Peter Books

This book draws you in until you feel like a part of the story. It is a joy to read!

Be captured into HR Peters world of love, loss, and self-discovery. Though it is set in a time hundreds of years ago--a time that is unknown to the majority of us--it is very relate-able to the modern day. There's a little something for everyone in this story: Adventure, romance, comedy--and most importantly--mischief! :) I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a private mental getaway. Very good reading!

I enjoyed reading the Captains Choice, it's a seemingly very well researched historical novel that is not stuffy but heartwarming, romantic, and humorous in an unconventional way. I recommend it highly!

I'm not an avid reader but I finished this book in less than a week, which is a record for me. The Captain's Choice is romantic, witty, mischievous and so much fun. Great book, I'm ready for the sequel!

I found this book to be a delightful romantic comedy. However, it also presented certain moral and spiritual truths which could be easily understood by all. I love historical fiction and I found this book did well in depicting the time period that the story was set in. The story and characters held my interst and I look forward to its sequel.

I use this encyclopedia to prepare for my catechism class and gives me a clear and understandable explanation of terms.

Those who know Fr. Stravinskas know that he likes to keep things short and to the point, so that the average person can understand what he's teaching without getting lost in detail. On another note, Our Sunday Visitor has a reputation for printing only the best quality of Catholic books. This collaboration brings out the best traits of both.

It is faithful to the Church's basic teaching since the Second Vatican Council, it fits into one large volume using a print size that will not strain your eyes, it is wonderfully organized to cover a wide variety of topics relevant to the Catholic faith, and its entries are informative while being written at a level the average Catholic can understand.

For these reasons, this is simply one of the best modern Catholic Encyclopedias on the market. Every Catholic family and college student who is interested in their faith should own one.

Easy to read. Comprehensive, concise, orthodox. Great reference to have in order to look up any subject about the Catholic Church in one Book.

When I ordered the Encyclopedia, I resigned myself to slugging through mountains of information and end up "What did that say again?"

Well, I am pleased to say that there was the mountain of information and more often than not I knew what it was saying. The definitions in were to the point, crisp and relevant to the times. Rev. P. Stravinskas had the insight to include information an ordinary Catholic needed at 7PM Sunday in a mad rush to complete an assignment.

Where the encyclopedia lost me were in some definitions that were necessarily lengthy. Obviously, some white space could have saved me time in re-reading the whole passage. But, with the value of the information included, I believe the Encyclopedia is an excellent resource for those of us who are not scholars in the catechism of the Catholic Church.

If you want to know what the Catholic Church teaches this is a great reference book. Father Stravinskas teaches what the Church teaches, and not just his own personal opinion. I'd recommend anything he wrote. It's wonderful to know you won't be misled. Nice book for dipping into, too!

I read this title almost two years ago, and I simply can't forget it. It must be the greatest books i've ever read.
The plot is so interesting and the ending is such a twist it will leave your mouth hanging open.
I first borrowed it from a library, but I'm definately interested in reading it AGAIN and will probably buy it eventually to add to my small but growing book collection.
This books earns it place next to (but slightly below) Harry Potter and Twilight.

I've rented this book from the library. What a fantastic read. I actually put it down several times near the end because it was a little scary in a real sort of way. I thought I knew how the story was going to end but I was surprised by it; totally not what I thought would happen.

High school sophomore Ethan Lederer appears to have it all. He has a smart girlfriend named Janie; a solid interest in acting as well as talent and a flair for expression. Cracks appear in the surface in the forms of Ethan's brilliant older sister, Amanda and their overachieving parents who assume that he wants to be a doctor. Ethan is enrolled in the Honors' Program at his school and science is the one class that stands between him and a solid phalanx of As and A+s.

Ethan's life takes a drastic turn for the wild side when transfer student Lydia arrives. She insidiously worms her way into Ethan's life; she comes between him and Janie; she blackmails the chemistry teacher so as to ensure Ethan's continued academic success after he gets caught cheating on an exam.

Lydia's family is just as sinister and scary as she is. Her brother is described as a quasi-verbal criminal and their mother is clearly mentally ill. Ethan learns that Lydia has travelled all over the country, rarely remaining in one school for the duration of a year.

Lydia is controlling and dangerous. She tries to indoctrinate Ethan in the idea that they will remain together forever; she tricks him into having her name tattooed onto his shoulder. Ethan soon becomes quite scared of the girl and tries avoiding her at all costs. He makes an attempt to end the relationship, such as it is, only to become the target of telephone harassment and a stalking charge.

Ethan fears for his life and during the school production of "MacBeth," readers are left avidly awaiting to see the resolution before the Final Curtain.

This book is full of activity and backstabbing. "Caught in the Act" is about a girl who is gothic, and moves to a new school. Her face is covered by her hair and she seems to always be writing in her green diary. Life is changed dramatically for the main character, Ethan. Ethan lies to his parents about his grades because they want him to be extremely smart, which he isn't. There are other things that he wants to do but feels pressured by his parents or that they would be disappointed of what he wants to do. The new girl, Lydia, seems to understand him and he feels he can tell her anything. She gets him to do things that he never thought of doing. He soon starts to realize that he is way over his head and trapped in the middle of past consciences and a girl who is out of control.
This book is a very enjoyable book. It can be read in just three days without realizing it. I was so disappointed when I got to the end. I wasn't disappointed about what happened but that I was almost finished. I really enjoyed that the book kept moving and had hardly any standstills. "Caught in the Act" made me think about things in a different way and I know will make others look at life in a different way.
"Caught in the Act" is a great book for seventh grade and above. I recommend this book to any one who likes constant moving and unexpected twists. If you want to read something different, this is the book for you. I enjoyed it and I know many more will.

High school sophomore Ethan Lederer is an honor student and all-around great guy. He has lots of friends and a girlfriend who all adore him. His parents think highly of him and hope that he will follow in their Ivy League and medical school footsteps.

Ethan, however, is not as interested in science and math as his parents think. In fact, his near-perfect grades are threatened by his performance in chemistry class. Wanting to please his family, and the role they hope he will play, Ethan remains silent and lets them believe he is on track to medical school. The one thing that is truly important to Ethan, however, is neither science nor math, but the theatre.

And then, Lydia Krane shows up one day in Ethan's chemistry class. There's something compelling about the new girl, with her changing accents and babydoll t-shirts. Plus, Lydia is different from Ethan's family and friends. She doesn't expect him to be something he's not, and they have something in common --- the love of the stage. Both Ethan and Lydia try out for the spring play, a modern-day reinterpretation of the Shakespearean classic, Macbeth. They get parts, and become closer friends.

Ethan confides in Lydia what he can't confide in anyone else: "No matter how hard I try, I just won't ever be as smart as them, as good as them...I'm just really good at faking it...I'm doing it all the time, twenty-four/seven. Acting like I'm a good student, good son, good everything. Acting like it comes easy to me. But it's a real struggle. I feel like a total fraud half the time."

As Ethan continues the facade of good student, he does the unthinkable. He cheats on a chemistry exam rather than risk getting a bad grade. His plan backfires when he gets caught, but then Lydia Krane intervenes, which in the end makes Ethan's situation worse.

As Ethan lets Lydia into his life more and more, he notices that Lydia is changing and becoming more clingy and more obsessed with him. Ethan finds out more is at risk than his perfect image, and Lydia is not who he thought she was at all.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT is an engaging novel with a twisting storyline. Author Peter Moore does a good job of letting us into Ethan's life and exploring, along with Ethan, who he really is. The character of Lydia Krane is both creepy and mesmerizing. We only hope for the best for good boy Ethan, to get himself out of the bad situations in which he gets captured.
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A really great book to learn about the religion, customs and history of the Jewish faith. The storys are wonderful and the crafts and food are easy and meaningful.

Aimed at intermediate or slightly older readers (but also could be read aloud to younger readers) this is an excellent introduction to the major Jewish holiday, including traditional ways to celebrate the holidays, recipes, activities and history. Adults as well as children are likely to learn something new about each holiday - I know I did!

Good books on Jewish traditions and heritage are very hard, if not almost impossible, to find. This book is easy to read and understand - for adults and children alike.

I used this book to introduce my private-school, sixth grade students to some Jewish holidays. The stories are clear, entertaining, and accurate, explaining the history and religious reasons for each holiday without being educationally or spiritually overwhelming. They are written with love and care; even my non-Jewish students remembered and referred to the stories throughout the year. This book is a treasure!

This has proven to be the perfect book to help our own (Catholic) children learn about the holidays our Jewish friends and neighbors celebrate throughout the year. Thank you, Gilda Berger and Peter Catalanotto!

Celestial Reunion is a book that allowed me to remember the time when we were one, only one. The topics that Peter Phalam touches upon are those which every one on this planetary plane are assimalating on a moment to moment basis. In my metaphysical studies over the last 24 years I have never seen such a concise display of multidimensional geometrical expression of all 144 dimensions in such a magical, elizabethan fashion. Books like the Keys Of Enoch, Pleiadian Agenda, Course In Miracles, the Gita, the Bible itself, Arcturus Probe, Flower Of Life, Songs of the Masters Of Light, Joshua David Stones' Cosmic Ascension, the Light Shall Set You Free are preschool compared to Celestial Reunion in my opinion. Let it be known that Sananda and Lord Enoch, Sophia of the Great Central Sun and Ashtar's contributions are the most important contributions in my opinion to ever grace this planet. I would give my life for these teachings to be in every school in every part of the world. Blessings to all that receive this divinely ordained teaching. Thank You Peter and thank you Shelly his divine twin flame as well as Phalam Peter's higherself for all the wonderful enlightenment that I continue to receive from your majestic, super luminous, sub atomic hyper glyphonic radial matrix natural time splendor in Celestial Reunion. I give this 11-11, 777 Supreme Full realization conciousness Terton Stars of Christ Essence light streaming from Kauai to California stars, Premeste (in the book) Atlantean for I honor your path back to Oneness! Love and light, brothers and sisters of the light!!! Horus, Diocles, Drew B One, Jedi Master

When I first received my copy from my brother I was shocked. I drove him to get this book and I had no idea what was in it. I was enthralled by Athena's eloquent musing on tinctures of light being applied to our auric fields to open our crown chakras. Merlin's dazzaling conncetion to our beloved Saint Germain was as liquid crystaline clear as being a being in Lord Sananda's and Mother Mary's 11th Dimensional Light Ship. The recollection of being a 3rd Root Race human being was awakened as I read this book four times from cover to cover remembering the stargates in Colorado and in the Eastern Part of the World. I am so aligned with Peter and Phalam that I know now that we are to be the next wave of Ascended Masters for the seventh golden age of Aquarius the age of light. The harmonic convergence of the 16-16 which is in the book is today Feb. 12, 1999. Onto the return to the source of the May 17, 17-17 2000 awakening of 144,000 master souls to full realization conciousness. I am so happy to be a part of the freeing of Gaia and Gaeitious, the sentient beings of Terra, Mother Earth. Pi and Dynian, Archangel Michael, Apostle Peter, Paul, Rafeal, Uriel, Zadkiel, the acsension plots, the Omni Logos, the arrival of the Blue Star Masters this summer of 1999, the Nomadic Universe Masters arrival and the Trinity 7th root race beings arrival have been transmitted in Celestial Reunion a book that I will remember for Eternity. Premeste, Onedeste, Nameste, Kodoish, Kodoish, Adonai Psebayoth in the name of the Seven Lady Archangels I say Adonai Elohim masters of light. Arianna Barry aka Emerald Comet, Red Crystal Moon

Celestial Reunion is a book that allowed me to remember the time when we were one, only one. The topics that Peter Phalam touches upon are those which every one on this planetary plane are assimalating on a moment to moment basis. In my metaphysical studies over the last 24 years I have never seen such a concise display of multidimensional geometrical expression of all 144 dimensions in such a magical, elizabethan fashion. Books like the Keys Of Enoch, Pleiadian Agenda, Course In Miracles, the Gita, the Bible itself, Arcturus Probe, Flower Of Life, Songs of the Masters Of Light, Joshua David Stones' Cosmic Ascension, the Light Shall Set You Free are preschool compared to Celestial Reunion in my opinion. Let it be known that Sananda and Lord Enoch, Sophia of the Great Central Sun and Ashtar's contributions are the most important contributions in my opinion to ever grace this planet. I would give my life for these teachings to be in every school in every part of the world. Blessings to all that receive this divinely ordained teaching. Thank You Peter and thank you Shelly his divine twin flame as well as Phalam Peter's higherself for all the wonderful enlightenment that I continue to receive from your majestic, super luminous, sub atomic hyper glyphonic radial matrix natural time splendor in Celestial Reunion. I give this 11-11, 777 Supreme Full realization conciousness Terton Stars of Christ Essence light streaming from Kauai to California stars, Premeste (in the book) Atlantean for I honor your path back to Oneness! Love and light, brothers and sisters of the light!!! Horus, Diocles, Drew B One, Jedi Master

From what I understand the bible has been rewritten 681 times. Through all those versions Revelations has never been tampered with because it was never understood until now. There are many, many misconceptions of what the meaning of Revelations is. So is this work the ultimate truth? That is for each individual to decide on there own. But from my perspective it has given me many viable answers that others have not provided to this body of work. Through the higher wisdom and guidance of Peter Phalam humanity has been given a gift to peak into the window of Divine truth. I chance to understand what Revelations speaks to.Page 18 explains the nature of the Alpha - Omega Karma. To all who have been wishing to create abundance and have not you will understand why. Page 148 gives an explanation as why women who are growing in spirit are leaving their relationships. And how the men are reacting and why.Page 154 talks about the twelve female apostles that served Christ. Because this has been a male dominated society the female expression to the truth of Christ has been kept in silence. This is just a small sample from the book of the truths I have gained insight to. This is a must read book for all who are on their spiritual path.

Having just finished Celestial Reunion, I can say it is a book that contains all facets of the truth of life and spirit. Following a long journey from 1992 to date, I have read many books, but this is the finest. As a healer and lightworker of the merkabah, I finally found a book that contained all I would wish for in a spiritual book. The vibration and words are heaven imbued. If you can get a copy, don't hesitate, as you won't regret it. Offering the true meaning of the apocalypse, channelled at a series of meetings, surrounded my dolphins, Peter channels from his higher self, messages, as the scrolls of revelations are each broken - and a truth revealed.
I spent a year, in very different circumtances, channelling material through, and it has been wonderful to read what Peter Channelled.

I am an avid cookbook reader and no book in my memory can match this book for content. It quickly has become the most used book on my shelf - for cooking and for reading. I sought out the book after watching the PBS series of the same name. It is a truly OUTSTANDING program that does so much more than teach you how to cook! The book and the TV series feature the biggest names in the culinary world - but the real heroes of the book/TV series are the farmers. The recipes are exquisite - but surprisingly simple. Even the novice chef could tackle these recipes with ease (although be warned - your friends may not believe you could create Patrick O'Connel's Flaming Apple Tart or the Garlic Custard of a famed NYC chef). This book is part travel, part cooking, part gardening, and part environmental action. The content is perfect for gift-giving or just for a special treat for yourself --- worth threes times the measly $15.95 I paid for it!

This book is the best cookbook I've seen in 2003. I have about 100 cookbooks and this rates up there with Tom Douglas' Seattle Kitchen. It only has about 50 recipes, but makes up for it in editorial content. It offers great tips on supporting local farmers, shopping, food & the environment, etc.

What a delightful companion to the splendid PBS television series of the same name. The TV show introduces us to passsionate farmers and world-class chefs who share their thoughts on fine food. It's one of the few intelligent programs on television and also a feast for the eyes. The stunning, elegantly composed hi-definition images of food, farmers and fields excite the senses. At the end of each episode I want to race to the kitchen and cook! With this handsome volume, we now have the resource to create the fabulous meals America's best chefs share during the show. But this isn't just a cookbook. Its lavishly illustrated pages feature important commentary on organic farming and sustainable agriculture. It's nice to know that there are still a few people in our fast-food world who know the meaning of the words "fine dining." With this book, now you can too.

As an avid fan of this PBS televison series I was skeptical that they could pull it off in book form...but they did! This book has fabulous recipes that are easy to make and delicious! Better yet, its editorial content on where our food comes from and advice on shopping with an environmental mind is extremely helpful and interesting. The chefs featured in this book are some of the best in the U.S. - they are "real" chefs running "real" restaurants, not like those found on The Food Network or in that never ending stream of glossy cookbooks. This book is worth twice the price.

The Chefs A'Field series has been important in helping to explain the importance of fresh, local, organically grown, peak of the season produce. It doesn't shy away from discussing sustainable ranching and fishing either. The recipes and dishes are important not necessarily because of their flavor pairings or because they push the envelope, but because they use product at the moment of its perfection. Simple technique is applied to insanely good ingredients.

The idea is awesome in its purpose, design, and goal, but I think it falls somewhat short in execution. I think that's true both for the show and the book. Some of the dishes just aren't that great. Certainly not groundbreaking. The chefs are good, but not outstanding. There are, however, a few stand-out highlights. Anne Quatrano and Rick Moonen are a couple of my favorites, but overall, I'd love to see other chefs that have adopted this important philosophy. It seems Keller and Waters would have fit this bill perfectly, though maybe they're too big for the series.

In all it is a nice cookbook with an important message, but as a collection of recipes, there is a mountain of better choices out there including the entire library of Chez Panisse books which all embrace the culinary values from the Chefs A'Field series.

I haven't read a book I liked this much in a long time. At 80 pages, it's hard not to want to analyze more into it than was actually intended, but the dichotomies of black-and-white chess pieces, and the clearly opposed characters of the traumatized intelligent Dr. B and his boot-clad half-imbecile opponent Czentovic, seem to invite nationalism and allegory.

Peter Gay's introduction claims that critics often fault Zweig for holding his cards to close to his chest. His characters, who Freud lo...more I haven't read a book I liked this much in a long time. At 80 pages, it's hard not to want to analyze more into it than was actually intended, but the dichotomies of black-and-white chess pieces, and the clearly opposed characters of the traumatized intelligent Dr. B and his boot-clad half-imbecile opponent Czentovic, seem to invite nationalism and allegory.

Peter Gay's introduction claims that critics often fault Zweig for holding his cards to close to his chest. His characters, who Freud loved, are broad-stroked mysteries, impeccably flawed. They may be consistent, but there are details that may be expected in literature that Zweig chooses to leave out.

It's not enough to hamper my enjoyment of this book. After reading so much dense material this year, this book was such a treat. However, it reminded me of "No Country For Old Men" in that the simplicity of the story hid the fact that the characters are powerhouses, twisted and real.

As summarized by another reviewer, the story takes place on a cruise ship en route from New York to Buenos Aires in 1941. The world chess champion, Mirko Czentovic, is on board. Czentovic is a chess prodigy who is singularly ungifted in other areas of the intellect and social graces. Also on board is Dr. B, a former solicitor for the Austrian imperial family who is traveling to South America as a refugee from the Nazi regime.
At the outset, considering Czentovic's isolated and emotionally deprived childhood, I was prepared to allow him his arrogance and conceit. Acknowledged, he was a master at chess and his boorish behavior could be excused. When Dr. B becomes peripherally involved in the chess match and exhibits a mastery of moves, it becomes clear that this man has somehow or other been absorbed into the exalted realm of chess. As his story unfolds, the reader enters the world of isolation and solitary that Dr. B endured at the hands of his Nazi tormenters. Zweig is so masterful at the depiction of the incarceration and the man's mental salvation through the game of chess that we as readers are carried along so forcibly that we leave the confines of our homes for the world of Dr. B. Every emotion he experienced, every racing of his pulse, every fearful moment, his ultimate dissociation of his personality and his breakdown are experienced by the reader. The descriptions are powerful and cause a visceral reaction that is astonishing. As I was reading, I started to note a racing pulse and sweating and a sense of uncontrollable foreboding. As the story raced to its conclusion, I had the urge to shout, "Halt! Don't play again!" I wept when I set the book down. The tears were for Dr. B, all of the victims of the Nazi carnage and perhaps also a reaction to what came to pass, the suicide of the author. This gem of a small book explores and disturbs the human psyche like no other.

This is truly a must read. Important historically, emotionally and I couldn't put it down. Be warned - I was so disturbed by this book I couln't fall asleep the night I read it.

This is one of the best books that I have ever read. I just finished reading the original German version for the second time and came here to see if it is available in English for all of my non-German speaking friends.

This book is basically a psychological thriller that takes you inside the divided mind of one Dr. B and locks you there just as securely as his Nazi tormentors ever could through the final endgame. I cannot vouch for the quality of this specific translation, but the original work is a masterpiece.

"Chess Story" (Original "Schachnovelle", previously published in English as "The Royal Game"), was Stefan Zweig's final work prior to his tragic death. It is a poignant, finely tuned psychological drama that will long linger in the reader's mind.

Chess Story centres around two extraordinary chess players. One is the world champion, Mirko Czentovic, who travels across the world for tournaments. The other is the enigmatic Dr. B., who claims not to have seen a chessboard in more than twenty years. The two are opposites in terms of personality, background and in their paths bringing them to a chance meeting on an ocean liner en route from New York to Buenos Aires. The narrator, who exhibits traits of an aspiring psychologist "passionately interested in monomaniacs", finds his first subject in the twenty-one year old chess prodigy, who otherwise exhibits poor education, intellect, and crude social behaviour. To satisfy his curiosity he instigates a game of chess between Czentovic and a group of "amateur chess lovers". Dr. B. watching the game in passing, is suddenly drawn into it, advising the hapless amateurs so that they reach a draw. His manifest expertise at the game as well as his strange conduct intrigues the narrator as much as the reader.

Using language that is sparse yet precise in detail, the first-person observer, although commenting on the game, is more fascinated by his subjects' personality and psyche. The narrator's inquisitiveness, heightened by Dr. B.'s unusual behaviour, leads him to follow his subject as he hurriedly flees the game room. Out on deck, Dr. B. eventually shares his personal story and recounts the recent harrowing events that forced him abruptly into exile from his native Austria. The narrator becomes at the same time listener and astute analyst. Dr. B.'s account reveals why chess for him has been both a salvation and a danger to his survival: his "involvement" with chess had gone beyond what a person can endure without dangerous consequences for the rest of his life.

Zweig's ability to build emotional tension and drama while keeping his choice of words neutral and objective is superb. The fluidity of language is maintained in the English translation. The story's impact is deepened by Zweig giving the narrator the dual role of audience and commentator. The intensity of the author's fascination with diametrically opposed characters and the clash of cultures they represent is evident throughout the novel. Certain parallels between Dr. B. and Zweig himself come easily to mind. Chess Story conveys a premonition of events occurring in the author's own life. Zweig, a well known and widely read Austrian author of biographies, essays and fiction in the first half of the twentieth century, left behind a remarkable opus of work. He fled Austria in 1935 anticipating the political upheaval in his country resulting from the rise of Nazism in Germany. Shortly after completing the novella in 1942, written during the previous three years, the author and his wife committed suicide while in exile in Brazil. Even after more than sixty years Chess Story remains pertinent today, both in its historical context and its primary subject matter. Peter Gay's informative introduction adds to the understanding of the story's context. [Friederike Knabe]

I LOVE THIS BOOK! IT'S COOL HOW THEY PUT THE SCRIPT IN THE BOOK.
I've seen the movie 5 times, and I can't wait until August 19th when it comes out! I'll be sure to be it.

It took 10 days for it to arrive, but it was worth the wait! I ordered used. But it was in perfect condition.

I've seen this movie 8 times, so it's just natural that I bought this book. The book cover was damaged, so I told amazon, and they sent me a new one, free of charge, within days! I love the pictures, they are amazing, and I love how the lyrics and script is included. This book tells the story of the movie with pictures. I also loved the behind the scenes information they had. This is a must-have for any die-hard Chicago fan.

If i could i would give this book more stars. This really captures the movie well. You need to buy, The Soundtrack & of course The Movie if you are a fan of the movie! Im only on page 37 and i just LOVE this book! To anyone who has not seen Chicago yet i say this to you "what the heck are you doing on your computer you chould be out going to see it"

I've been dying for this book to come out! Finally, I get it. I love it. I have to express my feelings for this great film, play and book. First of all...this is probably one of the most lavish musicals ever made. Second of all...if you have never seen the film, Do! Third of all...buy this book! It includes the complete screenplay (with some cuts from it) and an in-depth behind the scenes section with picutures of the 1975 Broadway play, the making of the film and real life "murderer's row."
If you love Chicago, buy this book! It rocks!

If you liked the movie (and, didn't we all?) you'll love this lavish, razzle-dazzle book. Some 183 eye-popping full color photos and illustrations are reminders of what a treat for the eyes this film is. It's hard to believe that pages can contain those glamorous larger than life screen figures - Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah - but, they do with photographs that sizzle.

In his intriguing introduction Director Rob Marshall relates his fascination with Chicago: "I was fifteen when I first saw Chicago on the New York stage. After seeing the performance, I listened to the album over and over and loved this musical more than words can convey. For me, Chicago was Broadway. So it's a dream come true for me that I've come full circle, going from that little kid, the 15-year-old at the stage door, to directing this movie. Please forgive me for believing it's destiny."

Marshall goes on to explain both the difficulties and joys of adapting Chicago from stage to film.

An especially absorbing section of this volume is devoted to the genesis of Chicago which was originally based on a real murder which took place in the city of Chicago in the 1920s. A man was found shot to death in a car owned by Mrs. Belva Gaertner, a cabaret singer with two ex-husbands. At first the woman denied any knowledge of the crime but later admitted that the gun found in the auto was hers. To every question asked of her she replied, "I don't know. I was drunk."

It comes as no surprise that she was acquitted. Following this announcement she laughed, hugged her attorneys, and thanked the jury. You know what they say about truth being stranger than fiction!

Remember Ginger Rogers? She came on screen as Roxie Hart in 1942.

The book Chicago is filled with little known facts, such as for the film's closing number when Roxie and Velma shoot out lights to spell their names over 10,000 light bulbs were used to create the 20 by 30 foot wall of bulbs. And, find out how and where Rob Marshall auditioned Renee Zellweger.

There's no place like Chicago that toddlin' town, and there's no book like Chicago!

- Gail Cooke

This is a very provacative and timely book. It's sure to upset many but it may also do some good in getting both Jews and Christians to acknowledge the overlaps in their traditions. If only Muslims would read this book! They too would have something to learn!

This is one of the most important books available, not just for those already initiated into J/C relations. Every Christan Pastor in every denomination needs to use this book as a new source of balance as they attempt to nourish their congregations in an accurate understanding of God, scripture, and a host of other central faith topics, note the word "central."

The light that eminates from this collection of writings is profound. This balance is what you will not recieve in Seminary training, except from a very few knowledgable educators. The Christian world must listen, and this book is one of the most important collective "voices" to hear from.

Rabbi Neusner once told me, "Only brothers can have such a prolonged and passionate fight." The brothers are the synagogue and the church. In times past, it has been dangerous for Jews to discuss Christianity. In times past, it has been dangerous for Chrsitians to do anything but to blame Jews (for an earthquake, for a plague, for economic difficulties, for the death of Jesus).

Now things are turning around. Rabbi Isaac Wise of Cincinnati was the first to break the silence in 1918 (?) by publishing a book devoted to exploring what the Christian scriptures say about Jesus. In Cincinnati, the synagogue faces the catedral church immediately acrosss the street. One can go across the street and meet Jews and to listen to their pain. . . .

Now a big step forward. On Rosh Hashanah (30 Sept 2000), 170 rabbis and scholars released a thoughtful statement about how Jews can come to grips with Christianity. The public statement was entitled DABRU EMET ("Speak the Truth"). This statement deserves attention by Jews searching for a voice with which to address their Christian neighbors. But, with even more importance, this statement deserves attention by Christians who would want to better understand how and why Jews have not converted and are waiting and searching for God's truth.

The book, CHRISTIANITY IN JEWISH TIMES, allows the framers of this document to explore their statement and invites Christians to respond. So, the dialogue has begun at last. . . .

In September 2000 at the time of the Jewish High Holidays, the editors of this book published a statement in the New York Times titled, "A Jewish Statement on Christians and Christianity." The statement recounted how, in the years following the Holocaust, Christian denominations had expressed sorrow over the Holocaust and over Christian anti-semitism over the ages. The editors believed these outreach and healing efforts by Christians merited "a thoughtful Jewish response" and an attempt by Jewish people to rethink and reconsider their own attitudes to Christianity. They offered eight statements in an attempt to show common grounds for understanding and respect between Jews and Christians.

This book is an outgrowth of the initial statement of September, 2000. The editiors are part of an organization known as the Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies, an organization composed of both Christian and Jewish scholars, with the goal of promoting Jewish-Christian understanding.

The goals of the Statement, the Institute, and this Book are of great importance and worth. The effort which is undertaken in this book (which, as the editors indicate as hardly a new one)should continue to the benefit of both Jews and Christians.

This book is structured essentially as a conversation among Jewish and Christian scholars. Following the Statement and two introductory essays, the book is organized by topic. There is an initial essay on the topic by a Jewish writer followed by two essays, one by by a Jewish writer the other by a Christian writer. The topics chosen for discussion are serious and important for inter-faith understanding and include the Holocaust, concepts of God, Scripture, commandment, the place of Israel, the nature of prayer, the attitutes of Jews and Christians towards suffering, incarnation, redemption, and sin and repentance. There is also a discussion of the meanings each faith finds in the Biblical statement that man is created in the image of God.

These writers treat theses topics with respect, with humility and with depth. One can only be awed by the complexity of the teachings included in each tradition and by the learning shown by the participants in this venture. The essays will teach readers the complexity of the tradition of which they are a part as well as suggesting the overlaps with the sister tradition, the possible agreements, and the core of areas in which Judaism and Christianity simply differ.

As would be expected, the essays are not of uniform quality. In some instances, I thought the writers got sidetracked into discussions of matters such as political activism and feminism which, to me, detract and don't add from the questions Jews and Christians need to discuss one to another. Also, although there is some discussion of Kabbalistic themes in Judaism and attempts to relate these themes to Christianity, the book could have used much more. I think there is room for discussion of how the contemplative tradition in each faith can work to promote a sense of sharedness. As it is, the book is deep, thoughtful, but perhaps too (if this is possible) intellectualized.

I was particularly impressed with Irving Greenberg's essay "Judaism and Christianity: Covenants of Redemption" and the reponses. I liked the impression given to Philo's writings as a source of common ground between Jews and Christians in Hindy Naiman's essay. And I thought Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer's essay "Redemption:What I have Learned from Christians" showed me I had much to learn as well.

This is a book that promotes an attitute of understanding and shared respect that has antecendents but still is long overdue. It encourages one to pursue in one's life the tradition of "prayer and study" common to both these venerable religous traditions.

I wish I could give this book six stars. I can't remember the last time a work of Jewish-Christian dialogue seized my mind, challenged me, and opened up new avenues to understanding. It's a series of essays penned by Jewish scholars, each of which is followed by a pair of response-essays, one by another Jewish specialist, the other by a Christian. Topics include the law and ethics, salvation history and covenantal pluralism, liturgy and worship, suffering and martyrdom, incarnation theology, and redemption -- all explicated in Jewish and Christian terms, but with a focus on Jewish origins.

All contributors (thirty-two, by my count) steer clear of the common errors which poison religious dialogue: triumphalism, proselytization, syncretism, relativism. (1) Triumphalists believe that no commonalities can be found between the two religions, Jews claiming that Christianity is a deviant form of its parent faith, Christians that Judaism was only a precursor to (and is now superseded by) its successor faith. The authors affirm many commonalities between the two religions, and that denying them is as much a distortion of one as the other. (2) Proselytizers use Jewish-Christian dialogue as a venue by which to persuade the other side to "convert". The authors, while allowing that either side might naturally wish for the conversion of others, do not approve of using dialogue to realize this hope. (3) Syncretists attempt to construct a new religious reality out of various elements of Judaism and Christianity. The authors reject this as idolatrous and trivializing. (4) Relativists deny that some things are true everywhere for everyone. The authors, while recognizing commonalities between the two religions, also know that the ultimate truth claims of Judaism and Christianity are different and thus mutually exclusive.

The dynamic interactions throughout this book show that authentic Jewish-Christian dialogue can succeed without both sides offending the other and (equally important) without both sides becoming one. As an orthodox Jewish theologian puts it, "True dialogue is dialogue that respects difference and is animated by it." This is essential reading material for any who are actively involved in Jewish-Christian relations, or for any who have an abiding interest in the Jewish origins of Christianity.

Since I do arcrostic puzzles daily I am in a good position to judge this item. I am delighted with it because I can sit down and stay with one and finish it within about 60 to 90 minutes. I find there is a flow. I struggled with the first two, but now they move well. Very satisfying. I don't understand the rating (star) system because hard or easy, I find them just a bit of a challenge. I chose the cinema over others because at least that is something I know about, but I am not really a movie buff, so I suppose others shouldn't be put off if they feel likewise. Hey, it keeps those brain cells on alert.

Excellent - For people who love movies, this is addictive fun. More please!

My family loves movies and acrostics, so this is the perfect puzzle book for us. Fortunately, we have a spread of ages, so what one person doesn't know, another might. And it's great fun to find that a clue, or even an entire quote, is from a favorite film. There's a nice mix of easy/hard, old/new, well-known/obscure, and Hollywood/foreign. The joy of acrostics is that they build momentum, so even if you know only three or four answers at the beginning, you can make educated guesses on the quote that often get you headed in the right direction in figuring out a difficult clue. We're eager for a second book from Peter Scher. Our only complaint is that the answers are too accessible; we quickly taped the back of the book shut when it arrived.

This book is clever, beautifully presented and lots of fun. Although a movie and crossword puzzle fan, I had never done or understood acrostics. The instruction here are clear and the puzzles, though challenging are doable. The quotes are entertaining and the clues bright and thought provoking. Give it a try.

I had never done acrostics before, but now I'm hooked. These are interesting, challenging, clever, and fun. Give them a try!