Way Books

MENTOR QUEST
On my fiftieth birthday, I lamented to God that I have never had a one-on-one personal
mentor, and how now I probably never would. Enter mentor par excellence, Betty Southard,
via her wonderful new book, The Mentor Quest, that I received as a gift. In a matter of hours
as I sped my way through this challenging book, without ever having to leave my chair, I met
an extended host of helpers at-the-ready with inspiration and information to guide and grace
my life. With an innovative twist, while not disregarding typical mentorial relationships,
Southard opened [what she calls] my "mentoring eyes" to behold a vast array of educators
within easy reach, if I would but reach out. Once she challenged me to "be alert to life" I saw
a mosaic of mentors coloring my life-besides typical sources like teachers, pastors, parents,
and friends, there were the Bible and Bible studies, books, TV, radio, movies, conferences,
speakers, web sites, e-mentoring over e-mail, and lessons learned from life-circumstances, to
name just some. With Southard's encouragement and equipping, I know I could find a mentor-
a-minute if I take responsibility to keep looking through mentor-colored glasses with an alert
attitude and a grateful heart.
-Lynn D. Morrissey, author & speaker

As we move forward through life we find ourselves both needing a mentor and being one. The fascinating thing about Betty Southard's book is her keen insight that many times the need and the being are done without our knowledge. Betty expertly brought to my mind the number of women and men who have touched my life and the numbers of lives I may have touched along the way. This book is especially valuable to those in leadership of any kind...from parents to preachers, from family to friends...and everyone in between.

This practical and inspiring book offers insightful suggestions for how to find the help and guidance we need as we push through the pressures of life. They include people we can learn from, books, men and women of the Bible and mentoring that may take us by surprise in a moment when we are most in need. Wisely, the author also has a chapter on 'toxic' mentoring and how to avoid it! A good resource for study, sharing, and application.

What great news --- we don't have to find a formal mentoring program or make regular appointments with an older person in order to be mentored! This book refocuses us on the reality that mentors are all around us if we will just open our eyes and look. Ms. Southard's book not only gives us practical suggestions and examples of where to look, it also really shifts us from wishing for help to taking hold of what has alrady been uniquely placed in our lives to lead us. A great soul encourager for both men and women!

Read Betty Southard's book, THE MENTOR QUEST! We all should be mentors, and be mentored at the same time...no matter how young or old. This book is very thought provoking.

I highly recommend THE MENTOR QUEST to everyone; even those in the secular world would greatly benefit from it because mentoring is reaching out everywhere in every segment of our society.

The late great Dr. Albert Sweitzer once said that modeling may be the only way to teach our children," and it is the best way to teach anyone...young or old. Modeling is mentoring! Sweitzer also said, "One can never truly be happy until one has served." Being a mentor is a great way to serve.

We should be all be mentors in every area of our lives....in school, business, our personal lives, as married or single women, and as mothers. You do not have to be an older woman to be a mentor...just use your experience so you can be an example to someone who has not yet had those same experiences. They can learn by your mistakes or by your success.

Mentoring stretches us as individuals because we really have to be mindful of our own character, actions and our walk. This book truly touches on everything...it isn't just for women who want to be mentors, but I believe that women who want mentors should definitely read this book, too. It will give you some direction, and show you how to choose a mentor.

Betty Southard did an excellent job, and I plan to send this book to several people I know: Women who should be mentors, and those who want mentors or would benefit having one. Enjoy ladies! And change a life today...be a mentor!!! Or change your life and get a mentor!

I am trying to find out more about the 8th Armored Division, 194

On The Way is a terrific read it captures combat for what it was.I plan to read it a second time so that I can savour those unreal moments that were so ordinary to the combat GI"of World War II"

A perspective of WWII that I have never read before. Brings the day-to-day experience of the ordinary soldier into brutal reality. Wordy and rambling at times, but still a good book.

On the Way, by Edward Marinello, is a fascinating eyewitness account of the American soldier on European battlefields during World War II. Through the eyes and ears of Edward Marinello, the reader witnesses the fears, challenges, and ingenuity of the men in Battery B. This should be required reading for all American history courses. On the Way gives a powerful insight to the human face of war. It is a reminder of how the courage, integrity, and tenacity of each soldier is crucial on the battlefield. This is a must read book!

I am something of a World War II buff. For me, On The Way captures the essence of combat like no other book I've read. It accomplishes this by combining the parallel and paradoxical moods of the fighting GI-the aloneness and the sharing-in such a way as to place the reader alongside. In gripping detail, the book recounts the experiences of a small group of artillery observers and their support teams as they track enemy artillery and destroy it. These GI's spearheaded Patton's Third Army across France, Luxembourg and Germany until one fine day they entered into Austria and war's end. The book was so absorbing that I've promised myself to read it a second time.

This is a statement of my view of this book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was read thoughtfully and almost meditatively. It has added to my life by expanding my world view (which, like so many of us, is so easily skewed by identifying with one culture). Thank you for these lessons and hopefully others will also find it so expanding..

From NETWORK, Journal of the Scientific & Medical Network, U.K. The originality of John's book lies in his understanding of the common assumptions underlying science and history. As he says, they are the dominant myths of the modern age and are linked "by a common epistemology of time"; also ... by a common belief in their own sufficiency and objectivity. His book examines the structure and underlying assumptions of our modern scientific understandings of reality. It then moves on to consider other ways of knowing available from our diverse cultural heritage and opens up the possibility of communication with other life forms in nature. Here he takes the view that humans are unique but not superior. His analysis of modern scientific articles of faith is one of the most thorough I know. He argues that other ways of knowing involve entering realms of time other than the linear. John's approach is encapsulated in four assumptions and two precepts: (1) The widespread perception of an ecological crisis is well founded. (2) Science cannot give us all the answers. (3) Through other ways of knowing we can reconnect with an older human wisdom. (4) By acknowledging the living consciousness of the Earth we open ourselves to learning from our companions in nature. The two precepts are (1) We must unlearn the dualistic teaching of our European languages that sets us apart from nature, and (2) Everything we are given by the Earth must be held sacred. The rest of the book develops and illustrates these themes from a very wide range of reading and experience. A Chapter on spiritual politics draws inspiration from Gandhi and Schumacher. There follows a chapter on an education that gives people meaning and purpose, and a final statement of the perennial insight that "this is an intentional, life-enhancing universe with love as its vital force."

Anne Simpkinson, editor of COMMON BOUNDARY: In the opening paragraph, Broomfield declares: "Take heart! Humanity is wise and, in its rich diversity, possessed of vast reservoirs of creativity, inspiration, and spiritual energy with which to meet the challenges of the new millenium. Be of good cheer, for this is an intentional, life-enhancing universe with love as its vital force." My husband Charles read that far and set the book aside, depressed over the gap between Broomfield's optimistic view and the sorry state of the world (plus our own daily avalanche of troubles). I too had been feeling discouraged of late, but Broomfield is no Pollyana spouting mindless fluff. OTHER WAYS OF KNOWING is a thoughtful presentation of a new paradigm for humanity. Weaving a synthesis of observations from science, nature, philosophy, mysticism and personal experience, Broomfield presents us with a vision conguent with the realizations which are coming to us all through spiritual awakening. Arguing against the bloodless "objective" approach to life, Broomfield points instead to the resurgent wisdom of befriending the sentient beings with whom we share this planet. The imperialist European model of conquest, dominance and the supremacy of the white male is giving way to a more holistic sense of reality. "We must cherish and nurture variety in landforms, life forms, cultures, ways of knowing, and styles of expression." The book is punctuated by Broomfield's personal mystical experiences. While living in the Himalayan foothills, he and a friend simultaneously saw before them a hundred foot high apparition of the Mother Goddess. She appeatred on a cliff face of a jungle ravine, sitting naked in a yogic lotus position. Says Broomfield: "Then I looked around to discover a transformed world, radiant and in dancing motion. Everything was flowing into everything else: trees, plants, butterflies, water, earth, and myself. I knew in the very fibre of my being that there are no separations. All is one. I am nature and nature is me." OTHER WAYS OF KNOWING is a passionate testimony to the grandeur of life, and a vote of confidence in the potential of human consciousness. We're all in this together, as Broomfield says, "to piece together a wise and joyful way of being in the world."

From THE BOOK READER, "America's Most Independent Review of Books" Using the observations of Buddhist monks, Loren Eiseley, John Berger, Jung, various shamans, even Will Rogers, Broomfield gives us the pattern that connects .... He writes exquisitely, his knowledge is huge.

If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the growing trend towards a popular acceptance of spiritual ideas and beliefs this book is a must read. Drawing from an impressive range of source material, John Broomfield takes a wide-ranging look at ancient and modern concepts which are shaping our understanding of spirituality and its place in our lives. Discussion of the modern scientific principles of Chaos Theory and Quantum Mechanics is blended with an examination of ancient mystical traditions and the shamanic practices of native cultures to introduce the reader to a new and radical view of reality. The book challenges the reader to discard old beliefs and ways of thinking and to come to terms with the fact that our logical rational Western way of looking at the world may be incomplete and even distorted. I found the main argument promoted by the book compelling - that there are other ways of knowing which can give us a more complete understanding of the world and can lead us to acceptance of a reality which is far more miraculous than anything we could ever have imagined. Richard Creasy Webmaster 21st Century N.Z. Website

I have wanted this out-of-print book for forever, and I'm so lucky to have found it for a fair price on Amazon! It's beautifully and simply written, and covers everything you'd want to share with your (grand) children. I've purchased others, but this is the book I'll use.

This was the first book I ever bought on Paganism and I still think it's the best I have. Even though I was just curious when I bought it and had never even seriously considered a pagan lifestyle. I found it to be a beautifully written book and I loved it's message. Thus, I become hooked on paganism. It has allowed me to celebrate pagan ways with my family and friends in a beautiful and down to earth way. None of the humbo jumbo rituals as in some books I've read. I really like the way the book addresses not only important events in the pagan year but important events in the life of a family such as births, deaths, marriages, coming of age, and more. In fact, my husband and I took many ideas from this book and incorporated them into our wedding. Our Christian guests didn't even realize they were at a pagan wedding and many commented that it was the most beautiful ceremony they had ever been to (a real compliment to true pagan beliefs and values). I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Mr. Serith keeps writing more wonderful books.

This is absolutely the best book for raising children in pagan traditions there is!!! It is non-denomination specific, but is highly spiritual. The content is superb - not fluffy, as I've found some pagan family type books to be. There is a stronger spiritual component to this book than any other on the market.
It includes at least one very kid-friendly ritual for each Sabbat. These rituals are not the type you'd come across in a Circle; there's no circle casting, direction-calling, Charges made etc. The simplicity of these rituals is striking; they are beautiful and poignant and perfect for adapting into the family tradition (especially if you have little ones). They are simply brilliant and elegant.
It also includes rituals for the Full, Dark and New Moons, which are equally as beautiful, as well as Rite of Passage, Hand-fasting and Passing Over rituals.
It includes a wealth of information on the daily inclusion of spirituality into our homes - from daily prayers to the morning, meal prayers, nighttime prayers, to ways of honouring household spirits and guardians (indeed, a ritual for calling one) and how to add a spiritual/pagan element to the celebration of birthdays.
It also includes teaching activities for children.

It is a shame that this gem of a book is out of print. But I urge you, it is well worth getting. I've looked through all the pagan parenting books on the market and have no hestitation on recommending this as the best one out there!

I was looking for a religion to raise my children in. I was attracted to Paganism, but I held off because I couldn't find any family-oriented material. When I found this book, I knew my search was over. Thank you Mr. Serith!

This is an amazingly thorough book on how to have a complete family tradition of pagan worship. I could recommend it to any pagan parent or anyone thinking to become one. Mr Serith seems very knowledgeable on his subject matter, and has an easy to read style. I have a borrowed copy of this book and I truly hope I can get one of my own. It is worth every cent of it's price and then some. Buy it, you'll never regret it.....

By far the best book on different prayer styles I've ever read. Everyone in our study group is of the same opionion.

For th ose of us who want to learn how to pray...better, so to speak, this is a helpful book. I didn't realize there were so many "pathways."

This is a wonderful book on prayer. I learned over 40 ways to pray to God including the Wesley Covenant Prayer, Prayer Beads, the Tallith (the Jewish Prayer Shawl) and so many more. I now have a deeper and wider appreciation of the history of the Church. Thank you for this fine book.

Finally, I can begin to stop feeling guilty or deficient because I don't get up at 3am and pray on my knees for hours on a stone floor in the cold!Trisha Brown encourages us to explore and find the "how to pray" that works for us as individuals...maybe the stone floor one time, maybe the stream of consciousness conversation while driving down the road at another time.
I lead an adult education group at the church where I serve as DRE and we've been using this book as a resource and guide as we explore "ways and means" of prayer. We have been making our own sets of Anglican prayer beads, a new concept to many of the participants,and in the creation and construction of them we've discovered that that too is a way of prayer.
Thank you, Trisha, for helping to free us from "the one way" and opening doors to deeper, very personal ways to develop our relationship with a living God.

For those who are inside the church and are tired of same-old, same-old ways of praying and for those outside the circle of religious institutions but yearn for fresh ways to connect to your self and the Truth beyond yourself, here is a gold mine. Tricia Brown will stretch you by giving depth and variety. Enter this laboratory of prayer and experimenet with the author as your coach, and you will surely discover new parts of your soul and ways to express love in the world.

It is bracing to read a collection of verse that sustains the manuscript's title throughout the publication. The book is subcategorized into eight sections with an Addendum, and the entire assemblage maintains one unmistakeable theme: America's Prison System Does Not Work.

The first poem in Part I, PERSPECTIVE, is the title poem, "Poetic Justice". The poem bluntly states that we should "Build prisons/not daycare/lock 'em up/what do we care?" with a cynical slant, but it is clear that Professor Johnson writes with authority.

Section V, "THE CORPORATE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER" gives the reader a collection of five pieces written in the form of a 'prayer-book'. The second poem, called A PATRIARCH'S PROTOCOL, is a prayer in the tone of Psalms 32, with phrases riddled throughout such as, "...hollow be/Thy Claim/Thy Fortune Come/They will be Mum/On CNN/and before Congress/..."--just one example of the metaphorical wit that Mr. Johnson uses throughout the book. I especially liked Section VII's poem called GLOBAL VILLAGE LIFE, where we "...forget about victims of injustice, real and imagined,/whose resentments simmer and boil/just below the surface of village life..." A profound piece.

His voice changes throughout the book, from the voice of an executioner, to a man on death row, to a lamenting mother of a convicted felon. The empathy that the writer conveys gives the reader a sense of understanding that wouldn't be possible had just any poet/writer tried to create such a unique collection. Johnson's involvement with the corporate-controlled prison system gives him an advantage, and the collection rings honest and forthright.

The poems remind us that the concept of vengeance leads our society to an inevitable path of constant retaliation, and a system based on regressive practices is bound to fail--not only for the "prisoners", but for the corrections employees and the victims as well.

There are several poems that are characteristic of Johnson's intrinsic, fluid wit, each one worth savoring not only for their lucidity--which is no simple task for many poets--but for the edification that these poems extend to the reader.

The entire collection comprising POETIC JUSTICE is heroic, to say the least. Robert Johnson not only offers up technically balanced and concise verses, but they bear the stamp of honest, as well. The arenas of our imperfect justice system merit a reawakening in our society, and this book not only helps to clarify exactly what is wrong with "justice", but it vilifies the fallacy that all is well within our courts. All in all, I was left with a sense of America's perpetual proclivity towards the scales of justice leaning more towards the inequitable, which is, in itself, a sort of Poetic Justice.

Robert Johnson's work, starting with classic texts such as Death Work, resonates with layers of meaning and a passionate conviction that without a commitment to justice, life is not worth living. For years he has been inspiring students and scholars of justice and law across the world not only to do probing analyses but also to make changes in their lives and their work. Now, with his first book of poems, Poetic Justice, Johnson reaches out to a wider audience of readers, bringing his passionate scrutiny of injustice to life with words that sing out the wrongs of contemporary society and the confusion of vengeance with justice. His "Police line: Do not cross," ironically intertwines the call to order and the institution of policing and the inadequacies of our own internal governance. His "Reptile House" provides a chilling and powerful metaphoric exploration of the prison experience. Throughout this collection, Johnson's insightful use of irony, metaphor, incisive allusion, and rhythm brings to life terror and brutality in the justice system and makes real the necessary and fundamental insight that we have all been wronged, that we all are victims of injustice as well as purveyors of it, and that to move forward toward a more just society, we must all recognize ourselves in each other. Johnson's poems do just this. They should be read and re-read by all who are concerned about inhumanity and injustice, all who are concerned about constructing a better and more just society.

In the work Poetic Justice, Rob Johnson takes the reader on a fascinating portrayal of life as an inmate experiences it. Johnson eloquently humanizes the prison experience, and in so doing allows the reader an intimate exposure to the world of the incarcerated. The raw and often dispassionate views are real and force the reader to realize just how ineffective our modern prison system is. The empathy that is often conveyed in even the most simple of passages is disturbing and challenges all who read these verses to recognize the need to rectify societies thirst for vengeance and retribution while adopting solutions that are not only theoreticaly sound but practically effective as well. Our modern prison system is in an imbalanced impasse where both staff and inmates co-exist in a limbo of uncertainty of each other, and where human congestion results in a gauntlet of violence, greed and desperation.

As a college instructor, I have found this reader to be of utmost value in having students relate many of the theories of criminology that we study in class to the verses of the poems.
The very first poem which uses the book's title "Poetic Justice" emphasizes a collaboration of conflict theory and class hostility, along with social structural theories such as disorganization and strain theory in which the author posits "Build prisons not day-care, lock 'em up what do we care? Hire cops, not counselors, staff courts, not clinics, wage warfare, not welfare." Our system of government, schools, and employment often creates the very problems they portend to deal with by not providing the assistance, education, employment and comunity programs where needed. The government advocates punishment over rehabilitation and structural services to provide for the poor and disenfranchised. With limited opportunities, disillusionment grows as does poverty and crime.

In another poem entitled "Busted," the author relates "You thought you'd make a big score, now you face the prison door." "But once we tag you a criminal, we hate to let you go." "Busted, sitting in a squad car,...looking in the rearview mirror at the life you left behind." In this selection, classical theory with it's emphasis on "free will" is evident along with social strain, particularly institutional anomie and relative deprivation, to convey the feeling of being busted. Labeling thoery is also examined through a series of successful degradation ceremonies of a a life of freedom now squandered for a life behind bars.

In "Colder" a violent offender has turned to crime as a result of weakened social bonds. Indeed, he is often cold and calculating, "disconnected," and numb to emotion like a machine or "robot." Since his primary source of socialization was absent during his early childhood, little was learned of compassion and comfort, he feels no attachment to his victims. He lacked the discipline, care and support offered by strong family ties. There is no containment, self-enhancement, or strong bonds or models to imitate. "He lives for revenge -cold world, cold comfort." He is doomed to a life of crime and misery. "There's no over the rainbow for this guy, just one long storm."

In classic Marxian taste, Johnson dispels any rumors that prisons are non-discriminating in the poem "Prison." His not so subtle use of such terms as "people of poverty," "working wounded," "dispossessed," and "discarded," clearly points to the prison industry as being created almost entirely with the thought of the poor and indigent in mind, indeed, to smother the hopes of the impoverished. Dehumanization and the ultimate sense of total exclusion from society is echoed in "Prison time out of sight, time out of mind, for those who don't toe the line." Still, one is left to wonder whether the inmate failed society or did society fail the inmate?

These were only a sampling of the many theoretical compositions that are readily apparent in these poems. In almost every case, several theories can be examined which is a great method to get students to understand the theories more concretely when used in the light of both prose and poetry. I highly recommend this reader for both undergraduate and graduate courses in criminology or criminal justice.

Poignant and powerful, lyrical and raw, Rob Johnson's poems make us feel and think about what the death penalty does to the condemned, and to us. A gem for lovers of poetry and undergraduates in criminal justice or ethics courses alike.

What a wonderful and unusual book! Robert Johnson, well-known for his scholarly analyses of the experiences of prisoners on death row and of their executioners, here presents poems that his studies have inspired him to write. While his rightly-acclaimed scholarly books tell us what his brain learned from studying the darkest corners of our criminal justice system, his poems tell us what his heart learned: "All of us, made/Cold as ice, hard as steel/unable to feel/the harm we do/in the name of justice." Anyone who wants a full understanding of criminal justice in America should not read only scholarly works of the sort that Johnson and others have written, but should read this book as well!

A very good list of home remedies for many ailments. Just have to wait and see if they work.

I felt like I was in training as an apprentice while reading this book. It is an excellent source of knowledge for Rainforest herbs learned from a H'men (Shaman or Mayan Healer) and for some plants we grow in the US. My only regret is not reading this book prior to visiting Belize via a cruise ship and not going to Ixchel Farm. (I definitely will on next trip). The source of reference in the back of the book is excellent for resources on Herbs. There are recipes for teas and tinctures useful for all kinds of ailments. Rosita also shared her knowledge learned from Don Elijio Panti on massaging the uterus to center a tipped uterus which is the cause for many of women's health problems today.(if we could only teach our US doctor's this cure!). Very Spiritual Book also- teaching the Spiritual side of healing and how important that is in the process of healing. The lessons I learned from this book, I will practice in my life. I read this book prior to reading her other book "Sastun". It is also an excellent book about the Mayan healer Don Elijio Panti and her apprenticeship- I couldn't put this book down.

I really enjoy this book it has alot of information for herbal remedies and womens problems. I think the price is right also.

truly amazing book like having rosita in your room talking to you herself
invaluable information for those who live in the tropics especialy and anyone with womb or prostate worries -don't have surgery before you read it!
she makes spiritual disease recognizable
an all round truly useful book to pass round to your friends

I picked up this book at a gift shop in Belize for the waiting room of my chiropratic practice in New York. It has attracted much attention and interest from my patients. The book is simple to follow and brings the timeless wisdom of an ancient healing tradition into practical use. In one case I recommended a remedy for headaches suggested by Ms. Arvigo. In conjuction with a program of chiropractic adjustments the remedy proved to be quite helpful. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in natural healing.

Bruce Schneider, D.C.
New Paltz, NY

William Badke has written an excellent and extremely useful reference book on how to start research projects. As he aptly describes, getting started is probably the most difficult part of a research project; especially for those of us who are new to the art of researching.

The book is well written and referenced, with the author writing with a sense of humour and this also makes the book appealing since it could otherwise be a dry, boring book without the author's humour creeping into the pages.

While the new-to-the-art-of-researching student will find this book very interesting and helpful; many experienced researchers will find the book helpful also. The author describes how to use various resources, such as internet, periodicals and catalogues to assist the researcher realise his/her project goals.

In summary, a very well written and laid out book by a person very experienced in the the field of research. Definitely recommended for the novice researcher, however would also be useful for the advanced researcher. Well done, William Badke!

This book, now in its third edition, is a great introduction to library research for undergraduates and upper division high school students who are heading off to college soon. I'm planning on using it in for high school advanced library research course.
The author, a college librarian in British Columbia, gives a step-by-step introduction to the "information fog" and deals with such topics as defining the need for research and refining a topic, using keyword searching and metadata and controlled vocabularies, library catalogs and online databases, general internet research and other research sources.
A strength of the book is the humorous approach which tones down what most other authors seem to take too seriously. In his preface, for example, Badke states: "This book is definitely for you if you are: a university student whose term papers have been patented as a cure for insomnia; a Dilbert of industry who's been told to do a feasibility study on the expansion potential of ice cream bar sales in Nome, Alaska; a simple honest citizen trying to find the truth behind the advertising so that the next car you buy won't be like your last disaster-mobile, the car that made you persona non grata at the automobile association."
I had an earlier edition of this title which I liked also and so when I discovered the 3rd edition had been published I immediately ordered it. The way that the world of research changes continually means that what was once cutting edge is no longer so and having the latest is really important. I was impressed that the book mentions the Amazon Kindle which was only made available last (2007) November.
I reviewed several other similar recently published texts on information literacy but this one definitely is heads and shoulder above them all in terms of usefulness, cost and a light touch to a rather dry subject.

We live in the "information age". Communication on the information highway is fast pace. However, the problem is most of us don't have the map needed to travel that highway and so we have great challenges finding the destination. The material in Dr. Badke's book is the road map to the information highway. This book is the "GPS" to the information highway.

If readers follow this guide, they should be able to access the information needed much quicker and easier. It will save students valuable time as they learn research skills and strategies needed (needed for college and universities assignments). It will also make the research more accurate, as the student learns how to access information written by the best scholars in the field. A small price to pay for a resource is worth so much.

The author writes in an easy to read style. Hint: to get the most benefit out of this resource, take the time to do the practice exercises before getting involved in your actual research. If you do this, it should take you less time to do the actual research for your assignments. Try it. It works.

This book serves as a useful introduction to research techniques and options for the late high school or early-to-mid-level college student beginning research. Badke's writing focuses on finding sources and writing research papers. The writing assumes no current knowledge of conducting research of any kind, so parts may be simplistic for many, but there is a wealth of great research strategies within.

He begins with a look at paper design, and the place from which to begin your research. He then moves to database, periodical and internet searches. He then discusses how to formulate your research into a working topic, and organizing your data.

He writes for people who have never really used a library effectively or used a computer for research. Overall, this is a superb introduction to research that should be read by anyone attempting research.

This update to Badke's previous work on library research is excellent. I teach Language and Research at a Bible college and used to use his first book as required reading for my students. I was so disappointed when it went out of print. Now, this updated version is my new requirement. This book is written with the same humor and simplicity as the first, but with updated information that is a must. Dealing with electronic research is now the norm and Badke explains it very, very well. This is a must have resource for anyone taking on research.

I found this guide full of interesting places to visit, sparking my interest and desire to see more of the world. I would love to discover the same type of pleasure that one would get from being immersed in a different culture, especially one as appealing as the one painted in RV in NZ.

It's my dream to have a holiday in NZ. This humerus discription of the adventures of the motorcaravan experience makes me want to go even more! A fun read for the traveler and nontraveler alike.

I have to admit, I had not thought about RV'ing through New Zealand. A friend once invited us to Australia and he and his wife actually do this RV thing in the States: they buy a motorhome, travel around the US (they are missionaries on furlough) then sell it and return back to Australia. Here, Carolyn Harris tells you how to purchase an RV and how to survive the North and South Islands of this beautiful country.

The book actually assumes you know a bit about RV's--there is terminology and technical discussion that someone who already toured in an RV might be more familiar with. Carolyn advises you on motor memberships (AAA and KOA), money, dealing with the Kiwis, where to go, what to eat and even, how to talk--there is a glossary of Kiwisms in the back of the book.

I enjoyed reading the glossary as much as the book and was interested in how a country so remote can be so like us and so unlike us in every way. If you are considering an extended stay in an RV down in the Roaring Forties (fortieth parallel south and beyond) this book is a worthy guide.

I found this travel book extremely informative. As an aspiring trans continental RV traveler, I have always dreamt of one day exploring New Zealand. I have traveled all across North and South America, and after reading this woman's humorous details of discovering the Kiwi lifestyle, I am confident New Zealand will be my next destination.

RV In NZ: How To Spend Your Winters Freedom Camping South-Way South In New Zealand by Carolyn Harris (a veteran of touring New Zealand in winter mootorcarvans) is the definitive guide for anyone wanting to explore the beauty and excitement of a New Zealand excursion. Readers are definitively provided with solid information and invaluable advice on everything from buying a motorcaravan and getting the motorcarvan on the road, to finding free and/or low cost parking as well as meeting and traveling with New Zealand "movaners". If you are planning a trip to New Zealand and want to explore that wonderful country first hand -- then give a careful reading to Carolyn Harris' RV In NZ!

The Savory Way by Deborah Madison is a vegetarian cookbook that focuses on flavorful, interesting dishes. The few I have tried have turned out well, but there are some caveats to the book. First, Madison relies heavily on very fresh and hard-to-get ingredients, which is great but not very practical if you don't have a big herb and vegetable garden in your yard. Second, although the directions are complete, she does assume that she is writing for "intermediate" or advanced cooks. Beginners might be confused as to appropriate end points to some of the steps. Third, this is not the cookbood for you if you are new to vegetarian cooking or simply cooking a lot of vegetables. For example, there are only two recipes for fresh asparagus and no instruction on the basics of cooking any vegetable (I'm sure that is her other cookbook). If you want some specialty, delicious vegetarian recipes for any meal or course, this is a good cookbook. For basic vegetarian cooking, you should look elsewhere.

`The Savory Way' is an early (1990) book from leading vegetarian cookbook author, Deborah Madison so, as Ms. Madison has a new book on the way, I thought it was high time for me to catch up with her body of work so I can give an informed review of how her new volume fits into her other books.

Ms. Madison is a former colleague of Alice Waters and Lindsey Shere at Chez Panisse who specializes in a very general way, like Mollie Katzen and Madhur Jaffrey, on dishes that fit into a vegetarian lifestyle. Note that the term `vegetarian', especially as used by these three authors, is extremely misleading, as it is much more appropriate to say that they construct meals of everything under the sun except meat, fowl, fin fish and shell fish. Both Madison and Jaffrey make extensive use of milk, cheese, yoghurt, and eggs.

Madison's objective in this book is, in fact, to cover as broad as possible a survey of what can be done without using animal flesh. The book's title may be a bit misleading to some foodies in that `savory' is often one of the words used to divide dishes in two great groups of `savory' and `sweet'. This book in fact includes two rather long chapters on sweets.

A first look at this book shows lots of headnotes to the many recipes. The first thing you need to know if you are put off by `chatty' recipe books is that these notes are almost exclusively devoted to an understanding of the cooking involved with the recipe and how to get the best results from your ingredients. While little stories about the historical provenance of a recipe may interest many, including myself, that is not what this book is about. On top of this, I firmly agree with the blurbed opinion from Mollie Katzen who compliments both her cuisine AND her writing. Almost all professional culinary writers are pretty good, or have an excellent copy editor at work on their prose, but Ms. Madison is a food service professional who writes very well. I often wish the soon to be beknighted Jamie Oliver had a bit more talent with words, as I find his books so comforting in spite of the heavy contribution from his editors.

The very first attraction of the book is its Table of Contents, which lists every single recipe title in the front of the book. This is doubly useful in that this relatively long book divides recipes into chapters covering eleven different types of dishes suitable for just about any time of the day, including a good selection of recipes very good for breakfast. The eleven recipe chapters are:

Quick Bites with 40 pages of recipes for sandwiches, toasts, and spreads.
Salads to Start or Make a Meal with 42 pages
Soups and Stews with 50 pages of thick, thin, and pureed soups, including a new one with my favorite fall ingredient, chestnuts.
Eighteen Quick Pasta Dishes for Five and Company, 32 pages
Stovetop Vegetables, 27 pages of sautes and braises.
Baked and Roasted Vegetables, 25 pages with ratatouille, gratins, tians, and other goodies.
Grilled Vegetables and their Sauces, 11 pages with two to six sauces per grilled dish.
Down to Earth, 26 pages on Rice, Potatoes and Beans (although beans appear throughout all chapters!)
Morning Foods for Day and Night, 26 pages of Eggs and Cheese and Cereals and Breads.
Finishing Touches, 31 pages of sauces, salsas, condiments, dressings, pastes, and you name it.
Desserts, 45 pages on Fruit Dishes, Cream Cheeses, Pastries, and Custards
Sweetmeats, 12 pages on sweet pastes, peels, syrups, dried fruits, and other dessert dressings.

Every recipe I examined is relatively simple to prepare with fewer expensive or rare ingredients than you may find with Jaffrey or Jack Bishop, and great tips on understanding the recipes and the ingredients.

The appendix is just right for the occasional home cook who is lost in the forest of equipment you can find in a first rate kitchen supply store such as the second floor at Zabars. Ms. Madison puts it all in perspective by highlighting all my favorite tools such as gratin and tian pots, the mortar and pestle, a few good knives, the food mill and the pizza stone and peel. The chapter on the pantry has lots for the novice and a few good tips for the foodie, such as the fact that Mexican olive oils can be very spicy. Possibly the best items in the Appendix are the lists of dishes for special purposes such as entertaining, feeding large groups, and fitting into a low fat diet (note that for the number of recipes in this book, this low fat list is surprisingly short).

The list of sources is short with no Internet sites provided, but I recognize that virtually all of these vendors are still in business. The bibliography is also brief, but hits all the right titles, especially Joy Larkcom's excellent `The Salad Garden'.

This book is a great resource for `liberal' vegetarians who simply eschew meat. I would add this to Madhur Jaffrey's `World Vegetarian', Peter Berley's `The Modern Vegetarian Kitchen', and Jack Bishop's `The Complete Italian Vegetarian' to create a great core vegetarian library. I cannot at this time compare this to Ms. Madison's other books, as this is the first I have read, although I sense many of her more recent books have a narrower scope, focusing on vegetable dishes. I plan to review her other books in the next few days.

Highly recommended for both vegetarians and foodies in general.

This is another excellent cookbook by Deborah Madison. It is packed full of recipes for just about everything. We have tried lots of the recipes, they have all been easy to prepare and delicious. Highly recommended for vegetarians and non vegetarians alike!

So many do-able and delicious recipes - all a bit out of the ordinary, yet deeply satisfying.

As I was very unkind to the author's Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone (as I should have been -- it's a mess), I felt like I needed to give fulsome praise to this one, as it deserves.

I was a vegetarian for 16 years, and this was one of my most relied-upon cookbooks. And now that I've finally left the cult, erm, lifestyle behind, I'm continuing to use The Savory Way.

Deborah Madison has a sophisticated palate, and these recipes are head and shoulders above those of MOST vegetarian cookbooks. Take Mushrooms Flagstaff, for example. It's a recipe she adapted from a nasty hippy vegetarian cookbook. In Madison's hands, it becomes an amazingly complex ragout of mushrooms, bell pepper and tofu, ideal for serving to omnivores. The pasta dishes here are all amazing, including the absolute pinnacle of macaroni and cheese recipes. I've never tasted one better, and she's right: It's even better the next day, fried in butter.

You can't go wrong with anything in this book, and its predecessor The Greens Cookbook is a pretty close second.