A powerful story about one family's struggle with domestic abuse. How a single event, or words spoken can have a great impact for better or worse on one person, or the entire family. It also emphasizes the strength of the human spirit while living, and a possible glimpse of what may occur to the spirit after death. For those who are questioning whether they can change their lives for the better, this is the book for them. The story allows the readers to evaluate their own lives and face up to the negative energy that may surround them. Because, at the core of the story is magic and hope, and the potential to be all the great things that make us human.

The Haunting of the Owens Family depicts one year in the life of a typical
suburban family. In the mid-1970s, Meggie and Dan and their four children
enjoy all the comforts of middle-class life. They have the house, the yard,
the neighborhood full of children.

Grace plays the theme song of M*A*S*H on her flute. Annabelle has an
Etch-A-Sketch, Colorforms, and a Poster of Leif Garrett in her bedroom.
Danny in his bright red windbreaker does wheelies as he races his bike
through the neighborhood with his new pal Vinnie. Elizabeth dreams of
college. On the surface all is well.

But a secret under the surface is tearing the fabric of this family. Is it
just a "domestic," as the police contend, or is it something else?

In prose that is full of poetry and wisdom, the author tells the whole truth
of a family's struggle to be "normal." With courage, the author shares the
trials and repercussions of an "expected" marriage. She shows how the jagged
edges of words can hurt when dealing with anger, depression, and death. She
also reveals the true worth of friendship and the strength of family ties.

This is a beautifully written first novel, and I look forward to more from
this author.

--Laura Ronge

Hidden secrets is not the type of book that one will study for hours upon hours however, it is most likely one of the most interesting books that I have read in the past year or so. Hidden Secrets is a brief overview of all areas of espionage, from electronic surveillance, to deception campaigns. Especially fun are the short case studies presented. This book can be read quickly and is most definitely for somebody seeking enjoyment of their time and not for espionage study.

If you desire a short, fun read for a boring event such as a long plane ride haul along Hidden secrets.

Other titles have provided a history of espionage or specific agents: Hidden Secrets combines a focus on the changing technologies used to support espionage, examining the real world of the spy and using color illustrations, photos, and abundant side-bars of information to explain differences between historical and modern spying. Absorbing and revealing.

Owen Chadwick was a professor of modern history at Cambridge from the 1960s to the 1980s. He has written extensively on issues in the history of Christianity, which include 'The Reformation' (now in its 20th edition -- a remarkable number!), 'The Victorian Church', 'The Popes and the European Revolution', as well as an authoritative biography of Michael Ramsey, Archbishop of Canterbury.

In this volume, 'A History of Christianity', Chadwick has taken his extensive knowledge of the subject and distilled it into a book that is accessible, yet magisterial. Including all elements of religion, including art, music, philosophy, politics, architecture, faith and spirituality, Chadwick explores the breadth of Christianity from the early days of wandering disciples to the days of televangelists, and all in between.

--Chapter 1: Jew and Greek
This give a summary overview of the history of Judaism up to the time of Christ, to provide some basic context scripturally, sociologically, historically, etc. It also surveys the then-current non-Jewish religions and philosophies dominant in the Roman world. It traces the first few hundred years of the Christian movement, exploring issues such as house-church organisation, ritual and liturgy, early persecutions, early heresies, and the perceived need for and development of creeds and a canon of scripture (the New Testament).

--Chapter 2: The Christian Empire
This chapter begins with the close of the era of persecution and the rise of Constantine. From this point Christianity was a major state religion, which had profound impact upon the character of the church in philosophy and organisation. Issues explored include the beginnings of monasticism, the recognition of and celebration of saints, calendrical controversies, and the spread of Christianity beyond Roman borders to northern Europe, eastern and southern lands.

--Chapter 3: East Rome
This chapter examines some of the issues which began to separate what is now called Orthodox or Eastern Orthodox Christianity and the Western church. Issues examined include the role of the city and political dominance of Constantinople, eastern traditions and liturgical differences from the Western practice, mysticism and the effects of Islam on continuing Christian development as a politically-secondary religion.

--Chapter 4: Western Society in the Middle Ages
With the rise of Islam and the faltering of political power of the eastern Christian hierarchy, the bishop of Rome once again became a predominant authority in church matters politically. Issues covered include art and architecture in the west, the rise of the diocesan and parish systems, 'imitation of Christ' movements such as the Franciscans, the church's regulation of marriage, and the beginnings of Renaissance thinking.

--Chapter 5: The New World and Reform
After the crusades and the near universality of catholicism in the West for several centuries, various communities and leaders began to question the authority of the church in various ways. Issues covered include the reformative ideas of Lutherans, Calvinists, Anglicans, Anabaptists, Hutterites, Congregationalists, and many others. Also this is the era when the Bible first came to be translated in the common vernacular of the people. Music and philosophy also began to have greater impact on Christianity.

--Chapter 6: The Modern Age
From the French revolution forward, the world has seen unprecedented change in almost every area. Christianity has been no different. From seemingly minor issues as the rise of Christmas cards to the major events such as the fall of communism, this chapter explore global issues in Christianity, with an eye toward future events: gender barriers in the church; science and religion; moral issues; the church and the home.

This book is lavishly illustrated, well written, well indexed and organised, and a true treat to the reader. This presents a concise yet comprehensive overview of Christianity as a cohesive whole, and is worthy of a spot on the bookshelf (or, indeed, coffee table) of a scholar, a cleric, and the interested lay person.

I have known the author for over fifty years. He became my Tutor, responsible for my moral welfare, in 1947 at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. This book has been for me a marvellous all-purpose present. It is ideal as a wedding present for my former pupils whether they are believers or not, so superb are both the writing and illustrations. It is a wonderful birthday present or token of gratitude for some special reason. It should be in the possession of every member of the clergy, whatever his or her denomination. Even now I have discovered leading Anglicans who do not have a copy and some of whom had not even known about it. May I suggest that you consider mailing every person listed in Crockford's Clerical Directory, and every alumnus of Owen Chadwick's three main colleges in Cambridge; St. John's College, where he was an undergraduate; Trinity Hall, where he was dean immediately before Robert Runcie; and Selwyn College, where he was Master from 1956 to 1983. I wonder whether there are enough copies available in hard-back, which is so much better than paper-back, to deal with the possible demand for it. It could be that more pressure should be put on the publishers to bring out a further hard-back printing. I have tried but have so far failed. Robin Lindsay, headmaster, Sherborne Preparatory School.

Of all the books out there on playing with kids, this is by far my favorite. His chapter on the power of "it" is excellent. I made it a mandatory read for my staff working with kids. Ive also seen this author speak and was most impressed.

I was very impressed with "Mr. Play" and his many activities. I teach at the middle school level and also coach several sports. I have found that the child management tactics described in the book often enhance the quality of my interactions with kids every day. My students/players have truly enjoyed the group games that I have taken from "How to Play With Kids." Two of my favorites are NAME WHIP and GREAT CHANGE ARTIST. I felt this was a solid book and well worth reading.

I was given the original hard back by my father Richard W. Walton Sr. (Great Grandson of Col. J.B. Walton, Commander in Chief of the Washington Artillery). Once I started reading the book, I could not put it down, finished it in the same afternoon. I would have enjoyed reading it over and over through the years, but could not due to the age and condition of the original (copyright, 1885) I have read everything that I could get my hands on involving the American Civil War. After reading this book, I feel that I owe thanks to William Miller Owen for taking me back in time. I felt the experience as if I were there. As I came to know the men of the Battalion from day one upon their depature from New Orleans enroute to Richmond VA., I felt remorse in reading of the death of so many of them.

Very well written account of the Washington Artllery's engagements during the Civil War. Describes all major actions from the First Battle of Bull Run to the final surrender at Appomatox. You feel so close to the lives of the troops; makes you marvel at all the struggles and hardships that were endured. A must read for all Civil War buffs. First published in 1885 by Ticknor and Company of Boston. Reissued in a limited edition that is an exact reproduction of the original, with a few additions (an Introduction by Kenneth Urquhart, three additional illustrations, and the list of present-day officers) by The Pelican Publishing Company of New Orleans, June 1964.

I am Indonesian but grew up in the United States. It has been difficult for me to collect information, history and recipes from my native homeland, but I was so thrilled when I found this book. Sri Own gives history, methods and classic recipes that I remember my mother and family cooking for me as a kid. I wish that more people, Indonesians as well, would value the richness of the food, culture and culinary possiblibites and potential that Indonesian food has to offer.

This is not only an excellence cooking book but also a very good traveling book. It gives you the briefing on each region of Indonesia and then presents its vanishing recipes with an easy-to- follow instruction. I am really enjoy reading this book.

This is an excellent book, not only for tourists and visitors to the Monterey Peninsula, but also for those considering relocating there (like me). I wanted a book about the region that describes the neighborhoods and towns in order to get a general feel for the area (information pertinent to those contemplating a move), and this book does just that. It is amazing how much information the authors have managed to jam into each page, and they have included a good deal of local history. The book is written in a witty, engaging, almost conversational style. Unlike many books of this genre, the blurbs about restaurants, inns, and everything else are written descriptively, rather than subjectively or from the authors' personal points of view (which may differ from the reader). In short, this is a very well-written book from two people who clearly love the peninsula on which they live!

This book was invaluable to our trip to this beautiful area. A very informative, fun read and a great way to learn about where to go, what to see, and what's available. I highly recommend this book.

For those who have an interest in shamanic and process-oriented work but would like to proceed at their own pace, "Journey of the Bard" offers an experiential voyage into the Shamanic realm through the bardic tradition. Adopting the framework of the ancient Celtic worldview, Yvonne Owens weaves the reader into the fabric of the Story, juxtaposing the initiatory process with extensive multi-cultural references. Miles Lowry's artwork and poetry add another magical dimension to the work. In the tradition of pathworking, the reader becomes transformed through participation while exploring the archetypal Tree of Life/Tree of Knowledge. The result is the awakening and activation of the profound heart of the Artist who dwells within each one of us awaiting realization. A shift in consciousness is enabled as we travel with (or as) the Bard from the Garden to the Realm Beyond the Stars and back again, arriving with fresh new perspectives on the here-and-now, our perceived everyday lives. The author recommends that the journey through the process be allowed to proceed over the course of a year, in the manner of initation, so as to allow for the awakening of subtle influences within the reader's inner consciousness, intuition and creative self. During this time, the outer life will synchronistically mirror the inner processes. Although I read the book somewhat more quickly, over the course of three months, I can attest to the effects firsthand. I have encountered and crossed a number of thresholds since I first began reading. According to tradition, it is the calling of the Bard ot entertain, educate and elighten through storytelling. To follow the course of this Story certinaly results in the entertainnment, education and elightenment of the reader. The beautiful circular poetry and dream-like illustrations of Milses Lowry provide a wonderful complement to the astute scholarship and story-weaving abilities of Yvonne Owens. To add to my personal pleasure, there is also a well-selected bibliography.

Here is a book that, founded on demonstrable research with ample pictures to prove it, pulls together a wild and wide body of folk tale and metaphor and provides the reader with a useful life tool they can use the moment they crack the cover. A stylistically direct writer, Owens leaps to her subject with a sense of delivering unadulterated and important information. The book is primarily about the journey of the soul along the time-honoured hero's quest, but it is much more than that: it is an examination of one's own conscious body and body consciousness; it is a self-directed journey toward personal creativity; and (best of all) it is a fairy story. Like all folklore, the information Owens presents is ancient and universal. What is unique here is Owens' ability to sew together myth, archaeology, symbol, and archetype to show forgotten ceremonial and shamanic relationships. Journey of the Bard is in the tradition of Maria Gimbutas and Clarissa Pinkola Estés: an effective revelation of what we always knew about our human spirit, but seldom perceived due to patriarchal cultural overlay. The structure of the book is based on a chapter-a-month programme that takes the reader through the chakra system and the Celtic realms of the earth/garden, underworld, and heavens. Each segment contains an analytical essay on the symbology of that stage of the journey (i.e. chakra) as well as the actual story text. The bard (an Everyperson creative type) makes her/her way through the Celtic fabled landscape, encountering myth, monster, and guide. The reader, in turn, is meant to be on their own parallel inward journey through their own interior landscape. Like every good heroic archetype, the protagonist has to pass through the pits of darkness and dance among the stars to fully aquire the magic potential of their beings. At the end, the reader/bard is returned to the earthly garden in full possession of their creative powers. Included in this volume are original poems, paintings and drawings by Miles Lowry. His clear, precise illustrations of ancient motifs and artifacts are an essential component of the book, but most notable are his errie illustrations of the bard's journey, which add a fey beauty much associated with things Celtic. Appropriately enough, Owens describes herself as a "cultural theorist" - a useful catch-all term for this kind of sociological research and assembly project. Besides a wealth of art criticism and cultural essays, her past publications include The Cup of Mari Anu, a coming-of-age legend for young women, beautifully illustrated by Kevan Lane Miller, and The Witches' Book of Days, co-authored with Jessica North and Jean Kozacari. She is also known as the past editor of Hecate's Loom Magazine which, under her regime, became an internationally-respected alternative arts and philosophy publication. She also has a bourgeoning career as a Celtic/early music recording artist, with her second CD, The Moor and the Dowry, scheduled for release in 1998. The Journey of the Bard is the cornerstone of Bardic Journeys Tours, which will combine imaginative journeying with more literal travel to explore ancient civilizations. The first of these tours will be to Crete in 1998 and will not only showcase Owens' storytelling talents, but will also include musicians and historians in a very full and entertaining package.

I can't believe this treasure is out of print :o( It completely changed our lives - laid it all out, what the Bible says - God wants us to give control to Him, whether He chooses to give us children or not, when to give them, and how many. Showed us that it is selfish, even sinful, to tell God to stop blessing us with more children - would we ask Him to stop blessing us with good health? Or money? Then why with children, whom the Bible calls "blessings"? I will search for a copy of this out of print gem for each of our children.

Easy to read format, very thorough. This book opened up our eyes to what the Bible says about children - that they are to be considered "blessings", and gifts from God. Brought us to the realization that it wasn't our place to tell God "when" and "how many times" to bless us. Samuel Owen, my sons, #4 and #5, thank you for writing this book - without it, they might not have been born!