Watson Books

Found this book by talking through our favorite childhood reading adventures with my best friend. She recommended "Dandelion Cottage" and remarkably our library had it. I was charmed from the moment I stepped into it. What a wonderful writer, fabulous characters and simple hometown Michigan charm. Makes a homesick grown woman feel more like dusting than any Martha Stewart article ever could! I can't believe that somehow as a child I missed this series. I'm not setting about purchasing it so that along with Anne of Green Gables and Alcott's female heroines, this book can be in our family library and inspire my daughters like it has inspired me.

Reading Dandelion Cottage is like looking at my great-great grandmother and actually knowing her. My grandmother's family was from Marquette and then later relocated to Georgia. As I was growing up I was always told about The Dandelion Cottage and however fictionalized, the characters were modeled after my great-great grandmother and her friends. It's wonderful to know that through the reprint, that the book won't go lost.

This is one of my all time favorite childhood books! I was surprised to learn recently that there is an actual Dandelion Cottage still standing in Marquette, MI. The author of the book lived in Marguette. FYI, you can purchase a copy of the book through the Marquette County History Museum for $13.95 plus $4.00 shipping and handling. Check out their website at www.marwquettecohistory.org for details and more information about the book.

The book, "Dandelion Cottage", was read to each of our family members by our fifth grade teacher (she taught all 5 of us kids at a wonderful grade school in the 1940's, 50's and early 60's). She set aside time during the week to read aloud some portion of this exciting, strong character book to us. I can remember so well the time spent sitting in that classroom and listening to her read to us. This is a book that all young people should have the opporunity to read and enjoy.

I read Dandelion Cottage when I was about 10 yrs old and absolutely loved it. I'm delighted to see that it is still in print and now will give my granddaughter a copy for her birthday.
Dandelion Cottage still stands today and was based on a story of some little girls who actually used the house as their play house. It's a delightful story that takes one back in time. These charming little girls will touch your heart.

I have purchased 6 books and 2 cd sets to get started in hand binding. This book by far will get you going with simple, straight forward instruction.

Less "flashy" than some titles out there but extremely substantive. A comprehensive guide that explains and explores its subject matter from every angle.

Even for a 50+ year old, third generation publisher and printer, this publication enlightened even myself on the lost art of handmaking and restoring books. Very helpful for the novice, or for the collector of fine books - to be learned and unes as a reference.

This book doesn't have flashy pictures, but it teaches you how to bind your own books. The instructions are detailed, the process is well explained and it worked great for me.

I have also bought another book on bookbinding (or so I thought) - Book Arts: Beautiful Bindings for Handmade Books by Mary Kaye Seckler. This one is the exact opposite of the previous - flashy pictures, but absolutely useless.

After reading this book I was able to complete my first ever sewn multiple signature hardbound book with little to no problems. Watson's numbered and illustrated instructions were simple and easy to follow and his techniques - especially on proper folding, measuring, squaring, mitering the corners and attaching bookcloth - proved very helpful. He even provides a section in the end of the book on how to make your own bindery tools, which is great because equipment such as sewing frames and press tubs can be quite expensive these days.

Watson assumes that you have already collated the signatures for your text block. This is important because there are some things you'll have to consider when assembling the text block in the first place (such as squaring off the fore edge for a finished look) But overall, this is a useful reference for serious home bookbinders.

I highly recommend it!

This book was first introduced to me by Lewis Meyer, a local bookseller in Tulsa, OK who was a local institution and a refreshing change from the lackluster corporate bookstores that are as commonplace as Wal-Marts. I still have my original hardcover edition Meyer sold to me back in the mid 1980's. It was a pleasant surprise to find a book filled with many gems of wisdom or words of encouragement that weren't tinged with a underlying message of condemnation. Though a bit heavy on religion, that is easily overlooked, even for an atheist like myself. I highly recommend this book as a gift for anyone looking for a book that makes attractive, light reading.

I have given approximately 50 of these books as gifts during the last 25 years. Everyone has expressed gratitude and reported that it had become one of their favorite books also. I am so excited that they are available again after not being able to purchase them for many years!

Sal Salyers

Touches your heatbeat,freshens your outlook on Life. This book is a friend by your side 24/7

I love the stories behind the inspirational poems in this book! For example, learning the story of William Ernest Henley author of the poem "Invictus" makes the poem so much more poignant. The author includes poems addressing courage, happiness, faith, confidence, fear, self-discipline, family, peace of mind and the future. This is a keeper and a wonderful gift.

This book has helped me during dark days and helped my mother face the challenges of Parkinson's.

I give this as a gift to anyone I think will be helped by spiritual positive messages found here.

Pastor Watson's words of wisdom in Maximize Your Edge read with clarity, authority, and with the spirit of the Lord. His messages and the scriptures used jumped off the pages and quicken my spirit. His down to earth examples of the utilization of the scripture and its application to your life were fantastic. It's definitely a guide book to living a successful life as a Christian. Thank you Pastor Watson for your guidance,continued encouragement, and passion for Christ.

When Pastor Watson began talking about writing a book, all I could think was "it was way past time" for him to do so. He is a sensitive and intuned personality. To know him is to love him and appreciate his insightful preaching, his wonderful (albeit corny) sense of humor and his gift for seeing a sermon in everything! Maximizing Your Edge is simply a culmination of where Pastor Watson has come from and what he's learned on the journey to where he's headed. I thank God that I've been privileged to watch him travel the road for the past 16 years. Pastor, its all good, and I'm sitting on anticipation boulevard for the books to come!

This is an amazing book by an amazing pastor. If you are in Richmond Va you need to stop by on Sunday at Saint Paul's Baptist Church and hear this anointed educator of the Lord preach! The book spoke the truth that only he can spread and has helped me understand many of the challenges we all face. I hope he continues to write.

What could be better than a self-help book that is based on the word of God? Thank you Pastor Watson for writing such an inspirational and practical guide to life that teaches us to incorporate the lessons of the Bible into our daily lives.

As a member of Saint Paul's Baptist Church, I can almost hear Pastor Watson's passion for God and passion for life as I read through the pages of 'Maximize Your Edge.' This book is a 'must read' for anyone desiring to live their best life and strive for a closer relationship with God.

~Shannon Easley

What a wonderful book! I'm a member of St. Paul's. It is so wonderful to be able to hear Rev. Watson speaking as I read. This is a book that reading it once is not enough. People often ask for self improvement books. I would say first the bible then Maximize Your Edge : Navigating Life's Challenges by Lance D. Watson. I thank God every day for this person that God has sent to lead us, teach us, and show not only St. Paul but the world God's love.

We have used this book for years as a part of a gift package that we give our graduating high school seniors. I feel as though it's structure, simplicity, and depth are perfect...even if it doesn't get opened until they are 30, it will be waiting for them and forever relevant in their lives. - Kirk Foote, Young Life Green Bay

This book is about all the main stories from the bible with a commentary after each by yancey and quinn, it is a very easy introduction to the bible and easy to read for anyone, especially those who find the bible tough going. I brought this book for my husband on the recommendation of 40yr male,and he was right, my husband loves it has brought one for his friend and is still reading it months after I brought it. A great book to read completely through, to get a good knowledge of the bible

This is an excellent book. It makes the Bible easily understood. The strong connection between the old and new testments is very clear. The explanations by the authors give a deeper understanding of book.
I strongly recommend this book.

This devotional is a terriffic, fresh approach to reading through the Bible in an overview or summary format. Each day's reading (using a modern translation) is accompanied by brief and informative text from Brenda Quinn or Philip Yancey, and then 1 or 2 questions to ponder. Both Quinn and Yancey have a reader-friendly, intelligent manner of writing that invites one to think rather than telling one what to think.
Makes a nice gift book, too.

I bought this book as a NY resolution and LOVE it. My husband and I read from it before we go to bed and on long road trips stemming deep conversations. We feel exhilarated, educated, and much more. Regardless of personal beliefs, this book explains the Bible in our generation's terms, meaning a churchless many (including myself). This book makes it fun and easy to learn about the Bible.

This was one of the 1st books that inspired me in faux. It is a must have in any faux finish library.


We used some of these clasic techniques and principles in the famous faux house captured in the hot new book "The House that Faux Built: Transform Your Home with Paint, Plasters and Creativity" The House That Faux Built

If you can't decide what to do to that plain ole drab wall look through this book!! Shows step by step exciting and new techniques that maybe one wouldn't' have thought of ((or have the nerve to do)). If you get get stuck in what to do, just flip through and it will get your " creative juices" flowing!!

I was looking forward to this book but was rather disappointed due to the extensive written instructions but the rather sketchy illustrative photos.

I bought this book more than ten years ago, I have an almost complete collection of books on painted finished, especially of wood and marble. The "Professional Painted Finishes" is absolutely the best I have, it is oozing QUALITY throughout. It is not for beginners but is The reference to return to again and again. It is also lovely just to browse through.

I liked this book because it contained great illustrations and it also had helpful information about the business side of faux finishing. The text is compact, so each page contains alot of data.

This book has great, inspirational photos and very good instructions. My main disappointment with it is the authors attitude toward silk paints (i.e., not dyes). I have used several varieties of the paints that are made to mimic dyes and find them to work very well, leave the silk soft and be very easy to use. They are a great way for a beginner to get started and try most of the same techniques used with dyes without the hassle of steaming or the toxicity. I am glad that I had some experience silk painting before I got this book because her attitude would have discouraged me from every trying. Aside from that - it's an excellent book, worth the price and full of great pictures to inspire you.

I love this book! I think the blend of historical content and variety of techniques described make this the perfect book in your resource library!

You name it she tells you how to do it. For beginner & Intermediate silk painters. Educational, Informative and well formatted. My only suggestion is a ring binding so the book could lay flat when it is being used for refeence.

This is THE best book I have read on silk painting and I have't seen another to better it in the past 10 years. There ARE other books on the same subject that are good, but I certainly haven't felt the need to purchase another since I thumbed through this beauty!

Everything you could possibly want to know in relation to silk painting is covered in a consise and presise manner. This is supported by photo demostrations for various techniques not easily explained through the written word. The authors pratical experience shines through in the text and fablously gorgeous photos of her and other artists work.

The book is full colour with lots and lots of sensational photos. Much of the silk painting shown is very detailed work eg flowers, pictures; rather than overall "textures" or designs which is more often what you find in other books on the same subject.

Seriously consider this fantastic book if you are interested in this subject, it is worth every $, if only for the inspiration provided by the fablous photos

An excellent, comprehensive guide for the beginning silk painter. The author demonstrates many inspirational designs and recommends her preferences for dyes (by brand), gutta, and other resist options. I've not painted on silk before and, after reading this book, I feel I have all the knowledge I need to begin painting on silk.

i am a pen & ink artist and although my talent - for the most part - has come naturally to me all my life, i love to learn techniques from artists whose work i truly admire. gary simmons is one of the BEST pen & ink artists in the world...his artwork is detailed and precise which is my favorite way to work. i also use koh-i-noor rapidograph pens exclusively, which are the main drawing instruments in this book. if you want to be proficient at this medium, this is the book to get you started. Also, for pen & ink artists and especially for those wishing to learn this form of art, I suggest another great artist, Claudia Nice, who has many books on pen & ink drawing for everyone and on almost every subject. BUY THIS BOOK & check out some books by Claudia Nice :))

This book does not yet have a rival. That is, if you are working with lines that are unvariable.

Excellent to see a good variety of different techniques. Great step-by-step tutorial. I found new ways to render lots of different textures. A must-have!

Of the 15 or so art instruction books I've bought over the last few months, this is one of my favorites. This is ironic, since I originally was turned off somewhat by the subject matter and/or style of many of the works inside (nothing wrong with it, just not my particular cup-o-tea).

However, on deeper consideration I realized that Simmons offers really great instruction on the use of technical pen, so who cares whether one likes the artwork itself. Take for example the "monk" drawing that is depicted on the cover. I don't care for the drawing at all, no matter how it's rendered. However, this drawing is used to demonstrate a couple dozen rendering options, and these renderings are a great teaching tool.

Simmons spends plenty of time on the technical details of using a technical pen for both tight and loose rendering, and that's what makes this book great.

The book is just plain awesome. Besides taking the time to explain how to care for the technical pen, how to do the different strokes, and what type of beginner mistakes to be aware of, the artwork is the best pen work I've ever seen. If you work with pen and ink, or even if you don't, you will love this book!

With "Cut My Hair," Jamie Rich has recreated the mythos of the early '90s music scene as seen through the eyes of one who had lived during the time. (No, it's true... there was some good stuff going on back then, though coming on the tail of the Decade of Greed, those who lived during the time are characteristly cynical over any reminder of said years.)

Mason, the narrator/protagonist of the novel, could concievably be a real-life person. None of his insights, emotions, or actions are one-sided. In fact, he most resembles a modern-day depiction of J. D. Salinger's Holden Caulfield, though somewhat more adjusted to the life in which he lives. And a life of glamour and rock 'n' roll it is not! Mason abides with parental apathy, poverty-line conditions, and a super-heated drought-stricken California, while discovering that life holds none of the Hollywood-esque promise made to his generation. In Mason's life of change and uncertainty, the only possession to which he places any trust and security is his leather jacket - his shell.

This book delves into the alternative music scene, and successfully captures its heart and soul. It doesn't apologize for retroactive weaknesses, because it doesn't feel it has to. It's merely presenting a backdrop which is as rich and vibrant as Mason and his inextricable band of friends and associates.

Most of the sporadic artwork contained therein equally displays a good feel for the characters and their times (Andi Watson's efforts especially accomplish this; Judd Winick's, not so much), and give the book a considerable amount of character.

Fantastic book, well-deserving of multiple readings.

Cut My Hair is written by former Oni Press Editor Jamie S. Rich with illustrations by such noted comic book artists as Judd Winick, Chynna Clugston-Major, Scott Morse, Mike Allred and Andi Watson, with the title taken from the Who song of the same name off of their Quadrophenia album. As I am a huge fan of both comic books and The Who, Cut My Hair sounded like it was right up my alley. Cut My Hair is a smart, well written, coming of age story. It's also about being in love, not only with another person, but with music. Specifically, Punk rock music.

Set in the early 90's, Cut My Hair is narrated by 19-year old Mason, who lives with his best friend Jack. Jack isn't just his best friend, but also his protector and as close to family as anyone he knows, as Jack hasn't spoken to his abusive, alcoholic mother since he moved out after High School. Nicknamed "Jailbate" (incorrect spelling intended) because of his small size and stature, Mason's life consists of working full time at a comic store, going to Punk rock shows and pining away for Laine, his High School crush. As with all things in life, nothing stays the same. Mason's life begins to change, as he meets and falls passionately in love with Jeane. Before Mason can fully enjoy his newfound happiness, an event occurs which sends him over the edge into a deep, alcohol-fueled despair, from which even the music he loves cannot save him.

Cut My Hair, filled with the longing and heartache of teenage angst, explores both the lifestyle and the music of the Los Angles Punk rock scene of the early 90's with authority and affection. Regardless of whether you're a Punk or not, you'll be quickly drawn into this fascinating, often violent world that, in it's own way, is infused with an underlying sense of romanticism, hope and love.

OMG! This book was amazing. I read about this book a few years ago in some music magazine. Somehow, I remembered the title and decided to look it up on amazon. I found it and ordered it and I am greatful I did. Jamie S. Rich did an excelent in developing the character of Mason. The way he uses the first person and really captures what it is like to be a teenager who feels like he doesn't fit in. He finds a way to really show the ups and downs in a teen's life. I could not put this book down. I would recomend it to anyone. I could not have agreed more with the musical taste in this book. And I was able to see myself through Mason. If you are a teenager or not, this book is definetly one to read!!!

I bought this book on a whim. As many of the people who have read it, I first heard of it through Oni Press. And I was not disappointed one bit.

My reaction was surprising most of all to me, since I've made the analysis of literary works my life (and my degree). There's nothing about this book that makes it astoundingly unique compared to all the other coming-of-age novels out there. But that's the beauty of it.

For different people with different experiences, certain elements of this book resonate on a deeper level than can be described. For those who cannot live without their music and all that's connected therein. For those who have the small store job and find happiness just fine. For those yearning away for the "Eternal Girl."

For me, who suddenly recognized a very close friend and was delighted at last to know who he was. I showed my friend this book and he wondered how on earth this author had picked up scenes from his life like they were pennies lying face-up on the ground. He started telling me about concerts he'd driven half the day to get to, fights he'd been in wondering who he was fighting... life's realization. Music. Friendship. Love.

So, for me, up to my neck in all the Shakespeare, Hemingway, and Palahniuk I can stand-- and this is my favorite of them all. There's something about it that just resonates deep inside. I *know* Mason. I know him even better now. His name may not be Mason, but he's got all the bad haircuts and scars to prove otherwise.

I bought this thinking it was a graphic novel, after enjoying Blue Monday and Scooter Girl.

It's not. Just a novel.

Caveat Emptor.

I must say, for being a children's book, this series has got me hooked! Ms. Watson has definitely done it again. Her story draws the ready in so deep you won't be able to put it down. In this book we get to rescue a lost Jedi Master on the planet of Ilum. Here you get a first person's view of the kind of "trials" a Jedi apprentice experiences. The imagery used is very stunning and could be "felt" at times. I enjoyed this story so much. You won't be disappointed!

Dark Warnings
Last of the Jedi #2
-by Jude Watson

The Story
Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ferus Olin have just reunited after the Great Jedi Purge. Ferus Olin, a former Jedi apprentice, is trying to return to the Jedi path. Obi-Wan Kenobi wishes to return to his exile on Tatooine as soon as possible. Trever, a stow-away aboard their ship, wants to stay with them but gets annoyed when they offer him a way to leave.

There is a deep rift between Obi-Wan and Ferus. Ferus wants Obi-Wan to be truthful and to stay with him, but Obi-Wan knows he has to go back to Tatooine. Obi-Wan witholds the knowledge of Luke's and Leia's births from Ferus, which makes Ferus angry.

On their quest, they meet new friends, Raina and Toma, and find an unknown and unmapped asteroid. There is where Ferus plans to make a base for surviving Jedi. Obi-Wan and Ferus discover from their new friends that a Jedi is in the Caves of Ilum, a place where the Jedi construct their own lightsabres. Ferus and Trever rush off to find this Jedi, Garen Muln, leaving Raina and Toma to take care of the asteroid base.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan goes - to Ferus's great disliking - to stop the investigation of Malorum, an inquisitor of the evil and powerful empire. He wants Luke's and Leia's births to remain secret. He ends up killing one inquisitor, which hopefully makes his secret more safe.

While constructing his own lightsabre, Ferus finds Garen Muln and narrowly escapes with him and Trever. Reunited with Obi-Wan again, they bring the fragile and malnourished Garen to the asteroid. Raina makes a makeshift hospital to help Garen recover.

Obi-Wan leaves Ferus back to his exile on Tatooine. An angry Ferus leaves only with Trever to go in search of another Jedi who is rumored to be held as a prisoner on Coruscant. Obi-Wan now on Tatooine is mentally ready for the training his old master promised to give him.

Recommendations
I'd recommend this book to anyone, young or old. Make sure you read the first Last of the Jedi book intially, so you can find the sequel thrilling and exciting. I gave it four stars because at times Obi-Wan's thoughts were very boring;however, make sure you put this on your list of books to read.

I read The Last of the Jedi #2 : Dark Warning.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is a former Jedi Master of the old Republic. He is secretive and doesn't use his lightsaber unless completely neccessary. Aslo, he doesn't like to endanger himself too much.

Ferus Olin is a former Jedi Apprentice. He would do whatever it takes to bring down the empire. His Force connection is a little weak because he hasn't used it in a while.

In the book, Obi-Wan and Ferus learn that another Jedi is still a live- Garen Muln. Garen is hiding in the caves of Illum where Jedi go to face their greatest fears and to get the crystals for their lightsabers. Meanwhile, Imperial Inquisitors are searching Palis Massa, where Padme gave birth to Luke and Leia! So, Ferus goes to Illum to get Garen and lightsasber crystals, and Obi-Wan goes to Palis Massa to stall the search. Ferus battles gundarks, his fears, and a fleet of Stormmtroopers to get Garen and the crystals. While stalling, The Inquisitor finds Obi-wan found out and the Inquisitor gets killed running away.

The setting of the book is Illum and Palis Massa. The time is after Episode 3.

The theme is bravery.

I liked it because it was very climactic.

This book and its prequel are great. I am 40 and life long sci-fi reader and this was a very enjoyable series. They have the same reading level as The hobbit but just short and compact. To make these true adult books you would just combine two or three into one volume. I am addicted I have ordered the rest in the series and cannot wait to read more. They should make them into movies.

This book is about Obi-Wan and Ferus.But Ferus has to go to the caves of Illum and concer his fears to get a lightsaber and crystals. Meanwhile Impirial Inquisitors to search Palis Massa were Luke and Leia were born. Ferus also has to battle stormtroopers and weird creachers. Obi-Wan goes to Palis Massa to delay the search.