Thomas Books

"Next of Kin" is a remarkable first-person memoir that reads like a novel. Tom Reilly's story will take your breath away, whether or not you accept all the details. This is not another war story that revisits battles and the soldiers who fought them. Instead, this is a coming-of-age story that is catalyzed (but not defined) by the Vietnam War. Thanks to clean, straighforward writing, Reilly's story is a breeze to read. Critical readers may wish to see additional corroboration or evidence of this harrowing journey. The more casual reader will take it at face value and may appreciate the brotherly bond that made this story possible. May we all be so fortunate to experience such devotion.

Just a great story about the caring relationship between two brothers, about love and commitment, set in the era of Vietnam.

An adventure that covers half the world by an 18 year old from the midwest who lost his brother. He had to know what happen and it was clear, it was not war reltated.

This was a great read, a story that was hard to put down at night and when the book was finished, I felt like I lost a
friend.

The book is outstanding. I had my daughter pick me up a signed copy because the author lived in my town and I have always been interested in Vietnam as it was from my era.
I had no idea that I would be so enthralled from the very first page. I feel like I know the whole family and recognized all the places that the author speaks of. The pain and courage of both of the brothers reached out from the pages into my heart.
This book was so great I hated to have it end.

What a great story. What a dedication to a brother. we all could learn from this man. This is what family is all about. I highly recomend this read to everyone.

I am a woman in my early 40's and don't usually read books on war or enjoy hearing about war, but I couldn't put this book down. It was written so well that I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. It begins with young Tom Reilly, losing both of his parents and how his brother, Ron, was a constant in his life. Tom, at the age of 19, goes to Vietnam to find out the truth about his brother's death and his "adventure" over there. Tom has written a wonderful, loving dedication to his brother that will touch each and every person that reads this story. It doesn't matter if you are a man or woman, young or old, this is a book you'll want to read. You'll have such a good feeling when you finish.

This book is a very good book for a third or fourth grader. It tells about all of the family and where they are and then it brings them together with various means. this is a great book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Watch out below!" Thats the sound of the little boy named Junor Blossom about to jump off the top of the barn. This little boy has a lot of problems with his family, he has a big sister named Maggie. Her problem in the family is she has to take care of the family and run things but, she can't go shopping.(her favorite thing to do is shopping) Junior also has a big brother named Vern, a grandpa named Pap, and a dog named Mud. They have a mother too but, she's out on a rodeo circuit. His granpa and his big brother are in jail for disturbing the peace and their dog Mud has ran away. See...this family has a lot of problems. There's just one question to ask you? Do you think that the Blossoms will solve their problems? Now if you read this book I don't know if you wil like it or not but, to tell you I sure did. This book was put on my favorite book list after I got done reading it. The book is realistic fiction so if you don't like realistic books I wouldn't read this book. The author is Besty Byars. She has wrote a lot of books most of them are mystery and romance but, hey she is a really good writer. So are you going to read this book?

When Pap Blossom goes into town that's when it all started. Breaking into jail, jumping off the roof, missing mom and lost dog are some of the interesting things that happen to the Blossom family. If I could I would give it a hundred stars. I think this book is a 4th, 5th, and 6th grade book. Now you know what it is about so go get the book NOW!!

Go into the world of funny things with Betsy Byars and The NotJust- Anybody Family. It's filled with trouble, mischief, and fun! The trouble begins when Pap goes into town. Somebody falls of the roof, someone goes to jail, someone breaks into jail, and people go to trial. Also, there is a runaway dog. All these funny and exciting things plus a teaspoon of sadness fit into this book. I hope I got your attention! P.S READ THIS BOOK!!!

The Not-Just-Anybody Family is a book my whole classroom enjoyed. It has action, humor, a missing dog, an out-of-town mom, and a grandpa in jail. The children in the book are very real and my students could relate to their feelings and difficulties. The settings change from chapter to chapter and Betsy Byars writes just enough about each situation to keep you wanting more. This book helped my students learn the meaning of "suspense" and almost all of them gave the book a rating of nine or ten on a one to ten scale. I plan on ordering the audio version for some of my students next year.

This is the first time I have ever purchased a Farmers almanac, and now I wonder how I ever gardened without one! It is set up in an easy to read format, and is small enought to carry around!

This is the first time I have ever purchased a Farmers almanac, and now I wonder how I ever gardened without one! It is set up in an easy to read format, and is small enought to carry around!

This is the first time I have ever purchased a Farmers almanac, and now I wonder how I ever gardened without one! It is set up in an easy to read format, and is small enought to carry around!

the 2000 book is a collectore edition and it is better than 1999

This book tells it all like it is. It leaves nothing out. If you have problems figuring out what the symbols mean, there is a directory that helps you. I recommend the books to friends & family every year - which I perchase every year myself.

This book is a very good read. It may be short, but good things come in small packages. It makes you laugh out loud, cry and groan at the problems Only faces through his life. It is a touching book that is sure to please anyone who likes animals.

I loved this book and bought copies for my friends. Only, the dog is the Forest Gump of dogs. My sons, 10 and 12 read it too and enjoyed it.

'Only' is a heartwarming, enduring, and, at times, funny account of life, love and family as seen through the eyes (and the heart) of a dog named Only. Winston Groom uses beautiful yet simplistic language without having the need to make the dog actually talk. You feel what Only feels by his experiences and his reactions to them. Groom takes you into the heart and mind of what is truely man's best frined. The story moves quickly but without sacrificing any grace. Once you read 'Only' you'll never be able to call your dog just a "dog" again.... read this with your dog curled up next to you so he's there when you need to give him a hug.

Looking for a dynamic, absorbing, page turner of a book with clean language and content? You have to read this one. If you are not a dog lover before reading 'Only' you will be after.
I've been reading and collecting books for 40 years and this is one of the best!!

A fantastic book that any animal lover is sure to appreciate. Can easily be read in one afternoon. A box of tissues is a prerequisite to this very touching, sometimes funny look at life through a dog's eyes.

I was introduced to this book by a visit to a centering prayer support group at an Episcopal church. One of the participants there told me the fundamentals of this method of prayer, which is five or six hundred years old, then we had a twenty minute session. Afterwards the rector who had directed the session photocopied for me a seven page appendix from this book. In the appendix was a reference to the title of the book. I ordered it and learned that it was part of a trilogy be Fr. Keating. This book is highly recommended for those who are looking to banish clutter from their lives and feel closer to God.

This is one of the best primers about moving into
Stillness I have read. It will be valuable to the beginner as well as for folks who have practiced meditation for many years.

This is a marvelous introduction to centering prayer. It answers basic questions and pulls the reader into God's love in a very methodical and reassuring way--reminding the reader that all one needs to do is to say "Yes" to God's grace. Takes a lot of pressure off "making it happen" which is so ingrained in Western society. "Be still and know that I am God" is a central theme. Open Mind Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel

In this writing, Father Thomas Keating very carefully and completely offers a newly-edited version of what is considered a primary source for learning Centering Prayer. As the early proponent of this type of prayer that can lead greater joy in entering the presence of God, Keating has once again explained in great detail how the practice of engaging in Centering Prayer can be of benefit. His work is the definitive source of terminology and understanding for the contemplative who wants to engage seriously in this deep form of prayer.

This book has opened up a whole new path to prayer for me. It is what I was looking for. Centering Prayer,Contemplative Prayer, is explained well inThomas Keating's book.

If you are interested in spirituality, animals, and the connectedness of all living things - this is an extremely well written, superb book.

Opening My Wings to Fly - What Animals Have Taught Me
Tera Thomas, 2001

"I have opened my heart and let this story flow onto the paper." - Tera Thomas

I know you have witnessed people that babies and animals just seem to be drawn to. Tera Thomas is one of those people. I like Tera Thomas because she represents so many of us who just knew that if we just asked with intention for our guide to be made physically manifest for us to see and hear, that - BANG -- the light would appear, the metaphysical body would be made manifest, and pearls of wisdom would flow straight into our waiting brains! She represents those of us who were getting up, going to work, and coming home to a confusing sense of emptiness at the end of each day. Opening My Wings to Fly is a series of short essays about the hard work and the subtle intricacies of Tera Thomas' journey toward communion and communication with physical and non-physical animal guides. Thomas offers us intimate glimpses of the learning curve she experienced as she discovered that it is not our brains but our hearts that are at one with all that is. Her story is a success story. She is living her dream as it unfolds before her in a small town in North Carolina far away from her roots in New York City.

Lucy Means Light is an essay regarding the transition of Thomas' beloved cat, Lucy. Thomas tells us how she had been so busy running around "doing" that she had failed to notice Lucy's "being." As Lucy finally commits the cat faux pas of urinating on herself, Thomas stops in her tracks and realizes that her beloved is frail and fragile. A trip to the veterinarian confirms that Lucy is terminally ill with leukemia. Lucy conveys upon Thomas the gift of communion for another seven weeks. She teaches Tera how to finally drop her guard and feel. She reminds her of the energy dynamic that nothing ever dies but rather simply transmutes. As Lucy teaches Thomas of the sacredness of transition, she also teaches her that death creates a vortex into which we can pour all that we desire to permanently release from our lives. As Thomas thinks about Lucy after her death, she looks up Lucy's name in a name book and discovers what she already knows in her heart - Lucy means bringer of light.

Lucy's transition story is only one of the essays in this gloriously well-written book that brought my own feelings welling up within me. Some of the stories brought me to the brink of tears and others had me laughing until I cried! When Thomas calls to the snakes to help her learn about them and guide her they begin showing up everywhere! Their sheds, their coils, their non-nonchalant observation greets Thomas' every move as she glories in her first North Carolina summer. I believe this may fall into the category of Be Careful What You Pray For! Opening My Wings to Fly is a must have for anyone interested in animal communication.
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Tera's book captures both her journey and the message of interspecies communication in an easy to read, moving story. I didn't want to finish the book because I wanted there to be more to read, more to learn. My heart and mind felt such an expanse. Thanks Tera!

"Opening My Wings to Fly" is a magnificent book. Tera Thomas and her precious animal friends have created stories that are beautifully written, inspiring and moving. I learned so much from reading this book - not only about the wisdom and love of animals but also about how to live in a grateful and generous way. All the while, I was captivated by the stories - stories which moved me to tears, made me laugh out loud, and motivated me to open my own wings to fly. I am very grateful to Ms. Thomas for this gift of a book. It is a treasure.

This wonderful book will change the way you look at life! In it, Tera Thomas takes us on a personal journey where we can learn for ourselves -- what animals have taught her.
Written with alot of openness, heart and humor, it is the story of her development as an animal communicator. It is filled with delightful stories of animals she has known, unforgettable characters who impart tremendous wisdom about the meaning of life and death, and the importance of acceptance. And, because of what these special beings (animals and Tera) share with the reader, I finished the book with a much greater acceptance of life -- and self -- than when I had first begun.
It is a very spiritual book, with much to be gleaned from within its pages.
You can't help but feel as if you have, if not flown, then certainly stretched your wings a bit. To be savored again and again.

Communicates a method of arriving at conclusions that is relationship driven employing extensive use of careful observation to create actions based on facts rather than unrealistic expectations and/or hopes.

Having been a front line manager for a fortune 500 buisness, I would have like to have had a copy of this many years ago. Terry and Thomas have taken almost all the concepts of business (and life) and broken them into two catagories, Luck Optimization and Fault Tolorance. This applies to everything from how a buisness responds to changing conditions, to how staff is treated. Although this was written for those who have a direct roll in how a buisness or organization operates, there are many insights for low level managers and even non managers. I found this witty, insightful, and even fun to read.

Jack Gates - Gates Associates:

This is a `value read' book which is based on the authors' experience in a very successful - perhaps historically the most successful - space project, which accomplished truly great things in the face of huge obstacles, like less funding and aging satellites. How was this accomplished? The leaders tapped a strong ownership by the staff that everyone was there to help the customer meet their needs (space researchers) and to continue to seek input on that need and upgrade the service to support it. `Optimizing Luck' is a term the authors' have coined to capture the concept of hire great people and let them do great work - with full support and communication from the mission leadership. Working shoulder to shoulder is an added element here as well.

The book is more than just a case study - although you do get a good picture of what the years were like at the NASA Satellite Project. It breaks the mold of other business books which seem to follow the `here's what I did and here's how you can duplicate it' approach. In fact, the authors do not demean our knowledge or experience by even suggesting the `how to' aspects. The strength of the narrative is the support of ideas and concepts with specific examples that have worked in application repeatedly. Engaging the individuals to find solutions and be innovative for the best result possible - one that exceeds even exceeded expectations! With this as mind-food, you and I can begin to apply the principles immediately to our unique circumstances and situation.

The two take-away elements from the book are from a people perspective: optimize luck - utilize the skills, minds, and imaginations of the people in the organization to yield the very best result possible; and from an organizational perspective: fault tolerance - create systems (whether computer or people) which can continue to operate when the unknown and unexpected creates havoc - even from a major disaster.

This is a book that is never too far away from my desk and while it is not like a dictionary - where you just look up the answer, it is like a detailed map that provides the stimulus to work your problem to a great solution. It has earned each of the five stars that I rated it - that and more.

- Jack Gates

Disasters happen and the key to business success often lies in being flexible enough to respond to emergencies. OPTIMIZING LUCK provides the tools and techniques for creating a corporate culture that nurtures customer satisfaction and peak performance regardless of emergencies and changes. The authors have created one of the longest-lasting astronomy satellite projects and in this profile they combine their science knowledge with business management techniques to provide an analysis of business success.

I wish I could have given six stars - but, alas, Amazon keeps me to just five. I really found this book useful for my small business. It taught me lessons for how to work better with both my customers and my employees.

Although the book uses a NASA satellite project to highlight business and management lessons learned, these lessons have broad applicability to both small and large businesses alike. The book opened my eyes to business opportunities I may not have seen before and clued me into how I can run my business to be more fault tolerant.

In every business, there will be highs and lows, but it is useful to take this book along with you on your journey. I will be keeping this book handy so I can reread excerpts when it seems I may have strayed off course.

This book is true and good.... well written by a very good and very experienced writer about a subject he knows by heart. The adventure is wonderful, too. It is easy to tell that the author never actually matured to the point of common adulthood. My grandchildren were (are... I have six and some are still standing in line) mesmerized.

The Panther And The Windigo by Lowell P. Thomas is a highly recommended young adult novel about four children on the edge of the Everglades forest. They learn of a horrible force called the Windigo, which threatens their lives, yet deep-seated powers within them, and the presence of a mysterious great cat lead to an inevitable showdown. An upbeat, exciting story, The Panther And The Windigo is an ideal addition to school and community libraries fiction shelves for young readers.

I enjoyed this book on several levels.
As an exciting, interesting story, and as an book full of information about the Florida marshes, swamps and history it is just wonderful.
But what I liked best was the way the youngsters faced outside challenges and growing up challenges. They faced their own tasks of learning not to boast, to look to themselves for courage and that more can be accomplished with teamwork.
And while some adults are bad and wrong, most of the grown ups are examples of fairness, wisdom and caring. Most refreshing.
Worthwhile reading for all ages.

I'll admit it: I'm a friend of the author. So when I started to read the Panther and the Windigo, I knew it would be well written, factually accurate and entertaining. But I didn't expect to be swept away into the world of the swamp and the Indians and the nefarious developers with the same intensity that I vaguely remember from my 12-year-old forays into Nancy Drew books and The Hardy Boys mysteries. I really couldn't stop and I wish there were another one right now! Thank you, Lowell.

I wanted my children to have a broad perspective of different cultures, and this novel is a wonderful tool for introducing kids to Florida. This book is wonderfully imaginative and is compelling from a child's point of view. I ties mystical traditions and coming of age values together masterfully. I would definitely recommend this for children 7-12. I hope see more beautiful work from Mr.Thomas in the future. This novel really brought back found memories of my childhood in Florida!

The Great Liberator of South America, General Simon Bolivar, had
a dream of an all-encompassing, Spanish-speaking, Latin American
Federation of Nation, based upon the concept and reality of the United States of America. Yet,four decades later, the 1864-1870
Paraguayan War shows that then, and even now, this wonderful
dream of Simon Bolivar is still many decades away. Bolivia still
wants it's pre-1879 seacoast returned. The Chaco War-1932-1935
shows this "irredentitism" spirit of revenge has followed Latin America into the new 21st Century. Paraguay has yet to recover
from the 1864-1870 War of Disaster. The 1826 speech of General
Bolivar, in Panama, was and stll IS a great hope for all of
Latin America, but the mechanics of Latin American Unity is
"just not in the cards". The continuing tragedy of Paraguay
haunts still--135 years later. May Paraguay find healing.
In terms of this fine book-
This book, the Paraguayan War is 10,000% "on target".
A "MUST READ" for old history-buffs, and all serious students of
Latin American History, and Social Structures.
A most-excellent work of historical literati. BUY IT!!
VIVA PARAGUAY Y Libertad!!
from
Dr. Nick Stage-PHD History--Zionville Indiana

While looking for background information on Paraguay I stumbled across Mr. Whigham's book. The book focuses on the Triple Alliance War fought in the mid-1800's. I found that he has a great writing style and I found myself not wanting to put the book down. The text is packed with the history of South America, but put in a way that was cohesive and interlinked. If your interested in the history of South America from colonial times to the mid-1800's pick this book up you won't be sorry!

This book is a valiant effort to understand the only true war in the history of Latin America but in the end it falls short. I feel that some of the classifications for starting the conflict are wrong and his analysis is shaky. He takes several liberties and makes excuses for the dictator in Paraguay. If you are looking for information on the war try reading To the bitter end by Chris Leuchars. It is much better written and focused. I don't think we will be seeing volume two anytime soon so if you want the whole war see the other book. Overall just stay away.

The Paraguayan War (sometimes called the War of the triple Alliance or the Lopez War)frequently appears as a line or two at most in military histories and is immediately dismissed as not worthy of note. Thom Wigham has rightly rescued this facinating and tragic story and given it its rightful place among the great wars of the 19th century. The story is placed in context with a thorough exploration of the politics of the Plata in the decades leading up to the war; politics which can be most generously be described as "byzantine". The early conduct of the war is also both described and dispassionatly analyzed.

I do wish there were more and better maps. Also as a hard-core military buff it would be nice to have more notes on uniforms, equipment and orders of battle (as an appendix, of course).

My other wish is for Dr. Whigham to finish the next volume, which I understand will be in a couple of years. Until then I will have to satisfy myself with "I die for my country".

The Paraguayan war which lasted from 1864-70 was one of the bloodiest wars in Latin American history. More then 70% of the men of Paraguay perished in a terrible war that destroyed the country to such an extent that it has not recovered to this day. The Paraguayan was launched due to political machinations involving a civil war in Uruguay and this wonderful book delves into the root causes and opening campaigns. This is simply a must read and a needed contribution to a period of history that has been totally neglected by historians. Any student of Ltin American history will be happy with this work.

Seth J. Frantzman

This is the best book of this type that I have ever read. The message is powerful, straightforward and inspiring!

This book really spoke to issues concerning family relationships. It gave me insight on how to fulfill my passion in life. My husband and I read it and are planning to use it for our family bible study. It is a must read.

This book really inspired me to find out what my purpose is in my life. It helped remind me that God knows what it is and to seek him FIRST. Thank you writing this wonderful book.

After reading Passion for your Purpose, I began to hear God speak clearly to my heart. One of the first questions I began to ask myself is "What do I want to be when I grow up". The book ignited a fire under my feet. After going back and reminising on the thing(s) that excite me and bring true enjoyment to my life, without a shadow of a doubt, I was able to figure out before finishing the book what my God given purpose is. I made a committment that day that I would not leave this earth without having fulfilled God's will for my life. God created me uniquely to fulfill a purpose that would not only benefit me but it would also benefit others!!!!!

I just purchased Passion for Your Purpose and could not put it down on the way home. I was in the car perusing a page at a red light and I could not stop reading. I did this at every red light all the way home. The words jumed off the page. I love it! I would highly recommend this book for the real people in the world who want peace and direction. I feel empowered... someone finally heard and SAID what I felt!!! If you haven't bought it do so now.... you will be pleased! The author says so many things that I have thought and been afraid to say. Thank you for your willingness to share in such a personal way. It has been inspiring!