O Books

A friend gave me this book 4 years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Max Lucado did an excellent job of digging into the meat of every phrase David wrote. I now give this book to every friend who needs encouragement in the face of despair.

I PURCHASED THIS BOOK TO READ WHILE WAITING IN A DOCTORS OFFICE . IT WAS A GREAT READ . I SHARED IT WITH ALL THE GIRLS AT WORK AND THEY HAD TO HAVE ONE.IT IS A GREAT BOOK TO SHARE WITH CLOSE FRIENDS WHEN THEY NEED COMFORTING OR JUST HAVING DAILY LIFE STRUGGLES. I CARRY MINE IN MY PURSE AND ONE IN MY CAR.

This book has so many comforting and inspirational comments by Mr. Lucado. I highly recommend it for anyone.

Safe in the Shepherd's Arms: Hope and Encouragement from Psalm 23What a great book. Read also "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller [available at AMAZON]. You will be amazed to learn how much more God loves and takes care of you than you have realized. Both books are great as gifts. There is more to being a Shepherd than one would think.

This easy-to-read book is excellent for people who find themselves in survival mode. The book is very portable, small enough to slip into a handbag. The illustrations display hope, safety, and love, and the words speak comfort and solace. I gave this book as a gift, and I am thoroughly impressed with it. Author, With Great Mercy.

After recieving this book, which was HIGHLY anticipated, i must say that I was not dissapointed in ANY way! Being a fan of both dragons and fantasy, I am particularly had to please with literature, but this book surpassed all my expectations!!! I'm now anxiously waiting for the next installment of Talon, and I must say, a big, "WELL DONE DIANA"!!!

Masterfully written! The descriptiion and detail put into this book is astounding. Crafted with pure genious I personaly recomend this book to fantays lovers of all ages!

Diana Metz has created a world in which dragons and people share our world. She has a gift for description - if I close my eyes I can imagine I am there among the dragons or soaring above the clouds on the back of one of these magnificent beasts! A wonderful book for any age!

I loved this book! Diana Metz finds a great new approach to a dragon fantasy! The words weren't neccesarily as fullfing as the plot was, but it was still great! I recently e-mailed the author and found that there was to be another book! And another after that! I can't wait. You're great Diana!

"I don't know who I am anymore" Talon sighed heavily. "A year ago I knew who I was, a young mercenary with a knack for battle tactics. I trained hard, fought where I was told and planned the deaths of hundreds of young men just like me. That's who I was. Now I'm what you, an old man, and now a dragon queen, say I am. I don't know if I like what you've made me." (pg 154)

When I first read this book (I've read it three times now) I found that I could not put it down. The story is amazing. A young boy named Talon once a warrior, now a wizard, forever the Krrig Daa. He goes through many ups and downs, physically and mentally, and through the incredible writings of Diana Metz you go with him. Her portrayal of Dragons as not only intelligent but incredibly social beast full of magic is one of the reasons I couldn't put this book down.

Thank you Diana for such a great book.

Gasoline Alley is a classic strip that is finally getting the reprints it deserves.

Like many other classic strips, you have to read long sections of it to really get a feel for it. I think the publishers did a good job of starting with the 1921 strips (they say they will eventually do a collection of the pre-1921 strips later on. Good idea, as I think starting it at the begining would have been a mistake).

Moderns readers should be warned that GA does take a while to grow on you. I think most readers today would be put off by how long it takes something to happen. And the strip, at least during 1921, seems to gyrate between Walt and baby Skeezix, and the other denizens of Gasoline Alley. The car-focus of the strip, which is very topical for the time, may put off people more used to the modern auto, if they aren't into cars themselves.

I certainly plan on getting future volumes. I do hope Drawn & Quartered will start doing some of the planned sunday volumes, too. Am put off by the high cost of Sunday Press Book's collection of GA sundays.

My only previous experience with Gasoline Alley was a Mad Magazine parody called Gasoline Valley that focused on the interesting fact that the characters actually grew older as the series progressed. The Mad Magazine parody showed Skeezix aging from a baby into an old man just as the comic does however this volume features only a couple of years so at the end Skeezix is just a toddler. Gasoline Alley isn't a hilarious comic; instead it's a sweet, light hearted view of small town life in the early 1920's. The comic revolves around Walt, a big hearted confirmed bachelor who finds a baby deposited on his doorstep. This being the "good ol' days" Walt just keeps the baby becoming Uncle Walt (later in the book he does actually go to the effort to make it a legal adoption).

A lot of the jokes are repeated, for instance Walt, the only bachelor among his circle of friends, constantly uses the line `I know when I have it good' after seeing his hen pecked buddies. We also get to experience Walt's continual struggle with his weight. There are a few extended storylines including a shady land developer who takes the Gasoline Alley gang for a bit of money. The longest story is about the arrival of an attractive young lady named Blossom and her developing relationship with Walt.

Three things stood out for me in this collection. First was the always meticulous job done by editor Chris Ware who goes above and beyond the call of duty. There is a ton of fascinating background information on cartoonist Frank King. My tip is that any publisher who wants to release a comic collection like this one should call on Chris Ware. He is a man with serious passion for comics. The second thing that caught my attention is how clean and pleasant Frank King's drawings are. But what I enjoyed most about Walt and Skeezik's was the glimpse at life in the United States prior to the Great Depression.

What you need to do when reading through these comic strips is to try and put yourself into the era. These comics were created over 85 years ago and it's like peering into a time capsule. There is not a single mention of television or pop culture. Most of the residents of Gasoline Alley are chiefly concerned with the mileage they get on their tires or the cost of a new hat. Volume one pretty much satisfied my curiosity and I probably won't buy further volumes but that takes nothing away from this excellent collection. You definitely get your money's worth and it literally took me months to get through the entire book.

Commentary and editorial aside, the heart of this book is the wonderful Gasoline Alley strips. For those who honestly can't imagine what daily life was like before automatic shift, television, modern medicine, sexual liberation--this book is like being pulled through a time warp into the 1920s and 30s.

It has a lot of the same flavor as For Better or Worse. It's infested with genuine American characters. (Fair warning: the portrayals of African Americans are deeply stereotyped--but also remarkably sympathetic in terms of human feeling.)

DO NOT read it all in one sitting. Try to limit yourself to ten strips a night. Like movie serials, comic strips that appeared in daily newspapers took months or years to fully develop a story arc. You can't rush through that--and why the heck would you want to?

This collection was a little before my time, but it is great to read about the earlier days of Gasoline Alley.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The photographs really provide insite into the authours life and basis for the comic strips. I really enjoyed the dated chronology of the strips. It also provided me with a humorous way of conveying the social, political and economic happenings of that period in American History. Absolutely Fantastic, I can not wait to read the second book in the series.

My younger sister is 7 years old. When she started reading the book,outloud, I was interested. The book was a little bit hard for her,but she loved it. Later, I read it. It meant a lot to me and now it is one of me and my sister's favorite books.

after reading one page, you're hooked. makes you feel lucky to live in a home. children ages 8 to 18 will definitely enjoy this book. definitely best children's book material. frances o'roark dowell did an awesome job. i give it two thumbs up!

Where I'd Like To Be is a great book by Frances O'Roark Dowell. It is about a girl named Maddie who lives in an orphange and keeps to herself. She hardly tells anyone her secrets especially about her scrapbook of dreams. Her scrapbook contains magazine clippings of things she wishes she had like a big house, dogs,etc. One day her scrapbook is revealed.One of the boys at the orphange becomes friends with Maddie. Eventually she trusts him enough to tell him about the scrapbook and dreams. This is a heart-warming book that you should read. To find out what happens to Maddie read this book.

What if when you were a baby, a ghost saved your life? Well, according to Granny Lane, that's what happened to 11 year old Maddie. She longs for a family and a place to call home and feels that it's hopeless. After all, who adopts an 11 year old? But maybe it wasn't as hopeless as she thought.
Maddie may seem a normal kid to you, she goes to school, has great friends, is in after-school activities, but then you go to her home. She has shared a room with people who come and go as often, it seems, as the seasons. Maddie lives at the East Tennessee Children's Home. She wants a home so badly she has a "book of houses" and a "book of people." Throughout the book she and her friends find that they are all a family, a strange one, but a family none the less.
Where I'd Like To Be, is a book that all people should read for a heart warming tale. I think what I liked best is that you can almost feel each character's emotions as they change. I think anyone who likes a story that makes you glad for what you've got, should read this book.

Great book, especially for young girls in their search for self. This book surely must be based, at least in part, on some observations from East Tennessee Christian Home in Elizabethton, Tennessee because the author has cited several times East Tennessee Children's Home (where the novel is set), as well as Allen Avenue (the actual location of The Home), and Elizabethton, Tennessee (the city in which the novel is set). I certainly encourage young girls to read the book, as well as their parents. I think it will lead to more understanding on both sides.

I never thought I would like this book because my wife read most of it outloud to me, all the while she was hooting and howling with laughter. She kept saying, "Are you sure she doesn't know you?" It was curiosity that caused me to pick up the book and read it for myself - silently. I found myself chuckling at first and at times, laughing loudly. I really liked her many shades of men that she illustrated in her "Choose Wisely" chapter. I hope that I am a Cowboy.....my wife only rolled her eyes when I announced that I thought it described me to a tee. I sent Mimi O'Bara an email (from her website) and she sent me a very funny answer. She has a great sense of humor and a very realistic view of life. I recommend this book highly!

I received this book as a gift from my sister who lives in Dallas, who insisted I would find it hilarious. I had my doubts beause I seldom get "Texas humor" however, I was wrong. First this is not Texas humor, this is Life Humor. O'Bara's observations and strategies to cope with a life filled with children, husbands and/or life partners, careers challenges and all the acompanying stresses and strains of everyday life are, indeed, hilarious. She cautions us that these are "survival guidelines" rather than the road to perfection. She celebrates the friendships she has with her woman friends, reminding us that we are obligated to all stick together,laugh whenever possible and cry together, when we must. She actually gives very sensible advice, all the while laughing and waiting for the next cataclysmic event to occur. Her husband, like mine, is an avid golfer and I howled with laughter at her description of "The Golf Effect".....as I read it outloud to my husband he couldn't help but laugh as well...somewhat sheepishly! I believe that I have found a friend....perhaps even a soulmate in Mimi O'Bara and encourage you to do the same.

This book is fantastic for people of all ages and genders. I bought this book for my mother and she read it within a week and liked it so much she bought 12 copies for her friends. This book describes the trials and tribulations a working woman has to go through while trying to balance her children, her job, her husband and her house. If you are looking for a comedic masterpiece for either your mom, your wife or even your girlfriend this book is perfect.

I was wondering why my mother was laughing so hard and I picked it up and read it. Even I thought it was hilarious, a 24 year old law student. Buy this book if you are in for a bucket of laughs!

Mimi O'Bara gives new meaning to multi-tasking. I recognize her family! This book hits home and is a must read for women who think the balls in the air are hitting them on their heads too often. Order two; one for you and one as a gift to give your career colleague who is also super mom and adoring wife and thinks no one understands her plight. Nothing takes the sting out of a bad day better than a good laugh. Mimi O'Bara provides more humor than the Comedy Channel. Kick off those heels and give yourself a fun break. This book made me laugh more than I can explain.

Opening "The Working Woman's Guide to Balancing Career, House and Spouse" led to the most enjoyable plane ride I can remember! I chuckled, laughed out loud, commisserated and felt I had a friend and soul-mate in Mimi O'Bara. I didn't care that I was not offered anything worthy of eating. I didn't care who was sitting next to me, invading my space. Upon landing, a man sitting across the aisle from me, tapped my shoulder and asked what I was reading that had entertained me so completely for the last few hours. I looked at him, summing up that he fit the description of every scenario described in the book, and told him it was really nothing he would enjoy. He looked a bit hurt and left out, which only made me love my reading diversion even more!

I have read excerpts from this book to friends at parties, given it as gifts to girlfriends coast to coast, office compatriots and relatives. To realize I am not alone out there in the corporate world of men, kids, balancing it all and keeping a smile on my face, was like breathing for the first time in a long time.

I feel that I have a friend in Mimi O'Bara. I hope she is encouraged to continue writing. I'm sure there's more stories to tell. Her humor, insight and reality keeps me smiling!

This book is a perfect messiah's handbook (ala Richard Bach's Illusions). Succinctly written by an 'itinerate woodcutter' each page contains a gem of wisdom. I have had this book over twenty years and it has been revisited often in my quest for awareness and spiritual growth. I purchased it as a gift for my favorite aunt. A must have book for spiritual seekers.

a highly unique exploration of interesting systems of thought and philosophy. A one-of-a-kind sort of book, for sure.

I dicovered this wonderful book (or maybe it discovered me...) when I was 16 in a B. Dalton's bookstore during a lunch break in High School. Immediately I felt this book was like my mentor during the remainder of my teen years. It's the kind of book that you can open up to any page and find wisdom, beauty, strentgh and love. The style of writing reminds me of the Dhammapada with a dash of Heraclitus' philosopical prose.

Some of my favorite passages...

" Get to know the truthful, if you would become accquainted with beauty."



"Let go of everything you're holding onto

now let go of everything else."




"security is quicksand

can it really be ANYone's ambition in life
to become one-half the couple in the life insurance ads?

security. life insurance.
how much are you worth dead?

more than you're worth alive?
hurry up and die, then

hurry up and be born again."





"Do not be afraid to love."




"Decision-making is a vice. Some addicts reach a stage where they do almost nothing but agonize over decisions.
It's a subtle form of hesitation.
Like all addictions, the only cure is cold turkey.
You could spend the rest of your life trying to decide whether to take the cure."



"take everything that is strong in you
and put it to work
set it free
never mind what anyone thinks
take all your muscles
and stretch them to their limits
you'll amaze yourself, how good you'll feel
and how much good you'll do
just by radiating pure energy outward
-contact high the ultimate form of communication-
you are beautiful
be
be
be!"

This book predates most of the post-modern self help books we see on the shelves in bookstores or advertised in the media. Most of the authors of post-modern self help are focusing too much energy on manipulation to achieve a re-defined version of love and abundance. I personally feel it's an imitation of the "real thing", but then again I wax nostalgic over the simple hippie philosophies that came out of the 60's as notably this book attests to that. Even though I wasn't born until 1969! But a lot of things that came out from the 60's are truly classic. This being one them.

"This is God speaking", says Williams at one point. Well yes, reading this book does rather feel like that much of the time. "Das Energi" is a mighty powerful and inspirational read. A dynamic (VERY dynamic) mix of Zen ideas, taoism, positive thinking and maybe a bit of Christian morality thrown in for good measure. However, some of the language does place the book firmly in the late sixties and early seventies (man!). Its still brilliant.

Paul Williams presents us with quick, sharp "blows to the head" such as "Beware means be aware.", "Vote with your life. Vote yes.", "Stop showing off. It isn't what you do. Its what you are that matters.", "Babies see things as they really are" and so on. The uneven format of the book (could be a sentence on one page, a short paragraph on the next, then a short essay on the next) helps you to think more consciously in itself.

Having read the book several times over, I finally realized what was missing for me. A sense of humour! An inspirational classic such as "Illusions" by Richard Bach for example, has the same enlightening quality but gives you a good chuckle too. Still, this is an extraordinary book and I thank Paul Williams for it wholeheartedly. Read this and WAKE UP! ;o)

i found a copy of this book in a thrift store in okc when i was 17. for a year i would read it everyday. after the southern babtist had their way with me i was looking for some truth. i found this book and formed my belief system around it. it has guided me thru life and now that i have learned more about life from experience, i'm glad mr. williams book was there to arm me. i emailed paul williams and told him how his book changed my life and not only did he write me back but, sent me a copy of waking up together. he's an awesome guy still trying to change the world.

I don't read many authors and tend to stick with true life murder writer Ann Rule as I always know i am going to enjoy the writing style. A year ago my mom gave me this book to read and I finally got around to it 2 weeks ago. I usually read a few pages at night but with this book I could not put it down. I can not wait for my mom to share the rest of the series with me. I met Ms Noble this weekend at a show on our town square, she stated she was writing her next book and I can not wait to add it to my collection.

I just finished reading Sylvia Nobel's Deadly Sanctuary.
I picked this up only by chance while on a trip to Scottsdale,Az.
I finished it in just under two days.
It's been years since a book captivated my imagination to this extent.
This is a fast read "DONT MISS" book that you will NOT be able to put down.

Deadly Sanctuary has good character and plot development, and the story moves at a great pace. Nice fluid style that holds a reader's interest. I found myself caring for the characters. My favorite was Ginger. I love the way Ms. Nobel made a smalltown gossip endearing instead of just another nuisance. Sylvia Nobel spins a good tale, so I'll be reading the entire series.

After skimming a few pages of this book, I put down my Anne Rice novel and jumped right in. I love the single female detective books anyway. If you like Sue Grafton, you will love this author. It is nice to read a book that has the proper spacing also! You don't need reading glasses to SEE IT!

I have read all three of Sylvia's books, but Deadly Sanctuary kept me guessing right up to the end---what a surprise!!! I read it on my lunch hours, and had to force myself to go back to work. I HAD to know what would happen next.

This is a great read, and I recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries. This feisty redhead will keep you entertained for hours with her sometimes harrowing escapades in the Arizona
desert.

This book provides the reader with many common sense points of advice that are all very relevant and helpful. It covers many circumstances on an international scale that allows you to feel more at home taking the picture of someone you don't know as well as helpful advice on payment for the picture. This book is essential for anyone with an interest in this sort of work... Bravo to Mr Sammon for writing yet another great reference.

I found this book very helpful. It has great photos that illustrate his points, and it is easy to understand. The thing I would have found more helpful is if he had included more about where to take the exposure, etc., but I realize that is covered in another book..... I loved the book and will reread it many times. Very inspiring. Thank you, Mr. Sammon.

After reading Peterson's books (understanding exposure, beyond portraiture, understanding shutter speed, and more) this book feels not technical enough. It misses technical information that would be very useful to people who'd like to learn, such as f-number, shutter speed, distance from object, metering mode and method etc. Though this information did appear in a few pages, it was not available throughout the book.

Still, the pictures are very appealing and the author does explain how he took them. A lot of emphasis was put on the social side of potrait photography. How to approach, how to get friendly, how to share your pictures. Also, the artistic sides are covered, how to "direct" your model, how to give attention to details (background, framing, light, shadows, etc.). Some technical aspects are indeed mentioned and a few tricks on exposure and light metering and white balance. Also the last few lessons in the book are some photoshop "how-to"s.

I liked the book. I enjoyed the pictures, I did my best to learn the messages from the lessons and liked a lot the authors attitude and explanation way.


To get a good understanding of what lessons are expected in the book take a look at the table of contents. Lessons are titled by the main tip that they deliver.

Rick Sammon is known for his travel and adventure photo guides, but FACE TO FACE offers something different: a focus on the art of making people pictures using a range of methods to capture subjects. These take the form of lessons contrasting different approaches to images and people, using Sammon's own subjects and methods as examples. It's an excellent guide for any photography library, particularly those specializing in portrait photography.

Face to Face by Rick Sammon is one of my favorites books on portrait photography.

It's full with stunning pictures of people from many places around the world. The pictures alone are worth the price of the book.

But in addition to the great pictures, the text is also very informative and entertaining.

Part 2 is my favorite part of the book and full of useful stuff. For example, Rick explains why you should not place the subject in the center for most shots, or why shooting both horizontal and vertical is a good idea for most subjects.

I like the authors writing style. The book is easy to read and the text is a perfect fit for the beautiful images. It never gets boring or too technical. It's clear that the author knows and lovers what he is doing and this is reflecting in his images and his writing.

If you want to improve your photography, I highly recommend this book.

What a trip! If you can imagine yourself for just one second in a buddha state then Alexandra Kennedy has brought you there and given you the key to cope with your very personal grief. A must for all of us who think there is more to this reality.

READING THE INFINITE THREAD BROUGHT A LOT OF THINGS TOGETHER FOR ME. I WAS ABLE TO APPLY IT TO THE LOSS OF A RELATIONSHIP IN MY LIFE. I THINK THE BOOK IS CLEAR AND WELL WRITTEN. ALEXANDRA MAKES THE IDEA OF COMMUNICATING INTERNALLY VERY REAL AND VERY POSSIBLE. THERE WERE AREAS THAT JUST CLICKED FOR ME. I AM GRATEFUL THAT SHE COULD EXPERIENCE THESE EVENTS AND PUT THEM SO BEATIFULLY IN TO WORDS TO SHARE WITH US.

Alexandra Kennedy guides the reader with deftly crafted compassionate exercises that help us process the many emotions that arise when we lose a loved one. Using visualizations, dreams and inner dialogue the connections we have to those we love are not lost but strenghtened and in the process we are able to heal ourselves. Powerful and wise for clinicians and lay people alike.

It is wonderful to find a useful and compassionate book that helps deal with the regret that often remains after a loved one dies. I had many unresolved feelings, especially anger and distrust, toward each of my parents after they died. Alexandra's heartfelt and practical exercises took the fear and guilt out of expressing my feelings, and gave them a healing container. This book is useful for therapists and family members.

READING THE INFINITE THREAD BROUGHT A LOT OF THINGS TOGETHER FOR ME. I WAS ABLE TO APPLY IT TO THE LOSS OF A RELATIONSHIP IN MY LIFE. I THINK THE BOOK IS CLEAR AND WELL WRITTEN. ALEXANDRA MAKES THE IDEA OF COMMUNICATING INTERNALLY VERY REAL AND VERY POSSIBLE. THERE WERE AREAS THAT JUST CLICKED FOR ME. I AM GRATEFUL THAT SHE COULD EXPERIENCE THESE EVENTS AND PUT THEM SO BEATIFULLY IN TO WORDS TO SHARE WITH US.

First saw this Prayer Book at an Anglican church in Taupo while on vacation. Especially like the format and the multitude of voices, the Daily Devotions, and the clean, twenty-first century English.

great liturgy, eloquent wording, a must for all who worships in the anglican tradition, this is highly recommended by priests in the episcopal church, a change from the book of common prayer, this is rich with beautifully bound prayers.

The 1989 English translation of the canticles and psalms in the New Zealand Prayer Book are a work, of which Archbishop Cranmer would be proud. I've seen and used the NZPB canticles printed in other, unofficial prayer books. The settings for Morning and Evening Worship, (to be used mainly by small groups and individuals), are organized by day and time. In addition, these "abbreviated" services mark a return to the cathedral office, which was superceded by the monastic office about 1500 years ago. The New Zealand Prayer Book includes several settings for Eucharist, (Holy Communion), as well as a treasury of traditional and contemporary prayers. One caveat; if you prefer traditional English, the 1662 English Prayer Book, or the current American Prayer Book, ( Rite 1), this Prayer Book will most probably not interest you.

I purchased this book as a gift for my husband, who was impressed by its contemporary version of The Lord's Prayer. Once we received it, however, we found has much more value than just one expression.

While we don't speak the Maori language, we're delighted that the New Zealand Prayer Book, for the Anglican Church in New Zealand, includes translations of many worship resources in Maori. It's also instructive to read such things as the list of saints whose lives are observed in the church calendar. And the black-and-white ink drawings that illustrate the sections are evocative and intriguing.

What we find most important, however, is the beauty of the language. It took nearly 25 years of consultation to produce this prayer book, and in our reading it was worth every minute. Rarely do we find humanity's spiritual longings, along with its praise to God, so masterfully composed. It's a delight simply to read the prayer book, and even more to use its resources in one's spiritual observance. We highly recommend it.

The language is fresh and really makes the Book of Common Prayer come alive. Even though it is written for the New Zealand Church and I am American, I find it very useful with extremely beautiful wording. I love how the words, "Eternal Spirit, Living God" is used. In the evening prayers, one of the prayers is:

Eternal Spirit, living God,
in whom we live and move and have our being,
all that we are, have been, and shall be is known to you,
to the very secret of our hearts
and all that rises to trouble us.
Living flame, burn into us,
Cleansing wind, blow through us,
fountain of water, well up within us,
that we may love and prase in deed and in truth.

Simply beautiful! Buy it, you won't regret it.