Scott Books

This novel is certainly one I would recommend to everyone. The overall story is incredible and keeps you glued to the book down to the last page. I truly respect Scott McGough for his brilliant literature here. The way he wrote not only brought wonderful (or dreadful) images to your imagination but made you feel like the world and characters actually existed. He used so much detail in everything that it all seemed to come to life. To top it all off, everything he wrote here ran so fluid and was so easy to follow regardless what interruptions would be around you. After having read this book twice now and still enjoying it greatly, I recently purchased more novels by this author. I hope they turn out just as beautiful as this one. This is pure art...

What a great book! One of the few books that I have ever read and literally not been able to put down. Think it took all of about three hours to read this for me I was so enthralled. The entire series is good, but Torment is a shining example of how a rough sketched story can be turned into a true literary gem by a talented writer.

Great, captivating tale.

That's not saying much considering I don't read a lot, but this book is awesome. The parts with Llawan and Laquatus are kinda boring but they don't ruin it by any means. I didn't really like the ending, but overall the book was 5/5 for me. This is one of the few magic storylines I've actually given a crap about. (The other being weatherlight.)

Even though the Odyssey cycle has been gone for over 2 years, you should definately still pick this book up.

This is my 2nd favorite book I have ever read in my life. This is the 3rd Magic book that I read, and after this I was captivated by the MTG novels, I have now read over 10 of them in only 4 weeks, and these are great books, Torment is my favorite so far. From beginning to end, it is AWESOME. There are a few boring parts when it follow Empress Llawan, but they are all worth it because they lead up to make a valuable point. I reccommend this book to anyone who enjoys fiction, such as Harry Potter or MTG, it also reminds me of LOTR a little bit.

This was a superb read. It is, by far, the best of the three Odyssey block books.

In a nutshell, the first half or so covers the same timespan as Odyssey, just from Chainer's point of view. While Kamahl is off chasing the Mirari, Chainer is developing his magical skills and is rapidly ascending the ranks as the Cabal's best dementist. With the aid of the Mirari (he is the only person so far who has been able to control it), he seems virtually unstoppable. The view into the Cabal's dark intentions is quite entertaining, as we learn more and more about the mysterious Calchexas, the Cabal Patriarch. The book ends in a big climax and leaves readers with an excellent starting point for Judgment.

This book earns a well-deserved 5 stars.

This book is a very useful resource, but for who? See below.
The book is detailed, informative, and has many historical sections that are interesting to read. The author, whom I traveled long distance to learn from after reading his book is a genuine sword enthusiast and expert fighter in the use of the Chinese straight sword. He is a historian with extensive knowledge of Chinese antiques and metallurgy. He also deals in authentic antique arms and armor from China, so he has a very in depth grasp of how swords work. In fact, a wide range of Chinese sword forges and other sword manufacturers currently approach him to evaluate and do reviews of the quality and authenticity of their contemporary sword productions.

WHO WILL THIS BOOK BE USEFUL FOR?:
1. People who are learning Chinese straight sword forms who want to learn how their system works.

Read the book then attend a seminar with Mr. Rodell. Then read the book again. Then apply what you have learned to whatever lineage you are studying. That's what I did about four or five years ago, and it has taken me a long way in my study of Chinese sword usage.

2.People who want to compare and contrast their interpretations of the widely practiced Yang Style "Public" taiji jian set, and see detailed applications. You will probably gain many insights from this book. You may also want to look at Yang Jwing Ming's Shaolin and Taiji(same form) books on straight sword and "The Art of Chinese Swordsmanship" by Zhang Yun (WU style). All these books complement each other well.

3. Any student of Yang Jia Michuan jian. A must have.

4. People who study any double edged sword style from any culture, or any other weapons system for that matter, who would like to cross-reference what they are doing.

5. People who think that Japanese swordsmanship is better than Chinese swordsmanship and that Kali is the only weapons system that really works.
YOU need to read this book and broaden your horizons a bit. These guys fight too.

6. Taiji and other CMA stylists who wish to begin studying swordplay and want to do it REALISTICALLY and SYSTEMATICALLY.

7. Curious people. This book still makes interesting coffee table reading if you are none of the above.

This book, unlike other books about Taiji and weapon forms, describes the sword form from the application point of view. How has the Jian developed to become what it is per today, who used it and what techniques are used in combat? He describes clearly the differences between the Yang family style and the public sword form. What I find remarkable are the differences between the public form described in the book and the public form described by (for example) Chen Wei-Ming. This book is worthwhile studying for those who want to have more background in Taiji sword.

I bought this book, read it and was utterly amazed that someone with the knowledge and skill level finally wrote a reference guide for those of us who haven't been able to go that extra mile because of lack of the information available. I really recommend this book for someone who is learning Taiji sword (from a teacher of course), because it will be of big help to you when you need to refer back to it.

The book is about the Yang Family Taiji Sword Tradition. Two different styles are presented: one which most of us are familiar with that was down from Yang Chengfu's lineage and taught to Mr. Rodell by Master T.T. Liang; the second one came from Master Wang Yen-nian of the Yang Jianhou (Yang Chengfu's Father) tradition. Those that are familiar with the history of Yang Taiji will understand that there is a difference between father and son's technique.

The book begins with the Author's Introduction and then History, Sword Ettiquette (which I found particularly interesting), Jian (sword) Anatomy, how to hold the sword and perform the secret sword fingers, basic stance and sword cuts. Then both forms and their applications(!) are shown using real antique weapons from the Ancient China. There is also some interesting stuff in the Appendices.

I hope you buy this book it will be of great benefit to your training.

You can not learn a martial art by reading a book. That said, this book is a wonderful companion to a class.

Without a doubt, Scott Rodell has written one of the most accessible and comprehensive books on swordsmanship (Chinese or otherwise) I have read. The book welcomes the novice reader and makes him feel comfortable with the subject, while the seasoned martial artist immediately understands the author's intended message, without feeling lectured to. Scott speaks the language common to traditional martial artists with quiet elegance and confidence.

Andrew Winston

How wonderful and unusual to find a book about musical theatre that is never pretentious, never dull, brilliantly opinionated, and that has a healthy sense of humor about its subject. There is more joy and humor in this book than in any other similar book I've ever read. Miller's intelligence and enthusiasm overflows and you'll find yourself smiling, laughing out loud, and humming along as you read this happily readable, entertaining, irreverent book.

This book understands that the dark side of humanity is always more complex and more interesting and so it focuses mostly on shows that tackle the dark side -- Camelot, Chicago, Falsettos, King and I -- but interestingly, all shows that use a lot of humor to make their very serious points.

This is not a book for those grumpy old curmudgeons who are always grumbling that musicals ought to be silly, sappy, escapist comedies. This is a book for people who love Grown-Up Musicals, the kind that feed both brain and soul. If that's you, you have to buy this book. You'll love it.

Every analysis that Miller wrote in this book just blew me away. It completely opened my eyes to all the subtext behind musicals that prior to this just seemed...well, dull. However, I suddenly acquired new views on musicals like "The Music Man" and "Camelot" and I now appreciate them not only as classics but engaging pieces of theatre. His ideas on all the other musicals, especially the Sondheim pieces are simply enlightening. What are you waiting for? Buy it!

I am a Lecturer in Acting and Music Theatre at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Bachelor of Music Theatre program) and DECONSTRUCTING HAROLD HILL is on my book list for the students. Why?

Because underneath your writing is an undeniable energy, love, support for our craft; this fragile crystal of a business called 'show'. I am not really concerned whether or not I agree with your opinions, apothesis, arguments, discussions etc...what I want is my students to be infected by PASSION and your book is an undeniable example of that. Like you and me, I WANT them to have opinions, to engage in lively and researched debate, to listen to/see the works of the repertoire, to know which song/scene comes from what and that takes energetic, rigourous and PASSIONATE research. If your book goes a wee way to get them off their arses and into action...so be it.

I thank you for a book that has not only enthused my students but that goes one step further towards securing the fragile architecture of our business...

WILL CONYERS

I am a Lecturer in Acting and Music Theatre at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Bachelor of Music Theatre program) and DECONSTRUCTING HAROLD HILL is on my book list for the students. Why?

Because underneath your writing is an undeniable energy, love, support for our craft; this fragile crystal of a business called 'show'. I am not really concerned whether or not I agree with your opinions, apothesis, arguments, discussions etc...what I want is my students to be infected by PASSION and your book is an undeniable example of that. Like you and me, I WANT them to have opinions, to engage in lively and researched debate, to listen to/see the works of the repertoire, to know which song/scene comes from what and that takes energetic, rigourous and PASSIONATE research. If your book goes a wee way to get them off their arses and into action...so be it.

I thank you for a book that has not only enthused my students but that goes one step further towards securing the fragile architecture of our business...

WILL CONYERS

I loved this author's first book, From Assassins to West Side Story, but I wasn't prepared for the further depth and greater brilliance of his second book, Deconstructing Harold Hill. This is a man who knows his theatre, who understands human nature, and who cares enough about great art to treat it seriously and respectfully without being afraid to criticize it or demand fresh approaches. This is a work of great intellect that is still accessible to readers with no theatre or music background (a rarity), and yet, I would guess, in depth and surprising enough to aid the most experienced professional.

In his introduction, Mr. Miller complains that American directors don't come at older American musicals with fresh enough perspectives, and the rest of the book does what those directors can't -- it looks, as if for the first time, at a collection of wonderful, important musicals, looking at them fresh, taking the time to think about and question the things nobody else will.

His discussin of the use of musical themes in The Music Man is incredble -- there's so much there I hadn't noticed before -- and his writing makes it all accessible for someone with no music background. His discussions of the character of Harold Hill -- basically a villain who acts like a hero -- is fascinating. He sees glorious little details in this show I've never seen before.

His chapter on Camelot opened my eyes like never before to the depth and possibilities of this show that usually falls into the shadow of My Fair Lady. Mr. Miller sees complexity and nuance in these characters that I've never seen explored before. How amazing it would be to see a production of Camelot that used Mr. Miller's ideas. The show would be transformed instantly from a pretty musical into a soaring, searing piece of tragic theatre.

His chapter on Chicago makes a compelling case for why the revival doesn't do the show justice. And his chapters on Sondheim musicals (Passion and Sunday in the Park) confirm for me that Mr. Miller is the preeminent American interpreter of Sondheim's works. Though I live in Seattle, I may just venture down to St. Louis to see Mr. Miller's ideas at work on his own stage. How lucky the people of St. Louis must be to have an artist this intelligent, this passionate, and this emotional working in their city.

I work with people who are at different phases of job and career development. This book is an excellent resource for all of them. I've even bought a couple of copies to lend to those who have not yet established a reliable income for themselves. It's a great tool and I thank you for writing it in a style that is accessible to so many different people.

I enjoyed the author's common sense approach to the resume miracles often promised by other books and resume services. Functional resumes do hide a lack of experience but employers already know that. Tricks with format and fonts might look neat but most resume reviewers are going to look past the presentation at some point. This book focuses on the basics, words that work, emphasizing accomplishments over position, keeping things simple, clear, concise and easy to read. But once you get past the large list of action words, there really isn't much more to this book. Personally, I like the formatting ideas in books like Resume Magic and the emphasis on using keywords which are often how resumes are filtered in the Internet age. While the author of The Elements of Resume Style seems to belittle these stupid resume tricks, they do seem to work.

Still,in spite of this quibble I'm giving this book a good recommendation because I found the information on grammer, fonts, style and basic format very helpful, as well as the grain of skeptism that comes with it. But comparing the sample resumes presented in this books and the ones found in other like Resume Magic, and putting oneself in the place of an employer, I think the visual formatting and style does make a difference. This book is a good start or even a complement but not the last word on resumes.

This is an easy read. The descriptions are concise. The author explains the reason for his suggestions. There are numerous examples for form and format. The one thing I found missing was how to set up a resume for those who have worked for one company for over 30 years but have had several jobs and titles within that time frame.

Mr. Bennett leaves no stone unturned here...he takes readers through each step of writing a resume so diligently that I feel as if he has practically re-written my resume himself! Throughout the book he reinforces the importance of being honest about work histories and teaches readers how to position job hopping and gaps in employment. (Now I can feel confident in selling myself despite the many detours I've taken in my career!) He puts readers in the point of view of the employer and goes into great detail about how to use language and visual layout of the resume to make the most impact. He supplies tons of descriptive words and shows how to turn terms like, "strong interpersonal skills" and "great team-player" into actionable statements with evidence that actually mean something to employers. (This was very enlightening to me!) He also explains best practices with cover letters, inquiry letters and replying to salary history requests...you NAME it and this book's got it. Mr. Bennett clearly has a lot to teach on the subject and I feeled armed with a powerful weapon in being able to re-position myself on paper and get myself hired. This book is a must buy!

This is the one to get. Trust me, I write resumes for a living.

This is one of the best illustrated books for children that I have seen in years, I bought two copies and gave them to my daughters who are about to be new mothers. The illustrations are by far the best I've come across

This book is beautifully illustrated with classic nursery rhymes from your childhood. It brings back memories for me.

Most of the included nursery rhymes are ones you will remember and enjoy sharing with your children. Don't get all hung up on what a violent world we live in and think that these are bad morals to teach your children, as one other reviewer of nursery rhyme books went into a diatribe about. The sooner your children realize that everyone is not equal and everyone is not a winner, the better off they will be in adulthood. The P.C. movement in the USA is out of control -- there really are winners and losers in life -- so, motivate your children to be winners through hard work, skill and talent! Don't teach them to expect a trophy and pat-on-the-back telling them how wonderful they are when the reality is something quite different. It's time to get back to basics in this country because the coddling of our children over the past 20 years certainly hasn't produced good results (look around and stop blaming nursery rhymes and video games for YOUR POOR PARENTING).

The morals in this book won't hurt anyone and they certainly didn't turn me into a serial killer. So, enjoy this beautiful book with your children -- I know I am!

This book is the perfect gift for a baby especially if they have an
older sibling that can read to them. Everyone should have the chance
to enjoy the beautiful pictures and rhymes
while holding a precious baby.

Nursery ryhmes are so important to learn as a child. As an adult, I know most of them and wanted to teach them to my children. I researched the perfect book that included all the rhymes I remembered. This book was it!! It had all the classic nursery ryhmes I remembered and more! And you will love the illustrations...beautiful! My son (age 4) remembers each picture and will talk about it. You will find so much detail in each illustration that will add to the nursery ryhme even more. I highly recommend this book!

This is truly the most incredible Mother Goose book that I have ever seen an I'm a children's librarian!!!!

Joan Steinau Lester and Eleanor Holmes Norton met as college classmates at Antioch College in 1958. They became friends and marched together in civil rights marches in New England. Now forty-five years later, Ms. Steinau Lester, now a journalist/writer reunites with Congresswoman Holmes Norton in writing her biography in Fire In My Soul.

Congresswoman Holmes Norton's great grandfather, Richard John Holmes, escaped from Virginia into Washington D.C. to become a free man and elude his former owner. He eventually became one of the few black firemen in the nation's capital and persevered to become a sergeant in the department. He felt a black man was worthy of equal opportunity and it is no surprise she inherited some of her great grandfather's fire for justice. With a legacy such as this, having descended from a strong, middle-class background, it is little wonder that she pursued a career in law that would one day put her in the limelight.

Already involved in civil rights activities, the Congresswoman, while a Yale Law School student, went to Mississippi in June 1963 to join the voter registration drive as a SNCC member. Twenty-four hours later Medgar Evers was dead, victim of an assassination and Holmes Norton had to make quick decisions concerning other members who were being falsely arrested. After law school, she obtained a clerkship with Judge A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr., the first black district court judge, in Philadelphia. She then met her future husband, Edward Norton, also an attorney, a man who was secure enough to not be threatened by her status or activities.

Holmes Norton's status did indeed rise as she ventured further into her profession as an attorney, became more involved with civil and human rights, and eventually going into politics. Her life was not always smooth. Her daughter, Katherine, was born with Down's Syndrome; however, she resisted health specialists advice to institutionalize her when she got older. She was very devoted to her.

This reviewer had the opportunity of seeing the Congresswomen twice this year. She is as formidable a presence in person as she is in the media. Her stature commands respect and her sense of belief in pursuing and preserving the rights of human life comes across instantaneously. She is a cheerleader for the people of Washington D.C., who she represents with candor and is respected by them as she respects them. This was a well-written biography of a powerful woman.

Dera Williams
APOOO BookClub

Thank you Dr. Holmes and Dr. Lester for this exciting, informative and historical book. I was raised in the South (LA) and experienced many of the conditions described in Fire in My Soul. Remembering my blessings on this journey, I give thanks for all of my past experiences. My parents attempted to sheild me from many of the conditions of the south and in turn I was shielded from much of the history of the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's except for limited TV coverage. Fire in My Soul serves as a personal history lesson for me and is one that I will read more than once. Reading about the personal experiences and the 'inner' workings of the local, state and federal agencies that Dr. Holmes was/is a part of reminded me of many personal experiences in the private sector. Reading Fire in My Soul remeinded me that the absence of compassion for another person is not isolated to any specific location or sector of the nation. Reading the story of one who continues to live her passion for justice offers the encouragement to do what I can where I am for justice.

This fascinating biography is not only a pager turner, it also an insightful discourse on how to be an agent of change. This book is a MUST READ for anyone who is grappling with issues of how to change policy, whether as an "insider", "outsider", or hybrid. It is also an inspirational story of an terrific woman. I couldn't put it down.

I don't usually read political biographies, but this one gave me the hope I was searching for in the face of the depressing political realities of today. It's inspiring to read about a fiercely intelligent woman who follows her inner moral compass while compromising when necessary to get things done. I wish everyone serving in Congress had to read this book. Every voter should as well!

In Fire in My Soul, Dr. Lester accomplishes a rare feat for a biographer. While she avoids the trap of painting too pretty or too perfect a picture of her subject, including a number of descriptions that are less than flattering, she is at the same time able to clearly allow her respect and admiration for this remarkable woman to come through.
The effect is that we see a real life heroine, warts and all, and we find her all the more admirable for this.
This is an important book, and I look forward to Dr. Lester's next effort.

Enjoyed reading this book as it presents another perspective on treatment. I, too, espouse the theory of "practice based evidence" as opposed to "evidence based practice". I am a therapist in a community based program, and it is hard to do any innovative treatment, but this book as given me hope and incentive. I, too, believe "the answers lies within (the client)". I think medication is over-prescribed, and clients need to learn tools to access their own God-given strengths.

This is a great book, in perfect condition and mailed very well - good
packaging, arrived in time. Great seller, thanks!

I was searching for a book that would help me begin the process of assessing and measuring client outcomes in my counseling practice. It is a very useful book with very practical tools. Thank you!!

This book is not about learning a therapeutic technique, its about using simple tools in therapy (regardless of theoretical orientation) to help measure outcome - something MFTs need to know in order to provide good service to clients. I am a grad student and this has been some of the most valuable information I have learned thus far.

After being a counselor for over thirty years it is refreshing to see a scholarly book by authors who understand what is important in change, growth and healing. For far too long therapists and medicine have taken credit for the work done by the clients.

This book outlines important research and common sense reasons why we need to really listen to the client and his family to learn how to support what he is doing to be healthy. Anyone interested in helping people change can benefit from this newest volume from the people who get what counseling is all about.

Maybe We Are Flamingos is a cute little tale about the transformation of two baby flamingos into adulthood and teaches us not to fear if we look a little different now and then! A sweet bedtime story that can read in one sitting and enjoyed over and over again!

Reviewed by Cayden (age 4) and Max (age 2) Aures and Mom for Reader Views (8/08)

"Maybe We Are Flamingos" is the story of two baby flamingos, Flora and Fernando, who are confused as to why they are white and the rest of their flock is pink. They get worried that they are with the wrong flock and start to think that maybe they are not really flamingos. After asking their mom, they find out that eventually they will turn pink because of the foods that they eat.

Cayden: "I wonder why they are white? All of the other ones are pink!"

Max: "Bird cry!"
Cayden: "I hope they don't make them leave! They look like them but they just aren't the same color. I still think they are flamingos though!"

Cayden: "So they will turn pink because of what they eat?"

Max: "Taco!"
Cayden: "This is funny!! They are pretending what they would look like if they ate tacos and broccoli! Look it is a taco bird!"

Cayden: "And now they are burgers and pizza!! "
Max: "Bird apple!"

Cayden: "My favorite part is when they turn into all of those foods!"

Parent's comments:

"Maybe We Are Flamingos" by Safari Sue Thurman is a very educational book that teaches children about how the flamingo gets his pink color. The illustrations are hilarious during the part where the flamingos imagine what they would look if they ate different foods. My children were laughing out loud seeing the birds looking like foods from pineapples to candy canes! Not only was "Maybe We Are Flamingos" a great story, my children learned something new as well!

REVIEWED BY: Wayne S. Walker
The author lives in Arizona where as Safari Sue she has entertained millions at the Phoenix Zoo with help from some incredible animal friends. Her "Safari Sue" series of children's books is inspired by her life experiences. In this one, Flora and Fernando wonder if they are really flamingos because they are the wrong color. At first they are white, and then they turn gray. So they begin to imagine what else they might be--perhaps an ostrich, or maybe a giraffe? As they consider the possibilities and start to investigate, what will they find? And are there any lessons for them to learn?

The gorgeous color illustrations by Kevin Collier make this book a feast for the eyes as well as for the mind. In addition to learning a little bit about the growth and development of flamingos, children will gain some insight into their own lives. It is so easy for youngsters to look around at adults and even other children, see the differences between themselves and others, and begin to worry if they are "all right." What Flora and Fernando learn can help set growing children's minds at ease so they can be content with their own pattern of growth. This is a great book and lots of fun. Did you know that flamingos maintain their pink color as a result of what they eat?

As I read this book I couldn't help hearing this old saw in my noggin: Birds of a feather flock together. Cliché as it might be, the saying has some bearing on this wonderfully pink picture book.

Flora and Fernando hatch into a flamingo family. As do the young of any species, the first thing they do is nap. Soon though they realize they are not like other flamingos that are as pink as bundles of insulation. Flora and Fernando are white!

Before jumping to hasty conclusions, the baby flamingos decide to sleep on the question of this worrisome difference: "So they did sleep and sleep and sleep some more."

Flora and Fernando learn from Mum that as flamingo mature they become pink--and here's where the fun begins--because of what they eat! Adult flamingos remain pink because they eat "diatoms, seeds, blue-green algae, crustaceans, and mollusks."

As a teaching tool, Maybe We Are Flamingos introduces children to the relationship between the food consumed and the physical state of bodies. Flora and Fernando imagine how they would look if they ate only broccoli or tacos, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and sundry other foods, even candy canes and pizzas.

The illustrations of the imaginary "food-flamingos" are bound to tickle the fancy of the children this book is intended to entertain. Mimicking Flora and Fernando, children will likely want to draw pictures of their own fantasy food-flamingos--mine would be a sketch of a chocolate chip cookie flamingo!

Parents (or grandparents) selecting a book for their children will realize that a purpose of Maybe We Are Flamingos is to address the perennial fear children have of not belonging to some acceptable group. Those same adults will guess the point the book makes on this theme. They might quote Mum Flamingo even before she speaks: "It's not the color of your feathers that's important, but what's in your hearts."

The final page shows Flora and Fernando who are already becoming pink, sleeping the sleep of satisfied innocents.

Armchair Interviews says: A good message for children.

This adorable tale of young flamingos who aren't sure they fit in will thrill youngsters. Your children will be wondering what kind of flamingos they would be. A must read for children.

What a refreshing series targeted towards princesses between the ages of 6-9 and an answered prayer for an alternative to Junie B. Jones!!! (Don't get me wrong, I love Junie! But... Well, if you've read Junie, you know where I'm going with this.)

These books deal with topics such as: true beauty, peer pressure, friendships, patience, and everything else that a little girl might have to tackle! Not to mention... these books are HILARIOUS! Lori has truly mastered the ability to not only put herself into a child's mind, but writes in a casual form that every little girl will understand.

As if that isn't enough... At the end of every book Lori has added a "Chatter Matters" section! What an awesome way to open up the lines of communication with our little ladies and Lori even brought in a few Bible verses to spark more curiosity and further discussions! And... "BLAM! Great Activity Ideas" section that ties in with each story! This is great!

My younger daughter and I had the pleasure of reading All Dressed Up and FELL IN LOVE with Meghan! We both agree that once your little girl picks the first book up, she'll cry out to read the rest!!! But don't take my word for it. Here's what my daughter has to say: "This book was so funny & cute. I think A LOT of kids will really like it!"

My daughter and I loved this book! I can't wait to read more by Lori Z. Scott!! I am going to give this book as a gift to my daughters' friends!

I got both books for my nieces. Great caring characters with good christian values, in a very funny entertaining way. Highly recommend for chapter book readers or to read out loud to children!

Do you read the "Junie B. Jones" series? Do you like books that have lots of action and teach you cool activities you can do at home, too? Then you'll love the Meghan Rose series by Lori Z. Scott.

In the first book of the series, Meghan Rose On Stage!, Meghan, a bouncy and energetic first grader, decides to try out for the school talent show. Meghan finds out after announcing what her act is, a rock collection, that it isn't really a talent. Now signed up for an audition, Meghan needs to come up with a talent.

One of her friends, Ryan tries to help out by teaching Meghan how to blow bubbles. Instead of Meghan learning how, Ryan ends up with a wad of gum in his hair. At school, Meghan watches her classmates to get ideas. Meghan ends up getting jealous because she can't do the things her classmates can. And having piano player Lynette in her class, bragging about how good she is, just makes things worse. In the end, Meghan finds her talent and makes a new friend along the way.

Lori Z. Scott did a wonderful job mixing - learning not to be jealous of others, finding your talents, and just being yourself - with all of Meghan Rose's crazy behavior and antics. There are a few references to prayer and God. But it's done very tactfully. At the end of the book you'll also find a teacher/parent guide. This wonderful Q&A will have kids applying the lessons learned with Meghan Rose. Another bonus is the Activity Ideas. Kids will love doing the same activities Meghan Rose did herself.

Stories for Children Editor, VS Grenier

I read this book by myself while my daughter was in school today. It was the best children's book I ever read. I love that Meghan Rose looks to God for help and guidance. I can't wait for my daughter to come home from school so we can read it together! Lori Scott, if you are reading these reviews, please keep writing these books. From now on, one of your books will be with every birthday gift my daughter gives.

Don't let the strange title throw you off, this is a great book by one of the best Christian thriller writers of today, James Scott Bell. Janice Ramsey is shopping in a grocery store when a man runs by and steals her purse. AFter briefly chasing after the man, she returns to find that her ten-year old daughter, Lauren, has been kidnapped. Janice is convinced her ex-husband, Sam, is behind it because they are involved in a custody battle.

A bounty hunter named Jed is searching for the killers of his brother Sterling Brown. Jed finds the man who killed Sterling and finds a connection to Sam on the killer's computer. Jed hooks up with Janice and they begin a trip to the East Coast to try and find the truth behind Laurnen's dissappearance and Sterling's killer.

That "thruth" is Bentley Davis, a Harvard Professor with designs on controlling the world through genetic engineering. Davis has designed a gene, the Nephelim seed, that can cause people to lose all emotional thought and to even doubt the existence of God.

The novel is basically a race agains time. Can Janice and Jed rescue Lauren before it is too late? While the plot was engaging, I found the characters to be what kept me turning the pages. Janice has faced the ultimate horror, having a child kidnapped. Lauren is the innocent child who constantly prays to God for guidance. Jed has fallen away from God after he felt God abandoned him in times of trouble. Bentley Davis hates God and thinks he has found the answer: an injection that takes away the need for God and emotion-based thought.

The religious message of the novel is hit and miss. Bell hints at spiritual warfare covered in his later novels. Characters also send mixed messages about why bad things happen. In one scene, when her father is threatening her, Lauren wonders "Why is God letting this happen?"

This is a fun novel full of riveting characters that have the depth needed to make this a page turner. Fans of Bell shouldn't hesitate to read this book.

The Nephilim Seed is one wild ride through Scott Bell's illustrious imagination. I gave it 5 stars because I couldn't think of anything I'd rather do than race to the finish line of The Nephilim Seed. I was hooked on the first page; swept into every scene by characters so well imagined I'll remember them forever. I wanted to protect Lauren, hunt down her father, encourage her mother and go to the police academy so I could personally arrest Davis and all those involved in UniGen. If this isn't a movie--I don't know what is. Man! James, where's the sequel? Facsinating! P.S. Circumstancial Evidence, Blind Justice are great reads too.

This was my first experience with James Scott Bell. If his other novels are as exciting and fast-paced as this one, then it will definitely not be my last.

As a former fan of James Byron Huggins who has been turned off by his recent nonsense which has been passed off as readable fiction, I was refreshed to read a Christian sci-fi thriller that was believable, enjoyable, and lacking in space wasting sentimental drivel.

The idea of the Nephilim has intrigued me ever since my first year Biblical Hebrew class when we studied Genesis 6 and the idea of the Nephilim. A friend and I in that class discussed a Christian sci-fi novel based upon the Nephilim, but not in the manner in which Bell did it here.

"The Nephilim Seed" touched moral themes which are ever encroaching on our post-modern society, and I believe that Bell addresses those issues in a laudable, conservative manner. As science and technology continue in their present course, Christian values and morals will likewise continue to be attacked as outdated.

Jim Bell has knocked one over the far fences with this one! The characters fairly leap off the pages and the plot is, as in all of Jim's books, relentless. His theme is torn right off today's headlines as he has explored areas new to Christian fiction. Can a movie treatment be far behind? Get the "Seed", and bring it home. But a caveat...prepare to lose sleep for a few nights; it's that good.
So move over, Grisham..."The Nephilim Seed" cooks!

I'm blown away. I just finished reading it seconds ago. I am completely blown away. "Christian Futuristic Mystery/Thriller" is how I'd classify it.

you know how you listen to a milestone of a music CD (something by Elvis, the Beetles, Led Zepplin, Iron Maiden, or Metallica - you know, something of that nature) and you wish you could give it about 10,000 stars on amazon? I wish I could do that with this book.

I'm not about to tell you about the story itself. I'll tell you that this author utilizes every word in the English language that he features in this book to perfection. The reader is left shocked countless times (ex. page 360 of the 375 page version - this shock is about as big as if... ... I really can't think of anything on that scale). I compare the first 90 or so pages to a "combination of My Cousin Vinny and Big Daddy." That'll give you a sense of what the plot is about. But the aforementioned page 360 is one of the biggest shocks I've ever seen in my life, turning a phrase said often throughout the book into... not what the ending deals with.

One surprise after another. Written to perfection. The last book I read was one a lot like this, so as I was on about page 40 of this book I was saying to myself "good move, moron - read the same kind of book back to back and automatically, the 2nd one sucks." based on what you've read thus far of this review, you think that's what happened?

Humor is intertwined in a way I've never seen it before. I never burst out laughing at the wrong times, though. In other words, if there's a gun in the current scene, expect dead seriousness. But if the characters are on a boat ride (something that actually DOESN'T happen in this book), expect to fall on the floor laughing.

Its a story for the emotional just as much as it is a story for one who's passion can drive them into dangerous situations (and I mean DANGEROUS), one who is interested in the everlasting battle between Christians and evolutionists, or someone who just wants a book to read. as long as you don't think you'd be offended by the Christianism (but you're not exactly going to feel a dying urge to become super-religious upon completion of the book, though such thoughts may appear suggested, particularly at the very (somehow and somewhat happy) ending.

bottom line: ask me if you think you should read this book and other than the hesitation with the whole Christian aspect, I will tell you: "Go read it." There's a lot more than just Christianness in this book.