Perry Books

DICK ENBERG DOES A GREAT JOB IN THIS BOOK ABOUT HIS BROADCASTING CAREER. HIS RELATIONSHIPS WITH AL MCGUIRE, BILLY PACKER, MERLIN OLSEN, DON DRYSDALE AND MANY MORE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ENTERTAINING, INTERESTING AND WELL WRITTEN BOOK. HIS INSIGHTS ABOUT AL MCGUIRE IS ESPECIALLY NOTEWORTHY. I HAVE READ MANY SPORTS BOOKS BY BROADCASTERS, THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE COME ACROSS. I ALWAYS RATED DICK ENBERG AS AN EXCELLENT SPORTSCASTER NO MATTER WHAT SPORT SUBJECT HE COVERED. ONE OF MY FAVORITES SHOWS HE HOSTED WAS SPORTS CHALLENGE (WHICH IS OCCASIONALLY ON ESPN CLASSIC CHANNEL). HIS COVERAGE OF COLLEGE BASKETBALL AND PRO FOOTBALL IS LEGEND. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL SPORTS FANS. A GREAT READ.

For anyone who has had the privilege of listening to the smoothest, most knowledgeable, and "easiest to take" sports broadcaster of them all, this book goes down as a must read. I devoured it in two sittings (which is rare for me) and the only reason I put it down the first time was because I had to go to work! Warm, insightful recollections from a wonderful gentleman (and as you will discover, sometimes prankster!) who has seen it all, and has the unique ability to make every amazing story come to life in the friendly and cozy style that anyone who has followed his remarkable career over the years has come to know and appreciate. (Now I look forward to viewing the bonus dvd!) Mr. Enberg, thank you so much!! (and Oh My!)

Dick Enberg has always inspired trust in me. I always felt that he really cares about what he is doing, and that he is just as excited about the event he is broadcasting as any die hard fan watching or listening at home. He calls each game with such grace and class, that it is easy to take his talent for granted. This book allowed me to get a broader look at the man himself, and to find out that I have not misplaced my trust.

There is not a dull moment in this book. It covers the gamut emotionally, from poignant stories about Al McGuire to hilarious fun with Don Drysdale and Bob Uecker. Throughout it all, more and more of Dick Enberg is revealed, and the reader is able to gain insight into Enberg's drive, honesty, sense of humor, competitive nature, and sincere desire to present the best possible product to his audience. Many different sports are covered and the tone of the book is one of respect for the sports, and for the sports community.

The broad scope of the book allowed me to read about a wide range of sporting events and the unique nature of each event, both satisfying me and leaving me thirsty for more. So, I'm hoping that there will be a sequel because I'm sure that this was just the "tip of the Enberg." There is something for everyone in this book and I'm sure you will really enjoy it.

Anyone who has watched sports has heard Enberg's classic "Oh My!" comment for great plays and recognizes him as one of the greats in broadcasting. Oh My is a fascinating tale of his life and adventures in sports from his early days in college through now. The stories he has are classic and it's always a joy to listen to him do a game whether it be football, basketball, etc.

Pick this book up and enjoy a classic tale through his days in broadcasting!

This is a fascinating book, and makes a wonderful Christmas gift. The story of Dick Enberg's life is inspirational, well-written, and a page-turner. And most important, for people like me - you do not have to be a sports fan to enjoy reading this. Anyone can appreciate the stories, from Enberg's insightful view of his humble Michigan childhood to his ardent dedication to his challenging craft. With a career of great success, including numerous Emmy's, awards, and accomplishments, Enberg also relates many humorous mishaps and anecdotes from the sports booth, while providing a realistic glimpse of the hard work going on "behind the scenes" in any network broadcast. Enberg's love of family, his honesty about personal problems, and his work ethic make reading this a treat. I highly recommend this book, for men AND women. And its great for teen-agers, because one of the secrets of this man's celebrated career was his preparation and effort to seize opportunity, along with a fervent appreciation of education. Thumbs-up for this one, you'll enjoy every page!!

This is a right now book for anyone who LOVES THE LORD!
For Your Glory Father!!

I just finished reading this book and found it to be one of the best books I have read on the ministry and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Not only was it interesting and informative, but very thought provoking. As I read it, I realized how imperative it is in our generation, and particularly in America today, to have the gifts of the Spirit operating corporately in our churches and personally in our own Christian lives. As I read it, I was convicted, inspired and challenged. It took the Fire fresh from the Altar of Jehovah and put it right in my heart!

If you want to be encouraged and uplifted read this book as soon as possible! Miracles still happen, and Fred's eyewitness testimony is amazing and inspiring!

Adam from Florida <><

For many people that deny the power of God. Brother Stone not only gives you his testimony about the power of God but he also gives the reader keys to partaking in the awesome power of a mighty God!

The beauty and ease of your daughter scripting the memiors of your awesome experiences with the power of Almighty God! This man has been compared to prophets in the Bible, and I agree. From the story of how he was taken away by the midwife, immediately after he was born, to the end, it is evident that God has his hand on this man. If you enjoy hearing about spiritual and supernatural manifestations you will love this account. Let your heart go with these words and you will see feel the power of this testimony. There IS power in it!!

I love to sing karaoke even though I'm not very good, and this book is a boon to me! Author Raina Lee does an excellent job of researching the origins of this performative pastime as well as uncovering some of the lesser known and arcane chapters in its ongoing history. An exhaustive yet fun exegesis on all things karaoke related, it includes great photos, hilarious themed songlists and even reviews and rundowns of the best and most unique karaoke venues in the country. This book is absolutely necessary for anyone interested in karaoke, from the casual I'll-only-sing-if-I'm-drunk dipper to the serious American Idol wannabe. Plus the author is cute. I love this book!!!

Raina is both sincere and hilarious which makes the book even better... ironic karaoke would be waaaaaaaay to easy... and Michael Perry's design/illo's rock the hutspa.

Ms. Lee truly has proven herself to be THE karaoke queen with Hit Me With Your Best Shot! In it, she reveals many karaoke secrets and tips sure to enlighten all levels of public crooners, from the practiced pro to the ingenue. A mid-level performer myself, I especially enjoyed reading about the karaoke singer "types". Hilarious and all true!! The suggested song lists were helpful too.

Since I'm not big on reading, I liked how the book was broken up into manageable chunks, with funny drawings and quotations throughout. Also, I'm a huge fan of quizzes, and apparently Ms. Lee is too because she had one in the book!

The only downsides to the book were that I wished it included a CD with some of the songs Ms. Lee recommended. Also, the karaoke bars that Ms. Lee reviewed didn't really cover the Pacific Northwest. It would have been nice to have a more comprehensive list.

All in all, a very humorous read and I already have a couple of friends in mind that I might buy it for.

It amazes me that a great karaoke book took this long to come out. As a seasoned karaokian(?), I can say that there really is no stone left unturned in this book. Song lists, drink recipes, karaoke history, a glossary - everyone has something to gain from the pages of this book.

Other bonuses: nice paper stock, funny pictures, and super-happy artwork. But my favorite? Its size. Small enough to carry as a guide or give as a gift, yet bold enough to claim real estate on my coffee table.

I almost feel bad for only paying eight bucks for it...

This is perfect for that person in the office who thinks he's on American Idol! introduce him to karaoke! the history section is really funny, but most useful is the section of recommended playlists, so you're never clueless what to sing.

There's also some insider knowledge on where karaoke videos come from, and the origins of the karaoke home machine. Raina breaks down the archetypes of the karaoke singer. I must know someone from EVERY description. It's hilarious...truly great writing! Great gift for any music lover or karaoke freak!

This is a great book when I discover this one it takes my life upside down, and all that i want to do is make this sort of quilts, It is full of color and patterns to use for every quilter. To make splended paintings from fabric on the wall.

This book is a gem. I originally stumbled across it in a bookstore when I was wracking my brain about what to get my mom, who has strong arts and crafts interests. I picked it up and started paging through it, and it was...beautiful.

Previously, I had thought of quilting as the tiniest bit dopey: traditional patterns, "country" styles, very little in the way of innovation -- but this book completely turned me around. This is quilting as high art. Some of the quilts took my breath away. I almost kept the book for myself. I still might buy myself a copy.

My mom had a more lukewarm reaction to it, along the lines that she probably wouldn't ever use any of the patterns...but I can imagine that the ideas in this book might influenced even her more traditional designs.

Since then, I've given this book to both quilters and non-quilters. Anyone with an eye for beauty (especially if they love Monet) will love this book. It's a treasure. You would never guess.

This book is the most applicable info for beginning quilters using this technique which is really more artistic that most quilt piecing.

Traditional quilting somewhat bored me but I love collecting fabrics. Impressionist Quilts challenged me to use them! Ms. Perry takes you step by step through the process of watercolor quilting. This book will teach you more than just quilting but also color theory and design. I can't stop the ideas! I highly recommend this book and can't wait to get her next one!

Walking through Joanne's Fabrics, Gai Perry's book caught my eye. Having never tackled a quilt, I jumped right in and designed my first one based on my mother-in-laws beautiful English Garden at the shore. Using her easy to follow instructions, the wall hanging was a success. Now I'm quilting my interpretation of the Buchart Garden's on Vancover Island in B.C. On the drawing table is a moon light scene over a lake to be done exclussively in blues and purples.

Buy this book, you'll be glad you did when you read about floral fabric selection, mixing and matching, gradations, and on and on. I've peeked at the photos in her 2nd book and can't wait to read it when Amazon ships it.

It is seldom that a man with the life experiences of the author is blessed with the ability putting it into words and have a sense of humor that comes with age. Reading the author's background you are not at all surprised that he understands how law enforcement works, how bankers work, how cheating spouses operate, how dirty cops and politicians manipulate our world. He has been there and seen it. If you read much fiction involving murders, you will finally understand that most of those are really "fiction" while this book smacks of real life from the first page on. As an author I find it exciting to read this first novel because it gives you a glimpse of what will follow .So I urge you to read it so that one day you may boast that you have spotted the beginning of an incredible career at the start.

Mr. Perry has hit the bullseye on his first outing as a novelist. His Manuel Muldoon is interesting from the first few pages, but really gets going when the murder and following action starts.. I had a hard time putting it down. Great.. Looking forward to more from Mr. Perry.. I hear he has a second novel in the works. I sure hope so.. He's great!!

Brent Moseley
Houston, TX

Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views (9/06)

Only eighteen, Manny, or "Mann-uuu-well" as his boss's wife calls him, wants to be a writer. The only problem is that he graduated "...summa cum barely..." from high school. So instead he works for his small town's local hotshot banker, Robert Sturmwell, as a houseboy/errand-runner/anything-you-want employee.

We quickly learn to feel sorry for him, trapped with this dysfunctional family. Nancy Sturmwell loves to lecture on any topic she can think of and doesn't even begin to be politically correct with her Hispanic help. She is the type of woman that Manny imagines would "...ask for a hairdresser and someone to come in and do her nails..." just prior to her execution on Death Row. There are plenty of other annoying characters that inhabit Marshlake, Texas, and Manny seems to run into them all. Edward Ruiz plays the over-eager cop who can't let a traffic violation pass by. I am happy to say that he gets what he deserves in the end. As do all the bad guys.

It isn't too long before the dead body appears, but we know from the start who did it and why. The only mystery left is how long it will take the police and the victim's husband to figure it out. And of course how many other family secrets will come out in the end.

Unfortunately, the point of view switches back and forth constantly, which slowed me down as I read, forcing me to decide whose head I was supposed to be in. I also wish that the author had allowed me to figure some things out on my own rather than telling me everything. Peary Perry can turn a phrase, such as "...these people were slick enough to steal the radio and leave the music". But even though I'm from Texas myself, I wondered at times if there wasn't too much Texas detail included. I did like the story idea and I wanted to know how it ended, but despite the plot thickening, it wasn't a book that I couldn't put down at night.

In the end, we finally discover if Manny will be a writer. We are reminded that he thought his life was too boring and he had nothing to write about. Throw in a few dead bodies and some blackmail and suddenly he's got a story!

Manuel Muldoon captured my interest from the first page on through to the end. Excellent character development and a believable story. Author did an excellent job of describing the locations in Texas and Colorado and captured the realistic views of small town life and politics. Hurry up and write your second book!

Peary Perry's Marshlake is a little bit like a Peyton Place with babes with great shapes who can't walk straight and selfish/foolish guys. How smart can a guy be who marries one of those babes and then signs over the huge family tru$t to her? It's just that she doesn't realize what she's got and then a galpal from her past shows up and plasters her inside the wall of a swimming pool. This galpal knew too much and tried to cash in on the way too not legal business of the folks at Marshlake. Violent exit for the galpal.

Now let's get cynical. Manny (Manuel Muldoon) is from the wrong side of the tracks. Not a stellar student in school but maybe he can do better with his writing. Too bad he likes to write mysteries about ice pick murders. Too bad he works for the rich spoiled of Marshlake who have two bodies to hang around someone's neck.Thank God for truckers who can size things up over just a cup of coffee. The chapters at the last come fast. Finally along came Vicky.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (8/06)

"Mrs. Murphy's Marvelous Mansion" is a marvelous book. The story is lively and the illustrations are delightful. The message behind this book is timely. We should look inside a person and not judge their exterior

"The Finest Neighborhood Contest" causes quite a stir in this perfect neighborhood. Perfect except for one house. Mrs. Murphy's home isn't perfect and doesn't fit in with the neighbor's idea. When the neighbors confront Mrs. Murphy she invites them for lunch and they tour her home. What a marvelous home it is. Bright and cheerful with plants and trees and bright colors everywhere. The neighbors agree their neighborhood is perfect in every aspect.

"It is a very fine day indeed," mused Mrs. Murphy, "when we learn that beauty on the inside matters more than beauty on the outside." If we could all learn that lesson.

What an adorable book. I highly recommend it for children up to ages 9. Older children may find it too simplistic. Children will be fascinated with the illustrations and the message is a beautiful one.

There is a Very Finest Neighborhood Contest coming up that the citizens of Mrs. Murphy's community hope to win! After all, isn't their neighborhood the most perfect neighborhood of all? As soon as word of the contest spread, the people gathered to chat about the many novel ideas they could come up with to beautify their street and win the prize. During their conversations, they decided to make certain additions, such as: a large welcome sign, new lamp posts, trees, flowers, park benches, a fountain and perhaps even a statue in the circle. As they stood about making their grand plans (with great confidence too), Mrs. Murphy opened the door of her tiny, and quite peculiar looking, little house to walk her dog (Pickles). Suddenly, all the planning came to a screeching halt! They had forgotten about Mrs. Murphy's house.

Now, of course, Mrs. Murphy is a pleasant enough person, but the neighbors knew they would never win this contest with HER house in THEIR neighborhood. It must be pointed out here that none of them had ever been INSIDE Mrs. Murphy's tiny and peculiar looking house, but they certainly knew what it would look like on the inside because they could judge THAT by the outside. Isn't that right? Can't the inside be judged by what the outside looks like?

Come along and laugh with a delighted Mrs. Murphy as she gently turns the tables on these fine folks by inviting them to lunch INSIDE her house. Cheer with her as she politely (if maybe a bit gleefully) leads them from one grand room to another, as the house seems to grow before their very eyes! By the time the tour and lunch is over, the neighbors fully understand that it is not what something (or someone) looks like on the OUTSIDE that counts. It is the surprises held on the INSIDE that makes all the difference.

***** As parents, don't we all want our children to accept people by their characters (insides) instead of their outward appearances? If that is indeed the case, then Mrs. Murphy's Marvelous Mansion is an extraordinary tool and even the youngest child will grasp its lessons. The illustrations are whimsical and filled with bold color, but they also hold many tiny surprises for children to search out - which only adds to my excitement about this book. I truly enjoyed every word! This is exactly what I have come to expect from Illumination Arts Publishing. *****

Reviewed by Ruth Wilson of Huntress Reviews.

"We certainly won't win THE VERY FINEST NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEST with that awful little house on our street", shouted Mr. Brown. It should be torn down!" - Mrs. Murphy's Marvelous Mansion

Mrs. Murphy and her dog Pickles live in an unusual little house situated at the very center of town. It was so small, her neighbors always watched in amazement when she entered her abode--wondering how in the world she could move around once she got inside! Her unusual house made the neighbors so uncomfortable, they tried to pretend it wasn't there.

That is, until the VERY FINEST NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEST.

The neighbors gathered around, offering ideas to improve the neighborhood--to make it more beautiful. Mrs. Green suggested planting trees and flowers along the sidewalks while Mr. Gold wanted to include a magnificent gold statue.

"What very fine ideas", observed Mrs. Murphy with a cheerful smile.

However, as soon as Mrs. Murphy walked away, the neighbors began talking about Mrs. Murphy's house, calling it ugly--and Mr. Brown shouting that it be torn down!

Fueled by mob energy, they accost Mrs. Murphy and tell her that her doesn't belong on "their" very fine street--and shouted that her dreadful house has got to go!

Unruffled, the good-natured, but surprised, Mrs. Murphy answers that her house is very fine indeed, and that they were invited to join her tomorrow for lunch to see for themselves.

What follows in this delightful story is a lesson about not judging people (or houses) from the outside, and re-evaluating what makes something "fine" or "beautiful". Instead of answering her snobbish neighbors with defensiveness or trading insults, Mrs. Murphy takes the high road--and her kindness shines in stark relief to the neighbors' narrow-minded cruelty.

Mrs. Murphy's Mansion, superbly written by Emma Perry Roberts and outrageously illustrated by Robert Rogalski, conveys the importance of not judging by appearances, as well as the power of kindness. The illustrations are absolutely delightful, and I enjoyed reading this book (although I felt badly for Mrs. Murphy.) Indirectly, this book also conveys the message of empowerment: when you value yourself and cultivate gratitude and cheer, you can meet the nastiest of remarks with a level head, warm smile, and an invitation to understand.

Mrs. Murphy's Marvelous Mansion is an imaginative and well-crafted tale, and its message of looking past surface appearances comes across without ever getting in the way of the storytelling. The outrageous and detailed illustrations really bring the story to life.

I think the book will be a treat both for younger children, and for those old enough to read it themselves, and it will be a story they will return to again and again.

Having taught Reading to primary grade children in a public school for thirty three years, I found this book to be in the finest tradition of good childrens' literature. Ms. Roberts has written a delightful book with a sensitive compelling story. The narrative will touch children's minds and hearts. The hysterical illustrations will tickle their funny bones. Altogether a magical, memorable book. Kids will love it!

This is an excellent book, one that not only tells you what it was like in those days between "beats" and "hippies," but it shows you in pictures. This is a brilliant idea for a book and one that makes me wish I had been there.

I bought the book after reading Electric Kool-Aide Acid Test for the third time. I really wanted to know more about what Mountain Girl, Cassidy, Gretchin Fetchin, and Babbs looked like, and scenes from the Trip. What a great book. I would recommend it to anyone who is reading, has read, or will be reading the book, Electric Kool-Aide Acid Test. This would be a great companion as your were reading it, and were exposed to the characters in the book.

i bought this book after reading The Electic Kool Aid Acid Tests, primarily because i wanted to compare the photography to wolfe's narrative. I'm afraid that it hasn't satiated my craving for more..now i am seeking Garage Sale & Furthur Inquiry. Anyone who loves what the 60's were all about and feels slighted for not yet being around then....'either you're on the bus, or you're off the bus'!

this was just great. for those of us who couldn't be there for perry lane, the bus trip, or the acid tests, this is a great account of the time. you don't realize how important kesey was to the movement until you read this. on the bus is really a quick bio of kesey. it helps you to understand how kesey took over where kerouac left off. you really feel as if you know kesey and neal after finishing this book. if you are a bohemian, beat, hippie, or any combination, then this is the book to get.

Anyone who is a Kesey fan MUST read this book. It is basically the photo album which correlates with Wolfe's Electric Kool-Ade Acid Test. It gives more insight into the minds of the pranksters and others. I highly recommend this book to any who is interested in the counterculture. The book as well as the trip are truly legendary.

Originally brought this book for my pre-teen daughter because she read all the books in the "Carmen Browne" pre-teen series. I read this book first and decided it was not for pre-teens. The story lines are too mature for her now. Because the stories are true to life and well written, I plan to save them for her to read later.

Mrs. Moore has an excellent way of addressing real life issues and demonstrating how young people can make God honoring choices in each situation. By the way, I read the next book too!

Book #3 and what can I say, the list goes on with issues that our youth are faced with in day to day life. Shows the true way to cope and deal with those issues, and not lose your faith. What will Payton encounter next? I anxiously await the next book.

African-American teen Payton Skky is back in full force in SAVED RACE, the third book chronicling her misadventures and life lessons. It picks up where SOBER FAITH left off. Payton is anxiously awaiting her high school graduation, but as the commencement festivities kick off, she is quickly distracted by other issues in her life.

While taking a drive with her sleazy yet endearing ex-boyfriend Dakari, Payton encounters racial discrimination on a level previously unknown to her. Dakari is pulled over for speeding and then roughed up by an obviously prejudiced white police officer. Payton is horrified, and the event sets the tone for the rest of her summer.

Payton's problems only get worse when she learns that Pillar, her beautiful bi-racial cousin, will be spending a good deal of the season with the Skky family. Pillar has always rubbed Payton the wrong way --- and she's not sure if a bi-racial teen will easily fit into her close-knit circle of African-American friends. Soon, Payton is wildly jealous of her cousin, thinking she has garnered the attention of the two loves of her life: ex-boyfriends Dakari and Tad.

As the story progresses, Payton's racial struggles continue to affect her everyday life. A shocking incident serves to bring Payton and Pillar closer together, but Payton continues to struggle with anger and resentment resulting from prejudice. The novel comes to a close when Payton moves into her dorm room at the predominately white University of Georgia. She has mixed feelings upon learning that her roommate, Laurel Shadrach, is white. However, they quickly realize that they have something very powerful in common, which finally might break down strong racial barriers --- their love of God.

SAVED RACE is a quick read but most definitely not a light one. No matter from what perspective one reads the book, it is bound to provoke strong emotion. As a white reader, I often resented the fact that most of the few white characters were portrayed in an over-the-top fashion, as prejudiced and close-minded. I was also often annoyed by Payton, as she seemed to be actively looking for even the smallest signs that others were discriminating against her. However, author Stephanie Perry Moore does redeem herself by adding two positive white figures towards the end of the book: Laurel and star football player Jett Phillips.

It must be noted though that this novel is geared primarily towards young African-Americans. I'm sure that had I shared any of Payton's experiences, I would have been able to relate more to her story and better understand her predicaments.

Although feelings about this book ultimately may vary according to race, the story is very powerful, provokes important questions, and calls for personal introspection about underlying racial tension.

--- Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby

After being saved for almost two years now, I just wish that I had these books back in my time. The teens growing up in this day and age really need Christian books like this to relate too. Even though I am in my mid 30's this book has really been a God sent. I have even started my teenage cousin, who is now a sophomore in high school to read this series. This is a type of book that can lead to great discussion sessions with a teen group.

This is great book. I got finished reading it in three hours!!! Let me tell you;I could not put that book down. I can't wait untill I get "The Sweetest Gift". "Staying Pure","Sober Faith",and "The Saved Race", are all very exciting books for young teens of any race.I understand Payton and her way of thinking,the experiences that she goes through can relate with every day life.

I'm sure the book is good because I bought it thinking it was a new novel. But, it's a compilation of three or four previously published paperbacks which I already own and have read, so I spent my money for nothing....the stories are well written and are Star Trek...except there is no explanation that it's previously published novels all rolled up into one..

This collection of stories is the direct continuation of the storyline of the series. Starting 3 months after the events of the show, these stories don't miss a beat.

My favorite thing about these books, is how well they capture the characters. The perspective of the stories is ever-shifting, jumping from character to character. Many of these characters are well established from the Star Trek televion shows. They are very well represented, and very true to what you know about each of them. The new characters that get introduced are just as real and alive as the ones you know and love.

The stories are compelling, especially for those who always wondered what the heck happened after Captain Sisko disappeared to join the Prophets. I would recommend this to any sci-fi fan, but with so much history on the station and with the characters, these stories are truly for the Star Trek fans.

This collection of books lives up to the Star Trek name, and the DS9 brand as well, with darker and deeper ideals being explored.

In the years following the finale of Deep Space Nine, I have often lamented the fact that Star Trek did not continue the series via feature films. DS9 was easily my favorite Trek series, and the finale, while it wrapped up everything quite well, clearly left open the possibility of further stories.

It is with great admiration for the authors of these "post-finale," aka "relaunch" novels, that I say these books have relieved me of my post-finale sadness. The authors of these stories clearly know the characters in and out, and demonstrate a strong understanding of the events that took place in the series. The characters speak and act consistently with what we saw on television.

I was skeptical about how good Star Trek novels could really be, and let's be clear: this isn't Dune or Stranger in a Strange Land. The books collected here are Star Trek adventures that fit seamlessly with the series. The prose is clear and direct, and the stories have the same kind of short-chapter rhythm that would work well on-screen (though the novels do have the advantage of giving us a direct look into the characters' thoughts without having to use "captain's log" voice-overs).

Again, I really didn't think that Star Trek novels could be this good. But the authors here approach everything from the right perspective, respectful of the series and of its fans. Deep Space Nine deserves no less. I couldn't be happier that I gave this collection a chance.

Im glad this book was published because I was not able to read the last 2 of the storys when they were originaly published and I enjoyed them here.

Twist of Faith offers everything:

*what a bargain! 660 pages of truly wonderful story-telling with enough action, variety, mysteries, and fun to give you hours of reading pleasure

*a truly beautiful cover and binding. Not something I usually care about but the artwork on Twist of Faith is just fantastic.

*Avatar, by S. D. Perry, is as rich and detailed a story as you will find in the Star Trek universe. Mind you, this is NOT an easy read - the book is painstaking in its detail, carefully building up characters and story until the book positively takes a life of its own (literally!). Most amazing of all, it brings utterly brand new characters completely alive, from an "old hand" Star Fleet officer to a young Andorian to a brand new take on the Jem'Hidar. And if that weren't enough, it takes backstory from the series to a remarkably vivid and logical extension, with the book filled with both heart-wrenching tragedy and great triumphs.

*an action packed middle book (Abyss) which, while it can't keep up quite the momentum found in the first book, serves as effective action piece for our good Doctor.

*a very well written 3rd and final book (Demons of Air and Darkness) which shows that a very simple and somewhat monotonous premise - catastrophe and rescue - can be greatly enhanced by skillful, amusing, and action-packed writing ability that neatly fuses races from not only Deep Space 9 but also Voyager in a way that makes sense and provides edge of your seat excitement.

*and if that weren't enough, there's a special treat in the Horn and Ivory novella which is a different sort of story (more would spoil the fun) that is immensely enjoyable and remarkably entertaining, especially since it involves a series of characters and events which don't go beyond this single story.

In short, this is a fantastic volume, attractively to view, wonderfully priced, and an absolutely stellar set of stories. They outdid themselves with this one!

Kudos!!!

TEMPERED STEEL is a portrait of a time, an inside look at a culture of speed and machines, but most of all it's the life of a man who endured what few ever have. That Jim Kasler survived his time of trial through fire is a testament to his courage and toughness. His biographers, Byler and Luckett, have with meticulous research recreated the life of an authentic American hero.

This is not your usual run of the mill biography. This is the story of a warrior.
There are many types in the military, diplomats, politicians, sycophants, citizen soldiers, patriots, war lovers, otherwise unemmployable, etc. They are all needed, and, with good leadership, most perform well under stress. But, surprising as it may seem, the warriors are marked by their rarity, Jim Kasler is a WARRIOR.
Having been a POW with Jim and being an aviator (Navy) I can verify that this account is reliable, factual and even handed. It doesn't try to tell any one else's story but Jim's own. It is not a revisionist history. It pulls no punches. It tells it like it is (was). It makes you proud to be an American.
Thank God Jim Kasler was on our side.

I was lucky enough to have seen Kasler speak along with his two biographers.

Kasler was also at the same place my late father was during WWII. The book relates how, at Las Cruces on July 16, 1945, Kasler was at the mess hall and saw the atomic blast at the Trinity Site. Since my father was an NCO pilot, he was at the same mess hall at 5:30am as Kasler. I told Kasler how my father was smoking a cigarette outside with a friend when the dark sky lit up. They both thought a B29 had exploded. Whereas that was it for my father, Kasler was a tail-gunner and his job was to fly behing the Enola Gay and take photos of the bomb damage.

During the Korean War Kasler was a jet pilot and would become an ace. What is not in the book as the fact that he may have shot down Mao's son. His two biographers believe that is the case, but did not have enough evidence at the time of book publishing.

Kasler time in Vietnam would be his worst time. He was shot down and taken prisoner. He believes that the one thing that saved him was the fact that a magazine article had just come out with him dewcribed as a "one man air force." He believes that made him a high value target to the North Vietnamese. One thing that all POWs remember is the time a man known as Fidel. When he started to talk about him, Kasler just looked out the window and his voice trailed off. He slowly remarked how that was the worst time in his life. He also explained that he felt he had a high pain tolerance, which meant he could take more than regular people. He stated, though, that with torture you will say whatever they want you to.

Kasler left the military not long after release. He had been badly injured when he bailed out and, with the poor treatment in Vietnam, he is almost crippled in one leg. He was able to fly again, though, but once he got out he never flew again. He had toyed with getting an "experimental," but after his wife found out about the high death rate of these pilots he thought otherwise.

Kasler now spends his time sitting on a bank board as well as running and designing golf courses. This book is well worth the price and quite an interesting read.

An excellent book outlining the life and military career of James Kasler. His patriotism to his country was vividly displayed in the chapters dealing with his prisoner of war years during the Viet Nam war. He endured more pain and torture than most men could bear. Every American should read this book.

Perry Luckett and Charles Byler have opened a new generation's eye's to a period of time that many would rather like to forget. After all the political embarressment and face-saving, it's time to honor the actions of the honorable. The legacy that the pilots left through their deeds is one worth telling. Men such as Col. James Kasler have paid their dues in full by standing to be counted for what they firmly beleive in even when that meant torment and punishment.
Luckett and Byler have compiled a great account of a very honorable man!