Not since Erma Bombeck has this generation had a woman writer like Laura Jensen Walker, who speaks to you like your funny best girlfriend, sister, or mother. This book is wonderfully written, full of wit and useful information about breast cancer which is often not covered in more "clinical" journalistic articles found in typical media. The thing I liked best about this book is that by using anecdotal humor, she works in important facts and information about breast cancer in a way that makes them interesting and relevant instead of spewing a lot of statistics at you. It makes the information so much more real and memorable.

I definitely learned things about going through breast cancer that I never knew or never heard discussed before (eg.-did you know that to reconstruct a breast post-operatively, the nipple is "tattooed" on to look more realistic?) The book has a point besides merely entertaining and enlightening. It gives the reader practical advice on how to cope and how to help those around the patient cope with the problems, life threatening decisions, and fears from being diagnosed with cancer. The chapter written by her husband as caregiver is especially memorable because you rarely hear about the man's reactions and experiences though they are clearly very affected by the ordeal of the disease when it strikes a family.

This book would make a wonderful gift for anyone who has been touched by cancer in some way. It was carefully written to entertain, but not offend, while talking about a terrible disease. And in the end, I found it very uplifting as well. Love and laughter can go a long way when left with nothing else.

"Thanks for the Mammogram" is a humerous yet heartwrenching book that exposes every woman's nightmare and offers proof that there is a way to confront this awful nemesis with humor. With 1 out of 7 women currently expected to someday face this enemy, it is most probable that we each know someone, be it a friend or cherished loved one who will enter the abyss of breast cancer. Laura Jensen Walker fell into this abyss and emerged victorious. This is her story... The reader will find themselves quickly drawn into her experience and will sometimes cry, sometimes laugh, and always feel relief that there is light at the end of the tunnel of such a devastating disease. I heartily recommend this book to anyone whose life has been affected by breast cancer. Read it, savor its humorous moments, and be touched by the love that the author poured into the pages.

I have never been diagnosed with breast cancer, but I am certain anyone facing this disease would want a copy of Laura Walker's "Thanks for the Mammogram." Mrs. Walker remarks that this book was the hardest thing she ever had to write. Like any good memoir, it takes in the uncomfortable, even embarrassing moments as well as the lighter and uplifting ones.

Walker includes a lot of detail, from procedures like reconstruction, chemotherapy right down to the day-to-day patient care and how she felt emotionally. But this is not a gruesome story--instead it is intended to help anyone else along the road to recovery. The best chapter "Where do I go from here" gives eight important points (such as taking charge of your treatment, talking to your family, dropping the Wonder Woman cape for women who do it all) and also useful addresses and a list of books.

This book is interesting reading for any woman, but if you have a loved one facing this challenge or if you are a woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you should get this book. Nothing I have read comes close to this book for frankness and assistance.

A.W. Tozer was known as a man of God, even to those who were not religious. His concern was that the Church was loosing her once "lofty view of God." So he set out to write a book that devotionally considered the attributes of God. That he did, and did it well. His small but powerful book offers a precise and thoughtful account of who the God of the Bible is, and what he is like. Tozer accuately descrides God without limiting Him to the Human understanding. Tozer considers every attribute taught in the Bible and lays them out in plain language. The concepts expounded may be above the common man's understanding, but the language that Tozer uses is not. He puts the "cookies on the bottom shelf so the kids can get them." His thoughts about God helped me tremendously. The language is understandable, the subject is thoroughly covered and the concepts are thought provoking. This is a must read.

A friend gave me this book more that a year ago. I have read it over several times and now have several books by Tozer. He is very clear in his presentation, simple but profound. Every person who has any desire to know God should study this book until it is fully internalized.

This book brings the reader to holy ground indeed. To dare to know the all-powerful, all-knowing, infinite, eternal God is beyond human capacity. Yet Tozer, in appropriate awe of God, tells us that our heart can lead us where our intellect cannot. "That God can be known by the soul in tender personal experience while remaining infinitely aloof from the curious eyes of reason constitutes a paradox best described as Darkness to the intellect But sunshine to the heart." says Tozer quoting a Faber poem/saying.

It is easy to say terms like life-changing in our glib spin-oriented world. But the challenge of this book got at me in a way few books (outside the Bible) have. Tozer's statement about the church "Always the most revealing thing about the Church is her idea of God, just as her most significant message is what she says about Him or leaves unsaid, for her silence is often more eloquent than her speech. She can never escape the self-disclosure of her witness concerning God." touched me on a personal level too.

If you get one Christian book this year - make it "Knowledge of the Holy"

The part interested me most is the relationship between Billy Graham and the presidents of the United States from Dwight Eisenhower to Bill Clinton, which takes one third of the book and covers half of the century of the U.S. history. He talked their charactors and family lives. Only Billy Graham has this kind of experience. You will learn those presidents from a different angle, a Christian leader's point of view. It is a very unique book. Regarding Christianality, if you do not have time to read the whole book of 735 pages, you can read the last chapter, chapter 40: The Best is Yet to Be, which concludes his faith and philosophy. It touched me that someone asked him if he thought God was unfair, allowing him to have Parkinson's disease. He answered: "Suffering is part of the human condition, and it comes to us all. The key is how we react to it, either turning away from God in anger and bitterness or growing closer to Him in trust and confidence."

I found Just As I Am captivating from the moment I picked it up, and was unable to put it down. I read Just As I Am while I was convalescing at home for four days after an ankle injury at work. This was four of the most enlightening days I have ever experienced. Starting from the quaint surroundings of a North Carolina farmhouse, I was soon taken on a journey around the world, as Mr Graham described his many fascinating travels and crusades. Rev Graham not only describes his experiences for us, but by each chapter's end he capsulizes the lesson's he has learned during his trips and meetings with people of all walks and stations of life around the world. I was struck time and again by the depth of meaning Billy Graham finds in each of his life's experiences, his clarity of vision, and his ability to poignantly and keenly express what he has seen and learned. It becomes readily obvious why he has been taken into close company by many heads of state for the past 50 years of his ministry. This is a book not to be missed by any serious thinker.

Billy Graham's latest book offers a fresh and personal insight to his life and his life's work. It is truly amazing how God has worked in this wonderful and dedicated man's long life. Yet, he continues to wonder "why"? Why would God take a young man from Charlotte, NC and transform him into the greatest evangelist since Paul? Most interesting is his relationship with his wife, his family, those he worked and works with, presidents and leaders throughout the world. It is facinating to read of his burden of countries closed off from outsiders, yet, in time, God opened the door to Billy Graham to spread the Gospel in those same countries. In this day of dishonest and insincere TV evangelists, it is refreshing to read of one so intent on giving God alone the glory. At seventy-eight he admits that he will not be here much longer. I will miss him even more now having read his book. May we all follow his example

I've read four of Fiona Walker's novels and truly liked three (French Relations, Well Groomed, and Snap Happy). To be honest, I had a very hard time slogging through Kiss Chase. The basic premise is just too, too far fetched and I really doubt that anyone would actually act this way. I will admit that Walker redeems herself in the last 50 pages - too bad she couldn't have taken that care with the rest of the book.

i've read all of fiona walker's books and i just can't wait for her next book! the characters she moulded in the stories are very real and so very detailed, that you can really laugh and cry with them. "kiss chase" is definitely her best...you would really feel for freddy and felix and they way they love each other.

I read this book last summer...and couldn't stop thinking about it till this summer!!... I am in desperate need for another Fiona Walker book!! I've read them all...does anyone know if she's writing another book soon... "Snap Happy" was the last one i read.. Her books take u emotionally to another wacky world!

We've been reading this book to our 17 month old daughter since she was given it at 6 weeks and yet it's still a favourite! She now joins in on the Uh-Oh's, and lots of the sound pages too. She's been 'reading' the Hoo Woo snowstorm page by herself since about 6 months and loves bouncing along to the rhythm of the story and waving goodbye to the bear on the last page. It wouldn't surprise me if this is the first book she 'reads' independently in a few years time. Highly recommended as a present for new babies. It's never too early to start encouraging a love of books!

Great book the Kids really love.

A simple story of a family going on a bear hunt, going through difficult hikes (grass, winter storm, forrest, cave), finding the bear and then retreating AS FAST AS POSSIBLE! Good for the 2-5 age group.

Going on a Bear Hunt is more than a story. It's a rhythmic chant that gets the kids involved in the story. My mom taught this to my gang before we got the book. They love sitting around in a circle making the "swoosh, swoosh" sound of going through the grass, the "oooohhhhh, oooohhhhh" sound of the winter storm, the "squelch, squish" sound of going through the mud.

A good one for reading aloud to a bunch of kids.

.

This story has to be one of the more exciting and fun stories for young children. The tempo and rhythm can't fail to grab a child's attention.

It's got the perfect mix of pace, suspense and humour.

A really neat touch from the illustrator (Helen Oxenbury) is the alternation between color and black and white pages. The monochrome pages coincide with the recognition of the various obstacles along the way.

Another attractive effect is the way the early pages are bright and colorful and as the family gets closer to the bear, the scenes become darker and gloomier.

A key scene is where the children's dog comes face to face with the bear. The expressions on the animal's faces are superb.

The link between the story and the illustrations is at its best when the family has to quickly retrace their steps with the bear in hot pursuit. To heighten the pace we now get three frames per page.

The penultimate page is a double spread with everybody (including the dog) safely at home under the covers. Meanwhile poor old bear heads off back to his cave.

With head down and shuffling along the beach despondently you might just think he wanted to be friends with everybody.

Cardinal Bernardin talks candidly about dealing with a false accusation of sexual misconduct, his panceatic cancer, and his later terminal illness and preparation for death. He talks about surrendering to the Will of God and how to do this. I found it helpful in finding peace within crisis, and hope within despair. I recommend it without reservation

Recently I lost my father to a 10 year bout with cancer. This book provided me with joy, tears and abudance within a month of my own fathers death. Cardinal Bernardin was a remarkable man who had the courage to face his accusers, his illness and ulitmately his death. He has reconfirmed that faith, hope, love, forgivenss and kindness is the very essentials of what life needs to be about. It is clear from the Cardinal as it was from my experience with my own father that even when you think you are at your darkest human hour you need to reach out and make a difference every single day until your final moment in this part of your journey here on earth.

This book is a must read for anyone who has doubted that there is peace in death. He reconfirms that the lessons most important in life are to continue to give of yourself every day despite the adversities you face. In his illness, through his false accusation and his wonderful rediscovery of a deeper faith in Christ it makes accepting God's plan for you important.

Anyone who has an ill parent or someone close to them should read this book it will give you a much clearer spiritual understanding of illness, death and living every moment under God's plan.

A year ago, on November 14, 1996, our beloved Cardinal Bernardin died, as we the people of his flock, spent time in prayer and reflection over his years as our shepherd. It is amazing to realize how we were enveloped into his loving care, even as he lay dying. Some months later, his book, "The Gift of Peace: Personal Reflections" was published, as his gift to us. More than its worldwide sales, is its personal value to those who read it, perhaps once, maybe several times. How many people near death will ever have the energy to focus on the Lord's Presence, amidst physical pain? For Cardinal Bernardin, the pain he wrote about may have focused on physical and emotional difficulties that surfaced in the final three years of his life, but clearly, there are words in his book that can yet feed the flock, "how if we let Him, God can write straight with crooked lines," if only we let go of the control and allow HIM to direct our life's journey. This does not mean we should make no plans, but rather, set aside time daily to draw close to the Lord, and let go of the concerns that may grip us --- to make room for HIM in our lives. Is there room for HIM in the inn of our deepest selves? There is no other option. No matter what difficulties or hurts arise, we are all still family, always needing to work on healing; the other choice leaves us without family and friends. Cardinal Bernardin speaks of redemptive suffering -- the kind Jesus felt, the kind we may experience. The message clearly leads the reader to know that we, like Jesus, can move beyond the suffering, toward something better, allowing the Lord to work in our lives, bringing us into communion with Him and others who are feeling pain and suffering. In the midst of his pain, Bernardin's faith was strong, but he was preoccupied with the pain. His message is this: develop a strong prayer life in your best moments so you can be sustained in your weaker moments. Lean on family and friends, and church community, as they minister. As you read this book, you may feel the connection with Cardinal Bernardin because either you or a family member or friend is experiencing the pain and suffering of illness. Cardinal Bernardin's presence remains with us, in these words, "Pray while you're well, because if you wait until you're sick, you might not be able to do it."

A pretty good first effort, Mr. Walker! I really liked Hector, and I would like to see him again in some future project. I'd love to know the derivation/significance of his nickname "Cheetah" and the circumstances of the tattoo.

I thought Baron and Hector were well-drawn characters, the women and incidental characters less so. I thought the ending was great - very exciting! I think it hooked the reader from the start, and it kept my interest to the end - I really wanted to know what was going to happen, and the characters were sufficiently developed for me to care what happened to them.

I could do without a steady stream of physically perfect female specimens, but I recognize that they are an integral part of male fantasy-land. A little gratuitous sex sells books, and this wasn't obnoxiously gratuitous.

Negatives: I think Walker needs to work on dialogue. He sets all the various scenes very well, so I always had a very detailed mental image of the physical location - the café, Regina's castle, etc. But dialogue sounded cliched and trite from some of the characters, some of the time, and it was jarring, because it didn't match the quality of everything else. Not from Hector or Baron so much, but from the other characters, as I mentioned above.

But over all, I enjoyed it enough that I am purchasing two more books to give away as Christmas presents!

Excellent first novel! This is a slam-dunk for those who are looking for a change from the normal Clancy-esque 500-page paperweights. Hector (code name "Cheetah") is a spy who comes closer to the real thing than your normal "Ops-" type hero. Story line is absolutely refreshing, compact and reminds me of the original short thrillers of the '50s and '60s by authors such as Fleming, MacLean and Le Carre.

Walker creates interesting and volatile twists in the plot to keep you turning pages, and then neatly pieces it all together in an ending you won't forget. His fight-to-the-death scene is one of the best I've ever read, where you see and feel the pain, the cold, the adrenaline. Throw in the crisp descriptions of European scenery and background and characters who help fire up the plot and you have a marvelous book in your hands that you absolutely can't put down.

Pour a cold one, kick back, and enjoy the ride of your life! Robert Walker's Rogue: The Cheetah Files will catapult you around the world, forcing you to taste the sweat and smell the fear experienced by his characters. You dare not blink nor close the book before finishing this excellent read, for fear something will happen on the pages that you will miss. You will relish experiencing the chills and terror of those ensnared in a web of intrigue not unlike those spun by Ian Fleming. Move over James, Hector is the spy who loves us now!

The book really helps women look deep into there past, there present, and there future. It also helps you to achieve great balance in your life. It gives a very indepth and clear understanding of what role a women plays, in God's eyes. I appreciated the way the information that he wrote was backed up by scripture allowing you to see it in God's word as well as a writing by man. This was one of the best books I have EVER read since I became a Christian, 10 years ago. P.S. The tribute to his wife, located on the second page, was PHENOMINAL!

T D Jakes is one of the few men who genuines loves, cherishes and adores women in the biblical sense, and when a woman who's been treated less than precious reads this book, she will QUAKE. This man, using biblical examples and beautiful imagery, breaks down that the trinity must work together to make a loving, healthy relationship. His message to women is to cherish yourself and your Divine purpose, to find men who will fall in line with that and how the Lord can ease the burdens for both. Jakes' words make you feel so beautiful and divine that you can't help but seek out a brother who can come correct, and he breaks down how God fits into it all. A beautiful, beautiful book with many necessary truths and advice on how faith and the Lord can lead the way to relationships we deserve. If you are a woman who has just left an unhealthy relationship, or you're in the process and need healing, this book is a GODSEND!! TD Jakes is truly, truly blessed!!!

Once again, Bishop Jakes has spent time talking with God and relaying it as only he can and in such a way that all can relate and understand. This books looks into the hearts and soul of many women, including myself. Healing is what it's all about...learning how to get beyond and to really be free from those things that hinder us from going forth in this world. Bishop shows us how to balance our lives and achieve this inner peace that we all long for.

I am not married but this book showed me how we as women should treat our husbands. At this point in my life, God is my husband and my Lord. I have learned how to worship and adore God as I would the mate that he will bring into my life. That book is an encouragement in itself in that Bishop Jakes tells us that we can have it all spiritually and emotionally.

I recommend this book to any woman who has a desire to grow and to really know what it means to be whole. I would also encourage all women to attend the Woman, Thou Art Loosed seminar in July. Last year it was breathtaking. This book really follows behind that whole seminar. I thank God for using Bishop Jakes in such a way. Bishop really has a deep compassion for women and for that I am thankful.

Keep up the good work Bishop!

Hind's Feet On High Places is a wonderful, beautiful allegory of God's love for each one of us. Although we face many trials along the Christian life, Jesus is always there and will always hear and help us when we cry to Him. He is especially close to the broken-hearted. We can always come to our Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, without any fear. Much-Afraid sought the Chief Shepherd early in the morning and late in the evening when her work was done. I believed she sang to Him all through the day too. This too, is our priviledge as children of God. I thank God for such an anointed writer as Hannah Hurnard. This is by far the most beautiful book that I've read. I will read and re-read this book for years to come. I have given it as a gift to friends. To all who long to live a life filled with nothing else but love for God, this is the book to read. And to all who feel that God has abandoned them and that there is no hope of reconciliation, this is the book that God will use to restore you. God bless you as you read it.

Anyone who has ever questioned God or wondered why evil exists or why people suffer, must read Hurnard. Having rejected Christianity as a teenager because she felt unloved herself, she was dramatically converted at 19 and was overwhelmed by the intense love of God and His desire for her to love others. Love is the imperative of this allegory, but not a foolish, blind, or too-sweet love; instead, it is a powerful force that heals deformities, overcomes mountains, and compels the human soul to heights never before possible. The Shepherd is not a benign Savior, but a strong and holy Savior who demands sacrifice and gives ultimate joy and peace in return. His unconditional love desires and achieves the best for the beloved. Throughout this allegory, Hurnard dramatically portrays for the reader a life of fulfillment beyond typical spiritual mediocrity - a life that she is insists is attainable. Anyone willing to pursue a deeper relationship with God will find in Hurnard and excellent mentor.

I first read this book in college and have introduced it to many, read the children's edition (BEAUTIFUL illustrations - a good devotional book) to my children and since read the complete version to them.

I cannot think of a more powerful allegory illustrating the Christian life. Though most people are familiar with Pilgrim's Progress, in my opinion, this book if even better.

The story is about a girl named "Much-Afraid" who lives in the "Valley of Humiliation". She has a crooked mouth and crooked feet. Though she belongs to the "Fearings" family, she loves the Shepherd with all of her heart and desires to be in His service. She longs to have "hind's feet" and "leap upon the high places" with Him. (see the Psalms for the quote) He tells her that she may have her request, but first He must place the seed of love in her heart - it looks like a thorn.

Her family has planned for her to marry her cousin, "Craven Fear", but "Much-Afraid" doesn't want to and her only way out is to go with the Shepherd.

To reach the High Places, the Shepherd gives "Much-Afraid" two unique companions to help her along the way. They are companions of every Christian who walks the pathway to follow Christ. You must read the book to find out who they are, but be ready for a surprise!

I love this book because it doesn't gloss over what our lives as Christians are like, the challenges we face, and a Biblical account of how we are to proceed - that following Christ means dying to self to live for Him. This is one of the most beautifully written accounts I have ever read.

Get a copy and read it. It will become one of your most treasured possessions. Then read the sequel, "Mountain of Spices" where "Much-Afraid", who has been given a new name, returns to the valley to show the love of the Shepherd to her family and friends.

TERIFFIC BOOKS!

RIDDLEY WALKER is an engaging, challenging and touching novel that warrrants multiple readings. Hoban has written what i imagine to be a perfect novel. It is a grand experiment in language where form and content converge, allowing Hoban to reveal more about Riddley's world than convention would allow for.

It is nothing short of appalling that this book ever went out of print--it is a masterpiece of postmodern (ick)literature and is equally inspiring for writers and readers. This should be taught in every modern American literature course.

Make everyone read it.

Trubba not! This book is a coming of age novel set in the time after Eusa split the littl Shyinin Man the Addom. (Nuclear war in contemporary usage). Riddley is a twelve year old boy who watches his father die, and then has to take over his role as Connexion Man. Although Riddley is only twelve, he has an adult's insight into humanity that twelve year olds of our day wouldn't necessarily have. Hoban wrote this novel in near-phonetic spelling, showing the sub-theme of language being a dynamic force that changes with time. Although it can be hard to read and understand at times, it is worth getting through cover to cover.

Unlike many readers, I first discovered Russell Hoban's adult novels and only later, when my daughter became old enough, did I read his books for children. Ridley Walker was my first Hoban novel and still remains my favorite. Looking at his earlier children's books, though, it is easy to trace the curve of his style. One's first impression of Ridley Walker is one of awe that he can carry off the language as well as he does. This is not "A Clockwork Orange" with a few new words and phrases, but an entirely new pidgin with a consistent syntactic structure and an wonderfully twisted take on the (future) derivation of the English language. And you must discover the language for yourself, there's no cheating by looking it up at the back of the book. Next I was taken in by the seamless melding of religion, geography, history, folk lore, and science that form the many circles within circles of the plot line. Hoban's intellectual powers are obvious in the way he can take disparate real locations and events and forge a connection or relationship where none exists. Finally though, it is the beauty and the magic of the world he has created, the clarity and the fearlessness of his vision, and the metaphysical flights of fancy that puts this novel at the top of my list of must-read books. Little Shinin Man roading out..