Clubs Books

A well written story, with characters that are multidimensional. Descriptions that draw you into the pages, and a plot that doesn't fizzle and fade by the middle of the book. Matthews is definitely one to watch, I expect great things from him in the future. Give it a read. I doubt you'll be able to put it down until you turn the last page.

This book should be given more advertisement within the wrestling community. I read it twice! Front to back, cover to cover. The story shows the inside of professional wrestling. It has action for the guys and romance for the girls. I encourage all people, even if you aren't a wrestling fan, to buy this book and give this talented author a chance to become one of your favorites. Mark my words, it will be a book that you will read more than once!!

This is a great book, it lets the common man see what it is like to live the life of a professional wrestler. You get to learn that it is not all glitz and glamour, and that it is really dangerous. It makes you want to read on and on. I can't wait for parts two and three.

I used to think that the spiritual exercises were only for "really, really" religious people with a lot of time on their hands. I got this book several years ago when my three children were all in high school. My husband and I began using it together. We spent time alone with it in prayer and came together to share our experience and prayer. It not only became a source of great spiritual growth but brought us even closer as a couple. Both our spirits and our marriage have been enriched and we often go back to this book.

I came across this book quite by accident in the local bookstore. It was put on sale along with all the other books on arts, cooking, travelling etc. Being the only religious book it caught my eye.

As it turned out this was the beginning of spiritual renewal for me. It is not a book for reading, but an invitation to enter the mystery of drawing closer to Jesus as the title so appropriately suggested. Unlike some other day-to-day guide for the Ignatius exercises, in addition to the gospel and the original Ignatius text, Fr. Skehan introduces the use of Christian eastern meditation and makes use of other authors' writings relevant to the process, such as Teilhard de Chardin's Divine Milieu. The first 16 pages of introduction form the skeletal frame work of his approach and is extremely useful for anyone interested in prayer.

I did not have help till half way through the first round. It was possible to manage alone though not easy, and I could not tell how well I did. I was only able to spend about 30-45 minutes a day in two separate sittings. Had very moving instances from time to time. I can see the advantage of having a spiritual director but nowadays they are few and far between, and probably overworked just like other walks of life.

It is better to start the exercise sometime a few weeks before Advent so that the movement is more or less in tune with our liturgical year. I am very grateful for having 'lived' under the guidance of this book and am trying to organize my parish to participate as a community.

Vicky Chen MD

"Place Me With Your Son " is a book I have used to make my own retreat. It easy to use. I have led almost a thousand directed retreats and used this book hundreds of times with retreatants. It has enhanced my work as a retreat director because it gives me more time to listen to the one making the retreat. Its simplicity of format is wonderful. There is little that needs to be explained.

This is not a book to be read. It is a faithful application of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius which is one of the Great Books of the World. A person could make the mistake of just reading it and wondering why it is supposed to be so special. The reason is simple. It is meant to be prayed. In the best possible use of it, one goes through a real experience of Christ with a Spiritual Director.

In the normal experience of its use, it takes about thirty weeks to go through this experience without rushing or forcing one's experience of it. While it is possible to do it alone, it is better done with one who has the experience of leading others in a retreat. In a non-retreat use, one can pray it along with the liturgical cycle and reap great benefits from it. It is an experience worth repeating every year with the return to favorite meditations. Most Jesuits in this country have used this book or some form of it each year for all their life as a Jesuit. Spirituality is an attempt to put on the mind and the heart of Christ, and these meditations give one a real insight into how Christ loves one. I consider it the best tool I have ever had for my work as a Spiritual Director.

Rev.Joseph McCloskey, S.J. 19Eye St., N.W. Wash.,D.C. 20001 mcclosk@gonzaga.org

A diabolical murderer has been at work in the Victorian precincts of the manor known as Socrates Close. The formidable Great Aunt Caroline has all her wits about her, but her family does not and they have been dropping like flies. The police are naturally baffled. Only Albert Campion, faintly redolent of the early Lord Peter Wimsey with his fatuous smile and episcopal connections, stands between the criminal and a particularly nasty victory. This is Golden Age crime in full glory: an extremely ingenious puzzle, very well drawn period characters (Great Aunt Caroline is unforgettable), the usual understated English humour and a villain who is memorable in more than the usual ways. I'm not sure if Margery Allingham ever wrote a better book than this, so sit back, relax, make yourself comfortable and get ready to enjoy a mystery the likes of which they seldom write these days. If it's raining outside, so much the better!

Coincidence and madness are the twin themes of "Police at the Funeral." The book starts out when a planned meeting between Campion and Joyce Blount turns into an accidental meeting with Inspector Stanislaus Oates and a peculiarly unpleasant fellow who takes one look at Joyce and flees. From there the tale follows a twisted path.

Joyce is the fiancée of Marcus Featherstone, one of Campion's oldest friends. She lives with her great aunt Caroline, a pair of unpleasant uncles and an equally depressing brace of aunts. Uncle Andrew, a singularly miserable fellow, has vanished and Joyce has come to Campion for help. In short order Andrew is found murdered in such a fashion as to implicate his heavy drinking brother William. Campion's presence is commanded by Great Aunt Caroline and he is settled into Socrates Close, their Cambridge home, to act as detective, defender and general factotum.

Yes, I said commanded. Great Aunt Caroline Faraday is a true Victorian 'grand dame.' For most of her life she has ruled Socrates Close and much of Cambridge's social life. Even now, in her 90's she is a force to be reckoned with. She has no patience with her dependents, who share little of her and her departed husband's brilliance. She sees no alternative to the ministrations of Campion, with whose mysterious but illustrious family she is well acquainted.

It will take the death of one of Joyce's aunts and yet another fatality before Campion is able to meet her expectations. In doing so he will brush with evil at its most petty and spiteful. The lightheartedness that Campion uses to cover his true feeling entertains and delights us, but is never completely able to dispel the pall that lies upon the great house until the very last, when he once again finds a way through.

I believe this is the first time Allingham puts aside her Chinese fire drill device and settles in to write true detective fiction. Her talent reveals itself as quite capable of handling the slower pace, which allows here more time to develop a remarkable cast of characters. These are never guilty of tediousness despite any other flaws they chose to reveal.

It is a shame that Allingham's books are often allowed to go in and out of print. Too often, Campion aficionados are condemned to rummaging in used bookstalls to fill a gap in their collection. Luckily, most of us like to rummage. Police at the Funeral is a wonderful tale that is reminiscent of Marsh's "Death of a Peer," although the Faradays are nowhere as near as appealing as Marsh's Lampreys. Except for Great Aunt Caroline, of course, who is a perfect treat. I can only tell you this tale is well worth digging for.

This 1932 novel is the 3rd in the Campion series. 'Albert Campion' (one of his aliases) has been contacted by an old school friend who has asked Albert to look into a matter for his fiancee's family - the Faradays, it seems that one of his future in-laws is missing. As the young lady is filling in Albert on her uncle's disappearance word arrives that the missing man has been found, unfortunately dead.

Upon arriving at the Faraday household Albert discovers that his grandmother and the matriarch of clan, Aunt Caroline, are old friends. With this entree into the family Campion begins to unearth old family secrets and scandals. Ultimately the truth comes out but not before the body count rises.

Albert Campion has been compared to Sayers's Lord Peter Wimsey especially in the earlier novels. The similarities are noticeable in this one but less so than the previous novel, MYSTERY MILE. Campion is still traveling in the close world of upper class old English families and still playing the effete fool. The setting here is Cambridge (as opposed to Wimsey's Oxford) and Campion's police contact Oats, is reminiscent to Wimsey's Parker. Campion though is beginning to remerge from Wimsey's shadow here and developing more of his own style.

The mysteries are intriguing, the clues are all present and challenging enough to keep the reader guessing. This is a great entry into the series, one that fans will not want to miss. It would also be a good place to begin if the earlier books are not available.

Problem Kid # 1 is a true portrayal of what it was like for some of the children of that era. As in his book,"I Have To Hurt You" Mr. Farrell tells his story as though he were simply talking to a friend, and totally captivating his interest in a not too pretty picture of his distant past. In reading this book, one experiences many emotions, some compassionate, and many of distain. It makes one who did not live during that time very glad that they didn't! What was to become of this boy was the question in the reader's mind throughout. The ending is surprising, and some might think controversial! I enjoyed the book thoroughly!

Problem Kid # 1 is a true portrayal of what it was like for some of the children of that era. As in his book "I Have To Hurt You" Mr. Farrell tells his story as though he were simply talking to a friend, and totally captivating his interest in a not too pretty picture of his distant past. In reading this book, one experiences many emotions, some compassionate, and many of distain. It makes one who did not live during that time very glad that they didn't! What was to become of this boy was the question in the reader's mind throughout. The ending is surprising, and some might think controversial! I enjoyed the book thoroughly!

Mr. Farrell has done an excellent job in his portrayal of a "Delinquent Kid" in the hungry thirties. Not only is it a true to life story of the times, but is written in such a way that each criminal event draws one right into the thick of it, enmeshing one in the powerful negative emotions of a young mind gone bad. A pre-teen, and early teen mind that really didn't give a damn!
Sad,but powerful Stuff!

I loved this book! Great action. I read it in one weekend. Great character developement. Vampires, undread, giant talking rats! What more could you want from a book? The best news... the second one is even better.

This book was exciting the whole way through. There were no dull moments. I can't wait for the next in the saga!

Loved this book. First one of this genre that I have read....and I can not wait for the second one. Fast moving. Kept my attention...all the way to the end.

Let's see more books Ian!

Every chapter in this tale is packed with page-turning excitement. Five teens, the Chosen of Azar, are adopted by two Commanders of the Barrand Guards and brought to Haven's Hold. All five are endowed with magic that is not fully developed. They must learn how to utilize and control it. Haven's Hold, a fortress community, is the hub of the story. It came into existence with the magic of Mo Demz, a disciple of the god Azar. It houses the Barrand Guards, the Sect, and the trainees. The Barrand Guards are the most elite warriors on the lands. The Sect is a group of women with power magic that oversee the training of young women with magic. It is Condragon, the evil god and Azar's brother, who is spreading his evil creatures throughout the land and threatening the races of people.

The Chosen are abruptly uprooted and brought into this highly disciplined atmosphere. The future of Azar's creation rests on their shoulders. Like a multi-faceted gem, this tale reflects the personalities and quirks of its characters. It is packed with suspense. At times it will have you sitting on the edge of your chair. At others you will laugh and you may even shed a tear. This is one of those novels that will keep you up because you will want to keep reading. I strongly recommend it.

Look out Star Wars! This fantasy novel has it all! Action, romance, drama, humor, and intrigue. The land of Azar might be fantasy, but you will find yourself living within this world as you read. The benovolent family of Mo Demz not only take strangers into their family, but the reader as well. I shared joy as The Chosen of Azar set out on their quest. I cried whenever disaster stuck (although I'm not giving anything away) The hair on my arms actually stood up during one particularly "hair raising" scene. I can't wait to get my hands on, THE PROPHECY UNFOLDS-PART 2! My advice is buy them both at the same time so you don't have to wait!

The Prophecy Unfolds is a true page-turner. When Prophecy arrived, I was looking for a new "favorite author." I had read all the latest by my old favorites and was having trouble adding a new name to my list. I had read a little by Carol Kluz and had enjoyed short pieces by her, but had not read one of her books. Prophecy had that magic spark which keeps us returning to buy more from that author.

This fantasy book is an adventure story of a culture preparing for war. New leaders must be found. Although five young people are identified by the patron Goddess, they must develop their skills and prove their worth by finding the talismans which are the keys to their future powers.

Two of these five young people, Beni (male) and Jenda (female), stand out in this volume. The other three "chosen" sparkle in the background. Ms. Kluz teases us with just enough interaction with the other three, and with a boy named Miko, that I look forward to becoming friends with them in the next volumes.

Myself, as a retired professor, I felt closest to the teachers and trainers of these realistically developed young people. As in real life, the teachers end up learning the deepest insights about life while trying to guide their pupils.

A small warning about the book -- be patient with the first nine pages or even skip them. As is done in many fantasy books, the beginning is full of description. The real action, motivations, and interactions start on pages 9 and 10. You will find real people from there onward.

One of the great insights of the book emerges on page 355. Jenda, a driven young woman who has worked hard to succeed says, "I wish we didn't have our talismans so we could search for them again." For her, as is true for many of us, the achievement of the first major hurdle only leads to more difficult, and often less applauded, problems to solve.

This book, which I read when it was first published in 1964, a month before I graduated from college, literally changed my life, as it has the lives of thousands of people since. This is the seminal work of the immortalist movement. Indeed many leading cryobiologists and scientists in other fields today were inspired to become scientists by this book. The additional contributions by R. Michael Perry, also the author of a seminal work - FOREVER FOR ALL, and by Charles Tandy, a life long student of Immortalism, only add to the value of this updated edition.

Peter H. Christiansen M.Div.
Former Senior Minister
First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles
Mt Diablo (Walnut Creek CA) Unitarian Universalist Church

Needless to say, transhumanism and cryonics are still considered "out there" by the vast majority of humankind. "How can you possibly bring back a person's consciousness?" "God never intended people to live past 'three score and ten.'" "Won't this make the population explosion even worse?" "Who wants to come back all old and wrinkled." "I'll be happy to leave this veil of tears."

One hears all manner of rationalizations and just plain misconceptions to accept the status quo. More than 40 years ago (!!) Dr. Ettinger made, still to this day, the most eloquent and passionate appeal to assure a practically immortal future for every commoner who wants one.

...

For my complete review of this book and for other book and movie
reviews, please visit my site [...]

Brian Wright
Copyright 2007

This is the clarion call for cryonics in its pre-natal stage. This was the first widely read book on the subject and as such is by default the genesis of the cryonics cannon.

Any serious student of cryonics needs this book. It is not nearly as readable or as "slick" as other modern books on the subject , as it was written at a time before there we any signposts to go by in this field.

I rate this book 5 stars for its significance rather than its "readability". In terms of being a cryonics primer, this is not the book you want, all you need for a primer is 2-3 hours on the alcor.com website. (the most prominent of the cryopreservation firms)

The fact that this book does not have more visibility than it does is a crime.

I have known the author for quite some time now, and perhaps that made me a little biased when I originally purchased the book. However, from the very first time I picked up the book to read it, I could hardly put it down. It kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning. I was so proud of her and just so amazed at her talent. I am busting at the seams to purchase the sequel when she's finished with it!

i am amazed at some authors abilities to capture you with image and symbolism. Dana Beth does both, as well as writes a good story. i am hoping there is a sequel to this captivating story!
looking forward to more of this new authors works...

"Psycho Club" is Ms. Dana Beth Stenholtz's first published work and in this reader's opinion, it is worthy of any Best Seller's list. As a Christian writer, Ms. Stenholtz takes the reader on an incredible journey of self discovery, from the perspective of a recently initiated "Psycho Club" member (but oh, what initiation fees !) She challenges her readers to look beyond the actions of a twisted heart, that begs, even subconsciously, for love, forgiveness and redemption. Her book will grip you to the very last page, leaving you wanting for more, and shouting, "sequel, sequel". Bravo, Ms. Stenholtz!

I trully enjoyed this book, even though I am not a fan of text books. It has helped me develop stronger speaking skills, and I am not very good at public speaking. It's not a how to book, its simply a guide which offers tips and ideas on how you should present various topics.

I'm a student at a local college here in Jersey City. I found this book very easy to read but doesn't defeat the purpose to inform. I really wish I can have him as my teacher.

THANKS HAMILTON!

As a college instructor of oral communication for ten years, I complained bitterly about the poor selection of books for beginning students--until now. This is the single best book of its kind on the market, bar none. In all my years, I've never had students brag on a book like this one: easy to read, well-organized, thoughtful, practical, visually attractive, and substantive. My best compliment is that I can teach three times the material in half the time just by using this text--and people understand it! I can't brag enough on the author's work. This is phenomenal. ANYONE who wants to master the basics of public speaking should read this cover to cover. The principles and techniques Mr. Gregory describes are effective, powerful, and described in a simple way. BRAVO! I'll recommend this to everyone.

Mr. Newman touched my inner soul... a journey that touched my fantasy, my pain, my joy, my imagination, my sexual side, my heart. This book is to be read when you have time to really dive into the mind of a person who really knows how to feel all emotions. May we all be abe to share our thoughts like Mr. Newman does, his deep raw true side. Just maybe in return, we will touch our own innersouls... the part that really needs to be let out and nurtured. Peace.

DJN's "Pure Luck & Good Fury" is an excellent first collection of poems! Word play and imagery are top notch- Newman is a fresh voice in the cluttered world of apocalyptic poetry- evil and insanity coupled with goodness and euthymia. Quite refreshing, to say the very least.

David Newman's perspectives on life and its relevant issues are unique and wonderfully refreshing. I would like to hire him as a motivational guru! (really)