Stevens Books

The amount of detail in this account of the 11th Mississippi Civil War Regiment is astounding. As a descendant and a civil war buff I was spellbound and as a genealogist I found it full of new and useful information. Overall I thought Steven Stubbs' book was a monumental achievement.

Jim Harrison
Huntsville, Alabama

This is without a doubt the best account of the day to day activities encountered by our ancestors who served in the Eleventh Mississippi Infantry Regiment. From chapter to chapter, as I read, I feel I am with them. As a genealogist I have found more information about several of my ancestors, most who were members of the "University Greys" Co. A" in this book than I have found after several years research in Libraries and Archives. I commend Col. Stubbs for compiling the greatest account of any Civil War unit I have ever read. I highly reccomend this book not only to Civil War buffs but also to Genealogists. There is priceless information in this great book.

Steven H. Stubbs labor of love which documents not only the 11th Mississippi Infantry Regiment, but also the individuals who comprised it, is everything a regimental history should be. Unjustly overlooked by historians due in large part to the fact the regiment served as a part of two different brigades (the first a very unusal mixed-state command), the 11th Mississippi's combat record in Lee's Army of Northern Virginia is second to none. By the time it was assigned to Brigadier Joseph R. Davis's brigade in early 1863, combat reputations at the brigade level had unfortunately already been established and "carved in stone." As a part of Bee's/Whiting's/Law's hard-hitting "mixed" brigade, the 11th Mississippi, 2nd Mississippi, 4th Alabama and 6th North Carolina comprised one of Lee's premier combat units and played a major role at 1st Manassas, Gaines Mill, 2nd Manassas, South Mountain and Antietam. However, the brigade was broken up in late 1862 and the units reassigned to more traditional "state" commands. The two Mississippi units went on to form the core of Davis's new brigade which came to grief during the Gettysburg Campaign. Although the 11th Mississippi missed the debacle at the Railroad Cut on July 1, it was present for "Pickett's Charge" forming the highly exposed left flank of the Confederate line once Brockenbrough's small Virginia brigade broke to the rear. The remnants of the 11th Mississippi, along with the other units of Davis's Brigade, also suffered in rear-guard actions at Williamsport and Falling Waters. Thus, the outstanding performance subsequently demonstrated by Davis's brigade following the Gettysburg debacle, during the Overland Campaign and the fighting south of Petersburg in the closing months of the war, was largely relegated to brief passages or footnotes in the works of most Civil War historians. Steven Stubbs history of the 11th Mississippi helps correct this serious error of omission. Highly recommended.

Mr. Stubbs has written an excellent history of the Eleventh Mississippi Infantry Regiment. The Eleventh fought from First Manassas to Appamattox and had as colorful and as glorious a record as any regiment in R. E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. That record, until now, has largely gone unnoticed. Finally it has been told in great detail. As an Ole Miss alumni I especially enjoyed reading about the University Greys who were University of Mississippi students who made up Company A of the Eleventh. I also liked the roster included in the book. It gives the service record of every man in the regiment, some 1500 of them total. I would recomend this book to Ole Miss students, Ole Miss alumni, Mississippians in general, descendants of these men and anyone interested in the Army of Northern Virginia.

Steven Stubbs has truly immortalized the men of the 11th Mississippi Infantry Regiment in his heavily researched history of this famous Confederate unit. I have read several regimental histories through the years, but none as detailed or with more documented sources as this one. From organization, through the first battles, into Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, and on to the heartbreak of Appomattox, the author describes the activities, movements, and everyday lives of these men of the South. Especially interesting to the genealogy buff is the detailed roster of all men known to have been a part of the 11th Mississippi. Overall, this is by far the best regimental history that I have ever seen. The "boys of the 11th" are not forgotten!

Steven Schindler writes with a rare combination of compassion and street savvy, and in "From here to reality" seems to combine all the elements of great literature. Comedy, drama, suspense, romance, sex, & violence are intertwined in a realistic story set in a realistic time frame. Schindler keeps our interest through the twists and turns of LA and NYC, and the emotional ups and down of his diverse characters. His vivid and accurate descriptions of people, places and things keeps you " in the moment" as the story unfolds. I found it to be quite readable, very interesting and extremely creative with a surprise ending that effectively ties it all together and keeps you wanting for more. I highly recommend it

As a writer, I was truly impressed with how well Steven Schindler was able to vividly immerse the reader into a specific era of Hollywood, and into specific situations; of which he *must* have been privy. A good book, by a great writer. I highly recommend it.

What a great book! I would highly recommend it. The story is quick, witty, and fun with characters you want to get to know. Schindler takes you on a ride through Los Angeles, New York and most importantly through his characters hearts. It is a perfect read for a Sunday afternoon.

You can't help but keep on reading as the novel increases the intensity in mystery. You got to know whats gonna happen next!!And the ending, well, I don't want to spoil it. The main characters come to life; you want to get to know them, you want to know their secrets. Mr. Schindler has that ability to put you in the scene as you keep reading. Sort of like a when you dream and you see everything going on about. Another great reading experience from the author of SEWER BALLS, a novel about growing up in NY in the 60's. Both books I highly recommend... I'm waiting for the movie!!!!!!!

As I did with Steven Schindler's first two novels, Sewer Balls, and From the Block, I thoroughly enjoyed reading his latest, From Here to Reality. It's one of those books that you just don't want to end. Being born and bred in the Bronx, I can certainly vouch for the authenticity of the New York neighborhoods and experiences that Schindler describes, and the picture he paints of life in LA evokes a plethora of genuine emotions. I look forward to Schindler's next book.

Excellent topic coverage by what I consider to be the best mind in the field today!

One of the best written textbooks I have ever read, in any field. Crystal clear, and is a gold mine of knowledge.

This text is very good for those who start doing research in statistical signal processing. A lot of explanations, technical terms are well presented and consistent, plus a number of examples that help you to learn about different statistical signal processing concepts and algorithms. Research students can be beneficial alot from this text.

Without any hesitation, I consider this book as a masterpiece in the area of statistical signal processing. Kay takes the reader to the journey of estimation theory as if a science teacher takes his students to a field trip. The one special feature of this book is the convergence of thought that reader obtains upon reading the book. Kay lays a fundamental bridge between various estimators using his succinct style for describing the subject.

Few special areas require more attention in this book. For example the coverage of EM methods is very condense and requires more elaboration. Also there is no discussion on the estimation methods using higher order statistics.

Overall I consider this book as the best book I have read ever and I highly recommend this book to those who want to obtain an ever-lasting view on statistical signal processing.

I've had tough courses on statistical signal processing as a post-grade student. I am often confused in front of a problem and turning back to the notes taken in class doesn't help much.
When you read this book all gets bright. I am still wondering how some teachers can be so confusing while such good books do exist...
However don't count on it for in depth mathematical demonstrations, it starts with a practical problem and explains how to model things. Thus it is a bit bottom-up but anyway starting from a good graduate level in signal and stats.
I got this one at the library but already ordered a copy for myself and am planning to get part2 on detection.

I've never read another book like "Good Books Lately: The One-Stop Resource for Book Groups and Other Greedy Readers." It's clever and smart without being condescending. Completely accessible! The book is a blend of history, anecdote and How-To. Whether you're in a book club, or just an avid reader on your own, this book is helpful. It gives great tips on being a more active reader and participant in discussion of books.
I had the good fortune of attending a reading of this book by the authors, Kira Stevens and Ellen Moore, and they are even more charming and clever in person! I was in tears with laughter listening to their encounter with Oprah - very funny stuff! Don't worry, the Oprah story is in the book, so you can get a good laugh too!

At last there is a lively resource book for book group discussions! With easy to follow chapters, this book gives the reader the tools to deepen any book group discussion. Whatever book type your group prefers, Kira Stevens and Ellen Moore have created a one-stop easy reference guide. I find that I often return to the book before book dicussions, making Good Books Lately an invaluable investment. The authors have made the analytical art of book discussions accessible, and fun. For all of us "greedy readers" - this is the ultimate reference for book lovers everywhere.

Everything one could want to know about starting a book group in a helpful, informative, and entertaining format. A great read from authors who are not just PhDs in English but clearly women who love reading and writing. In addition to detailed descriptions of just about everything one would need to know to get started and keep going, the authors provide lists of books that have proved to be most popular with reading groups. Loved the part about their meeting with Oprah. This is the sort of book just to keep handy to refer back to when you need inspiration or validation in what you're doing whether it's preparing for a group meeting or analyzing a book on your own.

What a great book! Most how-to books can be dull or hokey, but the advice in this book is interesting, creative, fun and often hilariously funny. The authors take an important topic and make it very accessible. I was pretty nervous about starting a book group before I encountered "Good Books Lately," but now I'm encouraged and excited! After just starting this book, I felt like Ellen Moore and Kira Stevens were good friends of mine! This book's a great reference that I'll use and recommend often.

I absolutely loved this book on book groups. A friend of mine recommended it because I was complaining that our book group had gotten a little dull after 7 years. Now, we have reinvigorated our group with the help of this book. Every book group needs to read this book. Ellen Moore and Kira Stevens are absolutely brilliant and incredibly funny.

Gothica. Cyber or reality? Maybe both. Gothica, a place where dreams were borned.. And some destroyed. A game or the written reality of people? Who knows, but for Vampyra and Timetravellar, two tormented souls, they were once again face to face or should I say, screen to screen?

Gothica. A dark tale about love and hope. Follow Calvin McLeish as he tell a tale that's not his own but a tale he remember living in a distant past. Come meet Vampyra who after centuries of loneliness still seek the only one who have conquered her heart and soul.

Gothica. A different vampire story for those who enjoy a dark tale. A story that is not afraid of words, be warned that the "cyber-sex" is explicit.

Internet vampires toying with life, love, and death. I was captured on the first page and willingly held prisoner the entire novel. Truly an original.

Calvin McLeish's life was spiraling down hill at an alarming rate. His wife had left him, he was jobless, and had only a new computer to keep him company. He soon learned all about chat rooms. His favorite was known as Gothica. Calvin called himself Timetravellar. Whenever he got online with Vampyra he could not seem to control himself. It was not long before Calvin realized that Timetravellar was as real as himself. In fact, Travellar was himself. An alter.

Vampyra was one of the few real vamps still left in the world. She had her own tormenters though, other than the normal cops who constantly searched for the street killer. The Dark Huntress needed her own champion and she hoped it was the one called Timetravellar.

Here, in cyber space, reality and fantasy collide. A final fight between the noble house of MacTavish and a cruel Marquis, will begin...and end!

*** Excellent dark fantasy that will be read and reread often by its readers. Be forewarned of a lot of cyber-sex that goes into detail though. Full of nosy neighbors, lusty online friends, and an interesting new look at the undead! Very good story here! ***

I am not usually a fan of books about vampires. I have seen recent movies with vampires as their subject matter, and was not impressed. This book, however, took me by surprise.

Mr. Cowan has captured the sadness that must exist for the mythical vampire. The loneliness of eternal life, and a life without permanent love. The sadness of taking a life to feed their blood thirst, and the sexual satisfaction of creating a lover.

He also brings to light some brilliant images of fairies and sprites. Those mythical creatures that we would all like to believe in, but few do.

The plot seems predictable at first, but there are several twists that get your attention, and make this book worth reading and re-reading. He also leaves this book open for a sequel. I would be first in line to buy a sequel when and if he writes it.

I would recommend this book for anyone above the age of 12. I have a nine year old son, and I read some passages of the book to him, and he seemed entertained by it. I even recommend this to people who are afraid of, or have nightmares about vampires, because this book does much to show the inner workings of a vampires mind. It is not all death and destruction.

Keep Gothica - Romance of the Immortals in your mind when you are looking for great entertaining reading.

After the first chapter, I was interested. After the third chapter, I could not put the book down.

Excerpt:

"Was it possible the only reward for a lifetime of work and risk was deterioration and disease? The naked eye of death seemed to fix him, the terror that none of his fellows seemed to fear, because unlike him, they believed. And if that was true, then who was really more alive in the mind? He who saw through the tricks and lived in constant fear? Or one who succumbed to the mirage and lived his life in joy? And if there was nothing but the struggle of life, then what good was it all?"

These words slapped me across the face harshly. I can relate to the turmoil of Frog Hopping. When you see things as they really are, rather than living in a world of belief and fantasy, life can be quite interesting. You don't have too many illusions, and facts, not belief, generally rule your existence. However, at the same time, you may feel envious of people who live in a world of illusions and fantasies and myths, because they seem to have joy from believing, than knowing. As they say, "ignorance is bliss", and when you are no longer ignorant, the world can be quite painful. Is having knowledge freeing or imprisoning? I think it is both - painful and freeing.

I feel that the story of T'Cori and Frog Hopping nem was a very interesting read, exciting, and fascinating. The author has done some serious research to write such a book. The book is well written and takes one's mind to another place and time, which is the mark of an excellent writer.

The Ibandi are fictionalized and are the first humans to stand erect(conjecture). They are most likely the ancestors of us all. The Msk may be the Neanderthals, being partial ape and human, not having evolved to full human status. These half humans posed an enormous threat to the Ibandi. They were bigger and stronger and vicious. We all known what actually happened to them. They died out. .

Places that I never gave a second thought, now they are firmly etched in my memory. Mt. Kilimanjaro now has a permanent place in my head. Mt. Kilimanjaro is situated in Tanzania. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on earth. Mr. Barnes story has encouraged me to know more about the mountain and the people and/or original inhabitants that live in its shadows.

If you want a great story that challenges you, I would highly recommend Great Sky Woman by Steven Barnes.

I have been a fan of Steven Barnes work for the past 4 years. This newest novel of his is wonderful. It reads like a history novel, you can imagine these very events happening so clearly. Yet you can almost forget you are reading a novel set 30,000 years in the past as it contains elements true to this day. T'cori and Frog dared to question the unquestionable. Its what youth has always done and always will. It always frightens the elders who don't take change in their beliefs too lightly. If you decide to pick this up be prepared to expand your mind and think. Think about what might have been and what might actually be.

I am ashamed that this is my first Steven Barnes novel, as I have been meaning to "get into" his work just as I have with that of his wife (T. Due). With that said, this is an excellent novel and I agree with the editorial review. His attention to detail and sense of place and time are outstanding, as is his pacing: the novel covers a good near-20 years yet progresses seamlessly. For those who are interested in both good writing and humanity's ancient history, this is a must for you. I hesitate to compare it to anything, but I'll go ahead anyway and say that it more than on par with "Clan of the Cave Bear," and even more relevant for those of us with African Ancestry (which ultimately is actually everyone).

Steven Barnes in GREAT SKY WOMAN tells the story of two youngsters of the Ibandi people living below Mt. Kilimanjaro, which is known to the Ibandi as Great Sky. T'Cori, abandoned to wild animals by a father who thinks she is blind, is rescued by a mystic, Stillshadow, who teaches her to be a dream dancer. Frog Hopping, an undersized teenager who is being raised by his Uncle Snake, is attempting to prove his worth as a great hunter. Frog Hopping realizes he also has premonitions that let him know what is about to happen. After a brutal and hairy group attack the Ibandi people, the hunt chiefs who are left and the dream dancers must climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to set things right.

Steven Barnes has spun a wonderful tale of life during prehistoric times in Africa. He delves deeply into the religious beliefs, the customs and cultures of the Ibandi people and what they must do to survive in the harsh region on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The suspense keeps you tense and wondering what is going to happen next. How can even extraordinary teenagers survive the many tribulations that beset them and their people? The story has many twists and turns that confound you before a possible solution is discovered. Barnes is a wonderful writer well worth reading again and again.

Reviewed by Alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

As always, Barnes has written another phenomenal, detailed piece of fiction that allows African American's to feel like we are truly a part of mainstream literature. When I read Barnes, I feel as if I have a story too--one that is rich with details, hope and beauty. Something that is fiercely lacking in most other literature. The new craze among writers to depict us as one demensional sex-craved vixens and thugs is neither uplifting or representative of what I believe most African Americans want when they go to a book store. We fought too hard for the voices of Langston, Zora, Alice and Toni to be heard to now have them silenced by this new generation of writers that have started "selling themselves" to the highest bidder.

T'Cori (the nameless one) is an orphaned girl raised to be a Dancer. Frog is a young man raised to be a warrior. The two, whose path cross in a way that is unimaginable, allows both T'Cori and Frog to become greater than the selves they started out to be. Both rely on the other's strengths and change their history and the history of their people. We need literature like this. One that allows us to see ourselves as the beginning not the end of what makes this civilization of ours great.

I appreciate writers like Barnes, his wife Ms. Due and the late great Octavia Butler. They allowed us to be a part of the science fiction genre in a way that challenges the status quo and gives credibility to the fact that African American readers want to be challenged and put in the forefront of the literature that is written about us in a way that is classy and multi-layered. Thank you again, Mr. Barnes for another wonderful work of literature. I look forward to the sequel to this book(if rumor proves correct).

This book is so much fun to read. It has such a wonderful rhythm and the artwork is gorgeous.

Very easy to read particularly as a bedtime story. My toddler has the refrain "Pittery, pattery, skittery, scattery ZIP round the corner came Zachary Quack" completely memorized. Very nicely illustrated as well.

My 2 boys love this book and all the Hairy Maclary books! This one is just SO cute! They are even starting to read along with me. Highly recommended!

Hairy is at it again and cuter than ever---anything in this series is great!!

I spend a lot of time reading kids books. This one is my favorite. Kids love it too!!

I love the entire hairy Maclary series. Very entertaining! My kids love it when I read it with a Scottish accent.

From the minute my 2 year old little boy saw the cover he fell in love with the book! He immediately learned the cute names of all of the dogs and the book is very exciting to him. We highly recommend this for a fun book.

another great kids book for kids, beautifully illustrated, great fun with hilarious rhymes which kids remember easily.

In this adventure Hairy McClary is given a bone by the butcher, but if followed home by his friends, Hercules Morse, Muffin Mclay, Bitzer Maloney, Bottomley Potts and Schnitzel von Krum - Hairy has to walk home in such a way to prevent his friends from getting the bone

Good way of describing big, small, and other concepts to kids. They can see why the dogs gradually get filtered out as Hairy takes the long way home.

Good fun for under 5 years - start reading young and they love them - learning to read them themselves. These also come in toddler style books which is good if you are intending these for an under 2 year old.

Here is another enjoyable episode from the life of the perky little dog called Hairy Maclary.
He has a friend, the butcher, who gives him a bone.
The rhyming text takes over the story of the envy of his friends whose names are listed. Children with other books in this series will recognize them immediately both from their descriptive names and the artwork which brings out the individual breed characteristics. This list decreases as the group moves around the town and encounters different obstacles.
All of this reflects observed doggy behaviour and hazards. It will be with great satisfaction that all small readers see Hairy Maclary get home able to keep and enjoy his bone.

This is a wonderful sequel to HAIRY MACLARY FROM DONALDSON'S DAIRY. In the first book we had Hairy going out for a walk and being joined by five other dogs one by one. This book starts with Hairy at the butcher shop where he receives a great big bone. As he sets out to return to Donaldson's Dairy we see five familiar noses poking out from behind a shop. Soon the five dogs are following Hairy hoping for a chance at the bone. But when ducking through an old billboard Hercules Morse (as big as a horse) gets stuck. You can see where this is going as Hairy continues his journey home.

A wonderful book told with a lilting rhyme and meter that makes it perfect for reading out loud. Hairy and his friends are the stars of a vast array of books that have long been almost unheard of here in the States. Well Hairy and friends are making inroads here and I for one welcome the canine (and feline) invasion. If you have not had a chance to read Lynley Dodd you have been missing something.

As a person surving MS, times of pain,frustration and stress can really be a hinderance to you and the disease. Just taking a few needed precious moments to listen to this guided imagery tape will help you "let go." I listen to it every night and never get tired of it. There have been many times during the day when I have made time to listen to it also. The tape has gotten me through some tough days. You will be pleased to have this as part of YOUR MS survival armory.

This is an incredible little tape. Side 1 is the guided imagery which is I guess about 20 minutes and side 2 has some reinforcement phrases to say to yourself. The guided imagery is terrific. She takes you to a s pecial place, you address your immune system directly, telling it you're ok and they can stand down, and she helps you surround yourself with support. The first time I listened I cried like I hadn't cried in a long time. I didn't know how much I had kept inside. It is such a good tape I can't say enough.

With a soothing voice Belleruth Naperstek leads the listener to a sense of peace through calming meditative words. It would seem to be helpful to anyone contending with cancer. It is not, however, as helpful to those experiencing other cancer related disease, especially blood related. Leukemia, for example, would require very different images. Still, it would be somewhat helpful to someone with leukemia or lymphoma if they are not terrible distracted by the brief imagery specifically related to tumor cancers.

I found this tape one of the most healing avenues that I have tried. It helps me to let go of the tense, and feelings whether they are mental or physical. It is a gift to yourself to try this tape. I love it.

I think is great to have an imagery tape to relax or heal. Please don't try the tape while driving.

i got this book when i was learning to cook in grad school (and cooked vegetarian). my carnivore foodie husband and i still use it frequently, and think almost every recipe is great. the tofu dishes are excellent, the bean dishes great and the white bean pizza is my favorite comfort food. it is the best staple cookbook i have ever had.

Some of these recipes have become family favorites. With only a few unusual ingredients, this cookbook is more about preparation, using heat in creative ways to bring out the flavor. The best greens recipe I have ever used.

This is one of my favorite vegetarian cookbooks, mainly because it is creative. I get tired of the same-old standard cook-the-tofu recipes, but this one has some unique combinations and great tastes. Some of the recipes are too time-consuming for me which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.

I have been a vegetarian for more than 25 years, and this is my favorite cookbook of the dozens I have acquired. The recipes are varied and come out very well -- the Veggie Paella (pictured on the cover), made with the Mediterranean stock (recipe is also in the book), is out of this world! There are also wonderful recipes with quinoa and other grains and beans that aren't found in most cookbooks (try the quinoa tabouli or quinoa caviar for a treat!). I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys good meatless meals!

It's true. The recipes are good and only unnecessary fat is cut out. The recipes aren't too complicated or time-consuming and I haven't had a failure yet. If you like Alice Water's Vegetables, Deborah Madison and the like, you should enjoy this cookbook. Happy Cooking!