Shaw Books

Mathews was an officer in the Indian Army during WW II, which accounts for his liberal use of a military vocabulary in these brief and excellent studies. As someone born for battle, Mathews is obsessed (in a good sense) with the absolute and unquestioned victory of Jesus Christ. His insights, therefore, should boost the spirits of even the most down-trodden Christian. The titles of a few of the meditations on spiritual warfare and the power of Christ reveal his clear convictions: "The Soldier of the Cross" "The Soldier's Best Friend" "Our Wrestling" "Rendering the enemy Powerless" "Lions' - Den Loyalty" "Discipline Accepted . . . Mission Accomplished." It's hard to imagine how these brisk, to-the-point, yet warm devotional thoughts could fail to stir up the reader.

Mathews deals with the subject of spiritual warfare from a front liner's viewpoint. He spent significant time on the mission field and learned tremendous spiritual lessons as he participated as a soldier in Christ's army. He shares these insights in short chapters which should be read more than once. Each lesson is relevant for today even though written in years past. Get ready to use your highlighter as you get new understanding on the believer's battle.

This is a magnificent life work. Practical, insightful, sobering, encouraging, masterpiece. 31 short chapters makes for an easy devotional too. HIghly recommended.

I read this book while I was serving as a missionary in Asia; my experiences paralleled those of the author and his insights helped me a great deal

No C.S. Lewis fan can possibly live a meaningful life without this book.
When I greedily approached "C.S. Lewis: Mere Christian" I was no stranger to the world and writings of C.S. Lewis. I've been studying his work for over a decade. But Lindskoog's book opened up realms of understanding about the man and his thought that I could not possibly have held together and formulated on my own. Her knowledge of each area of Lewis' thought is not only the knowledge of a well-read enthusiast (as mine may perhaps be), but here in her work one gets the sense of a profound scholar who has actually met the man. (And she did, by the way). She speaks with such authority that each summary dazzles the reader, awakening an important point hitherto unrealized. Here you will not find a boring half-hearted amalgam of foot-noted facts, but a living and cohesive story worthy of the depth and consistency of C.S. Lewis himself.
For instance, in my favorite chapter, entitled "Prayer" the author cites Lewis' marvelous poem of the same name, and comments that "he warned readers not to take the last line too seriously." This, I realized much later, is an allusion to Lewis' own comments in a book of his own, entitled "Prayer: Letters To Malcolm". Not many of us are blessed with such a concordance-like Lindskoogian grasp of Lewis' thought. And truly, that is the beauty of her achievement here. As you are gripped by her easy flowing writing style, you almost forget that you are getting a Ph.D. in Lewisology. Reading this book is like cramming forty topically-arranged C.S. Lewis books into your head with the ease and delight of sipping a cup of coffee.
And this brings me to my vacation.
When I took "Mere Christian" along with me to Vancouver Island one fine summer, I found that instead of enjoying the ocean as much as I should have, I was more likely to be found tucked away in some coffee shop... taking notes on napkins, looking up only long enough to see that the sun had gone down.
This book makes you crazy like that.
C.S. Lewis died thirteen days before I was born. I have often wished, and wished sincerely, that I could have talked with this man who has meant so much to me in my life. I look forward to doing so in heaven. This book is the closest I have come to doing so on earth.

First of all, let me qualify my comments by saying that I am an ARDENT and DEVOTED C.S. Lewis fan. I have two shelves in one of my six sagging bookcases exclusively devoted to C.S. Lewis' works alone. Long ago, I committed myself to reading at least one book by Lewis each month of the year, and I have faithfully kept up this practice for many years now. I say all of this only to introduce myself as a somewhat enlightened Lewis-monger. When I greedily approached the book "C.S. Lewis: Mere Christian" I was no stranger to the world and writings of C.S. Lewis. But this book by Kathryn Lindskoog opened up realms (literal "realms") of understanding about the man and his thought that I could not possibly have held together and formulated on my own. Her knowledge of each area of Lewis' thought is not only the knowledge of a well-read enthusiast (as mine may perhaps be), but here in her work one gets the sense of a profound scholar who has actually met the man. She speaks with such authority that each summary dazzles the reader, awakening an important point hitherto unrealized. Here you will not find a boring half-hearted amalgam of foot-noted facts, but a living and cohesive STORY worthy of the depth and consistency of C.S. Lewis. For instance, in my favorite chapter, entitled "Prayer" the author cites Lewis' marvelous poem of the same name, and comments that "he warned readers not to take the last line too seriously." This is an allusion to Lewis' own comments in a later book of his own, entitled "Prayer: Letters To Malcolm". Not many of us are blessed with such a concordance-like Lindskoogian grasp of Lewis' thought. And truly, that is the beauty of her achievement here. As you are gripped by her easy flowing writing style, you almost forget that you are getting a Ph.D. in Lewisology. Reading this book is like cramming forty topically-arranged C.S. Lewis books into your head with the ease and delight of sipping a cup of coffee. And this brings me to my vacation. When I took "Mere Christian" along with me to Vancouver Island one fine summer, I found that instead of enjoying the ocean as much as I should have... too often I was rather tucked away in some coffee shop... taking notes on napkins, looking up only long enough to see that the sun had gone down. C.S. Lewis died thirteen days before I was born. I have often wished, and wished sincerely, that I could have talked with this man who has meant so much to me in my life. I look forward to doing so in heaven. This book is the closest I have come to doing so on earth.

Kate Lindskoog's masterful synopsis of Lewisian thought is like a detailed map of the Alps. You can enjoy the Alps without a map, and you can enjoy Lewis without Lindskoog. But you understand the terrain so much better with the map!

I have been saturating in C. S. Lewis's books for the past six months and this is one of the most helpful books I have come across. It is a topical guide to C. S. Lewis, but more than that, it is also a commentary. Lindskoog's documentation is thorough and each chapter ends with suggestions for further reading about the given topic. Perhaps the most delightful aspect of this book is Lindskoog's mastery not only of Lewis's apologetics, but of his fiction. She deftly illustrates the former with the latter, and therein reveals the incredible unity in Lewis's own work.

Excellent!!!

Getting inside the mind of Lewis is the great accomplishment of Kathryn Lindskoog. She does a wonderful job summarizing the thinking of CS Lewis. Those who are fascinated with Lewis, a man who I believe was quite mysterious in his private world but fairly public with his writing, will devour this book. Here you will learn about Lewis' thoughts on smoking and drinking (he knew smoking was a bad idea, but he was not a teetotaler); that next to Christianity, dualism makes the most sense (interesting!); and the fact that Lewis gave 2/3rds of his money to charity--and why.

This gives you an idea of the information available to us through the good biographer Lindskoog. She does not fail to support herself with endnotes, and one of the 5 appendices gives a calendar of how you could read a Lewis book every month during the year (with suggestions based on the season). I might have to try it myself, though I've already read most of what is suggested. (Nothing wrong with rereading Lewis!) To fully cover a man who authored more than 50 books, Lindskoog has done a wonderful service by writing this book.

Discipleship is not just about memorizing verses, praying with a prayer partner, or participating in every church event scheduled by your church. Watson pointed me toward true life-affecting discipleship-both rare and shunned by modern Christians.

My sister bought me this book about twenty years ago. I have read it many times at different stages in my Christian walk and always find fresh material on which to grow. This book made David Watson my favorite Christian author.

This book is challenging to anyone at any stage. It looks not only at how to follow Jesus, but why and in what forums. His call, not only to the individual, but also the individual to the community is accurate and essential.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you want to start a disciplship program or study, this is the text!

Very challenging and thought provoking. It is also a good source to refer back to. If you are teaching a class or working with someone on an individual basis, this is the book to use.

This is one of the most challenging and exciting books I have ever read. David Watson pulls no punches in his study of discipleship. Many authors stop short of brining the full measure of accountability. Watson brings you to the place where true life changing decisions are made and encourages you to complete the process (no matter how it may challenge you). Watson is a modern day Watchman Nee.

I love this series. It's witty, entertaining, and a wonderful silly adventure.

Craig Shaw Gardner spins another winning tale in the first part of the Wuntvor trilogy, sequel to the Ebenezum trilogy. Old characters return and new ones pop up as Wuntvor desperately tries to save the world from the Netherhells, with the help of an oaf with a magic club, an amorous unicorn, a trio of demons, a talkative brownie, a Dragon and a Damsel, and a ferret.

After the events of "Night in the Netherhells," Wuntvor and Co. are safe. At first. Then it's discovered that Ebenezum's allergy to magic has spread to every wizard in Vushta. To make matters worse, Guxx Unfunfadoo has been deposed as Grand Hoohah, and soon the world will be Conquered by Committee. As the wizards puzzle out what to do, Wuntvor tries to deal with the animosity of some very large, angry apprentice wizards and the affections of dancing damsel Alea and jealous witch Norei. (Also the unicorn, who lusts after "Wuntie"'s lap.)

The wizards decide to send Wuntvor on a journey to the Eastern kingdoms, where giants reportedly eat people, and which is ruled by Mother Duck. (Yes, Mother Duck -- Gardner ventures into fairy-tale territory in this one) He's soon being confronted by Death, who announces that he is the "Eternal Apprentice" -- he'll reincarnate a thousand times as the quintessential apprentice, but Death can claim him if he is ever alone. The problem for Death is, Wuntvor has more than enough company: the exiled Guxx and Brax, the irritating Brownie, Snarks the truthful demon, Hendrek and his club, overamorous Alea and her singing dragon, and the pushy unicorn. Can Wuntvor keep from being claimed by death -- either by being alone, or by being eaten on pumpernickel?

Gardner's golden touch is turning to platinum in this book. His talents for kooky characters and overcomplicated conversations are getting better as time goes on. Perhaps the biggest problem with "Difficulty With Dwarves" is that it ends with a "to be continued." (The dwarves mentioned in the title are the "seven OTHER dwarves," including but not limited to Sickly, Nasty, Spacey, Smarmy... you get the idea)

Poor Wuntvor is still trying to keep up with events around him, and Ebenezum is trying to decide what to do (he makes another appearance inside a giant shoe). To really understand the cast of characters (oh yes, Cuthbert the cowardly sword appears as well) you have to read the Ebenezum trilogy. It's complex and outstandingly funny, with plenty of jumbled dialogue that never trips over itself. Ever seen a bumbling, inexplicably attractive hero defeat a giant with a magical toothpick? That's what you'll see here.

Fans of fantasy and fairy tales will enjoy seeing the staples of both being relentlessly spoofed in "Difficulty with Dwarves," and will be left bouncing with anticipation for the next book.

In Vushta, city of a thousand forbidden pleasures, there is something wrong. Every wizard there now sneezes when near magic! They all cought this cold when trying to cure their fellow wizard, Ebenezum, greatest mage in the Westerm Kingdoms! It seems like another quest is in the offerings, for, in the meantime, the demons in the Neatherhells, after failing to conquer the surface world, have settled on something new, something more horrifing then the Grand Hoohah, (don't ask!) Conquest by comittee. So, boldly, Ebenezum's appentice, Wuntvor, must set off alone, to try to talk the great and horrifing ruler of the Eastern Kingdom, Mother Duck, into helping them. At first the bold lad is alone upon his quest, (all his companions from the last quest were too busy arguing who shoud go and who shouldn't come), which is exactly the way someone, or rather, something wants him. Death Itself appears to Wuntvor, and reveals that the lad is only the latest reincarnation of the Eternal Apprentice, forever destined to aid true heros in his bumbling, inept way, with the help of any number of magical companions. And since he is forever being reincarnated if he dies, he is forever beyound Death's grasp, (something that drives the specter wild) unless he's alone. Well, Wuntvor happens to be alone at that moment. But before Death can take him to his kingdom, several unexpected companions arive. First there is one of Wunt's 500 magical ferrets. (He conjured it with a magic hat.) Then Tap the Brownie arrives, just in time to scare Death off. Two deamons, Gruxx Unfufadoo, former enemy of Wunt and former Grand Hoohah (don't ask)! and Braxx, traveling Salesdemon join up. Then the vadville act of dasmel and dragon show up. There is also the Warrior Hendrek, and the truthtelling deamon Snarks, as well as a unicorn that longs after Wunt's lap. But they soon learn that Mother Duck has made a pact with the Neatherhells, and intends to take them all to the Storybook, (they would have prefered being baked into bread!) Is this the end? I really love this book, but had to get it from a Z-shop. I recommend it to everyone and everything with a sense of humor!

Difficulty with dwarves is a great book. It is about an apprentice wizard named Wuntvore, an unlikely hero with a lot of problems. The novel starts of in Vushta City of a thousand pleasures He is searching for a cure fore his master Ebeniesum The greatest wizard of all time, who unfortunately has a sneezing malady caused by Gux an anoying Deamon who is bent on destroying the above world. I loved this book and anyone who enjoys a funny story line of absolutely bizarr events should read this book. The other two are just as good

The Doors On The Road by Greg Shaw
by Tarn C. Stephanos

Ask anyone who has had the opportunity to see The Doors in concert and chances are they will refer to it as having been one of the most amazing experiences of their life. During the May 1969 Critique interview Robby Krieger recognized that people often attended Doors concerts for the "religious experience." I believe that Jim Morrison, the shaman at the helm of the Doors phenomenon, recognized that, as do most, if not all, Doors fans.

Like the impact of the medieval Crusaders who spread their words of wisdom to every unenlightened hamlet, village, and individual so too the impact of The Doors whose message of inner freedom created a concert experience akin to a pagan celebration. Seeing the Doors live was nothing short of a religious sacrament and the arena in which the band played was a house of prayer.

But until recently Doors fans have been without a chronicle of performance locations, dates, and set lists. For years Doors tape collectors could only guess at where and when The Doors played live and what sort of songs constituted their usual live repertoire. With the release of the book The Doors On The Road by Greg Shaw, Doors fans finally have a book that meticulously traces the live history of The Doors from their genesis in Rick and the Ravens to their solo projects. This book is a welcome addition to the library of every Doors fanatic and lover of rock 'n' roll.

The Doors On The Road logs not only the dates and locations of every Doors concert but also the set lists of most shows and the names of the opening acts. It includes contemporary reviews that indicated whether The Doors gave their all, whether they were plagued by equipment problems, or if Jim was drunk and hung upside down like a vampire bat for most of the show. The book is complete with dates of recording sessions, and album and single releases of Doors and solo projects.

Perhaps the most important revelation in the book, considering Morrison's aptitude for poetry, is the listing of poems he recited during various songs throughout the different venues. At the Singer Bowl gig in New York (August 2, 1968) Jim recited an extensive selection of poetry all of which is listed in the book. This, and hundreds of other fascinating insights about Doors appearances can be found within the pages of Shaw's The Doors On The Road.

Doors fans interested in the Miami concert and its consequences will be amazed by the book's inclusion of the complete transcript of Jim's conversation with the audience (drawn from the audience tape) as well as a listing of every canceled concert.

Not all bands are able to use the live forum as an arena to cultivate ideas and translate their inner visions into songs. For some bands like the Beatles and the Beach Boys the live experience was nothing more than a distraction from the creative process. Their greatest creations came to life behind closed doors in the studio. Bands such as The Doors, the Grateful Dead, and Phish created their greatest masterpieces onstage. By the Doors' own admission, they preferred small, intimate clubs where they could mold their songs like clay in the hands of an artist, reshaping some songs, merging others. The Doors released stunning studio material but it was through the live forum they could break free either lyrically or musically. Only by performing live could they attain true freedom.

Doors concert tape collectors will find Greg Shaw's The Doors On The Road to be a priceless source of live Doors related information. One exciting revelation corrects the source of the tape thought to be the Doors' first show of their two shows January 17, 1970 at the Felt Forum in New York City. It turns out this first show was really the second show! The first show has never surfaced amongst tape collectors though it was officially taped for Absolutely Live. Doors tape collectors may also be surprised to learn that many of their most coveted live Doors tapes are incomplete, some missing the encores, others missing the opening acts. The number of times The Doors performed their legendary "The Celebration Of The Lizard" on stage is amazing. And for ages I thought one price of the Miami incident was the loss of the Soft Parade tour which meant that Soft Parade tunes were rarely performed live. Shaw's mention of a surprising number of live versions of "The Soft Parade" "Touch Me" and "Tell All The People" will wet the chops of every lover of the Soft Parade album.

The beauty and importance of Greg Shaw's book is that it will cater to the hardcore as well as casual Doors fan. There is, quite literally, something in its pages for everyone. Whether a fan wants to know when and where The Doors played the day they were born, or if they want to find out whether a certain Doors song was ever performed live, and if so where, this is the book to own. The set lists are as complete as possible considering the state of original documentation. Shaw's lists were drawn from concert tapes, media reviews, and the memories of those who lived it. There is detailed information regarding the disastrous Miami concert and the gigs lost, as well as a detailed bibliography listing scores of Doors books, videos and official and unofficial live Doors concert releases. Unlike other Doors books, this one doesn't just retell the story of The Doors, rather it is a historical document useful for in-depth research or casual reading.

My advice is to grab yourself a copy of Greg Shaw's The Doors On The Road, find yourself a hollow tree trunk, get out of the rainstorm, and have a brainstorm. This is one book no true Doors fan should be without.

My rating is A++. HIGHLY recommended

The book gives dates of every show and a description of each - sometimes alot, sometimes none, depending on the show's significance. I was hoping for more pictures of the band matched up to it's respectful concert but this is where the book lacks for serious Doors collectors. I like using the book for chronological reasons and to set the story straight of when and where each concert actually took place. Some of the dates are approximations and are listed as such. Some shows not even the surviving band members can remember or place a date and time on. However the author has gone to extreme measures to provide the reader with the most accurate details as possible and, although the pictures are scattered and few, it does have many rare posters, handbills, and fliers of the bands concert dates. Overall it is a great book for to the point accurate and detailed accounts of the magical ride of The Doors from 1965 to their most recent appearances without the late Jim Morrison. I recommend this book and praise it for the amount of research that went into this book and the effort taken to stick to the actual, non-fictional information. If you are trying to figure out when The Doors played and where - Stop! This book does it for you and that's why it is a valuable book for all serious Doors fans. Enjoy!

The used prices on this book are scandalous. That said, this is easily one of the best books on The Doors, period.

This book is exactly what it says, a chronicle of every Doors show ever played, with information provided where available (and where people could remember). Obviously, many entries are more complete than others, particularly later on as concerts were better covered, etc. Where possible, entries includes the date, venue, attendance, set list(s), support acts, a brief synopsis with notes on the show (how they sounded, if Jim was wrecked, if they messed up a song), etc, etc.

Absolutely the Bible of Doors bootleg collectors, this book flew in the face of claims from the band members themselves that concert tapes didn't exist, when, in fact, author Greg Shaw obviously reviewed concert tapes for many of the entries here. The Doors responded by releasing a box set that disappointed Doors boot fanatics, then wound up slowly releasing some of these shows that we'd heard about for years (Cobo Hall, Detroit, Aquarius Theater, etc).

This book really should be back in print, it's much more valuable than another tell-all about the band or about Morrison. Excellent rock book. Not sure it's worth the ridiculous amounts that some are selling it for, but if you can find it for less, it's just a no-brainer.

Through the author's obviously extensive research, we are given a backstage pass to one of America's most influential groups of the 60's. Mr Shaw does not pretend that this is the last word on the subject(in fact, he leaves his email address at the beginning for updates) but this is a clear picture of the performance aspect with as much info as possible. Dates, set-lists and venues are here as well as a review of the show. No punches are pulled from Mr Morrison who did not give consistent performances every night. Given his personality who could expect him to? The work also goes into the post-Morrson life of the band culminating in the induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jan. 93. Doors on the Road is also filled with photos all the way through their career. Enjoyable from beginning "until The End." Thanks Greg Shaw. Ladies and Gentlemen, from Los Angeles,Ca, THE DOORS!!!!!

This is one of my favorite books. Chock full of enlightening artwork, page after page of colorful drawings, graphs, representations of springs, sound, heat, and other non-linear, real-world phenomena explained and illustrated for intuitive ease. Even if you're not a scientist, or a mathematics fan - this book will open your eyes to concepts that scientists deal with, and that deeply inspire artists and musicians alike.

It's a little like learning chess, and realizing that almost everything is like chess.
Everything is dynamics!

This is a great book to have as a suppliment to any of the classical dynamical systems books. The book starts with phase diagrams for periodic behaviour then moves on to explain the dynamics of chaotic and bifurcation behaviours entirely in pictures. This book will suppliment traditional nonlinear dynamics courses at advanced undergraduate level.

Some concepts, seemingly obscure and esoteric became intuitively obvious with this book. A great ``picture book'' that will certainly complement any standard textbook in chaotic dynamics. I may sound like a bookseller. But, hey, this book is good!

It is hard to describe this book without sounding like a bookseller. It is explains the most complex concepts in very simple and elegant "cartoons", so it has the additional advantage of being fun to read. I read the whole thing just a couple of months.

Mr. Palms has really done a wonderful service to the person that is interested in effecting their world for Christ through a larger medium such as magazine writing.

He has laid a solid outline that leads a person through each phase, and consideration needed in order to effectively communicate your ideas to both the reader, and your consumer, the editor.

I no longer feel the process is as complex as brain surgery, and can see how to go about being published with what the Lord is laying on my heart.

I would fully recommend this book to any writer that would like to understand the process and the kind of questions you need to be asking yourself as you write. There are also some great tips on researching your magazines and editors; tips that should save you lots of time and effort, let alone tears from rejection letters. He can't promise you won't get rejection letters, in fact he guarantees it, but he will help you cut down on those rejections and how to learn from them to make you a better writer.

I hope God uses this book to help us change the world, maybe one last time...

Palms offers the budding writer loads of helpful advice for how to get started and how to spread good news through articles. Aimed at people who especially want to write about their spiritual experience, Palms's book is a practical help from a man who seems to have loads of experience.

I have had the distinct pleasure to hear Mr. Palms speak on several occasions and I can tell you his speaking voice comes through in his writing one. In this book he is professional, approachable and convinces you that if you've the determination to learn the writing craft, it can be done. He provides the means through the book's twelve chapters.

In Effective Magazine Writing, Palms uses a format that is user-friendly, down to reminding you to put fresh batteries in your recorder before an interview. There aren't so many rules in this book as there are suggestive ways to write. He encourages the writer to listen to their voice when crafting an article.

My favorite chapter, page really, is Chapter Seven, God's Word In Your Words. On page 80, Palms reminds the writer by quoting Scripture, Hebrews 4:12, "For the Word of God is living and active." He talks about God's power and His Word not returning void, ending with "we want people to internalize what is true, we want people to think about truth...and to act on that truth."

Powerful words and an excellent reminder of what our writing should be about. As Christian writers we are about the business of God. He lives and breathes through us. It is our mission, no, our command, to honor and glorify Him in each word we write. I also liked the sidebars at the end of each chapter, offering a gentle reminder to make your writing crisp and clean.

This is a book you'll want in your office bookshelf to refer to again and again. It will make you a better writer. Guaranteed.

Geared toward the new freelance writer hoping to be published in evangelical periodicals, Roger Palms' "Effective Magazine Writing: Let Your Words Reach the World" can help you learn to write and sell your work.

Palms', whose vast experience includes editing "Decision" magazine, challenges writers to think like an editor, and to meet the needs of the marketplace. Rather than write something and then see who will buy it, he suggests to turn that around. Who is buying what, and can I write it? This kind of critical thinking will produce more focused, stronger writing, and can enable you to sell your work.

As he has been the editor of a magazine read by almost two millions readers each month, he knows what editors want and what makes good writing. He presents this in a very well-organized, succinct text. Covering legal and ethic issues, and how to consider rejections, and what the life of a discplined writer is all about, Palms' book will encourage and push the Christian writer to move forward in a sensible way.

A perfect companion book would be "Christian Writers' Market Guide 2002: The Reference Tool for the Christian Writer (Christian Writers' Market Guide)" by Sally Stuart, an annual directory of Christian publications.

I fully recommend "Effective Magazine Writing: Let Your Words Reach the World" by Roger C. Palms.

Anthony Trendl

L'Engle's Genesis Trilogy is a refreshing breath of crisp, clean air. As I turned page after page, I found freedom from some long held conflicts with my faith. Not only does she present a picture of God that is outside the box, she throws the box away. Thank you!

I, too, started out as a fan of L'Engles fiction work. I was in my mid 20s when I started reading her non-fiction. And she never ceases to amaze and inspire me. This book made me think. While she infuses her fiction work with her theological beliefs, this trilogy truly lays it all out in a thoughtful and thought provoking way. Every time I read this book I see something new and am forced to think. And being forced to think is a very good thing. L'Engle does indeed, think outside the box. This book is probably not for "Christian" "fundmentalists" (or "fundalits" as L'Engle would call them). It is, however, for people who believe in the fundamental value and truth of the core teachings of the Bible - whether those people call themselves Christian or not. L'Engle incorporates the stories from Genesis with her own life experiences and weaves an outlook on the world that is both unique and timeless. This book altered my outlook on life for the better, and every day I am presented with new and overwhelming evidence that she hit the nail on the head. Amazing book.

I have loved Madeleine L'Engle's fiction since my fourth grade teacher read A Wrinkle in Time to the class. Now that I'm older (gasp, almost thirty) I enjoy her non fiction even more. Reading this trilogy is like reading and discussing the book of Genesis with a friend. The author invites you into her life as she reads and reflects on the first book of the Bible. She lets you know the connections her mind makes and in doing so gave me a list of other authors to read. The storytelling, poetry, and personal stories create a gentle Biblical commentary for those who might be intimidated by a more traditional commentary. Joyful! Beautiful! Wonderful!

I reread this book every time I feel myself being drawn down by doubt and mired in the poisons of what Christians can do to one another. It reaffirms me and strengthens me!

It is very telling, when you click on the concordance, that the two biggest words are God and Love.

I, too, have loved L'Engle ever since I first read her books. I picked up the first part of the Trilogy _And_It_Was_Good_ at a yard sale thinking that it was another of her fiction works. I got halfway through the book in a single sitting, never realizing that I was reading theological reflections! From then on, I was hooked!

Given how often I return to this work, I do wish that it was available in hardback, so that it would be a little more sturdy!

Getting Life offers a rare glimpse behind the closed doors of long term care. This fictional story draws readers into the wheelchair of Emily Mason, a 35-year-old nonverbal woman with Cerebral Palsy, and allows you to share each of her experiences -- painful, thrilling, or confusing. This book will confirm the worst fears of many when it comes to congregate living, but it also demonstrates clearly the power of the human spirit. Anyone involved in personal attendant care for another, should join Emily on her journey. I promise the next time you look around your world -- the view will be different.

this book is true to life for many people with disabilities. Slipping into Em's shoes and reading about how the patients were treated reminded me of a friend that i would visit in a nursing home and found her not quite sitting right in her chair having to eat cold food at mealtimes. Days i would come i would bring some fast food that i bought so she would have something warm to eat.This book is one book that people who are thinking about putting a love one in a nursing home need to read first.

This book will challenge - and possibly alter - your perceptions of the disabled. The disabled person that you know (your uncle, spouse, neighbor, or client) will be seen in a new light. A friend, working wonderfully with the disabled for years, now sees her clients in yet a new way. You will, also. Read this book. You owe it to yourself. It is beautifully written, with great and moving senstivity.

Author Julie Shaw Cole creates a painful, joyful, enthralling journey toward self-discovery in GETTING LIFE. Told from the first person point of view, she draws the reader deeply into the horrific and frustrating world of nursing home care, seen through the eyes of thirty-five-year-old Emily Mason. Emily spends seventeen years in a wheel chair, watching the play of light on rooftops seen through the window of the nursing home.

When her mother died in an accident, Emily went to live with a tender uncle and an abusive aunt. When these relatives die, Emily comes to live at the nursing home. Her life seemed to be characterized by abuse and neglect, as the people around her assume that because she cannot speak she cannot think. When a devastating accident results in a hospital stay, Emily meets Dr. West, a woman who will change her life. For the first time, someone speaks to her, rather around her or about her. For the first time, her humanity is recognized.

It takes three years and remarkable discipline for Emily to free herself from the nursing home. As she struggles to communicate, to read, to become mobile, and to learn the skills she needs to live independently, her lessons become lessons for the reader about the strength of the human spirit and the weakness of human perception. She confesses her own prejudices and fears, thereby forcing readers to reevaluate themselves. Indeed, readers will find their most basic assumptions challenged; from the accessibility of sidewalks to the way we see those who are different from ourselves. A must read for all caring human beings, GETTING LIFE comes very highly recommended.

Bought two copies, one for the library and one for the car. The definitive "must have" book for playing golf in California. The course descriptions are the best and most complete I've come across, mostly right on, and I particularly enjoyed Bob Fagan's Lists.

A 'must have' resource for anyone playing golf in the west...from beginners to the advanced golfer. Honest, up-to-date information with humor and practicality. Check out the web-site linked to the book!

If you are a golfer in California, you have to own this book. It includes great information on EVERY golf course in California, Tahoe and Reno areas.

This book has easy to read and contains up-to-date information and course reviews from golf courses in California, Las Vegas and Reno. I especially like Bob Fagan's Book of Lists--although I don't necessarily agree with some of his picks. I also found the "opinion" portion of the course reviews not only entertaining but informative, too. The size of the book is perfect for traveling; and it fits in my golf bag.