Simmons Books

A quick search of books about World War II on Amazon.com lists 11,982 titles. ''Forgotten Heroes of World War II - Personal Accounts of Ordinary Soldiers'' by Thomas E. Simmons is the one book you should not miss.

As someone who never served in the military - or in war, to me, these personal accounts by a dozen 'ordinary soldiers' many times make the ordinary seem surreal.

Simmons captures the mundane routines and retells the edge-of-your-seat dramatic tension that makes you stop reading, look up and say to yourself, 'I'm glad I'm only reading this.'

Sometimes these scenes trigger your willing suspension of disbelief and you simply credit Simmons with craftily bringing the ordinary soldier into the big picture with a well-told scene-painting or technical description (such as a battleship refueling a destroyer in rough seas), or by weaving facts of
the outside war into the events at hand.

Each story is more engrossing than the last, pulling you in deeper and deeper to these nearly lost accounts of 'ordinary soldiers'

Bruce Creekmur at Pearl Harbor - tapping to locate survivors of USS Oklahoma, a ''turned turtle.'' He first cut a small hole into the hull and pumped in fresh air ... hauled eight men out.

A detail of the ''rainbow colored tears'' makes these men stand out, but it could be the editor's interpretation.

Edward Anderson, who ended up in the Navy as part of an April Fools' joke, commands Tugboat LT-430, the first of several that are shot out from under him in the South Pacific.

Anderson's mission is simple: to rescue shipwrecked seamen and downed Allied pilots, and put coast-watchers on ''certain islands.'' He learned by doing whether or not the islands were occupied.

You have Oswald Smith the merchant marine stranded in one of Stalin's labor camps somewhere above the Arctic Circle. And his perilous return across 900 miles of hostile territory.

The tales are well told of Fred Koval the B-17 pilot, Fred Moyce the D-Day artillery spotter and pilot Mike Kelly towing gliders on D-Day.

Ensign Owen Palmer is aboard the ship that rescues pilot George Bush; then refuels (or tries to) in a typhoon. Even big ships such as destroyers are susceptible to the weather, as 800 perish in the storm.

Harry Bell and Knox White live through different sagas at the Battle of the Bulge. Bell survives a Nazi prison camp at Bad Orb returning to humanity at 90 pounds. White's recon unit helped defend Saint-Vith which delayed the Germans' attack on Bastogne.

Bomber pilot Amos Pollard's shot up plane survives to fight another day saved by the timely appearance of the RedTails - Tuskeegee Airmen, ''We gonna take care of Fritz.'' And they do.

Marines ''Dee'' Hamilton and Joseph Urby fight their way across the South Pacific islands.

And for effect, and a different view of the fighting, Simmons includes excerpts from the diary of a Jap medic Tarao Kawaguch who picks up a gun for defense.

These soldiers' tales - and all the services (even the Merchant Marines) are covered - easily absorb the reader into the action. You sense a closeness with the teller of the tale, as he's revealing unspoken memories to you alone.

Simmons brings you close up to this war. Maybe closer than you've ever wanted to be, but you remember ''Forgotten Heroes,'' long after you've put away the book.

Compiled and edited by Thomas E. Simmons, Forgotten Heroes Of World War II: Personal Accounts Of Ordinary Soldiers offers contemporary readers with fourteen intensely personal perspectives of individual rank-and-file soldiers, aviators, and seamen who were quite ordinary people thrown into the extraordinary and often horrific demands of World War II combat. Of special interest is "The Diary Of Tarao Kawaguchi" which relates the perspective of a Japanese soldier stationed in Saipan during 1944. Also of interest is concluding chapter "The Home Front". Their strength and valor are commemorated in this moving, compelling, informative, and highly recommended contribution to the growing library of World War II military histories.

Excellent book! Delivered as described. Thank you!

I loved this book. It demonstrated for me the real "art" of gardening. William Morris was a clever and far sighted man who advocated staying within the parameters of nature and natural beauty when making gardens. He also perpetuated the "garden room" theme which has been enormously popular since the eighteeth century. I refer to this book continuously and strive to design and construct garden rooms in my own garden which are as beautiful.

I LOVE this cookbook.

It is full of tips, stories, and quotes that make it an easy read and excellent instruction manual. Even if you've made eggs a thousand times over, or are a novice like me, it's great to have some definite "perfect" cooking techniques to get your eggs right EVERY TIME.

The recipes cover every meal and snack imaginable and are wonderful for making a well-prepared meal, snacks for a party, or when you only have a few minutes to whip something up yourself.

I consider this an essential cookbook for any level cook.

The Good Egg: More than 200 Fresh Approaches from Breakfast to DessertWho knew there were so many different ways to cook an egg? This is more than a recipe book. Each chapter begins with a series of egg facts and explanations, beginning with the cholesterol controversy, and moving us into the anatomy of an egg. Then, there are the instructions. The perfect scrambled egg; the perfect boiled egg, etc. But, above all, there are the innovative ways in which the egg is served up as the centerpiece of the meal. I love books with pictures -- and there are none in this book. But, they were not missed. The book is so well written that it is totally engaging from page 1 through all 200+ recipes. What Michel Roux has done for the European egg, Marie Simmons has matched with eggs in the American kitchen. Whether you are a new cook or a kitchen diva, this book should be among your repertoire of well read and worn reference material. A Must Have!

"Travel back with us to turn-of-the-century New York, when the raucous spirit of vaudeville and burlesque colored the stage, Turkish baths were all the rage, and the city's newly wealthy industrialists fashioned grand palaces that rivaled those of European royalty. Gotham Comes of Age unveils 170 images selected by the Museum of the City of New York from the vast collection of the New York-based Byron Company photographic studio (in business from 1892 to 1942). In addition to capturing the high-society high jinks of New York's most gaudy and profligate era, Gotham Comes of Age also presents many views of the city's daily life: skaters in Central Park, tenement dwellers seeking fresh air on the stoops, and today's landmarks--such as the Church of St. John the Divine and the original Times building--in the early stages of construction.

"Together, the photographs in Gotham document the maturation of a great metropolis and offer an absorbing and evocative perspective on the lives and pursuits of yesterday's New Yorkers. The book includes an introduction by E. L. Doctorow, text that puts the Byron Company's work in historical context, a brief introductory essay for each chapter, and informed, insightful notes on the photographs.

"216 pages, over 170 duotone photographs, size: 8 1/2 x 11". Smythe-sewn paperbound book, with flaps. ISBN: 0-7649-0906-1."--© Pomegranate

This book has many things to commend it, from th fine paper stock to the marvelous images selected by Peter Simmons. Look at the pictures - really look at them and you will be brought back to a different era! I recommend it!

I absolutely LOVED this book! One of her best and the first one she wrote. I'd like to see her do a book about Rene, another character in the book who I rather liked.

From the back cover-

Catherine Amberly knows all too well how contemptuously Ransom Du Prey secretly views women. As captain and cabin boy they lived together in easy intimacy, and the bold and buccaneering Ransom never suspected that his loyal "Cat" was a mere girl! Then the golden Catherine jumped ship and traded her breeches for ball gowns.

When Ransom pursues her with arrogant ardor, she vows to teach him a lesson in love. Strangely familiar, yet utterly mystifying, she teases and tempts him until his blood runs as hot as any love-struck lad's. And as the sultry Barbados sun stirs their passion, Ransom swears to show his elusive sea-siren the consequences of playing with the fire of a man's desires!

Ooooohhh this is a keeper! So delicious! It has everything that I want in a "pirate" romance. An slightly scarred arrogant alpha male hero with definite ideas about women and his headstrong and spirited heroine with definite ideas on where he should put those ideas. All set against the sultry backdrop of the Caribbean.

A book with plenty of action. Tons of sexual tension. And a plot that literally sucks you into a one sitting read. The only riduculous part was that Ransom did not figure out that his cabin boy of several months, "Cat", and Catherine were one and the same. Call it the Lois Lane syndrome but it didn't, surprisingly, annoy me at all. Ransom was just not used to noticing anyone closely until he saw Catherine as a woman, even though he always felt a bit of affection for "Cat". So I wasn't bothered by it.

There is some very good villainy here but the romance outshines (as it should!) it all. Just very romantic and not one of those books where the hero tells the heroine he loves her on the last page. Lots of good love scenes too!

Go hunt down this fabulous book because nobody's borrowing my copy!:0

If you want just one book devoted to herbs, this is the one for you. Not only does Adelma describe the various herbs in her 50 gardens at Caprilands (it used to be a goat farm in the 1920's when she and her husband moved there), she tells some great stories related to the plants.

Adelma's lunches and lectures at Caprilands were legendary. This lady deserves more press. I have never met anyone like her. I had the opportunity to spend a few days with her about 20 years ago. I was amazed at how much she knew about herbs and life in general. I will bet that if you read this book, you will want to order all of Adelma's many books. They are all great reads.

I have loved every minute of every Adelma Simmons book I have ever read. This lovely lady is the owner and operator of Caprilands Herb Farm in Connecticut, which is the subject of this book. She describes how the garden looks, smells, tastes and is cared for in the "five" seasons of a year--winter, spring, summer, fall and Christmas! Yes, at Caprilands Christmas is a major event. The book is packed with tips on gardening, using herbs and herbal folklore, all interspersed with personal anecdotes and humor. Check out all Adelma's books! They are all fascinating!

Please do not let the picture of J.Z. Knight turn you away from the message. Many people in this society are TOO VISUAL, looking for flaws in the persons face, discrediting the person due to race, creed, religion, societial norms and gender bias. What the Ramtha has to say is much too important to let visual characteristics sway you from your own innate purpose. This book is not a religion, and Ramtha is not to be worshiped it is simply a guide to show you your own inner beauty and divinity within God. You could gain dramatic self-ascension in reading this book from the correct perspective which would require an open mind. It can show you to live beyond fear, doubt and disbelief if you are ready for that next level in your expression. The greatest act of love (not romantic, only unconditional)is you and once you know and understand this concept completely of unconditional love regardless of past disappointments, love losses, dysfunctionality in your relationships with others and yourself-you will become free. Accepting yourself and others without expectations although most of us were taught certain things the reality of all this belongs in something much more penetrating, profound and deeper than what we were taught it is UNIVERSAL LOVE. The way God (non-religious, non-gender, all loving entity) loves you which is shown by giving you the freedom to pursue whatever you want is life which is a gift. This is the gift you can and should bestow upon others regardless of the path they have chosen. Your expectations and the willpower you exert should be only upon your shoulders not others although you should wish the best for them in the act of universal love.

Simply saying this is not enough it MUST BE PRACTICED in all forms of living. Thanks!

'I am Ramtha' is unlike any other book you will ever read (and I have read hundreds of the best self-help and spirituality books). It is not just a book, it is the voice of Ramtha, a human who lived thousands of years ago and ascended to higher planes of existence.

That's right, if you are still reading this and wondering what kind of nut I am, or Ramtha is, let me tell you I was myself shocked when I began reading this book. I hung on just for the ride. And believe me, one hell of a ride it was! Interspersed with outrageous metaphysical claims was some of the most sublime prose I have ever encountered (and I am telling you I have read just about everything there is). This book is so brilliantly written, so clear and inspired and resonant with a place deep within myself, that I felt certain as to it's divine antecedents. Like the channelled 'Course in Miracles', this book is also the result of channeling and like 'Course', it's writing is simply superb.

This is all I can say about this book. I have no clue as to the reality of channeling or of Ramtha. But when I see something that rings so true, my scepticism melts a little.

I lead a small group Bible study at my interdenominational (Vineyard) church, for couples and singles age 20 to 35. This series was perfect for us.

My favorite thing was how it uses different ways of teaching/learning. Visual learners: DVD with scripture reading. Audio learners: reading the scripture outloud again in the group. Tactile learners: hands-on object lessons. Everyone: discussion quesitons. Each week you have the same components provided for you: DVD, snack suggestion with object lesson, props/supplies for hands-on object lesson, lots of discussion questions, ideas for applying what you have learned, include group events/outside activities/servant evangelism ideas, etc. In addition, there is a section with historical background to the book: who is the book written to, when, why, what was going on in the Jewish/Roman society at that time that is helpful to understand. There are also applicable contemporary quotations or insights.

On the DVD, the scripture verse for the week is read outloud in New Living Translation, with the words captioned on the screen on a background of photos and video loops to go along with the words. We found some of the video clips a bit cheesy, eliciting embarrassed laughter from the group at something that wasn't supposed to be funny. However, it was worth it to have the visual learning experience and variety, much more exciting than listening to the group leader reading an entire chapter of scripture outloud.

To give you an idea (the examples that follow are from their lesson book on Ephesians, since our group just finished it and it's fresh in my memory). The book of Ephesians discusses some challenges in the Ephesian church between the Jews and Gentiles. Paul encourages them to accept each other, because through Jesus, we are all equals.

One of the object lessons from a particular week: use 50 cardboard boxes to build a wall across the room, dividing the group in half. Discuss how the Jews and Gentiles were divided, as the group is divided, by the wall of boxes. Ask discussion questions about what divides us from other people today. Then take the wall down and build a room/house that the entire group has to squeeze into. Discuss what it will take to overcome our differences and treat all people, even those we usually would reject, as equals in Christ.

Some examples from the snacktime: one healthy but ugly snack (fresh broccoli, celery), and one unhealthy but attractive snack (turtle cheesecake). Group members can only choose from one platter. Discuss how we make choices on a daily basis between two good things/good things and bad things, etc.

This study series could be used by age groups above or below ours, but it defintely was a perfect match for us.

There's also some helpful tips on how to organize the 8-week study and use the materials, coordinate your group members to take turns bringing the snacks, props, etc.

Couldn't say enough about how balanced, meaningful, and applicable to a contemporary generation that this study is for a small group. I ordered 5 or 6 other Bible study manuals from other authors, and none has come close to this. Our church has now purchased several copies of each of the studies in this series, for all our small groups to use.

This is one of the best - if not the best - series of inductive Bible studies I have ever used. As a pastor's wife I am often leading small groups of women in study of God's Word. (This is not just for women. That is the context in which I have used it. It would be great for men or mixed groups as well!) This series offers many choices of Bible Books to study. The guides are easy to use and very relational and applicable. Each book includes a DVD with the week's scripture passage on it. These DVD's are amazing! The scripture is read word for word while set to beautiful music and lovely pictures. (A great resource for all participants but especially for those that may have trouble reading.) Each week begins with a snack that somehow connects with the lesson! For example, week 2 discusses James 1:19-27 and our 'reflection'. So the snack involves participants making a 'snack self portrait'. :) Following that you watch the DVD scripture passage, read some background information and then spend 30 minutes digging into the passage itself with questions for discussion. Finally you look at the Make it Personal section where each participant chooses a way that week to apply what they have learned - either as a group or individually.
The learning is done with friends and is immediately applied.

I also highly recommend Ephesians: Seeing Ourselves in Jesus with DVD (Group's Biblesense) and 1 John: Living in the Light of Jesus with DVD (Group's Biblesense)

I've come to appreciate chiasms more and more through study facilitated by this book. In the beginning, I thought they were interesting in a more academic sense, but as I progressed I'd be looking for the meat of the message in each chiasm. God's messages to me in Joshua became more real and alive! Jesus being the rock at the end (Joshua 24:27) was the crowning diadem of the book! Jesus, the Rock of all Ages, is our witness and our strength in spiritual warfare.

I never knew how useful Joshua was, especially in dealing with spiritual warfare, until I read this book. The author explains what a chiasm is and shows how helpful it is in studying God's Word. Clarke got my mind rolling as he explained what the Lord is trying to show us through the chiasms that are scattered all over this scripture. After reading Clarke's book, I have a much better understanding of Joshua, I am able to look at verses all throughout the Bible using the chiastic approach, and I am much more familiar with the history and geography of Israel and it's surroundings. Clarke's insights are so thought provoking that it encourages me to study more scriptures using this approach.

This is the kind of book you let your young adult read and you can enjoy as a fast read too. Kip is a good role model for young girls that want adventure in their lives. The story reads fast, with just enough description to set your imagination into gear but not get bogged down in. It was fun!

I thoroughly enjoy books about women who face adventure and danger with bravery and intelligence. Unfortunately, I usually find very little of myself in those women! This book by Ms. Simmons has a very believable character who proves herself strong and capable, and best of all, she could be me! A fine effort is given in this book to make it a very enjoyable read. It is appropriate for young adults as well - especially for young girls who need strong role models. I hope that we will have further adventures for Kip MacAllister!