Open Books

What is linux good for? That is the question that the authors of this book set about explaining. They tell you all of the wonderful things that you can make linux do with a little bit of effort. It could use a new edition but otherwise a very good read.

PS A station wagon packed with hard drives has more bandwidth in most instances than dsl or cable internet.

I've been curious about Linux for some time now. But, the only books that I could find, are all on installing, administering, configuring. Every one rehashing what the other said. None of them sold me on diving in.

When I discovered this book, I was apprehensive, but I went for it and purchased it. All I have to say is WOW! I never realised how flexible Linux is, or how much you could do.

I was thouroughly impressed on the variety of this book. I've finally been inspired to dive right in to Linux.

Are you a new Linux user, and want to learn more?

Are you an experienced Linux user, but are wondering what other interesting things you can do?

This book will teach you fun things. This book will teach you useful things. This book takes you on a tour you can't help but enjoy. At the end of the day, you'll find yourself not only entertained, but more knowledgeable about what you can do with Linux. It's probably more than you think!

This book helped me discover new interests and new possibilities, all in easy to read and entertaining prose. With that in mind, I'm giving this book the highest rating possible.

Technically, Linux is the name for the operating system kernel at the heart of "Linux" distributions such as RedHat and Debian. When most people "use" Linux, they are in fact using the shell, the web server, or any other of the zillions of open source programs that (1) are available for, (2) are distributed with, or (3) can run atop the Linux kernel.

It used to be that there were only a few things you could do with a Linux box (namely run a Unix box as a web server) but the open source community has come a long way in providing (1) applications and (2) hardware support, so that you can now do a lot of things w/ your Linux box that used to only be doable on a Windoze box.

Schwarz et al have put together a smorgasbord of things you can do with your Linux box. These projects range from things you would tend to do on a Unix box (eg IP Masquerade, SSH, system security, even a chapter on writing Apache modules!) to stuff you would expect to need to do on a Windoze box (eg burning CDRs, syncing with Palm devices, and audio/MIDI/image/video processing).

The level of detail in the chapters (as well as the required level of Linux familiarity on the part of the reader) varies considerably -- a hazard of multiple authors and the breadth of the topics covered -- but each chapter starts off with a "Difficult-o-Meter" which more or less accurately states the level of Linux proficiency required.

That said, there are some real gems to be found in this book. There are some pretty hefty howto-like treatments in this book of topics such as system security, "undernets" (collaborative web sites), and setting up a web/IMAP/mail server.

There's a chapter on "Tools You Should Know", which lists the tools a typical Unix hacker should know: regular expressions, vi, dd, sed, diff, etc. Like some other parts of the book, this chapter doesn't give you a lot of information on these individual tools, but it brings them to your attention, so you at least know what to look for.

This book by itself won't turn a newbie into a Linux ninja after one reading, but it is a good overview of many different things that can be done with open source tools on a Linux box. I would highly encourage the prospective reader to take a look at the Table of Contents of this book. If you see a topic you're interested in, then this is a worthwhile book to buy. (I suspect that most folks running Linux at home at a beginner to intermediate level will find several bits of interest in this book.)

Miller knows his subjects (the people) and his subject (their desperation) with a clarity and fearlessness that most people would prefer to avoid. Viewing his photographs are no easier a task than living wholly and honestly. Skinheads, speedfreaks, Tenderloin whores, friends and neighbors. Lucid, terrifying, and ultimately beautiful photographs from a man of the same qualities.

Miller knows his subjects (the people) and his subject (their desperation) with a clarity and fearlessness that most people would prefer to avoid. Viewing his photographs are no easier a task than living wholly and honestly. Skinheads, speedfreaks, friends and neighbors. Lucid, terrifying, and ultimately beautiful photographs from a man of the same qualities.

The black and white photographs in this volume are strikingly beautiful, achingly poignant, and gritty at the same time. Unflinching, honest portraits of the darker side...

Miller knows his subjects (the people) and his subject (their desperation) with a clarity and fearlessness that most people would prefer to avoid. Viewing his photographs are no easier a task than living wholly and honestly. Skinheads, speedfreaks, Tenderloin whores, friends and neighbors. Lucid, terrifying, and ultimately beautiful photographs from a man of the same qualities.

I bought my first bible at Half-Price Books in Houston in 1985 for $3.50, well before I became a Christian. The bible was The Open Bible NKJV Study Edition by Thomas Nelson. I believe this book gave me the foundational concepts I needed to understand Chistianity. Over the succeeding years, I've bought many bibles but I have to say, I keep going back to The Open Bible because of the wealth of notes before each chapter and the many helps in understanding bible passages. It really shines and should be a part of any Christian's library.

I bought a leather Open NASB Bible early in my Christian walk. During my early stages of exploration I thought this was the best Bible a person could have, however I have since moved on from that point. I subsequently gave the Bible to one of my children, who has also since moved on, in their case to the Thompson Chain Reference Bible.
So I regard the Open Bible as a good intermediate study Bible - one for people who are getting into study, but perhaps do not feel inclined to do their own analysis by way of the Thompson, or, as I do, by way of a Hebrew/Greek analytical concordance.
I would still buy this Bible for a relatively new student of scripture, in the knowledge that the person would likely want to move on in the next year or three.

I received my first Open Bible in 1983 from my father who is a minister. He said all preachers need a good study Bible. Well, I am not a preacher but I have wrote a few papers on subjects like; prayer and faith using the outlines in this Bible. It has a very excellent study guide that is in the middle of the Bible. Easy references guides and Bibical Index is so indepth. Will I ever buy another Open Bible? Most certainly YES!!!!!!

I have invested in several Bibles, and all are good. But the best, that I have found overall, The Open Bible is the best. The many tools in this Bible make it a essential book for all who are serious about God and learning the basics and beyond. This Bible is the only Bible i recommend to people.

The 3rd edition includes a CD Rom disk (instead of cassette tapes-2nd edition) and a section of situations for oral expression and some oral or writing activities. This is an excellent text for adult learners of Spanish.

We used this in all three levels of our class it it is a great book.

"Open Door to Spanish" is a good textbook for beginners, and is especially useful if your Spanish class is using it. If you buy a used copy, make sure it has the CD because it's a great way to check your pronunciation. The course covers Latin American Spanish and culture, not the accent from Spain. Overall, I was very pleased with this product.

This book starts from the very basics, but from the beginning you can use the language acquired. Great for adults. Develops all four skills, listening, reading, writing and speaking.

As a reader of many horror books, it was with great pleasure that I sat down, opened this book, and begin reading. I did not stop until I had finished. This writer is definitley one to watch. Reading this compilation of short stories and one novella was gratifying and left me wanting more! Looking forward to reading more from this writer.

"Open Grave-The Book of Horror" is a powerful read from cover to cover; one of the best compilations you're going to find anywhere! This anthology packs just as many scares within its ten-story (276- page) excursion as any bestseller on the shelves. Jeani Rector knows how to deliver a "top-shelf" collection of bone-chilling horror. "Open Grave" will chomp away inside long after the dark journey is over, perhaps beckoning you to experience the author's world again by diving into the grave for another round of nightmares!
Jeani mixes it up with this book, serving the reader more helpings of fear than the average palate can handle--and does so effectively by coming at you from terrifying angles you never imagined possible. She's simply that good. There will be times when you think you have the story all figured out. And that's when her genius trips you up. She leads you in a different direction and all you can do is marvel at her masterful touches. There are many more of them sprinkled throughout each selection, of course, but you'll have to grab a copy and learn for yourself just how dangerous that pen of hers can be.
You see, strong horrific tales are tough to construct, especially short stories. Sometimes they start off promising but end up losing their momentum after the halfway mark--flatlining--leaving the hungry horror fan disappointed. We've all read a few of those from time to time. The good news is: none of the tales in "Open Grave" flattens in the final moments. All of them demand your undivided attention until the riveting climax. Jeani achieves excellence by entertaining the reader with razor-sharp dialogue and an eerie sense of setting with each story. That's what great writing can do.
This book of scary shorts will remain a fixture on my bookshelf for years to come. Fans of the dark and disturbed will be doing themselves a favor by adding it to theirs--they won't regret it. Keep an eye on Jeani Rector everyone, because the future of horror is proud to unleash one of its latest and greatest storytellers.
Included in this anthology: Cat's Eye, Ebola Zaire, A Case of Lycanthropy, The Burial, Under the House, Ghoul (The Unabridged Version), Monday Night Drive, Cold Spot, Crystal Ball, Open Grave (A Novella)

Review by,
David Boyle-
Author of "Blood Works"

Reality is not so scripted. Nor is it simple.
Let me tell you about reality. -P. 113

Jeani Rector has done it again. She has taken subjects like cats, viruses, mental illnesses, Native Americans, office politics, violence, religion, dumpster diving, nature's phenomena, diamonds and even genealogy and amplified them into realistic horror. Unlike some of today's writers, these stories are written so naturally that you can almost perceive that "Yes, this could happen to me today." No fantasy, no make believe, only true dark realistic horror. At the same time she has successfully (and strangely enough) written these nine short stories and one novella in a fashion that recalls the glory days of Warren Publishing magazines like Eerie and Creepy.
In Cat's Eye, the first story, you are the unwitting witness to the boring person who wants to stop being a "non-entity" and basically ignored. You want to desperately stop this person from committing that horrific act that will eventually get a lot of attention. You feel it coming yet you are powerless to stop it. This story serves as a great appetizer for the ones to follow.
In Ebola Zaire, a young woman's hope to go to America vanishes in a quick strike by dark factions of the natural course of life. America, and the world for that fact, avoids the greatest and most unpredictable terror(ist) known to man, Mother Nature.
A Case of Lycanthropy plays out as a modern court battle over the supposed silly idea that werewolves are real. Tell that to the victim of a simple lady named Susan.
A Native American gothic piece, The Burial, relives a tale of a young man coming of age and his courage to sacrifice the real for the imposing dark forces that threaten the Navajo way of life.
Under The House was so (unfortunately) realistic that you nearly dismiss it as a horror tale and feel that you need to contact CPS and the cops. This is what makes the horror, and this book for that matter, so astonishing real that it mirrors true-life so well. You then start to wonder about the rest of the details, like who will she stay with and will the dad get to her too. Under The House is a subtle horrific cliffhanger.
From this next story, all I can think about when I think about all that I've possibly done wrong or anti-Christian in my life is the sentence that is repeated a couple of times within the literary work and that is: "Hell is now aware of me." The Ghoul is a super fantastic retelling of the idea of Voodoo-ism and its hold on it's practitioners, as well as, non-practitioners in the area known for its use: New Orleans. It also plays on the theme that Voodoo is an equal opportunity religion and does not distinguish between white and black, male or female. Furthermore, it illustrates the need for proper background checks because the last thing anyone needs is a psychotic just recently released from the crazy farm voodoo queen that suits as your co-worker. The Ghoul will definitely give you the chills.
Monday Night Dive takes dumpster diving to new claustrophobic heights. Also, if you love fat juicy rats, this one is for you. While Cold Spot turns a natural occurrence, some bullying and the heighten sense of personal fear to darker levels in a lovely little place you could easily call Mayberry. The last short story (of the nine), Crystal Ball, is actually one of greed, stalking, and the prior perception of the acts that must be committed to come. Diamonds are a woman's best friends. Men will kill to have them.
Finally, the gem of the entire book is its namesake, Open Grave. Nothing satisfies the sincerity of Rector to scare the living crap out of you more than this quote from the preface of this stand-alone story:
There is a dimension harboring corrupt forces that would prey upon the living as if a malignancy, and if these shadowy phantoms find their way through the cracks in time, they will grow just as tumors do in the living. They are cancers that gradually possess their living counterparts, and the damage they do is slow but fatal.
This dark diamond in the rough is a true page-turner. You find that you want to know what is going to be revealed next just as quickly as you've discovered something new. You automatically know that the work on this story was tremendous evident by the amount of detail that is adhered to within. This simple fact makes me exhaustively jealous that I did not write it. Maybe that is a horror story itself?
Furthermore, as I read Open Grave, the novella, I felt like I was watching a prequel or sequel to the film, The Skeleton Key. Obviously there are significant differences. However, Rector magnificently handled the whole Satan-ism/Voodoo-ism theme in this story just like in that popular film.
The premise of this story as the back cover suggest is that "Rick Evans doesn't believe in ghosts." However, don't' get hung up on that because it's a hell of a lot more than seeing his grandma's spiritual essence. It is about the price people pay for messing around with a narcissistic complex gone completely wrong for over 100 years at their own family's expense, it is about blacked-out genealogy and hidden agendas, it is about God and the fallen angels, it is... a lot more than I want to tell you from this point. You have to read it yourself. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Unless of course like me, as well as the protagonist, you keep wondering what happen to Raven. A story on her life alone could be suggested, no requested. It's like "Who shot JR?" or "Where is Jimmy Hoffa?" Everyone wants to know.
Another storyline that begs to be suggested from Open Grave is the one on Elizabeth, Rick Evan's grandmother. Now that will also make for a fascinating tale spanning a century and more.
For that matter, the entire saga of Open Grave begs to be put on film itself. But that's just a critic begging for more of Jeani Rector's work.
If you want to curl up with a fantastic book deep into the dark hours of the night, this is it. Don't forget to empty out your bladder and check your senses at the door before you start reading because once you do, you will not be able to put it down, not to mention your new heighten perception of all those bumps in the night. This book is exciting and full of supernatural adrenaline.
The work of Jeani Rector is truly splendid and should be celebrated in every public, as well as private, library as it is in mine. Rector, like in her previous distinguished book of horror, After Dark, which is still available from PublishAmerica.com, does a masterful job in writing Open Grave which by the way includes an excellent cover by the notable comic book artist Bruce Cashman. For those that don't already know, she ranks among the best the horror genre has to offer. Open Grave is truly an excellent addition to the eclectic collection of master horror pieces and a first-rate read.

-Juan Manuel Perez, history teacher and author of six poetry chapbooks, including Dial H For Horror (2006), plus one full contemporary multi-culture poetry collection, Another Menudo Sunday (2007), and the soon to be published O' Dark Heaven, a full collection of dark poetry.

If you're wondering if this book is as good as its cover looks, the answer is yes, it is. The cool cover reminded me of the old EC Horror comics like Tales from the Crypt and Vault of Horror, and what's inside is worthy of that cover. Jeani Rector's new book is brimming with an assortment of dark treats about Ebola, voodoo, gypsies, Lycanthropy, and black magic. Open Grave is divided in two parts. The first part encompasses nine short stories and the second part, the meat of the book, is a novella.

Though on the short side (seven of the nine tales are between five to ten pages in length), the stories range from good to excellent. The first story, "Cat's Eye", about someone who wants to stand out, sets the tone for the book. The two longer stories, "Crystal Ball", about a gypsy's gift of a crystal ball to the protagonist, and "Ghoul", a creepy tale of voodoo, are the best of the book. The only story I didn't care for was "Monday Night Dive" in which two youths dive into a dumpster to find food. Jeani's strength lies in her longer stories, in my opinion, where she really gets a chance to show us she can write horror with the best of them. I also really enjoyed the variety of topics she dug into (no pun intended) in this book; she proved very knowledgeable on the subjects of voodoo, Navajo burial customs, and the occult.

Now for the "piece de resistance"; the title story, which is the novella, Open Grave. If you're like me and love reading stories about the occult, demons and black magic, then hesitate no longer, and pick up this book right now. This 165 page novella is an extremely engaging read. We are told the story of Rick Evans who finds himself dabbling in black magic and wishing he hadn't, but by that time, it's already too late. He discovers facts about his heritage that he could never have imagined and that could very well be the death of him. As the story unfolds, he falls under many spells, will be involved in necromancy and jeopardizes everything he holds dear in his life. This was a quick read with many twists and a monster of a third act where the truth is unleashed like a chainsaw upon a helpless victim.

The author has more than a trick up her sleeve and spins spine-chilling stories that will satisfy any horror reader with the wide array of tales found in this collection. The novella is a first-rate story about the occult--something I don't see too often these days--and worth the price of the book alone. I hope Ms. Rector decides to write a full-length novel sometime soon; I'm sure the result would be nothing short of spectacular.

Side note: I wish Amazon would allow half stars in their rating system; I give the first part of this book 4 stars, and the second part 5 stars for a total of 4.5 stars.

Alan Draven,
Author of Bitternest

Open Hands, Open Heart was one of the best childrens illustrated books I've read since Dr. Zeuss.

Ms. Diedra Robinson's book about Biddy Mason was inspiring to those young and old. I really enjoyed reading this book and I others will enjoy this book just as much as I did.

I found this to be a delightful book with accurate historical information and a story reflecting Biddy Mason's strong Christian values. It has a warm friendly tone and the story is anchored in the history of early Los Angeles as well as of the United States. All ages could learn of Biddy Mason from this book and find it an enjoyable experience.

I liked this book a whole lot, because I never heard of Biddy Mason. Second I liked it becasue it told of a lot of history about California also. The book was fun to read and can be unterstood by all ages. I really like this book, for myself, for my parents, and for the little children.

Belacqua Jones, the drug addled persona in the drivers seat of this endeavor makes more sense than anyone could ever imagine.

These letters will have you cringing, crying, gasping, screaming, stomping your feet and laughing out loud!

The book holds no punches. Belacqua, with a bi-partisan tongue and gale force satirical wit is a must have for any serious political junkie.

Belacqua is one of very few people who can immediately see the whole story, the bigger picture, the future ramifications, the subtleties obscured by BS. I think he's possibly reached a level of intuitive evolution never before realized.

Letters to W will make you look at the world in a whole new way and you'll wonder, how could you have been so blind before?

Belacqua (Case) says what the best critics of GWBushCo say -
but he does it SUCCINCTLY - DAILY and with HUMOR. It simply does not getany better!!!

Reviewed by Joanne Benham for Reader Views (6/06)

This book is a tongue-in-cheek satire of government and big business, told through a series of letters to President Bush from a fictional character called Belacqua Jones, described by the author as a meth-addicted psychopath, half a bubble off plumb.

Belacqua Jones is an ardent admirer of George W. Bush and possesses keen insight into the political machine. That insight is clearly evident in this book as Jones comments on every aspect of Bush's presidency and offers invaluable advice to further his political career. Some of Jones' suggestions: Enhance the value of death. If someone has an illness such as cancer, offer painkillers rather than medicine to fight the disease. Morphine is much cheaper than chemotherapy. Keep the rest of the world impoverished so that the US can maintain its standard of living. Shore up Social Security by making cigarette smoking mandatory for children. If he wishes to eliminate Social Security, he can just abolish retirement. Problem solved. The big corporations can take back all the money they put into the 401 (k)s and give enormous bonuses to the top executives as they so richly deserve.

Jones is also looking out for George's interests, such as warning him about the Ashlee Simpson debacle. It takes an astute player to recognize the potential harm Simpson could do the political machine.

At times Jones shows astonishing vision, such as urging the canonization of Judas Iscariot by the Vatican. How could anyone, except a meth-addicted psychopath, half a bubble off plumb, realize that Judas was a victim, actually a sacrifice to the greater good?

Although I don't agree with everything Case Wagenvoord writes, I found that I was in agreement with much more of what he has written than I anticipated. A brilliant, satirical book, I would urge everyone to sit down and browse through this work. Since the book is a series of letters, in no particular order, you can jump around, picking the chapter headings that intrigue you. Some of my favorites...The Iron Colon, Tree-Huggers, The Benefits of Torture, God Bless the Democrats, Stoning and Human Sacrifice.

Chilling and provocative, Open Line will leave you rubbing your funny bone, checking the cautionary goose flesh this well drawn portrait raises. Have you just encountered a surreal caricature or the real-life workings of a glib, amoral political black hole whose edge we are each just a stroke from falling into?


What if the Vietnam War was a hoax? What if it never happened? What if forces conspired to spread a media campaign suggesting that some other phenomenon never happened? Say, global warming? Say, (fill-in-the-blank.) Open Line gets out in front of critical questions such as these, in the form of a timely, wry, well-imagined novel. Like the canny main character, its author, Ellen Hawley is an effective social provocateur, slyly and convincingly using her own medium. Unlike the main character, Hawley does it for our own good.


You will want to read Hawley's send-up of American political gamesmanship if you care about free media, first amendment rights, the legacy of war, and how issues near and dear to American hearts can get hijacked by special interests. Hawley puts a face on insider politics, and takes us behind the (imaginary) scenes into an all too believable world of deal making among old money, expedient trysts, and consummate (if quirky) planning by those with agendas. She does so through the lens of the parochial politicking of Minnesota nicemakers who are deadly serious, in a story that looms universal. You will want to read Open Line if you like to laugh, love meeting characters up close who operate in public-behind our backs-and want to be stretched while having a seductively good time. Read it this season.

In the Twin Cities, late-night radio talk show host Annette Majors jokes on the air that the Vietnam War was a government hoax. Whereas before she made her sublime commentary, Annette seemingly was going nowhere in radio; after the remark she suddenly has more than fifteen minutes of fame as her show is so hot it goes into national syndication.

Even her personal life awakens when rich Republican supporter Walter Bishop begins to court her. Walter uses her "belief" to launch a presidential bid for a relatively unknown wannabe and radical conservative Stan Marlin who supports her stand. Heeding their advice, Annette refuses to back down from her stance that there never was a Vietnam War. While some Viet Vets thinks she is a buffoon; others protest; and some still reliving their horrors seek closure through her.

This superb satire showcases the power of the media in which misinformation, disinformation, omissions, and fabrications are the norm. The key to this terrific tale is the players seem genuine especially Annette whose eloquent defense of her radical revisionism rings true. For those who reject the underlying concept remember there is an Iranian president denying the Holocaust; many people disbelieving the moon landings and a prominent right wing talk show host who using clever questioning of the vice president made it sound like Richard Clarke was below the inner security sanctum before 9/11. It is not WHAT HAPPENED as McClellan has said, it's the spin. Well written and entreating, fans who appreciate a biting condemnation of the news will understand that Eisenhower's military-government complex omitted the third partner the media.

Harriet Klausner

At a time when far too many Americans are clueless not only about American history (with many believing the U.S. beat Russia in World War II), but about current events as well (with ignorant voters believing Barack Obama is Muslim and perhaps even foreign born--even though one must be American-born to serve as president!), Ellen Hawley hits the nail on the head with her brilliant satire, "Open Line."

The key to good fiction is whether a reader can believe the characters, as well as the story they live out in the book. Not only did I not have any trouble recognizing characters like those in "Open Line" as key elements of our politically-degenerated culture, but the tale Ms. Hawley weaves--about a bored radio host nearly setting off a national movement by off-handedly suggesting, tongue not so firmly in cheek, that perhaps the Vietnam War never really happened--was so realistic it was frightening.

In the old days of yellow journalism, shameless newspaper reporters and editors would say a writer shouldn't let the facts get in the way of a good story. Unfortunately, we've come full circle, with thousands of mainstream news outlets fighting for attention, credibility and ad dollars with rogue bloggers and YouTube correspondents. The result is that journalism is being increasingly diluted and even polluted with unverified and unreliable "news" reporting, irresponsible speculation by "expert" analysts, as well as outright, often calculated lies.

In such a poisonous atmosphere, it is quite plausible that a desperate radio talk show host could propel herself to a national platform by riding a wave of paranoia (not all unjustified) about government "black ops" and full-fledged misinformation. Given the fact that Vietnam ended a generation ago, younger, more gullible listeners would not think twice about such crazy talk, while a significant, deranged minority who actually lived through the events themselves might actually believe America never really fought the war in the first place.

As a novelist, Ms. Hawley does a masterful job weaving her web of intrigue and doubt. The story builds a momentum all its own, until I had to stop and remind myself a few times that it was only fiction--the book, that is, not the war!

Ms. Hawley deftly draws right-wing fringe groups, striving politicians and opportunistic business leaders into the mix, until her main character becomes merely a pawn in a much bigger geopolitical game to confuse, enrage, and eventually motivate the easily misled American public to think and vote a certain way. It's fear mongering fueled by ignorance--there is no shortage of that in real life today.

I did find myself more than once wondering where Ms. Hawley was going with all this, and how in the world she would resolve the story. But she pulled off a key plot twist that leaves you satisfied and opens the possibility of a sequel down the road.

Also, I think this would make a terrific movie!!!

Go get this book! It's a quick, compelling read that will make you think long after you've put the book down.

Don't start reading Open Line unless you are ready to stay up all night until you finish it! Hawley creates a fascinating scene, pulls you right in, and keeps you there with a rich tapestry of details sprinkled with wit like, "you'd get arrested for malicious condiments" if you insisted on having a picnic in a forbidden public place.

With a few quick words, Hawley lets us into her characters' inner conflicts: "No sane human being, she told herself, would take them for a couple, and then a few minutes later she had to tell herself the same thing all over again."

The descriptions in Open Line are elegantly simple and highly evocative: "Her voice ran high on the scale, threatening to spin into the infrared." Or "Annette closed the door, putting a slab of painted wood and a drywall sandwich between herself and that easy voice."

All in all, an entertaining tale of how a handful of opportunists can use the media to make an idea -- any idea -- seem real and plausible.

so many distinct voices. runs the gamut of the poetic genre.

What a good mix of new poets, well known Floridian poets, young, old, a true taste of NE Florida...whether you are from Florida or not you will enjoy this delightful anthology and bios of the 54 poets. Winner of a 2004 Royal Palm Award. Internationally recognized in Poetry Now Magazine the most read poetry magazine in all of Europe. "Open Mic Jacksonville" was also placed in the archives at the Cummer Museum of Arts & Gardens as part of Jacksonville, FL history...to be enjoyed 4 ever...It's a treasure. Get one today!

This book shows the talent and versatility of the writers concentrated in just one area of the country, in this case, Jacksonville, Florida. I don't know that I've ever read such a varying degree of poetry, from stunning to soothing, in one book.

This is an outstanding collection of poetry from the Jacksonville area in Florida. The poets come from all walks of life, different age groups and both genders. This book looks very professional and much of the procedes go to the Norteast Florida Literacy Organization.

As a single mom, finding inexpensive accomodations can make the difference between taking a vacation...or not!! "America's Cheap Sleeps" has been an invaluable resource - saving me not only money..but alot of time looking for a place to stay! I found the information to be accurate and complete, and the added info on pronunciation a welcome plus! Mr. Whitcombe's added knowledge and inclusion of helpful "tid-bits" was greatly appreciated! Thank you, Mr. Whitcombe!

This book has been a great resource in my travels by car. I've been able to find affordable rooms in every city I've visited, from north to south, east to west. The book is easy to use and offers helpful tips on finding accomodations that will not break the bank. America's Cheap Sleeps has saved me a load of money!

I found this book to be a great resource for cities where I don't know anybody. It gave me a place to find affordable accomodations and allowed me to do other activities with the money it saved me by going to large chains. It will come in handy for a long time to come.

Mr. Whitcombe has put together an incredible reference tool that anyone in America, or anyone who wants to visit anywhere in America, should definitely have. After my purchase of his book I took a two day vacation and in those two days I saved myself the cost of his book twice over. I recommend this tool to anyone and everyone, whether a cross-country sight-seer or a casual overnight traveller!