Authors Books

"from one nightmare to another" in I Romanced the Stone, Marvin Wilson carries us through the horrors of addiction to the glory of salvation in a rollicking, sometimes terrifying journey to joy.

A great reference book for anyone involved in "The War on Drugs" no matter in what capacity. I plan to obtain a copy for my police officer grandson as well as my eldest son who has overcome his personal addictions. [first to drugs and then to "That Old Time Religion]

Raw, down-and-dirty, and unfiltered, "I Romanced the Stone" is the story of an aging hippy and his descent into the madness of becoming a crack user. Marvin Wilson had used just about every drug known to man during the Peace and Love Years of the 60s so what would one little experimental hit from the crack pipe hurt? He soon found out that smoking crack cocaine wasn't the same as smoking marijuana, the main drug of choice for the "tune in, turn off, and drop out generation." Marvin is a very lucky man in the fact that he is still alive to tell this compelling story. "I Romanced the Stone" is a must read for all who have even THOUGHT about taking that first hit from the crack pipe.

Kristie Leigh Maguire
Multi-published, award-winning author
[...]

Little did I know when I sat down to read Marvin Wilson's I Romanced The Stone" I would be reading about myself and my addictions. Different drugs of choice, of course (computer, television and procrastination), but addictions nonetheless. Anything that keeps you from being your true and total self and anything that keeps one from finding their true inner peace is a drug. And just when I had "serious doubts about my ever being whole again", here comes a book so poignant, so deep, and so apropos I now know that healing is possible. To experience the joy of being healed, delivered and set free has to be an awesome feeling. A must read for everyone who is addicted or not! Rosa Ferguson author of LOVED TO DEATH: A Different Kind of Love Story

Marvin Wilson transports you into the world of a drug addict with the art of a writer. This is a well written book and a testimony to the resiliency of the human spirit in crisis.
He lost everything before he was forced to face his demons. He faced them head on and won the fight. This book speaks to everyone who has known his agony or had known someone who has walked the same path as he.
This book is a must read.
Pamela Templin

Marvin Wilson destroys all the stereotypes of drug use on both ends of the scale. He is neither part of the Hollywood/New York "elite" associated with upscale drug abuse, nor is he a part of the underclass. He is just an average middle class guy who fell into a bottomless pit.
His recovery from drugs and the recovery of his marriage is an inspiration for anyone who has felt that their lives had become hopeless.
His book takes the reader on a ride of emotions as he shares a truly remarkable story of despair and redemption.
This is a must read.

Just started the book. Another great novel by Tom Morrisey! He writes about
another one of his passions, climbing. His books on diving are also excellent
and have a Christian theme interwoven in them while being thoroughly
entertaining reading.
N. Young

Tom Morrisey's best novel to date, IN HIGH PLACES, cost me a good night's sleep and a set of chewed-off fingernails. As a young boy's coming-of-age story, it is superb; as a suspense-filled cliffhanger (pardon the pun), it will keep you on the edge of your seat. I found I couldn't put it down until the very last page.

In several previous novels such as YUCATAN DEEP and DEEP BLUE, Morrisey (executive editor of Sport Diver magazine) took readers under the water in scuba thrillers. This time, he takes the adventures topside. Morrisey poignantly unfolds the first-person story of Patrick Nolan, a 16-year-old rock climber who returns from a father-and-son climbing trip to his home in Toledo to discover his mother's apparent suicide. Patrick and his dad leave Toledo to open a climbing shop in West Virginia, where Patrick must grow up fast in matters of family, faith and love.

Morrisey has always been a good adventure writer (his work has appeared in the adventurer's Bible --- Outside magazine --- as well as other publications). What sets this book apart from Morrisey's previous efforts is the appealing first-person point of view, strong, tight editing, refusal to succumb to clichés and lovely prose. His chapters begin and end so compellingly, you can't help but turn the pages.

The opening lines are especially beautiful, almost poetic:

"It was not the rock --- it was never the rock; it was the air. Air: gusts and threads of it, rustling my hair at the edge of my faded red rugby shirt collar. Air: swaying the thin red climbing rope that dropped beneath me in a single, brief, pendulous loop. Air all around me and above me and behind me, open and empty and unsubstantial, drying the sweat on my dread-paled, beardless face, an entire sea of air, an ocean of it, lying vacantly beneath my jutting, quaking heels."

If you're not a climber (like me) you'll struggle a bit with the plethora of gear, technical terms and climbing lingo. The epigrams of gear drawings and their uses at the beginning of each chapter lend insight, but most non-climbers will skim some of the climbing jargon as they read. For climbers, however, this might well be the meat of the book. Even non-climbers though will enjoy some of the catchy names of various rock face climbs ("Ye Gods and Little Fishes," "Thin Man") and glimpses into a world that us vertically-challenged folks may never explore.

One of the final and succinct but devastating scenes of the novel takes place at K2, a climbing venue I had just read about in detail in the fascinating THREE CUPS OF TEA. Morrisey's book will remind readers of a very abbreviated version of Jon Krakauer's INTO THIN AIR, with all the attendant disasters that climbing can bring.

I think I'd know a Morrisey novel anywhere by the inclusion of at least one character wearing Ray Bans (does he get endorsement credit for this from the company?), although he's much more restrained about brand names in this novel than in previous ones. Most impressively, Morrisey eschews the easy Christian fiction ending without eschewing faith. This is not one of those happily-ever-after tales; there are no assurances that right choices have been made. Unlike some previous books, where Morrisey tended to be a little preachy, he strikes a good balance of faith themes with reality. Choices, after all, have consequences. And there are regrets when we make the wrong ones and our lives turn out differently than we expected. But, as he writes in the final scene, "Sometimes, hope is all we have. And sometimes, hope is enough."

Morrisey has taken a giant step forward with this novel. I can't wait to see what he has next.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

In High Places by Tom Morrisey is a story about rock climbing, and climbing over life's unexpected rocks. Patrick Nolan didn't think he'd come back from a rock climbing trip with his dad to find out that his mother had committed suicide. He also didn't expect to start his life over in West Virginia, or to find a beautiful girl. Life isn't always what we expect, but readers can feel the hope that exists throughout this book, a hope that is more than enough.

Morrisey brings readers into the valley of Seneca Rocks, in the rolling hills of West Virginia, and teaches them how to rock climb. He explains things while Patrick and his father make their many climbing excursions, so that any readers who have no experience with rock climbing will feel as though they are experts. While his description is vivid and entangling, the journey he sends Patrick on is even more complicated.

After his mother's death, Patrick and his father relocate to Seneca Rocks, West Virginia. As a part of starting over, his father opens up a store for rock climbers and people involved in other outdoor hobbies. Both men are trying to cope with their loss and are left wondering why there weren't any signs to warn them. Patrick worries about his dad when his dad starts taking very risky climbs. One morning Patrick runs into a girl. He is taken by her with his first look. She tells him to come with her and the next thing he knows, he's dressed in his hiking shorts while attending a very conservative Baptist church service. There he finds out that the girl, Rachel, is the pastor's daughter. The story moves quickly, uncovering clues of his mother's death, expanding the relationship between Patrick and Rachel, and revealing another relationship that Patrick begins to explore with God.

At first glance, this book looks like it's a book for guys, but anyone who loves a story deep with characters will easily relate. The first person narrative also appeals to people who enjoy reading memoirs. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a detail-rich story with plot depth. It is a great narrative of the hope we have and the journey it takes to find it. [...]

Reviewed by Tyler R. Tichelaar for Reader Views (5/07)

"In High Places" by Tom Morrisey opens with Patrick Nolan and his father, Kevin, bonding as father and son during a rock climbing expedition at Seneca Rocks in West Virginia in 1976. The opening is a bit too filled with rock-climbing terminology, but if the reader is patient, within a few pages, the novel draws us in as Patrick and Kevin return home, only to discover Patrick's mother has died, apparently by committing suicide.

Patrick and Kevin's grief is tremendous, but as men, they find themselves unable to discuss it with one another. The reader is aware both are silently suffering, not knowing how to comfort each other, and their lack of belief in God makes it more difficult for them to find solace for their pain.

Unable to live in their home because it reminds them too much of their lost loved one, Patrick's father decides they will return to Seneca Rocks and open up a shop selling climbing equipment. This new life keeps them busy and helps them forget their grief for a short time.

The plot becomes complicated when Patrick meets and falls in love with Rachel, a preacher's daughter. When the preacher and Patrick's father meet, the preacher tries to talk to Kevin about God and Heaven, but Kevin's father becomes angry, refusing to believe in a God who would allow his wife to commit suicide.

Some readers may be turned off that "In High Places" is clearly a Christian book, but Kevin Nolan's questioning of God made me feel the book was not trying to preach or convince the reader of the truths of Christianity. Instead, it asked a legitimate question about why God would allow bad things to happen to good people. The book does not give easy answers; even when Patrick learns more about the details surrounding his mother's death, the novel does not seek to answer the question of why God allowed his mother to die. Rather than bring simple closure, the book opens up layers of complexity regarding the human condition and human behavior; it explores the difficulties and unanswerable reasons behind why people love and hurt each other. The book is hopeful, but the hopefulness is mixed with a strong realism throughout.

I think Morrisey handles the difficult questions and situations he creates with great maturity and tactfulness. I especially admired his decision to tell the story from Patrick's perspective, which allowed for all the questioning of a teenage boy, making the novel a story of a father-son relationship, a coming of age story, and a love story combined.

I have always thought rock-climbing would be fun, but the book's descriptions of the complexities of rock-climbing made me think I should stick to reading books. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the descriptions of the activity, which clearly Morrisey is an expert in. Whether or not the reader is a Christian, "In High Places" will appeal to a wide audience, especially male readers, who will enjoy a father-son story where the male characters act with maturity and respect toward each other. Many young men would do well to model themselves upon the character of Patrick. This book would make a great gift for Father's Day or to a teenage or college-age boy. "In High Places" has made me want to read more of Morrisey's books.

Review by David White

In High Places is not an average coming of age story. It's a story of continued hope and faith made real by the fact that even years later the narrator continues to struggle with those events.

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Seneca Rocks in West Virginia in 1976, we're introduced to our main character, Patrick, and his father as they climb. At first it seems like an adventure story, giving an intimate account of what it's like to be a climber. In High Places does indeed give its readers an in-depth look into the life of a climber, sharing the experience with unexpected clarity and honesty.

The death, an apparent suicide, of Patrick's mother causes Patrick's father to move from their home in Ohio to Seneca permanently, where they set up a small climbing shop and can escape their pain. Of course, their loss follows them, and while Patrick's father only finds solace by making terrifying solo climbs, Patrick is befriended by the beautiful Rachel who helps him make a new life for himself.

Of course, Rachel is not any beautiful girl; she's a pastor's daughter, and religious folks have always been viewed with skepticism in Patrick's family. His infatuation brings him back to church week after week with even more frequent visits to her house. Patrick's conversion is not miraculous. If anything, it is accidental. It's his father's reaction that is of Patrick's greatest concern.

Revelations about Patrick's mother's death, and the faith she apparently came to just before it, brings about two major shifts in the novel. While both draw Rachel and Patrick closer together, they also bring unexpected consequences. If anything, In High Places is about such consequences. These revelations and Patrick's actions in response to them pushes Patrick's father from a kind of reckless sadness to anger, and then, perhaps, to hope.

But actions have consequences, not only for Patrick's father but for Patrick and Rachel as well. Once their relationship reaches its climax, it's never quite the same again, and apparently neither is Patrick. But In High Places is a book about hope above all else. There is hope for Patrick, Rachel, and, most of all, for Patrick's father.

This book is one that will cause conflict in the reader's emotions; it will make him question what happens as surely as if it were his own life. From a personal standpoint, I thought that this book held an attraction for me because it took place only fifty miles or so from where I grew up, but now I know that Tom Morrisey's writing, with its honesty and liveliness, is what made it truly gripping. In High Places is my personal pick for best book of the year.

In High Places shows so clearly that there is no hope without fear of disappointment. As Rachel once points out, movies have a tendency to make people think that things turn out as they should regardless of the actions of the characters. This is a trap into which In High Places never falls, but there is always hope.

This book is a fantastic review of the fruits of the spirit. It is very effectively written.

No, I assure you, I'm not cursing with that review title; I mean it in the literal sense: One cannot be LISTENING TO GOD and simultaneously hearing the hellish voice of "this world." [John 14:30]

Several years ago, a friend in Alabama sent me a number of VHS tapes on which she had recorded Sunday sermons by CHARLES STANLEY that were broadcasted on TV. I was unfamiliar with him at the time, but he was her favorite man of God. Now, I'll admit, I'm not the biggest fan of TV evangelists - I'd sooner take my chances with a used car salesman or a politician. (OK, not the politician; I just tossed that in for effect.) And though I'm not what one would call a "proper" Christian, I was impressed with Dr. Stanley - theological disagreements notwithstanding. No, he isn't funny like Jesse Duplantis, he doesn't have the powerful oratory talent of John Hagee, he doesn't possess the charismatic presence of the legendary priest from the Russian Orthodox Church, Yoey O'Dogherty. But what Charles Stanley DOES have going for him is a thorough understanding of the deepest spiritual principles; he is grounded in The Word Of God (a.k.a., The Holy Bible).

I recently purchased LISTENING TO GOD by Charles Stanley because 2006 has been - spiritually speaking - my worst year since accepting the Atonement of Jesus Christ a dozen years ago. (Every year ending in the number six for the last three decades has been bad for me. My personal 666? Just joking.) I even stopped meditating after more than eleven years of daily practice. Yeah, it's been a rotten year! I thought that this book might reignite my passion for meditation (or "sitting before the Lord" as Dr. Stanley likes to call it). And it did. I'm now "shutting the hell up" for a period each day and listening for my Creator's "still small Voice" again. [See 1 Kings 19:11-13]

It surprised me to find that Stanley had written many things that I have so often said in counseling others over the years. For instance:

"If you are going to develop a relationship with another person, you have to converse with that person in some manner. That means both talking and listening." [pg. iv] (*When a person has learned to hear God, I call it having a "REaLATIONSHIP" with Him!)

"I believe God dearly loves to see Bibles that are marked with oil from our fingers...and noted with dates and insights." [pg. 1] (*My Bible is loaded with margin notes. If you want God to clarify some Biblical passage for you, write a "?" next to it in the margin and then wait, watch, and listen.)

"We may be trying to understand the Bible solely with our minds, which is always futile. The Bible is a spiritual book. It speaks to and is applied to the spirit." [pg. 10]

"It is not enough that we comprehend the truth. We must be conformed to the truth." [pg. 13]

"God works from the inside out." [pg. 109] (*C.S. is correct, but do you know why? Because "the Kingdom of God is within you." See Luke 17:21.)

A Catholic friend of mine at work does not believe God actually speaks to us. He is wrong! My own transformation began on January 14, 1992, when I clearly heard God speak in my mind. He gently but effectively admonished me by merely asking me two questions, and my own answers were the rod of correction. Only an unfathomable, creative God could have pulled that off! Years later, He urged me to sobriety by saying with crystal clarity in my head, regarding alcohol, "It's a false God. It's a false God."

And that brings up another point. Stanley mentions the fact that often, God will send us a message and then confirm it. [See Genesis 41:32] Note that God repeated Himself in calling alcohol my false god. Although God usually communicates with us in subtle but unmistakable ways, (the "still small Voice"), C.S. is right: "We must never limit God in the methods that He uses to speak to us." Because occasionally He can even use the sledgehammer approach...

Once, I woke up to find that in the night, my truck had been moved nearly horizontally in its parking spot. I had to track down a fellow and ask him to move his vehicle so I could back mine out. My faith had weakened and I had been depressed recently and the message seemed to be, "You're out of alignment." I pondered the bizarre event all day - it was unexplainable - and pulling back into my parking space that night after work, I thought, Well, if that's REALLY a message from God, He will send a confirmation soon. In this case, soon meant 45 seconds later when I found myself locked out of my apartment by the internal chain on the door. When I finally managed to wake my Brother, who let me in, he insisted that he had not chained the door (we lived alone), and I believe him because he'd never done it before, and it never occurred again. It seemed my depression and lack of faith was "locking me out of my REaLATIONSHIP with The Lord." I got the message.

I also believe that on three occasions, God has sent angels to me with words of encouragement (an old woman, a young woman, and a little girl). But this sort of REaLATIONSHIP with The Creator is really built in silence, LISTENING TO GOD. There is nothing like Bible study - not reading, but studying - and meditation to make us conscious of God's Love and Presence in our lives. (A great Bible companion is the book, LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS by Chuck Missler.)

LISTENING TO GOD by Charles Stanley is 5-Star material in a 4-Star presentation. His writing, while brimming with profound insights, is a tad bland - similar to some of his sermons. And while he does illustrate some points using personal experiences, it is always in the vaguest of terms - not detailed enough to make them truly compelling. Still, this book is too important to downgrade from five stars.

I have found it best to begin every meditation session with a prayer for someone else, especially an "enemy" [see Matthew 5:23,24], and also a slow, thoughtful recitation of The Lord's Prayer [Matthew 6:9-13] And once you've initiated a daily meditation program, never stop (unlike that maroon, Stephen T. McCarthy). Well look, I'm gonna shut the hell up now and go listen for The Voice of Heaven, so...SHHHhhhh........

Are you struggling in your faith? Are you having trouble listening to God's voice? Did you know that there are several ways for God to communicate with you? Did you know that most of the time we hear two voices (Satan and God)? Want to know how to tell them apart and how to ultimately listen to God? Then you should check out Charles Stanley's book Listening to God. Two years ago I received this book as a gift and I just put it on the shelf. When I finally read the book I realized that if I would have read it the first time I would not have been faced with the issues that I am struggling with today.

In this book Charles Stanley not only teaches the reader how to listen to God, but he also tells the reader how to take that new knowledge and apply it in real life situations. He uses examples and stories from his own life, which helps the reader relate to the new concepts and issues. Each point is backed with scripture and is followed by questions that will make the reader take a closer look at his or her walk with God.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is stumbling in their walk with God or anyone who is trying to strengthen their relationship with the Lord. This book, although it is apart of a Bible Study series, does not necessarily have to be read in the correct order. Just pick it up, read it and don't give up because the Lord will use it to show you the way!

Charles Stanley is a true man of God in which he is gifted in teaching. This is highly recommended. In this study tool you will discover true relationship with Jesus. The study guide helps you coast along with the Word.

As with all Dr. Stanley's works, this one is excellent! It is more of a study guide than a self-help book. Nevertheless, the book is grounded in scripture and replete with examples! Right up there with 'Mizraim Principles' on what we can all learn through God's discipline!

Also recommended: 'The Mizraim Principles', 'With Joseph in the University of Adversity'

Diane writes them well, whether it is the war between the states or Trek, she seems to add the human factor into history and the future. My personal opinion is that she does best with ORIGINAL stories that she creates but she does a very fine job with a adaptation. A writer of detail she seems to bore some but to each their own. She adds color and impact to the picture of your imagination while reading the words. Some readers tend to be too critical, Lighten up and enjoy. Ship of the Line was fun and she interacted a character from 2 shows. That story needed at least 100 more pages. Thanks Diane, From ZC (ghost from the past)

This great first crossover series and great first Star Trek Omnibus contains at least three out four of Star Trek fiction's best tales. First encountered in the twenty third century by the Klingons, the Furies sent a vanguard in the form of a nearly indestructible starship where it was met by the venerable Captain James T. Kirk and the USS Enterprise. Some one hundred years later, the Furies became an issue once again where they were dealt with by first Captain Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D and concurrently by Captain Sisko and the crew of the USS Defiant in an extraordinary time sweeping tale. The conclusion to this massive Star Trek tale is wrapped up perfectly by Captain Janeway and the crew of the USS Voyager, lost deep in the Delta Quadrant.

Included both with "The Final Fury" and this Omnibus is fantastic section titled "A Word from Our Authors," where there are some great insights into what the authors were thinking when writing these novels.

Overall, I'd highly recommend this "Invasion!" series to any and all fans as, with one exception; it is a highly intriguing and epic tale that sweeps across all four series. Listed below is the premise for each tale!

Star Trek #79 First Strike, Invasion #1:

The premise:

"Across time and space comes a fury...!" A quote directly from the cover and yes, it is an extremely accurate and telling statement. For many years the Federation has dealt with the Klingon Empire from either open war or cold war but never has the Federation received a call for help from them. That is exactly what they receive and the Federation sends their very best to deal with whatever the situation may be.

The Klingons have found themselves dealing with a massive starship that they're unable to destroy. Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise come on the scene and discover that this ship and its leader, Vergo Zenner are but the mere vanguard of a massive invasion fleet that is headed to reclaim what they believe to be there territory since time before memory and that territory happens to encompass the Federation, Klingon Empire and the Romulan Star Empire.

What follows from there is an extremely interesting and intriguing tale that is also a bit rare in Star Trek fiction where it deals more with Captain Kirk as the negotiator. Of course, when comes time to revert to the creative combat leader that he is, he steps right up to the plate.

Star Trek The Next Generation #41 The Soldiers of Fear Invasion #2:

The premise:

After a century of peace and no sign of the Furies, they return with a vengeance to reclaim the territory they believe is rightfully theirs. To make matters worse for Starfleet and the rest of the Alpha quadrant, the Furies have returned with a massive fleet of even more deadly ships than the one that came a century before. To add to that, they learned something from their first encounter and are now employing a weapon of fear upon their enemies, literally crippling them and then moving in with their physical weapons to destroy them.

What follows from there, as stated above, is novel that was wrought with potential that is ultimately unrealized in its execution. I would still recommend this novel and the other three in the series as this is only a bump in the road for the series as a whole.

Star Trek Deep Space Nine #16 Time's Enemy Invasion #3:

The premise:

Captain Sisko, Dax and Bashir are called to Starbase One, which is at the fringe of the Terran system by Admiral Judith Hayman. Once there she asks them to review some data chips, which they do and it doesn't take them long to discover that they're from the Defiant under his command, and these data chips describe in some detail, the destruction of the Defiant. They soon learn that these chips were found aboard the Defiant, which had been encased in a comet in the Oort Cloud surrounding the Terran system for over five thousand years...

What follows from there is nothing less than one of the most spectacular and intriguing novels ever written in the Star Trek line of fiction. I highly recommend this novel either as a stand alone in the Deep Space Nine series or as the third in the "Invasion!" series as it furthers that series extremely well, for it is here where we finally get some of the history of the Furies and the why behind their invasion today.

Star Trek Voyager #9 The Final Fury Invasion #4:

The premise:

While the battle rages on in the Alpha quadrant between its inhabitants and the invading Furies, the USS Voyager and her gallant crew are steadily making their way home when they receive a distress call from a Starfleet vessel, something of which they thought they'd never hear again. They soon discover the source of the distress call and massive Fury invasion fleet on a constructed planetoid containing twenty seven billion Furies. As the novel progresses, Captain Janeway finds herself in one heck of a quandary as she comes upon the realization that in order to save the Alpha quadrant, she must destroy the twenty seven billion Furies who are bent on invading the Alpha quadrant and a possible way for her ship to make it home quicker, if there is to be a home to return to...

What follows from there is nothing less than a impressive and decidedly compelling Star Trek Voyager novel and a brilliant finale to Star Trek fiction's first crossover series. I highly recommend not only this novel but the entire "Invasion!" series, whether you procure the individual books or this fantastic "Invasion!" Omnibus. {ssintrepid}

This four-part story that spans the entire "Star Trek" universe (until the fifth show arrives, that is) begins spectacularly, continues well, and almost peters out before returning with a bang. The first segment, "First Strike," takes place in the 23rd Century and depicts Kirk as a hero in both his accomplishments as a warrior (impressing even the Klingons) and in his determined efforts as a diplomat who wants to avoid the war in the first place. "First Strike" could easily stand on its own. But "Soldiers of Fear" fortunately avoids the danger of becoming just a remake/sequel to "First Strike." The added element of new technology for the villainous Furies -- a weapon that strikes at the very minds of the Enterprise crew -- creates an interesting element that maintains our fascination with the story. Then the whole thing goes south in "Time's Enemy." The initial premise -- involving time travel and the mysterious appearance of a centuries-old Defiant -- is certainly intriguing, but the story itself is rather dull and turns out to have very little to do with the Furies story as a whole. In my opinion, it is completely unnecessary, especially considering that the fourth segment, "The Final Fury," picks up exactly where the second segment left off. I wasn't much of a "Voyager" viewer at the time, but I became interested in the series when "Invasion" so fluidly continued the same story from the original characters to the Next Generation to Voyager. I would definitely recommend "Invasion." But skip the DS9 segment, which is as boring and pointless as the other three segments are exciting and epic. Well, three out of four ain't bad.

This was an immensely spellbinding and interesting read... The concept of having such a wonderfully continuous storyline is great, and extremely well thought-out. The stories blend nicely, and tell different parts of the complete story in each book. The characters, especially in the last two books, are portrayed very lifelike and true to their roles in the TV series -- they had me laughing at quite a few occasions! I had to put down everything else to finish this book first!

If you're like Trek then you will like this book. The 4 novel saga spans the centuries and does so with the greatest of fluidity. The basic premise is simple, an epic war took place in our little piece of universe before we got here. The loser of the war wants the universe back and the winners are nowhere to be found. The first novel introduces the losers and reveals that their presence has actually been well documented in the history of our quadrants aliens through mythology, from the Vulcan mythology to Human mythology and so on. The second novel finds Picard and the NG crew fight the FURIES off again in a true epic. The third novel gets a little more technical but finds us finally introduced to the victors in that epic war fought so long ago. These creatures are just plain cool... If not a bit gory... LoL. The 4th brings us back to the FURIES as they attempt to simply transport their entire planet into the alpha quadrant! This is by far the best of the 4 and completes the saga perfectly. I read this installment in a day. All and all it took me 10 days to read the 958 pages and that's saying a lot for me... You'll enjoy this..

I first got this book because I was curious about it from the obituary. I read it today in it's entirety. I think the author does deserve a superb job in allowing us to understand each of the real people with flaws and talents. I was led to believe that Natalia and Janet were always together but as I read. They were separated and torn apart for other reasons. Natalia never really comes out to acknowledge her sexual orientation. Bill never doubts his own. He reveals a lot about himself like losing his virginity to a prostitute. Bill's childhood was not entirely spent at home but at boarding schools in New England. I think Janet served as a father figure. When she was 83 years old, she had to retire to New York and live the last 3 years with Natalia. Why she kept coming and going to and from is puzzling to me? Janet was a complicated woman and these two women truly loved each other. Maybe the separations allowed them to love each other more apart. Will never really know? We weren't truly there ourselves. Bill allows us to see his childhood was normal. I was surprised that his mother would worry about his sexual orientation. I wondered what would have happened if he turned out gay himself. Would she blame herself? Who knows? I read about Alice, his second wife. I don't think Natalia understood their relationship. Now that all 3 members of that unique family is gone, I think Alice deserves some mention. Bill wasn't the best husband or father. They did live together for 5 years before their marriage. I say give Alice a break. They were together for 30 years. At the end of Natalia's life, she was unbearable probably because she was ill physically and medication often can contribute to a person's mental state. Bill and Alice stayed together for 30 years. I admire Alice and his first wife Doris who managed to deal with an overbearing mother-in-law. I also think Natalia had trouble letting go of Bill all his life and that's why there is so much trouble. Since Bill is gone, my condolences to Alice, Doris, Natalia, Julia, and Bill III over your more recent loss.
After reading this book, I became fascinated with Janet Flanner. I bought other books which educated me more about this situation. Sadly, this book is only a part of an amazing woman's story. I won't say that Janet didn't love Natalia but she had two other lovers, Solita Solano and Noel Haskins Murphy in France. Janet did not belong to anybody much less Natalia. Janet belonged to the world. She was larger than life. In fact, Noel and Solita did share a negative reception of Natalia's part of Janet's relationships. The reason that Natalia did not move to Paris was because Janet's partner Solita and Noel did not care too much for Natalia. They found her possessive and overbearing. Janet was not always happy in New York City with Natalia. She was happiest in Paris where she belonged. I won't say that they didn't love each other but it was not an ideal relationship. Natalia wanted Janet all to herself and Janet was torn between Noel, Solita, and Natalia. Janet was an amazing woman. This book only tells part of the story from Bill Murray's point of view. The book asks more questions than provides answers. I don't think Bill wanted to know about the true nature of Janet's relationships. She was not monogamous and she didn't belong to NAtalia but she did love her to spend time with her. Regardless, they're all in heaven having a ball.

I admit that my knowledge of Janet Flanner was hazy when I bought this book, my exposure to the "New Yorker" limited to a few issues per year only in the last ten years. That wasn't the selling point for me -- I had read good reviews that this was the memoir of a boy raised in a non-traditional home in the 1940s and that detail fascinated me.

This is a crisply written, completely fascinating account of William Murray's gypsy childhood in the literary circles of New York, Fire Island and Rome. It is a story of becoming a man, of weathering stormy relations with parents, and about his own struggles to make a life for himself as a writer.

There are two generations of literary lives detailed: I was fascinated to learn how much professional writers struggle even after achieving success. Janet Flanner lived in hotels across the world, constantly missing her deadlines; the author himself resorted throughout his 20s and 30s to gambling and part time jobs to scrape by. Even his first two years working as a writer for the New Yorker came and went without him getting an article published. This is the dark side of the artist's life, and one we hear too little of.

My only disappointment with this book -- and it's minor-- is that it is really the story of an artist's life, not the story of being the child of a lesbian. Janet Flanner's role in the author life could just as well be that of a step-father; the fact that she is a lesbian is superfluous. But, maybe that in and of itself makes a point.

A fascinating and well written memoir -- worth reading.

When I look back on the many books I've read over the past year (easily 50 or more), I can say emphatically that this was one of the best and most memorable. I can remember where I sat (by a fountain) when I began the book, and where I was (at a garden) when I closed its cover for the final time. Murray captured the essence of a very complex, yet loving relationship between two sophisticated, intelligent women. After I finished his book, I yearned to learn more about them, and read a biography of Flanner, Murray's mother's book of correspondence between herself and Flanner, and several of Flanner's New Yorker compilations. A heartfelt thanks, William Murray.

I just finished this book and enjoyed it tremendously. This book appealed to me on several levels. As an American ex-patriate living outside Paris, I could relate to many of the comments Janet made. Although I love France, I will always be an outsider. This book is not so much an homosexual story as it is a love story among these people. It is a testament to how love can endure long distances, different cultures and social constraints. I recommend this book highly to anyone who enjoys reading historically based biographies with a love story intertwined. Besides, I can't resist buying a good book with good photographs.

As a New Englander of mixed Italian and English ancestry, I feel I can relate easily to William Murray's experience, even though the Italian ladies in my background were houswives and factory workers, and not the brilliant and accomplished sort of person his mother was. Natalia's relationship with Janet Flanner is interesting and shows her (Natalia's) deep sense of humanity and commitment as well as her strong nurturing capacities. Italian mothers always think they are right, and my own opinion is that they always are right. Murray emphasizes Flanner's virtues and other good points, but I wonder about why she was so incapable of sacrificing a little of her time, her career, her work for the woman who loved her and whom she said she loved.

By the time I finished reading this book, which is a very lovely memoir, I had really taken a strong liking to Natalia with her patience, tenderness, humanity, character, and love.

What an opening into a soul, and what a sharing of a self!
Mus White's book combines images and reflections into a story,
which is as much a sweeping epic across time and place, as
it is a personal tale. After reading this book, I felt like
I was, indeed, holding Jasmine in my hand.

When we read we travel to a world that is not ours. We are given the transportation to another's consciousness. Mus White's novel Jasmine in my hand carries us to more than a couple of corners of the world. One of these places, for example, is a dimly lit corner of Copenhagen where we follow the life of small worried girl. Pia falls into an oily green canal in her brand new gray coat which she had begged her mother to buy though her mother couldn't afford it. Another place is LA, where this same small child has grown into a woman who has everything modern America has to give, all the coats in the world, more light and light switches than anyone could possibly use or want. But in these and other locations the real place through which we move and travel is Mus White's consciousness and what a consciousness it is. Using language that dances more than it sits, we dip and slide, slither fall, lift and ascend. Ms. White's sense of the movement of language is a language of its own. It sits not in letters and sentences, words and paragraphs, but somewhere between an intense consciousness of the senses and the dream life of both wordiness and wordlessness. Mus White moves us with the confidence of a witch across these boundaries and back again. Read her, dance with her, sit and ascend.

If you want to rediscover and exercise all your emotions in a single read, buy this book. White's writing is so raw, honest, and powerful, you will instantly see what sets this book apart from all other heroine-centered, first-person novels. This is no manufactured study of a woman with imagined torments; this is the real thing. Pia is a flesh and blood person, fully alive and sitting right in front of you, telling you her remarkable story, with all of its anguish and passion, as if you were in her kitchen holding her hands. You can see the tears, hear the laughter, and smell the coffee. You smile with her; you cry with her; and you want to support her like your new best friend. After all is said, Pia is right there for you, a magnificent woman, with all her complexities. Very highly recommended.

In Jasmine in MY Mind, Mus White sets an initial cadence with her writing
that beats through her novel with the hum of humanity.
At times, through her poetic use of language, she creates sublime images
that are unique in their nature. And other times she reaches to the dark side
that resides in all of us and comes forth with observations that are totally
honest and at the same time utterly terrifying.
Ms. White seamlessly shifts between childhood and adulthood and never loses
the threads of her mesmerizing story.

Nothing about the title and summary of this book prepared me for the absolute uniqueness of this writer's voice and story. She somehow manages to make you feel as if you've burrowed deep into her very soul; you experience right along with her everything that's happening, both the familiar (in a new way) and the unfamiliar (as if you were there).

Her story keeps you turning pages, as riveted as one might be by a soap opera. But this is no soap opera. Rather, it's the debut of an extraordinarily talented new writer with a lot to say and the wherewithal to say it in a most literary and expressive way. I dare anyone to put it down once they've start reading it!

That's a serious warning, by the way--I very nearly drowned laughing at the great confluence of events surrounding the bagpipe playing in the town square.

Parkinson is a flawless writer in several genres--but Jubilation Gap is by far my favorite of his books. We've read TWO copies to tatters in my family. Of course, the fact that one was dropped in hot water during the aforementioned near drowning probably contributed to the first copy's disintegration.

The characters are crisply and distinctly drawn, and as wildly funny as this book is, there's nothing out of place--just a long string of silly little events that somehow add up to nearly drowning.

If you haven't read this book yet, order it immediately. Just keep it away from the tub--or the pool!

Most people who read it think that this is the funniest of Dan's books. He is truly the best writer around today though... and ALL of his books are marvelous! I agree with the person who said it was hard to read his books in a public place... I have been embarrassed many times by laughing out loud when reading them! And sometimes I laugh so hard....I cry...or I can't even get my eyes open to read! He is a master at the running jokes... and the unusual twists!
It took me years to hunt down several of his books. But they are all worth the effort. This man is a real treasure... and so far not even an appreciated one! I reread his entire collected works...every year! I need the laughter. And his characters are so wonderful... I KNOW these people...and he reintroduced me to them. Plus, it has been so wonderful to learn so much history in such a fun way. BUY HIS BOOKS...read them... he is an American treasure!

Dan Parkinson is the master of creating chaos out of order.Unusual characters thrown together in an out of the way -turn of the century Las Vegas in Kansas of all places. Toss in a Russian master of "Wadka", an out of place Massachusetts blueblood,a drunken Shakespearean,a lost herd of cows, girls, illegal booze, and oh yeah a circus elephant.How Parkinson weaves all these elements together is pure mastery of the obsurd and the hilarious.Laugh out loud? Impossible not to!

When my father-in-law recommended this book I took it with trepidation. It was old and tattered. I should have known, no one reads a book that many times unless it's great! I have now read the book 3 times. It is uproariously funny! Parkinson is a master of juxtaposition of his characters--be they people or animal. If you've read Parkinson before, you'll know he usually includes a running gag all through the book. This one revolves around the Russian character Vladimir. His native tongue is misinterpreted in many ways. It reminds one of Mrs. Malaprop!

This is the funniest thing I've ever read. I got in 32d hand from a cousin on ma's side, who had already passed it thru her entire family twice. From me to my dad to my cousins on his side and back around to my sibs. Nobody could find it in a bookstore, and we kept passing this volume around until it literally fell apart despite valiant efforts with glue and tape by several of us.

Every kind of humor is here -- man/woman humor, cowboy humor, slow humor building from inocuous beginnings that evolve into outrageous consummations, plays on words and names, memorable phrases by forgettable rascals ("Shoot the scutter!"). This homely tale of the range of the Old West has cunning cows, stupid people accidentally winning, smart people outsmarting themselves, bad guys getting their due. Everyone's on the make in some sense and no one's plans work out quite as envisioned.

If God has a sense of humor, this is surely how he sees the human comedy.

Dr. Packer's book is a superb treatment of the attributes and purpose of the Holy Spirit. He writes from the firm foundation of scripture. While treating the opinions of others with great dignity, he successfully discusses the fault of limiting one's understanding of the Holy Spirit to only a single attribute. He asserts that the Holy Spirit's purpose is not found in any single attribute whether that it is power, performance, purity, or presentation. Instead, the main purpose of the Holy Spirit served in following in His steps as He reveals Jesus as the Christ.

An excellent work!

I was particularly happy about every-member ministry that author was happy about active participation of people of God instead of spectator.

I just happy about his penetrating mind and depth of knowledge.

I particularly recommend to some of Korean pastors who call Plymouth Brethren (Christian Brethren) cult because of their Church Polity. Ignorance no long a virtue.

This book is more systematic than "Knowing God", but it cuts as deep. He addresses two major views of holiness: "Keswick Teaching" and Pentacostalism. He carefully shows the strengths and weaknesses of each movement. He then shows scripturally what is the correct view of the Holy Spirit work in our lives. Packer likes to call himself a "Packer of Theology" and this book takes careful reading. He often lists several scriptural references to make his point and then he is off to the next point. He carefully states his argument and tries to make sure the reader does take his point any further than it should go. The style seems dry at times, but when you read and meditate on what he is writing, the book is an incredible motivator to live in holiness.

Although this book is a harder read than either "Knowing God" or "Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God", the book is more challenging spiritually. Once again he uses the Puritan writers to good effect. Read and enjoy. Drink deeply of the scriptural truths detailed in the pages of this book.

This work is a classic, though a little known one. I'm so glad this has been updated and reprinted. It is simply the best and most balanced book on the Holy Spirit I've ever read. Packer's critique of the Charismatic movement is especially balanced and perceptive. And his writing on the role of the Spirit is deep, on target, yet easy to understand. I will pound the table and recommend this book for any serious Christian.

Mark Marshall
author, God Knows What It's Like to be a Teenager

I was in the charismatic church back in the 80's. But, because of certain experiences I had while there, I began to have misgivings about the constant emphasis (not bad in itself but it left out many things it should not have) on the Holy Spirit and the way it was being taught. When I tried to speak with people (leadership) about my feelings I found that I started getting the cold shoulder treatment. I would have appreciated even an honest "I don't know". I was starting to think something might be wrong with me.

Then I ran across Packer's Keep In Step With the Spirit. I can't tell you how greatly this book helped me. It let me know there was nothing wrong with me and that I was not the first person to feel the way I did. Packer even related in the book how, because he was a bookworm (as I've always been) God threw him a lifeline in the form of a volume or two of the works of John Owen (Owen wrote about 18 or more books if I remember correctly) which helped free him from the mental shackles of Keswick teaching.

I am here to say that Keep In Step With the Spirit did the same for me with hyperventilating charismatic/pentecostal teaching on the Holy Spirit. I even bought and gave away a copy to anyone who let on that they were going through what I did. And I also went on to read a number of John Owen's books which helped me to totally remake my spiritual and theological outlook into something with a lot more substance to it than I ever had based solely on what I'd gotten from church.
Sad to say but it's the truth.

I am 20 years old and absolutely LOVED this book. For two days, I found myself making excuses to put off other things to continue reading. The characters (all of them) are so deeply developed and real. I won't say more than this is a total page-turner and a book that can change a life. After I finished, I immediately brought it to work and made some one else take it home. Needless to say, they agree. The only thing I disliked is that Monaghan has yet to write another novel! :)

I am 20 years old and absolutely LOVED this book. For two days, I found myself making excuses to put off other things to continue reading. The characters (all of them) are so deeply developed and real. I won't say more than this is a total page-turner and a book that can change a life. After I finished, I immediately brought it to work and made some one else take it home. Needless to say, they agree. The only thing I disliked is that Monaghan has yet to write another novel! :)

I couldn't get enough of this book, I couldn't put it down. It was direct to the point and moved flawlessly. I checked it out from the library but after reading it I bought the book for my collection. A very good read. Looking forward to more of Nicola Monaghan's work.

I agree with the other reviewer that once you get used to the dialect, this book is impossible to put down. I read it in less than 2 days and was totally absorbed by the characters and story. It is well written and unfolds beautifully. It has been a long time since a book has engrossed me like this one did. I hope she writes something else soon!

The novel was refreshingly original and offered a slice of Nottingham life hardly ever observed in fiction. The realistic nature of the novel and it's characters brings into focus the complexities of heroes and villains. Characters don't have to be all good or all bad. 'Kez' - is a kind of attractive anti-hero who lives her life in a dangerous and compelling way largely because of social circumstances. The book does not condone murder or drug use, but rather opens up an unknown world detailing the highs and lows of a working class estate. There is definite tranformation without a moralistic authorial voice interupting the narrative. Butterflies are introduced early on in the book as a mofit for transformation. The 'killing jar' of the title represents the rough housing estate where the narrative takes place, it's enclosed spaces and the metaphor of being trapped runs through out the book. The fumes that kill the butterfly are like the drugs that spread around the estate, and so I thought the images and motifs were highly fitting and used well. The use of local dialect and descriptions of drug use were very well done and the writing keeps the reader guessing until the very last page.

Raised on a Wisconsin dairy farm about 15-20 years later than author Ben Logan, I have long since concluded that for me it was the Right Time - Right Place. Logan's living history of family values, relationships and life lessons, told in the context or rural farm life, lets me relive my life through his, and glean our mutual past for the source of our values. I just read The Land Remembers for the second time. I think I'll read it every year.

I'm biased, because I'm from Gays Mills, WI (I used to mow Leita Slayton's lawn!) - but I recently re-read it, and was surprised at how many of the anecdotes and images I remembered were actually from The Land Remembers, and not from Steinbeck or anyone else better-known. Parts of this book will stay with you for years and years. It's like going home again every time I pick it up.

This is one of those books I will always remember. My children were young when I read it and I felt that it contained many lessons on how to be a good parent. And all in the context of very enjoyable reading. The story about learning to use the horse drawn cultivator shows how a parents help their child develop self-confidence, which is something I see so many people lacking. I can't say enough good things about this gem of a book.

This book is full of humor and spends wonderful time on how a farm is run, explaining the land, the chores, the wonder of living on a farm. Ben's antics with his brothers are delightful, and his account of his evenings with his family are memorable. I read this anytime I need a lift, and share its richness with anyone who will listen.

One room school house, the changing of the seasons and the farm chores for each one...a memior of one man's boyhood experiences. I liked this book and my husband liked it even more than I did. He was born and raised in rural WI, picking rocks, milking, and going sledding with his brothers. This book is well written and reads like a time capsule...the people & chores on a family farm. I would have given it a perfect 5 stars, but there is too much about bees. Less bee watching and the author would have a classic here. Great that his story goes full circle. We learn what happens to the people we've read and cared about...which is always gratifying to us readers.