Wood Books

Second Age: A Recall of Things Gone By and a Bit of Now is the true-life memoir of Carl A. Franson, from growing up on the upper Mississippi to the hard times of the Great Depression, his life in a houseboat, his travels across America and to the exotic lands of the Orient, and much more. A handful of black-and-white photographs illustrate this thoughtful reminiscence of a time in life meant for learning, testing, growing, and discovering adventure, after childhood but before the age of devoting oneself to raising a family and serving the community. A vivid and immersive glimpse into and tribute into the challenges and wonders of days long since gone by.

Delightful 1st person account of a young man's adventures floating down the Mississippi in the 1920s. A good read - well worth one's time!
Don and Marilyn Graham

So nice to enjoy an easy-to-read book that's about real life -- no pretensions. You're taken away into a simpler place and time as the author relates experiences he had when he was a young man, for instance traveling with a friend part way down the Mississippi, adventures they had, having to make do, and more. Felt like I was there with them.

I'm so glad I discovered Monica Wood. Her language is gorgeous, her characters compelling, and she oh so delicately describes the pain and joy of human relationships, in a way we can all identify with. I highly recommend Secret Language, and can't wait to read more by this talented author.

Secret Language is a five star book in my opinion! It's about two sisters, Connie and Faith, who grow up in various hotels while traveling around the U.S. with their semi-famous parents. The two girls growup very fast because most of the time they are left alone. By the time Faith is just getting out of high school and Connie is in her senior year, they are left to take care of themselves because of the death of both their parents. They, especially Faith, go through their life stumbling over obstacle after obstacle. It takes Faith a long time to put her past behind her and to start over. There were charaters who were always there to help them through their journey and to let them know that they are special. This never really happened when they were kids. Monica Wood is an excellent writer and I'm excited to read some of her other books.

This was the first novel by Monica Wood, one of my new favorite writers! I first read "My Only Story" and then managed to find "The Secret Language". In between I read her newest book, "Ernie's Ark".

I loved all three books even though they were quite different. All are about families and how they shape us. Part of this theme is that families may be those whom we assemble around us rather than those related by blood.

In "The Secret Language", both Connie and Faith have suffered damage and serious neglect at the hands of their parents, Billy and Delle, traveling actors who were semi-famous but never achieved the fame they sought. These were people who really loved only themselves and the idea of who they were, and their two pretty little girls were part of this image.

The strong coping mechanisms that the sisters developed as children helped them then and continued to help them in adulthood. Unfortunately, the way that Faith coped was to try to avoid feeling too deeply. Despite having married into an outgoing family, the Dohertys, Faith has been walled off for so long that she is unable to connect and always feels like an outsider....they seem overwhelming to her. She seems incapable of allowing Joe to love her, and feels as if she is frozen and incapable of being any other way. Her sister Connie also fears love, but in a different way.

When Isadora appears and wants to be let into their lives, to be an instant sister, she does not realize she will never really be on the inside because there are no shared experiences. She will never see their father, Billy, for the narcissist whom he was, caring only about himself and the image he projected. Like Billy, Isadora is also self-absorbed and a user who will do almost anything to get her way. To say that she is manipulative is an understatement.

I really appreciate the way Wood develops her characters. As a reader, I feel that I know these people: feel their pain, their joy, their sorrow. What a gift!

Here it is!! This is the book I wish that I wrote. The secret to a happy life- presented in an easy to digest way. The art makes this book a "peak experience". A lovely book for all ages.

Douglas Wood is a breath a fresh air in our consumeristic world. He offers children a view of life that treasures the simple pleasures, and appreicate each moment life has to offer. A real find for children - AND adults.
The core message of this book has become MY daily reflection for the year. His books resonate deeply in me and my children LOVE them.

This book is filled with beautiful, richly colored pictures, and descriptive language that paints a picture of its own. I read this story aloud before our Thanksgiving dinner and it added such meaning to the day. Children and adults alike will treasure this book. It is something that will be a new tradition in our home.

This book provides a skilled and knowledgeable exploration into to the uses of 7 herbs by a master herbalist. This book would be useful to students and practioners of herbalism, homeopathy, and flower essences, as the information can be utilized across these disciplines. The book clearly explains when and how to use these remedies and gives ample case studies from author's personal experience that further assist the reader in forming a clear picture of the signature of the herbs described.

I have just finished this book, having already read another book by Matthew Wood entitled The Book of Herbal Wisdom.

Seven Herbs: Plants as Teachers is a noteworthy book delving into seven stages of life. The lives of Biblical characters (Abraham, Isaac, and others) are mentioned to help the reader interpret the power of the specific herb mentioned.

Without giving the the story away in the name of simplicity, "Seven Herbs" will guide you through seven specific herbs (to be taken one at a time) which facilitate inner and outward transformation. If one were to find him/herself stuck in a certain stage and needed natural, herbal aid, this text may prove to be a medicine by itself.

I have not yet utilized the herbs as directed by Wood, but I have Sagebrush on its way in the mail, and will give it a solo performance opportunity in my life (as a homeopathic flower essence in this instance). This book is probably going to end up a hidden gem among the many herb related books now on shelves.

This book is crazy in the sense that i couldn't believe my ears as i read it, seem wonderful to me.

Wood gives the knowledge of life an extraordinary sense, based on his learnings with the Ojibawe tribe he analizes 7 stages of spiritual development and relates them with 7 diferent plants and 7 diferent simbols found in the book of the Genesis. This way you can learn and comprehend about the phase in wich you currently are and help you through it using the power of this plants.

He explains everything in such a simple and wise way that permites you to deeply learn the use and meaning of healing plants, as he gives a light in understanding the dinamics of life.

Stunning colourful artwork, heartfelt/earthfelt poetry, beautiful sacred works. Would make a special gift, and could be family heirloom. Loved it.

I was given this book as a gift, and even just glancing through it the first time, i found myself drawn by it., There are many poems that will provide the basis for rituals throughout my life, and hte artwork has something special about it.

If you have Nancy Wood's other volumes you already know what kind of a spell she can weave. She just keeps getting better with each collection. You can open to any page and find a line or two you want to remember always. Her thoughtful reflections on what is good in life remind us all ever so gently to be more mindful as we move through our days. Howell potrays our elders with the sanctity they deserve. This book, like her others, makes a great gift for all adults, young in age and young at heart.

Hodge Wood's "Sharks on Wounded Fish: Chum Water" is an absolutely riveting read ... a personal memoir that captures and holds the readers interest from beginning to end.
Mr. Wood grabs the reader from the very first pages with his unique voice and flair for humor, and masterfully maintains that flow throughout. His plotting and writing skills makes reading his work a pleasure.
The reader can surmise from the back cover and the introductory pages that this book is about an incredibly debilitating accident that renders the author paralyzed, so I expected a heart-wrenching account of the fateful day that ended life as Hodge Wood knew it forever. I wasn't disappointed, but I was surprised. The picture-painting detail and sometimes humorous way that Mr. Wood tackles a very dire and sober subject was completely unexpected, and totally appreciated. The open and honest way that he relays the experience of his ordeal allows the reader to become a part of (and actually feel) everything that he felt and endured. The reader will find themselves terrified during his description of the accident that broke his neck, and completely outraged by the inept and cruel way that he was treated by some of the health care professionals that were sworn to provide him with quality patient care and compassion.
Throughout his ordeal, Mr. Wood lost everything but his faith ... his faith in God and in himself. His story is an incredible tale of strength and perseverance. His passion for life drove him not only to push his battered body beyond its physical limits, but to thrive in his quest for a career, and a fulfilling personal life.
Mr. Wood is a master storyteller and I look very forward to reading his works to follow. I will enthusiastically recommend "Chum Water" to my family and friends.

Hodge Wood is a remarkable person. Filled with joy, empathy and insight into human nature, Sharks On Wounded Fish: Chum Water (Sharks on Wounded Fish) is the first in Hodge's Sharks on Wounded Fish series. In it, he describes the accident that changed his life forever -- and his valient effort to deal with paralysis.

For those of us who complain about bills, romantic disappointments and the state of the government, Hodge reveals the intimate details of life with spinal cord injury. It is a wakeup call. He shows us what it feels like to be dependent on others for the smallest of his human needs. His disability both frightens and horrifies those of us who are secure in our abilities. On the other hand, his determination to rebuild his life after the accident inspires and gives the laziest of us hope.

Having said that, Chum Water is a page-turner. Readable and tender, Hodge shows us the best part of humanity -- and the worst. A man filled with fun and adventure before the accident, Hodge shows us that we are always who we are dispite the misfortunes of life. I highly recommend this book.

Chum Water by Hodge Wood

Left with a devastating spinal cord injury after a car accident, Hodge Wood's young life is turned upside-down. In Chum Water, Wood provides a unique, insightful perspective as a patient and later as a health care provider. Reality slaps Wood in the face when he is thrust into a world where caretakers strip him of his self-dignity...as well as his Wellington boots. With determined and courageous effort, Wood brings to light the dedication and tenacity one must have to survive with a broken body and a broken soul.

Wood begins his lifelong recovery facing many obstacles others can only try to imagine. He navigates the health care system and endures strenous therapy sessions to gain back physical strength. When questioned as to what he will do for the rest of his life, he rises to the challenge of being a "disabled" student in a health field dominated by women.

Wood's positive attitude, along with his humor and belief in God, provides him with the needed strength to conquer his fears and tread new waters.

Chum Water, is the first book in Hodge Wood's series, Sharks on Wounded Fish.

Chum Water is definitely a heart felt journey that will keep you crying and laughing at the same time. This book shows the true meaning of overcoming all obstacles. No matter what happens to one, as long as we have our mind, we can accomplish anything. I think Hodge truly captured this idea in his book.

Not for light reading, this book captures the uglyness of racism and appears before the reader bluntly. I urge you to get a copy of this book. It could cause a stir.

CHILLING - THOUGHT PROVOKING!

Responsible blacks and whites acting responsibly may prevent the holocaust depicted in this chilling narrative. The need to face an issue has been presented. The bell has tolled...Thanks for the WAKE UP CALL.

Fast paced narrative covering a subject often avoided. The author shuffles the race card into the deck and deals a worst case scenario for the United States.

Although the book indicates developing prints from other media than wood blocks, those are very few. Yet the guide to using wood to produce amazing print blocks, with imagery from those made in the past, encourages an artist to use this media. The beautiful projects, tools needed, step-by-step instructions gave the book a 5-star ranking. There is even a project that shows the steps in simple book-making. You won't be disappointed in this book on printmaking/stamping, particularly in the modern frenzy in multi-media artwork.

Never took a printmaking class in college...I've been carving erasers and wondering about this new world of relief printing. This book is wonderful.

Not too much information on complicated techniques. Enough info to have me working on new ideas. If you're beyond the commercial rubber stamps and/or are an artist hoping to incorporate printed images into
multimedia work...buy this book! Great reference! It'll fill in the blanks for those who have an art education but no basic printmaking.

This book is aimed at relief printmaking without a press using a range of techniques from linocuts through to using found objects. The techniques are clearly described and are applied to a number of simple but attractive projects such as single pamphlet books. pillows or cards. The photographs are clear and helpful. I particularly liked the fact that Gwen Diehn went through the clean up process, which is often not covered in much detail, and that she used vegetable oil rather than the more noxious kerosene. Throughout the book are a number of inspiring examples by past and present printmakers which help to extend the processes described. Whilst this book is aimed primarily at beginners, it offers stimulus and information of use to the more experienced printmakers too.

I am a former English student of the author of "South of Seattle," and not only is this man an exceptional teacher, but he is the only writer of my acquaintance to so vibrantly capture the spirit of life in the ever-growing Pacific Northwest--roots, leaves, rain, et al. If you want to experience a small lumber town and are unfourtunate enough not to have been born and raised there, then take your next best option as an outsider and read this book. This journey through time and terrain is all the more meaningful due to the obvious love the author feels for his topic. Don't miss this one...

Henry David Thoreau wrote, "It matters not how far you travel, but how much you are alive," and Jim LeMonds, a former English teacher of mine in the small "mill-town" city of Longview, WA embodies this phrase in his tight, solid prose and compassionate understanding of the area and it's people. For anybody to understand the psyche of this area, the Pacific Northwest, I recommend not only living here and listening, but also a cold plunge into the severely deprived art scene and it's few vibrant sectors. Jim LeMonds, in South of Seattle, provides us with one of these. My favorite essay was Scripture For The Land, for it's sheer intensity and truths.

Jim has captured the life of small town America. More precisely small town Pacific Northwest where the largest employer is the lumber companies and the county fair still attracks the whole town. Jim brings to light some of the hardships and personal obstacles that impede the daily lives of even the most simple lives. The memories that Jim shares will most definitely make you laugh and may even bring you to tears. An intimate exploration of a great geographical area.

Besant is so gifted in enlightening one on the spiritual path! This book of essays will inspire you when you need a lift and comfort you when you are in despair. She simply is incomparable in her ability to shed light on life and the divine.

Dr. Besant presents her material with loving concern for all people on the path to spiritual enlightenment. Her style is thoughtful and illumining, not doctrinaire or dogmatic. Every chapter guides and inspires us to greater love and service to all mankind.This is a work I'll cherish and return to again & again.

For someone who is looking for a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and/or the attainment of a better life, this book will educate and inspire you greatly, opening up many doors of opportunity for you.

For the earnest and devoted seeker of The Path, this book contains much light that will surely illumine many obscure parts of your search. It clearly lays out the direct way to finding the narrow path and also gives many subtle keys that will prove to be necessary as you progess closer to the light.

I would also recommend "The Power of Thought" by Annie Besant, The Path of Light by Lorr/Crary, and any of the Ramacharaka books.