Stewart Books

This is an extraordinary book dealing with the pervasiveness of U.S. culture in Canada, and how Canadians have seemingly allowed their own culture and politics to be subsumed into American versions. Although written from a small-c conservative point of view, and in the 1960s, it remains an extraordinary book that will intrigue any person interested in Canada and US relations. In addition, Mr. Grant is a gifted writer; his fluent use of words in a serious political work such as this one, only accentuates his poetic capabilites.

In the light of September 11th, many Americans are asking the rhetorical question 'Why do they hate us so?' This essay from 1965 brilliantly outlines the forces, in modern liberalism, that are antagonistic to local culture. The lament that it describes is a lament for a local nationalism that has been abandoned by its population in favor for the attractions of a global culture based on American values. These American values are the values of the modern culture, in which traditional values which provide meaning to life are abandoned for the ease which modern technology can bring. Traditional values which provided meaning but also constraints to human life and action are being abandoned according the this book view for a shallow notion of human freedom. This shallow freedom is the freedom to enjoy temporary conveniences at the expense of the ability to live life in compatibility with eternal principles. What meaning that modern life can provide are rationalizations of self-indulgence which will be adjusted to fit the needs of technology as it evolves in its self-defined way.

The book describes how Canadians have abandoned their traditional 'conservative' values in favor of the easy continentalist option of acquiring American wealth by accepting American values. The author describes how 1960s Gaullism in France was a reaction to the same forces. The same observations can be made today about the knee-jerk anti-Americanism in Europe and France in particular that is paradoxically based on the inherent attractiveness of American values. The American culture is becoming the world culture. It is dispossessing all other cultures that it encounters. This provokes a reaction among 'conservative' (which includes the globalization protestors who in this book's terms are conservative in respect to culture although they would see themselves as anarchistic, radical etc.) who fear that the cultures that they value are going to be lost to the forces of technic- `the one best way'.

I cannot do justice to this book which links these ideas into the flow of Western ideas. It shows the conflicts that of these differing sets f ideas in the works of philosophers and theologians. it does so in a manner that is very accessible to the general reader but has also provided a basis for research by professional philosopher's, political scientists etc. for the 37years since it was published.

This book is on a par with Jacques Ellul's 'The Technological Society.' It is a book that will be remembered and studied for hundreds of years. It uses as its starting point the issue of Canadian nationalism but its implications are universal. I wish that I could give it six stars.

I bought several landlord's rights books and found that this book was really helpful and easy to understand. I highly recommend this book if you're a landlord in need of legal advice to protect your property.

This is a major component of my landlord/property manager library. I was not surprised to find, when I purchased this recent updated edition, that it is even better! (I noticed more excerpts of code.) Nolo Press has a deserved reputation for offering excellent legal guides for the lay person

This author is up there with the greats of modern crime fiction. I look forward to finding and reading more written by this author.

Her main character is tough and flawed - but not afraid to acknowledge her flaws. The plotting was very interesting and topical.

I would seriously recommend this book to all devotees of tough women protagonist crime fiction.

This author has had some harsh reviews from professional reviewers for the Blaine Stewart series. I find these totally unjustified.

This is a wonderful find for me - a new author in the Paretzky mould. I can't wait to read the other books in the series.

Blaine is a tough, widowed alcoholic PI but not so tough that she has to win every encounter in her professional or personal life.

Gritty and topical plotting, realistic characterisations, tons of suspense and romance. What more could you ask for?

This book is easy to follow and written in the spirit of getting past the craziness of the holiday season. It's ideas can easily be tailored to fit children of all ages. I like that it has things to "ponder" that go with each day of Advent.

This Advent book has a Victorian look about it. It is complete with a Christmas Carol and a devotional for every day of Advent. The days are divided into the four weeks of Advent. People of all ages will be spellbound with the daily readings, and everyone will be enchanted with the beautiful full-color illustrations. Meaningful prayers are printed in gold with a deep red background at the end of each day's reading. The Christmas hymns are all familiar, but are presented in new format, complete with notes for four-part harmony. This book has really put me in the Spirit of Christmas. It has a special place on the tea table of our parlor.

Harpur, a faith and values columnist for the Toronto Star, tackles one of those subjects with no definitive answer and does so with clarity and thoroughness. An Anglican minister and former professor of Greek and New Testament, he examines everything from near-death experiences and reincarnation to the Bible and what other faiths have to say on the subject of life after death. On top of that, he spends an entire chapter on what was then (1991) the latest from the world of science. In the end, Harpur concludes "to trust there there is a life after death is to trust God. It is to trust that the ultimate energy at the foundations of the universe is love." If you've read the book that far, you'll likely agree. Just note, however, this most definitely is NOT a book meant for fundamentalists of any faith. But it is very, very readable and informative.

Tom Harpur is very convincing in his case for the possibility a hereafter. With great insight and evidence, he succeeds in clarifying much of what is misunderstood about Christ, the Bible and the apostles. This is the best book I have read on this subject. Harpur's evidence is both scientific and philosophical. The lucid Mr. Harpur has done more to convince me than anyone else.

I was looking for a text that could be used in a classroom. This text would need to be high school level reading. This text was more than suffieient for my use. I am very impressed with it. The next time I need to search for text or reference text you will certainly be first.

Dr. J Fenner, Phd

James S. Stewart has taken the life of Christ and not only presents Him as a child, in His ministry, His miracles and works, but also answers questions. Questions concerning pain, forgiveness, the law and love. He also helps the reader see how sin is truly hurting love. I found this book well documented and an excellent book for those desiring to learn more about Jesus as God and man. Superb for Sunday school techers and those seeking to know more about Christianity.

This is one of the most delightful Christmas books I've ever read, a mix of facts, fiction, and absurdity. Why the heck is it out of print?

An Italian guy walking his dog comes across the text for the life of Saint Nicholas -- hunting for truffles, of all things. It starts with a little Roman baby, born during the Christian rule of Constantine; it is rapidly found that Nicholas can bend cutlery (spoons, knives), transform wine into vinegar and vice versa, and eventually is able to make miracles: to simply will things into existance (sometimes with comedic results). He uses these talents for good; but is arrested when Constantine dies and a pagan emperor comes into power. Sounds dire? Believe me, it isn't.

Blechman does an excellent job of blending fact and fiction: Saint Nick could not create stuff magically; the lifespans of his parents; the three virgins; the giving away of his possessions to the poor, etc.

This is relentlessly tongue-in-cheek. I thought the transformation of the pagan statues into Christian statues was hilarious (especially the Jesus and the moneylenders one); the idea of how Saint Nick got his red suit, hat, bag and chubbiness; the dog named "Piano"; the rare intervals of dialogue are usually a hoot.

Blechman's cartoon style is sort of wavery and cute without being cutesy. He also manages to keep the story from descending into cutesiness, especially at the end, in which certain actions take a bizarre but somehow logical twist.

As the Christmas market is often populated by either feel-good fluff, sob stories, or cynically saccharine fables, this is refreshingly minimalist in its storytelling and illustration. It also, unlike many stories, addresses Saint Nick AS a saint; at the same time, it isn't a religious story, but simply a cute little semi-fictional retelling. A delightful holiday read, one that I will treasure.

This is one of the most delightful Christmas books I've ever read, a mix of facts, fiction, and absurdity. Why the heck is it out of print?

An Italian guy walking his dog comes across the text for the life of Saint Nicholas -- hunting for truffles, of all things. It starts with a little Roman baby, born during the Christian rule of Constantine; it is rapidly found that Nicholas can bend cutlery (spoons, knives), transform wine into vinegar and vice versa, and eventually is able to make miracles: to simply will things into existance (sometimes with comedic results). He uses these talents for good; but is arrested when Constantine dies and a pagan emperor comes into power. Sounds dire? Believe me, it isn't.

Blechman does an excellent job of blending fact and fiction: Saint Nick could not create stuff magically; the lifespans of his parents; the three virgins; the giving away of his possessions to the poor, etc.

This is relentlessly tongue-in-cheek. I thought the transformation of the pagan statues into Christian statues was hilarious (especially the Jesus and the moneylenders one); the idea of how Saint Nick got his red suit, hat, bag and chubbiness; the dog named "Piano"; the rare intervals of dialogue are usually a hoot.

Blechman's cartoon style is sort of wavery and cute without being cutesy. He also manages to keep the story from descending into cutesiness, especially at the end, in which certain actions take a bizarre but somehow logical twist.

As the Christmas market is often populated by either feel-good fluff, sob stories, or cynically saccharine fables, this is refreshingly minimalist in its storytelling and illustration. It also, unlike many stories, addresses Saint Nick AS a saint; at the same time, it isn't a religious story, but simply a cute little semi-fictional retelling. A delightful holiday read, one that I will treasure.

I found this a moving account of the life of a man who probably appeared quite unremarkable to his friends and neighbours. His expression, which I have heard elsewhere in Oxfordshire, "Us'll get over it" showed that he was well capable of rising above the personal tragedy and hardship that we would have difficulty in coming to terms with today, without "counselling" or "tranquilisers".

I too never had the chance to meet "Old Mont" but I would have felt privileged to do so. Usually when driving through "our Enstone" as I do several times a year between home in South Wales and my family in St. Albans I stop to "Lift The Latch" in the Crown and pay my respects at his grave which always seems to be adorned with little bunches of wild flowers. This book should NEVER be out of print

This is one of the most moving books I have ever read! It is the life story of a man whose memory will remain with you, long after you have closed the covers, and is based on transcripts of the author's conversations with him over two years. Mont Abbott was born in obscurity, and lived a humble, hardworking life on the land. But his life story is made poignant by tragedy, and enriched by a wonderful memory, and zest for life. He died only in the 1980's, and I feel we are all the poorer for not having met this wonderful character in the flesh, but now we can all do so through this beautifully crafted book.

LINE SCREW BY J. MICHAEL YATES

J. Michael Yates was born in Missouri and educated around the world but in 1966 he moved to Canada and has, I think, lived here ever since. He has published approximately 30 books of poetry and also a memoir called LINE SCREW in which he writes of his experiences during 12 years as a jail guard in British Columbia on the West Coast of Canada. Lest you worry that a poet might not survive in a maximum security prison, as a prisoner let alone a jail guard, let me assure that J. Michael not only survived, he lived to write of it in ways that prisons have not been so accurately described before. This book is filled with accounts that ring with their truth. J. Michael is six foot one and prepared to defend his position with his fists as well as his words. He is also an expert marksman and psychologist. Since most of my best friends have been in jail at one time or another I think I qualify as an expert on these things and I tell you that if you really want to know what goes on behind prison walls you must read LINE SCREW. In it you will find the language, the life and the routines that make up doing time in Canada and if it does not convince you of the futility of our present methods of "correction" nothing will. J. Michael Yates is not soft on crime. He is not soft on anybody. That includes prisoners, prison brass and particularly the media. I don't have enough stars to give to this book! Ed Wildman Honeywood, Ontario August 16, 2001

I picked this book up a few months ago and found I couldnt put it down. Mr. Yates gives a in deepth, raw and humorous look into the canadian penal system and it's prisons. If you like real life prison storys then pick this book up. You wont be sorry!

I picked up this book at a used book sale because the cover looked intriguing and I like to read all sorts of different books. The first chapter confused me slightly and I wasn't sure I'd like the book. The second story helped me understand why the first chapter was confusing and I came to the conclusion that Merilyn Simonds is a master storyteller. This book is through the eyes of on woman from childhood through adulthood. Just as your earliest childhood memories are confusing, so are hers. I realized when I was a child I took solace and comfort in certain perceptions and beliefs, that were not real. I have VIVID memories and emotional pulls to things, places and people that no longer intrigue me or anyone else. In short, this book is incredible. Her writing is precise, clear and thought provoking. Almost psycholoically stimulating in ways you never thought a book could be. This book quickly became a top ten favorite for me.

Merilyn Simonds brings hope to those of us who have been instructed by our teachers and mentors to write about what we know best. In a series of personal vignettes, Simonds carefully recreates moments and situations from her past, turning them into art. A real page turner, this book has to be begun from the beginning every time it is picked up (I'm making it last!). The writer lets readers into the most private corners of her being ... and we recognize something of ourselves there.