As I began reading The Valley of the Kings I realized how much new information there is today since I last read any work about Egypt. I found myself not only learning about new discoveries but also renewing my acquaintance with Carter, Lord Carnavon and other lesser known explorers.

Smith and Bernard make Egyptology fascinating and acessible to both the younger and more adult readers. I highly recommend this book to both the avid fans of tombs and mummies and novices who are just being introduced to Egypt and its wonders.

Stone's book is full of completely relevant detail, documenting with his knowledge of personality and history, those revolutionary and disturbing times in Naples. Exploring book reading habits, printing, attitudes on the ground toward the Inquisition, local thinkers and their place in the larger intellectual world of the times, it makes captivating reading. He is doing what Vico might have directed him to do: get under the skins of the people of the time. His presentation of Vico as a seminal political thinker also opened my eyes to other aspects of the philosopher - my focus has been too "one-sided" - since I am focussing on a Jungian analysis of Vico (Mr Stone may cringe when he hears someone is attempting that). In any case, Mr Stone has helped me in my quest to discover what "type" Vico was. He makes tantalising hints at possible Masonic research Vico was involved with - I am based in London and is has proven hard to read it here; but I did locate it in the New York Public Library - I have not been able to complete reading as yet, but it was a thrilling experience to read the 80% I did manage sitting in that hot room in New York.

"Walk These Stones" is a wonderful look at the people and culture of Costa Rica as seen through the eyes of service workers. The illustrations are beautifully painted and very expressive. The writing is almost lyrical, sometimes humorous, sometimes moving. A lovely book to learn about these villagers and their daily lives, and get you thinking about their values and your own.

Excellent book. Great Illustrations of this pretty old town. Not only are the illustrations excellent the Hisorical Content is outstanding and straight forward. A must have for all lovers of Old Salem.

Lyn Doucet has crafted a wonderful guide to spiritual growth for all. She writes from a Christian prospective but the book will still be useful for anyone who wants to seek a more spirit-filled life. The lessons are grouped in a logical path with excellent thought-provoking questions at the end of each. The book is designed for a person to use on their own but Lyn provides a guide for a group approach if needed. She strongly includes journaling as a part of the process but is not insistent. I read the book through in one weekend as a part of a retreat. I found myself thinking deeply about the lessons she was trying to show me. I will be rereading this book more slowly to further explore the path. For those who are led to develop further, Lyn has provided an excellent bibliography. I can strongly recommend this book to anyone who would like to begin their own spirit-filled journey.

Weird Pets is a superbly written, illustrated, and presented six volume series by Lynn Stone and designed for students in grades 1 through 4 (and with a third grade reading text and vocabulary). Each volume includes the animal's geographic origins, type of species, habits and habitats. The individual volumes include Boa Constrictors; Box Turtles; Ferrets; Miniature Horses; Pot Bellied Pigs; and Tarantulas. They are also enhanced with a glossary and photo captions reinforcing science-related reading and vocabulary skills. Although the titles comprising Weird Pets are available individually ($18.60), it is the complete set which is most enthusiastically recommended for school and community library pets and wildlife reference collections for young readers.

This story is a wonderful multi-cultural depiction of what goes on behind the scenes on Christmas Eve. It is full of angels in big, red dresses which draw the reader into the book. The verse and pictures make this a delight for children of all ages. I highly recommend this and Phoebe Stone's other stories to everyone who enjoys well written children's books with equally well done artwork.

This is a wonderful book! It deals with a young woman's quest to find herself, and meaning, in the world. As many of us who grew up and were educated in the 1980's, this young woman pursued a career that paid, in terms of money, but not necessarily in terms of satisfaction and happiness. The young woman realizes that something is missing, and she takes the opportunity (many would say risk) to pursue what is important in life, which ends up being many things (which I will leave future readers to learn). I think many readers will be able to relate to the world that the main character faces, as many of us have tried to balance work and expectations with personal satisfaction.

In the process, the main character meets many wonderful individuals who teach her something about herself and the world. The reader also gets a sense of life away from the rat-race, since much of the book takes place in the American Rockies. And, the novel is well-written; it is full of humor and descriptive passages.

For anyone who has thought seriously about their career, and whether or not their chosen career was the right "match" for them, this novel may make them think about evaluating life. For those who have taken the risk of exploring other careers, or completely "dropping out" of their chosen job or career, this novel will hopefully re-affirm the rightness of doing so.

Bolster has approached "Alice" and one cannot help but feel that she has let the reader in on a secret between the girl/woman and the man who immortalized her. The secret, however, is a universal secret, and so, the reader is not left wondering what it all means (just some of it!).

Her mastery, then, is that she brings the reader into a secret, private world, and in so doing, brings the reader to him or herself, as well as to the poet -- something not easily accomplished in poetry.

You don't have to know much about Saskatchewan or about the Prairies in Canada to find this book worth reading. Open your mind to the fascinating and magnetic presence of a 'field' - not only a field of dreams, but also one of realities, past and present, that reveal themselves over time.

Although a very personal journey of discovery, through time, history, and culture, it is a very engaging journey that you will not regret sharing. On the contrary, Butala's insights and experiences will draw you in and you will explore some important messages for yourself.

The description of the unique landscape in Southeastern Saskatchewan, its flora and fauna is beautiful in itself and worth reading. After finishing 'Wild Stone Heart', you will want to visit the 'field' yourself. Although you will have learned by then that you will not see what Sharon Butala has learned to see and to discover over many years of visiting this captivating spot. You will have to find your own 'field' to discover and re-discover your place in time and in nature. Highly recommended reading: more than once and not only for those who enjoyed 'The Perfection of the Morning'