General Practice Books

I am currently very interested in learning everything that I can learn about the Jewish Faith. This particular book was absolutely wonderful!!! It explained everything in perfect detail. I learned so much! I couldn't put the book down. Once I started really getting into the book, I found the Jewish Faith to be very interesting. I can guarantee anyone that buys this book will enjoy it. Gina

Give a copy of this book to every kid whose Bar or Bat-Mitzvah you attend. It's a terrific reference for all those nagging little questions. A true classic and a great companion to your monetary gift. I'd also suggest it as a good gift for any non-Jew who'd just like to understand their Jewish friends a little better.

The book provides basic answers to the thousands of questions on Jewish relgious matters.
Its explanations are most often clear and insightful.

This book's question-and-answer format makes for easy reading, and should be of equal interest to both Jews and non-Jews alike. Want to know about Jewish marriage, divorce and family life? How about holidays, rituals, differences between orthodox and reform branches, or after affects of the Nazi holocaust? The answers are found here in this slightly dated book, one that was soon followed by a sequel (the Second Book of Jewish Why). This is an informative and nicely readable reference - one can only hope that authors from other religions and traditions will write books with a similar format.

I really like these books and the way they are written. The question and answer format make it easy to use it as a "reference" and also allows one to read a few pages at a time.

The question and answer format is also wonderful because alot of what Judiasm is about is questions. "Question Everything" must have been the eleventh commandment.

What is missing are important topics. I wrote to the author in 1996 and he was kind enough to repy to my question. I wrote:

"I enjoy reading your book . . . However, there is a major omission that I need to ask about. Why is the subject of War (and violence) not covered?

Your biography says you were/are active as a military chaplain. I imagine that your role as chaplain and advisor to chaplains would put you in a great position to speak to the question of war and Jewish Law.

Perhaps your wrote about this in another book? If so, could you direct me to that source or perhaps some other Jewish writer has expanded on the subject."

A week later I got this reply from Mr. Kolatch; "I wish I knew how to answer your letter of February 7th. The best I can say is that the subject of war did not fit the theme of The Jewish Book of Why. No, I haven't written anything on the subject, nor is there a book I can recommend."

So you can see, this very important subject was left out, even though Mr. Kolatch was surrounded by military people for most of his career. What a lost opportunity. How sad for us all. His revsions in 2000, didn't answer my questions either.

I hope Mr. Kolatch will write about this concern in his next book. AS I said in my letter to him: "What learning about violence is there to pass on to my 5 sons?"

Scott Hahn has been leading a double life. While writing numerous popular books on Catholicism for a mass audience and gaining a wide following, he also has published scholarly papers for Catholic theological journals. He is not the only author to have had this scholarly/popular dichotomy in their work - Anglican bishop N. T. Wright is perhaps the greatest in this regard - but until now Hahn has made no attempt to bridge the gap between the academy and the pew.

In Letter and Spirit, Hahn states at the outset that this book will be different. While steering away from an overly technical presentation, there is no doubt that he is seeking to raise the bar on the conversation he normally has with his popular audience with this discussion of one of his favorite topics: the connection between Holy Scripture and the Divine Liturgy of the Church. This theme has appeared often in his books - most notably in The Lamb's Supper - but now he devotes an entire book to an exposition of the subject that is steeped in the patristic understanding of the role of Holy Scripture and the Church's liturgy.

After an introductory chapter on the importance of the ancient witness of the Church, Hahn explains three terms that appear throughout the patristic witness and form the foundation of his exposition in the chapters to follow. The first of these is `economy' - the divine plan of God's revlation and communication of Himself to mankind. The study of God's economy differs from theology - whose subject is the innermost life within the Blessed Trinity - but each informs the other.

The second term Hahn defines is `typology' whose subject is the discernment within God's work in the Old Covenant of prefigurations to what would be accomplished in the fullness of time through Jesus Christ. Events in the life of key Biblical figures such as Abraham, Moses, and David are seen as types pointing to their fulfillment in Christ and those men themeselves are seen as having roles that will find their perfection in Christ. Similarly, the Bblical people of Israel are seen as types pointing to the Church as its fulfillment as God's people. As Hahn points out, the exegesis of Holy Scripture by the Apostles and the Fathers was steeped in typology and any proper understanding of the books the Church determined to be canonical must take their view of these books into account.

The last of the three key terms `mystagogy' whose subject is the liturgy of the Church. Hahn's portayal of the role of mystagogy to liturgy to be analagous to that of exegesis to Holy Scripture. Mystagogy is said to reveal the mysteries hidden in Scripture and celebrated in the liturgy by the people of God who are called to worship God in spirit and in truth. The worship of God's people - whether it be Israel under the Old Covenant or the Church under the New Covenant - understand the Holy Scriptures and the liturgy to be intimately linked. In this context it is thus to be understood that Scripture is not to be considered as something separate from worship but rather to find its greatest meaning in the liturgical act.

Having set the basis for the discussion, Hahn then builds upon this by then discussing in more detail the interconnectedness of Scripture and liturgy. The Biblical texts in their words and even their structure are intrinsically liturgical and the liturgy is itself formed from and by the Holy Scriptures. Hahn goes into detail on the liturgical and sacramental nature of particular Scriptural accounts and notes that for most of history, it was in the corporate liturgical acts and not in private reading that the people of God would hear the Scriptures and learn their meaning. Moreover, the primary factor in determining the canonicity of the Scriptures was its universal acceptance within the liturgical context.

Having given notice to the relationship between Scripture and liturgy, Hahn then goes beyond the surface to explore the reasons for this connection. He points to the relationship between God and His people given in the covenants throughout the Old Testament and culminating in the New and everlasting Covenant between Christ and the Church. The covenants establish a relation of kinship that is based upon God's promises and sealed with a liturgical action. Thus the accounts of God's actions in Holy Scripture and the words and rubrics of the liturgy are necessarily interwoven.

Hahn then discusses how the reading of the Scriptures functions within the liturgy. The Scriptures have power within the context of the liturgy that does not depend on the people's response but by their hearing the Word of God proclaimed. The interaction of Scripture and liturgy is one of announcement and actualization.

Turning next to the idea of corporate memory, Hahn explains how liturgical actions serve to make present past events and unite God's people through time. The believer is drawn by the liturgy as a participant in the divine economy of salvation and allows the discernment of the typological structure of God's plan as it is worked out through salvation history. The liturgy unites the preaching of the Word with the mystery of the Sacraments and transforms the believer and the world.

Hahn then asserts that the connection between Christ and His Church through the proclamation of the Gospel in the liturgy includes the His presence in the Eucharist. This type of coming or parousia, though different in nature than his earlier coming in humility and his eventual coming in glory, is none the less real and has always been held to be so by the Church. This is the great mystery that is the apex of the liturgy of the Church and unites Christians past, present, and future to those in eternity and looks forward to the heavenly banquet.

The Scriptures and the liturgy, Hahn goes on to say, are themselves placed within the larger context of the Church's living tradition from which they are properly understood by the faithful. In order to fully realize the meaning given in the proclamation of the Word and the celebration of the mysteries, each must be read with the Church's eyes and take advantage of the fruits of its typological exegesis, its mystagogy, and its understanding of the divine economy.

Hahn then asserts the liturgical act as one that not only is connected to the past but also to the future end of days and Christ's eternal offering in the heavenly realm. Centering this part of the discussion on the Epistle to the Hebrews and the Book of Revelation, his exposition makes clear the liturgical fabric that is at the heart of the two books. The patterns of the Church's liturgy are themselves a reflection of the heavenly liturgy and the knowlege of both are requisite to the proper understanding of their message. Economy, typology, and mystagogy are basic to the Church's understanding of the liturgy and through the liturgy the faithful experience the veil between the temporal and eternal opened. Heaven has come to earth.

Hahn closes the book on the nature of the proper understanding of Holy Scripture. Exegesis of the Biblical texts should proceed in a trajectory from the literary sense to the historical truth to the divine meaning which is the goal of Scriptural interpretation among God's people. Such an exegesis does not take place in a vacuum but is to be guided by the Church's tradition which preserves the richness of its thought and, of course, includes the understanding of the faith preserved in the liturgy. It is an understanding woven around the themes of economy, typology, and mystagogy and is etched into the Christian tradition.

Overall, Letter and Spirit is one of the better books on the place of liturgy written for a popular audience in recent memory. Given that much of Hahn's previous popular work has relied on a somewhat folksy approach, this book may give a bit of a jolt to his readers. However, the investment of a little more contemplation of the ideas presented is certainly a worthwhile investment. Those concerned with Hahn's standing as a Catholic apologist need not be put off as his approach as any partisan concerns are put on a short leash. Whether one accepts all of Dr. Hahn's conclusions or not, any Christian with an interest in the historic worshio of the Church will find it an important and challenging read.

Wow! By the grace of God, I was blown away by this book! In these pages, I was given great insight into the profound relationship between Scripture and Liturgy and how we participate in the saving grace of Christ. I am astounded by the fact that the Liturgy makes present "the works brought about by God in the history of salvation." (p. 101 quoting John Paul II) and that I'm able to share in their graces today!

In my opinion, this is the best work by Dr. Scott Hahn so far. It is warmly written coming from his heart as well as his mind. I enjoyed how he interwoven the themes of covenant, tradition, economy of salvation, typology, and mystagogy.

This book helped me to revitalized my knowledge and participation in the sacraments. I am very grateful to God and to Dr. Scott Hahn.

To say that this book is simply a continuation of what Dr. Hahn began in The Lamb's Supper is inaccurate. Yes, he does treat on the book of Revelation in this book, and yes he does deal with the Mass, but this book is a tour de force in its own right. It is perhaps one of his denser and more challenging books; gone are the cutesy "punnish" section headings and it its place is much more scholarly language. This is not to say though that the book is inaccessible, rather it is very rich and nourishing. Dr. Hahn's main focus in this book is to explore the fact that the scriptures are most at home in the heart of the Church; liturgy illustrates scripture and vice versa. Again he makes frequent reference to the Church fathers and prove that rather than being a "Romish" innovation, such an understanding of the relationship between Liturgy and scripture has been with the Church since the beginning.

In this detailed study, Dr. Hahn takes us on a biblical and historical journey to discover the preeminence of liturgy in the Christian's life. The Protestant accusations of vain repitition crumble under the weight of importance scripture provides for liturgy. As with so much, it seems, we have thrown out the baby with the bathwater - becoming so blinded by our doctrinal presuppositions as to miss a key theme in scripture and history. Dr. Hahn has done a great service in regaining our attention. Very well done and very well-reasoned call to the liturgy and sacraments in worship and as part of our daily lives.

This is a very interesting and inspiring book. If you ever wanted to know how the church fathers determined which writings would be included in the approved group we call the New Testament and how our understanding of their meanings developed, this is a good book to read. It is involved enough to be interesting, but not so involved that you need to be an academic to enjoy it.

By now most of us are well-versed in the statistical relevance of the baby boomer generation--including its size, wealth, and extraordinary influence on world events. In response, there have been no shortage of books studying every aspect of baby boomers and how to optimally market to them. However, most of these books fall short on explaining the values that define the boomer generation and how they distinguish them from other generations.

While Green's book is perhaps best used by the relatively small group of individuals who work in marketing departments, it is relevant to individuals considering setting out in new careers. A big part of launching a new business or transitioning careers is picking the right industry to move into ("all boats rise in a rising tide"). Even for those not in marketing nor contemplating a career change will find Green's book interesting if nothing else other than to better understand the world around us.

Of course the danger in talking about an entire generation is the necessary stereotyping that comes from aggregating otherwise individuals. Green has split baby boomers into two roughly equal groups, those born 1946 to 1955 (the "Leading-Edge Boomers") and those born 1956-1964 (the "Late Boomers"). Green focuses on the Leading-Edge Boomers but much is learned about both groups.

The book jacket promises to deliver:

"...all of the insights and strategies you need to achieve extraordinary business success as you determine what uniquely motivates Boomers and how to communicate with them in meaningful and mutually beneficial ways."

...and the book largely delivers on that promise. Green's anecdotes serve to support the points he makings and not as the foundation of them.

On a more personal note, I was interested in applying the book to LifeTwo and specifically in the way that we address the Leading-Edge Baby Boomer market. The section of "Baby Boomers at Midlife" seemed written for us. One of the attributes of midlife is an evaluation of one's life so far.

"Careers in crisis, mid-life economic shortcomings, unsatisfying marriages, waning physical prowess, and widespread boredom can foster musing daydreams about Vietnam protest marches, backpacking sojourns to Europe, bare-butt swimming parties, LSD mind trips, first love affairs, unfettered road trips, and Woodstock."

In other words, when hitting the midpoint of life, it's normal to reminisce. But when you were a member of the Sixties Generation, you might find yourselves remembering the idolized expectations that there held at that time for for a vastly improved world. Sadly and expectedly, most people's lives (not to mention society as a whole) ended up far short of the dreams of the Age of Aquarius. Adding political alienation and disenchantment to an otherwise troubling midlife transition and the result can easily be "restless stirring, the renaissance of experimentation, value conflicts, erratic behavior, role playing, depressive moods, grief reactions, and profound anxiety states."

That is not to say that the process is all negative. A reawakening (a "coming of age") can be a "harbinger of a more satisfying future." In Green's words:

Once again, it means honoring the nobler ideals of world peace, economic equality, egalitarian civil rights, human potential, and spiritual enlightenment. It means sharing a new, perhaps revitalized generational zeitgeist--that tenacious obsession with the perfectibility of the human condition. The stuff of truth."

[...].

I am a student of nonfiction books about baby boomers. Although I'm a member of so-called Generation X, my job demands that I stay on top of evolving thought leadership about boomers. Further, my two older siblings are boomers. In reviewing the reviews for boomer-focused books on Amazon, I've noticed something. The one-star critics of these books tend to be glib, lack depth in their analyses, and dismiss the books, not so much because of content, but because the books are usually sympathetic to the generation or perhaps more liberal ideologies. Let's face it: some people are furious at boomers. Their anger shows. To the contrary, Green's book is one of the best I've read on marketing to this generation, and one of my brothers -- also in marketing -- agrees. It's not just because Green offers a wealth of strategic and tactical insights, especially for those new to this market, but also because he adds texture with actual case studies and historical anecdotes. It's clear that this marketer and author knows what he's writing about as a practitioner, not just a pundit or academic. He informs and educates, but yet he tells stories that illuminate. Further, I also read his first edition, and he was ahead of the explosion of interest around boomers by at least two or three years -- light years in the marketing world.

This author has truly captured the essence of the values that distinguish boomers from other generations. What sets this book apart -- and makes it an important choice for companies and advertising agencies interested in the boomer market -- is Green's ability to articulate how boomer values and shared life experiences can be addressed through powerful cohort marketing communication campaigns. The book has several interesting hallmarks, including concise chapters that deal thematically with boomer values, case studies that reveal how these insights can be developed into effective marketing campaigns and a short story that adds artistic and evocative texture to the left-brain thinking driving most marketing campaigns. Because of his stanch defense of boomers, a generation popularly criticized in the media, the author will attract some critics who themselves harbor deep prejudices against boomers. This has been aptly demonstrated by one ascerbic review posted recently, lacking in depth or specificity. It's about time that someone stepped forward with a strident voice in defense of boomers, and particularly their economic and business importance.

The Baby Boom generation is characterized by its clear dominance of the popular culture of yuppie consumerism. Now members of that influential generation are entering their fifties with more disposable income than any previous generation. This new and expanded second edition of Marketing To Leading-Edge Baby Boomers: Perceptions, Principles, Practices, Predictions by marketing creative director, strategist, and copywriter Brent Green covers all of the insights and strategies necessary to successfully sell products and services to this now aging population. Readers will come to understand critical "bipolar metavalues" that influence Boomer buying decisions; learn how to select the right advertising media to achieve marketing goals; realize why and how mature audiences receive advertising messages differently; create advertising and marketing programs that transform a brand into a Boomer favorite; receive instruction on just how to plan and organizing "bandwagon" Boomer events and promotions, explore the opportunities for reaching Boomers through the Internet, and so much more. If you are marketing a product or service to the Baby Boom generation, then you need to give a careful and reflective reading to what Brent Green has to say about selling to the Boomers in today's highly competitive and frequently volatile marketplace.

...you'll never know what hit you.

Reaching Boomers looks easy, but it's not. Marketing executives, both young and experienced, make too many mistakes when trying to sell to Baby Boomers. Do it wrong, and this cash-rich market will totally ignore what you have to say.

In this book, Brent Green shows you how to get their attention and make them reach for their wallets.

This tiny book is packed full of wonderful insightful information. Highly recommended. You won't be dissapointed.

I discovered this CD set (2 CDs) at my local library. Stuart is not only enlightening, yet realistic in his approach. He has an excellent speaking voice. I highly recommend this CD set.

I love all the reviews on this book. All the power and magic this brings is soooo real. But they all left out a very important factor, which is Miracles really do happen with this book.They have for me.Just read and really trust with all your heart..And watch your life change!!!! What a great little book!!!!!!!!!

All of Stuart Wilde's books are GREAT. This one is one of the BEST. I would give Miracles MORE than 5 Stars if I could!

I was so impressed with this little book that I bought copies for several friends. Stuart's definitely "out there" but if you're able to trust your gut and suspend your preconceptions and conditioning, then the straight-to-the-point, no-fuss statements and action plans are fantastic. I've read many more garrulous books along similar lines but got much more out of the 52-page "Miracles", including one of my life's greatest "Ah ha!" moments. If only for that, it gets five stars.

In 1987, Charles Atkins was diagnosed with cancer. As with many cancer patients he underwent chemo and radiation therapy, a process that kills cell growth (both cancerous and healthy cells). To say the least, it can be a horrible process.

Years earlier, Atkins had been introduced to the work of Buddhist master Nichiren Daishonin. These teachings focused on the Lotus Sutra, repetition of the words "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo". For Atkins, this became a mantra of healing, to release karmic blockages and reverse dis-ease within the body system.

With nothing to lose, Atkins used this mantra during his illness. Before and during each therapy session, he chanted the phrase. This made the experience tolerable. He also regularly practiced the mantra with imagery techniques to speed his recovery. Atkins now uses the method to help others.

Charles Atkins is a master at harnessing his description of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and how it relates to healing the human body.
Even after being a 10 year practicing Buddhist, it is only now that I truly understand the meaning of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, along with its vibrational power to heal both the body and the mind. Using Atkins' exercise of mantra powered visualization, I have been given new strength and hope regarding my own health issues.
Anyone who deals with any type of chronic illness must read this book and implement it's easy to learn strategies.
This book and it's author has changed my life incredibly! Whether you are Buddhist or not, anyone can benefit from this over-whelmingly encouraging lesson in healing, along with Atkins' miraculous struggle and survival of cancer.
Gayla Preston, Columbus Ohio

After reading the book 'Modern Buddhist Healing' by Charles Atkins I lent it to a friend who has suffered from illness for many years and tried all sorts of therapy. She is already feeling the power of the healing recommended in the book. It is an honest, clear account of how anyone can change their lives and free themselves from disease, this is not a crank book as the method Mr Atkins uses really works. He even cites his own account of how he freed himself from a life threatening illness. It is a book to keep by your bedside and read over and over.

As a master's level clinical psychology student, I appreciate this book on several levels. I was fairly unfamiliar with Buddhism before reading this book, in part because of the anticipated complexity of the subject. To my surprise, I discovered Atkins had written a book comprehensible to those new to Buddhism. For those with a knowledge of Buddhism already, it provides much more insight into the topic. The connections to psychology and therapy are too vast to detail. As a therapist, you are simply a faciliator for the client in his quest to learn more about himself, very similarly to Buddhism. Through sharing his experience, Atkins proves the great power we each obtain through our minds and faith in healing.

This is IT
I recently just happened to be in a bookstore recently when Mr. Atkins was there discussing his book and experiences. I always have my "BS meter" on full alert...suffice to say that this book is not religious froo-froo or dogmatic salesmanship. The principles that he teaches here make sense for anyone and apparently work too. I'm impressed. If you buy it, Modern Buddhist Healing can change your life for the better on every level.

If there is no delivering power from sin's control in your life. If there is no reality of Christ in your life.... what good is your Gospel? This book reveals how God, through the cross, can bring power into your life, if you want it. If you are sick of powerless empty Christianity and desire the cross to be applied to your heart unto freedom, here it is. Get it and share it!! Expect great things!

"The mortification of sin in believers" by John Owen is a Christian classic written in 1656 by a Puritan and Oxford don. Owen was greatly respected for both his deep and exhaustive exposition and his practical application based on a transparently godly life. I, too prefer the original version, but such is the power of the thought of that original that even with omissions the text, the message comes through. Unfortunately, his language in the original is antiquated amd ponderous, making it difficult for the modern reader to understand (though those used to the Authorised Version should cope), but the content makes the effort worthwhile. Much of his strongly worded statements are directed against "Papists," the legalists and ceremonialists of his day. This may be off-putting to some, but all of what he says is just as relevant today if the reader does not restrict what is said to Roman Catholicism, for legalists and ceremonialists, obvious and hidden, are in every denomination and church.

His purpose in writing the book (based on a series of sermons) is to give advice on how best a Christian believer can defeat sin in their lives. He begins by explaining the second half of Romans 8:13 - "but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live," making five points that: (a) the duty, means and promise are conditional; (b) they are for believers; (c) only by means of the Holy Spirit can sin be defeated; (d) what duty of "mortifying the deeds of the body" means; and (e) the power and worth of the promise "you shall live".

One by one he deals with these points in depth, showing that even the best of believers will have to battle against sin all their lives and that only the Holy Spirit can successfully do this work. It is work worth the labour for a believer's life, energy and comfort is dependent on putting sin to death to live a life of godliness (Col 3:1-10). In defining what he meant by mortification of sin, he follows Paul's lead and shows what it is NOT, then what it IS, emphasising that only a believer can truly mortify sin and that mortification is not defeating a particular sin, but it is laying the axe to sinful attitudes and inclinations at their root in the fallen nature.

He then gives nine directives of HOW to mortify sin:
1. Check that a besetting sin is not fatal
2. Constantly remind yourself of the guilt, danger and evil of sin
3. Load your conscience with the guilt and evil of sin, the offence against God's love
4. Develop a vehement desire for deliverance
5. Some sin is rooted in character - this is no excuse but a challenge to greater battle
6. Avoid sources of temptation
7. Oppose sin at its very beginnings and do not wait until it emerges full-blown
8. Learn your true status and value by considering the greatness of God.
9. Speak no peace to yourself until God does

Finally he gives advice on the preparation of the heart for victory over sin by fixing on Jesus and the work of the Spirit.

If we are really serious about overcoming the evils of pride, selfishness and lust in ourselves to enjoy the wonder of God's unconditional love and grace and to live the life of the Spirit of Christ, then this is a book worth reading. And more than that: study it with your Bible open, building into your way of life the principles it gives.

Very good reading. Every Christian should read this. Short and easy to read.

As Christians, in this World today we need to Learn and Learn and Learn and then Teach and Remember what we were Taught.I read "The Mortification of Sin", then I bought 9 copies and handed them out to my friends,family,pastors and thats what you do with Good Sound Doctrine.

I was dissappointed when I received this book to find that it is an abridged version that has been re-written into easy to read language. Although I find the original language difficult, it wasn't just re-written in modern language, it was dumbed down and parts cut out. Some of the original punch was lost. However, it is available for free as a download online since it is so old. Look for vol 6 of his works and have lots of paper.

Excellent book for around the holidays. I know it is a kids book, but it is an all around family book.

This book is a wonderful keepsake. I feel it should be made a "classic". I want all my family to have it. I have started getting it for everyone special in my family as a keepsake for their children. It is a beautifully illustrated story about creation and will be loved by all ages. We display it in our home every year during the Christmas season. A must have for new babies!!!

I found my way to this book by accident in the form of a box of Christmas cards. I was shopping one Christmas season in a Christian bookstore I believe and came upon the most beautiful Christmas card I had ever seen in my life. The illustration was done by Richard Jesse Watson, and it happened to be of a shepherd boy bathed in the moonlight gazing at the sky. (entitled "O Holy Night") The detail was so realistic that it seemed as if I could reach out feel the roughness of his woven garments or pet the little lambs gathered around his bare feet. I felt as if I was there with him and all I had to do was look over my shoulder to actually see what he was looking at. It to this day takes my breath away. I bought the box with the intention of giving them to only the most special people in my life and saving a couple just to look at every Christmas.

After purchasing the cards and getting ready to send them out I noticed the caption on it saying that it was an illustration from this very book. I immediately headed back out the door to find it. I'm not sure what I expected the storyline to be of (not that it made a difference) because the cover art was so different from the card I'd bought, but once I saw it was written by Ruth Graham I knew I couldn't pass it up. The story about a boy who ended up having to stay at an elderly lady's home after getting stranded by a blizzard was sweet and endearing and I read most of it there in the store. The book, which depicts stories from the bible, meshes with the lush illustrations to turn out this highly acclaimed, award winning book.

I ended up purchasing at least 4 of them to give as Christmas gifts with strict orders to open immediately once the house is decorated for the season. All of the nativity (along with the other) illustrations make this book a pure slice of heaven. The richness and striking mood of every single picture is wondrous and fills me with more Christmas spirit than my heart can hold sometimes. I guess that's why I bought so many copies of it so I can share it with everyone I care about. Almost every Christmas I scan some of the illustrations to create my own Christmas cards for my friends making sure I tell them where the artwork comes from so they can pass this Christmas treasure on as well to their loved ones.

This is a great Christmas read that gives an overview of the gospel, from creation to Christ's resurrection. A boy is injured and must seek refuge with an older widow during a snowstorm. As he recuperates and waits for the storm to settle down, she tells him the story of man's fall and redemption through Christ Jesus.

This book does a good job of sticking to the true facts of the Bible without a lot of added fluff. I've read this aloud to my children a couple of times. It takes us a few sittings as it is fairly lengthy but it keeps them engaged.

The best part of the book is the illustrations. They are gorgeous! These are some of the most believable Biblical portrayals I have seen - not the stylized Italian sort or the comical characters which abound in Christian books for children. For instance, Adam and Eve are not lily white but look as if they could truly be the father and mother of us all. The portrait of Goliath is my favorite as he looks like a giant warrior might. His thighs are massive! And David is a young man, not a child, as Scripture would suppport.

I would only take issue with the picture of the angel guarding the garden of Eden. First, according to Genesis, there are angels (plural) placed at the gate. Secondly, although the American Indian woman is lovely, angels are only described as men and never as women in the Bible. Moreover, they always seem to invite dread (first words from angels are typically, "Don't be afraid") so I think a pretty angel lady is somewhat unlikely.

I highly recommend this book as a lavish picture book to be read at Christmas, or any time of the year. It helps children understand why the birth of Christ matters to them.

This charming Christmas story will warm your heart -- Ruth Bell Graham teams with Richard Jesse Watson to tell the story of a young boy away from home at Christmas. I love this book.

I used this book on a medical humanitarian mission to Africa because I didn't want to lug my huge textbooks around. It was the perfect size to fit in my carry on and fanny pack. The material was clear, concise, and up to date. I used it every day of my trip, and would recommend it to physicians or other health care professionals.

The Oxford Handbook of Tropical Medicine is a great book, as the other reviewers have stated. There is one reason why it stands out, and that is its physical construction. The paper is very thin (like a bible), and the writing is microscopic (good for traveling). The cover is tough plastic, and it is crammed with great reference material. If you've made it to this review, you should buy this book even if you aren't a doctor. If you're going to a developing country (where English is spoken) it would make a wonderful gift for the local doctor or nurse (many of whom are forced to consult 20 year old smeared photocopies of photocopies of out of date textbooks for their clinical information).

I stay part time in rural India and this book is awesome. It addresses issues that I had begun to believe I would never find solid information about. It also gives treatment options that keep Third World Medicine in mind. Very practical.

I recently spent some time in a small, rural clinic in sub-saharan Africa, and this book was by far the most useful tool I had. This is not at all a book on disease theory or etiology - it is purely practical. Concisely, what to suspect, how to diagnosis, and how to treat (e.g., step-by-step instructions on how to Giemsa stain a blood smear). One feature I especially appreciated was how this book doesn't make any assumptions about what diagnostic tools you have available; it explains how to best make decisions both with and without radiology, bacterial cultures, etc. The size of this book of course precludes certain information, the incorporation and discussion of WHO treatment guidelines is incredibly valuable.

I had this book among several others while working in rural Uganda. I quickly forgot the other texts and had this stuffed in my back pocket on the wards and going for housecalls. I'm an internist, so when a measles outbreak started I really appreciated the great section on managing this disease. This text contains the essentials for all aspects of medicine in tropical, resource-poor settings as well as great nutritional information. I will bring this book whenever when workng abroad.

In 1730, ten-year-old Molly is a pickpocket on the London streets who is caught and sentenced to be banished to America. While waiting in prison for the trip to America, two gentlemen come to her cell and tell her that she is a "daughter of Israel" and when she gets to America she will be indentured to a Jewish family. Her mother died of smallpox when she was 7, and she has little memory of her heritage. Upon her arrival to America, the Bell family purchases her as an indentured servant until her 21st birthday. The family is very good to her, even teaching her to read, but Molly is determined to get back to the London she knows. Molly grudgingly learns about compassion, family, and the real meaning of freedom through her contact with an abused African slave. Some characters speak an old London dialect called Flash or Flash-cant, a secret language that thieves invented so they could hide what they are saying. There is a glossary at the end with the definitions of the words used in the book. Children should particularly enjoy this aspect of the book. This is an engaging novel for young readers with historically accurate information about life in London and New York that is presented with all its complexity. It is particularly useful as an excellent introduction to the life of the Jews in New York at that time, and includes a map of New York in the 1730's. This book was the winner of the manuscript award of the Association of Jewish Libraries. Ages 8 - 12. Reviewed by Barbara Silverman

I had my daughter write a little "book report" about The Pickpocket's Tale after she devoured it during our family vacation this summer. In part, she wrote "I liked the book because it was realistic and was full of suspense. I also liked that the author used Thieve's cant and a real time & place."

Karen Schwabach's A PICKPOCKET'S TALE tells of a tough ten-year-old pickpocket in 1730s London who becomes an indentured servant to a Jewish family in New York City. Banished to America, Molly only wants to go home, even though her employers are good to her. History comes to life in a survey of their family's changes.

Ever since Karen told me that this book was comming out I have been waiting for the day I could buy it. This book is wonderful! The historical detail is great. From the expression of Jewish culture, to the use of 'Flash' talk, to the straightfoward way she presents the life of the poor in London Karen has done an excellent job. This is one that you will not want to put down I read it the day that I recieved it. You will fall in love with Molly and her story.

In 1730, Molly is a ten-year-old orphan who is convicted of pick-pocketing in London and deported to America. Even though her mother was Jewish, Molly is unfamiliar with Jewish customs and rituals. When a Jewish family in the new settlement of New York purchases Molly to be their indentured servant, she learns to follow and respect the Jewish traditions as well as the more civilized lifestyle of a "nib cull." She also learns about the importance of family, forgiveness, and faith. Karen Schwabach's rich descriptions of the food, clothing, living conditions, and scenery are impressive. Her use of the London dialect Flash-cant, used by pickpockets, while adding authenticity and flavor, weighs down the dialogue at times and may frustrate some readers. However, the unique plot, multi-dimensional characters, suspense, and excitement will make this meticulously researched novel a favorite among historical fiction fans. A map of the city of New York and an author's note providing historical background is appended along with a glossary of Flash-cant words and phrases. A great choice for a book club discussion and a fantastic tie-in for students learning about early-American history - highly recommended!

There should be more books like this! A funny look at the corporate world from someone who actually worked for a corporation. Could not put it down. My highest recommendation.

I've been searching for a real world story about the corporate world and this is it! Chuck Noranel has a great ability to inform and educate in a very entertaining way. Great story about how executives build their careers. Unbelievably funny.

Best business humor book I've read. You want to know about the mix of personalities inside that big sky-scraper down the street? Then read this book. Odds are, you already know some of these people.

A real page turner. Don't read if your ribs hurt, cause you'll be laughing a lot. You'll also get a real inside view of how a big company works. Entertaining and informative.

This is truly an entertaining book, with some mouth dropping information about a major credit card issuer(s) in Delaware. If you're an insider to the company who you think the writer is talking about, the fictional character names, are only some true behaviors of the real deals. Can't put the book down, once you start reading it. Excellent wit in the writing of this. Wish I knew who the 'real' Chuck Noranel is......