Dick Francis does it once again, delivering a solid mystery with a hero who is an honest, intelligent, basically a good guy who tries to solve the mysteries that arise after the death of the hero's considerably older brother, robberies, muggings, and car wreck, and to do so must veer from the straight and narrow path.
Derek is a steeplechase jockey who has broken his ankle when he receives word that his older brother (19 years his senior) has been seriously injured in a freak accident. Derek has to make a hard decision, then, when he learns that he is his brother's heir, he realizes that he got far more than he bargained for. Not only has he inherited his brother's house, car, and gem business (something Derek has no knowledge of nor any interest in), but also all of the troubles as well, including thefts, missing diamonds, secret passwords, troubled friendships and his brother's mistress!
Derek rises to the challenges, hindered physically by his broken ankle but more so by his inability to discover who is behind the subsequent break-ins, assaults, missing diamonds, and a nasty car wreck. All the while, Derek grieves for his brother, copes with his brother's mistress, and uncovers a second criminal element involving horses and horse racing.
The usual humor that I associate with Francis is in this novel, but what I liked most was the greater attention paid to the relationships between the characters (Greville, Derek, Prospero, Brad and Clarissa in particular) and gave more emotional development as well. It is nicely illustrated by Derek's reflection on what his brother meant to him, the closeness of their relationship despite the difference in their ages, and the regret that the relationship ended far too soon and too suddenly without having the chance to say how much he meant to him nor a chance to say goodbye.
Like other Dick Francis mysteries, this one has plenty to keep the reader interested, has the usual connection to horse racing, and enough suspense and action without becoming an ordinary mystery.
Straight may refer to Derek's general moral core (no reference to his sexuality, though), but the path Derek takes to solve the mysteries thrown in his way is anything but straight. Highly recommended.

This was the first Dick Francis book I ever read and I am very glad it was. I have read this one over and over and I have yet to pick up a D.F. book that I didn't like.

This is my favorite Dick Francis novel, given to me by a good friend who also loves Francis. It is a book that sticks with me always. Wonderful story, action when you need it (which is a hallmark of Franics novels) but not overshadowing the relationships in this story. The hero is put in a situation where he has to feel his way along and learn his brother's business and life while simultaneously dealing with the loss of his brother and an emptiness in his life. I found it very moving. It is one of the few books that I have read where I have wondered what happens to the characters afterwords--as if they are real people. (Actually, Dick Francis is one of the few authors who has that effect on me. I also have that reaction to the three novels about Sid Halley.)

I strongly recommend this book, even to those who are not primarily mystery readers.

There is little I can add to the previous reviewers' coments in praise of this terrific little book - all of their comments are precisely right on the money. I, too, read this book at the age of nine and it led to a life-long interest in the boats and my own service in ballistic missile submarines circa 1980. Oddly enough, the atmosphere of cameraderie and professionalism White portrays in his book turned out to be a surprisingly accurate reflection of actual submarine life, albeit cleaned up for a more innocent audience. In spite of a couple of technical errors (which really don't detract at all from its strong points), I can't recommend it enough.

but they are definitely two separate books.

Both are highly enjoyable.

Up Periscope has a somewhat different perspective, in that it portrays a little bit more of what life on board a WW2 diesel boat in the Pacific Theatre was like. Readers who enjoy this aspect of the book would also doubtless enjoy 'Run Silent, Run Deep,' by Capt. Edward Beach.

Robb White had the gift of economy of words. With a very few short sentences, he is able to evoke powerful feelings and emotions. His books truly set the standard in the 'coming of age' style of books in the 60's.

We need more writers like him.

His wife, Annie White, runs a publishing company in LA. Her only purpose is to get more of his books back into print. So far, she has succeded with just the two books currently available- 'Deathwatch,' and 'Lions Paw.' Lets hope she gets more out soon.

There are a lot of kids who would benefit from reading these books.

Like many people of my generation, I encountered the classic adventure novels of Robb White in the early 1960s. Children's novels??? I'm 41 now and I still don't see it. White's tales of straightforward courage and selflessness are better than most "adult" fiction I read nowadays. UP PERISCOPE is one of his best story's, and, in case no one remembers, was made into a competent little war movie of the same name in the late 50s starring a young James Garner. Great book, as are all White's heartfelt WWII-era tales. Like the rest of Robb White's legions of fans, most of whom were Eisenhower-era kids when they read him, I'll never forget his wonderful, wonderful stories. I guess that's as close to immortality as a man can get.

I purchased the earlier edition of this book many years ago to
use as a guide book in our kennel. We here at Kemperland Kennel use it often. It is underlined and marked and used. There are even Betadine stains on it from being close at hand when we were dealing with an emergency. It has helped us through thick and thin of Westie grooming, health, breeding, puppy raising, etc.

When the author came out with an updated book in 2001, I bought it as well because I didn't want to miss out on ANY of her knowledge and expertise that she had gleaned from working more years with this wonderful breed of dog than I have had.
We recommend this book to all of our Westie clients. It will answer your questions and upgrade your knowledge like no other
book on them I have found. It, like the Westie, is the "BEST OF THE BEST".

In Westies From Head To Tail, Ruth Faherty draws upon her considerable experience and expertise as a former Westie breeder and exhibitor to present a detailed, informative, comprehensive, and descriptive introduction to all aspects of this charming and popular canine breed. Each "reader friendly" chapter is profusely illustrated with black-and-white photography and illustrations. Westies From Head To Tail is essential and rewarding reading for anyone who owns, or is contemplating owning a Westie.

I purchased this book 18 years ago when I had my first Westie. Out of all the Westie books I have this book is by far the most informational for new owners as well as seasoned Westie owners. I just got a new Westie puppie this January and went to get my book, which unfortunately was falling apart from overuse. Luckily I found the book on the secondary market. I am anxiously awaiting the updated version coming out this fall. The book is a true winner and to be enjoy by all Westie enthusiasts!!

Devan Marc is a certainly a voice of his generation. I found his book simply riveting, for lack of a stronger word. Being Jewish I didn't think that I could much relate to anything about the black experience, but "White Boy" is so much more than that. This is a book that speaks on such a deeply human level, and it has something to say to all people. The voice of Devan Marc soon becomes the voice of us all, someone searching for his place in the world, and struggling to maintain his human dignity. Cheers to Marc for accomplishing this and for sharing with the world his stunning voice. Every once in a while a book comes along and just reading it changes your mind in such a profound way that you never look at life or at people the same way again. Devan Marc has written that book. It's called "White Boy".

It is said that a good piece of literature occurs when the words of a writer leap from the pages and land directly into the reader's heart. Words that evoke emotion, captivate the audience, and commence a journey. Marc accomplishes each of these feats with ease, as he takes the reader on an autobiographical tour and welcomes everyone to understand, to learn, and to grow. This text is written with a passion to overcome the darkness in the world and to see through the light in our own eyes. Everyone should read this book. Whether you are searching for a great piece of literature, or are willing to discover an incredible individual, Marc's talent brightly shines.

This novel was a masterpiece. I grew up with Marc and we shared most of the same friends through High School, and we competed viciously to be recognized and loved by our peers. I hope through time and experiences we all have learned to be better people and more so better adults. This book will slam you back into the past and hopefully deliver you into the future. I really had no idea about the situations you witnessed as a child and young adult. I know your book made me realize the good and bad that I brought into peoples lives back in High School. Although we did not keep in touch after High School I am very proud of your accomplishments and I wish you well

This story was read to me in 4th grade in a small 4 room school
house in Wyoming, just about 60 miles South of the town of Wilson in Star Valley, Wyoming. My teacher read to the class for about 1/2 hour after the lunch recess to calm us down. I have never forgotten this book and at age 60 now am recommending it to a book group of women friends, most I have know for more than 30 years. We will go from the Bay Area of California, to Wyoming near where these events actually happened and review the book. We will go to Wilson, to the little town named after the author.

The book fascinated me as a child and as I have re-read it recently, I know it stirs my imagination and wonder again about the real experiences of this young boy with incredible courage and good luck. At his age I would have loved nothing more than to have done just as he did. Knowing the experiences he had, so very well expressed, I can imagine any child or adult with an active imagination for a life in the "Old West" will dream to have been this "white" Indian Boy. I recommend it as a gift for both young girls and boys to see the past from the perspective of a boy who really did go to another culture and had an incredible adventure. I wish it could of been me!

This book is about my great uncle. Growing up in South east Idaho, it really gave me a lot of insight on my heritage and the area. It is very interesting. Most of the time history books are boring, but not in this case. This book is a real page turner. Reading it seems so real that you can actually laugh out loud and imagine yourself in the great old west! I recommend this book to everyone, not only is it real history, but a great story too!

When I was a child in elementary school, 60 plus years ago, one of my favorite teachers used to read to my class for approximately 15 minutes a day out of the book, The White Indian Boy. This only occurred, however, if we were good boys and girls and did all of our work first. It was a great incentive for all of us to do our very best. I remember vividly looking forward to that magical time with great anticipation, as did the rest of the boys and girls in my class.

It was a thrilling depiction of a boy and his adventures with the Shoshone Indians, whom he eventually grew to love. It was a revealing, wonderful story of what life was actually like living among the Indians in that day, and made them, as a people, seem far less fearful to me, as a child, than I had always been lead to believe. I remember being very happy that the young boy eventually made the decision to leave his Indian friends and return to his own family in Utah.

I can't believe you can get this book used! I own three copies and I don't even loan it out. This is a terrific expedition book and a wonderful book about being human. My family was thrilled to know that this book was being re-issued. Like one of the other reviewers, I was brought up knowing who the various scientists were because my father had worked with a colleague. It gave us plesure to know the names, some of whom were quite well known even today. It was also nice to know that at least for the eminent icthyolgist and the eminent entomologist the work that they produced from this expedition was very useful. I have recommmened this book countless times, and get copies for friends I really like.

When your read of other expeditions and how well they were conducted, then you read Gordon MacCreagh's humorous account of a mistake-ridden expedition into the Amazon, and you may wonder how this could happen. Clearly, the leader of MacCreagh's expedition was no Roy Chapman Andrews. Too many mistakes with both men and equipment. It is a humorous, often hilarious account of how not to conduct an expedition into the Amazon -- or anywhere else. I found it to be much better than Peter Fleming's "Amazon Adventure" and somewhat better than Arthur O. Friel's "River of Seven Stars," which has not been reprinted. MacCreagh's sense of humor and keen observations are what place this book at the top of my list of exploration/expedition books. I found it difficult to keep from sharing portions of this book with family and friends.

George Schaller, in his introduction, says that if you only read one expedition book, this should be it. He's right. The true story of one of the least glorious endeavors in the history of science is told by one of only two members of the 'most expensive expedition ever' who seems to have had a full set of marbles. Poor planning, laughable gullibility and a breathtaking lack of field experience force the others one by one to quit as the hapless crew navigate various tributaries of the Amazon. In the end, only the author and his companion 'Young America' remain, but unencumbered by the others they go on to discover more than the whole original dog-and-pony show with its six tons of gear. McCreagh was unavoidably a man of his time; even so his attitude to the natives is remarkably progressive, and this is what gets him his impressive anthropological results.
Despite his disclaimer to the effect that the work contains 'no science', this is a valuable glimpse into the dim world of the upper Amazon. First and foremost, though, it's a hilarious read - and all the funnier if you've ever been on an expedition yourself.

I expected this book to be a little more story like, i.e. no "technical references", but it was a good book nonetheless. A very interesting read.

This book holds special interest for folks of all ages. Those persons with no knowledge of these magnificent animals are instructed, through tales and humor, of how llamas think and why they respond as they do. Persons who have experience with llamas can identify traits of their own llamas throughout Dudley's story. It is fun and entertaining reading.

This is a wonderful children's book that parents will enjoy, too. It teaches lessons of tolerance and family spirit. The llamas are characters that everyone can relate to.

This is not a book written by a professional theologian. Instead it's a collection of real-life stories told by the people who lived these experiences, themselves, and told in their own words. Each story is a glimpse into the soul of another human being and each reminds us that there is a spark of the divine in all of us. God is present to us in the most unexpected and, often, simple but powerful ways.

William Faulkner noted that the only stories worth a writer's blood and sweat and tears were stories of the human heart in conflict with itself. TREAURES IN CLAY JARS is a rich example of worthy efforts of writers. To read about everyday events and the presence of love and spiritual power within them is a treasure beyond measure. Pastor Linda Hoopes' story of communion touched me deeply. It's said that the prefix "com" once meant the exchange of burdens and her story of "communion" surely does just that. It shares burdens and brings to life the power of connections to heal our bodies and our spirit.. Stories heal too and that's what this book does: it heals. Buy it! Give it as a gift! Treasure it for yourself. As an author of both fiction and non-fiction including A BURDEN SHARD, I can share with you this view that TREASURES IN CLAY JARS is a fine and worthy read! .

I was captivated the moment I read these words from the one whose idea it was for this book. Rev. Andrea Leininger is a United Methodist Pastor serving in Brownstown, IN. Her words about how the book came about are moving and haunting, "In the wee hours of the morning I awakened, remembering the story of a mother who lost her son and how she overcame depression and loneliness, of a man convicted of fraud and... of a victim of incest who conquered despair and, through her profession, now encourages others to grow and live fulfilling lives. I recalled numerous occasions when ordinary people entrusted their extraordinary stories of hope and courage, of strength and joy..." "Treasures in Clay Jars" are the stories of such people who shared their faith journey in hopes of instilling hope and courage in readers who too have had to endure similar experiences. I found myself becoming misty-eyed from stories of sorrow as well as stories of joy and humor. I myself am a contributor to this compilation of faith stories. My story "Corn Supper" is humorous but also sobering. One writer shares her own poignant story of her personal struggle with multiple sclerosis and her haunting experience when visiting Liberia a year after the gruesome massacre of over 800 refugees. As the writer was, so too, will you be changed. This book is definitely a treasure not to be overlooked!

I am related to Charlie Lawson. General Lawson was my grandfather. My parents (Jess & Trudie Pruitt) told me the story when I was younger and the book tells the same exact story. My mother was interviewed for this book.

Ok, so I haven't read the book, but I DID go to the old school that the Lawson children went to. The school has been shut down from about 1930 or so. My freinds and I walked down a long dark path and when we got so close to the school, we had to leave! Very odd things happened while we were there. We were planning to go in but we just couldn't! After we left the school, we drove to the grave site (which is about 10 miles from the school) where the whole family had been burried. All together with one huge tombstone "Lawson" The father was burried on the far right then the mother and infant together and then Marie(the oldest daughter) That is all we got to before some weird things happend.

My father used to have this book (we are related to Charlie Lawson) but at the time he had it, he didn't let me read it because i was too young. Now that i am older i amd more fascinated (and so is my dad) about the Lawson Family Murders. My dads grandpa (Sanders) was out hunting with the oldest son of Charlies the morning of the murders. We would like to contact other family members who are interested in this. My grandpa Lawson lives in NC (close to thomasville) so if we ever come down we would like to visit the grave with other family members.

Beyond Race: The Bhagavad-gita in Black and White
by TDL Turner, M.A. [L.I.S.]
My thoughts about and reactions to Beyond Race: The Bhagavad-gita in Black and White, by
Charles Michael Byrd, were well clarified by my return from AMEA's (packed!& worth it!) National
Conference on "The Multiracial Child", in Tucson (AZ) (mid-October 2002). While those who have
done some comparative reading of major religious texts might find it academically "friendlier",
anyone in the habit of critical thinking and analysis also can glean from these pages.
As a fifth-generation member of brown, tan, and pink Moxhaccine* (Mestiza-Creole)
Multiracials my responses to certain sections were both experientially and academically triggered.
So-called " 'black' and 'white' cultures" (pages 22-25; 28-29) were developed entirely to
perpetuate antagonistic, viciously greedy, destructive, anti-humane agendas throughout the past 4,500
years. Since these agendas=the "definitions", I tend towards not using such terms, preferring African
(Afroid) and European (Caucasoid). While both European and African heads of state used what
became "racially-based" slavery to fund and expand their political/military agendas, Arabic Islamic
"jihads" that resulted in the fall of Adoghast (ca.1066, ending phase I of the Akana-Ashanti Empire),
and successive rises/declines of Akan-Islamic medieval to [baroque] empires that included Mali,
Songhay and Kanem-Bornu, further fueled West African involvement in kidnapping and selling of
humans (ref: Basil Davidson; Leroy Brooks; Eva L.R. Meyerowitz).
I believe many black and brown Afro-North Americans rejected the term "African" because
they have not been able to socio-psychologically reconcile some of their African ancestors' collusion in
the mass kidnapping and slavery connected with "Diaspora". The combination of improperly taught
history and unacknowledged injustices has caused the social diseases of "White" so-called

"supremacy", "Black" distrust and alienation, "professional victims" and "police-state agendas".
The quote by William Xavier Nelson (I.V. "Point-Counterpoint" debate) (p. 68) perfectly
illustrates the fact we all know there is no [actual human organism] such as a "light-skinned black
person". That racist construct was invented to provide huge pools of share-croppers, slops-collectors,
sweat-shop and sex-trade workers. Many religions including traditional Hinduism have been used to

justify race-based socioeconomic stereotyping. During the late 1960's/early 1970's, to embellish
whatever their "politics" were for that day, both " 'black' revolutionaries" and " 'white'
Blavatsky-ites" prattled about the "superior" Aryans (actually from India!) defeating the "inferior"
Dravidians (also real Indians!). Thanks to the late Mohandis K. Ghandi, much of the caste system
this revolved around was de- constructed (pp: 30-40; 60-70; 115-120) . Sadly, I was reminded that the

devaluation of Aboriginal American spiritual consciousness consistently has paralleled the spiritual
decline of not only the Western Hemisphere, but of the entire world.
As a *Moxhaccine (Mestiza-Creole) Multiracial, half of my history is indigenously North
American. I am pleased that Byrd stated terms such as "Mulatto/ Quadroon/ Octaroon" are
considered obsolete and "offensive", particularly since both Mestizo/a and Creole legitimately,
traditionally have represented many diverse Western Hemisphere populations of (obviously "mixed")
appearance. In future, I recommend inclusion of our term "Moxhaccine" (also "new and not widely
used") representing both hereditary and contemporary North American Aboriginal/First Nations
peoples mixed with Afro-European (often including "Semitic") (pp: 136-46; 149-50).
Review submitted by:
Ms. TDL Turner, M.A. [L.I.S.]
Founder/Coordinator
M.O.X.H.C.A. (AMEA'S Canadian-affiliate)
Edmonton, AB, Canada

Charles Michael Byrd is to be congratulated on weaving what every man and woman ought to be doing in terms of "race consciousness" with the greater morality of the Bhagavad-Gita. The Melungeons, a mixed ethnic group, have lived with, and continue to struggle with, the issues presented and discussed so thoughtfully by Mr. Byrd. All human beings - not simply those who consider themselves :mixed-race" - owe the author a debt of gratitude.

The primary message of this excellent book is that people must learn to see beyond racial distinctions. The author particularly emphasizes the distortion of truth and the injustive of identifying people with that element of their heritage perceived (by some) as "lowest", especially "black" African heritage. Both "white" supremacists and the "black" movement castigate mixed-race "black"/"white" people who claim an identity other than "black"... meaning that they are apparently supposed to ignore their other heritage.

The author's ideal is that "race" should not matter at all. He makes the excellent point that "races" are imaginary constructs based only on superficial physical similarities. Modern nation-state-based "ethnicities" are similarly illusory, being legal fictions.

As an intermediary measure before a raceless soceity can really develop, the author would simply like to see mixed-race have the freedom to acknowledge what they really are, and not be forced to identify with one or anotehr of the "races" their ancestors may have been.

Mr. Byrd uses the Bhagavad-Gita, an important Hindu scripture, to make this point, as well as to show the real solution, which is to recognize that the real identify of all humans is that of the "race" of conscious beings. According to Krishna, in the Gita, the "soul" or the living being is the consciousness. When we collectively see this as the common characteristic between us, then the superficial characteristics of our, and our ancestors', bodies will cease to have any meaning.

I found BEYOND RACE to be thoroughly enjoyable and very important book. It will benefit anyone who reads it, but perhaps will resonate most strongly with those of us whose bodies are mixed-race. As a mestizo or metis who has studied the Gita for over ten years, I was delighted to find this book which so ably brings out an application of its teachings from this new perspective and remaining completely within the message of the Gita.