X Books

A colorful, engrossing story where real life is far more interesting than fiction as the author helps us relive his exploits. For war/aviation buffs, an adventure not to be missed.

This is a fabulous book! Incredibly good! Buy this book!

G. GORDON LIDDY

This story takes you back to a time when the world was a much larger place. Men and machines were the means to accomplish great deeds. Computers did not tell you how and when to do everything. Men actually flew by the seat of their pants and when they made a mistake they were quite often the only one's who ever knew. Laugh at the funny side of combat and feel the heat of tears when a friend is lost. Don't miss this wonderful story.

Bill Band has managed to capture the essence of a bygone era and make it live for those of us who weren't there. An exciting read.

Bill Band has told this story in a manner in which the reader understands what went on in this little understood albiet important theater and why it happened that way. It is a personal account which is engaging and well told. I'll bet Mr Band has more stories to tell .. and I hope he does.

Halcyon Daze is an engaging account of a young woman's adventure from her fairly naive and sheltered life in Kansas to her more exotic, exciting, and erotic life in San Francisco. Her new friends include a whacky set of characters that join her in exploring sex and sexuality and, along the way, discover new aspects of themselves. She emerges from her experiences still not completely clear on life's exact purpose and her role in it-who ever is?-but undoubtedly more open to and aware of all that it has to offer. It is an interesting book that may make you blush at times and will definitely make you laugh at loud with its wit and sarcasm. It will captivate you with its characters and their exploits and keep you turning the pages out of curiosity and enjoyment.

I found this book to be funny and fun and very interesting. Loved the poems before each chapter. Colorful characters and some very interesting places. Very creative mind. All in all the book is great.

Halcyon Daze by Palmer Owyoung is a debut novel that "marches to a different drummer", -- just as its twenty-something protagonists do as they seek to find themselves. Halcyon Daze tells of Kalani Smith's adventures as she and those she encounters strive to find meaning in their lives. Halcyon Daze is commended as a superbly written, surreal vision quest, offering paths for future travel and mind-expanding perspectives on life itself along the way.

Kalani Smith struggles to find release from her cocoon-like
existence. Born in Hawaii, of Chinese, Native American and
English descent, she lived briefly in California, and for the
last 23 years has hibernated in Hiawatha, Kansas. Kalani has
always felt displaced in Hiawatha, and has never felt a
connection with the people or the city.

On a day in June, a perfect setting for a wedding, Kalani is
realizing that on her next birthday she will be 30 years old,
that she is bored with her life, and that she has yet to
experience her first orgasm. As she listens to the minister,
she has a surreal moment, a turning point, and she knows it's
time to spread her wings.

Juxtaposed against her tumultuous past, Kalani is bold and
timid as she leaves her groom at the altar and embarks on a
journey she hopes will exploit her dream of becoming a writer.
Searching for stability and a place that feels like home, she
leaves Kansas with no destination in mind. In Arizona she
encounters a Native American woman who shares a Navajo ritual
with her that promises to clear her mind, light her path, and
show her how to find her own truths in the world. Kalani
arrives in San Francisco and joins an eclectic group of
characters; All searching for themselves and trying to make
sense of the world that surrounds them. The author leads them
on a surrealistic adventure in the Nevada desert, hoping
they will find a new perspective on life.

HALCYON DAZE, the freshman novel by Palmer Owyoung is an
offbeat, witty story, told with vivid imagery as he artfully
lets readers wander through the visions in his character's
minds. This book has the freedom and flair reminiscent of the
flower children in the sixties. It is an interesting read.

Reviewed by aNN Brown
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

"At first I thought it was another Sex in the City type book, I was very wrong.It was a great book and I was looking for more even after I finished the last
page...encore!"

Great book. Insightful writing.

A thorough analysis of all aspects of the legacy and lives of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. The author attempts to dispel the notion that Martin was some saint who single-handedly achieved everything that was achieved in civil rights, and that Malcolm was a dangerous hate-mongering demagogue.

Taking a more even-handed approach, Cone explains how the two leaders were both great in their own way, how they complemented each other and how there were far more similarities between them than were presented by the media. Also the two were very convergent in their views late in their lives. This is an especially useful book for those who dismiss and disdain Malcolm X.

A great achievement, the only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is that Cone repeats himself quite a bit making the book a bit more bloated than it should have been.

Dr. Cone really points out the differences between Dr King and Malcolm X like no one else. But more importantly he sees so many simalaities. For erxample Malcom X encouraged blacks to go to Christian churches and get involved in social isues. Further, Dr Cone points out that Malcolm X wanted to go to Law School!!.

Also it is interesting that Dr. King refused to debate their respective postions.

Every time I am in Harlem at Lennox Ave and 125th St. I reflect on Dr Cone's masterpiece.

Have all children and adults read this book.

Darrell Pone,MD
Old Westbury, NY

Dr James Cone's MARTIN AND MALCOLM AND AMERICA: A DREAM OR A NIGHTMARE is one of the best books I've encountered.

Cone discusses the rhetorical strategies of Martin Luther King, Jr, and Malcolm X as they applied to their particular audiences: King to the South and Malcolm X to the North. Cone argues that Martin King's strategy of non-violent protest, while effective in the extremely segregated and anti-integrationist South, was not effective in the North (particularly in cities like Chicago and Detroit) because the discourse and policy of "integration" was already superficially accepted by Northeners. The "liberal" North found King's rhetoric to be more or less agreeable even as the structures of discrimination continued to subject black people to a brutal double-standard. Thus Malcolm X's policy of Black Nationalism (separatist rather than integrationist) that allowed for violence epitomized by the slogan "by any means necessary" was more successful in the North because it more effectively confronted personal and systematic racism. Long story short: two different rhetors with different rhetorics because of different situations, different audiences, with different immediate goals. Interestingly, near the close of both men's lives--Malcolm X killed in 1965 and Martin King in 1968--Malcolm began to sound a little more like Martin; and Martin began to speak even more forcefully, not unlike Malcolm had been known to do previously.

I had the great luxury of hearing Dr Cone present a lecture based on the book back in 1992. Twelve years later, my assesment of the book remains constant: Outstanding.

I purchased this book for my American Religious Diversity class and found that it gives you a clear timeline of the Civil Rights Movement and how Martin viewed it as the American dream and how Malcolm viewed it as a nightmare. The book's chapters follow the Civil Rights Movement chronologically by date and discuss Martin's and Malcolm's personal lives, religious obligations, beliefs, priorities, and virtually every other aspect in enough detail to give you a clear picture of the time. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement.

This is one of the best books in the history of modern man. The pictures alone are enough to keep returning to it over and over and over. I found the tome very informative as it eloquently exposes the under-workings of the CON.
Any library, private or public, is incomplete without this remarkable book.

Getting this book will be the difference in eternal salvation or going to work tomorrow. Get it now, before it's too late. This is your last warning, we're watching you.

If the Book of The Subgenius left your brain nearly distroyed. The sequal will finish the job!

If only Saddam had read this book! If he did, then the Iraqi's would be patrolling New York City right now!

"Bob" gives Jesus a wedgie!

"Bob" give Mohommad a "wet willie!"

"Bob" is the punch line to a joke that was never spoken.

"Bob" is the whoppie cushion at the Black Tie Dinner of reality!

"Bob" is the pie! "Bob" is the arm of Moe! "Bob" is the pie fight at the end of the Three Stooges Episode!

The end times are a'near! Get right with "Bob" now!

I bought this one too, now I'm even crazier!
Thanks again, "Bob"!

that I had to buy THREE copies of the first book, because it would 'disappear' when I lent it to friends. I certainly wore out the binding of each copy myself, because it was one of the funniest books I'd ever read hands down. Naturally, when the sequel, "Revelation X" hit the shelves, I needed to have it, even though I knew I'd already given enough money to these raving hucksters(I mean, I loved the Church-bought the mebership and all). While not as side splittingly funny as the first one, this is still light years ahead of any other humor books. Each SubGenius book is literally crammed with things to read and look at, artwork and rants and gag philosophy from embittered nerds all over the world apparently, all about the mythical figure of Bob Dobbs and his plan to save us from the maw of the Conspiracy that is perpetuated by so-called normal people to destroy noncomformity. Obviously, if you are the shy, intellectual type with a truckload of inner rage and a brain that no one appreciates or understands, then this is your bible. Women Subgenii take note: there's a chapter devoted just to you. Enjoy one of the last decades' coolest in-jokes.

A wonderful, suspensful novel! The pages turn themselves. The suspense builds from beginning to end. If you want to truly understand the tensions in the Middle East, Chariman X takes you from 1948 to the present if a most suspensful and entertaining fashion. I couldn't recommend it more highly.

I definitely could not put this book down. I enjoyed it so much that I couldn't sleep afterwards, I was so keyed up. What a remarkable "what if" story...makes you wonder who is really running the world....don't miss this one.

As with Dickens, one must be careful to take note of every character, even if only mentioned early in the book, and then hidden for hundreds of pages. The ability to balance between a deep-cover Israeli Mossad agent and a purported member of the PLO for decades is seemingly a stretch but Mr. Loya makes it work and successfully weaves the characters and incidents together very well. When will we see more books of this type by Mr. Loya?

This was among the BEST books I have read in a very long time. I could not put down this page turner - if I could have sat and read all 499 pages of this novel, I would have.
From the first page, the plot drew me in. The storyline is incredibly creative and clever, and makes the reader wondering, "is this what the Mossad & PLO are really like?" The main character is dynamic, intelligent, likeable and charismatic.
Chairman-X deserves more than 5 stars!

Rami Loya has crafted a riveting action/suspense novel spanning decades and crossing boundaries in the Middle East. This is an original spy story complete with twists and turns that takes the reader deep into the psyche of characters in both the Israeli Mossad and the Palestinian PLO. It's evident that Loya did extensive research into his topic as fact and fiction are woven together into a tale that is sometimes astounding, but always plausible. Like all great suspense novels it's a page turner that keeps the reader engaged through the depth of its characters and fascinating situations. I highly recommend this book.

This is a wonderful book filled with poems by well known authors.
Wonderful for children who enjoy poetry. Highly recommend!

This is a beautiful book both visually and in content. The watercolor illustrations are in the realistic style painted in fine detail. My daughter loves to look at the pictures closely as we read the poems aloud.

The poems selected cover a wide range of topics, themes, and moods. There are funny poems like limericks, serious poems about the seasons, poems about how children sometimes feel (such as the one about the boy who didn't do anything right yesterday, so he's not getting out of bed today) bedtime poems, and poems about child play.

This book was a gift and I love it so much I've since given it to other parents and children to enjoy. Everyone has been enthusiastic about it. When my daughter selects this book (which is often) it's fun for us to browse through the pages and pick poems based on the illustrations or on our mood. We'll say, let's read about sleepytime poems, or let's read funny poems. She never tires of this book. There are hundreds of poems to choose from, but the scope is not overwhelming either.

I give this book my highest recommendation. Every home should have some poetry on the shelf!

The Kennedys have done a superb job in selecting the poems for this read-aloud. The titles run the gamut of sweetly simple (Langston Hughes' "Piggy Back"), to the powerful (Georgia Roberts Durston's "The Wolf").

There is something for everyone here. Readers will find old favorites-"The Purple Cow"-as well as a few not-so-well-known but soon-to-be favorites such as William Jay Smith's lovely and lyrical "Polar Bear."

The book is divided into nine, themed sections: Plays, Families, Just for Fun, Birds, Bugs, and Beasts, Rhymes and Songs, Magic and Wonder, Wind and Weather, Calendars and Clocks, and, finally, Day and Night.

Making their appearance are, among others, Robert Louis Stevenson, Joan Aiken, Jane Yolen, Gwendolyn Books, A. A. Milne, and Wallace Stevens.

Jane Dyer, as always, does a magnificent job with the illustrations. There are full-page pictures and spot art throughout, extending and enriching the text. Readers will want to linger over the realistic, charming watercolors.

Highly recommended.

Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff

This large, gorgeous picture book contains 123 poems perfectly suited for youthful excursions into the land of poetry. You will find many favorites here as well as bountiful opportunity to make new friends. Emily Dickinson, Rachel Field, David McCord, Jane Yolen, Christina Rossetti, Langston Hughes, Elizabeth Coatsworth, and Robert Frost are just a few of the amazing talents that grace the pages of this book. From the very beginning where a qote from Isak Dinesen's "Out of Africa" explains the title of the book, we are swept up in a cavalcade of imagery, sound and experience that is a true delight and feast for the imagination. Not only is this a wonderful introduction to poetry for children it is a giant step forward toward learning about creative visualization and self-expression. It is a fortunate child who learns to evoke response from others through the mastery and selection of words. There is no better way to teach the art than to provide a child with the opportunity to experience the magic first-hand. The splendid illustrations in this book cheerily invite one to venture closer and then become the magic carpet that sweeps one from place to place within the book. The subject matter covers a broad range of topics, humorous and thoughtful, and can serve as a wonderful catalyst to further discussion about poetry and the use of the imagination. After a long and satisfying relationship with this book, may I suggest that you place a special magical pen and a blank tablet of paper in the hands of your child and discover the wonders it has helped to deliver. This book is truly an ambassador to creative expression.

Last night, my not-quite-three-year-old daughter spontaneously recited a couple dozen poems from this book to my wife and me. We were astounded. She's been requesting that we read TALKING LIKE THE RAIN to her day and night since I bought it last month, but we had no idea how deeply the poems had sunken in. What better endorsement can one give to such a book? We plan to buy several more copies as presents for my daughter's friends . . . and their parents.

X.J. Kennedy is a terrific poet as well as a top-notch editor. I highly recommend his own children's poetry books, particularly his irreverent BRATS, as well as his poetry books for adults, which include the excellent DARK HORSES and CROSS TIES.

This is a great item! CLAMP is one of the best working group of comic book artists from Japan, putting out winner after winner such as Card Captor Sakura, Tokyo Babylon, Clover, and X/1999. These comics are what spawned a movie that although was not poorly made, it seemed not to explain much. After all you can't do much with a two hour stretch of time. The new OVA series is much better, let me assure you! Anyway I hope everyone buys this item and the other books to go along with it, it is more than worth it!

While X/1999: Vol 1 (Prelude) was an introduction of some of the major characters in the series and merely hinted at the plot, volume two is an overture. The instruments have begun to play and although the story hasn't started yet, many of the characters have arrived on scene. Here we learn about some of their pasts and signs of things to come. Volume two picks up right after volume one leaves off. Kamui is left injured after fighting a strange figure with strange powers. As he sleeps, he is plagued with disturbing and graphic dreams. The blind seer Hinoto attempts to reach him, to get him to understand the gravity of the situation and to get the young man on her side. After reading volume two the reader is still left with so many questions unanswered. So many characters step in for just a scene or two, giving away only hints about their true intentions. Who are all of these people? What are the seven seals, the seven harbingers? What is going to happen next?

Although not all of our questions are answered, we are still presented with a stunning manga. The artwork is beautiful. It's main flaw, the fact that most of the male characters are far from anatomically correct, is more of a stylistic choice. So much attention is drawn to detail, whether it is the swirls of magic in an action scene, the entrails and body parts of a mauled character, or the shading in Kamui's hair. The story is as compelling as it is graphically violent and gory. Although the main character may not have one your heart yet (he can be a rather unlikable sort of fellow) it is quite likely that one of the other characters have already drawn you in. My personal favorite is Sora, who brings a sense of comedy to this rather depressing manga.

By the end of the volume, the reader will be curious to see what happens next. I suggest buying this series more than one volume at a time. You're not going to want to wait for number three!

In this vol. we start to meet up with new characters, and learn more about the main characters,the characters get more interesting and interesting....we know that kamui still has feelings kotori and that he hasn't given up on her, and that there opponents who would like to battle kamui , this is a must get manga!!

Clamp is probably my favorite manga artist, this being one of their best mangas. Not in the least like the almost babyish Card Captor Sakura, this has a more serious plot and a gothic influence about the end of the world and the battle between the angelic dragons of heaven and the demonic dragons of earth and Kamui- the kid who will choose the fate of the world.
I recommend it for anyone, especially people who've never read Clamp before.

X/1999 is a wonderful series. It has a compelling storyline, interesting characters, and even a little humor. It's great for anyone who likes manga, except that it's not. While it adds to the story, several scenes in Overture contain gross depictions of violence (including dismemberment). If you are squeamish or sensitive to violence, you should not pick up this book. I'm not even that squeamish, yet I was unable to eat for about half an hour after reading Overture. I highly reccomend this book, but take caution.

Rather you watch Dr. Phil's show, or have seen him on other shows, you may recognize that phrase.

But have you ever wondered where Dr. Phil has coined that phrase?

This phrase is in Dr. Jess Lair's 1969 copy of "I aint much, baby-but I'm all I've got."

Some really wonderful messages from this book tell us, "We are so busy not just building walls, but being the big judge that we don't have time to find, 'Hey, there are a lot of other people just like me out there.'"

And, "How are you going to teach someone, anyone, if you don't understand that their concerns and your concerns run along the same path."

One of the biggest lessons in this book, and there are many of them for everyone, is to tell the appropriate person, in the appropriate time, "I love you." You may notice that you will choke over saying those three words.

You may also notice that you may want to say more than that. But challenge yourself to say just those three words to that person, while you expect nothing in return.

This will teach you self-acceptance, acceptance of others, trust, love and serenity.

Also, as part of your "get real challenge," find 5 people who you tell, what you fear, what you are sad about, and what you are worried about. See yourself telling these people this, while you notice your internal voice, and their reactions or responses.

Make this part of your lifestyle, while you balance other parts of who you are.

When you are able to do this you enhance not only how you experience life, but you also enhance the possibility that the people who you speak heart-to-heart to, just might feel more free to get real with themselves. They may tell you how it really is for them, in a way that allows them to take responsibility for their own lives.

And although they may not tell you how it really is with them, chances are they will tell someone else how it really is with them - which is great, because the idea is that they decide to be authentic.

And in giving this gift to these people, you are changing the world, because we all know at least 250 people. When they or you are able to see yourselves accepted, unconditionally, we all pass this on.

If you find this challenging for you, and you are determined to do this, especially for yourself, I suggest that you read, "Narcissism: Denial of the True Self," by Alexander Lowen, MD; then read, "Healing the Shame That Binds You," by John Bradshaw.

We are all here to express our unique purpose, and in so doing to make a difference, beyond our wildest dreams.

To fight that truth is playing God.

Have you ever read a book where you felt like the author was right there in the room, connecting with you, there just for you?

This is definitely one of those books. He speaks to your heart and soul, besides your mind. And he anticipates everything that you might object to.

Read this book to accept everything about yourself, the good, bad, ugly and beauty, equally. Because it is when you accept all of this about yourself that you naturally enhance parts of yourself that you want to enhance, not what someone else wants you to do.

And in your self-acceptance, you will become more free to accept others, as they choose to be, without your pressing upon their mind.

The more you practice listening to your soul, and compassionately responding to your soul, the more you at peace you become.

Read this book, more than once, with pen in hand, as you note what you are experiencing - And, oh! How humble you will become.

I first read this book in college, about 15 years ago. I noticed right away that I was sending out and receiving love from people. It was amazing and real, and eventually my "abilities" wore off. Then I read it again 9 years ago, and the same thing happened, without saying a word, people smiled more and were kinder, and went out of their way to be nice to me. Because I was real and accepting of myself, and it flowed out. But again it wore off. Now in 2005 I think I have grown enough spiritually to "get it", and I hope permanently this time. But it does take five minutes at time for a lifetime. The lessons are between the lines and you won't even realize how much you've changed until you notice how well-liked you suddenly become, really! This book is a must-have for any seeker of personal growth or spritual truth because as I'm learning, they are exactly the same thing.

He has a real way of connecting with readers, telling it like it is! Great effort and I'm sure Jess helped a lot of people who's lives were confused messes. Very easy read and information. Still applicable to relationships in the 21st century.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

Jess's presentation is one of the most realistic, compassionate treatments of human nature and relationships which I have seen. His stress on being genuine, and on the deep human need for love, is superb.

Where Jess fails is in treating the examples, mostly from his classroom experience, as if the approach he outlines is strictly 'cause and effect.' During the 1970s, when a new generation was exploring being 'open' as opposed to using the conventions of conversation from the past, yet the 'self help' culture had not yet arisen, his approach seemed close to revolutionary. However, reactions other than those of one grateful for love are never presented as possible - and, indeed, one may find that is exactly what one receives.

For example, Jess, whose emphasis on our need to be loved is probably the most honest statement of the century, gives an example of a nurse who phoned her former supervisor, to whom she was grateful, to say 'I love you.' The happy tears of the supervisor are moving - but let no one expect that this was inevitable. Indeed, some people are ill at ease when told of love by close friends.

Regrettably, the current 'self help' culture could spoil the effect of much of Jess's advice. The warmth and affection he suggests could be taken today for a 'violation of boundaries,' or be feared as a technique of manipulation (much as it is not.)

I found Jess's treatment of sex to be wonderfully healthy and refreshing, yet things have changed there as well. He gives an example of a wonderful man he knew who complimented a lady on her figure (saying she had the nicest breasts he had seen), and her wholesome acceptance of this. Indeed, an excellent attitude is shown here - but a man;s compliments on a woman's figure could be
taken, however wrongly, for some sort of harrassment today.
The book can be valuable, but with the caveat that the reader must use it with discrimination.

This is an excellent book! I read it to my son's kindergarten class and they all really got into it. They enjoyed guessing what the title of each chapter was.

This is a delight and long over due! Where was this book when I was a kid? The author does a terrific job at broaching the subject we as adults often find boring and difficult to due--save. The illustrations are wonderful. My kids love this book. We found it to be both touching and fun.

Every parent should get their child this book. In such a fun story, they learn lessons that most adults don't even know: 1) savings money is excellent, 2) reading can be fun and interactive, and 3) a rabbit in overalls is darn cute!

I bought the book for my granddaughter who loves to read. Thought it would be good for her to learn how to save. After reading the book, she has been saving part of her allowance instead spending it all. The book was easy for her to understand and she enjoyed it very much.

Thank you for your wonderful book! My 2 daughters who are 5 and 7 kept asking me to read it to them over and over. They and I love the great illustrations and colors.

With finances being a major concern in our life, I am all for teaching my kids about how to manage their finances at an early age. Thank you again, great job! Waiting for the next book!

Sincerely,

J. Tyra Rikimaru

A great book for young and old dykes and the people who love them. Toulchinsky is a master at original dialogue. This book is a quick, funny, real read. I highly recommend it!

Nomi is a Jewish butch whose lover leaves her for a man, despite the love they share. She crashes at a friend's place as she tries to figure out her next move, but her mother finds her nonetheless. Her mother is getting remarried and Nomi has to go home to Toronto. In the dead of winter. She reconnects with her cousin Henry, who's recovering from being gay-bashed. Henry discovers that he has developed AIDS, and his partner Roger tolerates, barely, Henry's continued involvement with Albert and his conspiracy theories about the American government trying to kill him. Albert has alarming proof about the origin of AIDS, which he claims the American government created, and he's looking for someone to write the article. Nomi also reconnects with Julie, the woman who got away, but this time the sparks fly and become a brilliant blaze. Meanwhile, Roger and Henry go through their own hard times. Full of humor and heartache, "Love Ruins Everything" is a delightful romance that will charm every reader.

I bought this book on a whim, and was half expecting another boring lesbian novel. Was I ever wrong. This book had everything, stories of love, stories of deception, stories of conspiracy, and all in all was a page turner. I highly recommend this book for anyone out there who has suffered from a breakup and needs a little material to read to cheer them up, or to anyone who just wants something to read that they will never wonder when the story is going to end. BUY THIS BOOK! ENJOY :)

This was a fabulous read! It was a very realistic page turner that people like us can relate to! Encore Tulchinsky!

Tulchinsky's account of a lesbian at large is an enjoyable, easy-to-read page-turner, but it too often becomes exaggerated and/or predictable, and the theories regarding the origins of AIDS come too late in the book. The similarities to the stories of Leslea Newman are uncanny; one wonders whether they are intentional. All in all, though, a good read.