T Books

This book is about all kinds of bugs. My kids ages 5 to 9 were all glued to this one again and again. The illustrations are absolutely the best I've seen. They are so cute and funny and there are tons of different types shown. The pages are overflowing! The gross out factor is high for instance "Oh, in your clothes they're restin, in your nose theyre nestin, there isn't any question, theyre infestin your intestine" and "now, you may have had a hunch, if you bite bugs they will crunch, this is true but stay alert - the fat ones sometimes squirt." Then, the illustrations show the picute of a boy forking a huge bug on a plate and green guts spraying out. My kids were uttering "ooooh yuck" and "oh, he's cute" throughout the book and wanted it read again when we were done. If your kid likes bugs and the gross out factor, this book is for him or her.

This is one of those silly books that kids (and adults that still have a lot of kid in them) love! It is quirky and is loaded with gross pictures of bugs and very strange suggestions as to what to do with them. The art work is great and the rhyming text is a pleasure to read. A tremendous amount of imagination and work has gone into this work and it has certainly paid off. This is one of the most checked out books in the local school libraries for the young ones. They just enjoy looking at the pictures. This is also a fun book to read with your child or a group of school kids. The bugs depicted and the uses they are put to are so ridiculous that I doubt a child, any child, would take it very serious. Most children are bright enough to spot a "put on" when they see it, so I don't think their is much worry in that department. If you are looking for a fun, interesting and very, very funny book to read with your child, then you probably should give this one a try. The art work alone is worth the price of the book.

I have bought most of these books for my 6 year old son. They are a little creepy, but for boys, they are terrific fun! And for me too, to be able to get into "character" reading them. I would highly recommend these series of books for anyone who has a child who loves animals, and bugs. Great fun, if you can get through it!

What a great book for kids. I love the illustrations. They are just the cutest! I read it to my grandkids and they loved it. So did I.

This is a good book. It's gross and charmingly off-beat, just as the other reviewers claim. It also rhymes and makes a good out-loud read. And it is very, very outlandishly funny.

However, we also have David T. Greenberg's book Snakes! and it is just as appealingly gross and much funnier. Plus, the rhymes work a bit better for out loud reading. If you are only getting one of his books, I'd go for Snakes!

But before you buy, a quick warning! Neither this book or the Snakes! book are for kids who take things literally or who are easily frightened. I'd only recommend them for children who really "get" puns, word plays and jokes. It is the perfect book for older kids who still love to have books read out loud to them.

P.Gould, co-author of Feeding the Kids: The Flexible, No-Battles, Healthy Eating System for the Whole Family

T.D. Jakes writes in a simple manner that speaks quietly to the inner spirit. This book is uplifting and encouraging, offering thought and insight to a having a blessed life.

In Late May/early June I submitted a book review on Can You Stand to be Blessed. Will it appear with the other list of reviews?

If not, themustardseed.com has asked if they can use the review.

Please respond to ejordan114@aol.com or elmariaj@hotmail.com.

Thanking you in advance

I know for me I Can Stand to Blessed! I felt as if the book was talking to me and I needed someone to write the words down for me to read. Thank God for Bishop T. D. Jakes. I can't get enough of his books. Get God and Get ready to be Blessed...

I enjoy being blesssed not ashamed of it and want to continually keep getting blessed, and am a blessing to people.

There is more to receiving God's blessings than meets the eye. The blessings of God are greater than words. I've learned and I'm continuing to learn that there is indeed a process (before you're even aware of it) that takes place (in you) before a manifestation of God's blessing is handed down. The beauty is it's God who gives the blessings, but also it's God who enables us not only to extend our hand to receive the blessing, but it's also God who enables us to open that same hand. As God opens our hand to receive His blessings He also prepares us, prepares our heart, our emotions, and our abilities (in advance) to handle the opposition, the resentment, the rejection and the pain that comes from friends, family, church members, and yes, even the saints of God. You see so many people (Christians, and non-Christians alike) want the blessing, but are they first in love with the giver of the blessing, the Sovereign One? It is through reading this book (Can You Stand to be Blessed) that I'm reminded of the organization and the turn of events, that take place while in the process of being, "BEING PROCESSED FOR GOD'S BLESSING."

Once Again, T.D. Jakes, Thanks for sharing what either our parents, aunts, and uncles didn't know, or perhaps they just didn't know how to share on being a receiver of God's blessings. I will continue to pass on the gift of learning, and sharing not only just the blessings of God, but also the preparation process.

I've been on a blessing journey for quite a while. I'm on the way, and yes there are some good times along the way, however, there are also some not so good times. The truth, the truth must be shared. The blessings of God are available but "Can You Stand to be Blessed" is the question.

You Can Stand to be Blessed, but you mustn't nor will the Father allow you to miss the process. Oh God cares for us soooo much, that every step in His process will be completed to His satisfaction before we are allowed to move on.

T.D. Jakes, I continue lifting you up in the hearing of the Father, believing that God continues to sharpen your hearing of His voice as you continue to share the Father's heart with the people.

You too continue being able, and willing to "Stand to be Blessed"

The definitive biography of "Scarface Al" Capone, who ruled the Chicago underworld with an iron fist during Prohibition. John Kobler is a fine writer whose flair with words will keep his readers glued to the pages, regardless of the subject matter. In "Capone," he masterfully recounts the rise and fall of the Windy City's overlord of vice and crime as only he can, presented in an honest, objective, and straightforward (but never dull) manner. This is a highly entertaining effort which any crime historian is sure to enjoy. My only regret is that Mr. Kobler didn't tackle the biographies of other gangland luminaries as well (although he did an excellent job narrating the history of Prohibition in "Ardent Spirits"). If you must read just one book about Big Al, then this is the one. As far as I'm concerned, you can skip all the others.

Capone: The Life And World Of Al Capone, written by John Kobler. This was a great book. It had numerous amounts of details and you can learn a lot from this biography. But to the casual reader at least in my opinoin this is not the book for you. This book has tons and tons of information and is great if you are looking for a source for a history project or something. Also if you have a high interest in the subject of Al Capone then this could be a great book for you to read.

This book is excellent! There aren't enough words in English to discribe this man! This book gives great insight into what really went on in Al Capone's life and his gang--RUTHLESS with TASTE! Just wish it were a lot longer.

THIS BOOK WAS GREAT!!!!!
John Kobler did an excelent job with this one. The title, The Life and World Of Al Capone, really sums it up. Not only was this an extremely accurate factual book, but also was greatly engaging. I am a big fan of Capone books and have read quite a few, but this was easily the best one that I've read. This book includes minute details on Capones life and "business" as well as the long list of dives, hot spots, and other gangsters all inhabiting Chicago.

I found no flaw in the writing of this book and thought it was marvelously written. I can't begin to tell you how great of a book this was. At different points it transformed me into a Chicago citizen reading the newspaper, to a young hoodlum in the gang, to an inmate at Alcatraz. The only thing I was disappointed with was that it went by to fast! You must read this book!

If you're looking for a complete picture of America's most notorious mobster, this is it. This is the definitive biography, a well-rounded study that brings Big Al into three-dimensional focus, something Schonberg only elaborated on and Bergreen failed completely at. The best book ever on the life, times and career of the father of syndicated crime.

Patrick Doyle's "The Castle Tower Lighthouse" is a delightful summer mystery for young readers. Patrick Doyle presents the tale of Edgar Font's Hunt for a House to Haunt (making the full title of the book a real mouthful, but a fun one). The book is fun through and through, down to a puzzle at the end for the reader to solve on their own. It's cleverly illustrated, and its tale-within-a-tale is engaging.

Doyle uses the conceit that the story has been given to him by Edgar Font, as recorded by Edgar Font's two grandchildren, Audrey and Garrett. Edgar Font is a capricious adventurer, somehow past his prime yet ready to take on anything--including his two grandchildren, who are precocious but overall _unadventuresome_ children. Edgar's answer to that is to drive them into the waters of adventure by making them integral to his summer's quest.

Edgar introduces them to the world of ghosts, as he outlines their intended journey--while not dead yet (and it's hard to imagine such a formidable person "passing on"), he wants to find a singular place to live out his eternity. The grandchildren are appropriately skeptical to begin with, but by the end of the book they're reasonably well converted--all in the span of a day.

It's a quick read, much more fluid than "wandering around the house and picking up clues" might suggest. The characters are fleshed out, for the age range, and I expect we'll learn much more about them in further installments, as they learn more about themselves. We're not told where they'll adventure to next, but there's a photograph marked, "Exploring the site for Adventure Two" in the back, and an arrow showing that it's "just over yonder". (And a glimpse at Amazon tells us that Adventure Two takes us to The Fakersville Power Station; and that that will be available July 1st!)

I heartily recommend this for the young (it's marked ages 9 and up), and the young at heart.

An enchanting story that introduces Garrett and Audrey to some pretty wondrous adventures that delivers a positive message to children everywhere. Garret and Audrey are brother and sister, and as they head to China to join their father they have no clue of the great adventure that lies ahead. The children usually stay with their aunt while their father is off on his trips as an architect but this year the children's aunt is asked to join their father for the summer in China. The children end up spending most of their time with Edgar Font, their grandfather. Edgar is on a quest of finding the perfect place to haunt when he passes away, and their summer adventures begin, their adventures will be remembered a lifetime. Their first adventure begins at an abandoned lighthouse which is full of puzzles, ghosts and mystery. As their adventure continues through the lighthouse they must rely on everything they know and the lessons that they have learned along the way to ensure they will make it out without being harmed.

The Castle Tower Lighthouse is a children's book that everyone will fall in love with no matter your age. The author writes with such skill that lights an imaginitative spark in the reader. The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and the message the story delivers is of a positive one. This is sure to be a series you will want to keep and treasure for years to come. I intend to collect each in the series for my grandson to enjoy, which I am sure will ignite another book lover in our family. I cannot wait until Edgar Font's Hunt For a House To Haunt Adventure Two: The Fakersville Power Station comes out in July. I am ready to enjoy another great adventure with Edgar Font on his search for the perfect place to haunt.

You will not want to miss the website and blog devoted to Edgar Font, they will add to your enjoyment, check them out at:

http://edgarfont.com

http://edgarfont.blogspot.com

The blogspot gives you so much informative information, which includes how the author came up with the story. Here you will find the information about Edgar Font, Audrey and Garrett. Be sure to read the top 10 questions that are asked relating to the story as you will find some very interesting facts.

The Edgar Font series is highly recommended for everyone. It has been such an honor and a pleasure to be able to review such a treasure that will be added to my collection to pass on from generation to generation. A message to the author: not only have you created such a great story for children, you have accomplished reaching readers of all ages with this series and need to be commended. I personally thank you, Bravo!

The author has created a treasured collection for readers of all ages!!!!!

If I told you this story began with an old man pointing the way to a secret door in a dream, what would you say? Yet, that is exactly how Patrick H.T. Doyle discovered the leatherbound journal in the attic of his home. Inside he read the most wonderful stories, each describing the adventures of a trusted grandpa and two adoring grandchildren, Audrey and Garrett. Through his imagination and incredible storytelling abilities, Doyle has delivered a new kind of adventure book, that is destined to be a favorite for young and old alike.

The last time the kids had seen grandpa was three years earlier, at their Mother's funeral. Garrett remembered his bushy moustache and that he lived in a tree house on an island somewhere. Audrey recalled the fantastic stories he had shared during their visits. How he explored pyramids in Egypt, surfed waves in Australia and climbed Mount Everest, twice. Yes, Grandpa was a true explorer. Now everyone referred to him as eccentric. Which of course to the kids simply meant he was weird. Now they would be spending the entire summer with him at his apartment in The Sterling Oaks Retirement Village. Translated into kids english - "boring, boring, and boring." But, they could not have been more wrong. This would be a summer they would never forget.

Sir Edgar Font has lived an exciting life and certainly intends to continue his quirky ways after he passes from this world into the next. So begins his search for the perfect house to haunt. The Retirement Village was filled with lonely, bored ghosts and that was no place for him. As grandpa explained his plans to his wide eyed grandchildren he was met with skeptisim and questions.
Later that night after having seen a ghost at the dinner table, they exited down the emergency steps and made their way to the "Adventure Wagon." This wagon will take us anywhere we want to go and our first destination will be the Lighthouse, grandpa told them.

The Castle Tower Lighthouse holds many puzzles, secrets, and mysteries, each waiting to be discovered. Beyond all the games there are life lessons being taught through out this book. Dealing with the loss of someone you love, like the death of Audrey and Garrett's Mother and learning to look beyond that which seems obvious, are only two of the many wonderfully woven stories that both entertain and teach. As a companion and beautifully complimenting the adventures within the book, the website offers many hours of fun and puzzle solving.

Patrick H.T. Doyle has delivered a truly new and refreshing alternative to the books currently available.This could easily be a review filled with all the raving adjectives, because each and every one has been earned. Excellent, engaging, suspense filled, action packed, I could list them all. However, it is far more important to point out that this is not just a children's book or for young adults. For all the parents out there who have searched for a great story to read to your children before bed, this is it! I have no doubt, children everywhere will be asking, "is it bed-time yet"? For all the children looking for an affordable book that is entertaining and fun, here it is! And lastly for all the adults who enjoy discovering a new author that has truly created something different, look no further, you have found it! And with the second book in this adventure series available in July, this is the perfect time to get introduced to Sir Edgar Font.

Happy Reading!
RJ McGill (3Rs)
Real Reader Reviews

I came across this book by chance, so my wife and I bought a copy for our neice. We read it first and absolutly loved it, with that said we kept the copy and bought another just for her...
We can't wait for the next adventure!!

My family and I enjoyed this book immensely. I bought several as gifts for kids (and their families) ranging from 8 1/2 to 13 years old - everyone loved it! Can't wait for the next big adventure.

Illustrates what a man with the truth can accomplish. Every Catholic should read this book which proves the teaching of the Catholic church.

Doctor and Bishop of the Catholic Church, St. Francis de Sales presents one of the most powerful defenses of the Catholic Faith ever to come from the hand of a mortal man. This book was instrumental in my conversion to the Catholic Faith and the reason I chose St. Francis de Sales as my patron saint.

In his writings, he is as gentle as a dove and as wise a serpent, in accordance with our Lord's command. Here the truth is presented in a straight-forward and compelling manner, so much so that he converted with these pamphlets (here collected into book form) an entire region which had fallen away from the Catholic Faith into the errors of Calvinism. And when I say he converted the region, I mean virtually all of it, completely reversing the sad situation of a region that had fallen a few decades before into the errors of the protestant revolt.

From Purgatory to the Papacy, these pamphlets reminded the people of the forceful clarity and Truth of the holy Catholic Apostolic Faith. May it equally remind us of that today, when it is needed again, as is another "counter reformation" against the revolts we see all around us in the Church!

Up until the time of St. Francis de Sales, the printing press had been used as a battering ram for reformers of all stripes to destroy christendom.

However, with the start of St. Francis de Sales' mission to the French Calvinists that changed dramatically. When people refused to listen to him because of contempt or fear of reprisal, he printed tracts and slipped them under doors or put them up on public squares to bring the Calvinists back to the Faith.

The result: nearly 72,000 French whose parents abandoneded the Faith a generation ago were brought back to the Catholic Church.

If you read this book (a collection of the tracts St. Francis wrote), you'll see exactly how it happened. The arguments are cogent, simple, easy-to-follow and strike at the heart of whatever matter they address. The arguments against Protestantism in general and Calvinism in particular are relevant and still thorns in the side of the Reformed apologetic several hundred years later. If you're Catholic or Protestant you owe it to yourself to read this collection of tracts!

In addition to what is common in all other positive reviews of this compilation of writings by St. Francis, there yet remains at least one other strength of this book that is to be praised. That strength is his cohesion to the traditional Catholic Faith. There are other books that give overviews of the Catholic Faith, but often times their consistency with Scripture and Tradition should be questioned. That is something that one need not worry about with this work. Not only does St. Francis give sound arguments for the Catholic Faith, but he does so with plenty of Scripture, Church Father quotes, and reference to Church Councils. He also shows an understanding and love for Catholicism that is sopping wet with intellectual genius and passion for Christ! He will make a knowledgeable Reformed churchman (that was his intended audience, after all) take a few steps back and rethink his doctrine of the "visible/invisible church distinction" and how God has commanded the Gospel to be preached and succession of church leaders to continue. Not only does he understand Catholic doctrine, but he also understands his opponents, and often quotes from Calvin, Bucer, and other Reformers. Also, his treatment of the Papacy is probably one of the most concise anywhere. So I challenge you to read it, but I warn you, you may find yourself defending Catholic doctrine afterwards, even if you're Protestant when you first read this book!

The book is easy to read. It provides a detailed insight into most of the contentious issues that separate the Protestant churches from the Catholic Church. It is an excellent reference for anyone who wants a better understanding of the Christian faith. For the Catholic, the book is also an excellent resource for defense of the Faith.

This book is written to defend the doctrine of Imputed Righteousness against the recent attack by fellow evangelicals (specifically Robert Gundry) who claim the doctrine is not biblical. The doctrine of Imputed Righteousness teaches that through faith, Christ's righteousness is imputed (or credited or reckoned) to us as our righteousness. Gundry, on the other hand, claims that it is our faith itself that is imputed to us as our righteousness. Gundry has committed the age-old error of misunderstanding the mere instrumentality of faith.

Piper proves his case by following through the biblical arguments made by Paul. Readers who take the trouble of closely following the trail laid by Piper will find the evidence for Imputed Righteousness indisputable.

Personally I feel that the biblical support for Imputed Righteousness is strong but indirect. This is because Paul is more concerned about proving that salvation comes through faith and seems to take the imputation of Christ's righteousness to the believer for granted. This is probably why evangelicals (and even evangelical theologians) can confuse the issue. It also makes Piper's effort to prove the doctrine doubly difficult, having to examine the whole of Paul's argument rather than merely quoting single verses. Sometimes Piper is forced to combine multiple passages. Much to his credit, he does it in a way that makes his complex arguments still comprehensible to the non-scholarly mind (even though at times, the mind needs a little stretching).

Is this book important? Is it worth the time and effort to digest it? A resounding YES! to that. Imputed Righteousness falls under the class of doctrines called Soteriology (ie. salvation doctrines) and to me, anything that falls under Soteriology had best be taken seriously. Imputed Righteousness also gives glory to the One who deserves all glory, our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. He has covered us with His righteousness and it is only right that we learn about it and affirm and defend this teaching.

Piper writes with conviction and passion. He lets the Text drive his thoughts, yet considers other implications. The doctrine of Christ's imputed righteousness is at stake in evangelicalism. Piper deals with the Text submissively, faithfully and expositionaly. He sees himself as a student of the Bible. Not the other around. In this brief exposition, Piper has helped us to treat Scriptures carefully in light of other texts and demonstrated that the doctrine of Christ's imputed righteousness is the sinner's only hope. Piper's argument is compelling, persuasive and engaging. "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him "(2 Cor. 5.21).

John Piper is among the most respected American pastors of our day, in part because he comprehensively integrates pastoral theology with biblical and systematic theology in a way that produces a full-orbed Christian perspective and grounding.

In this book, Piper focuses on the imputation of righteousness that is central to the Protestant doctrine of justification by faith alone. Many giants of the faith regard the doctrine of justification as a showstopper doctrine, essential to a right understanding of Christianity. As such, it is no surprise that similar to other essential tenets of the faith such as the Trinity, the resurrection, and the inspiration and authority of Scripture, the doctrine of justification is a stumbling block for many that has resulted in various forms of retreat.

The latest retreat comes at the hands of Robert Gundry, who attempts to argue that the imputation of Christ's righteousness to the believer as a result of faith is unbiblical. He argues instead that the inherent faith of the believer is what is counted as righteous in the act of justification, rather than a transfer of Christ's righteousness to us through faith. While this might seem a nuanced difference, in reality, it goes straight to the core of what it means to be justified. Gundry's view in a number of respects is much closer to Roman Catholicism's irresponsible mixing of justification and sanctification in ways that render many sections of Scripture unintelligible. Gundry believes that the act of justification (of our inherent faith) defeats the mastery of sin over our lives (which is traditionally the separate work of sanctification), rather than a legal transfer of Christ's righteousness to us as the basis for justification and the sole grounding for subsequent sanctification. Gundry's view represents a basic retreat on the doctrine of justification, a retreat that at its core resembles all other retreats in elevating the inherent abilities of man and taking away from the work of God by wholly underestimating the pervasive nature of human sin and overestimating man's inherent abilities.

It is this position that Piper interacts with in this book. Chapter 3 of the book is clearly the most crucial, since this is where he offers an exegetical critique of Gundry and in the process, validates the imputation of Christ's righteousness to the believer that is central to justification. Piper's examination of Romans 1-6 in particular is outstanding, along with 2 Corinthians 5. He builds a logical, step by step case that reveals how Gundry's position is untenable, and provides believers with a great deal of reassurance that Christ's imputed righteousness, rather than their sin-tainted acts, is the basis of our right standing with God.

I will note some minor quibbles with the book that deserve mention but do not significantly detract from the outstanding presentation given by Piper. First, there are times when Piper tends to devote too much ink to peripheral points (at best). The book is four chapters long, yet the reader will find that a good portion of the first chapter doesn't really deal with justification as much as it is a lament by Piper on the theological emptiness that pervades many evangelical churches. And while this is certainly a view I strongly agree with, I found it a bit misplaced here. Second, in his examination of Romans 5, Piper spends several pages trying to demonstrate that Paul had infants in mind in this passage of Scripture. While the discussion is interesting, it is a peripheral point that is not central to Piper's overall argument that Romans 5 discusses the imputation of Christ's righteousness to the believer in contrast to the imputation of Adam's sin to all of humanity. Lastly, Piper avoids the often thorny topic of whether faith is a gift of God or not. While I admit that my thoughts on this are far from complete, it seems to me that this question is pertinent to the discussion on justification and has ramifications on Gundry's view and Piper's response to it. But it seems as if the whole topic is not in view in this discussion, when I think perhaps it should be.

These quibbles are clearly quite minor, and as such, should not discourage potential readers from picking up this book. The doctrine of justification is possibly the most important issue of the Christian faith that's rarely discussed, and as such, is very vulnerable to wayward error creeping in. This book plugs the leak within the body of Christ on the question of imputation and does it in a charitable yet thorough way. Given Gundry's history of doctrinal hiccups, I have rarely considered him to be an authority on doctrine and theology, but the fact is that many other people do consider him to be an authority. As such, his retreat on justification deserved a high profile response from a solidly evangelical perspective. This book is it.

This a very impressive work! This is the first John Piper book I have read, and all I can say is WOW!

A lot of "punch" is packed into such a little book (just over 100 pages). Some readers who are not keen on indepth exegesis may find it a bit overwhelming, but if they stick with reading it they will not be disappointed.

I heartily recommend this book.

In this short book, Dr. John Piper exposes and critiques the serious errors that are being promulgated within evangelical Christianity regarding the doctrine of justification, the righteousness of Christ, the Adam-Christ paradigm, the law-gospel paradigm, and the role of good works in the Christian life. In short, Piper is writing to defend the traditional evangelical understanding of the Gospel (i.e., the one taught in Scripture). There are four chapters in this book. The first chapter is an intro on why the traditional Protestant view of justification is necessary from a familial, ecclesiological, and cultural context. I thought this chapter was quite useless to the purpose of the book and Piper should have just left it unwritten. The second chapter is a short summary of what is going on within evangelicalism on this issue. The third chapter is basically the "meat" of the book. It is quite long and dense (pp. 53-119). This is where Piper defends the historic position based on exegesis and theological argumentation. This is where he deals with the major "justification by faith" passages like Romans 5:12-19; 2 Corinthians 5:21; and Philippians 3:9. Piper does a good job here giving and defending the traditional evangelical interpretation of these passages (that Paul is talking about the imputation of Christ's righteousness and not our "faith-righteousness" or infusion of Christ's righteousness). Piper leaves no stone unturned and many scholars who disagree with the historic Reformational position must reckon with his arguments. (One will find Piper's treatment of the Adam-Christ headship concept very insightful.) It is also refreshing to see that Piper vindicates himself from his ultra-Reformed opponents on the relationship between justification and sanctification, faith and works, etc. Some Reformed people in the past have accused him of joining justification and sanctification or faith and works too closely together. However, Piper makes it clear in this book that justification must never be confused with sanctification (pp. 49-50, 69-80), and that faith is the ONLY instrument in being justified in Christ before God--though this faith leads to good works (p. 89 n. 36). He basically refutes the faith + works theology that is accepted by many professing evangelical scholars today. Hence, many Reformed people have heartily endorsed this book. The fourth chapter is basically a short conclusion of the book. Piper's book is very important for all evangelicals to read. With so much controversy going on these days regarding the nature of the Gospel (i.e., the New Perspective) this short book is a nice read. Not only is this book theologically important it is also (like his other works) pastorally conscious--it leads believers to look to Christ alone for salvation. As there are many so-called "evangelical" pastors who serve at evangelical churches, this book clears the air and shows what the true Gospel is about. There are many "intruders" in the church today who pose as faithful teachers yet proclaim things contrary to their denomination's theological position. (These churchmen, interestingly enough, adopt this new gospel because they think that they have found a new "solution" in fighting rampant antinomianism in the modern church or eliminating the ills of modern society. Apparently, biblical-theological reasons are not the main reasons.) These churchmen worry about losing their jobs and are afraid to admit that their position is contrary to what was taught by the Reformers. They use the same language to advocate a new idea and deceive many. The issue is not only theological, but has to do with the ministerial integrity of many churchmen. This short book is a must read for all students of Scripture. It may make many people uncomfortable, but that is what the Gospel does. Those used to a works-righteousness based salvation will either find this book liberating or frustrating (like Paul's opponent's who were frustrated with his law-free Gospel). A very important book on a very important subject that needs to be in every Christian home.

Cathie Linz is, truly, a splendid writer. She just picks you up and plops you down in the middle of the lives of characters you adore and root for, she keeps the pace going lickety-split until you couldn't put this book down if you tried--not even if the house were burning down. Well, maybe then. But just maybe. She never fails to create heroes who tug at your heart and make you tingle all over, and her heroines are gutsy and darling--and very real.

A funny, tender read, another terrific story from Ms. Linz, a superb storyteller.

I personally believe that THE COWBOY FINDS A BRIDE is Cathie Linz's best book yet. Give me a quiet, loner hero who's not only gorgeous, but creates beauty with his hands, and I'm a goner. I'm telling you, this story was so good, I was in tears at the end. Get this book and enjoy every word.

I just sent my husband and kids to Chuck E Cheez's so I could read Isabel Sharpe's "The Way We Weren't" for the second time (and I know many more will come). Remember falling in love the first time (come on, I was 12, I think)--you thought it would all be love and laughter. Well, when the reality of chores and bills makes that memory fade...this is the way to bring it back. After I read this, I'll be ready to laugh and love all over again. I'm starting my collection today.

Isabel Sharpe's THE WAY WE WEREN'T is witty and often laugh out loud funny. A fresh voice in romance. I'm looking forward to watching her career!

Am I ever glad that I bought this book! Isabel Sharpe's characters are engaging, her dialogue is sharp (no pun intended) and witty, and she shows a fresh, wacky sense of humor that keeps you turning the pages for more. I can't wait for her next book!

Just finished reading it (little hard to find copy) and once again Colin Wilson doesn't disappoint. I'm truly amazed at the amount of research the author put in. Recommended to readers who like true crime.
There are others who have said the same thing but Wilson's perspective makes all the difference.

I bought my initial copy of this book almost 30 years ago. I am drawn to re-read it every four to five years and everytime, am overwhelmed by the effortless blending of research and information into an exceptionably readable style. An academic myself, I know how difficult it is to explain complex ideas in simple terms, so I salute Colin Wilson for his fluid style and readability.

Essentialy, Mr Wilson's argument asks: "Can people be bad?" His discussion and evidence suggests firmly that, yes, people can be; which negates the "Nature Vs Nurture" debate which has raged steadily for so many years. His annecdotal examples support his hypothsis in a believable and compelling manner. I find this a facinating insight into the pychological make up of the distanced person, who views their fellow human almost as an abstract, whilst thinking: "As I am above this, I shall and can, do as I please."

A truly insightful study into the human mind and its depths. Essential reading for anyone who has ever wondered about the fundamental nature of humankind.

if you have ever read anything by colin wilson (certainly youve read "the outsider") then definetly read this book. The things this book can teach us about society and humanity is unparalelled in a 'simple' true crime fashion. One of our centuries greatest philosophers has an intriguing view on many things, yet quite often you will find yourself agreeing with much of what he says about us all.

I had read only one book by Colin Wilson ("The Outsider", of course) when I found a paperback in a used-book store. There followed a month of fairly intense reading, because "A Criminal History of Mankind" is fascinating from beginning to end, and many sections I read over again. Wilson divides the book into three main sections: 1) The Psychology of Human Violence 2) A Criminal Outline of History 3) The Age of Mass Murder. In the first section, Wilson notes that criminal actions have been motivated by the "hierarchy of needs":food, shelter, sex, and the need for admiration. (In recent years, we have seen those who commit murder in order to gain fame.) Wilson describes what he calls the "right man", a sociopath obsessed with image and self-esteem. Most of these people are life's losers, but not all. A startling exception is the successful comic actor Peter Sellers, whose son's biography shows Sellers to have been almost criminal in his manic, morbidly obsessive nature. The second section is, by Wilson's own admission, H.G. Wells' "Outline of History" from a criminal point of view, everything from ancient Athens to Victorian London. Interestingly, Wilson writes: "This book is centrally concerned with crime; but if we ignore the creativity, we shall not only fail to understand the crime: we shall miss the whole point of human history." The third section goes into our own era, the Bundys, the DeSalvos, the Mansons. Wilson spends a full 50 blood-drenched pages on the Mafia. The book, published in 1984, touches only briefly on the disturbing increase of children who kill. Along with the horrors, there are pages of incisive philosophy: "It is true that we cannot live without an ego; a person without an ego is little more than an idiot. Another name for ego is personality, and in artists, saints, and philosophers, the personality is a most valuable tool. Neither St Francis nor Beethoven nor Plato would have achieved much impact without their personalities. But the personality is a dangerous servant, for it has a perpetual hankering to become the master. Every time we are carried away by irritation or indignation, personality has mastered us."Violence will always be with us. A casual glance at yesterday's New York Times finds the coverage of a man who threw his baby from a 15-story window while bickering with his wife. But Wilson ends his riveting book with cautious optimism: Referring to the criminal as a distortion of humanity, he writes (and quotes the German poet Novalis) that when humanity itself is aware that this is only a nightmare, we are close to awakening.

The title is misleading... this is a work far beyond criminal history. It is comprehensive history and philosophical work... it is Colin Wilson at his best... and as always difficult to find but easy to read.

This is a great book for the beginner(which I am) all the way up to advanced. I love the choice of colors that Jan Mullen uses, as well as her ('ish') method. For instance in this book, no 1/4" seam allowance . . . it is 1/4ish" seam allowance. It is fun, and takes on a whole new approach on quilting, no straight lines, everything is 'askew' but ends up a straight square.

Nothing but Fun/bright quilts in here!

I have made 2 of the Milky Wayz quilt from the book and they are so fun and easy. Jan's directions and pictures were very easy to follow. This would be a great technique for a beginner since you don't have to worry so much about matching. The best thing about Jan's method is that the cutting part (which I hate) is much shorter since your pieces are all 4"-ish or 5"-ish and so on. Plus it's fun to just cut at wacky angles and it gives your quilts a quirky fun element. Great for quilts for kids.
I can't wait to make another quilt from the book.

I saw Jan Mullen's booth at a quilt show and was bowled over by her quilts! Her combination of eye opening color and wacky style was a refreshing break from booth after booth of corner-matching, precision cut handiwork. I bought this book on the spot and made two quilt tops the following week! Mullen's instructions are incredibly clear and simple to follow, and though some designs are easier than others, her "stack and whack" method makes for quick piecing. Give it a try and let loose your "wicked wayz"!!!!!

Jan really shows you how to step outside the box. If you ever get the chance, attend one of her seminars if you like colour and attempting something new. She is a great teacher and she also likes purple.

I have owned this book for several years and go back to it all the time for inspiration. I have about 10 quilt books and I use this one the most; the colors and patterns always give me lots of ideas, especially when I find bright and fun fabrics to start with. I also love not having to be so precise with seam allowances during block assembly.

really a great analysis! I had no clue about EU affairs beforehand, now I understand a bit better what is going on. And, I know that the official media outlets would not have helped me to understand what is going on behind the scenes.

I am not a news junkie but I liked the way Ralph T. Niemeyer presented facts in this book. It was quite entertaining although it was about EU finances, politics, strategies etc, which I usually couldn't care less about. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know a bit more about what is going on in our democracies. The author is right: The Information Age is over, the only question is whether it ever existed?!

It's true what other reviewers said: the analysis is unbeatable! I like the facts-based style of the articles and although I am neither an economist nor educated in political sciences I am able to understand complex issues raised by the author. I felt as if my granddad took my hand and explained the world to me without being teacherous.

This is really the best ever analysis of what is really going on! Everyone who is really interested in the present financial crisis after August 11 and the upcoming war against Iran should read this book as it gives a credible account of the strategies and hidden agendas when China let's the Myanmar military dictators shoot at the monks of Burma. One can learn from this book how the West and China fight proxy wars in Africa (Sudan) and Asia (Burma). Read it and spread the word for democracy for all of us is at stake!

Gorgeous! Well done, Ralph T. Niemeyer! You really made someone like me who normally wouldn't care too much about politics read through the whole book in one go and find tears in my eyes, most of them because of laughter, some because the state our society is in makes me sad, but then again, you tell me about it with a twinkle in the eye.