O Books

This book provides an insightful analysis of the book of Job, with lots of devotional value. It's both scholarly and readable. I would recommend this book to anyone who is studying Job or who is struggling with an experience of personal suffering.

Although I read my Bible from cover to cover and have done so for years, there were always certain nagging questions in the back of my mind about the book of Job. Questions like, how does this entire book fit together with all those discourses, (and with the rest of Scripture), and how could those "friends" behave like that toward him and justify their words and actions? Layton Talbert succinctly and skillfully answered those questions (and many more) in a way that made much sense to me. Using many Scripture passages that wove together the thoughts that were being conveyed, he artfully wrote a book that is extremely beneficial. This book is not only valuable to those who are hurting, but for anyone who wants to understand the Scripture better.

We have all suffered to one degree or another. We have all been wounded by people. My epiphany came when I read on page 234 that I should pray for my "friends" in an intercessory way, not in an imprecatory way. "God expects no less from us than He did from Job. Pray for those who have wronged you particularly in the context of your suffering. It is the mark of humility, maturity, and Christlikeness." (p. 234) Our ultimate example was Christ when He cried from the cross, "Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) And I appreciated so much Dr. Talbert's emphasis on Christ's words and works all the way through the book.

Beyond Suffering was helpful to me to understand a little better how the Lord in His sovereignty carries out His will. I highly urge you to pick up a copy and read it slowly, carefully, and with a prayerful spirit.

Layton Talbert's guide to Job is a must-have for anyone studying this book of the Bible. It is accessible to the layman who is serious about Bible study, and it is valuable to the seminarian as well.

Talbert's book includes strategies for reading Job and a section-by-section discussion that guides the reader through the book. Though Talbet's work isn't a full-fledged verse-by-verse commentary, it does what many commentaries fail to do: it gives the reader a view of the forest. In doing this Talbert does not slight exegetical work. All of the key exegetical and theological problems that affect our understanding of Job are dealt with in detail. The views of various commentators are evaluated with skill and good sense.

In sum, if you wish to understand Job, Talbert's work is one tool that you'll want on your desk.

Beyond Suffering is probably the most thorough and helpful exposition of the Book of Job that I have ever read. Layton Talbert does a tremendous job of explaining the scriptural text. He takes time to examine the areas of Job that are difficult to interpret, and he provides good summaries of the dialogue sections so the reader can easily follow the characters' lines of argument. His treatment of the scriptural text shows how to interpret and respond to unexplained adversity. It also shows how to help, and how not to help, someone who's suffering this kind of adversity.

The author writes his book on two levels: "a lay-friendly text for the general reader, supplemented by technical, elaborative, or corroborative endnotes for the more advanced student of the Scripture" (p. x). Anyone desiring to know what the biblical book of Job is about can derive much benefit from reading straight through the text of Talbert's book. However, the student, preacher or teacher looking for more technical help will find a treasure trove in the endnotes in the back of the book.

Dr. Talbert makes an important observation about Job's unexplained suffering. God never explained to Job why he was suffering, though we know why from reading the first two chapters of Job. The important observation is this: Job never understood the "why" of his suffering so that he might be a more powerful testimony to the genuineness of faith in God as well as a testimony to the worthiness of the God we can trust.

Dr. Talbert also makes an important application from Job's message: "To believe God with or without evidence simply because He has spoken, to submit to God with or without understanding because He is both sovereign and good, and to worship God with or without reward because He is worthy delivers to the believer a peace that surpasses understanding and baffles unbelievers, instructs angels and glorifies God" (p. 220).

I highly recommend Beyond Suffering: Discovering the Message of Job.

Talbert's thorough understanding of the book of Job from both an expositional and experiential perspective allows him to open facets of Job frequently passed over. Not only does he deal with the beginning and end, but draws insightful, practical gems from the dialogue throughout this book. After reading Talbert's work, your understanding of Job will be renovated. Talbert's book is readable for the general public, but includes a good amount of technicality in the endnotes for those of a more scholarly bent. The book would be beneficial to those desiring a better grasp of an ancient peice of inspired literature, but is a must read to those experiencing trials or helping others work through difficulties. Everyone needs to be reminded of the bottom line: God is God and His works are marvelous beyond our comprehension.

This is a great book. I would have given it five stars, except for two things. It only covers the Torah, not the prophets, psalms, proverbs, or the wisdom books. I wish it covered the whole Hebrew bible. And also, it sidesteps the REALLY tough questions, like why the genocides, and wasn't G-d the G-d of the poor little firstborn Egyptian kids too? Other than that, a superb book.

This book is essentially a "Bible for dummies" written in a way that gives the reader lessons from the Bible that one can apply to their lives, without some of the difficult language. The author translates each part of the Bible into today's terms and provides commentary on it that is both insightful and entertaining. For those that are do not read the Bible and/or are generally intimidated by it, this is the book for you. I learned from this book, as will anyone who reads it.

This book gave me so much insight on the Bible and did it in an inviting, non-apprehensive way. I never thought I would enjoy it so much. The author truly appreciates the spiritual needs of those who may not be the most knowledgeable on the topic. I highly recommend it and have given three different people my copy to borrow. It's so popular, we even bought a second one to lend out!

Rabbi Braverman writes a terrific and easy to understand description (and lessons) of the Bible. It is truely written for those, like myself, who really want to learn, but never knew where to start. I highly recomend this book.

I was not raised in a religious household -- so I was clueless and curious. This book covers only the Old Testament and is a perfectly explained and readable history of the Jews -- a Cliffs Notes of the Bible. This is a gentle tour of Biblical doctorine, and there is little mention of the "shalt nots" which often scare away potential belivers. Light, but informative and rewarding, this is an excellent book for teenagers, Jews who are not familiar with their faith, or people like me who just want to know more about the world of religion.

This book was very helpful and easy-to-read, I found it even easier to follow and read than "Windows '95 for Dummies." While the size can look intimidating (bigger than some phone books), you are soon pleased to find out that the size is such to accommodate many pictures of exactly what the screen looks like through each individual point-and-click step, making it much easier to stay on track with your applications. The detailed table of contents made it easy to jump right to the page you wished to view to take care of any specific problem or question you might be having about something. Since I had never used any version of Windows before,I found this book to be extremely helpful, and I would consider it a "must-have" for anyone making the jump to Win '95 or those who would like to have a great "how-to" book at arm's length. Very well-done

I teach Windows 95 at our college as well as consult with businesses. I recommend this book often to clients and students. It is one of the best manuals I've seen on Windows 95. It is not-threatening.

This book is clear, concise, and very easy to understand. I have several books, but have worn out the cover on this one. I have never had a problem that this book has not shown me; in diagrams; how to solve. I give it a "20". Wonderful for the novice just starting with Windows 95, or as a reference for any problems that may arise. This book resides within easy reach beside my computer. I teach computer basics to senior citizens, and ask them to purchse this book in my first class

I purchased this book to teach my Windows 95 class. I taught a class before with a different book and nobody in the class payed much attention. The first class I taught with this book everyone was excited. They looked through the book and they were ready to learn. I purchased two other books on Windows 95 and neither of them stood up to The Big Basics. I really enjoy using this book because of the Guided Tours it has. It lets everyone follow along without being lost. And when they take the book with them they will have a great study guide for home.

An excellent book for both the beginner and the experienced computer user. As a teacher using this book in the classroom, I found that the numerous illustrations combined with the clear step by step directions easily walked my students through the workings of Windows 95. I would call this book a definate must have for any computer user's library.

This three volume biography (this is vol II) on Bismarck is the definitive work on the man. Pflanze is unsurpassed by other lesser biographers on this subject. If you want to learn about Bismarck these three volumes are what to read.

This three volume biography (this is vol III)on Bismarck is the definitive work on the man. Pflanze is unsurpassed by other lesser biographers on this subject. If you want to learn about Bismarck these three volumes are what to read.

This is a work which, if you like solid history, you should read. It tells of the momentous things going on in Europe in the 19th century which are illuminated by this excellent work

I have just finished reading this book and the preceding two volumes. This is very solid work, and if you appreciate, as I do, feeling that an author has done good and careful research you will like these volumes. I have concluded that to really understand the Hitler period one must learn more about the 19th century in Germany. It seems to me that Bismarck, by his brilliant defense of autocratic rule in Germany, helped make Hitler possible. The footnotes in these volumes are where they are supposed to be--at the foot of each page--but it is regrettable that there is no bibliography as such.

Otto Pflanze's book describes how Bismarck manipulated domestic and international politics to unify Germany.
This book, ending in 1871 at the end of the first phase of Bismarck's career is the first of three volumes. The book begins by showing how idealists and romantics tried and failed to unite Germany, but Bismarck was a realist and based his methods on the strengths and weaknesses of individuals.

First Bismarck used cunning diplomacy to isolate the Austria, Prussia's rival for control of the German states. The Franco Austrian war demonstrated Austria's weakness, and increased worries among northern Germans about French strength. This improved Prussia's hand, and later Bismarck's hand.

Pflanze follows Bismarck's tactics step by step through his labyrinthine maneuvers as he
played France against Austria during the Schleswig Holstein situation Bismarck wanted to separate Austria from the German confederation and inspire the northern German states to unite into a Northern German confederation.

After Bismarck unified northern Germany he designed the constitution to allow him to play the Reichstag against the Prussian chamber of deputies. There was also a balance of power between the state and confederate governments. We also see domestic political and economic background to Bismarck's actions. Pflanze shows the domestic politics after Bismarck created the northern German confederation.

Bismarck used relations with France to make advances toward the southern German states. Pflanze carefully shows how Bismarck cleverly tried to use the Luxemburg crisis to woo the southern German states. But the southern German states were afraid of being overwhelmed by Prussia. The only thing that the southern German states admired about the northern German confederation was the Prussian military expertise.

Relations between France and Prussia worsened when the throne of Spain was offered to a Hohenzollern Kaiser William did not care if any of his relatives got the Spanish throne or not. But when Bismarck made it seem that the French had demanded that Kaiser William renounce any attention in the Spanish throne, he angrily refused. The nationalist French responded by declaring war.

Bismarck wanted a war with France to inspire the southern Germans to join the northern confederation against the threat of France. In this he succeeded. But nationalist anger of many, and political reasons of Bismarck caused Germany to annex Alsace Lorraine, which resulted in permanent hatred from France.
The only faults of this book are that Pflanze should have described the people more. He also should have included more maps and a bibliography.

This is a brilliant book. The author searches for the reasons why his two grandfathers - one Irish, one Turkish - both ended up in prison during the Second World War. His Turkish grandfather, Joseph Dakad, was interned by the British in Palestine on suspicion of spying for the Germans. His Irish grandfather, Jim O'Neill, was interned by his own government in the Curragh as a member of the IRA. By subtly intercutting the two stories, the book looks at nationalism in two very different contexts - the polyglot post-Ottoman culture of Turkey in the years between the two world wars, and the hidden story of Irish republicanism between De Valera coming to power and the resumption of The Troubles in 1966. In searching for the reasons why these two very different men were interned, O'Neill illuminates the unspoken ideas of nationalism and individuality that permeate (like DNA)the two sides of his family. While he sifts through British intelligence reports on "undesirable" activity in Jerusalem, and discovers who really murdered Admiral Somerville in West Cork in 1936, O'Neill's book is shot through with contemporary echoes of his grandfathers' ordeals. As the author watches Bernadette Sands reject the Good Friday Agreement in the name of Ireland's republican martyrs, and questions Yitzhak Shamir about the morality of political assassination, we realise that the ghosts of these men still haunt today's headlines, and our ancestors can assume the power of an unconscious force over our political reflexes.

O'Neill's "split" background led to an interesting life and a fascinating family history. Great read. Would like to get my hands on his other books. Picked up this book in February and missed his book signing in Dublin by hours. Would really like to know how long it took him to intricately research the book.

must read for Irish history buffs, Turkish history buffs, or WWII.

I simply could not put this book down. Much more than an entertaining portrait of early 20th century life in some remote places, this is a highly informative social and political history and a compelling reflection on nationalism, patriotism and the fears, violence and intrigues which sometimes accompany them. Mr. O'Neill obviously has talents for both research and scene-painting, and his writing is both literate and engaging. After 340 pages, I was sorry to put the book away. But I feel wiser now that I have made the journey with Mr. O'Neill.

"Blood Dark Track" provides a fascinating background into the history of both Ireland and Turkey during the first half of the Twentieth Century. These two very disparate regions actually have more in common than we would initially suppose: neutrality during WWII, an antipathy to British Imperialism, persecution of religious minorities, and layers upon layers of history underlying bloody Twentieth Century history.

These areas also combine in the persona of the author, Joseph O'Neill, who has provided an intriguing personal narrative of his own family. His father's side, Catholic, poor, and Republican from Cork; his mother's, Catholic, bourgeois, and apolitical from Mersin (a coastal city near Syria). Their meeting is as fortuitous as it was unlikely.

The author deftly melds the pieces into a coherent whole, despite geographic, cultural, and temporal distances. Because of the personal connection of the author to events, people, and places, it reads more like a novel than a history.

Informing the story is the author's discovery of his grandfathers, both as family and as characters in two distinct, though subtly parallel, historical contexts. I was surprised to find the story so gripping that I finished it in three days.

This is one of the finest books published in many years. On the surface the book tells the stories of O'Neill's grandfathers. Both stories are of interest, both touch on historical events of interest; but it is the softness and absolute intelligence of O'Neill's voice that makes this book a classic. In relating the experiences of his grandfathers, O'Neill takes us through his own intellectual struggle as he attempts to apply the rational tools of the barrister/philosopher to the world of strong ethnic identities that haunted him from the world of his grandparents. If this were not enough, O'Neill treats us to a rather fine sense of humor -- again, never obvious but always there and always effective.

How can one thank an author they have never met face to face that has helped you get through a storm of life? While volunteering at Ground Zero as a Red Cross nurse, I was given this book of hope while I was mentally overloaded and feeling everyones pain in a real physical way. This book soothes the soul and if one will let it, it can start the healing process. I have brought out this small book many times as the wounds keep opening. I have found peace,and comfort.I recommend this book to be bought and given to any that are going through any kind of a personal "storm" whether it be emotional, physical, or spiritual.
As you give this gift, whisper a prayer for the miracles that will take place. Thank you Cecil Kemp for the healing words. I am writing this with tears in my eyes and cheecks as I think of my time at ground zero and being introduced with your book of healing. May you go with God.

My son and the author of this book, wrote this book to help give me comfort after my husband and Cecil, Jr.'s dad passed away. I was going through a hard time coping with the loss of my husband of 49 years. Not only did this book help me understand God has a plan for our life, but in death he helps us to understand by learning to trust in Him. We will have storms in our life, but there is hope. This book was inspirational.

Cecil Kemp, Jr. was a student of mine. After reading this book, I felt the information contained in it was invaluable. Cecil Kemp, Jr. is an excellent author, who relates well to others in coping with the trials of life.

This book was given to me after the loss of my husband. This book hit home to me. This book provides excellent wisdom to get through losses in our lives.

I felt this book was written especially for me. This is a book that I can relate my life to. I recommend this book to people who are going through trials in their own life.

este libro de veras, trata este asunto desde la perspectiva de los dos lados en una manera unica y verdadera. Hasta la fecha no sé si haya un libro tan real, tan hasta al grano que, con una certeza y verdad brutal, ataca a los dos gobiernos y sus mafias malisimas.
Los datos sobre la familia Bush sobre todo, y como se han metido cizaña en los asuntos de todos sectores de la economia, hasta contratos con el sistema penal son verdaderamente asombrosos.
Si necesitas leer algo para tu clase en la universidad, o simplemente quieres un libro sobre las frontera, este es. Sin leer este libro no tendrás ninguna perspectiva adecuada.

If issues of the border, immigration or the prison system affect you, you need to read this book. Enjoy the book.
Half of the royalties for this book are going straight to legal costs for rainforest defense so that corporate developement can be stopped. Especially pristine coastal habitat like mangrove esturaries which are critical and endemic habitat areas for many species of wildlife. We don't need anymore of the coast to look like Cancun or Acupulco now do we?
Richard Alevizos

This was a very interesting book!! Much of the material presented was first-hand and anecdotal, and sometimes reads like a diary.. yet throughout the book, it also reads like a formal treatise on the subject at hand: our country's flagrant misuse of tax dollars, solely designed to administer unreasonable immigration control, and designed to uphold a clearly pork-barrel agenda to keep the lower classes lower and the upper classes upper.

As a staunch "centrist" who generally frowns on lefist conspiratorial blather, I was nontheless able to identify with the liberal slant of this book, for the simple reason that it mostly espouses simple truths about the matter at hand with regard to our prison system. In other words, after reading this novel, even a right-wing conservative has to admit: our prison system is completely out of hand. I was also impressed by the authors' knowledge of the hispanic culture(s?) and his general ability to capture the essense of our troubled lands "down south".

The author has lived a strange and particular tale, and unlike a vast majority of the prison populace, was able to put his experiences to paper, with the hopes that others might benefit from his ordeal. My only regret is that the book does not follow through on the ultimate outcomes of the authors' experiences as well as his subjects, and instead, leaves us all wondering, "what happens next"? A Great Read...

The border is an artificial construct designed to keep the rich rich and the poor poor. The simple fact that our companies can go down there and set up shop and destroy the environment and offer terrible wages to poor mexicans while screwing over people in this country is testimonial enough to the "border". And the fact that those who cross over it to get here become nothing more than the very economic slaves used to pick your kid's strawberries or trim the fat off your beef or pork at your friendly neighborhood rendering plant says it all. How about the economic slave getting your big maccie ready with the super size me it fries and corn syrup. And while the 65% obese U.S.A. complains that it can't get its goods cheap enough it also complains about poor workmanship or quality of product. I think it was those very same who not only weren't satisfied with John the Baptist running around the woods in a loin cloth eating off a leg of raw venison, but they weren't satisfied with Jesus in his fine clothes and decent food. Nothing can make them happy!
And so just like these self same people who complain about the quality of their goods and services, tomorrow they would compain if there was nobody there to serve their selfish obese(and overinflated) egotistical needs. And if they had the nerve to complain about the lack of service, at least they wouldn't be complaining about the quality, it wouldn't be an isse at that point. Because if tomorrow all those illegals went home for good, the U.S.A. would be on its knees and in no time at all it would be beggin for its shadow workers to come back. Heck if that happened, if all the illegal Mexicans went home, the U.S.A. would have to get rid of the border all together in an effort to entice those shadow workers to come back to their often dangerous low paying job so it could stimulate its "shadow" economy and save itself from "starving".

One could tell this book is as informed as anybody in any think tank in Washington D.C. or on Wall Street. The facts infused within the anecdotal dialogue combined with the author's common sense and street smart give a whole new twist to the immigration debate. Why are we listening to a bunch of strictly white guys on Wall Street? And everybody knows Washington D.C. is out of touch with thegeneral populace.
As one review indicates, it leaves you hanging with that sense of what is next, but it's message pressages the immediacy of a solution to this problem before it gets more out of hand and more wasteful. This should leave the reader with a sense of urgency to resolve this problem so that more of the money that gets wasted can be diverted to worthy causes, like disaster relief, true disaster relief.
Awesome book, somoebody should make a movie of it

O'Neill has created a new genre - all the action of a James Bond flick with the pithy insights of an insider who has really "been there and done that." Where Clancy and Brown extrapolate from the technology trade journals, O'Neill stays firmly grounded in the here and now to create an exciting, well-paced adventure yarn that may well be taking place today! If you enjoy fiction with a healthy dose of reality, a bit of raw romance, and a shooter's point of view, you'll enjoy this. Great read for the beach or cross country plane ride. Enjoy!

This is a fun book. There are a couple of things to like about this thriller. First, it just feels very authentic. You can tell the author did quite a bit of research or has spent serious time in the core of the middle east. I learned a lot just reading the book. Second, it's a thriller! What the heck is really going to happen to this guy and the military plot that simmers all around him? You never find out to the end, and I think there is plenty that surprised me by the end of the book. What more would you want out of a reading experience other than A) being taken on a thrilling ride and B) gaining some exposure to a very topical subject (the Middle East). Most American readers would enjoy this book, even those not particularly into military thrillers.

This was a really good summer reading novel. I was impressed by the detail about the Mid East, especially the oil industry and Saudi Arabia. I'm expecting another book to follow with Captain Chevalier as the main character.

This is a book that begs for screen time ! It is a roller coaster ride that takes you thru the real life grit of the intelligence community in the hottest area of the world needing more of it ! It exposes the quagmire of circles that the average man will never understand in ways you can't help but easily see while stil retaining it's mystery .. It is a total in your face "REAL" wicked smart suspense thriller. I would say that Mr. Clancy has to watch out and I look forward to more from this Author ! Only an insider could write this best and it was more than well done ! OUTSTANDING ! BUY THIS BOOK ! John

I found an advance copy of this novel at my postal center, laying on the table. So, I took it home and read it.

I really enjoyed the novel. I found it sensual, exciting and fun. The down-side is that it gets pretty military at some points. And I'm not a military guy.

The story tells about Captain Francis "Franco" Chevalier who is caught in an impossible situation, with a corrupt boss and an impossible task -- stopy a Saudi Army Colonel from overthrowing the government.

The story is unique in that there are two antagonists -- a Saudi Army Colonel and a wealthy British man.

I think this would make a good film. It has a solid set-up. Two good acts in the middle. Then, it has an ending that is totally different than the first 2/3s of the movie. Plus, a great surprise at the end. The suprise actually shows you your biases in thinkging about the Middle East.

The language and sentence structure of the writing are a little more complex than you'll find in the average "thriller" from Janet Evanovich or Tom Clancy. I think that made it a more valuable and ejoyable read. I also like that the main character sticks up for French-Americans!

Bread in the Wilderness, a classic by Thomas Merton so well known for bringing an enthusiasm for things of God to the Twentieth and Twenty-first century, was first published in 1953. It has been reissued by New Directions Publishing in the original large format text design with the original illustrations of a medieval crucifix at Perpignan, France. The photographs of this crucifix, taken by J. Comet, are presented in varied detail and perspective throughout the book in such a way as to complement the text. The text design, itself, is by Alvin Lustig as in the original, and presents the dropped or hanging running page information suggesting a crucifix and subtly informing the entire meaning of the book. For anyone interested in book design this volume is a valuable resource. Those who see a shocking modernity in medieval artwork and the depiction of faces high up in church and cathedral detailing will be interested as well. As for the writing itself and its importance, it is enough to say that the first chapter, based on the psalms, lays claim to its lastingness when Merton himself says, "the Psalms are one of the most valid forms of prayer ... of all time."

I commend New Directions for issuing a facsimile reprint of the original of this valuable book. Who would not say that here is a publishing company of enduring and impeccable taste? I have a copy of the original cloth bound book- it is beautiful, and easily one of my top twenty favorite books. I believe this is the book that comes most surely from Merton the poet. His consideration of the Psalms is inspired; the language in this book is as severe and ecstatic as are the Psalms themselves, and his insight into their relevance is without peer. The brevity of Merton's exposition is part of its potency. Nothing is wasted. Like the Psalms themselves, the veins of this book run deep in kingly rivers, announcing the heart of God like a morning song. Merton's interior acquisition of that song is of epic intensity, yet simple as clean water. I believe "Bread in the Wilderness" surpasses even "Seeds of Contemplation" in directness, common heart, and indeed artistic beauty. It's an indescribably beautiful book that moves, aches and rocks, and leads one, ultimately, to the inmost core of revelation, which is, after all, believability. Merton's references to the Psalms can be traced like a monk's thread throughout all of his writing, from the earliest books up through the posthumously published Journals. This book gives us a clear understanding of how constantly faithful Thomas Merton remained not only to the brilliant song of the Psalms themselves, but to the music of his own exceeding heart. And the woodcut Christ on the cover is so unfailingly Cistercian! This is a book that will live forever.

Who better then Thomas Merton, a poet and a monk, to share his feelings on the most significant and influential collection of religious poems ever written? In this book Merton teaches us that the Psalms not only sum up the teachings of the Old Testament, but they can serve as actual nourishment for those whose vocation is the life of prayer. This book offers inspiration on the Psalms and shows us how they can lead us become closer to God.

I highly recommend this book to all. And especially to those who seek to come closer to God daily in their contemplative life. Thomas Merton was Father Louis of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance and lived daily with the Psalms.

When Thomas Merton, a Trappist Monk, wrote BREAD IN THE WILDERNESS, he had fallen in love with the Psalms of the Old Testament. As a monk, he had chanted the Psalms every day of the week. The monks still do this today. This book is certaily about the Psalms as it relates to people seeking to understand God and Christ. In only the way Thomas Merton can write, one will discover many practical truths about the Psalms. As Merton writes, "The Psalms are theolgy. That means that they place us in direct contact with God, through the assent of faith in His revelation." Even though this is a brief book, it contains large amount of material for thought and study. There are five divisions in the book, and each division highlights how God speaks through the Psalms. To the poet, there are many Psalms of importance. As Merton writes, "The Psalms are poems, and poems have a meanng, although the poet has no obligation to make his meaning immediately clear to anyone who does not want to make an effort to discover it." One of the most ineresting things about the book is how Merton sees Jesus Christ throughout the Psalms. Maybe Merton says it best whe he writes, "The Psalms are more that language. They contain within themselves the silence of high mountains and the silence of heaven. It is only when we stand at the bottom of the mountain that it is hard for us to distinguish the language of the Psalter from the tongues of the earth..." In this book, Merton makes the Psalms come alive. This is a book worth reading.

New Directions was Father Merton,s first publisher and always produced art house quality books meant to last. This tradition only improves with age as this New DIrections reprint issue continues the tradition of high quality books which are a joy to handle and to hold.

I find the Liturgical Press reprint of this monumental work of Psalm theology to be hard to read and easily broken, like a small trade paperback. This New Directions reprint on the other hand has a generous size and a beautiful lay out with generous margins for your own meditations. I especially appreciate the illustrations of various aspects of the ancient French Catalan Devot Christ which I have not seen in many decades, and am deeply moved to contemplate once more within these pages.

Any spiritual library requires this volume of Father Mertons meditations and teachings of the Psalms, the cornerstone of any monastic prayer life, the cornerstone of the Rule and life of Our Holy Father Saint Benedict, who requires their full reading weekly and regularly. And this beautiful and merciful reprint by New Directions fills their contemplation with a great and gentle joy.

This volume of Father Mertons early writings also still comes with Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat, etc., for those who require such things.

This is a really great cookbook. It is well organized, has fabulous photos, and the recipes are very easy to follow. Both the recipes and the accompanying anecdotes are written in an exceptionally user friendly style, making this a cookbook that you will want to actually sit down and read! This is one I find myself coming back to, time after time, for easy preparation and terrific results!

Brendan writes exceptionally well. I like his style; it's very upbeat with a joie de vivre feeling. Comfortable punctuation makes the writing flow nicely. It's concise and unambiguous without being the least bit pedantic.
The anecdotes, biographical sketches, introductions to place, and mini-tutorial lead-ins are most enjoyable. (Man, would I have loved some of Michel's 150-pound halibut!) The complementary
information provided about the people and their environments makes the recipes that much more appreciated. I am very much enjoying the book and the learning experience. It's like a travelogue. I have never really "read" a cookbook before. But then, this is not an ordinary cookbook.

It is unusual to be completely satisfied once you actually delve into a cookbook and try to produce the "plat".
Brothers in the Kitchen works!
It is clear that much attention was put into clarifying the recipes to make them easy to follow, each with a photograph.
The accompanying essays are light and engaging.
I have ordered several to give as holiday gifts... if not for cooking to impress, to make a beautiful coffee table addition.

Some 35 years ago Brendan O'Farrell, an international business man, and Michel Deville, a French Master Chef, became the best of friends who shared an appreciation for good service and great food. They opened a restaurant (La Table de Michael) in Sain-Remy de Provence near Avignon in the South of France in the spring of 2005. Now having successfully collaborated as restauranteurs, they have combined their love of the culinary arts to publish a compendium of savory recipes laid out with careful step-by-step instructions so clear and concise as to be able to transform ordinary kitchen cooks into accomplished chefs of French cuisine. Wonderfully illustrated throughout with finished dishes, the recipes comprising "Brothers In The Kitchen" range from Tri-Color Salad; to New Orleans Style Gumbo; to Roast Sirloin Encrusted in English Mustard; to Jumbo Prawns Flambe with Pernod; to Spinach with Swiss Cheese Sauce; to Mint Chocolate Delight. Enhanced with the inclusion of wonderful anecdotes and stories, "Brothers In The Kitchen" begins with thematically appropriate advice about how to get started in the kitchen, matching wines with foods, stocks and savors, and goes on to include sage counsel respecting menus, special restaurants and restaurateurs, conversion tables for cooking, and more. "Brothers In The Kitchen" is enthusiastically recommended as a core addition to any gourmet quality kitchen cookbook collection!

This book was a pleasure to read & the pictures made my mouth water. The recipes are designed to be successfully followed by both the seasoned chef & the newly initiated, with pretty impressive results. I tried the "Death by Chocolate" and was ready to go to heaven! Anyone who yearns for a taste of Provence, whether it be at the dinner table or in a favorite reading nook, will be deeply satisfied. Also, unlike some other books of this genre, I think that men would especially enjoy its particular combination of culinary craftmanship, staightforward writing & entertaining stories.