Richard Books

Truth or Bare is a classic walk down mean streets, full of gritty detail and dark alley dialogue. Speed, the central character is not only a lawyer who hates lawyers; he also detest cops, judges, his client list and sometimes himself as well. Stuck with a client whom no one else wants to defend, he has to break out of his comfort zone of defending pimps and girlie joints and reenter the field of criminal law where he finds that his opponents there make his sleazeball clients look like saints.

I wish my life as an attorney was this much fun...the characters were brilliant and alive. The intense use of words kept you coming back for more. I am looking forward to more from this wonderful, new author. Thanks for the great ride.

TRUTH OR BARE is book full of tough-talking guys (and girls) and a serpentine plot that writhes unpredictably through the fleshpots of Southern California until the very last page.

Truth or Bare is a great read with compelling characters and an unpredictable plot. The author's wit and style keeps the reader engaged to the very end. Great blend of humor and mystery, with a lead character that is truly unique.

Highly recommended!

"Speed" McKeon is one of the band of damaged romantics that we meet in detective fiction these days. He's a gentile cousin of William Lashner's Victor Carl inFalls the Shadow A bounder and a drunk with lousy taste in booze, Speed specializes in the defense of folks in the sex trade-hookers, dancers, pimps and porn shop owners. But he has a bad side too: He's got ethics problems with the local bar association and a toxic relationship with his ex-wife and (almost) ex-son.
The action gets hot when speed takes the court-appointed lawyering job for Angle Pissaro, a sex-worker who's accused of killing her lover, Evie. In a series of tiny ticks and turns, the case which is air-tight leads to a set of new conclusions that are so horrific that they make everything around it seem downright wholesome.

The conclusion is in the style of an Inspector Montalbano The Shape of Water (Inspector Montalbano, Book 1)mystery: witty, shocking, brilliantly crafted and stomach-turning. I hope that, by the time I recover from reading it, there'll be another one.


--Lynn Hoffman, author of bang BANG

This is a cute story about duck detectives out to solve the case of the pilfered vegetables.

This is a well crafted book that even reads like the old show. I found it was easy to mimic Jack Webb's presentation. What is also cute is the incorporation of old children's fables for extra characters.

The artwork is fun and my girl liked to say the tag line "Dum de dum dum"

You can't go wrong with this one. I have had to read it couple times every day so far.

My son brought this book home from school. We read it over and over again. It was actually lots of fun to read! We loved it so much we're ordering our own copy!

I read this book to my five year old son tonight with my "Dragnet" voice and we laughed as the catchy Dum De Dum Dum was read. I decided to read it to my 8 year old daughter as well and she also loved the book and said we have to get it. I came back to my son's room down the hall where he should have been going off to sleep, and noticed at 8:53 the he was still up listening to me read the book to his sister, he liked it that much and now I am ordering it from Amazon this instant! Dum De Dum Dum Dum!

This was one of the funniest kids books I have ever read! It was hilarious and downright entertaining. It had my children and I excited about turning the page. I even called my 15 year old sister, read it to her and she loved it! Ms. Palatini should make this a series. I would buy every one!

Let's say you're a parent that loves nothing more in the entire world than to sit down and watch a little "Dragnet" on the telly. Now let's say you're that same parent, but you'd like to instill the wonders of Jack Webb in your little one. Enter Margie Palatini and Richard Egielski's, "The Web Files". More "dum de dum dum"s than you could shake a fist at.

Bill and Web (partners) are working the barnyard shift when they hear trouble ah-brewing. Someone's been pirating a peck of purple peppers (ready for pickeling). It's off to confront he usual suspects, when our heroes get a lead. In the end, you can rest assured that the dastardly villain will have met his just desserts and our brave ducktectives can work another day.

There are people who will buy this book, read it over and over, and love every minute of it. They'll revel in the exceedingly terrible puns that crop up with frightening regularity. They'll soak up the detective atmosphere (a combination of "Dragnet" and Ed McBain). They'll never get bored with this puppy, and that's all right. There really are some nice things in this book. Egielski's adept illustrations compliment the rising action, best displayed in a scene in which a variety of fairy tale characters hound the police precinct with tales of woe. I was especially taken with the third degree our heroes give a distraught Little Boy Blue.

As for myself, the aforementioned scenes are gold. But the puns.... lordy begordy the puns. Admittedly I have a low pun tolerance. If you can read the following sentence without twitching, then this is undoubtedly a good book to get: "A lot of squawking going on down in the coop area, Ducktective Web. Looks like fowl play. Report says feathers are flying. Chief says we should check out the chicks." You get the idea. I, personally, had problems with that sentence, but that's just me. Other people will adore this book. It does have some nice touches here and there and is chock full of enough movies and cop shows to bring a chuckle every other page. If you like a good rousing yarn and don't mind slightly painful text, this is the perfect book for a dark and rainy night. Hint: Have your kids hum the "Dragnet" closing music when the book's villain is tried and convicted. The book supplies all the "Dum de dum dum"s itself.

If you are one of the one out of a million
who is seeking God (not the bearded lightning
thrower---but the SOURCE and the TRUTH) then this is a good
book for you, especially if you want to beat
the odds and become the one out of a billion
that FINDS God. This book is not for the blissed
out seeker looking to buy water by the river and
does a good job of exposing all those that would
sell water by the river at high prices! Mister
Rose explains all the other problems posed by
existence in a herd-like society and details those
practices that didn't work for him and those that DID
work for him, as he became one of the one out of a billion
that became the TRUTH. He's not a guru, he's not from
Bombay or Tokyo, Mister Rose just tells IT like IT is, whether
YOU like it or not.

This book might be summed up rather simply rather than reading the numerous pages: truth is the search for yourself, and you won't find yourself while looking outside in the world. This is as simple as it can be put. Rose analyzes numerous paths for the reader to demonstrate how they all fail to meet some rather common sense criteria. His criteria are primarily: "elimination of concepts", self observation, self remembering, respectful doubt, development of intuition, and knowing the Real Observer. For those who don't have any particular beliefs, he doesn't go very far to tell you exactly what you should do. But if you take his logical analysis and common sense criteria to the point of negating everything, you may discover that everything in the world crumbles away like an illusion. And when the world crumbles away, you may discover something rather important. In particular, you may discover the pointlessness of the current existence you are in, find shattering depression, and then some illumination. Or, you may just jump to the marvel of existence. They are both sides of the same coin, after all. Buy it and read it, or begin looking carefully to see who you are.

Albigen papers is very good! Also of interest would be the online book :
http://www.onzen.com/atatitle.htm
The book describes the work and experience of David Gold, the author, when he was working with Mr. Richard Rose in West Virginia at Mr.Rose's Ashram.
Another great book by Mr. Rose is the Direct Mind Experience.

Richard Rose is an awakened teacher who has spent his life tirelessly pointing the way for others to awaken--and it has worked. Rose's plain-spoken, common sense approach to self-discovery laid the groundwork for several of his students--so far--to "make the whole trip," as Rose puts it. Rose, by his own admission is not a polished writer or speaker--"I'm a discoverer, not an orator," he has said on occasion--but "The Albigen Papers" is an excellent introduction to his teachings, and for the insightful student, it will provide a wealth of new and original ideas on the "ways and means" of Awakening.

The first time that I read The Albigen Papers was like a breath of fresh air. Here is an actual system that can be used to lead one out of the darkness, and into a more aware existance. There are very few books that are available that have the truth of human existance so deeply etched into the words that one is reading. Wonderful

Negotiating is one of the most basic yet complex social interactions that people undertake. These sessions can be straightforward or highly strategic, and can involve the exchange of everything from sheep to global conglomerates. Since negotiations are the products of intense human relations, they produce great stories founded on basic social science and psychology principles. Author and professor G. Richard Shell has done a masterful job of presenting the art and science of negotiation. That must be why he is known as one of the most highly-rated business school professors in the U.S. This book is educational and entertaining, and contains great examples of negotiations from such varied sources as African tribes and J.P. Morgan. getAbstract highly recommends it to anyone who wants to find out more about this intricate social interaction. Learn exactly how to become better at getting what you want.

The book is a very helpful tool in learning negotiations. His style of explaining the concepts makes it easy to understand and makes you want to get out and try your new skills.

This book is a must have for every one. I have been in Sales, Product management and Sales Management for 15 years and read numerous books on the 'sales' side though this book sums up what most people including sales people do 90% of the time - negotiate.

As a long time mediator I've read many books on the subject of negotiating. I found Bargaining for Advantage so informative I bought copies for my grown children. Shell brings science into the "art" of negotiating and makes sense of an often mysterious subject. My two daughters especially enjoyed the discussion of women and wages and why women may earn less than men - because they don't ask for more! If there are two or more people in a room, then there likely is negotiating taking place, at one level or another. Do yourself a favor and get this book.

I found myself dozing off to sleep sometimes just trying to get past some of the "duh" moments in this book. Perhaps only for newbie b-schoolers or those getting a start in a career where heavy negotiating is key will this book really be a benefit. Otherwise, the best parts were the self-assessment to determine your personal negotiation style, and the chapter about "leverage." Recommended for those who may not have had very much business or sales experience, or experience particularly in a global forum where dealing with international company execs is uncommon.

Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares
Author: Frank Murphy

Reviewed by: Brianna - a Stockbrideg Central School 3rd Grader
***


This book is about Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin was a very successful inventor. Ben invented: flippers in 1717, the Franklin stove in 1742, and found out that lightning was made of electricity. He all so started: America's first library, America's first fire station, and first hospital too he even helped Thomas Jefferson write and rewrite the declaration of Independence in 1776.
There is narration through out the book and on every page there is information. There is very little text so it is easy to read. The book is told as a story it starts when he is a boy and goes through his life. I like this book because it gives a lot of information. I recommend this book to children who would like to learn about Benjamin Franklin. So read the book or you will be missing out!!!

I thought that ths book was really good! I thoght it was so interesting!! Mr.Murphy is my math teacher... and he is amazing at teaching!!! He did very well with all of the writers craft in it. In class for Language arts he encourages us to use writers crafts and he actually uses them in this book!! This book is very interesting for adults who are interested in math and Ben Franklin. It is also a great book for children who are interested in math and Ben Franklin!! I love math because it is so interesting and because I have a great math teacher!!
[...]

I love this book! It introduced me to magic squares. Sometimes they're hard but not always. I read the book in 3rd grade. We were doing math groups and Mrs. Wrigely said" Today we are doing Magic squares."
What is a magic square?" I asked.
"It is 9 cubes that all have to equal the same number." Mrs. Wrigely
And that's how I was introduced to magic squares. I recommend this book for kids 6 and above. I think that because some words may be a little challenging for kids that are 5 or 4.


Mitchell S. 4th grade

what other book can make math interesting? and funny? Mr. Murphy has done it once again with his fabulous work! A++++++++++++!
-Stephanie
Connecticut

I THINK BEN FRANKLIN AND THE MAIGIC SQUARES IS A REALLY GOOD BOOK FOR KIDS. AND MAYBE PARENTS TOO. I READ MOST OF HIS BOOKS. HE WAS MY TEACHER IN 4TH GRADE. HE IS A VERY GOOD WRITER I THINK. HE WRITES AMAZINGLY AMAZING BOOKS. HE IS A REALLY GOOD TEACHER.


RYAN .B
HOLLAND

As a Christian Conservative, it was eye opening to learn what really happened after the election of 1994. This is truly an insider's view on the whole situation. What I found especially appalling was how the Republicans made sure that no single version of Term Limits could pass. Yet Tom Coburn kept his pledge of serving only 3 terms in the House.

Ever wonder why Coburn, a Republican, keeps getting reelected in a heavily Democrat region? And he got elected to the Senate in 2004 in an election where most Republicans were getting booted out - He won 53% to 41% - a landslide.

Eye-opening read that explains very clearly why and how the political "system" either co-opts or sidelines the Congressmen you hoped and expected could be the honest ones who would effect "change..." This gives the reader a very good understanding of the problem we face today.

Dr. Coburn is one of only a few congressmen who "gets it". Future generations of Americans will look back with anger at how the baby boomers ate their seed corn and saddled them with trillions of dollars of debt. Hopefully, they may appreciate the efforts of Dr. Coburn, who was one of the few who argued against all of the fiscal insanity going on in Washington today.

This is truly inspiring. It will open your eyes to the world of Washington and inspire you to make a difference. Please visit the the web site for Americans for Limited Government in which Sen. Coburn was chair

This book, based on the reviews here, is self-righteous pablum with little factual substance. A better, book, one that I've actually read, is Chris Edwards - Downsizing the Federal Government (Cato).

If I ever get around to making a list called "The books that built my brain," this book will be on it. I had a copy of "Come over to my house" as a child, and the fantastic images of faraway places, diverse people, and different ways to live helped furnish my imagination with wonderful scenery. The pictures stayed with me: the balconied Venetian house, the painted Chinese houseboats, the carvings on the (Polynesian?) house near the hot springs. Every child's imagination should have room to travel. If you can find it, read it to your kid.

A great classic that each child should have in her library.

I've been searching for this book since the birth of my first child. It was my all time favorite book. My mother read it to me night and day. Upon my learning to read, I remember taking this book to bed with me during nap time and reading it over and over again. I never grew tired of seeing how children in other countries lived. This book went every where I went. I'm estatic this book has been reprinted and I can share it with my children.

In typical Dr. Suess fashion (LeSieg is backwards for Geisel...Dr.Suess' real last name) this book carries the poetic rhyme that kids love. It tells the story of how homes are different everywhere, but how "they're all alike when a friend asks you in." The pictures are bright and interesting. Young children will be filled with curiosity with the amusing pictures of homes in far away lands.

I read this book to a group of first graders and they hung on every word. None had ever heard the book before. It truly is delightful! It is a shame that this fabulous book is no longer in print. I got my copy nearly 30 years ago. It is still my favorite!

This book is amazing. I found it at a thrift store for .25 and put it away for the birth of my first child. I am an American living overseas, so for my son to see all the different cultures familiar and unfamiliar, it great. He is 18 months old and just wants to look at the pictures and hear me read it over and over and over again. I never tire of reading it either.

I love Richard Brautigan's adventurous "Trout Fishing in America." Never before have I seen so many unique and interesting lines in short a short span of pages. Never before, have I been able to pick up a book and go to any old random page in the book and be entertained without a care of order or what the previous chapters talk about. It is prose that takes you into the randomness of the United States, and occasionally Mexico. It is truly a book of poetry disguised as a novel.

His angle on San Francisco, New York city in the Summer, and small and often obscure areas of the US is fun, intriguing, and playful to read.

What I hate is how I really cannot explain why it's such a remarkable work of art. I just love how Brautigan writes from his fun, adventurous spirit, wit and the very realms of his spontaneous genious.

This is an environmental treatise if I ever saw one. Does no one see this? That aside, it is one of my favorite books. That and Brautigan's Revenge of the Lawn....and, well I find him refreshingly funny and on the point. I have read his books over and over. Mayonnaise.

I cannot tell you how much I liked this book when I read it, under identical circumstances you will be pleased you did.
It reminds me of my da and his inventiveness, best my research indicates he was the first person to invent the remote control for television. Part one of his invention, not because this was his first innovation but just because this is how I chose to place this innovation in the review...Part one was a long electrical cord with an on off switch spliced to it so he could lean over the side of the bed and he could click the switch and like magic the TV would come to life or if he felt like clicking it again it would go black crackling and popping while it cooled.
Part two of his innovation I was able to be a part of, whenever he needed to change the channels he would yell my name with great enthusiasm...Boy! Boy! come here quick, I would snap to life and run to his room with great anticipation look at him and say whaaat? He would reply "could you change over to channel 6 ? hold on, hold on, now try 13 hmmm. go back to 8"....Thanks... Well I would leave frustrated and determined not to fall for that one again, but within an hour Boy! Boy! come here hurry! I would run upstairs and say "whaaat"? "could you change the TV over to Channel 6".

Boy:"But Da I'm studying for my drivers license test, I don't want to flunk"

Da: " try 13 again"...

Why this books evokes these memories is a mystery but so are a lot of things.

an american classic, from the list of inverted american classics. this book manages to condescend and applaud american literature at the same time. brautigan had it all; he was a genius and a lunatic, and both are evident here. after all, the line is quite fine anyway. this book is as clever and cute as it is warped and disturbed. my favorite of all time.

the title describes the style. brautigan would cast his line in and pull out an interesting specimen;each time holding it in the sunlight for us to see it's glistening body. each short chapter in this cunningly crafted book is like that. brautigan's use of the english language was imaginative and pure. his observations are refreshing,sometimes madcap,sometimes surprisingly poignant but always originating in left field. there is nobody quite like brautigan;an original in every way. don't be fooled by those who would consign him to a specific era;for his work, especially this book,is timeless.

This was the next selection for my military history book club. It's a little on the old side, originally copyrighted in `73, but it's a well written book and obviously a labor of love. The author was not a professional historian, that is to say he was not a professor of history, but in many ways this is probably a plus. What he was as a professional was a journalist, publisher, and editor. Hence the readability and quality of the book.

The notes to the chapters are somewhat modest but written in a very conversational style adding useful information about the resources used. Although many of these are actually secondary sources or collections with comments on primary sources, the author uses them judiciously and critically.

Divided into chapters simply given as Roman numerals, I found it sometimes confusing as what the topic was to be until I'd read the sections under the heading. For instance Chapter I is actually a brief characterization of central participants, mostly those on the American side of the issue, while Chapter II presents the British point of view, especially that of the King and his primary counselors. I can certainly see why the vague headings were applied, however. The story requires many back tracks to explain events as they occurred, particularly in the prodromal phase of the war. Letting go of my need to attack a book in a cut and dried fashion, I found it much easier to read and to enjoy.

The very readable narrative style of the book literally carries one from chapter to chapter like a mystery or adventure story. Without the need to categorize his material or to drive the reader from point A to point B in a pedagogical manner, the book takes on the personality of a first hand account, which makes it much more personal and intense for the reader. The people aren't just static figures performing on the stage of history, they lived on the brink of disaster for years, some of them died miserably, others lost everything they owned, others were discouraged and defected, etc. Remember, they didn't know what the outcome would be as we do.

The book is much better balanced than the traditional story one got in high school about the American Revolution. The British, while definitely myopic in the policies directed at the colonies, definitely had legitimate reason for their irritation with them. Certainly it's obvious that much might have been gained, or at least great loss of life and fortune might have been prevented, had some finesse been applied to the situation rather than the stubborn and prejudicial approaches that were. That this was impossible given the time, the culture and the history of the people on both sides is pretty obvious from the book, and the "what if they had..." approach to the history of the period is mostly 20-20 hindsight and totally impossible given the reality of the period. If nothing else, the book definitely reveals that, although the outcome was not predestined, in fact anything but, the event itself, the Revolution itself, was. Replayed, the specific events probably would not have been the same, perhaps not even with the same individual personalities or even the same outcome, but the War itself, given the critical factors of the time, probably would have.

A superb and readable volume

While I tend to read books on military history, I have not read much about the American Revolution. Thus I picked up this book to fill in gaps in my research. I found this book to be a wonderful work describing the American Revolution from its origins through Washington's brilliant winter campaign at Trenton and Princeton.

Before covering the battles named in the title, Ketcham provides a solid summary of the origins of the war, discusses some of the politics and difficulties both sides faced. His discription of the conflict between not just the armies, but the citizenry was very interesting. The book describes the sad cycle of violence and revenge between Tory and Patriot as armies moved back and forth. For me it put the revolution in a new light.

The discussion of military operations begins with the campaign in NewYork. It is covered quickly, but in sufficient detail to understand the action. This is important because it sets the scene to understand the reasons for the titled battles, Trenton and Princeton. The book really shines in this coverage. I was entralled with the text and speed through it. It was a wonder to me that after the disasterous New York campaign Washington was able to keep his army together and perform a series of brilliant maneuvers that just completely stymied the British forces. After reading this book I have a new found respect for Washington as a military leader. He is frequently dismissed as a general, but I now think that his leadership in this campaign should rank with the greatest.

I found this book to be very memorable, and probably worth rereading at a later date. I recommend it for any one interested in learning about this period of the American Revolution, especially if you do not have a great deal of background in the subject.

Richard Ketchum does a masterful job of capturing the details and personalities that drove the American Revolution to its sometimes inexplicable conclusion. He spends time exploring the minds and temperments of key English characters such as King George III, Lord Frederick North, Edmund Blake and takes the time to explain the rationale for the war beyond the tired adages of "No taxation withourt representation" or "The intolerable acts" etc.

His discussion of the multiple missed opportunities for reconciliation by the British authorities is revealing. His examination of Washington's continual losses during 1776 and how the Americans were pushed all the way from New York to Pennsylvania sets up the the desparate plight faced by Washington in December 1776.

Ketchum examines the personality and character strengths and flaws of Johann Rall, the Hessian commander at Trenton to help explain how the Continentals pulled off their first victory of the war. He also describes decisions by the generals and their subordinate commanders on both sides that caused the fortunes or misfortunes we are familiar with all the way from Boston to N.Y. to New Jersey during that momentous year.

Ketchum's writing style is very contemporary, entertaining, magnetic and credible. As you read you can just imagine the Hollywood movie that should be made from his version of the decisions, personalities and events of 1776. His maps add immeasurably to the understaning of events and are integral to the enjoyment of this book.

Mr. Ketchum as an historian writing about the American Revolutionary War ranks among the best. His base of knowledge is broad and deep and his books read easily. If you want to learn about the major battles in New Jersy in 1776/1777, this book is a must.

David McCullough's 1776 was excellent, but Ketchum's Winter Soldiers is even better. This is the finest kind of narrative history. The mounting tally of disappointments after New York and the near despair of the Continentals as they retreated into Pennsylvannia is expertly captured in painful detail. The later descriptions of the long, cold night marches and harrowing battles at Trenton and Princeton made me feel the extreme fatigue, but elation, those men must have felt.
This is mythic ground, but told in a straight forward manner which allows the men and their actions to show us what great accomplishments these were and helps us to understand why these stories have been treasured by generations of Americans.

The Flame Tree is a realistic fiction book by author Richard Lewis. This book takes place in 2001in a small town in Indeonesia called Java. Placed around the September eleventh terrorist attacks, this novel weighs Islam and Christianity in a way that makes you really think about both sides of this religious difference.
12 year old Isaac Williams lives with his parents in a Baptist hospital compound, where there is also a Christian boarding school holding hundreds of students. A giant flame tree towers over the compound. This is where Issac makes a discovery that should have been his first clue to realize something was wrong. In the bamboo forest that surrounds the compound, Isaac finds a gate that is hard to see from the inside and even more difficult to see from the outside. He thinks he has found a way to go see his friend Ismail without getting caught outside the compound, but has he found something sinister? He doesn't give a second thought to this. He slips out to go visit Ismail, a Muslim boy who lives with his family in Java. He and Ismail have a great time and Isaac slips back into the compound unnoticed... almost. His mother catches and then scolds him,but otherwise he feels pretty good. His life is that of a normal 12 year old boy. He has nice parents, a home, a loving God, a best friend, and a way to escape from his punishment sentence. Then, the twin towers collapse and kill thousands of Americans. Suddenly, Java's muslims are like a deadly cobra waiting to rear it's ugly head and release it's poisonous venom onto the Americans at the hospital compound.
This was an emotionly hard to read book, but it was very helpful in understanding Islam and maybe why he 9/11 terrorist attacks happened. Don't read this book if you are interested in stories from 9/11. Read this book if you are looking to understand them. This book also has a lot of religious issues and comparisons between Islam and Christianity in it, so if you are interested in that, this is also a good read. I would recommend this to 13 year-olds and older because it has some tough material in it. What will happen to Isaac? What do the gate, the flame tree, and Ismail have to do with it? Read The Flame Tree to find out.

Growing up in a Muslim country, you seem so used to the Muslim traditions and way of life. Just like 12 year old Isaac. The realistic events in this novel are very thought provoking. It opened up my eyes to an uglier side of people. When religion becomes a cause for fighting. When people take on their own meanings of their religion. I was very surprised to find,after reading this book, that it isn't popular. It provides such an insight into the world in which most of us are oblivious to. It is painful, because it is told through the eyes of such a young child. But just like To Kill A Mockingbird, maybe it is only through eyes of a child which true suffering can be seen. I hope that more people, especially Americans pick up the book to read. It is powerful, and provides such a ticket into seeing the complications there exists in this world.

The Flame Tree
By Richard Lewis
Set in post 9/11 Indonesia, this coming of age tale offers an intimate look at the culture of Muslims and their Christian neighbors through the eyes of a 12-year old American boy. While the story is compelling with the kidnapping of the hero (fair-haired, blue-eyed), Isaac, it is perhaps a little too gritty for most 12-year old readers with its graphic description of a brutal circumcision. While the realism of the tale isn't in doubt, once again Muslims' 'bad guy' status is brought into sharp focus. The author does attempt to "normalize" the view of the religion of Islam through the clever introduction of wise, old cleric Tuan Guru Haji Abdullah Abubakar, among others, who ultimately helps Isaac and his mother with the tall order of reconciling their anger with friends, God and terrorists.

The book does a superb job of raising questions in the readers mind about the origins of the Judeo-Christian and Islamic faiths in its attempt to show their fundamental similarities, but most middle school readers are going to gloss over these details and get caught up in the "gory details." This book is better recommended for the high school student studying cultural diversity or comparative religion. It would be interesting to see if this author attempts another look at the subject from a Muslim boy's perspective, since that would also be a compelling read.

The divergence of the monotheistic religions came when Ishmael went to Mecca, and Abraham's other son, Isaac, stayed in Palestine. Richard Lewis's The Flame Tree, is the modern example of the continuing conflict that resulted from this divide. Twelve-year-old Isaac is the son of Christian missionaries in Indonesia. He watches the world from the branches of the flame tree and plays with Ismail, a local Muslim boy, along the riverbank.

However, when the Tuan Guru Haji Abdullah Abubakar appears, in their once peaceful town of Wonobo, accusing the missionaries of committing sin against Allah by trying to convert Muslims to Christians, it's not only the boys' friendship that is threatened but their beliefs, as well.

Lewis's depiction of religious conflict is honest, real, and objective. Though the son of American missionaries, his story is neither one-sided nor preachy. The violence portrayed in the novel is shocking and painful but tastefully written.

The Flame Tree is intelligent and thought-provoking. It is action packed and lyrical, a wonderful contribution to young adult literature, and an excellent read for older adults too.

A marvelously, wonderfully spun tale, steeped in first hand knowledge and laced with imagery so realistic, that you forget that it is fiction. As an American living in Indonesia who was deeply impacted by the Bali Bomb, I battled between not being able to put the book down and needing to put the book down to process my response. This is an amazingly informative book. Through it, one is engaged on all levels - intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. Lewis' clever whit, ability to lead the reader into intimacy with each of the well-developed characters, and well-balanced approach to cultural and religious issues faced by our current generation, provided a greatly satisfying read. This story cuts straight to the heart, while being full of such great fun, adventure and suspense, that one is able to easily press through what would otherwise be a slow go through amazingly huge issues faced by our world today.