Stevens Books

Angus and the Hidden Fort, by Steven A. Corirossi, was one of my favorite books. It's about [a small]kid who found a secret fort and it actually belonged to someone very famous years ago. To find out who it is, you got to check this book out. I loved how Steven wrote the ending. He added so much detail that I was disappointed when the book was over. This book is one of those books that you wish could never end. I recommend this book to six graders and up because I don't think that little kids would understand. If there are anymore books by Steven Corirossi, I got to read them!

Angus And The Hidden Fort by Steven A. Corirossi is an engaging novel for young readers about Angus McBride a nine-year-old boy, and his best friend Andrew Sills, who when exploring Black Hawk Park, discover the legacy of a one hundred and fifty year old mystery. Angus And The Hidden Fort is a highly recommended, adventurous and exciting tale, and one that opens with an unknown individual fleeing the wrath of two bare-chested Indians and proffers tantalizing hints as to the who and the why of the chase, until the stunning revelation of the end. The debut novel of a six-book series, readers will appreciate author Steven Corirossi's talents as a first class storyteller and will look eagerly forward to the new two titles: Angus And The Mysterious House and Angus And The Forgotten Trails.

Angus and the Hidden Fort is a very funny, mysterious, and exciting book. Although some words in this book I didn't know, by the time I was done with each chapter I had at least one word to add to my vocabulary list. I could read this book over and over and never get tired of reading it.

I was so excited to learn about this new adventure series--set in Central Illinois--that I just had to write and tell the author how grateful I am... it isn't too frequent that I can share with my 5th graders such wonderful, family-friendly stories that practically take place in our own backyard! Both Angus and the Hidden Fort and Angus and the Mysterious House are creatively and well written chapter novels that not only my students enjoyed, but I did as well. We're anxiously awaiting the arrival of Steven's third book, Angus and the Forgotten Trails... hurry up!

The book was a nice adventure story for boys or girls, although more geared to boys because all of the main characters in both time frames were male. Going back and forth in time made for more interesting reading and there was an element of mystery about the characters from the past that made the reader want to keep going to see what really happened and to whom.

The protagonist in the present was an adventuresome boy and I could imagine more stories of his exploits from the author. As an adult, I found the book a little simplistic and fairly predictable; still, I enjoyed the yarn and read it all. I think youngsters could picture themselves involved in this kind of exploration, doing a little detective work and trying to figure out some of the unexplained happenings.

These are retold fairy tales, but not the funny ones. Still, by exploring the tragedy, warmth, and soulfulness of these tales, deeply talented authors delve into the soul and try to find comfort int hese new flavors of fairy tales.

This anthology is one of the most emotionally wrenching and satisfying collections of stories that I've read-not just from fantasy authors, but from anyone. Dealing with the darker aspects of childhood, including abuse and alienation, the stories and poetry are full of depth and transformation; magic, despair, and ultimately hope. Some exceptional stories are "The Armless Maiden" by Midori Snyder, "The Juniper Tree" by Peter Straub, "The Lion and the Lark" by Patricia McKillip, "The Lily and the Weaver's Heart" by Nancy Etchemendy, "In the House of My Enemy" by Charles De Lint, and "In the Night Country" by Ellen Steiber. The poems are all beautiful. This book is definitely on my desert island list.

This is a short review.

Actually, this is not a review atall, although I should say it, shortly and to the point: The ArmlessMaiden is a gorgeous anthology, one of the best I've ever read.

This is just a message to people who might stumble upon it in a bookstore or library.

The message is: read it.

You will not be disappointed.

This book has a myriad of short stories, poems, & essays about survivors of child abuse. They are all worked around fairy-tale themes but not Disneyified: no handsome prince comes to rescue a child; instead, these children escape through their own courage & perseverance. An AMAZING book. A shame it is out of print--but I've seen copies used & in remainder bins at bookstores so do yourself a favor & keep looking! This book will make you shudder, weep, cringe, but ultimately leaves you w/a feeling of hope. All the pieces are good, but standouts include Terri Windling's, Charles De Lint's, Ellen Steiber's, & Munro Sickafoose's. Another wonderful aspect is that Windling ignores genre boundaries & hence you see authors such as Sharon Olds & Anne Sexton represented as well. Highly recommended!

I love adult fairy tales, but it seems that all too often, writers pump up the sex and violence to render the tales "adult", rather than more deeply exploring the human emotional dramas in the stories. Maybe that's why I love _The Armless Maiden_. The tales and poems here do include sex and violence, yes, but at their heart is the triumph of the human spirit.

If we look carefully at fairy tales, many of them are actually about what we would now call child abuse. Cinderella was neglected. Handel and Gretel were abandoned. Donkeyskin suffered incest. And there are so many more. And in most of the stories, the protagonist rises above the situation somehow--in the old versions, usually by gaining fortune and position. In the stories in _The Armless Maiden_, the triumph is more often psychological. I read once--I think it was in a book by Marina Warner--that the essential theme of the fairy tale is transformation. In these stories, we see victims transformed into survivors.

These are serious fairy tales for our times, and I recommend the book both to abuse survivors and to those who did not suffer abuse (trust me, everyone knows someone who did). My personal favorite contributions are Emma Bull's poem about Cinderella's stepsister regretting the friendship they never had, and Ellen Kushner's "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep", the story of a young girl in the custody of a cold-hearted guardian, and haunted by the ghost of the woman's unhappy daughter.

If every general manager in baseball (Ed Lynch, are you reading this! ) was forced to study this book, entire paradigms of baseball lore would suddenly be pushed aside in favor or fresh, rational, and rigorous principles of management. All of the statistics provided in the prospectus are, of course, second to none, but Michael Wolverton's relief ratings (ARP, ARA, etc.) are truly something special. I have always been amazed at how even the most "knowledgable" baseball minds accept simplistic statistics like ERA and saves as valuable appraisals of a relief pitcher's talents. It's as if the baseball gurus have failed to adjust to post-1950 baseball with its growing reliance on bullpens and decreasing reliance on starting pitchers, and the completely different conditions in which relief pitchers work in comparison to their starting compatriots. Yet these same "experts" have accepted without question the notion that a team must have a real "closer" in order to be a contender. Wolverton blasts these assumptions to smithereens with his analyses, and his elaborate calculations, yet pristine conclusions should revolutionize how the later innings of games are viewed. Throw in the authors' passionate defense of wise treatment of young pitchers, their funny yet consistently incisive comments about hundreds of players, their willingness to challenge age-old fallacies like "veteran leadership" and the genuinely historical perspective they bring to the table of baseball debate, and you have one of the most informative and entertaining baseball books I've ever read.

Where once there was only Bill James, now it seems there are oodles of annuals offering scientific analysis of baseball, and a zillion more offering fantasy advice. What makes Prospectus far and away the best? Yes, its analysis is spot on, and contrary to the review above, they have nothing against the Colorado Rockies. Yes, its comments would be helpful at a fantasy draft, although this book is much more about "Real" baseball. No, what makes the Prospectus the best book is the humor. You'll laugh out loud more often than reading any comedian's book on the NYT best sellers list, that's for sure.

BP debunks myths, explodes fallacies, and takes sabermetrics to a new height. It has an excellent method for evaluating and projecting performance, but many other credible methods can found elsewhere. BP's riches are found in the essays and player commentaries. Its insights will reshape the baseball debate in the coming years. Roster management, pitcher abuse, big markets v. small markets, tools v. skills -- the debates defining our age and the age to come are all discussed fully and insightfully here.

BP readers will in short time find themselves looking at baseball in a much more complex and accurate way. They will find themselves at greater and greater distance from the newsstand knowledge of those who rely on magazines and Baseball Weekly. They'll be better fans for having read BP. No other book provides so much. BP2K is the best value on the market.

Baseball Prospectus is a must-have for any hard-core baseball fan. These guys do a fantastic job of stripping away the nonsense and the myths and really analyzing the facts to come up with some really useful observations. Also, the manner in which they do it is fun, funny and engrossing; never just a cold statistical survey. All fantasy league players should buy this book immediately, but it will be a great read to any fan of the game.

All of the reviews of Baseball Prospectus above are spot-on -- it's easily one of the most insightful and ENTERTAINING baseball publications (are you listening, John Benson?) and a must-read for those who take the game seriously.

But be warned -- if you think that baseball analysts "look at stats too much" or still believe that batting average is a pretty good way of assessing a hitter's performance, then you will be way out of your league. Even after 2+ years of studying the Prospectus' methodology, I'm still occasionally befuddled by the statistical measurements used.

Let's just put it this way: there are NO REAL STATS in Baseball Prospectus -- all stats are adjusted (based on park factors, team factors, etc.) or projections for the upcoming year. It's the ultimate in "fantasy" baseball -- yet it tells you more about the "real" game than any non-STATS book out there. And -- to repeat -- it's extremely well-written, provocative and hilarious.

A brisk plot that spins an exciting and never-predictable story; great characters to like and to loathe; a cinematic writing style that makes for a very visual book as well as one with some depth; a complex and likeable narrator--altogether a book well worth reading and enjoying. Highly recommended.

This book has it all...plot twists, well-developed characters, and a villian we can all despise. It is a fun read - believable and well-written. I am recommending it to all my friends.

Behind the Curve is a remarkable, compelling and unpredictable thriller. The sinuous plot is both enticing and captivating, without being overwhelming or cumbersome. The author draws the reader through the text with delicate humor and wit, and quickly establishes a rapport with the reader. Steve Chance has an articulate and descriptive style that compels the reader to descend into the varied settings and become quickly entwined with the characters in the book.

The author made the characters real- it's difficult to forget them. This book's a real treasure crying for a sequel! It's comforting, fast reading.

I really enjoyed Behind The Curve. The book really captivates the reader from page one. Myself, I am quite an avid reader, and found this book to be a pleasant relief from the "cookie cutter" novels that have recently flooded local bookstores.
Highly recommended, a great read, from a new and exciting author!

This book is the coolest thing since sliced bread.

I just love the laid-back style of humour that the authors use, especially in their choice of highly colorful words for the definitions.

Clever and charming, this little book is a must stocking stuffer for your literate friend or relative. I hope they come out with a sequel!

The premise of this book is the following:

Step 1: Make up tons of portmanteaux.
Step 2: ???
Step 3: Comedy gold!

I don't know about anyone else, but this seems a weak foundation, and I did not find the execution particularly amusing.

On the other hand, I adore the design and typography. That alone yields three stars, because I am an obsessive æsthete.

Not expecting much, I picked up this little book while waiting in line at my local Barnes & Noble. By the time I reached the cashier I was laughing so hard I had to step aside to catch my breath. Afterward I bought 10 copies to give to my friends and co-workers, who found the book as clever as I did. Even the drawings are great!

This book is a gem, to be treasured and re-read for years.

Like a bowl of Hershey's kisses, this sweet little book delights with clever verbal bonbons. And they're not fattening.

"I read `Butlers' cover to cover. Great! It captures the essence of good butling-competency and discretion."

I loved this book and still refer to in occasionally. I wish more books were written by him and perhaps in a memoir tone so it could be an entertaining version of this one. I've read others that are "behind the scenes" and was quite put off with the arrogance of them. Big accolades to Steven Ferry for writing a practical and inspiring book, I only wish there were more from him!

I've read your book cover to cover and not only enjoyed it but also learned many new things." Vice President/Secretary, International Association of Household Professionals

I am NOT a butler, but I sought this book out on the internet and finally purchased it after thinking I could use it for many years. I was NOT disappointed. It is the best self-help book on the market! This book can help you organize your life on nearly every level. It is an organizers dream book for most of us who have to live without at butler. Yes, I am still in the process of becoming a good household manager, but now I have the advice and skills of my "guide book man".

If you are involved in the world of private service, I highly recommend this book as a "must have." Mr. Ferry has gone to great lengths to get it right and the results are contained within the pages of this book.
Mr. Ferry presents us with a history of Butling (and other private service household positions,) and weaves a rich tapestry of service standards, duties, do's and don'ts, professional expectations and numerous other pieces of valuable advice throughout the book.
If you do not have this wonderful resource in your collection my advice is to get it and use it.
"The British Butler"
North Carolina, USA

This Civil War novel makes the human experience of this black time in our history so real and so moving that I felt it had enriched my life for having read it. It expanded both my knowledge of those trying days and my compassion for the people who lived through them. Wise has so beautifully developed this story and the characters that I finished the book filled with far greater understanding and admiration for the people whose lives had become so intricatedly entwined and enriched in times of unbelieveable hardship.

Wise writes with great sensitivity and clarity. His use of words creates a concise and flowing description of the events bringing people into this civil war hospital. As the story developed each character unfolded with greater and greater depth and became someone I felt I would like to know.

I rarely read a book twice but I found myself enjoying it even more the second time around. All in all a great book which deserves much recognition. I am looking forward to more from this author.

Wise writes a good character driven story, displaying both the dark and warm side of humanity during the Civil War in a makeshift hospital called Chimborazo. The characters are real and likeable, and Wise's description is so good that you learn just as much from a character's silence as from his or her dialogue. The impending sense of doom as the North closes in on Richmond is wonderfully developed. There is much tragedy in this story, but there is great compassion in the face of this tragedy. Wise also illustrates the chaos of the time where southerner can attack southerner. As one of the characters realizes, there are good and bad individuals no matter where they come from. I recommend this book highly.

As a military historian and a Richmonder, I was very glad to find this excellent novel by Steven Wise. I believe that he captured the mood of the final days of the Confederacy and of the men and women who lived during that period. He based several passages upon actual events that transpired at the large Confederate hospital on top of Chimborazo Hill in Richmond. I wish that his novel were available in a trade paperback edition, so that more people would see it on the book shelves.

Steven W. Wise is a master storyteller with a true gift for writing description. I am notoriously bad about skimming a book to get to the story plot. This is impossible with the Wise novels. I need to savor every word.

CHIMBORAZO is not a pretty tale, but a realistic one of the hospital conditions at the close of the Civil War. Doctors and nurses of this era are given the credit they have deserved as their story is woven in with the suffering and deprivation of their patients.

The characters of this novel were beautifully developed, although have to admit a disappointment at the fate of some of them. I guess that is what gave it its realism. By the time I had finished CHIMBORAZO, I felt I knew the central characters as friends.

The underdeveloped ending was superb. I give the book an A rating.

In his novel Chimborazo, Steven W. Wise, places us in the middle of one of the worst chapters of American History, the Civil War. In that war, we are taken to the Confederate Hospital in Richmond after which the book is titled. The story commences in the waning days of the war, and the conditions in this hospital are almost inconceivable given today's medical technology. However, we find that while medical technology, supplies and even food are primitive, the care and concern of the staff and patients for each other in many cases make up for this lack of facilities. It is here we meet Letha Bartlett, the matron of a ward of the hospital. Raised in wealth and comfort, she has come here to provide care and support for the men who have given greatly to the "cause". As we come to see, it is often the care of Letha or others that make the difference between life and death. The story also concerns a wounded soldier, Granville Pollard, who has given much physically, but will find he has much to give others even in his life altered condition. The story concerns much of the character development and relationship between Pollard and the others he meets in the hospital. It also shows the ability of the human body and spirit to heal in the most difficult of places. Often the human kindness and concern shown by others is the only medical care available.

The novel caused me to consider the situations in which we human beings sometimes find ourselves. When our best laid plans do not work as we expected, and when hope is found in the most hopeless places. The story told much about the resilience of the human spirit, and the fragility of life. The characters also show that if the thin veneer of civilization can remain in tact in a place like this, we need to consider the situations we find ourselves in and evaluate our own behavior when confronted with adversity.

I recommend this book highly, not only for the rich characters you will meet or the incredible situations you will encounter, but as a mirror to hold up and examine your own life and behavior. A small kindness shown to another may take but a few minutes of our time, but to the other person, it may be the spark of hope that is desperately needed in a dark hour. It is my hope that this book will remind the reader of that, and of the incredible impact each of us can have on others.

In every BSC book I've read so far, Martin has always tended to write the main story with a secondary story that runs somewhat parallel and ties in at the end. This book doesn't seem to have that secondary story, which was too bad - I thought there were several chances for it, especially with Cathy, Claudia's hospital roommate. It didn't detract from the story, though.

When a call comes in to the BSC from a new client, the girls voice some suspicion - the Sobak's live in an area where people usually use other sitters - so Claudia, who has taken the job, asks around. Told by other sitters that Betsy's a handful, and a practical joker, Claudia believes she's prepared. She has no idea! A practical joke goes badly and Claudia ends up with a badly broken leg.

Missing a lot of school is not a good thing for a student like Claudia, who has to work hard just to keep up. With little to do, Claudia's mind dwells on her accident and she begins to wonder if babysitting is too dangerous. What if she had broken her arm or hand and couldn't do her art anymore? Prepared to quit the BSC if necessary, Claudia turns to her grandmother Mimi, who believes that her fear is really of not being in control.

The girls set out to teach Betsy that practical jokes are not always funny - and they go a few rounds with the girl before she finally gets it. Betsy does learn, and Claudia does heal but will Claudia really quit the BSC?

The practical jokes battles were amusing, and it was good that the girls were aware that they probably shouldn't be engaging Betsy in them. It was also nice that Stacey hasn't been forgotten. Martin always seems to do a very good job with those details.

Ann M. Martin brings together books that only a imaginitive person could. The book, CLAUDIA AND THE BAD JOKE, brings forth problems in everyday, human life. Practical jokes, babysitting, and the common teenager problem:study-or-fail are combined in this fabulous book. So read read read it!!!!!!

I liked this book. Claudia was my favorite of the original quartet, so naturally I enjoyed this book. I love the descriptions of Claudia's cleverly put together ensembles and her appreciation for art. That speaks to sensitivity and creativity.

Betsy Sobak, Claudia's young charge is a virtuoso in the fine art of practical jokes. Her jokes are hostile and are always at the expense of another person. During Claudia's first sitting stint with Betsy, she falls from a tire swing and breaks her leg. Luckily for Claudia, her trio of sitting pals come through like the Cavalry by out-joking Betsy (in a safe way, of course) to teach her an object lesson in how to treat people in a humane fashion. Lesson: It is only kidding or funny if all sides are enjoying it, but if one side is not having fun, it is no longer kidding, it is mean.

I liked Betsy. The description given of her sounds like a cute kid with a vivid imagination. Ann Martin has a real gift for descriptions, dialogs, character development and I like the way the charges have a parallel plot running to the central plot the sitters are contending with. Ms. Martin has a real gift for the voices and feelings of kids.

Claudia's not worried when she hears her newest baby-sitting charge, Betsy Sobak, is a great practical joker.After all, how much harm can one little girl do? Plenty. Claudia breaks her leg as a result of one of Betsy's mean jokes...and now she's talking about quitting the club. "Baby-Sitting," she says, "is too dangerous." Kristy thinks Betsy needs to be taught a lesson. She also thinks the Baby-Sitters are just the ones to do it. Wath out, Betsy Sobak! The joke war is on!

When Claudia has to baby sit for a practicaljoker nemed, Betsy, Claudia has nothing to worry about. Until it becomes bad...

The contemporary real estate market has left a wake of uncertainty in the minds of many investors. Though risk is inherent in any investment decision, the real estate market reflects real-world conditions as well as individual perception of market conditions.

The Complete Guide to Real Estate Options: What Smart Investors Need to Know - Explained Simply is a non-nonsense guide to a specific type of real estate transaction: the real estate lease option. As explained by Steven Fisher, the book's author, the lease option is a lower-risk approach. As contrasted against the real estate purchase option, the lease option requires less money and limits exposure to the risks associated with property ownership.

The Complete Guide offers strategies for researching, marketing and developing the necessary attributes to become a successful entrepreneurial investor. It also gives templates for sample letters and exercises that help build the skills required to build your own real estate business. The Complete Guide is a must for anyone interested in being successful in today's real estate market. It is a practical read as well as a handy reference for lease option investing. An added benefit: the publisher is donating a portion of their profits to the Humane Society, on behalf of the passing of their beloved office canine, Bear.

Having always wanted to make a fortune in property I've just bought my first house. But I wish I'd read this book before hand! It would have given me a tonne of knowledge about my options in property and I may have made a different decision.

What I liked most about the book was that it really did assume no prior knowledge - it even started with a whole bunch of guides on how to get motivated and set goals and prepare yourself, before you even make your first step. Plus including things like real estate market psychology takes it beyond boring old numbers and statistics!

"The Complete Guide to Real Estate Options: What Smart Investors need to Know - Explained Simply" by Steven D. Fisher is an astoundingly easy to read book. It provides step by step guidance to becoming a savvy real estate investor and especially in view of the Lease Option Strategy. This book has everything a consumer needs to know. Fisher covers both the advantages and the disadvantages of the Lease Option Strategy. The book also covers every aspect of what it takes to become a successful Real Estate Proprietor ranging from the importance of developing and maintaining the right attitude to becoming a wise and successful landlord.

Fisher teaches you how to effectively get started as a new investor and how to avoid legal drawbacks by following steps to comprehensively set goals as you manage your business and property. You will learn the importance of organization in every area of your life in relation to success; from managing your credit properly to organizing your office. You will even learn how to organize and apply a successful "action plan."

"The Complete Guide to Real Estate Options" teaches the real estate student how to build a rapport by using exercises that will help you to become a success in the real estate arena.

This book, chapter by chapter will inspire any up and coming investor and even a seasoned investor to acquire his or her goals more quickly and easily. If you're looking for a good book that will teach you the ins and outs about real estate investing, this is the book for you. I give this book two thumbs up and without doubt a 5-Star rating.

One could well imagine Mr. Stephen Fisher, author of The Complete Guide to Real Estate Options What Smart Investors Need to Know - Explained Simply sitting down to write this book and applying many of the principles he's about to articulate to the production of the book itself.
Aided by quotes from a variety of well-known personalities (Mark Twain, Warren Buffett, Tiger Woods, et al), Mr. Fisher sets out an exhaustive, step-by-step plan for anyone who is now, or ever has considered real estate investment as the best way to make a living. He does so very meticulously and with a great deal of attention to detail. Chapter headings and indeed, much of the text could be applied to starting any kind of business, or, as noted, to writing a book about starting any kind of business: Attitude is Everything (Chapter 2), Getting Started (Chapter 4), Some Basic Principles (Chapter 5).
It is clear from reading carefully that Mr. Fisher has done his homework in the field of real estate options and in particular, believes that the `lease option' is the best way for investors to go. With over 25 years of experience in the fields of business writing and training and development, it should come as no surprise that he has crafted an excellent instruction book on the ins and outs of buying and selling real estate. He has included interactive options for the practical entrepreneur, like check lists, and blank forms that the reader can use to track his/her own progress, whether it be in evaluating a property, the neighborhood that it's in or the buyers who want to own it.
He uses clever acronyms to crystallize reader thinking about specific subject matter. In an early section about "setting goals," he suggests that the reader/entrepreneur utilize the "SMART" method of creating those goals - Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic and Time-Bound. Near the conclusion of his book, he recommends that those seriously interested in pursuing real estate investment "SWOT" themselves; in other words conduct an objective analysis of individual Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
His style is very casual, very confident and well within the grasp of an average reader. Fisher isn't speaking to experienced professionals here, although even the most seasoned of those could likely find a great deal of food for thought here as they continue their pursuit of real estate deals. He's talking to the person who's considering this particular career path and if it's one that interests you, you could do no better than to start with him and this book.
Take notes. There isn't a quiz later, but if you head out on the route he's plotted for you, you're going to want to look back and remember some of the specifics

If you've been tempted to invest in real estate but the jargon, the paperwork and the cost seem a little scary, pick up a copy of Steven D. Fisher's handy book. This well-written volume offers a clear and concise picture of some of the basic tools you'll need to gain a foothold in the field. Whether your goal is to purchase just one investment property or create a massive portfolio, Fisher offers an understandable, common-sense approach to buying real estate.

He begins by explaining both the advantages and disadvantages of real estate lease options, a method that allows potential buyers to invest only a fraction of their funds in a property. The examples provided by the author allow beginners to visualize how the process works. One of his most valuable chapters offers readers the opportunity to create their own "action plan," which outlines all the goals they seek to accomplish. Planning is key, Fisher advises, along with a positive attitude and the willingness to learn more about changes in the real estate market. Don't overlook basics like knowing your financial limitations and credit rating before you attempt to invest.

But, Fisher does more than walk the reader to the front door of that new property. Once your purchase is complete, he takes you inside by explaining how to work with repairmen, how to find good tenants, and also provides an inside look at relevant matters such as taxes and maintaining your property. So, whether you're a newcomer to the field or someone who wants to brush up on investment techniques, let this clearly-written practical handbook be your guide.

I confess to being a self-help junkie who always means to do the exercises but never gets around to it. Each book helps for the time I'm reading it. Then I settle back into my comfort zone until the next one comes along. But DWW caught my interest with "new science" and managed to sneak around my habitual mind, the one that's always trying to be better--and failing. It's the same difference as trying to go on a diet or really learning to enjoy healthy foods. This is wisdom, simple and nourishing. I found myself unable to avoid "living" the exercises. DWW joins scientific method with everyday spiritual experience to create a new vision of life. I dare you to read it without waking up to who you really are.

This is the type of book I wish had been available to me 40 years ago. I have given a copy to my younger brother who has bought copies for his three children. This should be mandatory reading for all youngsters.

"Drunk with Wonder" speaks to a youthful audience. By "youthful," I refer to the age group as well as to an attitude or a level of experience regardless of age. Using a Socratic Method, self-help techniques are developed through an easy and loving dialogue between mentor and student. The focus is relief from suffering and living a joyful, clean and sober, love-based life - worthy goals for all of us.

Author Steve Ryals begins with his personal story, one of moving through life's typical passages, like the "summer of love" of 1967 San Francisco, then work and marriage. Through it all, he had a gnawing sense of depression, alienation, and loneliness, which he tried to cover up with substance abuse. After decades, he decided to throw off his numbness, and undertook a fearless spiritual quest. It led him into communion with his higher self, and a complete and radical inner makeover. The bulk of the book is his dialogs with his higher self, and the answers he receives about topics as diverse as science, grace, and the the ego. With a very clear and personal voice, his higher self emphasizes over and again the power of living from that source, rather than the limiting beliefs and habits we slip into so easily. This warm and gentle invitation to "bring the God within out of hiding," can awaken us to the possibilities of a passionate connection with our individual higher selves on a daily basis. Highly recommended.

What a great introduction to a personal spiritual quest! This is a great opportunity to explore your inner self through author Steve Ryals' page-turning dialogue. The idea that divinity can be found within my every experience really rang true for me. Make sure to read Ryals' poetry that's sprinkled throughout the book. It's juicy!