This book was great! I really enjoyed it! It was easy to follow, and not confusing! The book kept you in suspense, and you had no idea what the ending was going to be! The basic plot was this: Nancy's friend George gets a photography job at the white house, and invites Nancy to visit her. During Nancy's first day, a gold hummingbird gets stolen, while Nancy is unconcious. Most of the main characters in the story (not including Nancy or George) have good motives for stealing the hummingbird. It's up to Nancy Drew to find the thief, but just as everything is going well, the ambassador is kidnapped...

This book is very clever, with a twist at the end! If you love mysteries, you'll love this book!

I think the Case of the Capital Intruige was very interesting. In it, George has taken a job as a photographer's assistant. Nancy and Bess assist her to DC for a vacation. Little do they know, Nancy runs into a mystery. First, a sacred statue is stolen, and Nancy must face dangers to get it back. But then, the embassador is kidnapped- and in an extremely exciting mystery filled with clues, codes, and dangers, Nancy solves another page-turning mystery. I think any mystery-lover would enjoy reading this Nancy Drew mystery.

Nancy Drew is going to the White House to see her friend George Fayne. George is a photographer at the White House. George is a girl. George wanted Nancy to come and stay for a little while to see her photographing. Nancy ends up having to investagate a few things. George gets sick and Nancy wants to think in George's office. Nancy hears a person right outside the door and sees a shadow. She burts out of the door without thinking and into the elevator when she feels a hand on her leg. It isn't who Nancy suspects it is at all.

After my mom read Peaceful Parents, Peaceful Kids she made copies of the "Peaceful Kids Action Plan" for me. I hung each page in my room like the book said, and every day I followed the Peaceful Kids Action Steps. It's really helping me get along better with my family, even my little brother. I think more parents should get this book and use it with their kids. It really works. Plus my mom doesn't yell as much now.

If you are trying to cope with the demands of work, taking care of your home and countless other obligations and responsibilities while ensuring the healthy development and well-being of your children, the sooner you read this book, the better! Naomi Drew's book provides practical and realistic approaches to everyday challenges faced by parents in relating to their children. Real-life situations are presented. You will undoubtedly say to yourself, "I know that scenario. I've been in it and this is what I can do to handle it more effectively and peacefully next time". The book also provides a wonderful context for peaceful parenting. Ms. Drew discusses the impact of raising caring and compassionate children who have learned peaceful approaches to problem solving not only to peace in our homes, but in our communities, our country and our world. Peace is a goal we all need to embrace. This book clearly demonstrates that achieving peace in the world can truly begin at home.

Of the many parenting books I've read, this one really stands out. It provides so many practical strategies, and the exercises in it have helped me improvethe way I parent. For the first time, I actually have a method for helping my kids resolve conflicts that works. I highly recommend this book to all parents. Give it to yourself as a gift and get a copy for your friends. They'll thank you.

This is an excellent, helpful guide to etiquette for folks who didn't think Miss Manners would work for them - although, as Drew slyly implies, she could! The book offers common-sense advice told humorously and well for folks who move regularly in non-traditional roles and relationship structures. I hope everyone in these categories (and really, who isn't?) gives it a read.

I don't usually post reviews but this book is so unique, so useful, so needed in the Alt.sex community, that I am compelled to comment. I found the BDSM scene four years ago. I had many questions about how to navigate the community in a polite and respectful manner. Once in the BDSM community, I crossed paths with transgender folk, polyamorous folk, and queer folk. This has been a journey of discovery for me and at times I've been at a loss how to interact and build friendships - I wasn't sure about the etiquette and I didn't want to offend people in the process of getting to know them.

This book would have been a tremendous help. And actually, after reading it, is an interesting and engaging etiquette guide for interactions with the world at large. It is useful for navigating dating within any community, social events (parties, weddings) in any community, and delivers good advice for the workplace as well.

In many cases I found my initial judgment of how to approach new people was correct. I was relieved to see that in some cases, the reactions I had seen were inappropriate from the other party. But in other cases, I found new strategies for showing empathy and respect. I did disagree with one statement in the book: The author's opinion on public displays of affection at large street fairs (Pride & Folsom Street Fair) is that anything beyond hand holding and social kissing is not appropriate. These events are targeted at encouraging people with alternative lifestyles to be proud of that lifestyle and is one of the few places that you *can* freely express your sexuality. I believe that attendees understand that in advance and the "displays" they see are not a surprise, therefore, acceptable. But the book gave me another perspective on this situation.

This book is now at the top of my "what to recommend to a newbie" in the scene list. No, it doesn't address the play & safety issues that must be considered before jumping into BDSM play, but it gives you a foundation for respectful communication that really is required before those other conversations should occur.

I admit it; I bought this book mainly because Donna Barr, one of my favorite artists, illustrated it. However, I found it quite enjoyable reading, both for its look into subcultures I hadn't known existed (and sexual variations ditto) and for its calm, "Miss Manners" approach to etiquette for extremely non-traditional people, social situations, and subcultures. It would be quite useful to anybody who wants to get into this sort of activity, as well as to those who find that a loved one is involved and want to know how to react and what to say.

Grant Morrison, who? Now Mark Waid is a man who knows how to write comics! After over 40 issues under the helm of Grant Morrison, this book collects the first issues written by Mark Waid. With the talents of Mark Waid, the stories are more personal and smaller in scope. Gone are the masses of JLA members. (No Zauriel, no Steel, no Huntress, etc.) Mark Waid uses the main members, and we get to know them a bit better. (Wonder Woman is finally put to good use again!) The stories are not wild nonsense. They don't ramble on just to sell more issues. Each incident is there for a purpose. This tightly told story tells of Batman's fall from grace from the JLA. It also includes a few one-off issues, the best of which features only Aquaman and Wonder Woman. My favorite line is by Aquaman to Wonder Woman while he's holding her lasso, "Actually, I think you're a little vapid and boring -- and often more than a little Pollyanna-ish. I hate it that people keep assuming we have anything in common simply because we're both royalty. And for the life of me, I can't find any rational reason why I want you so badly."

First, the weapons Batman designed that were used against the other heroes were incredibly complex. There is no way he would have had the time, expertise, and facilities to build all those intricate weapons. I know it is science fiction, but each of the super-heroes are defined by their own limitations, that's why you have a story. Otherwise Superman could just fly around and save everybody and Bruce Wayne could just finance reparations and they would live in a perfect world. This one pushed even comic book credibility a little too far. Also, the Lazarus Pits are used to regenerate Ras Al Ghul when he is nearly dead or recently dead, they should not have been much of a threat to Bruce Wayne's parents bodies. Other than that, the concepts of trust and betrayal made a thought provoking story. I do like stories that show Batman as the preeminent member of the JLA.

JLA: Tower of Babel reveals the deadly genius of Batman and one of his greatest foes, Ra's Al Ghul. His paranoa leads him to develop a secret weapon against each of the Justice League members, in case they became dangerous for any reason. The effectiveness of these "fail-safes" becomes all too real when the files fall into the wrong hands. The League will never be the same again.

This story was an excellent, single volume story based in a city of the Forgotten Realms. The characters were relatively believable, and the author did not get too sappy with the storyline. Corin One-Hand was an especially good character, and his suffering and recovery from a deep personal crisis were great to see.

Now, that said, it behooves me to mention a point in this author's writing that I didn't find altogether agreeable. Mr. Karpyshyn has an odd tendency to tell about an event happening from one character's perspective, and then retell the same even from another character's perspective. He does this even with fight scenes and not particularly dramatic moments. Further, the text of each retelling is so similar - at times word-for-word - that it leads one to suspect that he was trying to fill pages.

As a lover of fantasy novels who is fond of stories that conclude in the same volume, I heartily recommend this book to others despite the above-mentioned flaw. If you appreciate fantasy, I doubt you'll regret buying "Temple Hill".

This was one of the best Forgotten Realms novels I read in a long time. The story revolved around the city of Elversult and the interlocking plots of the Cult of the Dragon and the Purple Masks (thieves guild of the city). Both of these groups are looking to gain a foothold in Elversult by overthrowing the ruler of the city. The motives and actions of each group were really put on display and helped to form a great backdrop to the characters.

The main characters were a half-elf named Lhasha, a fighter named Corin and a Gnome Fendel. Each one of these characters were fleshed out some with Corin being dealt with the most. The story of how Lhasha helps Corin regain his dignity is wonderful and the interplay between her and Fendel was fantastic.

The actions scenes were realistic and the author had a good grasp of how to describe a battle, whether with swords or magic. I really felt for Corin and was pulling for him from the beginning. The theme of redemption was strong and the ending was perfect for the story. I would recommend this book to anyone whether they like Fantasy or not. A great read!!

I picked this book up based on the Amazon.com reviews here, and I was not disappointed. The book starts off with a bang and never lets up. The characters are wonderful and easy to relate to (I was very impressed by the idea of a handicapped hero - something I'd never seen in a fantasy novel). A great adventure and a wonderful read!

...

If you like predictable, slow paced cliché riddled gay literature then this is the book for you. If not then save your time and money.

As soon as The Lodger arrives on the scene then the ultimate ending is not too hard to work out, but takes a long time to arrive. My biggest problem with this book was my dislike for Honza the main character. Why someone who is so self possessed, shallow and vain is so well liked by family, neighbours, shopkeepers and the local drag queen did not make sense. Also irritating was the nephews incessant addressing Honza as Uncle. This is all dished up against the usual background of Steps, drugs and sex in toilets.

I was looking forward to this book but was sadly disappointed.

Drew Gummerson's novel "The Lodger" is an enjoyable book. There is a predictable style to it that probably is the author's intent. It's easy to get "involved" with the characters. I found myself waiting for the commute home to immerse myself back into this book. This novel reads very easily and the pages practically turn themselves. I highly recommend it.

Larry Bailey, The Open Book Ltd, Sacremento
Drew Gummerson was a delightful discovery. His latest book "The Lodger" is a book to read when you want to read a fun novel, just for the pure pleasure of reading.
What makes Drew Gummerson's work so enjoyable is his great timing in setting up scenes, situations, and characters well in advance of the punch lines and "troubled" conclusions. This book is really a well-orchestrated comedy, drama, suspense and love story. There were some situations in "The Lodger" that left me laughing and rolling on the floor, while other sections kept me reading as fast as I could, flipping through pages to end the suspense of the immediate story line's subplot.
"The Lodger" revolves around a main character named Honza Drobrolowski. Honza is gay, a writer by profession, living in Derby, England, but has been a little slow in getting his work published. In order to makes ends meet, he is forced to sub-rent a room to a lodger (room mate to US). Trying to keep his writing on a regular schedule, he picks the applicant (Andy) with the least interest to him: straight, works as a hauler (moving man), keeps to a strict schedule (goes to work, comes home, drinks beer, watches television, and goes to bed). Slowly, Honza's world starts to un-wined: his sister (who we discover is really a whore) and his nephew (who he absolutely adores and keeps on weekends) are moving to London; he can't get his book published; and his lodger, who has become a steady, lovable person through his simplicity, reliable, and unassuming roommate, comes home drunk, very late, one evening and announces while passing out on the bed "he really didn't mean to kill him".
Drew Gummerson's book, "The Lodger" is pure entertainment; it doesn't get much better than this!

Sharon Drew Morgen cuts through the myths and b.s. about business and selling in a powerful, clear, stimulating book that should be "must reading" for anyone who sells for a living.

She gets at the real thinking/emotional process at the heart of the buying decision better than anyone else I've read - then translates these insights into a breakthrough sales approach that is genuinely "win/win." What a powerful alternative to the rat race of manipulation and resistance most of us were taught selling had to be! The real challenge would be for executives and sales managers to read this book and then allow its principles to govern how salespeople are compensated and "motivated."

A compelling book from an author of deep spirituality and years of success as a business person.

This book claims to be the follow-up to Solution Selling, by Bosworth.

There is a great deal of discussion about which book is better. In my mind, they are simply for different audiences if you want to compare them as simply 'sales books'.

Selling with Integrity is by far my #1 recommendation to someone who is not, or does not want to be, a professional salesperson. It is much more simple than Solution Selling and easy to remember in front of customers.

I own an agency for OD/HR consulting and have read HUNDREDS of books, manuals, etc on selling. I am especially interested in books about selling high dollar intangibles (HR consulting is incredibly intagible).

I am paid by a number of my consultants to provide marketing and 'sales' coaching and this is the book I recommend. If you want to go deeper and have more structure to your sales, this is not necessarily your book. Look to Selling Solutions.

However, Selling With Integrity resonates deeply with the solid principles at it's core and a new mentality of looking at sales - helping the buyer buy, or becoming a 'Buying Facilitator'.

I consider myself a professional sales person and when I need a quick boost and/or self pep talk on sales, I pick up Selling with Integrity and remember why I like it so much.

My personal litmus test is 'Would I buy the book again after I have read it, but pay double the price?'

The answer is absolutely, no question, YES!! Buy the book. For almost any price, it is an absolute bargain.

Sharon Drew Morgen introduces a new concept in selling, the Buying Facilitation method. Her sales method focuses on understanding people's buying patterns rather than the traditional approach of studying the patterns of successful sellers. This book is one of many highlighting the growing trend toward incorporating ethics and values into the way you conduct business. The book provides how-to advice for sellers who want to make the transition to this new paradigm.

To sales people, the most important assertion in the book is Morgen's declaration that 'Buying Facilitation' will help close more sales than the traditional approach. She presents her ideas in a manner that says, "Try it for yourself. You can always go back to what you were doing before you read this book if it doesn't work...but I think it will work." We [...] recommend this book to sales people and sales managers.

A friend of mine recommended this book to me several years ago. Upon reading it, he went from a job as a roofer to an MCSE professional making significantly more money. I bought and read it, and was amazed how Heywood was able to explain very complicated concepts in a very understandable way. I achieved MCSE status as well in short order, largely relying on this book, and tripled my salary. No guarantee, but this book covers a great deal of the material you need to know to be an effective Microsoft expert. I passed the MS TCP/IP exam using only the TCP/IP chapter as preparation. For those of you wanting to achieve MCSE status before the 12/31/00 deadline, pick up this book and read it.

This is an excellent computer book. It was the only book I used to pass three core exams and the TCP/IP exam. NB. I also used resources from the web. It is absolutely essential to do practice exams before the real exam.

This book with some help from Herb Martin, MCT allowed me to pass my MCSE! Drew just finds a way of explaining it all! Any book that Drew Heywood authors is GREAT! I have others!

Joe F. CNE,MCP+I,MCSE

This review concerns the original 1945 edition as well as the shortened, revised 1973 edition. Desperately wanting to help a poor little girl and her sick mother, Nancy races against time to locate the woman's missing sister. The missing woman, named Florianna in the original version and Julianna in the revised edition, was a talented dancer who disappeared many years before while engaged to a wealthy businessman. Before the man died, he willed to Florianna/Julianna his large estate, Heath Castle, with the stipulation that if she doesn't come forward to claim the estate within a certain amount of time, it is to be turned over to the county for a park. Nancy now has only three weeks to find the missing heiress, but her efforts are being thwarted by a group of men who have apparently been searching the now overgrown estate looking for something. This book is easily one of the ten best of the set, at least the original version is, I never read the revised edition and, although the books tell the same story, the revised editions lack the vibrant writing which characterizes many of the originals. The mystery is interesting and the book moves along at a good pace. I particularly enjoyed the book from about pages 70-100 in the original volume. At this point, Nancy, Bess and George have gone to Heath Castle to investigate, they become separated and each one has her own adventure. This is an excellent book and a definate must-read for fans of Nancy Drew.

"The Clue in the Crumbling Wall" features Nancy, Bess, and George on the trail of another exciting mystery. Danger surrounds them as they are trapped in the cloister of Heath Castle, while on the trail of Juliana Johnson, a talented dancer, who disappeared several years ago.

There is one scene that might frighten very young readers, as Nancy and her faithful housekeeper, Hannah Gruen, are tied up in their own home. Resourceful Nancy finds a way to escape and to free Hannah, and sets off on a re-invigorated search for the criminals.

River Heights, Nancy's hometown, is the scene of this mystery, and as usual, Nancy, her father Carson Drew, and her chums Bess and George use common sense as well as a little uncommon intuition to solve the mystery and to bring a happy ending to the victims. Recommended.

The Clue In the Crumbling Wall, a Nancy Drew mystery, was one of the best books I read in fourth grade. When I started reading this outstanding book I couldn't stop because visions formed in my mind. It was so descriptive and creative. Also, the author used similes, metaphors, hyperboles and personification. I was amazed at how realistic it was. This story is even descriptive enough to be able to be read more than once. I definitely loved reading The Clue of the Crumbling Wall because everything came to life and this is only one of the very many other great Nancy Drews I read. The story is about, smart as a genius, Nancy Drew, the main hero in the book. Her friends, cautious Bess, curious George, and of course her caring father. They have to find the missing dancer, Juliana. They also go through hard times, being traped, and much more. They find tons of treasures including a huge one. I recommend this excellent book to people who love adventures, turning points and surprises. I enjoyed this book very much.

I loved this book and couldn't put it down. It takes place at a amusement park where Bess gets a winning wrapper! When she goes to claim her prize she finds out that someone else has already won the million dollars! Well of course Nancy thinks that this is another one of the cases that she just has to solve! Nancy is on the case!
This story is about a compelling mystery that involves: The Science Sleuths, who are a group of kids on a field trip at the park, Joyce Palmer, who is the attendent at to Chocolate Factory, Mr. Castle, who is the president at the factory, Mr. Tumey, who is the boss at the factory, Bess Marvin, one of Nancy's mystery solving companions, George, the other companion, Nancy Drew, the detective who is on the case, Diana Nugget, the other contest winner, Phil Nugget, Diana's husband, and finally Andrea Cassella, who is the Science Sleuths chaperon.
This story takes place in the park in modern times. ... Find out what happens to Joyce when you read Nancy Drew and The Chocolate Covered Contest.
I would recomend this book because it a good hard mystery and has a lot of curves and bumps, just like the roller coaster that Nancy gets stuck on!

I absolutely loved this book. The traditional Nancy Drew finds herself in the middle of yet another thrilling mystery. She wins a million dollars in a cocolate wrapper contest, only to find out that another person has also won it. As who has produced this second wrapper starts to become clearer, the risks are running higher. Whoever has done this is getting desperate and will stop at nothing to keep Nancy from revealing them. Will Nancy solve the case in time? Read the book and find out!
:-D

This is a really good book.I would highly recommend this book to Chocolate lovers! It makes you want to read all night long.It is a real page turner!You will find out about Nancy's adventures at a chocolate factory and an amusment park.Nancy's friend Bess gets a million dollar wrapper! But when Bess and Nancy go to recieve the prize they find out someone has already won it!You will have to read this book to find out what else happens...