Wood Books

They said complete and they mean complete. This is not a book for the novice. This is a highly comprehensive look at each episode, from the Unearthly Child and onwards. Each episode is examined for it's own issues, then looked at in how it fits the series, and how it fits the culture of the day. It's so detailed, this book only makes it through the first three seasons and there are a total of seven books covering the orignial series and I'm guessing we'll get the new series soon (he does mention the 2005 season).

If you are a detail junky, this is the book for you. The cross referencing of the culture of the day, BBC politics, actors issues, development of the story and so forth are facinating. It's kept me turning pages and running to order the next installment. It's a definite must for the hard core fan.

not only of the start of a great show, but also details British television history and pop culture to put it into a larger context. Sometimes academic, sometimes fanwankish, but never tiresomely pedantic or boring. Can't wait to pick up the next volumes.

Lawrence and Tat continue their absolutely exhaustive review of the whole of Doctor Who. Yet again ther eis more information than you can shake a stick at. This time we explore the Hartnell era with emphasis on the cultural and political landscape at the time. Essential for the serious fan

The "About Time" books are kind of like TV's Dr. Gregory House. He's smug, rude, disdainful, and in general a colossal pain the butt. On the other hand, he's RIGHT so much of the time, and just so darned interesting to be around that you just can't tell him to stuff it and leave. These books are the same way. "About Time 1" is the first volume of the series in terms of content, but the fourth to be published, and the weirdly two-faced attitude the authors have displayed since the beginning continues to assert itself pretty forcefully. They regularly take what can only be described as "potshots" at both the show itself and the show's fans. Almost every positive comment about one of the stories covered in this book is accompanied by a despairing, off-handed lament about how much worse the show became later on. Wood and Miles also frequently ridicule various examples of silly and/or obsessive fan behavior. Yet even while they're spending so much time slagging off both their subject matter and their intended audience, by creating such an exhaustive and erudite examination of "Doctor Who," they're implicitly showing both show and fans a substantial amount of respect.

And authorial biases aside, the books just keep getting better. Either by accident or by design, each successive volume seems to go deeper in its analyses, to be more insightful and, thus, more entertaining than the one before. "About Time 1" deals with the first three seasons of the show, from its 1963 inception to the 1966 story "The War Machines," so in this volume we get a hugely enlightening look at the cultural and technological environment in which the show was born and the various societal and literary contexts that informed each story. As an American born in the early 1970s, these informative "Where Does This Come From?" subsections were unfailingly interesting. We also get two dozen new sidebar essays explaining various tangential matters in great depth; some are literary, such as "What Kind of Future Did We Expect?"; some are somewhat scientific, such as "What Makes the TARDIS Work?", which touches on some rudimentary quantum physics; and some are metatextual, such as "What Are These Stories REALLY Called?"

So if you are anything more than a casual fan of "Doctor Who," I would honestly say that you owe it to yourself to own, or at least read, these books. Regardless of the aforementioned problems, when all is said and done I think the "About Time" series will stand as the definitive analysis of TV's longest-running sci-fi program. Like Dr. House, its personal shortcomings won't be able to disguise the fact that it's simply unbeatable in its chosen field.

This story, lovingly told, examines the bleak history of Armenian orphans transported far from home to the shores of Canada following a genocide in their homeland. Skrypuch brings the fear and wonder of the boys' experiences to life with her clear text and vivid imagery. Reading the story is a visceral experience not to be missed.

Aram's story is based on the life of an Armenian orphan brought to Canada in 1923. Aram's journey out of Turkey (with his grandmother) during the Armenian Genocide, to an orphanage in Greece, and on to a farm in rural Ontario is one of new discoveries and experiences--unforgettable are his nighttime swim around the skeleton of a sunken ship, arriving at the Port of Quebec, and eating his first banana.

Historical information is smoothly woven into the story, as golden threads enrich silk fabric. Backmatter includes maps tracing Aram's journey, a glossary, bibliography of novels about the Armenian Genocide, including two gems by Marsha Skrypuch, Internet sites and films, an index, biographical information on the author and illustrator, and a historicl note. Color illustrations enrich the pages of this historically accurate, thoroughly researched, and well-designed book. A memorable chapter book in the New Beginnings series, ARAM'S CHOICE is a must-read.

ARAM'S CHOICE takes readers on a journey into the unknown with a group of young Armenian orphans who must leave their homeland or face extermination. Such a heavy theme, written differently, could have weighed the book down but, told through the eyes of a child, blends hardship with courage, fear with wonder and discouragement with hope. Both text and illustrations are beautifully and authentically crafted, bringing alive the experience of Canada's Georgetown Boys.

Highly recommended.

I'll admit, historical fiction is not usually my first choice of genre, but this small treasure of a story was enough to change my tastes! I wasn't even aware of the Armenian genocide--another painful chapter in mankind's history. This account picks up with the rescue of some young boys who are sent to an orphanage in Corfu and then to Canada to start new lives. Aram is such a likable character, such a boyish boy in the midst of all these historical events! I once asked my mother, a history major, how she thinks children should study history. She replied that they should study the lives of intriguing people in the context of history. Aram reminded me that one young life, of such value in and of itself, could paint a vivid picture of a forgotten time in history--one that deserves to be acknowledged and remembered.

Jessie Groeschen does an excellent job documenting chainsaw carving from the "Founding Fathers" (and Mothers) to modern day artists. She also includes summaries of some of the more prestigious events in this relatively unknown form of artwork. The biographies also include a plethora of pictures of each artist's works. To top it off the author provides a step by step pictorial to create your own chainsaw art. It would be a great coffee table book for chainsaw enthusiasts, art enthusiasts, and/or Pacific Northwest culture enthusiasts.

I am a collector of chainsaw art. My first purchase was back in 1986. I feel I can't have enough carvings. I even own a few pieces by a couple people featured in this book. Knowing some of their story makes it even more meaningful. I enjoyed the book and have it on our coffee table for others to enjoy.

I read this book cover to cover and in my opinion, no other chainsaw carving book allows the reader to feel as though they know the carvers the way that this book does! Jessie does a GREAT job at having the reader identify with the top carvers of our time! I've personally been carving for about two years and through reading about all of the various artists journeys, it has helped me to realize that someday, if I continue to work hard, I could actually meet some of these wonderful people! Jessie has made it clear that if you work hard and believe in your art, that a dream can become a reality! Thanks Jessie! Steve Rager...

I'm very happy to have this book, to show people who come to see my carvings, to inspire me, and to reinforce the idea that there are as many approaches to carving as there are carvers, and only a few of them involve bears.
The book is excellently produced, with great photos and entertaining text. I have met some of the carvers featured, and it's good to know more of their history and approach to carving.
For the record, there's one step-by-step in the book; Jessie showing how to carve a chair. If you want to learn how to carve, there are other books. But if you want to know why we carve, this is the one.

I enjoyed each and every chapter of "At Work in Penn's Woods." The author did a tremendous amount of research and it was very thorough. He covers the CCC from its inception until its death. Despite the fact that it is an historical book, it is very readable and not at all boring.

He does an excellent job of describing what the purpose of the CCC was; the politics involved in administering it; the role African-Americans took (had to take) in the CCC; the role of the CCC during the Depression, when the Corps began, through to the buildup to, and beginning of, World War II, when the program was finally shut down; tasks that the CCC men (boys) performed; as well as other topics.

Although there are some statistics and charts in the book, they are interesting and needed, and most are contained in an appendix.

As mentioned in other reviews, Dr. Speakman's inspiration for the book came from the fact that his father was in the Pennsylvania CCC. My father was also in the Corps, hence my interest. Unfortunately, my father's time and work in the CCC was a topic that we didn't really talk about, so I have no oral history from him about his experiences. On the bright side, my sister does have the documentation of my father's service in the Corps, so at least I know the Camp, Company, and time that he served. That's a start.

To those who have had a relative in the Pennsylvania CCC, this book is a must read. To those who did not, or don't realize that they did, it is still very highly recommended for the fact that you will be amazed at how many projects these men worked on throughout the Commonwealth. I'd be willing to bet that there's one close to where you live - most likely still in existence.

Very informative information about Pennsylvania and its history. Would like to see more of the same type of books. Would recommend this to any one who enjoys the State Parks in Pa.

This well-researched and authoritative book will be of great interest to anyone with an interest in Pennsylvania's history, and a love for the state's outdoor resources. The Civilian Conservation Corps program during Roosevelt's New Deal was especially successful in Pennsylvania, due to the presence of tens of thousands of unemployed young men during the leanest years of the Great Depression, plus the need for statewide conservation work to repair forests and natural lands after the logging era. Visitors to any number of Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests will make use of facilities built by the CCC, and backpackers will not have to hike far to find remnants of the widespread tree farms that CCC workers planted in previously denuded or clear-cut areas. Speakman untangles the confusing administrative history of the CCC, as the program was set up during an economic emergency and had conflicting goals and priorities. We learn that the CCC truly benefited thousands of young men during hard economic times and vastly improved Pennsylvania's natural environment, but also that the program was marred by political infighting in Washington, poorly-planned administration and logistics, and creeping militarization during the war years. Speakman also digs deeper into some unexpected aspects of the CCC program, as some companies worked on private farms or in city parks, and there is an outstanding chapter on the inequality faced by African American CCC workers. While the CCC ultimately proved to be a temporary outgrowth of the New Deal, the evidence of the program's usefulness can be seen all over Pennsylvania. [~doomsdayer520~]

A great look into the history of our state. The CCC not only provided work but also hope in our countries darkest times. Why can't we have programs like this for todays youth? One of Roosevelt's great legacies.

I have never heard of this book before I checked it out at my daughters school libray. It is a good book to read before bedtime.

My mom got this book for me for a school report and it is easy for me to read and understand. I like her to read it before I go to sleep at night. I would tell my friends about this book because it is a good book and it is about animals. I really like the end when the grandma owl comes out to tell a short story about the animals and then she says "sweet dreams".


as a closing this was an interesting and fun book to read and I even purchased 5 other books similar to this one for my girls i know they will enjoy, thank you...

Briana Adams//mom- Tonya Adams

I have been reading this book before bedtime to my son since he was born and he is now 9 months old. It's such a cute story and it holds his attention. I loved it so much, I just purchased it as a shower gift for my friend.

I had not heard of nor seen this book until my 18-month-old son found it in the library -- and now he wants to bring it home every time -- and we have to read it every night. (So it's on his Santa list this Christmas.)

It's hard to describe his reaction to this story, but when we read it, I can feel his entire body relax. (And yes, he likes the goo, glup sounds of the toadlets the best.) I read with different voices for the tiny animals, and a sing-song voice for the Wise Grandma Owl.

It's important to mention, too, that I like the simplicity, repetition, and calming tone of this book. And I love to read it to my son. Which is important when purchasing children's books...you'll be reading them a thousand times!

My three year-old daughter happened upon this book at the library the other day and we fell in love with it the first time we read it. She absolutely loved the illustrations of the little furry animals. But even more, she loved the language that the author used for the different animals. The baby toadlets were her favorite in the ubp, glup mud.

As a parent and teacher, is a great book for getting a younger child to follow a pattern. On each page "deep down in the woods at sleepytime" is used to start and then the pictures allow for further hints to the words that follow.

This is a page turner for my daughter and I love the rhythm that is created by the words. The language is soothing and gets my daughter ready for bed in an instant. This will be a book that we will definitely add to her library in the near future!

I found this book unexpectedly in Grandma's house, and, as I've decided to start reading more, I read it. It was terrific. Leslie told exactly how he felt, and he told it well enough that I felt it too. What happened to him may as well have happened to me, reading this book. His narration took me directly into the North Woods. And, once I was there, there was no lack of a story to keep me moving along. I watched the three cubs become his family; I watched them grow up; I watched them through fun and hard times. The forest was rich with detail and poignant occasions. I am staunchly against crying, but at the end I seriously thought about considering it, and that's not something that is easy to make me do. All in all, I have to say that you really need to get your hands on this book.

In correction of the review written below, the book was made into a movie in 1974, starring Patrick Wayne. It's very hard to find, but is worth seeing. The story, both on the page on the screen, is wonderous.

Staci Layne Wilson

I have read this book for the 5th time since I was about 8 years old. I am 36 and it has never lost its' grip on me. Leslie's first hand account of communing with bears in British Columbia's remote, yet not remote enough, North Woods is truly unforgettable. How this book became out of print, and never a movie or documentary defies explanation. Leslie's descriptive language and compelling narrative is a tribute to nature writers everywhere. Readers who like Farley Mowat and Robert Redford would like this book. I plan on passing this on to my 2 year old son as my mother passed it on to me whaen old enough to comprehend. Long live the bear!

I have read this book for the 5th time since I was about 8 years old. I am 36 and it has never lost its' grip on me. Leslie's first hand account of communing with bears in British Columbia's remote, yet not remote enough, North Woods is truly unforgettable. How this book became out of print, and never a movie or documentary defies explanation. Leslie's descriptive language and compelling narrative is a tribute to nature writers everywhere. Readers who like Farley Mowat and Robert Redford would like this book. I plan on passing this on to my 2 year old son as my mother passed it on to me whaen old enough to comprehend. Long live the bear!

Having taken several classes from Dan Wood I appreciate the years of practical experience these guys bring to the table. It is a very good, readable, and thorough introduction to MS SQL Server 2005. SQL 2005 is a big product with lots of intricacies. This is one of the best introductions to to it that I've read.

This is an awesome book for someone that is new to SQL Server and needs to learn basic administration. The authors did a really good job of explaining the fundamentals in clear simple language.

I especially enjoyed the explanation of the storage engine. It made things clear to me that I didn't understand previously.

I had not touched a DB box in quite a while, and I was recently handed a SQL 2005 box to manage. This book pretty much covered everything I needed. The writing style is laid back and readable, and they get right to the point, without going off on all sorts tangents. The chapter on Automating Administrative Tasks (Chapter 8) was pure gold.

Good stuff.

I found this book offers exactly what I needed. I learned how to best manage my SQL 2005 Database Server. I found the information to be accurate and well written, an excellent reference that I've used many times. I really appreciated how the authors used real world experience to relay hard to understand concepts.

The images on the site of the illustrations don't come close to the actual quality of the artwork.

This book gives children something that is not only wonderful to look at, but relates to a real-world event about conserving our natural resources.

Good for bird lovers and young children!

We bought this book at a birding festival recently. It is now my 4 year old daughter's favorite book. The pictures are beautiful and the rhyme is very engaging. Our very favorite part is the last page where my daughter exclaims "But it isn't really extinct any more". What a happy ending for a truly magnificent bird.

This book captures the spirit of the quest for the ivory-billed woodpecker: the hope, the faith, the love of nature. It delighted my daughter with its stunning art depicting the Big Woods of eastern Arkansas, catchy rhythm, beautiful descriptions, and especially its teasing way of letting the reader catch glimpses of this bird, until quite recently considered extinct, while the bird seeker in the story looks the other way. The author is truly the one to write such a book, married as she is to David Luneau, the scientist who finally caught the woodpecker on tape, putting the entire team of skilled ivory bill searchers center stage in the news April 2005. I especially liked the fascinating notes and gorgeous photos in the end pages, and think they could easily be developed into a second book for older children!

This is an excellent Children's book. It is well written and wonderfully illustrated.

While Alexander the Great is widely known as a general and conqueror, his father, Philip, has remained a footnote. This novel takes that footnote and brings him to life. Philip is presented to us as an intelligent, thoughtful boy who grows to young manhood. But, more importantly, the entire spectrum of life in ancient Greece, the world of Macedonia and the tribulations and ambitions of those who ruled or wished to rule, are brought vividly to life.

These are more than history book characters. That's why I liked the book so much. They spoke and acted like real people. They loved and hated with an intensity that stayed with me.

Historical novels such as this one take history and present it with all the relevance of today, the panaromic view of a movie, and the incisiveness of cafe table gossip.

I highly recommend Bloodlines to anyone who likes history and wants to know more about what came before Alexander's greatness.

So rare to see in historical fiction a work that gets the things right: the historical facts, the social atmosphere, and the characters. But this book achieved in all three...

My original decision to buy the hardcover copy of a previously unknown author was mainly because I am fascinated by Philip and Alexander of Macedon, while there are so many books about the son; the father has been relatively ignored by fiction writers.

This book turned out to be one of the best historical novels I have read (if not THE best). Because of the author's expertise in ancient warfare, I am not surprised to find the vivid account of battles and the military genius of Philip of Macedon. Beyond the military stuff, the book gives excellent description of the geological, religious, economical, and social realities of that era. This book brings me back in time more than 2,000 years ago, among the Macedonians and Greeks, I can feel and understand their environment, their beliefs, their everyday life, and their struggles; each men and women are creatures of their own time but have meanings for eternity. Among them the most vivid character of all is Philip of Macedon. This is the way a historical fiction should be: as accurate as historical textbook while at the same time vivid and fascinating as telling a great story. You feel you are there, as the history unfolds itself...

...The only problem? The book stopped at Alexander's birth. There are twenty more years of great battle and conquering that follows before Philip's death; I really hope this book has a sequel.

An absolutely stunning book, extremely well written and researched about a man who's fame would be obscured by his more famous son.

The detail is impressive but never bogs the story down:the characters are well developed and the whole story is like an amazingly well woven and rich tapestry.

If you like historical fiction and/or ancient history, you'll love this book.

I really hope Mr. Sundell will someday continue the story with another book !

Thomas Sundell's A Bloodline Of Kings is a superbly crafted historical fiction novel set in the fourth century B.C., and is the story of Philip of Macedon, who in many ways forever altered the world of the Greeks and set the stage for his legendary son Alexander. A riveting book of rivalry and kingship vs. Athenian democracy, A Bloodline Of Kings is filled with conflict from between two men to between disparate ways of life. A fascinating and involving novel that absorbs the reader into the clash of culture past, A Bloodline Of Kings is highly recommended reading from beginning to end!

I really enjoyed the whole book. It has twists and turns, and a wide variety. My personal favorite was "Immortal". The whole book was good. I recommend to everyone.

I enjoyed the book immensely. Mrs. Reese and Mr. Miller are imaginative story-weavers with a flare for the unusual. Mrs. Reese truly has a gift for captivating descriptions and Mr. Miller for engaging plot twists. If this dynamic duo were ever to co-author a solid novel or even epic series, I wouldn't hesitate an instant to rush to the bookstore (hint, hint)! Their strengths would complement each other well. Specifically, my favorites for each are "In the Air Tonight "by Mr. Miller and "The Thaw" by Mrs. Reese. In both cases I found myself yearning for more; I felt a need for a more robust story and conclusion not possible in the short-story format. Both, I believe, are excellent story-boards for a complete flesh-out in a novel format and both could be contenders for the big best-sellers lists. Thanks to both the authors for providing me an opportunity to share your musings!

John and Rachelle's book captures many aspects of several different lives, ranging from futuristic game players to a woman who can't remember her past. The details create an illicit picture in one's mind. You can tell that the team has put their hearts and souls into creating something that is a joy to read. They held nothing back, and shared intimate details from their minds with the world. An excellent colllection of short stories.

"Bones of the Woods" uses rich, organic sensory descriptions. Rachelle's imaginative stories use nature, which is as strong of an element as the characters or the plot. Nature enables the characters and the reader to make sense of a world without order. Rachelle's first story "Bones of the Forest" has a character that discovers a frightening episode in humankind's history. Her final story "The Thaw" has a character who must face a buried past in order to stop a predator/murderer. Sandwiched between these stories is the exquisite "The Leafman." In this story, Rachelle's descriptions are so evocotive and true, both of art and of nature. Equally rich in images and symbolism, John Miller's stories are insights into the torturous battles as men fight the dark side of their nature - a hit man, a psychiatrist, and a gamer. As I read through this collection, I didn't want any story to end. This wife-and-husband writing team have created a set of stories that compliment each other, engage the reader, and remind us that men and women can only survive when they live in harmony with nature. It is ironic that these two live on a Missouri farm, because they are highly technical people. Rachelle Reese is the co-author of Professional SQL Server 7.0 Development Using SQL-DMO, SQL-NS & DTS. How fortunate it is to read good writing in a world that is too easily amused and distracted by technology. The power of the word to stimulate mind and spirit can be found in "Bones of the Woods."