Wood Books

This is the English translation of the Norwegian novel by Trygve Gulbranssen. To state a few predictable or cliched things about this book. One it reminds me in many ways of the work of another Norwegian author Knut Hamsun, although I prefer this book to anything by Hamsun that I have read to date. Two, this book is VERY Scandinavian not just in the outward obvious ways, but also in subtle ways that a person that has not lived in a Nordic country probably would not pick up on. In particular to social customs, nuances, mannerisms, the habit many have of talking about people behind each others backs as well as how many of these people will often hold grudges for years on end for seemingly minor offenses to their person. Three, although the level of violence doesn't quite go that extreme in Beyond Sing the Woods I can't help but be reminded of the multitude of Norse and Icelandic Sagas that I have read by this book also.

This novel is set in a somewhat vague time period (I would guess anywhere from 1700 to the 1850's?) in rural Norway. It revolves around one family over more than one generation with an emphasis on the head of the household/family patriarch but goes into a few other directions at times too. The family is supposedly descended from the old time chieftains and behaves in a proud noble way for the most part. Really they were a throw back to the old time Pagan chieftains in many ways, where the leaders were owed something by the people who lived in their lands, but there was also a give and take where they were not exploiters of the land and people but overseers and protectors. Another thing I loved about this book is, as another reviewer mentioned, the vivid descriptions of the Norwegian forests, mountains, sky and nature that are in this book. One scene that really sticks in my mind involves a horse drawn sleigh race through the countryside and forest on a clear crisp winter night. Beautiful writing that really takes you there. But yeah I would highly recomend this book, although its yet another that is out of print and I don't understand why although used copies are available fairly cheap if your patient.

This book by the "right-wing" anti-liberal radical conservative Norwegian journalist Terje Gulbranssen is beyond words. It chronicles the life on the main farm of the village in the northern parts of an inland forest in Eastern Norway. It consists of 3 different volumes, known mostly by their main title "And beyond sing the woods". The exact time of the story is untold, but it is sometime after the French revolution, during the Napoleonic age.

The story unfolds like a massive intro into a traditional rural view of life and values, I only wish everyone would read this book, they might start to treasure the old values more, something that is desperately needed in this Dark Age. Life on the farm in Bjørndal changes with the seasons and as the years go by, new life blossoms and the old wither away and die. The author brilliantly conveys the importance of family and the high value our ancestors placed upon the fact that we are NOT, as the Frankfurter school and other subversive elements would have us believe, mere individuals in the eternal struggle of everyone versus everyone. We are instead through our blood, a living link throughout time eternally moving from past, present and future, and the big need we have to be more in touch with nature.

The story unfolds with twists and unexpected turns, with breathtaking glimpses of the nature around the farm intertwined in the great story. It is the most lively descriptions of nature I have read, as of yet. It made me want to drop the book, and go hiking right away, but alas, the book prevailed for then. It's one of the most popular works in the radical conservative milieu of Norway, and strangely also one of our most unknown internationally famous authors. For a book translated into more than 30 languages and that's sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, it is rather unknown today, but completely unwarranted.

Highly recommended if you wish to learn of the real Norway and our Germanic rural heritage, from a racialist AND anti-capitalist author, written before the danger of "political correctness" entered the West. Read it!

(I read a different edition)

I work at a bookstore and I buy this book every time one comes in, then I give it to someone else to read. I can't help myself, I have to give it to people I love because it is the most amazing work of fiction I have ever read. How is it that this book is so unknown, so overlooked? It IS "romantic and deep", it IS "breathtaking", it is all the wonderful things people have written in the other reviews. Every time I read it I fall in love with it all over again - I am not a big re-reader of books anymore (used to be until working at the bookstore - there are sooo many books and not near enough time for them all!) but I read this one once a year (and I view this as a revered tradition!) It actually grows with me - I get something new from it every time. I have yet to read "The Wind from the Mountains" but I'm buying it for my birthday next month - I'm in for a real treat! So if you're reading this and a copy is available, buy it - you've stumbled onto a real treasure.

This book is the best work I've ever read. The story is really captivating and universal (no need to worry that it's out of date). It changes the mood while reading it and makes you feel really engaged with the plot. It's deep, rich and full of surprises. It's also a book that gives you ideas, thoughts and reflections.
It's the book that I still commemorate.

Basic summary: The story of three generations of an old-lineage Norwegian family making their life in the northern woods (circa 1750's.) Main themes are the struggle between tradition and innovation, the prejudices of pastoral society, and a refreshingly realistic study in human nature and man's ability to make peace with it. Descriptions of the landscape and life in the wilderness are vivid and detailed.
I wish everyone could discover this book - it changed my life the first time I read it sixteen years ago. I read it once every year and it grows with me, I find a new connection to it each time. The prose is straightforward, no flowers, and this suits the grit and glow of the story perfectly. The characters are real and expertly drawn, as are their surroundings. Gulbranssen has a firm grasp on the pain and joy that makes up the human soul. I am serious when I say this book will change something within you, and for the better. It's a masterpiece, absolutely breathtaking - do yourself a favor and find a copy.

Blood of my brother taken up about a thousand degrees. The lesson to be learned was very clear. I have to agree also with the other reviews because this is a classic urban novel. This is a book that once you get your hands on you don't want to put it down. I now understand where Solo came from and all the blanks were filled in in a way that made you feel for the characters and I crave that in a book. Face Off was a good subtitle for this book. It comes to this; Be careful what you wish for and who's feet you step on. This changes the game completely. Taking it from the unpredictable and chilling ending, the 3rd book is going to be another great page turner.

Blood of my Brother II was such a GREAT read! After I read the first one, I couldn't believe how it ended and was anticipating the sequel for some time. I was not disappointed by the way the book was written or the drama that unfolded at all.

This book showed that at the end of the day, regardless of what beef people may be carrying around, family is ALWAYS first!

I would definitely recommend this book as well as the first one to EVERYONE!

IM READY TO SEE THE MOVIE. I READ THIS WITH TWO OTHER PEOPLE AFTER EVERYBODY FINISHED WE ALL HAD THE SAME CONCLUSION. THIS IS FIYAAAHHHHHHHHHH! WWOOOAHHHH I DIDN'T EVEN THINK FOR A MINUTE THAT IT WAS GOING TO GO DOWN LIKE THAT. BUT THAT'S THE HOOD AND THATS HOW YOU GET IT. FACE OFF DIDN'T DISAPPOINT FOR A SECOND. A SEQUEL TO REMEMBER FOR ALL TIME. WELL WRITTEN AND I CAN'T GUESS WHAT THEY BRING FOR PART 3 BUT I AM HOOKED! CONGRATS TO THE AUTHORS YOUR PEN GAME IS FIRE.
THOSE THAT LOVED THE FIRST ONE YOU HAVEN'T SEEN NOTHING UNTIL YOU COP THIS. IT WILL BLOW YOU AWAY.

Solo was off the chain, this is a much easier read than the first book, which shows that Y&Z Woods are mastering their crafts... Salaam

252 Pgs.

Reading is my drug of choice and I really got high off this one.

All questions formed in ones mind from the first one definetly comes full circle in this one. Some of us probably have the same questions but gathering from life experiences of people, some of us can be pretty weird.

Both crews back on the scene battlling once again. The Suspence level is high when they feel as though the war is about to be over. You will never guess what happens at the end of this story. It caught me by surprise as well. What ever you thought was going to happen, the complete opposite comes with a blow that will have you in Awe.

HAVE FUN WITH THIS ONE - IF YOU READ THE FIRST ONE, YOU HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED IN THE END, RIGHT? RIGHT. . .

My hat goes off to Zoe and Yusef Woods for putting it down once again. Keep up the Great Work! ! ! !

Yoli

I am planning to build a log cabin in Alaska, and did not know anything about it. After buying at least eight different books, I found that this one is the best at inspiring me, at teaching me, and at showing me how great my cabin could be. His explanation of why and how to proceed at each step of the building process (from choosing the site and felling the trees, to stove selection and outbuildings) is very clear, even for a non-carpenter like me. And he LOVES log building. It shines through his descriptions of 600 year-old European log houses and through all the beautiful color photographs of cabins built by him and his friends in Alaska. So it's a great read too. Then, I was able to tackle Robert Chambers' "Log Home Construction" book (which is widely believed to be the best guide to log construction available) and understand all of the details of state-of-the-art scribe-fit logwork. Before reading Walker's book, I would have been intimidated by the more serious Chambers book. So together they have given me all I need. All the other books contained little information beyond what's in these two, if you are planning on building yourself in a remote area such as Southcentral Alaska. The only other great source was the free guide "Alaska Log Building Construction Guide" which is available online from a number of sites. I found its organization confusing, though, and would recommend reading the books in the order of Walker, Chambers, and the Guide. Even if you are contracting your house and not building it yourself, read these and you will know what questions to ask to get the best house.

I just talked to Alaska Northwest books, they said it will be avalible in April,$37.

Well written with no nonsense and easy to understand terms. Actually exciting to read because the author lends brief, interesting stories from his own experience of building log homes. Sufficient details of the building process and appropriately explains why certain methods work better than others. Nice pictures and diagrams to support the text. Found myself wanting even more information than the book offered, such as techniques/considerations on building an outhouse in very cold climates, construction of the roof around joints/vents/stovepipe, suggestions for optional building materials in areas where items cannot be trucked in. Regardless, the book was thorough and I highly recommended it.

Excellent all color on glossy high quality paper. A real pleasure to read with lots of information. Concise chapters dealing with most every aspect of building. A great history section in the back. Not as much technical info as some but the pictures make up for it.

I called the publisher, Alaska Northwest books (ph# 1-800-452-3032). They will do another reprint of this book toward the end of the summer of 2006 (Aug/Sept). The cost of the book will be $29.99 plus shipping and handling. So why is the seller judioops trying to sell a used copy of this book for $87.99? If you want this book, wait until the publisher releases the reprint or call the publisher directly and place a order for this book.

In this slender volume, justly hailed as a wonder by several reviewers, Judy Jordan crafts the most beautiful, thought-provoking and elegiac poetry out of the less promising circumstances - poverty, alcoholism, murder and death - and gives us lines we aren't likely to forget.

I came upon this book by pure chance, and I'm happy I did. Despite her often dismal subject matter, Judy Jordan is a joy to read. Get the book now, thank me later!

Judy Jordan, Carolina Ghost Woods (Louisiana State University Press, 2000)

Judy Jordan writes dense, exquisite poems that both shock and satisfy, while making you feel vaguely like taking a shower afterwards.

"...it informs the toads,
crouches them in crooked caves of alder roots,
pulses the pale skin under their slack mouths,
keeps them in the pond's tight waves clutching anything:
a pine's resinous knot, a fist of chair foam,
even a drowned and legless female."
("Long Drop to Black Water")

I loved this book; very easy to see why it won the National Book Critics' Circle Awards, though I have to admit I'm somewhat surprised that they received such heavy subject matter with such aplomb. This one's definitely a keeper. ****

I pulled Judy Jordan's "Carolina Ghost Woods" off my bookshelf again tonight. It's a cold and clear here in the deep south and Jordan's poetry called to me in the wind. "Carolina Ghost Woods" was first published in 1996 by Louisiana State University Press, and Jordan writes that she submitted this book for three years as a "first book" before it was awarded the Walt Whitman Award in 1999. The first poem, "Sharecropper's Grave" sets the tone:

The night is hoot owls, wind-whistled flue, babies bundled in burlap.
Breath of another child, mid-gasp.

The alliteration causes the reader to shiver in the cold and continues throughout this poem:

Small holes, secret graves,
children scattered around the iron fence.
Not even a scratched stone. . .
The night full of cries they will never make.
To read the title poem,"Carolina Ghost Woods" is to travel into the mythos of the south, to hear what the dead whisper,
When the leaves shudder to the muddy ground
and snow under the gutters puddles red,
when the bird lifts, the rabbit shivers in clumped grass
and the fox shrinks into the bramble,
when the shadow crosses the pitchfork's broken handle
and the hinges of the shed door rust,
let me believe someone is there.

Each poem in the book reveals another story from Judy Jordan's life. They are woven together to bring the reader through the death of her mother and the violence of being on the streets, homeless. Ms. Jordan joins the reader in this journey with her breath and voice and we walk the ghost woods together.

Buy the book and settle down with a fire in the fireplace and the lights dim, read "Caroline Ghost Woods" from start to finish . . . you won't regret it.

As a creative writing student at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale I was immediately fascinated with the program's newest addition. Already the school boasted the great Rodney Jones. And I began reading SIUC's newest professor/poet Judy Jordan. After several readings, I am still amazed. Whether it be the remarkable, pain-staking craft or the soul-drenching childhood and early adulthood that she narrates with such originality and heart-thrashing grief, Jordan simply takes your breath away.

This collection, unbelievably a debut, doesn't just grip the reader with it's wrenching family tragedies. The music, sounds, carefully sought words (both for sound, connotation and meaning) and an ambition leaning towards the transcendent makes for a potent statement.

Currently, I am enrolled in a poetry course with Ms. Jordan. Let this not be a bias in my review. I admit am unabashedly biased towards male poets. For whatever reason, I can see through the eyes of a Rodney Jones or a James Wright easier. However, Jordan's book truly strikes a chord with me. It doesn't beg for pity. It doesn't make the predictable turns. It endeavors for something more. In addition to pain, guilt and embarassment, it finds joy, hope and transcendence in this person's impoverished, tragic past. It bears minor resemblances to the work of her former teacher, Charles Wright, as well as carrying influences of poets she's worked around in the past: namely James Kimbrell and Donald Platt. But as their style is of their own, so is hers'. And Jordan's ability at true poetic craft, rhapsodic forms and ear for human dilemma is more than original, it is ground-breaking.

During a time when poetry's popularity is at an all-time low, fresh work from the likes of Jordan and Kimbrell are keeping the medium alive. There is something very spiritual in this movement. I only hope, that when my time comes, I can be a part of it.

While it's true that Jordan's technique seems a bit thick with "borrowings" from Charles Wright, her actual material (and her treatment of it) is wildly original. This book is shocking, heart-wrenching and, at times, almost unbearably beautiful. An urgent and necessary voice.

Entertaining, powerful, and filled with suspense, "Copper Fire" by Suzanne Woods Fisher is an outstanding read!

In the second book of the Copper Star series, heroine Louisa Gordon receives a telegram from the International Red Cross Training Service that her young cousin, Elizabeth has been released from a German concentration camp. As her only living relative, Louisa is determined to go to Germany--or whatever is left of it after WWII--to bring Elizabeth home to the States. Equally determined to discover the whereabouts of Friedrich Mueller, a Nazi sympathizer who fled Copper Springs, Arizona, Louisa doesn't find much help from her family or from the people she travels to Germany with. And little does she know, that her need to find Mueller will bring her face to face with a man from her past. A man she once loved, but now hated.

Written entirely from Louisa's point of view, the reader is instantly connected with all she experiences. You feel every emotion Louisa feels. Fisher paints such striking descriptions of war torn Germany, the camps, and Louisa's home life, that you swear you are right there with her in the Gordon's home, onboard the ship heading to Germany, and visting the concentration camp.

From first page to last, this story drew me in. "Copper Fire" explores the ridicule and prejudice Jews experienced during and after WWII, even in the States, and because this story is told from Louisa's point of view as a German Jew, you get to fully understand what impact this type of treatment had on Jewish people.

I fell in love with the Gordon family and their friends; not only because they were well-developed and complex, flawed people, but also because Fisher puts them in a position where they are forced to deal with so much change and so much adversity that you find yourself wanting them to succeed and be happy. Fisher provided just enough backstory that I could grasp how Louisa and the Gordons were brought together in Book 1, but not so much that anyone who read the first in this series would be skipping pages to get to the present day happenings. And the ending, is perfectly done. I had to read the last two chapters twice because I never wanted it to end.

I highly recommend "Copper Fire" to lovers of strong heroines, readers interested in historical fiction surrounding WWII, and anyone who enjoys a quick yet poignant novel.

Copper Fire is the sequel to the book Copper Star now on my "to be read" list as I simply fell in love with the character Louisa Gordon. As a lover of historical fiction one thing that can turn me off the fastest is a lack of true historical content...Suzanne Woods Fisher gives you an abundant supply of history in her story. Best yet she flawlessly blends the historical aspects into a story of love, family and faith. Even though this is a sequel it easily stands alone and the reader is not left feeling lost without having read the first book, this is a major plus that not many authors manage. Louisa is not the only character within the book though, all of the characters are well developed and have their own characteristics that will endear you to them, or make you dislike them immensely.
Set just as WWII comes to an end in a small Arizona town, you see life as communities return to life prior to the war. You also get to see the feelings that lay within the hearts of some as Louisa's cousin comes to town. Steeped in passion and faith this story is gripping and well written.

Suzanne Woods Fisher
ISBN: 9780981559209
Vintage Romance Publishing, 2008
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com, 07/08
Delightful...
5 Stars
Copper Fire is the continuation of the story of Robert, Louisa, their son William, and Aunt Martha. Louisa was determined to return to Germany to retrieve her niece. The war ended only a few weeks ago, and Robert is concerned for both Louisa's safety and whether she will want to stay in her homeland permanently. Aunt Martha grumps along, looking at everything in a pessimist way; she is always willing to share her opinion.
I was not sure what to expect when I picked up my copy of Copper Fire. Suzanne Woods Fisher was new to me. The cover was beautifully done and title caught my interest. Fisher proves her talent for weaving history and humor. Her characters are delightful. Each has a distinct personality. We all have an Aunt Martha in our lives to remind us of how imperfect we are. Robert and Louisa work perfect together. My favorite character, of course, was Elisabeth. Copper Fire is sure to please fans of Christian fiction. I look forward to Fisher's next book. Delightful reading...

Really, really good job, Suzanne. I thought the layered and almost antagonistic complexity of Elisabeth's character was very well done. I was continually interested in her and intrigued by her actions. And I especially enjoyed her relationship with Robert. Again, there was a certain reality to the simple complexity of their relationship. It could easily have fallen flatly one-dimensional, especially when the focus was her relationship with Louisa. But I think that just the opposite happened. I enjoyed her relationship with Robert almost as much as her relationship with Louisa. Even better than Copper Star. Great job!

Suzanne Woods Fisher has penned a radiant and inspiring novel in Copper Fire. Reminiscent of her delightful humor-flecked style in Copper Star, the author has painted captivating characters couched in a history-rich setting. A strong and moving novel that causes the reader to truly feel.

This is a superb book-- I found it useful for both instruction as a reference on the syntax and form of doing things in Matlab with images and also as an in-depth text on the subject of image processing. Illustrated with easily followed examples and explicit description of the math involved in image processing operations, it provides a handy edge of explanation beyond what is available in the Matlab help files. This book is almost always signed out with a lineup at our university library, and is useful across many disciplines.

Great text for learning image processing and using it with MATLAB. Hopefully the instructor also uses its mathematical insight as well.

I bought this book for two reasons (a) I needed an overview of IP and (b) I wanted to examine different pattern analysis algorithms with a practical twist. On both counts, as an non-IP researcher, I was very satisfied. The book is very well laid out, so well in fact that it would put to shame many of its rivals. It served my needs. I can't comment on whether it will meet the needs of a broader community. I would certainly recommend it based on my experience.

This book has been really helpful to write my own tools for image analysis, such as leaf area index estimations from digital images and microscopy imaging analysis.

I think that for people involved in image processing and analyisis, this book is a must.

This book educates the reader in image processing and MATLAB. While I am experienced in both, I found the book to be an extrememly useful reference book for projects involving image compression and image representation. The book offered practical descriptions and useful code for computing the fast wavelet transform. It was especially useful in describing how the edges should treated. This is a big issue that other textbooks gloss over. I had never seen it described in a textbook, and it was described so well.

The color image processing chapter is excellent, and the image processing chapter is pretty good. Lots of explanation and code.

While the book stands alone, it can also be seen as a useful companion book to the more theoretical "Digital Imaging Processing" by Gonzalez and Woods (2nd edition). This is a different book even though it has close to the same name.

The EC Archives reprints are recoloured - and that is what makes them so special.
Other than the b/w reprints from the mid-80s these books are really stunning because of the colouring.
An A++ product!
(These are the quality reprints Marvel always is unable to produce - why? I don't know!)

I used to read EC Horror Stories long ago, and always loved them. When I had the chance to buy the original Volumes, I ran and did it.

Great quality for a classic work, I really recommend it!

This is by far a must-own collection for the Tales from the Crypt fans.
It features original comic books from 50s and 60s.

I was too young for the originals, but the reprints in the late-80s/early-90s were amazing.

The only issue I have is that the ink is sooo freakin' glossy that you get glare from overhead lighting.

Johnny Craig is the best artist!

The story of EC Comics really is one of the most intriguing in the lore of comic history. EC's founder, Max Gaines is really the father of the modern comic, having been the first one to devise the idea of printing newspaper comic strip re-prints into a magazine format. Gaines was also co-publisher of All-American Comics, the sister company to National Periodical Publications, AKA DC Comics, which published titles such as All Star Comics, Green Lantern, and The Flash. Gaines was bought out by his partner and eventually formed EC Comics, which then stood for Educational Comics but later would change to Entertaining Comics.

Gaines was killed in a boating accident, leaving his son William Gaines to reluctantly take over the company. Gaines soon changed the focus of the company and began to concentrate on publishing titles with horror, Sci-Fi, war, and suspense themes. Thus, Gaines created a legend. EC had perhaps the finest stable of artists ever assembled in one company that included Al Feldstein and Harvey Kurtzman who also wrote and edited most of the titles, along with other greats such as Johnny Craig, Graham Ingels, Wally Wood, Jack Davis, Al Williamson, Bernie Krigstein, George & Marie Severin, Reed Crandall, Basil Wolverton, Joe Orlando, and Frank Frazetta.

EC's horror comics were well ahead of their time and were really the pre-cursor of magazines like Creepy & Eerie. The stories in Tales from the Crypt, Haunt of Fear, and Vault of Horror were often quite gruesome and gory. Because of this, EC became the prime target of Psychiatrist Dr. Fredric Wertham who, in 1954 published Seduction of the Innocent, a book that blamed the violence and horror in comic books for juvenile crime and delinquency. A Congressional investigation resulted in the formation of the Comics Code Authority to censor comic books. Books had to be submitted and receive the stamp of approval and subjects like zombies & vampires were prohibited. While the CCA had no legal authority, most magazine distributors would not carry a comic if it did not have the code stamp. EC was forced to cancel their horror titles and shift it's focus to dramatic titles like "MD" and "Extra!", as well as the humor title Mad which was later changed to magazine format.

Much like it's Crypt Keeper, EC would not stay dead, thanks in large part to zealous fans and the efforts of Russ Cochran and Gemstone publishing that began re-printing the EC Comics in various formats in the 70's with the Complete EC Library, and then actual comics in the 80's and 90's. Among the latest projects are the EC Archives which collects several issues of the original EC comics into gorgeous hardcover editions.


Tales from the Crypt may seem tame by today's standards where blood and gore oozes off the pages, but when these stories were originally published back in the early 1950's, they were well ahead of their time in terms of their subject matter and artwork. While most comic art of the 50's was bland, mass produced house art, EC gave its artists unrivaled creative freedom. It's the reason why those issues are so highly sought after by collectors today.

The stories in Tales From the Crypt rarely deviated from the formula...they almost always ended with a shocking, ironic twist with a character getting their just desserts. Even when following this pattern, the gifted talent always kept things fresh and innovative. Inside these 212 pages you'll find stories featuring werewolves, mad scientists, zombies, animated limbs, ghosts, raving madmen (and women) and a host of other terrors. One of the most ghoulish tales is Johnny Craig's "Midnight Snack" in which a sleep walking man discovers he's been digging up bodies and eating them. This was pretty intense stuff for 1951. This book features the talents of legends Wally Wood, Graham Ingels, Johnny Craig, Jack Davis, Joe Orlando, and colorist Marie Severin.


These editions feature re-mastered color and also include special features such as an interview with Nancy Gaines, the widow of EC Comics founder Bill Gaines. The book lists for $50 but you can definitely find it online much cheaper making it well worth the price. If you've never read EC Comics before it's an experience you must have!

REVIEWED BY TIM JANSON

Overall rating= 3.625 stars, which I rounded up to 4 stars. Here's why:

Five stars to author Valerie J. Wood for having the courage to write about the darker side of professional sports--substance abuse: alcohol, cocaine, pain-killers and steriods.

Four stars for her characterization of Cole Bowman, the tortured "enforcer" of the title. One messed up guy, but doing what he's doing to stay in the game even though it's killing him physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Three and a half stars for the general plot, and associated subplots, eg Cole's assorted girlfriends and relationship with his father.

Two stars for the quality of the writing. The dialogue, in particular, was cumbersome at times, and the overall effort came across as a draft needing one more revision.

I would like to have given this book a solid 4 or 5 stars overall, instead of the 3.625 average, if only because there are so few adult fiction books about hockey(aside from the Rachel Gibson and Deirdre Martin romance novels). Still it is a credible effort from author Wood.

This is a fantastic, well-written book! I was unsure at first because I'm not a total sports nut, but the story is written so if you don't like hockey... you'll still enjoy the character's struggle with drugs and the relationships in his life. I rate this 5 stars because if you love hockey you'll love the book and if you aren't crazy about hockey, you'll still love the book! Props to the author!

Reviews, press releases and more information is available on my website for Enforcer, as well as the Official Website for Link Gaetz. Please Google "Link Gaetz Official" and the site should show up on the top the search list.

In addition to being a sports, and hockey especially, fan for all my life, 4 years as a hockey photojournalist in the ECHL and AHL provided me the background for writing Enforcer. I interviewed players for a monthly magazine, and had an enviable opportunity for a glimpse behind the scenes. I got whacked in the ribs with a puck during a Bandits practice at Piney Orchard, by Jason Marshall, who was so terribly, terribly apologetic and appalled that this had happened. He signed the puck for me: "Sorry!" My acquaintance with the legendary Link Gaetz certainly kept up my interest in the role players, particularly the team's enforcer.

My next novel is underway, with a different sports-themed background.

You'll Never View Hockey the Same Way Again

Though fiction, this book is more real than any hockey book I have ever read! The author's understanding of an Enforcer's role and mentality is amazing. This is a great book for all hockey fans and the story line will be enjoyed by non hockey fans as well

I found it hard to put this book down. There is plenty of exciting hockey action, but the story is most captivating off the ice, where the title character's chemical, physical and emotional problems threaten to push him to the breaking point. The book illuminates the mindset of a hockey "goon," and the pressures that are unique to his profession. The author does a great job of describing the enforcer's complex relationships with his coach, his teammates, his girlfriends, and his father.

Hockey fans will enjoy the violent action on the ice, but the strong human drama should appeal to everyone.

I have quite a few books and I compare it with my favorite which is Gone With The Wind, it is truley as good as this book, very intriguing and holds your interest so that you can't put it down until the book is done. She is an excellent writer and would like to see more of her work.
Thank you

I found this book to be very entertaining. It kept my interest from the first paragraph. It is very well written and I found myself wanting more. I highly recommend it.

Hanna's House is a book you will not be able to put down. The characters' literally come off the pages, and become real people. With a story line that is so visual, the story plays out like a movie in your head. The author has transcended the characters' from the pages into real life people. The struggles and obstacles the character's over come are a true portrait of life's reality. Hanna's House is a book to love, for it's about love, betrayal,and mystery. It will leave you wanting more, and yet the end is only the beginning.

It captured my attention from start to finish! With most books that I have read, I have had to encourage myself that it would pick up sooner or later, but this one took off immediately...all I can say is, when is there going to be a sequel to this. I must know what lies ahead for Hanna, Matt, Jennifer, Jess, Amos, and Dan.

This book is terrific! I just finished college swearing I would not pick-up anything to read for at least 6 months...then I received Hanna's House. The story line grabs you from chapter 1...I had to force myself to put it down. I read it in a week. And hope there will be a more to come, I want to know more of what happens to the charaters. Great story.

I have used this book collaboratively with 3 & 4th grades at an inner city school. The rich information and fantastic illustrations are a perfect stimulant to lessons in language arts as well as dance and painting.

This is an excellent resource for the classroom. It depicts the history of African American music from Africa to rap/hip hop with vibrant art work matching the electric words! Wow!

"I see the rhythm. I see the rhythm of our beginnings. I feel the pulse of a people and a land in harmony. I hear the legends told by the drum, the beats of our beliefs, the music of our ancient history..." From its roots in Africa and slave songs, to the birth of the blues, ragtime, swing, jazz, and gospel, to rhythm and blues, rock and roll, hip hop, funk, and rap, Toyomi Igus and Michele Wood trace the history of African American music. Ms Igus' lyrical free verse, rich in imagery and magic, is powerful and evocative as it swirls creatively around the page, and is complemented by Ms Wood's stunning illustrations, full of emotion and drama that captures both the feel of the music and the times. Each two page spread also includes a brief description of the musical style, and a marvelous timeline that sets that musical period in its larger, historical context. Perfect for youngsters 10 and older, I See The Rhythm is an inspiring feast for the eyes and ears that celebrates African American music and brings it to life on the page, and is a terrific introduction that shouldn't be missed.

This book is a great book to include in a public library, home library, or school library. This book can be incorporated in many areas of learning. The author does an excellent job discussing the historical and physical features of African American music. Reading the book is like going on a musical journey. Some of the music types discussed are; jazz, ragtime, blues, gospel, and bebop. Each music type is well described, and Michele has included in each musical description a timeline, important figures associated with the music, and sample lyrics. Michele Wood also includes an activity in the book. She has put a little girl in each scene, and the reader has to locate her. It is not always easy. The little girl represents Michele when she was growing up. I highly recommend this book to young and old. Michele Wood has done an excellent job writing an interesting and informative book.

This beautifully illustrated book tells the history of African-American music through poems and art. It is both informative and inspiring. I hate age-level labels on books like this. Adults will appreciate this book as much as children. I stumbled upon it at a new multicultural bookstore, discovering later that it was a Coretta Scott King winner. I can see why!