Way Books

Slow Way Home is really a nice read. Light, easy, sweet in spots, slice of life story and interesting. It is an important fiction since it deals with the issue of an absent parent, grandparents raising a young boy, a parent who has a wilder lifestyle - not necessarily condusive to raising a child, and legal issues.

It's not my style to write a review that is a book report but instead to give some simple facts and advise if I believe it is worth reading.

With the above in mind and simple facts given, I believe this is worth reading. WHile it isn't a challenging read and is a little predictable, it is new territory for fiction and well done overall.

Borrow it, read it.

Enjoyed it thoroughly - THANK YOU!

Slow Way Home by Michael Morris is a good Southern novel with an extremely strong little boy as the main character. The author does a terrific job at capturing Brandon's anger and helplessness as he is pushed around from one family to another. Brandon Willard is abandoned by his mother to his grandparents, but when she decides she wants him back, they take him on the run. Poor Brandon is moved again and again before finally finding his way home. There are Christian elements to this book, but they aren't overemphasized. The way Brandon clings to Jesus is a strong testimony to the power of the Spirit. The episode with the Ku Klux Klan in Florida seems a bit odd, but much of the book is made up of short, odd episodes in this little boy's life, perhaps it was intentional. The one complaint I have about Morris' writing style is his overuse of metaphors and similes. Many paragraphs end with one or the other, and while some are powerful, the amount of them makes the reader immune to their power.

From the first sentence spoken by Brandon to the last one written by the author in the acknowledgement section, this book had me spell bound. I was lost in the world of Brandon, a boy I saw as a modern day Tom Sawyer. Having lived most of my life in New York (moved to south Florida six years ago) I enjoyed the 'old south' setting of the panhandle of Florida. There are lots of characters to savor in this book but by far the young narrator Brandon outshines them all. A beautiful story. Today I'm going to the library to see what other books I can find by this author.

A young boy is a pawn in a custody fight between his grandparents and his broken mother. While at first it appears that there is one victor in this case, the author draws out the complexities involved in such cases and adequately shows how no one wins when the custody of a child is at stake.

I found this story to be one of heart felt redemption. While the opening scene pulled me into the book, it is the young boy's voice that forced me to keep reading. This novel is tragic, tender, and most of all very real. The writing is artfully crafted and the plot, while sometimes predictable, does not disappoint.

It's that good. The 1988 US presidential campaign was filled with quirky personalities--the wonky Dukakis, the foot-in-mouth George H.W. Bush, crusty Bob Dole, and of course Gary "Loose Cannon" Hart. Richard Ben Cramer gives us the men behind the names, the desperation behind the campaigns, and does it in a slightly gonzo, riproaring, eminently readable style.

Cramer achieved what I would have thought impossible... he actually made me root for Dole, sympathize with GHWB, and understand (well, sorta) how Gary Hart could have imploded his own campaign. Most of only get to see the public face--Cramer has taken us farther, to see the pressure and the craziness of the race and the origins and formative influences that made each of the candidates what they were. It is as important, and as entertaining, now as it was when it was written. Current campaign watchers, take note: Joe Biden's story is one of the ones told, and it will give you a great deal of insight into his character.

What It Takes is one of those books you buy multiple copies of (because when you lend it to your friends, you're probably not going to get it back). Must read!

Cramer's research and insights are impeccable. Frequent flashbacks are a bit disconcerting in what amounts essentially to a joint biography of six significant late 20th century political figures and the business of politics. Cramer's literary device of writing through the imagined thoughts of the principals is compelling. I know Mike Dukakis and Cramer has him absolutely cold. The Bush and Dole portrayals also comport with what I have learned about them elsewhere. Ii't fair to assume then that Cramer also "gets" Hart and Gephardt and, still significantly, Joe Biden. I am a political history buff. This is the best book I have read on the subject EVER, supplanting (in my eyes) "The Making of the President - 1960."

I read this book in hardcover when it was published. I can't imagine a better book on the rigors, the deceptions, a true inside story of how campaigns really work. So insightful! The section on Joe Biden is certainly worth re-reading. He is an amazing man. His history is so helpful in looking at this election and comparing him to McCain's Barbie doll saviour, if any comparison is needed after her lame performance reciting practiced answers even though the answers were not to the questions asked. Duck and dodge, but the Katie Couric interviews showed she is lost in the ring and doesn't belong there. Shame on John McCain for subjecting us to the possibility of a Palin presidency.

If you haven't read this book now is the time! Whenever I am forced to chose only one book as my all time favorite What It Takes (The Way to the White House) by Richard Ben Cramer is the one...I read it when it was first published and still have yet to find another book about politics that is so enthralling..Lots of Joe Biden in the book so that alone makes it a timely book to read now...

This is a book people might shy away from since it deals with the 1988 campaign, and those candidates are basically ancient history (except for Biden). However, what the book really describes it literally 'what it takes' for any man or woman to believe they can be President.

We look at the people running today, and we see them as TV characters and sometimes buffoons, but forget that in their youth they were probably the smartest, most popular, most driven people we would have known. Just to get to a place where one can entertain the idea of running for President takes a life of very, very few wasted opportunities.

So, while this book doesn't talk about Obama or Clinton or Huckabee, etc., you can read it and at least get sort of a sense of what the candidates are like behind the masks they put on.

The best thing that can be said about "What It Takes" is that you will read it and you will appreciate that Presidential candidates actually are qualified, and while they might make terrible decisions, they really are the best we have.

"What It Takes" is an antidote for cynicism.

This book probably presents every scenario you can think of if you want to protect your estate. Reading this book will provide you with intelligent questions while you discuss your estate planning with your attorney.

The book is not only informative, but also entertaining and easy to read. No legaleez to wade through. I highly recommend it.

I felt the book was easy to read. Not one to be read in one sitting, however. I have done extensive estate planning, will preparation, and will updates. However, this book presented some options that I am considering. It also showed me a couple of loopholes that I thought I had closed, that I probably don't. Well worth the money and time to read. I expect to go back to this book several times. I will be taking it with me to an attorney appointment.

Estate planning is so important if you don't want your son in law running off with half your estate in the event of your kid's divorce. This book was a great asset to me ... and a real eyeopener as to what can happen at the reading of your will if you haven't equalized everything. the author even gives you his phone number that readers can call and ask questions free. The book is so good I bought 4 extra copies for friends.

Only estate book I've seen written in an easy-to-read, mini-case-study format. Very practical and thought-provoking advice. Tends to focus on little worst-case scenarios in an attempt to get people to plan properly for all the things that can go wrong in an estate.

For what it's worth, I thought the book was generally best-suited for estates with $100,000 to about $2,000,000 in assets. Don't get me wrong, there's something in here for all estate sizes - especially for people just starting the process of developing a plan. However, don't buy this book looking for technical discussions of advanced tax-minimizing strategies. If you or your clients have estates over this $2MM mark, this book can be a great thought-provoker, but some of the advice isn't really suitable for larger estates.

I have several estate planning books...the "how to" type and they are great. This is the book you need to read before you start filling in the blanks. I wish my parents had read this book. It would have saved my family relationships. This book gives you the basic information you need before drawing up your trust. Protect your beneficiaries and prevent family conflict by reading this book!

As a teacher with my first child, I wanted to be sure to know the best techniques for simulating my little one's mind and helping him through the developmental stages. This book combines research with practical suggestions for developing attention, bonding (for emotional stability and security), and communication. It is written in parent friendly language and the activities are easy to implement. Many of them come naturally to parents and it is great to know that you are already doing the right things to help your child. Reassuring and informative!

I had checked the book out from the library, read it, and enjoyed it. I later decided I wanted to have it on hand as a reference as my daughter grew, so I purchased it. It is full of information about brain development and how you can help your child grow. Do not mistake this for a "how to build a Superbaby" book. The key word in the title is "nurture".

As a new mom and a kindergarten teacher, I love this book!! I really wanted to know how to take every opportunity to interact with my little one in ways that were beneficial to his development. The book is very reassuring in that as parents we do most of these things already. As an educator, the science information is facinating! I also love that this book is not about teaching your child to read (not a pre-requisite for kindergarten...), but it is about cultivating your child so that they can make the most of their future learning experiences.

Simply put -- this is a fabulous book. It has the perfect mix of scientific research and practical easy-to-use suggestions. The author also brings to the book her experiences of a parent to a special needs daughter, providing a compassionate and insightful touch. (Not to fear -- she does not delve into overly personal and sappy anecdotes -- but rather gives the reader further evidence that she really does know of what she speaks.)

There is a lot here for parents of infants to take away. And as someone who is very interested in how the brain learns and develops, I was definitely not disappointed. The book is well researched and the science is explained in a way that is interesting and easy to understand. The organization of the book also makes it a quick reference for those that just want to know "what" to do (and not necessarily all of the "why"'s behind the activities). There are plenty of charts and tables that get right to point and offer quick reminders for parents. A very valuable resource all-around!

From the point of view of a new and inexperienced parent, this book is a fabulous find. Some other books espouse the writers opinion on what's best for your child, this one is based on scientific findings on how the brain develops and delivers this information in a very user-friendly and entertaining manner. It's just very well done.

There are many fine books to tell you about sugar in your diet. This book however is the most concise with over 500 practical, easy to read and remember suggestions to really help you to get the sugar out of your life. It gets right to work with what it tells you. Particularly excellent for someone who already knows a lot about the dangers of sugar but wants to have practical , intelligent and doable suggestions you can begin following immediately after you read them. Excellent simple recipes which are not complicated are also included. A must have . A must read for anyone who is seriously wants to get the sugar out of their lives especially anyone with conditions that require sugar be eliminated to gain or regain their health e.g. obesity, diabetes, etc. Great!

This book was everything I was looking for and more. After reading "Sugar Blues" by William Dufty, I wanted a practical "how to" book to help me cut excess sugar out of my diet. However, I am not an anti-sugar extremist and wanted to find creative ways to get rid of unneccesary excess sugar, while keeping the sweetness and taste in my food, including desserts, and "Get the Sugar Out" definitely provided that.

The book suggests varying levels of sugar extraction, from simple sugar substitution to complete elimination, making the book applicable to anyone and everyone wanting to cut some or all of the sugar out of their diets. Ann suggests several alternatives for refined sugar and white flour that are worth exploring. I found sucanat and fructose to be excellent sugar substitutions. Also her glycemic index is handy, though not as exaustive as other books I've seen. I've tried several of her recipes with success, and have raised the level of nutrition of my own recipes using her tips and substitutions. Overall, I enjoyed her wholesome approach to food, and will continue to refer to her book often when eating out and cooking at home.

I think that this book was very helpful. The background info about the dangers of sugar/sugar substitute consumption and the diseases/conditions related to sugar/sugar substitutes was concise and informative. Personally, I am not going to make use of all 501 suggestions, but with so many ideas, I found a bunch that are going to help me kick the sugar habit (hopefully!).

A very nice feature was that among the 501 ideas, there were also a bunch of recipes that look really good, and they're (for the most part) healthy.

I would recommend this book!

What a great, practical book for anyone and everyone looking to get sugar out of their lives.

A concise and practical handbook that is a real eye-opener, especially as it exposes sources of hidden sugars in the diet.

I read this book in just two sittings because it was so captivating. The characters are amazingly realistic and I became attached to them quickly. When I was finished, I wanted to know more. The story touched me and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a book that will make them laugh, groan, and cry. Great job, Christa!

This novel is one that I could not put down. Christa's character development was spot-on, for I felt as though I knew some of these people. Her story was a well spun tale that can touch your heart, whether you are a woman or a man (like me).
Thank you Christa for the book!! Tamberlyn and I are waiting with baited breath for the next one!!

Reviewed by Nikki Pringle for Reader Views (6/08)

Sarah Graham travels to the small town of Jonah, which isn't even on the map, with nothing to her name besides twenty-three dollars and the deed to her deceased father Luke's house in her pocket. She is incensed to learn that there is a stipulation she must meet before being given the home and the money left by her father. She must live in the house in Jonah, which might as well be the middle of the Sahara Desert for someone from New York City, for six months. Only then will she inherit the home, and the money that she so desperately needs.

Now twenty-seven years old, Sarah has already suffered through a miscarriage, divorce, and the death of her mother when she was 1-year old. Sarah was left in the care of her stern, abusive grandmother when her father was arrested and charged with her mother's murder. She entered and then dropped out of Juilliard and worked a string of dead-end jobs, ending up with no place to live and no means of supporting herself. The home and money that are left to her after her fathers passing came in the nick of time for Sarah, and lured by the two things she so desperately needs, she begrudgingly decides to stick it out over the long winter in Jonah.

Try as she might to avoid them, Sarah finds she is in need of the help of the townsfolk, who all seem to remember Luke not as a paroled murderer, but as a man full of compassion and kindness. After taking a job under the local doctor delivering first food and then companionship to the town's older and poorer residents, Sarah starts to realize that other people just might need her too. Inn owner Maggie, her scarred but resilient daughter Beth and her son Jack, the town pastor, among others, become a larger part of Sarah's life than she is prepared to admit to them or to herself.

With the six months and her time in Jonah drawing to a close, Sarah must wade through the feelings she has developed for this small town and its resident's and find her own happiness through forgiveness, spirituality and love for herself and others, all things she thought she was no longer capable of.

With "Home Another Way," author Christa Parrish has written a debut novel that resonates with themes of human kindness, moral and spiritual dilemmas that many can relate to, and above all, faith strong enough to stand the test of time. Her characters are loveable, funny, and so realistic that you ache for them in their struggles and weep with them in their times of joy. My hope is that Parrish will continue her tale of Sarah, Maggie, Beth, Jack and the other residents of Jonah with a follow-up novel as strong as her first. I recommend "Home Another Way" to anyone who enjoys a story that shows that even in the darkest of times there is a light at the end of the tunnel that can lead where you least expect it.

Home Another Way by Christa Parrish is the kind of book that sticks to your heart. Beautiful, lyrical writing, real, breathing characters and a plot with surprising twists, Parrish makes me want to find this town, hang out with the people there, and engage. A rare, gutsy book for a new generation of readers.

Mary E. DeMuth
Author, Watching the Tree Limbs, Daisy Chain

There are no cardboard characters in Christa Parrish's debut novel. She's done a fabulous job creating real-life characters and a storyline that will keep you reading until the last page.

If you're looking for a book of patterns in the style of, for example, a Bernat folder of patterns, you'll be disappointed in "Knitting in the Old Way." However, if you're looking for examples, for charts for particular stitches, or just for good ideas you can adapt, this is a book you'll treasure.

Different types of sweaters, from Scandanavian to the British Isles, to Canada and beyond, are included in this wonderful reference book. Also in the book are tricks and techniques for using these old patterns in modern knitting.

When I'm looking for something different, when I have an idea but not a commercial pattern for it, or when I'm just reading for pleasure, I browse this volume. It's well-researched, clearly charted, and a wellspring of ideas for the adventurous knitter.

Pick up a copy, and store it with your knitting reference books. You'll be glad you did.

I'm a sucker for knitting techniques and can't follow a pattern to save my life. I tweak everything to make it "better". This book was right up my alley.

Love it, Love it, Love it... I learned so much from this book I could hardly put it down. Have ordered yarn for two of the sweaters. This book is so full of information, it is just like reading a novel on "how to". So glad I bought it. Will be ordering several more copies for knitting friends.

Finally I have a new book which thoroughly explains techniques that I have been looking for. My goal in knitting, always, is to create professional looking, well finished garments, and, even though I have developed many techniques myself through the years, I love learning new, better ways to do things. Rather than a glossy picture book with artsy photos, this book gives me methods for designing, crafting, and finishing unique beautiful garments. There is a wealth of detail with each section, and many discussions I have not seen before, like a good discussion of Cowichan sweaters. So, not only is this book extremely helpful in developing my techniques, it is also interesting, compelling reading. Five stars!

If you hate to buy patterns, if you rather do your own thing, if you just want to know how to figure out what to do with the yarn you bought at that yard sale but you have no pattern for it, than you need this book. This will teach you about sweater parts, how to figure out how many stitches you need with the yarn you have and the idea that is in your brain. This is an excellent reference book for all and any who want to start off doing their own designs or just don't like to follow patterns. If you can'f afford pattern books, this is a great resource to help you get started on your own designs. This is a case of don't judge a book by it's cover or the lack of enticing color photos. The content is very worthwhile.

It has taken me years to finally get around to reviewing Doreen's books and oracle decks. She rocks.I can't list here all the ways in which her work has influenced my life, because I would have to write my own book. You can use this book as a guide for all spiritual work. You don't even have to believe in angels or oracles. I started out as a skeptic and eventually signed up for, and attended, Doreen's angel therapy workshops. I use her decks, books, and CD's daily. Try it yourself. :-)

I received the book well before the date promised. Am happy to add another Doreen Virtue book to my book collection.

The Lightworker's Way: Awakening Your Spiritual Power to Know and Heal

I really appreciate the author writing this book. She truly details all of the little life defining moments and the events in her life that led up to where she is now and how she slowly accepted her healing and intuitive gifts. I appreciate her honesty; this book has been extremely inspiring to me. I will suggest this book to any open minded person who wants to write their own book or for anyone who is very intuitive but do not have anyone they feel safe enough to share it with. Thank you, Doreen Virtue, for doing your life's work of healing and encouraging others to love and heal as well.

A powerful book that I just would not put down. I had many "aha" moments.
Higly recommend for those "living in the light". Worth a read. :-)

I ordered this book again, after I read it years ago and gave it away. It was great the first and second time. Doreen is a profound spiritual teacher, clairvoyant and life educator. If the word Lightworker rings true to you, you MUST read this book. Doreen is a PHD psychologist AND a healer, intutive, so you get an overall way to heal that is loving light and soulful and practical knowledge. She talks about her history of having gifts and struggling against them and then embracing them. I have seen her numerous times and met her in Los angeles and she is the REAL DEAL. She beams an angelic quality and knowledge. I can't say enough how much her books have helped me on my path. I am a spirtual healer and psychotherapist, so I resonate with her being bold enough to speak her truth.

is so important to raising empowered, happy and successful children. Taking negativity out of parenting is sometimes difficult because we do it unconsciously because of our own upbringing. This book does a great job in pointing this out. Two other books written by teacher-author and expert on childrearing,Joanne Scaglione, is Bully-Proofing Children: A Practical, Hands-On Guide to Stop Bullying and Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook... both must-reads for successful parenting.

Do you ever have one of those days (weeks, months) when it seems all you have done all day is get after your child for doing things he knows he is not supposed to do? You have tried yelling, using time-outs, taking toys away, etc., and you feel guilty (and worn out). I have an almost 2 year old and a 3 year old and a ton of parenting books. If I could only recommend one parenting book, this is it. The main idea behind this book is that praising good behavior is much more effective than punishing bad behavior. This seems kind of obvious, but it is very difficult to consciously do this all the time. I liked this book so much because it is sooooo motivating. It makes you see how important it is to minimize negative interactions with your children and maximize positive ones. It gives lots of examples on how to talk to your child and words to use. There were some parts of this book that I did not agree with, but the good parts were so good that I think all parents should have a copy of this book.

This is a book I wish had been around when my kids were young. Thank heavens I found it while they were teenagers. I picked it up on the recommendation of a friend, when my kids were heading for social, educational and emotional disaster. When I hit the page where the author says that insanity is doing the same things you have always done and expecting different results, I decided his concepts were worth a try. My kids responded immediately, just as Dr. Latham predicted, and so positively that I was astounded.

Don't expect to be too entertained by this book. It's repetitive and many of the things the author tells you to do are so counterintuitive you may be tempted (as I was) to think they'll never work. However, don't let the repetitive nature of his instructions put you off. There's a good reason for all the repetition--we don't get it the first time, or the second, or the third, or... Give his principles a try and watch the absolute miracles start to happen.

Everyone should get this book. It gave me so much great useful info. I took tons of notes to go back and keep re-reading. I got so much out of it I am taking the class that goes along with it.

I have spent five years reading parenting books and this is the best one by far. I have read this book probably 5 times...and review it all the time. My husband took a master's level parenting class for a related field and this was his textbook. This book takes the pain out of parenting and the pain out of your children when we try to parent. This is a no-hit, no-yell, effective, kind way to parent. I often have people tell me they can't believe how well behaved my kids are. I tell ya it isn't luck, it is using the information from this book! It is worth every penny you pay and more. You, your kids and your spouse will be happier from reading this. Parenting and family life are fun thanks to this, just as it should be. By the way, this book isn't magic, it isn't always easy to keep your temper down but if you work at it you will love being a parent!

Transforming Performance Measurement by Dean Spitzer is recommended reading for anyone who attempts to change the culture of an organization. In a field (over)loaded with data as in education, Dean focused our attention only on the measures that will likely improve performance. Guided by measurements as opposed to intuition, the readers will often find themselves wondering how to measure their contributions toward the team's success.

The book reaffirms the notion that data without context is just isolated facts. Positive transformation occurs when more people within the organization converts data into information, knowledge and finally wisdom. For those who try to capture performance data through integrated technology, you will recognize the common pitfalls of measurement technology cited in the book (pg 160). Unfortunately, some pitfalls may be difficult to avoid even after reading this book.

Finally, the importance of measurement leadership cannot be overstated. Success of scorecards and dashboards depends largely on the "systemic" nature of the implementation. Organization that promotes open discussion about measurement deficiencies will foster the social context necessary to transform its performance.

I highly recommend this book not just for one-time reading. It has moved from my bookshelf to the desktop and remains a great daily reference as our organization moves through the process of transformation.

The code for a new level of performance measurements measuring organizational success has been broken and its secrets are revealed in this book! Dean Spitzer brilliantly helps readers transform performance measurements by combining technical aspects with the often overlooked social aspects of performance. This book is a must read for all who truly want to create and maintain a transformational performance measurements "cultural shift" within their organization.

This book is a 304-page introduction and description of its subject. It tells how and why most measurement schemes yield disappointing results. The author never gets around to telling us how to improve measurement.

This book is a classic example of Bad Business Writing: massive introduction of the subject, followed by interminable discussion of how we get it wrong, followed by enormous build-up for the wisdom we are about to receive. Are we there yet? Not on your life. Next we get a lexicon of the elements of transformational performance measurement: context, focus, integration and interactivity. You may want to write those down, as I won't return to them. Then more buildup:

"When all four keys are working together synergistically, amazing things can, and will, happen to enable the awesome power of measurement to make a real difference--a transformational difference--in your organization!"

I am so ready now.

In a last, desperate attempt to get a plan for actually measuring something, I skipped forward to the chapter with "Action Plans" in the title. Does he begin with action plans? No, more description, more build up, then finally, an actual suggestion, the first needle in this 304-page haystack:

"[A] restaurant staff assign a "mood rating" (from 1 to 10) to each customer party when they enter the establishment and throughout the meal. The goal is to raise the mood rating, with the standard that no one should leave the restaurant with a mood rating below a 9."

I will take this brilliant pearl of wisdom back to my major financial institution and transform our business. Thank you, Mr. Spitzer.

This has to be the absolute best book I have read in this field of performance measurement.

Spitzer goes straight to the heart of what performance measurement is all about - transforming organisational performance - and he makes it crystal clear why it is more about the social system (the people) than the technical systems (dashboards, analysis, data).

His writing style is engaging, filled with great examples and wonderful inspirational quotes and advice from leaders in the management and performance fields.

It isn't a step-by-step how-to book, but it is essential for anyone leading performance measurement and improvement - and anyone leading an organisation - to read, to study and read again.

This book is an excellent example of thought leadership. The concepts presented on performance measurement places a whole new lens on the subject. I congratulate Dr. Spitzer on an excellent piece of work.