Highs Books

We now live in a time of new hope and this book carried that feeling
Understanding the power of working together...I love this book and gave it as a gift to my future daughter in law

I liked the positive aspect of the "Creative State" and the hope it brings for the individual and humanity.

One of the definitions of art is to explore the boundaries of our inner cosmos and bring back the esoteric knowledge that touches the shores of our experience. The Creator State pushes up against these boundaries and takes this concept of art to new realms.

What a fast, fun read! Anyone who has ever ventured into any creative field, and often wondered about where their inspiration might have come from will love going where this joyous story takes you. Started reading it at takeoff from Philadelphia, and before I knew it I was in San Francisco, book and trip complete.

The well developed characters provided the suspension of disbelief from the very original and ingenous premise, and I was left wanting more.

It's a wonderful story that held me from beginning to end. As an artist and novelist myself, I took particular pleasure in the experiment. It's an exciting concept and a great climax. I think it's very possible that if a group of artists got together and tried it, the results would be similar if not the same as those that occurred in the novel. I recommend it to anyone interested in the power of art and the potential we humans have to determine our reality.

I purchased two of The Dark Net for 2 teenage boys for Christmas - then couldn't put it down myself. It is a rare talent to be able to combine a soaring imagination with such down to earth hard facts. You can tell Riordon knows his stuff - this is no "I just understand the basics that someone gave me" stuff; we're talking true geek speak!

This thriller is clever, action packed and well written.
The author brings us into a world that could easily overwhelm.
He write so clearly that it is easy to see
the characters and to follow them.
It is story which is relayed very well. Good job!!

I brought this book with me on a trip to visit family over the holidays and could NOT put it down (to the detriment of quality family-time). But man, that was the best trip I had in a while. I read the whole thing like I was dying of thirst and couldn't suck down fluids fast enough.

The story centers around Max, a realistic character caught in a futuristic scenario of what the internet might be like one day (virtual worlds where instead of checking your email, you step into a room, sit down and have your exquisitely-programmed virtual assistant recite email contents).

It unfolds into an enchantingly complex and imaginitive plot. Character development is fantastic and you can see the scenes in your head as they develop. Several times I found myself simultaneously breathing heavy with anxiety during the fast-paced adventure scenes and also laughing at character descriptions. For example:

"As Max watched with wide-eyed terror, the laundry pile began to seethe. The sound hadn't come from the bathroom after all. The pile rose up in a pillar of dirty socks, shirts, and towels, and took on a vaguely humanoid form."

This pile of dirty clothes abducts Max, along with some couch creature, and throws him into the dark recesses of the internet. The two monsters then pause for a hilarious and unlikely debate about Captain Kirk & Spock. It is impossible to tell what will happen next; this unpredictability makes for an incredibly engaging read.

The last time I liked a book this much, I went out and bought everything else the author wrote (Augusten Burroughs). I am only sorry that there are no other books to buy just yet and only hope the author is putting his brilliant mind hard to work on another novel for his insatiable fans.

The cover design is simplistic but don't judge the contents by that -- the story itself is rich and complex. Anyone who is into the internet (especially computer geeks) will especially find this a compelling read.

This was really a great book. I like science fiction books a lot and this book was better than most. I would love to see a sequel or even a movie made of this book. I liked when Max went on the run from the internet people. If Mr. Riordon has written other books, I really would like to read them. I would recommend this book to other teens.

Not many real science fiction books are written anymore. The Dark Net isn't just your romance-clothed-in-shiny-steel-with-laser-guns book, or your Klingon-speaking-gotta-read-the-series science fiction novel. This is a _good book_. Remember Ender's Game? 1984? Fahrenheit 541? The Dark Net is that kind of book, one that you can read over and over again and find something new, something meaningful.

That's not to say The Dark Net is a serious treatise on the state of the world. But it's worth reading if you like to read.

Riordon has written an adventure in the internet, a science-based story, a pulp thriller that gives the reader something to think about.

The story winds through ordinary life, the virtual world-to-come, the isolated portions of the internet, and a weird farm in the Pennsylvania hills. (Actually, I could totally dig the Freedom Club if they weren't sofa king Ayn Rand about it.)

This book may never be on the syllabus of any Lit Crit classes (though I could write "The Significance of the Color Green in Riordon's The Dark Net" or "Penguins and Boats: Lost and Found in the Void of Riordon's The Dark Net"). But heck, that's probably what they said about Dickens too. Riordon's novel, originally published on a blog, is like Dickens' serialized newspaper novels, and the format of the life-as-it-happens writing method makes the story's plot a lot like real life. Max's end isn't obvious from the beginning. Sometimes he winds up in places he never could have anticipated. But I enjoyed being there with him (well, sometimes it was really sad.)

And that's what I like to see in a book. Shogun, Clan of the Cave Bear, Harry Potter: they're not literature or anything but they sure are great to read.

This is the third in a series of adventures for our Distant Cousin, and it is a worthy successor, indeed!

I actually read this several months ago when it first came out - once again, I could not put this book down until I finished it. The characters continue to mature, and without being repetitious Dr Past's prose continues to satisfy, yet leaves us wanting more.

This is now a trilogy, and I've just ordered 2 sets of these for Christmas presents. Perhaps next year this time I'll be buying in sets of 4 instead of three? One can only hope!

Now, if only my favorite director would put Past's Distant Cousin to film - that would really be icing on the cake!

This is third in the Al Past series, Distant Cousin. I really enjoyed #1 & #2 but was really surprised with Reincarnation. Reincarnation is filled with adventure, suspense, and action. Character developement continues in this book bringing you closer to the ever growing Darcy. A new character is introduced in this novel, Rob Combs. Rob is an ex-Navy SEAL. Darcy hires Rob to help her with a little problem, the rest is all action. This is an excellent read for you science fiction, action fans.

Just when you think it can't get any better out comes Reincarnation. I just wish you could give more than 5 stars. As someone else said this deserves 10. The kids are now seven years old and Darcy has discovered that her brother-in-law has made several shady deals in pursuit of riches, one that could have devastating consequences for the entire world. Lots of action, incredible story. I just hope that this is not the end of the saga. Please, Al Past, give us more!!

Well, we knew it was going to happen. There were hints in the second novel of the Distant Cousin series, and so it is no surprise that in the third novel, Darcy's greatest fears are realized. Her cold and greedy brother-in-law, Herecyn Cymred, has sold the wrong sort of Thoman technology to the wrong sort of person and a weapon of devastating destruction has resulted. Herecyn denies it, of course, but when the Russian mafia tries to eliminate Ana Darcy, the only person who has made the connection, the truth of the matter is obvious.

Author Al Past revs up the action in this third installment of the Distant Cousin series. After seven years of quiet family bliss on the secluded Mendez homestead, hidden in the heart of New Mexico, Darcy once again sacrifices her retirement from public life in order to guard against disaster. As the very first representative from another planet on Earth, Darcy takes it personally to think that technology from her homeworld might be used against mankind. While dodging assassination attempts from hired mercenaries, Darcy plies a little detective work to identify the source of the threat: A Russian oligarch has developed the Thoman technology into a weapon which was promptly tested on remote villages in the tiny territory of Sedlakia, with horrifying results. The US government is loath to interfere, but that doesn't stop one little firebrand of a woman from planning a 2-man mission to save Sedlakia--and possibly the world.

Reincarnation reprises a multitude of characters from the first two books, including government agents, high-powered lawyers, an investigative reporter, and a certain Sicilian "businessman" who once saved Darcy's life. It also introduces a few new characters, such as the Navy SEAL recruited by Darcy for the Sedlaki mission and her own precocious twins, Clio and Julio. Readers get a glimpse inside the personal relationships of the Thoman delegation, which include Darcy's sister and uncle, as well as a thrilling and dangerous adventure in the frozen wilds of Russia. Interspersed with the fast-paced action, we find Darcy's husband Matt holding down the fort at home, supervising the education of his amazing, half-Thoman children, and working out wily plans to preserve their anonymity in the face of Darcy's increasingly public image. And if this is not enough, readers can ponder the significance of the close connection between the Thoman and Sedlaki languages, as well as a certain Sedlaki legend of an ancient queen named Anina Khralovna, who left her people long ago with the promise to return when she was needed ... Highly recommended, but you need to start with Book One!

In this latest installment of Al Past's Distant Cousin saga, Ana Darcy's greed-driven uncle brings about a deplorable international situation that only she can set aright. To do so, she must make use of all her unique talents and abilities while placing her life in great peril. To aid her on her mission, she enlists the support of individuals from varied backgrounds, and as usual, brings out the best in all concerned. Her character is so dynamic as to cause her to be mistaken for the reincarnation of an ancient queen, sent to save the people of Sedlakia from impending destruction."

This isn't just another action novel. By now Ana is married, and the author cleverly juxtapositions her Thoman adventures with the family life she longs to share with her husband, Matt Mendez, and their twins. He and the kids manage to find a little adventure of their own, which regularly serves as a refreshing aside from the main story line. As usual, Past serves up delectable portraits of the cuisine in the various parts of the country where Ana finds herself, and his depiction of the landscape in diverse regions of the world gives the reader a genuine sense of presence. Flashbacks and unnecessary references to the two preceding Distant Cousin novels are kept to a minimum; thus, even readers who are unfamiliar with those works will find Distant Cousin: Reincarnation to be intriguing and captivating. Whether you are new to the universe of Ana Darcy and her friends, or are fortunate enough to have read Distant Cousin and Distant Cousin: Repatriation, this work holds a great deal of enjoyment in store for you.

This is a great book! Very humorous. Can't wait till this author writes another book!

I've read this book at least four times now. And bought copies for everyone in the family. And recommended it to everyone I know. If it's not already apparent, I really like this book! Even my 'I hate to read' brother finished it in two days.

Electronic Echoes of the Mind is fast, funny and very well written. You can't help but laugh out loud while reading it. It is very fast paced, full of action, humor and fajitas. The author has created a believable world with characters that truly live. I'm a big science fiction/fantasy nerd, but a lot of my family is not, and they still really enjoyed the book. It is worth reading whether you like the sci-fi genre or not.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes good books. When will the second book come out?

I really enjoyed this book because it made me laugh. The character, Jake Turner, has a great sense of humor(kind of like my dad's), and the supporting characters are pretty darn amusing. This book has the right mix of adventure, humor, technical stuff, and fajitas.

Echoes is a fun little space opera with a likeable main character and quirky supporting cast. Hard core sci-fi readers might notice a few spots that run counter to logic, such as driving a hovercraft on Mars with no real description of how it would vary from driving one on Earth given the difference in gravity (Mars gravity is .38 of 1 G). Also, the characters use early 21st century idioms, but that doesn't bother me. I like reading stories that don't go out of their way to ruin regular English in an effort to create patterns that we can't really guess at.

For a first book, this was very good. I look forward to Mr. Kimberlin's sophmore effort.

Years earlier, Jake Turner took the blame for a major spaceship crackup and has been fighting to get his job as pilot back ever sense. Now that he has a second-rate job piloting a third-rate freighter, he doesn't want to lose it--especially when his friend Bob comes to him with another of his odd requests (they generally seem to involve holo-pornography) and some crazy religious nuts start referring to him as the bearer.

Jake tries to keep his nose clear and stay out of trouble, but Bob and the religious nuts know which buttons to push--involving his guilt over his dead ex-girlfriend. And Jake finds himself plunged into the battle between an evil conglomerate, multiple space systems, and an alliance of small traders. Then there's his artificial intelligence--which seems to be getting more intelligent by the moment.

Author Wade A. Kimberlin creates an exciting update to the old-fashioned space opera, and there's a lot to like here. The religious nuts are attempting to transplant their memories into electronics, the evil space corporation is trying to take over the solar system, and Jake can't even trust the people who are supposed to be his friends. There's an intriguing four-way love triangle involving Jake, his dead (but not absent) girlfriend, his AI, and the sexy pilot of another merchant ship, high-speed chases, and space battles.

Anyone looking for some slash-bam fun summer reading will want to add ELECTRONIC ECHOES to their list. I'm happy to recommend this one.

A Review by Allison

"Why can't I be like other girls?" Emily would often wonder. Emily is a special girl who has trouble doing every day tasks. She is the target of many harsh remarks at her school and just wants people to know that she has feelings like everyone else. When she falls in love with a guy named Hunt, she tries to prove to her parents that she is grown-up enough to wear makeup and more stylish clothes. She and her best friend, Molly, even decide to have a party. Things go horribly wrong- Hunt kisses another girl and Emily gets kissed by her friend, Donny. Where do things go from here?

I thought this book was great in all aspects. The characters that were used were well-developed and the visual descriptions and settings fit together wonderfully. This was a fast read- not because it was a short book but because it was interesting and didn't have useless bits of information. It wasn't a particular difficult book to read but it was interesting and had a good story line. The only thing I didn't like about the book was that the ending seemed too abrupt. The language was easy to understand and descriptive. The story didn't seem like it was TOO happy or TOO sad, it was perfect.

I would recommend reading this book to anyone. It may be more for younger readers but something everyone should read.

A review by Erika

Emily is now a teenager and is able to go to a normal high school. She has never gone to a normal school because she had a disability and had to go to a special school. Emily is now going to experience the life she has always wanted, that�s if her parents will let her. In this story Emily has to try to live the life of a teen without the help from her parents. She will also realize who her true friends are.

I liked this story because of the little romance that goes on in it. The author doesn�t put it out there until the end but I liked it that way. In the story I like the way Donny becomes her true friend. The sad part is she had to find out the hard way. The only thing I didn�t like was the characters Amanda and Molly. Amanda plays the bad guy in this story. She was really mean to Emily. She called her bad names all the time. For example, Emily held a boy/girl party, and Amanda called it a retard party and left. The reason I didn�t like Molly was because she was supposedly her best friend but she treated her like she was some hopeless little girl who didn�t know how to dress or act around boys. Molly would tell her things that she didn�t need to know or she didn�t need help with. The character I like was Donny. He noticed every thing she did. Like when she changed her clothes and started to ware makeup, he said she looked pretty. When it comes to the part of her meeting Hunt I thought it was cute. I thought it was cute because she thought he was the cutest thing in the world, but when she gets a job at the Farm Store. She doesn�t want him to know she works there because there are other special kids there.

I would recommend this book because of how cute the story line is. The reason I like this book so much is that I like Emily�s character. I liked how she looked at things. I would recommend this book to some one between the ages of 11-14. It was a simple book. It was easy to read.

A review by Amy

This book is about a developmentally delayed girl named Emily. She is starting a new high school and is desperately trying to fit in. Throughout this book, Emily faces many pressures to act a certain way, dress a certain way, and do certain things. For example, her best friend tells her that her clothes are too babyish and that she can't call her mother, mommy because she'd be "uncool". Emily tries very hard to do everything everyone tells her that she needs to do to be cool. But in the end, she lets her true self, shine through and finds new friends that accept her for who she really is.

Throughout this book Emily listens to her best friend and doesn't seem to have her own mind or a sense of herself. I felt like walking in on this book and being one of the characters to give Emily confidence in herself. Also, to teach her to be an individual and to do what she wanted, wear what she wanted, and hang out with whoever she wanted to.

Emily joins a new "regular" high school where there are "regular" kids and she feels a lot of pressure to grow up. For example, she feels like she's not pretty enough and needs to wear makeup. Something that was sort of a theme throughout this whole book was something that Emily read in a magazine. She read this article because she was trying to figure out what guys wanted in girls. She desperately wanted a boyfriend and the article she read was a statement that a boy made for the magazine. It read: ` I like girls who are sincere and honest. If they don't like me for who I am, then they're not worth being with'.

I thought that was a very good statement for the boy to make, but Emily took it the wrong way. She looked past what, in my eyes, was a very obvious point. That point was that guys should like her for who SHE is and THEY should be sincere and honest. Nope, that's not what Emily saw. She was too obsessed with trying and acting like she was sincere and honest. Key word, ACTING.

Another review that I read said that this book changed her life. That is a truly great thing that you can take from this book, but in my case, my life wasn't changed. Maybe that's because I've read many books such as this and this book sort of reaches out to a younger group than mine. Well, that's my opinion.

At first, I was reluctant to get this book, for a variety of reasons. Mostly, I like to read books with characters I can identify with. When I found it that it was about a mentally disbaled teenager, I almost didn't read it because I knew I would feel like an outsider when reading this book. Boy was I wrong. I realized that even though Emily, the fourteen year old main character, was different from normal teens such as myself, she still faces the same little everyday problems that I do, such as arguing with her parents about what she is and is not allowed to wear. She also faces bigger problems which I also relate to, such as trying desperatly to appear "cool." Although it is different for her, I feel like I understand what she is going through. Every teen is similar to her in one way or another. It also made me realize that just because people are different, they shouldn't have to worry about people "accepting" them. Emily was so worried about what others would think of her because she was different, and that sort of is a discrace to our society. We shouldn't have to live in a place where people are so worried and scared of others because they are "different." It isn't fair. If all the people who are cruel to others could just be in Emily's shoes for a day, I think they would change. And that's exactly what this book does, it puts you in Emily's shoes. This book was such an inspiration to me, that I decided to volunteer at a home for mentally challenged adults, where some friends and I went and planted flowers. The people there were so nice to us and they really appreciated what we were doing. I definetly will volunteer more. I urge everyone to read this book, no matter what age or sex, though teens will undestand and relate to it more. Judging by the title boys may be turned off by the book, but I think they will equally enjoy it. Read this book, it is amazing and has changed my life.

The story is about a fourteen year- old girl named Emily Gold who is mentally disabled. She in a special class in a regular high school. On her first day, Emily meets cute Hunt. She is hoping that he will be her boyfriend. Emily lives with her over-protective parents who disapprove of her wearing make-up and dating. Donny is one of the boys in her class. He gives Emily sweet little gifts and letters, telling her that he likes her. However, Emily is in "love" with Hunt and Donny is angry. Emily gets a job at the farm store. She meets new people who are also "special." She doesn't want Hunt to know she works there. He finds out later, but doesn't care. Molly is Emily's friend and she is having a boy-girl party. Emily invites Hunt and Donny to the party and is trying to spend the evening with Hunt, but ends up with Donny. She looks different at the party with a revealing outfit and make-up. Later in the story, Emily decides which guy is best for her. This is a very touching teen story and I highly recommand it.

Sarah Anne Sumpolec wraps up the Becoming Beka series on a hopeful and satisfactory note. Beka, now within a handbreadth of graduating, spends the remainder of her senior year in high school debating and making decisions. Whether she should take a risk to pursue a career in music and move to Los Angeles where her soon-to-be new family lives is always just a thought away from Beka's consciousness. Should she continue "seeing" Mark, whose very presence causes her mind to go into neutral and her standards to suddenly become debatable? Can a long-distance friendship (or possible romantic relationship) with Josh ever work? And which college should she choose?

With all these decisions preying on Beka's mind, she is also forced to take action --- responsible action --- on behalf of herself and those close to her. Her sister Lucy is becoming more distant and angry by the day. Beka pushes as far as she's able to reach back into Lucy's world, but every time she makes another attempt, Lucy backlashes her with bitter words of resentment. Beka's dad --- the strong, stable, committed man that he is --- tries to protect his family from erupting work problems that threaten his financial stability and reputation. But Beka sees through her father's calm façade and tries to shoulder some of his burden as well. Meanwhile, Beka's best friend Lori continues to wrestle with her own family troubles as her adopted parents attempt to work through an ongoing marriage crisis.

Add school with the revenge-seeking Mai and a controversy involving Beka's music teacher and her song of choice, and Beka is reeling under the pressure. From every angle, Beka has something or someone needing her help, support or advice. So where does Beka go for recharging? Surprisingly, she finds a friendly and understanding voice in Gabby, her dad's fiancée. Beka's counselor offers additional wise counsel, as do a few Christian friends from church.

When all is said and done, Beka realizes that everyone needs "backup," God provides exactly what is needed, and life is seldom without some sort of difficulty --- although there's still something worthwhile even amidst the hardships.

--- Reviewed by Michele Howe

The fifth and final book in the Becoming Beka Series covers Beka Madison's senior year and the life-changing decisions she must make. What will she do after graduation? Should she pursue a music career in L.A. or attend college closer to home? And most importantly, is Mark or Josh the one for her?

Beka is concerned about her family, too. Her younger sister, Lucy, is running with the wrong crowd and Beka is worried about her. She has become withdrawn and refuses to listen to Beka's advice. Mai continues to be Beka's enemy in spite of Beka's determination to pray for her. And Beka has to get used to the idea of her widowed father getting married again. But in every area of her life, Beka seeks God's wisdom and guidance.

Sumpolec knows teenagers, and her characterizations are true-to-life. I quickly became involved with Beka's aspirations and emotions. Evocative descriptions and realistic dialogue combine to make the reader feel "there" in the story. I'm looking forward to seeing what Sarah Anne Sumpolec has in mind as an encore for her readers after her successful Beka series.

The Encore is book five in the Beka series. It is Beka's senior year, and she wants it to be great, but everything seems to go wrong. Mrs. Brynwit, the school principal, hates the song she wrote for a school assignment, because it mentions God. Mai, an avowed enemy, wants Beka's job as editor of the school newspaper, and will do anything to get it. Lucy, Beka's younger sister, is running with a rough crowd and refuses to listen to her big sister's advice. Beka's mother died two years ago and her father is getting married again. Mark, a fellow senior, says he loves her, but refuses to talk about anything serious, and Josh, who is away at college just wants to be friends. And then there's God. What does he want from her?

The Encore captures what it's like to be young, insecure, and undecided. Beka doesn't seem like a character in a book, she seems like the teenager in your own family, as she tries to be everything to everyone, and ends up feeling like a failure. How can you have all the answers when you don't even know all the questions? Buy this one for your teenage daughter. She'll love it.

Beka Madison us a gifted musician who is struggling with what to do after graduation, what to do about her love life, and how to deal with her father's upcoming marriage and subsequent move from the house she's lived in her entire life. As her Senior year draws to a close, Beka must finally decide where her life is headed.
As for what to do after graduation...does she stay close to home and go to college or does she move across the country to go after a music career and attend school part-time? If she moves across the country, she'll leave everything that's familiar to live with relatives of her father's fiance, but she'll also be closer to Josh.
As for the love life...first, there was Mark. Mark is every girl's dream. He's handsome and athletic and knows just what to say to make Beka feel like a princess. Josh is older and away in Seatle in college. He's more interested in taking things slowly and taking the relationship where God leads. Mark's approach is more exciting and makes her heart beat a little faster, but it just doesn't feel right.
Then there's her father and Gabie, her soon-to-be stepmom. It's been barely two years since Beka's mom passed away and Beka is still clinging to her memory. Gabie does her best to help, but Beka can't seem to unlock her heart.
As graduation draws closer, Beka knows she must make some life altering decisions. Does she sign the record contract and move to the other side of the country? It will put her closer to Josh, but further from her father and her siblings. Is she ready to be that far away from her family?
Sumpolec tackles Beka's decisions with Godly guidance and the struggle Beka faces with earthly temptation. It's a wonderful conclusion to a wonderful journey through Beka's life.
Edee Wilcox, author If I'd Only Known...

The mailman brought my copy of The Encore, and I couldn't wait to dive in! What happens in the fifth and final episode of Becoming Beka? Eighteen year old Beka is torn between two loves; someone targets her for revenge; family dynamics heat up; and an unexpected twist catches Beka and the reader by surprise. Author Sarah Sumpolec doesn't tie up Beka's life in a neat package, but a strong message of God's hope lingers. Beka can't wait to see God's plan unfold, and I can't either. I hope that's why the author kept the door cracked for future possibilties. Maybe we won't have to say goodbye after all!

Perfect as promised. Arrived quickly. One item of note, it doesn't seem to come with the wileyplus online registration information for access to the additional learning material. The e-book (~$60) purchase would be one option for getting to that material.

Still a great product and a great price. I need it for two classes,so I'm thrilled about the price.

I was very pleased with the book I purchased. The price was unbeatable and the book was exactly as described. I will definitely use this sellar again.

Its a used book, but looks brand new. I got the book within 3-4 days after i ordered which was right on time and i saved at least $40 then i would have if i had bought it at the bookstore at my school.

I am using this book for a class in college and it is extremely informative so far (after reading about 6 of the chapters), has many ways to look at the information and issues surrounding it, and also maintains the central theme that is key in environmental science: the relationship between science and values.

I really like it and will be keeping the book instead of selling it off to someone else.

Comprehensive and thorough, clear and understanable even for youth. Ilustrations contribute a lot to the overall picture.

Mathews did an excellent job in chronicling the rise of Jaime Escalante, including a significant amount of background from his youth in Bolivia. It's always fascinating to see what all is involved in the development of the character of famous people.

Mathews' story is fascinating, even more so than the movie, as it is closer to the real situation of E LA's Garfield. The compressed time frame of the movie gives the impression that students went from math illiterates to Calculus in 1-2 years which simply isn't true or even possible for Escalante. The take home message, however, of a long-term committment and an undying belief that many to most students can do better despite significant background challenges remains.

Fortunately most students in US schools are not sold as short as they were in Escalante's Garfield - problems remain in our schools for sure but most schools are in much better shape than what he started with. Indeed, Mathews chronicles of a couple times when Escalante planned to leave Garfield, which makes what he and his students accomplished all the more amazing.

There is still a need to review what he did and see what aspects of it can be replicated. One lesson I got from this is that in fact it's not just the teachers but it needs some support from the "system" - indeed only when Escalante finally got some admin help did Garfield reach it's height. {You can read on the net what happened after Escalante left when some of his administrative cover was lost}

Part of what is fascinating and fun in this textbook is the chance to peer into Escalante's personality - not necessarily duplicable and in some ways he was the right fit for the right place at the right time. His avoidance of meetings, the coordination with the counselors and assistant principals/principals (well, those who would work with him), and other quirks are interesting and fun to read.

As an aside to Escalante, in many ways this book guided the career of its author, Jay Mathews, who still writes ed columns for the Washington Post. Escalante did not just influence his students but even the author who still appears strongly influenced in his ed opinions by what he learned first hand of Escalante's accomplishments. For the rest of us this book is the best way to get to better know Escalante, at least the Escalante of the events popularized in the movie.

I first heard about this book in the summer of 2006 when I was taking an AP Calculus Institute. I of course was familiar with the "Stand and Deliver" film, and I was very curious to read this book. The book tells you the TRUE story of what happened to Escalante and his students. Don't believe everything the film tells you! The film will have you believe that Escalante took students who didn't know how to add and he turned them into AP Calculus stars. That is not true. Escalante spent years developing a PROGRAM where weaker students could correct their deficiences by enrolling in a summer course, etc.
I did find the book to be very motivational, especially since I read it right before I taught AP for the first time. I liked the line where Escalante said AP results are kind of like a "report card for the teacher". The book also details the fact that Escalante would kick a student out of AP (or at least strongly threaten to) if they missed ONE homework. So while Escalante's accomplishment was extraordinary, I wish I had the luxury of kicking a student out of AP if they missed one assignment!!
The overall message of the book and film though is that with hard work, a person can succeed at anything they put their mind too. So it's nice to read a book with a positive message like that.

If this book doesn't make you want to quit your job and do something meaningful with your life, nothing will.

In a culture where if one is asked have you read such and such book and the reply is "no but I saw the movie", then I 'll reverse the question. Did you see "Stand and Deliver"? Well this is the story of the man the movie is about. In the movie, Edward James Olmos takes the lead as Jaime Escalante, an unlikely hero who immigrated from Bolivia and changed the lives of countless Chicano students in East LA. This is the story of dedication, underpay and a determination by one man to change the course of students views of themselves. A teacher with a vision beyond the classroom. He wanted to change the perception of Chicanos and their role in the education process, they could be capable of taking college prep math. While teaching at Garfield High in the 80's he created quite an uproar amongst his peers by making Chicanos believe in themselves, that they could take AP Calculus and succeed. It would require hard work. A great motivator, who used all his skills, he proved the naysayers wrong. This is a great true story that is more detailed and probably more accurate than the Hollywood version. The background information on the principal of Garfield and various students is much richer than the movie version. This is a feel good book that students,teachers and parents alike should enjoy since they are all participants in the deucation process. A motivational tool to be shared by all who believe in the power of determination. An American success story for all.

A visiting nerd from Mars might well decide that sports was the cult/religion of choice among Americans. This conclusion would work if the visitor compared Sunday TV-tube activity with, say, church attendance. It would also make sense of activity at many American high schools, with its cheerleaders, heros and stars.

After his success at teaching calculus to (yep, here we go again) mostly poor Latino students was dramatized in the movie Stand and Deliver, Jaime Escalante became the closest thing to a star in the little world of education. His story intersects the American sports-obsession in a number of important ways.

Escalante, who considered school sports a distraction for his students, in his own classrooms took the teacher-as-coach metaphor way beyond the 100-yard-line. A Bolivian immigrant and Lakers fan, he had a lot of sympathy and understanding for his students. But as an accomplished, determined professional, he had no time for their excuses or laziness: He used threats and jokes, camaraderie and charisma, insults and incessant drill, much the way a football coach does. He also had the "big game", a clearly defined goal with visible results: The advanced placement (AP) test that high-school students attempt for college credit. Better than basketball as a ticket to a future.

Like many sports coaches--and very few teachers--Escalante got 110% from his team. Starting from zero in 1978 (when he arrived there), by 1987 Garfield High was fourth in the United States in number of students taking AP calculus, and accounted for about a quarter of all Mexican-American high-school students who passed the test.
Journalist Jay Mathews starts with Escalante's childhood and teaching career in Bolivia, but spends about 2/3 of the fast-moving narrative on Garfield. It includes numerous vignettes of students dealing with Escalante's personality, his rigorous calculus teaching, and crises (or simply grinding poverty) in their lives. Mathews goes easy on generalizations, but here are his first two "lessons" near the books conclusion: "Teachers who bring students up to high standards are precious commodities. Leave them alone.... If left alone, teachers who work hard and care for their students will produce better results than ten times their number dutifully following the ten best recommendations of the ten latest presidential commissions on education."

Nancie Atwell says Shut your door and do what you need to.

The Garfield mascot, which became Escalante's symbol for himself and his students, is a bulldog. I believe that we are still "a nation at risk," especially where the education of poor and minority children, the life of our cities, is concerned. Jay Matthew's book, the story of a few determined teachers (and their principal!) will not hold the same lesson for everyone, but is an extremely valuable encounter.

This book provides a very easy step-by-step guide in writing effective essays. It gives an informative insight how to prepare the essay and to properly structure it. The book also provides diagrams and examples. It is simple, straightforward, and easy to understand.

This book sets out the logical path to a successful essay. The examples are engaging and thought-provoking and make you itch to start writing!
Mr Terego speaks directly to the reader, as if he were sitting across the desk, and his tone is full of encouragement.
By the end of this highly readable book a student will have the knowledge to write a good essay and, more importantly, the confidence to do it well.

Reviewer: Jane Airy (Tampa, Florida) - See all my reviews
Welcome to the world of critical thinking and writing. With this accessible text, Terego provides a step-by-step guide for organizing the thinking process, developing ideas, and creating the writer's voice. Detailed explanations and examples illustrate a logical approach to writing the essay. Not only does this book supply graphic organizers that clarify the thinking process, but also it offers student-produced examples that showcase the products from this methodical approach. Both students and teachers of writing will benefit from this practical, stimulating information.

I think this book fills a long-overdue need. Students need to think about writing. The exercises and examples in this book help students realize that they are learning about themselves and how they feel about issues while they write. School has led some students to believe that we write to tell the teacher what she wants to hear. That is not the purpose of writing for the SAT or adult life, and this book helps students make that transition in their approach to writing.

I've used a lot of writing products for our children, and for high school, this seems to work very well, especially to get them to THINK about their writing, ORGANIZE (he is big on the 5 paragraph essay) and churn it out in a timely manner. Excellent practice for the SAT 25 minute essay. To help the teacher, he has a list of over 150 essay topics in the back of the book; something for almost everyone, even the most reluctant freshman writer (though I would use this more toward the year before your student takes the SAT--probably sophomore and work on basic writing skills freshman year). Better than most I've seen or used; not really a remedial handbook though, he assumes you can write an essay, he is helping you to write a very good one.

This book is very well written, very thorough and descriptive. You can tell the author has done a great deal of research and study in the field of science. It is very intelligently done, a wonderful first book. I am left wanting to know more about this lunarian society and how it progresses. Can't wait for the next book in the series!

Science and Religion are indeed colliding in our society today. This book is open to free thinking. This book is a "must-read" for anyone concerned with what might happen if we continue on the same course, global warming as one instance. This book is also important to anyone concerned with separation of church and state. Religion in much of the world is synonymous with State Government so that the whole focus of the state is to teach and enforce that one religion, destroy anyone who disagrees, and at the same time condemn all science as Satanic. This book makes us ask ourselves if we want our own government to be controlled by religious zealots?

This book is, also, a "must-read" for anyone curious about what science can do for the human race such as genetically get rid of diseases and defects, help heal injuries and illnesses and be used for positive good. This book is an "eye-opener" as to where we are going with all this cell-phone/ipod/computer technology. It is all combined, in this book, as a visor worn constantly on the face, that provides all these services and more. This book made me ponder how science has greatly benefitted the human race in the past (agriculture, sanitation, electricity, cars, airplanes, antibiotics and medicines, books, phones, computers, and all the things that we are glad science has provided for us.) Why not continue the search for scientific understanding of how to care for ourselves, our society and this world we live in. Why is being a "free-thinker" important to our future as a nation? I surprisingly found myself, after finishing the book, enjoying a review of the time line at the beginning and reviewing Genesis and Exodus and rethinking where we came from and where we are going.

This book has no aliens, or creatures of impossible fantasy. This book takes time to explain all the materials developed in the book and possibilities within our future. Don't skip details, as it will help you learn and be surprised at what is possible. This book is more a "prediction of the future" than hard-core science fiction. I encourage each of you to go to the author's web page, given in his book, and learn more about this remarkable man. As a Metalurgical Engineer, he knows Rocket Science.

If you liked "Prayers for the Assasin" or "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" this is a gotta read.
The conflicts in the world today, and the technology of today are writ large and plausable in this novel.
John Cooley, author of "Dear Madman"

EVOLUTIONS CHILD, Republic of Luna is an exceptional piece of future science as I have read in some time. It is set in the near future of this century toward it's close. It is well thought out work that develops the scientific thoughts and developments that are only now being developed. The advanced uses of the technology are well used in the story of a Lunar Republic beset by religious dogma that has existed for millennia. This story portrays what happens socially and technically as primarily extreme religious factions collide with a republic that is not beset with a religious fervor of its own, just their belief in their right to live the way they chose without threat to themselves. Their response to the threat is well answered by their use of technology including Bioengineering, Mining, Mechanical and Molecular Engineering.

Craig D. Porter
MSgt USAF Retired
Moon Society of Phoenix

Plot takes place in 2098 mostly in a community on the moon. Lots of good science and an exciting story, highly critical of fundamentalist religions and making a compelling case for the advantages of reason. I can't wait for the sequel!

Lazarus Sheffield knew too much: secret things, forbidden things, dangerous things. He had to take sides and do it quickly in a world without tolerance; where religion was power and a free thinker was dead meat.

He plotted his escape from the planet of his birth to the planet of his birth rights - the moon.

Charles Lesher shows the world of the future rooted in the world of today. Science, just barely fiction, interlaces with both doom and hope; exploding into furious action in man's eternal struggle for freedom.

A marvelous read for freethinkers that like their science fiction rooted in science fact! Read this book and then hope it doesn't take too long for the next one.

Rob Wilson - Author of "The Brigand"