phenomena in which it's questioned thoroughly with an educational eye, with a focus on the case of a true story of a big time lawyer being on the brink, and him having a face to face communication with the Source of all knowledge - God. "Backwards: Returning to Our Source for Answers" is deftly written and researched, and highly recommended for community library metaphysical studies shelves.

Appalachian people know how to tell a good story, and Bob Sloan is a wonderful storyteller. This slim volume packs a very large emotional punch with its honest prose and wistful and comical glimpses of an area Bob knows well. My favorite story (one that he read at the Harriet Simpson Arnow Conference at Somerset Community College in 2006) is "Finding the Gate," written from the perspective of an old woman. It's amazing to me how Bob can write so well in that voice. In his acknowledgments, he thanks a very special librarian who opened up the world of books to him and encouraged him to read anything that caught his interest, to question what he read, to write, and to think. Her name was Jeanne Burr. A thank you from me too, Jeanne, as Bob's stories are a wonderful addition to literature.

Bob Sloan is a master of the writing craft and a true voice of his roots. His stories are rooted firmly in the soil of working class Appalachia. The land and the people are brought vividly to life without one wasted or false word. It would be easy to get caught up in how technically proficient the author is in this very difficult art form, except the stories and characters are too engrossing to allow you to be analytical. No BS - just darn good yarns! Great stuff!!

Bob Sloan is in his true element when spinning a good yarn on the interpersonal dynamics of mountain Appalachia, either on paper or in person at the Blue Gator. He is a frequent contributor to National Public Radio, and has published numerous short stories in literary magazines.

Bob and his wife, Julie, live on the family farm near Morehead.

The book is Bearskin to Holly Fork, Stories from Appalachia (Wind Publications, 2003), comprises of 15 true stories about individuals, usually a wash in alcohol, coping with predicaments often of their own making - - coming to bad or good ends as things work out. The stories are poignant, wistful, yet tough, hard as nails.

Sloan spins his stories in efficient honest prose, crafted to say just enough. As one reviewer wrote, these stores "fall from the pen the way leaves fall from trees; some cosmic force helping them find their place." Their being rich with humor, irony, Sloan's yarns are fun to read. They are laced with the colorful vocabulary of the Appalachian culture - "hesitant, like a fat man descending a ladder." But they also have a serious dimension and are also very well crafted to illustrate humanity and dignity in characters we might think as losers in situations bordering on the criminal - assisted suicide, getting even, getting away with murder - sort of...

Being a product of Appalachia himself, Sloan knows these people well; his writing is not overdone or contrived. The reader will care about these people, warts and all.

Ted Foster, Newsletter Editor

"Bearskin to Holly Fork: Stories from Appalachia" is a collection of gritty stories populated by tough people, and author Bob Sloan exposes their faults and failures as well as sharing with us their merits and accomplishments. Murderers, bootleggers, pot-growers, crippled war veterans, ex-cons and drunks rub elbows with sheriffs, waitresses, clerks, farmers, carpenters and the like. Sometimes it is difficult to tell who is who, as they are quite often one and the same.

This meticulously edited medley is not only an enjoyable read but should be considered a textbook for writers. Throughout, the author has sprinkled his wonderful imagery in carefully worded and structured sentences and paragraphs. Bob Sloan paints with his words.

My favorite story in this anthology of fifteen tales is "A Ride Across Open Water" in which a man and a woman who have suffered a grave loss attempt to put their empty lives back together. In this seemingly simple paragraph, the author reveals volumes:

"Twice in the week before she left, he came home to find his wife sleeping on the sofa, an empty glass that smelled of bourbon on the floor. Both times a pink and blue baby book, purchased the afternoon a doctor confirmed Bea's pregnancy, was on her lap. Paul's memory still held whole paragraphs from pamphlets and articles about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome."

In the author's own words about his writing: "My wife gave me the phrase `blue collar fiction.' It suits me better than any other label. I write stories about Appalachian working class people, the `working poor,' because they're the people who raised me, the people I live with, the people who matter to me."

Don't be fooled by the author's modesty. This is some of the most sophisticated and carefully crafted fiction you will ever read.

Good short stories are hard to write. Those that resonate are coordinated combinations of authenticity, good dialogue that moves stories along, and an almost gifted ability to trust readers enough not to tell them everything -- only what they need to know. Bob Sloan, who is also a frequent contributor to National Public radio and lives near Morehead, is a master at the craft.

Sloan doles out 15 previously published stories over 135 pages and gives us a clinic in what good short stories are. One can get all senses activated -- can hear the sound of tires rolling on gravel, see Harlan Carter wheel himself up a redwood ramp built for elderly or disabled tourists, taste the freely flowing bourbon, touch Don Reynolds' partner "Troop" (whom others see as a ghost), and figuratively smell a rat when Bide goes for his commodities during the Great Depression.

The stories, often depressing and mostly laced with potent alcohol, nevertheless are told straight and with little contrived sentiment.
- Steve Flairty

I saw a reference to this book on a "things that could wrong and end civilization as we know it" website. To be very brief, I bought it, read it, and gave it away. Could the crazies in the Middle East hatch a plot like this? Yeah, sure. Are they so crazy they would sacrifice millions of people--I hope not, but only time will tell. What annoyed me most was the projected American response. Once again, technology will save us. Oh, there aren't enough "boots on the ground"? Never mind, technology and mass destruction will save us. Although there are a few characters that come alive a little, most of the characters are, in my opinion, stereotypes with whom I had a great deal of difficulty identifying. The author could also be accused of a very selective study of Islam, but that's not my area of expertise, so I'll let that pass.

If you are looking for something to reinforce your paranoia, read this book. If you are looking a piece of literature, look someplace else.

I disagree with description of people's reactions to certain events that take place in this book. It seems odd that our leader would be authorizing apocalyptic events with a smile on his face. It also seems odd when members of the media cheer in joy observing in real time what's happening in the last chapter of the book. This is something middle eastern crowds would, not us. We are fundamentally better in our humanistic values and I seriously doubt it any person born and bred into Western civilization culture with an IQ of at least 75 would be happy about what we have to do to survive the psychotic fanatics attacking us. I would agree that some folks would be in awe or maybe feel anger about what had been done to our cities, but once it gets to the point of making an executive decision of the unprecedented magnitude and then witnessing the onslaught, there will be anything BUT joy. Sadness, more like it, will be the underlying emotion. Sadness because it had to come to this.
This is my only gripe with this book that detracts form the plausibility a bit

There is a similar book written more recently by Joel Rosenberg (I spent some time wondering if the Boyland book had been read by Rosenberg given some of the similarities) - Dead Heat - which has an underlying Christian ethos - but is more tightly written and I found hard to put down.

The information he provides is good and some is new to me, but the book so far is slow and somewhat awkwardly written and has a number of typos.

If you are interested in a non-fiction take on Islam and terrorism, including nuclear terrorism, I would recommend Rosenberg's Epicenter.

The writing is clunky, but the argument is fantastic. This should be done before we lose our cities. I do expect this scenario if Obamessiah is elected. I don't live near a big city.

The authors have created a complex novel of epic proportions. They skillfully develop subplots, and weave them together like a master weaver, creating a captivating, frightening, and spellbinding tapestry--a story of an all too possible future. A story comparable to Tom Clancy's best works.

The nerve racking sequel to The Rings of Allah begins minutes before the attack occurs. Master al-Qaeda terrorists Mohammed, now know as the Keeper of the Rings, and his American born companion, Ralph Eid, hid five gun-type nuclear devices in five American cities. The timers are running and zero hour approaches. Mohammed gives America a two-hour warning in a video broadcast by Al-Jazeera at 2 p.m. EDT.

The story opens with a bang, a very big bang. Zero hour is viewed from several locations in the opening scenes. Muhammad, sitting with the Shura in Qom, Iran eagerly watches the president of the United States leaving the Capitol building. Secretary of Homeland Security MG (retired) George Alexander, his wife Jane, and several Air Force officers watch from a conference room in Kirkland AFB. Great Brittan's prime minister watches in London. Alexander, alerted by Mohammed's video, tried to warn the president of the impending nuclear attack, but she would not listen.

Alexander, an intelligent, tough, pragmatic man who is also a weapons expert, will do whatever is necessary to save the nation. After the attack, Alexander, the sole survivor inline to succeed the president, assumes the office, issues orders to protect the nation. Alexander, Air Force officers, and civilians view Mohammed's second video, provided by Al-Jazeera. Scheduled for broadcast early the next morning, the video calls for a worldwide jihad. Alexander begins to organize a government, deals with domestic terrorist attacks and jihads, and establishes contact with Russia and China. He seeks qualified men and women to fill the vacant Cabinet positions, and develops a team that will lead America back from the brink.

Special Agent Teresa Lopez catches a group of jihadists planning to detonate a dirty bomb. Her actions catch the president's eye and she is given an important assignment--find out how the terrorists did it. Her adventures take her to Russia, then Argentina. USAF Captain Taylor and Russian FSB Major Vanin add spice to her adventure.

Muhammad, Grand Ayatollah Khomeini's puppet, is named Caliph of the new Islamic Empire. Moderate Arab governments are overthrown and Israel is attacked. Alexander, and his SecWar, retired General Harry Simpson intervene in the attack on Israel. Syria uses chemical weapons and Israel replies with nuclear weapons. Oil is cutoff and the U.S. economy spirals toward collapse. A recovery plan is hatched: all assets of hostile Islamic governments will be seized and used to rebuild the U.S. The Swiss object, an a Marine general explains it so they can understand.

Alexander worries that the U.S. will be seen as weak, inviting attacks. He conveys his message to China, and requests China keep Kim Jung-il in line. A Chinese admiral plans to take advantage of America's weakness to seize Twain. He encourages Kim to invade South Korea. Chavez also smells blood and sets about to cause trouble.

Jihads spread across Europe. Civil war is close in Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkey. A coup is planned in Pakistan. If successful, Pakistan, with its nuclear weapons, will join the Islamic Empire. Will India allow this to happen?

A couple of comical characters break the tension. Congresswoman Betty Chatsworth, M.D. provides the liberal voice in Alexander's acting Cabinet.

Alexander and his Cabinet must decide if the U.S. is fighting radical Islam or Islam. A religious advisory committed is formed to provide guidance and an understanding of Islam and its goals. The committee's report occupies most of one chapter, and is a penetrating analysis of Islam.

Operation Flare is planned and implement. The U.S. and its allies invade North Africa to get oil. Kim launches two nuclear missiles at the U.S. as a prelude to his invasion. America's ABM system gets its first operational test. The Islamic Empire plans to attack the U.S. fleet with nuclear armed Soviet cruise missiles. Sophisticated battles and deceptions ensue. Advanced weapons and technology are employed by the U.S.

The story's already fast tempo increases as the final battle with the Islamic Empire draws near. Alexander and Simpson plan Operation Brimstone--the destruction of the Islamic Empire. The ending is definitely not for the faint of heart, and it is a warning to Islam of what could occur if its radical succeed in making a nuclear 9/11.

The author, a weapons expert, breathes life into his battle scenes and his accurate descriptions of lasers, nuclear and thermonuclear bombs, chemical and conventional munitions, and aircraft and missiles. He paints a vivid picture of America's power and a possible future--a future he says must not be allowed to occur.

There is no question about it: "The Devil, Me and Jerry Lee" is entertaining and fast reading. The author is the younger sister of Jerry Lee Lewis. It is for those of us that already appreciate the Killer. Folks who don't know who "The Killer" is should stop reading this review now. The faithful will be treated to a tale of life on the road and a little on the wild side of Jerry Lee. There are few surprises for those familiar with Lewis' past. His up and down career is covered form the mid -1950s at Sun Records in Memphis until the "present day". It's a bit foggy, perhaps intentionally so, as to what the Killer is doing right now. To quote the trailer in the movie "Great Balls of Fire" `he is probably playing his heart out-somewhere'. DMJL also tells the tale of the author's own strange career both on and off stage. The details of the latter are frank, earthy and mostly believable. (As to the former, it's a mystery: What "career" did Linda Gail have?Billboard credits her with 2 chart hits.) They are delivered in a take me or leave me fashion, just the way her big brother would want. The author has a definite manipulative charm to her, a trait she no doubt shares with her sibling. I am certain her 8 husbands could attest to that! The bottom line is that DMJL is recommended for Lewis fans only. The story won't win any new ones. Any serious country fan should possess at least one Killer CD. Amazon has several available! Jerry Lee is an entertainer one has to listen to, not merely read about. As for his little sister, she wore me down: 5 stars.

I found this book to be a very interesting look at the upbringing and early influences on Jerry Lee's life which was not detailed in earlier books on his life. It was sometimes shocking, but always interesting.

Reading this book is like having a conversation with Linda Gail Lewis over a cup of coffee. If you like knowing the inside scoop, this book is a must read. Sit down to and have a heart-to-heart talk!

Sister to Jerry Lee Lewis, Linda Gail has written a blunt, fascinating warts-and-all showbiz book about her life and that of the rock and country legend. Linda Gail, who hit the Top 10 with her duet with Jerry Lee "DON'T LET ME CROSS OVER", toured with Jerry Lee for 15 years as a background singer , and her love and concern for her brother shines through this fast-paced 166 page book co-written with Les Pendleton. The family grew up in a shack in Ferriday, La. with no insulation, no bathroom and no lack of hardship. A drunk driver killed their 9-year-old brother, their father spent time in prison for bootlegging, and Jerry Lee, when 22, married his 13 year old cousin, Myra. Writes Linda Gail, "Myra looked like she was 20, and she was more than a little bit on the wild side herself. In Ferriday, I could have married a cousin and not even known it. It was no big deal." Despite his career ups and downs, Linda Gail notes, "Momma would remain in new Cadillacs and housekeepers until she died." If there were book ratings, this one would be PG. And, if there were ratings on the most interesting books - on a scale from 1 to 10, this would be an 11. Linda Gail, now happily married and living in Big Sandy, Tenn., has written a compelling, no-holds-barred, true-life story with a very appropriate title. Gerry Wood, Country Weekly - January 12, 1999

What a great story and well written. Coming from a religious family, I enjoyed reading all the interesting circumstances that Linda and her big family went through. I've never read a much more shocking story and laughed so hard!! Double Thumbs Up!!!!!

"The Cackleberry Adventure Series" is a delightful escape for the imagination of children and adults alike. The bright, colorful characters are curiously drawn with hidden details that strike you over and over throughout reading the books. The story and art are engaging in their simplicity and attention to detail at the same time. Enjoy as we did!"

What a great first book in the Cackleberries series, colorful art and lively story. Pouleteer rockets!!! I recommend this book to all my friends - little and big!

This children's story is entertaining and page turning. The characters are unique and loveable from the first page. The story is imaginative and fun. The illustrations bring the story to life. It will be definately be on my childs reading list.

I have twins and they both love this book so much. It has pages missing from reading it so much to them at bedtime. The colors are vivid and clear and the story line is so simple that young minds can understand the meaning of what is going on. I wish we had more books like this in Austraila. I am looking forward to the next book in the Eggbee series.

This wonderfully conceived and beautifully illustrated book teaches the challenge of reaching for the stars and following your dreams. The message is so powerful that I wrote author Joh Nichols and asked for some copies for the kids at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles. This book is filled with adventure and with the message of hope. I know the kids will love it. I did.

a wonderful and moving memory of mother and son, of Toisan and San Francisco, looking into the future from the past.

The book really sheds light into the Chinese American experience. As someone new in this journey, I valued the insight William Poy Lee shares from his mother's experience and his own experience. Highly Recommended!

What a great book. I just finished reading it. There were so many layers to his story that I found so interesting: the American immigrant story of being uprooted into a strange land and customs, the attention to detail about Toisan food , the history of Chinese immigration to America and the racism they faced, and the racism faced by Asian Americans in contemporary America, the unveiling of the facade of Chinatown as a tourist postcard , the author's coming of age during the chaotic turmoil of the 60's and 70's, his relationship with his brother , and of course hearing his mother's story and the "Eighth Promise".
It's just a great story overall and he ties everything together well.
On a personal note, being a Korean American man , it's wonderful seeing more Asian American male voices that are being heard in literature today.

William Poy Lee wrote a book that deeply moved me. My parents are Toisanese. My mother's roots are from Hoisin, the city that William visited on his explorations of family roots. My father's roots are deep in the Chung-lau village nearby. My father told me stories of tending the water buffalo, getting firewood, laying down manure, etc. A lot of tough farm chores. He left home at 14 and became a paper-son to come to New York in 1952. He was detained on Ellis Island for six months before entering the world of Chinatown, Seward Park High School, waiting tables, serving as a printer's apprentice, and other odd jobs, in the lower east side.

I grew up in Hong Kong and New York City's Chinatown. Because my mother was educated in Hong Kong, I was raised speaking Cantonese but I understand fully Toisanese as she spoke both. My mother's world for many years revolved around the garment factories -- the sweat shops. William Lee's stories of Chinatown San Francisco spoke to me. They are so much like how I saw things growing up in New York City, with its own variations. William's stories of Wah Ching youths, the associations, and political changes recalled for me events and people of New York's Chinatown. My friends and I lived through the times of some of the worst effects of these changes as well. But like others of that time, we also found much simple pleasures, even if we did not know it then, of playing basketball underneath the rising span of the Manhattan bridge, or just hanging out at the park on Forythe Street, or in the heart of Chinatown --Columbus Park.

Poy Jen's stories, her voice, her accents and how she phrased things, and of course her soups, are just remarkable as they are so vivid to me as I recall my own grandmother when she was alive, and as I talk to my grandfather now, who is 94. My father still speaks Toisanese and his mix of Cantonese to me. My mother and father continue to make those soups today, especially the precious ginseng soups when my wife and I visit.

The twin threads of the book intertwined beautifully -- the voices true, laced with everyday life's humor, and charged with the strong emotions of times of tragedy. The resolution of the stories is deeply personal and, at the same time, universally human. I look forward to seeing more stories from this fine writer.

I was drawn to The Eighth Promise, as I automatically veer towards any books related to China. Then I realized that this wasn't just about China, but about America as well. The author grew up in San Franscisco's Chinatown during quite volatile times--the Vietnam war, Civil Rights protests, Chinatown wars. I was fascinated by this history which he so vividly brought to life. Then, a terrible thing happened to his family, a terribly unjust, unfair thing that you would hope doesn't happen in America. I was moved to tears by the grace with which they dealt with this horrible injustice.
The Eighth Promise is an insightful book about Chinese Culture, American history during the 60's, 70's, and most importantly, grace in the face of injustice.