Roberts Books

Worthy of 4 stars but there are a few that are more comprehensive... Since I was using it for a business reference I should have looked for one of those.

My goodness! Ever need to make sense of all these seasonings? Well it's all right hear. What a world has been opened for me!

Nice book. I liked it when I purchased it for my chef son-in-law that I decided to get one for myself. A must have for anyone who wishes to learn more about using spices and herbs in cooking and preparing delicious meals.

GReat, book very helpful, just what I had been searching for. I even sent one as a gift.

I love this book! It is a great reference for herbs and spices and would be a valuable addition to any foodie, culinary enthusiast, herbalist, or kitchen alchemist's collection. The recipes provided for each spice are lovely and the book's organization is easy to use and logically presented. You can't go wrong with this amazing book.

Robert Bowwman is a great author.I love his books you pick up one and cant put it down.

This is a great book. Our teacher Mrs. Something read the book to us. It kicks Harry Potters sorry [...]. K, i admit Harry Poter is also interesting. Anyway, the book has inspiring detail and well, awesome. I'm glad The Three Vests II Musicular is out. It and The Three vests are the best books ever!

The three vest is a really neat book it supence and makes you want to keep reading. The threevest is about three kids who like to go and explore bolder cave. There names are Juan, Samantha and George. when they go into boldercave they find a chest Juan and samantha want to leave but George wantsd to open it and when he dose a voice appears and says to Juan to you the power of invisbility net he says to Samantha to you the power of knowledge and to George the power of flight. They have alot of trouble with the vests but the worst problem is the shadows so if you want to know what the shadows are you have to read the Three Vests.

This book I will admit are the kind I like. My teacher read us book one in sixth grade and I never forgot it. Now there's Book II and it's fabulous. The Three Vests, the first in this series, takes a lot of time getting into characters and scences, which is perfect because it leads so well into book II. Get these books.

Okay, so I was a little skeptical when I first saw the title...I mean Vests, come on. But then after the first chapter it was like this is just awesome. I kept reading and reading and DID NOT WANT IT TO END. Cannot wait for the second book to arrive! If you like adventure stories, this one is a must-read.

This is a very good story, quite touching, and what a beautiful cover! It really depicts the times. I like books such as these. Flags Of Our Fathers is another favorite! I am a regular WWII buff when it comes to things like this!

The opening train sequence captures your imagination and then you just cannot let go! Highly recommended!

Like the other reviewers I would highly recommend this book. I do not remember how I got a copy of it, and frankly was not sure it would be worth reading since I feared an overly pious book with under whelming plot. I was wrong in both counts. If you are familiar with World War II history, then you should have no problem following the plot. However if you are looking for blood spurts and four letter words being used, this is NOT the book for you.
My only objections to the book were the fact the author attributed certain actions to fictional characters that actually happened to real people, but then unexplainably included those same real people in his novel. Also he seemed to spend some time on a couple of characters thru the novel, but then near the end they just disappeared from the narrative but with no explanation as to why.
These two quibbles aside, it is definitely worth reading.

This book is a superb historical fiction in the setting of WWII. The book, while dealing heavily in the American daylight bombing campaigns, is not a typical book about the war. There are a few aspects that make this book unique when comparing it to other WWI books.

This is a book that deals with a few characters and covers all aspects of their lives: families left at home, US soldiers in an armor division, US aviators in a B-17 bomber squadron and US fighter pilots. This also deals with the human aspects of the soldier's relationships with the families back home and in their deployed locations. This is not a hard-core war book, nor is it a mushy romance novel. This book also deals heavily in the spiritual aspects of the members involved.

The writing is superb and gripping. I couldn't put the book down. I relished the spiritual aspects of the book, and there are all types of people involved from chaplains, church members, knowledgeable agnostics and a-spiritual people. One of the main characters, a chaplain in the USAAF, shows the relationship between a chaplain and the bomber crews flying daylight precision bombing missions over Europe. Some of the missions are merely mentioned in a journal-like setting. Others are described in detail. But, the book does not focus only on the aircrews and their plight, but also deals with men under the command of Gen Patton in N. Africa. You get to know the characters, making it more than names when characters succumb to enemy fire.

This is not a book for someone looking for a hard-core wartime historical fiction, because of the softer aspects dealt with in the writing. But, this should not be overlooked because of the real-life air this book sets up.

A superb read and one of the rare fictions I will keep in my library.

My dad was a bomber pilot in WWII, and I enjoy fiction set in this era. I enjoyed some aspects of this book; there were several little asides that evoked the time period very well. It is a very warm story, and there's nothing in it I wouldn't want my mother to read.

BUT, it's a little too sweetly corny and predictable to get more than three stars. The ending, in particular, was telegraphed from the very start, so there was no surprise when it arrived.

There's also a very strong Christian-faith-promoting undercurrent, which didn't bother me, but it gets in the way of the plot. In fact, it is the plot, pretty much. So this book would be a popular addition to the library shelves at the local Bible college, but I can't say it rates very high on my list of recommended reads. Sorry.

Definately one of Robert Vaughan best! I loved this book and so will you. An entertaining blend of history, adventure, drama, romance and spirituality. Vaughan gets you inside the minds and hearts of his characters. You will feel like you are with these young airmen on their flying missions in Europe during WWII. A page turner that you wont want to put down right up to the magical ending. You will want to share it with others.

This book has a lot of interesting information based on actual events. However, the book is the size of a Readers Digest which was disappointing. The size of the book was not indicated in the description and in addition the reduced size of the lettering made it difficult to read. But the content was informative.

If you're facing a tough challenge in your life, this is a good way to start down the road to facing it. It doesn't have all the answers, but it makes some good points along the way. It also let's you know that you're not the only one facing difficult times.

This is a book full of time tested techniques for dealing with adversity.

If he had written the book today, I think that he would have focused more on the development of resilience. That concept was in its infancy when he was writing, but in fact many of the practical methods in the book form basic biulding blocks of this important personal attribute.

Not just a book for people in trouble: it wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark!

Great book! Very inspiring! If you use the book's bottom line, to never give up, and repeat it to yourself so you eventually believe it, the book will work miracles! It is a must read!

No wonder Rober Schuller with his inner wisdom shares his thoughts to show you how to build a self image with positive thoughts and know the truth that after every storm, there is a calm! Every problem has a solution. Tough times never last..is a Gift giver to self and others. It's the attitude to get going when the going gets tough as you face the challenges in life and struggle to face obstacles that rob your mental or physical peace. I gave this book to my hubby during his worst trial period of life in his career and he came out with positive influence to be a sane and wise decision maker to start a business on his own and reach to heights of success today! There is always a twist n sharp turns in life and Rob's book with his dynamic principles in life makes you build positive self image and turn out to be a success. Life isn't a tempest nor a midsummer night's dream, But a comedy of erros, Take it As you Like it!!! A Spiritual Motivation - another bedside shelf book to peek-a-boo to boost your spirits. After all, tough times never last, tough people do!

I would like to thank Joseph Tomelleri for introducing me to Robert Behnke. Like most fly fishermen, I fish for trout, in large part, because they are so beautiful, and I bought this book for Tomelleri's exquisite illustrations of trout. My first hint that I might have blundered into something more that a great coffee table book was that the forward was written by Tom McGuane. McGuane is one of my favorite authors (most recently Gallatin Canyon: Stories).

Now, I must admit that I am usually skeptical of academics as authors, and Dr. Behnke is a professor emeritus at the University of Colorado. Unlike most of his colleagues, however, Dr. Behnke is able to write well. Consequently, the book is packed with a lot of readable information about trout. I am a Michigander so I knew that the first brown trout in North America were introduced into Baldwin Creek (Baldwin, MI); however, I was not aware of the genetic diversity of the American strain. I was also interested to find out that apparently genetically identical steelhead (anadromous) and rainbow (riparian) trout breed true.

Does all this new knowledge help me select the right fly or land a raging steelhead? No. But it certainly adds richness, clarity and depth to both experiences. And, Salmon and Trout of North America, itself, is richly illustrated and is clearly written in depth. All of that, and Tom McGuane, too. What a bargin!

Mac McCauley
Professor
Wayne State University

The discussion of geologic events by Dr. Behnke, which explain how certain fish species became dispersed is most interesting as well as fascinating.
The paintings of the various fishes by Joseph Tomellari are worth the price of the book alone. All presented on high quality print and paper.

Awesome book. The CSU professor is the best authority on trout & salmon. Period! Also best illustrations you will ever see by Joe Tomelleri. A must have book for any trout & salmon lover!

Wasn't sure this book was still in print and as usual, Amazon came through and I had my copy in 5 days. You can't beat the Amazon Customer Service, delivery, and follow-up, Regards, D.K.Madison

This book is a wonderful piece of work, with great illustrations of the various species of coldwater species found in North American waters. Behnke writes in great detail on the various species of trout, salmon, char, grayling, and a few other coldwater species, and includes much detail on sub-species distribution in a current and historical context, often down to the watershed. He also includes sub-species that have gone extinct in historical times. An excellent introduction discusses such topics as the origins and evolution of Salmonids, as well as their classification, taxonomy, biology, morphology, and anatomy.

The only mild criticism I have is that more could have been written on the distribution of brook trout sub-species in the Midwest and East, along with lake trout of the inland lakes of the Upper Midwest.

The book should be in the library of every serious trout or salmon angler.

There were no winners in this race, as expertly laid out by author Bruce Henderson. While the rival "sides" in this debate may never settle, it's tragic to read how two strong men ended their arctic adventures (and friendship) in such rancor and misery. In the end, there's so much confusion to it that history will probably never give either the "prize."

One thing that caught me off guard was the despicable lengths to which Peary went to discredit Cook, even going so far as to coerce the eskimoes into confused statements and ensure the 'disappearance' of Cook's instruments. The whole story was summed up for me in the words of the two men themselves:

PERRY:
"I shall not be satisfied until my name is known from one end of the world to the other. I MUST have fame."

COOK (in dedicating his own book):
"To the Indian who invented pemmican and snowshoes;
To the Eskimo who gave the art of sled traveling;
To this twin family of wild folk who have no flag
Goes the first credit."


by the author of The Swan: Tales of the Sacramento Valley

This is a must for fans of arctic exploration. A terrific story, well told. The account is not an attempt to boost the claims of either Peary or Cook. Rather it is a riveting account of the facts as best we can know them, leaving the reader to draw his or her own conclusions. If you are familiar with the book or TV series "The Last Place on Earth" recounting the race to the South Pole by Scott and Amundsen, you will want to read this book. There are some obvious comparisons of the two men's personalities, but the overall story of "True North" is even more rich. One of the best nonfiction reads you are likely to encounter.

If you are a lover of Arctic adventure and history this is a must read!
Bruce Henderson does a great job comparing the two men who claimed to be first to the North Pole. Was it Peary? Was it Cook? This is so well written and interesting you'll find it hard to put down. I have always had my opinion as to who can rightfully claim the title of "First", but after this book, I changed my mind. You may do the same. Each explorers journey is detailed along with a close look at thier personality and inter-action with others. I guarantee you will love this book!

My wife bought this for me suspecting, as a land surveyor, I would find it interesting. I did ... and then some! Learned some facinating history of the race to the North Pole. Something we don't think much about these days. Cook and Peary's adventure has very little - yet much to do land surveying, (the mathematics/observations). Much of our profession's "roots" come from the U.S. Coast and Geological Survey mentioned in this fine history book. The story was absolutely enthralling! Thanks be to the author for taking us to the "end" with Dr. Cook - such a humble "gentleman"! Such a sad ending.

It is often difficult to translate history into a compelling story. Bruce Henderson, however, managed beautifully in True North. It was a terrific read, with all of the action of a adventure novel, but wonderfully documented and (near as I can tell) historically on point.

It was a post-hospital read following the birth of my last baby, and despite my exhaustion, I had a difficult time putting it down.

Our English 11 class is very excited about reading a second title by McCammon, as we read Boy's Life last year.

Folks - if you love these books, you better grab them while you can. Just read the news that Robert McCammon - the best seller author of these books is retiring. He has two new works and no one to publish them - so think he is just fed up and retiring...Check out the web site about him: ...These are awesome books and a terrific writer - he will be missed...

This is the first book I have read by Robert McGammon and I was hooked. I could not put the book down. I laughed, I cried, I loved all the characters in this book and the relationship between the boy and his father is wonderful!! The fantasty sequences are outstanding. I sent a copy of this book to my son and daughter and I think it should be required reading for every highschool student. A Boys Life will sit on the shelf next to my copy of "The Stand" by Stephen King and I will read it again and again, as I have done with "The Stand".

If you really want a few GREAT reads, this is the book. I've read a good bunch of McCammon's books and these two are by far my favorites; on top of that, "Boy's Life" is one of the top books I've EVER read -- REALLY GOOD!! I generally prefer paperbacks because I can stuff them in a pocket and take them with me, but the value of this two-in-one hardcover was enough for me to get it. Both stories HIGHLY recommended!!

I have read more books than I will ever remember but I know for sure that this is my favorite book of them all. I do not know how many copies that I have purchased to give to friends and found that they felt the same and also purchased copies to pass on. McCammon will capture your heart with Boy's Life and resurrect emotions that you have long forgotten.

I missed the humor that was so evident in the first book in this series House Of Dark Shadows,but my interest never wavered in this second book despite it's noticeable absence.

There are plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments,and some very interesting twists to the story,plus the father's history with the house,was appreciated.

My only complaint is with that cliff-hanger of an ending,LOL!

As Mr. Liparulo's books marketed more for adults don't really interest me,with the excessive gore warned about for Comes A Horseman,for example,I am hoping that he will write many more YA series like this one.

Watcher in the Woods picks up the eerie, engrossing story begun in House of Dark Shadows, which saw the King family move from Pasadena to the small town of Pinedale when their father Edward accepts the position of principal at the high school, and into a house with a dark history. From the first page of this Christian-published young adult novel we are plunged once again into the high intensity, rapid fire setting of the first. Liparulo cuts to the chase, providing a bare minimum of exposition in the first chapters to remind readers of where the story left us at the end of book one.

This series is one that builds upon itself, adding question upon question, layer upon layer of mystery and uncertainly to the storyline, while revealing few answers. These titles do not stand-alone; each is an integral part of the story. Each book needs to be read in sequence in order to follow along.

David and Xander, the King brothers, throw themselves fool-hardily into the search for their missing mother. Frustrated by their father's lack of action they take matters into their own hands despite their father's cautious prohibitions and warnings. This rebellion against their father marks the initiating of the downward spiral of the King family into the darkness that becomes more palpable throughout this title.

The King family struggles to maintain a somewhat normal façade (with little success) when dealing with the townsfolk of Pinedale. Edward King starts his new job and the King siblings enter the school year in unfamiliar surroundings. Together the family embarks on a plan of deception, and outright lies to mask the disappearance of their mother. I was so dismayed to see this plan being carried out with little concern for the word of God. This is only book two of the series, but as the characters involved are professing Christians I hope to see God dealing with this blatant sin in their lives before the series comes to an end.

Watcher in the Woods is not as cohesive a tale as the first book. Liparulo includes a lengthy scene which appears unconnected from any other events in the series to date. This odd scene seems only to serve as a respite from the relentless action. I am surmising that he will further explain the meaning of this incident in future books and is only starting to weave this thread through the story.

New characters, mysteries and challenges arise but few are solved. The King family learns some rudimentary operations of the portals in their new home, but so much remains to be discovered. I feel that we are barely at the beginning of learning how and why the house and portals work, but this installment hints at a fuller explanation in the near future.

While the ending of the first novel left us hanging with the disappearance of the King's mother, it pales in comparison with the monstrous cliffhanger Liparulo works up to this time. Anyone who has taken a creative writing course can tell you that the climax ought to occur approximately 80 - 90% of the way through a story, leaving the author time to wrap up loose ends and come to a conclusion. You can't expect that sort of formulaic tale telling with this series.

A frenzy of action builds up to the climax, and Liparulo leaves us there with no conclusion. Three dramatic, time-sensitive events occur simultaneously at the end of the novel, bringing stress levels to a crescendo before cuting us off abruptly with the words "NOT THE END". Whew, what a ride. Dreamhouse Kings fans are looking longingly towards the January 2009 release of Gatekeepers, the third title in the series; harbouring the distant hope of a conclusion, an ending, someday.

Sometimes when you know, you know! Right? Like when I first read Robert Liparulo's "Comes a Horseman," I KNEW I'd found a new favorite. You know, forget the fact that he had "Germ" and "Deadfall," along with a couple Young Adult books on the way. I was pretty certain I'd found another author to put near the top of my list. I think he's that good! Ted Dekker endorsed the first 2 books of this series, "Dreamhouse Kings," and Liparulo is creeping right up to Dekker. That's because he's almost as good! That's saying a lot right there. So, how about it? Are you ready for adventure with the King family? And by the way, don't even think about setting a cruise control, the setting is all or nothing!!

If you met the Kings, Xander, David, Toria, along with the mom and dad, you realize that they have a lot going on. Especially with this new house. And in book #2, Mom is missing, and Xander will stop at nothing to find her. And David is just as committed. But somebody else is just as committed, and he's always lurking in the shadows. And right when they meet this stranger, Dad immediately doesn't like him. Adventure, madness and mayhem is the name of this game, but it's really no game to the Kings. But if it is a game, then they have to play along to the rest of the world to assure others that everything is just fine. Does that sound like an adventure you'd be interested in?

Robert Liparulo has caught the attention of many, and he's shocked a lot of people with great writing! Tess Gerritsen, Michael Palmer, James Rollins, Steve Berry, all those authors are bestsellers, and they ALL give Liparulo a seal of approval. I give him nothing but the best, because he IS one of the best today! That's no surprise to me. But the world better watch out, because Liparulo has a ball rolling. And that ball is just rolling faster and gaining amazing speed!! AWESOME!

Okay, this guy named Robert Liparulo decides he can write thrillers. He gives us some great page-turners, then thinks that qualifies him to write YA books, as well. I figure I'll give the series a try, and I speed through book one, "House of Dark Shadows."

Well, this pesky Liparulo fellow leaves me hanging, so I pick up book two right away--which I rarely do when reading through a series--and I race to the end of that one even quicker. Yeah, this writer's that good.

Starting where book one left off, "Watcher in the Woods" churns through more adventures, more conflicts (with police, Civil War soldiers, and WWII tanks), and troubles between the King family members. We also meet a mysterious stranger, who tends to spy on the Kings from the neighboring woods. The Kings have moved into an old home, but find themselves caught in a whirlpool of portals into history. They've lost something very important, and they must figure out how to get this precious thing back without losing their trust in each other.

Although I, just like the story's teenaged Xander, got impatient with the family's plodding approach toward their problem, I began to understand the father's reasoning. Maybe Liparulo just had me tied into too many knots to believe that anyone could approach something so emotional so logically. Either way, "Watcher in the Woods" sucked me along in a few short readings, and left me hanging once again in anticipation for book three, "Gatekeepers."

Phaw! And that Liparulo guy thought he could write YA books. I'll have to keep reading these things until I can prove him wrong.

This story picks up as if it's just the next chapter of "House of Dark Shadows." That's good, if you had "Watcher in the Woods" handy, because you're going to want to go from one to the next asap. That's also the drawback, when you finish "Watcher" you're even more so going to want the next installment - and it comes out in January 2009. Write faster, Bob! Just kidding, I'm sure he's doing everything he can to keep us going.

I have come to really enjoy this family - they bond and grow together throughout this book, and they way they pull together seems to be the antithesis of the disfunctional family we all read about.

The adventures in this book become more recognizable by period and character, and I really look forward to the next 2-3 books as I'm sure you will if you buy these books.

Seriously, I think a lot of this book. The artwork is wonderful; the story is wonderful. We had to buy this copy because we wore out our first one.

Another great book by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson. Nice story and great artwork. Recommended if you already own and like Ferdinand.

So glad it's back...this classic book on how different people can get along. Not just for kids.

"Wee Gillis" is a classic of children's literature, and this is an excellent new reprint. There is no dustjacket, but the book has a very strong cardboard cover and good quality paper.
The book combines an interesting commentary on the cultures of the Scottish highlands and lowlands with a simple and rather old-fashioned story of how a boy takes his place in the adult world.
The black and white illustrations complement the text beautifully, and almost tell the story on their own.

Originally published in 1938, this one is a delight to see back in print thanks to New York Review Books. The Scottish setting is charming and the central message, to be who you are, is important. Not content to be a hunter like his father's family or a farmer like his mother's family, Wee Gillis finds his own place in this world as a bagpiper. Baby boomers will be familiar with Robert Lawson's illustrations from such children's classics as Rabbit Hill, Ben And Me and The Story of Ferdinand, also written by Munro Leaf. I adore this book so much I named my dear and very independent Cairn Terrier puppy Wee Gillis.

This is a well-written book that gives a wealth of information to help the non-Jewish population understand their Jewish friends, their faith, or lack thereof, and their culture. I am enjoying it immensely.

This is one of the best books about "Judaism for non-Jews" I've ever read. When I was studying for my conversion to Reform Judaism a couple of years ago, I referred to it constantly. It is very readable, and Mr. Schoen shares anecdotes from his own experiences that are pertinent to each topic he covers. Even now, I often go to this book when I have a question that requires an accurate but not highly technical answer.

One of my closest friends is a born-again Christian. When she came for a visit a few months ago, she attended synagogue with us and observed some of the religious rituals we perform at home. She has never had much exposure to Judaism, so she had lots of questions. When her birthday rolled around, I ordered a copy of this book from Amazon to send to her as a gift, thinking it would be just right. Well, I'll let her own words speak for her...this is an excerpt from the e-mail she wrote me when she received the book: "And the book...I've been reading it every time I sit down. It's just perfect. It really is easy to read, and I've already recognized some of the things I learned while I stayed with you guys. Very interesting."

In short, this is an excellent book!

This book is great-simple to follow & full of information. I think it's a must read for every Catholic.Thanks Robert Schoen.

I found myself in the odd position of minoring in Jewish Studies without knowing anything about modern Judaism (all the classes I've taken have been on the ancient period). Reading this book has been my first step toward remedying that.

This was an excellent introduction to modern Judaism. It did leave me with questions--but that's the job of a good introductory work, to show you that there is more out there to learn. The glossary (with pronunciations!) is also a good resource. I highly recommend this book.

As a Jew I frequently am asked by non-Jews about such things as Kaballah (which I know nothing about) and if I keep kosher (I don't, but I have a hard time explaining why I don't). When I hear phrases such as "Christian values" I want to say that they originally were Jewish values. When people wish me a happy Easter or merry Christmas, I want to explain to them why I don't celebrate either of those holidays and why Hannukah is not a big holiday for adult Jews without children.

Along came Schoen's book, and suddenly the answers are there, with simple explanations that are non-confrontational. With about 70 short chapters, Schoen has created a reference work that clearly explains how the religion is practiced in the US today, the holidays, the beliefs and the food.

Chapters cover Jewish weddings, bar mitzvahs, circumcisions and funerals. The different branches of Judaism from Orthodox to Reform are covered, as are the different holidays, the symbols, women and Judaism and social issues.

Schoen covers some of Jewish history including the Holocaust, but fortunately avoids partisan lectures about such controversies as supporting Israel and condemning radical Muslims.

This should be required reading for Jewish and non-Jewish schoolchildren alike. It is a reference work that need not be read cover to cover. One can simply go to a particular relevant chapter as needed, such as High Holidays, Intermarriage or Anti-Semitism. The glossary and pronunciation guide will help readers to understand the Yiddish words that are finding their ways into the American lexicon. Schoen has condensed information about nearly everything Jewish into an easy-to-read, 250 page book that could help us all understand one another a little better.