Wood Books

Joan Collins is a brilliant writer! I suggested in my literature class that we stop reading Hemmingway and turn to Joan's books. The teacher said maybe, but this was an American Lit course, and Joan is British. I could't put this book down. It was a page turner all the way with a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. This is a great novel, one for the ages.

I am not a fan of romance novels, and I cannot read anything by Joan's sister Jackie. Joan Collins though taught me what great writing is all about. To live, to love, to eat gourmet food all while living a life of fame and secrecy...it blew me away. The words flowed like honey from the page and took my breath away. I could only hope to approach Joan's writing style with my own meager attempts at prose. All this, and the woman acts too! Joan Collins is a spectacular writer and one of the best we have writing today. Joan is so great, she confounds the experts. She is YEARS ahead of her time, which is why she had that trouble in court. They didn't get her and she didn't yeild...a true artist and a great inspiration to all writers.

a wonderful book from a woman who has learned from her years what life and love can be. I can think of no greater author this century than Joan for capturing life in a phrase, a smile in a word, or an experience in a sentence. Joan has written the way women long to live, full of passion and verve, always looking for the miracle man to sweep us away. Don't bother with Goethe for classic literature. He couldn't hold a candle to her. Joan captures the psyche of women like Freud never could. A must read for all.

Joan Collins has virtually made me give up reading. Her novels are so well written, everything else seems like a waste of time. Joan is a woman who has truely known love and knows how to capture it on the page. I can't wait for the next book in this series. "my little cabage", don't make us wait too long.

Joan Collins is to novels what Shakespear was to scripts. There has been little her sister has writen that has approached this brilliance. Joan hurls thunderbolts where other mearly write sentences. I culdn't put this one down. Why is it that this book was missed on the top 100 novels of the century? Chauvinism. Joan should do like Virginia Woolfe and dress like a man while having torid romances with artists like Rodam. I can't wait for the next book. Joan Collins writes life like I've always dreamed it to be! Ten stars! **********

R.R.Smythe's young adult story, Into The Woods, reads like a fairy tale; familiar in so far as evil and good are portrayed, lessons are learned, yet new because the author has spun a wonderful new cautionary tale. The setting is Scotland, 1860. A known country, yet far enough back in time that one can easily imagine the events of the story taking place.

A strange sleep overtakes some of the towns people, followed by tree roots slowly enveloping the sleeping bodies as they slumber in their beds. Four friends face the horror of either their mother or father slowly slipping away, covered by roots and flowers. They feel powerless until they realize if they solve the puzzle presented, then their parents and other towns folk might awaken.

Although events takes place in 1860, the challenges teens faced then, as in school bullies, adults that don't understand them, will resonate with readers today. There are valuable lessons to be learned, or relearned as the case may be. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it highly to adults as well as any young adults of your acquaintance. I do hope there is a sequel, too!

Having liked this author's previous book "A Circle of Crows" A Circle of Crowsunder the Brynn Chapman name, I truly expected to appreciate another facet of her talent. She obviously adores fantasy, such as Lord of the Rings, J.K. Rowling and M. Night Shyamalan, yet she brings her own special talent into her tales. These writers have brought her to love the beauty of the tale and to write outside of the box, yet where Shyamalan stories often leave the reader unfulfilled -- a lot of promise only to end with a big let down--Smythe delivers.

The story is original, mesmerising with Callum having to face believing in things outside of the ordinary to save his mother and others. It's a wonderful dark original tale, imaginative, with strong characters, a solid premise and enough atmosphere to please people who loved The Village and for Harry fan's looking for another author to glom onto.

It's a great book for the whole family, marking the launch of this writer's YA facet with a grand style.

Highly recommended.

One look at the beautiful but eerie trees with eyes on the book cover tells you that you're in for quite a ride, and the author certainly doesn't disappoint! Callum McClure's mother is in a deep sleep, imprisoned on her bed by vines. She's dying and he doesn't know what to do to help, but he suspects some magic is in the air.

Ellsbeth McClure only appears to be asleep. Actually, she's in a nightmare, escaping from trees, sharks, all manner of spooking things that want to eat her. She's hurt, bleeding, and starving. If only she can hang on until Callum finds the answer to her plight.

Into the Woods is a fairytale, really, because it has a strong message wrapped in a riveting, wonderful story. If you like mystery, thrills, adventure, magic, and romance, you'll find it in this wonderful Young Adult novel. I highly recommend this book to readers of any age. You won't be sorry you bought it!

One of Highland Press' rising stars, R.R. Smythe writes an eerie morality tale. Set in turn-of-the-century Scotland four teens Callum, Erlidih, Finlay, and Skye must save their parents and the town from an unworldly attack. Strange, sentient trees creep from the closets to entwine sleepers in gnarled hardwood caskets. "Stand," "See," "Choose" and "Remember." Carved on the closet doors, those words are the only clues to the mystery. Will the four solve the riddle and wake the sleepers?

R.R. Smythe intertwines ancient lore with classic values to craft her story. Though written for young adults, Into the Woods has as much appeal for adult audiences as it does teens. You'll want to read it. Her book trailer is particularly compelling. [...]

Reviewed by: Laurel Bradley, Author of A Wish in Time

I was one of the lucky people who got to read this story before it came to print and it was a joy to do so.the story is a great fun read for anyone fast moving ride for the mind.

I didn't grow up in South Georgia, but I've lived here for over 25 years, and Mr. Lightle's book is one of the best pieces of work I've seen which explains some of the mystique of Southern males. This area of the country has given a disproportionate number of its youth to the military, and you can see why when you read about the kind of qualities fostered in summer football camps in South Georgia. The story encompasses comradery, the shared misery, the eventual acceptance of other young men without regard to background or race: of course, the racial integration of the football camp was a major component of the story. This book is a must read for the history of the area and the South in general.

...Years later, the memories are still with me about Graves Springs (football camp) - some good, and some not so good. Bill Lightle's memories are a true treasure of that hallowed ground called Graves Springs.

Duck Wall, sports columnist for the Albany Herald and former sports director of WALB-TV in Albany, Georgia.

...Years later, the memories are still with me about Graves Springs (football camp) - some good, and some not so good. Bill Lightle's memories are a true treasure of that hallowed ground called Graves Springs.

Duck Wall, sports columnist for the Albany Herald and former sports director of WALB-TV in Albany, Georgia.

As a kid we just wanted to play ball. We didn't care what color the guy beside us was. We didn't realize all that was going on outside of our little world in those trying and changing times. I look back now and see what our parents went through, but in that stadium on Friday nights they cheered for Orange and Green!
As I read this book I realized what a difference in my life Graves Springs and sports in general made. "Made or Broken" reminded me of the many Fourth and Ones that life deals you on a daily basis.
I laughed and I cried while reading. This book is a must read not only if you are familiar with Southern Football Tradition, but if you are interested in the flavor of the times in the Old South.

I grew up in Pennsylvania and have lived in South Georgia the last 26 years. This book illustrates as well as anything how the South has managed to produce such a disproportionate number of young men who have answered the call of the nation and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in times of national crisis. More than just a football book- actually, very little is about football- it tells the tale of young men molded by shared hardship and miserable conditions in the woods of South Georgia. Racial strife in the outside world is handled differently here, where young black men and young white men had to put aside their predispositions (a kinder word than prejudice) and learn to judge others by standards that did not include race. This book is a worthwhile addition to any personal library of works that deal with history and social progress in the New South.

Neil Wood shows you how to do what matters most and learn to enjoy the process. This is an critical lesson to learn or re-learn as a financial advisor.

The book shows you how to be more successful financially and have a better life by working less and how to focus on the right clients. It shows how to apply the 80/20 Rule.
This book can be read in under 2 hours. Perfect for a flight.

This book is both motivational and empowering. Very readable. Thanks Neil!

Neil shares great ideas on how to improve your work while also balancing your life. A must read especially for those in sales!

Neil Wood shares best practices and strategies gleaned from years of experience and provides a template for success and balance which is easy to apply for any advisor. Mark Ryan, Financial Planner, MetLife Hingham, Mass

Only Stuart Woods could write about, of all things, luggage - and make it a captivating and intriguing story! This is why each new Woods novel is greeted with such anticipation - the man can tell a story, even when the main "characters" are made of leather!

Ever see that special something that you just had to have? Then once you have it you must raise your standards to the level that your possession now requires of you? Well for Mr. Woods it was luggage, and the trials and tribulations of acquiring it, then living up to its standard provide a humorous interlude well worth the read. I am waiting to see his luggage make an appearance in the home of Stone Barrington.

The pull was quick, into this story of the barren financial beginnings of a current superstar in the world of mystery novels. Empathy was easily engendered in the opening paragraph:

>> ...One morning there appeared in the New York Times a full-page ad for the now-departed Abercrombie & Fitch, introducing its acquisition of a line of Italian luggage called "Whip di Roma." On my lunch hour I wandered across Madison Avenue and was boggled to find a sea of gorgeous honey-colored leather stretching over half a floor, incorporating everything from a shaving kit to a steamer trunk. Alas, I was unable to afford even the shaving kit. I slunk, humbled by my penury, back to... <<

As Woods linked time flashes, tracking the "Whip" line going dry, he simultaneously linked me into this tangy tale of growing "obsession." Obsession? I see this leathery love affair as a fluky gift from the "Universe." Why condemn it into the spiritless realm of psychological stigmata?

"The next years were spent in luggage wilderness. I never passed a leather shop without entering and casting a quick eye over the stock, hoping to find that somebody else had taken on the Whip line."

Avoid boredom through a hobby which provides something you're sparked to do, even in far away lands? Is not dat guut?

"For the next sixteen years I traveled widely and my cases were welcomed everywhere. Bellmen, stroking the leather, would cry, Beeootiful loggage! (this is an average of the various accents)."

Lines like that littered this journalistic excursion with sensual syntax.

"After a sleepless night the airline phoned: the cases were safe. They arrived later that morning, a little worse for the wear."

Who had the sleepless night? If a whole airline can have one of those, there's a second reason for Woods to own a pilot license and to fly himself in nearly daily dedication to nation-wide appearances signing his novels. The first reason for Woods's pilot license can be found in this prime example of an Amazon Short, which was the perfect length for me to read online, in one sitting, finishing as refreshed as if I'd sipped an iced Coke with healthy fizz, that heavy effervescence that Coca Cola used to have in the 50's.

I believe this story is true. If I hadn't explored Stuart Wood's web site, I might not believe that. Not overdone, Woods's site is stylish, and applies succinct syntax to directly inform who he is, what he's selling, and what he stands for. (See my reviews of PRINCE OF BEVERLY HILLS and RECKLESS ABANDON.)

Another true story is coming soon to Amazon Shorts. Every word, every surprise in COAL & COCA COLA is true. Maybe the reason is the season, for believing truths which may be hard to swallow, until the spirit shines and flavor flashes through.

Coal & Coca-cola

A MAN AND HIS LUGGAGE is as endearingly entertaining as a boy and his baggage might be, trailing twilights through maturity with images of red wagons carting starlight.

May your Amazon Library grow daily with brain spice additions!
Linda Shelnutt

This is certainly worth $0.49, and since you can't buy it anywhere else (to my knowledge), you should just go for it. It is a different style from his mystery books, but it is very funny. I do think some of the other reviewers are overestimating its honesty and underestimating its comedy. This itself is a testament to the excellent dry humor.

I just fell in love with Amazon shorts after reading A Man and His Luggage. It is a narration of how a little obsession can transoform ones life, creep into it and rule one. Here is something you want to read and reread for the humor and the wisdom. I am hooked.

As have many of the reviewers of this book, I have read many books on abundance, and this is the most practical and self responsible I have come across. Unlike the other abundance books which seem to appeal to a crowd that wants the "quick fix", this book teaches the self responsibility of looking at the aspects of your life, your thoughts and feelings that are pertinent to meaningful change. The exercises at the end of each chapter provide questions that lead you into yourself so that you grasp the concepts from more than an intellectual level - an important consideration. It provides a process of understanding as you work through the chapters. I highly recommend this book for those who wish to come to a deep and soulful understanding of abundance.

I really enjoyed this book and found it very helpful. It opened my eyes to the different ways abundance can manifest and the various struggles that each person brings to this question. Each chapter contains a story based on someone's actual experience in opening to abundance. Particular good are the practical questions at the end of each chapter that I could use for meditation, reflection and deepening into my own process about a specific aspect of abundance. You will get a lot of enjoyment and practical tools in reading this book. I highly recommend it at whatever stage you are working on.

It is an easy to read book. Although you could read it quite fast, that is not the way you should do it.
It is a 31-Day workbook that can be effectively read a chapter a day. Each chapter has a very inspiring opening quote from the Pathwork Guide pertaining to abundance, which is regarded in a broad perspective that encompasses much more than just financial abundance.
A positive assertion and a brief story based on the author's personal experience as a therapist follow the chapter's opening quote to illustrate the main concepts and ideas discussed in that chapter.
Each chapter ends with a series of illuminating questions and remarks to stimulate the reader's thinking, guide his/her meditation and help the self-discovery process regarding the chapter's core topic.
Occasionally, the reader will feel motivated to read a chapter over again and/or repeat more than once the thematic meditation suggested at chapter end. This is likely to happen with those chapters dealing with topics of special significance regarding the reader's relation to abundance.
Although based on the Pathwork method of self-discovery and self-transformation, the book requires no previous knowledge of that method.
I highly recommend this book for everyone who wants to improve his/her relationship with abundance.

I am older and have read many books on "abundance" in my life, starting many years ago with the "Richest Man in Babylon" and "Think and Grow Rich." I have already achieved a level of financial success, but "Opening to Abundance" is about much more than merely acquiring riches. It is about manifesting, rather than trying to force abundance, in health and relationships, as well as wealth. What good is wealth without health, peace of mind and love in your life? What billionaire would not give all he has for these things, if he even realized what he was missing? Howard Hughes purportedly died and often lived like a pauper.

Mr. Woods' book is not meant to be just read, but practiced, and he makes it easy with the unique layout of the book. There is a deep and abiding wisdom in its pages that can be imbibed and made a part of you. You will emerge gently into a feeling of deserving the abundance that you manifest rather than a tight holding of what you acquire with that ever-present fear that something could go wrong and deprive you of what you have. If you acquire abundance using the inner methods taught in this book, you will never again fear for lack in this life, or in any future lifetime you may create.

I have read many books on abundance in my work as a spiritual counsellor and and find opening to abundance particularly useful. Combining the wisdom of Eva Broch Pierrakos, of Pathwork, simple powerful affirmations, stories to show how each lesson manifested in real lives and questions to reflect on, Opening to Abundance is a potent course. I needed to move slowly through the lessons, taking a number of days to let them sink in. I recomend this workbook to anyone who is ready to make a substantial shift in their life, to let in more joy and abundance.

I recieved this book from a family member as recommended reading.

The story captures your interest from the beginning. It tells the struggles of a young wife trying to get into the "spirit" of the the first Christmas celebrated after the loss of a loved one and the ups and down of trying to cope with well-meaning family and friends. The underlying grief makes it difficult for Annie to find any joy in the holiday, but the "ornament" helps her to realize that she is never really alone.

I recommend this as both Christmas reading and throughout the year. I've read it more than once, and can say that it doesn't ever get old. It's a book for all ages.

In the season that most exemplifies Christian love, this book explores how hard it is to forgive those we love the most.

The descriptions and setting painted a perfect picture of a Pennsylvania Christmas.

The language and situations, although dealing with adult issues, can be enjoyed by young adult readers, great-grandmothers and everyone between.

A good gift, or keep it to read yearly as one of those little traditions we all find so satisfying.

Great, quick read. Attention getting from the first word to the last. Although I just wanted to read a few pages when I first picked up the book, I found myself drawn into caring about the characters and so finished it immediately. This book certainly deserves a 5 star rating.

THE ORNAMENT is an engaging story not only of a young widow's journey through grief, but also of the sometimes difficult but ultimately loving relationship between sisters. The emotional ups and downs ring true as the characters work their way toward a more forgiving relationship. Eventually, the main character Annie is also able to forgive life for her tragedy, reminding us that it is never too late to live more fully. Althouse Wood and Naylor's story is a welcome one of healing, perfect for the holidays or for any day when we struggle with what it means to live with loss and hope.

This book is an excellent story of a young woman who must keep going in life. She must cope with pain, one that most all of us have felt. She must rely on hope and love from others, no matter what the costs are. It is a very heartfelt story, with the ability to touch anyone who has endured the loss of a loved one.

If you want get the most accurate information that fit with your daily real critical care practice, with the most clear explanation of each critical care disease...it is your book. It won't tell you more or less information that you need.

probabily the best critical txtbook of the last 3-4 yrs better than fink( only a source of review). I prefer the parrillo book for the practical point of view (waiting for a new edts)but probably is only a personal opinion.
Very interesting and well done the surgical critical care pts.

I know this book from my residency years,when I rotate in ICU,
and this book is an authority in the critical care specialty.
Clear and update,the Best.

This text is clearly one of the best in its field. It is well organized and very thorough. The organization and attention to detail make it a great referrence source and an easy read. It should be in anyone's library that takes of critically ill patients. I would highly recommend it for fellows in critical care medicine. The "Pretest" question and answer study guide that is a companion to this text is also excellent and a great tool for the critical care boards. I am anxiously awaiting the next edition.

This is an excellent review of the most common problems found in the clinical practice of Critical Care. It helps with the initial assessment of the patient and formulates a systematic approach to the differential diagnosis and therapeutic plan. The bibliography is updated and it has detailed illustrations and diagrams. Certainly, recommended as reference for those persons involved in the management of Critical Care patients.

My husband and I read your book and loved it! How wonderful that you are creating a new paradigm of the elder years to be self-actualized, empowered and energetic. Your book helped me re-think some of my own negative attidues about aging. Ellen, you are a blessing and doing important work!

For anyone who wants to apply the Law of Attraction principles to growing younger, this is an excellent resource. Just look at Ellen -- she's 70 years old and looks 45. This book will convince you that you have an inner fountain of youth and will empower you to access it. Ellen offers various processes inlcuding: choosing youthful thoughts, having more fun, affirmations such as "With every breath I take, the cells in my body grow younger," visualizations, a youthfulness collage, a creation planner, and six habits to guarantee your success. In this age of instant gratification, she even offers a 30-second grow younger method. As you follow the steps in this book, connecting with and trusting your inner spiritual guidance, not only will you access an inner fountain of youth, but you will also access "that incredible fountain of joy deep inside you -- that manifestation of Spirit." Ellen was inspired to write this book and I'm sure you will be as inspired by it as I was.

Kate Corbin
Law of Attraction Coach
[...]

In "The Secret Method for Growing Younger" Ellen Wood takes the Law of Attraction (power of positive thinking) combines it with the strength produced by a directed meditation to create a younger more viable YOU! Throw off negative thinking and develop methods to create a healthier, younger body. You'll find this book is an quick read and the methods easy to incorporate in your daily life. The joy of living shines through this book and Ellen wants to share that JOY!

Ellen Wood easy-to-read book gives you positive and simple ways to make yourself younger in every way. You will find her method of casting away all negative thoughts to be uplifting immediately and as you practice it every day, you will find yourself growing younger in thought and in deed. It's a wonderful book full of messages of love and truth. I loved it!

This book is exciting and uplifting! I found myself reading until the book was finished (in one day). Ellen made it more interesting by giving
her own life's examples. Coming at a time when baby boomers need some reiforcement techniques,I'll say it is a winner.

Sarah's writing reflects her years of experience, solid background knowledge and her love for working with children. There's plenty of information here to develop a good understanding of the various purposes and benefits of meditation for anyone, and children in particular. With your appetite whetted, she then presents detailed, easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for a variety of child-friendly meditation exercises. These sound like a lot of fun, with titles like 'Fudge Swirl," "Inside Friends," and "The Happy Tree." I especially liked the way the meditations are grouped thematically in chapters titled Clearing My Mind, Healing My Body, Renewing Spirit, and Finding Out Who I Am. Woven throughout are specific suggestions and exercises to connect with your child and ways to make the most of the meditation experience through art and writing, among other ideas. The final chapter offers guidelines and inspiration for creating your own meditations.

This book is a great tool for parents, educators and anyone working to connect with children, to help them open their minds and souls to possibility and higher self-awareness, and not least of all, their imaginations!

In my opinion, Sarah Wood Vallely has thought of everything to help readers to know and understand exactly what is involved in teaching children to meditate, what the benefits of meditation are, and what works well in particular situations. Sarah also "backs up" each technique with tried and true reasons and experiences for why she suggests doing things the way she does! It is a very easy book to read and is complete with an outline for teaching a class.
Finally, the meditations are wonderful, and not only for children! I now use the Grounding Cord meditation that is in the book every day!

Sarah is passionate about nurturing the gifts of others. Her insightful meditations are practical tools for adults as well as children. Teaching us to trust our gifts she has developed a community that can easily translate her work and realize her intentions. Her work has provided opportunities for meditation groups around the world who have utlized her work in their schools, neighborhoods and in their homes. Thank you Sarah for teaching me that allowing an open space for my daughter's gifts was actually a mirror lesson for my own self appreciation.
I am excited to give this book to her school as the teacher will be utilizing it in her classroom, allowing this piece of work to be recognized as the invaluable tool that it is.

Breathing regularly is a bridge that ties body to mind; when breathing is made regular it calms the physical body. Learning to breath evenly and regularly can yield instant stress relief on a moment's notice. Following the sequence within a meditation develops memory and the ability to concentrate. In her book, "Sensational Meditation for Children", Sarah does an outstanding job guiding you on how to bring such benefits of meditation to your children and more. I highly recommend this book. In addition to helping your children it will help you too. Enjoy!

I have used this book in teaching mindfulness classes to children both in the community and in the school where I am a Resource Room teacher. Sarah has created some wonderfully fun, creative exercises that capture the children's imagination...always helpful in getting them to participate. She also gives ideas for modifying the exercises as necessary. This should be a "standard" for anyone interested in teaching children mindfulness or meditation techniques.