W Books

This is an amazing book. It's listed as romance but I'd actually call it "women's fiction" because, although Allie and Luke fall in love, the story is about Allie and the people of the community and not about the romance. There are no sex scenes in this book, which is partly why I'm so surprised I loved it. It's just a sweet, beautiful, touching story about a strong young woman and her Nana finding a place to grow and belong.

A community of misfits comes together and becomes a family. The story is set in Texas, but I wouldn't call it a "Western". There is a mystery/suspense thread throughout the book relating to Allie's "uncle" and some strange occurrences around the lake, but that's all just secondary to the story of Allie growing as a person and getting to know and love her neighbors.

Nana reminded me of both of my own grandmothers, and she was even from the same hometown that my grandparents and my parents are from. This book made me cry several times, but not because the story was sad. As a matter of fact, it wasn't sad at all. It's just very touching, and the story has a very serene and wistful feel that made me homesick for small town life.

This is my first Jodi Thomas book, and it certainly won't be my last. TWISTED CREEK is a new Desert Isle Keeper for me.

If you like something different in the romance genre, this is for you. Twisted Creek is about Allie, an average woman whoses life has not gone in any good direction, ever. When she inherits an old bait supply/cafe from an uncle she never knew she had; she's suspicious but game.

The resulting charachters, plot and setting are compelling, complex and keep you turning pages.

I've never read Jodi Thomas before but plan on finding her backlist. This story was both moving and interesting. If you like Pamela Morsi, you'll love Jodi Thomas; like Morsi her charachters are human, fallable, and interesting. Great read! Honestly, I couldn't put it down.

I really enjoyed this book! I have not read very many of Ms.Thomas contemporary novels; I prefer her historical novels, but this one caught me from the start. Her characters a lovable and her heroine/hero are ones you can root for! A great summer read!

In this story you read about two generations and how love for a grandmother the affection that never really died between a grandmother and her affection for a man that she never forgotten and a new love between the grandauther and the man she met. And the emotion of the gradauther when she is confronted with when grandma starts loosing all memory of life.

I'm a huge fan of Jodi's historical romances but I liked how this one started out and thought I'd give it a read. I'm glad I did.

Jodi Thomas writes the best romances, and they're just that "romances" not bits of dialogue used as filler between sex scenes - she gives you an actual engaging story that you want to follow all the way to the end.

Keep up the good work, Jodi!

Then I read this book and applied a few of the very simple exercises into his everyday routine. Last year he received his MFA in photography and experimental animated film from the California Institute of the Arts. He now has a job at USC and is excited that one of the benefits it offers is free classes. He wants to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering! Most importantly he is happy and proud of himself, with good reason.

This book saved his life!

This book is a fantastic resource for activities on right-brained learning. Vitale's format is very easy to follow. The lessons are practical and easy to use. I have used this book in my classroom and have found that the lessons engage students and help them to understand difficult concepts.

I read this book twelve years ago. As a homeschool mom it helped me understand the ways I needed to work with my child. Now, as he approaches graduation...he is a musician and speaks two languages fluently. I will never forget the day this book fell into my hands!

This book gives a basic description of a right brained visual learning style and some very easy to implement strategies for helping right brained learners.

about brain mysteries and learning. Her book helps to make a dent in that pathway of mystery. She gives practical advice as well as personal stories to support her point of view. This is a must have for any teacher.

My two year old grandson is totally in love with trains, especially Thomas and friends. He loves anything with trains. This was a perfect fit for him.

The illustrations are interesting and lend themselve to questions and answers. The flaps are large and sturdy, and opening one actually changes the action in the picture.

My little girl's birthday gift arrived on time and in great shape. It also cost a lot less that it would have if I had gone to the mall AND I didn't have to drive. :-)

This book was just right for the price. I bought it for my 2 yr. old boy because he loves Thomas and I needed to spend a few more dollars to save on shipping costs. The book has been a huge hit with him! He loves the flaps and that James is on one of the pages also.

Thomas is our 2-yr old son's favorite thing right now so we got him a new Thomas book. "Wave Hello to Thomas" is a very simple book with nice pictures and fun flaps. After just a few weeks he has memorized the book and will sit happily "reading" and lifting the flaps. He even takes the book to bed with him.

I would have to say that all of Wayne Dyers Books & CD's have had a great impact on my life. I highly recommend this Cd collection.

Sincerely,

James Bunn

Not much I can say about Wayne Dyer that hasnt already been said. I've been reading him, watching his PBS specials and now listening to his audio books for over ten years. His message is always consistent. "Believe it and you will see it". I've tried other motivational speakers and I keep coming back to Wayne. He appeals to all people, even my 7-year old daughter has his children books and SHE loves him.
I listen to this audio book when Im in my car, on my way to work and it really jump starts my day! (Helps eliminate any road rage too!)

This CD set took me to a new place in my spiritual experience without me even really realizing it. I began to step into peace and joy thinking it was all my own doing. However when ever I seem to go off kilter, I go back to the CDs and listen to the wisdom over again. I have gifted this 3 times now and recommend for anyone who is open.

You will enjoy this audio collection to listen to as you drive down the road. He continues to inspire others with his great sense of humor as he helps others to face simple realities.

This is a great comprehensive collection of Wayne Dyer's work. I think that I have l listened to and read most everything that he has created. This CD pretty much sums up his philosophy. By listening to him I have taken away a few things that have changed my life. If you are nice to the universe it will be nice to you. You teach people how to treat you. Be grateful for what you have. Make sure you know that your thoughts become things. Never forget about the Law of Attraction. Pay your attention to your intentions. And finally, when you change the way you look at things,. the things that you look at change.

Homer Hickam wrote a very enjoyable and informative book about his hometown of Coalwood, West Virginia, and the people who helped nurture him as a young boy. With his childhood stories, he took me on a journey through time to a place that many today would dismiss as "old-fashioned," and Hickam would argue was "the way things can and should be."

Inspired by the events of September 11, 2001, Hickam reflected on his youth and realized the values he grew up with in Coalwood were what many people needed to move on with their lives following the tragic terrorist attacks on America. Hickam expertly wove his thoughts and experiences into the four "Coalwood Attitudes of Strength and Courage" (We are proud of who we are, We stand up for what we believe, We keep our families together, and We trust in God but rely on ourselves), which led to the "Coalwood Assumption" that most Americans found themselves either wanting to say or saying repeatedly following 9/11: "We are not afraid."

In his introduction, Hickam explains the purpose of this book: "If you want to stop being afraid, or if you want to avoid the habits of fear and dread, this book can help by teaching you a philosophy of life that will fill your heart and soul with a sense of well-being and confidence. It is a philosophy that was developed by real people who led good, happy and hearty lives while managing to raise a crop of children who went on to have successful lives of their own."

Hickam is a master storyteller, and his stories contained many powerful moral and inspirational passages. Some I related to as personal memories, others as things I missed growing up or never thought about, and still others as a father wanting his young son to experience in his childhood.

This book has a lot to offer to many different people with many different needs in many different situations. I encourage everyone to read this book and let Hickam take you on a journey of discovery into your heart and soul.

We Are Not Afraid is a very inspiring book about strength and courage in perilous times. I think everyone who reads this will come away a stronger individual for it. If you have children, sons, daughters, nieces or nephews I think it is even more important to read this!!! The book was just such a "thinker". It is only 213 pages, it reads quickly but it lasts long after you close the cover.
While it is a collection of stories about growing up in a small coal-mining town in West Virginia it makes you stop and think hard about what really should be important in life, the values, the morals, the spirit, all the things that went into creating our great Nation. Mr. Hickam points out that yes times are perilous, but that there have been many perilous times and many hardships and challenges and being afraid is not a way to meet these. He pulls no punches when he discusses the United States of America. He dismisses those who want to focus on our failures as a Nation and fail to acknowledge our ability to correct our errors and move forward as a whole. This book is a life lesson on how not to live your life in fear, and how to overcome and surmount obstacles in your way. This is not accomplished by promising "pie-in-the-sky" but by learning from the examples of others ways to be strong and have courage and face life with your head up. This revolves around four important attitudes. #1 We are proud of who we are. #2 We stand up for what we believe. #3 We keep our families together. #4 We trust in God but rely on ourselves. These may sound simplistic to many people, but when they are broken down and explained you will know that it is possible to live a good purposeful life and not be diminished by fear and to pass this on to those around you.

I read this book. It changed my life for the better. Enough said. Hickam is very gifted. Who are his people? You'll be surprised.

I'm a strong person,an Idaho farm boy, but, I too, was weakened by the events of September 11. I needed salve for my soul, softening of my hardening heart,a mental map to see my way out of this mess. I found it in Homer Hickam's incredible new book, WE ARE NOT AFRAID. Homer writes with a wit and warmth that envelopes you like a comforter and touches the full range of your emotions. From your funny bone to the childhood memories you have tucked away in your mind's attic, WE ARE NOT AFRAID hits the brass notes and the softest keys. The world needs more Homer!...

The advice I found in this book has changed my life, too. Somebody told me I should read this when they caught be dragging around filled with worry. What can a little book do to change that I asked and they said well, just read it and see. The insights in this book have been just amazing. Homer teaches through stories that are fun to read but after you're done, you just sit back and go I really see that. I really, really do. Honestly, I've spent money on a lot of these selfhelp do better kind of books but the way Homer does it, I think I really got my money's worth this time.

Mr. Dunning gives his readers insight to real people living in the South through his story of a fictional Mack Oliver, a man who finds himself in a real-life situation where he is unable to help himself. This book is more than a crime novel, as it explores and explains how people are perceived and treated differently because of their standing in society. His portrayal of the legal system's inadequate treatment of the mentally ill is very accurate.

Who's Mack OliverThis book is brilliantly written !!!
I believe "Who's Mack Oliver?" could and should be used as a teaching guide to help individuals take notice how they interact with different cultures in our society today. The way Mr. Dunning depicts the characters within this story is superb !!!

Individuals that read this novel will be pleasantly surprised the way you can follow each character; their role in the story; and, the interaction of each character to the completion of the story.

You may find yourself in one of the characters personality; how they reacted in their situation; and/or how your experiences identify with Mack Oliver.

I recommend this book to everyone with the greatest of pleasure !!!
The way Mr. Dunning designed the cover to the very last page is magnificent and will leave you hoping for a sequel !!! FANTASTIC !!!

This is a book that makes you think differently about the invisible people that we see in our everyday comings and goings. Mr. Dunning brings Birmingham to us with meticulate descriptions and his characters are poignant and real. The issues he tackles are well thought out and intriguing.

Great book, even if you are not an avid reader you will not want to put this book down. It made me feel like I was in Birmingham, AL on the southside of town at the Fountian hearing the music.
It also makes you stop and think about all the homeless people out there.
Could this really happen?

This novel is so real that it seams that you are walking on the Birmingham streets. Dunning plays with his knowledge of the English language using very rich vocabulary; some descriptions are Poet's work. He also has a profound knowledge of the Human behavior and a strong historical background with a clear understanding of what is really happening in this Country; all the silent but brutal racial and religious conflicts. Overall, this is an excellent masterpiece that deserves to be in any best-seller's collection.

Well, the editors of this reference book tried their best to make it colorful and interesting for "kids," and they did succeed to a certain extent.

I learned that less than 500,000 people live in the state of Wyoming; the Dodgers finished under .500 in 1999; most world currencies, except the British pound, are worth less than the U.S. dollar; and so forth.

One thing about dated reference works, like this one: they quickly become historical reference works.

Another good thing about it: you can thumb through this book quickly and only stop when your interest is really piqued, if ever. Otherwise, donate it someone else. That's what I did.

Diximus.

Rarely is a reference book a popular title in our elementary school library. This is currently our most requested book. It's visually appealing. It's filled with facts and information that kids need for reports, but it's also filled with the kind of things kids are always curious about. It's fun for browsing as well as research. Highly recommended!

I have been reading this book for over 1 year! I got this book for a Christmas present and I learned a lot from this book! This book has information on almost every topic. I can't wait until the book "The World Almanac for Kids 2003" will be published!

I may not have this book but I do have the 1999 edition of the Almanac for kids and it is great. Every chance I get I use it. If i liked the 1999 edition i know the 2001 is even better and I'm sure You'll like it too.

I have two daughters, ages 8 and 13, and they both love this book. It's packed with everything they want to know, and much more. The color pictures make it even more interesting, and they love the puzzles and quizzes. Every parent with kids should get this book!

Everything that you wanted to know about rigging ships with square sails.
The last part of the book is about ship handling. Now I know the reason the ships are rigged the way they are. You need this book if you build model square rigged ships.

This is a great reprint of the training manual for a Royal Navy officer. It has helped my presentation for living history of a US Navy seaman incredibly.

I bought this book because I am a recreational sailor and ship modeler. I found this to be an excellent source of information on the rigging and basic operation of 19th century military and commercial sailing vessels, and it answered many questions I have had about older sailing vessels as compared to modern ones.

The subject matter is laid out logically, but must be read carefully due to its original 19th century syntax and language, and the tremendous amount of detail discussed.

The book starts with how strands are laid into ropes, how ropes are made into lines, the basic components of rigging (hooks, blocks, hearts, trucks, cleats), description and tying of basic seaman's knots, moving on to constrction and stepping of the masts, spars and sprits, standing rigging, running rigging, sail construction and rigging for each location on the ship, finishing with anchor rigging. As if that were not enough, the second half of the book is a fascinating treatise on practical seamanship of the day, including coming to anchor, when to use certain sails, reefing, laying to, heaving to and other heavy weather techniques.

The book is illustrated throughout with hundreds of highly detailed period line drawings. Truly an 19th century version of the Annapolis Book of Seamanship and Chapman's Piloting combined, it is an absolute must for any model builder or student of sailing ships who wants to know "how it was".

History and ships...
I Love History and ships, and this is simply one of the best and most enjoyable books I have read. I am still reading it, but it is one of those you want to share immediately. My hobby is building 18th century wood static model sailing vessels, and I have learned a few things already (despite my library of 40+ books on the subject). It hurls you back in time, to enjoy details that would have been forgotten, if not for this kind of book. Like the page that tells the strategy that one should use if the wind changed by three points... or taking in a topsail... or tacking expeditiously...
If you are a fan of history and the 1700's sailing... you cannot go wrong with this book (and its cheap!)

Judge this book by its cover! It's exactly what it says it is. This book is full of practical knowledge suited for the young naval officer or merchant seaman. It's one of those books that is just fun to read. Similar to "The Art of Rigging," this book has tons of information about the rigging of sailing vessels not in common use today, but it's fascinating nonetheless. A great volume for those enthralled by the sea, or who enjoy model ship building. Looks great on the coffee table, too!

Having served under Heinie Aderholt in Thailand I can certainly vouch for the accuracy of the scearios portrayed. Although I wasn't an Air Commando in the strictest sense of the word (I was a broadcaster), I was aware enough of the problems with "higher headquarters" to be genuinely incensed at the treatments ... particularly in light of the tremendously effective mission performed in spite of "direction" from above. I absolutley loved the book, as it brought back memories I'd almost forgotten. Everyone who knew Heinie HAS to have this book!!

Book arrived within a few days and was in the condition that it was described or better, very happy with there service.

Having heard of Heinie Aderholt for years, I was looking forward to reading his autobiography. While the book is very informative, I was somewhat disappointed in the overall content. Maybe it's due to his age, but there were some assertions made that don't jive with the facts. He states that the Air Force misused the C-130s in Vietnam by limiting their gross weight. In reality, C-130s in Southeast Asia operated at their maximum allowable normal gross weights and payloads throughout the war - I was a C-130 loadmaster on two SEA tours and know the limitations. There is also quite a bit of personal horn-blowing, which is common with autobiographies. I found it rather ironic that Heinie's comments related to special operations are almost identical to those made by his former boss, General William Tunner, about how airlift was misused and should be a command of its own. There's also the constant refrain of "if they had left it up to us, we'd have won the war" but now that the facts are coming out, it is becoming pretty apparent that there was no way we were going to win it. Air Commando One is a good book for the military historian's bookshelf.

Sam McGowan, Vietnam Vet and author, The CAVE, a novel of the Vietnam War

During the Vietnam era, Heinie Aderholt was U.S. air force's patron saint of low-cost, bare-knuckled, unconventional warfare. He was one of two men -- the other being his longtime friend, the CIA's Bill Lair -- to put his personal stamp on the huge covert program in Laos, and had there been more Aderholts and Lairs, events might have turned out differently. As it was, Aderholt had to labor during his entire career under a military system that was not flexible enough, or responsive enough, for a man of his remarkable talents. But he did his duty, and then some. The Air Force historian Warren Trest has done Aderholt justice with this book; and there's some especially interesting material on Aderholt's loyal opposition, from within, to the way the Vietnam war was run.

Heinie is a legend but not from others tales of his exploits. Heine is leader respected for his legendary achievements; some of which yet remain classified. A leader formost who undertood his men because he always remained one of them. No matter how severe the circumstance Heinie created success by unique applications in unconventional operations.

At Nakhon Phanom for example, on the border of Laos, Heinie founded and commanded the 56th Air commando Wing into a unique force to interdict the flow of men and materials down the trails in Laos. Making the rounds nightly he remained close with his troops of all rank in a bond seldom seen where thoughts were exchanged because of mutual respect. Heinie slept less than most and almost always in his fatigues or flightsuit.

General Aderholt's life story is compelling and well written and he continues today to make a difference in Southeast Asia. In October 2002 returning to Nakhon Phanom, Heinie procured a container of medical and school supplies with the Thailand Laos Cambodia Brotherhood and to dedicate a monument being built to honor the fallen American and Thai forces in the Vietnam War.

The Legend Continues... read it.

John Sweet
56th Special Operations Wing
Tactical Units Operations Center
Nakhon Phanom
Air Commando # 2924

Just reading the first few pages of the preface will set your mind upon thoughts never imagined. This is a book that will really change you, and, I must say, his author did an amazing job at it. It even includes antique alphabets and an explanation to the origin of ours. If you can get your hands on a copy of this book, which by the way is somewhat rare, do buy it without further hesitation.

This is the true questionning of the origin of our religions, our language, and nations. Though, this isn't a book just for anyone, if you've gotten as far as reading this review you ought to buy it.

This has the magnificence in knowledge that Shakespeare has in theatre. I have a hardcover copy, 1 of 1,000 published, I treasure.
Yes, the vocabulary is of the literati of 1800 - what else would it be? If you can accept it as friendly conversation of one who is comfortable with words, you will enjoy it!
It should be required reading for all who aspire to a broad knowledge of how the world came to be as it is today. Include some Campbell and Maszlow and your perspective will exceed your strongest desire. Familiarity with history is beneficial; familiarity with Higgins is vital for knowing where our ideas and ideals come from.
Yes, it can well be considered "deep", which gives it value. I am so impressed with Higgins' effort, I would invite anyone who has read it, or thinks they can read it, to communicate with me ... . Or perhaps not, that may mean I'd be compelled to read it a third time. Well, go ahead, I'll do it anyway. (No, my copy is not for sale. I'll give it up only when they pry it from my cold stiff fingers.)

As we enter the twenty-first century and the oncoming third milleniuim since the birth of Christ, the world may finally be ready for this book. It was undoubtedly not when it was written, and though it may have saved a few million lives had it been publicly wrassled with before the advent of Nazism, the world was probably not ready for it until now. Of the books that I have proclaimed being of the most important written this century (Edward Said's ORIENTALISM, Bernal's BLACK ATHENA, Bradshaw's HOMECOMING, Campbell's HERO OF A THOUSAND FACES, deSantillana and von Dechend's HAMLET'S MILL among them), this book, written a century BEFORE (c. 1830's), towers above them all.

This book, which I have yet to finish, is NOT for the faint of heart, by any stretch of the imagination. Despite the fact that it will probably have the paradoxical effect of reinvigorating your faith in whatever one you have chosen- after a time- beyond anything else could. The style has its obvious flaws, and does contribute to its ability to overwhelm. But trust me, it won't stop you.

Of all the books I have recommended to friends and family and strangers, I have to say with this staggering epic:

Read it at your own risk. Read it and be changed.

The content is fabulous! The writing style is rather dense, typical of its original publishing date of 1832, but Higgins makes sense of the foundations of a lot of esoteric information that had previously seemed quite random and rather indecipherable.
My one criticism lies in the print quality. This is an exact copy of the nineteenth century original and it was apparently either a larger book or originally set in about 6 point type. Plan on investing in a good magnifying glass or risk serious damage to your eyesight.

A powerful and poignant work that is essentially a must,please get the original volumes 1 and 2 and not the condensed version. This book is not for the feeble minded individual who has problems concentrating but for the open minded,critical thinker who truly wants to delve into the mysteries of language and symbols and the origins of them.