A Books

Wow. Not your typical good guys come to a new planet, good guys save the planet, good guys leave the planet and everyone lives happily ever after. I just loved the ending ,wasn't expecting that!
Now I can't wait to start book no.6!

This entire series is a great children's series. Even though I'm an adult, I still love these books. Set before Episode I, they follow Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn through their early years together as master and apprentice. If you like Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, or the master/apprentice relationship in general, you'll love these books.

Obi-Wan is on Melida/Dan. A planet steeped with violence for as long as anyone can remeber.Jedi should not take sides Qui-gon tells Obi-Wan but he ends up taking sides with a group named the Young who are fighting against there parent to stop the war. Debate rages between Obi-wan and Qui-gon and ..... well you will see what heppens.It includes Obi-Wan getting kicked out of the Jedi Order and staying to help the Young read the next books to see if Qui-gon will except Obi-wan as his apprentice again. I [16] found this to be a great book when i was younger and still do! now that iv finished the NJO series the clone wars series and the Jedi Apprentice series i cant wait for a new one . You will love this book guarenteed.If you dont well i cant give you your money back..... but you would have to be insane not to like it.

Another truly great story from Jude Watson. These books bridge the gap left vacant before Episode 1.
Jude watson has a great gift for fleshing out all the characters we've come to know on a much deeper level.
This particular series gives us the early adventures of Obi-Wan and Quinn -Jon and shows us the development of the two as the later indepent thinking Jedi they become.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan go to Melida/Daan to rescue Tahl, the Jedi peacekeeper who went there. She was gravely wounded and captured by the Melida, and so Yoda dispatches more Jedi to rescue her.
Young Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Jedi apprentice, he's not supposed to become emotionally involved in a conflict. But when he meets Cerasi and Nield, the young and charismatic leaders of the Young on the planet of Melida/Daan, he is immediately swept up in their just cause. The Elders of the planet are nothing more than defenders of the dead, willing to sacrifice whole generations to get back at each other for past battles. No one remembers the original grievances, just that the Melida are evil or the Daan are evil, depending on who they are. The only ones striving for peace are the Young. They're proud to announce that they're everyone, both Melida and Daan children who want to rebuild their war-torn planet.
The Young help rescue Tahl, but they need the Jedi's help. Though forbidden to do so, Obi-Wan's heart tells him he must help the young save their planet.

The Door Within was seemingly written with two large goals in mind: the first would be to absolutely enthrall young readers with action, adventure, and the ever-deepening courage of someone their own age. Many young people have thought "wouldn't it have been cool to be a knight" or to turn from everything you've ever known to an adventure that few believed was real; this books tells that story. The second goal was to challenge the reader to truly examine what they believe in by drawing age-appropriate parallels between the main character and the reader. This goal was readily accomplished, as well, as the main character, Aiden, is real enough and each of us could identify with the various aspects of his personality.

While reading the book, I found it very difficult not to compare it with The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia. As this book falls into the same genre as those two, I was pleased to say that while this relationship was easy to see, it stands alone and cannot be confused with either. As I was related to one of my student's parents, "it is a great book that is kind of a hybrid between the two; it takes the elements of each that make them great and creates a new work that you must force yourself to put down." I had one parent tell me that she and her daughter were reading the book before bedtime. When the child left the room, she confessed to reading ahead after her daughter was in bed. She had even gone to the bookstore and purchased the Rise of the Wyrm Lord and The Final Storm and was not going to feel bad about reading ahead, even if she had to do it in secret.

Regarding the spiritual nature of the book, I can say that there is definitely a good message about using the gifts that one has been given for the benefit of mankind. Throughout the book, there are countless occurrences of self-sacrifice and other spiritually-sound happenings. When I turned the final page, I was saddened that it was over, but excited about what was to come. That sense, too, is aligned with a person's spiritual journey through real life. The book is incredibly well-written by an author who is not afraid to write outside the box.

Age recommendations:
Children reading the book alone: 11 years
Children reading with a parent: 9 years

Faith affirming/spiritual message (1-10):
9 - The book seems to be written with the intention of challenging the reader to examine his beliefs.

Overall Rating (1-10 scale):
9 - Lots of action, lots of intense self-examination by the protagonist makes for a read that is difficult to set aside.

Would you find this in my personal library?
ABSOLUTELY! It has a permanent place in my bookshelf.

Would you find this in my classroom library?
Yes. It is a good piece of literature that might help a struggling young person through life's ever-present difficulties.

Start the adventure of your life time as you join Adian Thomas as he discovers another world,at war. Watch as the noble King Elim fights against the death, deserving knight Paragor. Enjoy Adian's quest as he fights for King Elim and must learn the price of loyalty.

Door Within

The Door Within starts us on a three part adventure that takes us into our memories and our imaginations. The characters are so dynamic and well articulated, you can't help to hope to meet them some day. Encapsulating an awesome message that takes place in this wonderful and beautifully crafted world. We begin by embarking with Aidin on an adventure that will pull him out or our world, and you will be thrilled as you go with him. He must endure a struggle within himself and against the villain Paragory. This book will take you up and down, and everywhere in between. It is a well written exciting adventure for middle aged children and up.

Aiden Thomas is heart broken. His family has moved away from everything he's ever known--including his one and only friend Robby--to take care of a grandfather Aiden thinks belongs in an `Old Folks Home'... until he finds the scrolls in his grandfather's basement. They change his life, and show him how to enter The Door Within. With Wayne Thomas Batson's fast-paced, action packed, writing style and incredible characters, you'll need to cancel school the next day... then sprint to the nearest bookstore and grab the next two books in this trilogy.

The Door Within is the first in a trilogy of fantasy books for middle-age readers. If your kids are fans of C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, they (and maybe even you) will probably love these books as well. The story is not too hard to follow, but is still masterfully woven together. The characters are very lovable and reading about their friendly antics is quite entertaining. It has great moral lessons and doesn't include the inappropriate material other books in this age group may have. The spiritual undertones in the book can be very much appreciated by believers, and maybe get unbelievers asking questions about God. This book is a wonderful fantasy tale that's perfect for kids from middle school to adult!

This is the best of all waterfowl books. Thanks!

I doubled my knowledge by reading this book. There were some great chapters within this book.

I learned a lot from the book because there were some great chapters within the book. I rank it 100 star!

I cannot tell you how much I learned in this book and how much of an improved goose hunter the book has made me. THANKS.

The graphics, pictures, diagrams, the way it was written and the information within this book made it super.

The book was very helpful. It explained the cards and their meaning in a very simple and helpful format. I liked the different exercises I had to do, and it helped me gain greater knowledge of the cards and their meaning.

I recently bought the Universal Waite Tarot Deck and this book to begin learning how to use the Tarot. This book is very very detailed! NOT confusing AT ALL!!! I love the way she simplified the book, it is not a whole bunch of mumbo jumbo, she knows exactly what shes talking about! She gives an overview of each single card, spreads , lessons etc etc. The whole nine. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning the Tarot!

This book is very informative and has historical knowledgeable. I find it a great learning tool.

This book is very easy to read and understand. Exercises are designed for the readers to be intuitive rather than simply memorizing the card meanings. A great resource for beginner Tarot readers.

I first learned the Tarot in 1976. Now over 30 years later I am finding myself having to re learn them as a result of memory loss due to a brain tumor. I bought several books in hopes of being able to recover some of my memory and learn again. I found this book by Ms. Joan Bunning to be one of the best! The print setting is just right for me making it easy for me to see. I have many decks of cards but wanted to start again on the deck I first learned on, the Rider-Waite Deck. The layout of this book is one that is so simple but yet so very complete and I am enjoying it! Parts are even coming back to me. The "how to" format with 19 lessons in all starts at the very basics of the Tarot and moves on to more advanced concepts. Starting with part one, Elements of the Tarot, it covers the Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, The Spread, Daily Reading and much much more! The card descriptions are very comprehensive and again easy to understand and follow. Ever read something and say to yourself "huh? What did that mean?" well you won't do that here! Also there is over 175 illustrations using the same deck, Waite. There is even a Website for support!! I just love this book and I want to thank Ms. Bunning for bring the Tarot back to light for me!!!

This isn't one of the pigeon books where you talk back to the pigeon. Instead, the pigeon talks to the Special Guest Star - the Duckling!

My nieces (aged 5 and 2.5) can literally recite this one by heart. And they will! Oh, they will. They love every page of it, and if that's not a good recommendation, I don't know what is!

They even (especially) love the inside covers. On the front inside cover there's a lot of hot dogs, but on the *back* inside cover one of the hot dogs has been cut in half - just like the pigeon cuts his hot dog in half to share it with the duckling!

Mo Willems has done it again. This is a very fun book for small children. My kindergarten students love all of Mo Willems books but, this is one of their all time favorites.

This is one book kids of different ages love. My daughter bought this one for her daughter, she loved it .So she got it for my youngest granddaughter . She is 7 and she would not put it down. She read this book three times a day at least for weeks. She had so much fun with it . This is one for all ages .

Kindergarten kids and younger would get a kick out of this story. A great book to get all the kids laughing hysterically.

I stumbled upon this book in my local bookstore, and bought it to read to my 10 month old daughter. She doesn't get it, but I giggle with every turn of the page. I'm planning on buying the other Mo Willems books, also. Thumbs up.

Wow. Ok, you hooked me. What a great intro to the story. I can't wait until I can read the rest.... The only bad thing I can say is that I can't purchase the book!!!

When is this being published?

I liked this. It does remind me of something, but nothing put together like this. It's as if many things I have read are, maybe, going to show up somewhere along the way, but the author has put them together in such a way that this is also, all new. I would definitely read this book as it is just weird enough for me to find it quite interesting. He has put so many possibilities in front of the reader that anything can happen and would probably not sound absurd. At first, I thought it might be like "I am Legend", but it's not. Good for you, Edward, as I am now both tantalized and confused. I hope I get to see the finished product.

What fun! I enjoyed Mr. Aubry's writing style and wonderfully well thought out introduction of characters and story line. I want more!!
Tracy, PA

Static Mayhem by E. Aubry offers the tale of Harrison Cody, a survivor in some post-catastrophe world. Dinosaurs, dragons, performing pine trees, 'watching' sunflowers, tapes from the future, roads leading to nowhere, and all of this started just three months ago. This is a very 'readable' story that drew me in once I got over some early bumps.

In the initial scenes, as Harrison arrives at the exit ramp for Holyoke Mall, there is descriptive work regarding the parking garage, then the mall interior, including rampant flora. At this point I know nothing of Harrison's story, but it's clear that he wasn't inside the mall when those interior details were given. As I read through the excerpt it became clearer that he'd been doing all types of things over the prior three months (probably went into the mall too), but to give an interior scene shot without him actual inside was strange. It wasn't clear at that time whether this was a recollection of Harrison's or simply the author sharing info with the reader.

Other nit-pick: Harrison is wearing a Pink Floyd t-shirt, but then pulls a sunglasses case from the breast pocket? Not that t-shirts can't have breast pockets, but this particular detail seemed mismatched.

Beyond these bumps, I simply found myself reading along. The writing is simple and clear. Most of the questions raised in my mind were planted by the author or shared with the character. I liked the demonstration of imagination with this amalgam of story elements.

Overall, I could easily see reading this straight through. The basics of good storytelling were present without the extra prosey fluff.

As one reviewer (a member of my local writers group) has already mentioned, Static Mayhem is the first of two completed books. This one builds the world and asks many questions, while chronicling Harrison's late coming-of-age and blossoming parenthood. The second book answers all those questions, and tells a much larger story than the rite of passage shown in the first. I don't know why I was reluctant to explain that in my summary when I submitted the manuscript. I can't help but wonder how my Publishers Weekly review would have read if the reviewer had known that the end of the book wasn't the end of the tale. Live and learn.

I would be remiss to discount the value of having heavily work-shopped this novel, both in a face-to-face writers group, and on TheNextBigWriter.com, a wonderful and diverse community of novelists, poets, and writers of every ilk. I recommend TNBW to any aspiring writer. The variety and depth of feedback available there are invaluable.

Regardless of what happens next, I'm thrilled to have made it this far. It's a boost, and a sign that Static is on the right track. And, as far as I'm concerned, what happens next is that Static Mayhem and its sequel have a future. If Penguin passes, they're both finished and work-shopped and ready to be published. An outside party has expressed interest in adapting the story as a screenplay, so it may go that route. Meanwhile, I'm working on my next book.

So, thank you all for dropping by to have a look. I'll try to make sure you don't have to wait too long to read the rest!

Edward Aubry

An absolutely beautiful and deep character study. You don't have to be a Trekie to enjoy it.

The book was well written and Robinson's knowledge of the lead seems so very authentic.

He created an entire backstory that blends in very well with the DS9 series. It makes watching the show in syndication even more fun, especially when Robinson is on, because it's like you, the viewer is in, on the secret.

I look forward to seeing more of his work, be it as an actor or as a writer.

Having enjoyed DS9 and having heard about this book through Memory Alpha, I noticed all the positive reviews and decided to give it a shot. It was well worth it, the book is completely engrossing and a joy to read. I wish Robinson would write a sequel.

Someone, just lock Andrew J. Robinson in a room and make him write more. Seriously.

Deep Space Nine was my favourite of all the Trek series, and Garak was my favourite character, so you can imagine how thrilled I was when this book arrived. It is amazing. It goes so deeply into what makes up the Cardassian mind and society, every unanswered question that one could have about Cardassians is answered in this novel. I didn't want it to end! The author is also the actor who played Garak, and the insight he provides about his character is wonderful, poetic, and so moving. Anyone who has ever enjoyed an episode of DS9 needs to buy this book. I've read it three times, and I still enjoy it more than any other sci-fi book that I've read.

thisbook is perfect if you want to know everyting about U2
I really love it !

This book is one of the few really great rock biographies. It does a great job of chronicling the band's past by giving a distilled view of their present, in both personal lives, internal processes, and musical career. All of that is the essence of the music of U2, and the legacy their music has created. Flanagan does them a great service in this bio, but also himself, for presenting them so well and staying out of the way. Well, mostly. His humor about touring with them is fairly expressive...

An outstanding work of rock journalism. This is far from a starry-eyed fanboy tribute -- Flanagan is one of the most intellectually gifted rock critics out there, and here he turns his intellect on travel, music, pop culture, his own foibles, and, of course, U2 and their art.

Flanagan, one of the first American journalists to champion U2, is a confidant of the band, but it doesn't stop him from critically appraising their work. The book starts with U2 taking the last flight into East Germany before reunification, and follows the band all the way through the writing of Achtung Baby, Zooropa, and the tour that surrounded the two albums. It's probably U2's most creatively active period, and it's our good fortune that a writer of Flanagan's calibre tagged along for the ride. A must-read if you're at all interested in U2.

This is one of the most well-written biographies that I have read. Mr. Flanagan covers every aspect of U2, mixing the present with the past and the anticipated future of the band. As an avid reader of various non-fiction subjects, I have to say that this kind of a biography was a first for me. You wouldn't think that a book about a band would have any transferrable application for non-musicians, however I found that these guys are fairly down-to-earth. Reading U2: At the end of the world helped me to dispell some of the superstar myths that I had. That being said, I feel compelled to put a disclaimer about some of the language. While, it didn't seem to bother me, I would have to give this an "R" rating, as far as language is concerned. It's not as if the f-bomb appears on every other page...maybe once or twice a chapter. But, for those who might be sensitive to such expletives, beware. 5-Stars, with a warning.

After reading this book, I felt like I really understood what was going on in their heads while writting Achtung Baby! and the music was better for it. I've read some of the more recent books about U2 and also about Bono and this tops them all. It's a day in the life, before 9/11 and before all that came after for them. If you love U2 like I love U2, read this book.

Book hard to find, received in condtion stated, great pacaging, shipping times as stated. Would purchase from seller again.

I was trying to find a book for my 10 year old granddaughter for Christmas and remembered this book from my childhood. I was very excited I was able to find it for her

I am 48 and read this book when I was much, much younger; however, I never forgot this book. It is probably by far the best book I have ever read (and I have read many). I was very happy to see it in print again. I bought the book (again) to add to my collection.

After reading so many of the reviews I found it funny to see so many written by woman like me who after 30 years re-found this book from their chidhood memory. I have four daughters and of course I have recommended this book to them. I will re-read this book for years to come.
Out of all the books I have read throughout my life, this book still stays in my head. Lisa

It's been decades since I was a young reader at Sevilla Elementary School in Phoenix, entranced with reading as many library books as I could carry home every few days.

Usually, I only checked out each title once. One book, however, kept me coming back for more: "The Velvet Room."

Maybe it was because the heroine in the book had a secret place of her own, something as the middle child among five siblings my world definitely lacked. I'm not sure, though, as it has been many years since I've picked up a copy.

Thanks, Zlipha Keatley Snyder. Your work filled many otherwise blah afternoons with the adventure found only in great children's fiction.

Someday, hopefully soon, I will take another look at the story - this time through the eyes of an adult. Will I still like it? I can't say for sure.

Young people of today, however, likely will. The need for personal space is timeless.

I'd suggest this book as a great gift for any young girl who loves to read.

-- RuthAnn

I was diagnosed with Manic depression/bipolar disorder about 5 years ago. Prior to that it was severe Postpartum depression. I have been on and off medication for 9 years after the death of my mom. Through much prayer and seeking God I was healed of my depression and given joy abundantly, and do not take any medication whatsoever. God must know how much I love books, because only after 4 days of healing me He brought me this book. It was like God was saying "okay your healed, now here is the way to walk in it."

Tommy Newberry's down to earth and gentle approach keeps this a very readable, enjoyable and relaxing book. And, the best part was I didn't have to dig up my past and analyze all of my errors and my sins. No, this book is all about MOVING FORWARD! I rejoiced when Tommy Newberry said in the book "and, I promise you won't have to go into your past to get the answer" I paraphrased.

I have purchased this book for my family, teachers and friends. It is the gift that keeps giving. And, now all of my friends are giving it as gifts!


I am on my 10th time reading this book. And, every single time I read it, I am blessed differently by it. The 4:8 Principle has taught me how to train my mind to think the way God wants me to think. It has changed my life. God will use this book to reveal areas in your thought life that you never even knew existed. The 4:8 Principle has spread like wild-fire through my church, and people's lives are being transformed. Marriages are being transformed.

I have many, many, many books on my bookshelf. Lots of them are self-helps. This is by far the only book that has given me practical answers, and COPING SKILLS!!! And, it is not a self-help book. It is a "let God help you out book." This is not just one of those "power of positive thinking" books. This is faith in action.

Do yourself a favor. Even if you consider yourself a pretty positive person. BUY THE BOOK. You will be surprised and delighted and more blessed than you already think you are. If you are someone like me, who was constantly nursing negative, even destructive thoughts, then RUN to get the book. You won't be sorry!


I love it. And, my life is completely changed.

I read the book in about 2 days and I'm now rereading it. The most interesting part I have found in this book that I haven't seen in others on this subject is the sensible and clear advise and solid answers which Tommy Newberry gives. The 4:8 Principle is a life changing and joy increasing book for me.

I recommend this book to those who want to have more joy in their lives. It is true that it is an inside job and this book has helped in that undertaking. An easy to read book that can lead to good things.

Great book! I've always worked on goals and reading to improve, however, this book provided great clearity and simple steps to follow. Mr. Newberry's concepts are easy to understand and follow, very impactful, and most importantly, can be implemented immediatly! If you are looking to live right in all areas fo your life; business, family and friends, this is a great read!

I have been searching for a way to create Biblical Affrimations for my life. The "4:8 Principal" showed me the path. I am very impressed with the Mr. Newberry's ability to give God the glory and impower me to take action were needed. For the first time in my life I have been able to write a mission statement that has put on paper the glory God would have for my life.

I believe our world is much like that of Babylon pulling us in many directions that feel good. The "4:8 Principle" gave me a way to accept the abundance God has for my life and not compare it to anyone else. I myself am a "Beautiful, wonderful child of God." I started saying this over our children and our four year responded to me with "that's because you and Daddy are beautiful, wonderful parents of God."

The "4:8 Principle" works and has changed our family for ever. Thank you Mr. Newberry for having the courage to write it.

This is a great book. I'm already on my second read, taking my time and making lots of notes. This book help me learn about myself and assisting me in writting my personal mission statement (PMS). I believe that everyone should read this dynamic book. I believe that Tommy Newberry hit a Grand Slam on showing readers on how to identify and write your personal goals and identify why it is so important to develop your own personal mission statement (PMS). This book supports his first book "Sucess is not an Accident. I was at a Tommy Newberry seminar in Denver. Colorado on June 14th and Tommy is a geuine person who wants his readers to succeed in Life. Keep up the good work Tommy!!!!!!!!