Allthough I built a few rods myself, this book supplies lots of information to improve your rod building skills.

This is by far the finest and most comprehensive work regarding custom rod building. The information is well organized and clearly presented. This text rivals many college textbooks as far as the amount and value of information to the rod builder. If you could only have 1 book on this subject, this would be it.

I just started rod building a year ago. I went on the internet and solicited some advise to get started. A gentlman recommended Dale Clemens book as the only book reference I would need. He spoke from 35 years of experience. I got the book and taught myself from the context.It is an outstanding reference, and I have gotten great compliments on my work so far.I consider him my mentor, though I have never met the man.I have yet to find another book which offers so much text and detail on the subject. There is nobody in my area that offers rod building instructions, making this book a real plus for me.I don't want to pour it on to thick,but this book is a great addition to your library whether you build one rod or a thousand. My compliments to Mr Clemens and my thanks for getting my dream started.

Most true crime books feature the life and times of the killer(s), with the victim portrayed as the unfortunate corpse in the first chapters. This book puts a human face on the victims.

Courtney's struggle and bravery are heartbreaking and inspiring. This book shows how a moment of senselss violence, which is usually given a brief amount of news coverage, actually has a ripple effect that lasts a lifetime. A must-read.

One of the best true crime I've read. You feel as though you become a member of the family. If you are not in favor of the death penalty you probably will be after reading this book. I guarantee you will not be able to put it down. It brings out all of your emotions, good and bad. Must read!!

Gary Kinder is definitely a practitioner of the old saying "don't tell them, show them." A former prosecutor, Kinder tries his hand at writing a true crime book about a boy with his whole life ahead of him who blunders into a horrific store heist, is seriously disfigured and left for dead by the robbers. His mother comes looking for him and is similarly tortured (in her case, fatally). Kinder reconstructs the ordeal of the victim (hence the title) almost minute by minute. He then takes you through the police investigation and trial of the criminals. But all the while, he keeps the spotlight on the victim, which sets this apart from most true crime books. He never editorializes or preaches. He lays out the facts in a clear yet compelling prose style and he lets them speak for themselves. Kinder teaches a Continuing Legal Education course on legal brief writing (I'd love to be a fly on that wall). And if you think this is a good book, you will also want to read his "Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea."

Combat #3 offered up four good stories by four good authors.
The first story was written by Harold Coyle.He told of a special Army unit made up of cyber warriors. They are recruited to combat the growing attacks by hackers whocause online terrorism around the world. The next story is by Ralph Peters. His story takes place in the Balkan states. A U.S. Army observer is taken hostage by the people he is sent over to observe.James Cobb tells of a U.S. calvary unit that does combat with an Algerian recon division that is attempting to attack a helpless African country.R.J. Pineiro,one of the rising stars among today's authors tells of a Russian terrorist seizes a space station
equipped with nuclear warheads.It is up to Marine Diane Williams to stop him.Four good stories for the price of one. Read this. You will enjoy it.

This was a really good buy. I have read all of Coonts books along with Clancy (except his Net Force), Brown, & Coyle. This is a great book for when you want to get down and dirty with the action within a short period. Each short is creatively done and reflects different views on combat and its effects on people and machines.

This is also a great way to learn about up and coming authors in this particular field.

This is a very novel concept to writing a book. In Combat#1 you
have Larry Bond,Dale Brown,and David Hagberg as the authors of three short novels.These are three of the most read authors all
together in one book.The first story written by Larry Bond is
cakked Lashup. In this story the Unites States has to deal with
China shooting down their satellites. A very good story.The next
story is written by Dale Brown. This story tells about the role
of a review board.It also has some good sequences. The third story is written by David Hagberg which features his favorite
action character Kirk McGarvey. This story involves the rescue of a Chinese dissident. This series of books is truly quality
reading. You have some of the best authors in the world featured in the Combat series. Buy this book. You will not be dissapointed.

It was a little disconcerting to see that the maximum-size threshold the authors set for the cabins covered in this book was actually a fair deal larger than the home I live in full-time now. But nevertheless, I was able to enjoy this look at intriguing and often innovative designs for getaway living. The color photos are frequently beautiful, and the authors also helpfully include layout designs for the cabins' interiors as well as illustrations of how the cabins fit onto the owners' land. The text tells the stories of the individual cabins and their owners, and also has useful insights on the process of planning and building these kinds of structures.

People who have, or plan to have, getaway retreats of their own will probably find much inspiration, as well as many good ideas, here. And even those of us who don't have a cabin of our own, now or in the foreseeable future, can always imagine ourselves in one of these great homes and locales (I dibs the one on page 160).

I already have my heart set on 3 or 4 of the cabins from the book! I was looking for something that depicted simple dwellings, not necessary for a weekend or vacation home, but potentially for a year-round residence. Some of the cabins in the book fit the bill very well and the others give many options for every kind of taste, lifestyle goal, and toterance for "roughing it." The descriptions, photos, and details were delightful and informative. I received the book on Thursday and had it completely read by Saturday and am now going back to study!

This is a good survey of cabins in various locations that would fit most people's idea what a cabin is in terms of size, material and use. Included for each is a description of why the cabin was build and how it's used, floor plan(s), site plan (sometimes of limited value), interior and exterior photographs; as well as a general introduction to why cabins are considered by many to be the "classic American getaway." While I might argue about the inclusion of a few of the homes, overall it's one of the better books I've seen on cabins and why they occupy a special place in the minds of some of us. The quality of the photographs and the book in general is also very good (especially considering the price of the book). It is a book for the imagination or for those considering ideas and makes no attempt to be a construction 'how to' book however. I'd also recommend the books by Tedd Benson on timber framing (if you are at all considering a timber frame), the Jim Tolpin book on cottages, and the Donald Berg books on building in the country.

Where do I begin? I enjoyed "Sex and the Bible" for many reasons. As a lover of history it is always helpful for me to learn the root of an issue. Dr. Conaway begins at the beginning and moves forward through time, step-by-step. God established sexuality. Man, influenced by satan, perverted sexuality. If you did not understand these concepts prior to reading the book, you will have a clearer picture after your reading. Including the consequences of not following God's PERFECT plan for sexuality in your life. Throughout the book, Dr. Conaway also uses scientific data to support and explain his work. There are sections that are quite technical, for fans of science, but useful for all. "Sex and the Bible" is an excellent tool for teaching adolescents through adults basic and critical points about human anatomy, sexuality, and how they intertwine. Chapter 7, "Soul Ties" is must reading for anyone who wants to better understand why we sometimes become codependent on others. I will definitely continue to recommend the book. It was helpful to me personally as a married woman and will also prove useful as I advise others on sexual and emotional pitfalls to avoid. Bring on the next project Dr. Conaway!

The book, Sex and the Bible: A Biblical Perspective of Human Sexuality, by Dr. D. Conaway, is an excellent treatise on the subject of sexuality because of it's thoroughness. Many sources I have read dealing with the subject of sexuality today usually omit some component(s), but not this book. The author is quick to point out that sex is a total resonse involving the total individual: body, soul, and spirit. The sex act is replete with benefits when carried out by biblical design. However, when "corrupted," harmful consequences result leading to perversions, physical diseases, and spiritual impairment. The book is a great educational tool for the young and the old and should be adopted as part of religious and secular school curricula nationwide. I predict it will. Good job, Dr. Conaway!

I have read this book and the ignorance that I once had on relationship, sexuality and marriage has opened my eyes to the truth. I appreciate an author that will tell the people how God wants life of man and woman lived. I now have realized marriage is a very sacret act from God, just like in the garden of Eden. I will use this book to help educate my son on sexuality. There is a way right to do everything. In today's society people think it's alright to just do whatever however they please. I found out as I read this book that there were lots of things that my parents did not teach me. I am pleased with the studies, illustrations, biblical facts that Dr. Conaway uses to back up his research. As I read the Bible everything he has written is true. God is not a man that he should lie. There will be consequences for immorality. Sex and the Bible is a tool to help you train children and yourself in the way that God wants his people to go. This book is meant for all people, but if your a living a life of immorality you will probably be very offended. The truth hurts when the light is shined upon you. Thank you very much Dr. Conaway, I hope you will persue your endevor and write many more books for the people that there eyes of understanding will be opened. It's a good thing to come into the knowledge of what the purpose of man and woman are for. This can only come from the creator who is GOD ALMIGHTY. As you help God's people I believe he is going to help you.

Y.J. Austin

Silver Tower is a fast-paced book that depicts a war over the control of Iran. Set in 1992 (a bit dated, USSR was dead then), this book revolves around an American space station called Armstrong, but nicknamed Silver Tower because of it's anti-laser reflective armor. The problem is that Silver Tower has yet only begun to test it's weapons systems, and now the station commander wants the platform to use as a military surveillance station. He does not consider the consequences, as the Soviets will do anything to rid the skies of this battle station, which gives the Americans unmatched control of the region. Problem: For an air force officer (ret.), Brown seems to be biased heavily towards the Soviets. Not only are their missiles able to decimate an American carrier force (protected by two Ticonderoga-class AD cruisers!), but their planes and guns and bombs perform better. Even the language use (The American planes screeched, the Soviet planes roared with immeasurable fury and power) depicts a frail, weak American nation and a roaring, powerful, abusive, unstoppable, Union of Soviet Socailist Republics JUGGERNAUT! Besides that, this was a really good book.

That's about the thoughts that were running through my mind after turning the last page. Don't get me wrong. Silver Tower was still an above-average book. It's just that between the fictional space station, fictional lasers, and fictional U.S. and Soviet space fighters, it lost, in my humble opinion, a degree of realism. It still had action o'plenty, and an enjoyable plot. I would still recommend this book to anyone

This story is mainly about a scientist named Ann Page. She is the leader of the onboard laser called Skybolt. It is on the end of a space station called Armstrong, also nicknamed Silver Tower for its anti-laser shielding. It also involves the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz with the USS Nimitz and the Russian Breznehev. The two countries fight continuously to try and win a war. The Russians try to create a new country devoted to themselves, and the Americans try to stop them. The spaced based laser(sbr) must work for the Americans to win. I would only recomend this book if you know something about the military and space. If not you might not really understand the book. The weapons are somewhat realistic as well as the people. This book also shows the special something that all of the great books have.

This is my second Dale Brown, and if i can describe this book in one word, the word is ACTION. THe descriptions of Dogfights are very good, and the plot is very good. THe only problem in this book is the date of the History .. 1996 .. and in the book the USSR still exists .. but we can forgive the autor .. because this book was writen in 1989.
Great Book ... must Read

This is the book that made me a Dale Brown fan. I read it a few years ago, but I still remember the great story about the integration of flight controls directly into its human pilot. To "become one" with the machine WOULD be the ultimate thrill ride if the machine was a high performance fighter aircraft. Just how DO you win against a fighter that reacts as fast as the human brain thinks? Dale Brown knows. This is THE classic of Dale Brown's books. If you don't like this one, well.....there's no accounting for taste

A classic techno-thriller! Much of the plot, concerning the theft of a high-tech experimental fighter plane was inspired by FIREFOX by Craig Thomas, as was the thought-controlled weapons systems and navigation. However, Dale Brown goes several steps better. The technicalities behind the Dreamstar aircraft are well explained without too much babble and could be feasible one day. The aerial dogfighting sequences, utilising a variety of aircraft(National Guard F-16s, Nicaraguan MiGs, Mexican F-20s and so on, and the 767 AWACS was an inspired idea!)and interesting locations in Central America are also first rate. I've only had a trial lesson in a light aircraft as a birthday present from my ever-patient wife, but I can still visualise the settings, manouvres and procedures described in his narrative as well as that day. This book would make a power-packed movie, so come on, Hollywood! If you like aircraft, thrills, future technology and fast paced action then this is the book for you. One minor point, there were two goofs - the B-1B bomber is known as the Lancer and not the Excalibur, and the B-2 stealth bomber is known as the Spirit and not the Panther, but considering this 1996-set book was written in 1988 the we can let Dale off the hook! The story also brings the McLanahan Timeline up to date, despite a few inconsistencies before the 'prequels' such as SKY MASTERS and HAMMERHEADS were written.

The Matsuyama Kaze trilogy concludes with this book which sees the ronin complete his trip down the Tokaido road (detailed in Death at the Crossroads and Jade Palace Vendetta) and end up in Edo, the new capital of the new Tokugawa Shogunate. Away from the rural settings he's comfortable in, Kaze is faced with the daunting task of searching the entire city for his dead lord's daughter. His problem is confounded by the organic nature of the city, which is constantly shifting as various lords claim swathes of land, and people and businesses are constantly relocating. It also doesn't help that he's a fugitive from the new Shogun's forces, having been a loyal to the deposed Emperor Hidyoshi. And it really doesn't help that someone tries to assassinate (with a gun no less) the new Shogun, and Kaze is suspect number one.

While the first two books were well-contained and precise, this finale is perhaps a little too grand in scale and action. The manhunt has Kaze ranging all over the city, and engineering too many unlikely escapes, and in addition to high level court machinations, the reader is introduced to ninjas and the use of guns. However, if one is prepared to forgive this surge in superheroism and scale, the book is as enjoyable as its predecessors. As in the those, Furutani ably adds period detail throughout the mystery, with fascinating tidbits of social custom and history. As with Kaze's previous adventures, the reader is likely to be several steps ahead of the ronin in deducing who the real villain is (indeed, I surmised it almost immediately!). Readers of the earlier books will not be surprised by the appearance of Kaze's boyhood rival Okubo, and his centrality to the climax. Despite the minor excesses and lack of mystery to the reader, it's a fitting and fun finale to an excellent trilogy.

If you haven't read any of Furutani's wonderful Samurai trilogy (And why haven't you?) be sure to do so. Each book can stand alone, but if you possibly can, then read them in order as one long marvelously rich novel. #1 DEATH AT THE CROSSROADS, #2 JADE PALACE VENDETTA. #3KILL THE SHOGUN. Each book deals with a different class--Crossroads with the peasant class, Vendetta with the merchant class, and Shogun with the upper class and street entertainers.

Protagonist Matsuyama Kaze is a wandering samurai--a ronin--experiencing a variety of adventures, some good, some life-threatening, while he searches for the kidnapped daughter of his former Lord and Lady, both of whom were killed at the time of the battle of Sekigahara, following which Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun of Japan.

In this book Kaze is hunted as well as hunting--accused of the attempted assassination of the Shogun.

The story takes place in Edo, (which later became Tokyo--which means Eastern Capital.)

"From a sleepy fishing village, Edo was being transformed into the new capital of Japan. Now an Edokko, a child of Edo, was expected to have a free-spending view of life, with a love of luxury and pleasure. It didn't matter if the person was not born in Edo, because being an Edokko was a state of mind, and within months most new citizens of Edo were caught up in the ebullient spirit that seemed to pervade the very air."

At first, Kaze, one of my favorite fictional characters of all time, seemed darker to me in this particular story--and who could blame him after all he had gone through during his quest? All the same, I missed his great sense of humor--until I came upon a performance of Kabuki theater--a hilarious scene that is no less funny for walking a sword's edge between its own wit and a background of suspense and danger.

I loved this book, as I loved its predecessors. The writing alone is worth reading for, the plot is engrossing, the characterizations intriguing and masterful. Furutani brings early 17th century Japan to glorious life and does it with grace, humor and obvious affection.

I felt sad nearing the ending of Kill the Shogun. This series is a trilogy and this was the third book. I'm hoping Wm Morrow will insist that the trilogy should become a series--there's a place at the end that seems to leave that door open. Kaze is so wonderfully realized he could surely star in many more stories.

This is a truly brilliant trilogy. I've enjoyed all three books in the series immensely, and I think that these books-- "Death At The Crossroads", "Jade Palace Vendetta"; and "Kill the Shogun" should be on every serious mystery lover's list as a 'must read'. I sincerely hope that there is a series in the wings for Kaze, the wandering samurai.

In "Kill The Shogun", Kaze closes in on the whereabouts of his dead overlord's daughter. He has finally tracked her to a brothel, The Little Flower, that caters to paedophiles. However before he can affect a rescue, he is accused of an attempt on the Shogun's life.

This is a tautly written and very exciting book. There are several brilliantly described sword fights as Kaze faces off against the Shogun's soldiers and a group of mysterious ninjas. Kaze literally faces danger at every corner, and there seems to be a lack of people that he can trust.

An added bonus to lovers of history are the carefully sketched in glimpses of life and culture in early seventeenth century Japan. A little more of Kaze's history is also fleshed out so that we get to appreciate all over again his sense of honour and integrity as well as the great sorrow he carries with him.

I really like this series. And I heartily recommend all three books. I only hope that Dale Furutani writes more adventures for Kaze.

Imagine the American Dream refracted through a shattered kaleidoscope and you will begin to have sense of the life of the significant characters which populate "My People's Waltz," a series of interconnected short stories mainly revolving around the central character, Richard. Divorce, alcohol addiction, domestic violence, ruined trust and unethical business practices compete with dancing in kitchens, genuine affection, teen-age debauches and waterskiing buck naked. Richard, the son, witnesses the dissolution of his parents' marriage; Richard, the husband, participates in the deterioration of his own marriage, and Richard, the father, considers exactly what his own son, Fisher, will remember about the chaos of his own early life.

Dale Ray Phillips is a fine writer, and his style encompasses sympathy for his characters and wisdom as to their circumstances. He describes his characters: "A people like mine were not pleasure-fearing Pilgrims, nor the landed aristocracy of the Virginians who would write the Constitution...We became whatever the new landscape required: reluctant but rum-fortified revolutionary soldiers; willing purveyors of smallpox-infested blankets...traders of horses and human flesh." These "owners of damaged dreams" don't stumble through life; they make war on it. They love hard, recklessly, and without consequence. Their unions, emotional, familial or sexual, are intense and unlasting. They lie, cheat and steal with abandon. But, Philipps makes them appealing to us. Richard, his failed father, his emotionally-damaged mother, his frustrated wife Lisa -- all of them contain that quality of humanity which ultimately bonds them to us. The author provides the best description of his novel: "I wish these wer the stories of people who cavorted more with happiness than with the moments from which they needed rescue...All my people have ever aspired toward was a place where the geography of ourselves made sense."

My sole reservation of the novel derives from the disjointed, and, at times, repetitive nature of the prose. Rather than evolving as a unity, the novel is a bit too episodic, and lacks the cohesiveness of other intgegrated short-story novels. However, this criticism does not diminish my respect for the author nor for the incredibly sensitive portrait he has created for a segment of our population often ridiculed, but seldom understood.

As a former fiction writing student of Mr. Phillips, this book gives me new insight to his often repeated words of wisdom, "Write what you know." I must agree with another reviewer who said that these stories might be more enjoyable if read seperately, grouped together they provide us with sense of dread and a complete picture of the inescapable life of Richard. Most of the stories were printed seperately at first as short stories in magazines and they lose something if read in chronological order.

Still, My People's Waltz showcases the extraordinary talent of Dale Phillips and his slant on the Southern fiction writer. The stories each draw you into to the characters' lives and force you to care for them, while the sad humor attempts to lighten the underlying message.

Dale Ray Phillips is a great voice in American fiction. Summing up the life of the character he calls Richard, Dale Ray breaks into the broken human heart like a burglar and finds the lost riches there. His characters are lost, deaf, and knowingly unholy in a landscape of mischance, love, and unbearable knowledge. Fathers betray sons as naturally as crappies bite hooks, and lovers try to force each other into different shapes. A forceful collection of stories.

With all the interest in the likes of John Edward and James VanPraagh, it seemed only a matter of time before someone wrote a book about Lily Dale.

I've known about Lily Dale for years, have been there lots of times. Initially I came to find a connection with a dear friend who'd recently passed. While I never experienced the kinds of connections others had with their loved ones, I did come to peace with her passing. Everyone who's ever been there has a story about their Lily Dale experience, I suspect. That's mine, and this book is Ms. Wicker's.

I found nothing in the book that was demeaning of the mediums who live and work there, nor of Spiritualism. As a religion Spiritualism has long been under the microscope of those who don't understand it's pure, free-thinking nature which is rooted in natural law with an unwaivering core belief in a Divine presence. Because it does not subscribe to mainstream religious beliefs, it's legitimacy is called into question. Ms. Wicker tells that story, too. She is honest about her own skepticism, relating her own level of eye-rolling.

Yes, there were some descriptions of the residents that did make me uncomfortable; in some cases I might have prefered a more balanced view. While it was not mentioned in the story, I'll bet the "richest woman in town" probably works anonymously behind the scenes to get things done. If her generosity is truly anonymous, then perhaps no one shared that with Ms. Wicker. Perhaps they don't know, or perhaps they do and don't care. Like small towns everywhere, people are often willing to dish the dirt about those of whom they're envious. It's hard to know. I can only speculate.

Honestly, I found it fascinating that a writer who originally journeyed to write a single story for a major Texas newspaper would become so enthralled with the town that she returned many times over to try to discover what's really going on behind the scenes.

Read between the lines. Like Lily Dale, there's more here than meets the eye. This is a book with heart and soul. Is this THE TRUE story of the town that talks to the dead? Well, no. However, it is A TRUE story, Ms. Wicker's story. It's enchanting, intriguing. Sometimes poignant, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, it chronicles her journey, talks about the people she meets. I suspect it's not the end of her journey but just a stop along the way.

POSTSCRIPT: I found Ms. Wicker's previous book "God Knows My Heart" fascinating, too. A die-hard southern Baptist girl questions her beliefs and comes to a peace with a new way of knowing God.

I felt that Christine Wicker's book was very well written and insightful. I have been to Lily Dale twice. The first time was merely to view its amazing houses. I don't know why, but the minute we drove through the gates, I was euphoric, and no, that is not too strong a word. I came back again because it the most magical place I have ever been. I fell in love with Lily Dale and Ms. Wicker's book only reinforced what I felt. As I read, I could feel her struggle at times to be objective and rational. I feel that her "evidence" was more compelling than she allowed. It crossed my mind that more conventional religions are founded and maintained on less physical evidence or on evidence that was documented thousands of years ago and yet their believers feel that what they believe is true as do the Spiritualists. I loved the book and have passed it on. I wish much happiness to the people of Lily Dale. Most of all, I hope this books encourages its readers who may not be familiar with Spiritualist idealogy to open their minds to another way of thinking. I think the best proof that there is something very good in Lily Dale is the fact that Christine Wicker did not just research a book and walk away, but instead went back to Lily Dale again and again as I imagine I shall. During my two visits, I was too shy to approach a medium for a reading...it was enough for me to just be there. After having read this book, I know that I will when I go back. Thank you for that, Christine. You have written a good book.

This is an unusual book by an unusually gifted journalist. Christine Wicker has a way of approaching her material--a quirky little town in western New York, filled with people who follow the traditions of Spiritualism, first founded as a home for what were called the Free Thinkers--with curiousity, compassion and respect. (Many of us still are free thinkers--one reason we talked to a reporter, I suppose!)

As a registered medium in Lily Dale, I'm one of the people Christine has written about. I still fondly remember her first visit to Lily Dale: the summer she arrived as a religion writer from the Dallas Morning News. Her photographer was baffled, and seemed a bit spooked by it all, but he was a trooper (although we never saw him again!) But Christine came back, and back again, to delve into the mysteries of what makes my odd little summer home "tick."

For me, its a haven: a place where I'm one of 30-some registered mediums, rather than the only one. In Princeton, NJ, I feel at home, too--but it's in Lily Dale that I can settle in to a place that understands, no explanation required.

To an outsider, though, Lily Dale must seem quite unusual, with its dilapidated Victorian charm and population of people who believe that the dead aren't dead, and that they still communicate with us, to guide us and help us journey safely through life. We'll even teach you how you can do the same.

Christine Wicker manages to blend personal stories of visitors staying in the beautifully restored home of a retired college philosophy professor, Frank, and his psychologist wife Shelley. Her own story is told, too: a journey from curious observer to a woman who learns she, too, can pass on messages from the other side, with many twists and turns and funny, touching moments in between.

If you're curious about people, or just want to read a nonfiction book that has the heart and soul of a novel with a bit of history tossed in, this is one book you won't want to miss. It'll touch you--much like the town itself touched the author...