I came new to this subject but became rivetted by Pateman's engaged and engaging style. He writes in an easily, understandable but profound way about one of the most significant struggles for nationhood in the XX century. He covers many centuries of history but convinces me that Eritrea is indeed a special place. An enduring sense of nationhood developed during the liberation struggle a sense which has deepened during the cowardly Ethiopian attacks of the last few months. Pateman has helped me understand why the Eritreans have survived and why thay may become very important actors in Africa in the next century.

I Love this book. It has so mush meaning about being your self. Even it is for young kids I read it to remind my self about life. The pictures are also wonderful. They are made with such care. I recomed it to every one.

The book's author served as Cornell University's Professor Emeritus of Linquistics, so he is far from a fad-flaring fringe-fan of Viking rune-stones. Rather, Professor Hall has, in a very readable-yet-scholarly manner, argued the linguistic and archaeological evidence (corroborated by forensic insights) for the historic authenticity of the Kensington Rune-Stone, with a very helpful interlinear translation, followed by a word-by-word analytical commentary, especially buttressed by contemporary political history events of relevance, all the while using logic and historic philology for analysis. It is a shame that the detractors of the Kensington Rune-stone don't make a good-faith effort to reply to Hall's evidence and logic. To date I have seen no serious scholarship to refute Hall's work in this extreming interesting area of American Viking history. I say that as a viking history lecturer with a history-oriented doctorate that included a minor in European studies, as the author of a few publications on Viking history, as a past Historian for a chapter of the Sons of Norway, and after having served as a Icelandic saga analyst/Viking history lecturer abroad (involving research-related travels to viking history locations in 7 different countries). Sadly, many researchers today judge events in history by a "uniformitarian" approach, e.g., assuming that the "wine-berries" (grapes) of Vinland must match growth conditions under today's climate, as opposed to researching what a place's climate was like 1000 years ago, e.g., by noticing that the Norman Domesday Book of 1086 recorded at least 38 vineyards in England. Hall provides REAL research.
><> JJSJ, a college professor/Viking history lecturer

This is one of the best documents on gemstones availabletoday. Itcovers virtually every major gemstone as well as a great number of the "new" gemstones just coming into popularity. The descriptions and photographs are excellent. The locals where found and the appearance and availability of the rough material make this a genuine gem of its own. Anyone interested in lapidary, jewelry, or gemstones in general will find this book to be an outstanding value. This is enhanced by its relatively low price.

This book is a wonderful reference for anyone that has in interest in gemstones or geology. The book has three main parts. The first is an introduction into the terminology that is used in the gemology industry. I found this section to be very inclusive and easy to understand. This section covers everything from the types of crystal structures to cutting techniques and density. This is a great section for those that are new in the world of gemology and would like a more in depth explanation of gemstones.
The next major section deals with well known gemstones. Every stone you can think of from diamond to emerald is covered in this section. The section is reserved for stones that most everyone has heard of and are readily available at any store. This section is layed out in a field guide type format as opposed to an in depth paragraph discussion. Each stone has a description of its characteristics and colored photos of multiple examples. The photos are beautifully done with several different examples of each stone shown.
The final section is reserverd form more uncommon gemstones. This section will be sure to surprise you. For example petrified wood is shown as a more uncommon gemstone. Even the most experienced gemologist will learn something new in this section..The pictures and layout of this section are the same as in the previous section.
I highly recommend this book to people with an interest in geology or gemology. This book is not a book that is best read cover to cover. It is better used as a reference because of its layout and abundance of information. No matter what you use it for you will be fascinated with the information and captivated by the photography. A wonderful book that will keep you entertained for hours.

This is probably the best gemstone reference book that I've seen. If you are someone interested in gems, looking to buy gems online, or even a jeweler you'll find this book indispensable.

The book teaches you the basic properties of gemstones, hardness, cleavage/fracture, color, refraction, dispersion, etc.

It gives you an overview of cutting and polishing gemstones with a chart of the different types of cuts available.

But the best part of the book is the description of gemstones. This book covers virtually all known gemstones! Not just the big 4(diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire) but over 100 different gems, many that you've probably never even heard of!

The gems are broken down into groups, the beryl group, corundum group, etc. Each group then gives the different gems from that group and gives the physical characteristics of that gem. It lists the different sources and colors of each gem and tells you which gems you might confuse the stone with.

And finally each gemstone comes with a full page picture of different cuts, colors and rough of that gem.

All in all this is a MUST HAVE BOOK for anyone interested in gems.

Very thought provoking. Much more than a simple fantasy novel. Makes the reader really think about life and the unknown, as well as weaving an entertaining tale. A must read!

Blown away--this is one you've got to read. cool, creepy, awesome, spectacular,...well, it rules!!

JUst when you think there isn't any more fantasy out there, someone comes along with a tornado to make you think again!!11 check it out man I love it and can't wait for more---------000

This one is worth the cover price for the pictures alone. You get all the Rolling Stone interviews, the photos, and some great tributes. I've read this cover to cover several times. George Harrison guitarist, songwriter, spiritualist, producer, and gardner. You'll get a glimpse into the elements that made up the man. This book and the huge Beatles anthology sit on my coffee table and I flip through this one often. Enjoy it!

I don't have much more to add from other reviews--they all express my sentiments about this book. I'd just like to jump on the bandwagon and urge Olivia Harrison to write her own book about George. Of all the essays, I thought hers was the most articulate and insightful. I relish reading what she has written. However, I appreciate the glimpses into George's character offered by his friends. Although all of the messages about George's character and his music stressed similar strengths and gifts, each one offered unique facets. A book to be read repeatedly and cherished.

Unlike nearly every other book on George Harrison, this is of the highest quality & doesn't wander off into gossipy corridors. George's memory is well-served by the book's mature analysis of his wonderful music and its respectful portrayal of George as a human being. I feel compelled to say that when I heard of George's passing, I was extremely upset. Not only was George an amazing songwriter and guitarist, he was also (from what I gather) an extremely gentle person. The world is a much poorer place due to his departure.

The book is finely illustrated with many rare pictures; I was delighted that it didn't gloss over George's neglected solo career. Another particular delight is the introduction penned by Mrs. Harrison. Like her husband, Mrs. Harrison is a very dignified, articulate person and I wish her the very best. Pictures of George's son (who looks just like him, by the way) are also included. Thank you for the music, George.

This book is terrific, I loved it when I was little and I remember forcing my brother to read it to me over and over before I could read. It's an enchanting story, delightful for girls all over, it was the first book I thought of when looking for a book for my neice. Our local book store at the time was able to special order it for me, which was about 8 years ago. I have to admit my 5 yr. old son doesn't seem to be as enthusiastic about it as I was (we borrowed his cousin's book), which makes me think it is definately more appealing to girls. Anyone who was a fan of "Bewitched" or the current "Sabrina..." will like this book.

This was a favorite book of mine in grade school, and I was so happy to find a copy of it online for [price]. Reading it again has been awesome! The story of Minx, the good witch who doesn't want to be bad despite the urgings of the terrible Madame Snickasee who she is forced to live with. Minx's courage and determination help her in her journey to find out who she is. A very happy ending, along with meeting some interesting characters on the way make this a magical story I highly recommend if you can find it!!

I wanted this book so badly, I paid about $70 to get a copy! Harry Potter mania has reminded me once again of this wonderful story. As a child I read a first edition signed by the author. It was given to me by a Great Aunt who told me that Ms. Bennet was a second cousin to me. I gifted the book to my neice who will soon be reading it to her first child. Some 30 plus years after I first read it, I still remember the wonder of the story -- can't wait to read it again.

Hanna Sommerfiled, the protaganist of this book is certainly among the most unforgettable characters I have ever read.

A book that had my jaw dropped, a book I could not put down. Maureen Earl has written a book of such power, such poignancy, and a book that everyone should read.

This is an important book, showing the triumph of human nature. The sheer grit of this story is amazing.

This little known history of WW11 is written with extreme sensitivity by Maureen Earl. Her ability to knit fact with fiction, and her seamless story telling, passing back and forth in time, is executed with true grace and talent. I heartily recommend this book for all. It's high time this story was brought to light. Set in Europe, then on the ill fated ship, the SS Atlantic, the book tells the true story of the British imprisoning desperate refugees on a tropical island off the east coast of Africa. The amazing turns in this story are due to Ms Earl's exceptional writing. That we are able to laugh while reading this book is a credit to the author and the unforgettable Hanna Sommerfield, the main character of this remarkable book. Five Stars.

I read this book after reading Maureen Earl's earlier book, GULLIVER QUICK. I was really not prepared for the power that I found in BOAT OF STONE. Ms Earl has written a book that is both important and enormously gripping. That the book is based on a real story only makes it more amazing. This is a book that will survive into the ages, a must read.

A thoroughly charming read. Was sold on this one by Marcia Brown's "Strings Attached" story on the sneak preview. She must have a colorful family indeed! Also enjoyed the Mandela piece. Great fun, even if you're not a gardener!

Thanks to Cliff Hunter for his great review of "Chicken Soup for the Gardener's Soul". Please note, however, that the story "A Son's Harvest" was written by Lee May, not Henry Boye, as Cliff states. (It's a wonderful story, no matter who wrote it, but Lee should get the credit!) Thanks--Carol Sturgulewski, coauthor, Chicken Soup for the Gardener's Soul

A truly good book evokes cozy images and sensations from the past. And this is a very good book, one that teaches us to stop and consider how wisely we spend on this earth.

Among my personal favorites was Nona's Garden by Paul Silici. I could almost smell the delectably heavy garlic, beef and tomatoes slowly steaming in my grandmother's kitchen, and felt a tug on my heartstrings when she shared the story of her grandmother's lessions in life. Planting Day filled me with hope for the younger generation when I saw that sixteen-year-old Beth Pollack had written such an insightful essay. It was good to learn in Pat Stone's A Bedside Story that I'm not the only person who talks to their plants.

There's something for everyone in CS for the Gardener's Soul.

It is strange when I say this because I read alot. I read classics like war and peace,les miserables, moby dick and such but when friends ask me what is my favorite i tell them A stone for Danny Fisher.
First of all harold robbins wrote trash novels. his first 3 were classics.Comprared to what he wrote later on. When he died the new york times said in his obiturary that A stone for Danny Fisher deserves a paragraph in this mans life in literary history.
As a kid i related to the charaters and i felt for them i never did that when i read as a kid. i even tear up when i read the epilouge because he hits it dead on . for i am a man of ordinary hopes and ordinary dreams, i too cursed at the umpire for a bad call , im the guy on the boat with george washington, im the guy smoking the ciggarette at the subway platform. no songs will be written about me.
That is what life is all about in my view and he harold robbins nailed it.
i even buy this book used to send to friends so they could read it.
well whoever reads it enjoy.

I have raved, and raved about this book, and found that I want to read it yet once again. The problem is, it's out of print. Would someone out there be willing to sell me your copy? If so please contact me at: drbilllambert@uswest.net in Phx. Az. Thanks so much..:-)

I read this book when I was a teenager and I still remember the story 15 years later. Its one of those novels that make a lasting impact on you.