"Zap! I'm a Mind Reader," by Dan Greenburg, is #4 in the "Zack Files" series of paranormal tales for young readers. The book is illustrated by Jack E. Davis. The series as a whole follows the adventures of New York City schoolboy Zack. In this installment he gains the ability to read minds after receiving an electrical shock. But when Zack begins to telepathically receive some very frightening messages, he begins to fear that his life is in danger.

I found "Zap!" to be darker and scarier than many of the other Zack episodes. The book is enlivened further by the series' characteristic humor. Illustrator Davis does some particularly good character work in this volume. Overall, a suspenseful and enjoyable horror-mystery with a satisfying payoff.

The Zack Files: Zap! I'm A Mind Reader
By Dan Greenburg

I really liked this book because there was a lot of cool stuff happening, like Zack getting electrocuted. After that he could read minds. When he went to the nurse she said in her mind, "What a klutz". That made him feel really angry. Read this book and find out what happens next.

I believe you should read Zack Files. It is excellent. I liked the part where Zack gets zapped by a broken cord.

This book puts life into perspecitve. It is a wake-up call. The book's message is clear and straightforward: Every day is precious. I wish I had read a 1,000 Marbles 20 years ago.

The story at the beginning of the book is absolutely wonderful. You finish it with a mix of tears, goose bumps, and an urgency to acquire a jar and some marbles.

The ideas that follow the story are excellent ways to make the most of our time.

If you love your family and want to put them high on your list of priorities, 1000 Marbles is a must!!!

Thank you Mr. Davis for opening our eyes!

The story at the beginning of the book is absolutely wonderful. You finish it with a mix of tears, goose bumps, and an urgency to acquire a jar and some marbles.

The ideas that follow the story are excellent ways to make the most of our time.

If you love your family and want to put them high on your list of priorities, 1000 Marbles is a must!!!

Thank you Mr. Davis for opening our eyes!

This is a great book for anyone interested in getting an edge on their classmates and thoroughly trampling the spirit of Ohana into the mud. It is particularly useful in take home exam situations where the professor has selected a dense and overly complicated text book and then failed to set appropriate expectations as to the nature of the test material. The book is well organized and to the point and will allow you to quickly and efficiently find the answers you are looking for - providing you with a powerful advantage over your classmates who are bogged down in the textbook. Forget teamwork - cast Ohana aside - buy this book today and keep it to yourself! Set the curve - don't be victim of it! (Note: team members may henceforth despise you and shower you in a white hot rain of criticism and hostile accusations which you shrug off but secretly find hurtful)

I had been looking for help in how to write off depreciation expenses. Simple question but after 40 years away from accounting it became a frustrating experience. I had purchased several other books and found no help. I even went to a college book store but found no real help. By more or less accident I sent for this book. It not only helped with my then current problem but has proved a real help in remembering all those little things from many years ago.
It is Accounting 101 and I am glad that someone has taken the trouble to write on these subjects.

I am a 24 year old college senior. I have been going to school part time and working since I graduated highschool 6 years ago. Stretching my college career out like I have, makes Accounting 101 seem a million years ago. This book makes me feel more at ease about what I already know. It is a great review and a quick reference book. I'm not as nervous about attending upper level accounting classes with 19 year olds who still have basic accounting fresh in their mind. I use it alot!!!!!!!

Pleasure. Humility. Incest. Small furry dogs. All of this and more in the once in a lifetime publication from the late Mr. Grubb. Davis, as I am sure he would prefer to be known, is second to none in this epic, mind altering, sexalicious, hedonistic, sensory freefall into the world of Sweely Leech. The world is plenty organized in Sweely's world, truly, truly organized. Too organized, in fact. The surly, reptilian, quagmire that is New York satellites itself to the feral green wilderness that Sweely calls home. Thickets of rose petals, lavendar and comfrey litter the garden of the Gallimaufry, beds are alive with the sharing of ten bodies worth of love, mysterious heirloom clocks time travel, and little people relatives abound in this sumptuous story of Love with a capital L. Sweely celebrates the way of the world, and the evils of complicated living. Equally embracing badness with goodness makes him a very dangerous fellow. TRUCAD is forced to ask itself,what happens if everyone figures out how to be self directed, and fully understand God? How can the behavior of the government be explained then? Machines for heads, hearts and minds make for an unhappy alliance of bad boys looking to do Sweely in. He ascends beyond the mechanism of government known as TRUCAD, openly toying with the stability the modern world hallucinates. Heck, forget toying, Sweeley delivers outright blasphemous good doing! Leaving in his wake a progeny of enlightened daughters, Fifi Leech, his super star, finds herself the center of an immense and thoroughly earthshattering, teeth rattling and jawdropping escapade. Inexplicable coincidence lays itself at her feet, posing Lindy, her younger sister, as the other character in this amazing drama, and guides them all from the safe haven of home, to the writhing pit of Blake's New York. A full fledged miracle of a book, it examines everything in the known world as being connected to this amazing, potent and ridiculous dance we are doing on this spinning ball, and encourages you to remember that "dey's all debbil's beurre." I remind you that you cannot live without reading this masterpiece. Truly the most original and exciting thing I have read in my life. Well, you understand what I mean.

This book is unique. It falls roughly into the category of "paranoid politico-religious conspiracy" novels, along with the ILLUMINATUS trilogy and numerous of Philip K. Dick's books, but even in that crowd it stands apart. Grubb's images are so unusual that they stick in your mind long after you've finished reading the book: well, who else could have conceived of horny Hasidic fairies? I sincerely hope that ANCIENT LIGHTS comes back into print, because it has disappeared from my library and I would very much like to read it again

The author of this book is, unfortunately, no longer on this Earth to appreciate my sentiments toward, in my opinion (and his, I've read), his greatest work of literature. Drawing from his own carefully built system of ideals as well as the mythologies and religions of other cultures and the literary work of William Blake and others, he creates a fictional universe of characters so numerous and easy to cheer for that it rivals not only the worlds of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, but the real world itself. His almost mad lust for truth, freedom, and equality lead you on the winding road of a semi-futuristic mission to rescue the human race from the false face of Organized Religion. Sweeley Leech and his daughter Fifi serve the world of overzealous, materialistic Christians the same way Jesus Criste (as he is called in this book, so as not to be mistaken for the cliched "Christ" the churches praise) served the pompous, ritualistic, and judgmental Hebrews of his day. The pair loves all people, regardless of whether those people are on their side or against them, and as they go on a truly Christian "unrobbery" of a bank in New York, they meet the colorful inhabitants of the underworld, and say goodbye to Fifi's lover Dorcas (yes, Fifi is bisexual). Sweeley receives a divine vision of a great book and completes it only to have his other daughter, Lindy (a member of the Organized Church), submit it to the TRUCAD (an amalgamation destroying the edict of separation of Church and State), thus organizing and glorifying it against its creator's will. Lindy means no harm, but doesn't relize that putting it through "La Machine" (TRUCAD) will cause it to be praised and lauded, but then forgotten. On their journey to recreate the divine manuscript, they encounter some very bizarre characters and situations, but all of them with an air of quiet mystery and an almost foreboding sense of apprehension in waiting for the final climax of the book. Just read it, It's infinitely better than I can describe in this little review! But don't get mad at me if it offends you. It is not for closed minds, but for those willing to change or modify their vision without sacrificing their entire ethos. It changed my ideas, and for that I would like to thank the late author and his charcters, who seemed so real that I could write a letter of appreciation to them. This book was possibly the best work of art since the Bible, and is, in my opinion, to the New Testament what the New Testament was to the Old. A truly admirable book.

It is unfortunate indeed that such a fine volume boasts just two prior reviews.

One needs only to read an essay or two of those collected here to see that Mr. Mitchell was a well-educated, fully informed individual. But his ability to write in a voice that transcended his obviously cultured status, to make his points accessible to people of all backgrounds in a thoughtful, mannerly, and humorous -- always humorous -- style, is an ability his modern-day contemporaries would be smart to emulate. (Are you listening, Maureen Dowd?? Oh, forgive me -- why would we expect you to start now?)

Still, Mitchell's discretion could give way to much stronger sounding of his opinion, and flat-out satire that was without peer. Even when it did, Mitchell managed to maintain the tone of rationality and etiquette which was the underpinning of all his work, and which is sadly lacking on today's op-ed pages. This indefinable quality -- and the sheer quality of the writing itself -- sets Mitchell's work apart.

I love this book. Mitchell is unfortunately dead, but when alive he could write like an angel. A random example:

"No man is a hero while brushing his teeth or clipping hair out of his ears. He needs some kind of warning that this is the moment to act."

He shares himself (a locution he might mock)as he observes the passing world. If you enjoy E.B. White or Russell Baker, buy this book.

Beloved of all long-time Washington Post readers, Henry Mitchell covered everything from his hound to the Mapplethorpe exhibit with wisdom, humor, and profound insight. This is a selection of some of the best of his Any Day columns. Never preaching, but always with a point, Mitchell's writing is so personal that thousands who never met him felt his death as the loss of a wise and compassionate friend. You will laugh, cry, and rejoice that you have met him here. The Christmas Eve battle between the Altar Guild and the Ushers is by itself worth the price of the book. This, and the two collections of his Earthman (gardening) columns, are books to read and re-read.

Stephen Davis has written a lucid account of the dark days of the Army of Tennessee as it was outmaneuvered and outgeneraled by W.T. Sherman during the campaign for Atlanta in 1864. Davis has introduced new primary research to support his assertions that Atlanta was lost in December 1863 when Johnston was appointed commander of the Army of Tennessee. History has castigated John Bell Hood for the loss and Davis does everything he can to dispel this claim and more. Very well written and full of the authors conclusions, it makes the reader think about what he is reading. Highly recommended for anyone who knows anything at all about the Georgia campaign. The passages on Johnston, Hardee, and Hood are especially interesting.

Stephen Davis systematically tackles the old myths surrounding the Atlanta campaign and its subsequent capture by the North. His analysis of Johnston's tactical decisions clearly elucidates where responsibility for Atlanta's loss truly lay. It is obvious that Davis has spent a great deal of time researching this work and his efforts show. A must read for anyone who enjoys a gripping, thoroughly researched account of a major historical event.

Atlanta Will Fall: Sherman, Joe Johnston, and the Yankee Heavy Bandits is a sharp overview of the entire Atlanta campaign during the American Civil War, from Dalton to Jonesboro. The battles are described and the strategies analyzed, with detailed evaluations of the three major generals involved. In particular, author Davis argues that between the Confederate leaders Joe Johnston and John Bell Hood, it was Johnston who lost Atlanta due to overcaution, while Hood got the bad rap. Atlanta Will Fall is strongly recommended reading for Civil War buffs.

Badge of Courage by Linda H. Davis has been an excellent companion of mine in recent days. This is a terrific book that brings to life a Stephen Crane I never knew. He lived his short, dramatic life as bravely and actively as can be imagined. Davis re-creates it all in a vivid, enthralling book that reveals a deep affection for a worthy subject. She also reveals a direct, effective style that adds wonderfully to some already wonderful material. I cannot overstate how much I value this book.

I went into Badge of Courage with little knowledge of Crane other than a distant memory of my reading his works in high school. This biography brought him back to life for me and involved me from the beginning. The life was short but complex, and at times conducted in secret; Davis conveys it all with full, affectionate treatment yet effective economy and punch. I feel as if Stephen Crane has been an enthralling companion in recent days. This feeling is due not only to the drama of the life itself but also to Linda Davis' insightful, compelling presentation of it.

I admit to bias, because I was involved in the research for this book. Nevertheless, Linda Davis has achieved what any good biographer strives to do but few accomplish: she has brought her subject back to life. This is no small feat in the case of Stephen Crane, who has fundamentally eluded all previous biographers, including the poet John Berryman and the detailed but impossible-to-read Stallman. Crane led an adventure-filled life, and was a wonderful and colorful character, as well as a brilliant, pioneering writer. Linda Davis, too, is brilliant, as a biographer; and she's a fine, sometimes breathtakingly good writer. If you read only one biography this year, make it this one. (By the way, Davis was right about Crane being buried in Elizabeth, NJ; it WAS Elizabeth back then.)

i found the book, beginning to heal to be a definite winner....especially when a friend of mine asked for more information about child sexual abuse....and i knew that the larger book...the courage to heal...would be extremely overwhelming.....

it gave my friend enough information to realize that she had been doing all the right things for me....believing...listening....supporting...and the section for friends/family, etc....helped her out too...to know when to take time for herself...and how to do it without jepordizing our friendship.....i recommend this book to anyone who wants to know just a little about child sexual abuse.....but isn't prepared to read a huge book....*though courage to heal is a faboulus book...just can be intimdidating unless you are ready to confront it....*

This title is small but packs alot of support and positive words toward the abuse victim. Chapter topics include HEALING IS POSSIBLE, THE DECISION TO HEAL, UNDERSTANDING THAT IT WASN"T YOUR FAULT, THE CHILD WITHIN and more. All written with an under tone of support. There are also several stories of abuse told from the surviving victims view. The title is filled with insight and support and is best described as an excellent beginning point for those looking to heal. A very sensitive and difficult subject that is well addressed.

As a therapist working with a population of young adults, I frequently see young people who are just beginning to deal with the impact of childhood sexual abuse on their lives. I have been looking for something to help introduce and give some preparation to clients who are needing to begin this difficult work. I love the book the Courage to Heal, but have at times felt it's very size was a bit overwhelming for individuals who were asking for just some glimpse of what it might mean to start to confront their history of abuse. This book fits the bill and I am so grateful for having found it. The book is compact and thus, not so intimidating. It distills out some of the most important information found in the original Courage to Heal. Especially valuable are the sections on identifying sexually abusive behaviors, managing feelings of panic and dealing with the process of remembering.

With your permission, we're using Beyond "Hello" as our basic text for our course curriculum , which teaches older workers Customer Service Skills. Your book has been an excellent platform for this training. It's clear, concise, understandable, and easy to relate to. I constantly reinforce to our students that they should use your book as a resource and reference on the job.

This tutorial offers help to improve every telephone interaction a company has with its valued customers. Beyond "Hello" includes exercises, stories and examples of how attitude, telephone etiquette, communication styles and listening skills impact the bottom line.

Each chapter contains tips to help make a great first impression, enhance customer interaction and retain and strengthen client relationships through excellent customer service over the telephone.

A "must read."

I've had the opportunity to work with Jeannie while printing a recent copy of my newsletter on professional conduct. Beyond "Hello" is an easy to read, comprehensive guide that can help anyone improve and sharpen his or her phone skills. I highly recommend this book and include it as required reading for my entire staff. Congratulations Jeannie on a book well done!

-- Clint Greenleaf

A bigger difference than between this book and "History of Greek fire and gunpowder" can hardly be imagined. "The big bang" is written like a history book and therefore much easier to read that professor Partington's book. It describes the history of all explosives, from black powder to the H-bomb. It is surprisingly complete. The book treats, among others, black powder, smokeless powder, cordite, ballistite, nitroglycerin, dynamite, gun cotton, TNT, ANFO, picric acid, safety fuse, detonators, the A- bomb and the H-bomb. It is clearly an historical account, not a recipe book. The writer not only describes the technical- and chemical aspects of explosives but also tells the story of the persons, production methods and companies that have played a role. Also he gives information on the application of explosives in military use, mining, demolition and quarrying and on all the problems that have occurred in the course of time. Even the "gunpowder machine" (predecessor to the steam engine) is mentioned. Obviously the writer is from Britain, which shows in his discussion of the patent controversy between Alfred Nobel and the British government concerning the production of Cordite. Generally, however, he takes a very objective position. The writer has also placed the development of explosives in the broader context of social development and a number of interesting facts are mentioned. It seems that the publication of the Balfour declaration (which led to the founding of the state of Israel) was very much due to the fact that it was a Jewish chemic (Chaim Weizmann, the later president of Israel) who found a solution to the shortage of acetone in England during the First World War, thus helping the war effort. Acetone is essential for the production of Cordite, the main propellant for the British guns. Also controversial characters like Fritz Haber and Robert Oppenheimer feature in this book besides large industries like Dupont de Nemours and Kynoch. The development of explosives is not only important to the war industry and mining but also plays a vital role in the realization of important, prestigious public works like canals, tunnels and railroads. The explosives industry stands at the basis of much of the modern chemical industry. All in all "The big bang" is an excellent book to learn the history of this very specialized and sometimes controversial subject.

THE BIG BANG a History of Explosives was written by George I Brown, and not by Adam Hart-Davis. Adam Hart-Davis is an exceptionally fine presenter, with the BBC. He has a programme called LOCAL HEROES, and is an ex professor of a university, in the UK(I'm sorry I can't remember which one). Adam Hart-Davis writes a foreword of one page long. Mr. George Brown wrote the other 256 pages, and a wonderful piece of work he wrote. If you want to kill people, then your looking @ the wrong book, move along. Other than that the Title says it all really.

The book is a thematic history of explosives. The largest coverage is for gun powder detailing the history of its use in guns, bombs, rockets and mining. Then the further advances of explosives are covered up to and including nuclear explosives.

The author presents a technical work easily understood by this non-chemist. He also gives the very human background of the various inventors and users of the explosives.

What was most interesting to me is the fact that many of our most famous chemical producing companies started with the production of explosives.

Also interesting was the history of the development of safe explosives both for war and for mining purposes.

The book is well illustrated and easily accessable for the layperson and for the professional.