On-the-tape

"The Hand of Oberon", the fourth book of the first Amber series, is perhaps the most pivotal. Within, many of the mysteries we've followed since "Nine Princes" are finally resolved, setting us up for the big climax in "Courts of Chaos".

In addition to enough plot twists to make your head spin, it's also notable for Corwin's first real problem with Random - who finds that he might have very personal reason to take out a sibling who Corwin considers necessary for information purposes. The fact that by this book just the thought of a rift between them makes you squirm is proof of how important their relationship has been - not only because strategically Corwin needs someone to back him up but because, in a world where so much else has been suspect, we know they honestly like eachother.

_The Hand of Oberon_ is my favorite of the books in the second half of the Amber Chronicles. And that's saying a lot.

Random's missing son Martin, Dworkin revisited, more about the mysterious Dara, and the disappearance of the Jewel of Judgement-- all these plot twists are dwarfed by the big one in Ganelon's suprise for Corwin...

THIS BOOK IS VITAL TO REALLY GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE SERIES. I READ THIS SERIES YEARS AGO AND LIKED IT SO MUCH I JUST BOUGHT ALL THE BOOKS IN THE SERIES AGAIN. EXCELLANT

Hurlbut's Story of the Bible has enchanted thousands of children in the decades since it was first published. It is unfortunate that it is so often overlooked in favor of newer "children's bibles". They are often canned broth compared to the rich stew found in the original text and made accessible by Jesse Hurlbut.

Key points: 168 stories, roughly from 2 to 5 pages each, spanning virtually the entire Bible in chronological order.
One distinctive characteristic of Hurlbut's is the omnipresent pronunciation marks. Virtually every name of person or place is marked every time it appears. This can be off-putting at first. However, anyone who has tried to read the Bible aloud (especially any of the Old Testament) will come to greatly appreciate this feature.

Suitable for readers of fourth-grade level and up (the pronunciation marks will help quite a bit, once they learn to use them), this work is a wonderful read-aloud for any age over about 5.

If you take the time to read through this work, you will have a far better understanding of biblical history than the vast majority of adherents to the Christian faith.

I read this book as a child 35 years, ago and it was the one book I never wanted to put down. Now, I am purchasing several more copies for my nieces and nephews. I am so thankful it is still available. Mr. Hurlbut was a great story teller as he tells the truth from the Bible, and he did a fine job communicating to us the excitement and amazing Bible truths.

Here is the answer to all those who have vowed each New Year to read the Bible but can't get past Eve's pluck of the forbidden apple. In clear, charming prose that stays true to the rhythm of the Bible itself, the author tells all the great stories of the Old and New Testaments. Hurlbut's greatest triumph is the clarity with which he presents each story in the Bible's great continum. God tells Noah "I am going to bring a great flood of water on the earth, to cover all the land and to drown all the wicked people..." and finally you understand why those 40 days and 40 nights it rained like cats and dogs (to kill all the bad people who are God's first experiment with humanity on earth). Of Methuselah he writes "and we do not know anything about Methuselah, except that he lived to be nine hundred and sixty-nine years old, which is longer than any life of any other man who ever lived." Simple enough. Now we know how his name came to symbolize an aged man, and we need look no further for deeper meaning--it isn't there.

My son was diagnosed in 1989 at the age of 8 years old with three brain tumors. We were told her would die in surgery and if he did live he would be a vegetable. The doctor was wonderful and he lives and is doing wonderfully! I have been involved deeply with brain tumor suppport now for 11 years. I talk to families at least once a week. This book gives great insight into how the kids feel about their disease and the experience that goes with it. The most important part of this book is the section that the fathter's discuss their feelings. Dads have a very difficult time knowing how to help and "fix" it as they think they must! This chapter is priceless. Good Book, Good Information, Important learning here!

Erma Bombeck became renowned by highlighting the amusing aspects of the terrene. She did not usually make what are typically called "jokes"-just offbeat observations. Her columns more often initiated a satisfying smile than a hearty belly laugh. But even on the occasions that she was painfully funny she showed respect for her subjects and her audience. It was the proud acknowledgement that she was one of us that allowed us to chuckle at family life, grocery shopping, housework, and all the other quotidian errands that compose the bulk of our lives. Regardless of the subject she found some aspect that was good for a "laugh with" not a "laugh at."

How about the subject of children battling cancer? The thought of jocularly treating such a topic sounds comparable to the depraved entertainment regurgitated by the likes of Howard Stern. Surely, Erma Bombeck-the avatar of wholesomeness-would never approach such a subject. No, but it approached her. She was asked to write this book, and at first the thought of it repulsed her. Momentarily dropping her guard, she allowed herself to be talked in to attempting this work. We should all be thankful that she caved. The result is a reverent; inspiring read that has had a propitiatory impact on many, many children and adults battling cancer---not to mention legions of us who are blessed with good health.

Treading with great veneration for her subject, she produced a book overflowing with warmth, encouragement, and-as unbelievable as it may seem-tasteful mirth. It stands a proud addition to her rich legacy.

Having grown up in an era when "the 'C' word" meant a death sentence, I was taken aback when a friend of mine suggested this little-known work of Erma Bombeck's. Why would a humerous writer tackle such a depressing subject? Kids with cancer? The book was not depressing at all. Sure I cried, but they were tears of joy. I laughed at the antics of some of the kids. I praised the professionals who dedicate their time and money to these kids. Cancer is no longer necessarily a terminal disease. People beat it all the time. I was unaware of this until I read this book, and no one could do it like Erma. I highly recommend this book to anyone, but it is especially uplifting to someone who has a friend or family member with cancer.

"Inner Peace for Busy Women" is a delicious read - nectar for the soul. It's touching, funny, practical and comforting. Full of passages to recall and apply as needed.

I've attended many of Joan's seminars and read many of her books. I also wondered what could she could offer that I had not heard or read before. What I found was new insights and knowledge which is lovingly shared. It's a book I will re-read, highlight, recommend, gift and re-read again. It's a treasure.

This book is just like sitting down with a close and trusted friend to have one of those woman-to-woman, soul searching chats. In fact, at the end of her book Joan writes that she hopes that this is what reading it will be like. Well, Joan, it is! Thanks for the "chat."

In the course of writing this book Joan looks closely at some of the problems that are very particular to women: combining work with child care; working in a man's world; and the problems inherent in the majority of marriages as experienced by women. Once again, when tackling all these issues Joan has her own particular slant. I love the vision of life in the future that she weaves through her analysis of contemporary women's problems, a vision of a public sphere that will include the feminine dimension with its qualities of "intuition, partnership, team-building, compassion, and the dream of a future when all people will have dignity, respect, and the means to live in peace." But in the end, what makes this book stand out like all of Joan's books are all those sparkling little gems sprinkled liberally throughout the pages of her book, the heartfelt stories of real people that always bring either a smile to your face or a tear to your eye.

Joan Borysenko's new book is essential reading for all women; it is definately an Inner Guide's guide. It is a vast offering of intuitive guidance for the busy woman to create a balance between "no longer and not yet." Joan provides a path for keeping our connection to Spirit, following our intuitive inner guidance and being gentle with ourselves even when we are not gentile. This directive keeps bringing us back to our Center/our Now, throughout our busy lives, while facing the demands of work, care-giving, family, relationships and the downsides of divorce, burnout and overload. Busyness, sometimes a form of self-denial, keeps unpleasant emotions at bay, but when we take steps, as offered, toward the stillness of Being, this emotional energy works as an emissary of inner wisdom. Through all these aspects of our very busy lives, Joan brings us to the truism "The present Center is where the Self best shines."

Joan provides us with the Key Element for Center/Now, "When we have sovereignty over ourselves, we are free to follow the guidance from within and create a life that breaks the mold."

What a delightful and uplifting book. I have always been under the impression that life was so dreary for these folks who were homesteaders. But instead, I have been able to see from one perspective how joyous the experience could be. What a wonderful life Elinore made for herself and everyone else. She obviously knew how to make something out of nothing. A young widow who worked as a laundress and then a housekeeper just so she could experience homesteading. Wonderful! Just the sort of spirit needed to be successful. The cast of characters that surrounded her stories are amazing. What a lovely picture of how people helped out each other. It's almost unheard of in todays "get out of my way" society. This is a book I shall keep and reread often. I am so glad that it came my way.

I hardly know where to begin. I have nothing but unstinting praise for these letters and the book, except for . . . well, I'll get to that in a moment. Elinore Stewart's writing is a model to be followed by anyone of any time or place on any subject. Clear as a bell, concise yet comprehensive, replete with localisms and skillfully rendered frontier humor, it makes one want to toss the PC and reference library into the trash and move to some unspoiled wilderness. Yet, a caveat. When you finish the book you feel you know this indomitable woman. Then it suddenly strikes you that you don't. Who was Elinore Pruitt Stewart? Where was she born, grow up? Who was the railroader who fathered her daughter, and most of all, what happened to her?

Elinore Pruitt Stewart was my grandmother, my father's mother. She died before I was born; I deeply regret never getting to know her, as she was a remarkable woman. Readers who enjoyed the book might also enjoy the film made from it- "Heartland", directed by Taylor Hackford and starring Conchata Ferrill as Elinore and Rip Torn as Clyde. It is available on video. The script was originally conceived by the Wilderness Women's Project at the University of Montana. My father and mother got to play bit roles as wedding guests. Elinore also wrote "Letters On An Elk Hunt", as well as many short pieces for periodicals of the day.

Sharon Salzberg's most stressed point within this work is the practice of meditation so that we can come to see life more clearly; acknowledging the interconnection of all sentient beings and practicing loving kindness towards one another. She reminds us all that compassion is not mere empathy, empathy is simply cognizant. True compassion requires action to "materialize."

The book is basically a compilation of various teachings she's received from various Buddhist traditions throughout the years, guides such as H. H. the Dalai Lama to name just one among many mentioned herein.

Sharon co-found the Insight Meditation Society, an organization devoted toward spreading the Buddha's teachings throughout the world. While at the center she has met countless teachers and taken in 84,000 teachings throughout the years, and lucky you and I can access these fine teachings here in this relatively short, yet very concise, read. Enjoy!

I read this about a year ago when I first started meditating seriously, and I picked it up again a little while ago -- it's as if the book changed since I last read it. So much more of it resonates with me now, and I'm glad I bought it rather than just checking out from a library. What's very nice about the book is that it's written in nice little essay form -- like little talks -- and one can read them in a few minutes before bed and then sleep nicely thinking -- or perhaps NOT thinking! -- about them.

Sharon Salzberg is such a capable, warm, and inspiring voice for Western Buddhism. This work beautifully weaves together Buddhist philosophy and practice, reality and practicality, compassion and joy. She fleshes out concepts of meditation and mindfulness using her own experiences, often amusing, without drawing attention to herself. Rather, she is a skilled teacher who guides the student on his/her own journey.

Whether Buddhist or not, beginner mind or monk, most readers will celebrate this work.

An absolutely delightful read! Hard to believe this isn't a first-rate autobiography - the author perfectly captures the feelings and emotions of an orphaned seven-year old boy. Danny Dorsey is absorbed into his extended Irish family with a few hitches --and with the love of his grandparents and uncles, especially his hero, Uncle Tom. I found myself laughing out loud as well as wiping away tears. The characters and their eccentricities are wonderfully described. Can't wait to read more from this author.

This book was entertaining and made me laugh outloud. It reminds the reader the importance of love and quality time with family and friends. I'd love to take a walk down 1950s Chicago and see it through the eyes of these characters. As a second grade teacher, it gave me a new perspective on how my students might perceive me and their world.

"In The Castle Of The Flynns" is what other Irish writers have strived to write in this decade of Irish fiction and non-fiction. "...Castle..." is joyous and ebullient, and a wonderful read.

Danny Dorsey, orphaned suddenly, is taken in by his relatives. All of them. In this subtly hilarious and often poignant account of the summer of 1954, we see his new family through his eyes...to great effect. Reading "...Castle..." was like reliving my own childhood in a large Irish family...a wonderful journey that I would do again and again if Michael Raleigh could be the tour guide every time.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee elaborately describes the struggles and obstacles that she had to overcome to become a successful and outstanding athlete and person. Her book is filled with emotions that the reader can intially relate to. Her life was filled with adversity and proves that a strong and self-determined person can triumph regardless of depressing and self-destructing obstacles that may stand in your way. Jackie, who is portrayed through the media to be "Superwoman" is really more human and down to the earth than most of the world. Life for Jackie was not always "peaches and cream." She was born and raised in East St. Louis, which was not known as a very safe place at the time. A reporter once suggested to Jackie that she should not tell people where she was from cause it might destroy her image. This event, however, made Jackie appreciate her hometown even more. You cannot put into words why this woman is thought of as superb. She went from rock bottom to soaring to the unlimited top. With the help of this book, Jackie's title as "The World's Greatest Female Athlete" has been justified.

A Kind of Grace is an excellent book. I think everyone should read it. It gave me a whole new look on life and how to appreciate everything I have. It also gave me inspiration to work hard at track. Now I have the heart and determination to train, lift weights, and practice, practice, practice. So everyone please buy and read this wonderful book, A Kind of Grace.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee's autobiography is everything a biography should be, well-written, entertaining, and deeply moving. Unlike many celebrity bios that center around events, primarily ones that reflect well on the author, Jackie's book is people-centered and equally honest about her struggles as well as her triumphs. She writes with love and admiration about many people who have touched her life both in big and small ways. It is not hard to see why Jackie became the woman and athlete that she is. This book could have just as easily been titled "The World's Greatest Role Model for Young People."

If you are looking for an explanation of what Christians believe stated in language that anyone can understand, and clearly supported by biblical texts, then this is very likely the book you are looking for. Little writes especially for college students who are seeking to understand the Christian faith; not for professional theologians. His goal is to explain what is central to Christian teaching, that which unites all Christians, not that which divides Christians into different confessions. His gift is clarity and precision. I have used this book ever since it came out over twenty five years ago in teaching basic Christian doctrine in both a local church and college class setting. It is still my preference as an initiation to Christian Doctrine.

Paul Little's book, KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE, provides an apologetic of the Christian faith in simple, yet elegant terms. Little provided a straight forward approach to understanding the faith. It is an excellent resource for learning about the Christian faith and can be used as an evangelism tool - either through a pre-Christian reading it, or by providing a Chrsitian the skills to share the faith.

This book will enable the reader to draw near to God, as he or she learns about our Father, the glorious Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. A wonderful experience!

If you are just beginning as a Christian, this book will help you to get a firm foundation for your faith. It helps you with your Biblical study of your new life. If you are a more mature Christian, this book helps you keep the simplicity of the Christian faith in mind. When you speak with people about our Lord, have this book readily available. It will not do the speaking for you, but will help you to express what the Bible says if you happen to need some help. And I have needed this type of help from time to time. If you are wanting to know what Christianity is about and don't want to go through the Bible yet or talk with a Christian, this book will help you to see what it is that we believe.

I had a hard time putting this book down. I keep saying that I would put it down after I finish "just this one part". It helped me to get back to the basics of my belief. I was able to read the Bible with fresh eyes again. A wonderful book to read and great resource to have. I expect that I will need to buy several copies between giving them out and wearing mine out.

I would recommend this book to anyone.

This is a book about more than the guru-guided personal search for self-understanding of a half-breed, more than a remarkably profound exposé of the life-philosophy (not religion) of the native american peoples. More even than a confirmation of the inner validity of other ancient systems of thought and knowledge to be found in other parts of the world, for example in Scandinavia. This book is exactly what it claims to be: the revelation of A WAY, an approach to life and the problems of identity, balance and peace, second to none, and applicable to everyone, where ever in the world they may live, and whatever religious and cultural tradition they may formally adhere to. Something that if widely spread, and attended to in the right way, might just ... just ... (to coin a heavily misused, but in this context really appropriate phrase)"save the world". In other words, not without subversive, but highly life-enhancing social and political connotations. My advice: Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest. And then practice, as best ye may. Good luck, and may the Spirit give you strength in the quest for yourSELF.

The Red Road curves through a parallel universe with only tenuous ties to contemporary reality. Storm speaks to the wanna-be warrior in all of us, with humorous vignettes spiked with hidden awareness, as he looks back at the valiant fool he was, beginning his quest before he even knows he was on it, missing all the clues to his personal Grail. (The sign said "Stop", he looked at it, but he couldn't see the message for the word...) Conservative Native Americans shun this guy for letting the cat out of the bag...But for the rest of us waschisus, this is as close to understanding life on the Res as we'll ever get. No matter what your path to personal enlightenment has been, any spritual trekkie will enjoy this guy's experiences. Great read!!!

This book speeks to me about the inner turmoil and multitude of voices that haunt the uninitiated and estranged males in our society. To not belong, to be cut off from community is a plague on our youth and spirit. The feeling of isolation leads to antisocial behavior, unhappiness, stupidity and violence. Herein is the story of a disenfranchised man and how, with a mentor and female partner, he finds strength in the Self to command and conquer the demons of a disfunctional conformist society. This is a primer on taming the destructive, finding peace and living with beauty. Great insights for all!