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Clubs Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Clubs
The reed of God
Published in Unknown Binding by Catholic Book Club (1945)
Author: Caryll Houselander
List price:

Average review score:

The Authentic Virgin Mary
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-11
A very beautiful, very human portrayal of Mary, Mother of God. Houselander steps into the heart of Mary and reveals to us a real, down-to-earth wife and mother with whom we can identify. Catholic and non-Catholic readers alike will be pleasantly surprised: "Mary of Nazareth is not so different from me!"

Inspiring and Meditative
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-04
This beautiful work sat near me on a bookshelf for years before I picked it up to read. Now I've read it again and again and enjoy it more each time. Caryll stirs the spirit and will inspire many reflections. She conveys a deeply spiritual message with a writing style that is simply a joy to read.

Ad Jesu Per Mariam
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-07
Through the words and illustrations of this book what shines through is the beautiful love of a woman for Christ and His Church. It is a devotional work, interspersed with Houselander's poetry. She writes from an early twentieth century English outlook and thus her chapters are interspersed with examples from the war. She doesn't get stuck in this contemporary setting though, but rather effectively uses it to bring the life of the Christian to greater clarity. In the course of the book she accomplishes two things beautifully. First she shows the importance for the Christian of a relationship with Mary. How the example of Mary can inspire and guide us, especially in difficult times, and how we can turn to her as an intercessor and mother. Secondly, she shows how Mary draws us towards Christ, and how ultimately our relationship with Mary is senseless otherwise.

MOVING AND WONDERFUL!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-08
This book, written in 1944 (I believe) is just wonderful. It, more than anything I have read, has brought me closer to Our Blessed Mother, and hence, to Christ Himself. Filled with lyrical prose and touching analogies, Houselander shows how Mary was the "Reed of God" waiting to be filled (with her maternity)...and that we are ALL vessels waiting to do God's work, and carrying Christ within us. Just remarkable.

The reed of God
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-09
What a wonderful book! I would highly recommend it to all who are wanting a closer relationship with Jesus and His Mother,It is a very profound book written by a convert!

Clubs
Running Book Discussion Groups: A How-to-do-it Manual for Librarians (A How-to-Do-It Manual for Librarians) (A How-to-Do-It Manual for Librarians)
Published in Paperback by Neal-Schuman Publishers (2006-04-01)
Author: Lauren Zina John
List price: $55.00
New price: $55.00
Used price: $42.00

Average review score:

Guide for Successful Book Discussion Groups
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-11
"Provides a detailed step-by-step guide to the tasks and responsibilities librarians are likely to encounter as book-group leaders conducting booktalks both on-site and online. Containing chapters on launching and running successful book-discussion groups; guides to 11 titles selected from the classics, nonfiction, best-sellers, and genre fiction; and lots of sample publicity material as well as helpful resources to lighten a busy librarian's workload (annotated bibliographies, online evaluation tools, professional organizations, and partnership strategies with checklists for getting help from bookstores, schools, and community groups), this is essential reading for anyone who may be considering taking on the role of a book-discussion-group leader and a refresher for the more experienced." (summary by South TX Library System)

A comprehensive and expert "how to" guide for establishing and maintaining book discussion groups
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-06
Running Book Discussion Groups: A How-To-Do-It Manual by librarian, writer, and book group leader Lauren Zina John is an outstanding introduction and in-depth guide to the ever-popular and effective educational technique and activity of reading in groups. Informing readers of variable approaches to the stylistic presentation of leading such book oriented groups, Running Book Discussion Groups deftly covers such issues as book group organization, recruitment, resources, members, discussions and discussion kits, proper book selection for particular grouping interests, and so much more. Running Book Discussion Groups is very highly recommended for all librarians for their patrons, classroom teachers for the students, and anyone wanting to set up a book discussion group for socializing in their homes, and are searching for a comprehensive and expert "how to" guide for establishing and maintaining book discussion groups.

Communal appreciation
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-05
It has been said that, were the book invented today, people would be amazed by the technology: compact, portable, able to be scanned front and back with the flick of a finger, perfect for storing commentary. And books have a presence and a weight, that other forms of written communication continue to lack, whatever the media in which they appear. Would anyone perceive a lasting need, after all, for "blog discussion groups?"

Lauren Zina John's comprehensive, illuminating and often amusing account of how to bring readers together to share their experiences of a book reimnds us that reading may be solitary in execution, but it is, in the end, communal in its effect. This worthy addition to my reference library reminds me why reading a book alone is like traveling alone: you will appreciate what you see, but how better it is when there are others who, as interested as you, have come along for the journey.

A big thank you to Mrs. John for reminding us all why we read and why it is that we need to bring our experiences of what we read into a room filled with other readers.

what every book group should read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-24
Wow! Here's a book that tells you -- in wonderfully comprehensive (and delicious) detail -- everything you could ever hope to know about book discussion groups. Lauren John's "Running Book Discussion Groups (A How-To-Do-It Manual)" is a wellspring of historical data, organizational tips, publicity techniques, content summaries, managerial information, and very practical pointers about group synamics and group management. And at the center are ten unbelievably helpful 10-20 page samples of specific individual group meetings, including book summaries, author biographies, reasons for the choice of book, sources for procuring the book, materials to support discussion, and even intelligent and trenchant discussion questions. All this is presented in a witty package written by a warm, inventive, charismatic book-group-leader and professionaol librarian who could charm the words from the trees -- from her first admonitory anecdote about the book group member who felt she wa being victimized through the final listings of up-to-date references about the topic under discussion. This book is a must for the thousands of book group discussion leaders and would-be leaders as well as a delightful and useful read for the hundreds of thousands of book group members and educators in our midst.
Dr. Alfred Jacobs, Professor Emeritus
Mass Communications Program
Menlo College

Running Book Discussion Groups
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-08
This work is immensely practical and useful for book discussion leaders, priceless for anyone trying to start or maintain a group. As a librarian, I think it is indispensable.

It begins with an overview of the history of book discussion groups, beginning as they floated toward America to the present, including the Oprah era. She outlines the elements required for success, such as publicity, recruitment, book selection and overcoming book group anxiety. There are stories from group organizers summarizing their experiences and sample forms to survey potential members to set times, audience and topics. Other information includes suggestions for covering a variety of genres, sample flyers, press releases and group Web pages with author links and other potential resources.

The nuts and bolts of the actual discussion section offers hints on breaking the ice, playing devil's advocate, readers who dominate the conversation or don't talk at all, hosting an author, and online book groups. Perhaps for new leaders the most useful section is the 10 books for which John has prepared the summary, author biography, rationale for selection, publication and access information, support materials - including film versions, and discussion questions. This analysis model can be generalized by book group leaders preparing other titles for their sessions. I strongly recommend this title.

Clubs
S Club 7 in Miami: The Official Scrapbook
Published in Paperback by Harper Entertainment (1999)
Authors: Jeremy Mark and Jackie Robb
List price: $8.95
New price: $2.00
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

I Wish They Released These Scrapbooks For All Of S Club's Shows
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-11
S Club 7 In Miami's Official Scrapbook is definitely a gem. I was expecting to recieve the book and see pictures and information about the show that I already knew. However, this book has tons and tons of pictures that I've never seen before! There's at least four pages simply devoted to pictures of the show in a really cute scrapbook style. Also, there are two pages devoted to each S Club 7 member telling a little bit about them. There's a couple of other pages that talk about the show's episodes and their summaries, what songs are performed on what episode, etc. All in all, this was an excellent buy and I only wish S Club's three other TV series were scrapbooked like this! I recommend this to anyone who loves S Club or their series Miami 7.

Great scrapbook
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-27
This is a really good book. It has 2 giant posters or S Club, behind the scenes of Miami 7 pictures, a guide to each member containing facts and a full biography page. In each 'Beginners Guide' there is a picture or a S Clubber. It also includes the story guide of the Miami series, along with many other posters it has quotes from the series, the S Club 7 lingo, it also has a whole other page of 25 facts, and a page of 'Classic Moments'. This book is loaded with information and pictures! Go and buy it.

I loved this!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-22
Although this book doesn't really have that much info on the band, it has billions of pictures. There are several fold-out posters, losts of collages, and an episode guide, too.

Even though it's a bit old, every S Club fan should own this!

S Club 7 is the BOMB!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-11-30
The S Club 7 has millions of pictures, good info about the band, and 2 great posters that I put on my locker @ school. The pictures are great, and for their birthday!! Happy reading!

Great Book about S Club 7 in Miami!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-05
This book is all about the show. It has lots of pictures. Even summeries of all the episodes with what songs were sung. This book is perfect for anyone who loved the series. Even comes with posters!

Clubs
The Saint in New York
Published in Unknown Binding by Published for the Crime Club, Inc. by Doubleday, Doran (1935)
Author: Leslie Charteris
List price:
Used price: $5.90

Average review score:

Saint Saga #15
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-28
This is the book that put Leslie Charteris on the map and made best-sellers of all the previous Saint books in retrospect.

Set shortly after the repeal of Prohibition, this tale of revenge is one of the grimmest, and the certainly the most violent, of all the Saint stories, so that when it was filmed, it was considerably toned down (and all hint of corruption in the New York judiciary removed, of course).

Nevertheless, most Saint fans, including myself, seem to regard it as one of the best (as witness the other reviews). To take just one example: as a synopsis of all the previous Saint books -- vital, if new readers are to understand the story -- the prologue (which takes the form of a letter to the NYPD from Simon's old adversary Chief Inspector Teal of Scotland Yard) is one of the most original ideas I've seen.

Charteris knew New York well, along with its denizens and their culture and language. The characters are drawn with great verve, especially Inspector John Fernack, the various members of the gangland hierarchy, and the mysterious Fay Edwards, who falls in love with Simon at the same time as she is helping him to kill just about everyone she knows.

Above all, Charteris shows himself once again a first-rate story-teller. Gripping from start to finish.

P.S. For a list of -- and discussion of -- all Charteris's Saint books, see my So You'd Like To... Guide.

who is the big fella ?
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-04-10
If you only ever read one saint story ,you will be missing out on some great stuff, but THE SAINT IN NEW YORK would be the one to try . The saint at his best reckless as ever ,but coming very close to getting a set of wings to go with his halo . His way of expression ,english wit to hardend new york thugs is very amusing.Dont confuse this guy with the later tv saint, in this he bumps off the ungodly as quick as they would him ,with the help of gun ,knife and a mysterious female,beautiful but deadly.Trying to free the city from the clutchers of nicely sewn up crime ring,the saint works his way through some of the smaller fish,and gets dangerously closer to the sharp and powerfull jaws of the big fella,but who is the big fella ? GREAT STUFF .

who is the big fella ?
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-04-10
If you only ever read one saint story ,you will be missing out on some great stuff, but THE SAINT IN NEW YORK would be the one to try . The saint at his best reckless as ever ,but coming very close to getting a set of wings to go with his halo . His way of expression ,english wit to hardend new york thugs is very amusing.Dont confuse this guy with the later tv saint, in this he bumps off the ungodly as quick as they would him ,with the help of gun ,knife and a mysterious female,beautiful but deadly.Trying to free the city from the clutchers of nicely sewn up crime ring,the saint works his way through some of the smaller fish,and gets dangerously closer to the sharp and powerfull jaws of the big fella,but who is the big fella ? GREAT STUFF .

Robin Hood of Modern Crime bashing the New York underworld
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-02
When Simon Templar, alias the Saint, is hired to avenge the murder af a millionair's son, he comes to New York to find a totally corrupt system. With impudence only he has, he cheerfully takes on the task of single-handedly cleaning up the City. We see the colder side of his personality when he swears to be completely ruthless after witnessing the mob's impersonal fatal "rides." This book is fast paced with a completely unexpected ending, with no dull spots anywhere. I would recommend it to anybody, even if you are not a Saint fan.

Unusual but the Best Saint Novel
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-08-31
As the other reviewers wrote, the Saint was unusually cold and merciless in this book. Because the enemy was so big, so strong and so merciless; even the Saint was severely cornered several times. But I was glad because he still held his characteristics that made him so charming; impudence, recklessness, sense of humor and sense of justice. I also enjoyed the story very much; well-plotted, fast-paced and thrilling. And the climax was so dramatic! It will be one of the best Saint novels. Highly recommended.

Clubs
Sierra Club 2006 Wilderness Calendar
Published in Calendar by Harmony (2005-07-26)
Author: Sierra Club
List price: $11.95

Average review score:

Beautiful!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-04
The photos in this calendar are absolutely stunning. I bought three calendars this year (for work, home office, and kitchen) and this one is by far my favorite. The photography can't be beat, and there is plenty of room for writing multiple daily events.

always beautiful and useful
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-25
I get this calendar every year beacuse the photos are beautiful and I enjoy having it hanging in my office. The day entries are large enough to write notes.

Beautiful!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-24
I love this calendar. The photos are amazing. I am going to frame them when the year is over and put them in my office. Gorgeous!

Sierra Club 2006 Wilderness Calendar
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-24
Breathtaking, beautiful, representative pictures, as usual. Highly recommend this product.

Beautiful!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-04
What better way to keep trak of the year than with this beautiful calendar. The photos range from stunning to aweinspiring!

Clubs
Sierra Club 2008 Wilderness Calendar
Published in Calendar by Harmony (2007-07-24)
Author: Sierra Club
List price: $12.95
Used price: $47.84

Average review score:

great
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-01
fantastic calendar, got it for a gift for someone and was tempted to keep it myself.

Calendars better last year
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-26
We buy these every year not only to give as gifts to our family but because we want to support the Sierra Club in its efforts to save our world ecology. I didn't find the pictures as inspiring this year but they're still beautiful. And our friends and family always appreciate them.

For the Nature Lover and Urban Dweller
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-26
Every year I purchase this calendar, hang it in my cube and hear the many compliments. The shots are gorgeous and afterwards, their generous size and excellent quality are easily frame-worthy. I recommend it for the person who likes to look over once in a while and visualize themselves to a calming, secluded area in North America that they may never get to visit (and may not be the same if I do). Support a good cause and appreciate the vast areas of nature at her finest.

Sierra club 2008 winderness calendar
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-10
Received very quickly and the product looks beautiful. This is for a gift and I am excited to give it. Thanks

Sierra Club Calendar
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-01
I purchase this calendar for my office every year. This nature scene calendar always has high quality photography. I recommend this calendar to any nature lover or any one who likes to bring a bit of nature indoors.

Clubs
The story of an African farm
Published in Unknown Binding by Printed for the members of The Limited Editions Club at the Westerham Press (1961)
Author: Olive Schreiner
List price:

Average review score:

Spectacular
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-01
True to the topic, it transports you right there. Historical and old, but still current.

Picture of South African Victorian Culture
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2000-07-12
Written about a South African farm. this book depicts the story of a family and how they interact throughout the book. The most striking dynamic in the book is the relationships of the women in it. It portrays female existence in a realistic light even for today. The story has a lot of character to it, and I would recommend it highly for teachers who want to teach about feminism.

Incredible
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-01
Although I had to read this book for a college class, I would read it again in a second, I feel that I can only gain more and more from this book through rereadings. Its plot is at times disjointed to the style of the author and the message she is attempting to convey, so for those who are looking for a strongly Dickensian or "feel good" read, this is most likely not the book for you right now. But for me, from an analytical and heartfelt standpoint, the subtlety of the book and its beauty and its truth made me tear up a little bit. I'm currently writing a paper on Waldo and his artistic and personal growth throughout the novel, so maybe I'm a little biased, but although Lyndall is an incredibly interesting and advanced character, I think Waldo is often glossed over as merely suffering from a religious crisis of faith, and, being a man, not deserving of attention in this novel of the "New Woman". But Waldo ultimately reaches a place of amazing peace and understanding, and the lives of Waldo and Lyndall intertwined together is truly beautiful.

Much more than a feminist novel, novel for every one
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2003-09-04
I thought this book was one of the best books Ive ever read it describes how people feel and view the world from inside themselves but can never express this externally or even realise they are thinking these things themselves.

For me It depicts how inadequate we all are men and women, when it comes to Love, and expressing it and sharing it. it flumoxes us all, Its too big for us, "the chickens had more sense"....pass the worms please.

Complex, Deep and Moving
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-15
"Story of an African Farm" is a difficult work to describe. It must be read several times, and carefully pondered before all of its secrets are unlocked.

Ostensibly, the book revolves around the lives of three children (and, later, adults) who live in the Karroo plains of South Africa. The main focus, however, is on two of the characters - Waldo, the earnest and deeply curious son of the German farmkeeper, and Lyndall, the beautiful, outspoken and rebellious orphan who suffers all her life for her ideals.

The book itself is semi-autobiographical. Waldo represents Schreiner's journey from fanatical, childlike faith to bitter skepticism, who reaches a watershed of sorts when he hisses to Lyndall 'There is no God - none!'. Lyndall, on the other hand, embodies Schreiner's frustation with her station as a woman - barred from the upper echelons of society, and her inability to find a mate who is both her intellectual match and willing to accept her as an equal. "I want to love", she whispers to the grave of Waldo's father, "I want something great and pure to lift me to itself."

There are many other themes that flesh out the subtext of this extraordinary book - the tragedy of solitude, that ultimately, all humans are alone in the cosmos. "Dear eyes", the dying Lyndall whispers to her mirror, "they will never part us."

Readers who expect a narrative will be dissapointed. What narrative there is serves only to undersore the book's many themes. Often, the flow of the story is out of sequence, or devoid of context, and deliberately so. Roughly, the book is divided into three sections - the first introduces us to the characters as children, and reveals their innermost thoughts. The second, and shortest section is entitled "Times and Seasons". It is somewhat of a summary of what has gone before, dealing mostly with Waldo's journey from Christian fanaticism to dispairing atheism, and foreshadows some of what is to come. The third, and longest section, covers the lives of the characters as adults, and is by far the most powerful, and moving piece of the book.

The reader who is looking for mindless action is advised to pick up the latest Tom Clancy novel, or whatever passes for literature these days. Those who are willing to put aside all preconceived notions, and have their cherished beliefs challenged are invited to read this book. The search for truth is endless. But this book is a perfect place to begin.

Clubs
Those Beautiful Eyes
Published in Paperback by Writers Club Press (2001-10-24)
Author: Ann Cowart Lutzky
List price: $20.95
New price: $13.21
Used price: $5.95
Collectible price: $39.00

Average review score:

A timeless literary journey
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-16
A timeless and sumptuous exploration of the fluidity of the ages and our spiritual connections, THOSE BEAUTIFUL EYES is a true feast for the senses.

From ancient Mesopotamia to modern-day San Francisco, in delicate yet masterful prose, this novel depicts the lives and fates of a village girl in service to a goddess, a dancer, and a film maker and his wife, while reflecting on the corrupting influence that the quest for recognition, power and wealth has on the soul. Ms Lutzky's wealth of historical research shines through without interfering with the sublime clarity of her tale - one that carries deep roots in Eastern philosophies. A sensual celebration of longing and loss, of the fragility of love and our forgotten past, this is literature of the highest order - an intelligent, deeply powerful book that cannot fail to leave the reader yearning for more. Highly recommended for fans of Isabel Allende or Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Those Beautiful Eyes
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2002-06-03
I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Lutzky's "Those Beautiful Eyes". Slipping back and forth through time kept me on my toes but the modern characters were so involving that I found myself wondering about them and where the story was headed...much as one would absently think about friends and their lives.

Of course I identified with certain characters and their struggles with life and relationships. Very convincing stuff. I suspect that Ms. Lutzky has indeed a connection to another time and place...a must read!

Another look at publishing today.....
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-26
This is a "vanity press" book. If a writer such as Mrs. Lutzky cannot (it would seem) find an agent and that agent find a publisher, it merely indicates how distressed the book business is these days. Fortunately, yes, there are still many good writers and many agents/publishers to work with them. Of course, I may have this all wrong and it's a reprint of previously published material, but I do not believe that to be the case.

Whatever the case, this is no reflection on Those Beautiful Eyes nor the author. This is a stunning work of literature and I'm glad to see there are others who agree with my determination.

That Beautiful Book
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-20
Other reviewers have given an overview of the contents of this beautiful novel, so I will only make a few remarks about my own experience in reading it. I bought this book on impulse, something I rarely do. I don't read novels for entertainment, but rather to be touched deeply at the feeling core of my being. Very few novels do that, but this one did. My love for ancient history was fed by the author's fine evocation of life in 2700 BCE, a time I well recall from a lifetime of dreams and reveries of Mohenjo-Daro.

The characters of Anarisha (in 2700 BC) and Maria (in modern times) are the most vividly drawn, and well brought to life by the strong supporting cast. I read this book slowly, savoring every word. The book is well-written enough to allow this kind of deep immersion without becoming thin or shallow. The ending was perhaps a bit contrived, but still satisfying.

I just finished the book this morning and I still cannot separate myself from it enough to give a fully objective evaluation. For one thing, there were a stunning number of coincidences between the dates and places in the book and those of my own life. This added much to my reading experience, but could not possibly be shared by very many other readers. For (only a very few of many) examples: Born in 1945; life changing month of June, 1963; entered UC Berkeley Fall, 1963 (I feel I knew the author then, but I can't be certain); first child born 1974; an unexpected tragic death in 1998; and far too many more to mention without boring you. And the Dhammapada, that constant companion and guide of my life. Certainly a part of my appreciation for this book was that the author was somehow, inexplicably, writing the story of my own life -- not merely the sense of it, which can be found in other books, but the details, which I don't know how she could have known.

A remarkable literary achievement, this book is "almost aesthetically perfect" like Michael Dagan's films. Ann, by pouring your life into this story, you have accomplished your life's work. Now it's time to go beyond being a Buddhist, and to become a Buddha.

Hypnotic, engaging and fascinating
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-10
A beautiful story of transcendence; transcendence of passion and will of a beautiful priestess in an ancient time to transcendence of time and space. A fascinating life journey that plays out in exotic sites across the world with seamless writing by the author. The colorful character of Anarishka stimulates the imagination. Anne Cowart Lutzky's writing is novel, intriguing, and absorbing. Highly recommended.

Clubs
Touched
Published in Paperback by Writers Club Press (2000-09)
Author: Linda Armstrong-Miller
List price: $12.95
New price: $50.52
Used price: $5.88

Average review score:

Excellent Bowker Review
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-09
"Touched" is an enthralling novel created by the fertile imagination of debut author Linda Armstrong-Miller. Offering a chilling look at child abuse, domestic violence, and racial prejudice, it relates the story of an emotionally scarred man who is compelled to confront his traumatic past. The protagonist's willingness to forgive releases painful memories, healing all areas of his life.

Dr. Matthew Green has just started his four-year medical internship, but his heart is not in the medical profession. Because he lacks the desire to be a good doctor, he displays a dearth of sensitivity and compassion for his patients as well as a general distrust toward his co-workers. On his first night on call, when a ninety-eight old African-American woman suffering from congestive heart failure is unexpectedly transferred to his care, Matthew feels that the intensive care unit's resources are wasted on her, since she does not have long to live. However, when he meets Ruthie Mae Morris or Grandma, as she likes to be called, he is in for several surprises.

The mysterious Grandma not only reads Matthew's mind but also seems to know everything about him and his disturbing past. Explaining that he needs to eliminate his excess baggage and face his painful memories ("As a doctor, you know that sometimes a wound must be opened in order for it to heal"), she offers to 'touch' his heart and help him move on with life. Using the "tools of her trade," Grandma guides him through a journey back in time to deal with his childhood issues. Later, she takes him on a trip to the town of "The Walking Wounded." Here, Matthew witnesses two hateful, racist, white youths gruesomely murder a young African-American woman named Bonnie. Matthew shares the anguish of the town's people at the loss of a fellow being and learns about love and caring. Finally, just as he makes peace with his past and after much introspection, he discovers the answer to Grandma's intriguing question "Do two wrongs make a right?", his guide seeks her own peace.

Without descending to preaching, this talented new writer has penned a spell-binding page turner that explores troubling issues like abuse and racial bias. The twist towards the end is sure to surprise many. Though it contains some gruesome incidents, its core message is the healing power of forgiveness. This inspirational story will touch the hearts of adult readers and young-adults alike.

Highly recommended, emotionally satisfying reading
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-06
Touched is a compelling novel by Linda Armstrong Miller about the power of forgiveness to transform life itself. When Matthew Allen, a man burdened by the pain in his past, closes himself off from all friends and family, he denies himself love and happiness. Yet his self-inflicted deprivation is about to change, as he comes to understand that learning to forgive and to make peace with one's past is the first step to being able to truly embrace and enjoy life. Touched is highly recommended, emotionally satisfying reading.

Touched
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-04-30
I really enjoyed this book. Because of my christianity, this book reminded me of true spirituality. Also,it says never give up and hold on to your faith. The part that really touched me was: When I saw how determined she was,I went to her little boy and knelt beside him. I was determined she would have a prize at the end of her labored journey. While Goatee held his watch, Blondie looked on. I looked to see how close she was. To my shock and surprise her eyes locked with mine. When she finally arrived, she smiled at me. I couldn't believe it. "Thank you Jesus." She said."Jesus? No, not me." I whispered. "Angel?" She asked. "I've never been called that either." "You were sent to help me?" She asked. She was out of breath when she finished. "Yes." I answered. "Angel." She said then smiled. So did I. Her smile was wondrous. I remembered how my mother had looked when she smiled at Chris. It has been just as wonderful and she had been dying too. After thanking me, Bonnie laid beside her son. She attempted to pull her son to her. By now, she was far too weak. If the baby had been another step farther, I'm not sure she would have...yes she would have. She would have reached him no matter how far away he was. That I was sure of. Bonnie slid her hands under him trying again to lift him. I placed my hands under hers. Together we lifted him. She then pulled her arms back and nestled the baby against her chest. With the gaping wound that was now her abdomen, this nestling actually made it look as though she was trying to put him back inside her. "Thank you so much." She whispered barely audible even to me. She found the strength to kiss her son once more. Then she died. Less than a minute later, her son took his last breath.

An Impressive Literary Effort!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2001-06-12
The saying you can't judge a book by its cover is so true. When I received the copy of Touched by Linda Armstrong-Miller, I have to admit it took me two days to actually start reading. But once I started I didn't want to put it down.

The author did a wonderful job painting a picture of her characters. It was as if I lived through them. I think the thing that "Touched" (pun intended) me the most was the conversation throughout the book between Grandma, and Mathew. Their dialogue was crisp and believable. It was as if I were in a room observing them from afar. We cannot predict what challenges we face in life; however, through our faith and the support of loving, caring people we can overcome.

I like the story more so because it showed a continued hope for Matthew to change, and that the change was going to have to be as a result of him finally letting someone into his life. I wholeheartedly recommend this book as one to add to your bookshelf. I plan to read it again, just in case I missed something the first time-Kudos to Ms. Armstrong-Miller.

T.C. Matthews Co-founder, Prolific Writers Network

A Supernatural Journey
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2002-01-05
Matthew Allen had a seemingly perfect childhood, that is until the death of his father. Struggling economically, his family was forced to move out of their comfortable suburban home, sell most of their valuable belongings and move into a tiny apartment. Many of the things children tend to take for granted slowly slipped out of Matthew Allen's reach. Things only became worse after his mother remarried and eventually Matthew became the victim of a major tragedy. As a result of these things, Matthew decided that the best way to cope in a cruel world was to cut himself off emotionally, not caring about anyone he encountered.

As the story begins, Matthew is beginning his medical internship at a hospital he is less than thrilled about working at. His ability to get along with both colleagues and patients is severely limited due to his emotional distancing so he keeps to himself as much as possible. That is until a 98-year-old, seemingly homeless, African American patient, who prefers to be called "Grandma" is placed under his care and he is forced to once again feel.

Together, Matthew and "Grandma" go on a supernatural journey that allows them to travel time and space in order to find healing. "Grandma" poses a difficult question to Matthew, "Do two wrongs make a right?" and he must struggle to arrive at the answer. In doing so, he must journey as a spectator through his own childhood and some of the lives of people in "Grandma's" past.

In this book, Armstrong creates a tale in which gender, age, class, and racial barriers are transcended through the special bond that Matthew Allen and "Grandma" develop. The unlikely duo work together to heal the emotional wounds of the past and build new hope for the future. Though at times the language in the dialogue was a little bothersome, the story will draw you in making you feel anger, sorrow, frustration and joy right along with the characters.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay

Clubs
The Twilight of the Day
Published in Paperback by Writers Club Press (2000-04)
Author: Ian A. O'Connor
List price: $13.95
New price: $4.95
Used price: $3.12

Average review score:

This book is a must read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-11-23
No matter what your interests, you will enjoy this book! I received it one afternoon and finished it before retiring that evening. Who knows, the author may be right on the mark with his scenario of events at the close of the Vietnam War. It is definitely thought provoking. Highly recommended.

A book you can't put down
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-08-25
The Twilight of the Day is a rivoting story that is probably closer to the truth that anyone would want to believe. Once you pick it up you cannot put it down. It is a "must read" for anyone who knows and cares about what happened in Viet Nam. I am looking forward to reading more from Ian O'Connor.

Riveting!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-18
Review by Ginnie FitzGerald: truly riveting! Husband enjoyed it so much I had to read it. True to his word, it grabbed my attention and was very fast paced. I could not put it down until I had finished it! I most highly recommend it!

Food for Thought
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-17
This book was a very good story about what might have happened to POWs in the Viet Nam conflict. A lot of those held by the North Vietnamese were highly educated pilots and the premise for the book is right on! Excellent reading and definitely food for thought. Top drawer and fast paced reading.

refresher course
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-25
This novel is a refresher course that the bad guys are still out there with sinister plans to conquer the world by whatever means possible. It's not enough that Qaddafi has this oil niche and the economic power that goes with it but he allows insane subordinates concoct fiery schemes. The notion that Vietnam POW's were ruthlessly mistreated and in the middle of this plot kept me reading on and on. Good luck with any future writing endeavors


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