Gleick's "Isaac Newton" presents us a portrait of one of the greatest scientific minds in history. We learn that Newton is a tempermental man, often isolated and cared little for social life. He laid down some of the most important natural laws we have and accumulated a vast sum of wealth and various honors for his efforts.

The only flaw here is Gleick's prose. It often does not flow very well and the author tends to jump from one idea to the next with few connections in between. Nonetheless, thanks to Gleick, the reader has a better view of Sir Isaac Newton and that makes this book a worthy read.

I though Galileo's Daughter was the best book I read last year, and this one is a close second. Only James Gleick has the self-confidence and skill to synthesize the life of Newton down to 191 succinct and fascinating pages. The average author, full of himself, would probably write about 1,191 pages and you wouldn't be able to lift the book. This is a masterpiece of time, space, light and color. A reader in motion will tend to remain in motion. It was just great, I read it in one sitting. I hope this starts a trend!

I'm not a mathematician; I'm not even much good at arithmetic. Once when trying to count backward from 100 by 7's I started with 97, went to 93, and gave up. Of course I was lying in a hospital bed, but even at my best I wouldn't have gotten far. I tell you this because I approached "Isaac Newton," by James Gleick expecting to read the introduction, pick up a few bits-and-bobs, and bail out. What a surprise to find myself reading even while walking to the bus stop. Thank you, Mr. Gleick for a fascinating biography that doesn't bog down in numbers, but still imparts the scientific information salient to Mr. Newton's life.

Isaac Newton was a piece of work. A scientist, but also a student of biblical prophecy; a chemist, but also an alchemist; a public figure as well as something of a recluse; a fountain of learning who refused to publish. Isaac Newton was a man of his times, and Mr. Gleick points out the very interesting paradox that Newton lived in a pre-Newtonian world. Of course he would be filled with contradictions. Even so, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, Newton's contemporary and a philosopher/mathematician in his own right who found himself at odds with Newton by independently inventing differential and integral calculus, told the Queen of Prussia that "in mathematics there was all previous history, from the beginning of the world, and then there was Newton; and that Newton's was the better half."

If you would like a better understanding of the laws of nature we take for granted, and an understanding of the life and times of the complicated man who formulated them for us, then I recommend this highly readable (and mathematically understandable) biography.

Having recieved and MBA a few years ago. This workbook was very helpful as a refresher on the key concepts with some very interesting and compeling leads for further study. One should have a some prior knowledge of basic accounting concepts, if not some of the topics may be overwhelming. The workbook reviews topics which can be very helpful to individuals who may be considering P&L responsibilities. The workbook clearly and concisely explains the relationship between the essential financial statements. The book makes the field of Accounting more interesting than my previous opinions. I would definitely recommend this book considering the conditions mentioned.

I needed a crash-course in accounting prior to starting my MBA. This book gave me what I needed to know so that I wasn't completely clueless on my first day of class. It was also a valuable reference tool throughout school, and a great way to prepare for final exams.

Learning accounting can be tough, but this book helps make it bearable.

I purchased this book as a way to learn about financial statements. My previous knowledge was only that of knowing what a balance sheet looked like, but not what it actually told me. This book took me from only having very limited knowledge of the accounting world, to feeling competent in discussing financials with my peers.

What would happen if Sir Isaac Newton, one of the greatest scientific minds in human history, actually discovered the secrets of alchemy and magic? What if other historical figures, such as a young Benjamin Franklin and Louis XIV, King of France, were affected by this discovery? Author Keyes presents a fascinating story, obviously well researched, which demonstrates that humankind's inability to mature morally as fast as it does scientifically, leds for horrifying consequences. The story weaves around numerous historical and fictional characters and the pace is kept lively. In particular, the author does a good job with the female characters, making them much more than simple cardboard cutouts. The ending is particularly good and I immediately read the sequelA Calculus of Angels" to find out what happens next.

Although I'm generally not into alternate histories, I picked this up along with the 2nd book in the series because of the historical people involved as well as the reviews on line. I wasn't disappointed.

The real life historical characters like Benjamin Franklin and Sir Isaac Newton (among others) seemed finely realized, even if their histories were tweaked a bit. For instance, Franklin said and did things I could imagine he would have said and done. The characterizations are well done and believable.

As to the alchemical inventions and what-have-you, I was most taken with aetherschrieber (hope I spelled it right), which you'll come to understand when you read the story. (Hint: It's some type of office machine.)

Though a somewhat dark book, I couldn't put it down, and I finished it in about a week. I was glad I decided to get book 2 at the same time.

Don't be intimidated by the name of this book or that Newton is on the cover. This is not some boring, overly-detailed science book: It'll actually leave you hungering for more!

History is a fascinating subject and all of the "what if's" are even more fascinating. In this very well researched and written book we are faced with "what if Newton's genius took him in another direction?" The characters of Newton, Franklin and Louis XIV are extremely well developed. The portrayal of Adriene and her delima of being a woman with a brain is a special touch I appreciate very much. It shows the author's sensitivity of the issues women have faced through history. I reccommend this book and cannot wait for the next one.

This book contains very basic material on the operation of the car; it appears to be a decent read for teenagers looking to grasp the basic; but the more mature readers will find this very shallow. The text contains the fundaments of auto mechanics; it is split into seven chapters; and each chapter describes a major automotive system. It has a test section at the end of each chapter to gauge how much you have learned. This book does not cover details on 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines; how the engine starts spinning after turning the ignition etc.

I must admit that it was enertaining reading this books with all the descriptive pictures.

How Cars Works is refined simplicity. I work for a major Auto Parts chain and when I get new employees, the first day they read this book. Just from two hours, an average "Joe" off the street can get the feel for how a car works. This book is well illustrated to fit the text. Granted, this book does not go deep into any specifics, but gives general information on all subjects such as Engine (top and bottom end), brakes, cooling system, chassis, and much more. I would recommend this book to any new drivers as well as anyone wanting to know more about cars.

If you or someone you know needs to learn the basics about cars, you need two books: How Cars Work and Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care. Both are great gifts for new drivers. I purchase How Cars Work and Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care for my nieces and nephews when they turn 16. Being an automobile technician, I think everyone that drives cars should know a little about them. How Cars Work does a great job using drawings to show car parts and what they do. Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care uses actual photos to show parts. Auto Upkeep also explains how to buy a car and choose automobile insurance. How Cars Work includes a worksheet for review at the end of each chapter, while Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care has a CD with review activities and internet links.

There are many treasures to be found in this excellent book. According to Rothbard, "laissez faire" economy is not enough. What we require is a theory of justice, because so long as we exchange legitimate rigths to property, it is a philosophical and ethical matter to see what are the standards to establish when a particular title to property is actually just. Economics alone could'nt tell us that. So he sets to build a theory of justice and he is remarkably successful as to that, in general, but not in particular instances. This is a systematic work. It begins with the idea that "natural law" is a correct notion, then continues determining that property is a necessary consequence of the recognition of "human rights" -or rather, that in fact, all "human rights" boil down to property rights- In this respect, the foremost right is that one which concerns one's own person and body. Property rights over exterior objects are the consequence of men mixing their bodies (their labor)with natural resources, whence the right to own land that one has worked on if it was vacant before. Rothbard doesn't support "feudal" land ownership that comes from military conquest and does not imply the owner labor mixed in it. When this happens, the real natural owner is the laborer, the serf or the slave.

I'd wish only that Rothbard were somewhat more humble about his doctrines and convictions. He dismisses everyone else are nitwits and fools. I prefer the temptative and inquisitive style of Nozick or more recently, Jan Narveson. For example, he reviews "alternative conceptions of liberty", criticizing -sometimes quite cogently, but not always- flaws in Mises, Nozick, Hayek and Isaiah Berlin. Even James Buchanan is set upon.

When he departs from his main subjects in his construction of libertarian ethics, he reaches sometimes inconsistent or even preposterous conclusions. For example, when it comes to criminal law, he says that punishments should be the affair of the victim, himself or his heirs, either through private companies to the effect or somehow -Rothbard was, let us remember, the "enemy of the state", the greatest anarcho-capitalist-. The victim could choose the enforcement of the law or even to omit exacting any punishment or relatiation at all. But now I say: let us imagine a murder victim who has no heir or whose legacy is repudiated. Is his death to go unpunished? And what if the heir is the murderer? I'm sure that Rothbard had a answer for that, but it is not in this book.

Another reviewer has remarked upon "children rights" in this book. But I ask you, what do these rothbardian libertarians find so interesting about blackmailers? Rothbard writes pages on end to stress that blackmailers are legitimate suppliers of a good to their (should we say...?) victims. So does Walter Brock in other writings. Well, you go on like this, rothbardians, and I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun, but all by yourselves.

In sum, it is not strange that Rothbard has not found academic recognition. Nevertheless, it is worth reading if you don't take him too seriously because his recklessness is precisely what allows him to show the inconsistencies of other more sedate theorists.

Murray Rothbard was the leading libertarian thinker of the 20th century. In 1982, he published THE ETHICS OF LIBERTY, his central work on political theory and ethics. This work was republished recently with an excellent introduction by Hans-Hermann Hope (the endnotes have been converted into footnotes, a big improvement).

This work is probably the best discussion of libertarian philosophy from an anarcho-capitalist perspective. In addition, Rothbard develops a theory based on natural law, thus distancing himself from other strands of libertarian thought.

The book is particularly comprehensive. Starting with a discussion of natural law, Rothbard turns to practical issues such as voluntary exchange, contracts, and the rights of children. He then discusses the concept of the state. He ends the work with discussions of different approaches to rights and a strategy for advancing liberty. The comprehensive nature of the work is also its greatest weakness. Rothbard discusses too many subjects in too few pages. For example, the difficult question of the rights of children takes all of 15 pages. Yet there is no more difficult question for any theory of rights than that question.

Rothbard's discussion of the rights of children is emblematic of the weakness and at times superficial nature of this work. Take Rothbard's discussion of when the parents' "jurisdiction" over a child ends. He states: "Surely, any particular age (21, 18, or whatever) can only be completely arbitrary. The clue to the solution to this thorny question lies in the parental property rights in their home. For the child has his FULL rights of self-ownership WHEN HE DEMONSTRATES THAT HE HAS THEM IN NATURE-in short when he leaves or 'runs away' from home." [p. 103; emphasis in the original.] First of all, it may be arbitrary to establish the age of emancipation at 18 rather than 17, but such decisions are found in all areas of life and are not thereby rendered "completely arbitrary." In any event, is it "completely arbitrary" to set it at 18 rather than 5? Moreover, Rothbard's "solution" is in most respects even more arbitrary. For example, if Junior Jones runs away when he is 8 years old, does that mean his parents cannot force him to stay? What if Junior is 5 and wanders off his parents' property and stays at the Smiths' house, asserting that he would prefer to live with the Smiths. Has he then demonstrated a "right to self-ownership" in nature? Would it be wrong for the Joneses to take him back? Rothbard uses a similar argument against Laissez-faire advocates of limited government who believe the state may provided limited protection services. Supposedly their views fail because how much or little services such a government might provide can only be "purely arbitrary." [p. 181.] This type of argument leads Rothbard to advocate abortion-on-demand, a position with which I strongly disagree.

For whatever flaws it contains, THE ETHICS OF LIBERTY it is certainly one of the most provocative books you will ever read.

This is a very powerful work to say the least. Rothbard pushes natural rights and the non-initiation of force arguments to the full extreme. Despite this, I still disagree with him on one major point; the necessity of government. Although the idea has only been lightly touched upon by theorists, government is possible without any initiation of force against the governed. In fact, it is this ideal government that is the only alternative to both anarchy and statism. Nevertheless, Rothbard keeps you on your toes at all times. It is impossible to challenge anarcho-capitalism without an indepth understanding of this book. Ultimately, the premises of this book are virtually irrefutable, it is only the conclusions that one may dispute.

Murray Rothbard, an "anarcho-capitalist," writes a brilliant promulgation of liberty, natural rights theory, and property rights all derived from a non-agression axiom.

This book is a great introduction to the "extreme" side of libertarianism, and although I don't agree with all of Rothbard's insight, I was blown away by his clear prose, meticulous logic, and thoughtful points that jump off every page.

Unlike the reviewer below who gave this book 1 star, I actually read it. Rothbard doesn't side step ANYTHING. He discusses economics from a refreshing free-market prespective, demonstrating the freedom such a market would allow. But more importantly, he tackles issues that many people think libertarians fear: roads, police, and the environment. His pollution solution is simple and derived from a Lockean theory of property rights: you own yourself; if pollution harms you, it is "invading" your property. Thus, pollution is a tort (something one can sue over), or it is illegal, because it is illegal to violate one's right to self-ownership without providing just compensation.

Property rights have a tradition grounded in John Locke's work on natural law theory. In fact, far from not defining property rights, Rothbard quotes extensively from Locke's "Civil Government" to define them AND he defends them throughout the entire book but extensively in the first chapter,"Property and Exchange."

Of course, if the reviewer from Mississippi State (who gave 1 star) needs someone to "define" property rights for him better than Rothbard did than perhaps he is beyond help. It also is nice if someone reads a book before they review it. Note: the reviewer claimed that Rothbard's ideas simply mean "one dollar, one vote." From an anarchist perspective there wouldn't be anyone to vote for.

Nevertheless, I can't say I agree with all of Rothbard's work. Anarcho-capitalism wins the moral argument, as Rothbard shows here and in "Ethics of Liberty," his in-depth scholarly work, but I am not sure it is a system that will ever come about without overthrowing the government, and hence using violence.

Perhaps I'm too pessimistic. But this book is still great for even miniarchists, or those interested in a clear articulation of libertarian solutions to current world problems from a natural rights perspective. There is no better philosopher to start with.

If you're looking for an introduction to libertarian thought, this is THE book to read. Here, free-market economist and radical for liberty Murray Newton Rothbard tackles all the major issues: the philosophical basis of libertarianism, the history of classical liberalism, the failures of government to preserve basic liberties, and the ways in which a free-market economy handily solves problems that seem forever beyond the reach of government. Rothbard is also one of few libertarians to face the issue of pollution head-on. You'll search Ayn Rand's works in vain for any "pollution solution"; she was apparently content to believe the problem didn't really exist, a practice to some extent continued by her disciple George Reisman in his mostly brilliant treatise _Capitalism_. But Rothbard doesn't duck the issue: demonstrable pollution is an invasion of property rights and should be outlawed. Nor is Rothbard a friend of "corporate capitalism." Again unlike Rand, who regarded "big business" as "America's most persecuted minority," Rothbard lambastes big business for its constant seeking of government favors and its use of clout to secure protectionist legislation -- including "limited liability." All in all, this book is a treat. If you haven't read it yet, I envy you. Pick up a copy of this consistent, principled defense of liberty at once.

Murray Rothbard is considered to be the most influential of the modern libertarians, and in "For a New Liberty: The Libertarian Manifesto" he demonstrates why. In an American society content with confiscatory taxes and military slavery via conscription, Professor Rothbard redefines the concenpt of liberty: the Lockean concept of liberty which America was founded upon. This concept is one of Man's ability to reason and the right to self-rule which comes from it. From bans on prostitution and drugs to the forced "trust fund" called social security, Rothbard relentlessly decries the paternalism and coercion of government and calls for a return to our nation's libertarian roots. Professor Rothbard's defense of an age of freedom passed is eloquent evidence of the immensity of his learnings. From economics and political philosophy to history and the present state, Rothbard wages the war of ideas on all fronts with passion and ideology backed by empiricism and logic. "For a New Liberty" questions the contemporary conceptions of both the left and the right and presents a more consistent, just philosophy for America. Anyone embarking upon a reading of Rothbard's text must be open minded and ready to accept what America once was, and can be again

Having already read numerous books on conduct and education for my professional need, I am delighted to see some special features of "Complete Conduct Principles for the 21st Century" by Dr. John Newton. Some of them have already been mentioned by other reviewers. Here I like to share my view with people regarding only the following two points, although there are many other special features which have not yet been mentioned by reviewers.

First. I am particularly interested in the materials associated with the Eastern culture in the book, which few books of this subject cover. The Western people really need to read those. They may help solve the problems the Western culture can not. Furthermore, Dr. Newton carefully and wonderfully blended some best concepts, minds, souls and spirits in both the Eastern and the Western cultures (the two are quite different), and generated some unprecedented results. These will be needed by the new human society in the 21st century, and may also help solve some important and difficult problems.

Second. While most other books of this subject are too lengthy and verbose and/or with too many special terminologies, this book is well designed to suit most people. Frankly speaking, in the new century most people will be too busy to patiently read and digest a whole serious book. To them, regarding conduct, an easy, simple, clear, convenient and self-contained handbook is more useful and helpful. The book is just so designed. This is praiseworthy.

People in the habit of glancing through non-fiction books do not best benefit from the book. They miss important values of the book. Furthermore, misusing the handbook may result in misconception and, in the extreme case, even irresponsible, incorrect, unrighteous, and misleading public comments on the book. On the other hand, people thinking while reading the book will better benefit from it.

Reasonably a book of COMPLETE conduct principles must include many principles already familiar to people (while there are some creative ones). As a result, some people may feel trivial about a few principle titles (for example, "Respect Other People") at their first glances. However, people very familiar with some conduct principles usually do not well follow those principles. Why? The problem is lack of deep thinking -- thinking about a conduct principle itself, thinking about how to follow it in the real-life circumstances, etc. I think one of many important values of "Complete Conduct Principles for the 21st Century" by Dr. John Newton is to help people fill that gap. But it will be best accomplished only when a reader does think while reading the book.

Another point I would like to mention is that it appears that the author attempted to use simpler sentences in order to suit the broad readership.

Let me arbitrarily cite a paragraph from the book as an example (from page 158) ---

"All human beings live on this very small earth, while the earth is only a tiny particle in the vast universe. Therefore all people all over the world are in the same boat, and should help instead of fighting with one another. People should have this understanding and mind."

Yes, most people are very familiar with these words, but, how many people do you think who have ever really deep thought about the meaning, the significance, the real practice, ...?

This is merely one arbitrary example; there are lots of better ones.

I suggest that you think while reading each sentence of the book to be best benefited. This is also consistent with the author's advice in the section of "How to Use This Handbook" (page 27-28), which should be read before doing the main text.

The 21st century --- what an exciting century! However, it is also a dangerous one! The rates of drug abuses, suicide, mental illnesses, crimes and so on, have tremendously increased for the last half century (small fluctuations are neglected). By a scientific measurement of people's minds, they have been going in the negative direction. If we do not act, in the 21st century human beings will have very bad consequence.

Indeed, the human society in the new century will be very different than that now. Facing the new society, we really have the new challenge: What is good conduct in the 21st century?

Hence, "Complete Conduct Principles for the 21st Century" by Dr. John Newton is definitely needed by people now. It not only helps solve some most important problems, but also helps people prepare appropriate conduct for the 21st century.

Understandably, good conduct induces many benefits for each person. Dr. John Newton is the first scholar that scientifically discusses, in this book, the relation between conduct and health and points out good conduct may benefit health, based on his long-term research. This is one of many novel points of this book.

The conduct principles in this book are complete, while other books of the same subject are not. They cover not only what a person should do but also what any one of us should not do --- especially about the faults people make frequently and easily and particularly in the 21st century.

I agree with Dr. Newton, inspiredly, and wish to share my view with all people --- let's work together to build a nicer century!

Here is a fascinating peek into the way one designer, Deb Newton, does her knitwear. Her designs are very recognizable--interesting stitch texture, shapes from couture. She even cuts and sews knitted "fabric" into garments.

If you are an experienced knitter and want to design using those tempting stitch dictionary patterns, and if you like the fit and shape of garments to be tailored more than the standard raglan pullover, then this book is for you. The drawings are especially interesting, showing how Newton goes from swatches of yarns knitted in pattern, plus inspirations to a finished garment.

If you want a "how to knit your own" sweaters for simpler knitting techniques, I don't recommend this book. You can knit your own sweaters using the percentage technique found in "Knitting Without Tears" or "Knitting Around" by Elizabeth Zimmermann, or you can try "The Sweater Workshop" by Jackie Fee. But if you want more high-fashioned, structured design, this book will be a great resource.

I worked very hard on a child's lace-trimmed sweater from a pattern only to be very disappointed by the result. The dropped shoulders had no shaping and a clumsy-looking knitted seam, the back rode up, and the button band was too narrow to control the curl of the edge. That was when I thought, "I could do better than this." I decided to start designing my own stuff. "Designing Knitwear" has a lot to offer someone who wants to design their own knitwear. Newton's ideas are inspiring. I don't particularly like the majority of projects she gives directions for, but I learned a lot about the design process from her, and about producing looks that are way beyond the run-of-the-mill. One thing I don't like about the book is that Newton takes the sewing approach, with the flat-knit pieces sewn together, the edges sewn on, etc. I like to keep sewing to a minimum in knitted garments.

First, I would like to clear up a few misunderstandings about this book. The author does not trash dime store knitters. She simply states that she finds them to be part of the folk art land scape. However, her constant admonition throughout the book is to buy the best you can afford. You can't cook a gourmet meal with bargain basement ingredients, can you?

Also, swatching is an absolutely essential part of the designing process. (Some designers even go so far as to suggest dedicating an entire ball of yarn to swatches) A designer who does not swatch will never know the full potential of a yarn. This is simply a fact. If you don't like swatching (and I don't) the author offers alternatives. However, she makes her swatches so pretty that I am almost tempted to change my mind.

The author offers her design system so that [novice] designers can borrow some or all of it until we come up with our own. The system is methodical and seems a great deal of fun. We find inspiration, find a yarn and swatch swatch swatch.

I hope everyone will give this book a fair chance. Knitters are artists and artists are not helped by being thin skinned or afraid to try something new.

AS noted by other reviewers, this book is not for the total beginner. You are expected to be knowledgable of basic knitting techniques as well as fibers etc.

When I read the stories in this book, I laughed, I cried and was very touched emotionally. Dayle Maloney is someone who I feel all people could benefit from, by following his examples and advice on how to approach lifes challenges and to just become a better person overall. The testamonies by so many others who he has touched and inspired are just so awesome and uplifting. I have bought several copies of this book and I am passing it around. I know this book can change lives, like it has mine. Truly the best book I have read in years and years.

I found the book to be very heartfelt and inspiring. It gives fresh out look to network marketing and Nutrition for Life Internatal as a whole company by shareing the true to life stories of normal everyday "JOE'S" can do it and make a very good lifestyle if you follow the trining and listen to there up line.

This is an inspirational book about a great business and a great company. Those who consider legitimate multilevel marketing companies to be "pyramid schemes? simply don't have their facts straight. There are clear legal distinctions which can be understood by anyone who cares to know. Dayle Maloney and friends have written a heartwarming accounts directly from the experience of network marketing. Dare to read it.

Past Presence, Gaye Newton's debut novel, is an intricate tale of family, friendship, tragedy, and the supernatural. Anitra Cole, the main character, is an otherwise successful entrepreneur with a troubled personal life. She is haunted by feelings she can't explain, and secrets she can't uncover. With the help of her life-long best friend, Carrie Morgan, Anitra relives events from their childhood in 1974 - events that are rooted in her grandparents' own childhood in the 1920s.

The power in Newton's novel is its exploration of relationships: Anitra and Carrie's friendship, Anitra's relationship with her grandparents, the joys and heartaches of life among a large successful family just before the Depression. Newton successfully interweaves the supernatural with the common in a way that draws you into the story, without your questioning, or caring if the events are feasible.

Although the writing style is slightly choppy at the start, by the time Anitra stumbles across her first startling revelation, the writing flows, and putting this book down is no longer an option. Among Newton's strengths is clearly plot development. The story telling was wonderful, with sufficient detail to color the story without being mundane. A joy of this book is the absence of the 250 pages of filler found in most supernatural novels.

Past Presence is one of those books that reveals its story in layers. It is difficult to discuss the plot line without giving too much detail. Suffice it to say you will absolutely enjoy this book. And unlike many first novels, the ending is thoroughly enjoyable.

Reading Past Presence by Gaye Newton was reminiscent of reading Kindred by Octavia Butler for me. Both stories deal with time travel and have you on the edge of your seat as you try and figure out what will happen next. Newton introduces us to Anitra Leigh Cole who has just received a marriage proposal from a wonderful, handsome, intelligent and debonair young man but Anitra has doubts and cold feet about marrying John. Why? What does a secret made between two children in 1927 and a letter dated in 1974 have in common? And why is Anitra concerned about either of these events?

Gaye Newton gives us an intriguing and suspenseful debut novel about the supernatural, secrets, tragedy, family and friends. Once you start reading you will not be able to put it down until you find out what, why and how. Check out Past Presence from this first-time author.

I really enjoyed Past Presence by Gaye Newton. The author has created an exciting book that grabs you from the very beginning and keeps you guessing about its mysteries and secrets until the end. I especially enjoyed the author's accurate descriptions as we journeyed through time.

In addition and as an African American myself, it was refreshing to read a entertaining book based on middle class African American characters without focusing on race issues or the African American experience.