Richardson Books

Richardson's biographies of Thoreau and Emerson are two of the best books I've encountered in my life of voracious reading and this is one is just as wondrous. I cannot read any of these books in public, because they all make me want to weep and clutch my chest and shout, "At last! Everything has been revealed!"

I wish I could explain why Richardson's biographies are different from anyone else's. It's not just an artful piling up of delightful and distressing facts. Instead it's like the doorbell rings and you have a new best friend: William James. There's something magical and occult about this. It's not like he went to the research library, it's like he drew mystic diagrams on the floor.

Richardson writes that one of James' gifts was "his uncanny ability to pick up redemptive ideas from his reading." And it is Richardson's gift too, to fill each page with life-giving ideas. These biographies are as purely inspirational as a strong Lao coffee with sweetened condensed milk. Reading them makes me prone to fits of euphoria.

Richardson points toward the sources of James' genius-- one of the most important of which was James' own depression and heartbreak. He writes, "James had a remarkable capacity to convert misery and unhappiness into intellectual and emotional openness and growth. It is almost as though trouble was for him a precondition for insight." How hopeful that is!

Richardson's compassion for his subject spills out, somehow, to the reader, and makes one feel that one's own nonsense and bleakness do not render one disqualified for a whole human life. What more can I ask for?

More than an interesting read, not only into the life of one of the gotfathers of psychology and pragmatism, but of the period. Well written.

I would suggest reading this book first before reading some of William James other books. This book gives you an overview and thought process to give the reader a context for understanding all of his work. I am 35 years old and know of no one in my age that reads William James but I just wish this book came out years ago before I read all of his work.

I need not repeat the summaries set forth below by other reviewers, since these explain both Richardson's method -- to tell the life story through the work -- and the essentials of James' theories. What I will say is that, even if you have no background in philosophy or psychology, you should read this brilliant, passionate biography. James wrote for a popular as well as a professional audience; he was open and curious to all experience, and wished to be inclusive rather than exclusive in disseminating his ideas. Richardson is clear and succinct in explaining James theories -- often in the man's own, crisp, evocative language and clarifying analogies. Moreover, the concepts that James developed have in many cases become part of our popular vocabulary, including through organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, which Richardson reports took inspiration from James' Gifford lectures, published in the U.S. as "The Varieties of Religious Experience."

I had not read James for many years but, since reading this biography, have purchased a collection of his writings and am re-reading many of his works. You will come away from "In the Maelstrom of American Modernism" with a better understanding of both American values and ideals, and the history of U.S. higher education. Most importantly, however, you will come away with enormous admiration for the radiant personality that was William James, or as Richardson exclaims (using italics, not caps) at the end of this great work, for "the SPIRIT the man." When I finished reading, I not only wanted to read William James; I was sorry that I had not known him or had him as a teacher. That's how good this book is -- for every reader.

This book will resonate perfectly with scholars trained in philosophy and psychology. Biographer Richardson traces William James' evolving thought patterns with a thoroughness no writer could exceed. For the average reader, though, I suggest the book will have value mostly because of the interesting lives of William James and his novelist brother Henry.

Certainly I had been unaware of William's lifelong health problems. Too, the book provides fascinating tidbits about his courtship with his eventual wife Alice. Note his highly formal writing style in a love letter to her: "My duty is to win your hand if I can. . .What I beg of you now is that you should let me know categorically whether any absolute irrevocable obstacle already exist to that consummation."

Another highlight for me--William James' rejection of "copied religion." He has no use for the person whose "religion has been made for him by others, communicated to him by tradition, determined to fixed forms by imitation and retained by habit." James noted that "the founders of every church owed their power originally to the fact of their direct personal communion with the divine."

I enjoyed the book as a life story well told.

The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication-change Your Life!

I bought this book for my mom. She's a big fan of missionary stories and she loved this one! I recently bought her Peace Child by the same author. She enjoyed it as well.

This book is incredible. Sad and at the same time so incredibly uplifting. It shows how God's plans are so much bigger than ours, and His hand works in ways we cannot comprehend.

Lords of the Earth (International Adventures) (International Adventures)

My boss recommended this book to me, and I'm so glad he did. It was not an easy read as many of the things in it are difficult to hear. It is an incredible story though, and worth reading.

My heart was torn apart as I read the story of the Yali people. This is one of those 'I can't put it down' books. I'm still somewhat smitten in my heart over the price these missionaries paid and the intense need for the gospel these people so desperately demonstrated. God help us to heed the call to go into all the world.

"Lords of the Earth" is the term the Yali warriors use to describe themselves. They live in the Heluk valley in Irian Jaya, and the only knowledge of them to reach the outside world are the dark rumors of the cannibals beyond the mountains. The first section of the book is about them, their customs, and the awful fear and darkness they lived in. Don Richardson does a great job portraying a people bound by chains of sin, and longing for release. The horror of their pain is graphic, and not suitable to be read to younger children.

The second part of the book describes the early life of Stan Dale, his conversion, and his burden for those in darkness. He is drawn as a determined man, physically strong and fit, with firm convictions.

The book goes on to tell of Stan's coming to the Yali people. How a strange story begins over his identity, protecting his life. How the first few Yali Christians were killed, and later Stan and a fellow missionary were brutally murdered. How another missionary family died in a plane crash, except for the nine-year-old son, whose friendship with the Yali paves the way for them to turn to Christ.

The book reminded me Christ's words in John 12:24, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." On earth, Stan Dale never saw the fruit his life and death brought forth, but he will rejoice in heaven with the Yali that are there through his witness.

I have found this book very helpful, it has a ton of useful information on medical conditions, as well as the general A&P information.

This is a great textbook, mind you I have about 5 others just like it so to say that this is the one I prefer to use- it's a BIG deal. It gives you the 360 of everything in a way that you can understand. WELL DONE!

I love this book. It goes an extra mile into helping students understand the concept of human anatomy. I will keep it for future references.

After going about six years without reading a traditional anatomy and physiology text, I was surprised at the advanced level that this book has reached, as compared to the texts I read during the first few years of this decade. This book offers numerous resources, from special pathological sections to online excercises. In addition, every chapter offers highly detailed diagrams and little tidbit sections to help students better understand the material. Thus, no matter what type of learner you are, this book will offer a way to learn the text that totally fits your style. For those who learn better by seeing and listening, the online material will be helpful and the diagrams in the book are quite comprehensive. For those who learn better by simply reading the text, this book provides the material in regular paragraphs, charts, and advanced diagrams. Finally, for those who are already familiar with the material, and just need a quick review, the end of each chapter has a comprehensive, but terse summary of the material.

This text really is a fantastic resource for someone beginning studies in medicine or medicine-related fields. Clear, precise illustrations, with the right amount of detail for the first year of a course, enable quick learning of the basic principles of structure and function. It is also written very well, set out sensibly, and provides clinical correlations to remind the student how the principles they are learning relate to clinical situations. Highly recommended.

I would like to inspire all those who are looking for new ideas, and a new way of life. The Grace Cards have opened up new avenues for one to look forward to different insights of all possibilities. If you, or anyone, is truly interested in seeing all avenues of life, I truly suggest that you consider using the Grace cards on a daily basis. You will TRULY, TRULY, be blessed.

these are so uplifting everyday - i choose one daily and use it as my meditative reflection for the day.... grace is everywhere if we chose to look for it! This is for everyone who believes in the Lord's Grace!

These cards are beautifully illustrated and hold up well to constant shuffling. There is a gloss coat that helps them slide out well. It was the perfect gift for a friend that is spiritually minded and each of the quotes are very thoughtful and fulfilling. It a is well put together package and I highly recommend it.

I ordered Cheryl's Grace Cards set pretty much on the basis of her Self-Care Cards set. I like the original set for my own use and have given them as gifts as well.

After visiting Cheryl's web site and clicking on her Touch of Grace feature a couple of times (which shows a card after one clicks on a particular star) I decided to order the Grace Cards set. When they arrived today I opened the box expecting quality comparable to the first set. But, found them much less satisying than the Self-Care set.

The images are not as appealing, or clear, the over all design of the cards not as high in quality, expressions on the subjects' faces not as pleasant.

One of the things that struck me throughout the deck was that the women are pretty much universally presented in a passive mode. This may have been purposeful, as in, representing the person using the cards as someone feeling 'stuck' and in need of waiting for 'grace' (whatever that actually is, which certainly wasn't clear to me from the cards themselves).

I did appreciate that the artists used models representing several ethnic groups.

The messages on the cards were not as satisfying or useful to me as on the first set either. They also presented contradictory messages. The Chance card has an image of a silouetted figure on a strangely shaped cliff. The message on the back reads, "Take the leap. Divine protection is always by our side." The Choice card's message is, "For every action there is a reaction. Choose wisely."

I suppose the deck is intended to be some sort of Tarot of action, representing a mixture of many religious and spiritual beliefs. The user picks a card which may then prompt some inner recognition of a personal need. For me, it was, however, a disappointment. I'm trying to decide whether to throw away all the cards I don't care for, keeping only the few I like, or give the whole boxful to someone who does like them--who, I don't know.

I find one card offensive above all the others. It's the Love card, with an image of a huge charred heart with what appears to be a consuming fire within, suspended above a craig, with a waterfall as a backdrop and beyond that a fiery sunset. I have no idea what it is supposed to represent or what it is intended to accomplish for the user. But, I find it really repellent, just want it to not be in the set.Self Care Cards (Large Card Decks)

Never before has a set of affirmations coupled with beautiful artwork resonated with me so. The soothing affirmations serve to center you with gentle guidance. The stunning artwork invites you to use all of your senses in experiencing it. Together, they create gentle but powerful messages for the soul.

The theme of each card is printed on the front over what strikes me as a fresh, new "horizon," beginning with a circling spiral which encourages an outward awareness, and offering the chance to enrich and expand the scope of your own personal vista.

Step into this stunning collection and embrace the wisdom imparted. Physically experience the sensual imagery of the paintings . . . .
SEE the angelic light of self.
TOUCH the soft silk of rest.
SMELL the dewy forest of illumination.
TASTE the salty air of patience.
LISTEN to the roar of a seashell.

I prefer to randomly pick a card at the beginning of each week, then pay special attention to the message. Choose your card, step back, and look for the lesson - watch your opportunity to learn manifest! Most of all, remember your own divinity and trust in the grace available to you. You will find much here to help guide your path. Take advantage of it.

Yesterday I was having one of those "I need to have an attitude adjustment sort of days". My parents are both deceased, my mother having been buried the week of Christmas in 1988. I get sort of melancholy this time of year, and without meaning to, can slide into a "funk". Anyway, it was that kind of a day. I was looking for something in the bottom, deep drawer of my desk when I came upon Tim Richardson's book, JUMP STARTS. I had actually forgotten I had it. I read the table of contents and knew IMMEDIATELY the place I was to begin reading: Part Seven: Life Teaches Us Lessons in Attitude Adjustment! Yesterday I read "The Sun". This morning I read "Music in the Morning". Thank you, Tim, for the gift of your book. Thank you for writing it for people like me. And I thank God, who always in His timing, knows who or what to put in my path. It was no coincidence that I came across your book yesterday.

Inspirational and thought provoking vignettes. There's no reason NOT to read this book.

It was fun reading Tim Richarson's book, JUMP STARTS. I'm glad Tim has such insight and glad the proceeds go to such a worthy cause. Amazon.com is wise to carry this book. I know it will be a big seller. Businesses would be helped by including this book in their training program.

Tim Richardson displays insightful and inspiring stories in his book, Jump Starts: Wit and Wisdom to Jump Start Your Day. Tim captivates the essence of what it's all about.

Yesterday I was having one of those "I need to have an attitude adjustment sort of days". My parents are both deceased, my mother having been buried the week of Christmas in 1988. I get sort of melancholy this time of year, and without meaning to, can slide into a "funk". Anyway, it was that kind of a day. I was looking for something in the bottom, deep drawer of my desk when I came upon Tim Richardson's book, JUMP STARTS. I had actually forgotten I had it. I read the table of contents and knew IMMEDIATELY the place I was to begin reading: Part Seven: Life Teaches Us Lessons in Attitude Adjustment! Yesterday I read "The Sun". This morning I read "Music in the Morning". Thank you, Tim, for the gift of your book. Thank you for writing it for people like me. And I thank God, who always in His timing, knows who or what to put in my path. It was no coincidence that I came across your book yesterday.

Summary: A comical story of what first appears to be a threatening dragon who the setting's people want to slay. The dragon, however, is of no threat. When St. George is sent to "take care of it" the dragon cowers. When faced with this threat he sullenly, but humorously, replies ". . . Say he can write if he likes, but I can't give him an interview. I am not seeing anybody at present" (page not numbered). The three end fast friends and an uncertain threat is no longer a bother.
The author creates a believable character of a harmless dragon. What usually is portrayed as evil and dangerous, the persona of the dragon generates into a believable story. The twist of the dragon being afraid of St. George adds to the imaginable meaning the writer wants to evolve. Carefully setting the story, the author helps establish the voice of the characters. It evolves into a theme that proves that "things aren't always as they appear."

this is a great kids book. and even i love anything that rhymes. thank you so much.

The original "St. George and the Dragon" story is a frightening tale. Depending on which version you read, the townspeople give the scaly, stinking, vicious, dragon tribute of two sheep per day, and, when they invariably run out of sheep, they begin feeding it their own children. The King is obviously horrified, but what can he do? However, when the lottery selects his own daughter, who should appear but Sir George, (later the patron Saint of England) just in time for the king, if not for the subjects. The daughter worries for his safety, but the knight spears the dragon in its one vulnerable spot, then in a gallant display, borrows the daughter's girdle to drag the wounded dragon down to the town. For his own tribute, George asks only that the citizens become baptized; after this, he cuts off the dragon's head. Not a good ending for the dragon, but then, he wasn't a very nice dragon.

Like others before him, Kenneth Grahame modified this bloody tale for the consumption of the very young, and turned it completely on its head. This dragon would rather sleep than slay, purr than prey, and his true nature is discovered by a tow-headed young boy who gradually becomes friends with the pacifist, poetry-loving beast ("why I wouldn't hurt a fly."). Lay low, he advises him. Naturally, though, St. George arrives, and everyone acts as expected--except for the dragon. He simply refuses to attend his own demise:

"Well, tell him [St. George] to go away," said the dragon. "I'm sure he's not nice. Say he can write if he likes. But I won't see him." The boy, however, understands the underlying social pressures (which echo those of the British class system during Grahame's time) and replies: "But you've got to," said the boy. "You've got to fight him, you know, because he's St. George and you're the dragon."

The dragon, the knight, and the young boy, a person with neither power nor social distinction, make a plan. The plan is simple: Fake it. And so, like one of Vince McMahon's TV "wrestling" matches, St. George and the Dragon have it out, with flames and fury, and, as St. George just barely pierces the dragon in a pre-arranged safe spot. The townspeople, who have brought picnics for the presumed slaughter, were satisfied with the spectacle: "And all the others were happy because there had been a fight, and-well, they didn't need any other reason."

The original story, one of several short studies published in Grahame's "Dream Days" (1898, ten years before Grahame's most famous and beloved work, "The Wind in the Willows") may be found at http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/toccer-new2?id=GraDrea.sgm&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&tag=public&part=7&division=div1. Grahame wrote "The Reluctant Dragon" long at times, and one sees his concerns with religion and nature so evident in the river adventure scene of Wind in the Willows. Inga Moore takes out most of the slower, descriptive narrative (which might be enjoyed by older readers), and focuses instead on the dragon/boy/St. George relationships and the exciting battle. Compare the following excerpts (the first is Grahame's); this is great abridgement except for the inexplicable deletion of the last sentence, a very funny, modernist touch by Graham:

1. Then a cloud of smoke obscured the mouth of the cave, and out of the midst of it the dragon himself, shining, sea-blue, magnificent, pranced splendidly forth; and everybody said, "Oo-oo-oo!" as if he had been a mighty rocket! His scales were glittering, his long spiky tail lashed his sides, his claws tore up the turf and sent it flying high over his back, and smoke and fire incessantly jetted from his angry nostrils. "Oh, well done, dragon!" cried the Boy, excitedly. "Didn't think he had it in him!" he added to himself.
2. Then a cloud of smoke billowed from the mouth of the cave, and out of the midst of it the dragon himself, shining, sea-blue, magnificent, pranced splendidly forth; and everybody said, "Oo-oo-oo!" His scales were glittering, his long spiky tail lashed his sides, his claws tore up the turf and sent it flying high over his back, and smoke and fire jetted from his nostrils. "Oh, well done, dragon!" cried the Boy, excitedly. "Didn't think he had it in him!" he added to himself.

Moore also displays great taste and talent in her beautiful colored pencil and ink drawings. She draws landscapes and houses in a traditional style with meticulous shading and detail, trees show the undertones of illustration from a 1912 publication. The friendly, easygoing dragon is drawn showing an easy confidence and an engaging smile, but he's actor enough to look ferocious when required. He's drawn in one of the most striking shades of blue since the ceramic in the movie "Diva." Overall, Inga Moore honors the original Grahame story while making the story and pictures maximally entertaining for young children. Publisher Candlewick has done it again; this is an extraordinary book.

Fanciful and charming. I enjoyed reading it to my nephew and he loved it too. The artwork is lovely also. I'm looking forward to reading it again, with or without my nephew.

I bought this book for my future child (due Feb 2006) as part of my growing library. I read it through and thought it was cute, if a bit antiquated (what do you expect for a book that was written over 100 years ago?) Basically, a young boy befriends a dragon. When the townsfolk realize the dragon exists, they call upon a champion to vanquish him, blaming the dragon for crimes that he didn't commit. The boy talks to the champion about his friend and they all agree to stage a fight, rather than fight to the death. Once the play fight is over (the champion only gives the dragon a small flesh wound), it is agreed by all that the dragon will not harm anyone and the townsfolk will stop telling lies about the dragon. Nice moral story.

My only problem with the book is that it has been "sensitively abridged". I'm not sure what that means for "The Reluctant Dragon", but my "sensitively abridged" copy of "The Wind in the Willows" (also by Kenneth Graham) edits out silly things like "splashes of whitewash all over his black fur". If the book has to be so politically correct that it can't even refer to the color of an animal's fur, I'm not sure that I really want to associate with the edition. I'd be curious to compare this edition of "The Reluctant Dragon" with the original text now.

Some of the strangest stories I 've read and I read a lot. Does make one think.

Really enough cannot be said about this book. It is a compilation of three other 'works', each of which contain numerous topics, or (one could say) 'works' in themselves. Lewis writes on a myriad of subjects, ranging from extremely controversial topics such as captial punishment, to perhaps less considered topics, like Christianity and Culture. Lewis has a remarkable way of making crucial points, even in topics you would not normally consider to be very important.

The writing is Lewis, so, of course, it is chalk full of wit, metaphor, and complex ideas. Many of the presented works are not overly long (they were written to be read as lectures), and so Lewis wastes no time in getting to his point. This is important to the reader who wants to get to the points Lewis is making - the meat of his arguments - as quickly as possible. Since the book is over 500 pages, reticence is one of Lewis's virtues (in this book). Another thing I found interesting was that, in a section of the book (towards the end especially, but also peppered throughout), there are rebutals and replies from Lewis's critics. This was a unique way in which to examine how Lewis responded, and it also showed Lewis, like all apologists, had his share of dissenters.

Personally, I like Lewis. I like his writing style, and, as far as I 'know' him, I like him as a man. Prior to reading this I had read his 'Signature Classics', which can be looked up on amazon, if one desires to know its composition. I found very little overlap in thought; though there invitably must be SOME, if we are supposing Lewis really believes in the ideas he argues.

If you are interested in diving into some of Lewis's deepest, most challenging (and therefore most rewarding) thoughts, I think you would like this book.

As other reviewers have already commented on the incredible bargain and high quality of this Lewis omnibus, I wish to focus specifically on "The Pilgrim's Regress."

Like most of Lewis's works, "The Pilgrim's Regress" merits regular re-reading. Originally published for an academic audience, the book is an allegory that reflects Lewis's inner journey away from the Christianized culture of his childhood to "popular realism," and from there to Philosophical Idealism, to Pantheism, to Theism, and finally to an adult-understanding of Christianity (see Afterword to the Third Edition). Thus the subtitle of the book runs "An Allegorical Apology for Christianity, Reason and Romanticism."

"The Pilgrim's Regress" might be difficult to understand for someone without prior knowledge of the philosophical developments of the past centuries, since it lies in the nature of allegory to provide pictures to concepts generally familiar to the reader and not explain the concepts didactically to an ignorant reader. But, given some extra effort, even the ignorant reader can glean many great insights from the book.

To the philosophically educated reader it should be said that in "The Pilgrim's Regress" you have a book quite unique in the twentieth century. Since Allegory Proper has not been the most popular genre of late (to say the least), and since a Christian who is equally enthusiastic about Reason and Romanticism is also rather uncommon, the book is probably unlike anything you have ever read.

If you have not already done so, it is high time to buy the book and get enriched by its insightful imagery!

- Jacob Schriftman, Author of The Crack Beneath the Worlds and Other Books

The book I ordered was sent right away and I received it very quickly, even with media mail. The item was described accurately and I am extremely pleased.

The first part, a Pilgrim's Regress is a critique on many modern philosophies. Overall it's quite well written, with only a few parts that are so transparent as to leave your intelligence feeling a tad insulted. The other two thirds of this tome is a collection of Lewis' writings from several sources, correspondence, essays, transcripts from radio talks etc. A few of them are dry, but many of them are excellent. It's remarkable that the very same issues which we in the Catholic Church today are facing, are being discussed by this Anglican a century earlier. Women's ordination, the secularization of Christmas, etc. Why are we so incapable of learning from the mistakes of others?! A few quotes worth sharing:

from "Priestesses in the Church:
"The Church claims to be the bearer of a revelatio. If that claim is false then we want not to make priestesses but to abolish priests. if it is true, then we should expct to find in the Church an element which unbelievers will call irrational and which believers will call suprarational...If we retain only what can be justified by standards of prudence and convenience at the bar of enlightened common sense, then we exchange revelation for that old wraith Natural Religion."

from "Xmas and Christmas(an allegorical narrative, hence the Crissmass, and Exmas)"
"But I myself conversed with a priest in one of these temples and asked him why they kept Crissmas on the same day as Exmas; for it appeared to me inconvenient, But the priest replied, It is not lawful O stranger, for us to change the date of Crissmas, but would that Zeus would put it into the minds of the Niatriibians to keep Exmas at some other time or not to keep it at all. "
(which beautiful backs up a point I had made in a post a few weeks ago on why we should not move Christmas)

Apparently this book is now thought of as out of print or hard to find, but I'm sure other editions of it's three component works: The Pilgrim's Regress, Christian Reflections and God in the Dock have come out.

Dancing Naked in fuzzy red slippers is a literary mug of hot chocolate. It warms you with sweetness, page after page. The anecdotes, poetry and tales are full of motherly wisdom, sisterly chidings and the brutal honesty of an innocent child. I ordered 15 copies to send to my family....that's my brotherly attempt to open their eyes and to see them smile.

Robert Rambo

I simply loved the book! I really enjoyed the poems and stories and it made me think a lot about life and relationships in general. I think, everybody is able to relate to the content of this amazing book (and not only women). My favourite story is "The Trader", I had a laughing fit and nearly fell off the couch...
But every single poem or story here has its own charm and subtle nuances! I look forward to enjoying a second book from this sympathetic author!

So...I was browsing at a local shop, when my interest was peaked by the title of a book. As I leafed through the pages, I found myself relating to nearly everything I read - inhaling little treasures and laughing - I'm talking knee-slapping, outloud laughing! It became apparent that I HAD to have this book...so, I bought it and couldn't get home fast enough to read it from cover to cover. Dancing Naked... in fuzzy red slippers
is the name of my new favorite book, by Carmen Richardson Rutlen. If you ask me, it is absolutely inspired! Not only did I finish the book in record time, but I was driven to contact Ms. Rutlen that night, to inquire how I might obtain copies for my Simply Smashing boutique customers. Long story short, Carmen personally delivered my books the very next day, hand autographed and with a red feather bookmarks - Voila! My experiences with Carmen have been just as real and wonderful as her stories - no wonder I love her book! Take my word for it, daaahling - this is a fabulous book by a fabulous woman! You'll want to pick one up for your mom, your daughter, your sister and, of course, your best friend!

Dancing Naked in Fuzzy Red Slippers is a relaxing skip through a woman's world. You find yourself nodding in agreement, laughing, and occasionally wondering who told Carmen that little hidden secret about you! This book is part candy, part important introspection that blends together to make a chairside favorite that you reach for again and again...and recommend to your special friends.

I received "Dancing ... Slippers" as a gift and found it's refreshing and raw views on the slices of life to be both fun and thought provoking. I've enjoyed reliving my own experiences through Ms. Rutlen's humorous and truthful perspective. It will be especially hard for me to shake her haunting passages in "Everyone".

Her photo on the back inside flap is absolutely charming!

I've recently purchased this book as gifts for 2 more friends.

Helen Miller-Montana, San Jose CA

Someone has said that this book is "Moto Guzzi riders Bible".
I don't know about that, but it really helped me to understand some odd things about Moto Guzzi motorcycle.

Great book for anyone who owns a guzzi. Armed with this book and a shop manual you can tackle almost any guzzi problem

Amazon is not telling you that You can still buy the latest edition of Guzziology from Moto International. Call 206.297.8322 I bought my copy last week from Moto and should have got it years ago!!

Enjoy!

Dave Richardson should get a Nobel Peace Prize for writing this book. What a great resource. Every single time some oddball malady struck one of my Guzzis, he provided a fix or at least some insight into the problem that enabled me to fix it. And if you own Guzzis, you know they are chock-full of oddball maladies. If you own or want to own a Guzzi, buy Guzziology! If you sell your Guzzi, keep the book - I guarantee you'll need it again some day.

If you wanna know about your Guzzi, I mean _really_ wanna know and understand it down to its soul, this is the book! Thanks to Dave for an outstanding reference source for Moto Guzzi owners.

A John Irving-esque cast of colorful characters, ranging from drag queens to call girls to hard-drinking Irish reporters, with names like Buzz and Piper and Elvis, make this a fun Chicago mystery novel. This insistently Chicago story takes you on a crazed pub crawl from Ginger Man to Sheffield's to the Manhole, invoking, along the way, ghosts of Cubs past, like Kenny Hubbs, Tuffy Rhodes, and even ballgirl/Playmate Marla Collins. This goes down like your fifth after-the-game Honker's Ale.

Though based in a comfortable setting for Chicago familiar readers (bars, Cubs, Honker's Ale and a very, very large hole in the ground), Lost in the Ivy folds in intriguing characters and steamy romance to keep the reader on the edge as the mystery slowly unfolds. A great read further demonstrated by the amount of sleep I skipped to read it...

Genre: Mystery/ Fiction
Title: Lost in the Ivy
AUTHOR: Randy Richardson
Charley Hubbs arrives in Chicago carrying a lot of emotional baggage and without a job, a home or a friend. Fate directs him to the Ginger Man tavern where he meets Lizzy, the bartender and life gets instantly better for our dejected hero.

Soon he finds himself working for Buzz at the "Beat" as a court reporter and although Lizzy and Charley put their relationship on hold, things start to look better until he meets "Catwoman."

The next thing Charley knows "Catwoman" is found dead in a dumpster and Charley is arrested for the murder of his transvestite neighbor, Jimmy Dart. Things really begin to happen when Charley escapes from the courtroom in order to prove his innocence. While the present is pressing down on him like a vice, the past resurfaces to haunt him- Charley is in deep trouble.

Colorful, life like characters make this an enjoyable read that you do not want to put down. Set in Chicago's Wrigleyville, "baseball" references add just the right local flavor to set the stage. The plot moves along quickly but takes enough twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes.

First time author, Randy Richardson spent time as a newspaper reporter, lives in Illinois and is a die-hard Cubs fan. His life experiences added authenticity to his novel.

Recommended by Shirley Roe, Allbooks Reviews.
Books may be purchased directly from the publisher and available on: www.amazon.com

Title: Lost in the Ivy
Author: Randy Richardson
Publisher: Publish America
ISBN: 1-4137-7750-3
Pages: 194
Price: $n/a

This book has it all, a love story, murder mystery and even sports trivia. I loved the way the story began with the judge in the chamber, and then flowed through to the big scene at the courthouse. The characters introduced in the beginning were very well developed as the book went on. The best part was that I had no inkling until the last chapter, who was actually doing what to whom. A true mystery and expertly written. I would reccomend this book to all of my friends, whether they are sports fans or not. A truly great read!

This is a great mystery. The story is suspenseful and it keeps you guessing. Like the other reviewers, I found it hard to put the book down. The writer does an excellent job of helping you visualize the settings and the characters. I love the Cub innuendos (i.e. reporter Grace Marks). Great book for the avid Cubs fan---I know there are a lot of you out there! When is the movie coming out? John Hughes can direct and I see John Cusack as Charley.