Turner Books

Gold Medal CCC Company 1538 by Kathy Mays Smith is an excellent documentary about the mission and purpose of the Civilian Conservation Corps. I have served in the CCC from 1936 through 1939 and can testify that this book describes exactly what life and work was in our camps. During this sobering time of the Great Depression we were thankful to have a job, worked hard and thought nothing of it. This book brought back many memories. I really enjoyed reading it. When looking back to this time of work and discipline, I am proud to say that we CCC boys have served our country well and have left a legacy for many to enjoy. Thank you, Mrs. Kathy Mays Smith, for your great esteem and respect for the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

I've been interviewing and videotaping CC boys for the last five years. What they did for this country advanced the cause of conservation by 25 years. And turned young boys into men.

What Kathy Mays Smith does in her new book Gold Medal CCC Company 1538 makes the young-boys-into-men story real. You meet the guys, get to know them, and follow them as their lives unfold. There's even a postscript at the end--what they've been up to for these last 70 some odd years..

The amount of research in the book is staggering. Many of the photos look like they were taken by pros.

This book recreates a time and place of passion and belief in a better day and a better environment. By a bunch of young boys who made a dollar a day and keep. It prepared most for a war they didn't ask for but fought tooth and nail. Just like they fought forest fires in the CCC.

Like Ken Burns epic "The War", most of the men who can tell the story of the CCC are, or soon will be, gone. Read this book and ask yourself why aren't we investing our resources in this sort of endeavor now for the young men and women in this country.

I purchased this book a couple years ago for my father, who was in the CCC. He is now 94 and still tells tales about this time in his life. In fact, we visited his Camp Zaleski (Ohio) a couple weeks ago. While visiting the FDR Memorial in Washington DC a week ago, I was very pleased to see this book in their gift shop. There are far too few books about the CCC; only a few comments here and there in other books. It's a shame there is not a more detailed book including information on all the camps and the great work accomplished by the CCC.

Happened on this book by chance in the Malabar Farm Visitor Center.
It grabbed me and kept me reading when I wasn't there to read! The title raised a question mark in my mind, what is this about? the subtitle "A documentary" gave a hint as to the story's narrative quality.
I found the personal story of her father's role in leading the CCC was what made this documentary by Kathy Mays Smith intriguing. His men followed him because of what kind of a man he was. His attitude that a man must build to help those who come after him had a dramatic impact on the success of the program.
Equally remarkable was Col. Mays' role in the effective leadership of the Nuremberg trials.
This inspiring book is scholarly in its research, but heartfelt in its message. It should be on every public library shelf, but especially that of the educator, military officer or politician who cares about the youth of today and the future of this country.

This is a very good book. My father was a member of the CCC and I knew very little about what life must have been like serving during that period. Thanks to Kathy Mays Smith for filling a void by providing such detail, wonderful pictures and examples of camp documents. I'm sure this book will end up as a standard for anyone interested in the CCC's.

The book came in plenty of time for a gift. It did have a slice in the paper cover and slightly on the main book it's self. Looks like when someone opened a box with a box cutter. It didn't effect the out come of the book though.

This cookbook contains many of the most popular dishes served at the Inn at Little Washington. I was surprised how true the recipes are to the dishes served at the Inn. Few recipes require exotic or inaccessibly expensive ingredients. While some recipes are labor-intensive, others can be prepared rather quickly and easily with excellent results, such as the Rockfish with Mushrooms and Grapes.

The Red Pepper Soup with Sambuca Cream has become a favorite in our house, even among those who typically do not enjoy red pepper. The Medallions of Veal with Calvados Cream is also well worth the effort. The ice-cream recipes in this text are also excellent.

If you are not an avid cook, this book has lovely pictures and makes for a good coffee table book. The text is also well-written and interesting. Highly recommended.

This is the restaurant by which all other restaurants are measured. It is perfection in every way. Therefore, it is not surprising that I would want the cookbook. What may be surprising to some, then, is how good the book is. There are many notable restaurants and famous chefs are not rare. Chefs, however, who write well and present good cookboooks is less commonplace. The writing is excellent and the recipes turn out as anticipated. I pick up the book (together with Levin's book) sometimes just to recall the most splendid restaurant experience of my life and to look forward to dining there again soon. This should be a good book even for those who have not had my experience; it should be for any lover of good food and good dining.

We have been guests at the Inn at Little Washington and enjoyed lovely repasts there. In the book, "The Inn at Little Washington Cookbook," we have taken the magnificent offerings to our own table. Especially memorable is the tomato salad, rated the best by the Washington Post reviewer, with tri-colored tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, and shaved asciago cheese - a feast for the eye and the palate. The lobster medallions with grapefruit are delicions and easy to prepare. There is practicality in the preparation and easy-to-find ingredients. The photographs are wonderful. I have given this lovely book to many friends who have shared my delight with Patrick O'Connell's gift from the heart!

We had the pleasure of spending a weekend at the inn and on one of our 2 dinners there actually ate at the "chef's table" in the kitchen. While there we were able to sample a large portion of the menu and obtain an autographed copy of his cookbook. Upon returning home I assumed the recipes would be convoluted and difficult to follow. THIS IS NOT THE CASE! Patrick's recipes are clear, straight-forward and enable any cook with moderate kitchen skills to wonderfully replicate the dishes he serves at his fantastic inn! If you want to produce delicious dishes, with a hint of southern US, French & Italian influences then buy this book!!! You will not be disappointed & your guests will be amazed!

In my opinion, the sign of a great writer is when you read an author's book and find yourself riveted to the page, when you're compelled to keep reading not just to find out what happens next, but because you are blissfully drawn into the world that the author has created. This is what happened to me when I started reading Quantum Ethics: A Thriller. And I can honestly say that, for the most part, it is indeed a thriller of the best kind.

One of the most compelling characters in the book, and now one of my favorite fictional heroes of all time, is a man named John Thunder. He's an enigmatic man who seems to have almost supernatural perception of the world around him, a sixth sense that makes him a tracker and investigator of unmatched skill. His backstory, and the means through which he acquires these skills, is a tragic tale full of ancient mysticism and real-world horror that somehow only makes what could come across as an unbelievable character all the more real. The entire book is filled with colorful and well fleshed out characters like the young genius Cassy and the hulking sidekick to John Thunder named Quaalude. These characters, plus many others whom we get to follow along the way, help to enhance this book as a modern epic tale of the violent and precarious world in which we live today. Unfortunately, I think this is also precisely where the flaws that prevent this excellent book from being perfect are the most evident.

While the story is indeed a thriller, and may I say that Keith Ellis writes extremely well throughout, handling both action and dialogue masterfully, at times the story veers too long from the main plot. There are sections of the book where discussions about Quantum Physics and, as the title suggests, the ethics related to the subject as they relate to the main plot of this story, seem to take a time out to give us lectures on these topics. Well written lectures, mind you, but they are misplaced, distracting and disrupt the forward momentum that this author has the uncanny ability to build with seeming ease. Admittedly the story, about the creation of the world's first quantum computer, the moral and life threatening implications of its very existence, and the fight resulting for control of the device, is rife with deep and real moral implications. But at its heart the book is supposed to be a "thriller" and not a dissertation on social/moral ethics. There are times throughout the book where it loses sight of that fact.

I had the pleasure to read the Amazon Kindle version of this book, and to my delight and surprise I discovered a mention of the device in the midst of the story. And while this in itself should have been a cute moment for us Kindle fanatics, the story again veers off to have one character give the other a lesson on what the Kindle is and how it works. I would love to see a commercial about the Kindle during the commercial break on the Sci Fi Channel for the movie version of this story, but it just doesn't belong in the middle of the book.

And finally, without giving away the ending, I found that some of the characters behaved as if deranged or had no moral compass whatsoever. I love stories where the bad guys and the good guys aren't so cut and dried, because in real life, very few things are indeed clearly black and white. But the good guys should generally be good, and when they suddenly become lustful for death and destruction, particularly when they are people of power and respect, I found it hard to believe. The final confrontation that decided the fate of the world seemed more like the author's proselytizing for an anti-war stance. And I find that particularly regrettable since I don't believe that was the author's intent.

But overall, I loved this book, and though I felt it could have been even better had some of the pauses in action been shorter and less "lecture-like", I would recommend that anyone considering buying this book definitely do so. Another sign of great writing is when the writing itself outshines any flaws you may find in the work, and Quantum Ethics: A Thriller, shines very brightly indeed.

- Gregory Bernard Banks, author, reader, reviewer

This is a keeper. It's a real page turner with virtually non stop action from front to back. A great read! I couldn't put it down. This would make a movie that would put Indiana Jones to shame. How about it Hollywood?

I hope Mr. Ellis is working on another one and that it comes out soon.

I just finished Quantum Ethics this morning and I truly enjoyed it.
I can't wait to read more missions about John Thunder and Quaalude;

The section that had Quaalude talking about his conversion to the amazonKindle, he sounded just like me when I tell my friends about the Kindle, a true convert! Not sure it fit in the book but that may be because he sounds just like me and maybe that is what I am comparing it to?

Quantum Ethics is one of the best reads I have read in a long while and
belive me I have read just about every thriller that is released. Brad Thor, Dale Brown, John Connolly, Jeffery Deaver, Paul Christopher, Joel Rosenberg,
David Stone, Mark Alpert, James Rollins, Christopher Reich, Jon Land, Steve
Alten, Steve Martini, Robert Ferrigno, Richard Hawke, and of course Lee
Child who signed my amazonKindle, his and my first. No more Cussler or Patterson for me they have sold out in my opinion.

Now I have added Keith Ellis to the top of my list and I would love to have Keith Ellis sign my amazonKindle some day. Casey C.

Quantum Ethics is more than a thriller. It bravely tackles the scariest and biggest questions of our day. Through his vivid characters' conversations, actions and backgrounds, the author has a way of bringing those questions to life in scenarios that really did keep me on the edge of my seat. Somehow he even gives the characters a sense of humor to keep them (and the reader) sane through it all..

This book would make a great movie. It's packed with action and twists and turns so make sure you take your blood pressure medicine before reading this book.

WARNING! Don't begin to read Quantum Ethics unless you are prepared to read it all, RIGHT NOW!

As I began to read Quantum Ethics I found it to be a fast-paced, suspenseful, intriguing "thriller," but I was also impressed with the craft Keith Ellis brings to his first novel. About a third of the way through, however, I stopped thinking about all that stuff -- I couldn't wait to find out how Quantum Ethics ends, but at the same time, I didn't want to run out of pages to read.

What a marvelous story! You'll be talking about the book and the characters and situations in it for months.

But try not to finish it like I did -- at 3:30 in the morning. Remember, you were warned....

I purchased this book for my son-n-law and I almost kept it for myself! This book has a lot of really good photos and very interesting stories. I highly recommend this book!

this book is great for an older beatle fan. i grew up with them from ed sullivan on. while we all had our own ideas what every song was about it was good to finally learn the true meaning of so many of my favorite songs.

This book provides many great details in the stories behind the songs. My husband and I both love it. It's a must-have for any true Beatles fan!

This was a book that I couldn't put down reading the first time. Now, when I hear a Beatles song and have a question, it serves as a great resource book.

This is a lovely book, exactly as advertised. Wonderful anecdotes from my growing-up years in the 60's. It's a gift for a musician friend who shares our love of the Beatles. I'm going to order a copy for my husband this Christmas as well...he'll have to fight me for it.

This book adds humor and warmth to the nightmare that is dating. Once you get into it-you can't put it down.

Amy and Mark have written a book that is both smart and funny, wry and poignant. A must read for any one trying to understand not only contemporary dating, but the current state of relationships between men and women. Buy this book!

I really loved this book. It has the wry insight of a Douglas Coupland novel and just enough steamy scenes to keep you warm in bed at night. The two main characters write each other back and forth for a year, seemingly oblivious to the fact that the more they regale each other with tales of their own dating misadventures, the more they are in fact falling madly in love. I won't give it away, but the ending is...well...perfect.

Reading this book made me want to rent the authors by the hour: Mark, to tell me how guys really think, and Amy, to make me laugh out loud when I'm wallowing. They really are the best friends a reader could ask for.

I received this book as a gift, and opened it with intentions of reading it over the course of a week....but ended up finishing it in hours! It is so insanely 'human', while still offering a great escape from daily life. I found an instant connection to the main characters, and discovered that I could easily share in their many emotions and adventures. It is packed full of joy, sorrow, triumphs, losses, and tons of laughs!It's insightful, touching, and honest. I caught myself giggling out loud more times than I'd like to admit, and also feeling the pain of their heartaches every step of the way. It reaches in and yanks on that deep-rooted human need that causes each and every one of us to put ourselves in all sorts of situations in our search for love, and yet it remains funny and entertaining from start to finish. It will definitely leave you questioning if it's really a work of fiction, and you may even wonder if they are writing about YOU. Men and women alike will enjoy this book. GET A COPY!!

Mike Slater has absolutely brought alive the anguish and triumph of those men of the 5th Regimental Combat Team who held the hills of sacrifice in the earliest days of the Korean War and eventually finished their sacrifice along the Armistice line three years later. The depth of research is stunning, not in its presentation of cold facts, but in its blended and balanced perspective from the human and emotional side of the soldiers who fought in Korea. A rich collection of archived military photos as well as personnel photos from those who fought there will not disappoint those who enjoy a more visual depiction of the history they're reading about. An outstanding history that is captivating and remarkable. A must read!!!

I read this book at my moms. We always try to keep up with anything and anyone that knew John Kennawell. It was a blessing to see that Michael had a picture of Sonny and my Uncle Johnny together. I will always remember that picture and know my mother has it. Someday I will have that same picture. Also I was glad that he put letters from mothers and others in this touching book.

In 1952 I had the honor of joining Company A, 5th RCT, which was assigned to the Punch Bowl area at that time. From what I could gather from other soldiers already there the 5th had an outstanding combat record. I finally found a book describing that period of combat. I now really appreciate being a member of the 5th and salute the veterans of the terrible combat of 1950-1952. Everyone who wants to have an insight into Infantry combat should read this book. Mike, you did a great job.

Being a former member of the 5th. Regimental Combat Team I think this Book is written for all the Men of the 5th. RCT who died Serving their Country, the Thousands of Wounded and of course the MIA. Mike Slater makes you feel like you are there sharing the Mens Hardships, the Weather and of course the Combat Sections are Heart wrenching. Mike is an Active duty Marine and knows what the "Grunts" of any Service-Army/Marines go thru!My age is 72 not 2?? Mikes' description of Sonny Calhau, his Family and Sonnys' Friends is so exact. When Sonny Calhau is KIA on Hill 814 on 3/23/51 it shocked me, he was so close to going Home to his beloved Hawaii. Also he didn't have to provide Point for the Platoon, it wasn't his job anymore!! I'm sure anybody who read this book wishes that they could have gotten hold of that Machine Gunner who Mortally wounded Sonny!

John A. Collins Former Corporal-Regt. Hq. Co.,5th. RCT 1949-1950

Mike Slater has captured the essence of grunt combat in Korea. One can hardly get through his exciting and riveting narrative, without shedding tears for those who were there. This is a compelling story of a combat unit that played an instrumental role in our "Forgotten War." Moreover, Slater provides an absoulutely outstanding portrayal of the pathos and drama of combat from the perspective of the foxhole. Certain to go down as one of the seminal works on that monumental conflict, "Hills of Conflict" is a must read for anyone who wishes to know what it was really like.

This book that will lift your spirits and warm your heart!

Willy was once an abandoned, handicapped chihuahua puppy dumped on the streets in a cardboard box.

Thanks to his adopter, who discovered the world of wheelchairs for dogs, Willy learned to fly!

Adults and children adore this book, and it is especially significant to the handicapped who share a special bond with Willy.

Make sure you also read How Willy Got His Wings

I find that the best inspirational tales come from real life - and this book is no exception. I saw the owner of Willy (yes, there actually is a real Willy) on Animal Planet and knew I just had to buy the book. It is as charming as expected and not just because of spunky little Willy, whose back legs are paralyzed and who has to learn to "walk" again, with the help of a special wheel-cart. It is just as inspiring to read of his owner's attempts to find a way to get him walking - using everything from acupuncture to helium balloons to hold up the back legs. A great read for the entire family!

This is the perfect book to teach empathy to children. The kindness that author Deborah Turner demonstrates towards her pet dog can be extended to humankind as well. We need to accept and love animals (and people) despite their weaknesses and frailties, focusing instead on their strengths and the love that comes back to us.

I read the book after hearing about it on tv, and have sent it to my great nieces. You see I am like Willy I am also in a wheelchair. I have never gotten to see my great-nieces in person and hope that when they reed the book and their mom explains to them that I am (like Willy) in a wheelchair that they cn understand why I haven't been able to come see them (they are in Oregon and I am in Missouri). Willy is a courageous pup and we can all learn from him how to face life's adversities.

Willy the Chihuahua lives at an animal hospital, because his back legs don't work. He dreams of having a home and a family and playing with other animals and chasing sticks. Then one day, a pretty lady comes and takes him home with her! Willy meets his new brother, another Chihuahua named Sweet Pea, and his new sister, a fluffy silver cat named Marshmallow.

Willy still can't walk or run, and has to use his front legs to drag himself from place to place, until his new mother tries some different ideas to help him get around--with often humorous results.

Filled with bright, gorgeous watercolor illustrations that even pre-readers can appreciate, HOW WILLY GOT HIS WHEELS is the story of a loveable and courageous little dog. Written for age levels 5-10, it's a book that everyone from toddlers to adults can enjoy on many levels. Authors Turner and Mohler have done a tremendous job of showing life from a physically disabled viewpoint without preaching or patronizing. Here's hoping we will get to hear more of Willy's adventures in the near future!

Kimberly Borrowdale Under the Covers Book Reviews

This was ordered for a friend. I finally let her know I was reading and looking through it before she would receive it. It is just beautiful. These are remarkable women we could all look up to. The photographs are wonderful.

I was fortunate enough to see this art exhibit in a museum and bought the guide after I saw the exhibit. I used this book often when I taught history to special education students. I bought the newer edition to donate to my college sorority house hoping that some of the current women would be inspired by the stories of some of these women.

I order two books (I Dream a World) and received only one book I am still waiting for the second book to arrive. I have sent several emails to find out where the book is and I have not gotten anywhere. Will you please send me my book.

I am willing to sign for the book when it arrive. If I don't receive my book I will not feel safe odering from you anymore. If don't receive my book in the next to weeks I will be pursuing a refund.

The first book was a christmas gift for my niece and the second one was for me. I like the book that why I place a second order.

I was blessed to recieve this book in 1990 as a gift from a dear friend. Throughout the years this book has been a form of encouragement in my daily life through various things. Once my daughter turned ten we sat down together and read through I DREAM A WORLD, She was captivated. I have now passed this book on to my daughter and she proudly displays it in her room with trophies, clay art, pictures, and souviners.

I was given this book when I was a freshman in architecture college. When I saw Ms Sklarek, I immediately wrote the publisher and got her addres and wrote her a letter. To my surprise she wrote back to me and her later inspired me to continue studying architecture. Now...17 years and three degrees later I came across her name again during a conversation and I decided to contact her again and again, she sent me her business card. Since our architectural firm has a committee that procures speakers, I plan to invite her to my firm to give a presentation on Women in Architecture. So, I said all that to say...not only should we find our mentors, but we should also communicate with them whenever we can.

"The Identity Factor" is an excellent example of a well-written, action- packed book with a constantly changing cast of characters who may or may not be the good/bad guys. Starting in the Middle East in the early 1900's, the book brings us up to the present, where religion, politics, and many other factors collide to make a roller-coaster ride of reading. Through his research for this book, James Houston Turner brings out many ideas about religious & political situations that reflect that of our times, and does it in a way to make you think. I found myself reading it, thinking, "One more page, and I'll put it down. O.k., maybe one more chapter. Well, I'm almost at the end...I'd best finish it." , which brought me to 4:00 a.m - no regrets over my choice! James Houston Turner's books rank right up there with the great thriller writers!

In 1919 Sir Edmund George Clayton discovered a tablet that was identified as
containing certain information about Genesis and the ownership of land that
is now Israel/Palestine. He was murdered and the tablet disappeared.

What was supposedly this same tablet has turned up again, nearly a hundred
years later and threatens war to destroy the world if its contents are
revealed. Is this why terrorists and government security forces are involved
in following Rutherford Tyler when he flies to Cairo to interview the man
who is said to have the tablet? Do they believe it really exists?

Talented author James Houston Turner tells a tale that will hold your
interest from page one to the last. He weaves a series of intricately
balanced subplots into a solidly crafted tale of suspense, intrigue, and
murder as lived by characters so real you could believe they exist.

Personal agendas and dark secrets of the characters, including a killer no
one can describe, a man whose specialty is interviewing celebrities, a US
government agent, and a mix of others you will find fascinating will lead
you a merry chase as you try to figure out how a stone tablet could cause so
much trouble and why possession of it is so desired.

This is a tale any thriller or mystery fan will enjoy. I found it a
delightful change in that the author did not go in for the gory descriptions
of murder victims found in so many other thrillers. You will enjoy it fully
as much as I did, possibly for different reasons. It is a well told tale
that will leave you satisfied and all your questions answered. Enjoy. I
did

With the steep decline of unrealistic spy novels, chronicles of CIA and FBI agents taking down the masterminds of terrorism have filled bookstore shelves. Authors such as Robert Ludlum, Vince Flynn, David Baldacci and Brad Thor have become household names and have quickly replaced Ian Fleming and his creation of James Bond. Well guys, it's time to make room for one more, and his name is Turner: James Houston Turner.

As if he combined the religious ramifications of Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code and the realism of terrorist attacks from Brad Thor's The First Commandment, James Houston Turner has created a masterpiece in The Identity Factor. The story is based around an archeological artifact that could prove Israel's uncontested ownership of Palestine...confirmed by Ishmael himself. Because of the tensions of the West Bank, the authentication of the artifact would, no doubt, lead the nations into World War III. This unleashes both friends and foes, including mastermind terrorist, Abu Nazer.

In a twist, un-chartered in many political spy thrillers, a lone female CIA Agent/Analyst Zoë Gustaves allows nothing to stand in her way to hunt down the infamous terrorist, Abu Nazer. Disobeying almost every command given to her by her superiors, the only thing that saves her...career is that she always gets results. The question is, "are the results always good?" Turner takes excellent care of Gustaves by showing her weaknesses while at the same time showing her courage to trudge bravely through her insecurities.

Houston introduces many multi-faceted characters, such as Jackson Teague, the arrogant Deputy CIA Director, which is Gustaves' boss; Rutherford Tyler, the mysterious yet world renowned journalist with friends from Vice Presidents to Middle Eastern businessmen; Youssef Zakkara, extremely wealthy Egyptian businessman and owner of the artifact in question; Sharifa al Rashid, personal assistant to Mr. Zakkara and deceptive love interest of Rutherford Tyler and many other characters making their appearances to assist in completing the intricate puzzle of the espionage that lurks within the pages. As the characters work with each other while simultaneously working against each other, no one can be trusted and no one seems to be who they say they are.

A thrill ride from the opening page, Turner explores the fast pace of terrorist investigation, split second decisions and unpopular choices being made to uncover the truth and stop the brewing chaos stemming from the existence of the priceless, religious artifact. Just as the cover says, "Seeking answers can be deadly when everyone has secrets."

James Houston Turner is a great political thriller author and I look forward to the books that follow.

I recently read The Identity Factor. I do not claim to be a genius (Well, sometimes.) but I read a LOT. Upon completion of the book, this is what I wrote to James...
You, my man, have raised the bar! The Identity Factor is beyond great! The preliminary reviews of Bourne meets DaVinci meets Ryan simply does not do this book justice. There's little I can say to support this without being a "spoiler", (which I do NOT want to do) but I think there are subtle differences in all those comparisons, and I've got some damn good arguments to back up my belief that you've managed to edge out the competition on all three fronts!!! I'm amazed that you did not fall into the trap of creating a "repeat" of style from The Second Thirteen. These books are so different to me, from content to style to pace. And so you've managed something many authors cannot... A reason to KEEP reading your works. I can't stand when you come across a talented writer whose stories are so similar that they become predictable and thus....boring. Just don't see this being a problem for you! One complaint....Can't you write any damn faster? I just don't think I can handle the wait until your next foray. The Identity Factor was, as my favorite celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey would say..."SPOT ON"!!!!!


But JHT knows all this. Have YOU read TIF?!? If not, this is what I need to say to YOU....


Jumbo Shrimp. Peace Force. Dodge Ram. Believable Action Heroes. All oxymorons of sorts. Except that JHT manages the latter, and mostly because he manages to keep the WHOLE book believable. I will put The Identity Factor in the category of being BETTER than 80% of the bestsellers I've read over the last decade. (And don't worry, you remaining upper echelon of 20%, James is close to par with you too!) I would also be remiss if I didn't mention the perfectly crafted prologue and epilogue of this book. They serve as perfectly apt bookends to an incredible journey.

I now will come full circle, and exit with a message to the man who may one day be King, our esteemed Author...


"Any chance of a Gustaves/Talanov meeting in the future?" (For those of you that don't understand that question, do your homework. You'll thank me that you did.)


GREAT READ!!!!!

I finished reading Jim Turner's The Identity Factor a couple weeks ago, and felt compelled to write this review. I am an avid fan of books that combine action, intriguing international plots, and interesting characters. The Identity Factor has all of these. The reader is taken from San Diego, to a bar in Texas, then to the middle of Cairo, and back to the States.

The object of all this action is a tablet that could truly change the political dynamic in the Middle East, and the rest of the world. I could not help but wonder what was going to happen with the stakes so high. The story takes you to a root cause for all the strife emanating from the Middle East.

Turner's characters are colorful, intricate, and impossible to completely grasp until the very end of the book. I pride myself in being able to figure out plot twists in advance, but this book fooled me. Turner seems to have the ability to stay one step ahead of the reader.

Not only did I thoroughly enjoy this book, but I found myself thinking about the possibilities surrounding the turmoil in the Middle East for some time after the read. I look forward to his next novel.

This is a wonderful book. I found it hard to put down once I started looking at it. Each caption is very heartfelt from those who served in Vietnam and those who know someone who did. I love the fact that with books like this, "they will never be forgotten". Some of the words are very small and I definately needed my reading glasses, but the pictures are worth a thousand words. A huge thank you to those who served and those that sacrificed.

This is a moving book about the artifacts left at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington,D.C. Reading and seeing the pictures, about the different artifacts: stories, letters and notes are of interest on there own admission, but to tie it to the individual name on that black slab of granite, America's tombstone of the Vietnam War is mythical.

Have picked it up a number of times, since reading and digesting its contents.

No matter how you may feel about the war, the humanity revealed in this book will touch your heart. A little keepsake or memento left behind to a buddy, brother, husband or father is more than politics or justification of warfare it is about an offering to a loved one that died. That old saying a picture is worth a thousand words is true with this book, I found myself just staring blindly at insignificant objects that in any other place could easily be looked over, but here its is given to pay homage to the dead and maybe give a little peace to the living.

Eventhough I do not understand the Vietnam war, and I was not alive at the time, this book really touched me. The guilt, pain, and loss that the offerings people had left made me cry. There was a picture with a little girl and her dad, and a veteren was telling about the day he met the man in the photo. I think that story will stick with me forever. I saw the pain of innocense lost through the artifacts, and the truth of the poeple in that war was revealed. I reconmmend this book to anyone from that era to the youth of mine.

I sobbed through Offerings at the Wall. Sobbed for the loss of innocence and young lives lost. For anyone raised in the 1960s this should be a must read to understand and come to grips with the imapct the Vietnam War had on our generation. God speed to our veterans and to the brave young men and women of today's military still fighting for our freedom. Please take the time to thank a veteran for his/her service to our country.