D-A Books

This is a superbly written book. This is one of the best "how-to's" I've ever read, and I write those kinds of books myself.

This is by far the best book that I have read on any life transforming physical exercise including other books on this subject, as well as books on yoga and tai chi. The author writes simply and masterfully. He promises an easy to learn, easy to do "exercise", and delivers. This book has none of the New Age psycho-babble that mucks up so many other books on the subject.

When Qi Gong developed in China for more than 20 years, Chinese people finally find Falun Gong is the most effective. So there are more than 100 million Chinese people practice Falun Gong before the government's persecution.

But western society seems still enjoy the low level Qi Gongs.

Why not directly start from high level Falun Gong? It is not difficult. When you try, you will know.

There is an old Chinese saying: "Learn from the best".

Many of us want very much to do spiritual and physical exercises but never seem to find the time. This practice can be learned quickly from this most excellent book and takes only six minutes. I've been using the book for three months and have felt an increase in energy level, both physical and spiritual, already.

The author has written a clear & practical book, with compact and understandable information about Qi Gong in general plus some nice information about what it has done for him personally.
It has good instructions and a lot of black and white photos which are easy to follow.
I found the excercise sequence very simple to do. It is relaxing and indeed takes less then 10 minutes to perform.
I think this book is a great start for beginners. Anyone can do these excercises.
If you're interested in other, longer and more intensive Qi Gong forms, I'd like to recommend the book 'The Swimming Dragon: A Chinese Way to Fitness, Beautiful Skin, Weightloss and High Energy' by T.K. Shih.

This book is easy to read, has good illustrations, symptom descriptions, and suggestions for diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

I found this to be the best book as far as having pictures to show how to do stretches and on good typing technique.

Other books I would recommend are:

`The Repetitive Strain Handbook by Robert M Simon, MD and Ruth Aleskovsky'.

`The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies'

`Living Better Every Patient's Guide to Living with Illness by Carol j. Langenfeld'.

This book is the single most useful collection of practical RSI information I've found. Highly recommended for anyone trying to figure out how to stop hurting themselves when they're working. I have bought four copies for friends.

"Repetitive Strain Injury: A Computer User's Guide" by Pascarelli is a good introduction for those who know nothing about RSI. Even a cursory search of the Internet will turn up several references to this book as the classic on the subject. It describes what RSI is, what the risk factors are, how to evaluate your physician in terms of his or her RSI awareness, how to treat RSI symptoms, and it offers tips on workstation configuration, typing and mouse technique, monitor settings, and daily living. If you think you have RSI and your first instinct is to go out and buy yourself a wrist wrest and a splint, stop and read this book first, it explains why these amateurish attempts at self treatment are a bad idea. I was disappointed that the book didn't offer more specific advice for actually treating RSI, though I understand that would have been difficult given the large number of causes and manifestations of the disorder. The book claims on the front cover to contain a "seven point program for treatment", but most of the advice for treatment itself consists of "go see a doctor". This is frustrating given the book's repeated claim that most doctors know nothing about RSI or don't even believe in it in the first place. Another thing that really annoyed me was the book's assertion that employers are largely responsible for RSI. The basic message was: "RSI isn't your fault. It's just another example of how `the Man' exploits you in a thankless and mindless job." In my case, my RSI was caused by my own obsessive work habits. The book does list "Driven Behavior" as a risk factor for RSI, but it gets only a perfunctory mention. Another negative is that the book focuses on tendonitis-type RSI, whereas my problem was clearly nerve-related (numbness, weakness, and lack of coordination in hands, forearms, and upper arms). The book that really nailed my problem on the head, and that I recommend as a supplement to this one if your RSI is caused by obsessive computer use, was "It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!", by Damany, who worked under Pascarelli treating patients for many years.

After years of extreme pain caused by ...poor working conditions ..., I ended up disabled. I found this book four years later. In that time, I had seen two M.D.'s, three chiropracters and two orthopedic surgeons. I was diagnosed as having a pinched nerve.

After reading this book, I made an appointment with Dr. Pascarelli. I was the last new patient he took before retiring.

He diagnosed me as having thoracic outlet syndrome, and wrote up a script of physical therapy treatment for me, which I took back to Ohio and showed to the doctor's here. I still live in constant pain because of permanent muscle damage in my upper back because this wasn't diagnosed sooner, but at least the pain is bearable. I also have problems using my arms and hands. But, today I'm partially disabled instead of totally disabled.

Maybe, if one of the doctor's that had examined me before had Dr. Pascarelli's knowledge, I wouldn't be living in pain today. Or, if I had the knowledge this book provides....

If you use a computer, read this book and follow the advice. You don't have to end up living in pain.

Essential reading for all rail enthusiasts, not just PRR. A great historical overview of the life and times of a railroad engineer in Central Pennsylvania, from the turn of the century to WWII.

As I read this book I could almost feel the track clicking below the engine, hear the chuffing of the engine as it labored to pull the cars, listen to the lonesome sound of the whistle as the engineer arrived at the crossing and feel the power as the fireman put the coal to the firebox and the engineer pulled the Johnson bar. All in all a great read and a book that anyone interested in the steam era would read with relish.

One of the most compelling railroad books I've read - the narrative is compelling because of Orr's consistent, insightful commitment to doing his job well and discovering the most efficient way to get his train over the road. Of course hardcore railfans will enjoy this book, but I think students of industrial history and those interested in the way people go about their jobs (a la Studs Terkel/working) will get something out of this book as well.

Set Up Running is simply the VERY BEST railroad related book which I have EVER read! If you don't have it GET IT! PERIOD! (PS: I have NO financial interest in this book or any organization/company which sells it). I'm doing YOU a favor by rating this book and advising YOU to get it!)

ceh

The detailed descriptions in "Set Up Running" will have you smelling coal smoke. Even though I have been a rail fan for all of my 65 years, was an NYC-PC employee, and I'm a native of Pennsylvania, I learned something new on nearly every page and thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Although "Set Up Running" deals almost exclusively with operations on a PRR branch line, ferroequinologists (students of the iron horse) everywhere will love this book. It has the unique quality of making you wish it would go on forever.

Takes you back to the Old West; the gun slinging, the politics, and how everything starts at the General Store. This is a "guy" book with a bit of romance for the women readers. An entertaining first novel, I was pleasantly surprised!

When I read a novel it has to hold my interest and The Shopkeeper did more that hold my interest--I kept turning the pages to see how the story would end. Whether you're looking for Western Fiction or just a good read, I heartily recommend The Shopkeeper. I'm looking forward to Mr. Best's next novel.

This was my first Western and I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed it, in fact, I couldn't put it down. I love Steve Dancy !

I chose this book because of the reviews as a gift for an avid Western reader who doesn't troll online or frequent bookstores because of an illness. He received this wonderful gift last Wednesday and finished it on his second day LOVING IT and wanting another "Steve Dancy" book NOW. He'll have to wait for Christmas it appears but thank you James D. Best for a fabulous new character and wonderfully written book from someone who loves his (quality) Westerns. You have brightened someone's days who needed some brightening! His daughter is jealous that SHE didn't give it to him. So, well done Mr. Best... Keep writing!!

This is a great book. Steve Dancy is a very interesting character. He has a modern mind operating in the old west.

I highly recommend this book.

In February of 1961 when Jeff Apple was born, very little was known about autism. Autism research, still in its infancy literally grew up with Jeff.

The boy first displayed alarming behavior at 2, during the late summer of 1963. His sister Jane, 5 and brother Bobby, 12 were naturally frightened to see Jeff battering himself. The summer of 1963 saw Jeff's first trip to emergency for Self Injurious Behaviors (SIB).

Jeff's alarming behavior escalated over time; no day care could keep him for very long as few people were able to meet his needs. Finally, in 1967 a special program opened that accepted Jeff. A well-trained staff were able to work with the boy and even taught him self-care skills. Jeff made some progress, but remained largely nonverbal and his SIBs continued escalating. In 1968 the boy demolished his grandparents' Recreational Vehicle; he would roam the house at night and smash things.

By 1970, Jeff's behavior had deteriorated to where he needed constant care and his immediate family needed respite. On January 14, 1971 Jeff was enrolled at the Murdoch Institute, a place where he stayed for the remainder of his life.

At Murdoch, Jeff was closely monitored; restrained; given light electric shocks when he attacked himself and was rewarded with trips to various staff members' homes. Jeff also enjoyed visits to his own home. Luckily, the Happy Time School which provided Jeff his first taste of school success took him intermittently; he still remained under the protective wing of Murdoch.

Sadly, Jeff's clock ran out of time in January of 1990. He died at age 28 from self inflicted injuries.

This book is as rich as the beautiful North Carolina country side where Jeff lived; the rich descriptions of North Carolina and the inclusion of Scripture added hope and color to this personal account. One thing that was evident throughout this book was the unconditional love the Apples had for Jeff; at no time is this ever called into question. One can only hope that Jeff has found peace at last and that Patricia Apple, widowed for several years can take comfort in knowing she, George and their older children did everything possible to ensure a life of humane quality for Jeff. Despite the misleading statement of the title song, "God Didn't Make Little Green Apples," a singularly inane song, one can liken the "green Apple" image to Jeff. Green apples need time to ripen and they need more love and guidance.

I recommend you read Thelma Wheatley's "My Sad Is All Gone," a book about another young man with severe autism who displayed SIBs. (Interestingly, the two young men have linked or similar themed surnames, Julian Orchard and Jeff Apple). These two books go together well, like Lennon & McCartney.

In this book, the quality of the human spirit shows itself in it's mightiest face...that of unconditional love. Beautifully written, eloquent in it's reality, the author takes us right there. We are in the Apple's home & lives...we smell the bacon on that first day...& then we feel the first suspicions along with Jeff's mother. Ultimately, we feel the love, the hope, the frustration, the fear & sadly, the grief. We are there in the silent moments, the sunny moments, the despairing moments & the final moments. Our hearts go out to the Apples, their courage, fortitude & dignity...but most of all for their love. No parent should let this book pass them by, no parent who picks this book up will put it down, particularly any parents of special children. This book is for every caring human being, parent or not, as they will not, can not, walk away from it untouched .. or uninspired.
On a personal note, I was told I should read this book with with a box of tissues to hand. Being a person not much inclined to tears, I took that advice with a grain of salt. My mistake. The only salt around me when I read Spinning Straw was in my eyes & on my face, as it is at this moment recalling the book as I write this review. A "must read".
To Patricia Apple, a woman of indomitable courage & to Phyllis Green, who weaves words into pictures, all my respects.

Spinning Straw... It's a great book. It's written as if you are living the experience. You really feel like you know the characters, especially Jeff! The book shows so much love and caring, it makes you want to do the same if you don't already. I recommend the book because it's jsut plan excellent!! you'll see as soon as you buy it! And the author, well she's great too! The best in the world; take it from someone that knows her personally. Great Book, way to go P. Green

I could not put this book down! It made me cry, it made me angry, but most of all, it made me glad there are people in the world like Phyllis Jean Green who care enough to write this painful but SOARING story about autism and self-injurious behaviour.

This non fiction shows the struggles of a family raising an autistic child with SIB at a time before information is available about the disability. The author, Phyllis Green, brings this family into the hearts and souls of the reader. The book is also illustrated with actual photographs of the family. Spinning Straw is a plus for a remarkable movie about real life situations of families who are faced with the struggles that stem from disabilities like autism. Green's language is down-to-earth and pragmatic. She brings tears, laughter and the real life of the family into full circle.

I READ THIS WHILE IN GRADE SCHOOL, FOUND IT ON A BOOKMOBILE THAT CAME BY DURING THE SUMMER. I WAS AN AVID READER AT AN EARLY AGE AND THIS WAS MY FIRST READING ON SCIENCE FICTION AND TO THIS DAY I THINK THE BEST BOOK WRITTEN BY ANDRE NORTON. TO RELATE TO THE TITLE CHARACTER WAS EASY AND THE THOUGHT OF NUCLEAR WAR WAS A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER AT THE TIME I READ IT. I THINK IT WAS A GLIMPSE AT A POSSIBLE FUTURE FOR MANKIND AND NOT JUST FANTASY TO ME AT THE TIME. I PLAN TO BUY THIS BOOK AND HAVE MY 15 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER READ IT. I WAS ANOTHER ONE THAT DIDN'T REALIZE ANDRE NORTON WAS A WOMAN THINKING THAT SCIENCE FICTION WAS THE REALM OF MALE AUTHORS. A GREAT BOOK TO START READING IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN INTO SCIENCE FICTION

Like many other reviewers, I read this one years and years ago, 1958 (I was 14 at the time). It was one of the first SiFi books that I had read and it hooked me on the genre. I read it several times during the very early 1960s and recently gave it a reread. Is is no worse for the wear! In my opinion, this was one of Norton's best works, having read much of her stuff since then. There is a haunting quality about the book and for some reason the story sticks with you. Women authors of this genre were few and far between at the time of this books writing and in fact, it was a number of years before I found that Andre Norton was in fact a female. Since that time, there of course are some wonderful female SiFi writers, but Norton was one of those who lead the way. We should all be grateful! I highly recommend this one. Like another reviewer pointed out, if you can find a old, illustrated copy, get it. If not, then by all means get a copy of the current paper back. You certainly will not be sorry.

This is a book that I read in the early '70's, my brother had bought it from the book order at school. I only read it once and have never forgotten it. It was so well written and appealed to me and my friends at the time. I'm going to try and find a copy too!

The first and most vivid work of a fine writer of imaginative adventure stories. If you liked the paperback, try and locate a copy of the original hardback. It had illustrations by Nicholas Mordvinoff which were as good as the novel itself. His drawings of the Beast Things really brings them to life. Brrrrr!

This was one of the first science fiction novels that I ever read, and the ideas and images in it have stayed with me all this time. Nor is it really "dated", it could all still happen- only it is now 250 years into the future instead of 300.

This is the story of Lars of the Puma clan, of the people of the Smoking Mountains. Lars's father was of the famed Star Men- explorers of the blasted wilderness beyond the mountain stronghold of the Star Hall. The brotherhood of Star Men sought to carry on the tradition of their research scientist ancestors- to seek out new knowledge for the betterment of the tribe- and of the world. This was to be Lars's destiny also, except that his father failed to return from his last mission and there was no one to speak for him at the last choosing of apprentices. So, rather than accept the insult of a lesser life, Lars took up his sword, bow, and his father's pouch, and along with his great mutant hunting cat, Lura, went out to find the great lost city of the Old Ones that his father's last journal entry spoke of.

Published in 1952 this was one of the first post-apocalyptic novels. It is also one of the most believable. Even in light of current knowledge you still find it believable.

One other thing, in spite of the tales about the unimaginable horror of nuclear war, this book was about hope. You see, even after you press that big "reset" button, mankind will yet find a way to survive; the great cycle of re-civilization from the ruins of former greatness will start again. If you were a kid growing up during the Cold War this was an important message to keep at the back of your mind.

product purchased for my daughter, her husband and son, this is a book I used when she was a child, and i found the info very helpful.

I purchased an earlier version of this book when my first child was an infant. I continued to use the book until they were teenagers. It was the most used of my parenting books. I purchase this book for shower gifts for soon-to-be moms. They will find it useful, when their child is ill, in making decisions about when to call the doctor and when not to worry.

I still have the copy of the book my mother-in-law gave me 30 years ago, and the worn cover reminds me of how often I referred to it while my now-adult children were growing up. I'm ordering 3 copies of the updated version today; it's the perfect gift for all the brand new parents I know. Want to know when to alienate the doctor by calling at midnight and when to wait until Monday morning? This book is The One..... Want to walk into the pediatrician's office with a clear, concise idea of what symptoms to convey? It's The One. Want to avoid a trip to the doctor's office or urgent care center altogether? This book can help you do that with confidence and a clear conscience. It's definitely an excellent buy for any and all parents.

This is a great guide. I received my copy in 1977 when my daughter was born. I used it for years! Loved the flow charts. Definately eases the panic of parents. Explains so much! I have bought several copies of this book-first for friends in the 70's having their children, and now the updated book for the next generation of new parents....our children having children.

This book is like having a doctor in the house. My pediatrician took me more seriously when I called because I only called or visited when it was truly necessary. This book is so helpful in the way it works you through the problem and informs you of what to expect when you do have to visit the doctor. I highly recommend this book to new parents; it will give you more credibility when you visit the doctor and you are not seen as an anxious new parent.

This book was purchased for my daughter, who has a fascination with history of all periods. At the moment, she and my grandsons are exploring the history of Egypt. Barbara Mertz is an expert in this field of study and my daughter said the book was facinating and very informative.

Thorough history of Egypt. Good and easy read to prepare for a trip to Egypt.

Having fallen in love with Barbara Mertz's style (under the name Elizabeth Peters), I was not disappointed in this delightful introduction to Egypt. Though not directed toward scholars, her information is reasonably solid, even if much of it is a few decades out of date. (Many of the other "classics" of Egyptology are also dated, by the way.)

For the lay-reader, the introductory student of Egyptology, and even for the expert, this is an enjoyable read. I though it was especially helpful when she occasionally pulled back the curtain to guide the reader through the puzzle-like thought processes that lead to the accepted "facts" of history.

If only all of us could write with such sparkle and jovial clarity!

A few years ago I visited these areas and the tour guide spoke with great certainty about everything. Come to find out almost everything is subject to question. Mertz is clear on what has been established, and what is theory. The time, energy and research put into Egyptian archeaology opens new avenues of doubt and make facts more and more elusive.

Mertz warns at the beginning that this is not a text nor a complete history. She says it is an collection material that she finds interesting. The first part was a little TOO informal for me. Mertz hits her stride with Hatshepsut and keeps the narrative strong through the end.

For anyone who has an interest in Egypt or ever wondered exactly who the ancient Egyptians were and why their dynasties lasted for thousands of years, Barbara Mertz's "Temples, Tombs & Hieroglyphs" is the perfect introduction. More commonly known to readers as Elizabeth Peters, Mertz is the author of the popular Amelia Peabody mystery series.

Long before she started her career as a best-selling writer, however, Barbara Mertz began as a trained Egyptologist, with a PhD from the famed Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago, the launching pad for many successful Egyptologists. These credentials make her the perfect person to write this history, as she is able to translate the rich Egyptian history of the pharaohs into something more easily understood by readers with no archaeological background, except an interest in Egypt.

This is not to say that the book is always easy reading, although Mertz tackles her subject with a passion and humor readers are unlikely to find in any other, more typical history tome. She manages to bring the Egyptians of old to life, translating ancient hieroglyphs into fascinating stories of individuals, each with their own purpose, strengths and weaknesses exposed.

She opens up the fascinating world of tomb robbers and archaeologists (which some claim are not so far apart in purpose or behavior at times). She demonstrates how information is extrapolated from archaeological findings and illustrates how history is revised over time as new facts and theories come to light.

Despite the injection of personality Mertz brings, this can be dense material at times. For anyone uninitiated in the world of the Egyptians, there are more than 30 dynasties, each with several rulers, falling into 10 eras, dating from the Stone Age Archaic Period to the time of Cleopatra and the Roman invasion. The sheer length of time and individuals and events covered is staggering.

With repeating pharaohnic names, unfamiliar landscapes and place names, conflicting historical research and theories, the book can be overwhelming at times. Yet the reward for sticking it out (dare I even say, re-reading parts) is worth the time and effort expended. Frankly, I read this book twice, cover to cover, and the second time around, I finally began to get a real sense for the overall arc of historical time period covered. And I would hazard to say that it seems even more likely that dipping in again would yield even more historical treasure and understanding.

The richest gift that Mertz offers in her overview of Egypt can be found in the simple stories of the rulers described here, in illuminating for the novice the archaeological tricks of the trade (and weaknesses of such methods) used to determine exactly (or to the best of anyone's knowledge) what happened so many years ago. Mertz's infectious passion for all things Egyptian (well, except possibly pottery shards) can't help but influence her readers to want to learn more. Through her book, she has opened the door to her own exciting world, and readers can't help but want to share in that magic.

Christine Zibas, Book Pleasures

"A Time for Courage" centers around 13-year-old Kat Bowen who lives in Washington D.C. with her family. The year is 1917 and there are many political developments in the country - the women's movement towards voting rights for females and also the US involvement in WW I. Kat's mother and aunt are involved in the movement, and though Kat's dad supports his wife, her uncle is against it. Readers are also made aware of certain historical facts such as the fact that President Woodrow Wilson wasn't a supporter of women's right to vote. The story also explores Kat's close bond with her cousin Alma.This makes a great introductory read in politics especially for younger readers, and will enhance their awareness of the subject.

As is the custom in the Dear America series, there is a hisorical note at the end that touches on women's rights in the middle of the nineteenth century and the leaders of the suffrage movement in America. There are also historical photographs and a timeline of American women in politics. Conclusion - a fascinating fictional account of the suffrage movement as seen through the eyes of a young girl.

What can I say!!!Another great Dear America Book!!Their becoming addicting.As Kathleen Bowen lives with a topsy-turvy life you can see the real life features of Life in Washington D.C. 1917.Great book for anyone who is as addicted to the Dear America Series as I am!!

Kat Bowen is a thirteen year old Washingtonian girl. Her family is generally wealthy, and she has a s many friends as she could need. Her cousin is her best friend, Alma, and her father is a well known and widely respected physician. But when the first World War and the women sufferage in her own home city begin to take the spotlight in her life, Kat finds herself being pulled deeper in with each day. Her mother decides to become a sufferagete, and her father supports her.
But Kat's uncle, Alma's father, is outraged, and refuses to allow the womenin her family to participate. Kat decides to help her mother sew banners for the suffragete movement, and do other deeds to help the women.
Real characters are incorperated into the book, which is one of the reasons as to why it is such a good historical reference. Another success in the Dear America Series.

Kat Bowen is living in Washington D.C. during the woman's fight for the vote. Her own mother is among the woman picketing outside the White House Kat writes down her own views and opinions during this time. She supports her mother but at the same time worries about her mother. Especially after Kat sees how women picketing are being treated. She also witnesses trouble in her family when her uncle is so against the picketing and noting of women voting to the point it almost ruins the marriage of her aunt and uncle. Its amazing how badly picketers were treated and at the same time the women who did picket and go through the hunger strikes and horrible time in jail they were all so brave. An excellent book.

A Time for Courage by Kathryn Lasky is one of my all-time favorite books in the Dear America historical fiction series. It is not particularly my favorite era of American history, but it is so well-written and interesting you just fall right in.
Kathleen Bowen's mother, aunt, older sister, and best friend's mother are all deeply involved in women's suffrage and equality rights, living in Washington D.C., 1917. Kathleen's father does not approve only because he worries for his wife's safety---many women have been arrested and beaten by police for protesting outside the White House. Yet Kathleen's friend's father disapproves of his wife's antics because he is a bit of a sexist. Soon, Kathleen becomes involved with the rights of women everywhere, just like her sisters and mother.
This timeless addition in Dear America will please all, and I promise you shall not be able to put it down. All the protagonists are extremely likable, and this book is just indescribably great. I just can't put it to words. READ IT!

I had to get past some sick need to pronounce everything correctly. Once I did, I really enjoyed this book. The characters jumped off of the pages and took me with them into the world of the Lakota. It was totally different than anything I expected. She did a great job of painting the scenery without over doing it. I loved escaping into this book. I was sad to see it end. I hope she writes another like it.
I am going to order her other books now.

I just finished Tiopa Ki Lakota by D. Jordan Redhawk. What a great book!
If you've not had a chance to get this book order it TODAY. This book
has a lot of great reviews and based on that I ordered it. I was not
disappointed in the least.

The book starts in 1761 with the birth of a baby girl to a member of
the Lakota tribe. The shaman comes and tells the father (who now has 3
girls) that this child will be a wicakte, a two-souled person. She is a
woman but with the heart of a warrior. She is raised as a warrior and
is respected by her tribe. She has a vision and after the vision her
name becomes Anpo.

While the story of Anpo growing up occurs, there's another young Irish
woman, Kathleen, who is also growing up, I think around the Ohio river.

Things occur (don't want to give too much away) that cause them to
eventually meet and become "joined". What happens between them is a great story of adapting to other's cultures...and culture clash. This would make such a wonderful movie....though I don't think that movie could be done nearly as well as the writing.

It's a book that opened my eyes a lot about the Lakota people and their
culture. It's also a very heartwarming book.

This is a book that I will read again and again. It was published in
2005 as a 3rd edition. It's by PD publishing.

Tiopa Ki Lakota stands out within this genre for the quality of the writing and character development. I don't know how accurate the portrayal of the Lakota Indians is, but it's very interesting. This is one of very few lesbian-themed novels I have passed on to my partner to read (she's not into the typical lesbian romance books) - and she is really enjoying it, too (and she's a very picky reader).

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants more than just a formula romance novel.

This was an awesome story that held me from cover to cover. I wanted more. An in depth story involving the daily life of the Lakota as well as the love story of two people destined to be together. Jordan Redhawk outdid herself again.

I loved this book. No qualms at all about 5 stars. A book can be pretty much perfect for what it is, but if it doesn't touch me in some deeper way, I usually avoid the 5-star rating. But this elegant and detailed piece of art deserves every star.

I first read it years ago online, and I find that a lot of what I loved back then suffers a touch in comparison to the quality I've been exposed to now. But this book was not hurt by the passage of the years at all, and in it's published version is likely stronger and richer than what I read in the past.

At its heart, this book is an extremely touching romance. The characters are sympathetic, and real. But to bolster the strengths this author employs in characterization and flawless motivations, the tale is an absolute masterpiece of interwoven pieces of Lakota society held up in comparison to "white" society back in the late 1700s, and even our modern society. There is a depth of understanding that is provided so that even when practices of the people as presented seem odd or unnecessary to us, they make complete sense in the context of their formation and application in society back then. Through this the beauty and peace that result from the communal Lakota life as presented in this book is highlighted and celebrated, with acceptance of everything as it is, including the "two-souled" Anpo--a warrior in a woman's body--given special status and honor in her society. I have no way to vouch for the accuracy of each description, but the author's skillful use of language, including the fascinating scattering of the text with Lakota words (and the helpful pronunciation guide and glossary included in the back), vivid descriptions, keen eye for the emotion and reactions, events and consequences really bring this world to life.

And as I said, at the heart of it all you get Kathleen and Anpo and the gentle balance they bring to one another, and the positive power and influence their happy union has on their family and friends. This book actually spans a couple of decades, though most of the action is concentrated in a 4 or 5 year span. The author skillfully moves time along, while not neglecting the important moments. I love interesting information and detail; I love it when the characters I like so much are given interesting lives and things to do. I really enjoy the richness that supporting characters can lend to the proceedings. I can't praise this book enough. It just got to me, and was an uplifting and inspirational read.