Ward Books

Since his achievements as a music publisher are familiar, may I recall that Don Gillespie's biography is a masterpiece of historical recreation--personal and yet factual, detailed and yet thorough--about an obscure but influential music figure in American music a century ago. For those who don't already know, Ward taught Delius, assigned to manage a plantation in northern Florida, more than he learned at the Leipzig music academy a few years later. One charm of Gillespie's book is incorporating his research efforts into the narrative. Indeed, were I a professor of graduate musicology, this is the sort of book I would give to my best students as an example of how to do uniquely valuable scholarship with otherwise forgotten eminences. The awards this book did not receive upon publication are hereby discredited

For me personally this was one of the most meaningful books I have ever read. It is a parable of a spiritual journey of a couple facing the last half of their lives. The story leads the characters through a process of discovery of their purpose & meaning in life and how it is inseparably connected to God's unique purpose for each of us. As a reader, one is drawn into one's own process. I thoroughly enjoyed the story but, I benefited far more from the process of discovery - a process that I know will lead me successfully into the best season of my life.

Secret Blessing tells of a beautiful relationship that was destroyed based on one lie. A chance encounter at a fundraising event bring Shari and Derrick face to face to deal with the ghosts of their past.

Secret Blessing is filled with emotion. You will fall in love with some of the characters, and hate a couple of the other ones before the last page is turned. I recommend this book to lovers of good romance stories.

This was one of my favorite childhood books, but I forgot the title and author, and finally found it, thanks to the booksleuth forum on abebooks The story takes place in a fishing village on the coast (I thought it was New England but a forum member says it was England). A girl finds a silver pen that writes messages from a sea captain ancestor. I was captivated by the tale, and want to get a copy to reread (my sons, unfortunately, are too "old", but hopefully I'll have grandchildren in a few years to read it too!).
Bill Brown Xiamen University MBA Center Xiamen, Fujian
amoymagic.com

From her Outline of Vision, An Understanding Heart, Humility, Soul, Gentleness of Spirit, Imagination, Emotional Stability, a number of quotations jumped-out to me. Under the SOUL: "Soul is music and art and fun and love and new ideas and pause. You have to cultivate it. But once you do, no amount of death can take it from you." Under Gentleness Of Spirit: "Gentleness of spirit is what preserves calm in the midst of chaos." Both appear to be focused on the contrasting of one's personal being and doing.

Since reading her earlier books, 'specially "Called to Question" I have returned to this "lectio divina" in connecting scripture to pursuit of insights into "Seeing With Our Souls." Each chapter gives her unique personal reflection for key qualities of the soul. Her insights into chapters on the Soul and Gentleness of Spirit speak loudly to my personal need of daily spiritual encouragement and strength! As Professor Brueggemann called her, "one fearsome lady," I easily agree with his lively personal evaluation of her profound influence upon many readers! Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood "Barbara377" (Fayetteville, GA United States)

I chose Coren & Ward because a GRE study guide recommended it. C&W was the best GRE studying I did.

The writing is clear, the organization is great, the illustrations, diagrams, and inset examples are excellent. You can't do better than this to get an overview of S&P. Good introductory or mid-level book. Starts with all the basics (how the ear works, how we see color) and winds up with complex topics like how we perceive music.

A good reference book, it's even fun for browsing, or for sharing with friends and saying "This is so cool! Check this out!" (regarding some of the perceptual illusions and demonstrations etc.) How many textbooks can you say that about?

My copy of this book belonged first to my grandmother (born in 1888 I think), and then my mother and aunt. I loved it as a child (in the sixties), and love it still - although it has a VERY sad ending that still makes me cry.

Reading the extract from Chapters 1 and 2 will give you a good idea of the writing quality, so I'll say little of that.

As a child I though it was a child's book, but as an adult I've come to the conclusion that it was probably written as a book for "young ladies". My grandmother was in her late teens when she was given it, which backs up my theory.

What makes it stand out from children's books of the era is that the children really are just like ordinary kids, getting into all sorts of mischief, but no morals are drawn. At least not overtly, and those that CAN be drawn are more along the lines of "this is what can happen when you stifle your children's originality and natural exuberance" than the more usual "this is what happens to naughty children". Not that the parents are horrible, but the father is somewhat stern and withdrawn - typical of many fathers even nowadays. He features mostly as someone who gets angry at the children's mischief, or who has to be applied to for funds. The stepmother is just lovely, although you get the feeling that the father married her more because he needed someone to look after his kids and satisfy his lusts (just because she's young and pretty, lusts are not mentioned in the book) than because they were in love. But then as far as I can see love didn't really come into marriage much in those days.

The What Katy Did books are the closest American comparison I can think of, but they are very goody-two-shoes-ish and moralistic compared with Seven Little Australians. This book is what made me realise, as a child, that children born "in the olden days" were just like we were.

In general, this is a jolly good book. Get it, you'll love it. (But make sure a hanky is at hand when you get close to the end).

Though decades old and somewhat dated, this book is not as conservative as it may seem at first. Unlike most books that explore the question of what sexual behavior is ethical outside of marriage and what isn't, this author does not focus on catching diseases or what God would condemn.
When making a case for saving sex for marriage, he understands it is most logical to make the opposition's case as strong as possible. He assumes, hypothetically, that not only do the partners not feel a religious objection, but that they are completely prepared and protected against STDs and pregnancy. They are in love and might be married. So why should they wait? Bertocci does a wonderful job in answering not only that question, but whether sex for fun, or without commitment to the person, or with some amount of commitment and caring, are okay too.
What stands out for me is that this book goes through various social and personal reasons and does not rely on religious or medical reasons for waiting until marriage. It does mention religion quite a bit, but it's not important and the non-religious or non-Christian person can ignore those parts and the book will still make sense. Bertocci is a philosopher, and accordingly he does wonderfully with making the logic work.

This book is the story of X Factor winner Shayne Ward. The book is about his life and becoming one of the best male singers in Great Britian. He is a real talent. As a music teacher and musician myself I was impressed with his vocal range and his approach to the songs. He is of Irish background and lives in Manchester, England. I am also impressed with how humble he was during the X Factor competition. He was very thankful to everyone for their generous comments and suggestions. He is very deserving of this win. Check out his self tilted cd, Shayne Ward and then read this book. You won't be dissapointed.

SHY BOY, SHE DEVIL AND ISIS: THE ART OF CONCEPTUAL CRAFT is a top pick for any art library: it accompanies a major exhibition and gathers some fine pieces for the first time under one cover, survey works of prominent artists of the studio craft movement who have created signature pieces in glass, wood, clay, metal and fiber. Full and half-page color photos are accompanied by excellent descriptions and background history.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch