Owens Books

Born Gay: The Psychobiology of Sexual Orientation is an impressive analysis of numerous studies that explore the etiology of sexual orientation. Wilson and Rahman investigate a multitude of variables that are suspected to cause, reveal, or predict a non-heterosexual sexual orientation among men and women. Born Gay is an excellent reader-friendly resource for anyone who wishes to understand the scientific works surrounding sexual orientation. This book will inform, educate and empower you.

This is a review of all significant research into the causes of homosexuality, both male and female.

The writers objectively review the scientific studies of gay people and present the findings clearly and in a readable style.
Many interesting questions are asked: What might cause someone to be gay? Does homosexuality run in families? Does childhood behaviour predict adult sexuality?

I recommend this book particularly to gay people. It explains causes of homosexuality and every gay person should have knowledge of this area.

I also recommend this book to anyone who wants to be informed about gay people and sexuality in general. This is an important book that deserves attention and a wide audience.

I am really thrilled to discover that this novel is back in print. When I first read it twenty years ago I thought it was a terrific story, a panoramic view of New York society from the highest to the lowest, highly diverting and entertaining.

I lived through that period of social upheaval when closet doors were being ripped open and people took to the streets to demand their rights. When people ask me what New York City was like in the post-Stonewall era, I always say, "Read 'A Brother's Touch'." No novel of that period better captures what it was like to be gay in pre-AIDS New York.

The novel's focus is the life of Chicken, a teenage throwaway who, before his tragic, early death moved through many levels of New York society. The author's depiction of the interlocking levels and contrasting lives as well as his telling the story from the point of view of Chicken's brother, a straight man looking for the truth about his brother's death, makes this novel accessible to all readers interested in a dramatic story, vivid characters and situations.

Those who read the novel when it was first issued may want to read again such high points as the rally at City Hall, the dramatic ending, and so much more. I'm glad that new readers now have the chance to discover this marvelous story and memorable characters.

At long last this out-of-print novel will be available in a 20th Anniversary trade paperback edition just in time for summer. Once you start reading you can't put it down! When originally published, A Brother's Touch was both lauded and condemned. Now 20 years after its first printing, this timeless story of loss and recognition is more vital and readable then ever.

Myles and Todd are good friends. They coach their sons' baseball team and often spend nights after the games watching movies at Todd's house. They usually end up touching and kissing. Their friendship is easy and fun and the fringe benefits make them both feel good. Lately Myles has been feeling a little restless. He's checking out the women at work and even dating but something doesn't feel right. When Todd makes a date with another man, it really bothers Myles. Now he has to figure out why.

Myles had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what he would or wouldn't do throughout the book. His indecision and need for Todd are tangible. Todd is a good dad, a good friend, and he's very sexy too. Myles and Todd have a great relationship. It's comfortable and easy and it feels right. Carbon and Ash is about friendship and love and finding something new in what you had all along. It's a really good story with a perfect ending.

Nannette
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Most of these single shots from TP are wonderfully written and this classic one is no exception.
I may have read this years ago but this emotionally driven romance from Chris, underlined with a touch of poignancy, remains one of my favorites. Myles never admits that he is gay. For him Todd, his best friend, is just his best friend with "benefits". Myles comes across a selfish jerk. Todd, an acknowledged gay and a loving man, has my full sympathy as he waits patiently for the day Myles returns his love. But even Todd has his limits. A beautiful and touching story from Chris.

This book is very true to life. Since I am in the eighth year of caring for my 98-year-old mom with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, I can definitely relate to many of the incidents written here. There are so many similarities to our past and present. I think it is a good book, especially for someone who is just beginning to care for their loved one. It helps with some of the unknowns "down the road."

Virginia Stem Owens's latest book is a tremendously valuable account of the author's intricate relationship with her elderly mother, ill with dementia. While it reads as an absorbing narrative--sometimes sad, sometimes funny, always keenly honest--it also offers a carefully observed and researched medical history, bound to be instructive to both older and younger readers.

When her mother's physical frailty became problematic and Owens left her Kansas home to stay nearby her parents in Texas, she had no idea the sojourn would span seven years. In that time, her mother's diagnosis moved from Parkinson's disease to Alzheimer's, and Owens watched what she calls the "slow dismantling" of the intelligent and capable person she had known all her life.

What distinguishes this book from other records of a similar kind is Owens's unfailing sense of irony. She takes no prisoners. No one, including herself or her mother, is spared her perceptive eye and subtle wit. Doctors and medical staff particularly, are depicted with total frankness--too busy, too hasty, forgetful, insensitive--including the psychiatrist who tells the patient chirpingly to "get out more" and "find a purpose in life."

Yet the book is fair and full of compassion and the tone throughout is exactly right, an unusual accomplishment when the topic itself runs the gamut of emotions and human idiosyncracies. This is a tough record to read, but hardly depressing, and a wise-spirited author helps you through.

Luisa Lang Owen's recounting of her childhood and the losses she and others experienced before, during and after the war, including three years in a concentration camp is, at once, both hauntingly beautiful and horrific. Her captors, in seeking to exterminate individuals and their culture ironically distilled, in this young woman, the essence of being. Her lush and loving attention to detail, her artistic perceptions were heightened and strengthened in those years, and what we sometimes refer to as the "strength of the human spirit" is clearly defined in the telling of this woman's coming of age under life-threatening conditions. Both fascinated and saddened by the telling, I felt as if I'd entered the spirit of someone who has always lived and continues to live fully and attentively in the world.

This book should be read by all Danube Swabians and their offsprings as well as all freedom-loving, truth seeking and fair minded people of this world.

This book has greatly affected my view of what my role as a father really is. John Angel James understands the heart of man and has written this book specifically for fathers pushing one main agenda: the importance of training their children in godliness. I found this quote helpful and convicting: 'Religion, by every Christian parent, is theoretically acknowledged to be the most important thing in the world; but if in practice the father appears a thousand times more anxious for the son to be a good scholar than a real Christian, and the mother more solicitous for the daughter to be a good dancer or musician, than a child of God, they may teach what they like in the way of good doctrine, but they are not to look for genuine piety as the result: this can only be expected where it is really taught and inculcated as the one thing needful.'
The father's own understanding of spiritual truths will be challenged as well as our own hearts thoroughly examined. We owe our children as well as the next generation of the Church our undivided attention and prayers en route to teaching them the ways of God. Fathers, we need to lead that charge!

A facimile copy of the 1828 fifth edition, it is absolutely brilliant; a must read for any and all Christians that truly carry a heartfelt desire for holiness in their families and themselves. James' soundness of doctine and eloquent style of writing make each page a veritable treasure. A most timely reprint in these most wicked days.

Joseph Owens, Etienne Gilson's most gifted student and without doubt one of the towering philosophical masters of the 20th century, has produced a work which is both an introduction to cognition and a profound philosophical reflection. His ideas are at once new and old, phenomenological yet fully in accord with the principles of Thomas Aquinas.

There is no other book on this subject which approaches its breadth, intelligibility, subtlety and simplicity. This book will someday rank as a classic. It is perhaps among the top twnety books every philosopher must have in his library.

Excellence and the most clear argument I ever read about cognition study, Truly recommended.

Thomas Owens' Collecting Baseball Cards (1708-2) provides a primer on collecting, with color photos of cards and players supplementing the basics on how to start and value a collection.

It would be a shame to limit Thomas Owens' Collecting Baseball Cards to the young audience it was written for: many an adult collector will find this the perfect introduction to baseball cards, using easy language to explain how the cards are graded and what determines their value. Color photos throughout display vintage cards.

Get excited! This is not a fluff book! Bringing her experience as a columnist for a fashion doll mag, her passion for the dolls themselves, and a wealth of contacts in the world of manufacturers, doll artists, and collectors, Beth Owens gives us the most comprehensive reference on the world of fashion dolls at the turning of the century. With emphasis on those "stars" in the ascendancy at this moment, and with a nod (but not much more) to the 11 1/2 inch former ruler of the doll universe, Beth explores the genesis, history, and development of the modern fashion doll, which is primarily the interest of the adult collector (or the child inside of one!) Written in an elegant and eloquent style, and lavishly illustrated with photographs of beautiful little "ladies of fashion" , this book will, I expect, become the standard reference for this genre of dolls. Several of the many superb photographs illustrate new dolls just coming onto the market, for such is Beth's "connection" to the doll world that she can discourse comfortably on even the newest developments. In addition to reams of information, she offers guidance on beginning and refining a personal collection, and shares her own development as a connoisseur of the fashion doll today. Beth is truly mad about her subject, and has such a fresh and enthusiastic approach that I yearned to be able to invite her to my house to ...play dolls!

Fashion doll collecting is not only a hot new trend, it can also be big business as the selling and trading of these items often involves major bucks. The ultimate hobby guide for those who have a penchant for these pretties is "Contemporary Fashion Dolls" by Beth Owens who is an avid collector and former contributor to trade publications.

There is a broad range of images in these dolls, all the way from the cute pop-eyed trolls who were popular in the 1960s to America's sweetheart, Barbie, to Franklin Mint representations of Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe to the top of the line exquisitely formed and clad Madame Alexander creations.

Dolls, we learn, had been relegated to the realm of children's toys until the mid 1900s. It was then, following a surge of interest in eighteenth century European dolls, that the United Federation of Doll Clubs was formed. An imprimatur had been placed on grown-ups playing with dolls.

As the number of collectors grew so did the demand for Barbie as she was among the most accessible and affordable. Some savvy business folk gave her a glamorous wardrobe, imaginative accouterment, a best friend, Midge, and a handsome boyfriend, Ken.

Although many try to rival the vaunted Madame Alexander dolls none have succeeded. We read: "The most influential force in the proliferation of fashionable dolls was Madame Beatrice Alexander, who would irrevocably change the course of fashion doll history. Throughout her doll-making career, Madame had an intense passion for fashion and her creations were exquisitely and stylishly dressed in the finest fashions available."

And fashion doll history is still changing as dolls reflect us and our lives continue to evolve. As the author asks, will there be a "Casual Friday" doll?

I was fascinated by this book! The subject matter is intriguing on its own, and it's been beautifully enhanced by the presentation. Author knew exactly how to tell the story for best effect--when to give a history lesson, when to introduce characters, and just how much of each was appropriate. Also explained the complicated science behind xerography (the generic term for what a Xerox machine does) in a way a layman can understand. Extremely well done. I'm glad I happened across this book!

This book gives an excellent account of the processes and hurdles needed to bring a complex product to the marketplace. It will be especially enjoyable for anyone who was involved in the copying/duplicating business during the 60's and 70's.
The author mentions many of the early companies -- and many of the current companies -- that are significant "players" in this business. Also, many of the key inventors who are known only as "publication or patent names" are given life by the author. The reader can get behing the scenes and see the victories, struggles, and tensions facing the researchers and their companies.
This book is a good read -- difficult to put down -- especially for those in corporate research and development.