This book was written by people who spent their lives for something they loved. Their passion is evident from the in depth analysis and their personal contribution to many aspects of the presented theory.
This book is highly recommended to engineers and students, however it might not be very useful to people with limited engineering knowledge.
And a personal comment: If you are a Mechanical, of Aeronautical engineer fascinated by aerodynamics, David Sharp's section will surly challenge and intrigue you...

This book is a great find. It's quick reading and you can skip around because the topic of each chapter stands on it's own.

It's a compilation of quotes from women the author met traveling throughout the U.S. At first, I thought the prespective might be outdated since her journey took place many years ago. However, she has more recenlty updated the book.

The author covers a good range of topics and resources that I believe will touch on the priorities of most women today. Women from every walk of life and age are quoted and they have alot to share.

A close friend shared this book with me; now I want my own copy to keep on hand for daily reference. I've found the wisdom offered in this book has been soothing during tough times and inspiring during the better times. It's become a treasured guide for me. Don't miss it!

Wow!! This was another splendid romance written by Mrs. Jenkins. I am an avid reader of romance novels and Beverly Jenkins is at the top of my list. I must say that African American women everywhere should feel truly blessed to have such a gifted writer within our time. The romance in the novel was sizziling,and passionate. It gave me goose bumps and made me wish that I could conjure up a Leveq look-alike. The history was astounding and informative. Sable and Raimond made a terrific couple, despite their differences. It surely took a large heart for the Leveq's to take in three homeless children. It took me by suprise to find out that the characters Galen and Hester appeared throughout the novel as well. I have read all of Mrs. Jenkin's novels and they just keep getting better and better. I can't wait for Mrs. jenkins to come to the Atlanta area for a book signing tour. There are two questions that I have for Mrs. Jenkins before I leave. Where do you find the men built like Adonis to pose for your cover? and When is the next novel coming out? Until next time, Keep up the good work !!!

Beverly Jenkins has done it again!! The new novel Through the Storm won me over!! Raimond and Sable's story was funny and romantic. I was in total awe about the history in the novel. I'm ashamed to say it, but I never new about some of the history in the novel. One of the things that amazed me though was the sincerity of Raimond and Sable to take in three homeless children. That took a lot of love and courage. I doubt that most people would have done that. I have read all Mrs. Jenkin's novels and they just keep getting better and better. I can't wait for the next one. Keep up the good work!!

I recently discovered Beverly Jenkins. I never actively read 'romance' books and now I wonder if I've been missing out. Her development of characters and their relationship with Sable is wonderful. Sable's mother-in-law was a pearl and her brother-in-laws were humorous and brotherly. It was great to show Raimond's attachment and involvement with the adopted children. I love how the men in these books are larger than life and how they are attracted to strong-minded women. Ms. Jenkins is an excellent writer and I can't wait for her new book (I also am searching for copies of her out of print books - Indigo and Vivid.

"Looking for Alaska" is a series of fascinating tales of Peter Jenkins' experiences during an 18-month stay in Alaska. He is primarily interested in the relationship of Alaskans to the land they inhabit, so most chapters focus on the many diverse people he met along his journey. The author's straightforward, unadorned writing style effectively allows him to stay out of the way of his subjects - who range from Alaskan Native women to Iditarod racers to homesteaders above the Arctic Circle - as they reveal their stories. At times his writing was so understated that I began to wonder whether he was stunned into wordlessness by the Alaskan wild, but for the most part appreciated his restraint, especially when he conveyed funny anecdotes.

Though he keeps the focus on Alaska and its people, the author reveals some of his own personal journey as a middle-aged man still seeking new adventures. Part of the adventure this time around is that he brought his family with him (apparently a change from his previous travels); however, we learn little about how his wife and young daughter adjust to life in a small town on the edge of the wilderness, and his teenage sons are nearly absent from the story altogether. We read more about 19-year-old daughter Rebekah, who reminds the author of himself at the same age.

"Looking for Alaska" is at its best when Peter Jenkins allows the majesty and wildness of Alaska to reveal itself in the details of people's daily lives - whether traveling by snowmobile to areas without roads, coping with bears in the neighbors' yards, or struggling to maintain traditional "subsistence" living on the land's bounty. It piqued my curiousity about Alaska and even made me want to consider visitng there myself.

Do you ever wonder what Alaska is really like when the tourists go home and we Alaskans are left with Alaska? Well, this is the book. It tells all. I am a lifelong Alaskan. I am also one of those mentioned in "Looking For Alaska." Peter stayed with me for several days at WinterCabin B and B and experienced his first Alaska snow while here in Tok, Alaska. I'm a writer by profession and I read the entire book with a critical eye, looking for a problem, searching for a place where he may have "doctored" it up or glossed over something. He didn't. Peter Jenkins has done a superb job of telling it like it is. Moving his family to Seward, Alaska, he has traveled the entire state, going where his heart took him. And he captured it all. The good, the bad, and the glorius. If you want to know how we Alaskans live at any given moment, at any given time, in any given place, this is the book that tells all. I have never read a book that so carefully, and fully, captured the entire state, but this one does. This his best book yet. Told in simple layman's terms, it's an easy read. Whether you're an armchair traveler, just interested in Alaska, or if you're planning a trip to Alaska and you can only read one book, read Peter Jenkins' Looking For Alaska."

I've always wanted to travel to Alaska, but after reading Peter Jenkin's book, that desire is double. Looking for Alaska is a joy to read, and it balances nicely the written word and the photo, that so many other travelogues cannot. Too many travel books are pretty pictureless, such as Terra Incognita, so you are left only with the author's descriptions of things. Or you get the coffee table photographic book that tries to tell you everything in a set of photos. Jenkins vivid writing and unforgettable characters come alive, and what a joy to be able to turn the page and see what is being talked about.

But even if there were no photos the book would be superb. While no one can probably say that they "understand Alaska," I feel that I know have a fresh and valid insight into what is essentially another country. One of the themes that runs through the book is how Alaska exerts a siren song upon visitors, resulting in many visitors never leaving. In many ways, you could almost hear the regrets in Jenkin's writing as he leaves the state after a year. The best of all is that for most of these people, they can't exactly say what kept them there, which just adds to the mystique of the state.

Jenkins takes the time to show us the width and bredth of the state, visiting most of the regions over the course of the year, north, south, east and west. And you are presented views through more than one person's eyes, as he uses some of his daughter's written recollections to further the narrative and to show the pull of the state on others in his family.

All in all, I put down the book and started looking at flights to Alaska. I want to go so badly now, and so will you.

I had and beat testicular cancer just like Lance Armstrong, so I could truly relate to the incredible obstacles that he described in his amazing book.

This sincerely is an amazing story. I just wish I could have read it when I was going through my intense radiation treatments in my recovery, because I feel it would have made things easier for me. In his book, Armstong brings this disease into the public view, and allows people to see that it truly doesn't have to be a part of death, but, in fact, a part of life.

There are many stories within the book. His childhood, his attitudes towards his father figures, his early racing career, his battle with cancer, the stuggle to get back on top of his game, his love life, and, his extemely personal march towards fatherhood. Each and every one of these minor stories gives an overall inspirational journey into Lance Armstrong's remarkable life.

The writing is nicely detailed and allows for a good, easy-flowing read. The racing-scenes are action-packed, and make you feel as if you are right there on the bike with him. Armstong tells his tale using candid language and relates his stories of life with honesty and a pure heart. This book is a true inspiration to anyone. Please read this book. You cannot go wrong.

The most inspiration story I have read in a long time. Lance Armstrong a world-class athlete nearly struck down by cancer, only to recover and win the Tour de France, the bicycle race famous for its grueling intensity is a winner by all accounts. As serious and difficult the race may be the race to defeat cancer is even more difficult. And that is the core of this book which includes serious medical detail from chemo to surgical procedures to his wife's in vitro fertilization, you won't be spared a single x-ray, IV drip, or unfortunate side effect. Lance Armstrong is a winner in regards to life, death, illness, family, medical setbacks, training setbacks and personal triumphs. Reading this book makes you proud.

FinancialNeeds.com

If you've never been profoundly effected by a book, then you have to read Lance Armstrong's story. Yes, it gives you great insight into the cycling world, but even moreso, the book opens your eyes to the physical effects of cancer and how to conquer them emotionally. Lance doesn't hide any details of his diagnosis and treatment but chooses instead to lay them all out for everyone to see. His experience has made it easier for men to freely talk about testicular cancer and to take the early steps to prevent its progression.

I am not an avid cyclist or a cancer survivor, but Lance's book read so well (I finished it in 2 days) that I could totally relate to him. I enjoyed every page and even laughed and cried as I read. I have never rated a book on Amazon before, but I was so moved by this story that I couldn't help myself. I even contributed to the Lance Armstrong Foundation today through Lance's web site in order to help other cancer survivors. You can help, too. It's a good cause, and you never know.. one day you might need and appreciate such a donation.

I was buying Peter's new book, LOOKING FOR ALASKA, when I decided to read the reviews on amazon.com for some of his other books.

After reading a couple by some people with limited vision I had to write one for his classic A WALK ACROSS AMERICA. This amazing book has been a best seller since 1979, it has sold a couple million copies.

The reason is that it obviously communicates extremely effectively and to all ages, all backgrounds, just read the reviews.

I know because I used to own one of the most successful bookstores in the midwest. I had autoworkers from GM buying it, professorts at MSU, students at MSU, high school students from town, Grandmothers in reading groups, grown-up hippies, stock traders in their suits.

The most powerful and effective communication is done, whether by writing or painting or music or religion even, simply.
The Rolling Stones write and perform songs that reach out and grab all. Great artists, religious leaders, writers do the same.

Peter Jenkins has done this with A WALK ACROSS AMERICA.

Remember Peter is 21 years old when beginning this now famous, yet solitary journey. His book is written from a young persons perspective, yet the masses feel it, love it, and keep buying and buying it.

What a rare book this is. The readers have spoken. And now I have had my turn. Peace.

I can promise you that I haven't read more than one book in the past ten years, but from the moment I picked up "A Walk Across America" I couldn't set it down. I read it cover to cover in three days and ordered "The Walk West" and "Along the Edge of America" immediately. This book is for anyone who loves the outdoors, dogs, adventure or just a heartfelt excellent story. I now plan on reading anything and everything that Peter Jenkins writes. I sent a copy of this book as a gift for my son in Florida. Thank you Peter for sharing with us your wonderful story.

A Walk Across America is a different kind of story about a man and his dog in the 1970's. Peter Jenkins id fed up with America and is about ready to head to a foreign country when a friend tells him to take a closer look before he decides to abandon it. So Peter and his dog, Cooper, decide to walk across America. As they travel they meet many wonderful people along the way, with unique stories. There are a few, of course, who do not like them, like a small town who thinks Peter is a drug dealer trying to "grt" their kids. Most, though, like Peter and Cooper and some evern offer them places to stay. This is a true story , an overall good book. I liked hearing the interesting stories of the diierent people Peter me (he wrote the book). If you expecting to hear the whole tale, all the way to the Californian coast, though, you may disappointed, this book only goes about half way there. That's because Peter stopped to write this book. I think people who like interesting, true stories about human nature in general will like this book.

I won't deny the talent of Jerry Jenkins, he is a fine writer, technically smooth, and keeps the reader's attention whether it be in a Left Behind installment or a different genre. But my reservations on this book could be applied to his other books too, and that is, that he tends to stretch the bounds of believability. In the Left Behind books, the red flags took a similar form; as to whether or not these characters could actually experience these things, and know each other, and all have such important parts to play without the bad guy figuring it all out or them giving themselves away as I believe a true Christian would have to in the face of such evil. In this book, I questioned the absolute, abject misery he subjected his main character to. Yes God uses hardship to hone us, and yes, the life of faith is often difficult. But it almost seemed to me that around every bend he was trying to find new ways to torture this poor character. I have walked with God many many years but have never known anyone to have endured what this person endured. A bit of a stretch -- and God makes us more like Jesus through many circumstances, not just flat out catastrophe. I guess I felt tortured by this book too. 3 stars only!

All throughout reading this book I got the distinct impression that the main character was closely based on a real person. Her reactions to the the events in her life, especially the tragedies, were not what I expected from the main character of a Christian fiction novel who starts out by dedicating herself as "an experiement in obedience" to God. She was often questioning, angry and weak. Just like the rest of us, except she did a lot more for God's Kingdom than most of us. One problem I had with the story, I have to say, was this idea of someone's life being an "experiment" in obedience. What scientific theory was she trying to prove?

Jerry Jenkins mastery of words and SCripture again come alive in this moving narrative of a committed woman's life. Beginning with a committment to God in her teens and ending with her committment to the same God as a senior citizen, "Though None Go With Me" tells the story of a modern-day, female Job.

Christians who feel as though life in Christ should be one big beach need to read this novel. It's not your typical "happily ever after" tome. It recounts over and over again a woman's suffering, God's gentle hand, and his overwhelming grace.

Jenkin's novels flow from the heart and speak directly to the Christian reader. He isn't overbearing in his descriptive approach, yet he colors the pages with timely adjectives and lively verbs.

Jenkins is a great and gifted writer for this generation of Christians. "Though None Go With Me" is just another example of his great work.

In the original "Left Behind" series LaHaye and Jenkins tell a story of what would happen if Christ "raptured" his Church today - taking all of his faithful believers to heaven with him. In "The Kids" series the authors have made a haphazard attempt at adapting their story to a bunch of teenagers whom are all in some way connected to the adults of the original series.

I enjoy the adult series, but as a Sunday School teacher I have a lot of apprehensions about giving this book to children in the 9-12 age range that I so often see it listed as. This book only gets through the first quarter of the first in the adult book. The "ungodly" pasts of the characters is told to explain why they were not taken, but the story does not go far enough. The book cuts off too early and never shows the kids themselves making the realization that their actions are responsible for them being "left behind".

Be careful with this book. It should not just be handed to children, but backed up by discussions with adults who have also read the book. I would recommend using it in a group study however as the chapters are short enough that children ought to be able to read a chapter per week.

Why 3 stars? I like Jenkins and LaHaye. This book has merit and would be good in a group study. But I found certain segments of the book to be "too adult" for nine year olds.

Setting: Mount Prospect, Illinois at the time of the first coming of Jesus Christ (a.k.a. the rapture)
Characters: Judd, the runaway; Vicki, the rebel; Lionel, the liar; Ryan, the skeptic; Bruce Barnes,
junior pastor of New Hope Church; and Uncle Andre, Lionel's uncle.
Summary- Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan are introduced as teenagers who have had opportunities to accept Christ as Savior but choose not to for various reasons. Christ comes back and takes their parents and families, except for Ryan. His parents are killed in the accidents that happen when people mysteriously disappear, leaving only their clothing, jewelry, and glasses behind. The four teenagers lives become intertwined with many of the events that happen as a result of these disappearances. The children end up at the New Hope Church where they see a video left by the previous pastor shown by the junior pastor who was also left behind. They are told what happened and given the chance to accept Christ now. They are given the hope that it is not too late to have a home in heaven when they die. The book ends with the invitation and the following books, for it is a series, give insight into who accepts or rejects Jesus Christ. These events try to follow the prophecies found in the book of Revelation in the Bible.
Author Evaluation- It is very suspenseful but the awfulness of the concept causes concern
among many librarians. It is well written although sometimes pedantic and preachy.

The Vanishings is book #1 in the Left Behind-The Kids series, based on the best-selling adult series. The series depicts the Rapture and Tribulation through the eyes of four teenagers, Judd Thompson Jr, Vicki Byrne, Lionel Washington, and Ryan Daley.

In this first installment, the four teenagers are introduced. Judd Thompson Jr is a 16 year-old who runs away from home because he feels resentment toward his family because of their belief in God. He hops a plane to London, thinking he has acquired complete freedom.
Vicki Byrne is a rebellious 14 year-old girl who lives in a trailer park with her family, and who doesn't believe in God as her family does and feels resentment toward religion.
Lionel Washington is a 13 year-old boy who has been living all his life within a Christian environment. His whole family history revolved around church, but Lionel has never become a Christian and lies to his family, saying he is a Christian.
Ryan Daley is a 12 year-old boy who is skeptical of his best friend's beliefs in God and the Bible and is uncomfortable, nervous, and confused whenever he encounters religion.

Then the Rapture of the Church occurs. In one shocking moment millions around the globe vanish in the twinkling of an eye, all at the same time. Those remaining on the earth suddenly face an uncertain future, especially Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan. The world-wide vanishings has left them alone. Judd was on the plane when the Rapture occured. Due to numerous airports being jammed or closed, the plane turns around, heading back to Chicago. Once back home, Judd discovers his whole family gone, disappeared. Likewise, Vicki wakes up and discovers her entire family gone. Lionel also wakes up and finds his entire family has vanished. Ryan wakes up and eventually learns that both his parents have been killed in accidents caused by the global vanishings, his mother in a car accident and his father in a plane crash. In their search for help and for answers, the four kids meet up with each other at a local church. There they learn the Truth behind the disappearances. But are they ready to believe it?

The Vanishings is a promising beginning to the Left Behind-The Kids series. Although this series is intended for kids aged 9-14, adults will thoroughly enjoy this series. I am 16 and thoroughly enjoyed this first installment and look forward to reading the entire series.

I've been a fan of this series since the second book came out. I found the first one slow at times, but they get better (mostly). Then I read a review that said the Christ Clone Trilogy by James BeauSeigneur is a whole lot better, so I tried it. The review was more critical of Left Behind than I would agree with, but it was 100% right about the Christ Clone. Man, that's a series you can sink your teeth into. It moves fast, sticks to scripture, and explains prophecy in a much more believable way than any of the end times books I've read, including Left Behind.

The strangest thing is that BeauSeigneur does such a good job of presenting the antichrist that you actually find yourself pulling for him. It's weird, but exactly as Matthew 24:24 says it will be. In Left Behind you know that Nicolae is the Antichrist right from the beginning (though the characters seem a little thick-headed in not being able to see what's so obvious to the reader) and there's no way in the world I would ever follow ol' Nick. If I weren't a Christian, though, I'm sure I would follow BeauSeigneur's Antichrist. He's that good, I mean bad . . . oh you know what I mean.

One other big difference is that Left Behind is obviously written for a Christian or near-Christian audience; the preaching is pretty thick and I think turns off many nonChristian readers. (I've tried to get nonChristians to read Left Behind and none have read past the first book.) The Christ Clone Trilogy is written for a secular audience (it even has an occasional curse word) but when the truth is revealed (book 3 of the series) the Christian world view and the presentation of the Gospel is unmistakable.

Nicolae, The Rise of Antichrist is book #3 of Left Behind. World War III has just begun and the worst is just beginning. The seven-year Tribulation is near the first quarter of what darkness is to come over the earth. Nicolae Carpathia becomes focus in what has come about the Global Community to which he consolidates his power. It is the time that "the wrath of the Lamb" is poured out upon the earth with the great earthquake. Our heroes, Rayford Steele and journalist Buck Williams who struggle to survive the global war and destruction. They know Nicolae is the Antichrist prophesied in the Bible. Carpathia's regime becomes from a benevolent leader to a cruel, ruthless tyrant whose evil agenda is destroy humanity. Steele and Williams do all they can to do the impossible-stop the Antichrist! The chaos and turmoil is described in John's prophecy in Revelation of the seven seals [Revelation ch. 6 & 7]. In the meantime secret all-night rescue missions from Israel through Sinai will leave you on the edge.

(NOTE: Also take a look at my other previous reviews written on the 'Left Behind series' to follow this exciting most talked about series-just click on my name above.)

I've read all but "The Indwelling", which I'll read this summer, so I've decided to review the series. If you're a voracious reader you could finish this book in a day, no matter your reading level it is an easy read. You're likely to read it quickly because you'll want to find out what is going to happen next in this apocalyptic vision of Earth's future. This book is one of the best in the series. The action and suspense are spellbinding, so it is very entertaining. The "message" and true intent of the authors is throughout the book, you either believe it or not. The book is entertainment, not a bible study course on the Book of Revelations, so take it for what it is and enjoy the ride. The "evil one" is portrayed magnificently, totally believeable and credible. The world is his oyster and the way he manages to rise to power is slightly predictable but interesting nonetheless. The "heroes" are by now starting to become more dimensional as characters and the reader will be able to identify with them as real people. Whether you agree or disagree with the premise of this book, an interpretation of the Book of Revelations, the book is still a very good piece of fiction that in fact may be based on truth? Better than # 2 and right up there with the original # 1. No matter you're opinion, you will be left thinking about how you live your life and hopefully be a better person for it.