Rich Books

I have a feeling this book will continue to draw acclaim as the months and years go by, for it must be the standard biography for some time to come. Drawing on a wealth of material from the artist's family, Janis Londraville and Richard Londraville have managed to animate a long forgotten story, and it has made me completely interested in Paul Swan's works in all their guises. It's hard to imagine today the ease with which Paul Swan seems to have said to himself, "Well, painting is only making me this famous, I think I'll add another string to my bow and become an interpretative dancer"? How often does that happen, and how often does any arrist excel in both wildly competitive fields?

Janis Londraville and Richard Londraville hint that Swan's good looks helped him along here and there. With so many photos of him spread throughout the book, a concordance of beauty begins to take shape in the reader's mind. Is he the "most beautiful man in the world" as his press agents claimed? It's a type of good looks you don't see very much today, or if you do, you see them in leading men who are just average looking--say, the Bill Pullman look. (Take a gander at the book jacket photo.) But Swan knew how to work his look, and he studied the Egyptian arts of presentation, so that his dances resembled early versions of Madonna's "Vogue" movements, with hand manipulations framing the face, the body, the long legs and the cinched in waist. He could have been a contender in the movies, but alas, he let the camera come close a little too late (he was already 40 when he played a herald in THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (first version) by Cecil B. DeMille. In fact his age was always getting in his way, like a clumsy, ardent teenage boy stumbling over his erection. In old age he was still performing his "Grecian" and "classic" dances in which, apparently, he would dance off his seven veils and at the end reveal the original naked body Isadora Duncan had fondled way back in the day. In his prime, when he went to Greece, Greek newspapers claimed that their statuary had come to life and was walking in American clothes! "See him and then see our marbles! Is he not the Hermes of Praxiteles come to life again? Or is he Antinous?"

He was sort of a dramatic Paul Lynde sort of queen except without a sense of humor, and not much of a dad to his two long suffering daughters. The authors luckily had his unpublished memoirs to draw on, and they are adept in art criticism to a scary extent, coming close to persuading me that Paul Swan's painting is necessary, like Thomas Hart Benton or Jackson Pollock. At any rate he is an American Rousseau, for good or bad, and I would love a companion volume with full color plates of all his surviving work, And what a shame that the authors worked hard interviewing nearly every available witness who knew the old man, and in a touching vignette they report that one, the actress Lisan Kaye, who posed as the Empress Theodora in 1944 for Swan, can't remember him at all, trapped as she is in her Alzheimer's disease. Something very Swanlike about that inability.

Do the authors cheat in subtitling their book "from Wilde to Warhol," considering that Swan actually never did meet Oscar Wilde? Yes, a little, I think, but it suits the carnival barker aspect of their subject, for whom no publicity was bad publicity.

I have had the privilege of working with Janis and Richard Londraville as an intern, and as a gift for assisting them with the exhibition of Paul Swan's works that Janis is curating at the SUNY Potsdam campus, I recieved an autographed copy of their book. I simply couldn't put it down! The authors did an amazing job of telling the story of Paul Swan, and after I'd finished the book, I felt as if I'd known the artist for years. This is a wonderful, amazing book and I'm glad I got the opportunity to work with the authors on an exhibit of Paul Swan's works. Everyone should read this book!

When I read the review in the Hollywood Reporter, I figured the book was worth a look. Indeed, it was. I can't say it better than HR: The book should have screen actors guild members "turning pages with one hand and dialing their agents with the other." This is a visual book, filled with images. There is a lot of power is this crazy artist's life. --Another artist.

If this were fiction, it would almost be unbelievable. As a biography, it's simply fascinating to read what he did, who he knew, and how he survived during that time in history. An excellent exploration of art, sexuality, personality. You will burn through it.

I loved reading "Murder in Winnetka!" The thrills, twists, turns and sexy encounters kept my butt in the chair and my eyes glued to the pages. I recommended this novel to many friends and know they greatly enjoyed S.C. Pemberton's smashing story as well. I wish Hollywood would discover this rare find of prime entertainment.

I was amazed at the fun I had while reading S.C. Pemberton's first novel, Murder in Winnetka. I never guessed the surprise ending and felt like I knew each character. I felt like I was at the movies, to the extent that I cast each character in my head with popular stars. Loved reading this!!! Please write more books!!!

As many mystery writers, S.C. Pemberton gained her writing skills in other areas: as a playwright and copywriter, as well as broadcasting. She has also been an actress, which gives her the background for this unusual mystery. Ms. Pemberton is a University of Florida alumni and a native Floridian who made her way to the Midwest.

Jonathan and Meridith Chamberlain, at first look, have it all. Jonathan is the son of an influential congressman, and Meridith is an heiress. They live in the most affluent section of Chicago's North Shore, Winnetka. But having it all is not enough. Their marriage is failing; Jonathan is in financial trouble; and then the police find the body of Tony Romano in their home. Their children never made it to school that day; every parent's nightmare:

"Chelsea was wary and stood silent. The woman continued in a gentle voice, `I work with your mother at the North Lake Community House. She's already called the school, and they know you're going with me. My name is Laura.' The woman held out her hand. Chelsea wasn't sure. Something told her to go to the office and see if her mother had really called. She was remembering all the warnings from mom and her teachers. She back off. A hired guard sat, not ten feet away. His presence was the result of the shootings at the school in May of 1987. Another mother was coaxing him to take a forgotten lunch bag to a classroom, and he was busy explaining he could not leave his post."

Pemberton uses her technical expertise in broadcasting and the theater to set the stage for this romantic and captivating mystery. The character of Meri Chamberlain is as likable as her husband Jonathan is despicable. A theme of unbridled power and ambition juxtaposed by the character of an unlikely mob boss makes for powerful reading material. Even as Meri is swept off of her feet by the handsome Tony Romano, evil is lurking in the wings, waiting to take the life of her children in exchange for political favors.

Murder In Winnetka weaves a world of power and greed that thrill and entertains the reader.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

A friend recommended 'Murder in Winnetka' to me and since I usually read non-fiction I was reluctant to pick it up. When I did, I couldn't put it down! The intriguing plot twists and turns through Chicago's North Shore and the fascinating lives of its wealthy residents as it races to a shocking, shattering conclusion. The fictional characters are as real as the actual Chicago locations that serve as their backdrop. There is something for everyone in the steamy romance, mysterious murder, political intrigue and suspensful kidnapping all intertwined in this compelling first novel. I can't wait to read S.C. Pemberton's next book!

Arnold Kane takes you inside TV, Hollywood, and entertainment as only an insider could. The book is informative, well-written, and incredibly funny. Kane's wit comes through on every page. If only Hollywood had some Arnold Kane's today, I wouldn't be taping Sanford & Son, Cheers, and Archie Bunker reruns. If you ever wondered what it's like on the inside--from sitcoms to talk shows to dealing with superstars (some nice, some not so nice)and sponsors, this is the book.

I thought the book was hilarious. Read it in one Sunday afternoon. Growing up around Hollywood in the 60's and 70's the names and places were only locales that I had only dreamed of. The book made me feel part of the crazy world of show business from New York to Hollywood.
Truly enjoyable.

If you love modern show business and really love television, this is the book for you. I bought two, so I could ruin one and still have a good copy. Kane tells the behind-the-scenes story of forty years of television comedy like only a good comedy writer could---which means he's generally pissed off at everybody and everything and not afraid to tell the world what made him so cranky. It's hilarious, and mean, and revealing (about Kane and the so-called comedians and television stars he's worked with), and even touching; but I don't think he meant that. As the ad might say, "Buy This Book", or Kane will come to your house and shoot your dog. You won't be disappointed, and you won't be able to look at television the same way again.

THE BOOK IS HYSTERICAL! IT'S FUNNY AND HAS SOME GREAT STORIES AND ANECDOTES. I RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE INTERESTED IN SHOW BUSINESS.

This book synthesizes dominant threads or themes that occur through out the Bible. Damscus Winzen was a Benedictine monk (who founded a monsatery in the US after immigrating from Europe), whom I have never heard described as controversial, but the book does not have an imprmatur or nihil obstat.

Pathways is divided into chapters that focus on each book available in the Bible, including the books designated as apocrypha by non-Catholics. Each chapter is only a few pages (usually less than 10), but it addresses the main themes and highlights of the principle stories in the book. Genesis recieves two chapters. The letters of Paul constitute one chapter. The other letters comprise another chapter. I was disappointed with the combination of New Testament letter books, because I thought that they deserved more scrutiny than to be combined.

When referring to Old Testament books, Winzen uses typology to indicate how events and practices in the New Testament are foreshadowed. Likewise, when reviewing the New Testament books, he reflects how the characters'actions were prefigured in the Old Testament thorugh earlier characters of events.

I wish that Winzen had included a little historical commentary in the chapters, like what was going on whent he boks were beign described, and estimates for the dates of the writing and the events. But the book is a good tool for scriptural study because his approach helps the reader appreciate the continuity of scripture as a whole, rather than nitpick isolated verses out of context. It is a usfeul tool for understanding the implications that actions have on the entire story of Christianity, but it does not concern itself with interpreting what doctrine should be from the events it illustrates; a characteristic which makes it an ideal reference for any Christian.

I just got this book today and I'm giving it 5 stars. The introduction in the book sums up the author quite well when it says, "Fr. Damasus is not a difficult or obscure author, but he is unique and original..." Indeed, his uniqueness as an author is remarkable. Fr. Damasus give a simple yet profound introduction of the books of Scripture. Keep in mind the word "introduction." This book is not an in-depth study of each book of the Bible but rather a fast-paced overview. And please, do not mistake "simple" for "simplistic"; for that would be an grave and inaccurate injustice to this book. The book is faithful to its title. Emphasizing the word "Pathways" it shows the careful reader the beginning paths of each book of the Bible.

It is pertinent to Scripture readers that they be shown the beginning and the outline of the path rather than the path in its entirety because this encourages readers to make their own efforts and experience for themselves the riches in Sacred Scripture. Unlike most commentaries, this book does not even attempt to give you the "answers" to the scriptural texts or solve the difficulties for you. Rather it feeds the curiosity to explore what Fr. Damasus is speaking of and it enlightens your Scripture reading immensely.

The Church teaches us 3 things to do when approaching Scripture:

1. We must be especially attentive to the content and unity of the whole Scripture.

2. Read the Scripture within the living tradition of the whole Church.

3. Be attentive to the analogy of faith.

Fr. Damasus does precisely all three of these and in a brief but explosive manner.

I have a couple of recommendations for prospective readers of this book. First, purchase the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (ICSB hereafter) series by Dr. Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch (Only the Gospels, Acts, and Romans are currently available). I just finished reading through the Gospel of John (ICSB). First, I can not convey enough, how rich the ICSB series' are. Similar to Fr. Damasus' book, the Ignatius Study series' sets the reader on fire without providing them with all the answers. However, the ICSB delves much deeper into Scripture. Secondly, I suggest that one read through one of the books of the Bible (especially using the ICSB) and read Fr. Damasus' writing on that particular book. This, I'm certain, will be of great value to the reader.

I have to make a confession here. Soon after reading the Gospel of John in the ICSB, I wanted to immediately begin teaching others the unimaginable richness of even the surface of Sacred Scripture. (Read that carefully, note the word "surface"). The eternal Wisdom of the Holy Spirit prevented me from feeding my ego. I was quickly humbled by the fact that I could present no evidence for what the ICSB was teaching because I myself had not walked the path that the ICSB was showing me. So I decided to dig a little deeper and I couldn't believe what was present there in Sacred Scripture. Every WORD (word not emphasized enough) is an unbelievable treasure. I didn't even know that I was thirsty for anything until our Lord showed me how much more there was to drink.
I tell you this story only to illustrate how magnificent, beautiful, penetrative, and profound Sacred Scripture is but it will be revealed only to those who are willing to work for its discoveries through prayerful reflection and diligent, patient study. If you can't tell by my rambling, I highly recommend this book.

If you've spent any time seriously studying the Scriptures, you know that typology is one of the underlying principles the human authors of the books of the Bible employed. Types are figures that point to antitypes, which fulfill them... as a shadow points to and is fulfilled by the object that casts the shadow.

So, for example, within the Torah itself, Noah is presented by the author of Genesis as a New Adam. Adam serves as a prototype of Noah. In the New Testament, St. Paul shows how the Jerusalem Temple prefigured and foreshadowed the Christian in his First Epistle to the Corinthians. These are only two of innumerable Biblical types.

In "Pathways in Scripture," Damasus Winzen introduces each book of the Bible typologically. Every page of this book is filled with explanations as to how the New Testament lies hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is unveiled/revealed in the New. This rich explanation of the meaning of the Bible will give the reader many "aha!" moments as the reader discovers the hidden riches of Biblical typology. Also, it should be noted that Winzen respects the historical-literal sense of Scripture - the reader will gain much knowledge with regard to the historical situation surrounding various passages.

*
(I have not read this book)

Does anyone know if this book has a Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur and the date of the declaration? Wish Amazon listed whether Catholic books do or not...

The author does an excellent job in describing Philadelphia's former baseball parks. As someone who grew up in Philadelphia in the 1950s and 1960s, it brought back fond memories of Shibe Park/Connie Mack Stadium. You feel you were actually there as a fan in these parks, especially Baker Bowl and Shibe Park.

The author was obviously very thorogh in his research. One of the things I especially liked is that he apparently conducted numerous interviews of former players, writers, team officials and their relatives, and fans, and didn't rely solely on published materials, as some authors do. His writing style is clear, informative and very readable. I recommend the book highly. I plan to see what other books the author has written.

This book about Philadelphia's old ball parks was informative and eye catching.
Too often, old ballpark books glaze your eyes over with trivia or overwhelm you with minutia.
I was delighted to get a feeling about these ball parks, the city and the people involved with them.
The photos are great and really give you a sese of "being there".
I wish there was a book about Ebbet's Field or The Polo Grounds that was this good.
This book leads the way in how a ballpark book should be done.

Bravo Mr Westcott.

Rich Westcott's Philadelphia's Old Ballparks is a truly stupendous book about major league baseball parks in Philadelphia that no longer exist. The book focuses on Shibe Park (aka Connie Mack Stadium) and Baker Bowl (aka Philadelphia Park). Combined, these two parks housed major league baseball for a combined 113 seasons, with Shibe Park being the home of the Philadelphia A's from 1909 to 1954 and home to the Phillies from mid 1938 to 1970, and Baker Bowl being home to the Phillies from 1887 to mid 1938. The book also discusses in less detail Columbia Park, first home of the A's, Recreation Field, first home of the Phillies, other "major" league parks from the late 1800's, and some Negro League parks.

The book is loaded with interesting stories about each of the ballparks included. Many first-hand anedotes from fans and former players about Shibe Park, Baker Bowl, and even Columbia Park are included. With Baker Bowl and Shibe Park, a listing of events in each park, changes over time in each park, and features included in each park are remembered and discussed.

Mr. Westcott's book also discusses the historical significance of each ballpark, particularly Baker Bowl and Shibe Park. Baker Bowl was the first ballpark in baseball to built with steel and brick, and was the first stadium in the U.S. to use a cantilever design. It was also the last pre-steel-and-concrete-era park to be abandoned. Shibe Park was the first all steel-and-concrete park in major league baseball to be built (in 1909) and its materials and design were copied in essentially all ballparks that were built soon thereafter, including Ebbets Field, Fenway Park, and Wrigley Field.

Overall, the book is a loving tribute to the rich history of Philadelphia Major League Baseball. Fans too young to remember the parks in the book (like me) will quickly become experts on these lost ballparks, while fans who went to games at these ballparks will be reminded of their experiences. The book has inspired me to buy other books dealing with old ballparks, and about the only negative about the book is that it will point out the lack of similar books for other major league cities. This book deserves that kind of praise.

THIS BOOK IS GREAT!MY FAVORITE BALLPARK IS RECREATION PARK-THE PHILLIES FIRST FROM 1883-1886.THIS LONG FORGOTTON PARK HAS A VERY NICE CHAPTER IN THE BOOK.PICTURES OF THIS PARK ARE RARE BUT THERE IS A PARTIAL VIEW FROM THE 1884 SEASON.I HAVE BEEN A PHILLIES FAN FOR 44 YEARS AND I REALLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!

Throughout most of human history the rich have used their money to make more money and, quite frankly, they have often done so at the expense of those without much. This has always been considered the way things are: the rich get richer and the poor get...well, you supply your own line. However in this, the age of the super rich, things are changing; and in this engagingly written book, Matthew Bishop, the New York bureau chief of the Economist, and Michael Green an economist on leave from the UK's Department for International Development, chronicle this change, and give us a look at what we can expect in the future.

The authors begin with a little history of philanthropy as they focus on some of the giants of contemporary philanthropy, most notably Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. These are men who have acquired such a staggering amount of money that it would be irresponsible to leave it all to their relatives or friends. The understanding is that when you have as much money as these guys have--literally billions of dollars--you have an obligation to use that money and the power derived from it for the betterment of humanity. Or at least that is the new way of thinking as this book clearly shows. Even corporate giants like the much criticized Wal-Mart have gotten into what the authors call "The Spirit of Philanthrocapitalism." Consider these words from Lee Scott, Wal-Mart's chief executive:

"What would it take for Wal-Mart to be...at our best all the time? What if we used our size and our resources to make this country and this earth an even better place for all of us: our customers, associates, our children, and generations unborn?...Is this consistent with our business model?" (p. 187)

Considering that corporations in this age of globalization are thought by some to be very much the problem and not the solution to humankind's challenges--see, for example, The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power (2004) by Joel Bakan--this is a refreshing point of view. And it makes sense when you think about it. Bill Gates and Warren Buffet now spend most of their time redistributing their wealth. Such work is more than a full time job; it's a new career. What if the heads of corporations realized the social and moral responsibility they have incurred by their very success, not through the persons of their retired executives, but through their present day business models?

Bishop and Green devote a chapter to the ideal of "The Good Company." It's obvious that they would like to see corporations do more, especially considering the great challenges that we currently face in terms of pollution, water depletion, global warming, food shortages, corrupt governments, etc. Google comes in for a bit of critical scrutiny from Bishop and Green who believe that the giant multinationals should go beyond the façade of good public relations to the wisdom of enlightened self-interest. They quote Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, as saying, "global corporate citizenship can be considered a long-term investment. Since companies depend on global development, which in turn relies on stability and increased prosperity, it is in their direct interest to help improve the state of the world." Unfortunately, Schwab further notes that "the pursuit of short-term profits at the expense of the long-term best interests of the firm may lead to 'corporate attention disorder,' whereby companies lose focus on the big picture." (p. 181)

The big picture of course is sustainability of your advantageous position in the world economy. I see on television night after night examples of how some companies think they can manage that with slick advertizing. Oil companies present commercials in which they urge people to use less energy. You might ask why they do that until you realize that the commercials have nothing to do with cutting energy use, but everything to do with promoting a positive public image for their company. This is NOT the way to assume social and moral responsibility, especially by companies that are not paying the full environmental costs of doing business while they garner record company profits.

I think in essence this is what this book is about on the deepest level: an attempt to demonstrate through the example of philanthrocapitalism a way for the corporation of the future to become a trusted and valuable member of the world society irrespective of whatever product or service they produce or perform. A corporation should be something more that an amoral entity blind to everything but its bottom line. What profits do the leaders of these giants have when they realize, soon or late, that they will leave this world, as everyone else does, the same way they came in?

Citing examples set by the Gates Foundation, George Soros's Open Society Institute, the Carnegie Corporation and others, the authors are plainly urging those with the wherewithal to take a leadership role in shaping society by funding not just established charities but through the founding and funding other worthwhile projects including those dedicated to educational reforms, disease eradication, and scientific research. They also want the philanthropists of today to influence others not involved in charity to work for the common good. They quote Bill Gates as saying insightfully, "Go get 0.1 percent of the scientists working on erectile dysfunction to come and work on malaria and you will be making a huge contribution." (p. 51)

So, perhaps more than anything, the authors are showing how today's great philanthropists are using their celebrity and their prestige as well as their cash to help make this a better world. Let's hope more of them get involved.

This excellent book is the first in-depth account of the new generation of philanthropists who will write the next few chapters of philanthropy. Most of the major new players that are currently coming on stage are covered, with a journalistic ethic of balancing the boosters' claims with the points of the critics. But, the book *is* discussing the voluntary parting of cash from billionaires, so it might be understandable that much of the material is somewhat sympathetic. Enough of the history of philanthropy is woven in to provide the background of past "philanthrocapitalists" like Carnegie and Rockefeller, and demonstrate that financial booms often are followed by a blossoming of giving. Of course, the method of social entrepreneurship is prominently featured.

The book concludes with a tongue-in-cheek imagining of a gathering of the senior philanthrocapitalists in 2025 on Richard Branson's mansion in space: the Gates, Jeff Skoll, Oprah Winfrey, Mo Ibrahim, Angelina Jolie and the new U.S. president, Larry Page.

We may all be obsessed with our own financial issues in the current downturn but it is likely to make Warren Buffett even richer in the long term so don't let anyone tell you that philanthrocapitalism dies with the credit crunch.
Bishop and Green make this argument powerfully in this impressive dissection of the origins, motivations and likely direction of corporate philanthropy. There are some great stories about the rich and famous - I particularly liked the expletive-ridden exchange between P Diddy and Bill Gates - but this is not an exercise in philanthro-puffery. The authors accept that the chief motivation of many such givers is a lower tax bill. This is a highly-readable, well-crafted exposition of why that shouldn't make a jot of difference.

Authors Matthew Bishop and Michael Green have talked to some of the world's most fascinating - and wealthy - people about the innovations they've brought to tackling major humanitarian challenges such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, poverty and hunger. Individually, people like Bill Gates, Bono, Bill Clinton and others have had great impact, but the authors show how the collaborations they've created are producing even more powerful results and changing the way philanthropy works.

I started to get interested in the Phillies this year. They are doing great in the standings and have a great team.

It led me to wonder about the history of the Phillies and their place in baseball. I don't think they get the publicity of teams like The New York Yankees or the Boston Red Sox.

This book takes you from a few years ago all the way back to the teams beginnings. You find out about some colorful characters that have played for the Phillies and you will find every statistic through the years. I recommend this book for any Phillies fan or anyone who would like to learn more about this fascinating team.

Some books I read for the history, some I read for the story, and then there is The Phillies Reader. Being a life long Philadelphia Phillies fan, this book allowed me to read about some of my boyhood heroes and bring out the kid in me once again.

Follow the 300-page trail of one of baseball's oldest and most storied franchises in this remarkable collection of Phillies archives. From the earliest days of Ed Delahanty and his four home run game to Billy Hamilton to the roaring 20's with Pete Alexander.

Travel back in time to watch the Whiz Kids like Robin Roberts and Ritchie Ashburn of the 50's to the Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton lead powerhouses of the 70's and 80's. You'll read about the Wheeze Kids with Pete Rose, Joe Morgan and Tony Perez of 1983.

I was amazed at the ups and downs, the trial and tribulations, the emotional roller coaster this book presented and how it all falls neatly into place. A true must have for any Phillies Fan at a price that should be of no objection. Congratulations on a spectacular job well done!

This is a wonderful and educational chronological collection of newspaper columns written about the Phillies from the 1930's through the 1993 World Series. There is a pleasing array of writing styles, perspectives and events chronicled. I wish the book were bigger, though. For instance, I hoped for more detail about the infamous 1964 "stretch drive." I was born in 1958 and first started rooting for the Fightins in 1970. 1964 is not in my personal memory bank, thank goodness. But, even in the absence of material I had hoped to see, this book is very entertaining reading, and a must for any Phillie fan - or baseball fan - who appreciates the history of the Phils or the game itself.

Yes, I am one of the few, the proud,.....the Philadelphia Phillies' fans. And was this book ever perfect for me.

I have always been a baseball fan, and my favorite team has always been the Philadelphia Phillies. This book allowed me to travel back through the wild history of the ball club. The stories are wonderful, but more importantly, most of them are written by top-notch newspaper reporters or well-known authors. Some of the more personal stories, written by players, etc., are also well-done, and give a nice human touch to the book.

This was an intersting and entertaining read, and one that could be enjoyed by all fans of America's Pastime.

The best, most accurate book on WWII era aviation. Period. Shanle made me feel like I was in the cockpit again. I look forward to his next adventure.

This book was a fantastic read. I couldn't put it down and ended up reading it over a single weekend. The author does an outstanding job of bringing the reader into the cockpit with his characters. His descriptions capture the essence of aviation.

Great read for the summer! Fast paced, historically pointed. Excellent action parts that leave you feeling as if your sitting in the co-pilots seat. Relive the days that flying once was. I couldn't put it down and had to read the book from cover to cover in one sitting. Well worth the buy to add to your collection of aviation related reads!

A fast paced read, this book is engaging. Clearly, the author conducted comprehensive research. He describes each detail of flight procedures with precison. You will find youself rooting for these characters as they struggle for victory in a rarely discussed theater of the second world war, Highly recommended!

Rich has given us the gift of his wonderful thinking on deep issues of faith and practice. Each day I look forward to reading those thoughts so that I can carry them with me and apply them to my daily events. If you value the ability to think, question and reason then you must read this book.

The thing I have discovered abvout Rich Mayfield's writings is that they are a gentle, but astute and pointed criticism written from within the heirarchy of the church. Nor is this criticism from someone who is estranged from the institution and has become bitter. Like Martin Luther five centuries before, Mayfield quite obviously loves the Church and simply wants it to be as it was intended. He writes as a prophet who speaks the truth, but it is done with obvious love.

Even so, I have to give this work only 4.5 stars rather than a full five. As a daily reader of Mayfield's book of days, Confessions of a Christian Agnostic (christianagnostic dot com), I find Reconstructing Christianity is much less relevant to my life and much less provocative for my own thinking. There is a distinct difference between the original teachings of Jesus, which come from the four Gospels, and the church which his disciples founded, based largely on the writings of Paul of Tarsus. The one is a radical way of life that brings peace and strength to those who practice it. The other is an institution which bears heavy responsibility for many of the evils we experience in the world of today. Even so, Reconstructing Christianity is an excellent resource for those committed to the institution which calls itself the holy, universal Church.

If you plan to purchase one book that encompasses Christian truths in today's social context, this is the one. The writer's form of short, pithy thoughts is read each day, an exercise in spiritual growth. The book transfers the emphasis from "correctness" of belief and opens lives to the unrestricted love of God. Every clergyperson needs to have this in their library for personal reading and sermon thoughts.

Reconstructing Christianity does just that....reconstructs a way to think about Jesus without having to be saved from fire and brimstone. Pastor Mayfield adds a touch of humor to his essays which are filled with progressive Christian thought. I loved the simple format of daily meditations and highly reccomend it to anyone looking to enrich their lives.

Mr. Houseknecht has the wonderful ability to put words to feelings that each of us has had at one time or another regarding many different aspects of our lives. His poetry causes the reader to pause, reflect and in essence relive many of the moments that he/she has tucked away in the recesses of the mind. His words ring true to life and will have you shaking your head in agreement as your eyes flow gently over the words. No one who reads it will come away empty.

A lot more than just a wonderful collection of great poems. It has something for everyone. From the unborn child to a golden wedding anniversary, from being alone to being involved. There's an experience that anyone can reflect on, and enjoy. A book that's great to own, and great as a gift to others.

"Wow! Such an awe-inspiring book of poetry. I have just finished reading this collection of poems and it has left me feeling much warmth and understanding.... "Reflections" can be read randomly wherever the book falls open. How wonderful."

Richard has a way of making each poem in the book touch your heart. This is a book you can pick up and put down anytime and each time you pick it up again you will find a wonderful surprise of words waiting for you. It is truly a thoughtful selection of poems that can be read and appreciated by all types of people.