Reed Books

This commentary on Romans by William Newell is a timeless classic. If you want to get grounded in what is considered to be the most important book in the Bible this is a must for your library. Newell is true to the Pauline dispensational view of the scriptures and is clear about the error of Reformation theologians who try to make a good show for the doctrine of justification but miss the mark on sanctification by trying to keep the Law as the rule of life for the Christian. Newell is also the author of some great hymns like At Calvary and Only Sinner Saved by Grace. This one has stood the test of time for a reason. Buy it.

God Bless,
Don Boudreau

This commentary was written in the 1930's-- so there's a reason it is still in print after 70 plus years-- it is exceptional, out of the ordinary-- a deep, no nonsense look into the heart of the Christian faith. Newell does not mince the truth, nor does he mince his words.

I am a huge fan of this commentary which dates from around the 1930s (I think). William Newell was one of the greatets Bible teachers of his day. A friend and colleague of D.L. Moody and R.A. Torrey, he taught thousands of people as a Bibke teacher in Moody's Bible college.

This book is the best commentary on Hebrew I have ever seen. I studies Romans at Masters level and over 18 months I used nearly every commentary on Romans ever written in the English language. This is simply the best of the lot. It is excellent for three reasons:
1) It is very easy to understand despite being very in depth.
2) It accurately teaches the word. You can rely on it to explain the deeper truths of Romans
3) It does not avoid the difficult passages but tackles them head on.

If you are seeking the Lord Jesus Christ, read this treasure! It is a great example of the work of the Holy Spirit in His Body. Learn more of what the forgotten Apostle is saying to the Bride of Christ! Great book!

I lead a ladies Bible Study. In teaching Romans I found this book the absolute best reference to use. It is clear, thorough, and a wonderful book to explain the gems visible and not so visible throughout the book of Romans.

I am so thankful I got it. It would be in my list of top 5 Bible books to take to a desert island. I could read through it once a year and never get tired of it.

This book is my favorite book ,I have read it over a thousand times !!!
This book is about a girl named Cathy.She always wants her own privacy
{ like me!}. One day Cathys dad finds out they are going to move to
Pittsbough because her dad got a raise.Cathy was so excited about them moving,she told all her friends.Finally when they moved to their new house,somthing bad happens,Cathys dad does not get the raise.What will Cathy say to her friends at school? You will have to read the book to find out ! This story taught me a vauable lesson,be thankful for what you have not of what you dont have.

If I close my eyes, I can remember reading this one. I read it over and over and over as a young girl. I can remember laying on my top bunk with three younger sisters making a racket in the house and escaping to this place where another person, Cathy, understood me. A must-read for young girls.

I remember feeling the warmth cast by the sunny yellow walls and really being able to smell the violets in the yard. This book will encourage your child to write! I still count it among the best books I've ever read!

I read this book as a young girl. Later I decided that I must add this to my book collection. I was so happy when I found it. Cathy's family moves into a new house and Cathy finally gets the privacy and space of a new room. When the family has to take in boarders and rent out her room, Cathy learns a lesson about lucky she really is. I have read this book over and over.

It's been decades since I first read this book, but I remember how much I identified with Cathy because I too was a neat freak who shared a room with a not-so-neat sister, and I desperately wanted my own room! It's not Shakespeare, but girls like Cathy (and me) will love it.

This anecdote reminds me of Disney Quality Cartoon movies. I believe this should be made a movie.

I was lucky to get a copy of the book. The quality, design, illustrations, and material look very beautiful. I enjoyed reading it. It has deep meanings for discerning people. I needed to read it more that once to understand the connotation very closely. The more I read it, the more I enjoy it. The author was able to present the eastern culture in a western view; therefore, he came up with great and interesting mix of the two. He is trying to amalgamate the two good characteristics of both civilizations. I recommend reading it for both worlds; hence, both will benefit and learn from each other. I believe that the author aforethought some inscrutability for good reason.

I thought this was an excellent book for everyone - both students and those who have had little or no introduction to the subject of logic. The book employs classic themes (good against evil) to show how "the hero" uses logic to determine the truth - most useful knowledge for anyone - thus saving himself and others.
I enjoyed reading the book and I learned something valuable - I would recommend it to anyone.

Extremely Beautiful and Entertaining anecdote. It has lots of ethics and values. Educational and explains logic very easily. I recommend it for everyone to read more than once. It mixes both western and eastern values and cultures. It also has beautiful illustrations and professional paintings. You'll enjoy both.

The author of this book is my husband. I have gone through a painful experience while he was writing it. I know how much efforts he has put into it for the theme and illustrations, and sometimes reasearch. He spent almost one year and a half to complete it due to his limited time. Nevertheless, looking at the product, I think it is worth the efforts. Anyone will enjoy the story. Those who won't, will at least enjoy the beautiful illustrations in the book, some of which are rare pieces of art.

Mary Reed and Eric Mayer's SIX FOR GOLD: A JOHN THE EUNUCH MYSTERY tells of sheep killings and the accusation of political murder. A pilgrim destination, an ancient shrine, and a battle with a magician are only a few of the subplots involving John's investigative skills. All pair strong characterization with plots and subplots to keep even the seasoned mystery fan guessing.

In Constantinople, the Lord Chamberlain John the Eunuch is arrested for the murder of Senator Symacchus in the Hippodrome. The Empress Theodora demands justice, which means an eye for an eye or perhaps a tongue. Instead Emperor Justinian gives John a chance to buy some time to have his innocence proven. He exiles John to Egypt to learn why sheep are committing suicide on a settlement up river from Alexandria while the eunuch's best friend Anatolius investigates the senatorial murder.

John boards the Minotaur only to find his wife Cornelius and his elderly servant Peter waiting to go with him. John and his entourage reach their destination, the city of Mehenopolis, home of a sacred ancient shrine to the snake deity. The city turns out to be more Byzantium than Constantinople is as it hosts many visitors to the shrine and residents who want to make their fortune from the foolish outside believers. Anyone of them could be the cause of why the sheep are slashing their throats.

SIX FOR GOLD is a fabulous historical mystery that showcases an era when Christianity and paganism battle for supremacy. The vivid story line brings to life an area of Egypt rarely if ever used in novels so that the audience obtains an even greater taste of the true first "world war" fought over religious principles. John is a terrific protagonist struggling to solve the case of the suicidal sheep even as he ponders what will happen to him and his family once he returns home because the investigation he left behind will turn into a cold case by the time he comes home. Mary Reed & Eric Mayer once again make the John the Eunuch mysteries one of the best historical tales on the market today.

Harriet Klausner

Another terrific installment in the John the Eunuch series. Accused of murdering a senator , John is saved from torture and execution by being banished by Emperor Justinian. Justinian sends him to Egypt to solve the mystery of why sheep in an Egyptian village are slitting their own throats. John finds the local landowner locked in battle with a magician who both want control of the land and the mysterious maze/shrine that is on it. And back in Constantinople John's friends and family desperately try to prove his innocence.

A fascinating look into the historical time of Emperor Justinian, a time of plague and the conflict between the Christians and pagans. Loaded with wonderful historic detail and a terrific mystery. John is a likeable hero and the supporting characters are quirky and wonderful. Historical mystery lovers will want to be sure to read all the books in this series as will everyone else. It's well written, with great characters, a lively mystery and lots of well researched historical detail.

In plague-infested Constantinople, Justinian's Lord Chamberlain, John the Eunuch, is suspected of murdering a Senator. Exiled to Egypt where, supposedly, sheep are committing suicide by cutting their own throats, John must somehow stay alive--a task made more difficult by the assassin Empress Theodora is certain to have sent after him, and by the insistance by his wife Cornelia, and his servant, Peter, that they accompany him.

John knows that Justinian always works more than one angle. Suicidal sheep, while interesting, would hardly be enough to motivate the great Roman Emperor to send his trusted servant to Egypt. Something else must have attracted his attention--something so dangerous he couldn't even trust John with what he feared. Yet the Egyptian oasis seems to contain nothing but a tax-evading landlord, a gameplaying priest, superstitious peasants, and a magician whose magic tricks are as old as the Pharaohs. Justinian could have been wrong--but if he was, John is the one who's likely to pay the price.

Back in Constantinople, John's friend Anatolius investigates the mystery of the murdered Senator. Clearly John didn't do it. Whether John's dodgy son-in-law might have been involved is less clear. But the murder seems to involve the religious schism between the orthodox, championed by Justinian, and the monophysites, championed by Theodora. That the monophysites were dominant in Egypt, and that John was exiled to that province didn't sound like coincidence. Still, what could it mean.

Authors Mary Reed and Eric Mayer continue their charming John the Eunuch series with a story that takes John far from Constantinople, returning him to Egypt--the land where he and Cornelia first met. Egypt has always been a land of magic and mystery and it certainly is in SIX FOR GOLD--starting with Peter's discovery of the cat-mummy industry and the monkey-headed giant snake. The religious disputes between orthodox and monophysites was a huge part of the history of this time and Reed and Meyer do a good job presenting it in the context of a historical mystery. John's own worship of Mithra, the Persian sun-god, adds richness to the story.

SIX FOR GOLD is filled with comic touches--I especially like the bumbling but effective Peter, as well as his part in solving the mystery of the suicidal sheep. The mysterious maze in the Egyptian oasis might not be historical, but it should be.

Fans of historical mystery will definitely want to grab this latest in the John the Eunuch series. I have no hesitation in recommending SIX FOR GOLD.

This sixth John the Eunuch mystery opens with a chase through 6th-century Constantinople's Hippodrome and dockside grain stores as John, lord chamberlain to Emperor Justinian, dodges the spears of palace guards only to be undone by a rat, literally.

Charged with the murder of a senator and brought before the Emperor (thwarting the Empress Theodora of a savored chance to torture her nemesis), John is sent to Egypt, ostensibly banished, but actually charged with investigating a local mystery of suicidal sheep and furthering the Emperor's search for a powerful religious relic.

His irreverent wife, Cornelia and devout Christian servant Peter join John, making their own unique contributions to figuring out why sheep would slash their own throats and what lies at the heart of the rivalry between the local headman and the interloper magician. The magician's powers range from blatantly fake to spectacular, and the headman, while less dazzling, is equally devious.

Wry and observant, John, who has seen much of the worst the world has to offer, stays a step ahead of the reader, while back in Constantinople his friend Anatolius, daughter Europa and brash, rash son-in-law Thomas work to unravel the senator's murder. From brothels, magical shrines and plague fears to palace intrigues and everyday details, the authors seamlessly work historical atmosphere into the cleverly plotted mystery and leaven it with just the right amount of humor. Fans will enjoy the latest chapter in John's tumultuous life and newcomers will be drawn to earlier adventures.

--Portsmouth Herald

STRIKING THE ROOT is a series of short essays that capably defend free markets. Reed is an economist but many of his columns use history to suggest that liberty is historically the best way to promote prosperity for rich and poor alike. Many of these essays are foundational--they defend free markets as a prerequisite to a good society.

As a victim of the public school educational system, I wish I had this book in high school and college when my teachers and professors were trying to fill my brain with socialist nonsense. It would have made defending my libertarian views that much easier. This is a very easy book to read and each essay makes its own point very clearly and succinctly without the convoluted jargon that text book writers like. This would make a great first text book for high school age homeschoolers as well as public school victims, who want to know how to defend their right to a REAL education.

Reed's "Striking the Root" is comprised of a series of charming, pithy essays on the importance of individual freedom. Those who read reviews may come to expect a bit of hyperbole but I can say in all candor that this is an outstanding book. I recommend it unreservedly.

It is too easy to become negative when assessing the state of our world today. Government seems to be invading our lives at every turn; taking our liberties and making us less safe and less prosperous. There are plenty of books out there which complain about the world, or laud this or that person or policy as our salvation. Lawrence W. Reed's "Striking the Root" goes beyond simple cliche and, as its title suggests, gets to the heart of the matter.

Reed avoids the all-too-easy opportunity to simply complain about government largess, and instead offers hope and solutions. While the compilation of poignant essays does not hold back when it comes to analyzing and describing problems with our loss of liberty, it is done in Reeds signature "pathologically optimistic" style. Reed offers solutions, but nothing as easy as simple electoral change. The challenge in the book is also the answer to our loss of liberty - that each individual understand and value freedom more than we value political favors, comfort, and the illusionary "safety" of big government.

I highly recommend the book to lovers of liberty and those skeptical of the power of human freedom alike!

In this collection of 24 essays, Lawrence Reed intends to demonstrate the superiority of individual liberty over all forms of political coercion. The columns, spanning from the early early nineties to present day, are written in the style that has become characteristic of Reed's writing and speaking: insightful and concise. One need not pick up a thick economics book to learn the lessons wonderfully presented here.

The essays are divided into three groups. The first seeks to explore various misconceptions undermining freedom. The second looks at the essential virtues of a free people, and finally in "The Triumphant Future" Reed discusses signs we'll see as we inevitably get closer to our destiny of freedom.

This short tour de force of freedom ideas discusses everything from government education, government golf courses, the true meaning of patriotism, and taxation in a civil society. Even though some of the columns are older their lessons are timeless. It is full of curious facts about socialist think tanks, voting in the founding era, the growth of government, and government aid (or lack thereof) in the aftermath of Katrina. I highly recommend this book. Striking the Root is light reading that teaches great lessons never to be outdated.

I love this. karla's voice is a great companion for life's journey, offering many self-reflections. The poems are so beautiful, so powerful. the collection is such a treasure, and such a pleasure. "wannabe white girl" gave me chills. "[...] controller" and "[...]" also hit hard.

Swallowing Watermelons is one of the most enjoyable midnight reads I've ever had. I'm not fond of midnight as a time to read; I generally hope--at that hour--to just drift off. Poetry will usually do that for me.

Not a chance. Not with this "Swallowing Watermelons." This book of free verse reads like a novel. The poet leads us from one life event to another and we, as readers, get to fill in the gaps between them.

That Karla Brundage has lived so well (and so painfully) of course contributes to that connecting of threads that run through all of our lives. This poetry picks and pricks at what we all have in common and ties what it finds firmly together with words and images that will not be forgotten.
---
Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of "Tracings," a chapbok of poetry that was named to The Compulsive Reader's Ten Best Reads list and ws given the Military Writers' Society of America's Award of Excellence. It may be purchased on Amazon.

What Karla Brundage pours from her wise soul into the poems of Swallowing Watermelons is hot fire burn lovepain truth that [...] your fingers as it tickles your feet.

Skipping from page to page, I found myself on an emotional roller coaster that made my eyes swell, cheeks flush, and gave me the cold shoulder; only to then turn me upside down, hug my demons, and turn me on. Again.

I love this book. While reading I kept thinking, `Oh no she didn't?' followed by `Oh yes she did!, and thank the Universe.' This is a must send to several girlfriends who need to experience it. I say thank you Karla Brundage. Through her courage and voice we can all be testified and healed.

"Swallowing Watermelons" beckons us back for second looks and multiple readings. Karla Brundage provides a fresh and vibrant focus on women, men, love, childbirth, family, and the daily struggle. Her poetry is replete with memorable lines that linger in the psyche. Her writing is accessible, forthright, and timeless. My favorites include "He Said. . .She Said," "No Time for Cafés," "To Be a Man," "Memoirs (self-restraint of a fallen virgin)," "Red Haired Sister - My Beloved," "Wanna Be White Girl," "Womb Dancing," and "Salt and Black Pepper." Buy it, read it, then give her book to a friend.

Ms. Brundage pulls no punches in this collection of poetry. Her poems about relationships, love, motherhood and life are brutal in their honesty about herself and others. Swallowing watermelons sounds easier than being this open and this vulnerable. A very courageous woman and a very good read.

In "Ten Commitments to Your Success" Steve Chandler explores and dramatizes how to experience the power of synergy in your life. Steve's stories and illustrations guide the reader in applying these strategies to life transforming principles. Steve explains, "The beauty of a life organized around all ten commitments...is that one will experience life to the fullest."

Chandler often draws on his own life experiences in providing a broad range of creative ways to access the priceless gift and power of synergy. Steve has an easy, enjoyable, writing style. He provides common sense clarity and simplicity in application of the principles of commitment.

Chapter one is an introduction and helps the reader organize their energy. Steve starts with a reminder of the importance of balance and focus as keys to making things happen.

I found the story of Buckminster Fuller intriguing. Fuller introduced the concept of redesigning self, becoming a newly created personality. I was reminded of the importance of meditation in the commitment to use my mind while allowing the spirit to work through me in my commitment to spirit.

The ten chapters that follow each contain a commitment to success. These commitments are arranged in a logical progression from committing to your spirit, to your mind, and to action. Commitments to wealth, friends, partner and career are among the remaining seven considered.

When all ten commitments are in balance, you will find your life is in harmony with your career, you will experience the joy of celebrating and serving those your care fore, you will experience financial freedom, and peace of mind. "Ten Commitments to Your Success" is Steve Chandler, making a difference, one reader at a time.

For those of you who measure success as the number of zeros in your paycheck, or the size of your empire, please move on. For those of you for who success is being a happy, viable, well balanced member of the human race, you will be happy to know that Steve Chandler has done it again.
Mr. Chandler has boiled down the components that make a person fulfilled, and splashed them on the page in his unique, and fun style familiar to his many fans. If you have read any of Steve Chandlers books, and like what you read, then this book belongs in your hip pocket.

Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (1/07)

"Ten Commitments to Your Success" by Steve Chandler is a small book of less than 100 pages, but within it's narrow binding packs a lot of advice and wisdom from the bestselling author of "100 Ways to Motivate Yourself." Divided into the ten commitments; to spirit, to mind, to action, to wealth, to friends, to commitment, to your partner, to career, to your body, and to music, this book is easily read and easily absorbed by readers from all walks of life.

From the beginning section entitled "commitment to spirit," the reader is introduced by the author to the idea that we are beings in this world who live with "spirit" everyday and that it is an important part of us as individuals. According to the author, spirit is most easily noticed in our lives when we take a step back and watch from afar, seeing spirit for what it really is and letting it appear in its true light. Spirit is present in each of our lives and it is only when we realize that it is there, that we can fully appreciate it and grow from its existence within us. And so this book continues from this point.

As the author covers all ten of the commitments he feels are vital to a satisfying and complete life, he illustrates that it is only with the commitment of all ten of these areas, that we can truly be content within our lives for who and what we are. In this day and age of discontent around every corner; from the man on the street complaining about politics or the salesclerk in the corner store, feeling "down" about his dead end job, it seems to me that would the average person, implement this author's ideas, that life would not only be more pleasant for those individuals but for all those who come in contact with them as well.

I must admit, when I picked up this book I was a bit reluctant to begin reading it and, in fact, placed it at the bottom of a stack of books I was to review. But when the stack came to the end and I was faced with this book, once opened, I found it's information not dry and typical as I expected it to be, but easy, not only to read, but to envision applying to my life as well. There are a lot of books on the market today that promise a "quick change" to ones life or a "miraculous, revolutionary way to improve ones being." This book is not that way. It speaks to the common man in language that is easily absorbed, with practical advice and everyday stories which illustrate well the author's intentions within its covers.

I would suggest "Ten Commitments to Your Success" book to all those who are sincerely looking for a way to change their lives through solid commitment. One caution though with this book. Don't read it expecting to only apply one or two principles to your life. This book is the total package and one that must be sincerely and completely read with the intention of applying and working with all ten commitments to better ones life. All ten commitments work together like pieces of a puzzle to give the user the total picture. And it is only when all ten pieces are placed in the right areas within our lives that the true puzzle is solved and the final image revealed. Be prepared to think differently about your life and the commitments you make within it after reading this book. "Ten Commitments to Your Success" is a book that will change your perspective simply by committing yourself to its principles within its pages and by making the decision to begin a new commitment to your life and yourself as well.

Steve Chandler's Ten Commitments is like a fantasy retreat with the world's greatest poets, artists, philosophers, scientists, entrepreneurs and self-help gurus. You'll have seminars with Leonardo and Michelangelo, strolls with Gandhi and Buddha, workshops with Emerson and Thoreau, dinner with Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer, and fireside singalongs with Paul McCartney and Leonard Cohen. The trick is that Chandler is there to make all the introductions and put every song, every story, every insight into the context of how an "average" life can be organized to achieve extraordinary outcomes through commitment. Written with uplifting wit and down-home simplicity, Ten Commitments is scarcely 90 pages in length, but contains a virtual encyclopedia of ideas and wisdom. It's a book that could define your reading list for a decade.

I've read this and most other of Chandler's books. Be forewarned....if you need a "system" or some magic tricks to lead a better, more purposeful life, you won't find them here. Chandler gives it straight from the heart (and mind). Make commitments, honor commitments. Inspire yourself daily to do more, to be more.

One of Chandler's finest attributes as a writer is his self honesty. When he has failed (either the past or present) he tells you so. Then he simply disects the reasons for it and offers a better way. That probably would have been a good title for this book, "A Better Way", as many of us could make simple changes to lead a happier, more productive life.

My favorite chapter is the last...a Commitment to Your Music....its powerful stuff....I'm commited to not dying with any of my music "still in me".

Great job Steve........let's hope your commitment is to keep doing this for years to come.

Ms. Slack's, "A Tender Reed", is the emotional, heartfelt story of a socially, emotionally and spiritually isolated woman's journey from single status to single parent status, in the course of a single morning. Fiercely independent, bearing the weight of her own personal baggage as a once-abandoned child, Michelle Hurley has carved out a life that works for her, one in which she is dependent upon no one, and in which no one is dependent upon her. Life as she knows it comes to a screeching halt one summer morning when she discovers her young niece and nephew abandoned in her yard, accompanied by birth certificates and immunization records. By all appearances, her irresponsible sister has bailed on her children and left Michelle to, once again, pick up the pieces. Little did Michelle know that in picking up the pieces of the childrens' lives, that the scattered pieces of her own life would be gathered up and assimmilated as well. The emotional scars from a childhood marked by guilt, and the psychological and spiritual walls she's erected around her heart, are challenged as Michelle begins to allow herself to love the children, and come to the realization, and acceptance, that although childless by choice, her young niece and nephew are in desperate need of an advocate to protect them from their mother's ineffectual, potentially damaging parenting and overall life choices.

"A Tender Reed" is a story relevant to today's world, with the foster systems buckling under the weight of their case loads. I found it to be realistic, touching and genuine. Order it today, you won't be disappointed.

I have seldom read a better book about family dynamics and how they form us and our beliefs. Having been made to feel like a charity case and a burden by her grandmother, Michelle develops a savior personality, but when she is unable to "save" her mother and her sister Nicole, she retreats into semi-hermitage, with just her dog Gypsy for company, and her nursing as her only contact with life. Because she enabled and protected Nicole all during her growing up years to make up for their grandmother's attitude, Nicole is unable to assume responsibility, especially for the two children she bore to two different, equally irresponsible men. Due to this lack, Nicole's children end up under the lilac bush in her rescuing sister's front yard. From that point on, Michelle fights against following the pattern set by her grandmother when they showed up on her doorstep years before. It is fascinating to see Michelle open up to the children, and to the love of her high school boyfriend, who is now amazingly enough a pastor. He and the children show Michelle how to bloom, and lead her toward an understanding of the personal, individual, unconditional love of God. I really enjoyed this book immensely, and it makes me look forward to reading Teresa Slack's other books!

If you want a good book, be sure to pick this one up. All of Teresa's books have been very good.

What would you do if you found your sister's two preschool-aged children abandoned under your lilac bushes early one morning? This is the dilemma faced by Michelle Hurley, registered nurse and very independent single woman. With her flighty sister Nicole nowhere in sight, Michelle at first begrudges every dollar spent on the kids and every minute spent trying to make up for Nicole's unbelievable selfishness. But then her niece and nephew start to blossom under her care, and Michelle's tightly closed heart begins to open just a bit as well. As the months pass, everyone keeps asking: is Nicole ever coming back? If she does, what will Michelle do with these little lives that are depending on her to make the right decision?
In this work of Christian fiction, Ms. Slack has succeeded in creating a very realistic main character who grows and changes during the course of the narrative. The author's other books include Streams of Mercy, Redemption's Song (both in the Jenna`s Creek series), and her brand new offering, The Ultimate Guide to Darcy Carter (due out September 15, 2006).

I enjoyed this novel so much. I can't remember the last time I actually teared up when reading a book. Ms. Slack has such a gift for making you feel like you are a part of the story. The characters in this book were so real and I found myself being drawn into the emotional ups and downs of a young womans life. Thanks for a wonderful book that I could not put down and didn't want too!!!

Wyeth, Pyle and the others captivate my imagination and this book captures their mastery. Strongly recommended!

This book covers very well some of the most important people in American History. N.C. Wyeth,Howard Pyle, Dean Cornwell,Harvey Dunn, Frank Schoonover and Philip Goodwin have illustrated the turn of the 1800's to 1900's with the same spirited passion that bred our great country. It's this great passion that is given to the pictures that they created that seperates their work from photographs which are just taken. Looking at the Illustrations shows you that Pyle was successful in creating an American art which will always be a foundation for Illustrators to follow.

Incredible collection of paintings and the stories that go along with them. Colorful with spectacular detail of the famous paintings of a time gone by. Amazing how the author was able to put together a collection of this magnitude. A must have for anyone who appreciates art. It is perfect as a gift to that special person you care about.

i m french so i say it with my word : c'est trés beau !

Visions Of Adventure surveys the arts of N.C. Wyeth and the Brandywine artists, providing a lavish display packed with color plates and paintings by Pyle, Wyeth, Dunn, and others. Histories and backgrounds of each featured work accompany the fold-out and full-page illustrations and make for an excellent review. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Dr. Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (3/08)

A fictional character called "Dr. Bob, the Happiness Coach" creates "Why Am I So DAMN Unhappy?" Dr. Bob gives the reader several stories from his days as a university instructor, as well as uses his stand-up comedian humor to let us know that happiness is not something we find. Each story gives true-life examples of blaming others, guilt trips, self-pity and lying.

Through modeling and asking the right questions, Dr. Bob is able to get others to think about how they sabotage their own happiness and that of others around them. Although his techniques are not new to the "self-help' books, his humor makes the reader really look at how they are unhappy campers and thrive on it. Everyone from teenagers to the mature audience will enjoy this book. What I really appreciated about the book was that the author didn't attempt to give readers the impression he was the "guru" of self-help. He only gave the impression that his suggestions have worked for countless others.

Being a Psychologist, I have certainly heard this type of self-help technique before, however, while reading the book I could laugh and point to myself in ways that I have made myself unhappy. "Why Am I So DAMN Unhappy?" is very light-hearted reading, but you get the point. What turned me off was the way it seemed too easy to become a happy person and in the times the author uses "bluntness" my thoughts were "what damage would this do to a vulnerable person?"

Jim Downton's book is hilarious, just the opposite of unhappiness. It is easy to read and use. In this one little book is a world of wisdom summed up in his final chapter with ten commitments. It is honest, especially when Dr. Bob realizes he may not always be following his own prescription for living a happy life. We are not perfect and to see an expert examine his own weaknesses while giving advice is a terrific lesson in humility and professionalism. I found myself in every chapter, sometimes realizing a hurdle I'd overcome, other times recognizing I had a distance to go yet; always learning along the journey.

Propective readers should know that Jim Downton/Dr. Bob is dedicated to helping people find happiness in his real life. The royalties from the sale of his book are donated to organizations serving the needs of children.

Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (3/08)

You go to the store, and you pick up this self-help book. What will this one do for me you ask yourself? Self-help books usually give us advice; they make us feel a little better every time we read something that applies to us. "Why Am I So DAMN Unhappy?" is one of those books. Dr. Bob's book of self-help keeps you reading to find out if there are more answers for you and more ways to help yourself. The author of this book shows the humorous and honest side of therapy sessions along with great ideas to help you get through trying times. Telling the story as Dr. Bob, The Happiness Coach, was an added plus. Also, the way that the story is formatted makes it all very interesting as well. It is written more like a play would be written, letting us know who is saying what and why.

In my opinion, this book will be helpful to teenagers and adults. Upon reading this book, I found some unique and exciting ways to deal with my personal issues as well. I could relate to a lot of things in "Why Am I So DAMN Unhappy?" I have often had problems with feeling like I am on guilt trips and with emotional fears. The book showed me ways in which to be able to understand how to use certain techniques to help myself. There were some very good ideas in which I was able to practice, and they worked! The ideas and imaginations, of certain famous movie stars coming to life to talk to the patients, were excellent! It surely motivated the patients to strive harder to fix their problems. Dr. Bob also focused on helping people to learn not to look at everything in a negative light, and to put their thoughts more into positive light, so that life can bring more positive things and not so much negative.

I implore you to find this book, "Why Am I So DAMN Unhappy?" and to read it all the way through, and to see how satisfying and completely helpful it can be. It's not often an author puts humor into self-help books, and in this case, it worked out very well. Dr. Bob teaches you confidence, different ways of bringing more positive into your life, and he brings back the joy into reading as well.

James Downton, a.k.a. Dr. Bob the Happiness Coach provides entertaining and humorous stories in dialog form in his new book "Why Am I So Damn Unhappy?" He uses imaginary characters to tell about people he has coached, people he has helped increase their happiness, creativity, and the wisdom to apply the principles talked about in the book. These principles deal with developing wholeness and creativity, cultivating wisdom, inner peace, and happiness.

Each chapter consists of a story, dialog and valuable coaching tips. The chapters show the reader how to discover their own inner critic, how to practice self acceptance, and the power of creating new choices. Downton put emphasis on the importance of developing the gift of inventing positive stories and creating positive thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

Dr. Bob offers ideas on learning to laugh at yourself, on evaluating fear, reducing guilt, ways to elevate happiness, and to change your thinking patterns from "poor me" to "lucky me." He shows the reader how to handle anger and lying, creating balance, developing a life purpose, learning how to handle resistance to what we cannot change. I was personally challenged by the results revealed about myself when I took the "Vampire Test." Downton's analogy of the four chambers of a generous heart became especially meaningful to me.

I also enjoyed the feature "Creative Side Tracts." These summary statements offered help in shaping thoughts, enabling the reader the benefit of creating hope, adapting pointers on living with the romance of unhealthy foods. Downton provided a consumer truth test, which helps the readers learn to like themselves, and how to appreciate being alive.

Jim Downton instills inspiration, encourages imagination, and spontaneity in his new book "Why Am I So Damn Unhappy?" This is life coaching at a new level and will help the reader increase their awareness while unlocking a bold and free spirit within. James inspires creativity and transforms attitudes. His writing is humorous, entertaining, and life changing.

When I first started Chapter One, I thought "Oh, this insight is perfect for my husband." He happens to be a great guy, but he lets his "inner critic" bring him down. As I read more, questions started to come up: how do I try to prove myself to others? How do I make them prove themselves to me? Finally, I decided it would work better to read the book for myself instead of my husband. What's all that got to do with happiness? Dr. Bob, with his curly white hair and his amazing insight, says we can choose how happy we want to be. And it's not ha-ha happiness (although it can be), but mostly it's that feeling that you're not too small or too large, but just right in your world and that if you need to change, you can. The book is full of freeing thoughts like that; the biggest one is that we have options. The book is structured to be little sessions with Dr. Bob's clients who have problems; we learn along with them. Characters (Humphrey Bogart, Lao-tzu and more!) drop by to illustrate some points. I was glad to be reminded that we make up stories about ourselves and our lives and then we believe them. Instead of that, we can work on our own happiness --in fact,that's our job. I like that the book is small, with challenging messages to chew on. Dr. Bob has something to teach us all.