Running Books

I was extremely happy with the service I receivec. I requested that this book be sent to the county jail, via Overnight Mail, for my son, and it wzs received the next day. Time was of the essence and you delivered. I can't rate the book myself, because it was not for me. I would definitely use Amazon.com again.

I have been admiring and studying the Art of Boris Valejio since 1988. This is a collection of Art (late 1970s-mid 1980s) from his career PEAK. Details and tones duplicated from a MASTER Painter. If you buy ONE collection of Boris's fantastic Art, IT MUST BE MIRAGE...

There are some beautiful pencil renderings with precision use of the eraser to bring his sketches to life. An added bonus to pages of glorious full color women and men in the god-like exploitation of the human form.

I'm a long-time Boris fan. I actually own this in hardback, purchased over twenty years ago. It still is one of my favorite art books even after two decades.

Okay, why "Mirage" and not some other Boris book? This isn't a just some anthology of book covers. Quite simply, it has the finest collection of sensual fantasy art I've seen. I say sensual and not erotic because there is a difference. Boris paints lots of skin in this collection... plenty of gorgeous female pulchritude, but it keeps to the tasteful side lecherous. Oh, there are a couple of male figures as well, and they're just as well executed as his females, so you can't fault him there, either.

But don't think this is a series of illustrations with some poetry (by the artist's then-wife) thrown in to justify a book full of nudes. There's always a heavy element of high (or sometimes low) fantasy in every scene... that's fantasy as in mythic, not fantasy as in Penthouse Letters, even though Bob Guccione would have jumped at the opportunity to have any of these women grace the pages of his magazine. And to the surprise of some, there are several very humorous images as well.

Yet there is some truly incredible art in this collection as well. There is one painting of a triton and mermaid... uh... "disporting" themselves underwater that still stands out after twenty-plus years as one of my favorite pieces of art regardless of style, genre or medium. That's saying something.

If you find nudity objectionable, skip this book... you'll never get past all the skin to see the art behind it. Some of the images are slightly disturbing. Some are what I'd consider "filler" to add volume to the book, not as appealing or creative as many of the others. Yet there are some that are simply stunning... breathtaking in color, style and subject, and that makes up for any weaknesses the rest might suffer.

And as I mentioned, there is poetry included as well, contributed by Boris' wife (before Julie Bell). As far as open verse goes, she does respectably well. Some of the poems are rather forgettable, but others may appeal to the individual reader. I like Dylan Thomas and a few other modern poets who use free verse, so the style doesn't bother me a bit. Still, on the whole, the art is why I got the book, not the poetry.

If you want art by daVinci and verse by Tennyson, save your money... you'll be disappointed. Personally, I enjoy art by Boris and poems by Doris just as well.

Overall, an incredible collection well worth the acquiring.

If you are a fan of Boris Vallejo, or are thinking about buying a book of fantasy art -- this book should be the first one you buy. This is an absolute must-have for any art book collection, fantasy art or otherwise. Of all of Boris Vallejo's work to date -- this book by far has all his best art.

Boris Vallejo is by far the best fantasy artist EVER! His 1970s and 1980s art is by far much better than his current work, as is evident from the Mirage book. The figures/subjects in his early work in the Mirage book look like they actually belong in the painted scene. Many other fantasy artists draw subjects in scenes that look like models posing for a painting -- and look really stiff like cardboard. Boris meshes the scenes perfectly and transports you into another world with his vivid depictions of fantasy characters.

I recommend buying Boris Vallejo books in the following order:
1) Mirage
2) Fantasy Art Techniques -- buy it even if you're not an artist.
3) Enchantment
4) Dreams
5) Sketchbook

Verdict: Buy it!
Reviewed by Harrison Chua.

This book collects a series of Boris' paintings, plus a few very detailed pencil drawings, done between 1979 and 1982. If you're not already familiar with Boris' work - well, you probably are whether you know it or not. He has done years work of book covers for Edgar Rice Burroughs, as well as reams of posters. The one constant through all his work is passion for the human form and human power, both male and female.

These paintings range from the lush and sensual to humorous or macabre. A hookah come to life has a demonic presence, but a bar of soap come to life (and licking the bather) is more charming and a little silly. Even the simplest pictures have overtones - that bather is truly a beautiful woman, leaving me just a little envious of such close contact. Maybe not envious either, but off in thoughts of my own. And the preface is right, 'erotic' is much too simple a word for all the different feelings and combinations of feelings that come from having or holding a strong, healthy body.

My only complaint is a sameness in the female figures presented. The faces are beautiful, long and elegant, but mostly the same. The figures - the one figure, really is beautiful, but I value the uniqueness of a figure and the differences between figures. Cloning can serve a narrative purpose, certainly, but sameness wears. Even the loveliness of Danielle Anjou, acknowledged as a principal model and collaborator, wears.

Boris is the master of the figure in fantasy art, and has been for many years. This is a great sample from an earlier time in his career. It's almost impossible not to like.

//wiredweird

If you have ever run a marathon or even thought about running one, this is the book for you. Marlin Keesler shares with his readers the amazing saga of his life as The Marathon Man. Since I am an expert Whine-ologist, I'm here to tell you that this is not a book for whiners but rather for winners! Thou Shalt Not Whine: The Eleventh Commandment: What We Whine About, Why We Do It and How to Stop This is not just one man's story but rather an entire family's wonderful adventure. You will not be able to put it down except maybe to go out for a quick run in between chapters.

Our Life On the Run is the triumph of the American Family. Marlin Keesler ran marathons in all 50 states. He ran through extreme fatigue and excruciating pain. Keesler admits that he doesn't even like running. What kept him going? Teaching his special needs children to never give up, no matter what your challenges are. This book is not about marathons. It's about connecting deeply with your family and leaving a legacy.

You have to read this book. I have to admit, when "a little bird" recommended that I read it, I was not at all interested in the subject matter. Marathons? People actually write books about running? But I gave this book a try, and I have to say this....I was hooked from the first sentence. This book was about so much more then running, and I would find myself laughing out loud at times, and with tears streaming down my cheeks a few minutes later. This book, in one word, is about commitment. Commitment to meeting the goals you set, but even more importantly, commitment to your family. That is the aspect of the book that truly tugged at my heartstrings.

This book deals with so many issues we are faced with: being raised in a dysfunctional family, employment issues, the loss of loved ones, and the struggles of raising children. What touched me the most though, about this book, is how much the author truly loves his wife. Several times throughout the book he refers to her as "his best friend", and
that is what really spoke to me in volumes. Here is a man not afraid to say how he feels about his wife and family. Now, although there were times he would not admit he was wrong about something (thank goodness for AAA), you never doubted his commitment to his wife and children. This book is a quick read about the importance of family, and it will leave you with that "warm fuzzy feel good" kinda feeling. Definitely worth reading!

Marlin Keesler has written a compelling story of endurance and family togetherness. See, Keesler is The Running Man, running 50 marathons, one in each of the fifty states. Sustaining him is not only a great cardiovascular system and stamina but a devoted family. The accomplishment was a family affair.

Keesler's story reminds us that the journey is the reward. He will win no gold medals perhaps in the marathon, break no world records, but show that determination, will, grit and a family's support can raise us above our limitations.

An excellent read!!

Here's a great story of a guy that had his share of adversity while growing up and as a family man. But he does not give in into fatalism, like most of us would do in similar circumstances.
Read this book and you will find out why.
Meet marlin and his family you won't regret it.

all woman runners should read this book!
it is well worth the time and money!!

These personal stories of runners are perfect to share with your running friends. They'll get you all motivated to keep it up.

I had never read this book, but after reading a review, purchased it for two running friends. It was a hit! One copy has now been passed around to at least 3 different readers. The chapters are good, motivational, real to life running adventures. I would recommend it to both walkers and runners, beginners to advanced.

I very much enjoyed the personal nature of the story each runner had to tell. One or two were a little to much brag for me. Most provided inspiration and joy at the growth the runner achieved by their running. More than a couple brought a tear to my eye. I encourage the writers to create an annual supplement. (Keep it simple and don't over do it the way the Chicken Soup guys have done.) I look forward to more!

Thanks. egm, Vermont

Great book. No matter what your sport or fitness regime, the stories in this book will inspire and motivate you to overcome whatever obstacles stand in your way.

The lessons can be applied to any struggle you might be facing, from relationships to business to yep, even learning how to run. The stories are short and easy to read--great if you don't have much time to indulge.

These amazing and uplifting stories of the power of women would make a great gift for any woman (or man). Give a copy to all your "sisters".

I found this to be an excellent book, but the constant plugs for the Sinclare Institute videos annoyed me while I was reading. Advertising for other books/products from the same author/publisher/company should be before the title page, or after the content, not at the end of each chapter, as well as several times throughout the chapter.

I've read it. My husband's read it. I even gave it to my 24-year-old daughter to read and she loved it. We all loved it. I know it's really helped my husband and me. The bedroom is now my favorite room in the house. It didn't use to be that way. We had lots of trouble getting on the same page in that department, let me tell you. But not anymore. Great book.

Since reading this, my husband and I have gotten so much closer and happier, not to mention sexier. ...

...and believe me, I've read a few. I used to be an advice columnist, and if I wrote this clearly and amusingly, I'd probably still be in the business. 10 Secrets doesn't float all over the place or get lost in heavy-breathing or New Agey mumbo julumbo. It offers a clear, delightful path to sexual fulfillment. My only concern now is keeping my husband from trying to meet Felicia Zopol.

This book still has me giggling with delight. I feel like a teenager again. I feel better than a teenager because now I'm finally getting it all right and not groping around in the proverbial dark back seat of a Chevy. I had my first genuine, mind blowing orgasm after reading this book and trying out some of the techniques. Then I got my husband to give me one (another first). Thank you, thank you, thank you. I don't know how I lived without this book for so long.

overall this book gives many good techniques to ease muscular pain.
It is simple to read and understand and better than using drugs for muscular problems.

What a great idea this book was! These are simple exercises for two people to do together. Back pain is ubiquitous in our country and many people, especially office workers, will find this information very valuable.

This is a great book. The instructions are simple, the illustrations are clear, and Dr. Kirschner has genuine insight into pain and how it affects couples. I can't wait for the DVD.

Besides being a great addition to my own collection, this book has become my new standby wedding gift. It makes a wonderful personalized addition to a gift off the registry. I have already added the book to 2 wedding gifts and both couples thanked me multiple times for the wonderful bonding experiences and relief the book had provided them.

I absolutely love this book! I've been a chronic neck and back pain sufferer for more than 7 years and this book has really saved my life. No more am I trying to explain how to adjust my back based on what feels like my I've read the book cover to cover. It's a permenant fixture on my coffee table now! Thanks for writing a practical, hands on, fix to my pain!

When I first heard of my uncle James Going to jail over this car scam thing I truly didnt believe it was so big. James and Robert were great friends, but Robert always brought him down in alot of ways. Robert was a crook from the start but its funny to know just how they wrote a book about him and Robert and they"ll be on Cnbc 3/26/2008 at 9pmPT on the show American greed. I even rode in one of the cars in high school not knowing it was bought with criminal money. James came from a great family and a nice neighborhood unlike the Bulls%$t they're writing my uncle was a great football player and an excellent student he also wanted to be a cop. This sucks. I feel sorry the person who Charles Mansion's family member but I still love my uncle and I truly believe that he made a bad decision by being friends with such a loser like Robert Gomez. Steve V. Nichols, Jr. his nephew.

Truth really is stranger than fiction. An amazing story that was very well written.

Everyone should read this book. It is well written and a real page turner that is based on fact. I was surprised that the religious people had such a hard time accepting and admitting that they had been taken. Like God was going to protect them from crooks. It was a fasinating read. You will enjoy it. I did.

Americans' obsession with the automobile makes it the ideal object for a scam. Invoke divine approval and success is guaranteed. Yet the two young perpetrators could scarcely have imagined that the "miracle cars", which they promised to deliver to a Los Angeles church congregation, would eventually yield 21 million dollars nationwide. They were certainly incongruous partners: Robert "Buddha" Gomez, a brash, extravagant gambler and James Nichols, a serious, seemingly conservative church goer whose fellow worshippers provided the first victims. It was Nichols who was the "executor" of a vast estate, charged with the liquidation of an ever growing fleet of luxury vehicles at bargain prices. Even James' mother, a church deaconess, believing that she might serve God's purpose to provide deserving people with better transportation, was persuaded to help with the collection of money.
Throughout the five years that the fraud flourished, not a single car was delivered and the only visible evidence of the purported fleet was a distant view of some completely unrelated vehicles. As some of the original buyers became impatient, the operation became a Ponzi scheme, with newly collected funds being used to reimburse them. This had the effect of adding a false sense of good intentions to the scheme, thus prolonging it.
Phillips maintains a remarkably even tone in describing events that sometimes verge on the farcical. Judging by his reported conversations with both the primary and secondary players, the reader is left with the impression that they came to believe in the reality of their own deception. Only with the arrests did some admit to the fraud. Yet Gomez, true to character, would even then insist that he knew nothing of the source for the millions he had wagered.
The particulars of this account may be unusual but the general outline is all too familiar: greed combined with gullibility inevitably lead to disaster

As one of the prosecutors in the case, my review may be on the biased side, but I think John Phillips did a great job on this book. Somehow he made it accurate and entertaining at the same time. Having read John's articles in Car and Driver long before I ever met him, I always enjoyed his humorous writing style. After meeting him during the trial and afterwards, I appreciated both his writing and his humor even more. It was a very interesting case to investigate and try in court, but the book was entertaining even to me. Some of our witnesses opened up to him with more information after the trial was over. I hope anyone who reads this book will have an appreciation of the inside view of what seems like an incredible fraud scheme but is actually "sad but true." I know anyone who reads it will be entertained.
Dan Stewart

I think this book would be great for 4-H and Pony Club. Its suitable for kids, but great for adults with riding experience, too. This book is one of the few I've read that really does have something for everyone. Great advice, with a personal touch.

Here's a trainer who talks to you, not down to you. I felt like she could be a riding buddy! I could really relate to alot of the stories and I learned alot too. The pictures are really fun and I had to chuckle at some of them, and the anecdotes too! I give this book two hooves up.

This book is chock full of very usable/hands-on advice/information on horse and pony training. Even though I have had my horse at several riding clinics, nobody ever pointed out that my horse was overbitted. By just following the advice on bitting, my horse is now much more responsive and has not balked even once when out trail riding. I have also learned to hold the reins with a much gentler hand. All in all, I feel I have not only helped myself, but I have also helped my horse as well. As another reviewer mentioned, I think every horse should come equipped with this book. Instead of teaching you to train your horse, this book teaches you to understand your horse so that the training becomes a learning/understanding process for both you and your horse.

The Horse's Choice covers horse training from both a horse's perspective and a human's perspective, explaining what motivates your horse's behavior, and how to get him to respond to you using brains and compassion instead of brute strength. With compelling, easily understood examples, The Horse's Choice covers everything from the first-time horse purchase to caring for your horse, establishing training routines, and correcting problem behaviors. Written in an engaging, knowledgeable manner, horse expert Staci Layne Wilson has produced an excellent guide to the compassionate care and training of your horse that you'll want to study from cover to cover. Highly recommended!

He would just laugh and tell you that he was right all along.... Did you know that your problem horse's problem is YOU? Or if not you, then a previous owner or handler. Your horse knows and he is trying to tell you. Staci Layne Wilson also knows, and this is the approach she takes when she explains why a horse has a problem. The good thing with this book is that it not only tells you how to cure a problem - it also explains why the problem arose in the first place and how to avoid that it re-occurs. So, even if you don't have a problem horse at home, this book is a definite must! The book takes its starting point in the natural horsemanship methods. Staci Wilson has studied these methods for years and has found her own method to incorporate them into her training in a way that they are adjusted to fit the kind of horse she's working with. She does this in her book by describing how different kinds of horses need different approaches. All the time throughout the book Staci Wilson considers what will be the most natural thing for the horse to do in a given situation, and she adjusts her training advises accordingly. The book is a must for beginners and intermediate riders, but even if you are experienced like myself, there is something you can use in this book. Things you maybe just hadn't thought of in the first place. The training methods are easy to understand, and more important: Easy to follow as well. Staci Wilson puts a lot of significance into the aspect of safety, which I think is very important. The book also emphasizes that being a good horseman requires a lot of time and work, which is true. Nothing comes from nothing, and as the book says, it's you and your horse who must walk the walk - no trainer can do it for you. But when you read this book the walk won't feel as long and it will be a lot easier because you get to know the basics and how to work your way up from there. A simple thing like the horse's flight instinct is the root of most kinds of problems and Staci tells you why that it is and how to avoid getting yourself or your horse into trouble. And the methods described in this book makes it both fun and interesting to work with your horse! Results show quickly and both of you get something out of the deal and will end up a lot happier. The book is illustrated with great photos and it is very humourously written! I was laughing a lot while I read it - Staci Wilson hits home every time she describes a situation. I read it in one sitting too - you simply cannot put it down! Needless to say I find this book absolutely great.

And for you who also enjoyed the excerpt from Staci Layne Wilson's next novel, The Dance: You can look forward to reading the rest! I've read the whole script (in one sitting as well..) and it continues in the same fun and enthralling style - just even more so!

I purchased Mr. Right When You Need Him as a gift for a close friend with a very bad track record in romance.

She was recovering from her latest broken heart, and this gave her (and every other person there) a great laugh.

Get one today for yourself! It's so much cheaper than therapy!

Great gift! (Although you'll probably wind up wanting to buy one for yourself too!) I saw it first at a bridal shower...then started buying them as gifts for all my friends...and yes, one for myself!

Karen Salmansohn is the best -- I love her books !! What a great combination of humor (comic relief) and penetrating insight into contemporary life. This one is for those times when you'd rather laugh than cry. And don't miss her new one about doing absolutely nothing as a way of changing -- improving your life. She just keeps hitting the target in the right creative key in her wonderful series of books.

Mr Right when you need him is the perfect gift for any woman, single or married. The doll has 4 or 5 phrases that will instantly make this a gift that will be passed around from person to person. However, I must warn you that too much use causes difficulty in squeezing the doll (It was a little too popular with my friends!) The book is light hearted and a fun read. Highly recommend as a gift!!

This is a very nice book and doll package containing 'a sweet-talking man-doll and 64-page owner's manual with helpful tips on use and care.' Author Karen Salmansohn is superb. In part of West Africa, people have carved statuettes of their "spirit spouses" -- here is a good contemporary American version. Highly recommended.

This is one of my favorite books that I like to read to my kids. They really enjoy the book also. It was very well written and the illustrations are very colorful and unique.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

On reading Mrs Rampersauds truely mind tickling book I thought to myself, now this girls got talent, she'll go all the way. The cleverness yet simplicity of her playful rhymes humoured and amused my little nephew before he laid his little head to sleep, while my 2 year old niece thought, now heres a woman who knows what us kids want. A book that should be added to every childs story-time. Without a doubt, a cracker.

I read this book to my three-year-old and he loved it. It's one of the books he asks for by name. He loved the rhymes and couldn't wait for me to turn the page.

Both of my children (ages 3 and 7) love this book! My 3 year-old loves the rhyming words and brightly-colored illustrations. My seven year-old loves to read it to her sister and listen to the giggles it evokes. Bravo!

The Author read this book to my daughters' first grade classes. I was amazed at how much the entire class enjoyed this book and a glimpse at Ms. Bonnett-Rampersaud's other endeavors. The kids thought the book was cute because they had at one time thought the same thing (some may still think that way). We now have our own copy at home to share with the whole family!

Though I've been a writer of erotica for well over twenty years, I actually read very little of the stuff, preferring the pleasure of novels in the horror/ mystery/suspense genres. Occasionally, however, a beautifully written piece of erotica does come along that grabs my attention and makes me realize how far I still have to go in becoming a good writer. RAW SILK by Lisabet Sarai is just such a novel. This is the story of lovely software engineer, Katherine O'Neil, who leaves her home and lover in Boston to take a job with DigiThai Ltd in Bangkok, Thailand. During Kate's first week of work there, she unexpectedly becomes sexually involved with one of the owners of the company, Somtow Rajchitraprasong, and with one of the company's clients, Gregory Marshall. Somtow is a married Thai prince who seems to be overly addicted to the delicious pleasures of the flesh and is more than willing to help Kate explore her own sexuality. Marshall, on the other hand, is the owner of a local sex club called the Grotto and has a raw animal magnetism that makes him alluring. Lucky Kate is instantly drawn to both men with a force that's almost overwhelming in the nature of its power. When Marshall introduces her to the world of S&M with the intention of making her a sexual slave, she finds herself giving in to hidden emotions that threaten to engulf her with their smoldering intensity. In time she will have to make a choice between the two gentlemen, not to mention her old lover, David, who suddenly arrives in Bangkok to win her back. As if Kate didn't have enough to worry about, there's also a conspiracy brewing within the upper echelons of DigiThai-a conspiracy that may bring the company down to its knees with her as the scapegoat. There's no doubt in my mind that RAW SILK is one of the hottest novels I've read in the past several years. Though it was written by a woman for a predominantly female audience, I found myself aroused in ways that surprised even me. There's definitely something for everyone in this novel: straight sex, bi-sex, male domination, female domination, threesomes, and the list goes on and on. But more than that, this book is exquisitely written. Ms. Sarai is a poet who knows the magic of words and how to make them come alive for the reader. She's able to capture the sheer beauty of Bangkok as well as its crowded streets, strange scents, constant noise, and the open friendliness and hospitality of its people toward outsiders. I felt at home there and experienced strong memories returning of when I lived in Bangkok during the late sixties. I also found all of the main characters in the book to be fully developed and rather intriguing, and even the information about computer software programming managed to capture my attention. I have to admit that it was a no-brainer as to whom Kate would pick to live her life with at the end. I can say that RAW SILK, like authentic Thai food, is a hot and spicy dish best suited for those readers in need of a little excitement in their otherwise dull and restless lives. It certainly spiced up my life, and I now intend to keep an eye out for more novels by Lisabet Sarai!

Kate leaves her lover David and goes to Thailand, where she seems to loose her inhibitions she had with David. Kate gets involved with men and women, exploring her sexuality in ways she never felt she could with David. There is a plot of sabotage which is well written until the end of the story. This aurthor had me wishing to be Kate throughout the book. Not for those who are not open minded.

Kate is in search of something/anything exciting and takes a job in Thailand. She immediately falls into a imbroglio of sexual/sensual pleasure with two very different lovers. The journey is definitely of sexual self discovery and exploration and exceptionally written.

I turned every page of this book and found compelled to read another page and then another until I was finished. Every page was exciting to put the book down was verboten.

There is an air to this novel that stays with you after reading the last page of the book and your compelled to think of your own reality and the choices Kate made her reality.

Raw Silk is a well-crafted excursion into sensual exploration. The characters are vivid and the narrative moves steadily from adventure to adventure as Kate explores her desires and the mysteries of Thailand.

There isn�t a dull paragraph anywhere. Raw Silk kept me turning pages in search of the next layer of steamy prose. Ms. Sarai keeps you on the edge of your chair and panting. This is a rewarding read.

Raw Silk offers a wonderfully erotic, escapist read. Software designer, Kate O' Neil takes an new job - in Thailand. In the exotic world of the far east, she meets two different, but equally fascinating lovers. Both expand her sensual horizons, introducing her to sensualities and kinks of her fantasies. But throughout her sexual adventures, Kate still harbors fond memories of the man she left behind in Boston, and in the midst of her sensual experiences, she finds herself embroiled in fraud, deceit and business espionage.

A not-to-be-missed read!!!