I just read Brenda Davis' and Vesanto Melina's new book "Becoming Vegan" and am thoroughly impressed with the material and its presentation.

The authors did a much more rigorous job of researching and presenting the current scientific data, presenting both the pro and contrary findings than in earlier works. I found the directness refreshing in comparison to some of the less scientific and more evangelistic writings that have been published.

Highlights are:

-A unique and thought-provoking look at the relationship between diet and chronic disease and the protective effects of vegan diets against the leading killers.

-One of the most convincing and well researched explanations on why plant proteins are both adequate and preferable to animal protein as the major protein source for humans.

-The most comprehensive examination of dietary fat and essential fatty acids for vegans written to date.

-A thorough and practical discussion on all of the vitamins and minerals of concern to vegans, including calcium, iron and vitamin B12.

-Invaluable guidelines for people at various stages of the lifecycle: pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence and the senior years.

-A detailed and thoughtful discussion on matters of weight and shape including underweight, overweight and eating disorders.

-Straight-shooting advice about vegan diets and athletic performance.

-An exceptional vegan food guide, helping you design a well-balanced vegan diet.

-A lively discussion about diplomacy and how to handle sticky situations gracefully in this nonvegan world.

I suggest this to you as a must read and something for anyone either considering or already on a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Peter Roosen.

I'm a newbie vegan and was unsure where to begin. After reading this book, I feel confident that I will be able to prepare healthy vegan meals and improve my overall diet, because I now know what is essential to it. This book goes in-depth into which vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential to ones health and what foods they come from. In addition, it supplies the reader with a complete food pyramid and sample meal plans, which are very helpful in learning what actually comprises a healthy meal. It also covers the entire spectrum of dietary needs from children to the elderly, as well as athletes. Thus, it is useful for people of all ages and activity levels. All in all, I was impressed with this book's thoroughness and recommend it to anyone who wants to eat better, not just vegans!

I found this book to be very informative and helpful towards adopting a vegan diet. It explores the most common questions that prospective and neo-vegans might have, such as "How do I get B12?" "Are vegan diets safe and adequate?" and "How do I get enough calcium?".

Aside from these basic questions, the authors delve into the depths of vegan nutrition, using the latest scientific research to debunk some of the commonly held myths. There's information on protein, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, and the latest news on the benefits of phytochemicals. This may sound daunting, but the book is informative without being boring. (I read it in one day!)

The authors cite numerous studies across the world that compare vegans to ovo-lacto vegetarians and nonvegetarians. They do this for each section that they discuss. Even when there were some areas where vegans might fall a little short, the authors gave the information in straight terms, without bias.

Finally, I liked that after the general nutritional information, there were chapters on the new vegan food pyramid, vegan athletes, vegan infants, vegan children, vegan adolescents, vegan 50+, weight issues (both over- and under-), eating disorders, and vegan diplomacy.

I would recommend this book to ANYONE who is adopting a vegan diet or is even considering adopting one.

Sugar of Lead is a phenomenal read. It delves into the life of a gangster who seeks revenge for the death of his blood brother while trying to save the life of his widow. It asks questions about the value of life and death while confronting the ongoing battle between good and evil. It is intriguing and a fast read. Sugar of Lead is one of the few books that actually cover the life of Asian gangsters. It compares to The Godfather in its richness of detail and excitement. I highly recommend it people of all ages.

Rarely do thrillers attempt much more than thrilling; they are generally designed as "pleasure fiction," to distract the reader for a period of a few hours. Almer John Davis has apparently decided that he'd rather not walk down the narrow alley of another gangster thriller, but the backdrop of Korean gangsters in Los Angeles provides the appropriate setting to get much of his message across. The novel mixes the best of old and new--there are shades of Hamlet and Beowolf mixed with the best of Elmore Leonard--upon my first reading (there have been many since) I remarked that this book is a sort of higher-echelon Elmore Leonard novel. Davis presents his views on crime, death, and most importantly, life through the eyes of protagonist Micheal "Sugar" Pierce.
An outsider of sorts, being white in a Korean gang, yet with an insider's knowledge, being best friend of the boss and in love with the boss's wife, Sugar is caught in a web of deception, love, hate, and violence. His desperate attempt to break out, forced by the actions of others, leads to a fast-paced novel, with riveting aciton and constant tension. Yet, Davis seamlessly works in his literary perspectives, using effective and poignant symbolism, allegory and metaphor in order to fully acheive his purpose. Above all a novel that will make you think, examine yourself, and ponder the dilemmas of the characters (the true sign of good literature), Sugar Of Lead has my highest recommendation. I only hope that many more books of the same quality will be produced by its author.

Sugar of Lead is one of those novels that provides a deep, rich tale of one man's introspection after trying to survive in this world, as well as a deep, rich context for its setting and background. This reminds me of novels written by some guys named Hemingway and Bellow. In true fashion as a story in this postmodern era, Sugar of Lead tells of a white male trying to find his place in the Asian gang world, which no other novels offer. The reader is left in introspection of his own identity, as well as with the satisfaction of finishing a good book. People of any ethnicity or age will be able to enjoy this book, which is much more than a gangster novel. It is a classic just waiting to be deemed so, and a must-read.

I loved this book! Even though I cried through much of it, it served a useful purpose. After never wanting to have children, I had a revelation that I needed to experience the joys of motherhood. I recently had a miscarriage with my first and much wanted pregnancy. I was a mess. This book helped me get over some of the loss I felt. I still feel sad often but realize that I'm not supposed to "Just get over it, already!" The book was honest, sad, hopeful, real, and made me totally feel like I was not alone in my grief. I am hopeful and anxious to finish this book by reading the chapters about trying again, coping with a subsequent pregnancy and birth, and the other chapters I know one day I will read when I feel ready to embark on the scary but exciting journey of pregnancy. I also feel compelled to share this with anyone who has gone through the death of a child. Thank you Deborah Davis, Ph.D. for the gift of this book!

before I read Empty Cradle, Broken Heart, I didn't think that I could ever lose any of the heaviness that enclosed my heart. I felt as if I gained membership into a private club and I could take comfort in knowing that I wasn't alone. It was the first time that I had a sane thought after losing our daughter Kara Jane Kaniewski - April 24, 1997. I still take out the book and reread passages that I have read over and over. The book still helps to relieve my heavy heart. I have given this book to 3 other women who have lost their children and each one has thanked me. Unfortunately the cost to get into this book club is priceless, for you have to have lost a child or known someone who has to gain admission. I want to thank Deborah L. Davis for her gift to me and my friends, for I would have surely been killed by the heaviness of my heart and the emptiness of my arms. Please read this book if you have experienced the loss of a child. You are not alone.

After giving birth to my son and having him die 10 days later, I was so confused as to what I was supposed to be feeling. "Empty Cradle, Broken Heart" helped me to understand what I was feeling and made me realize that I was not alone, and that what I was feeling was normal. By using quotes from bereaved parents, the reader realizes that they are not alone in their thoughts. It encourages the reader to examine how they feel and accept their grief. This book helped me through the saddest and most difficult period of my life. A copy of the book was lent to me, and I was so impressed by it that I am purchasing my own copy to refer back to it later in my life. An excellent gift idea for a close friend or relative who is going through a similar situatation, or read it yourself to understand how that person is feeling.

As a man I thought that this book would be for women only. Kinda like a "chick thing." Once I started reading however, I quickly changed my mind. "Foolish Things" gave me so much insight into the emotions of women. It's characters express themseves in such a real way. There are scenes in the book where a brother would do or say something that I thought was "right on" and from the sister's (Rina) point of view it was the stupidest thing that a man could ever do. The story was very funny and sad. I do recommend this book for everyone.

It reminded me of the past and brought me into the present. All of the people in the book were "real" and most women, like Rina, couldn't resist a "bad boy" like Michael! They always make us feel soooo good!

As women we oftentimes feel like we're going through experiences that no one else is. After reading Foolish Things I realized that somebody was experiecing a life similar to mine (even if it was fiction). Thank you Ms. Davis-pack for putting a real story out there.

I highly highly recommend this book. I have been using it for close to 2 years now. I have no children of my own, but the children in the neighborhood all think they live here ! LOL -- how cute. They range in ages from 6 to 17. The older kids like to have the chance to interact with the younger ones. Reading these stories does just that. Its easy, so easy to understand. The beginning of each story sites the place in the Bible where the scripture can be found. This is excellent for people who want to make the transition with older children to their own Bibles. They can see where in the Bible their favorite stories are found. The kids in this neighborhood love it. They have me read it to them every time they are over. Its easy to understand, and is very colorful. I highly recommend this book. Its a must have !

"The Beginners Bible" makes a wonderful first Christmas, Easter or religious gift to any child hearing God's Word for the first time.

Seperated into short, easy-to-grasp chapters, it features gorgeous, colorful but simple illustrations of the Bible's most vivid, even humorous stories. (the talking donkey, Elijah's besting of Baal, Jesus and Zaccheus, etc.) It tells the book's most spectacular stories (the parting of the Red Sea, Jesus' walking on water) with simply expressed awe that should impress children hearing it the first time. God's love and power is always written into the final line of each story, things as reassuring to children as a parent's goodnight kiss. ("God had saved his people again!" "Mary loved Him, Joseph loved Him, and God loved Him.")

The New Testament portion emphasizes Jesus' parables and miracles, and tells Christianity's most moving stories (Judas' betrayal, the Revelation) with tact few religious writers would attempt. You'll find no better, more contextual explanation to a child of why Christ died than the "Sadness" chapter in this book.

Overall, "The Beginners' Bible" is the best attempt yet to bring Jesus' love to His most youngest, most treasured ones, and is a book to read or be read to. HIGHLY recommended for families with young children.

Introducing young children to God is simple. All you have to do is to read them this, then, when they're old enough, they can read it by themselves, and alone they will learn God's precious Word. "The Beginner's Bible" is a summary of the Bible stories told especially for children and toddlers. With this book, they can learn all they can about the morals taught by the Bible.

As you may have though, this book is a nice, little collection of classic Bible stories, accompanied by cute, little illustrations. With beautiful pictures and a text in told from a child's language, this Bible is one that your child will enjoy - forever!

This is not the usual comic strip book with our beloved fat cat. However, no real Garfield fan should be without it. In here you can read the story of the man behind the cat, see how Garfield came to life, enjoy classic moments with the fat cat in a book that is a joy to go through.

This book is a real treat. It starts with a short biography of Jim Davis before he started drawing Garfield and details his struggles getting the strip started. It then gives some background to all the characters, even the MIA Lyman. Then it gets into the heart of the book, strips from all 20 years, showing the evolution of the characters and drawing style. There are occasional comments from Jim that help give more insight. Other highlights include drawings from Mr. Davis's sketchpad that were inspirations for strips, his top 20 strips of all time, all 20 of Garfield's birthday strips, and appearance or references to Garfield in other strips.

I've been a Garfield fan for a number of years now. I greatly enjoyed getting a look into the creative process that gives us such a wonderful daily treat. Any fan of the fat cat will love the book.

Garfield's been around for twenty years now. That's right, he originally debuted in comics all the way back in 1978, squishing Gnorm Gnat... well... flat. And this occaison calls for the appropriate acknowledgement: FEED HIM! Full of laughs, that is. This book is 200 pages of classic (yet still hilarious) comic strips. Everything from the weeks Garfield, Jon and Odie were stuck in the blinds, the the first Monday and diet strips, to the strips that prove Davis is hopelessly obsessed with bugs. Also, Davis reviews a lot of the jokes. That's right. He shows you his favourite 20 gags, tells you what he REALLY thinks about Garfield's love for lasagna, and tells us the tale of how he made Garfield a super star. It's a very inspirational story, yet leaves us laughing. And if that wasn't enough, he also gives us a Gnorm Gnat joke, explanations of Lyman's mysterious dissappearance (I've always wondered what happened to that guy), and a huge section complete with a birthday gallery, weird letters they've recieved over the years, hilarious logo boxes, and the secrets behind how each jokes are thought up of, drawn, published, and put in those great compilation books. It's even got a year-to-year history of Garfield's growing success. So with all this, Is TWENTY YEARS worth buying? Absolutely. It's got all the Garfield magic, laughs, and secrets that've made fans around the world love him for years. It's great for looking back, laughing your head off, and remembering the good old days, when bears were Pookies, kittens were Nermals, and the world revolved around the almighty Garfield. Not that it isn't like that today.

You will laugh, cry and be confused when you read this book. This book can teach you that what you think is good is not always good.

There is a boy named Peter Pan. He sprinkles fairy dust in Wendy and her two brothers. Then he shows them how to fly. He takes them to Neverland and shows them to the Lost Boys who live there. Wendy becomes their mother. She makes up rules, like any other mother would do. The boys have to follow these rules. Everything was fine until Captain Hook came with his crew to where the boys and Wendy were. While Wendy and the boys were at the lagoon, where they go every day after dinner, they see a girl named Tiger Lily, princess of her tribe. She was captured by Smee, one of Captain Hook's men. Then Peter saved her. A few days later Wendy and the boys were on their way to Wendy's house when they too were all captured by Captain Hook. Then Peter saves them. Then the lost boys, Wendy and her brothers go home. All except for Peter.

It is mostly about what the people in the book think is right with childhood. The kids in the book think that if you grow up it is bad, but in our case it is actually good.

Peter Pan is a violent book not really made for children under the age of 10 but people 10 and up can read it. It is violent because of the language that is spoken and the idea that killing could be fun. Also, the vocabulary is very difficult for children under 10 to understand. Even if you're older it is difficult to understand.

Overall, it is a good book but watch out for the violent ideas if you are reading it to little children.

When talking of literature, people tend to look solely at books they read today but forget what they used to read, namely the ones we read as children. It is a common misunderstanding that children's literature is to be read by children and children only, but when we come to think of it, which one of us are not children, at least in our hearts?

One of the best books any child, young or old, can read is Barrie's Peter Pan. Although written in the past century, it has something for any generation at any time. Its humorous views at the world from a child's mind left me rolling over the floor, laughing; the exciting storyline kept me busy with reading until the end; and the serious undertone made me think of whether the world wouldn't be a better place if we realised that deep down, however deep, we are in fact all children. So if YOU are a child, which you most certainly are, get yourself a copy and enjoy your ongoing childhood.

This is an utterly charming work. It has been retold myriad times, but nobody else has done it as well as the original teller, J. M. Barrie.

It's difficult to know what to say about a book like this... everybody knows the story. But I guess that unless you've read this book (not just seen a movie or read a retelling), you don't really know the character Peter Pan, and without knowing the character, you don't really know the story. So read it.

By the way, if you enjoy this, you probably would also like "Sentimental Tommy" and its sequel "Tommy and Grizel", both by Barrie. There are differences (for one thing they're not fantasy), but there are also compelling similarities. Anybody who found Peter Pan a deep and slightly bittersweet book would be sure to enjoy them.

-Stephen

When was the last time that you heard about a boy who never, ever gave up? I don't know about you, but it's not very often that I hear about that. Well, guess what? In Og Mandino's terrific novel, The Twelfth Angel, that's exactly the type of boy you meet.
Mandino exquisitely describes the story of a billionaire computer company's president, John Harding. He is the new and very occupied president of Millennium who is thinking about ending his life after the death of his adored wife Sally and his beloved son Rick in a car crash. As John Harding is thinking about committing suicide, his old kinder-garden friend shows up. After talking for a while, he asks John a question; one that mysteriously, yet extraordinarily changes his life forever. John accepts to be the coach of the Angels, a Little League Baseball team in which he had played thirty years earlier.
As Mandino makes the story move quickly, he draws for all his readers an adorable petit twelve-year old that plays for the Angels. His name is Timothy Noble. Timothy is uncoordinated and can't catch, bat, throw or even play baseball. In spit of all this, he never gives up! John Harding helps him after practice, but he can't get it right. Still, he never gives up and doesn't bother to keep on trying. Little by little he teaches his coach and teammates to be perseverant. He even got them to worry about when he was going to finally make his good throw.
I loved the book, which was pleasant, warm and heart touching. The story reaches all aspects of life including love, friendship, death, emotional strength, self-confidence and perseverance.
I recommend The Twelfth Angel to everyone because I think that no one should miss such an amazing, wonderful, extraordinary and enjoyable book, which was created so realistically. I think that it leaves us with a better view about life and leaves a magical lesson.

Word Count: 326

I loved this book. I started on Tuesday evening and finished Wednesday evening. It's one of those "just can't put it down types". I found myself totally immersed in John Harding's insufferable grieve, and his compassioned interaction with little Timmy Noble. The ending made one wish there were more people like John in this rough old world. I will be buying several copies for my friends and family to read, along with a Kleenex or two. I've read several of Mandino's book, and think this is by far his best. My niece, Laurie, let me read her copy while we were on vacation. Thanks, Laurie. Love, Aunt Peggy

I HAVE READ MOST OF OG MANDINO'S BOOKS AND THIS IS MY FAVORITE. WHEN EVER THE WORLD IS TRYING TO BEAT ME DOWN, I CAN ALWAYS TURN TO TIMOTHY NOBLE TO UPLIFT ME AND PUT MY OWN PROBLEMS IN PROPESTIVE. A MUST READ BOOK TO RESTORE ONE'S INNER PEACE. THANK YOU OG MANDINO

This is a great book to have for references. Its covers just about everthing from A to Z. Most of all its actually useful information not just a bunch of high tech talk you cant understand. This book is great for the beginner or the pro. Has great stuff on Mic placement and speaker placement. Answers all those questions that you cant figure out on your own. BUY THIS BOOK!!! You wont be sorry.

This book is a must have for all students in the sound reinforcement industry. As a high school theatre sound tech, this book has saved me from disaster hundreds of times and allowed my performances to sound great. The discussed topics are clear, complete, and through. The information is very useful to a beginner or a seasoned pro. I see this book as the "bible" of the sound reinforcement industry. A must have!

As a novice in the field of sound reinforcement, I found this book invaluable. It clearly explained the how and why of working with audio equipment, discussed the mysteries of studio equipment specifications, and worked through sample installations and the pros and cons of equipment types. Each chapter held new and useful information, from discussions of the different types of "db"s to the delightful chapter on how to select and solder audio cables. I can't recommend this book too highly.

In reading Laura Davis's book, I was struck by how often the smallest thing can cause a rift and tear apart a life. When she discusses the various ways that people have been able to heal these rifts, it gives me great hope for our world. We are at war because people cannot reconcile, cannot stop fighting and hating long enough to even consider a way back. Yet for the future of our children and our planet, a way must be found. "I Thought We Would Never Speak Again" provides many examples to help find our way, including that of Arab and Israeli children meeting and truly getting to know each other for the first time, not as evil stereotypes, but as humans and even friends.
The sage Mencius said: "The men of old, wishing to clarify and diffuse throughout the Empire that light which comes from looking directly into the heart and acting, first set up good government in their own states. Wanting good government in their own states, they first established order in their families. Seeking order in their families, they first disciplined themselves. Wishing to discipline themselves, they first rectified their hearts."
Laura's book shows us the steps to rectify our hearts so we can then reconcile our relationships in order to open a path to healing.

Laura Davis has done a very brave and spritual thing in writing this much-needed book which exposes the virtues of healing the deep-seated rifts that occur between human beings. Written simply and clearly, I THOUGHT WE'D NEVER SPEAK AGAIN offers relevant examples of how others have managed to reconciliate, ranging from families that reach out to one another after years of heartbreaking estrangement to Palestineans and Israelies who manage to find understanding.

In focusing on the benefits of healing relationships, Davis offers welcome alternatives for those mired down in anger and antagonism. She provides hope for those seeking an end to heartbreaking separation from loved ones and offers practical advice on how to go about initiating reconciliation.

This book is even more meaningful in view of the fact that in it Davis has come full circle from her previous stance in A COURAGE TO HEAL, which encouraged taking a hard line and breaking up families, a road Davis traveled in her own life. She is to be commended for the great courage and maturity she has shown in embracing reconciliation and healing the relationships in her own family and for seeking to help others do so.

This is a must-read for anyone who has experienced the tragedy of severed relationships.

This book has rocked my world. I literally have a different life after having read it. It has led me to take giant steps toward multiple personal reconciliations that have held me hostage for years, while also giving me a sense of collective purpose-- the significance of this kind of work toward a vision of reconciliation on a global scale can not be underestimated..

Am I the 100th monkey? All I can tell you is that from these pages came real changes . The stories evoked alot of head nodding and tears, with my own stories of estrangement suddenly having a tangible context within which to flourish and take heart... Maybe it was the great empathy with which it was written, or the detailed way in which Ms Davis is able to take us down that jungle path into the contrary ways of the heart ...these things followed by stories of those doing the good work of reconciling entire classes of people in political or religious conflict made for one very moved, well fed, and lately enlightened monkey.