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The Bondwoman's Narrative is an historical artifact, a significant contribution to the literature of the pre-Civil War United States and, most especially, to African-American history and culture. Rating such a relic as if it were a modern publication denies it the accord it deserves as a newly discovered record of the misery endured by humans who were bought and sold in the last years of slavery.

Telling the story of Hannah Crafts, a literate house slave, the author, convincingly identified by editor Gates as a black woman, pens a sentimental melodrama, a genre popular at the time, to describe in detail the life of a slave. Leading a somewhat less miserable life than a field hand, Hannah reveals her never-ending duties, her treatment and mistreatment by wives of the owners, her observations on the sexual abuse of women by owners, and her firsthand knowledge of venal slave traders and unscrupulous lawyers. These accounts are remarkable for their immediacy and human drama.

The novel's narrative flow, as one traumatic episode after another builds to a climax, is clearly planned. Characters from one part of the novel appear and reappear in other parts, and sentimental motifs, common to the genre, repeat--the personification of a linden tree which affects several generations, curses visited on people and carried out over time, coincidences which strain credibility, and the hand of providence helping the pious Hannah.

Although Gates's arguments for black authorship are convincing, he does not address some intriguing European references here. Fresh linens look like "an alpine snowdrift," Mr. Wheeler is noted by Hannah as having "the attitude of a Frenchman," Mrs. Wheeler says she will not accept Hannah's "blarney," Hannah refers to the poetry of Lord Byron, and she describes Mrs. Wheeler in one scene as having "the rage of Orestes." These struck me as unusual metaphors and references, and I'd be intrigued to learn how common they were to the day and how and why Hannah came to employ them.

This was the most fascinating book that I've read in ... well, I don't know how long! THE BONDWOMAN'S NARRATIVE is a fictionalized yet seemingly autobiographical slave narrative written by Hannah Crafts somewhere between 1856-1860. Hannah delves into the the mind and heart of a slave by telling the story of a young woman's personal experiences.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr., who chairs the Department of African American Studies at Harvard University, came across this hand-written manuscript at an auction for African American artifacts. He then embarked upon an amazing research project which explored the author's identity. From scientific analysis of the manuscript (handwriting, ink, paper quality, etc) to actual genealogical research (census reports, etc.), Professor Gates attempts to prove that Hannah Crafts was indeed the first African-American woman to write such a narrative. ...This is part of the book is intriguing although I do have one word of advice here - READ THE NARRATIVE FIRST! If you read the Introduction first, you will know much of the story before actually reading it (in his discussion, he gives away the ending!). By reading the narrative first, I found that I was able to reach some of my own conclusions before reading those of Professor Gates and I better understood the informative analysis!

I usually don't read books more than once but I would read this one again!

Written in the 1850s by Hannah Crafts and edited for a modern readership by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., The Bondwoman's Narrative is the only known novel authored by a female African American slave, and perhaps the first novel ever written by a black woman. Describing the story of "passing" as a young slave treks toward freedom, The Bondwoman's Narrative is an enthralling legacy which is especially recommended for university African-American literature collections and community library large print fiction shelves.

I love this book. I couldn't stop reading it. It was so great. Seeing what happens in Christy's life makes me want the same things to. I am praying that people will read this series and let God entrall himself in them. I made some major decisions because of the messages this book and others in the series sends. I thank Robin Jones Gunn for writing this book and answering God's calling to write these books.

This book is the one to complete the whole Christy Miller Series. I've read the series in junior high and high school and didn't even know that there was a college set for Christy and Todd. It was a total "God-thing" that my little cousin went to the library and picked this book for her book report and asked me to help with it. I eventually saw the new college ones and ordered them and then ordered the high school series also. It really helps to read about things that have a God perspective and can apply to your life also. Robin Jones Gunn is such a talented writer. There's one part in the book where Rick tells Christy that she held out for a hero and it shows God's timing is everything...we just have to be patient. I hope that you will order this book soon because if you haven't read it...you are really missing out on a "awesome" book.

This is an awesome book! This series comes after the Christy Miller series. I like all three of the books in this series a lot, but this one is my favorite. It tells you what finally happens w/ Christy. Rick Who hasn't been talked about in a long time shows up and is a changed. He's not the way he used to be. Of coarse Katie and Todd are in the books too. Sierra who has her own series alspo appears i these books. I love how Robin Jones Gunn connects everyone in her books. Even in the Glenbrooke series one of the girls, Alissa, knew Christy, Todd, Tracy, and Doug. And Teri was the main Character of one of the books in the Glenbrooke series. She knew Christy in high school. I recommend this book. It is soooooooo good!

This book improved our lives as soon as I finished it! Thank you Joe Jenkins! After living for four years with a well known brand of composting toilet, the sawdust toilet in this book has finally given us simple living. I read this book cover to cover the day I got it. My husband built it in one hour and we started using it. Simplicity at it's best! Everything in this book makes total sense. I only wish I'd bought this book four years ago when we first moved to our homestead. I highly recommend it-it should be required reading to live in this country!

I like it when a book makes me take a big step back and question my place in the world. The Humanure Handbook uses a daily function (going to the bathroom) as the context for doing just this. Not only does it scrutize a deeply-entrenched and accepted modern appliance (the flush toilet), exposing it as a wasteful product of western laziness, but it gives the reader all the information needed to easily, affordably, and safely implement a better alternative.

Probably the most important point made in The Humanure Handbook is the fact that we use the word 'waste' far too liberally and in the wrong way. In the phrase 'human waste' the word 'waste' should be a verb rather than a noun, because as a society we are going to tremendous expense to turn a valuable resource (human urine and feces) into something that is so hard to use that it is fit to be described as 'waste' (noun).

Jenkins works hard to challenge and ultimately destroy the reader's irrational fear of feces and to turn that 'fecophobia' into an enlightened respect for the resource that it can be.

The author cites numerous scientific studies that corraborate his extensive personal experience with composting *everything* that a family household generates. His summary of the scientific literature pertaining to the practise of composting humanure is thorough enough to convince me (a proud skeptic) that anybody could safely compost humanure after a careful reading of this book.

This book is brilliant. In the sporting goods department at... I purchased something called a hassock, which is a portable toilet that is nothing more than a bucket in a plastic shell. It is perfect for use as a sawdust toilet. It only cost me $$ bucks. Just add sawdust and "get after it"!

True to the "...for Dummies" series philosophy, "Ferrets for Dummies" is a fine survey of all the basics you need to know in order to take care of ferrets properly. It even includes a touching chapter on how to deal with and survive the impending death of a ferret as well as the passing itself. I've read this chapter repeatedly after the death of several ferrets.

The only two changes I would make to this book are (1) more details regarding the cancers that, unfortunately, most ferrets will eventually develop (specifically adrenal gland tumors and insulinoma), and (2) overall a more serious tone. The tone of the writing veers away in a couple of spots from solidly informative towards silliness, but I've found that this is characteristic of almost all the "....for Dummies" books so I suppose that is a critique of the editor and publisher more than the author. Also, this "homespun" style probably makes the text more palatable to beginners and the curious. I volunteer for a local ferret shelter and have fostered numerous rescued ferrets, and have no hesitation recommending this book either for those getting involved in the same thing, or those who simply wish to have a single pet ferret and know nothing about how to go about it.

Until a more advanced book comes along that really delves into significant detail regarding ferret care, "Ferrets for Dummies" is pretty much the definitive book on the subject. Keep it on your bookshelf as a reference, and read it in conjunction with some of the many other ferret care books available to get a really rounded view of what is involved in taking care of ferrets.

Very well written. Easy to understand. For the beginner to the veteran ferret owner. I've had ferrets for 10 years and found the book very useful, especially the medical guidelines. I would highly recommend this book to people thinking about acquiring their first ferret, as well as the seasoned ferret owner.

I've never owned a ferret, and I might get one myself, except that unfortunately they're illegal where I live. But they're very interesting, fun-loving, and fun critters, so I settled for reading this book, which does an entertaining job of telling what its like to have and live with one (or several). The author has 10 years of experience owning and working with ferrets, and she brings her enthsiasm about them to this book.

First of all, a brief comment on the nasty review from a reviewer who didn't leave their name, which the author also responded to. I saw little basis for their criticisms and complaints about the book. For example, the reviewer says that this isn't the best book on ferrets out there, but then doesn't say which one is. The reviewer also says the author's style is juvenile at times, but the author's style is no different from the now hundreds of other books in the Dummies series which are notable for their easy and approachable style while nevertheless managing to impart a great deal of useful information, which is why the series has been so successful. Since the reviewer doesn't back up any of their opinions and criticisms with any evidence or examples, I think you can safely disregard this person's comments.

But getting back to the book itself, the author covers many aspects of owning a ferret, discussing both the good and the bad, which should be useful to anyone who presently has or is considering getting one of these animals. For me the most interesting sections were the ones covering various aspects of ferret psychology, behavior, and physiology, especially the many potential medical issues.

For example, ferrets are prone to lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumors of the skin, sebaceous skin tumors, enlarged spleens, and numerous other maladies. Also, females continue manufacturing estrogen until they're mated, eventually producing such a high serum level of estrogen that it can cause aplastic anemia unless they're bred or neutered. Ferrets also require somewhat higher quality food than your typical dog, and you need to make sure you keep such things as their yearly distemper and rabies shots up, and also keep them regularly wormed to prevent heartworm.

Ferret romance also has decidedly not been influenced very much by feminist ideas. The author says that (I'm quoting from memory here, so cut me a little slack), "...the male practically tackles the female and bites her on the neck. He mops his whole condo with her, even with her screaming and attempting to bite back."

My only quip about the book, which is very minor, is the author gets a little too cute with all the ferret nicknames at times, such as furball, fuzzball, carpet shark, and so on. But as I said, it's a minor complaint. Overall this is a very detailed, informative, well-written, and entertaining book on ferrets that should be useful to anyone who has a ferret or is considering getting one.

First, let me say that I am an evangelical pastor who has the greatest respect for Billy Graham. I believe he has done more to further the gospel message in America than any single evangelist of our time. Second, it seems that my review will be in the minority as it seems to have been given 5 stars by everyone else who has read it.

With that said, I eagerly opened this book hoping for insight into his life. How he dealt with struggles. How he dealt with marriage and travel in the midst of his extensive ministry. What I got instead was an itenerary of his travels and very few insights into the difficult decisions that must have been made in his life. There is a great deal of humility within these pages, but very little vulnerability.

While I respect this man as much as any Christian that has lived in my lifetime, I found this book hollow.

I am one who received Jesus Christ into my heart 31 years ago at the invitation of Billy Graham (on TV, no less). Therefore, I have great admiration for this man of God. There is no doubt in my mind that he has accomplished much for the cause of Christ.

I decided to read this book (700+ pages) after Billy came to my hometown of San Diego in the spring of 2003 for his final Southern California appearance. I also recenly saw a play on the life of Ruth Graham, which finally prompted me to pick this book off my shelf and begin to read. The first half of the book was especially interesting to me, as I knew little to nothing about how Billy was able to become the so-called pastor to the presidents. I was fascinated at how he was able to rise so quickly to the point where he could call the White House and get a return phone call from whomever was the president, whether Democrat or Republican. And how he was able to preach the gospel without losing his position of authority was fascinating.

To me, the second half of the book reads more like a journal of his many cursades than flowing stories that made up the book's first half. I did enjoy his chapters on each of the presidents, from Truman to Clinton. These were my favorites. One disappointment in his book was how little Billy really talked about his family. He did have one chapter (39) where he admitted to having regrets regarding his family (i.e. not spending enough time with them, neglect due to the ministry, etc.), but I wished that he would have spent more time giving reflections on his five children throughout the book. I suppose I could read Franklin's autobiography to learn more about that child, for instance, but I was hoping to learn more about Billy's perspective about the rebelliousness that took place with Franklin. Perhaps Billy didn't want to get too personal, but I think this could have been a beneficial part to a fairly revealing book.

And I would agree with Billy in that he lost out in watching his kids grow up. It seemed every chapter talked about his playing golf with this president (he apparently played a lot of golf) or having tea with that queen, but I am disturbed that his family took second-class status. Still, they all turned out to be fine people, and most of them are involved in the Christian ministry, so it all did work out in the end. It's just that, had I been in his situation and the ministry was going to take such a front seat to my life, I probably would have reconsidered having such a large family in the first place. Since I am involved in Christian ministry myself, I realize how difficult it can be to juggle the ministry with family. I am doing everything in my power, to the best of my ability, to make sure my three girls are not neglected by a father who chose to have them. Perhaps looking at Graham's story will motivate me to be an even better father.

One other thing that I have concern with is the fact that Graham desires ecumenical peace so much that the gospel almost seems to be diluted. Don't get me wrong, as I am not a "fundamentalist" by any stretch of the imagination. I just think it can be dangerous to try to not offend anyone that soon you offend noone. By nature the gospel is offensive, and I wish Billy would not have been so willing to be ecumenical when it came to associating himself with those who are clearly not orthodox in their Christian way of thinking.

I have a Mormon friend who went to all of the training seminars to become a counselor at our recent "mission" in San Diego. Because my friend did his workbook and attended the meetings, he told me that he received a certificate saying that he was qualified to councel at the mission. Now, I can't verify this, but if merely taking an evangelism course and saying that a person has accepted Jesus into his life (which my friend was able to say, because in his mind he is a Christian), then there is probably something wrong here.

One other note. This book was written after certain Nixon tapes came out (where Graham apparently said derogatory things about the Jews). Billy does admit in the book that Nixon secretly taped their conversations. I appreciate Graham's desire to be honest and apologize about something said 30 years ago, but you wonder how a man of the cloth could get himself into such a situation. Billy says he did not remember the conversation, but I feel this is a stain in an otherwise stainless reputation.

Despite my complaints, this is a worthwhile look into the life of a godly man and is well worth a read. It is quick reading and can be completed in less time than the 700 pages indicates.

Graham's autobiography is refreshingly candid and the author pulls no punches over the struggles he experienced while growing up and resisting the call to the ministry.

The writing style is simple and unpretentious, just like the author! Among the many interesting experiences in his life mentioned in the book include:

1. Growing up in the Charlotte NC area and his salvation experience while attending a revival.
2. The struggles of resisting the call to ministry and wondering why God would choose him.
3. The work involved in preparing for his crusades and the resulting fruits of his labor.
4. Friendships with presidents, heads of state, celebrities, and the common person.
5. Relationships with his family and struggles they faced when he was away from home.
6. Development and expansion of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
7. Early days at Youth for Christ and college.
8. Courtship of Ruth Bell.

After reading this wonderful book, is it any wonder why God would use a humble and ordinary man to draw millions to Jesus Christ?

Read the book and be encouraged!

When Fast Company Magazine reviewed this book and called it the new In Search Of Excellence I bought it immediately and I agree with their review. Jennings has taken eight of the most productive companies in the world - newly discovered companies that haven't been written about to death - and shares their operating secrets. For me the three most important lessons were: the role of systems in every aspect of every business, the negative role that lay-offs play in businesses trying to be more productive and the way that productive businesses use 'drivers' to manage their businesses not financial statements. The examples he uses are compelling and the book is a page-turner. His stories about Ryanair, World Savings and IKEA are priceless. I'd recommend this book to anyone who owns a business, manages a business or aspires to own or manage. It's a must read. Jennings just keeps churning out one hit after another.

My preconception about this book was that it would be the usual stuff of cutbacks and running lean operations. I found to my delight a very entertaining, quite well written account of a number of real world success stories, companies that far exceed their respective industries' performance standards by staying focused on what is really important. The example companies apply the most striking logic and simplicity in the tests and standards they apply to themselves and their businesses. And as for cutbacks, the book makes clear that cutbacks are just not part and parcel of companies that have shown over time they know what they are doing and where they are going. These top performers ask what resources they need and then execute flawlessly in ways, as recounted by Jason Jennings, that increase your awareness as to what is truly important in business today. Read for yourself and draw your own conclusions, but I can assure you it will make you think about what passes for conventional business wisdom. Thumbs up from this reviewer.

This book is an excellent example of the types of practices and procedures almost any company can follow to be successful both financially and ethically.
Jennings cites numerous companies who have carved out success while still remaining true to their customers, their employees and their values.
Not surprisingly, few of these companies are ones that so called pundits regularly review.
As the other reviews have noted, these companies are very successful financially, but they get there by asking the really pertinent business questions, and not by hiding behind an air of executive invulnerability. The leaders are real leaders, more focused on growing the company, serving customers, and doing right by employees.
What vividly differentiates these companies from the "name brands," is that in the "name" companies, executives are more concerned with their own compensation, preserving their own existence, and with profits at all costs, than long term success.
The questions you should ask yourself after reading this book are, "Where have all the leaders gone?" and "Why don't all companies follow many of Jennings' researched best practices?
After that, I would run, not walk, to one of these companies and see if you can start at the bottom and learn what it's like to work in a real company.

I truly enjoyed this book. Ms. Aiden has a wonderful was of staying true to Austen while inserting her own personality. I admit I do get a bit bored whenever Elizabeth is not nearby because I adore their relationship so much. However, I can't wait for part 2 to arrive. I think it was very clever to write from Darcy's point of view and I adore his valet.

Pamela Aidan's Mr. Darcy comes alive as in no other Pride and Prejudice sequel. Beautifully written and true to Jane Austen, it is a joy to read. You will learn of Darcy's thoughts, how his feelings for Elizabeth develop, and cleverly and believably fills in the gaps of his life not seen in the original book. You will also be introduced to other characters who people Darcy's life and will become better acquainted with Georgianna. This book is a must for every Jane Austen and Pride & Prejudice fan.

If you adore Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, then you will
fall in love with Darcy all over again in this new tale. True to Austen's style and rhythm, but with additional characters all her own, Pamela Aiden tells a wonderful story in a whole new perspective, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy's view.

Starting off with Mr. Bingley and company arriving at the Meryton assembly, you travel with Darcy as the events unfold. Learning the answers to many questions one has when one reads the original, is the most delicious aspect. To those who have not read Pride & Prejudice, you will be utterly spoiled at getting all these inside glimpses into Darcy's mind on the first read through. You will not regret this purchase. Enjoy!

I had great hope for what what I could learn from this book. But it's mostly on and on about little useful how to stuff. At COMMON recently I strolled past the (new publisher cause they said the original went Bankrupt) publisher's booth and they were joking about writing online reviews and testimonials! They must not have known I was there. I looked over his new book hoping it would address the important stuff but it's wasn't much better and it's too expensive to make this mistake again.
If it's the boss's money what the heck. If it's your money then keep looking!

Bradley Stone's book, "e-RPG", is a must read for any AS/400 (iSeries) RPG developer wanting to make the leap to web development.

Having a background in RPG III green screen programming, I was able to use this excellent resource to configure my AS/400's HTTP server for CGI programming, gain an understanding of RPG IV ILE concepts, use system APIs in my RPG programs, and begin coding RPG CGI web enabled applications.

Brad provides numerous examples, with source code, of procedures that are needed for web development. Following his examples has led me to a basic understanding of HTML and JavaScript that I've been able to build on considerably.

I was immediately able to code a simple "Hello World" web application with RPG, and 3 weeks later I had a more complex functional application that blew my bosses' socks off.

This book is perfect for any AS/400 programmer who would like to extend his knowledge to include writing CGI programs for the world wide web. Bradley starts by explaining what is really happening when you click a URL, and what happens when you answer web page prompts and press submit. Then it goes on to demonstrate how to program these events in RPG using modern techniques, including ILE concepts.

The book includes a perfect amount of instruction, but for those of use who like to get our hands dirty by "trying now and reading later", the examples are excellent. A CD is included with all of the source needed to use the examples.

One of the examples is a complete "Shopping Cart" application!

Thanks for an excellent job, Bradley!

I was a bit skeptical about this book because I expected it was just politics...what a surprise! The moving story of one man whose three battles with cancer have shaped his attitude and life in powerful and wonderful ways. Well written, funny at places, touching at others......I did not put it down and read it straight through. Made me feel good to read it and recommend it wihout reservation. It will touch your life.

A good friend sent me this book even though she calls me a "right-wing Republican" and not a Carter fan even though I happen to live in Georgia and ironically have the same last name at the author. This book is bigger than all that. It is the human story of one man's life, rich stories about Vietnam, Washington and the civil rights movement and powerful, emotional and important stories about Mr. Jordon's three different bouts with cancer. But not just a cancer book but a book for anyone who likes a good read that grabs you and holds you and holds you to the very last page!

Hamilton Jordan tells of his inspiring victory over the deadly disease that affects us all in one way or another - cancer. He also tells the intriguing and compelling history of his brief tenure in the White House under Jimmy Carter as well as the inspiring story of his uncle, who fought racism in rural Georgia ahead of his time.

But above all, this book provided me with a shot in the arm while I was in the hospital for over a month with pneumonia. Feeling somewhat down, this book really lifted my spirits.
Jordan proves that a positive outlook and one deeply rooted in prayer and faith in God immensely helps those in dire medical circumstances. I am a walking monument and a true believer of the power of prayer and faith in God.

I highly recommend this book to everyone - whether you're sick or not. It is ineffably a book that leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling after you put it down. A great gift to someone you love - including yourself.

Although a fine collection of Bangs's work in its own right, 'Psychotic Reactions and Carburator Dung' is not as good an introduction to Lester's writing as the recently released 'Mainlines, Blood Feasts, and Bad Taste: A Lester Bangs Reader." While 'Psychotic Reactions' editor Greil Marcus chooses to focus more on Bangs as a prose stylist and cough syrup-chugging wildman, 'Mainlines'
editor John Morthland presents a more definitive overall sampling of Bangs's critic ideas and opinions. Nevertheless, there is plenty of Bangs's best here, including the title piece, "The White Noise Supremacists," "A Reasonable Guide to Horrible Noise" and the entire fourth section of the book, which collects Lester musings on the life and career of Lou Reed.

that this tome gets five stars from everyone. Lester Bangs turned rock writing into a respectable craft. Critic, philosopher and party animal Bangs praises his heroes to the skies-The Velvet Underground, Iggy and The Stooges, The Troggs(!)- in gargantuan essays with the glee of Kerouac, and vilifies the artists who he feels are wrecking rock and roll with incisive precision, slaughtering sacred cows like Elvis, Elton John, James Taylor and John Lennon. Bangs clamors for the reckless spirit of rock to save humanity, who is sinking in a muck of pretentious hucksters and egotistical carnies masquerading as rockers. Lovingly compiled by Greil Marcus, we get to see some of Lester's more personal essays where he reveals much about his own troubled psyche and his attitude towrds what he did. The guy got banned from Rolling Stone for "disrespect to musicians"-how cool is that, to expose a so-called rock/revolution magazine for the establishment pig it truly is? All fans of noise and fire and unpredictablity in music need to read this onomatopoeia of the sound of rock and roll.

Lester Bangs got it right. He was the only rock critic who wrote with the rhythm of rock 'n' roll and felt to his absolute core every note. He was absolutely insulted by blandness in music, and therefore, never wrote a bland review. His critics often criticize his "digressions," but they're missing the point; after all, great rock and roll is a digression from most socially acceptable behavior. Consequently, this book is absolutely essential for anyone who cares about rock 'n' roll's past, present or future. Read Lester to get to the heart of rock, then read Greil Marcus to come to terms with its uneasy mind.