Owen Books

I am a curriculum project manager at Houston ISD. I have been researching material for a Story-teller program we are starting this summer and... this is the best!

As a classroom storyteller, I have found this teacher's guide and collection of tellable stories to be extremely useful, clear, and reliable. The experience and common sense of the authors provide teachers with a valuable resource for storytelling. You will use this book again and again.

If I were forced to choose only one resource to help me as I teach kids how to go about choosing, learning and telling a story, this would be it. The authors have extensive experience helping thousands of children to tell stories through their school residencies. Many ideas and activities are spelled out to help teachers or coaches prepare students for the often scary task of getting in front of the audience and telling a tale. A variety of methods for story-learning are detailed, allowing for the variety of learning styles encountered in a classroom. Many ideas for ways to use storytelling in school, from a school festival to an inter-generational fair, are suggested.

Especially enjoyable are the many real-life story maps, quotes and photos of kids involved in this rewarding activity. An anthology of twenty-five stories for kids to tell is included to get your student tellers started.

We do not give kids enough opportunities to get up in front of a group and share something they love. Storytelling bridges so many of these gaps, and even the shyest kids often discover a new-found love when given the chance to tell a story. If you are at all considering having kids tell stories, get this book. It will convince you that you are making the right choice, and give you the tools to carry out your ideas.

(Gwyn is a professional storyteller who has coached many middle school students in the telling of their first story).

This city source book is excellent. It details everything you need to run a city setting, lots of encounter tables, what buildings are where and what they are for, law enforcement and what happends when PCs have a brush with the law, and the maps are excellent. The city has a gritty realistic feel to it in that if you were to step into a city set in a heroic fantasy campign world this is the kind of stuff you would see. Its set in the wilderlands campaign setting but could be used in any setting with little modifcations.

Having read this book cover to cover, I must say that I was very impresed by the level of detail. (I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the prisoners in the Overlord's dungeon.) Of course, having used the older Judge's Guild products, I wasn't surprised. Anyone wanting to base a campaign in an urban setting should buy this book either to use as-is or as an inspiration for their own creation. Good stuff.

Its great to have a city book like this. The maps are outstanding. If you're a gamer buy this today

This is the most important publication concerning Psychiatry in the 90's. I wrote this book "with a little help from my friends", specially Gustavo Prado, a brazilian medicine student (a genious, I bet. He was just 17 y/o when this book was first issued). R.E.Kendell

Extremely focused and balanced general text of contemporary psychiatry.Primarily geared towards the MRCPsych, but also useful for other psychiatry boards. Basic sciences have been updated w/o being too overwhelming. New section on sociology has been added which was omitted on the last ed. The new layout is also more pleasing to the eye. Overall it's an wonderful alternative to K/S synopsis.

In my opinion as a psychiatry resident, this is the best textbook bar none for medical students and junior doctors. The Oxford double volume is far more comprehensive and a must-have for serious players, but where the Oxford tomes are encyclopaedic this item is practical and user-friendly. It is also a pleasure to read, which is significant advantage over Kaplan and Saddock's Synopsis.

Seamus Heaney's version of trials for the Greek archer entrusted with Hercules' infallible bow and arrows gives us affirmation and points of reflection. Heaney does not dash the ancient dialogue style on the rocky island; rather it is enriched for the modern reader. Honoring the timelessness of Sophocles, Heaney allows today's reader to make comparisons of private nature and choices with the public need and will. The hero, Achilles' son, Neoptolemus, finds that the strategy to take Troy for the Greeks runs counter to his nature of honesty and integrity. We wrestle with him over the choices. We tumble with him when he loses his grip. We crawl back to sure footing along side the hero. I found myself understanding the characters based on different experiences in my life. Philoctetes bemoans his ill-fated injury which leaves him abandoned and full of vengeance. Human empathy allows him to examine his tight grip on his woundedness without denying what he has endured. Odysseus, the pragmatic lieutenant of war, is shown for his utility and foibles. As in all Greek plays, the chorus calls the characters and the reader to reflection, "...For my part is the chorus, and the chorus is more or less a borderline between the you and the me and the it of it." Heaney got the "it of it" for us to take our own measure.

Seamus Heaney pulls through again with his brilliant translation of Sophocles' Philoctetes. The tragic story of the forgotten hero, Philoctetes, provides a unique insight into the conflicts between personal moral beliefs and political calling. Odysseus persuades the heroic Neoptolemus into tricking the mamed Philoctetes into giving up the bow of Hercules. This act challenges the admired traits of the ancient world and draws into question the importance of personal beliefs. As each character represents a different aspect of the Greek world, a fight for beliefs - fidelity, pity, piety - endures. As for the translation itself, Heaney provides a beautiful interpretation of the story as seen in the words of the chorus:

History says, Don't hope
On this side of the grave.
But then, once in a lifetime
The longed-for tidal wave
Of justice can rise up,
And hope and history rhyme.

This enriched translation strays slightly from the ancient text in order to enhance the understanding of the modern reader. Overall, this fast-moving play entices and enchants through a lyrical harmony like no other. Bravo, Seamus. Bravo.

"The Cure at Troy," translated by Seamus Heaney offers a delightful translation of Sophocles' "Philoctetes." With a compelling tale from anchient times layed out before him, Heaney applies colloquial speach diction to the play. This accessability offers the audience a window into the basic moral struggle occuring at the heart of the work. A finly crafted story draws the reader to the characters. A worthwhile read.

I saw this book at an William-Sonoma store and I since I was throwing an outdoor party the following weekend, I thought this would be an appropiate book! Boy, was it! Everything I made was a huge hit... the cold artichokes, the corn and tomato salad, and the BLT wraps... just to name a few. It was all really easy to prepare and the tastes were incredible. People thought I had the food catered!
The photos really helped in my deciding what I would cook and this book is filled with them.
I highly recommend this book!...

I love Williams-Sonoma and with this cookbook they really out did themselves. There are recipes for every occassion and time of year. The chicken and jack cheese quesadillas on page 211 are very easy to make and even easier to eat:) I highly suggest this book to any level of cook.

This book is lovely to own. The photographs are very artistic. I have made some of the recipes & they turned out great! The ingredients are not too obscure or complex. The foods are down to earth, yet interesting. The pictures are very inspirational. I would defintiely recommend this book.

What a great book. It really kept me in suspense. I enjoyed the supense and the idea of this book. Mulder believes Pusher can force people to kill and commit suicides through his will but Scully is unsure. She only gets convinced when Mulder puts her at gunpoint. Will she be able to survive Mulder's shot. See it in this great book CONTROL. Nice heading also

I loved this book so much when I first read it, it was like I was watching it on tv. I even used it in an assighnment for English thats how much I loved it. I recomend this book for everyone. Everyone out there go buy this book!!!

This was an awsomebook. I really enjoyed reading it

Davy dares to pursue his dream of sailing among the orca. He turns a deaf ear to pessimistic adults and sets out. But -- his dream is illusive and avoids him. A quick "refit" and he makes contact with the whales. Well drawn / illustrated, a story from and for the heart. [ I had the privilege of hearing the author tell about making the book -- his first -- to an audience of elementary school students. ] A great story of inspiration, better than the Little Engine that Could's "I think I can" -- this one says "I'll go do it!"

While this is an inspiring story to encourage kids to "follow their dreams," what attracts me back to this book are the illustrations.

As a native of Washington State, I spent my youth attending summer camp on Orcas Island, in the San Juan Islands, near the Canadian border. While at camp, we sometimes experienced "Killer Whale" sightings, which the counselors used to enjoy frightening us with.

We spent many lazy days on the beach, or boating to neighboring islands, where we would campout, hike, go clamming and crabbing on the beach or build rafts. Although we didn't spend any time in a sailboat at camp, I spent a good deal of time sailing with my older brother on Lake Washington during those carefree days of summer.

Paul Owen Lewis' paintings in "Davy's Dream," with the predominance of greens and blues, contrasted against the black and white of the orcas, vividly captures the essence of the San Juan Islands and the dreamlike state one can experience in this breathtaking environment. To his credit, Lewis lets his pictures tell Davy's dream for several pages, without the help of words.

I guess I just want to say that this book rings true to my experiences as a youth in the Pacific Northwest.

Whenever I read this book aloud to students in my elementary school library, they always listen with awe and then line up to check it out.

Davy's Dream, written by my brother, Paul Owen Lewis, has inspired many school children over the years. It takes Davy on a journey of believing in what he knows to be true, in spite of the nay-sayers in his life. Your children will love the illustrations and even notice Paul's cat, Guenivere on every page! Your whole family will enjoy the amazing things that happen to Davy and especially if you are Keiko fans. Enjoy!

No longer does one need to climb the highest mountain to speak to the guru who awaits. Most wise souls are not waiting on mountain peaks, but rather in the pages of their words of wisdom. One has only need to go as far as the local bookstore. Choosing which words to read can be a challenge. I have come to trust Llewellyn Publications for most of my spiritual reading, and I have not been sorry.

"Discover Your Spiritual Life," by Elizabeth Owens is a road map to the spiritual path. A certified medium and ordained Spiritualist minister, Elizabeth shares her wisdom openly. Oftentimes those seeking guidance in spirituality have had a trauma or life changing experience, some have encountered something of the paranormal and are led to discover more, and some have simply found they are lacking something they cannot put their finger on. Whatever the reason, seeking guidance is a very personal choice. You may want to start your path on a gentle slope. This is it.

Elizabeth offers a guided tour down a path of beauty, peace and balance. Beginning with helping the reader to understand what lies in store by reading the book, she assures that questioning is normal and natural. Then, like following a cherished aunt down a garden walk, we are led through the beginning of our journey. There is guidance in creating personal time and space, and preparing for meditation. Around the corner there are suggestions for giving thanks and exploring the being that you are. Down the path is a chapter on giving yourself affirmations and positive reinforcements for your goals, dreams and accomplishments. Always, there is the lesson to do no harm and the understanding of karma.

Through anecdotes and case histories, Elizabeth shows how the principles she speaks of have changed lives (and afterlives I am sure!). There is help here in forgiveness, understanding motivations and personal disappointments. The chapters on gratitude and focused energy are very helpful and in the end, she shows us how to become balanced observers of life. Throughout the book Elizabeth is careful to be nondenominational, gentle and caring, and nonjudgmental.

You will walk away from this book feeling as though you have a wonderful friend and spiritual advisor. You will walk away with understanding and knowledge and the ability to choose your own spiritual path. You will be able to acknowledge synchronistic events, see your present situation clearer and be receptive to what the universe has in store for you.

"Discover Your Spiritual Life" is an excellent primer to finding your spirituality. I highly recommend this book to anyone with the desire to grow or simply enjoy the journey of life.

Where have I been all my life?! This book made so much sense, I can't believe I never realized how simple life could be! I have missed so much by being blind to the obvious! This book says it all! Many thanks to the author for opening my eyes!

"The goal is to find a spiritual path that is suited to your highest and best spiritual growth. This book is a good starting point. You may wish to use it as groundwork for expansion to other avenues of spiritual pursuit. I would further suggest that you borrow pieces to construct you personal spiritual path from where you find something that resonates with your being. Take a block from Christianity, a stone from Buddhism, and a brick from Taoism, and cement them together with love to form your personal spiritual path. Every book you read will add a pebble to your path. The choice is yours to make." --From the Introduction

There often comes a time in a person's life where deeper meaning and meaningfulness is desired. Sometimes this yearning is a result of a trauma or difficulty such as illness, divorce, tragedy, or death of a loved one. For others, a richer, fuller, and more peaceful life is welcomed because a life of boredom, confusion, directionlessnes, and apathy is no longer an acceptable way to live. Whatever your reasons for wanting to enhance your spiritual journey, Owens' brand new book Discover Your Spiritual Life - Illuminate Your Soul's Path provides clear, concise, and practical ways to do so. Positive and practical, this book offers the guidance you need to live a more spiritual, meaningful, and peaceful life by becoming a balanced observer rather than a concerned worrier.

Throughout this book, the author encourages the reader to take responsibility for their life, make the changes necessary for betterment, monitor thoughts and patterns of experience, and create sacredness through meditation and other spiritual tools. What I like about this book is that Owens "majors on the majors", so to speak. (As opposed to majoring on the minors.) In the New Testament, Jesus addressed the Pharisees saying, "You swallow camels and strain gnats." The Pharisees were spiritual leaders who oppressed their followers with rules and regulations, and often nitpicked over what to wear, what constituted work on the Sabbath, etc. In other words, straining gnats. In this book, however, the author deals eloquently and passionately with the "camels" of life--the "big" stuff like forgiveness, positive intent, harmlessness, gratitude, sowing and reaping, and neutrality.

As a person who's been on a conscious spiritual path for years, I had wondered if this book would tell me something I didn't know--something that would help me on my own path. While the ideas and suggestions weren't new to me, reading Owens' words were a refreshing distillation of what really matters when one is on a spiritual path or seeks to become more spiritually mindful. Her enthusiasm for the magical--for the sacred--is infectious. Another element I liked about this book is how it reminded me of just how magical a spiritual path is, or can be. The author shares some amazing anecdotes and case histories, some from her experience as a medium.

In addition to sharing practical wisdom, she lists a series of exercises at the end of every chapter as well as a to-do list. Of course, none of those are "have-to's", but her exercises are specifically crafted to help the reader incoporate the ideas of each chapter into their own lives. She's a big fan of journaling as a part of spiritual practice, as well as for healing the self from toxic emotions.

For example, in the chapter Understanding Disappointment, Owens asks several questions in the Exercise portion such as:

Reflect on disappointment during your adult years that were devastating to you at the time they happened. List them now in your journal, and write the final positive outcomes in your journal. Can you see, in retrospect, how everything had a way of working out for the best? If you had but known then how things would have turned out, would you have reacted so severely?

How can you take the lessons from yesterday and use them in the present? Write your thoughts in your journal.

Are there things that you do to set yourself up for disappointment? In your journal, list any behaviors that come to mind.

What steps can you take to change this behavior? Write ideas in your journal.

Owens also addresses the importance of meditation and provides examples of how to create a personal space for meditation and contemplation--including how to prepare an altar and energetically clear your personal space. She even provides a color chart for the use of candles and altar cloths, as well as for focusing intent when meditating. For example, the color green is associated with prosperity, balance, and renewal in all areas where growth is needed.

In the chapter Affirmations For Your New Life, the author instructs the reader how to formulate and use affirmations. She also details the fascinating concept of making a presonal treasure map. A treasure map is made of sturdy poster board or cardboard, and decorated with hand-selected items that represent your wish list. You can go to a craft store and choose items that symbolize your intent, as well as cut out pictures and words from magazines to glue onto the paper. You can also write words or phrases with markers, crayons, paint, or whatever you'd like. For example, if you wanted to be a published author, you could choose items that have to do with books and writing such as: the words Amazon.com, pictures of books, a clipping of the N.Y. Bestsellers list, inspiring passages, quotes or words, etc. Add to your personal treasure map as you're inspired, and keep it in a prominent place. That way, it serves as a visual reminder of what you seek to accomplish in your life. You could make a treasure map for relationships, spirituality, vocation, healing, and so on.

Whether you are seeking wholeness, healing, mindfulness, spiritual depth, or the everyday sacred, this book would be a wonderful companion on your personal journey.

Cheryl Owen does an excellent job of explaining the history and evolution of Salt Dough for arts and crafts. The projects are unique, interesting and suitable for a variety of skill levels. Her book includes a variety of projects from wall hangings to plates, clocks and containers, and fun toys for children. Beautiful photography compliments the easy to follow directions. This book should be included in everyone's Arts and Crafts section of their home library.

This book is great and teaches you how to make creative projects from ... water, flour and salt! Some objects showed by Cheryl Owen are folk, and other are very sophisticated. Dinousaurs, cornucopias, flowers, stars, butterflies and other creatures are turned into necklaces, pencil holders, hanging decorations, bowls, boxes and other projects that can be made to and by children and adults. The author give us precious ideas in how to use this fantastic a-toxic, cheap and versatile material. Buy now!

This doughcraft book bonanza is truly an eye-candy with full-color photographs splashed on every page. Complementing the beautiful photos are techniques and step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish each project using this very versatile medium. Pictures showing variations of some of the projects are also included, inspiring the crafter further. Wall decorations, bowls, clocks, toys, frames, vases, and napkin holders are just a sampling of what might be found in this book. The templates of these items can be found at the book's last few pages. Finally, for easy referral, an index is included.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R5JV95AYGGEXM Here is a brief video insight into the remarkable story that is "Down to Earth". The amazing life of Squadron Leader Kenneth Butterworth McGlashan AFC.

I thoroughly enjoyed 'Down to Earth', the war memoirs of Squadron Leader Kenneth Butterworth McGlashan, AFC, co-written with Owen Zupp. Mr. McGlashan has the distinction of having been in the 'right' place---'right' being a relative term, I guess, as he had to do a lot of fighting-- to take part in many of the major battles of World War Two, from Dunkirk through The Battle of Britain, Dieppe, and D-Day. He then has more adventures flying transport aircraft. His story is told in the way most World War Two veterans tell of their exploits, as if these herioc deeds were just another job and no big deal. McGlashan's humility makes his story all the more readable and enjoyable. Even his wooing of his future wife takes time and effort as the quiet charm of the young pilot grows on the lovely girl he courts.

McGlashan is now retired and living in Australia, and a fitting end to this book sees him paying a pilgrimage to his old Hawker Hurricane, crashed on the beach during the evacuation of Dunkirk.

I think the thing I enjoyed most about this book is McGlashan's conversational style, his disarming modesty, and his humor. I felt after reading it that this is the kind of chap I'd like to sit down with and have a few beers, and just listen to him talk for three or four hours. These men truly were 'The Greatest Generation', and I applaud co-author Owen Zupp for helping bring this important story to light.

Rob Morris, Author, Untold Valor: Forgotten Stories of American Bomber Crewmen over Europe in World War Two, Potomac, 2006.

I usually rave and rave about wartime aviation memoirs because, to me, they are such a privilege to read. However, Down To Earth is more than that. Sure, it's great that the author has shared this story with us but, at the end, you come away feeling like you know Mac and wishing you could shake his hand.

Kenneth McGlashan flew over Dunkirk and, through self-admitted inexperience, walked its beaches after his Hurricane was shot down. He is young, 19, but mature. Further trips over Dunkirk follow and he evolves into an effective single-engined fighter pilot. The Battle of Britain follows during which Mac's squadron is posted for an intriguing interlude in Ireland chasing German Condor long-range maritime patrol bombers. Here, his desire to pass on his knowledge surfaces and his commitment and drive to better himself as a leader and pilot is evident. He returns to England and flies cats' eye night fighter ops where he has to rely on his skill, eyesight and a lot of luck. Over time, Mac finds himself working with searchlight-equipped Boston/Havocs, the next great idea in night fighting to prove unsuccessful but nevertheless exciting when flying close formation with a bomber at night. Finally, though, he finds himself posted to a Mosquito night fighter unit and, at last, an effective way to hunt at night. What follows is a love affair with the Mossie, a harsh lesson on single-engined flying that sees him in hospital and determined to learn and teach what he can about "assymetric" flight, continuing anecdotes of the great men he flew with, an amazing sojourn with BOAC in the Middle East, flying during the invasion of Europe, training, raising a family, the end of the war, successful command of a Mossie squadron, award of the Air Force Cross, transfers, time in Cyprus and living around the world. What a life!

The writing is relaxed and so easy to follow. It is casual but evocative, regularly amusing but equally poignant. Mac certainly made the most of his scrapes over Dunkirk, his lucky escape over Dieppe and his serious crash in the Mossie. He learns from his mistakes and adventures as indicated by the fact he flew operationally for more than four years, more or less. His revisting the scene of his Dunkirk incident brought a lump to my throat as he relived the events of that day surprised he could remember such minute details. Mac's stories are supported by excellent memories from his wife, Doreen, adding a very personal aspect to the reading.

The author comments that the restoration of Mac's Hurri, R-for-Robert, is a fitting tribute to the man. I think it is fair to say, so is this book.