Smith Books

I love this book! I especially appreciate the photos included with the projects in all different stages. I will use this book again and again.

When I first saw a copy of this book back in '85, I thought it was a really great idea, but I never had time to actually build one. The thought was tucked away in the depths of my memory, however, awaiting the opportunity to be explored and applied. Fast forward to 2000. I was in a puppet troupe for the city of Orlando, Florida, and was required to build sets and props for an original show set in ancient Egypt. A large statue of Bas-tet, the cat goddess, was needed and that old thought jumped to the front of my brain. A quick online session to Amazon.com and a couple of weeks later, I had a new copy of Dan Reeder's Simple Screamer aquiring drips of glue while I created the statue. Great project. Great book.

I've never done paper mache before and I wanted to make a "Monster under the bed" for a Halloween prop. The book is very easy to understand and follow. It took less than two weeks to make the project and it came out much better than I could of ever imagined. I would highly recommend this book!!!

I am 36 years old and I came across this book when I was in college. I grabbed it up and immediately started in creating my own screamers, using the wonderful photos in the book for inspiration. In no time my apartment was crawling with weird creatures from my imagination. Soon I had too many and had to give them away to friends...they are totally unique gifts. The author of the book provides everything you need: complete supply lists, easy-to-follow step-by-step directions with photos, color images of finished screamers to help jump-start your own creativity, plus there is the added bonus of the writer's tounge-in-cheek writing. Making screamers would be fun for anyone at any age. Buy this book and let out you inner monster!

Before I ordered "The Simple Screamer", I thought this book was going to be flimsy magazine-paper type book. But, I was mistaken (for the better), this book's paper cover, is of a very hard-wearing variety and the pages are of good paper and the photographs very clear. I should also note that the directional photographs are black-&-white, but that does not hinder the information provided through them and no problems should arise because of this.

The directions Dan Reeder provides are easily understood and at times quite funny (there are all sorts of little things that he manages to include that tweak my funny bone, just look at the "items needed" page at the front of each chapter. I also particularly enjoyed looking at his own creations, in full color at the back of the book, they are full of creativity and have inspired many "screamers" from me.

Although there are an infinite types of screamers you could make following the directions in this book, I would also recommend getting the sequel, "Make Something Ugly, For a Change" that book will teach you a lot more techniques for making Screamers, although purchasing it is not necessary (but I highly recommend it all the same!)

Making Screamers is lots of fun, but I probably should lend a few cautionary notices. Some stages can be quite tough, especially the ones with clothes hangers, so completing a Screamer may take a couple days for there are many steps, some of them very hard. Also, I would recommend very strong masking tape for making Screamers, along with an abundance of patience. I have also found that making Screamers with your friends is much more fun than doing it in solitude. There are many more laughs, more patience, and a much more light-hearted attitude (although the downside to group Screamer-making is some unaccountable urge from all to make lame "pun" jokes, so beware).

BOTTOM LINE: Buy this book! Make a Screamer!

This book was given as a gift. The recipient was very pleased to get it.

The book was in good shape. I wish the book were a little more explicit about how to actually do the various projects. I think it assumes that I know about this type of quilting, and I don't. Even after looking it over, I'm still uncertain how to begin. The projects look fascinating, so I'd really like to do some of them.

The quality of the book is great,many delightful color photos.The templates very easy to use.This is a keeper, it will not spend eternity gathering dust on my book shelf.It is a great asset for the never ending search for creativity and inseration.I only wish it was spiral bound.

I watched Simply Quilts on HGTV and thought the this was the book for me. In turning the pages I found myself dreaming of one project after another. I think what this book did for me is give me the confidence in my own choices and inspired me to create my own work of art.

I've now made two quilts from this book. Everyone who sees them is amazed at the seeming complexity and beauty of the designs and the interplay of the colors. I was always intimidated by sewing curves, but this method makes it simple and fairly foolproof. But I was most surprised by how much fun it was. I found myself literally running from the cutting table to the design wall to try out various placements for each block. I've been quilting for less than four years and the projects went together exactly as described in the book. Follow the directions and you'll be amazed with what you can do.

What would you do if your only child was dying? What if you potentially had access to a cure? What if the only way to get that cure was illegal? What if it involved murder?
Trials: the risk/benefit ratio is the debut novel by duo M.E. Smith. These questions and more provide the backbone for this mystery/thriller.
Grant Adams, the book's main character, maneuvers his way into a pharmaceutical company researching a treatment/cure for his daughter's illness. As her health declines, Grant finds himself in desperate straits as his ex-wife, company officers, and research scientists, force him to make ever increasing difficult choices regarding his daughters life and his own ethics.
Company executives, corporate greed and murder provide pace to this story, keeping readers moving quickly through the pages.
Written in a daily account fashion, similar in style to the television show 24, I found myself wanting to turn just one more page to see what would transpire the next day. Overall, I found Trials to be an enjoyable summer read.
Todd A Fonseca, author of The Time Cavern (www.thetimecavern.com)

This novel kept my attention from page one through the end. It's obvious M.E. Smith has a strong depth of knowledge of the pharma industry so as to leave the reader intrigued as well as educated as to what goes on behind the scenes. This is combined with strong love and compassion for family which the reader can relate to. Couldn't put it down!

This book was a great read. It moved pretty fast, had some interesting twists, and held your attention throughout. Just about the perfect length - can be finished in an afternoon or on a long trip.
My mother (who reads much more than I) also read the book and enjoyed it. She said it kept her very interested up to and through the conclusion.
I/we look forward to the next book.

This book is suspenseful, engaging, and well-written. It has that "can't put it down" quality that keeps you turning pages and wanting to read one more chapter, or to read through one more "day" (as the chapters are organized by date). The author's authentic experiences give the novel a strong foundation and offer convincing plots. The attention to detail creates vibrant pictures in the reader's mind without overwhelming. Well done! There will be sequels, I am sure!

I really enjoyed this book. The story caught my attention from the beginning and had me guessing all the way through. I loved all the details the author gives to help you understand the industry. It was really hard to put down this book!

My 18-month old carries this book around with him during the day. The photos keep him busy and he loves turning the pages.

There really isn't a story to the book. Just animal noises. Fun to read and I've heard him practicing the noises when he looks at the book himself.

Cute book. I'm glad I bought it.

My 7 month old grandson loves this book! The real photographs are extremely appealing. There is just enough text for his attention span. He loves to turn the pages and looks at each picture intently. He has dogs (both real and stuffed) of his own and has really been interested in the dog in the picture. The size of the book is perfect for his hands. We have only had this book 3 days, and he wants to read it over and over; I think I've read it about 25 times already!

My 17 month old loves ducks, so she loves this book. It is sturdy and has real life pictures that are great.

My niece just started talking and she knows her animal sounds. Quack! is one of her favorites, so this book is a big hit!

I am a librarian for my church library. I'm always looking for a good book at a reasonable price. Amazon.com helps me meet my budget. We opened the use of the church library this October to the day care located in out church. "Who says Quack?" is a great addition to the children's portion of our library! The pictures are cute (I am a sucker for duckies) and the size is easy for small hands to hold. It probably will hold up to some teeth chewing on the cover, not to my joy though. I would have preferred the pudgy book to have been a little larger for ease in processing for library identification. It would have been nice to see more inside the book before purchasing too. I cannot complain about shipping; the book arrived in a reasonable time span.

I HIGHLY recommend this book! I have read MANY books on animal communication and would rate this book NUMBER ONE! Unlike my previous attempts at animal communication, I had SUCCESS the very first time I worked with Jacquelin's detailed recommendations. This book will expand your knowledge, understanding and abilities. An exciting and most enjoyable read! THANK YOU, Jacquelin, for gifting the world with this awesome book!

I would recommend Jacquelin Smith's book for everyone -- whether or not you have an animal friend. She has realized her oneness with all life to the point where she can communicate with the animals. While I have not gotten there, I can see from her book that it is possible. She has such a reverence for all life that it jumps off the page and into your heart.

Jacquelin Smith revealed in her book what I've always believed. I've heard the animals, but not listened and now with what I learned from Jacquelin I am getting quiet with the animals and trying to really hear what they are telling me.
I believe that now I am understanding what my horses truly are telling me.
If for no other reason one reads this book, it's to help an animal lover become more connected with their animal friends.

A well written, and most interesting book. If you are an animal lover, you will be most intrigued by what all animals really think, they are cer tainly not dumb, and this book makes me realise that they are just like children but in a different outer coating!!
So the protection that they should have by law , needs to match that of children . although this is my own point I have to say.!

A thoroughly enjoyable read, easy to pick up and put down at any time..
The more we can learn to communicate with animals, the less they will suffer, and soon may this happen.

AJD24

This book has changed the way I look and feel about animals. Each chapter had me gripped - it makes so much sense. I am an animal behaviourist and knew that there was something missing. Jacquelin portrays what she does and how we all have the ability in such a way that makes you feel like she has been one of your friends for a long time. There is no ego involved, just a sense of true love for our animal friends. The more people can realise their potential to communicate the better this world will be - Thank you Jacquelin.

This product was received in a timely manner and in excellent shape. Was very satisfied.

My son fell in love with this books. Its a good way of having him improve his reading skill...

Book 6 of Jeff Smith's graphic novel Bone series, Bone: Old Man's Cave features a showdown between the Hooded One and the valley folk - and Bone and Phoney Bone at the center of controversy. A secret sacrificial moonlight ceremony threatens them in another fine Bone presentation.

I can see why Bone is so popular! This volume is truly a great continuation of the series. The plot continues to become more complicated and intriguing, and the characters are still as likeable and endearing as ever. I can't wait to read the next volume!

I'm a fanatic of bone products, so i think they are the most wonderful things i have ever bought.

This is an outstanding read. I will not look at a fire engine, firefighter or the FDNY in the same light after reading this book.

Always managing and being a firefighter in parallel never truly made me a better person. Now after having read Salka's book and truly understood my management style and applying Salka's hints, I feel I am truly a good manager. My staff has noticed the change as has my senior managers. I have passed the book along and regularly mentor my newer managers with this book. Do not pass this book up!

As an officer in a volunteer fire department and having a real world management job, I was able to use everything this book gave me. At first, I did buy the book to be a better fire department officer but I found myself using many of the principles in everyday business life. This book is one of the easiest educational reads I've ever experienced. Hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I did.

The New York Fire Department (FDNY) seemed a company of heroes in the months after September 11, 2001. Later, when investigations revealed the enormity of the blunders and the degree to which petty political infighting had literally doomed firefighters to death, the FDNY lost a bit of its luster. But FDNY traditionally has a core of strong leaders, and John Salka is one of them. In this book, he shares his leadership philosophy. It's no slur to observe that this is a leadership book for firehouse buffs who are as interested in firefighter yarns as in leadership. The leadership principles outlined here are sound but not new; what is fresh is that the author illustrates those principles with fire fighting stories, clearly far more interesting than war stories from accounting - even if a bit remote from most people's everyday business reality. After all, few business people risk their lives in their daily work, and probably no business has the esprit de corps of a firehouse. We recommend this book to business people across the professions. The ride inside the fire truck will keep you engrossed in its solid leadership lessons.

Salka's advice is modeled on the leadership lessons of the New York City Fire Department. He takes many of the basic principles of effective leadership that are used to define the officers of FDNY and applies it to real life situations that can be used at any level of leadership by comparing these situations to those faced by the firefighters and their daily battles.

This book's real strength comes from Salka's approach: he writes to the front line supervisor/manager, the folks who are often on the first tier of management. While many books, as good as they are, assume that the reader is in a position to affect policy and choose their entire team, "First In" speaks to managers whose responsibility is the daily performance of the staff.

In addtion to great advice that can be put to practical use by leaders at any level, Salka regails the reader with colorful stories of the men and women of the FDNY. Overall, a great read.

This book is got to be THE BEST I have ever read- Its got allkinda action- humor- pimpin- everything! I tell u what though- Notonly could Lou Wang kill anything in his path in this book but he got 3 girls all @ once! The only bad thing about this book is that I cant be in it...:(

I read this book in 1998 and i couldn't put it down my teacher would have 2 take it from me because I would not stop reading it. This book is great for almost all ages well at least 10. Over all i must say if you like acation pacted books this one is for you.

This is one of the most riveting, action-packed novels ever written! The plot is SO cool - and the storyline is awsome! Great characters and setting. Highly recommend this book!

I have to say that this book one of the most exciting books I have ever read. This book is well written and full of action.

Shadow Warrior is an action book about a modern-day ninja named, Lo Wang, that wants to get revenge and recover a powerful device able to destroy the world. The action is intense and bloody. In the first chapter of the book, some assassins try to kill, Lo Wang inside a sushi bar. Lo Wang, dispatches the baddies real quick and tortures the last one for information; he cuts a piece of the bad guy's nose and shows it to him. Yes the action is brutal and really not for kids (okay for teenagers). Lo Wang, the star of the story is ruthless against his enemies and yet has a snappy sense of humor. It was full of very funny one liners and it had me laughing out out. Very few books can deliver this type of excitement and humor, but Shadow Warrior: For Dead Eyes Only, has best of both worlds. I highly suggest buying it!

This is just a wonderful book.......I recommend it to anyone who is a Michael W. Smith fan

This small book is basically a small concordance that covers the basic scriptures on almost every subject (God's promises, promises for salvation,promises for spiritual growth,promises for your personal needs, promises for various relationship and eternal future), with some warmly advice written in between by the famous MWS. It makes a great gift to new christians and and to students that are graduating from h.s. or college.

Michael W. Smith's book Friends are Friends Forever focuses on growing friendships that will glorify God. He uses Scripture throughout the book to back up his opinions and advice with God's Word. Smith tells stories of his own experiences and friendships to encourage Godly relationships among his readers. Excellent gift for a good friend in the Lord.

This book was the next to best book I have ever read. (The best being the Bible) I recomend that everyone read this book. It tells about real stories that for me hit close to home. If you know of a teen that is in trouble be a friend and give them this book.

This book is very easy to read and it's contents are excellent food for thought. The ideal gift for a young person or someone graduating high school or college. The main part of the book is a section of Biblical promises for every situation imaginable and it is punctuated with notes by Michael W Smith, who is gifted when it comes to writing for young people. His advice and recounting of experiences he's faced are simple but profound, and very down to earth.

I was also very impressed with the presentation page at the front and autographs section at the back of the book. Definitely one to put on the shopping list!

I am not much of a book worm, but could not put this book down once I started reading it. To read about where Dr. Brown came from to where she is today, spiritually, personally and professionally...should be an inspiration of hope for anyone facing addiction issues.

This book bares a woman's soul as she struggles with seemingly irrecoverable addictions and unimaginable psychological devastation. Yet she courageously recovers and gives readers HOPE that no pit is so deep nor compulsion so strong that an effective recovery program cannot overcome.

Anita's book should be read by all who have experienced - or know someone who has experienced - the desperation of addiction, insecurity, and deep emotional trauma. Her story provides a reference for all who seek to help themselves or others put their stories in context and feel life is worth living!

Don Arthur, M.D.

This gripping ,intimate story covers a beautiful womans saga from a suburban middle class upbringing to pot smoking, alcohol- use then abuse. Her journey in and out of education, bars, sex, drugs and rock and roll....After years of stupid, self destroying behavior...She finds a 12 Step Program,learns to live a complete life then Graduates at the Top of her class from 2 of the Nations finest Universities and emerges as one of Washington DC's most respected,dedicated and devoted Counslers/Psyco Analysts. Her story is riviting and an inspiration.

This is a remarkable story of courage and perseverance, but most of all hope. And one of the most important "take aways" is that recovering from addiction is more than not just using - it is about allowing changes in attitudes, beliefs and actions to permeate the rest of your life. Dr. Smith does a wonderful job in allowing this part of the story to unfold, as she takes us through her journey through a "new life."

I've read it 3x since purchasing it about a month ago. And I never fail to find something worthwhile even when picking it up to peruse a few pages. Lots of lessons here!!

I very recently read this book and would recommend it to anyone who is in recovery and looking for answers on how to get better emotionally and spiritually after addiction. While many books have accounts of the active addiction, this book is more about understanding the underlying causes and the way out to spritual growth. The author's deep understanding of the addictions that have affected many in our society, gives hope to the newly recovered alcoholic and drug addict looking for a reason to continue in their search for sobriety and meaning in their lives.