Deborah Lighfoot Sizemore's The LH7 Ranch: In Houston's Shadow is the fascinating and informative true story of a cattle range that has operated since 1907 and the venerable family who owned it. Men and women worked hard to keep up with ranch life, stand fast through the Great Depression and finally stand up to a conflict with the growing metropolis of Houston. Energetic and aptly researched, The LH7 Ranch is a most compelling and highly recommended slice of Texan-American regional history.

Having reviewed books for THE CATTLEMAN magazine for 30 years, I read with pleasure this well-crafted work about a ranch in a part of Texas not commonly associated with ranching and ranch life. The Marks LH7 Ranch was established at the end of the 19th century in an area only about 20 miles west of the center of Houston. The author was fortunate in her work because she was able to interview all four of rancher E.H. Marks' children. This gives her work an immediacy not allowed to some biographers.--Copyright 1992 K.E. Snyder, Friends of the Fort Worth (Texas) Public Library

I got the book for Christmas and read it in two days. I loved it! Boy, what a family! I do a combination of genealogy and local history writing in the vicinity of the old LH7 Ranch and was thrilled to see what the author had done in this book.

Very much like being at a recording of a "Phil Donahue" type show. Author poses questions to those in OW/YM relationships and presents new outlook to old stereotypes. Book dispels OW/YM relationships as unchic, but more compatible interpersonal relationships. Very comforting to know there are others out there just like you two - which validates your feelings. Also, gives insight in copping with many issues, such as to who wear's the pants. My girlfriend has this book highlighted all over. I rate this book better than going to a marriage counselor !

Victoria's book is the main book we recommend to our visitors and friends! If you can't find it in the bookstores, request it! Scour your secondhand bookstores, too. We certainly hope that Victoria comes out with an updated version soon! (AgelessLove.com - the first online community devoted to age gap relationship support!)

Victoria Houston's book covers every issue relevant to an older woman/younger man relationship. It has proven to be a valuable resource for those seeking information on their own dilemna's as they surface. She certainly dispells any misconceptions that arise and ultimately eases the hearts of her readers by the time the book ends. Drawing from her own personal experience, enhances the books content and underscores the positive thrust throughout the book.

Those associated with "AGELESS LOVE", (the only web site devoted to OW/YM relationships), devour the book and use the information readily.

I give it 5 stars and I don't necessarily agree with all of his theology. His points are made from such a unique stand point. His ways of reasoning are very unique to me, yet he doesn't lead you to rely on his type of reasoning, but on the power of the Holy Spirit.
He makes many good points for any atheist to consider. His work on the subject of the Jews is interesting. I disagree with his stance on proofs of nature and some of His views God's restorative plans for Isreal, but who had views for God to restore Isreal 300 years ago?
If you like reading books, this one is diffrent and well thought out!

This is the finest introduction to Blaise Pascal that I have ever seen! Within the pages of this book lie some of the greatest thoughts the human mind could ever aspire to perceive. 'Mind on Fire' is an easy to read, well-arranged anthology of Pascal's thought. In this book you will begin to see the role of logic and reason in the life of faith. If you are looking for an in-depth book, a book that penetrates the deep well of skeptical thought, 'Mind on Fire' will not waste your time or your money. Simply put, Pascal is a genius with a knack for apologetical thought.

In case you're wondering, this IS the Pensees. The only difference is that these thoughts are arranged topically under a new title plus five letters from Pascal are included in the rear of the book. This is not an abridged edition of the Pensees. That being said, this book will stimulate your thinking about human nature, divine sovereignty, faith, logic and apologetics in a way that few other works will. Being deeply influenced by Augustine, Pascal had an uncanny way for accurately portraying the human condition. His grasp of the sinful nature of mankind and the limits of reason was acute. Many believe that Pascal was a fideist (faith is not supported by reason) due to a cursory reading of the Pensees yet a more exhaustive reading will prove otherwise. Many of the Pensees, while not rationally proving Christianity, certainly state that he believed in a reasonable faith and not a leap of faith beyond logic. I would recommend this edition as opposed to the Pensees because of its logical arrangement in addition to the thought-provoking letters that are placed in the back. Definitely a great read.

James Haley's "Sam Houston" is a study into a man's soul. Using new resources he has humanized the man and the legend. Mr. Haley has done the best possible job of getting into the head of Sam Houston and explaining his life long habits without falling into the easy trap of revisionism. As a matter of fact in my mind he is a champion of the facts, using common sense logic when faced with the incompleteness of facts that is often found in history. He often has to navigate through the propaganda of the day and connect the dots with the straight edge of reality. This is well demonstrated by the facts presented about the biggest Sam Houston mystery of all, why his marriage with Miss Eliza Allen failed. You will have to read the book to find the answers.
Easy to read for the casual reader, well noted for the serous researcher. James Haley's "Sam Houston" is a great read.

Sam Houston is a figure who aroused great passions beginning in his own day and continuing to the present. Jim Haley's well written biography, supported by fifteen years of research in original archives not available (or used) by past researchers, joins the ranks of major works on this interesting figure. The book should join the library of anyone interested in the Texas Revolution and its heroes. With impressive scholarship, the book is well written and enjoyable to read. A major achievement, worth the wait.

This is one of the most awesome books I have ever read! I didn't want to put it down! This is a wonderful biography for a history buff or just a person curious in learning about the life of one of this nation's greatest leaders! Great buy!

James H. Turner has done it! He is up there with Ludlum and the others! I enjoyed turning each page to see what Turner would do next with his characters! This book is a must read for those who enjoy this genre! Kudos! to Jim!

[The author's....] The Second Thirteen is an action-packed book that you can't put down! The characters draw you in and you feel as though you are one with them experiencing all the drama through which they go! I look forward to reading more of Jim's books. This book is well done and well written. END

This book is right up there with it's ability to keep you turning the page wanting to know what happens next. With this genre books start to get a little predictable. This one keeps delivering the surprises - the plot is full of twists and turns. I loved it and look forward to reading more Houston Turner books!

Aside from the Bible, this is, hands down, the best book on the challenges of personal godliness. Owen, who is a Puritan theologian, brings forth the issue of sin, why it is indwelling in every individual, how it causes enmity between us and God and why we will, in this life, continue to deal with it.

This book is a must for those who are struggling with temptations of any kind (which pretty much includes everyone universally). Owen discusses how we battle sin, ways in which we can overcome temptations, how we allow sin to fester and build in our lives to an unhealthy point, and what we can do to avoid these types of problems. But let me warn you, this is not a "self help" book. Rather, this text is one which has the glory of God as its ultimate end, the awe we should all have for God, where our focus should constantly be, namely on God. This is, ultimately, how sin is conquered, according to Owen. Since too many of us are focused on everything else but God, sin is able to creep in easier and take hold of our lives.

What is more, Owen discusses the grace of God and how God's grace and mercy covers our sins. Finally, mortification of sin is covered in great detail. What do we need to do to mortify sin? Why is mortification needed? How do we practice mortification? All these are covered and more. Another nice feature of this book is that it is formatted in such a way that it can be used as a study book for Bible studies, Sunday Schools, or any other type of group study setting since it includes a very nice Scripture index, and margin topic indicators, as well as a study guide for group discussions with very user friendly questions.

I highly recommend this book for everyone no matter where you are in your Christian walk. This is the most detailed, heart wrenching work on sin and temptation that I have ever read. It can never be read too many times.

I read it cover to cover three times in row and bought copies for several others. It helps open your eyes to how Satan's forces infiltrate our lives, what his strategies are and how to combat it. I love the reverent classical language. It got me craving all the classic early christian works. Many modern christian books are fluffy and light. This is reverent and satisfying, yet you will crave more like it.

This is much more than a deep theological treatise. The editors have distilled three short wirtings of the great Puritan thinker and preacher, John Owen: The Nature, Power, Deceit, and Prevalency of Indwelling Sin; Of Temptation; and Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers, and made them accessible to the modern reader. Because the doctrine of indwelling sin has been mostly forgotten or ignored by even conservative and evangelical preachers and writers, this book serves as a much needed slap on the face, reminding Christians that we NEVER, in this life, "get out of Romans 7 and into Romans 8". Using his comprehensive knowledge of Scriptures, he relentlessly pounds home the message that sin is a constant inhabitant in every human heart, and that, although (in believers) it is weakened and irreparably damaged in its ultimate goals, it nevertheless continues to harass and frustrate and cause great damage all our days. He proposes that the only antidote is to acknowledge sin's constant presence, noting from Rom. 7:21 that it is a "LAW present in our members, that WHEN WE WOULD DO GOOD, evil is present in us". In other words, it is especially at times when we want to do good and have every intention of being obedient and feel the desire to honor God that sin reveals itself as not an intruder, but a natural inhabitant of our heart, and sallies forth to sabotage and mar our best performance. In the section on mortification of sin, he addresses an issue mostly relegated to the Catholics of previous centuries.

This book is without doubt essential reading for any Christian who wishes to live a holy life and please God. I have made significant practical changes in how I live my life as a result of reading it. Initially, it is shocking and painful to realize the truth of the extent of sin's presence and power in our lives- but it is the only way to learn the vigilance required to fight it.

The main reason I bought this book, and (unfortunately) it wasn't too easy to find, was to learn more about Cisco Houston. There hasn't been much written about him except a few pages of reference here and there in his contempories biographies and stories. In that regard, this novel didn't disappoint. Many sides of Cisco are shown - strong and solid, brilliant, an athlete, a quiet war hero looked up to by men from all walks of life, a fair and honest man with a strong sense of justice, a man among men who also liked his women, his booze, his gambling, and who would not mince words. Also, someone with a tender heart of gold. Woody is portrayed as the icon he is, at times almost a "wizard" able to snatch victory out of the clutches of defeat, able to rally huge groups of men and children from all cultures and walks of life with his singing. And the author, Jimmy Longhi, manages to bare his soul throughout much of this rollicking, constantly funny and often touching story which, for the most part, takes place during a less than two year period - the final two years of WWII - during the three times that Woody, Cisco and Jimmy shipped out with the Merchant Marines.
The style of this book is so entertaining, so fluid, so descriptive that it's amazing that Longhi's main walk of life is that of lawyer, not author (although he is also a playwrite). The story is filled with memorable characters - Davey Bananas, Nino Sala, Courtroom Kelly, Newington, Frank Strahele, the evil Jojo, Mando - to name a few. I really had trouble putting it down. Parts made me laugh out loud while others brought a tear to my eye. As a bonus, this story draws you into the realities of WWII. The extreme patriotism among men from all walks of life regardless of race (although archaic prejudicial customs are brought to light) or political conviction (the far left or "reds" were as much behind beating Hitler as the far right), the thoughts and fears of the soldiers before the Normandy invasion, the abject poverty of Sicily, northern Africa and Belfast. This is a great read and highly recommended.

Most fans of Woody and Cisco know they made a few trips as merchant seamen during the War, and were torpedoed once and were on another that hit a mine. This wonderful book makes that period REAL, in excellent detail, because Jim Longhi was present. His depiction of Woody reveals a man who had been somewhat famous for three years, and who was still ten years away from being disabled by Huntington's Chorea. The Woody here is almost totally admirable...a bit nutty, but in a brave, sweet way. The book also represents perhaps the closest thing we'll get to a real biography of Cisco Houston, Woody's long-time best friend and arguably still the best singer of Guthrie songs. Meeting Jim Longhi, whose existence I was unaware of despite years of researching Woody and Cisco, was quite a pleasure. He's a fine writer, and obviously a good man, who can poke fun at himself, looking 50 years back at the zealotry of his youth. The book has just about everything...war, music, humor, exotic places, danger, hints of love and sex, fantastic coincidences, political debates---it would make a great movie in skilled hands. The character of Courtroom Kelly, introduced briefly in the mid-section of the memoir, is unforgettably hilarious. In l968, I spent more than 30 days as an Army private sailing to Vietnam on a troopship, so Jim's portrait of shipboard life heading to a war zone for troops and crew alike resonates with me. He and Woody and Cisco were usually mess attendants, but on one trip Jim was a cook and baker. He does a fine job proving how important such workers are to the men they feed. The most touching segment is how Woody insisted on singing to troops down in the hold during submarine attacks on the convoy, competing with the noise from depth charges, and sickness-causing storms, and even racist military policies keeping black and white soldiers from enjoying the same concert at the same time. One comes away even more a fan of Woody and Cisco than before, and with a new friend, Jim, whose singing career didn't survive the voyages, but who lived to tell us an interesting and important tale. Get the book and see for yourself.

This is a terrific tale of friendship, heroism and the power of a magnetic personality. While there have been numerous attempts to paint the definitive portrait of Woody, none have shown this particular picture. To the list of scalliwag, drunkard, genius, writer, singer, guitarist, vagabond and saint, we now must add "war hero."

We keep this book in our car. It is organized by area of town, and neighborhoods so suggestions on where to eat are easy to find. We have tried several places already and were well-pleased with the food, decor, etc., which match the book's description. Houston is a wealth of culturally diverse restaurants and many of them are listed in this book. Don't be fooled by the word "cheap" as the food is really good! And this book will be a great add to the phone book you also keep in your car!!

Who knew that the Chinese food restaurant around the corner (which we had never bothered to try!) was a hidden gem? Mike Riccetti did! Besides some of the Houston standards, there are many pleasant surprise choices in this book. Reviews are accurate representations and include info on atmosphere, drinks, and "what to order." Riccetti advises on places with breakfast specials and lunch bargains as well. Some of Houston's best restaurants offer good deals at lunch - he'll tell you which ones. Restaurants reviewed heavily favor Vietnemese, Mexican, etc, but will give you the courage to try some of those strip-mall joints you've wondered about (you'll be pleased!). Most restaurants are inside the Beltway/near the Loop but there are a few on the outskirts as well. Indexed by cuisine type, meal, location, etc. Very easy to find what you want. Call ahead, however - some of the information is already outdated due to the rapidly changing nature of the restaurant industry.

Move over, Shakespeare. Stand aside, Tolstoy. Roll over, Porky Pig. A bright new literary and eating talent has emerged...and his name is Mike Ricetti. Who else but Houston-native Ricetti could have the literary chops and cast iron stomach necessary to write this ode to cholesterol, this towering magnum opus of grease? I found his book engaging, witty, and chocked full of useful information about eating and drinking in Houston. Too bad I live in San Francisco. Still, at 413 pages, the book will come in handy on my next trip to Texas, or as a door stop. From the most rustic taqueria to the glittering (and uncrowded) Enron employee cafeteria, it's all there. I highly recommend this book to any human being capable of ingesting solid food, and I can't wait for the indefagitable Ricetti's next project, which I understand involves eating his way to Tierra Del Fuego on $1 per day (including Pepto Bismol).

Readers of this book will have sharply diverging reactions to it, and I myself am of two minds. At her worst, Jean Houston can come across like a precocious and hyperactive college kid: flip, full of herself, flaunting exuberance, self-promoting, greedy for catharsis, disorderly ideas sprouting everywhere like psychedelic mushrooms. On the other hand, at her best, she's brilliant, scholarly, profoundly creative, wise, kind, and funny. On the balance, happily, I found the latter set of characteristics predominant here, although the less attractive side of her nature will be readily apparent to anyone unsympathetic to her style and her philosophy. This is an autobiography of sorts, although one in a style that only Jean Houston could conceive: utterly non-linear. What she actually gives us is series of anecdotes from all stages of her life, interspersed chaotically with a fireworks display of philosophical musing, human potential pep talks, New Age proselytizing, scientific speculation, and lectures on her original brand of mystical anthropology. Interestingly, she's the daughter of neither a scholar nor a mystic, but of an itinerant Hollywood gag writer, whom she loved dearly and who ran the family like an overbearing-but-lovable gypsy king. Numerous accounts of his lautish stunts pepper his daughter's book and bring comic relief. He was a direct descendent of Sam Houston, the flamboyant Texan general and politician, laying down a genetic strain that seems not at all improbable once you begin getting a sense of what Jean Houston is about. Of her retiring Sicilian-American mother, we learn very little. Dr. Houston's central animating idea, like that of her teacher and colleague Joseph Campbell, is that certain myths are universal among all peoples and all times, including our own, and they are the main drivers of psychological and spiritual essence of human existence. Exploring ourselves in light of these myths is key to fulfilling life - hence the book's title. Jean Houston takes this idea much further than Campbell did, and makes it the centerpiece of the teaching, lecturing, and mystical psychotherapy which has become both her life's calling and her business. This is compelling material and she presents it with eloquence and passion, despite the interference which her manic style at times brings to the narrative. I recommend "A Mythic Life", although it's not for everyone, and readers should be prepared for what they're getting.

Through sharing fascinating details of her entire life and family, as well as people she has known and worked with, such as Margaret Mead, Jean Houston demonstrates vividly how we can all be more fully awake to our lives and the myths we all live by, whether we consciously know them or not. Reading her stimulates the reader to want more of her writings, which are plentiful and available.She also has a website worth pursing, at Jean Houston.org. An enjoyable read.

Jean Houston is a gifted writer and speaker. In this book, Jean reminds us that our myths have power within them. They reveal our soul and ways we manifest ourselves into daily living. In so doing, our divine and human qualities merge into a sacred human path. -- Samuel Oliver, author of, WHAT THE DYING TEACH US: LESSON ON LIVING.

A interesting Texas history lesson, this book was recommended by a local Texas historian from the Haley Library and Museum. Very enjoyable if you want more than just a history about Sam Houston, this is a Texas/Mexico history mini-lesson as well. The book tells the story of Sam Houston's life including his: Tennessee Governorship, ties to President Andrew Jackson, role as General of Armies and Malitias, tenure as President of the Republic of Texas, role as United States Senator and Governorship of the State of Texas.

Marquis James shows why he won more than one Nobel prize for historical writing. In this book he takes you through the entire life of Sam Houston, giving the reader an insight on the events of Houston's earlier life that shaped his actions in the founding of the Texas Republic. Until reading this book, I had no idea just how important Sam Houston was to the history of not just Texas, but the entire United States.

I read this book because it won the Pulitzer Prize in 1930, but it stands with any more recently written biography. Sam Houston had a fantastically interesting life, and if you haven't read a bio of him you will be amazed. I recommend this book without reservation.