Clubs Books

I opened this book through curiousity. Read it to the end as couldn't put it down. Too cute! I loved it. And I'm old enough to have grandkids! A wonderful tale of overcoming fear, learning to deal with life's adversities and just having fun.

This was one of my children's favorite books -- and one of the books I liked most to read to them. It is a terrific story about what some encouragement and self-confidence will do for a child. Highly, highly recommended!

A wonderful book, well liked by my children, and by parents as well. Teaches a good moral lesson, pokes fun at parenting, and is a gentle, sweet tale.

Dooly and the Snortsnoot tells the story of young Dooly and his adventures with the village children. Dooly overcomes his doubts and comes to terms with his snortsnoot dilemma. It was a fine play, indeed.

First of all, any book about Snortsnoots, by default, has to be good. And of course this is no exception. Continuing the long tradition of Snortsnoot tales, Kent has weaved magic. My favorite picture is when the Snortsnoot is salt and peppering his victim. My second favorite is the Snortsnoot's blank and shocked stare when Dooly finds his strength. Every child should have this read to them or they miss out on something wonderful.

This book is certainly one of the most unusual I've ever read. Step by step an intriguing and compelling story unfolds itself until in the end the line between reality and the inexplicable vanishes. The reader has to be prepared to let go and to get involved in a story about love and insanity, murder and justice, the shadows of the past and, finally, hope. The rich and inventive language of the author makes this read a real treat and I can only highly recommend this novel to everybody who enjoys to read a book that demands something from the reader as well as offers a few hours of excitement. I truly hope that this wasn't the last novel by Matt Spencer!

This is a wonderful tale that is totally unpredictable. Every time I thought I knew were the story was headed, the story went in another direction. It is a complex tale with an ending that left me wanting to know still more about the story. An excellent read that I highly recommend to anyone who is look for a different type of tale.

This is not for the faint-hearted or those with a weak stomach. This is psychological, terrible stuff, about demons within and demons without. It is about coming to terms with your own darkness; about magic, horror and love. It is scary, original and deeply touching. Even if this book wasn't the fascinating story it is, it would be a pure joy to read something by a writer who uses the English language like Mr. Spencer does. He writes cleverly and inventive, and every description paints vivid images in my head.

This book's strongest point is the totally weird ideas the author is constantly throwing at you, and the unique language he uses to express them. You trully feel as though you've been taken to another world, even though the events take place in "real life." The images and characters from "The Drifting Soul" will stay with you long after the final page has been turned, and you'll be left waiting for the next instalment, for surely Mr. Spencer has more plans for Angela Wrecker, and the wicked new world she's just stepped into!

I was recommended this book by a friend, who knew I liked horror novels, and that I was in the market for something different than the usual horror fare, ala King, Barker, Rice, etc. This book is written very much like a play-by-play description of a very strange dream, which starts out as very surreal and kind of romantic, then bit by bit, turns into a nightmare. Or to be more accurate, there are two stories going on, one that seems to be in the "waking world," and another that feels more like a dream, where most of the true horror plays out. The last 50 or 60 pages contain some of the most vivid, disturbing material I have ever read dealing with the supernatural. For a while, I was wondering where the parallel story was going, but by the end, the author manages to tie everything together nicely. If you are looking for a gruesome, imaginative story with memorable characters, this is for you.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story keeps you tied to your chair from start to finish. I can't help but believe that if the author's ideas were put into effect the world would change, to everyone's benefit.

You get more than you bargain for--action, issues, and ideas that provoke a far greater reaction than most thrillers. I found myself thinking about this book long after the last page was turned.

This book has the best of everything! Great, fast-paced action, believable plot, and a great message. Presents a believable scenario for the not-too-distant future, as well as a feasable solution. A great, fast read, with nary a dull moment! Whether you just like a great action story, or if you're looking for something with meaning, this book's for you!

Guess I'm just not a "message" book kinda guy. If I'd read the author's comments on this site I might not have picked this up. Woulda been too bad.

This is a great read. Lots of action, interesting, well developed characters and some cool plot twists.

There is a message here but the author wisely doesn't beat you with it. You can just enjoy the ride, and it's one worth taking.

I look forwad to Rhamey's next....

A unique blend of fast-paced action adventure, fascinating characters, and sound philosophy of living, The Enemy is a page turner that left me thinking about it long after I reached the last page. It's enough to give the NRA nightmares and to give the rest of us a look at a better way of living that, if we're smart about it, really doesn't have to be that far into the future.

The Saddle Club's English friend Tessa comes to stay and gets to participate in the point-to-point race the stable is holding. Problem is, the club is on probation with Max and therefore can't retaliate when Veronica gets up to her usual tricks. Luckily, they find a creative way to give Veronica her come uppance anyway.

Great Book or as the british say Bully! I really like this bookalot a verconica is finally getting what she deserves! She thinks shecan be so sneaky and try to ruin the saddle clubs friendship with their friend Lady Theresa but her plan back fires when the other girls find out whats really going on!

Before I go on about how good this book is,I wound like to point out something: Tessa never SNUBBED Veronica. She was courtious and gracious the whole way, even when it wasn't necessary. I am amused by Mrs Bryant's choices of horse and rider and the new horses of whom we only know one. I must say that the ending was particularly good.Although I can't believe that everyone would listen to Veronica.All in all a great addition to the saddle club.

I would have given it more stars if I could. My rating on Saddle Club books will never change. They'll always be five stars! Anyway, this was a wondeful book! I liked the tricks that the Saddle Club played on Veronica. Not the tricks Veronica played on them. If you have read The Secret of The Stallion, (Saddle Club Super Edition #2) you would have understood what tricks they had played on Veronica when they went to England. Still, this book is fantastic and I'm sure all Saddle Club fans would agree to it. To all the Saddle Club fans: e-mail me at palomino2810@hotmail.com Note: You MUST buy this book!!!!!!

I think that this book was great. It realy told the truth about what HAD happend before and how mad Veronica is. Un-like most books, the author (Bonnie Bryant) must have realy rememberd what she hadd written. Some books say what had happend but the say the toatal oppisite. This is truly a good book:)

Leever has definitely arrived with 'Even In Darkness"! I couldn't put it down...if you enjoy suspense-filled novels, this one belongs in your collection!

This is a very intense read. The book grabs you and doesn't let go. I simply wasn't ready for the twist at the end, but whoa! Jay's (the main character's) a guy whose feelings I could really relate to. He's definately a man with "balls."

I really enjoyed this book. The suspense is right up there with the stuff on the bestseller list. I will read anything else this author comes out with.

For the person who doesn't read often (like me), this is the kind of book that keeps you engaged and needing to read on to the next section. The pacing is excellent, and the backdrop of the story--a university campus that takes on more and more of a menacing feeling as the book progresses--is excellently done and unsettling at the same time.

I particularly liked the character of Breeze, and what happens with Kristin near the end of the book. The scenes in the tunnel system underneath the campus with Kristin being pursued in the dark by two bloodthirsty thugs were enough to give one nightmares, but it was great suspense.

Overall, a great read.

Jeffrey Aran Leever is a publications manager for a nonprofit organization in Colorado. An English/writing major from the University of Nebraska (Kearney), he presently lives in Arvada, Colorado. He has co-authored two published non-fiction books.

Colleges often have immense power with the locals of the communities they serve...power which can be turned for dark purposes. When Jay Downing's friend Reed Manley doesn't appear for a preappointed "night on the town," and some strange girl tries to lure Jay into the University's long unused underground tunnels, Jay begins to fear for his friend's life. The police treat Jay as if he is on drugs, and when Reed's body appears outside of town, even the coroner seems to be in on the coverup. But it is the professors at Jay's school in Stratton who act the most bizarre:

"Jay looked again at his professor, and wondered what the man knew. What pieces of the truth he held. It was as if Lanum was trying to hold back something, and yet share it at the same time. As if there'd been something Jay had done that gave Lanum reason for contempt. It had to have been something independent of their never-quite-so-serious interactions in class. But what?"

The idea that a university setting could be used for nefarious purposes, and that professors (who, after all, are supposed to represent the creme de la creme) could be arch-fiends stirs up a shiver of recognition in all of us. (Who hasn't dreamt about not attending class and not knowing where their final was?)

Even In Darkness is a well written, spine-tingling, Gothic, Steven Kingish novel that grips the reader from page one. Leever's use of uncertainty in speech, action, and tone puts the reader into a nervous state from the beginning. It is an excellent tool to produce the results he wants, which is to scare us to death and keep us turning those pages. Even In Darkness is an great first effort in the genre for Leever, and presents him as a new talent to be reckoned with. It is entertaining, scary, infuriating, and deeply satisfying, all at once. A great read.

...

This book is a thriller from start to finish. Word to the wise; don't read this book before you go to bed at night, you may not be able to get to sleep.

Refreshing. This is a good word to describe The Ex-Debutante by Linda Francis Lee, for refreshing it is. I have never before read a book by Ms.Lee, but you can be sure that I will be looking for her backstock very quickly.

Carlisle Wainwright Cushing (the name alone is different---perfect!) goes home to Texas to deal with her mother's 4th divorce. The fact that she ran away from all things Texas years before only to be dragged back now is one of the best plotlines in the book. The secondary plot of the debutante ball is easily as important as the divorce, but ties all aspects of the other characters into the story so well, that it almost isn't a secondary plotline, but like a tie for first. And I haven't even mentioned the 501 Levi wearing Jack Blair---attorney-at-law. Mmmmmm, Jack. Yum. Sorry, it was the jeans reference.....back on topic now. Do you think there are Jack Blair's in Texas right now? Reason enough to take a "field trip" there to find out----I'm just saying.

Okay, so if you haven't figured it out by now, I liked the book. The characters all ring true (even the ones you want to slap upside the head) and had me struggling to put the book down for such menial reasons as to take care of my family. Whatever. For books like this, sacrifices have to be made. Take out was ordered. Family was fine. Book was finished. Alls well that ends well. Enjoy.

I love this author and I loved this book. I could not put it down and finished it over the weekend. I have read both of Linda Francis Lee's books and I can not wait for the next one! I loved the heroine,Carlisle, and I loved her Texas family! Do not miss this author.

I started this book yesterday afternoon and was up until 1:00 am until I finished. My 8 year old son's spelling homework didn't get done, my 4 year old son tried to drown me while he was taking a bath by kicking all the water out of the tub onto my reading figure hudddled by the vanity, the kids didn't get into bed until after 9, my husband kept trying to pick a fight with me but I kept ignoring him and reading, and the dog kept sneaking into the den and trying to get onto the recliner with me since I wasn't paying attention to him. That's how much I loved this book. I was oblivious to my life going on around me. ~sigh~ I was sorry when it ended but what a great read! It's a great book and I totally loved it! Hurray for Linda Francis Lee!

Two prime reasons propelled Carlisle Wainwright Cushing to leave Willow Creek, Texas three years ago. First the lawyer could not deal with her family's lofty social position especially her mother's marriage of the moment; worse she needed to leave behind Jack Blair, the man she has loved for fifteen years going back to high school.

She returns home when her mom asks her to represent her in her umpteenth divorce after divorce lawyer number four botched the proceedings so that ex hubby four has a line on the family accounting sheet. Her mom's spouse hires Jack. To her chagrin although engaged to Boston Brahmin attorney Phillip, she still wants Jack; he feels the same way. As she gets roped into planning the annual debutante gala hosted forever by her family but on the verge of collapse, Jack makes a move on her to regain the woman he let get away.

This is an amusing contemporary romance starring two likable lead characters, a horde of eccentric protagonists especially the families and the debutantes and an out of place Bostonian fiancé. The story line is humorous as Carlisle with her chick lit asides understands how Michael Corleone felt about being dragged home into the family business. Readers will laugh with the vulnerable heroine who wonders whether she can escape her DNA in time to keep her brain from frying while also pondering about her and Jack especially after the men's room incident.

Harriet Klausner

Carlisle Wainright Cushing has successfully reinvented herself. She's living in Boston, is engaged to Phillip and enjoys her career as a divorce lawyer. Nobody would guess that Carlisle is a member of THE Wainrights of Willow Creek, Texas. What made her flee? The reasons include a botched attempt at the Texas Dip during her Debutante Ball and falling in love with Jack Blair. However, when Carlisle receives the phone call, she knows it time to go home.

For Carlisle, going home is like having a supporting role on a soap opera: Her mother, Ridgely, is getting a divorce (for the fourth time). Her older brother Henry and his family have relocated back to Willow Creek after their oldest daughter was expelled from numerous schools. Her older sister, Savannah, is desperate to become pregnant. When Carlisle becomes her mother's attorney, she must face Jack Blair, who is representing her stepfather.

Carlisle's stay coincides with the Hundredth Annual Willow Creek Symphony Association Debutante Ball where eight young ladies from the best families are presented to society. A Wainright has always chaired the ball, and Carlisle is asked to do her part for the family. Unfortunately last year's ball was a disaster and no one wants to be a part of this year's ball. Rejected by respected families, Carlisle finds herself with a motley group of candidates: party girls, rebels and misfits.

Even though it seems like a complete fiasco, could returning to Willow Creek be the best thing for Carlisle?

Humorous and heartwarming, this tale of family and love is hard to put down! It provided a juicy look into the world of Junior Leagues and Debutante Balls. Carlisle is a wonderful main character: she's smart, sassy and has a big heart (which she tries to hide). Her family is also wonderfully kooky: pedigreed, at times neurotic, but also loving. This family dynamic works-like Carlisle, I found myself caring about these people and wanting to help them. I highly recommend the Ex-Debutante!

Armchair Interviews says: A wonderful, juicy story with lots of heart. Two thumbs up.

I have read the first three books in the Sol Chronicles series by Donald D. Thompson, and the story that he is weaving is fantastic. I have been a sci-fi fan for most of my life, and the storyline that Donald is creating is fresh and unique.

I recommend this series to all of my sci-fi loving friends.

If you're looking for a sci-fi series that poses many interesting and thought provoking questions, complete with plenty of action and adventure, The Sol Chronicles is it!

Starting with the Final Solician and carrying forward to the second book in the series, The Telpin Man, Donald D. Thompson has devised a sci-fi saga that is rich in compelling characterization and plot. It isn't often that you find a series with such a complete and logical evolution -- especially one that's full of unexpected and satisfying twists and turns. Mankind's settling of our solar system unfolds over the centuries and becomes a metaphor for much of the striving, strife, and conflict of life on modern day Earth.

These tales are truly exciting and surprising. Mr. Thompson will fill you both with wonderment and a sense of what might have been, and still could be, in the continuing story of humanity.

If you've read The Final Solician, new frontiers await you in The Telpin Man. If you've only read the Telpin Man, you owe it to yourself to explore the past by reading The Final Solcian. And if you're like me, and have read the first two books in The Sol Chronicles, you just can't wait for Thena's Boy, the third novel in this wonderful series!

Donald Thompson grabs you by the lapels on the very first page and he doesn't let you go until it is over with - on the very last page. Who is this guy and where has he been? I want more!

I really enjoyed this book from the begining all the way to the end. The characters were real, the writing was griping and I can hardly wait for the next book in this series.

Donald Thompson's Characters could easily be friends of mine. He brought them to life and made them unforgettable for me. Who would have thought that a science fiction book could also be a romantic novel. I can hardly wait to see what he comes up with next.

Having read romance novels for much of my adult life, it's hard for me to find anything that doesn't seem like the same tired old thing. Ms. Nelson's book, however, was refreshingly different, and just plain fun to read with all the elements of a good romance.

The Future Widow's Club is a must read! I loved the sassy secondary characters. As clever and engaging as the plot and premise were, it was the hero and heroine's long lost love that touched me the deepest. Don't miss this book!

Jolie Marshall is living for the moment that she can divorce her husband Chris. He is abusive, cheats on her, and has stolen money from her mother and other investors in their software company. He has the money to pay them all back, but puts in in off shore accounts instead. Jolie is slowly putting together the money to pay off the debts and compiling evidence to use in her divorce case. She married Chris on the rebound, when her boyfriend since third grade, Jake, got cold feet on the subject of commitment. Her father had just died and she wanted more from the relationship, Jake decided to concentrate of his career with the Sheriff's Office instead. Angry, Jolie went on vacation by herself and came back with Chris, to her eternal regret. A support group of sorts, The Future Widows Club, asks her to be a member. They look forward to the death of their spouses. They arrange the funeral, pick out an outfit, and most importantly, buy a hat. The meetings once a week are a godsend for these women, being the only place where they can be open about the problems in their marriages. Unfortunately, shortly after Jolie really gets into the spirit of the FWC, her husband is murdered, and his penis cut off and missing. More unfortunately, Jake is the detective assigned to the case. She never fell out of love with him and he apparently feels the same way. In spite of an ironclad alibi, she really LOOKS guilty.

I loved this book!!! The members of the FWC are very vivid and funny. The author enabled you to really get into the story. You get annoyed at Jake, hate Chris, and feel sympathy for all the future widows. I will definitely be looking to read more books by this author.

In Moon Valley, Jolie Marshal regrets marrying charming SOB Chris who embezzled money from their company leaving friends and her mother potentially in the lurch. When she can pay back her "creditors", she will divorce Chris, who she married when vulnerable following the death of her father and rejection by her boyfriend Jake, who was not ready for a wife.

The Future Widows' Club invites Jolie to join their group. Finding solace, she agrees and begins following some of the rules like taking out life insurance on her spouse. However, someone was irate when they shot Chris in the heart and cut off his penis. Could it be Sheriff Dean who has pictures of his wife with Chris? Or Police Officer Jake who is livid that this worm hit Jolie, the woman he still loves and regrets he let down? Or perhaps the grieving widow who just took out insurance on the rat?

THE FUTURE WIDOWS' CLUB is a strange dark humorous romance with police procedural elements to add excitement to the question of who killed Chris. The story line initially appears to be one of an abused spouse but switches gear once the merry widows invite Jolie to join. Rhonda Nelson writes a strong satirical dark look at society that accepts plenty of abusive "values" under the label of protecting the family.

Harriet Klausner

Jolie Marshall's husband Chris sure fooled her. He came along at just the right time when she was nursing a broken heart and conned her into her marrying him. Since then he's managed to steal most of her mother's life savings. She can't divorce him until she gets enough evidence of his adultery and other dirty dealings. Meanwhile, she's found an outlet to help her keep her sanity while she's waiting, The Future Widow's Club. The FWC is a place where she and other wives can come and plan for when they can finally be free. After all, why settle for half when you can have it all? But when Chris is murdered, her affiliation with the FWC may not be a good thing.

The detective on the case is Jake Malone, the man who broke Jolie's heart and sent her straight into Chris' arms. Jake knows he made a terrible mistake when he let Jolie go and he's suffered watching her in a horrible marriage. Now that Jolie is free again he wants a second chance. But as long as Jolie is a suspect in her husband's murder he is unable to become personally involved with her. Once she's cleared Jolie better watch out, because Jake is determined to correct his past mistakes and get Jolie back where she belongs, with him!

I couldn't stop laughing while reading The Future Widow's Club! From the moment Jake and Jolie share a scene together, the chemistry and emotion is obvious and I became thoroughly engrossed. Plus the mystery about who really killed Chris is extremely well done. I will be looking for more in future from Rhona Nelson who I foresee quickly becoming a must-read author. Humor, suspense, and a well-written love story: The Future Widow's Club has it all!

Melissa
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

My copy is a Sierra Club Book. This is beautifully illustrated and has spectacular photographs. Once you get past the coffee table fluff, There is a lot to be learned. Save this as one of the last Big Bang books that may go the way of the Piltdown Man. 'Einstein's Greatest Blunder? : The Cosmological Constant and Other Fudge Factors in the Physics of the Universe" ISBN: 0674242416

Take heart, as there are other in print books by Timothy Ferris.

Life Beyond Earth by Timothy Ferris ISBN: 0684849372. Just put the number in the search box and press go.

I read this book maybe 20 years ago as a little kid, and I still think about it. It really stimulated a lifelong interest in astronomy and cosmology. If you aren't schooled in astronomy I think it will open your eyes and present to you a view of the universe that will change the way you look at things forever. If I could find more copies of this book, and it were cheaper, I would hand it out like candy to the numerous people unschooled in astronomy I've met in the last 20 years, who, I am sure this book would greatly enrich.

The strength of this book is its photographs from various observatories around the world. I have not--in 20 years of looking, found a collection of astrophotographs that comes close. They are inspiring! Other manmade illustrations in the book vividly illustrate just where we are in the universe. Mr. Ferris also does an admirable job taking you by the hand and poetically explaining what is really out there when you gaze into the night sky. You will be amazed by what you don't now know.

If you can get a copy, get it, read it, enrich yourself, show it to your kids, and don't let it go.

Heaven's net casts wide.
Though its meshes are coarse, nothing slips through.
-- Lao Tzu

If ever there was a physical manifestation of poetry, the starry sky at night, the panoply of objects that populate the heavens, would come close. The character of Dr. Arroway in Carl Sagan's Contact exclaims, upon seeing the glorious objects of the universe up close during her epic flight, 'Poetry! They should have sent a poet!'

This book, Galaxies, is a book on a grand scale, as is its subject. It is a lavishly illustrated coffee-table book the size of a small coffee table, the pages measure 13 inches by 15 inches, a huge footprint of a book, with most of the photographs and diagrams sized full-page.

Timothy Ferris, at the time of this book was first published, was a professor of English at Brooklyn College CUNY. He has since gone on to fame as a science writer, particularly in the field of astronomy, and now teaches astronomy and science writing on the other coast, at UC Berkeley. Largely due to clear writing, diligent research that is thorough, and a good eye for visuals (astronomy is a visual science in many ways, and Ferris selected the photographs for this book himself) Ferris has put together a tremendous introduction to the subject of galaxies, impressing with the scale of the book the tremendous size and scale of galaxies.

Being an English professor, he of course had a wide knowledge of literature, and this is apparent from his choice of side notes, quotes and references, which populate not only the captions and taglines, but interpermeate the text on a regular basis. Here in the midst of scientific discussion one will find quotes from Shakespeare, Thornton Wilder, St. Juliana, Heraclitus, Ben Jonson, and more.

The first section deals with the basic definitions of what a galaxy is, the discovery of galaxies, and our place (and their place) in the cosmos. From here, Ferris takes us on a brief tour of the galaxy from the inside, using of course our own Milky Way galaxy, the only galaxy we can know from the inside. By looking at the constituent elements of a galaxy--stars, nebulae, star clusters, supernovae and black holes--Ferris introduces us to the life cycle of stars and some of the dynamics of galactic formation and evolution. Some of the more stunning photographs of this book are in this section, particularly the nebulae (gaseous formations that represent both the beginning and the end of life cycles of stars).

From a tour of our own galaxy, Ferris proceeds to the Local Group of Galaxies, and begins a discussion of the different kinds of galaxies. Our own, the Milky Way, is a fairly large spiral galaxy. This is not the most common type, however, nor the most rare. Our galaxy has attendant galaxies, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (named so because they are only visible from the Southern Hemisphere; named in honour of a European explorer who trekked down there), which are mostly blobs of stars, with no formal structure as a spiral would have. The nearest spiral is the Andromeda, part of the local pair (most spirals come in pairs). Andromeda also has smaller, blob-like satellite galaxies, with a smaller proto-spiral (M33) not far off.

In the next section, Ferris examines the types of galaxies which populate the Local Group, the Local Supergroup, and other groupings of galaxies. These include elliptical galaxies, spiral galaxies, barred spiral galaxies, and lenticular (or SO) galaxies. Ellipticals often appear as blobs, sometimes with halos, and no intricate structures. Spirals can be more of less tightly 'wound', arms around a nucleus with a bulge. Barred spirals are more intricate yet, and have a 'bar' or spindle-shaped grouping of stars that extends straight out from the central bulge and nucleus, to which the arms of the spiral seem to be attached. Lenticular galaxies are hardest yet to categorise--they might be ellipticals in a spiral mode, perhaps somehow robbed of their arms. How they evolved is a mystery. Beyond this, there are yet other irregular galaxies, which are often the results of galactic collisions and gravitational interferences.

Some galaxies seem to have violent events occurring, gaseous jets or lots of light and radio activity which speaks of harsh activity. Vast energy spikes and marred appearances give an interesting flavour to astronomical research. Often these happen from interactive galaxies, in which they are playing off each other, or indeed, as some will swallow up others.

Ferris continues his outward rush to the very limits of the universe, until we encounter quasars, the largest of large groupings of superclusters, and a brief discussion of the geometries and nature of space and time. The expansion of the universe, and possible futures (infinite expansion or ultimate collapse, or somewhere in between?) are discussed, as well as paradoxes which might arise in a collapsing universe.

Photographic plates are shown throughout in colour, in black and white, in negative, and in grid-overlays. There is a wide variety, showing the variety of ways in which astronomical objects are examined. This is a fabulous book. Rush to get it.

What we have learned
Is like a handful of earth;
What we have yet to learn
Is like the whole world.
-- Avvaiyar

This is a wonderful book if you can find it. The photographs are spectacular--for example, a two-page spread of the Hercules cluster in which every one of the hundreds of objects in the photo is a discrete galaxy.

This is a must-have for every astronomy buff. It makes a great coffee-table book as well.

. . .is what one reviewer said when this book was first published. It's a claim which is hard to dispute. The hard core scientist might not appreciate it's "coffee table" book format -- but heck, the book wasn't written for such a person in the first place!

Filled with readable and comprehendable text and citations ranging from Thorton Wilder's "Our Town" to St. Julian's "Revelations of Divine Love", this book will prompt even the most unscientific mind to gaze at the sky with new wonder.

But beyond the layout, beyond the scientific information, beyond the citations, the book is best described by its absolutely stunning deep-sky photography. It is mind-boggling to me how someone could look at the night sky and question the existence of God.

"He who made the Plei'ades and Orion, and turns deep darkness into the morning,and darkens the day into night,who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out upon the surface of the earth, the LORD is his name" -- from the book of Amos the Prophet

I started the book about 6 p.m and finished about 1 a.m; I could not put it down. Every golfer, every Masters fan, every body in Augusta will want this. Lots of great (and courteous) insider stories about the the Club; the creek, the community power fights about the creek; about great golfers, the caddies; the role of women; the founders of the club; the author's learning golf; rubbing elbows with Washington big whigs.

I know the author personally; I never dreamed her book would be interesting; I certainly never expected to be glued to her book, but it is a gem. I've got a couple of golfing buddies in mind who will want to read this book.

The story about the golfer who would "never" play with a woman was great...he parted with a dollar of two.

The "ownership" of the caddies, the nicknames of caddies and the nicknames given by caddies to their "horses" was fascinating.

The stories about the club president show a man "bigger than life."

Perhaps some of you know what trunk bangers are...now I know.

My grandmother lived a few blocks from the club and she rented to people who attended the Masters...so the book brings back memories...

Anyone struggling with golf, all you addicts out there, who day dream about shots, greens, the rough, creeks and sandtraps will identify with the author, whether male or female.

I'm not even a golfer, but my daddy was; and after listening to him talk golf, get down with 90, high on 72, talk about lights for night golfing, discuss the game over a few drinks, I found this book a clincher. I never expected to enjoy a book so much.

I enjoyed the book, but I was eager to learn more about the men in their lives. Who were these men and how did they feel about the experiences.

I started the book about 6 p.m and finished about 1 a.m; I could not put it down. Every golfer, every Masters fan, every body in Augusta will want this. Lots of great (and courteous) insider stories about the the Club; the creek, the community power fights about the creek; about great golfers, the caddies; the role of women; the founders of the club; the author's learning golf; rubbing elbows with Washington big whigs.

I know the author personally; I never dreamed her book would be interesting; I certainly never expected to be glued to her book, but it is a gem. I've got a couple of golfing buddies in mind who will want to read this book.

The story about the golfer who would "never" play with a woman was great...he parted with a dollar of two.

The "ownership" of the caddies, the nicknames of caddies and the nicknames given by caddies to their "horses" was fascinating.

The stories about the club president show a man "bigger than life."

Perhaps some of you know what trunk bangers are...now I know.

My grandmother lived a few blocks from the club and she rented to people who attended the Masters...so the book brings back memories...

Anyone struggling with golf, all you addicts out there, who day dream about shots, greens, the rough, creeks and sandtraps will identify with the author, whether male or female.

I'm not even a golfer, but my daddy was; and after listening to him talk golf, get down with 90, high on 72, talk about lights for night golfing, discuss the game over a few drinks, I found this book a clincher. I never expected to enjoy a book so much.

This is a terrific book written by a member's wife and their daughter. I am a big golf fan and have read several books about Augusta National and the Masters in recent years, but this one has an entirely different angle--a woman's perspective, and an insider-woman at that. The authors are respectful of the club, but they also are open in offering dozens of refreshing anecdotes that are funny and border on irreverent. There are also a bunch of photos in the book depicting the golf course from a candid viewpoint.

I started the book about 6 and finished about 12. Every golfer, Masters fan, everyone in Augusta will want one of theses books.

It's full of real inside stories of the Club, its founders, the grounds, the caddies, the famous players.

I know the author personally and figured her book would be interesting but did not expected to be glued to it. The wording contained many of the unique phrases used at the National and un golfing. I could not put the book down.

I am not a golfer, but my dad was and I have heard him day dream about golf; I've seen him high on 72 and down on 90; it seems the author got to the point she day dreamed about sandtraps, the rough, the fairways, how she would handle different shots.

Stories about personal encounters with famous golfers and politicians were great. The stories about the caddies and their betting, "ownership" of golfers, their nicknames were fascinating.

The stories about how one gets into the club gives the Augusta National a sense of intrigue.

The stories about the president of the club presented a man bigger than life, who put fear into the hearts of the wealthy and powerful.

Fishing stories, access to the club during the Masters, access to the club during off season were all highly readable and clearly inside, non-public, unpublished views into a closed society.

That only a few people were there at a time off season was amazing; there is/or was a wonderful wine cellar; there were no socials unrelated to golf and no 5 somes.

This is a wonderful book of private information that every golfer will enjoy, buy 2 of (one to keep and one to give away).