United States Books

I have over 50 Tarot decks and this is the best symbology I have yet to see. I especially love the Death card with the pregnant mother and her having to exert some gentle force with her foot on the previous child to remind him that going back into the womb is not a possibility. It really gets to the nature of the Death card being permanent, can't go back, can only go forward change - change with or without our initiation. I love how most of the characters have more than one layer to their face - it invites you to ask, "How deep do you want to go?". The Lunatic Spread is great for getting to the meat of a matter and is an added bonus. The LWB is adequate but the real prize is the thought provoking scenarios on each of the cards. Well done!!!!!!

It's been a long time since a really great deck has come along but it's worth the wait for Patrick Valenza's, "Deviant Moon" . By that, I mean one that isn't just gimmicky like so many in the past 10 years But a deck that is so well thought out and beautifully laid out as well. It walks skillfully between the most difficult of lines: that of tradition and transition, while still remaining balanced. Having read Tarot for many years now, It is quite easy as well as delightful to do readings with this deck. Destined not only to become a collector's item but a treasure to have and to pass down to future generations. High marks all around and a big note of thanks for all of Mr. Valenza's efforts in putting this together.

I was very impressed with this product. These cards are amazing. The pictures are so crazy. They really help tell the story in my reading. I find most people are a little freaked out by the pictures, but after a while, they really get into the images. I high recommend this dack! =)

The Deviant Moon Tarot deck is easy to read, even for beginners. The cards are well-detailed. They seem very dark and urban at first glance, or even at a second, but the lightness and variations in expressions allows fuller meaning to each card. You'll want to try these cards just to see if these slightly insane pictures will add a little depth to your readings, and you'll love them if you are a tarot collector!

Well, if you're a tarot collector / lover like me, or just a reader with a sense of humor... be ready for a fun ride. This is indeed a unique deck, a piece of art, and a wonderful representation of the darker side f our nature. I just got this deck a few weeks ago and I still can't put it down. It's vibrant and full of character.
I highly recommended it.


Blessings,
www.shakticonjure.com

An excellent book on an excellent group. The author has meticulously researched his body of work and provides wonderful details together with photographs and links.

I do not order much from the internet, except I do find Amazon to be great. I have ordered serveral book, and they have all arrived in a very timely manner. The purchased have been very easy and there has never been a mix up on payments, they have also been prompt in emailing to let me know when we can expect our merchandise. I thank you for providing such a wanderful website were we can get great prices and good service too. JML California

You could build a library with all that's been written about The Doors over the past 40 years. This makes it hard to find anything new, but Ben Fong-Torres has done that here. Several never before published photos (including Jim dressed as an Indian for Halloween at age 7!) and interviews with Jim's father, brother & sister (his mother was unfortunately too ill to participate) make this a must for any Doors fan. Also has lots of commentary from Ray, Robby & John and others who were closely involved with the band.

Rock writer nonpareil Ben Fong-Torres has done an excellent job in this very fine work about the Doors. Lots of never seen before pictures and what a great treat that we finally heard something from Morrisons relatives, especially the rear-admiral. Im pretty sure those fat royalty cheques that started pouring in from 1974 has mellowed the old warriors heart over the years, but still you believe that somewhere deep inside, he was proud of his son achievements. It's a book that you can't put away, so if you start reading it early, you most likely will finish it the same day.

The Doors by The Doors and Ben Fong-Torres

Hyperion Books

Forty years ago The Doors broke on through and romanced the public with poetic nightmares combined with a jazz influenced brand of blues driven rock and roll. We all know about Jim Morrison, the bands wildly erratic front man who lived either on the edge of a stage or at the edge of his own mortality. The three remaining Doors members John Densmore, Robby Kreiger and Ray Manzarek give their take on what it was like to ride the ascending success and ultimately the burn out and downfall of comet Morrison. Ben Fong-Torres has the daunting but enviable task of coordinating the vast treasure of photos, interviews and fresh quotes into a time line narrative that takes the readers from the beaches of California to the graveyard in France. What Oliver Stone got wrong in his 1991 movie, "The Doors" Fong-Torres is determined to set straight in this retrospect. Even though it was Jim who gained the most publicity as charismatic singer and lyricist he was the first to correct anyone that would garner him with more than one fourth of the credit for the bands success. The corresponding biographies of each member help to re-tell the now famous stories but also add a more personal insight and explanation of these now legendary tales. It's always been my contention that actually being in such a famous band it is impossible to truly appreciate or understand your own impact. The Beatles never had "The Beatles" to appreciate or enjoy like the public did and the same thing goes with this remarkable group. The Doors were just trying to write some songs and score with the ladies of Venice but after these four individual and creative elements combined a funny thing happened resulting in pure rock and roll legend. It's all here in beautiful detail and imagery, from the band's first rehearsals and the ground breaking shows at the Whiskey, the Ed Sullivan snub, Miami madness to Jim's controversial departure from the United States and ultimately the planet. This is a beautiful coffee table styled book that chronicles all of The Doors phenomenal successes and internal struggles. Just as with The Beatles "Anthology" book the surviving members have assembled to tell their remembrances and share some never before seen photos and antidotes. This leaves Jim's creative and prophetic lyrics along side his infamous quotes behind as both his contribution towards the book and his path to or bread crumb trail back from the other side.

Matt Parish

McGoldrick promises to provide helpful tips for working with families of different ethnicities/origins, but falls short on delivering. The histories and backgrounds in each chapter are brief and general at best. There is no concrete info provided on counseling families...my advice is to find another textbook because this one doesn't give anything more than the very, very basics.

I believe this book is vitally important to anyone in the field of Social Work. I have found it to be extremely helpful in getting to know a little more about some of cultural belief of the client I've been working with. I have also gotten their individual perspectives from just asking them a little about their cultural belief systems as they interupt them for themselves.

I ordered this book for a class, it is well written. The chapters are grouped by ethnic group which makes for easy navigation. If you are familiar with psychological or counseling terminology it is an easy read as well.

Excellent reference for doctors; clergy; as well as family counselors, therapists and practitioners. The material on individual cultural characteristics and patterns is well written, well organized, and easily accessible. The wide range of contributors represents the top authorities in each area.

Great resource for anyone involved in counselling someone from an ethnic group other than one's own. The various contributors brought germane observations for each ethnic group. I am a priest who serves many Middle Eastern people. I found the language of this text accessible as a "layperson" to Psychology.

My 2nd bio this month on Grant. I had seen some recent favorite movies of his. I'm certainly not an unbiased Grant fan; I have always loved his movies. I liked this book because of so many direct quotes by him. Assuming thsee are factual it gives you a great insight into his shy character which I had missed some of in the first bio I read. He was a great actor but had a sensitivity side that I had never seen. Nicely laid out. I'm more a fan now than I was!

"Evenings with Cary Grant" is the most incredible book. A sort of documentary on paper, Nancy Nelson uses an interview/intercut format and cleverly weaves a narrative through the most revealing and often amusing anecdotes. Cary Grant talks and then Gregory Peck. Katherine Hepburn says something, and then we hear from Audrey Hepburn. As one reviewer said, "When you get to the end, you feel as though you've lost a good friend." Nelson uses no conjecture or supposition. All her sources are primary. An announcement in a recent Sunday "New York Times" said that Nelson will speak about "The Cary Grant Few People Knew" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on June 15. I've got my ticket!

Like other reviewers, I'm a big Cary Grant fan. I usually hesitate to read about the personal lives of actors because they often lead disappointing lives. But Nelson's collection of stories and personal accounts from Grant's friends introduced me to the wonderful man behind the handsome movie star. I'm looking forward to watching his movies again after reading this book -- there is information from him and co-stars about some of the films that will make it fun to watch them again.

It is no easy thing to become so successful in one's career and yet be universally loved and respected as Cary Grant was in his lifetime.

Thanks to the author for focusing on the good of the man and ignoring the rest. He was a good man and that is enough. Ms. Nelson does a good job in giving us an idea of who the man really was--a gentleman who was loyal to his friends, if not his wives...but in the end, even THEY still loved him after it was over.

My only disappointment (not the author's fault) was to find out that Cary Grant hated "Arsenic and Old Lace," one of my favorite movies.

I absolutely love old movies,old stars, new movies and their stars, but I LOVE Cary Grant!!! So I wanted to get a book about him and I always check up on the author and how much they knew about the person they are writing about,and when I saw this book and I had to get it.This Book shows the life of Archie Leach (we know him as Cary Grant)his life growing up,and his rise to stardom,his love life,his friends, and his wonderful sense of humor.I was so happy to find out that the man we all fell in love with was the same in real life that he was onscreen.I don't want you to have to read a long review but I just wanted to say how much I love this book and the writers style.Every body should own this book.It's worth reading more than one time.

My wife's grandfather had been through the battle of Shiloh with the 35th Tennessee Rifles, and was almost killed afterward at Corinth. He had seen the elephant, so to speak, and when his grandaughter asked if he had ever killed anyone, he simply said, "Oh, I hope not." This terrific, detailed story of Porter Alexander's service, as told to his daughters, is similar, I think...it is thoughtful, and without malice toward his adversaries. In fact, Alexander is to be given credit for 'charity towards all, and malice toward none" in his fair, open account. He genuinely liked his old classmates, and they, him. The fact that the reunited country could put him to work in its service says volumes about the character of the man.

What started out as a concession to his daughters became the best description of the Army of Northern Virginia's campaign, ever, in my humble opinon. His candor and even his humor sneaks in constantly, and we find ourselves riding and walking beside him...and, I suspect, that is what this Father had in mind for his girls. Thanks, General.

Thos. B. Fowler
Pastor, Schuyler Baptist Church
Schuyler, Virginia

The world owes a great debt of gratitude to Gary W. Gallagher for his efforts in producing this book. Even though I would consider myself a "Private" in the ranks of civil war buffs, I have read dozens of memoirs by Civil War era men and women. None of them moved me the way this book has. At heart, I am a "Union girl", but when I finished reading this book and had to close it, I truly felt like I had lost a friend. E. Porter Alexander was a gifted, candid, and witty writer. His reminiscences are like sitting down with your favorite uncle for an evening of story telling by the fire. This book is a treasure, and is definitely worthy of more than one read.

Although Alexander's memoirs weren't written as memoirs as such they provide a good insight into the war as fought by the Army of Northern Virginia. General Alexander held an important position in the Confederate Army and was in a position to see much which was otherwise missed by historians or left out of the memoirs of more senior officers who had reputations to protect after the Civil War was over. A fascinating book!

This is a wonderfully engaging memoir, written by E. Porter Alexander, engineer, staff officer, and, as most recall him, the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's First Corps artillery guru. What sets this book apart is its honest, candid view of events from Alexander's perspective. Not the usual glorification of the cause and its leaders as with many other actors from the Civil War. This book stayed hidden from sight for many years after it was completed; it is a blessing to those who study the Civil War that it came to see the light of day with publication. The Introduction concludes by stating that (page xxiii): "'Fighting for the Confederacy' is a book to be savored, one of those wonderful volumes that is both instructive and pleasurable to read."

One line that exemplifies this, focusing on Lieutenant General Leonidas Pope, a corps commander in the Western Theater's Army of Tennessee, is enchanting. Polk was a bishop in his church and, for some unfathomable reason, had the confidence of President Jefferson Davis and General Braxton Bragg. When Alexander and the troops of General James Longstreet's First Corps joined Bragg's army at Chickamauga, he observed that (page 289): "So all our pious people with one consent & with secret conviction that the Lord would surely favor a bishop turned in & made him a lieut. Gen., which the Lord had not." A sly way of saying that Polk was a disaster as a general (and, indeed, Alexander was accurate in his assessment).

A couple passages that make this volume--and Alexander's method--so refreshing. At the close of his discussion of the battle of Chancellorsville, Alexander notes that Union Commanding General Joseph Hooker lost his courage and will--as did his top commanders. Alexander observes that the Union Army was intact, outnumbered the Confederate force and could have won the battle with better leadership. Then, in a passage extraordinary for a Confederate officer, he says (page 217) "Had it been Grant in command, he would not have dreamed of giving up the fight." This suggests a perspective on the war that many partisans--whether Union or Confederate--never had. Indeed, had the Union Army listened to Generals Meade and Reynolds who were arguing strenuously to counterattack the Confederate forces, the end result might have been a significant Union victory. We'll never know, of course, but Alexander does suggest an alternative history.

Then, Gettysburg. . . . Here is the poignant scene, told from Alexander's perspective, where Longstreet must order Pickett's forces (and others) to advance. But Longstreet fears a disaster, and obviously is in a state of inner turmoil (see pages 254 and following). At one point, it is almost as if he were giving Alexander the task of deciding whether or not the charge takes place. At a later time, Longstreet expresses openly his fear (page 261): "I don't want to make this attack--I believe it will fail--I do not see how it can succeed--I would not make it even now, but that Gen. Lee has ordered & expects it."

So, in the end, this is a wonderful first person description of the war, one of the finest of Civil War memoirs.

I have read many books of self accounts of the civil war. This book tops all others in the details and extra touch of personal feelings that where experenced by this brave man and all his fellow soldiers that fought this conflict. If you enjoy accounts of the civil war this book is a must read!!!!!

Normally Bill Lear Jr. is described in books about his famous father THE Bill Lear (Learjet) as somewhat a playboy who crashed a lot of planes. Perhaps this is the curse of having a famous father? Bill Lear Jr. has his own say here and comes across a bit of an a@#hole but he did fly a lot of high-performance aircraft, starting from an early age. His experiences doing the early air shows and air races are worth reading about. It was a different time when business deals were a bit loose and so I will give Bill Jr. the benefit of the doubt. Even his military experience is notable. Later in his career he seems to have become a successful aircraft and avionics salesman. Like his father, he had problems/opportunities with women and I lost count after wife #3. I find it a bit strange that he writes very little of his relationships with his children. All in all, a good read about a pilot with opportunity and balls.

Owning and flying a WW II P-38 Lightning at age 17 is just one of the many episodes of his life that Bill Lear vividly brings back to life in this autobiography of his life. His knowledge of all aspects of aviation, his insight into life and relationships, combined with his great sense of humor, make this a book that is hard to put down once you start reading it. The only thing better than reading about his experiences is to hear him tell about some of them in person and I feel fortunate to have been able to experience that.

Non aviation enthusiasts will enjoy this book as well as aviation enthusiasts. It is a great gift idea and everyone of our friends who have read it have enjoyed it.

A friend loaned me the book. Having been in the aviation field all my life I found the book to be very entertaining. If you are merely an aviation Buff or involved, like I am, you will relate to much of the story. It's a fast read with hilarious anecdotes.

A book that once you pick up you can't put down. A wonderful insight into Aviation and the adventures of a truly remarkable man.

A great book from one of the coolest guys I know!!
It is a "must" for anybody, who has something to do with aviation.
I would appreciate it, when this book will be continues published.

After Alex died I was devistated.

As a member of Alex's climbing community I have met many that knew him.

Unfortunately for me I never had the pleasure. He was a 'climbers, climber', a man that always had something to give, to a beginner or an old seasoned alpinist looking at new territory. He was a hero to me and my climbing friends. When he was lost we were all in shock. Fear set in, we could not believe a climber of his stature could be taken from us.

I love this book. Jennifer has provided a painful but heartfelt view into her life with Alex in the early years. Plus an insightful view on the the changes that evolved after his death.

Writing about a new found love after a devistating period took guts. I was surprised how well her writing grew during this period.

I have been lucky to have met her husband Conrad on several occassions as a member of the AAC. It is great to see them so happy now, and I am one of the lucky few to get a feel for these incredible folks.

I loved this book. I could not put it down. I also bought it for my friends and family.
Jennifer's story is one that inspires courage. It is a fascinating story of adventure and love. It was very helpful to me in accepting people and loving people as they are. thanks for all your hard work sharing your story with us jennifer lowe anker. natalie alderson moog

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the world of extreme athletes or who is dealing with loss and grief. The author shared some of the most intimate details of her amazing life growing up in a wonderful Montana family and with her husband the legendary Alex Lowe. It was particularly heart wrenching for me personally to read her story. I also lived in Montana while growing up and have a son who was also as passionate and driven for his mountain sport of extreme skiing and lost his life in a skiing accident earlier this year. I found comfort in the authors words written 9 years after losing her husband and her ability to accept the natural cycle of life and death. It gives me hope for my own heart to eventually heal.

I bought this book a week after it came out and have read it 2 1/2 times since I bought it. I have made many references out of this book in conversation and have learned a lot about the people in the climbing world as well as different areas to climb. This book has also inspired me to become a better climber, thanks to Jennifer. Being a woman in the climbing world is competitive and you need much perserverance to 'hang' with the boys. This book is great for all types of people and offers a little something for everyone to enjoy and learn from. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone! One of my top favorites!

Whether they admit to it or not, each individual has a personal idol to which he or she aspires to achieve the same pathway of success. It may be an international politician, a Nobel Prize winner, or a run-of-the-mill acquaintance. For me, this person is Jenni Lowe-Anker.

I have known Jenni throughout my life. While my father was off heli-skiing in Jackson Hole, WY, she offered to drive my nine-month pregnant mother to the hospital for my birth. I have babysat her boys. She was always the "super-Mom," somehow balancing three young boys, an Everest-summiting husband, an artistic empire, and flawless good looks - all with seemingly unattainable poise and perfection.

Every widow can tell the story of her heartache. But in Forget Me Not, Jenni tells the story of humanity at its finest. Several years ago I wrote a paper for a class at my alma mater of Georgetown University describing the spiritual effect of Alex Lowe's death on my hometown of Bozeman, Montana. The town was in shock - and in response an overwhelming number of mountain townhouses hung Tibetan prayer flags on their porches. They did so not because of any middle-eastern trend or recent yoga class, but on behalf of the ideals for which Alex, Jenni, and their beautiful boys represented, and continue to represent to this day.

I am proud to recommend this memoir to my friends, to my family, and to anyone who believes that the powers of change and of love are fundamental aspects of the human spirit.

Like all the reviewers here have said, Mannnig is a wonder, a joy, a world treasure. His role in the primary American cultural movement of the 20th century, popular Jazz of the 1930's and 40's, is still yet to be fully appreciated, this book will hopefully go far towards that end.
As the leader of Whitey's Lindy Hopper (as has been said by author Millman, his title would be that of Artistic Creator today) he was the creative vision and force of a dance company that, indeed, served as ambassodor of that cultural movement around the world. Whitey's Lindy Hoppers animated the mesmerizing vitality of the music, simultanesouly thrilling audiences and inspiring the musicians themselves.
May yet Frankie and the Lindy Hoppers be recognized for what they were, the progenitors of popular mass youth culture. From Bandstand to the Lockers, to Soul Train, to breakdancing and all of Hip Hop movement, think of all the change and impact in the world that modern youth culture has brought, not just in music and dance but, fashion, sexuality, politics to globaliziation. Every aspect of modern civilization, really. And, Frankie Manning was the creative genuis who helped put in all in motion. Get the book, celebrate the man, and go out and dance.

If you have not had the chance to meet Frankie in person this is a great way to get to know the man who many swing dancers as myself has grown to love and admire. In person you would not see a 93 year young man but someone who is full of life! He always greets you with a smile and has a beautiful sense of humor. I have learned so much from him and admire him for being an example of how to live a full and wonderful life!

It's definetly a book I recommend for you to read even if you are not a swing dancer. And if you aren't one when you start reading the book, I won't be surprised if you start taking swing dance lessons after reading the book!

I made personally Frankie Manning and he is a sweet guy. Being myself a swing dancer, I enjoyed reading his unique journey through time. It is not a fiction, but a true view of swing dancing from a master. if you like the book like I did, read also books from Norma Miller (one of his partner). Thank you Frankie !!

If you love dance or swing music read this book. I even had Frankie sign my book at a dance in NYC. Well written and fun....the real deal.

If you have ever met Frankie Manning then you know that his sheer joy transcends his own physical presence to the point that it can fill a whole room! Frankie is truly an amazing and beautiful individual. Luckily for the reader this makes for a very inspiring book, which aside from being autobiographical in natures and having biblical stature in the Lindy Hop community, it's extremely entertaining to the dancer and non-dancer alike.

My only complaint is that it was so good that i never wanted it to end!

I bought this book for myself and my 18 year old son to read before he left for college this fall. I read it first and then let him read it. The Volkmann family did a great job of communicating to the reader the dangers of teenage drinking. My son went to numerous parties during high school where alcohol was present. Our son told us about the drinking going on at these parties and I began to realize what a serious problem exists concerning teenage drinking. I hope that many parents will read this book and realize that teenage drinking is not something to be taken lightly. Many parents do not realize what can happen to their teens who take part in this dangerous activity. I encourage any parents of a teen to read this book and then make their teen read it as well and then discuss the book with your child.

This book should be read by every parent who has pre-teen/teen kids and should be made a mandatory book in every high school. It is a true eye opener and very insperational.

I found this to be extremly informative , seeing both sides of bing drinking and the perceptions of the family as well as the Alcoholic. I read this while my son (who also asked for help) was in rehab for his 21st birthday. He is now reading my copy. I found I could identfy with alot of the thoughts/situations as well as the codependent/alcoholic behaviors. As I work on my codependence and my son works on his sobriety I strongly encourage anyone with a teen/young adult afflicted with this disease to read this book.

As a high school counselor and child of an alcoholic I found this to be a great resource both personally and professionally. Your candid account of your journey for information and for recovery has already given me insights to help my students and their parents.
Thank you both,

This book was very educational and informative. A MUST READ for anybody struggling with alcoholism or who has a loved one struggling with the disease. Very realistic and honest.

Great book for any Linkin Park fan. I enjoyed the pictures and reading about the tour and how they made their videos.

My friend and I are vietnamese fans of LP and we must say that it's really hard for us here to buy anything about LP we like, because most websites never ship to Vietnam. But luckily, a friend of mine told me about this site. And the first thing we bought when we entered this site was "From the inside". This book is something I think every diehard fans of LP must have. It's full of beautiful pictures, lovely quotes from LP members and commentaries of Mr Hahn about all the videos in Meteora album. I found out a lot more about all the LP members and how they made music. You should really buy this book, I swear you'll be satisfied with it.

I've been a Linkin Park fan for probably about 6 years now and I'm amazed every time hear something new from them. The creativity and energy they put into each note, each measure of anything they put thier names on. That type of dedication is severely lacking in the music business today. I'm glad to say to say I'm a fan, without any hesistation or worries. I've read this book, 2 maybe three times and it's the kind of book you can go back to and get new views of the bands months or years after the initial read. It's a good job, well written and an easy read, not at all full of superflous language and unnecissary jargon. It proves they are a band of thier word, just average kids from SoCal, with nothing more in mind than making great music.

If you are a Linkin Park fan, want to know more about the band, or just want to recognize how six down to earth guys spend their time on tour, this book's for you. This is a diary of life on the road. It is filled with beautiful pictures, and look inside minds of one of the greatest rock bands in history! A must have for any Linkin Park fan!

From the Inside: Linkin Parks Meteora is a really good book. It tells you how the band started out and gives you interesting facts about the band, Linkin Park. The book tells you what the fans mean to the band, and where the root of their songs and music comes from. A 'Rolling Stone' reporter gives you his insight on the band, and talks about the interview he had with Linkin Park. I would definately recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Linkin Park, or to anyone in a band, or starting a band. They give you good tips to keep in mind if you are in a band and making music, and what to expect.