Stewart Books

I met Belden at a book convention in 1988 (I was 11), and I don't know why I picked this book of all the ones there, but I simply loved it, and cherish it as one of the best reads of my childhood. Just a delight.

Griffins get short shrift in middle reader novels. Search Amazon .com with the word "dragons" in the "Subject:" box and "9-12 years" in the "Reader age:" drop-down. Over 250 results come back. Substitute the word "griffins" for "dragons" and you get a measly four.

When a griffin does make an appearance, it's often as a shrieking, livestock-stealing pest vanquished by a youthful protagonist with a dull rusty dagger while tending the family herd or, even more humiliating, as dragon food after being roasted in a blast of fiery breath. One would think the combination of eagle (keen of vision, master of the sky) with lion (nobility personified, master of the earth) would be an abundant well from which authors would draw inspiration. But, no. Dragons get all the glory and griffins usually get plucked.

"Frankie!" by Wilanne Schneider Belden is told in episodic chapters through the eyes of Bridgit O'Riley, eldest child in a family of Magicals. The birth and first four years in the life of younger brother Frankie provide Bridgit with fodder for a series of short stories that add up to a pleasantly riveting novel.

Frankie, named for his griffin Uncle Francis, is intelligent, kind to all living creatures (with a notable and necessary exception) and one of the neatest ways to travel by air. He possesses all of the powers common to griffins and a few shared by most of the rest of the O'Rileys. Clever plot twists abound and culminate in a "never-saw-THAT-coming" climax to a battle with the devastatingly (in more ways than one) beautiful Morgan le Fay who has plans for a strapping young griffin like Frankie.

On its own or as a break between those heavy-as-a-doorstop fantasy tomes, "Frankie!" soars.

Though it's been 5 years since I last read this book, it made a major impact on me. I was in fourth grade when I read (and reread!) Frankie, and it was my favorite book that year. The black and white illustrations are beautiful, and the story was delightful. The characters were interesting, as was the world, and I rooted for the main character with every challange she faced. At the same time, it was not frightening, nor violent (to my recolection). I would highly recommend this book for any child who seems interested in fantasy.

Mrs.Belden was my 4th grade teacher at Bird Rock. I remember her reading us many great stories. I can recall being read one of her own books. I am not sure if it is this book or her first, but it was a great book. Her incorporation of literature in the class was very influential. Now that I am a third grade teacher, I am really looking forward to reading her story in my own class. Mrs.Belden where are you?

Through a year as a journalist on the front lines of various African wars, Ian Stewart allows us into the person behind the byline -- the struggle to remain a detached observer while still remaining human, and then through the struggle for life and recovery itself after he is shot in the head while on assignment in Sierra Leone. While Stewart is the continuity from chapter to chapter, the stories that brought him to Africa in the first place are always front and centre. The background to each war zone is woven in, to ensure that while we are reading about his observations and struggles, we also are reading the stories that were (often) ignored by our daily papers in the first place. Stewart's writing style manages to turn what are sometimes very heavy, heart-wrenching and tragic events, into a fascinating read, one that is hard to put down. I definitely recommend this book.

This is an exciting, sad, funny and compelling book about a war correspondent - adrenaline junky who chases his dreams of being a big time journalist. The first part of the book is about his adventures, and he writes with great respect and care, as well as humor, about people in war torn countries, about historical conflicts, about civilians caught in the crossfire. The second part of the book (and this isn't a big secret but don't miss the amazing x-ray of his head!!!) is about how he was shot in his head covering a story in Sierra Leone and his tough recovery. He's introspective, thoughtful and nice. This book will keep you up at night, and you'll definitely be passing it from friend to friend, saying 'You've got to read this.'

This book gave me new insight into what makes journalists tick and a new understanding of African politics. I must admit to paying little attention before.
A thoroughly good read filled with moments of horror, excitement and humor.
The author offers us a glimpse of what it is like to suffer a brain injury and the road to recovery.
If you like adventure and human interest written in a crisp style this book is for you.
Looking forward to the next one.

Freetown Ambush offers a rare mixture of the excitement and adventure of "on the edge" journalism (and a sprinkle of travel writing), with cultural and personal sensitivity. The story Stewart tells of his year as a war correspondent and bureau chief for the Associated Press in West Africa takes us through horrors of war that most of us (thankfully) will never experience, but with an awareness that we (the public) need to know more than the events - we need to know the local people, and hear their voices. Stewart adds to this compelling mixture his own personal journey from surviving a rebel ambush that lodged a bullet in his brain, through recovery from brain injury and ultimately to reclaiming his life. Although the book educates us about "small African countries and distant wars" that most of the public doesn't know exist, in the end, the book inspires us to reclaim life, as Stewart, and the citizens of those far off countries do.

This is an excellent primer on how to begin your career on the RIGHT, SMART and FAST track. It's brimming with information --- both "how-to" and "how-not-to" --- written in a style that's accessible and user-friendly. I spent several years in the executive search industry, recruiting senior level managers, and only wish I had such a clear-eyed book to recommend. It's a great guide for long-term career growth!

Here is the type of advice you will probably not learn from your professors or even from the office of career guidance. The authors have clearly "walked the walk" and their recommendations, especially regarding the interview process, are invaluable. Every college senior should receive a copy ASAP!

This book is a "must read" for any recent college graduate starting your job search. It's full of practical advice about how to network, interview and home in on the best jobs for your particular skills and interests. The authors have worked with students with both BA's and advanced degrees. They share some of the first hand experiences these graduates encounter as they go through this process. I found the book extremely helpful to me as a parent and immediately sent it to my son. Great graduation present!

This book is comprehensive, straightforward, and even funny. Despite my skepticism about books such as these--a skepticism that stems from their uncanny ability to make me even more anxious and confused about my future than I would have thought possible--this guide made me feel more confident about myself as a job-seeking candidate and helped me identify key areas in which I need improvement. Using their former clients to make "cases-in-point", the authors made clear their various points while also adding a bit of humor to the mix. The book also covers a lot of ground, including the ability of parents, online social networks (facebook, myspace), and our label as "the entitlement generation" to influence our success in finding (or not finding) a suitable, enjoyable, and rewarding career. Perhaps most importantly, the authors prove that, with some hard work and an open mind, we will all find the right place for ourselves in the working, post-college (aka "real") world.

This book has all the great elements - political backdrop, foreign settings, courtroom drama, mystery and very well developed characters. I was caught up in the dilemma that Lazarenko faced and found myself re-reading portions of the book to make sure I had savored every detail. A smart read and compelling in its humanity. The contrast between perception and reality closely examined, yet never quite resolved.

The first thing I was stunned by when I started reading this first work by Liam Durcan was the precision in the style of writing and the structure of the novel. His character development is compelling and his use of symbolism is not overapplied (although some are a little obvious). I imagine this novel would be categorized as a thriller, but the most fascinating aspect is the psychological impact of the events on the main character.

Duncan is clearly making parallels to the treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib. The refreshing part is that his treatment is not heavyhanded. There is moralizing, but it is of the self-examining type.

This is a very strong effort by a new writer. I highly recommend.

Liam Durcan takes the reader into the head of Patrick Lazerenko, the graffiti artist teen, the young doctor and the neuroscientist working to help Globomart (the world's largest retailer) read the minds of its customers. With extensive references to Montreal's NDG area, Den Haag and loaded with medical facts, this book continually peaked my interest, keeping me online looking at maps and information to fill in the voids in my knowledge. What a treat to be entertained and motivated to learn at the same time.

The character development is captivating. Masterfully crafted, the twists in the book could be anticipated in retrospect, but the magic of the author is that they never are. A good solid read, "Garcia's Heart" will have me eagerly searching for more work from this author.

In Montreal teenage Patrick Lazerenko was just another aimless street punk until he was caught vandalizing the Bodega owned by immigrant, Hernan García. However, Patrick got off soft as he is allowed to work off the damage he caused. He becomes part of the Garcia family and considers Hernan as a father figure. In fact it is Hernan's illegal practice helping Central American immigrants with health issues that inspires Patrick to attend medical school and become a doctor.

Decades later, Hernan is exposed as the Angel of Lepaterique, who was part of a CIA sponsored group that tortured Hondurans during the Reagan era. Hernan is brought to The Hague to stand trial as a war criminal accused of abetting detainee torture. Unable to ignore his mentor in trouble and needing to know the truth, Patrick travels to Europe unable to reconcile the man who saved him and gave so much to immigrants in Montreal with the person who could be part of a group torturing dissidents.

Patrick holds together this superb contemporary character study as readers observe his myriad of emotions as his hero whom he placed on a pedestal crumbles to the ground. On the one hand he wants Hernan to be exonerated, but also begins to believe his mentor did the nasty deeds. Complicating his feelings towards his father figure is seeing his former lover Hernan's daughter Celia with in your face references that imply war crime trials for those in charge and participating at Abu Ghraib and Guantomino is appropriate.

Harriet Klausner

The book is of the finest quality in printing and binding. The content is very educational and the reproductrion of JD's paintings is superb.

Descriptive words of Ghost Dancing, joined with the timeless wisdom contained in the words of Native America. Couple this with the paintings of JD Challenger and you have an opportunity to not read about but really feel. This is not a book just narrating the past but speaks volumes to the future. This book called to me from the library shelf and I have ordered to place in a prominent place on my shelf. This is a book to share with others and come back to often.

The text of this book is extremely informative on the Ghost Dance Religion of Native Americans. It covers the origins of the religion, its climax and the results thereof. Adding to this educational context is the Beautifully compelling work of artist JD Challenger. His riviting paintings jump from the pages virtually reaching out from the book and pulling you in. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Native Americans and most assuredly to anyone who loves art that emits emtional impact. I constantly go back to this book as a source of inspiration and to gain understanding of Native American's plight.

JD challengers work was the first original art that I have purchased. When I saw his work in a gallery in Santa Fe, I was mesmorized by the character of his subjects. Ghost Dancing provides a good overview of many of his prints that are available.

The Glaciers' Treasure Trove: A Field Guide To The Lake Michigan Riviera by Jacqueline Widmar Stewart is a full-color travel guide to the sights, lakes, vineyards, state parks and other attractions of the area. Locations, contact information, extensive descriptions and photographs on every page characterize and enhanced this exceptionally useful, on-the-go, "pocket portable" traveling companion. A spiral binding and sturdy allows this handy reference to weather extensive use while one enjoying the best a Lake Michigan vacation has to offer.

I really liked this book. I have been visiting the Indiana-Michigan shoreline on and off again since the 1950's. I never understood the area as a whole until I read this book. It is truly a first rate resource -whether you are planning a weekend excursion or the whole summer along this part of Lake Michigan. I especially liked the spiral binding and the easy to read maps. The colors are magnificent. It is just the right size to keep in your glove compartment. I ordered three copies and plan to pass them on to my friends.

Obviously a labor of love. A must have addition to the collection for the serious lover of "the dunes". Finely researched from an author who has been there, soon to become the definitive study of the area. Well written, glorious photgraphs, many by the author herself. It serves the first time visitor well, yet also enlightens the veteran repeat visitor or resident. A great gift idea.....

This book opens up a midwestern treasure spot that is not well-known to most Americans but deserves to be: the sand dunes and beaches that are around the bottom of Lake Michagan. I lived in that area years ago and this book does a great job telling the story of why the place so special. The history is told and developers' mistakes are not ignored. But mostly the book is about the present and what's there now: good living amidst tremendous beauty.

I bought 4 other books on wreaths by other authors, and this one is the most inspirational one with clear directions. Not fussy. We turn to it every year when it is time to decorate the house for Christmas.

I am not from the United States and still adored this book. The photographs are amazing and the ideas are astonishing and so symbolic. Martha and one of her staff members embarked to create a wreath for each of the states, and each wreath reflects some natural element of the state in question. Whether it's wheat, moss, succulents, palm leaves, pinecones, tumble weeds, sunflowers, grasses, pine branches or sea shells the ideas will inspire you. Martha's introduction shows a photo of Martha on the balcony of the White House where she writes about her exhilerating experience decorating the White House with Hilary Clinton for Christmas one year and how that very American event inspired the idea for the series of wreaths and the book. This is a must-have for any Martha fan!!

Just as Martha's magazine is a joy of visual delights, this book get's the creative juices flowing. Divided into wreath making by types: wire wreaths, living wreaths, gathered wreaths etc. it is also written with a focus of wreaths presented by the 50 States with the bounties of each state proudly displayed in stunning wreath form. Maybe because it is fall and the beautiful changing leaves in Minnesota make me feel all homey, I am stirred to actual creation. Unlike some of Martha's projects when I say to myself, "yeah, sure...." I truly believe I can do these! This would make a wonderful birthday or Holiday gift to anyone who loves visual delight or poking in nature. "It's a good thing."

This book is the easiest I have ever read on wreath making! They have several gorgeous wreaths that are truly amazing! I recommend this book to anyone who loves wreaths, Martha, or easy crafts.

This book is extremely thorough, comprehensive, demanding, and rewarding. It's translated from German -- the German of prewar academia -- so approach the text with patience and fortitude. Familiarity in advance with the history of the Reformation is almost a prerequisite; try Bainton's history (short) or MacCulloch's (long).

The work of one of the great minds of the twentieth century, this unsurpassed classic is more than a history of Christian ethical ideas. It comes near to being a history of the Christian era, for it relates these ideas to the changing structures of church and society, showing the mutual influences between ideas, social forces, and institutions. In a critical and creative way it has advanced the methods of theological and sociological analysis and synthesis. At the same time the work is more than a history, for it speaks to the present condition of the churches and the culture. This two-volume document is as substantial and original as anything that exists on the topic. It reaches from the period of early Christianity to the end of the eighteenth century when "the main body of Protestant civilization was founded and evolved." The extensive footnotes alone virtually amount to a liberal education.

This book is a masterpiece by Ernst Troeltsch, providing a deep analysis of the evolution of the social thought and teaching of the Christian Churches. This book presents not only the historical, but also the sociological and even philosophical evolution of the social teachings of the Christian Churches, being thus a fundamental book for graduate and undergraduate students, historians, sociologists, scientists of religion and all those interested in learning about this matter.

I'm quite surprised to find no review of this monumental work. So, briefly: This text is INDISPENSABLE for understanding both religion in the west, but also the religious and political debates that rage across our front pages. Here you will find a key to why so many can use the same religious vocabulary to mean such different things. How "ought" the faithful live out their beliefs in relation to their neighbors and their governments? Reclusively, publicly, or leave it to the Bishops?
Troeltsch illuminates the three major historical manifestations of the Christian church in the post-reformation era: the sectarian (read, "we're right, you're wrong, but leave us alone"), the Protestant (read, "mainline"), and the Roman Catholic. Of course, published in 1911, Troeltsch's work has to be understood within the context of the pre-Great War (WWI, to us) positivism, along with its contemporaries, such as James's "Varieties of Religious Experience," for example. Both are brilliant synthetic systems that attempt to give timeless frameworks for understanding their fields. And both have the grandeur, idealism, and the tragic limitations of the (post-war) League of Nations.
Nevertheless, through Troeltsch we have sufficient tools to illuminate, for example, the monumental nature of the shift in American religion marked by the entry of Christian fundamentalism onto the political battlefield. Fundamentalism, a formerly sectarian expression of faith, is transformed into nothing less than a religious and political crusade by Jerry Falwell though the Moral Majority. Similarly Pat Robertson leads the formerly apolitical evangelical right into the fray. Together Falwell and Robertson engineer not only the political coup which finds its greatest success in the (re?)election of George W. Bush, but also a distinctively religious transformation (or deformation, depending on your perspective) of sectarian church and Christian faith into a political machine. It is a revolution - speaking now not of the political but of the ecclesial - eerily reminiscent of Cromwell's Republic, one whose repercussions will echo for decades to come.

Heart Quests by Stewart Lindh is one of a kind book for people in a relationship. Interacting through humor, culture, philosophy and simple curiosity is a fun way to indulge in a journey for two. Therefore, this book makes a great gift for friends to start their own heart quests inspired by a charismatic writer.

Dr. Lindh never disappoints. He has once again succeeded in capturing our attention with his unique and creative Heart Quests. An enjoyable journey begins the moment the reader opens the whimsical cover and continues on through the last thought provoking question. Looking for a diversion from the routine? Then let Heart Quests guide you on an adventure of self realization. Great fun when shared with that special someone.

A wonderfully unique book bursting with life's unanswerable questions. Hours of fun to be had trying!!

Thought provoking, illuminating and fun. Stewart Lindh's questions take you on a journey toward understanding and discovery.

A great way to begin a dialogue with yourself and the one you love.

This is truly a masterpiece of editing. The author has truly done an outstanding job. This is a MUST book for any serious Higgins collector as well as anyone who enjoys beautiful glass. The author is certainly to be commended for this one of a kind work.

A "Must Have" for any serious Higgins collector. There is an almost overwhelming amount of information presented in a most organized manner. So many wonderful color photographs that I went into sensory overload. Loads of great, historical information and imagery. The only down side of the book is that the price guide is not representative of current market values but if looked at properly will still give you a good idea of how one pattern will relate to another in value. I wish other collectable genres had reference guides of this caliber.

this book starts to do justice to the wonderful inventive genius of michael and francis higgins, craftsmen and artistis, and the developers of advanced fused glass techniques. The book is steep at $60, but it's worth it for the great number of color plates. . . and if you know higgins glass, you'll know that a great many photographs were needed!

the only downside might be that the authors focussed too much on the dearborn years of mass-produced fused glass goods. This neglects somewhat the great variety and depth of studio work done by the higgins. But perhaps this is an apt subject for "adventures in glass, volume II".

If you want to collect Higgins glass, this book is an absolute must-have. The prices are outdated; with the recent death of Michael Higgins, I have seen pieces sell for double or triple the book's values. This is much more than a price guide, though. This book details the history of Higgins glass, their techniques, and how to identify what is and is not Higgins glass. There are several beautiful color pictures on almost every page, and I enjoy looking at them almost as much as I enjoy looking at the pieces in my collection.