Long Books

I have shared this with friends whose children are 3 - 6 years of age and they all wish to have it read to them over and over. It seems to lift their spirit and create a calm for them. The reactions have been interesting. A great book to share with adults who wish to connect with the inner child too. The illustrations are beautiful.

Diana Long's simple title: "God is Here" appeals to adults and children alike - it bring us to the simple truth that: GOD IS HERE!! I highly recommend it.

Well known writers and T.V. stars are talking about purpose and self-worth. Diana Long sums up the same message in a delightfully simple way with her book God is Here.
Give the gift of her message, with love, to yourself - and everyone else you care about too!

This delightful children's book is a must for mothers of small children. It is simple and easy to understand the message that God is Love...As a former elementary school teacher and church resource director, I would highly recommend this beautifully illustrated and well written children's book. The message is simple and easy to understand. A wonderful gift book for birthdays and religious celebrations...

Diana Long has written a God inspired book to clearly establish the understanding that GOD IS LOVE. Our Children intuitively know this and really just want this book to remind the adults in their lives of this truth. I LOVE IT!

Rev. John Knight
Founder of the World Day of Prayer and author of "Change Your Conversations...Change Your Life"

I liked this book and enjoyed reading it -- it was sad and funny at the same time, and should serve as a strong warning to would-be martial arts students.

My only complaints (why I docked it 1 star):

* It is very poorly edited -- rife with typos and other minor bugaboos. A skilled editor could have improved this book considerably.

* I would have liked to see more names, facts (court dates, etc.) and resources (Web sites, links to articles, etc.) to support the claims and stories. (Not that I don't believe them, but hard evidence would further support the book).

Also, it would be interesting to know how the schools continue to operate today, now that Kim is out of prison.

I have spent thirteen years in this cult. The worst feeling that I have(in post moo) is that I allowed myself to be compromised by the nefarious deeds of a manical sociopath and his underbosses. I denied reality and distanced myself from my family because I "believed". This is a must read for those who are searching for [true] martial arts as well as a warning for parents who are looking for an activity for their children. Stay Away from oom yung doe. Joe Smith unveils the entire charade in his service with the moo; the truth/reality is twisted and a person's life is degraded to the point of unconditional surrender to an evil PIMP. Through Joe Smith's experiences, the only way out is for someone to simultaneously embrace the truth with the conscious mind and the heart.

Chris Carreon-PA

This book provides fascinating insight into the notorious Chung Moo Doe (a.k.a. Chung Moo Quan, Oom Yung Doe, etc.) martial arts cult founded by John C. Kim (a.k.a. Chull Kim, Jack Park, or "Iron" Kim). Although the group was exposed in the CBS investigative report The Cult and the Con in the late 1980s as well as in the article "Cult of the Quan" in Martial Arts Professional magazine, the organization still exists today. Having served time for tax evasion and conspiracy, the founder and thirteen members of his inner circle have already been released from prison. No doubt fearing repercussions, the author writes under the penname Joe Smith.

"Smith" explains how he was taken in by the "True, Right, and Correct" teachings of a narcissistic sociopath. He sold his new Oldsmobile Cutlass, drove away his friends, gave up on his college education, changed jobs, and ultimately spent tens of thousands of dollars to earn a nearly meaningless black belt and become an instructor in the cult's system. Eventually he became disillusioned with the group, developed the fortitude to pull himself away from their teachings, got his life in order, and wrote about his experiences.

While the author's writing is a bit uneven and (understandably) overly vitriolic at times, there is nothing a good editor couldn't fix straightaway. His story is interesting and important. Packed with riveting vignettes of cult life, this cautionary tale is one that all devoted martial artists and aspiring practitioners ought to read.

The book elucidates why otherwise intelligent people would join a cult. Often it's because the group fulfils and/or exploits deep-seated psychological needs that victims may not even be aware of. Aspiring martial artists can become particularly vulnerable to such manipulations, since they often approach the arts with little foreknowledge, save for the ubiquitous Hollywood fantasies they watch on the silver screen. Expecting to find mysterious Asian rituals, eager practitioners hear plausible legends and see bogus displays of fighting prowess. This chicanery reinforces their predispositions. Even legitimate martial artists wear distinctive uniforms, associate with like-minded individuals, and perform activities that are nearly unfathomable to the uninitiated. Cult leaders selfishly twist the conventions and hook victims with the promise of inimitability, status, and power, and the pull to join and stay in the cult becomes very strong indeed.

As the author so aptly states, it's a slow process, like the boiled frog analogy. Put a frog in warm water and he's happy. Increase the temperature slowly and he'll stay in, trying to continually adapt. Turn up the heat too high, throw too much cultness at him at once, however, and he'll hop out and leave, maybe telling other frogs not to go near the cult's pot. So the smart, effective cult leader slowly raises the temperature and waits until his victims have adjusted. Then, after the new norm has been established, he further refines the cognitive dissonance so it doesn't seem all that bad. What was once intolerable now becomes acceptable. Victims reinforce their new beliefs while the cult insidiously takes over their lives.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults and Martial Arts Instruction; co-author of The Way of Kata and The Way to Black Belt

Note: Originally reviewed for Clarion Reviews

I was a member of the inner circle of the Chung Moo Quan organization in the late 70's and early 80's. I found Herding the Moo to be an accurate account of the dynamics that exist at the top levels of the John C. Kim organization. These pages reveal the inner workings of the cult that are veiled from the public eye in a very calculated way. Former cult members will easily recognize the pattern of lies, deceit, and betrayal, as well as the subtle techniques of grooming that we fell prey to as loyal followers of John C. Kim.

I laughed at Joe Smith's antics which typify the ridiculous missions we were assigned. I wept when I discovered that women other than me had been sexually abused in this cult. I raged when I learned that this charismatic charlatan has continued to masquerade as a martial arts master for over 30 years.

For those currently involved in Oom Yung Doe, Herding the Moo will provide you with information to ponder. I hope that it will generate questions. Do not hesitate to pose those questions to your instructors. For parents with children in OYD, Herding the Moo is an essential read.

Kim Rieser; Helena, MT (formerly Naperville, IL)

I read this book cover to cover, and then read it again. I have to say it is a very accurate account of how the cult of Oom Yung Doe (Formerly Chung Moo Quan/Chung moo Doe), operates. It clearly shows step by step how a young beginner is slowly indoctrinated and brainwashed into the cult, and how their lives slowly decay a little at time until they have been totally swolloed up. You can see how bank accounts are drained step by step, and how lives are ruined, marriages destroyed, and ultimately how ones soul is blackend by the experience.

This is a good book not only for those who are in the cult of John C Kim, but also for those who have family members, or friends involved. Every martial arts school that is anywhere near an Oom Yung Doe school should have one as well.

It is a well written, and well chronicled book. I found it to be an enjoyable read, and the writer's sense of humor complements the all too real events that occurred in the story.

I am a therapist with a private clinical practice, working primarily with adolescents and women of all ages who are survivors of some form of trauma, including sexual abuse and incest. I have to say, that this is the book I use most, with all ages, including women who are uncovering and dealing with painful abuse memories. Over and over I hear clients proclaim that the book and quotes from other survivors help them not feel so alone and to also understand better what happened to them and to know there is hope. Also, the way in which the author discloses her own incest history and recovery is refreshing and hopeful and establishes a climate of credibility and trust. In my 20 years of clinical practice and training, I have aquired and read $1000's of dollars worth of trauma books and materials and this book sits as one of the top and most frequently used resources. Also, there is a children's book called "BRAVE BART" which has been a wonderful resource for adult survivors as well as children and adolescent survivors.
D.
(Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor)

This is a book which is going to help so many people deal with issues and put them to one side before reaching adult hood and meeting a partner. I believe it is a soul saver
thank you for writing this
Lynn Grocott
author of Cut the Strings the true story of a soul reclaimed

This book is great. I started reading books on the subject of sexual abuse when I was 15 (when I told) and am now 19. I have read all of the popular book out there on this subject (paticularly The Courage to Heal by Ellen Bass) and have found others helpful, but none of them have ever compared to How Long Does it Hurt. It helped me a lot to realize that what happened to me was horrific and was really abuse and that it was okay for me to feel the things that I did. I'd recommend this book to any and every survivor out there. Teenager or not. It very well could be a lifesaver.

Great book, I've read a lot of books on this topic and especially ones targeted towards young adults. This is another book that I highly recommend because: it's easy to read, it practically speaks to you and you can finish it within afew hours, it's style is appealling to teenagers and young adults.
Also it's directed towards girls and boys, it's style should also interest guys to read it and benefit.
Another good book I recommend for girls is "invisible girls" by Dr. Patti Feuereisen.

this is the best reference book for teens facing sexual abuse that i have found, and i have found several. it is also very, very helpful for a parent/parents.

I have to say -- I got this book in the mail yesterday, and stayed up hours past when I really needed to go to bed in order to read it. I couldn't put it down. Amanda Stern's style is clean and crips, she isn't overly wordy, has a great vocab, and speaks of a time and era I know so well... being in your 20's in the 90's. She had he highs, but they really aren't covered in this incredible, but short, piece of work. I can't wait until the next book!

For the record, this isn't really my genre of book. I'm more into the horror book featuring zombies or some historical work from world war ii... but Stern's work was INCREDIBLE.

I heard Stern read at my college in Nashville. She was stellar, a total rock star. Witty, energetic, enthusiastic and utterly charming, but I hadn't read her book yet. I have since read it and can only say, more! Please! She speaks to my generation (college aged, struggling) with a vibrance and freshness that is ferocious in its orginality of language and brutal in its honesty. She's something else. A must read. A must see her read. This girl has me totally whipped.

What amazes me about this book is that it's gotten so little attention. In a way, I'm pleased, I'd like to keep Amanda Stern a secret for a while. Unlike the privileged and over hyped women writers in Ms. Stern's generation (you know who i'm referring to) Ms. Stern is the real thing. She has clearly written this novel from her heart. It is brave and courageous and she has guts. I too see the comparisons to Denis Johnson (this is the one article I've found on Stern floating around out there) but she is very much her own stylist and manages to imbue her novel with such substance and free-spirited language that she arguably stands in a class by herself. No comparisons necessary. She is a writer to watch and savor. Let's hope she has a lot more of this in her.

It was impossible to put this book down. I was compelled to learn more about these two tragic souls and their destiny. Life, love, tragedy and co-dependency come in so many forms and Ms. Stern has revealed them so cleverly. It was a pleasure to read something so expressively written, yet succinctly stated. It leaves you feeling so many emotions and sensations. Bravo Ms. Amanda Stern, I can't wait to read your next offering.

Amanda Stern isn't pretty and that's exactly why I love this book. She doesn't cover her narrator's co-dependency, depression, anger, rage (all the fantastic range of emotions) with cheapened exposition, precious images and sing-song prose. Rather, her prose is sharp, short and powerful and the dialogue or sometimes the lack thereof between the unnamed narrator and the "Alcoholic" really tells it all. Engaging, I sometimes winced over several scenes (the heroin needle in the stomach, the attempted rape scene in another story), however, this is the true gift of the writer...the ability to shake me and propel me forward, wanting me to read more. Far from a precious book, this novel sustains, engages and sucks the reader in. Brava! And I cannot wait for the next novel.

On a side note, why is this fantastic book paired with the horrible James Frey novel?

Mark Rogers writes a heady mix of sword/sorcery, .... and political machinations unlike anything I've found in decades of reading. In Hollywood high-concept parlance, you could say Karl Edward Wagner's Kane meets Machiavelli in the Kama Sutra, mixed with odd religious overtones. I have several of Mark's paintings hanging in my house and they ooze the same tension of .... freedom and impending violence that his writing puts into more specific terms. Other reviews on this page will give more of a plot line; I just want to recommend for the stout of heart, that this is a series worth reading. I only give it four stars because you do need to read the first two books to fully enjoy the ride. Nicely demented!!

To have gotten to this book you hopefully will have read "Blood & Pearls", and "Jagutai & Lilitu" before hand. This book continues where they left off and is the exciting end of the Zancharthus series.

Mark E. Rogers has a style of his own. It blends Dark Fantasy, Horror, and Erotica all into a single hot firebrand of a style. His writing is not for the faint of heart or those easily offended. When he describes love. He does it well. However, when he describes EVIL, INSANITY, LUST, and many other potentially dark emotions he does them exceedingly well. Why? Simply, because he holds nothing back in writing and it is obvious when you read his books that he has a vivid imagination when it comes to describing these things. Some scenes are so vivid it will leave you wondering if he was sitting over in the corner of a room watching the lustful scenes unfold and jotting down notes on a sheet of paper. Seriously, he is VERY good at describing these things.

This book culminates with the scene that starts Zorachus. Zorachus is Zancharthus son and Mark actually wrote Zorachus first. Zorachus is one of my all time favorite books. So, of course I simply had to read the rest.

If you liked the first two books in this series then this book will captivate you just as much and will leave you wondering where you just were when you get done with the book.

So, treat yourself to a good book.

One note these books are intended for a mature audience. I would consider them an NC-17 rating if I were in charge of rating. So, with that in mind. Get ready for a great book!!

Veteran story-teller Mark E. Rogers hits the bullseye again in this Khymerian novel. The book includes black magic, political intrigue, spiders the size of the Titanic (hungry too!), and finally redemption! How could you not like this book? If you've read his other Khymerian novels then you owe it to yourself to find this one with all dispatch and curl up for a good read. One caveat, as a dad, don't leave the book lying in a place the youngsters can pick it up!

It made me cry. And there's a giant spider big enough to capture entire ships. (Sorry, I just finished reading it and am too emotionally wrung-out to go into much detail.^_^)

This is the way a fantasy novel should be. This book pulls no punches and delivers a healthy dose of magic, violence, sex, and even a little humor as well. This is the third book of the Zancharthus series. It is also in my opinion the best of the series. Events from the previous books all play a role in developing the story. They also help to develop the characters and it is very enjoyable to follow their progression over the three books.

I've long heard about Lima Site 85 and what has happened there. I've put off for years picking up this book. I was greatly impressed by what I read. First off, I would like to acknowledge the great deal of research Mr. Castle has put into this book. It is obvious he has put a great deal of time into studying each report, eye witness, and testimony.

Though he does not provide a clear answer to what happened to the missing crew (which American, Laos, and Vietnamese Government will not provide accurate information), he gives the reader a good idea of the events that happened before, durring, and after the assault onto Lima Site 85. This book is very well written with great research. I can only hope that one day we find out what truly happened to those brave men who have yet to be accounted for.

I have a very personal reaction to "One Day Too Long" in that Mel and Ann Holland were our military sponsors when my family and I were first assigned to an AC&W squadron in southern Spain in early 1961, and I worked with Mel until he rotated to the States. It is embarrassing and shameful to learn how both the military and civilian authorities were willing to sacrifice those men in order to cover up their own mistakes, but I suppose if ALL the truth were known about SE Asia operations, we would not be able to stand it. Dr. Castle has perfomed an invaluable service for democracy. EVERYBODY should read this book! (Ann, we'd love to hear from you!)

As one of the pilots of Jolly Green 67 I simply want to thank Dr. Castle for his comprehensive and historical accurate account of the events at Lima Site 85. This is a story that begged to be told; Dr. Castle pulls no punches, providing a riveting and revealing account. His work was a key factor in the eventual recognition of the heroic efforts of Sgt. Etchberger at the Enlisted Hertiage Hall, Maxwell AFB Annex (formally Gunter AFS), Montgomery AL. A great read.

Congratulations to Dr. Castle for this fine book. A meticulously researched historical work of the finest order that reads like a Tom Clancy action novel. A bombshell that exposes one of the most egregious and hitherto publicly undisclosed tragedies of the Vietnam War. In March 1968 an NVA sapper team avoided detection and attacked a top-secret radar bombing facility (code name Jolly Green) which was manned by sixteen "civilianized" Air Force technicians. The site, LS 85, was located on a mountain top in Laos less than twenty-five miles from the North Vietnam border. The attack caught the technicians off guard and resulted in the loss of the site to the communist forces. Two of those dedicated volunteers manning the site were confirmed killed, five were rescued alive (one died on the evacuation flight) and the remaining nine have never been accounted for and their status remains unknown. This incident holds the distinction of being the largest single loss of Air Force ground personnel during the entire Vietnam War. Why did the Air Force continue to operate this site in the face of considerable evidence the site would soon fall under bombardment and attack by large NVA forces gathering in the area? Was it incompetence or was the site considered so essential to the North Vietnam bombing effort that the loss of the men was an acceptable risk? Dr. Castle looks at these questions in detail. One Day Too Long chronicles the history of Site 85 from its initial concept of operations through the tragic consequence of this miscalculation. But the story does not stop there. It also relates the stoic efforts by one widow to find answers to questions about her husbands death at this site the government was unwilling to provide. This book should be mandatory reading for all future military leaders.

This is a great book. Very well written and maticulously researched. I was flying for Air America when all of this happened. Tim Castle has captured it all. It tells a lot about our involvement in Laos, far beyond just the events at Lima Site 85. Thanks, Tim.

My mother does too much and never takes a break. My roommate suggested Permission to Nap and I think it is perfect for my mom for the holidays. In fact, I bought one for myself, my sisters, and my aunts, too. We all seem to be work-alcohics in one way or another and frequent luxurious naps--or simply fifteen minutes of downtime every day sounds just perfect for Christmas.

Why do I always feel guilty when I take time to play? Play tennis, golf...I feel this book is long overdue. Women need to be able to play as much as the kids and men in our lives. I bought this book to get over my guilt and to be motivated to go play when I feel the pull of "other things that I think I should be doing." I saw an article about this book in Women's World and then again in Women's Health & Fitness and then knew at that time, this is a sign--I needed to buy this book and read it. Two weeks into my play and I am so glad I have this silent mentor to keep me playing!

This is the book that I am buying for my mom, my sisters, and all of my female friends who are workaholics, working mothers (same difference), domestic engineers with little ones at home, and those expecting--they all deserve a nap. -A totally appreciative fan.

Hi! As a mom of three adorable but exhausting children, I needed permission to nap when they did. Thanks to this book, I have created my very own nap sanctuary filled with aromatherapy--neroli is now my new favorite essential oil--velvety pillows, and a water carafe and matching cup. With this author's recommendations (see chapter 8), I started my collection of soothing music CDs. The kids now know that it is a good thing to take a nap, especially when mom heads into her haven. (Everyone knows that when mom is happy, everyone is happy.) This is my new 'must buy' gift for all my friends who are busy moms like me or are on the career track. No matter what we do, women always do too much. I now make time for me--and self care every day is a must. Time for my siesta!

It is a book as beautiful and relaxing to look through as it is to read. And it is not only for women, as men today also need reminders to restore ourselves! Jill thankfully reminds us busy people of the simplicity of napping.

The title says it all: Romantic Antics: Creative ideas For Successful First Dates, Adventurous Saturday Nights, And Playful Long Weekends. Joy & Kevin Decker remind us in this lighthearted and fun read that romance isn't just for special times...it's for ANY time.

The strength of this book is that it lists simple and inexpensive romantic ideas that couples can actually DO together. (Yes, zipping me off for a romantic weekend of wine and dancing in Paris will tingle my toes, but c'mon, what are the chances of that happening?) The love and playfulness the authors find in their time together is contagious and spills onto the page. My husband and I had a romantic time just sitting together as I read aloud suggestions from the book and he "Yay'd" or "Nay'd" them.

Getting couples thinking about romance is the crucial step toward active engagment. Joy & Kevin lead us gleefully down the path.

Inspiring. Entertaining. A veritable cornucopia of romance-generating ideas. These words accurately describe Joy and Kevin Decker's delightful book, "Romantic Antics." What's more, this amazing book actually does deliver exactly what the authors say it will. . . "Creative ideas for successful first dates, adventurous Saturday nights, and Playful Long Weekends."

Joy and Kevin Decker's book is superbly written, and the stories of their romantic antics, starting from their courtship to marriage and beyond, beautifully illustrate how to incorporate a sense of romance into any stage of a relationship. I wholeheartedly recommend "Romantic Antics" to anyone who is looking for ways to whip up romantic magic in their quest for lasting wedded bliss.

REVIEWER: Cassandra Lynne, Author of "LoveSpeak: The Married Woman's Guide to Love and Romance," www.romancewiz.com

It's easy to be romantic in the beginning of a relationship, when you're focused on one another 100% of the time. But it's much harder to STAY focused on your lover with the passage of time. No matter how much you love or respect your partner, life seems to just get in the way. (You know what I'm talking about ... going to work, paying bills, raising a family, trying to exercise ... when do you have time for romantic adventures?)

This is where Joy and Kevin Decker's book is a lifesaver. Not sure what to give your wife for her birthday? Not sure how to get your husband to turn off the game and pay attention to you? Open to any page, read the "recipe" for romance, and copy it exactly. You can't lose!

These Romantic Antics are tried and true. No matter what you've done to get in the doghouse, you're guaranteed a "get out of jail free" card. Better yet, if you put one romantic antic into your life each week, your relationship will soon revert to Honeymoon status.

This is a must-read for any couple, whether you've been together three months or 50 years.

...moonbeams kiss the sea;
What is all this sweet work worth
If thou kiss not me? ~Percy Bysshe Shelley

I've yet to meet a woman who doesn't wish her life was more romantic. Men also enjoy romance, yet many books I've read focus on what the man can plan for the woman. In this book for couples, you can plan adventures for each other.

Romantic Antics is divided into seven main sections that range from getting to know your new love interest to serious dating, courtship and marriage. The last three sections provide ideas for romance after you become parents, celebrating special occasions and cooking up romantic recipes. I loved the idea of cutting Rice Krispie Treats into hearts.

Romantic Ideas I tried and Loved:

12 Days of Christmas - you could package up 12 presents or smaller gifts
Lots of Ways to Say I Love You - try another language
Message in a Bottle - a fun way to send romantic letters or poems

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this book is the playful and personal writing style. Joy and Kevin seem to live for romance and are also the creators of a successful website dedicated to romantic ideas. I also loved their list of romantic movies and flower meanings. The idea for glow in the dark messages, moonlight picnics and romantic train adventures sounds exciting. As someone who lives for romance, I can highly recommend Romantic Antics.

~The Rebecca Review

I'm an author, romance/relationship coach and event planner. I know a good romance & relationship road when I see one. Ladies and Gentlemen: If you want to get and stay in Victory Lane in this Relationship Race of ours, Kevin and Joy Decker have certainly paved a road for you in their book Romantic Antics.

Kevin and Joy leave no stone unturned--if they did you can bet it's because they hid something romantic and thoughtful underneath--in their treasure trove of inspirational realistic tips for the different stages of love relationships. From start to finish--dating, courtship, married and with kids--Romantic Antics delivers far from antiquated ways for couples to establish and maintain a loving, healthy, romantic relationship.

Do yourself a favor when you read this charming book. First and foremost open your heart and let the tenderness and willingness of both Kevin and Joy inspire you. Romantic Antics has so many wonderful romantic (easy to do) ideas and suggestions it is certain to help keep love and romance alive in your relationship.

I appreciate the variety of romantic ideas in the book. Especially how they embrace the inevitable changes--long distance relationships, kids, housework, cooking etc.--that can take place in relationships and marriage. Mostly I was impressed by the virtuous lessons of love taught on every page. By remaining cognizant to Kevin's and Joy's conscious effort to initiate and reciprocate their loving, thoughtful and imaginative gestures toward one another I never lost sight of the greatest lesson Romantic Antics has to offer us all. "Motivate with love, hence you'll be loved by & by the Motivated."

For anyone who seeks to transform love into the enjoyable lasting adventure it is meant to be, I highly recommend reading Romantic Antics. Thank you Kevin and Joy for making me more romantic and creative than I already was. One can never be too romantic or loving.

As a person who has a relative dealing with Alzheimer's, I
think this is a great book. The movie was great also.
We all need our family and friends to help us during hard
times but we need God the most.

A Vow to Cherish touched me deeply--for many reasons. To me, this story is about having no regrets and allowing God to work things out in our lives with His perfect timing. I remember seeing the movie when it first came out and holding my breath as I watched John fall in love with Julia. I recall the same conflicting feelings when I read this book. Part of me wanted John to be happy with Julia. I truly felt for the guy. Part of me also cared deeply about his commitment to his wife.

The author did a fabulous job taking a difficult situation and covering it with flesh. The emotion and the loneliness were real as was the temptation both John and Julia experienced. Many people would justify John and Julia's relationship outside of marriage--especially for John. I hurt for the man. My mother was bedridden with MS for twenty years and my father cared for her until the very end. He cherished her and remained faithful when so many men in the same situations dumped their spouses when they could no longer perform their wifely duties.

John Brighton honored his vow to cherish his wife until they parted at her death. I'm convinced it made all the difference for his enduring happiness. John could then marry Julia free from guilt and knowing he gave his wife his undivided love and attention to the very end--once he overcame the temptation to vault his flesh into a forbidden zone that he would end up regretting later.

I've never read a book that more vividly portrays the deep pain of loneliness and all of the issues that go with it. My heart swelled and my throat tightened more than once through this beautiful story. I loved it!

Loved the first one, but with Raney's matured writing the edited reissue is even more poignant and relevant.

Not often does an author have the chance to go back and rewrite her first book, but Deborah Raney had that opportunity. I read the original edition, saw the movie inspired by her book, and now I've read the new one. She has updated numerous things and added more depth, making an already good novel hauntingly beautiful.

John Brighton's wife has Alzheimer's, a cruel disease that afflicts entire families. I know. My mother died of Alzheimer's. I found Raney's book to be healing for me. With deep understanding and compassion, she exposes layer after layer of emotion a husband feels when his wife leaves him a bit at a time.

More cruel than sudden death or divorce, Alzheimer's robs the patient of their dignity as it robs the family of their loved one. After my mother died, daddy said he felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. That hurt and I couldn't understand how he could say it. Until I read A Vow to Cherish. As Raney reveals John's deep love for his wife, she also discloses how the disease wore him down. No one suffers Alzheimer's alone.

Beautifully written and filled with credible characters, Raney once again demonstrates why she's an award winning author. A Vow to Cherish stands on my all-time-favorites book shelf.

John and Ellen Brighton attend the high school graduation of their youngest child. The nest would soon be empty and they were looking forward to having time for each other. They plan to travel and just enjoy themselves. Then something started to go horribly wrong. Ellen began having periods of confusiion, saying things that didn't make sense. She gets lost and can't find her way home. A doctor gives them the shattering news. Ellen is in the early stages of Alzheimers. Nothing can be done to help her and the situation will gradually get worse.

In Chicago, Julia Sinclair has lost her husband and after years of sending her sons to St. Mark's private school, which she can no longer afford, she is desperate to get out of Chicago. She applies for a job at the Parkside Manor, a nursing home in the same town where John and Ellen live. When Ellen moves to the Manor, Julia meets John and they are attracted to each other. She can provide the companionship he misses so much. Someone to talk to, someone who understands. But John still loves Ellen, and he made a vow to cherish her in sickness and health on their wedding day. How can he go back on that vow just because she no longer knows him? A Vow to Cherish is a touching story of love and commitment and is an honest portrayal of the destroying disease of Alzheimers. The characters are so real you'll feel you know them. This book will touch your heart

The first thing that struck me when I opened the cardboard box was the sheer volume of this slip-cased hardcover edition. It's a really thick book, even more so than the Absolute Hush I own.
The art is incredible, I already loved it in TPB, but in this larger issue it really comes into it's own. Batman is more menacing, and everything else is enhanced just enough to give it that little bit more.
I can advice this book to anyone who likes Batman, Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale or just good story-telling.

Loeb and Sale's Batman Masterpiece, this film noir tale builds and expounds on the core foundation of the Batman Mythos. While Miller's Year One Loeb's gangster mystery tales is weaved masterfully and keeps you guessing till the very end. Sale's breathtaking and romantic mastery of black is awe inspiring. Together, this tandem would re-write the book on the " maxi-series " . Their success lead them to bigger stages, but it is this book that put the defining stamp on their already impressive body of work.

The book is beautifully assembled, thick stock pages and crisp and bold color, it is a must have for any die hard Bat fan, a staple to any collection.

7 out of a possible 5 stars *******


Also, highly recommended, " Dark Victory " - can't wait for that Absolute version of that.

Absolute Batman - Long Halloween is an amazing hardcover set of a great Batman story. I really enjoyed the overall packaging of the book - it features oversized art, a beautiful cardboard book cover, and a ribbon placer. This graphic novel contains 13 issues and a decent amount of bonus materials. I found myself reading this 100+ page comic in one night because I was glued to it. I really enjoyed Tim Sale's art - it has a simplistic stylized look to it. One thing I didn't like about this is the fact that it is missing the entire 2nd half of the crime drama, Dark Victory, but it is a great story in its self. The story is a great crime drama / detective story. It really brings back Batman to his detective work that was present in earlier Batman comics. Overall I'd highly recommend Absolute Batman - Long Halloween to anyone looking for a great detective comic or anyone who is a fan of Batman.

The first thing that struck me about the Absolute version of the Long Halloween was it's presentation; hardbound, oversized, page marker ribbon and full color housing all contribute to the first rate production value. Further examination will reveal a dense, twisty tale set against a classic film noir backdrop with a rich ensemble of the Batman peanut gallery. It has a bit of the pulpy feel one gets from Dashiell Hammett and due to the similarity in name I can't help to think of Ray Chandler, who is kinda like the Bushmills to Hammett's Jameson. The Long Halloween is not only well written but also nicely paced for it's near epic length, the gorgeous illustrations not only fit the story perfectly, they nailed down the ambience and the oversized pages really bring this out. If I had a couple more hands I'd give this four thumbs up.

This is an amazing batman comic so pick up if you are a diehard fan of not only Batman, but Jeph Loeb or Time Sale. The story is amazing and I can't wait until they release the Absolute Batman Dark Victory...which is the sequel to this amazing comic. I suggest you pick this up if you are a fan.

Peace...