I have the good fortune of knowing Greg and have paddled and fished a bit with him. Always a strong writer, "Wild Shore" surpasses anything of his to date with its blend of frank honesty (about the frequent terrors of the Big Lake and about loneliness), humor (in confronting edgy weather and wind and lakeside culture), and deep respect for nature and history. It's also a bit of a romance, though not ostentatiously so. Beyond all that it is a marvelous kayak trip on which he leads us.

I really enjoyed Greg Breining's new book "Wild Shore--Exploring Lake Superior by Kayak." He loves history and nature and it shows. He starts north of Sault Sainte Marie, Canada and goes west. He goes for little pieces at a time, usually with a friend or his teen-age daughter. He talks to the local people. He explores what's near the shore (such as the Pukaskwa pits) and what is unique about it. He tells you about the Canadian WWII German prisoner of war camp near Ney. He looks for the woodland caribou and discusses their relationship with the wolves. He visits the Rossport Inn and tells about the sinking of the Gunilda. He visits a ship captain and the Indian man who manages the Grand Portage State Park (in MN). He kayaks around Isle Royale with his daughter, describing its interesting history. He goes to the Apostle Islands (in WI). He meets a fellow in a folding kayak going around the lake like him, but in one trip. He visits a crumbling lighthouse and the very private Huron Mountain Club in the UP of Michigan. He fights the waves and has a good time exploring. He finds interesting places you'd never find in a car. He talks about the then and now. He camps at night and enjoys his cigar and a good cup of tea. It's a very different book than Ann Linnea's book of kayaking around Lake Superior, Deep Water Passage. Much more interesting. He does not focus on himself. He takes many pictures. It is an excellent book. My only problem with it were the pictures and maps. The pictures (which are very good) were very dark. The maps were much too small. Have a good Lake Superior map tucked in your book when you read it. Now you can go around Lake Superior--without the work!

Reading Autumn Stephens' Wild Women in the White House reminded me that what's old is new again. These wild tales of First Ladies and other women who've made their own impact (sometimes notorious impact) on the White House just goes to show anything coming out of our nation's head household is nothing to be shocked about. A great read. Lots of attention to detail, history, and mindful entertainment.

What a fun and intersting book! My impression of the world of the White House is forever altered. Page after page is filled with intriguing tales of the tangled lives of the people who have in some way ended up at the White House over the course of U.S. history. It's a real window to the emotional side of the lives of the Presidents, their wives, and all the hangers-on. Yep, those folks are just as wacky and disfunctional as the rest of us. This book is best kept on top of the toilet tank since it's a perfect bathroom reader. Each page is a separate little vignette; pick it up for just a few minutes during your "morning routine" and you'll surely learn something really interesting to share with friends and co-workers later in the day.

"Will It Sell?" is deap reading for the "idea person" who thought that there was a pot of gold waiting at the end of the "good idea rainbow." James E. White, author, tells you like it is--he doesn't mince words. He digs out every fact and every reason why your inventive idea can "fail," but he hopes that you will be the one-in-one-hundred-inventors whose invention won't fail.. He will be your mentor. When Jim explains a fact and each step to follow, you get the feeling that he is looking over your shoulder, correcting and helping you in your every move. "This is the book." If you think reading it is tough, then don't become an inventor. He'll tell you "how to get there," with every reference on each of the 300 pages. And he shows, like no other author, that if you fail on any one stage, don't even think about averaging-out the stages of invention to Pass. He tells the truth-- "No one said it would be easy." -- Who am I to tell you about "Will It Sell?" -- only the President of the Inventors Association of St. Louis, a large inventors' helping organization founded in 1984, that augmented in 1990 the United Inventors Association of the USA - which has over 3000 members. That's who! BUY THE BOOK - "WILL IT SELL"

Will It Sell? was specifically written for anyone considering bringing their invention to market. A key consideration in marketing a new idea or product is to determine its profitability, especially before investing capital on a patent. James White's practical, "reader friendly" informational manual will provide the non-specialist general reader with inexpensive techniques and practical steps to take in assessing whether or not their invention will be commercially viable. Fundamental issues are clearly addressed such as what a patentable invention is, the step for "idea development" and "product development"; advertising claims, getting professional help, even doing your own patent search. Dozens of Internet resources are provided with instructions for how best to utilize them. If you have an idea or an invention that you want to make money with, begin by a carefully reading of James White's Will It Sell?.

Wilma the Wild White Whale is a joyous adventure between a young girl and a young beluga whale. The writing is vivid and alive and the illustrations clearly evoke the Nova Scotia coast. The book will appeal to young and the young at heart. And it will make any reader feel protective about the belugas.

A must read.

The short story, Wilma the Wild White Whale, is not only enjoyable for children, but for those of all ages. It is very obvious that this story was taken from personal experiences on the part of the author since the behaviour of the whale is quite realistic.
Within such a small amount of text, Debbie Spring was able to capture the audience with an intriguing plot, in addition to educating the reader about these incredible mammals.
This fascinating story is most definately a MUST READ and would make an excellent gift.
Corinne Mazin.

The Wisdom of John Paul II describes the Pope's innermost thoughts on subjects such as abortion, education, war, religion, and love. The book is well-written and interesting as well because it's made of quotes from speeches made by the Holy Father. The Pope's views on certain issues have often been controversial, but certainly there's a lot of wisdom in his words.

Nick Bakalar and Richard Balkin have scoured numerous encyclicals, speeches, and letters to assemble this wonderful treasury of Pope John Paul II's thoughts on many questions facing today's society. The result is a wealth of wisdom and insight from the most seen man in the world. This isn't a book of answers to life's vital questions; rather, it offers the Pope's and the Church's view on such issues and asks us to question our attitudes and feelings. The topics are far-ranging, both contemporary and timeless. Matters of love, family, death, women, work, and youth are addressed as well as subjects such as human rights and progress and the modern world. Bakalar and Balkin's greatest strength in composing this book is the wide spectrum they've selected from. These issues are universal, and you will find something that speaks to you. You'll probably discover much more.

"The Wisdom of John Paul II" is not only a great addition to your inspirational or religious library; it's also a great addition to any library. I suggest giving this book as a gift, especially if you're looking for something meaningful that can be read over and over (instead of being used as a dust-collector). Non-Catholics and even non-religious will find the Pope's words inspiring, and his message of universal love can be understood and appreciated by all. He does not viciously attack groups in conflict with Church teachings but graciously approaches controversy as does a leader of the faith. Wherever he acts as an apologetic, he does so with the patience and firmness that has guided the Church through more than two decades.

This book, in part, acts as an intimate autobiography as it his diary of his times and how he has confronted the Church and society he has been entrusted. What makes this papal journal stand out from the rest though is that it is more than a portrait of the Pope or a collection of his quotes. His words represent one man's thoughts, but it also gives us a strong picture of his vision for the Catholic Church of the new millennium. Every issue is one that immediately concerns contemporary society, and that makes this book such an enjoyable and necessary read.

This is a very thoughtful and provocative read. Depending upon where one sits, it may not be easy to stomach. It is sobering, nontheless. It created in me a cynicism about the media, and it's purpose and meaning as holders of a public trust.

This is a must-read book about the ways race influences the news we read in the newspapers and see on television. Everyone who cares about race and the future of our country should read this book!

The actual title of this book is "Without Walls: God's Blueprint for the 21st Century Church". This book on restoration and evangelism ministries in Tampa, Florida is a great example of what can be done if people will get their focus on the comission of Christ. Recommended reading for any church seriously trying to reach its community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A church without walls. What a concept! This book reminds me of a church 2000 years ago that operated without walls. This is not to imply that a church should not own or rent a building (there are other books that do say this), but that church ministry must not take place ONLY within the walls of your facilities. In this awesome story about Randy White, he shares his victories (awesome!) and his failures. He even candidly discusses his marriage failure, in which he never passes the blame on anyone else exept himself. (That greatly impressed me.) I have given this book to several of our key leaders in our church and every one of them has been greatly impacted. The challenge has been accepted...the challenge to step outside our 4 walls and enter into the world...the world of hurting people...and touch their lives. We touch them in practical ways. We touch them in relevant ways. We touch them in spiritual ways. Being a church without walls is a messy mission. It's not neat and tidy like we'd all like. We must count the cost. But the fruit of seeing lives changed...of witnessing hurting people receive their healing...oh man, is it worth the price! Get this book. Give it to your church leaders. Just maybe your church will end up "without walls."

"Women without Class" is a tour de force of exceptional scholarly research and keen social observation. Bettie does a tremendous job exploring how class operates in many powerful, yet subtle ways in the lives of young women in one California high school. She highlights the role of economics, but also addresses issues of race/ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. Through sustained, in-depth ethnographic research, Bettie illuminates the complex social dynamics of a community and brings the personalities, experiences and worries of these young women to life. The book is honest and sharp, reading almost like a novel. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in sociology, education, youth, race/ethnic relations, or gender.

As a person who works daily with young people both in and out of academic settings, I found this book gave a fresh perspective on how we view teenagers (both men and women) and the influence we have on their lives; especially those influences that are unconcious on our part. It changed the way I perceive my students and gave me new tools for communication. I also thought it was a terrific read; often dramatic and moving. I highly reccomend this book to anyone whose work or lives are connected with young people in America.

I will never look at the white line in the middle of my road in the same way again. What a unique way to learn about another part of the world. Very imaginative and fun.

This tale of Dan and Evan's adventures is magical! It should be a hit with any youngster who loves a suspenseful story and is curious about the physical world around us. It also lends itself well to substantive discussion with adults. It evokes pleasant memories of childhood in simpler times when lazy afternoons let kids use the imagination to have fun.

I loved this book!!! It's very easy to read...as if the writer's talking to you as a friend, face to face. It starts with how to become Born Again/Saved and covers the 'basics' of Christianity (including how the Bible was inspired by God, how to pray, etc.), yet helps you to understand the difference between being religious and having a spiritual, intimate relationship with God. I'd recommend this book for people wanting to know more about Christianity, those who are new Christians, and even those who have been Christians for awhile, but felt something was missing (I was in this category). I'm giving copies to family members who aren't saved and are struggling with their own spirituality...it's a keeper!

This book will really affect its readers -- it is digestible, yet deals with a profound subject. It captures the person who wants to develop his/her spirituality, rather than his/her religion. Reads as though it is from the reader's own mind, unraveling misconceptions, working through doubts, etc. Refreshing!