Way Books

I cannot think of a book by Jim Forest that I did not enjoy, leran from and then recommend to others, even making gifts of several of them to freinds and family. I think here, to name just a few of his wonderful biography of Thomas Merton, Living with Wisdom, his books on praying with icons and on the Beatitudes, his book on confession and his new one Silent as a Stone, on St. Mother Maria Skobtsova's resuce of children during the roundup and imprisoning of French Jews during the Occupation in 1942. In many ways, The Road to Emmaus: pilgrimage as a way of life, brings together holy women and men Jim Forest has revered, learned from and written about. But in this lovely and lucid text, he also brings some of the most important of his subjects such as prayer, liturgy, sacred images, holy places. He assembles all these in the framework of that venerable project of seeting out and making the pilgrimage journey. This could be an excellent book to take along on a retreat, to use for spiritual reading during a season such as Advent or Lent, to gather a study group. The images within support Jim Forest's always accessible prose. He has also included his own pilgrimage through sickness towards healing. You will be in for adventure in reading this, just as much as any of Chaucer's pilgrims on the road to canterbury, or for that matter, thousands of others journeying to Compostella, Rome, Jerusalem or other holy places.

This book is one that I plan to add to the short list that I read regularly. I have been looking for material that will help break up the hard soil of my heart so that I can hear the unexpected messages God has for me on the road of life. I mean, whether one is an intentional pilgrim, a traveler, one who makes his or her rounds, or even a person limited by illness, Jim Forest addresses you with stories, words of Saints, and sage advice. He's been these all these persons, and he illustrates how God is there in these situations, speaking. If you're longing for those ears to hear the saving messages you fear you're missing, this book will help.

Jim Forest's latest book is a guide and companion for all of us, stripping away the cynicsm that modern readers may feel when asked to consider their lives as journeys.

The book deals with the physical act of pilgimage, with places of pilgrimage and with pilgrimage as a metaphor for life, but ultimately all forms of pilgrimage are resolved in the unexpected encounter between the downcast disciples and the Risen Christ on the Road to Emmaus. It is this journey that Forest challenges us to use as the pattern of our lives.

Whilst the approach is explicitly Christian and more particularly Orthodox Christian, it is always informed and enriched by Forest's encounters with representatives of other traditions and philosophies, and of course his friendships with Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton and Thich Nhat Hanh. Indeed, it is this warmth and openness to others that makes the book so attractive: whether we agree with one another or not, we all live together. And how many books encompass Tolkien and Dostoevsky, Chartres and the Anne Frank House, the Desert Fathers and the pilgrimage of illness?

A humane, wise book for a fearful time

Jim Forest's book: "The Road to Emmaus" presents a highly readable, lively account of this one, somewhat curious, aspect of spiritual living. In the book, the theme of pilgrimage is highlighted against a number of the places that the author has visited, together with those whom he has met along the way. Jim's characteristic ability to see the `eternal' present in situations which most would discard as simply ephemeral, gives the book a challenging, yet attractive, quality. The author takes us to `thin' places, where the presence of God is almost tangible, but also to `dark' places, where the presence of God seems to be wholly absent. I was particularly interested in the idea, throughout the book, that it is the journey, rather than the destination, which constitutes the pilgrimage itself, making pilgrimage an aspect of living in the moment, rather than (as is more normal) an idea of projecting ourselves into some future achievement. The book is freely laced with Jim's own attractive anecdotal style, and provides a fascinating personal insight into our journey towards the Kingdom of God.

I've been reading Jim Forest's books for years, and although I've never had the pleasure of actually meeting him, I think of him as a valued and much loved teacher. His latest book, this one on pilgrimage, is a beautiful reflection on what it means to be a homo viator, a pilgrim, a traveler on the way to God.

We typically think of pilgrimage as actual physical movement toward a holy place, and this is perfectly legitimate. But Forest reminds us that pilgrimage is fundamentally an alert attentiveness to God: a quiet listening, a prayerful waiting, a contemplative centering, a grateful bowing. Too much attention on physical holy places can distract us from the spiritual essence of pilgrimage. It risks turning would-be pilgrims into tourists. If God is a circle whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere, then we are always at the Holy Place we seek. The trick is realizing it.

In discussing pilgrimage, Forest's reflections on "thin places," where the presence of God seems especially palpable, and "dark places," where the absence of God feels so devastating that they can inspire a trek along the dark path of unknowing and unnaming. I was especially moved by his chapter on "The Pilgrimage of Illness." In it, Forest reveals that he's suffering from kidney failure which requires regular dialysis. But in the midst of his illness, he's also discovered a whole new opportunity for traveling to God.

A wonderful book worth reading slowly and meditatively. Thanks, Jim!

"Scary News" is a wonderful resource for parents who are interested in helping their children become confident and secure individuals. Exposure to media is inevitable for all children, and this book gives us real-world ideas for helping our children make sense of media, and the role it should play in their lives.

This book is such a comfort. As a child therapist for several years and now a mother of three, I embrace the premise of this book: that bad news and scary information is available everywhere and that our children are profoundly affected by it. That's why is is so refreshing to read Scary News. It is really rare to find an author who writes with such clarity and joy and who offers such easy and practical things to do with children to counteract these forces. For example, I really liked the suggestions on creating comforting and beautiful places in your home with your children. Throughout the book Lorna Knox addresses the spiritual side of children in a joyful and non-denominational way, which adds a depth and wisdom that most parenting books don't come close to. The goal is to prepare children to deal with reality in a mature, joyful and compassionate way. And, without addressing any specific behavior problems, it is clear to me that the suggestions in this book would alleviate many of the behavior problems parents face. I highly recommend it.

Scary News couldn't come at a better time, for parents, grandparents, and children. Many parents and grandparents are sensitive to what can be viewed on TV news.However, how many of us pay attention to what's on the radio or what we're talking about when we're with the kids or they're within earshot. I had never thought about such things until I read Scary News.Also, Lorna gives us positive ideas on what to do when the kids hear about all the world's problems. It's not just a negative book; her ideas are wonderful -- and they work!

As a Child Development Specialist, parents and teachers often ask me how much their children and students should be told about certain tragedies headling the news. It's a complicated question, but Lorna's book is full of fresh, practical ideas to help guide us. During the Tsunami event, a Kindergarten teacher at my school struggled with how much information to discuss with her class of 5-years olds. I gave her my copy of Scary News, and after reading it she declared it to be "wonderful", and asked that our school purchase more copies for our staff and parents. Scary News is a resource book that should be in every parent's library.

Scary News: 12 Ways To Raise Joyful Children When The Headlines Are Full Of Fear by Lorna Ann Knox (a former nurse and health educator, and currently a teacher in Portland, Oregon) is a resource for raising children in a modern age full of terrors. Offering guidelines for teaching children of various ages and stages of development, from early childhood to teens, how to lead balanced lives without being overwhelmed by news of horrible events such as war, natural disasters, terrorist attacks and economic busts. Scary News is not an escapist guide; it stresses the importance of learning information, but balances that with the key of learning to make life choices out of love, not fear. A reassuring and knowledgeable supplement for answering some of the most difficult questions a child can ask.

Self Hypnosis as those of us searching for a book on it is meant to be a way to reach the sleeping mind the way to do this is through trance Bruce Goldberg offers this as well as many scripts From Ordinary to the Extradordinary does is work sure if your consistent I Know the Cd I listen to will make you feel good because you keep hearing positive things and since your relaxed your more likely to believe them . Does Bruce Goldberg offer many Scripts and a Cd For a great price I might say sure but if you more as to why which I didnt know that I wanted till I bought this book then try another book because its one thing to blindly hypnotize yourself which this book will help you do but why and how Bruce does give a brief history and a few lines on how to make your own scripts but the books is mainly for the scripts which cover the common stuff Self confidence smoking weight etc. then in the end of the book for you new Agers there are different scripts for Astral Travel as well as all the Way to your higher Self ..........So you decide what you want.

Having read so many books and having taken so many courses on hypnosis and hypnotherapy, I find the book's content to be sound and consistent with what I know about hypnosis/hypnotherapy --- yes, even the parts on the unexplainable phenomenon of past life regression/progression, things we cannot explain, but nevertheless experience and validated to be true. If I should have any complaints about this book though, its got a lot more to do with the CD. Having done hypnosis perhaps countless times, I find his CD to be rather fast paced; the absence of vivid imageries in the script was the thing i find most wanting. Otherwise, I thought this is a very good buy. Btw, his approach, if you need to know is direct and almost authoritarian. A complimentary book to read after this would be Conversational Hypnosis by Carol Sommer. Having read these two, methinks you're set and ready to go!

the purchase of the book was the way things are supposed to work, ie on time and in good condition. worth 5 stars

Overcome habits, phobias and other problems using self-hypnosis and this book, which advocates a 20-minute daily program of self-hypnosis using one's own recordings to `reprogram' subconscious behaviors. Dr. Bruce Goldberg maintains all hypnosis is really self-hypnosis: he's worked with over 14,000 patients since 1974 and in the revised edition of Self Hypnosis: Easy Ways To Hypnotize Your Problems Away he includes a guided set of exercises on CD as reinforcers.

The need to examine our sub-consious is necessary and this is a way good way to learn to do it on our own.

That quaint saying is the keynote of this book from the turn of the century. It is truly the best basic cook book ever produced. From mayonaisse to dressing fresh kill, starting a fire in a stove to making cordials and candies from your berry crop, the quintessential Cook's book will provide you with a culinary education from the days before microwaves and even Barbie's dream kitchen. The food here is not haute cuisine but good honest food that can feed a family wholesome and hearty meals on a budget and teach you how to make it from scratch. It is a must have investment for anyone trying to live on a budget.

If you can get this book -- Buy this book.

...oh yes, they have GREAT cookie recipes too ;)

Hugz,

Mama Budz

This is the best German/American cookbook ever. It is a pity the recent revised edition does not measure up, as it lack many of the basic recipes here. I could not live without a copy. I have two, one in my upstate New York residence (given to me by my mother 58 years ago when I was in college) and one here in my Florida winter home (given to me by my son-in-law just a few years ago when I complained that my copy was falling apart from overuse). Has the BEST recipe for Sauerbraten ever (yes, the gravy is thickened with gingersnaps), and all the kuchen and pastry items that made my mother's and grandmother's kitchens redolent. If you can find a copy give it to your lover or whoever cooks for you, or just keep it for youself as I do. Other cookbooks may be useful, but this one is essential, and the recipes are simple and foolproof.

Noodle kugel, kasha varnishkas, knishes and stuffed cabbage. If you long for cooking as Grandmom used to do, this is a timeless classic on the order of older versions of The Joy of Cooking.

WOW! This is the best cookbook I have ever used! I have almost wore it out! The best pancake recipe is in this book! My family loves the waffle recipe! My Grandma gave my mom this cookbook, my mom gave me a copy of the cookbook & I hope to pass on the tradition to my girls.

I used this cookbook as a child, when I cooked with my Mother and my Grandmother in the 1950s and 60s. It is a wonderful piece of American History, with recipes for things you might never have thought about. I reccomend this book to anyone who experiences the 'joy of cooking' and has a desire to keep American History alive and a part of the new century. A reprint or an edition from a used bookstore would be a treasured possession for any cook, a valuable gift.

Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (9/08)

There is brilliance and wonder all around us. Some pass each day by merely existing without thought to being. They wake, prepare for the day, and proceed to do what they regularly do without much thought. Many do this day in and day out until their time on earth is done. For those of us who choose, each day can be a blessing, we get what we wish. If we look for happiness and peace - it can be found. Do you merely drive to work or do you spot the rainbow or the ground hogs on the way there?

"Short Sleeves Insights: Live an Ordinary Life in a Non-Ordinary Way" is a gift Hal Manogue has given. In his daily blog Hal shares his thoughts which power him. Not knowing what he will be covering each day he prays after waking, reads the news and nourishes himself; then he chooses a book from his collection and begins to read. Within a few minutes he has the essence of what the daily message will be.

This collection of 137 short essays gives you something to think about. Many positive thoughts and peaceful readings provide inspiration throughout the day. If you are feeling overwhelmed you could choose the essay entitled "Stressed out!" As you read it you realize the smallness of much of our thoughts and begin looking at the bigger picture.

Inside each and every one of us is a being capable of experiencing a world of love, joy and profound peace. As in his previous writings, Hal makes you sit back and think...and think. Reading just one essay each day in "Short Sleeves Insights," and really absorbing into you soul what you read will be a very positive change in your being.

Hal Manogue has done heartfelt research to gather wonderful quotes - as true helpers for our lives. What he passes on for us amounts to the rarest of gifts: The insights of a soul who has lived the notions he features in this collection. He serves up the words of greats like Dr. Fred Alan Wolf, Rumi, Emerson, Rilke, and even writers of rare old Indian fables.
The author's commentaries and introductions to the passages show such keen vital insights. One I like tells of holding two conscious planes in mind simultaneously. When he looks at them as "one and the same, wisdom and foolishness are almost identical. They are indifferent to the world around them."
This is a book to keep by the bedside - as a spiritualizing prompt for the sleep state. Maybe even as a gateway to soul's inner voyages to the ultimate.

What was important in our lives used to mean just that ... what was important. Many of us have lost the meaning in that message, not Hal Manogue. He takes us to the essence of what it is that our life is about and allows us to find our own path to what we really need in life. He helps the reader become free of the restraints imposed by the pressures of the world and actively pursue the goals of happiness and spirituality necessary for our own peace on Earth. I recommend this book to anyone wondering what life is about. I look forward to reading more from this gifted writer and spiritual advisor.

Years ago I met a poet online by the name of Hal Manogue. Hal wrote wonderful observations couched in poetry, and we began an e-mail exchange related to ideas and inquiry. During the time we corresponded it was evident to me that Hal had a capacity for prose that would incorporate his poetic spirit, but develop thoughts in a way that would provide grand insights for others. He began a BLOG, incorporating thoughts of famous people throughout history, and renewed them with his insights that bore significance for us today. Out of this, a book was born, and I am more than pleased to recommend it. I was honored to write a testimonial for his book jacket, and will share it with you here:

"Out of the ashes the Phoenix arises, and out of the Poet, the universe is birthed. Hal Manogue introduces us to the words of great poets, philosophers and writers through the ages, and then adds his eloquent observations to awaken us to our own wondrous gift of being.

"I have watched the unfolding of this remarkable talent, and am in awe of Hal's ability to take and remake what was past into a meaningful present and vibrant future. This book is a daily reminder of who we are and what we were designed to become. It fills in the blanks and opens the way for any and all possibilities. Read and digest it in joy!"

You can pick up the book and open to any page at random, receiving a powerful reminder of your potential in easily digestible portions.

Many people believe that they have no say in how their life evolves. They think that God, fate, chance, or genes have control of their earthly journey. In this book, you will learn that we are co-creators of our own lives and circumstances by the choices we make.

After reading this book, I believe that peace on earth is possible if we will only find this peace within our own silence--our own inner being that is connected to ALL THERE IS. To become the master of our lives, we must stop seeing ourselves as separate from God or one another. By simply changing our thoughts, we can change things around us.

Like a modern day Rumi, Hal builds on the quantum science theory that we are living many lives simultaneously in other dimensions or planes of reality. He uses nature, animals, and daily events to draw conclusions about enlightenment and awareness. The insights in this book can change your life.

~ Yvonne Perry, Author of RIGHT TO RECOVER: Winning the Political and Religious Wars Over Stem Cell Research in America

This one has got it all. Mystery, suspense, sexual tension, a vulnerable heroine, a hot hero. Take a chance, you won't regret it.

Jill Shalvis pens an exciting story with lots of love, passion and promise

A tour de force by the hottest new star of romantic suspense since Nora Roberts. A must read!Jenn

When attorney Katherine Wilson is forced to go into hiding she did not expect, nor want, to find love. But she does with Kyle Spencer, the owner of Bonsai Trials (amongst other things) and the man guiding her through the Sierras. The chemistry between the two is potent and the setting and suspense subplot are quite good (it reminded me a bit of the 1980s Sidney Poiter thriller Shoot to Kill). Author Jill Shalvis shows a great deal of promise, she just needs to polish her writing style a bit. Recommended.

Couldn't put down this one. Gorgeous hero and a heart-stopping thriller. Buy now.

Im so glad I found this book. A friend of mine actually told me about it and it really made my day. The title says it all. This book will help you appreciate the finer treasures of life that are already around you. Sometimes we need a book like this to wake us up to them, though. If you are sick and tired of the shallow "who wants to be a gazillionaire" mentality, get this book and share it with a friend, because its a down to earth breath of fresh air.

Until recently, I've been overworking and have not been able to spend the quality time with the most prized people in my life. I read "Simply Rich" while on vacation and it helped me relax and rethink some of my priorities. Lately my outlook has been more optimistic and the smile on my face has grown. I AM simply rich and I'm thankful that this book helped me realize that. A great book for a perfect time in my life. Read this book and make sure to keep a copy readily available since the techniques are timeless.

I loved this book...it became a really special gift for my mom as an early Mother's Day gift! We're both dedicating ourselves to do more creative projects.

The author brings a richness to everyday life. What I like best is that someof the simple things she recommends, I already do. Anyone can follow this very well-written book. Wouldn't all our lives be so much more worthwhile if we just followed 14 of the simple ways, and truly rich if we followed them all. Very good job.

Moments we as a Human group have recently witnessed
emotionally physically and spiritually force us to seek and find
some glimmer of hope for a manageable future .
This book is most refreshing and I will puchase more copies as
gifts for friends and Familie.
A doable self realization book.

SKI MASK WAY tells the tale of a young man trying to forge a new life, a life of crime. Isaiah "Ski" Thompson's goal has always been to be a basketball player. With good grades and basketball skills it seemed as if he was on the fast track of doing just that. That is until tragedy strikes and what used to be important to Ski no longer is. Finally giving into peer pressure Ski chooses a new direction in life - drug dealing and stealing.

There is plenty in Randy Thompson's debut to sate the appetites of readers starved for a good read. The tone ranges from carefree and fun to murder and mayhem. Undoubtedly, readers will find themselves fully absorbed in SKI MASK WAY. Thompson's descriptions of the sights, sounds and emotions bring the story to life with all of its horrors and satisfactions. Job well done.

Intrigued, I look forward to SKI MASK WAY II.

Reviewed by: Tracy

Randy Thompson aka Ski had two options while growing up poor in Long Island New York, ball or be a baller. Randy had the skills neccessary to leave his hood behind and pursue his basketball dreams but sometimes even the most seemingly attainable goals can slip away. When's Randy's opportunity slipped away he still had to provide for his family and being a small time drug dealer just wasn't gonna cut it. Randy was gonna have to do things the Ski Mask Way and with his clique of childhood friends that wouldn't be hard at all.

From Long Island to upstate NY nowhere was safe from the wrath of Ski and his crew. Jewelry Stores, Drug Dealers and Department Stores all got touched but would Ski's clique remained untouched? Or would Ski find out that becoming a baller by amassing ill gotten wealth would be even harder than going to school to pursue his NBA career. Especially when you have to overcome more than just the police but jealousy within his own clique. Read the Ski-Mask Way and find out what's harder balling or becoming a baller!

Randy Thompson aka "Ski" comes out hitting hard with this debut novel.. "SKI MASK WAY". In this story Isaiah "Ski" Thompson is a young man who is destined for great things. As he goes off to college to play basketball things take a turn and leaves him out of school and trying to make money, the ski mask way. The Go-Hard Crew, consisting of his childhood friends, rob anything, no business and no person is safe from this crew, because they definitely go hard for theirs.

I have to be honest with you this book had me from the first page. My mouth literally dropped on some parts and I had to laugh at a few. Randy came out banging with this book, if you haven't copped this book I suggest that you do, because in my opinion this is THE BEST book that I have read in "2008". So he gets my vote for best new author and best book in "2008". Randy I will definitely support your future titles!

Although words can't be used to describe how truly HOT, this novel really is, I decided to pick a few of my favorite to give you an idea!

SPLENDID, SUPERB, SUPERIOR, WONDERFUL...and the characters were...VICIOUS, WICKED, FIERCE FEROCIOUS!!!

To say that I thorougly enjoyed this novel is an understatement. And the fact that it's based on a true story is CHILLING!

From the very begginging Randy pulled me into the pages of this novel and I felt like I was right beside Ski through his entire journey. Although some disloyal people surrounded themselves around Ski, (disguised as friends) I smiled when I realized that in the end REAL friendship prevails.

You are a fool if you call yourself a lover of "Street Fiction" and don't cop this book!

It's a MUST READ!!!

Young Isaiah "Ski" Thompson eats, breathes and lives basketball. It's his ticket to happily ever after. Despites the hustling lifestyle of his friends around him, Ski is steadfast in his pursuit of the NBA. However, life-altering circumstances soon snap Ski wide awake from his hoop dreams and find him going hard on the streets instead of the court. Can he be MVP or will he foul out?

"Ski Mask Way" leaps from the pages with subplots and flashbacks, giving us Ski's adventures as a member of The Go-Hard Crew and his struggles with his hoop dreams versus his street reality.

Thompson proves deft in his delivery of drama, action, comedy and grit and grime. As much as this book centers on Ski, however, readers will be charmed and tickled by his colorful friends. They can tell jokes, turn on the charm and keep it gutter. I felt like I was riding shotgun in the get away car. And as wrong as they were, I found myself hoping they'd get away. Was so into the book I almost missed an editing issue - book temporarily flipped from first person to third. But even with that flaw, " Ski Mask Way " is an adrenaline and emotionally-fueled story, with strong elements all around that I recommend.

Readers will enjoy this well-told tale and leave many wondering: How much of Thompson's story might be closer to fact than fiction?

4.5 stars

This is a great book for someone new to couponing. I have learned a lot from it already, and I am only half way through! I highly recommend it.

Faye Prosser's, The Smart Spending Guide, is a very informative book that takes the guess work out of using coupons and saving money on a daily basis. If you think coupons are worthless, read Prosser's book...you will be amazed at the savings you can achieve using her guide. It is a very easy reader.

Faye really reaches people on a personal level and in simple terms shows you how to pile on the savings, and cut down on expenses. From novice to expert, there is something for everyone in this guide.

Faye Prosser's book is the perfect "handbook" for savings. Her tips and suggestions are simple to incorporate into your life, without feeling like you're living a "frugal" existence. Quite the contrary; your life will *literally* be richer if you follow her methods suggested in her book. This book is truly an investment in your future. I highly recommend it!

Whether you need help stretching your paycheck from month to month or you just want to build your retirement nest egg, the advice and tips provided by Faye Prosser in her book, The Smart Spending Guide, will teach you how to get the most from your hard-earned money. I know, because I learned Prosser's grocery shopping techniques while editing the book and have been experiencing big savings for the past few months. Note: I was hired to edit the book and paid for my services. I have no stake in the success of the book and am not receiving any compensation based on book sales.

The Smart Spending Guide begins with a solid introduction to debt-reduction and budgeting and even includes helpful worksheets. Then, you get to my favorite part of the book, the grocery system. Prosser gives you an easy-to-follow lesson in combining several money-saving shopping techniques to maximize your grocery savings, including where to find coupons (did you know you can BUY coupons?), how to organize your coupons (the bottom of your purse just doesn't work!), where to buy food (it's not always the grocery store), planning your grocery shopping trips, and much, much more. Next, there are several chapters full of useful information about frugal living. The frugal tips provided in The Smart Spending Guide cover a wide range of topics, showing you how to save money on meals (adding to the grocery shopping strategy), gifts, vacations, and your health and well-being, as well as around the house and more. Finally, the book provides some suggestions and resources for making extra money and presents ideas and motivation for continued saving.

Thanks to Prosser's conversational style of writing, The Smart Spending Guide is very easy to read. As you go through the book, if feels as if she's a friend imparting helpful advice. The grocery system is well-explained and made to seem simple, so you won't be too overwhelmed to give it a try. The frugal sections are smart and mainstream; easily adopted by busy people living in modern times. Prosser has avoided the more radical ideas often found in frugal-living books which end up intimidating beginners, such as 101 ways to recycle dryer lint or goat farming to save money on milk.

The Smart Spending Guide is perfect for frugal beginners and people who are already moderately frugal. People who don't know anything about frugal living will be amazed. The moderately frugal will pick up a few extra good ideas and be motivated to try more. I highly recommend The Smart Spending Guide. After all, I saved more than the book's purchase price on my first grocery shopping trip!

This second Dead Past mystery is an entertaining and cleverly written whodunit. As mentioned, the crazy old Zebediah Crummler is arrested for the horrible mutilation murder of a young boy, Teddy Harnes, son of one of the most corrupt villains ever created. Heroes Jon Kendrick and his grandmother Anna once again stumble into the investigation of the mystery. Studly Lowell Tully is back, and even though he warns Jon to stay out, hey where would our mystery be? Jon is now the father of Kate's unborn child, and their marriage is impending. There's lots of twists and turns, and some humorous witty anecdotes included. The ending is well done, and it does leave room for a third book. When's it coming, Tom?

Although rare book dealer Jon Kendrick left Felicity Grove as soon as he was able, he returns to the small town because of the two women in his life. His grandmother Anna Lucas, and his lover and mother of his unborn child Katie who live there and never plan to relocate. Both ladies pray that Jon will permanently relocate there, but he feels the townsfolk would not want a rare book store in their town.

Neither woman is providing much pressure on the reluctant Jon, but he presses himself to make a decision. To ignore his personal dilemma even temporarily, Jon focuses on some recent local killings. In a cemetery, the son of the most powerful local developer was recently found murdered with his face cut off. The eccentric caretaker of the cemetery is charged with the crime, but Jon cannot accept the simplicity of the solution. He begins to inquire since he knows that his gentle friend could never do such a vicious act.

Tom Piccirelli seems to get better and better with each new novel he writes. As good as his previous novels are, SORROW'S CROWN is by far his best work. This time, he cleverly allows readers free access into the mind of the protagonist, which, in turn, provides the audience an opportunity to understand what motivates and frightens Jon. Jon is a real hero and readers will admire him for being one.

Harriet Klausner

Although rare book dealer Jon Kendrick left Felicity Grove as soon as he was able, he returns to the small town because of the two women in his life. His grandmother Anna Lucas, and his lover and mother of his unborn child Katie who live there and never plan to relocate. Both ladies pray that Jon will permanently relocate there, but he feels the townsfolk would not want a rare book store in their town.

Neither woman is providing much pressure on the reluctant Jon, but he presses himself to make a decision. To ignore his personal dilemma even temporarily, Jon focuses on some recent local killings. In a cemetery, the son of the most powerful local developer was recently found murdered with his face cut off. The eccentric caretaker of the cemetery is charged with the crime, but Jon cannot accept the simplicity of the solution. He begins to inquire since he knows that his gentle friend could never do such a vicious act.

Tom Piccirelli seems to get better and better with each new novel he writes. As good as his previous novels are, SORROW'S CROWN is by far his best work. This time, he cleverly allows readers free access into the mind of the protagonist, which, in turn, provides the audience an opportunity to understand what motivates and frightens Jon. Jon is a real hero and readers will admire him for being one.

Harriet Klausner 11/1/98

I just finished SORROW'S CROWN. Wow, great sequel, great story, great people. I love Jon and Anna, the two Crummlers, creepy Jocelyn and Harnes and the cops.

SORROW'S CROWN, sequel to THE DEAD PAST, continues with the crime-solving duo of Jon Kendrick and his grandmother Anna, of Felicity Grove. A kid is murdered, the killer having taken off the kid's face, and Crummler, the slow-witted cemetary caretaker, is blamed. What follows is a study in the theme of "the past is never truly dead." Jon and Anna figure out what really happened but getting there is the treat. Along the way we meet such colorful characters with wise-cracking dialogue. Piccirilli has a knack for fleshing out a character by harping on the quirks of each person, in such a way that we never forget who or what these people represent. A sequel that upholds the original theme and exceeds it by being a bit more literate and symbolic. Recommended.