Stone Books

A couple of years ago the movie Thirteen, staring Holly Hunter and Evan Rachel Wood, had people talking with its frank depictions of early adolescent drug use, sexual promiscuity, and emotional angst. Media outlets picked up on the public's level of shock that the movie would show 13-year-olds engaged in such behavior. "Maybe 16- or 17-year-olds, but surely not kids so young?! And not middle-class white girls!" seemed to be the general feeling.

It didn't take long for adolescent psychologists to make the talk show rounds and confirm that this was, indeed, an accurate picture of how many young girls are starting to act out as they enter the teen years. And the movie only confirmed what pastor Charles Stone and his wife had learned the hard way, just a few years earlier, when their oldest daughter, Heather, turned 13.

Today Heather is 22 and a committed Christian pursuing a career in nursing. But for five years she tore herself and her family apart with behavior that the word "bad" doesn't modify with justice. Emergency rooms, a manual labor camp, mental hospitals, and countless rehab units became the terrain of their lives. In DAUGHTERS GONE WILD, DADS GONE CRAZY, Heather and her father tell their story in a he said/she said format for which a courtroom scene (he said) sets the stage:

"A handful of fidgety people sat in the nearly empty room. We took our seats in the back, and after a few moments the bailiff barked his customary, "All rise!" A dark-haired judge emerged from the side door. He seemed to float to his bench in his ankle-length black robe. I could feel my shoulders begin to tighten as we nervously sat in Courtroom A.

'Charles and Sherryl Stone vs. Heather Stone: Case number 43. Please come forward,' he bellowed.

The bailiff opened the waist-high swinging door that led to the judge's bench. The judge motioned for us to sit at the well-worn Formica covered table in front of him. He peered over his black-rimmed glasses. 'So what's the problem?' he asked.

With a dry mouth I muttered, 'We just can't handle our oldest daughter anymore. She runs away, stays out all night with boys, uses drugs and alcohol, curses us, and skips school. We've consulted a half-dozen psychologists. We've pled with her, fought with her, and grounded her. We're desperate. We need your help.'"

The judge threatened Heather with an ankle monitoring device if she didn't start obeying her parents, but it would take a lot more before she was ready and willing to make changes. No longer opposing litigants, father and daughter want to provide hope, encouragement, and a few hard-earned bits of advice to others facing similar turmoil. DAUGHTERS GONE WILD, DADS GONE CRAZY is divided into eleven chapters, nine of which are devoted to what the duo calls "relational life preservers." They include #1 "Don't Panic at the First Warning Signs," #5 "Reconnect with Gifts from the Heart," and #7 "Chose Your Battles --- And Lose Some on Purpose." The first half of each chapter features Charles speaking to dads and the second half features Heather talking to daughters.

This book is what I like to call a teaching memoir. It doesn't shy away from bullet-pointed instruction, but its soul is that of a narrative. And it's in the storytelling that this book is most powerful and instructive. Both father and daughter display a penchant for writing as they relive, in often emotionally raw and painful detail, their conflicts. Charles speaks honestly about the struggle to continue to love his daughter in the face of her vitriol, and Heather speaks candidly about the jabs from fellow students and friends --- incidents adults often overlook as petty in the lives of their children --- that fed her frustration and rebellion.

DAUGHTERS GONE WILD, DADS GONE CRAZY is geared for fathers and daughters, but many of its lessons would well serve any combination of parent/child conflict. In fact, I'd encourage all parents to read this book, regardless of your children's behavior or age. It will make you a better parent and a better support for fellow parents dealing with out-of-control children.

--- Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel

As the author of "Relief for Hurting Parents," I read other parenting books with care to detail. I found "Daughters Gone Wild, Dads Gone Crazy" to be a well-written book that gives instant help and encouragement to parents who are doing their best to survive adolescent challenges and to recover and preserve their children. I sank to the depths of father-daughter pain with authors Charles and Heather Stone, but I also found myself laughing with them at the inadvertent funny things that occur when family matters are so-o-o serious. Their candid admission of mistakes allows readers to learn from their mistakes. Their successes and recommendations offer new hope to families who are still in the jungle from which the Stones have broken free. My counseling clinic is recommending this book to clients. -Buddy Scott

It's amazing to read of the downhill spiral of the relationship of this father and daughter (Charles and Heather). But then even more amazing to watch God put their relationship back together again. Lots of helpful advice here for parents and for teens (Heather writes directly to the teens while Charles writes to the parents). Read it if you're in a struggling parent/child relationship, or even if you want to just keep your current relationship healthy.

This is a great resource for parents of teenagers who are facing the difficult challenges of adolescence in today's world.

It is co-written from the perspectives of both the father of a rebellious teen and the former rebel herself (she is now an adult in nursing school). There is an ongoing narrative telling about the struggles of Heather Stone starting at age 13, as well as those of her parents, Charles and Sherryl. Along with their encouraging story, there are nine 'relational life preservers' to help those with similar struggles.

There is a Christian perspective throughout this volume. Charles is a pastor and Heather is a prodigal daughter who has returned to her roots.

Although I have been fortunate enough to avoid most of the extremely difficult situations that Charles and his wife faced with Heather, I recommend this book for any parent of a teenager. Even parents of teens who are not totally rebellious face many trying times through the adolescent years. The advice given will be helpful for any parent with teenagers.

This book made me understand the real struggles all impressionist artists had to live with to have their work accepted by the people, and how much they helped each other in their time of need. The author has brought real-life meaning to a story told many times! Brilliantly written. I enjoyed once again his hard facts and real characters. Irving Stone definitely is a master.

This is another good book by Irving Stone, who also gave us Michelangelo in The Agony and the Ecstasy and Van Gogh in Lust for Life, both of which were made into major movies a half-century ago. The movies were good and had great actors, but the books were even better. This book would make a pretty good movie too, probably a psychological drama.

Stone's books are a chance to see great artists up close and behind the scenes. Since he is doing historical fiction, Stone takes you right into Pissaro's home and right up to his canvas as he is working, and right into his conversations with Monet, Renoir, and the rest at the local pubs. You are even in his head as he creates his art, which is a bit risky, but seems to work. You are there at the birth of Impressionism. It was exciting, at least for me, to get close to these legends.

Surprisingly, it was Pissaro who was the prime mover for the Impressionists exhibitions as a means to expose and educate the hostile audience of that day. The word Impressionism was like a dirty word in those days when the public only wanted clearly executed, classical or romantic paintings of such artists as Delacroix or Courbet. It's really hard to imagine today what made the critics and the public so angry in those days. Was it a bad idea to be innovative? Was it worth almost rioting over? What was the deal with being creative or a little different with your expression?

Organizing anything among this wild group of Impressionist bohemians was almost miraculous, but Pissaro possessed exceptional people skills (always a rare quality, then as now) that made it happen. It is very unlikely that anyone else at the time could have done it. At the same time he and his family were living hand-to-mouth, and you have to wonder how his wife put up with him (just barely, I think).

Almost a century after his time, Pissaro finally gets his due, at least in this book.

A fascinating portrayal of Camille Pissarro. I knew little about this genius before reading this book and afterwords I felt as though I were an expert in impressionism. One of the best books Ive ever read!

Of the three books about artists by Irving Stone, this was my favorite (and Pissaro is my favorite artist as well). Stone kept me interested through-out.

Every sculptor should own this book, and it's really the only one you need. Meilach's volume makes a good supplement, but really that's all it is; Liebson's book easily stands on it's own as the standard reference.

Why? Almost the entire book is devoted to the craft and mechanics of carving stone. Liebson looks like someone's dad, and writes like it, too -- this book eschews all discussion of "art" in favor of simple, practical advice on "how to do it." From selecting a stone and tools to using and caring for those tools to finishing, polishing, mounting, and displaying your sculpture, even to gaining exhibitions and marketing your work, Liebson covers absolutely everything you need to know to get started, and to keep going. I've been carving for over five years now, and I still refer constantly to this book.

I am very picky at buying books because of the high shipping costs to South America, sometimes as high as the cost of a book.
I purchased Direct Stone Sculpture because it was well praised at an art forum by highly renowned artists. After reading the book, I must say that I fully agree with them. It is worth reading and enjoying the photographs of many works. It teaches carving and use of carving tools.
I am not only learning to sculpt but also appreciating art made by great "stoners" at the Sculpture Gallery of the book.
The book has many photographs of the carving process, and shows detailed views of many hand and power tools that I found useful.
I think this book should have a special place at any home library even at non carvers' shelves.
HR, Bolivia

After reading the two previous reviews, I purchased this book on sculpture and was surprised to find that "soapstone" carving was dismissed from the very beginning of the book. Liebson makes clear that he does not even allow "soapstone" in his classroom--on the grounds that (his opinion)it is dangerous to the sculpter's health, and also crumbles when worked.
Since I am new to sculpture, this was disappointing because "soapstone" was the only material I had worked with, and hoped this book was going to give me some valuable advise. Beyond Liebson's dismisal of "soapstone" the book is everything that those other reviews said it was. Tools, methods and merchandising are all covered with ample illustrations. I hope to take full advantage of Liebson's valuable lessons once I have graduated up to limestone and the like.
A.B.

This book has aroused in me a great deal of enthuiasm for the process of shaping stone and the creation of art forms out of stone. Liebson is an authority on the subject and he writes extremely well. Manufacturers and suppliers of tools and stone are listed in an index. A list of recommended tools is provided as well as a fairly comprehensive description of how to best utilize these tools. The photographs are interesting and informative. An inspirational book. Of the three books on stone sculpture which I've read, this is by far the best.

The first thing that grips me is that Greenway is a true master of English style, on every level, a melding of H.L. Mencken and an enraged bulldozer. Second is the insights he gives (sometime too freely) into himself.

He displays a wonderful and commendable arrogance because he probably does know what he's talking about better than almost anyone else. At times that can be wearing - his utmost certainty that he's right about the world and its functioning. But under the hardheadedness is a love for even those he castigates among both the aborigines and the white Aussies.

A romantic pragmatist-conservative, if you can imagine such a thing, he goes far, far beyond the usual academic study to probe the personal and cultural reasons that motivate both individuals and groups. There's a certain sadness, too, in his search for a home, which he has found in the Australian bush, but which can never be truly his.

Greenway has an immense, almost frightening intellect combined with a tough-love humanity that he hides under a roiling run of billingsgate. There was no one else like him that I'm aware of, and not likely there will be.

I agree with the earlier positive reviews of this book. This is travelogue from a master story teller, and a folklorist to boot.

Greenway worked with Norman Tindale in his later decades. Tindale was probably Australia's first archaeologist, but he had polymath interests. Tindale during World War Two played a major role in detecting the origin point of the Japanese Fu-Gu firebomb balloons used as part of a vain attempt to saboutage the US / Canadian war effort in the Pacific North West. Tindale, then a RAAF intelligence officer, analysed the sand used for the ballast and thus helped locate their point of origin. Greenway tells us what it was like to work with thinkers like this. Another of Tindale's many accomplishments was mapping the tribal areas of virtually all the Australian Aboriginal tribal groups.

Greenway gives us a feel for pioneering work in anthropology in outback Australia during the final decades of the close of the Australian frontier. The last tribal group to have 'first contact' with Europeans was contacted about 1967.

Greenway's style is anecdotal but displays the depth of his specialist knowledge, down to earth common sense and impatience with the pretentious and fraudulent.

A combination travelogue, biography and history.

I read this book a couple of times long many moons ago but still must concur with those who say it's a great book. The author, John Greenway, enflamed the passions of students at his university and he claimed he was, by their lights, the campus reactionary. Alack! The students did not know that in a review of one of his early books, American Folksongs of Protest, he was described by the Soviet Appartchik reviewer as "America's most progressive folklorist." Gotta love the dichotomy! Greenway was also chummy with Woody Guthrie, Aunt Molly Jackson and a folksinger in his own right. In fine, Dylan himself even pilfered one of his songs.

The author, John Greenway, was my professor. This book is without doubt his masterpiece, his magnum opus. It takes the reader on a profound journey into the heart of Australia, explaining and teaching about Culture itself, the great driving engine of all human social organization. His chapter on religion is succinct and potent, and perceptive students will be indelibly changed by its insights. Dr. Greenway spent 15 years in the desert among the aborigines. His amusing tales of the characters he met and studied are almost mythic as described, a testimony to Greenway's powerful literary style (he was a student of Anglo-Saxon literature and folksongs, and studied under the great MacEdward Leach at the University of Pennsylvania). His storytelling ability is his strongest asset. But more important, the reader will be lifted above his own culture to see why people act as they do. I predict that this book will be republished some day and become a recognized text in cultural anthropology. Dr. Greeenway was a pioneer, and far ahead of his time.

It was little late, but this was so~~~cheap, so I was safisfied with that.

I am fortunate enough to have met Ms. Elaine Stone herself and find her style to be that of great elegance, sophistication, grace, and poshness. She is by far the most fashionable person I have yet to meet. Reading The Dynamics of Fashion as my textbook for my FM114 class I found it very informant and recommend it to everyone, even those who are not a student of fashion.

I am fortunate enough to have met Ms. Elaine Stone herself and find her style to be that of great elegance, sophistication, grace, and poshness. She is by far the most fashionable person I have yet to meet. Reading The Dynamics of Fashion as my textbook for my FM114 class I found it very informant and recommend it to everyone, even those who are not a student of fashion.

This book is an excellent tool for all fashion students, or those just interested in learning more about the #1 money making industry in the U.S. Information on topics ranging from textiles to merchandising to cosmetics to retailing, and so much more. Very detailed, lots of pictures, helpful internet resources, glossary, and also the authors list of her 100 top apparel designers starting at Adolfo, ending at Yohji Yamamoto. This book was very helpful to me when I took the class Introduction to Fashion Merchandising.

Ryan Coonerty's "Etched in Stone" is absolutely Magnificent! Coonerty's writing takes you to these monumental places in America's history. The superb photography is complemented by the articulate writing styles of Coonerty. Each page is an exciting journey into America's past, present, and future. This is much more than your typical history book. This educational masterpiece is enjoyable to read and is a great book to have in your home library.

This book exemplifies a diverse vision of American history. Illustrated through gorgeous photography and compelling writing, the book captures a sense of beauty and darkness laced throughout our nation's past. From the Blacklist monument in South Carolina to victims monument in Oklahoma City to the Marine Corp memorial in Washington D.C., each monument has a diverse meaning and beauty used to move its visitors. With inspiring form and structure, the book emphasizes these elements and creates an environment for its readers to personally experience this dynamic. When I finished reading this book, I felt challenged by the points it illustrated and compelled to explore these monuments in person. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about their American heritage and its complex history.

This book could be a great teaching tool for young people. It passes over great periods in our country giving a bit of context and sometimes up to date information about each monument and the area it inhabits. The pictures are striking and I feel it could get kids to want to learn more about their nation's history without the constraints of a traditional history book. I know in our family it has prompted quite a bit of discussion about traveling to Washington D.C. Awesome, beautiful book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The impressive photography coupled with the author's thoughtful and evocative words make it a great read. It's coffee table-light but at the same time it can be an intense reminder of where our country has been and how we continue to address our history and heroes. I appreciated the diversity of the monuments and some of the lesser known monuments were impressive. The story about the slavery statue in Savannah is inspiring and will hopefully motivate people to organize and get the monument they feel is missing in their area built. I loved the book and it really makes me want to travel to these places.

Fascinnating read. Reviews not only the history of nuclear disarmament but chronicles the ups and downs of working with entrenched interests. The basic message, however, is that if one can persist as Jeremy Stone has done, one can succeed.

I truly enjoyed the book, good writing

Jeremy Stone seems to have gotten involved, Zelig-like, in almost every major issue of arms control, national security, or global conflict over the last several decades. He crossed paths with everyone from Albert Einstein to Henry Kissinger to Mikhail Gorbachev to Carl Sagan. His "adventures" include some remarkable successes-- like singlehandedly stopping the CIA's practice of opening U.S. mail sent abroad-- as well as some clear failures. His accounts of these episodes, which are leavened by humor and self-criticism, left this reader breathless and inspired. This is an amazing book about an extraordinary life spent trying to "change the world."

I enjoyed the book it was balanced with both successes and failures and for those interested in the NGO arena, the book provided some keen insights into what goes on behing the curtain in order to get things done. I enjoyed it, of course like all bios it needs to be taken with a litlle salt.

This book is very well organized and uses excellent examples, many by the hand of the author himself. The writing style is clear, straightforward, and quite informative. The author guides you step by step through the drawing process. The exercises at the end of the chapters are great, especially in the way they help you to develop your own individual style. This new approach to life drawing is very useful and long overdue. A must for any serious student of art!

This book was written with careful attention to detail. It includes illustrations that demystifies the drawing experience. It is for the artist who is interested in learning and sharpening his or her skills. It gives step-by-step techniques for rendering a variety of figures in numerous positions in both loose and sketcky style to tight and detailed. I recommend this book highly to both the beginning artist and the experienced artist. Paula Hannah-Mauri

If you are striving to develop a personal figure drawing style this book offers:

1. Clear, specific instructions for assignments and each assignment has a section on assessing the drawings produced in it.
2. Exploration of various kinds of life drawings: traditional and modern, without taking a stance on which one is better.
3. Many great visuals by a variety of figurative artists.

From my first life drawing course in college (30 years ago) until now, I have continually combed commercial and collegiate booksellers for an effective and definitive "teaching-and-learning style" life drawing textbook. Finally, there is one: Harold Stone's new "Exploring Life Drawing." Through easy-to-read text, classic and contemporary drawings, a wide range of styles and techniques, and a useful chapter by chapter review process, this book has it all. Best of all, it encourages the development of one's own distinctive drawing style.

Condition of book was just as they said and it arrived within the time they said it would!!

This book has a simple concept, but it made a profound affect on me. I was starting a new business that required me to step outside my comfort zone ALOT! I am very analytical and the thought of not having all the answers up front was almost paralyzing. The message this book gave me was to be tactical. If you plan indefinetly, and research to the enth degree, and never put your plans to action, how do you know what works and what doesn't. No amount of planning can predict 100% of outcome. Mistakes are lessons...learn what works and what doesn't! If you are learning from your mistakes, they are not failures! The most successful people in the world made mistake after mistake, until they figured out what works for them! Go for it! It will be okay, and it might be GREAT!

If you feel like a failure or if you have a goal in mind, but afraid to go after it. This is the book for you. I'm reading the book and also listening to it on my Ipod. It lets you know that failure is not just ok, but it helps you grow (mature). A group of us are reading it together at work, you wont believe what a different it can make in the workplace. Go get the book, just try it, what will it hurt?

I went to a series of financial problems and felt like a failure for a long time. Reading this book has helped refocus and I still have the courage to pursue my dream. It is an excellent reading.

Beautifully illustrated and well told. Frances' art is to die for (no pun intended). Her luscious gothic world is definitely a keeper. I cannot wait for the next installment in the Favole series. Disappointingly short though.

i loved this book the only problem is that its too short. this girl is a terific writer and artist and i recomend this to any one who likes reading edgar allan poe or bram stoker. it is meant for a mature crowd but anyone who loves literature will like this piece

The stories in this book are so poetic and beautiful. The gothic art work is amazing! The colors are soft, but yet still bold. I love it!!

I first saw some of Victoria Frances' art in an issue of "Heavy Metal", and I fell in love with it right then. When I got the book, "Flavole: Stone Tears", I felt like I was reading a dream. The art is unbelievable. I love this book, and I can't wait for more books in this series.