BO

Andrew Vachss is a problematic short story writer. His style is so frontal and minimalist that often the stories are over before they have penetrated intellectually. Instead, the reader experiences a sudden burst of emotion or horror, leaving a stunned silence in its path. To be honest I prefer his novels, which give the reader a grace period before the roller-coaster starts down the first big drop.

'Hard Looks' is really a compilation - 15 stories extracted from a Dark Horse comic-book series of the same name. Most of these stories actually appeared originally in two short story collections - 'Born Bad,' and 'Everybody Pays.' Six of the stories are strait text, the rest are adaptations of Vachss' stories to the graphic format. The largest percentage were adapted by Neal Barrett, Jr., but a broad spectrum of other authors are represented, from Joe R. Lansdale to Charles de Lint.

Each story, graphic or not, is as tough as one can make a recreation of Vachss' work. The stories are about people who are suddenly brought face to face with the reality that underlies their fantasies, whether it is a kid who dreams of being a big tough in the neighborhood or a woman working in a phone-for-thrills studio. The only goodness that happens is on those rare occasions when evil loses the struggle. In Vachss' world, that isn't often enough.

The illustration is pure pen and ink, by a variety of artists. While the general styling is gritty and noir, there is considerable variation. One of my few irritations with the book is that while the artists and adapters are given credit, they deserve a better introduction. Especially since only a small part of Vachss' readership is familiar with the modern comic as art. Like any experiment, some stories work better than do others, but over all, this is a very successful effort. Fans will enjoy the graphic insight into a dark work, and, hopefully, this will mark the introduction of one of the our most intense writers to an entirely new readership.

This is a really nice graphic novel, and I'd expect no less from Vachss and his team of talented artists and writers. But how come we can't get the comics cover by Geof Darrow? I think Amazon should be offering both covers as a special "buy with" option (instead of the old Predator stuff!).

Anyway, the book is great, the story HALF BREED is tight and tense and the drawings by Darrow just suck you into it. The differing styles in the artwork add a nice touch and seem to match the individual stories perfectly.

And there really is something for everyone in this book!

I learned about this new edition from the Andrew Vachss website. But Amazon, for *whatever* reason, doesn't have the ultra-hype Geof ("The Matrix") Darrow cover! Hey, Amazon, why can't we have a CHOICE? I mean, this photo cover is very good, but not everyone is so high-art -- some of us Vachss fans WANT the graphics cover!

I got my Darrow cover edition at my local comics shop, and paid full price, which totally [was bad]. Get a move on, Amazon!

I have read this book and I would recommend it to anyone for future reading. It illustrates the true meaning of friendship and brotherly love. While reading this book, I felt the heartache of the lost of Hank. I have had the privilege of meeting these young men, while playing round ball at Taft College and this book gives an accurate account of their friendship. This is a must read book to anyone who has lost a special individual in their life.

This is a great book, it is about two friends who were like brothers. This story is told by Bo Kimble. Hank Gathers had a good friend, like a brother named Bo Kimble. He tells how him and Hank grow up and what they had to go though. Bo tells alot about when him and Hank was in the NCAA. Hank was a good player. Bo loved Hank very munch, but Hank died of heart failure on the count. Bo tells that he misses Hank very munch and he will always have a place in his heart. Hank's #44 was retire, so if you don't got this book get it because it is sad because the things Bo tells you about Hank. Bo went to the NBA, but did not do what he wanted to do. Hank Gathers a Legend.

I picked this book up a few years ago and read it prior to the annual NCAA Mens' Basketball Tournament. It was a fascinating read, and takes the reader along with Hank and Bo as if all were teammates. My memories of this book made seeing the retiring of the Gathers and Kimble Jerseys at LMU last season an extra special event.

Tae Bo will change your life. It certainly has changed mine. I am in better shape at nearly 40 than any time in my life. I find Billy inspirational and totally balanced in his advice (This is from a physician who is fed up of the rubbish out there!)
He is humble despite his outstanding life achievements. Why don't you find out how he has made the Tae Bo videos number one in the world; you have nothing to lose but your flab!

When I bought my Tae-Bo videos, I loved the workout but I knew I had some troubles with my form. I had trouble keeping by balance and one of the kicks would lead to a sore hip. I knew I must be doing something wrong. When I bought this book, I had expected the book to be about Tae Bo success stories. I didn't really know that it went through each of the moves step by step, explaining how to position your body and how to tighten your muscles. I was so glad that the book explained things. I definitely feel like I get so much more out of Tae Bo now that I'm sure I do it correctly.

I picked up this book because I just started doing a Tae Bo like workout at my gym. Though I have been a compulsive exerciser for years (biking, running, blading and lifting), this workout has reached all kinds of muscles and skills that I hadn't used before. The first time I did a kick boxing workout, I did an 1 1/2 class -- it was the best workout I'd had in years. There's something very satisfying and empowering about the punching and picking. For women especially, I think it's a great workout for the mind and body. This book is very helpful because it outlines how to do every move with the proper form. Even though I had been doing the movements, I didn't have the time to study how to do them better. Now I feel much more confident. Plus, I enjoyed the story of Billy himself -- no self pity here: he was one of fifteen kids, but felt very loved and appreciated in his own family. This man is an inspiration on many fronts. As a fitness book, this is very high quality. He also has a healthy attitude about eating and dieting - refreshing for an exercise book. The sections on warm up and stretching are also very well done.

This book has a very special meaning to me since I'm from the town of Wisby(nowdays spelled Visby). Born and raised on the island Gotland and lived most of my life thete. I'v built several of these coats of armour and so far everyone I've tried on have been of satisfatcion. The book is so far the best resource book I've ever found. I have for a long time tried to find the first edition, but IF you can find it somewhere it's incredibly expensive. So jus imagine my joy when I saw there was a reissue! And very soon I'm going to be proud owner of this masterpiece...
The book is really easy to use and have exceptional drawings and scetches. Transforming the scale of the objects in the book to original size is really easy and there's a lot of information i general. At last a recommendation for all you SCA-fighters out there. Try out armour no.6 and no.9 because they give very good protection and are comfortable to wear.

I've made armor using the diagrams of existing armor types from this book. I didn't much care for some of the strapping arrangements described, so I designed my own. (Hey, this is the armor the regular fighters left behind - Wisby was defended by the teens and the oldsters to judge from the age of the bodies. This suggests the men of prime fighting-age were elsewhere, with their primary armor.) It worked, well, and protected me in combat. And the illustrations and text were clear, clear, clear.

This is the complete version of the orginal book all in one book, not two sets like the first. There is just a little intro added by Price. BUY THIS BOOK! It has wonderful information on the skeletal finds, plus it shows the orginal armor that was found, sketches of it, and recreations done by Bengt and company. I am thrilled they republished this book! It is impossible to find the orginal two volume set.

I was looking for Blessing, Light, and Conviction. I had to look no further for here were the answers. This book opened my eyes to Truths unknown. It showed me the path I had to follow. It told me of Spiritual Help that is always available, and how to change my karma.

I was surprised and happy to see so many of Bo Yin Ra's books listed. They reflect truth. They are deep and really take you on a trip within and beyond. My first contact with his work was in French, many, many years ago. I have never ceassed to read his books. They bring peace and silence to my mind. I would love to see more of his books published in English and, hopefully too, in Spanish and Portuguese. languages.

...is it possible to make review on Living Word

This novel is a wondeful read and it is by far one of the best books that I have read in a long time. The book is so well written and detailed that you can almost see and hear the sites and sounds of Shanghai as you read. Bo Caldwell does a fantastic job of portraying life in Shanghai prior to the invasion of the Japanese and also in presenting historical facts about the changes and hardships which this invasion brought upon the people living there. She does this in such a way, that you are able to learn a great deal about Shanghai and it's past and at the same time enjoy a well written and intricate story. Not only does this book deal with Japan's invasion of Shanghai, but it is also examines the relationship between a father and the daughter whom he abandons. I would highly recommend this book to anybody interested in Shanghai or anybody who simply wants to read a very interesting and well-written book.

Distand Land of My Father is the best book I have read in years, and was the first book that brought tears to my eyes in ages. I flew through this book in two days because I couldn't bear to put it down. It is hard to believe that it is not actually a memoir, as the sights and sounds of Shanghai are so real, and the narrator's (Anna's) story seems so true.

I will tell as many people as possible about this book, and I look forward to Bo Caldwell's next effort.

This book was great... the smells, sounds, sights, and tastes of Old Shanghai drip from the pages. Sadly, as Shanghai itself is transformed into a government bureaucracy¡¯s vision of modernity, books such as this are one are some of the few surviving places that the old city lives on. Ironically, the main characters infatuation with Shanghai can be seen again with the large influx of foreigners returning to the city in the past five years. If you liked this book, you may also enjoy ¡°Rice¡± written by the Chinese author Su Tong. This novel also takes place in pre-communist Shanghai and is centered on a Chinese organized crime boss.

"Hammer of God" is a touching portrayal of the lives of three new pastors coming to terms with how orthodox, Biblical faith can anchor us securely in Christ when rationalism and pietism finally reach their dead ends. In an age where so many fads and philosophies for "growing the church" vie for a pastor's attention and allegiance, "Hammer of God" helps us to come to grips with our calling and our duty to God and His people to bring them the historic, fundamental truths of Christ and His Word. I have read this book a number of times and am always refreshed and renewed again in my desire to be a faithful pastor in Christ's Church.

"Hammer of God" is set in Sweden, when the Swedish Lutheran Church was struggling for its identity. There were many who felt that the "rigid/dead orthodoxy" no longer served a purpose in people's lives. Naturally, nature abhors a vacuum. In place of orthodoxy came two schools of thought: rationalism (scientific thought) and pietism. This masterful volume follows three recent seminary graduates serving their first parishes. Obviously, their mentors are of the "dead orthodoxy" bent. The young pastors feel that the people should be more scientific or live more perfect lives. Needless to say, the new approaches do not work out. Touching is the old soldier, in the throes of senility, barking out fighting orders and using profanity. The young pastor soon realizes that it is by God's grace that we are saved, not in building a better life to become more perfect. This book was required reading at a small Lutheran seminary I attended in Mankato, MN (as was Walther's "The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel."). I will forever be indebted to the professor who required us to read this book. It was very enlightening and graphically displayed Christian faith in action in everyday life.

I highly recommend this book to any Christian! It hits many relevant issues for modern congregations as well as reflects the culture of the periods it is set in. It displays God's grace as coming to one head, Jesus Christ and does so in a 3 entertaining and thoughtful stories.

quite a complete book for the beginner and the professional as well. the author knows his baking and imparts personal knowledge and experiences but this books still lacks the organization and format of wayne gisslen's professional baking, 3rd edition.

If you're looking for clarity and completeness, you've found your book. I've always felt that a "professional" approach can only help to raise our standards even if we don't make a living in the kitchen. Friberg delivers. The book is very well written, the recipes and technique advice well organized and conceived.

Despite the title, most of the 650 recipes Friberg uses to illustrate his technique sections are of household, rather than industrial, proportions. You dog lovers will appreciate the "Special Reward Dog Biscuit" recipe with which Friberg begins the book as a tribute to his Akitas, who will not touch the store bought variety. Friberg's recipe for Sachertorte, among dozens of other delectables, has long resided in my culinary kennel. You'll find all the basics, of course, but if you want to go further, you won't need another book.

Food writer Elliot Essman's other reviews and food articles are available at www.stylegourmet.com

This book is the end all of pastry work and baking for almost any project a person wishes to edure. The book has been written in layman's terms so you can start at the very most simple level on a very difficult dish and accomplish it the first time you make it. I have never seen any culinary book put the instructions together with such precision for both the advanced and beginner alike.

Bo Lozoff, like Jack Kornfield, has given us a wise book on finding the meaningful life. By combining the inner journey to God and the outer path to community, we can make ourselves a genuine person. His practices are simple, and that is their beauty.

This book provides the nuts and bolts for a more meaningful life. It has useable ideas for being a better and happier person. I wake up every morning and say, "May I be a simple, humble, kind presence on the earth today." I eat only one portion and it's helping me lose weight. I especially like his ecumenical use of all religions. This book makes sense. I've given copies to friends and family, I read it over and over. It's a wonderful book!

"Everybody complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it." Bo Lozoff does something about another of our major complaints, the isolation, individualism and crass materialism promoted in modern American culture.
He has done this by providing an exemplar - his own life - and setting out twenty-six specific practices that can still our rancour and increase community and happiness.
Doing is NOT as easy as reading -- but the book lingered with me, and working with just one or two of the practices has, I believe, helped me to be more resilient and more dependable in stressful time, and has helped me make better choices about where to put my energy and resources.

As a child I fell in love with the actress Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. Still an outstanding actress, I enjoyed her recent Princess Diaries, I am continually amazed at her abilities. If singing like a nightingale and acting weren't enough, she has also proven to be equally talented as an author! My eleven year daughter bought Little Bo two years ago with her hard earned allowance money. She couldn't put it down then and frequently goes back to enjoy it over again. She is currently reading it to her five year old sister who can't wait for bedtime now since she so enjoys her bedime story. The only problem is that their eight year old brother runs off with it at the most inopportune times thus wreaking havok! He thought if he could sneak away and read it in hiding no one would tease him. Boys who are almost nine are only supposed to read cool stuff, you know. He, too, found Little Bo irresistable and no longer even tries to hide it. I'm beginning to wonder if Mary Poppins wasn't really a fictional character at all but a chapter in Julie Andrews life. Don't stop now Ms. Andrews. We love you!

Bonnie Boadicea "Bo" is a little kitten born into a family with a loving mother and father, but not to kind owners. She is the runt of the litter, and doesn't eat much due to her small size. Her father loves her, and to make her feel special gives her a big name, but calls her "Bo" for short.

One day it is time for the kittens to leave their mother, and the nice warm house. They realize that they are going to be hurt unless they escape from Mr. Withers, who was supposed to take them to the pet shop. So all the kittens run in different directions, and are soon scared, wet and hungry.

Bo meets a nice sailor and gets into all kinds of mischief with him on the boat he works on, and is soon a sailing cat with a nice home and a kind owner.

This is a must read children's book that anyone, young or old, would enjoy.

The CD/book edition of _Little Bo_ is a must for young children. Julie Andrews Edwards reads as well as she sings. This edition adds much to the written text. The CD can be used as a series of short readings. The conclusion of each chapter is accompanied by gentle music that tells the child or parent that there is a natural break. The author researched the book well, and the portions of the book that take place on a fishing boat during a severe storm are very plausible. Henry Cole's soft drawings do much to convey the flavor of the story.

Bo, the kitten, and her siblings were sent away during a snow storm by the owner because their sire was an alley cat. Bo finds a friend in Billy Bates, a sailor aboard a fishing boat. Bo survives a severe storm and the dislike of the boat captain. Billy and Bo leave the boat to find new lives for themselves.