Through the captivating reading of a fictional tale, "Not Between Brothers" gives the reader an understanding of Texas life from the early days of Stephen Austin's Colony of Anglo settlers to the beginning of the Civil War (1816-1861). Based on historical research and "for historical accuracy first and foremost", the author provides an unromaticized perspective of Tejano ranchers, Anglo settlers and Comanche warriors and the clash of these three proud societies.

Read the author's Amazon.com posting to understand the intent of this book and his desire to portray the characters "warts and all". For it is this more realistic and human portrayal of the three different cultures that defined Texas that make this book an award winner.

Experience the history of Texas from the perspectives of fictional early settler Remy Fuqua, his Tejano wife, rancher father-in-law and vaqueros, and Comanche warrior Kills White Bear-their values, aspirations, attitudes toward each other and motivations for dramatic actions during these formative years in Texas and American history.

The book will give you the easy reading escape of a good novel while stimulating your thinking and awareness of our heritage.

Remy Fuqua is a crossbred Anglo orphan - disadvantaged and cheated from the start. This book follows Remy from that beginning, through his victories and defeats in marriage to a disapproving wealthy Mexican's daughter, through his and their wars of will and survival with a Comanche warrior, through clashes of cultures and varying moralities. The novel transpires in the unique borderland region of Texas and Mexico, which at the time neither country truly held; the conflicts presented are brutally honest and thoroughly engaging. Wilkinson is a gifted storyteller: politically incorrect, detailed, precise. He has been recognized grandly for this effort - Not Between Brothers won the Violet Crown Award, it was a finalist for the 1996 Spur Award for Best Novel of the West, it is recognized as an Editor's Choice by the Review of Texas Books - ... I must tell you that this novel is definitely one of my favorites. It is a must-read! This book gripped me from beginning to end - I recommend it to all of you, my brothers.

This is a superb novel about the early days of Texas, from 1816 to 1861. The central character is Remy Fuqua, who as a young man migrates to Texas. A major theme of the novel is Fuqua's relationship with a Comanche warrior, Kills White Bear, who is about the same age and whose path crosses Fuqua's in myriad ways throughout the course of the story. Wilkinson does a great job of telling an absorbing story--it captivated me right off and held my attention throughout all 672 pages (in the hardback edition). The book is informative as well as entertaining. Wilkinson has obviously gone to a lot of trouble to make sure he portrays the era with historical accuracy. Since the book is a novel, much of it is not literally true, but it does an excellent job of faithfully portraying the times. Wilkinson weaves together the influences of three cultures which intersected in Texas during its formative years: the American, the Indian, and the Mexican. Wilkinson avoids the simplicity of political correctness while portraying each of the protagonists in such a way that the reader has empathy for each. No other novel does as good a job as this one in making the early days of Texas come alive. It is far superior, for example, to James Michener's Texas. If you read but one novel about early Texas history, this is the one.

Most people are well aware of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, but some forget that three days later, a second bomb destroyed the city of Nagasaki. This book is the story of Major Charles Sweeney, the pilot who commanded the Nagasaki mission.

Major Sweeney had risen through the ranks of the Army Air Corps, becoming proficient in many different aircraft. As fortune would have it, Sweeney met Colonel Paul Tibbets, who was in charge of a top secret operation. Immediately intrigued, Sweeney spoke with Tibbets and asked if he could be assigned to Tibbets' unit. Tibbets agreed, and eventually Sweeney would become Tibbets' right hand man. Stationed at Wendover, Utah, Tibbets put his men through a rigorous training course. His men became experts in the flight and operations of the B-29, as well as techniques designed by Tibbets.

Finally, the group left Wendover for Tinian island. This would be their new base of operations. Training continued, and on August 6, 1945, three B-29s lifted off the runway bound for Hiroshima. Tibbets piloted the bombing plane, the Enola Gay, while Sweeney flew one of the reconnisance aircraft. (Sweeney was the only person to be invloved in both atomic missions). At 8:15 on August 6, 1945, a single bomb fell from the Enola Gay and vaporized the city of Hiroshima. However, the Japanese did not surrender. Three days later, a second mission, commanded by Sweeney, again headed for Japan.

The target city was Kokura. The weather aircraft flying ahead of Sweeney's plane reported clear weather over Kokura, the primary target, and Nagasaki, the secondary target. However, fires from a nearby city which was bombed the night before began to obscure Kokura. By the time Sweeney and his crew arrived, the city was covered by smoke and clouds that had rolled in. Sweeney had strict orders to only bomb visually; no radar drops. Sweeney made three passes over the target; an almost unheard of tactic. Still, the smoke and clouds did not dissipate. Low on fuel because a mechanical malfunction had resulted in 600 gallons of fuel being trapped in the bomb bay, Sweeney headed for the secondary target of Nagasaki. Sweeney was informed that he would only have enough fuel for one pass over Nagasaki. Upon arrival, Nagasaki was also cloud covered. Sweeney had made up his mind to drop by radar, but the clouds parted sufficiently for the bomb to be sight-dropped, although they were not over the primary aiming point. The drop was successful, but now the crew had to worry about their fuel situation. Thanks to some skillful flying by Sweeney, the crew managed to land their plane safely on Okinawa with only seven gallons of fuel to spare.

I enjoyed this book, but the beginning is kind of slow, and I think Sweeney held Tibbets in almost God-like reverance. However, the description of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is very good. For more information on Paul Tibbets, I recommend the book "Duty" by Bob Greene.

Reading General Sweeney's account of the the events leading up to the dropping of the bombs on Japan convinced me that many more lives were saved by the bombs than were destroyed by them.There are those who believe that an apology is owed to the Japanese for the devastation done to Hiroshima and Nagasaki.Those who believe that would do well to read this book and take another look at the reasons that make them feel that the Japanese were the real victims rather than the cause.Sweeney does not glorify the use of atomic weapons.What he does glorify is the sanctity of human life and the ability of his missions to preserve it.He is a true American hero.

Sweeney begins this riveting chronicle by reminiscing about his childhood days, when school officials would drag in "some poor old guys" to talk about what they had done during the Spanish-American War. "Now I'm the old guy doing the telling," Sweeney says--and what a story he has to tell. As a 25-year old Army Air Corps captain, Sweeney was the only pilot to fly on both U.S. atomic missions against Japan, over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Here, he does a fine job of capturing the spirited atmosphere of life on a wartime flight line. Writing with a wit that is sometimes lacking in military memoirs, he presents the dramatic events surrounding the development of the awesomely powered B-29 bomber, which would eventually deliver the weapons. His portrayal of legendary general Curtis LeMay, who would later become Air Force chief of staff, is masterful. The bombing missions themselves are relayed with tension and drama, including the startling revelation that the men delivering the first bomb did not know if they would be able to fly clear of the explosion. Emphasizing that he hopes that such destructive weapons are never again deployed, Sweeney argues forcefully that the decision to use the weapons against Japan was the correct one. This memoir should be required reading for all students of World War II. (Copyright 1997 by Publishers Weekly)

ADAM BEDE is a thrilling read, though it may seem hard to believe given the unpromising setting and the stilted way Eliot introduces her story. But after the first few starchy chapters, abruptly, something wonderful happens: she gets wise to herself. It's as if you can see her realize that the upright characters she *thought* she was pinning her story on, dull Dinah and Mr Irwine, aren't really the stuff of which fiction is made -- so she shoves them aside and takes up the flawed characters of her triangle, who resonate with possibility at every turn. Suddenly, miraculously, with almost no warning, all Eliot's amazing gifts as a writer take center stage: Her psychological insight. Her phenomenal wit. The dramatizing genius that allows her, effortlessly, to plot the most intimate narrative developments against the gigantic backdrop of a county-wide feast or funeral. Her fearlessness and surefootedness in picking her way (and ours) through the tangle of social and class relationships of an entire village. In this embarrassment of riches, maybe most rewarding for a reader like me is Eliot's unerring ability to pay off her plots: here, ladies and gentlemen, is a writer who knows how to write the hell out of a climax -- George Eliot's big confrontation scenes never, ever disappoint.

Too, some wizardry seems to keep her narrative touch both incomparably delicate and completely unflinching at the same time. At the heart of ADAM BEDE is a story so sordid I wonder whether it could be broadcast on network TV today, and Eliot tells it without vulgarity but without ever shying away from its ugliness. My most serious criticism of the book is that Eliot didn't quite trust herself enough not to tack an unconvincing (and, worse, uninteresting) happy ending onto her story. But the hair-raising drive of the middle two-thirds of the book is something you'll never forget.

George Eliot weaves a simple story of love, suffering, and goodness. While the plot is hardly complex (boy loves girl, another boy gets girl, unhappiness abounds - also reused in Mill on the Floss), the manner in which Eliot develops her characters and their emotions and actions ring as true and resoundingly as a bell. It's so clear, so obvious, but also moving and textured. You feel Adam's absolute love for vain little Hetty, Dinah's calming grace, Arthur's good intentions, Lisbeth's fretting nature. Eliot draws you in with her honest observations of life in a country town, without the background becoming a dominant factor. The near idyllic life the characters lead is a healthy contrast to the town's emotional upheaval.

Adam is an upright, genuine character, and not as perfect as he seems. If his love for Hetty seems unfounded at times, it only serves to highlight how dangerous delusions can be. All the "sinners" are ultimately redeemed by truth - true love, true friends, true promises, and true acceptance. Religion plays a significant part in the novel, but don't let that deter you. It's so much more than that - Adam Bede is truly one of the few works that encompass a world of humanity between two covers.

AB reminded me of Tess of the D'Ubervilles a bit, but there is no villain here, just flawed, honest people in search of unattainable dreams. In the process of trying to get a bit of happiness, they stumble and bleed, but ultimately find something truly worth having. Bittersweetness is Eliot's trademark for good reason.

George Eliot's first full novel is obviously a bit less polished than her later works, but you see the wonderful command she has over language and expression. The book, the people, the story all come alive with her touch. A rare read that has something to say and says it beautifully.

This book was a dirty task to complete, but I was so enchanted with the romances that I couldn't put this book down. Not only of romance (Eliot's forte), but with tragic twists. Superb, and also difficult read. Readers of all ages will find this story beautiful and hard to forget.

I was immediately drawn to this book when I saw it on the shelf in the library. Our library has so little information on all metaphysical and/or astrological information. I am an astrologer and appreciated Marion Weinstein's chapter on Astrology. It was refreshing, expansive and well researched. It was also original and gave all an opportunity to understand astrology in a simplistic yet informative way. Mostly however, I appreciated her self-help advice chapters on Words of Power; not only did it present an excellent formula and philosophy for self-transformative work, it also revealed the power of our everyday words and our need to be more careful about the things we say. I recommend this book.

This is the first book I read concerning Witchcraft and I'm thankful it was. Ms. Weinstein, clearly and concisely covers all bases from Witchcrafts's history to it's practical-arts and does this in the most honest, down to earth manner I have seen yet. Her manner is very matter of fact and yet by no means cloaked in offacious mysticism. She effectivly provides information and insight while at the same time interjecting humor. This book is wonderful for both the novice and seasoned Witch! A great gift to give someone who you know is interested in the Craft!

Everyone should read this book! Even if you have only a passing curiosity about Wicca, Ms. Weinstein provides a wonderful primer on "the Craft" and its history that makes for compelling reading. Plus you get delightful instructions on tossing the coins (I Ching); reading the Tarot (a tool for opening up to your own intuition); and writing "Words of Power" (think of these as incantations, prayers, or affirmations, depending upon your personal beliefs). Best of all, Ms. Weinstein writes in a witty, down-to-earth style with one-liners that are sure to crack you up!

This was the third medical education book I read this spring as part of a medical school course (2nd year). For some reason, I liked this book much more than "Becoming a Doctor" by Melvin Konner (too analytical and removed) and "House of God" by Samuel Shem (too much shock for the sake of shock). The Intern Blues introduced three interns who were probably typical. As a parent, I empathized with Amy and felt she was getting screwed for being a parent and a woman- but somehow she was still so unlikeable- I can't imagine she can still be practicing medicine with such an anti-everything attitude. Andy seemed like a great intern, but by the fifth time he broke down in tears during the first few chapters I was ready to see him jump off a building. Mark was great- I am a firm believer in using sarcasm to keep you sane. Prior to reading this book I told people I was trying to do well in classes so I didn't end up in the Bronx for my residency. Since this sounds like a high powered and competetive program, I'm tempted to tank my boards just so I DON'T end up in the Bronx. I must say, that my impression from people I've talked to is that things may be slightly better these days than they were in 1985. Let's hope so.

Intern Blues, written by Robert Marion, M.D., is a look at the life of doctors fresh from medical school, from the inside. The author asked three interns to record their lives on hand-held tape recorders, compiled the recordings, and offered commentary on their experiences. This exercise is meant to give the reader an understanding of the process of becoming a doctor. The interns Amy, Andy, and Mark begin the year enthused and excited to be finally working with patients of their very own. They explain the work they are doing, their interactions with their superiors, the staff and their patients, and their personal relationships. The interns are eager to learn the skills an independent doctor must possess. The internships start off in a positive light; however, their experiences quickly become much less positive. Through the remainder of the book, their observations and outlook on life become almost entirely negative. All three characters have lost their ability to socially interact, feel deprived of time with their families, and have no knowledge of anything that happens outside of the hospital. Despite their grim outlook on life, the reader can see their skills and abilities progress quite dramatically. They are transformed from timid students, unwilling to act without supervision, to competent doctors capable of supervising others. The conversion is quite impressive. The author ends the book by questioning the worth of the intern year. He leaves it to the reader to weigh the benefits and the drawbacks and to come to his or her own personal decision. I don not believe this is meant to challenge the entire medical teaching process, but rather ask each individual reader to fully understand what a doctor must give up inside of themselves in order to achieve their goal. My main criticism of the book is that the characters primarily record only when really bad things happen, thus there are very few positive events, and even fewer neutral events. So the reader is not sure if all of the internship is truly this horrible, or if only the truly horrible things are recorded. I have a feeling that if a third party had followed each character and recorded ALL the events, the picture would be significantly less bleak. I hope that is true, seeing as in two years, I will be an intern myself. This is a good book for anyone interested in becoming a doctor, or interested in understanding better the sacrifices one must make along the journey to becoming a doctor; Although it should be taken with a grain of salt. The characters all mention that if they knew how bad the internship would be, they never would have done it. However, as the book is closing, amnesia sets in, and upon reflection, they all concede that it "may" have been worth it. In any event, they all choose to continue their training. At first glance, this book appeared to be filled with the whining of interns. Upon further inspection, it is an interesting commentary on the experiences that young doctors have as they gain the skills and confidence needed in the field of medicine.

During medical school I was given "The Intern Blues" by a friend (we were both interested in pediatrics). I could not believe that what was in the book really happened, because the problems and stresses appeared to be impossible for anyone to undertake. During my internship in pediatrics, however, I reread the book and was amazed to find that it was 100% factual, from the patient AND physician standpoint. As a Chief Resident in pediatrics as a teaching hospital I have recommended it to the interns, to let them know that what they are experiencing is not unusual, and that they are not alone. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in medicine (especially pediatrics), and for the families of medical students and residents, as it can help them understand the many personality and life style changes that accompany internship and residency. This book is a MUST READ for anyone contemplating pediatric residency.

If you haven't read any Edith Wharton, read Age of Innocence first, then Ethan Fromme, then House of Mirth. By then you will love her, and then it will be time for Buccaneers. This is not her very best book. It contains some of the same themes that she has covered before. There is one key difference, that makes Buccaneers unique from her earlier works and that is...something I won't give away!

Most of us know Edith Wharton either through
reading Ethan Frome in high school, or having
seen The Age of Innocence at the movie
theater. While she is best know for these works
they are dim in tone and portray the oppressive
nature of society.

In The Buccaneers, Wharton presents us with a group
of young women who have been rejected by
late 19th Century NY society, and journey to
England in search of husbands. Each of the
characters in fully drawn, and while Wharton
maintains her description of society as oppressive, she
counters this with the idealism and hope
of her brave young women and societal rules that with time are changing.
These women for the most part strive
to attain happiness, and unlike Wharton's
other principal characters, do acheive it.
This is probably the only Wharton novel
to end on a note of happiness and hope.
Combined with the richly drawn backdrop of 19th
century English & American society, it makes
for an enchanting and provocative read.

I was skeptical about reading this book, since it was not complete by Edith Wharton. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Marion Mainwaring did a wonderful job of completing the novel. I was unable to tell where Edith's writing stopped and Marion's began. (The afterword describes exactly what Marion added.) -very fun book to read. I finished it in just a few days.

This review of the book Pollyanna may be affected by the fact that it's being written by a boy, but let me say first that I enjoyed the Disney film version with Hayley Mills. I just didn't like the book as much. It's really nothing more than your average "irrepresible orphan turns everything upside-down" story, and like most of them, it's filled with cliches and is blatantly unrealistic, not to mention cloyingly cute. I could not stand the character of Pollyanna; she spent too much time chatting her mouth off and misinterpreting every cold act of her aunt's as an expression of love to really make an impression on me with her "glad game." While the characters are somewhat interesting, they're all stereotypes: the cold, unloving mother figure (in this case an aunt), the kind doctor who spends too much time with his patients to blot out an unhappy personal life, the embittered millionaire with a secret, the hypochondriac, grumpy invalid. It's so easy to notice these stereotypes that it makes everything so much less real than it already is. The movie was different in that it was completely believeable, thanks to the talented cast and the calm, subtle playing of Hayley Mills, who actually made a difference and had an obvious, BELIEVEABLE effect on the town without drowning us in cuteness. Get the movie; forget the book.

This book so effected me as a child, to this day, many many years later the phrase, "If you look for the good, you will find it" still serves as a valuable reminder for how we can effect our realitiy with our personal perspectives. This little girl, Pollyanna, teaches other children how to play the glad game in a wonderful and engaging story. Too few children today, know how to recognize or be happy. They haven't learned the "glass is half full" thinking. This book is a great spiritual guide, without trying to be one. Please read it and discuss it with your child. You'll both be happier. Thanks.

Have you ever been dropped into a house where you feel invisiable? Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter is a tender heartwarming story about a girl and her aunt's relationship. Eleanor H. Porter has touched many souls with this heartwarming and loving story.

This heartwarming story is about the relationship and concern of an aunt and her niece. They both try to accept that there's someone important and new in their lives.

Meet Pollyanna, and her aunt Polly, they both live in Vermont. Pollyanna and her aunt devolp trustcin each other after facing many obsticles.

Eleanor H. Porter brought in very discriptive detail. She changed font and size when she expressed what each of the character did, said,see and thought. Eleanor H.Porter is a very talented author. She convinces the reader with her expressive chapter endings.

You will find this story irrestible if you love stories that have characters who devolp many relationships. Adults and kids who have read this book will say its hard to put down. Don't miss this wonderful oppertuinty to see how this very good relationship begins, devolps and ends.

I was delighted to return to Darkover, but I have some reservations about its new chronicler. There's no way Ross can satisfactorily imitate Bradley, so all Darkover fans have to accept that there has been a change. Perhaps some constructive criticism can be offered to help with the awesome challenge Ross faces as Bradley's successor. For example, more care with diction would be a good thing. I believe that Bradley was careful not to use words or expressions inconsistent with Darkover's own history. "Neskaya" has quite a few that I think Bradley would have avoided as too redolent of Earth: topiary, "trust a fox to guard a coop of chickens" (are there foxes on Darkover now?), flat-fell seams, war-room, various herbs from earth in food for the first time, and dragons (there weren't any before). Finally, I think this book is too long by about 20% and that Ross flirts with sentimentality in both plotting and writing. Bradley was pretty tough-minded, and Darkover is a tough place. In spite of these reservations, I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next from Ross, even while I ask if this is really going to sustain a trilogy.

For lovers of Marion Zimmer Bradley and Darkover, this book is pure delight. Written by Marion and her friend, Deborah Ross, this book proves that both Marion and Darkover will live on. I have enjoyed Ms. Ross short stories in Marion's Sword & Sorceress anthologies and will be interested to see where she takes the next chapter of this story.

When MZB died a couple of years ago, I truly expected that there would be no more Darkover novels and that her literary estate would have sense enough not to farm her creations out to lesser writers. Gladly, that is not the case. Ms. Ross is an absolutely excellent heir to the entire Darkover milieu. While she superbly echoes Bradley in much of the content and even style, she aptly adds to the mythos in important details and concepts. Her extrapolatory gifts appear great. The book is truly a page-turning delight with memorable characters, as heart-achingly real as MZB's own. I greatly anticipate much more from DJR, especially the promised final two volumes of this Clingfire Trilogy.

I'm sorry. I'm aware of all the favorable comments regarding this book, and no one should question Marion Winik's writing abilities -- "First Comes Love" is a well crafted book -- but, being that it is a memoir, I must confess that I no longer like or respect her as a person. This is not a love story -- it is an expose of a woman who decides she is going to have what she wants, regardless of anyone else's needs. Neither do I see her as someone I should admire for courage or long suffering. Sure, she finally decides to care for him as he dies. That is the least that she should do, as far as I'm concerned. She robbed him if the rest of his life.

This true story of the author's nearly obsessive love for a handsome, homosexual ice skater is at once tragic and hilarious. Ms. Winik is a manic, heroin-abusing rascal who writes with total candor of the relationship between herself and her beautiful, gay husband. Through sexual confusion, the death of a child, and the ultimate finality of AIDS, the reader is taken on a wild ride through the ups and inevitable downs of a most unusual partnership. A real page turner

This may be the only book I have ever read where I wanted to contact the author and let her know how much her story had moved me. A genuine love story . . . one that left me awash in tears by the time I finished (which was uncomfortable because I was sitting on a beach surrounded by people)! I have recommended this book time and time again to my friends, who wind up thanking me for the loan (and, to date, I've always gotten the book back -- which makes me quite happy)! Marion Winik has a wonderful "voice," a sincere ability to convey emotions without concern that others will sit in judgment . . . I have become quite a fan.

Well, for just a fantasy novel it's average. The story isn't very original, and it's not written very catching. For a book by Marion Zimmer Bradley it's simply disappointing. I don't know Andre Norton, but I read quite a fine book by Mercedes Lackey, and I don't know why they didn't manage better. It was quite boring and not the least intriguing. If it had been other authors I might not even have finished it. For some reason they managed Tiger burning bright quite well, so I don't know, why this is so disappointing. OK, sorry it wasn't Mercedes Lackey, I got mixed up, but anyway.

I loved this book. It has a consistency rarely found in fantasy stories, creating a realistic world with believable characters, boundaries, and the vivid writing style invokes images in ones head that are hard to forget. I read this book a couple of years ago and just thought about it recently, but couldnt for the life of me remember what it was called! I finally found it! Hooray! Anyone who likes fantasy should *read it now*!

This book is truly what introduced me to these superb authors .It's definately one of the best books ever written .Magical ,interesting ,fast moving,it has all the qualities to a good book .I adored the creatures they invented ,the Oddlings ,the tree varts ,the Glismak ,the Skritek ,and everything else .They develope a wondreful feeling that I've barely felt before . Here is the plot :Three princesses are born in Ruwenda :Haramis ,smart and leader -like and heir to the throne ,Kadiya ,firey tempered but an amazing huntress,and Anigel,sweet ,timid ,and loving .Each of them is bestowed with the amulet of the black trillium by the Archmage Binah .When the princesses are young women ,the neighboring country of Labornok invades.Haramis ,Kadiya ,and Anigel are split up and sent to look for the magical talismans that will save their country :The Three Winged Circle ,the Three Lobed Burning Eye ,and the Three Headed Monster .But if the sorcerer you uses the king of Labornok as a puppet finds them first ,they will surely be destroyed.