Lewis Books

this was a excellent book. I have always thought occasionally about child labor but Brushed it off before long. However when i read this book it made it so real and I realized just how powerful its hold on the world had become. Once you read this book you see these children in your minds eye, mistreated and exploted worked to their death with a life not worth living because of selfish peoples never ending greed. Anyone that could do such things to children makes me wonder how far mankind has truly come.

A stirring book

A wonderful synopsis of the crisis that occurred between the late 1800's to the mid 1940's when Child Labor Laws weren't enacted or enforced. To see the life in these photos and the dangers surrounding the kids at work and just the lethargic expressions of a difficult life that they were born into, as young as 4 years of age! Unimaginable to think that this occurred not to long ago... can't imagine our kids going through this now.

This book is wonderful. You gaze at the pictures and the children seem to stare back at you wanting to tell you their story. I teach social studies and wanted to show my students what child labor in factories and mills was actually like.It is disturbing to witness these barefoot, dirty children working so hard for pennies. Hines photographs allow you, the reader, to view one moment in their lives. We have come so far and thankfully this take of child abuse is no longer allowed in America. This book is a wonderful addition to any classroom or library. We need to know our past before we can shape the future.

We have 7 of us doing this study in my home. We have done two others before this. They have all been good, but this one has produced alot more open sharing in the group. We love it!!

this is the 3rd book in the bible study and i am hoping that it is just as good as the first 2. if you follow daily the bible study - and you seek God he is always there.

Life That Wins is a wonderful bible study that not only focuses on weight loss, but on building your relationship with God and others around you. It is very encouraging and also convicting. It is a great motivational tool for growing in Christ while also increasing your health benefits.

i like the way the book took so many twists and turns.. great format excellent plot... over all just one fine reading book... would make a great movie

straight and to the point this book is a quick and easy read with a most interesting story line and plot ... i haven't enjoyed one like this for a long time.. this book reads like watching a movie.. would make a good movie ...

this book kept me on the edge of my seat. i could not put it down and i hope that it becomes a movie. i can't wait for more work from this new and talented author.

My 7 year old and I read with delight "Lighthouse Fireflies." I love the theme of releasing nature back to nature and of reciprocating a kindness. We then had the opportunity to meet the author at our school and this made the book extra-special. This book is a winner for all ages.

This is a wonderfully illustrated and heartwarming story for children (and adults). I bought one for every child in my extended family.

We think this is a lovely book to give to new grandparents, especially those with a love of lighthouses, to read to a grandchild at about age 5. In fact, we have purchased several for that purpose. There is a worthwhile message for children about protecting wildlife. The writing, in poem form, is charming and the illustrations are enchanting.

Although I am not a member or FIRST PLACE, I have read this and other books by Carole Lewis. This book will help you accept yourself as you are now, and encourage you to make improvements in yourself. The authors share how they struggled in areas of their life, but were able to overcome and not use food to cope with their challenges of life or health. It encourages prayer and journaling, & will reinforce your other choices for improvements in your life.

In this compilation of devotions from different authors who have taught or been a part of the First Place program, this book is just what you need to get you motivated Biblically each morning. Each devotion is short enough to do in just a few minutes, or you can investigate the Scriptures used and make it a more intense meeting with God.

LIVING A BALANCED LIFE in our day isn't an easy job, and each devotion shows how we can rely upon God as well as good personal choices to help us become the BEST God has created us to be.

Carol Lewis (who, by the way is a phenomenal person, and very real herself-she doesn't just run First Place, she herself lives it! SO BUY ALL HER OTHER BOOKS TOO!)has done a beautiful job taking each different topic, the different memeory verses and pulled together all these stories and devotions from ordinary people who struggle-to show that VICTORY & BALANCE are possible-and are part of God's plan.

She has taken each of the 8 First Place Bible Studies as topics, and the members were asked to submit how the different memory verses each week made an impact on their lives. The stories are great, and you'll walk away each day refreshed and encouraged in the Lord to overcome whatever struggles come your way, living out Carol's saying:

"If you don't quit, you will succeed." -Carole Lewis

Whatever part of your life is out of balance-don't give up; get this wonderfully inspiring book and begin to walk with a bounce in your step again-knowing there is hope in our God, always! He is a God of order and balance, and will use this book to help get going each day-HIS WAY!

THE TOPICS SHE COVERS ARE:
Making Wise Choices
Begin Again
Living in Grace
A New Creation
Healthy Boundaries
Choosing Thankfulness
Celebrating Victory
Start Living

There is an introduction to each chapter, by an "expert" in that area; then each "memory verse" has 5 daily devotions written by different people-covered in entirely different ways. It is really great to see how God can use 1 verse is so many awesome ways-meeting each person at their point of need with HIS POWERFUL WORD!

Each "day" consists of:
The verse
a short devotion
a short prayer
and a suggestion to journal on
HIGHLY INFORMATIVE, REAL, AND REFRESHING DAILY INSPIRATION!

Tammy M. Price AUTHOR:
40 Day Journey to the Heart of God
PRAYING GOD'S WORD for the WORLD-Lighting Pathways of Blessing!
40-Day Journey to the Heart of God: an Adventure in Prayer
Alphabet Prayers...the Power of Praying Scripture into the Hearts You Love

The intent of Living Well: 365 Daily Devotions for a Balanced Life is to serve as a supplemental text to the whole First Place style of living that is advocated by this book's editor and co-author Carole Lewis. That organization helps its clients lose weight, reduce stress, and enhance their relationships with God. To that end, the messages found here are useful to any Christian seeking inspiration and direction.

The book's daily devotions are written by 50 contributors, many of whom are either members of First Place or directors of the organization. This is not to say they are not highly competent. For example, Dr. Sybil Smith is a Ph.D. and a registered nurse; Rev. Jim Clayton is senior pastor of a Baptist church in Tennessee; and June Chapko is the author of the Bible study Making Wise Choices. Having so many different writers from so many different walks of life makes the daily offerings diverse, distinctive, and personal.

Each page is dated so that a reader can begin on any day of the year and use the book for 12 months. First, a passage of Scripture is presented, followed by a concise devotion of not more than 225 words, and then a closing prayer. Additionally, for those who have First Place weight loss journals and prayer books, at the very bottom of each page is a journal entry thought that works as an action item related to the specific theme or topic of that day's devotion.

One word of caution would be that readers will have to get used to the idea that many, many of these devotions are going to focus on weight loss. It can become a bit redundant after awhile, although some are quite clever. For example, Elizabeth Crews writes for the July 29th devotion, called "Staying on Track," that the Apostle Paul admonished Christians in Galatians 5:7 to "run the good race," and sometimes today that might mean not driving by the doughnut shop and not wheeling our shopping carts down the ice cream aisle. I had to chuckle at that analogy, as well as others that were equally clever.

Admittedly, this book is targeted at females, ages 25 - 60, but I found the stories, examples, Bible verses, and words of encouragement applicable to anyone with a desire to serve the Lord more obediently. - Dr. Dennis E. Hensley, Christian Book [...]

I am not much of a reader. In fact, it really takes the "right" book to get me to read the whole thing. This book had all the right elements for me - humor, suspense, emotion -- yep, it kept me going all right! All the way to 4 AM, as I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! My kudos to the author -now, can you hurry and write another?! Thanks for a great read!

I do believe Amazon wants reader reviews pertaining to book content. I have read this book cover to cover and believe it is an honest portrayal of a women in emotional pain. The book seems to disclose many intimate details that could only be revealed through much soul searching by a mother-to-be experiencing trauma over an inaccurate ultrasound. As a grandmother, I watched my daughter's disappointment when she did not have the baby girl that she had always wanted. She loves my grandsons to pieces, but she is still mourning the baby girl she longed for. Loved the book and recommended it to my friend's daughters.

This is not a subject that I've ever seen handled before in a book and the author does it just beautifully. The intense desperation when a mother yearns for a specific gender child but is made to feel guilty and ashamed. The dashed dreams. This is only one part of the plot that kept me engaged until the very end. There was plenty else to warrant a reread. The writer's style was easy to read yet filled with symbolism and irony that at times made me even laugh aloud. Anyone who has a child or wants one should read this book and my husband says it made him understand "hormonal women" much better.

An award-winning director, producer, and screenwriter, John Ryan (Chip) Duncan wrote "The Magic Never Ends" as a companion book to his PBS documentary by the same name (www.duncanentertainment.com). It's the first full-length documentary on C.S. Lewis ever produced in the U.S. and features narration by Sir Ben Kingsley as well as interviews with the various people quoted in this beautiful volume. Duncan has the unique gift of allowing the people he interviews to speak for themselves and then finding the themes or threads that emerge. The book reflects this commitment. It also contains rare photographs of Lewis and his family, as well as more in-depth discussion of the major themes the film explores. A great read and a beautiful coffee-table gift for Lewis fans.

This book, along with Kilby's "C.S. Lewis: Images of His World" and Hooper's "Through joy and Beyond", is essential for those Lewis fans who like to see the actual photos of where is used ot lecture, walk, talk, etc, along with the other key places in his life. With high quality paper and binding, the text is made up in large part by interviews of those who knew Lewis. This is the best book on Lewis to come out in years. Well worth the purchase! Enjoy!

This book is magical. I have been reading C.S. Lewis for quite a few years now. The authors have captured something of why Lewis' books have never gone out of print. The chapter title "The True Myth" alone is more than worth the price of the book.

Our church wants to minister to Moms and Dads as we minister to their children. We didn't know where to start--this book was the answer. There are 165 creative, easy, fun, interactive ideas in this book for ways to minister to couples--the parents of the kids in your church. There are also a few chapters on marriage ministry that have been helpful for us as we have started addressing the whole "family ministry" idea that is all the buzz these days. This book is a must have for churches and ministries that care not only about kids--but the homes they live in and parents they live with!

Check out this other incredible resourse from Group Publishing:
Fun Ideas for the Family Friendly Church

This was a gift for a friend who is going into Christian Counseling, and even though this may not be marketed as such, it seems that it would be a plus for the Christian counselor. There are suggestions on nights together and getaways. For a little more spiritual depth, suggestions are given for "Spiritual Retreat Ideas." Also there are chapters on strengthening marriages and families and a section on couples' bible studies. Specifically for the counselor are sections on "Ideas for Starting Marriages Right" (could be used in premarital counseling), helping marriages through "rocky times," and ministering to those going through a divorce; and section twelve is entitled "Marriage Counseling."

This book was compiled by editors at Group Publishing, drawn from material written by Les and Leslie Parrot, David and Lisa Frisbie, and Doyle Roth. Each of the primary contributors furnishes a chapter; other sections of the book are drawn from input, ideas and suggestions that the authors furnished.

Very helpful for premarriage counseling (Les and Leslie Parrot) and also highly useful in preparing for remarriage (David and Lisa Frisbie). Each of these couples are acknowledged experts in their respective fields. Each of these couples has written numerous books in their subject areas.

Doyle Roth furnishes excellent material related to marriage counseling. I am not familiar with Roth's background or other writing, but his work here is well-organized and well-written.

This volume is a "handbook" or "guidebook" that deserves a place on the shelves of every counselor, rabbi, minister or pastor who works with married couples and/or remarried couples and blended families.

Barbara Sheldon, M.S.W.
I also recommend: Happily Remarried: Making Decisions Together * Blending Families Successfully * Building a Love That Will Last

MAULED by Nolan C. Lewis

Do you like classic murder mysteries?. . . John Dunning's Bookman's Wake; Robert B. Parker's Spenser novels; Walter Mosley's Devil in a Blue Dress; John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee or John Sanford's Lucas Davenport. If you do, then you'll want to add Nolan Lewis's Ankus Tom Hill and girlfriend Sherry to your list.

Nolan's quality of writing and style are right up there with the best, plus Tom and Sherry are very human-sometimes fearful, just as you or I would be.

The heart and the fun of reading Mauled was meeting Tom, a freelance writer who was asked to cover a murder story for the local paper in a small Washington coastal town. Tom is quite the character from the beginning and I quote from page 7:

``"Remembering the feel of a few minutes ago, I rolled over and snuggled against the warm body next to mine and ran a hand under the arm to explore. She is in at least one man's opinion, a great example of how to distribute a hundred thirty-five pounds on a five foot four female frame, in order to attain the most tantalizing package possible. Sherry said, "Damn, didn't you take care of that last night? Why don't you go put a pot on like a good boy," as she turned firmly onto her stomach.

Knowing full well I was going to get nowhere, I gave up and rolled out into the cold air. First things first, a brief stop in the can. I couldn't resist a look in the cloudy mirror as I washed my hands-I'm definitely not improving with age.

Blue eyes, rimmed by red from last night's debauchery, in an elongated face that was much in need of a shave, peering out from between what I liked to call laugh lines. I never could figure why a beard should be so black in just twenty-four hours, when hair on top of the head was dishwater brown.

I shivered across the living room/office/kitchen to the sink to do as requested. A glance out the mildew-rimmed window and I knew why it was still half dark. Just the usual coastal weather for November: Wind and rain.""

To the end, quoting from page 195:

""We watched as the three were led off and the police cars vanished, one by one. I closed the door and turned. Sherry wrapped me up in her arms. I held her as she went from shivering to quiet and I thought it was over. Then I became aware of the wetness on my chest. She was crying quietly. Meaning to comfort, I wiped her face with my handkerchief and said, "It's all over now. They won't be coming back. We won't have to worry about somebody busting down the door any more."

"Damn fool. Can't you tell when I am happy?"

Women's logic. Sometimes it escapes me. After a suitable interval I steered her to the bed. Some cuddling and she relaxed so I began to explore. I got no real objections until she murmured, "That's all you ever think of."

I couldn't let it pass. "That's because that is all I ever get . . . to think about it.""

You'll have to read the book to find out `who did it' and `does he get it.' And I'd certainly recommend it.

Nolan Lewis is an experienced writer with a rich background-newspapers, TV news and magazines. Besides Mauled he's written Ione - Circa 1930 and his latest novel, Clouds Are Always White on Top, (an amazing story) which I reviewed in June.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - July 17, 2006 - Copyright

Can you guess who done it? There are plenty of clues, but even this experienced mystery guesser was far from certain how the plot of Mauled would resolve itself until a final clue brought certainty to the two main characters in this well-written, fast-paced novel of suspense. And, discounting their foolhardy disregard for their own safety, these two characters are no dummies.
Tom Hill, an impecunious but philosophical freelance journalist/photographer, and Sherry Thompkins, a sexy, red-haired, well-rounded attorney who spends her weekends "slumming" (his word) at Tom's dreary digs, are sharp and quick-witted. They need to be, as they fight to survive long enough to discover the identity of a murderer who commands a lot of muscle.
Sherry accompanies Tom as he researches a news story. Local fishing boat owner, Suolo Kaakani, has been found with a maul embedded in his head. A disgruntled employee, Jimmy Beasley, seems the obvious suspect, but there are things that don't quite add up. The woods - and taverns - are thick with suspects. There's the victim's wife, who stands to gain monetarily, and her boss/lover, a tavern owner whose influence over a pack of unattractive employees and customers is a great source of entertainment to everyone but Tom and Sherry.
"To the tavern crowd," says Tom, "the tavern owner is some kind of god. He is in the position of controlling their lives, or at least their booze, which is some place ahead of oxygen in importance." "He doesn't have to tell them what to do. They see us as a threat to him, and do what they think would get them closer to him by helping out."
Sympathetic toward Jimmy, the youthful, mentally deficient suspect, Sherry has herself appointed to defend him. This, plus the help of the local police chief, who resents the co-opting of the case by the publicity-seeking county prosecuting attorney, keeps Tom and Sherry in the middle of things. And, despite the distractions created by Sherry's obvious attractions, the two of them keep the pot boiling until the plot comes bubbling to an unavoidable conclusion.
Looking for some gripping and amusing light reading with interesting bits of philosophy thrown in? Track down a copy of Mauled and you won't be disappointed

I had the pleasure of reading this book and was very pleased with both the story and characters. Mr. Lewis is able to make his characters come alive for the reader to the point you really want to meet them in person. The story is lively, intriging, and easy to follow. His descriptions of the setting for the story are vivid and honest. All in all a Great Read. Reviewed by Jane Kerr Colhoff, Author of Bones In The Badlands

Dr. Lewis has written yet another informative compilation about the Middle East. I only wish that he could have included more about Sultan Bayezid II and his acceptance of the Spanish Jews expelled by Ferdinand and Isabel; the Afghan Jewish community in Herat; or the travels of Joseph Wolf, 1795-1862.

I love this book. You read main primary sources from the last 2000 years, reflecting on West Europe-Islamic Asia/Africa relations and perceptions. The book can be read eclectically. It shed lights on how things were, and how they led us to where we are today!

I would like to start out by saying that I am a huge fan of Bernard Lewis. All of his books I have gotten my hands on thus far have been superb and this is no exception. In this case, Lewis opted to collect various writings and excerpts showing the interplay between the Middle East and the "west". After starting out with misconceptions and prejudices (on both sides), he goes on to show differing views on travel, government, society, arts, science and even food and drink. Interestingly enough, relatively little focused on the early period, despite the immense glory of Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia and other Middle Eastern nations. There is a great deal of historical material though, including the early Islamic era, the Byzantine Empire and even the Roman Empire. Much of the material focused on the last few centuries though, which I suppose is natural given the increased contact between Europe and the Middle East. The sources come from a truely vast array. There are excerpts from the Qu'ran and the Bible, as well as sayings attributed to the Prophet Mohammad. These stand beside the works of Shakespeare, commentary by T.E. Lawerence ("Lawerence of Arabia") and Sir Richard Francis Burton, and messages delivered by Imam Khomeini. However, not all historical figures would be so well known to western ears. Excerpts from the great traveller ibn Battuta and the historian/philosopher ibn Khaldun also appear here. The vast amount of events and places is astounding. It records the Ottoman Empire at its height (indeed, many of the excerpts do deal with the Ottoman Turks), Napolean's entering north Africa, the Crimean War and the Crusades. Indeed, theres a small selection of passages dealing with the Assassin sect, of which Lewis has written an entire book. In addition, theres even a few pages which give some examples of words of Arabic, Turkish and Persian origin which have made their way into the English language.
The sheer volume of material contained within this book is simply amazing. Although they don't give as much information as one might like, the passages, excerpts and quotes included in this book provide windows into Middle Eastern life and history. Ultimately, I must strongly recommend that any student of Middle Eastern or Islamic history at least give this book a look. You won't regret it.