Western Books

This is a gorgeous epic of a text. I have been looking for a Buddhist scripture comparable in size and scale to the Bible, and this is definitely it. Thomas Cleary provides a clear, beautiful translation of this monumental work.

Thomas Cleary has set a new mark (even by his standards) for translations, and translators.

The Chinese literally spent centuries translating this massive corpus from the Sanskrit, yet, for Cleary, it is simply one of a plethora of great translations in his remarkably prolific career.

D.T Suzuki opinioned that this, the greatest text of Mahayana Buddhism, was so massive that it would never be fully translated into English. Cleary has not only translated this massively influencial text, he has furnished it with a wealth of Reader's "aids." His glossary alone is worth the price of the book.

In his in-depth introduction, Dr. Cleary shares his extensive knowledge on the history, of this text, its influence on Zen (Ch'an) Buddhism, Tendai, and other Mahayana Schools. He also provides "summary outlines" for each chapter.

He prepares the reader with lucid introductions to the language, philosophy, and practice methods contained throughout the book. He explains how the first five "Patriarchs" of Huayen Buddhism interpretated and developed their thought around the stunning array of Buddhist teachings, insights, and expressions contained in this mammoth volume.

It took me nearly two years to read this remarkable book the first time-it was, without a doubt, the most fascinating reading experience of my life. This book has remained on my continuous reading list for years now, but it is always new.

Thank you Thomas Cleary! Thank you!

This is the 1st complete (1643 pp.) translation of an ancient (Cleary says 1st-2nd centuries C. E.) Mahayana text with Cleary's introduction, appendices, glossary & Li Tongxuan's (Li T'ung-hsuan) short Chinese Ming Dynasty commentary on the final (39th) 400 pp. chapter. Cleary's comments are helpful but a bit sparse. He compares FOS to other major works (e.g. Prajnaparamita & Lotus), provides concise chapter summaries, & introduction to the Chinese commentary. Cleary's complete translation replaces standard Sanskrit terms--"enlightening beings" vs. Bodhisattva & "Universal Good" vs. Samantabhadra. I found this refreshing but you may not. He says, it employs very grandiose terminology, p. 46: "specific characters of the scripture are `fictional' uses p. 52: `being-time,' & it's for p. 6: `people of superior faculties.'" The 1st 38 Chapters display overwhelming hyperbole, mythology, & symbolism. Of course, understanding of the physical universe was limited millennia ago (p. 999: "Just as the ocean water flows under the continents & islands, so that all who drill for water find it"), mythology was not arms-length as now, & norms differed (e.g. p. 581's gifts of women). I don't claim to be a person "of superior faculties," but it was boring to me. There are some gems: Cleary--p. 29: the nirvana or Buddha-nature cannot be cultivated by practices, because practices are fabricated and impermanent, and it cannot be realized by mind because mind has subject and object [i.e. transitive]. Thus, its essence [Nature of Mind] cannot be cultivated, its principle cannot be witnessed by the mind. Mind itself is the essence--there is no further subject or object." This is reflected in chapter 39's experiential journey. NOTE: bracketed words herein are mine not Cleary's.

As usual, there are some interesting parallels to Kabbalah: in Ch. 1, Buddha is described ~God in the Shi'ur Koma (On the Mystical Shape of the Godhead: Basic Concepts in the Kabbalah (Mysticism & Kabbalah)) literature pp. 274-5: "the Buddha may be called...God of Gods...the Buddha may be called...King of Gods" & p. 1591: Li Tongxuan--"These are not worldly measurements." FOS has a dream-like feel to it (p. 1496: "It was like someone asleep seeing various things in a dream")--probably to exemplify the imputed dream-like or mirage-like nature of reality ~fairy tales [Jungians take fairy tales seriously & symbolically--see von Franz Individuation in Fairy Tales (C. G. Jung Foundation Books) & Chinen In the Ever After: Fairy Tales and the Second Half of Life]. The symbolic, non objective nature of FOS is also revealed in its use of numbers, esp. numerous groups of 10. I enjoyed the lovely verse reminiscent of the wonderful The Wheel of Sharp Weapons & Tilopa's Song Tantra, the supreme understanding: Discourses on the tantric way of Tilopa's song of Mahamudra as well as still-relevant prose p. 829: "enlightening beings do not abandon actions, according with the doings of the world, yet have no attachments to them," supporting Thich Nhat Hanh's engaged Buddhism. Modern Buddhism follows its attitudes of non-duality, abandonment of conceptual clinging, & non-attachment to the physical: p. 1091: "Great enlightening beings know that all phenomena are like the tracks of birds in the sky." It may seem strange that Shingon - Japanese Esoteric Buddhism (~Tibetan Dzogchen) uses this as one of its 2 main texts, but p. 1163: "The ground of all phenomena, oceanic source of all things" sounds like the "Ground of Being" to me; p. 1361 the Vairocana myth parallels that of Padmasambhava--born from a lotus. Further, pp. 1537-8: Prajna's Scroll translation of Ch. 39--"Sudhana asked, `Is it realized by hearing talk about transcendent wisdom?' Suchandra said `No.' `Why not?' `Because transcendent wisdom is realized by seeing the true essence of things. It is impossible to personally attain enlightenment by hearing & thinking'" reminds me of Mahamudra & Dzogchen pointing-out instructions. Indeed, the entire book exemplifies their "magical display of reality." See Longchenpa's Kindly Bent to Ease Us: Wonderment (Tibetan Translation, ).

But, it also makes some unusual assertions-- p. 1150: "It is also like the case of the celestial spirit born together with a person & always associated with the person--the spirit sees the person, but the person does not see the spirit." Cleary says Ch. 39 disagrees with parts of prior chapters, supporting his contention that FOS developed over time with many contributors. This parallels Professor Moshe Idel's argument for authorship of the Zohar in Kabbalah: New Perspectives." Furthermore, Ch. 39 (pp. 1174-1520) is Sudhana's quest for enlightenment, ~Joseph Campbell's The Hero With A Thousand Faces," is more knowledge-dense though even it is rather "empty." FOS seems more Feeling & Sensate (much ornate detail) from a Myers-Briggs perspective or perhaps more Bhakti vs. Jnana from a yoga perspective.

The commentaries (Cleary's pp. 1545-64 & Li's 1565-1630) are better read in parallel with Ch. 39--section by section. Sudhana requests practical instruction from Master to Master w/o getting it--instead he experiences various states of being with his many benefactors who show him (vs. tell him)--up to Maitreya (pp. 1452-1502)--IMHO the best part. Ch. 39 reminds me of the Egyptian Book of the Dead & its many visualizations provide a basis for Vajrayana (Tibetan & Shingon) Buddhist practices--even p. 1599 a precursor to Chod. The commentaries are concise, easy reading vs. the flowery, ornamental text (thus its title?). Cleary says p. 1546 it was promulgated by Nagarjuna who "recovered the teaching of the Flower Ornament Scripture `from the ocean.'" I read this as the Dzogchen Ground of Being ~to the legend of Jigme Lingpa's text received from long-dead Longchenpa. Does this poetically indicate authorship?

There's considerable wisdom herein, but you must dig deep for it:
p. 1572: "Since the fact that an individual word or sound has no inherent identity underlies infinite words & sounds infinite words & infinite sounds are one word and one sound. Therefore one and many revolve around and embellish each other. All mundane phenomena are trans-mundane phenomena, and all trans-mundane phenomena are mundane phenomena." [form is emptiness & vice versa]
p. 1584: "Play is Buddha-work"
p. 1592: "When knowledge enters compassion, it is harmonized & becomes comfortable."
p. 1620: "In the clamor without making clamor." [i.e. be in the world but not of it].

Thomas Cleary is one of the best all-round translators of East Asian and Sanskrit literature, as well as Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian writings. If I have the option of purchasing a work I have never read before in various translations, I will gladly go with Cleary. Some of his works, such as the astonishing edition of the Art of War and his beautifully poetic rendering of the Zhuangzi are the best of their kind, while others (particularly his translations of Zen literature) are rather lacking and weak. This mammoth translation of the Buddhavatamsaka-sutra, however, represents the best (in my opinion) in Sanskrit Buddhist translation. All English speaking Mahayana Buddhists owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Clearly, for rendering one of the largest, most elaborate, and most important Buddhist scriptures into English, with a flair of style and poetic imagery that surpasses almost anything else I've read in Buddhist sutra translations. The Avatamsaka Sutra, or the Flower Garland (Flower Ornament) Sutra is the earliest sutra spoken by the Buddha. It is, along with the Lotus Sutra and the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, one of the most important teachings of the Buddha. The Chinese Huayan (Jap. Kegon) School (Huayan/Kegon: Avatamsaka), one of the most prominent and influential schools in the history of Chinese and Japanese Buddhism, is based on this scripture, which emphasizes the mutually unobstructed interpenetration the Dharma realm, the interactions between principle and phenomenal worlds. The Avatamsaka Sutra is one of the Vaipulya Sutras, meaning that it is, in effect, an incredibly large sutra comprised of several smaller sutras (other Vaipulya Sutras include: the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, the Jewel Heap Sutra, and the Nirvana Sutra). Because of its incredible length, many of the English translations are available only as partial translations, or translations of particularly important sections. Here, however, Cleary has translated the entire sutra, which takes up almost 1500 pages. However, it is a must-have for any English Mahayana scholars. Readers may be amazed at the vast range displayed throughout the sutra. Some chapters are elaborate, miraculous, and joyful in nature (as is much of the Lotus Sutra), while others are strongly philosophical in a style reminiscent of the Hinayana or Perfection of Wisdom Sutras. Especially important are the chapters concerning the Ten Stages (Dashabhumika-sutra) of the Bodhisattva Path, the Ten Devotions, the Ten Practices, the Ten Concentrations, the Ten Acceptances, and the Ten Abodes. The second-to-last chapter is a magnificent summation of Mahayana doctrine and the practice of the Buddhas. The final chapter (which takes up 400 pages by itself) is the "Entry Into the Realm of Reality" (GAnda-vyuha), which is the most famous section of the book. It describes the pilgrimage of the young Sudhana, guided by Manjushri, as he requests the teachings of 53 masters, including the future Buddha. The final section of the Ganda-vyuha occurs when Sudhana meets Samantabhadra (Universally Good), and concerns the Ten Vows of Samantabhadra, which is, by itself, probably the most important and available part of the book (numerous translations of this one section exist on the internet). All in all, I thank Thomas Cleary for finally allowing me to read the complete Flower Garland Sutra (a task which I have been unable to accomplish for years, due to the lack of availability of complete translations). Stunning.

The Flower Ornament Sutra (FOS) is often overlooked because it is not as available (now out of print probably as a result of not being widely used by the laity), but it is a superb Sutra a comprehensive (if any single text can be called truly comprehensive)expression of Buddhist (particularly Mahayanist)Vision. I say "vision" rather than "thought" or "philosophy" because FOS is first and foremost an inducer of meditative trance or vision, rather than a doctrine or treatise. One reads The FOS to experience the Buddha consciousness in a very personal, mystical way, not to "understand" it intellectually.

Thomas Cleary's translation is probably the most accessible to the American mind and heart. I haven't read all other translations, only a few are available here in the USA it seems. One caution: I would beware of "contemporary" or "condensed" versions of FOS, if you find them, because these adaptions to contemporary mind will surely lose the original consciousness, some of which is undoubtedly lost already even in a careful translation like Cleary's. That consciousness is why you would read FOS in the first place.

Better to go to the source, however formal or repetitive and overcome any initial sense of "boredom" you might feel. With FOS you should suspend logical critical mind in favor of an open and receptive heart. The deeper you go in this way the more vivid and profound the "vision" becomes.

Ultimately it is like a spark. At some point the spark jumps to you and lives in you independently of the text - or it doesn't. FOS is an instrument to self-discovery not a "reality" to cling to. Any Buddhist knows this, but FOS is a very valuable, effective and precious instrument of delight and enlightenment if you are open to it.

The hardback version I got published by Shambala is beautiful, as good a copy as you could hope to find these days. Highly, highly recommended.

This book is more detailed than most I have found. It gave me much needed background info.

This author gives a comprehensive overview of everything to do here. The photos are fantastic and I love the snippets of history too. I only wish he wrote more guides for other places.

The Grand Canyon is universally acclaimed as one of the great natural wonders of the world. Now in a fully updated and beautifully illustrated third edition, James Kaiser's "Grand Canyon: The Complete Guide" is the ideal guide for novice visitors and a superbly informative reference for the seasoned visitor as well. A complete and 'user friendly' travel guide and planner for visiting the Grand Canyon, this ideal reference includes the Havasu Falls, topography maps, trail descriptions for both day trips and overnight hikes, mule rides, scenic flights, Colorado river trips, public campgrounds, historic lodges, the canyon's geology, native wildlife, history, and a great deal more. Compact and easily portable, "Grand Canyon: The Complete Guide" truly lives up to its title and is an invaluable addition to personal and community library travel guide collections -- as well as the supplemental reading lists of the armchair explorer!

Out of all the Grand Canyon guides I bought, this one was my favorite.
The color photos are amazing, and the background info about the
canyon's history, geology and wildlife is fascinating. If you're going
to Grand Canyon I would definitely recommend buying this book.

This guide had beautiful pictures, detailed maps etc... It listed lodging but no reviews of lodging, just a glorified description. Had I not seeked out advice and reviews about lodging at the Grand Canyon, I would have been seriously disappointed. This book is more of a thick glossy brochure than an actual "guide" to help you plan a trip.

I recently re-read The Greatest Secret in the World, and remember what a terrific book it was for me, in the process of learning to turn thoughts to actions, to realize goals. Most sales books come and go for me, this one stays.

With out doubt one of the really inspired writings ever penned!
Og Mandino led a remarkable career after a rocky start, he writes
in a way that every generation and every level of reader can gain something from.It gives the reader a clearly defined set of principles to live by, the scrolls help to establish new habits and can forever be there for a guiding set of reference points throughout your life.I have studied many of his books and read from this for over 25 years.Thanks to my friend Dave Blanchard, President of the OG Group
I continue to learn from the scrolls that Og so beautifully provides.This book was a tremendous motivation for me to re-write my 1st book that spurred my career immensely, Lessons From Great Lives, learn to be rich in all areas of your life. I love the study of great lives and Og would be one of those indeed to learn from.It has served as a treasure for millions for more than 30 years.I couldn't recommend a book with any more passion.
Dan McCormick Author of LESSONS FROM GREAT LIVES,LEARN TO BE RICH IN ALL AREAS OF YOUR LIFE!

I read this book everyday and have probably read the entire thing about 20 plus times.

Not only has it transformed the way I look at the world and myself, but it has given me a new appreciation for how amazing life can be if you are courageous enough to work on your bad habits (the main tenant of the book) and to improve your good habits.

This should not be quickly glimpsed at and tossed aside as something rudimentary and simple, but it should be taken very seriously because it can teach you lifelong lessons about values and visions that will make you a person who everyone will want to be around.

Simple...yes, profound and life-alterning...a definite yes.

I'm starting the program on Monday as advised in the book, it's exciting.

This is an intense Og Mandino book as someone said, "no punches pulled"

His other books like the greatest miracle, the gift, the 12th angel, mission:success, are all much more light hearted.

I think it may be beneficial for new Og readers to read those first to truly understand what a sweet, special man Og Mandino is. The intensity of this book is absolutley awesome for success seekers, but I would not want to turn anyone off the other heart touching stories Og has written.

He was an amazing writer and a super sweet man...and I have a plan one day to distribute "The Greatest Miracle in the World Books" to everyone I meet who is in any form of despair or encountering any challenge. It was an answer to my prayers when I read it.

So I would recommend this book to serious success seekers, just for the list at the end of his favorite off the wall success books if nothing else. And I would definatley recommend any other Og book to anybody at all, their beautiful writing.

I have read everyone of Og Mandinos Books and all I can say is that he writes with brilliance, clarity, enthusiasm, and spirit. You can never go wrong with any of his books. He points out the path to success and motivates the spirit within to achieve all that we as human beings are capable. He helped me to tap into my innate genuis and create a life of prosperity and creativity. If you havent raed his books, start now and your journey of the spirit will begin. He was a born writer and even after his passing continues to have a great influence on many people old and young. He truly lived a purposeful and divine life. Go buy all his books and enjoy the growth and enlightenment. After that Buy my Book " Your daily Walk with the Great Minds of the Past and Present". Enjoy and rememeber you are capable of great things in your life.

A Home For A Bunny was my son's all-time favorite book. We read it over and over again. Now my son is nearly 27, and I still have the same book and read it to his 5-year-old-daughter, whom I am raising. It was her very first book and she demanded it be read every single night. We had fun using different voices and she especially liked the happy ending. She decided that the bunnies were a "Mommy Bunny and a Daddy Bunny", and would kiss them goodnight each time.

I highly recommend this book! I buy one every chance I get, whenever I know someone is going to have a baby.

I purchased this book (my first "big" little golden book) and love the larger size and pictures. My two-year-old daughter loves this book and often picks it from her huge selection of books. A great sweet story to share. I'm now looking for more "big" little golden books to buy.

This book is such a sweet, cute book. I am 24 years old and still read it to my nieces every once in a while. I have grown up making my parents read me this book over and over again every night and day. My copy is worn out but it also shows how much I enjoyed it. I hope you decide to buy it and read it to your children they will love it!

This book was first published in 1965 and, unlike so many other books, is still fresh and current. I wish that I had had it as a child, but I love it just the same. I did have many "Little Golden Books", and so many of them are classics (like the Saggy-Baggy Elephant, Little Red Hen, The Pokey Little Puppy, and so on), but none of them have the charm and lasting beauty of "Home for a Bunny".

I wasn't sure what a "Big Little Golden Book" was, but I was pleasantly surprised to see what a lovely hard-backed book it is! It is quite sturdy, with no golden "tape" on the spine that peels off in time like the little ones. The illustrations are gorgeous--so clear and vivid. I like how the pictures fill up the whole page, on each and every page, even the front and back plates. Garth Williams portrays a world in bloom at spring, and a shiny glint in each animal's eye.

Margaret Wise Brown's other "Best Seller", is, of course, "Good-Night Moon". This one is probably more well known. I read it too my boys (now grown) very often when they were small. It is also very engaging for little ones. Brown has a knack to really understand how their little minds work and what gives them pleasure in stories.

I originally bought this book for my niece, but after I saw how wonderful it was, I ordered several more copies which I am keeping on hand as a perfect gift for baby showers and such. I am glad to hear from you people who grew up with this great story, how lucky you are!

This is such a sweet little book! Probably not much past age 5, but the story has a bunny looking for a place to stay or a home of his own. He proceeds to ask everyone he meets if he can live with them and they all say no. However, when he meets a little white bunny, the bunny takes him in and they then live together. The last picture is just so sweet with the two bunnies snuggling together. The illustrations make you touch the page because the bunny looks so fuzzy! It is very much loved in our house and we highly recommend it!

It has been my good fortune to read this book. This could free you as you leap into the world of real estate in cyberspace. As a provider of internet related services to realtors, I found this book to be practical and well written to focus on creation of your web site, getting found - which normally means it's easier to pay per click. Get started and sending effective emails. As a self promoted internet optimization junkie, it's easy to understand and explains how things work, really there is no mystery to search engines, keywords, and meta-tags. Even the sales-focused agent who leaves the details to his marketing people and technical assistants will want this book - to give to them to read.

I have seen no other book devoted to the internet and real estate. This book is loaded with good information on setting up a web site for your real estate interests or business. The book is written that even a person unfamilar with the technical aspects of the internet can benefit from this book. This book written in 2001 is up to date in the ever changing world of the internet. There are tons of web sites listed in the book, which if that was all there was in this book would be valuable. Ideas on the content of your web site is provided, as well as a chapter on email. Conventions with email, and even email etiquette. Anybody involved in real estate, whether an agent, broker, investor, or an individual buyer and seller of real estate will want to read this book. And don't forget about landlords and property manager, who should also have a web site. One advice given in the book is that everywhere that your phone number is printed so should your email address. I would only add to that also your web site URL.

I have seen no other book devoted to the internet and real estate. This book is loaded with good information on setting up a web site for your real estate interests or business. The book is written that even a person unfamilar with the technical aspects of the internet can benefit from this book. This book written in 2001 is up to date in the ever changing world of the internet. There are tons of web sites listed in the book, which if that was all there was in this book would be valuable. Ideas on the content of your web site is provided, as well as a chapter on email. Conventions with email, and even email etiquette. Anybody involved in real estate, whether an agent, broker, investor, or an individual buyer and seller of real estate will want to read this book. And don't forget about landlords and property manager, who should also have a web site. Personally I have 2 web sites and of course email; and there will come a time if it has not already happened where, you will not be able to operate in this business without either. One advice given in the book is that everywhere that your phone number is printed so should your email address. I would only add to that also your web site URL.

I am a Realtor in South Florida who has just taken my buisness online.I was interrested in doing some reading on the subject and read many,many book reviews.I have to tell you I ordered this book"Internet Marketing in Real Estate"this book is unbelievable not only are they insightfull but they give you the address's to the sites with the information that they are discussing.If you you are even thinking about bringing your buisness into the year 2000 this book is a must have!Laura Pearlman

Attention Realtors, Buy This Book: "Internet Marketing in Real Estate," by Barbara Cox and William Koelzer. Don't just buy it, read it. It could help your business immensely. It also could help you overcome your apprehension about all that World Wide Web mumbo-jumbo.

Finally, it could help to free you from the intimidation of all those salespersons clad in guru's clothing who conduct seminars and office meetings, touting the latest product or service that is claimed to be "essential" for your survival in the wild-and-wooly world of real estate in cyberspace.

It has been my good fortune to have an early look at this book published by Prentice-Hall. The authors, not real estate practitioners themselves, are both spouses of web-enhanced Realtors in South Orange County.

They know whereof they speak, as both are active providers of Internet related services to Realtors, and they have both had the combat photographer's up-close view of real estate in the trenches. Their target audience will find the book both practical and appropriately written.

"Internet Marketing in Real Estate" consists of five parts:

"Creating and Building Your Internet Presence: Your Web Site"

"Getting Found" (the all-important section)

"Effective E-mail"

"Time to Get Started" (developing tasks, time-lines, and a budget)

Appendices

No technical expertise is presumed on the part of the reader. Each part that deals with Internet and marketing related concepts begins with a friendly "learning the language" section. A great deal of effort is made to explain to the reader, in plain language aided with illustrations, how things work in the initially mysterious world of Web sites, search engines, keywords, and meta-tags.

Textbook-like, "Internet Marketing in Real Estate" starts its sections with "the basics" and then develops the concepts that have been introduced. Sections end with exercises that encourage the reader to put his/her new knowledge to work.

The book also integrates related topics that are not Internet specific. Chapter 1 of Part 1 could be titled "Real Estate Marketing 101." It is important toward understanding Internet marketing concepts but that is because it is basic to marketing per se. Parts of the effective e-mail" section are straight out of basic composition. They are highly relevant.

"Internet Marketing in Real Estate" doesn't deal with all the issues that bear discussing. No book does. For example, the authors do not engage the serious questions that can be asked vis-à-vis the relative effectiveness of dollars and time spent on Internet marketing as opposed to other kinds of marketing. That is not their purpose.

When confronted with a new marketing medium, a businessperson (real estate or otherwise) must always ask the question, "If I adopt this, what will I stop doing that I am doing now?" (If the task - or the dollars - represents an addition to present efforts, rather than a replacement, then presumably it replaces something we were doing or spending in our non-business lives.)

To the credit of Cox and Koelzer, they present with great clarity the tasks and range of costs associated with various levels of involvement in Internet marketing. They provide the real estate businessperson with the information that will enable him or her to make an informed decision about this medium.

For those who have already decided that they want to make an effort at Internet marketing, the Cox and Koelzer book will provide an invaluable tool. Even the sales-focused agent who leaves the details to his marketing people and technical assistants will want this book - to give to them to read.

simply sophisticated and sophisticately simple, did the trick but if you are completely new to metrics, read it after christopher

As the author says, the book is "aimed at undergraduates but it is adaptable to master's students". It will provide you with excellent and extensive real life explanations. What is better about this book is that you can redo every example in the book by using the online data that it provides with. This was it is easier what happens by experimenting. In that sense this book is superior to many others where you cannot see how the results of estimations came about.

There is only one thing to take into account. Although there are three parts to this book, the shortest one is time series. Its coverage will is therefore not very comprehensive if you want basic explanations like the VAR, GARCH models etc...
In that case, I would recommend the book New Directions in Econometric Practice by Wojciech W. Charemza.

Great introduction to the subject, but the notation is poor. By presenting the material without matrix algebra, the multiple regression analysis becomes a convoluted mess of summation notation. Additionally, matrix notation is adopted in more advanced texts, making in beneficial to learn from the start.

Wooldridge's explanations are clear and useful. After a semester hacking my way through the dense brush of matrices in Greene's book, I realized I needed some help. Now I go to Wooldridge's treatment first, to make sure I understand the main concepts. Then I go to Greene for the detail, if I need to.

This books is excellent read. It builds good intuition, and is well suited for self-studying. It is also not too mathematical, no matrix notation, good for undergraduate students or as a review for graduate students. I can truly recommmend it.

"Lightning and Lace" by DiAnn Mills is the third book in the Texas Legacy Series. This is a beautifully-written, suspenseful novel about a family in pain and the community around them. Bonnie is a young widow with a troublesome son who simply wants her family restored. Travis is the town's new preacher. He is helping Bonnie with her son, Zack, and trying to keep his past a secret. There is also a criminal on the loose. He is beating women, and no one is talking about his identity.

I was hooked on the intrigue and developing family issues and romance from the very first chapter! What a great book! Now, I must go back and read the other two! I also can't wait to read #4, "A Texas Legacy Christmas"!

As both an author and reader of fiction, I was impressed with "Lightning and Lace". Maybe it is because I have always enjoyed a book that could hold my attention and make me think at the same time. In a nutshell, the characters are believable and yet a little out of the ordinary and the story line unique. Give this book a try.
The Christian fiction book that I have written main story line is about ten years in the life of a little girl who was "chosen by God" to be the next Madonna in the second coming of Christ.
Tommy Taylor
Author - The Second Virgin Birth

LIGHTNING AND LACE is the third novel in the Texas Legacy Series. It continues a few years after where Lanterns and Lace left off, focusing on the character of Bonnie Kahler. Now widowed, and dealing with depression and an unruly son, Bonnie has to dig deep to strengthen herself and her family before she loses them completely. With the help of the new pastor in town willing to help Zack deal with his father's death, Bonnie does what she can to keep her family together. The unwelcome advances of Lester Hillerman continue to bother Bonnie. When she discovers what an inscrutable man he is, she finds herself barely holding on and praying that others will finally see Lester as the monster he is.

LIGHTNING AND LACE definitely picked up momentum where LANTERNS AND LACE had slowed the series down. I feel this novel had a lot more conflict that had to be resolved and deeper characters that the reader could hang on to. I really enjoyed the interaction between families. I like sequels that add and build on characters from previous books instead of merely mentioning them. I look forward to reading A TEXAS LEGACY CHRISTMAS, the final in the series.

Diann Mills weaves a wonderful continuation from Lanterns and Lace where we first learn of Bonnie Kahler and her dying husband, Ben. The transition from one book to the other is beautifully penned in this story of a woman who loses herself in grief for time.

At the retirement of her stepfather, Reverend John Rainer, Travis Whitworth steps up to the helm of the Piney Woods Church. His job is cut out for him, as he attempts to follow in the footsteps of Reverend Rainer. His first encounter in town is breaking up a fight between two boys, one who is Bonnie's son, Zach.

The story, crafted tediously, brings Bonnie to the realization she is neglecting her children through her own grief. As she struggles to manage an out-of-control son, Travis steps up to lend a hand. He helps Bonnie out on the farm and manages a little spare time to offer guidance to a troubled Zach.

When a Travis finds a murdered townswoman, his church members begin to shift their eyes in an accusing manner toward him and Zach. In a story filled with surprises, Lightning and Lace takes hold of the reader and grips them tight.

Mills takes twists and turns throughout this work which approaches many subjects including how even Christian minds wander. This third in a series of the Texas Legacy has brought us still closer to the townspeople of Kahlerville, their lives and deep personal relationships.

Once again Barbour has allowed Diann Mills to bring us into a western world where real people have love, suffer hurt, and find redemption.

Reviewed by Cindy Sproles, Mountain Breeze Ministries

With the retiring of their beloved pastor, the little town gets a new preacher, except he looks nothing like a minister of God. In fact, he is mistaken for a hobo and treated as such when he arrives in town.

Bonnie Kahler's husband died two years ago and her oldest son is now incorrigible. and she certainly cannot control him, nor can his school teacher or grandparents. Much of the first section deals with the misdeeds of this 12 yr. old boy.

However much he wants to succeed, the new preacher has disguised himself to prevent his past from being revealed, but that is not going to be possible, even in this little town. Love blooms in the most unlikely of places.


Heaven's Gates, a former brothel, houses the soiled doves who have turned from their trade and are now working. However, there is a dark, dark, figure, a hypocrite really, who is determined to run the town, the church, the people, AND feed his lust at the expense of his helpless but very wealthy wife who happens to be financing all his evil deeds without knowing it. This mystery is a large part of what holds the reader's interest.

This is a lovely Christian fiction read, an historical book and brings the reader close to each family. I was pleased to have read the entire trio of Texas Legacy. Are there to be more?

Sexy, fast-paced and fun. That's what I like Fossen, Lindsey and my newest read "Anything, My Love" by Cynthia Simmons--A sizzling page turner. Saddled keeps you turning pages. You don't want to put it down.

This one is funny and sexy. That's what I look for, plenty of humor, and sexy excitment, as in the style of Lindsey and my newest favorite "Anything, My Love" by Cynthia Simmons. A five star sizzler with fun filled action that you can't put down.

This book was funny and sexy. That's just what I look for. I loved it! Another I loved is "Anything, My Love" by Cynthia Simmons.

I just loved this book. It was faced paced and loads of fun. A bit like "Anything, My Love" by Cynthia Simmons, a little like Heather Graham's "Vicking's Woman" You'll love the hero and love the book. I think the true test of any good romance is that you can't put it down. That you have to finish it and would just die if you lost the book before you did. Any romance fan would love these books.

Funny, sexy and fast moving. This is a good read. If you like sexy, romantic sizzlers like any Lindsey, or my newest favorite "Anything, My Love" by Cynthia Simmons--A sizzling page turner, You'll love saddled. It will keep you turning pages and you'll feel wonderful after.

I'm surprised Mr. Garren is not more well known. I recently met him at a book signing and he was very friendly and took several minutes to speak with me and my son. I live in Western North Carolina and could not stop reading this book once I started. I also visited several of the locations mentioned in the book.I think it will appeal to folks interested in the Civil War as well as history here in the mountains in general. Can't wait to read his next book The Fifth Skull.

Author Terrell T. Garren's dramatic story of war crimes in Western North Carolina is a captivating, dynamic true story of what happened to his own family members during the American Civil War. What an adventure! This book will capture the reader as if the reader is there, in person, living in the community, experiencing the events as they are happening. How intriguing to have the photos of the leading characters! The secret kept by the author's great-grandmother for one hundred forty years is now known and the historical facts leading up to the event are told in this epic story of war, war crimes and, romance on the homefront. This story left me with deeper empathy for the suffering of not only the troops but, of the women left alone to suffer on the homefront the crimes of the Civil War. I will never forget this moving story of "The Secret of War".

I found it difficult to put this book down. I've read a number of histories and historical novels about the civil war. This one was more personal as it followed members of a family through their war experiences and tragedies.

War is ugly. Up close and personal it is an abomination. Observing its impact on the Russell and Youngblood families and how the war brought out the best in some and the absolute worst in others, was a sad reminder of the horrors and atrocities being commited in wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Sudan.

At least at the end of the Civil War for these two families, honor was restored to some degree and healing could occur.

I don't know when a first chapter (can be read on Amazon website) has "grabbed" me like this one. As a lady who normally avoids war stories, I found this one extremely interesting, and very relevant to our current war in the Middle East. This book will keep you thinking about the situations involved long after you've finished reading it.

The Secret of War is an indelible and pivotal contribution to our understanding ot this most disturbing passage in American History. Against a backdrop of beautiful Western North Carolina mountains, we learn of a grim and silent history that has often been ignored.

Without taking either Union or Confederate side, Garren lays before us a spread of heart-touching and terrifying events. He shines a bright light on the fact that war begins and continues with power-hungry men on both sides who do not realize the full ramifications of their actions.

Through the story of Delia Youngblood, Garren gives a voice to women everywhere who have for too long fallen silent victims of the senselessness of war. That voice says: "Look at this. It will destroy us, even as we are destroying ourselves."

I read the book about a week ago, and I am still thinking of Delia. For the spirit of women and men, past and present, I am glad that her story has finally been told.

Stephen Mitchell's translation is a great intro to the Tao. Simple, a little convoluted at times and yet somehow straight to the point. I bought this illustrated hardcopy as a gift and keep a text version as my guide.

I have come to have a fondness and deep appreciation for Mitchell's work and choices of subjects. I bought this translation because of high praise for it hidden in one of Jim Harrison's poems. This version is, perhaps, the most readable of all I have encountered. Many people find it inspiring and that must be why it is such an acclaimed translation. Having dealt with a dozen or so translations and the texts behind them, I do note that Mitchell takes some liberties. His is a very idiomatic translation, which often reads better than word-for-word literalness, the latter often proving too wooden to be enjoyable or clear. And Mitchell might even omit a few phrases or add one here or there. But the spirit is all Lao Tzu. Also, the volume is full of the most exquisite ancient Chinese illustrations, making it the most beautiful of any of my Tao Te Chings.

In this version, Peg Streep edits James Legge's 19th century translation. The editing is a major bonus, as it adds something
to the overall flow of the work. Here is an example of the poetry of the words: "Abstinence from speech marks him who obeys the spontaneity of his nature." Whereas countless other translations are well worth the read, the text in this edition offers something every bit as beautiful as the artwork that accompanies it.

If every philosophy or religion had a book like this, it would be much easier to appreciate and perhaps even enjoy the diversity of belief among humankind. Mitchell captures the simplicity and straightforwardness of the text, and what we get is a incredibly beautiful book of verse. Some scriptures and cornerstone philosophy texts try to argue their way into your head; the Tao, especially as translated by Mitchell and coupled with stunning artwork, effortlessly works to seduce its way into the core of your being.

When you put the book down, you may disagree with many components of the Tao's underlying philosphy. But during the short time you live between the book's covers, it is a joy to enter the rhythmic flow of the Tao and put skepticism on hold.

Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching (The Book of the Way) has long been referenced by those who seek to understand the Eastern philosophy of the harmony of the universe. In simple, eloquent verse this collection of poems (though there are those who would object to the 'poem' label) the secrets to shedding the self with its attendant judgment, desire, and critique provide the guide for finding oneness with the cosmos.

Steven Mitchell is the translator of these ancient texts and his sensitivity to the poetic flow of the concepts and instructions enhance this version of the TAO TE CHING. And as if that weren't sufficient reason to make this your access to these ageless meditations, this book is an 'illustrated version', tastefully combined with old Chinese drawings and paintings that allow the eye to roam while digesting the moments of beauty of the words.

This book becomes a constant companion for those who look to make sense of the world and its chaos. If ever there were the perfect gift for the friends in your life, this elegant little book is surely one of the best. Grady Harp, March 05.