Roberts Books

Robert Mercer-Nairne's The Letter Writer is a compelling novel, bringing together the lives of several Seattle-area residents in a most unlikely way. But when most of those residents go together on The Letter Writer's cruise to Hawaii, things suddenly start to change.

The Letter Writer is a wonderful novel, with just enough complexity to make it interesting and hold your attention, but not so much that the characters get mixed up in your mind. Novels like The Letter Writer are my favorite; I call them great airplane books, because they're so fascinating they hold your interest through late and delayed flights, turbulence, crying babies and roaring jet engines.

Mercer-Nairne skillfully weaves together the life circumstances of several characters. Until the middle of the book, you wonder where he's going with his characters, but then you begin to see just what he has in mind. It's not until the epilogue, however, that you find out all of the many twists and turns, most of them very surprising, that have taken place in the book.

The book has 351 pages, with 57 chapters, plus an epilogue; none of the chapters are very long, but several of them are further divided. This is one of the things that makes The Letter Writer great reading in my opinion; while it's certainly written so that it can be picked up and put down, you won't want to do that. You'll want to read it as fast as possible.

I think The Letter Writer would make a fabulous movie, but at any rate, I'm looking for more novels from Mr. Mercer-Nairne.

Rebeccasreads highly recommends THE LETTER WRITER as a leisurely saga of Seattle-ites from old wealth & hopeful entrepeneurs, & what happens when each receives a newsletter touting a once-in-a-lifetime deal.

Enter a cast of regional characters with histories & agendas, quite ably sketched, meandering along in a very Northwest fashion... (I live here, so I can say that!) until, in Part II, they set sail for Hawaii on David Dulalley's Golden Cruise.

On the high seas, surrounded by luxury & ulterior motives, marriages start cracking at the seams, seductions occur around every corner, & deceit winds its bitter tentacles around the charming & the loathesome, the naive & the lecherous, the suave & the desperate.

THE LETTER WRITER is quite absorbing -- a tad heavy on the financial intricacies -- a lively parable about greed, foolhardy optimism, vanity & the struggle to understand what truly matters.

Mercer Nairne is as good a writer as I've read in a long time. He has original style, a flair for literary nuance, and impeccable plot timing and structure. The Letter Writer is simply a splendid work, a real eye-opener into a slice of American culture, replete with get-rich-quick schemes and the like.

Highly, highly, recommended.

The Letter Writer is a fine work of fiction by an author with a unique and distinct voice. Mercer-Nairne captures a facet of American culture with vivid characters, a compelling storyline, and a wonderful writing style.

I recommend this book highly to all lovers of good fiction.

I feel strongly Mercer-Nairne is destined for literary stardom; he is that talented.

The Letter Writer: Book Review

"I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were portrayed very well. Jack, a multimillionaire who experiences mid-life crisis and ends up finding meaning to his life - but it costs him millions of dollars and emotional pain. Adele is a heavy-drinking, free-living, multimillionaire with an independent mind and a sense of humor. Wendy, a single mother who finds the love of her life. Mixed up educators playing with their students' lives in their conquest and the retiring professor who resists this plot has a big secret. A married advisor carries on an affair with another man and when he is discovered, he thinks his world has ended.
I would say this fiction is a light comedy that is quite entertaining and has some romance elements as well. Author Robert Mercer-Nairne brings attention to common human frailties with a sense of fun. He clearly reveals the desire to `get rich quick' in North American Society. Members of this society tend to hear what we WANT to hear and perceive the greener pasture out there somewhere - rather than in the here and now.
Readers are shown the foolishness of following others blindly and the danger of where our greed can take us. Innocents can have their life irrevocable altered by someone else's desire to climb a corporate or social ladder. The benefit of spiritual leaders to help ground the characters in this novel, helping them learn to forgive themselves and move on in life is used at several points in the story.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for a light, entertaining read."

ISBN#: 0974814105
Publisher: Gritpoul, Inc
Author: Robert Mercer-Nairne

~ Lillian Brummet - Book Reviewer - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment - Author of Towards Understanding, a book of poetry. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit)

BUY THIS BOOK!! Recommended by a relative, I had preconcieved ideas and little interest in Death Valley, but started reading it anyway. What a great surprise awaited me within just a few pages! I was transported back and forth between the past and the present, gaining a reverent respect for my ancestors who dared to take this trek through the valley's harsh conditions and then finding myself in awe of the fascinating workings of nature to sustain life and even beauty in such a place.

Reading "Live!From Death Valley: Dispatches from America's Low Point" introduced me to diverse and interesting characters from both long ago and not so long ago, pulled me into mystery and danger, brought me knowledge of botany, wildlife and geology I had never realized before and along the way came many laugh out loud moments that made me look around for someone, anyone, to share them with!!

John Soennichsen's love and expertise of Death Valley shines through and has made me re-think my position that vacations should only be taken on tropical beach's! Wonderful reading!!

Soennichsen attempts to capture "my reverence for Death Valley's geology, history, and harsh environment. It is a reverence conceived in naiveté, nourished through repeated exploration, and polished with the passage of time. It is the story of how this region helped construct my views on the environment, tourism, solitude, and religion, among other topics. It is part memoir and part adventure tale; part history and part coming-of-age story." (xiii) He compares the Valley to a harsh mistress whom he still loves. One who "did not seek to hide its appearance with vegetative cosmetics, did not adorn itself in soft and sumptuous outer garments or employ subtly filtered lighting or cool desert breezes the tempt my senses." (xii) Not all the narrative, wisely, emerges from such extended metaphors. These are deployed sparingly, for maximum effect.

He knows the power of the fanciful placenames we use to try to account for Death Valley's weird formations. Our attempt to play Adam shows both our bold confidence that we can control nature, and our failure to understand the ineffable forces that outlast us. Our naming reveals their power over us far beyond what words can convey. Nevertheless, he tries in a variety of registers to explain some of the fascination that this territory's provoked in him and within a few hardy, or deluded, people over the past century and a half.

William Lewis Manly's tale-- as retold skillfully by Soennichsen-- of his fellow pioneers who took what would become a fatal short cut for some in their party in 1949-50 (ironically a much wetter winter and more forgiving climate than usual) here's interspersed with chapters on the geology and dessication, the mining and pioneer days, the unpredictable weather, the flora and fauna, the crazy folks, The Devil's Racetrack mystery of gliding boulders, more crazy folks, his earlier forays into danger, burros, and what can be seen off the main roads that circle the National Park. Unfailingly, he gives enough insight into his own experiences without getting bogged down in superfluous details from the rest of his life.

He selects only what's appropriate to illuminate the Valley, from his point of view, and supplements it sparingly but deftly with the records from history and fellow sojourners. I sensed that much more could have been told about the mining camps in particular, but other guides and academic works did this. The context, nonetheless, for such efforts as the 20-Mule Borax Mule Team that in turn spawned the now-nearly forgotten (he makes an aside to it) "Death Valley Days" show by Ronald Reagan before he entered 60's politics remained undernourished. Yet, we can find out more in longer, or less accessible, works. He appends a short list of sources selected, but I would have liked much more annotation or specific suggestions for other media. (There's a URL given on the dust jacket with www. plus the main title of his book as a single word plus dot-com; I tried it today and found a dead link, however.)

This book earns five stars for its clear prose, careful composition, and thoughtful analysis of this infamous expanse. Although the cover and titular typeface make it at first look less than the well-informed investigation that the contents reveal, and the lack of a usable map or representative photos does detract unfortunately from my perfect rating overall, this book's recommended. The photos tended to be rather indistinct, as if random snaps, and did not depict the splendor or strangeness of the sights his words witness.

I admit a bit of confusion. He cites verbatim the dangers of desiccation from Richard Lingenfelter's standard history, while he contradicts what Lingenfelter asserts on the previous page of "Death Valley & the Amargosa": that the Shoshone term "Tomesha" did not mean what Soennichsen in his own introduction's first sentence asserts: "Ground on Fire." (xi; cf. Lingenfelter 1986: 11-13--also reviewed by me.) Lingenfelter traces this false "Paiute" etymology to a 1907 "one-liner" from a geologist. Lingenfelter gives "Coyote Rock" as the probable Shoshone derivation from what was once the largest Indian village there. Thus, as both authors agree, the mythic and the illusive certainly reign over the landscape.

Speaking of placenames, Soennichsen's map, while it reminded me of an affectionate sketch one might take away from an insider who shares his own points of interest on a napkin with you after a long conversation in a local bar near the Valley, on paper's too cramped and idiosyncratic to serve the curious reader wishing for more precision and an easier comprehension of the many sites referred to in the text.

Yet, these remain minor faults compared with the book's strengths. I admired Soennichsen's style, both as a thinker and a chronicler of his beloved realm. For roughly four decades, as he sums up his book's scope, he's been roaming when he could these quiet lands, preparing to tell the tales in this brief, lively, but serious record of what lurks beyond the myths of this often forbidding, yet coyly inviting, place.

He's edited this efficiently told collection of interrelated essays down, I estimate, from a larger work, and the discipline in crafting his reflections shows in the meditative, yet never dull, pace. With touches of self-deprecation, memories of lots of beer in coolers, and the right amount of anecdotes, he tells entertaining yet educational stories. As with Edward Abbey's "Desert Solitaire," this updates the ancient wonder of the American desert for our times; Soennichsen has the advantage of moving further west than Abbey into what still seems to me a Mojave that has lacked the attention from nature writers that it deserves and earns in the hands of such earlier efforts as the late Colin Fletcher's "A Thousand-Mile Summer."

Soennichsen's final chapter accomplishes this feat of verbal reclamation best. Without revealing why I think his night in Surprise Canyon proved so apt a name for such an encounter as the one he relates, he also cocks a sober eye towards our hubris and chides our refusal-- in a wilderness that often punishes the foolhardy visitor-- to respect the limits that such a desert represents to all of us who drag motorhomes and generators out there into the silence. We wish to see Mother Nature from the comforts of only our frigid automobile window, or perhaps after tearing it up under our 4WD's spattered windscreen. Without getting sanctimonious or hypocritical, he marvels at relentless human endeavor to tame such an awesome place. Also, he elicits respect for the hidden places that should not be domesticated.

I did not expect the penultimate pages of this little book to end with a chapter citing Sartre, but it's again testimony to Soennichsen's skill that he can integrate a profound observation into his own reflections without it coming off as showing off. At Chris Wicht's Panamint camp, he finds intimations that connect with Wordsworth's "inward eye which is the bliss of solitude." (qtd. 168) Our existential solitude, as he learns one midnight, takes us into our minds as the most mysterious of all our landscapes, where even Death Valley may look tamer by psychic comparison.

I thoroughly enjoyed how Soennichsen interwove the historical stories from the past and the factual geographical information with his personal experiences in Death Valley. I liked this book so much that I bought it for my parents.

I throughly enjoyed this book about Death Valley and the author's experiences there. My family used to visit Death Valley regularly on our way to other destinations during our vacations. This book brought back numerous fond memories of my childhood thinking about the mysteries and dangers of the Valley to the pioneers that dared to brave that fantastic wilderness. I was both informed and entertained while reading this wonderful book. If you are even the slight bit curious about Death Valley and the people who explored it, read this book. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the discoveries on each page.

Ok, so... I'm acquainted with this author (online only) because one of his other interests is one I share, and we hang out on the same message board. So when the book came out, I came here to Amazon and bought a copy, just to support John, even though I had NO interest at all in Death Valley.

Well, I started reading it after having it in my "to read" pile for a couple of months, and must say I am VERY pleasantly surprised. John has a great writing style - very accessible, and easy to read. I also like the way you have the past interspersed with the present in this volume. I learned so very much from this book, and have actually told my husband that I'd like to visit Death Valley at some point. (Though, I must admit, I'm one of those city wimps who would want air conditioning & cold water at all times. *grin*)

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone - whether they do or do not currnetly have any interest in Death Valley. It will suck you in and make you long to see this lowest point in America. I am so very pleased that I enjoyed it :) - I honestly thought before I cracked the book open that I'd read 20 or 30 pages then put it away due to a lack of interest.

Longevity Made Simple by Richard Flanigan M.D. and Kate Flanigan Sawyer MD, MPH, has a subtitle, `How to Add 20 Good Years to Your Life.' This book is not a diet book or is it an exercise book. It is longevity book that explains in simple language what science tells us about living long, healthy lives.

The book consists of eleven chapters plus an appendix with simple recipes. Some topics covered in the book are how long should we live? Eighty-five if we are in good health. The top 10 causes of death in the U.S. Did you know the 10th leading cause of death is Septicemia? Find out what that is in Chapter 2.

Also included is a personal risk profile. It explains what is good and bad cholesterol. Along with BMI charts, a good predictor of health risk is your abdomen size, that's your waist size. It also states the limits for men and women.

Which is better, to be Fit and Fat or Sedentary and Lean? The Cooper Institute, using data from the Aerobics Center Longitude Study answers that question. The minimum amount of exercise is listed and some cautions on over-exercising.

Health foods are also covered. There is a list of Super foods that help to reduce oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, improve the elasticity of the arteries, and improve blood pressure. Heard of plant Stanols and Sterols? These lower serum cholesterol naturally.

Tea or coffee, which is healthier? Seems like both are. Tea contains antioxidants and coffee is associated with a lower risk of diabetes. Also explained are vitamin supplements and some common medications like statins for cholesterol and different type of high blood pressure medicines. A whole chapter is devoted to common health tests, such as EKG, ultrasounds for heart and arteries, and cancer screening tests to name a few.

Rounding out the book is 10 health tips that are practical and do-able. Several of the suggestions I have already started on, such as eating several veggie meals a week and changing my exercise routine.

With charts, graphs, and lists and concise explanations, the Flanigans have made the medical science easy to understand. They write with just enough science to provide meaning and with common language to make it understandable. The amount of data inside makes this a very good quick reference book to have on hand.

Common sense, practical advice about your health. Readable, understandable, and useful. Explains cholesterol numbers, blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and how these issues affect your health and ultimately longevity. I'm giving the book to people I care about.

This book is wonderful! It is quick and easy to read. All of the information is well organized and to the point, which makes it a valuable reference tool. Many other books are way too long, repetitive, and use language that is difficult to understand if you don't have a degree in medecine.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn how to live a healthier life!

By George Fulmore

In retirement, there would seem to be a link between our health and our longevity. The healthier we are, the longer we probably will live. The trick, of course, is 1) trying to figure out the best advice for our individual situation, and 2) trying to follow that advice, while still enjoying ourselves in retirement.

"Longevity Made Simple," by Flanigan and Swayer, (2007, Williams Clark Publishing), I found to be a book that gives a good, up-to-date overview on how to live as healthy and as long as we can.

The thesis of the book is that we are genetically capable of living to about 85 years of age, but that the choices we make in what we eat and how we take care of ourselves can add or subtract years, even decades, from that age.

The basis advice involves:
1) Lower cholesterol
2) Lower Blood Pressure
3) Avoid Tobacco
4) Eat a diet rich in fish, fruit and vegetables
5) Get exercise
6) Maintain a healthy weight
7) Prevent accidents
8) Drink alcohol (daily in small amounts)
9) Take aspirin
10) Take a multivitamin

Heart disease, cancer and strokes are the cause of nearly 60 percent of Americans deaths. By keeping our cholesterol level below 182 mg/dL, our blood pressure under 120 mmHg, and not smoking or having diabetes, we can greatly reduce our risk of heart disease or stroke. Not smoking, of course, significantly reduces the risk of lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer for both men and women in the United States, according to the book. For other types of cancer, early detection dramatically increases the likelihood of survival.

The authors also suggest that other tests be done on a regular basis, including Cholesterol (lipid) panel, Advanced lipid testing, Coronary Artery Calcium Testing, Blood tests for the presence of inflammation, Electrocardiograms and Treadmill Stress tests. They say that coffee, with its "high level of antioxidants," is actually quite healthy to drink in moderation. And they site the recent study that found that exercise and fitness are more important than body weight, plus they note that there is no longer evidence that a type-A personality is directly linked with a higher risk of heart attack.

There is much more than in the book, which, again, I think gives a good, high-level overview of improving ones health and longevity in retirement. I recommend it.

Reading this book gives one the feeling your doctor is sharing everything they can with you...in one visit.

Unfortunately, only later in our life do we tend to get more serious about our health. Even later is never too late, and you can make a difference and you can educate the young now. Absorb it.

Through extensive scientific research, professional experience, the authors, both doctors, have teamed up for a thorough user-friendly book targeting longevity, providing YOU with the choices for a longer better life. And what's more, everything is explained in layman's term. Layout is designed with gray-shaded sidebars to quickly view and digest those very important topics. Lightweight and easy to carry, this is a great book to refer to during those quiet moments.

Understanding the Threats
You will get clear facts on the 10 threats to your health and its risk factors, from the number one killer, heart disease to the number 10, Septicemia. Do you know what septicemia is??

Then, you can assess your own profile. And here, completely understand those HDL LDL cholesterol levels and triglicerydes which you have never understood before.

Happiness...is it in you?
I especially like chapter on your mental health, a critical factor in our lives.

Exercise - "the real fountain of youth"
Don't try to live without it! I cannot stress how much in this book refers to the importance of exercise and how favorable it is to ward off many aspects of diseases.

Facts on Diets of long-lived people, Excellent Food Choices and Menus
Included is fact-based info on diets of various cultures, you are given a simple list of superfoods, learn about fish, nuts, and bad foods. Several menus are included.

Another chapter deals with our medications and/or supplements. Learn what statins are, and the dos and don'ts of your vitamins, etc. Great information!

As I mentioned, make this handy well researched and referenced book your bible for a long healthy life. Carry it with you. Give it as a gift!!

Lord Chesterfield's writings are by far the best guidelines for an up-and-coming, savvy gentleman to learn the ways of the society. Stanhope's many gems of advice are learned painfully by most through experience, or sometimes not at all. This book is truly a classic and one I will insist my future sons read before making their way in the world.

Lord Chesterfield is the 18th-century English father I never had. In these letters to his son, he gives stern but fair lessons in how to conduct oneself as a gentleman in society. Chesterfield, with his classical learning and lifelong service to the monarchy, is superbly qualified to give such social advice. His dry wit, strong-mindedness, and discerning eye make him entertaining to read, and, though repetitive ("the graces, boy, remember the graces!"), much of his advice is still very apt today. Taking us through the prime of his career to the twilight of his life, these letters show Chesterfield as the ultimate politician--keenly aware of humanity's selfishness, and always ready to use that selfishness to his own benefit. There is something endearing in this open devilishness.

"All you learn, and all you can read, will be of little use, if you don't think and reason upon it yourself". This is merely one of the advices Lord Chesterfield gave to his natural son, Philip, in the many letters he wrote to him from 1737 onwards, and that this book compiles.

Chesterfield was an important stateman, who wrote these letters only for the eyes of his son, not for the general public, so he did express in stark terms what he truly thought about many controversial themes. It is, in my opinion, very interesting to read what he considered to be general truths, and to get to know his conception of life, society and politics. Whether you agree or not with his opinions, you cannot remain indifferent to this controversial book.

Lord Chesterfield places great value on appearances. He tells Philip that "If your air and address are vulgar, awkward, and gauche, you may be esteemed indeed, if you have great intrinsic merit; but you will never please; and without pleasing you will rise but heavily". The author is, evidently, a cynic who doesn't believe that the world can be improved. He points out that "The world is taken by the outside of things, and we must take the world as it is". Chesterfields profession is fairly evident at all times, for example when he advises his son "...to be upon your own guard, and yet, by a seeming natural openness, to put people off theirs".

"Lord Chesterfield's Letters" has been considered a noteworthy classic by many, but it has also been strongly criticized. For example, Samuel Johnson said that it taught "the morals of a whore and the manners of a dancing-master". I really don't agree with Johnson: I happen to like this book, and a lot. It is not only very easy to read, but also informative. The reader feels as if he were talking with an old but very experienced person, who played an active part in an enormous number of significant events, and who wants to transmit his knowledge not only on diplomatic affairs, but also about life and education. He often displays great insight, for example when he says that "You must look into people, as well as at them. Almost all people are born with all the passions, to a certain degree; but almost every man has a prevailing one, to which the others are subordinate".

All in all, I strongly recommend this book. It includes a high number of subjects, and I think you are highly likely to find it very appealing. If more is needed to convince you, I'll just leave you with one of the phrases written by the author, and I'll let its excellence to speak for itself: "Mind, not only what people say, but how they say it; and, if you have any sagacity, you may discover more truth by your eyes than by your ears. People can say what they will, but they cannot look just as they will; and their looks frequently discover, what their words are calculated to conceal". What else can I say?... Enjoy this book!.

Belen Alcat

The following, and my favorite, quote will no doubt provide a quick and definitive answer to the ageless question: are you upper class?

Dear Boy,
Having mentioned laughing, I must particularly warn you against it: and I could heartily wish that you may often be seen to smile, but never heard to laugh while you live. ... A man's going to sit down, in the supposition that he has a chair behind him, and falling down upon his breech for want of one, sets a whole company a laughing, when all the wit in the world would not do it; a plain proof, in my mind, how low and unbecoming a thing laughing is: not to mention the disagreeable noise that it makes, and the shocking distortion of the face that it occasions. Laughter is easily restrained by a very little reflection; but as it is generally connected with the idea of gaiety, people do not enough attend to its absurdity. I am neither of a melancholy nor a cynical disposition, and am as willing and as apt to be pleased as anybody; but I am sure that since I have had the full use of my reason, nobody has ever heard me laugh.

Lord Chesterfield was an influential politician, diplomat and cabinet minister during the reigns of George I and II, and this book is a collection of letters of advice, counsel, and sometimes genuine wisdom, written by Chesterfield, over many years, to his son, Philip Stanhope, for whom Chesterfield had the highest hopes of success in the world. What you may get out of this book depends on who you are as a reader: casual readers would do better to stay with mysteries and thrillers; inebriate undergraduates would do better to skip it altogether; but ambitous men and women, actually working in the real world, will find so much here to consider and reflect upon, that it will take several close readings to absorb all that may apply to your career. That one's knowlege of the World must be learned by experience in the World, not in an ivory tower; that one's skills and virtues are of little practical value, unless carefully presented in a pleasing and artful Image; that multitasking destroys all hope of success; these are a few of the ideas which Chesterfield presents in elegant and polished prose. But Chesterfield's personal life, as it unfolds through his letters to its tragic and sorrowful conclusion, presents the most powerful lesson of all about ambition, life, and failure, for those readers who can read beyond what is merely written.

Having read many of Howard's fantasy works (Conan the Barbarian, Kull the Conquerer, Solomon Kane), it's nice to read more hack n' slash works from him but with an actual historical backdrop.

Robert E. Howard is well known among readers of action/adventure as the creator of Conan of Cimmeria, the Puritan killer Solomon Kane, and Kull of Atlantis.

He is less known for his forays into historical fiction, but these bleak, savage (and action-packed) stories of the Crusades and the Mongols are phenomenal, and should be read by anyone who appreciates Howards immense descriptive skill.

A few examples, if I may:

"The Lion Of Tiberias"

The year 1124: One of the few survivors of a battle against the Caliph of Baghdad, Crusader John Norwald was enslaved in the galleys by "Zenghi esh Shami, Imad ed din, governor of Wasit and warden of Basorah, whom men called the Lion of Tiberias", after seeing Zenghi mercilessly murder a young boy... "the only person who had ever shown Norwald kindness"...If it took a lifetime, John Norwald would have his revenge.


"Sowers Of The Thunder"

A historically detailed and exciting tale of the real life conqueror Baibars, Sultan of Egypt and Syria, the fictional Red Cahal who opposes him, and the actual slaughter by Tartars of Moslem and Christian alike in the sack of Jerusalem in 1243.

"Shadow of The Vulture"

The story of Suleiman the Great and his attack on the City of Vienna in 1529, (and the lengthy siege that followed). Howard, as is his wont, works in some excellent fictional characters: Red Sonya, in her first appearance in print, and the drunken (yet ferocious and formidable) Gottfried von Kalmbach (whose head Suleiman wants on a platter).

These stories, as well as the many others (including the title story, a brutal yet excellent tale of Timour The Lame, (and fictional Donald , a Frank who rises to fame as his chief killer) make this book well worth owning for any fan of Robert E. Howard, or those who appreciate historical fiction in the tradition of Harold Lamb (but a little more graphically violent, as we expect from R.E.H.).

I also recommend the desert tales of another Howard slayer, Kirby O'Donnell, an American adventurer in the guise of a Kurdish outlaw, "Swords of Shahrazar".
Swords of Shahrazar

Harold Lamb wrote historical fiction and was one of Howard's favorite writers. This most likely inspired Howard to write some historical fiction of his own. If you like REH, check out Harold Lamb. The two of them are probably my favorite writers. But I like REH for his violent sword and sorcery, whereas my favorite stuff from Lamb are his historical works such as Hannibal and Genghis Khan (2 books that are must-reads by anybody interested in these two generals). Harold Lamb's famous Cossack stories are now being re-released. I have not yet read them but am looking forward to them, so check them out as well.

Also, if anybody has Lord of Samarcand and Others, please provide a list of the stories within this book (I think I have them all, but I want to be sure). I would be very thankful.

This is a must read and great to add to any book collection. I thoroughly enjoyed it! REH was a genius! Anytime I can find a REH story it's a great day! Lord of Samarcand - Gottfried von Kalmbach in The Shadow of the Vulture. REH wrote: "A more dissolute vagabond than Gottfried never weaved his drunken way across the pages of a popular magazine: wastrel, drunkard, gambler, whore-monger, renegade, mercenary, plunderer, thief, rogue, rascal-I never created a character whose creation I enjoyed more. They may not seem real to the readers; but Gottfried and his mistress Red Sonya seem more real to me than any other chracter I've ever drawn." Collected in this book is the entirety of Howard's historical Oriental fiction-including some fragments. These tales are probably among the most somber ever written by REH; among his best, too. Prepare to embark on a journey unlike any other in the field of historical fiction. The place is Outremer, the time the early thirteenth centery... Must Reads of REH (1906-1936): Blood and Thunder, The Life & Art of REH by Mark Finn, Two Gun Bob, One Who Walked Alone by Novalyne Ellis REH's girlfried, The Last of the Trunk-Paul Herman, Crimson Shadows-The Best of REH I & II, Conan, Kull, Solomon Kane, Cormac Mac Art, The Black Stranger and Other American Tales has the scariest story ever called Pigeons From Hell, Bran Mak Morn, all of the Weird Tales issues, etc. Get them all. If you can't locate them at your local bookstore try used bookstores and/or the internet. A special thanks to Glen Lord, Mark Finn, Paul Herman, Dark Horse, and everyone else that kept REH's legacy alive and well.

I've been collecting the works of REH for a few years now, and have found this book to be an excellent collection. The stories in here are unique, containing none one of REH's 'big' heroes (Conan, Solomon Kane, Kull). Rather is about the later Crusades. Think if REH had written Kingdom of Heaven and you'll have a good idea as to what these stories are like. This isn't quite Sword and Sorcery... there are none of the monsters or magic found in many of REH's writings, but it is still worth reading for any true REH fan.

R.H. Benson wrote two mystical visions of the future. _The Dawn of All_ is an extremely romantic and improbable 1911 parable of a 1971 world mostly Catholic and at peace, ready for the Second Coming. _The Lord of the World_ came first, in 1907, and was a darker vision. A world of flying craft, major scientific advances, and comfort has become a place of materialist despair. Euthanasia is routine, for the desperately ill and the terminally bored. Oliver and Mabel Brand, a rising young couple, are the golden ones -- Oliver becomes a major political figure, but Mabel chooses the cool despairing end of legal euthanasia. Father Percy Franklin is one of the last Catholic priests in a world hostile to freedom, church, university, and history. Eventually elected the last Pope, he is restricted to the dusty forgotten village of Nazareth. Julian Felsenburgh is a charismatic American adventurer who means to and does become Lord of the World, anti-Christ. Details are less important than the very modern mood. Believing in progress as the only good, people are swept into any movement that promises it. The past is ruthlessly exterminated. The quest for one world government that begins with Esperanto ends with one world dictatorship.

This book is amazing. It has helped me realize what this world would be like without the catholic church, the inherent dangers of secularism, and the path to rectify the evil of modernism. By doing this, it has helped bring me back to the catholic church. This author is on par with Aldous Huxley and George Orwell in both his ability to visualize alternate worlds with precise understanding and his ability to write in a eloquent yet succinct manner. It is a short book and I highly recommend it.

Robert Hugh Benson grew up at the end of the nineteenth century, when it looked like Socialism would sweep over the world and make religious worship outmoded. His father was Archbishop of Canterbury; and he joined the Church of England but later converted to Catholicism. In his introduction to this book he wrote that he took the idea of Man (not the Son of Man) becoming the ideal and 'took it where it would go'.

Knowing that this book was written in 1904, before the Great War and the dissolution of the European Empires, and the nascent beginning of flight, it is interesting to read his views of what the world would look like in 100 years (or about now). He saw the end of poverty and hunger, and the raising of HUMANITY to the paramount position. His views on woman are arcane, as one of his characters dismissed his wife as 'just a woman', and that they make no strides of independence. He talks about inter-city flight at the amazing speed of 150mph, one year after Kitty Hawk.

The stories bottom line is that once Man begins to worship himself (in the guise of Julian Felsenburg), he not only has no need for idealized religion, but that the persecution of anyone who disagrees will become an act of Sedition and punishable by death. Religion is represented in this story by Roman Catholicism (all others having given in and disbanded, except for a few 'elderly jews wandering in Palestine) which fights a peaceable rear guard action against the forces of HUMANITY.

The language is a little difficult and flowery, while the ideas are interesting but sometimes the catholicism is hard to comprehend, but all in all it's worth reading.

"A Century before Left Behind there was Lord of the World," reads the cover blurb in the striking Wildside Press edition. But while both books deal with end times, that's where the similarities end. In Benson's vision, Catholics are the last remaining Christians. The Left Behind books, named for a line in Larry Norman's song, "I Wish We'd All Been Ready," on the other hand, follow the idea of the rapture popularized in Hal Lindsey's bestselling book, The Late Great Planet Earth.

I ordered this book from Amazon after reading Gwen Watkins' essay in Charles Williams: A Celebration (also available from Amazon) comparing Benson and Williams as writers. Williams being my favorite author, I was very excited to come upon a similarly gifted novelist. Benson wrote Lord of the World in 1907; it takes place in a future about a century later (around now). That's also around the time that Chesterton wrote his novels. Both he and Benson write so colorfully that it's sometimes hard to know what's going on. Whether people were more imaginative then or that was the style at the turn of the century I don't know. But having read GKC helps one read Benson, and vice versa.

Williams is often held to be obscure for his descriptions of supernatural and occultic ritual. Benson's obscurity lies in his pre-Vatican II Catholic vocabulary and bits of the Latin Mass, which will not be familiar to many readers. That aside, this is an absolutely gripping story. Having once started, I couldn't put the book down. Uncannily, in this 1907 novel, Benson prophesied a dark future that became reality, first in Germany and then in the USSR. Writing in the then new genre of science fiction, he envisioned a technologically advanced world nevertheless rushing headlong to destruction. It's amazing how contemporary he sounds as he looks forward in time to our present and his future.

Robert Hugh Benson (born November 18, 1871; died October 19, 1914) was the youngest son of Edward White Benson, Archbishop of Canterbury, and younger brother of Edward Frederic Benson. Benson studied Classics and Theology at Trinity College, Cambridge, from 1890 to 1893. In 1895, he was ordained a priest in the Church of England by his father.

His father died suddenly in 1896, and Benson was sent on a trip to the Middle East to recover his own health. While there, he began to question the status of the Church of England and to consider the claims of the Roman Catholic Church. His own piety began to tend toward the High Church variety, and he started exploring religious life in various Anglican communities, eventually obtaining permission to join the Community of the Resurrection.

Benson made his profession as a member of the community in 1901, at which time he had no thoughts of leaving the Church of England. But as he continued his studies and began writing, he became more and more uneasy with his own doctrinal position, and on September 11, 1903, he was received into the Roman Catholic Church.

He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1904 and sent to Cambridge. He continued his writing career along with the usual elements of priestly ministry. He was named a monsignor in 1911.

Lord of the World is one of his more exemplary works and well worth reading.

I have to say this is a fantastic book. This is a fairly new author to me and I'm surprise how well the book is carefully written with excellent details. This is my FIRST time reading this type of book and I'm definitely hooked. After the first chapter, I knew I had to keep on reading it. It's one of them book that you want to read slowly because you don't want it to end and when it does you wish there was a sequel...The story is very captivating. It consists of everyday characters with issues that are highly ignored and overlooked in today society. I'm glad the author brought up these subjects. The book has many characters so you won't get bored with one. They also have their own unique problems and twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Just when you THINK you know....The author describes the characters and their inner feeling so well that is overwhelming. You feel their joy and their pain. If you want a book with REAL issues this is the book for you.

Lust Now Cry Later was quite an enhancement to my book collection. Considering the fact that I am a reader of mostly non-fiction educational material, this will fit right in. It gives a great and meaningful message, especially to young people who often times feel invincible. I read the book in one day, and I couldn't put it down! It was exciting, suspenseful, and always left you wanting more. The characters were very believable and very realistic! Some are definitely like people that I know. And being a young Black woman I can relate to the feelings of the main character whole heartedly. 5 stars for an awesome book and an awesome writer!

Lust Now, Cry Later is a scandalous, soulful and relaxing read. It seems like every character described in the novel embodies some real life qualities that you've either experienced firsthand or you can definitely relate to on a deeper level. Tahanee Roberts' writing style introduces you to each character so intimately that you either hate them or love them. Lust Now, Cry Later is captivating; and once you get attached to the characters, it's almost impossible put the book down (I read it in one day). Not only does this story expose you to euphoric, emotional tergiversation, it reinforces and provides priceless apologues. You'll find yourself saying "Naaa, don't do that," or "I knew that ***** was crazy," or my favorite, "Should've listened to momma." It reminds you of all of the sweet things about relationships as well as some of the bitter. The author has put together a terrific novel and I can't wait until she releases more work. But ultimately, it's a really fun book and a great addition to my collection...It makes me wonder if the author has resurrected any of her personality traits into any the story's characters. Lust Now, Cry Later is 5 stars and I definitely recommend this book to anyone!

Lust Now, Cry Later by Tahanee Roberts is a fast-paced drama that incorporates the lives of some high powered professionals, undercover lovers, and greedy manipulative spouses.

What would you do if you were the president of a large company, provided your wife with the best things in life only to be talked down too; cheated on and humiliated? This man is obviously suffering from self-esteem issues or is he really that devoted and in love with his wife?

Now we have a married woman who has the world in her hands, a devoted husband, a fancy home and is still very much unhappy. Is looking for love outside of her marriage going to bring this diva happiness? Or is she looking for gratification in all the wrong places? While placing her marriage on the back-burner she falls in love with a bi-sexual man who is in denial and refuses to seek counseling. Can she give up her love toy or will she lose everything in the end?

Suffering from being a child of sexual abuse as well as physical abuse we see this character hiding not only from herself but the world. Looking for love she sacrifices herself yet again for a man who is not worthy or willing to treat her like the queen she is. Can she break the pattern of abuse? This book was filled with drama, while it all seemed very realistic I felt bad for these people as well as their current situations. The characters in this story were very real, the details and descriptions of them could very well be you or your next door neighbor. I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a scandalous, juicy tale of creeping, cheating and betrayal.

Reviewed by: Cheryl H
APOOO BookClub

Lust Now, Cry Later by Tahanee Roberts was a good book that had the potential of being a great book had it not been for grammatical errors. I've learned the hard way never to let a friend or family member proofread my material. Pay the extra money for a professional.
Elements of Style aside, should this book be published as a second edition with a reputable publisher, I guarantee Tahanee Roberts will receive the accolades she so richly deserves.

Lust Now, Cry Later is the tale of two vastly different women: Sdia, a single, cautious young woman leery of a pretty boy with a jagged past; then there is Natalyia, a self-centered and promiscuous married woman sleeping with the bisexual employee that works for her husband. Without revealing the plot, the destiny of these two women takes completely
different turns: you get what you give.

Tahanee Roberts has a well developed novel with a realistic approach to life's unexpected situations. It is a timely, easy read and I enjoyed the development of her characters. The storyline flowed - not too fast and not too slow. I appreciated the way she led me into the vision of her story; every detail of it.
I call on the big publishing houses to read this book and take this talented new writer under your wing. She is a storyteller.

I am pleased with this book. It is written in a non-technical, professional manner and provides practical, useful strategies that I can do with my child. I would encourage anybody with add kids to read it.

This is the only book that I have come across that presents ADHD in a positive light. Additionally, it provides many helpful strategies for both teachers and parents. The only knock that I can say about this book is that it doesn't talk much about medications. All else is great.

Cimera, Robert E. (2002) Making ADHD a Gift: Teaching Superman How to Fly. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Education.

How you teach children about ADHD could set the tone for the rest of their lives. You'll have to paint an honest picture of the condition but also be very positive .... Talk to them about their favorite superhero.... Bring up the fact that each superhero has different abilities.... Then explain that people in real life are a lot like superheroes-everybody has different abilities.... The super abilities of kids with ADHD include having a lot of energy and being able to run around a lot without getting tired. They can also be very creative and intelligent. The purpose of school and IEPs is to get children with ADHD to control and utilize their super abilities for "The Good"... You are teaching Superman how to fly (p. 97).

This is the gift of this book. Robert E. Cimera is an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh who was diagnosed with ADHD-C as an adult. He views ADHD as a positive ability. Each chapter begins with a chapter outline; a case study, illustrating elements that will be addressed in the chapter; questions for consideration, for understanding the case study; and a discussion of underlying elements, concerns and strategies. The information is conveyed in a conversational style suitable for the layperson or student educator.

In the first chapter he gives an overview of definitions and diagnoses of the four types of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): ADHD-I (Inattentive), ADHD-HI (Hyperactive-Impulsive), ADHD-C (Combined), ADHD-NOS (Not Otherwise Specified). This information serves as a basis for understanding the case studies and discussions that follow. Each chapter gently carries the reader through a critical thinking process of application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

In the chapters that follow, the author covers the topics of: inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, social skills, educational programs, and strategies for ADHD children, adolescents and adults. Cimera also has the reader consider the possibility of other conditions or situations that could mistakenly be diagnosed as ADHD. The last chapter contains resources for individuals with ADHD and resources for their teachers and parents. It includes booklists, periodicals, videotapes, contact information for organizations and support groups and an annotated list of Internet sites. Most of the materials had imprints from the early nineties and late eighties. Only one of the websites mentioned was not currently accessible. The website annotations were quite pertinent to their content with the exception of the U.S. Department of Education site, which has been drastically revised since the publication of this book. Although there is a very detailed table of contents, there is no index. The addition of an index would have been useful.

Overall, Cimera provides a positive, supportive and informative voice on the subject of ADHD. I found the examples of students and their goals (pp.130-131) especially illuminating in exploding my own preconceived attitudes toward ADHD. Special education students, classroom teachers, parents and adult individuals with ADHD could find valuable information and insights in this book. It provides an accessible introduction to the condition and provides the reader with the educational, environmental and behavioral accommodations and strategies that can help ADHD students, their parents, teachers and classmates create supportive scaffolding for success...

Positive and informative. I big help for teachers or parents of children with ADD. Loads of strategies and resources.

Somebody at a CHADD meeting suggested that I read this book. I am happy that I did! It is so well written that I couldn't put it down. I read it in one evening. It gives many practical strategies. But the best feature is that it views ADHD as a gift that should "be utilized, not repressed!" I can't recommend this book more highly. Get it. You'll be happy that you did!

There are plenty of reasons to love Stanek's increasingly popular Ruin Mist books. I have plenty of favorite moments, characters, and more from the four books. Here are my reasons why I love Ruin Mist...

Keeper Martin's Tale
* Adrina's first encounter with the mysterious lady, when she turns to the window and the lady disappears and then reappears. This is where readers first learn of the terrible change coming to the land.
* When Vilmos goes into the woods to collect wood for the fire and encounters a bear, he unleashes the magic he is forbidden to use setting off a chain of events that will change his life forever.
* Seth's studies of the peoples of the kingdoms, when he learns of places beyond his world and is unsure of himself. This is where readers get their first glimpse into the world of the elves. This is where readers first learn about the one who has returned.
* Adrina attempts at renewing her friendship with Emel and Emel's encounter with the lowland cat round Braddabaggon way.
* Adrina's first trip beyond Imtal, where she and Emel learn of the betrayal. Readers learn how sheltered her life has been. Stanek does a wonderful job portraying Adrina's awakening, and how closed off she has kept herself after the death of her mother.
* Xith and Vilmos entering Vangar Forest, getting chased by the shapeshifting wolmerrelle. This is the reader's first full introduction to the greater realms of the world and the dark forces at work.
* Vilmos's first lessons with Xith, where he eventually bests Xith if only for a moment.
* Adrina's bittersweet reuniun with her brother in the fallen city.
* Adrina's first encounter with the evil Erravane, the queen of the shapeshifters.

Kingdom Alliance
* Adrina meeting Rudden Klaiveson, and doing what she believes is right.
* Vilmos's arrival at the Mouth of the World, and the continuing of his apprenticeship.
* Emel's awakening to his ancient ancestry.
* Vilmos's first experience with the orbs.
* The arrival of Myrial as witness to Adrina's awakening. This moment provides more insight into Adrina's childhood and the events shaping her life.
* The competitions in the free cities. This is where readers first learn about the trios and the annual competitions.
* Vilmos's journey into the dark place, where he is forced to his the dark magic.
* The journey through Galan's past. This is where the reader first learns the full details of the elven brotherhood.
* Vilmos's experiences with Edward the troant. This is where the reader first learns of King's Mate.
* The return of the old woman, where she takes Valam's sight.
* The arrival of the Adrina's sister, when she delivers the final scroll.
* The dragon tower where two must move as one.
* The first appearance of the dragon king.
* The first competitions and the bitter choice.

Fields of Honor
* The introduction of the titan Amir and the mysterious Noman
* When Amir uses the orb to travel through shadow and later battles a shadow of himself. Stanek's at his best in scenes like these where his characters come to life through their actions.
* The introduction of the great eagles and Ayrian. This reveals more of ages past.
* Valam's first encounter with the trickster Eldrick.
* The confrontation in the sky city, and later discovery of the hidden city.
* Adrina's first meeting with a titan
* The arrival of the prince is the elven lands, and the first meeting with the queen.
* Vilmos's outburst and sudden attack.
* Brodst's meeting with the bandits and the hunter clan.
* The shattering of the alliance of men.

Mark of the Dragon
* The confrontation in the great hall. Stanek brings this together masterfully, as he has done in the past with scenes of conflict.
* The journey into the shadow and the introduction of the stone dragons.
* Adrina's strange sickness, and how she is forced to do what she doesn't want to do.
* Valam and Tsandra's awkward interactions.
* The arrival of a mysterious company.
* Emel's encounter at the Two Hands.
* The arrival of night in the day, and the coming of the one.
* The dream encounters and the forbidden tower.
* Adrina's encounter with the shadows.
* The conflict in the shadow realm and the appearnce of the fourth.
* The dragon king and his queens.
* The passage through the great door and the first encounter with the people.

I would also add that the history of the world is as fascinating as the many characters. Ruin Mist seems real place, and I was fascinated to learn how the name evolved from ancient myth to describe the intetwined realms of earth. These journeys through under earth and over earth, the kingdoms and the reaches are captivating and fascinating. I can't wait to see where the story goes next.

Robert Stanek is a wonderful new voice in fantasy and Ruin Mist Chronicles is absolutely spectacular. After reading the earlier books, I couldn't wait to start Mark of the Dragon and it provided such a spectacular conclusion to the series that I couldn't wait to go back and re-read it all again.


Like the others, Mark of the Dragon is a fast paced, action filled, fantasy book. It'll keep you reading till midnight and beyond. Very well done!

I read the other three last year and picked this up right after. I've now read the series start to finish twice, and I loved it just as much the second time as the first. Out of all my reading, the Ruin Mist Chronicles remains the most captivating, wide scoped and all encompassing works I've read. Stanek's fascinating mix of fantasy and reality makes this series stand out as do the many intrigues, mysteries, and action sequences. In this final book of the series, I was amazed at how Stanek brings the dozen or so plotlines (major and minor) together, giving Mark of the Dragon a great finale. If you haven't read this series yet, you're missing out on one of the greats. This is a must buy, and should be on everyone's must read list. As a note, if you're going to start this series, get one of the deluxe editions first. The deluxe editions have expansive details on the world and the characters in the back.

In this final installment of what has turned out to be a truly great fantasy work, Stanek continues the captivating tale of Elves and Men and the Kingdoms they live in. The alliance is shattered. The Battle of Quashan' was only the beginning. Now the kingdom folk must pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives. This was easily the best book of this series. He continues to paint a vivid picture of an ailing kingdom and we begin to realize that something far more sinister is afoot than war. A great darkness is coming, the "eluded" at fourth wind and the one called Sathar who surived the dark journey and much more.

It seems to me almost like the earlier strugles and battles were only preludes. Perhaps a window into a world that is about to shatter into a million pieces, even if the peoples of Ruin Mist don't realize it yet.

Stanek's characters are believable. Each one is complicated and different from the others. They all have different feelings, and ambitions, and make different choices. There are many main characters, but there doesn't seem to be or need to be a single main charactre. The story is bigger than any one character.

I will be honest in saying it was hard to believe in the beginning that something less than 500 pages could be as fascinating especially after being a person who looked for the next thick thick book because thick seemd to mean great. But quantity never meant quality and if I am honest with myself I've often been one to skip ahead in the thick books to get to the action. Not so in Stanek's books. The pacing is fast and something is always happening in every chapter.

Stanek exceeded all my expectations in creating his saga. There are unexpected plot twists to make you surprised. There is intense narrative to make you hold your breath. Suspense builds and builds. Strange things happen. Wonderous events unfold. Vivid scenery comes to life. I found my mouth agape often.

The book offers some great action and battle scenes, and if these were ever filmed it would surely rival those of the Lord of the Rings especially scenes like those when Vilmos mets Edward and they play King's Mate, when Vilmos and Xith enter the Mouth of the World, when Adrina gets swept away into the dark land, when Vilmos meets the king, when Adrina captures the dragon, when Valam and Seth sparred in the trios and on and on.

It is indeed an awesome book and if you haven't read the series, you are missing out on the best fantasy series in a long time. I have rarely read a series so addictive, so incredible and so unpredictable. I have no doubt Stanek has created a worthy modern fantasy.

This is not you average fantasy.

Ruin Mist Chronicles starts off good with Keeper Martin's Tale and gets better and better. This is a must read series and one of my all time favorites. Like the other books in the series, this book takes place in a world known as Ruin Mist, an ancient world once ruled by titans and dragons. The titan and dragon masters no longer rule, but their reach still affects the lands and the other peoples of the world. I love the author's clear voice and brilliantly conceived world. A must read!

Powerful resource for understanding and applying use of value, shape masses, color temperature, cropping, leading the eye - you name it. Whether you create representational art, abstract art or anything in between - this book is a MUST HAVE for your library, especially if you struggle with composition. Get it, read it, DO THE EXERCISES and you can't help but improve.

I've been teaching painting and drawing for over 20 years. I live in a highly art centered area of the U.S. and I see a lot of very skilled artists who have either no understanding of composition, or who easily forget their compositional structure by getting themselves lost in detail, color, etc. This is a book that will help bring you back on track.

For beginners, this book is easy to understand, easy to use, easy to absorb, and masterfully articulate - plus it's FUN! For the experienced Artist, this book is an excellent review and re-review tool.

The bonus DVD shows how subtle changes can make a huge difference and really helps to drive home the importance of how value and color can make or break a composition. I highly recommend this book.

Wendy Froshay
www.TheArtMentor.com

Like many art books of this kind, the title overstates the content. The content is mostly a rehash of many other books on this topic, many of which I already own. Not a bad primer, and worth reading if you haven't already studied the basics of composition.