Authors Books

Lori Foster never disappionts. Her books start feeling the same after you read several. Still a good romance story that has some sexy parts...and fun to get lost in...

This is a nice book. Nice, sweet characters. Some fun sex, but mostly nice and sweet! Good quick reads! Hope this helps.

Basically everybody has said what i'm feeling about this book it was a good book i love all 3 but i really really like the first one...
great book to keep for your collection you will not be disappointed

........................ENJOY THE BOOK..........................

I liked this one. Very different than any other anthology that I've read before. All three stories are based upon the effects of the Blue Moon (rare 2nd full moon during a month). Foster's is about a man who can read people's thoughts. Monroe's is about a women who gets 'magnetic' during that time and has to avoid anything with a computer and Castell's is about a women tossing her wedding band in to the fountain at a precise time & moon phase resulting in all her wishes coming true.

In all three stories the couples have steamy love scenes and fall in love. Is it for real or is it the moon?

Very cute stories. A good way to spend a lazy afternoon.

Once in a Blue Moon by lori foster was great. Stan Tucker has wanted Jenna Rowan since he first moved to Delicious, Ohio, but he never thought she was intersted in him. That is until the blue moon comes and he suddenly knows all of Jenna's thoughts. The pretty, shy bookstore owner is having some hot ideas about them and they all include burning up the sheets. But now that he knowns she wants him he intends to do something about that before the blue moon ends.

Moon Magnestism by lucy monroe was wonderful too. Ivy Kendall can't stand the full moon. Since long before she was born the women in her family have been extremely magnetic on that day. That's why she has resisted her boss's Blake Hawthrone every suggestion on moderizing the hotel she has been working at. But no longer will Blake put up with this and by the time he's done he'll teach Ivy a lesson in Cooperation that will last a lifetime.

Moonstruck by Dianne Castell was a great read. Juila Simon has had the worst luck for years. Frist she married a jerk who cheated on her. But now Juila's looking to change her luck big time. Ever since she prefromed that blue moon ritual everyhting she wishes suddenly comes true. Like wanting hot passionate sex with P.I. Msrk Adams and guess what it happens. Now she can't help wondering if it's just a spell or the begging of something real.

I have to say that out of all the stories i thought Lucy Monroe's was the best. I LIKED ALL of the stories but lucy's was the one that i just had to read over and over again. They were all a great read.

definitely one of the best spoken word poetry books out there. a lot of mind blowing subjects. great read especially for 20 somethings up. not that suitable for young adults as this does have some pretty grpahic stubjects such as beastiality

I have had this book for ten years now, i read it once a year at least and am finding i get something new out of it each time i read it. I just bought this as a gift for a friend of mine who is big on poetry slams ( i didn't have the nerve to loan him mine). It is in my top five of my all time favorite books (and i own thousands of books!!) It pulls at my heart strings, makes me cry, and makes me laugh out loud.

I have read this book over and over and over. Every time I read this collection, the more I like it. Very unique. I recomend anyone who loves poetry and likes something different, to pick up this book.

"Verses that Hurt" is one of the best collections of poetry I've read in a long time. Ideal for people who don't really like poetry, because it's not structured and very free-flowing, and people who DO like poetry as well, because hey, we love free-flowing expression too.

Some of the poems describe sweet happiness, and some capture the essence of hate and anger. Sexuality is a constant theme in some of them. One of my favorites is "Please Master" by Allen Ginsberg. To me, this captures the very essence of sexuality. And not just gay-male sexuality, I'm talkin' the whole picture, ALL sexuality, even though the terms use seem to allude to the first.

Definitely a good read.

A few years ago a voice mail was set up in New York City, and poets were called in every month to read a new poem everyday onto the message. Then the public could call in everyday, listen to the poem, and respond after the beep with anything they had to say. The poems were recorded on an album, and the best printed in this wonderful book.

The book came out in 1997. The phone number they have listed in the introduction is either wrong or changed, I called it twice and kept getting the voice mail to someone named "Kika." The poets in this book are: Penny Arcade, Tish Benson, Nicole Blackman, David Cameron, Xavier Cavazos, Todd Colby, Matthew Courtney, M. Doughty, Kathy Ebel, Anne Elliot, Janice Erlbaum, Allen Ginsberg, John Giorno, John S. Hall, Bob Holman, Christian X. Hunter, Shannon Ketch, Bobby Miller, Wanda Phipps, Lee Renaldo, Shut-Up Shelley, Hal Sirowitz, Sparrow, Spiro, Edwin Torres, and Emily XYZ. All the poets get at least three poems, and very good portraits by photographer Christian Lantry. The poems are short enough that you can probably get through this in one sitting, or read a poet a day.

Penny Arcade starts the book off with a bang, using some really incredible verse. Tish Benson is next with poems that read like lazy blues songs, but filled with so much detail and activity, you can almost hear Billie Holliday gruffly whispering this in your ear. Nicole Blackman and her section is also incredible as she seems to speak for so many women who cannot find their own voice except hers. David Cameron's writing, while readable, is a little bland, like a freshman creative writing class. Despite his obvious emotion, I felt he was holding back on his own writing. Xavier Cavazos's section is slightly better, except for an entire poem that slams Rush Limbaugh. It may have been very clever when written and read, but it just give conservatives like Limbaugh more ammunition to go after art that they do not believe in. Why not a poem about Parkay hawking corporate monkey Al Franken, who had so much success slamming Limbaugh? Or Dennis Miller, whose rants against everybody was quickly dashed by asinine long distance ads. Nothing worse than a sell out. Todd Colby does better work with paragraph poems than traditional verse poetry. Matthew Courtney reads like poorly written Allen Ginsberg, full of "shocking" imagery and without a point. M. Doughty's work is scary and involving, and not your traditional stuff. Kathy Ebel left me with no response. I read it, I was done, and I was not terribly moved. Anne Elliot reads like poorly written Matthew Courtney. Janice Erlbaum is wonderful, filling a sonnet and sestina with modern situations, turning antiquity on its ear. Ginsberg is Ginsberg. Being a little familiar with his work, I expected to see poems about gay sex, followed by verses about a frog. Ginsberg is so Ginsberg. John Giorno's two poems are shocking, about more gay sex, and taking drugs. He seems to be shocking without TRYING to be shocking. I guess you could say his shock is natural.

John S. Hall also seems to be writing without getting to the heart of his point. His verse is so much posturing. Bob Holman is a bit of a bore, with quite a few poems here. Again, none stuck with me. Christian X. Hunter takes me into his world and it was hard to get out. He is probably my favorite poet here. Shannon Ketch reads like John S. Hall. Bobby Miller's very personal poems made me nostalgic for a time I could never experience. He writes about his first homosexual experience, and protesting Vietnam, so vividly, you swear you are there. Wanda Phipps opens with an angry poem, and never lets up. She is not threatening, but she has a lot to say. Lee Ranaldo also did not do it for me, his listed words seemed glossy and packaged. Shut-Up Shelley is fun because she is so different. Her changing font size on the page just screams at you, yet her photograph by Lantry shows her so whimsically. She is my second favorite poet here. Hal Sirowitz is my third favorite poet here, writing deeply personal poems about everyday things that had an obvious effect on his life. He is a blast to read aloud. Sparrow is weird. His first poem, involving possible sex with a cow, is a hoot, and his possible middle names for Bill Gates is a riot. Spiro is also very funny, especially his opening poem about heroin addiction. Edwin Torres also had me scratching my head for a while after I read him. His poetry is not hard, just inaccessible, and I was not interested enough in what he was saying to dig deeper. Emily XYZ reads like good Edwin Torres.

The 26 poets here are quite a variety, and I recommend this tome to any poetry lovers. I also repeat my mantra to read more poetry and keep buying those little chapbooks you might see in used bookstores or at flea markets. There is always time in your day to smarten up.

This does contain a lot of profanity, drug references, and sexual content, so giving it to your five year old to practice reading may not be a good idea.

I want more Reggie Chase!!! Kate Atkinson is a witty genius when creating characters that amuse, touch and STICK WITH YOU. I was already hooked on Jackson Brodie and now we have young beleaguered Reggie Chase to know and love and worry about. I hope Kate will bring her back in future novels (hint! hint!)

Third of a series of "sort-of" mystery novels set in Scotland and England, "When Will There Be Good News?" is the best and the wryest. It's not so much plot driven, and if you just can't suspend your disbelieve for some unbelievable coincidences, well, maybe this isn't the series for you, but if you CAN, you will be richly rewarded with a panoply of well drawn characters and, despite some of the horrible happenings, humor at every turn.

I'll be pre-ordering Kate Atkinson's next novel...I hope to re-meet Reggie there, but even if I don't, I know I will meet someone else to love.

Kate Atkinson is such a great writer that her characters not only live in her book but jumped out and walked around my house while I was reading this book. Although it takes a while to set up the story once it starts unfolding, it's like a roller coaster ride. You literally can not put the book down because you just NEED to see what's going to happen next. I think it's her best book yet.

A MUST read!! I have read all of her Jackson Brodie series (this is # 3), and this did not disappoint! I think it was even better than her 1st 2 ("Case Histories" and "One Good Turn") This is a page-turner with lovable, memorable characters!
Atkinson does it again with her ability to make you really care about her characters and TIES THEM ALL TOGETHER neatly and suspensefully. Loved seeing more of Chief Inspector Louise! Reggie, Dr. Hunter, Jackson...they all made me smile. Despite a horrific 1st chapter, dark, sad, tragic; the rest of the book was delightful!!
I also highly recommend "Behind the Scenes at the Museum", and I plan on reading "Human Croquet" and "Emotionally Weird" next!!
Can't wait for the next Jackson Brodie installment!! BRAVO!!!!!!!!

This is the 3rd book in the Jackson Brodie - retired policeman series - but it is much more than that.
I would recommend these to be read in order - this is similar to Tony Hillerman's in that there is a continuing development of the main character and certain other persons and that adds to the enjoyment. I would say that Brodie and the associated characters play an even bigger roll in the stories than do Hillerman's - but with both, it seems as if we have a continuing relationship with these people who seem very real and worthy of involvement with.
These books are not for everyone - for one thing, a continuing theme is that of the violent deaths of family members and the difficulties of the survivors - from Jackson's own - to just about every "case" that he deals with. The title gives you an idea that there isn't often "good news" in these stories, but to me they are very compelling and some of the people are so believable that you really care how they get on with their lives.
Atkinson continues to write in the very same manner as in the first two - she tells multiple stories - going from one to the next with no explanation of the connections between the different streams. You only learn them much later. Some may not like this but I think the wondering and guessing adds to my enjoyment.
Most of the unanswered questions get resolved - although some are quite surprising and unexpected - and there are sufficient unresolved issues with Brodie so that there is plenty of room for the next story to begin.
I really don't like to tell details in these books - I prefer to find out what happens as it happens and that it be a surprise - so I just say - If you like the first one - Case History - you will like this one too.
I wouldn't mind if the next stories weren't quite so grim - but I will look forward to anything Atkinson writes.

Coincidence as defined by Webster "the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection." Kate Atkinson is a perfectionist when it comes to coincidence. Her mystery thrillers are made of such. Into each one she weaves a story that grabs us and soon we are ensconced in the telling of the tale.

How to describe the beginning? A full cut madness that results in a family torn apart, one little girl, Joanna survives. She becomes a physician, a caring person with a husband and a baby son. Her Nanny is a young girl named Reggie. Reggie without family except for an outlaw brother, and the family she wants is with Joanna. Jackson Brodie, a private investigator embarking on a train trip to London, after traveling to Edinburgh to ascertain if he has a son. The train runs off its track and after almost bleeding to death he is saved by Reggie. The investigating office is Louise, an old friend to Brody. Louise has also brought news to Joanna. Coincidence? You decide.

One of the most interesting aspects of reading a Kate Atkinson novel is her mission to bring us the reason for living. How and why do we go on after trauma and grief. What do we do when we find the person we are married to may be the wrong one. When our loved ones die how do we go on? How do we know we have found what we need in life?

This is the third novel with Louise and Jackson Brodie as main characters. We know do we not that they are meant for each other? But Kate Atkinson seems to knock off the men in these women's lives. Why is that? Will Jackson Brodie and Louise find true happiness? I think not and that is not just a coincidence!

Highly Recommended. prisrob 11-08-08

One Good Turn: A Novel

Behind the Scenes at the Museum: A Novel

I loved reading this book about my favorite author, his devoted daughter and the life they shared while Richard was alive. Richard Brautigan was a brilliant writer who deserves much respect. I read his works over and over.

It was interesting to learn about his personal life, and Ianthe shares her story so beautifully. I'm sure her father would be proud. Her writing style is wonderful, and her telling of her father's life is a touching tribute to a great American writer and his complexities.

Everyone should read Richard Brautigan books. And follow up with Ianthe's.

Ianthe is the daughter of Richard Brautigan, although this book is more her personal story of overcoming her father's suicide than a biography of him. I would have preferred the latter. Still, you get a good, if incomplete portrait of Richard Brautigan through the eyes of the person closest to him. You get to know his multi-faceted personality, including his tragic drinking habit, but never understand his life or what drove him to suicide (nobody, including his daughter, knows). Some great stories about the last of the beats. I think my favorite was when he sat with a friend in his Montana cabin and shot out the hours on the clock, each hour on the hour, with his handgun.

Your favorite artistic hero from college days no longer rings a bell for many if not most. Richard Brautigan was one of the most innovative, creative, and "counter-culture" (as we used to say) poets of his day. His poetry was utterly refreshing and blew (literally) all the stuffy poetry elevated to a plane beyond God out of the room. As to this truly grand memoir by his daughter, Ianthe Brautigan, as much as a fan as I was - I did not know that her father's poetry revolutionized the genre and sold millions world-wide. Most profound of all, is Ms. Brautigan's literary gifts so evident in this book. For the price of a cup of good coffee, it is surely worth your time.

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Ianthe Brautigan stays on target throughout her memoir -- as the daughter of Richard Brautigan, and the daughter of a father who killed himself. Brautigan turns out to be an articulate author, and she expresses her feelings very openly. I feel callous saying that this is an enlightening read for R. Brautigan fans, because much of I. Brautigan's drive derives from her troubled feelings about him. But the book is also a biography of her father, the ways he lived (as well as the way he died, which is vividly described). While reading, I felt it was a reliable biography, from the POV of someone very close to him, who understood him, and had her own experiences with respect to growing up his daughter; it was a reliable/subjective biography, which turned out to have merits of its own that an outsider can't match -- for better or worse. What it loses in objectivity, it more than overcomes.

No doubt I. Brautigan has had many other life experiences too, but very impressively she keeps to her misssion to tell the story of her father, his life, his death, her relationship to and evolving feelings about it. I did not expect it to be as well-done as it is. Kudos, as well as my sympathy to the author who indeed had an unfortunate and difficult time due to his suicide. Regarding R. Brautigan, fans will appreciate her anectodes and stories, despite their coming from the place they do -- of having to learn that she can not "catch death."

This memoir was written with sensitivity and emotion but never seemed maudlin. I was sorry when the book ended. I wanted more.

I bought this book for one story but it turned out all of the stories were great.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings always makes me cry. The other reviews of this book here describe it so eloquently and throughly that I don't feel the need to add to that aspect. The book has a strong emotional pull that made me cry and made long to go to Cross Creek and see it for myself. Rawlings is one of my all-time favorite writers, ever since my seventh-grade teacher read the newly published book The Yearling to her class, a chapter or two each day after lunch.

Wonderful view of an isolated place in FL (near Gainesville) circa 1930 written by a brave, independent woman.

Cross Creek is a series of entertaining if perhaps embellished anecdotes relating to Florida in the years preceding World War II told from the perspective of a educated emigré from the North. Some of the language, which was typical of the times, would no longer be considered politically correct and might be offensive to some. The book, however is totally delightful and gives some insight into life in rural Florida at the time. An excellent companion read is Tom Glisson's The Creek, which gives a native's view of the same time and area. Both books are a must read if you live or are interested in North Central FL.

Rawlings explores the lives and interations of the odd assortment of people living in Cross Creek, Florida in the early 1900s. It is often assigned reading for teens, but I doubt that most of them can appreciate it. Her accounts of neighbors feuding and subsistance living gives us many lessons in human behavior.
The lyrical descriptions of wildlife and the orange groves and wild landscape are very appealing. Your mouth waters as you read her essays on downhome foods like hush puppies. She turned those into a cookbook which I'll have to try out.
Modern readers squirm uncomfortably at her use of the N----- word and her characterization of blacks as irresponsible, drunken, immoral, etc. It is probably a faithful representation of common thinking at the time it was written, so recognize it as a snapshot of the times. Then move past that to luxuriate in the beautiful passages in the book. (I deducted 1 star for this)
The reader becomes absorbed in Rawlings' love of the land and the creation of a home. It gives much the same feelings as A Year in Provence or Under a Tuscan Sun.

Boricuas, an anthology edited by Roberto Santiago, should be in the classroom library of all high school English teachers. Although it is focused on the writings of Puerto Ricans, its universal themes transcend all barriers when included as part of a thoughtful curriculum.
I have been able to use pieces from this book in themes on Identity, Human Rights, American Identity, and Nationalism. I know of teachers who have used this book from high school classes to college courses. It is that versatile. I write this review in the hopes that Mr. Santiago will consider the following request in creating a second edition.
It would be most helpful if some biographical information was included about the authors. There have been some more "influential" writings since the book's publication, specifically "Changing Race" By Clara E. Rodriguez, my former professor, who is already included in the book. It would also be nice, perhaps as an addendum or a separate chapter, that some pieces of historical significance, such as En mi Viejo San Juan in Spanglish, by Pedro Pietri, or WTC by new contemporary poetess La Bruja, would be added. An overview of "scientific" journals and writings both controversial and insulting would be good in a chapter on how Puerto Ricans were "viewed" by the outside. This would be a good counter point and provide the context for the need for self identification and pride.

I love this book! Its got lots of different stories and poems that can fit any Puerto Rican. It really is worth it

Art, Poetry, Short Stories, Drawings. Stories of Religion, from Catholic, to Santeria. From growing up in hungry in the streets of Spanish Harlem, to growing up in the rural areas of La Isla. From being a street hood, to being a Chico and The Man Tv Star. Boricuas, is destined to be a classic. In this collection you get only the best, from the best Puerto Rican writers and poets. Piri Thomas, Esmeralda Santiago, Judith Cofer, Nicholasa Mohr, just to name a few of these talented writters. What I love the most about this book is that it will introduce many Puerto Ricans as well as the rest of the world to the many talented Boricua authors there are. This book will fill you with pride and joy, if you are ever thinking of that perfect gift for that young adult Boricua in your life, this is it.

This book has enlightened me. I know I am not alone in my thoughts. All the feelings I have towards the Puerto Rican struggle for recognition and respect have been expressed and shared throughout this book. Every word brought about different ideas and views on what has been taken away from Puerto Rico. Every Puerto rican should read this and learn about our past and opinions of fellow latinos. This book has opened up and filled a void at once.TO Piri Thomas, Edwin Torres, Pedro Albizu Campos, Esmeralda Santiago and Even Freddie Prinze, I thank you. I feel as if I have discovered I do have a past and yet there is so much more I need to learn. Thank you.
This book should be used in school. Latinos have be deprived of our hertiage along with every other minority. Give it to your children, as a matter of fact READ IT WITH YOUR KIDS.

This book contains a splendid collection of stories about Puerto Rican life by Puerto Ricans. It is an insightful reference tool and an eye operner for the many who may not know much less understand their roots.

Puerto Rico's existence has been a complex one and it is still evolving. By collecting the voices of so many talented observers in a single volume, Roberto Santiago provides a living record for those who want to learn, to ponder, to think. A must read!

In an age of parenting experts, Christine Hohlbaum has written a delightful collection of stories from the real trenches of motherhood. Mothers (and fathers!) will see themselves throughout Diary of a Mother; it's honest, funny, and wonderfully universal.

An enjoyable read; the stories are well-written and a perfect length for a little reality check in between a mom's busy day. I especially liked it because the setting is familiar ground to me (both in regards to raising little kids and in the geographic locale).

This book reminds me of my four awesome daughters when they were young. They were very close in age and life was hectic, but wonderful!
Ms Hohlbaum paints a picture of parenting that is true to life, inspirational and humorous. The book is so interesting, it is hard to put it down.
I will definitely pass this entertaining and heart-warming book to by three daughters who have children of their own.

Francine Larson: Co-Author of "Character Keys to a Bright Future."

As grandmother to a toddler, I am constantly being reminded of the day-to-day trials and joys of being mom to a preschooler. Ms. Hohlbaum's book cemented those memories and gave me some new potential disasters (adventures?) to contemplate. I plan to share this book with my daughter, so she'll remember to laugh when everything goes wrong.

Ms. Hohlbaum's writing style is clear and entertaining. I finished this book in no time at all. Busy moms will find time to read it in the bathroom, in doctors' office waiting rooms, and in the car waiting for school to let out or sports practice to end.

It was over all too soon. I laughed, cried, and laughed some more remembering my own children's antics. I was sorely disappointed when it ended before I was ready for it, silently begging for more.

It's a gift for any newly married couple, any couple thinking about having children, men who think they know, mothers in the throes of their own epiphanies, grandmothers, premarital counselors as a job tool, and single friends who don't understand.

Initially I borrowed this book from a friend and read it at bedtime. The short chapters are perfect for a quick read at bedtime, while waiting at the doctor, etc. Phillip Gulley is fabulous at taking the "normalcy" of life and applying Biblical principles to deepen the experience. His humor causes me to laugh out loud repeatedly. This is a fun and fresh way to look at the Eccelesiastes text. After devouring my friend's copy, I purchased this one to share with my dad. He is loving it as well!

Philip Gulley uses the words of Ecclesiastes, "For everything there is a season", as a springboard for essays on life. He happens to live in the small town of Danville, Indiana, where he grew up, so his stories have to do with the people and customs of his small town. Gulley is a Quaker pastor who holds to traditional values and the sovereignty of God, but this doesn't hinder his sly wit or wry observations on the absurdities of modern-day life. His choices of stories range from the addition of a screen door to his home under "A Time to Build" to a list of his prejudices and pet peeves under "A Time to Gather Stones Together". This is a good book to read a bit at a time as each chapter stands alone. It's also a good way to escape from stress and to get a laugh and a new perspective on life.

I was given a copy of this book by my sister, Mrs. Fruits, who is featured in the "a time to let go" chapter. I also have a signed copy. This is a wonderful book (along with Phil's others) to pick up when one needs a spiritual "pick me up". I have circulated these delightful books through the membership of my Episcopal church and have incorporated some of his stories into sermons. I am a Hoosier from Hendricks County who now lives in Washington State and it is often a nostalgic trip for me when I travel the roads and streets of Indiana in Phil's books. But anyone could benefit from these stories about every day people dealing with every day life.

This is an excellent book, as are all of Philip Gulley's. They are "feel good" books, and I enjoy them all. Although this particular book is not a story evolving around the local townspeople, as are many of his, it is still an inspiring read. I hope Mr. Gulley continues to crank out his particular type of humor/inspiration for years to come!

What a great book about the sweet simple side of life. It made me want to move to the author's small town and settle in with my family. I have enjoyed everything I have read so far by this author.

I have some real mixed feelings about this book. On the one hands I really like how Mr. Whyte used such unconventional ways to get his point across (he uses poetry to point out the flaws in the corporate world), but on the other hand, a lot of the points in the book made me scratch my head and go 'huh?!'.
The material is very deep and even where there is supposed to be just a small, simple message, Whyte seems to make it complicated so that the meaning looks to be more profound.

How much of our corporate productivity is impeded by pettiness and posturing in the workplace? Seems a corporate healer like David Whyte is needed to stand for finding and reminding folks of a different bottom line.

Whyte has a unique capacity to make powerful connections between the inner core that fills us with emotion and caring and the places we do our work, sometimes even at the place where our job is located, though not often. His observation that we leave as much as 55% of our true self "in the car" each day when we go in our office to work is so powerfully true. I dare say there are few among us who cannot relate to that feeling. And yet, it is the 55% of ourselves that the company we work for really wants and needs but rarely gets. Unfortunately because of the patriarchal environments that many organizations (not always corporations or even private sector businesses) create we all too often find no real fulfillment in the workplace. That is sad because I never have read any mission statements that pronounce "We ABSOLUTELY are not going to have fun or like one another around here." That makes me think that the realized, oppressives outcome are not intentional. However, we often find ourselves working in and hating very dysfunctional cultures, even if not by design. Whyte introduces the concept of hope in a effort to replace the all-too-present doubt and hegemony of the workplace. We may not be able to express ourselves freely at work but Whyte allows us some freedom to dream of that possibility during our reading of this book.

Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! If you have a soul, buy this book. If you are not sure....buy this book. This book is an excellent exploration into the meaning of life + my job the incubus = a poetic awakening. David Whyte is a wonderful philosopher.

David Whyte writes in a truly inspiring way. When I worked at the Monterey Bay Aquarium many of us read this book as we struggled to grow better as an organization. This book was the catalyst to many personal "AH HA!" moments. Not just for me, but for many of my colleagues as well. From there I found myself in love with poetry again too. David's poetry is powerful and meaningful. The heart aroused is your own, and worth coming back to.

I read this book years ago when I was a freelancer. One of the most helpful things to me then was Appelbaum saying that acquisitions editors WANT to find work to publish. I had always thought of editors as fussy people who want to find any excuse to turn you down. Appelbaum gave me hope.

Now that I actually am an editor, I know that what she says is true. Editors and publishers really do want to find good materials for their company to publish. They are not the enemy.

Really, this is a very helpful and encouraging book for writers.

This is the best book I've ever read on getting published. It's instructive, no-nonsense, and remarkably wide-ranging. Plus it doesn't waste time making digressions and idiotic "jokes." It sticks to the point, is witty and straight-talking. Ms. Appelbaum is knowledgeable and sympathetic to the business of writing. This is a book worth studying, not merely reading once. Thank you.

Then you MUST buy this book.

Judith really knows her stuff. This is an excellent place to start brainstorming, even if you think that you have "seen it all". Kudos to Judith for sharing her knowledge. As a published author of several books I KNOW the challenge of marketing to the public - and publishers - that each book brings. Keep a copy of this close by and reread it often. You won't be disappointed.

Dusty White
Author of How to Get ANY MAN to do ANYTHING You Want!

I am still reading the how to self publish section. I am a complete novice writer attempting to write a first non-fiction book. The book has opened my eyes to the pitfalls and made me aware of many details I would otherwise miss. Marketing being one of the details I needed to be more aware of.
I recommend the book highly.

I earn extra money as a contract reviewer for a number of publishers, periodicals, etc. It's always a pleasure to review a piece written by someone that has educated themselves on the process of publication. This book has it all!

Of particular note, Judith writes in her introduction (Initiation, p.7) "There's only one kind of help you shouldn't hire: A vanity press" -- and further explains this on page 88 under the title "Danger: Dead Ends".

This book is also a great resource for reviewers like myself. You will find many prospective clients.