Books to read if you're planning a vacation in "Linn", sorted by average review score:
Just a Matter of Thyme: Recipes
Published in Hardcover by Among Friends Inc (August, 1996)
Average review score: 
the best cookbook I ownI cannot stress how wonderful this cookbook is. Every receipe is better than the last. The best thing about this cookbook is that the receipes are so simple and they use normal ingredients that you can find anywhere... no matter where you live! I have given over 10 of these as gifts and never a complatint yet... You have to get this. Once your hooked on "Jan's Brownies" , you'll never make boxed brownies again.
The Best Cookbook I Own.I received this cookbook from my mother several years ago. Since then I have given over 10 as gifts myself. The reason I love this cookbook so much is that it calls for normal, everyday ingredients that are not hard to find. I have made 90% of the receipes in the cookbook and have loved them all. The absolute best brownies I have ever tasted are "Jan's Brownies"... you must make them for your family. I cannot tell you how much you need this cookbook in your own collection.
Simply Scrumptious!My Dad got this book for me for my birthday several years ago and I have enjoyed it immensely. Then a girlfriend of mine was about to have a birthday. She doesn't like to cook much and leans more towards the artsy side of life. I felt led to give her my copy. I thought if anything, this book would help her to see that cooking IS artistic! She absolutly loves the book -- the only problem is now I cannot get a replacement for myself because the book is on backorder. ::Sigh:: I'll keep at it though until I get another one. I am an experienced cook and this book is perfect for the novice but the food is satisfying even to the most discriminating of palates. - Laura in Arizona
The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California
Published in Hardcover by University of California Press (April, 1993)
Average review score:
The Best Technical Review of California PlantsThere is no easy way to identify a plant to species, but if it is in California it is far easier to use this volume than the others. Although it was written in 1925, the line drawings are for me priceless. Be advised that names change in 75 years even if plants do not, you will need a modern flora to reference the old name. HIGHLY recommended, but technical.
Good Reference and Learning GuideThis is an excellent guide. Very comprehensive, however you must have formal education in botany and plant ID in order to effectively use the guide to key plants to genus and or species. Not recommended for the average person. Just people who are plant nerds!
Not for the uninitiatedThis book is an excellent botanical key listing a huge number of plants. It is not your average "audubon" guide, since it requires you to key out the plant in question using botanical systematics. Definitely a good reference book, but hard to use casually to find out what that tree is in your front yard!
Don't Forgive Too Soon: Extending the Two Hands That Heal
Published in Paperback by Paulist Press (May, 1997)
Average review score:
Very thoughtful and helpful clarification of forgiveness.This discussion of forgiveness and its relationship to the five stages of grief is very helpful to anyone seeking to resolve conflicts in relationships past and present. The book is useful in helping the reader discover deeper issues of unforgiveness and gives careful and helpful guidance as to how to resolve these issues. As a professional psychotherapist and Christian counselor, I found the insights meaningful and the entire book encouraging as to the hope it offers for healing hurts in relationships. Parents, partners, friends, spouses, teachers, counselors and others will benefit from the sage counsel and practical advice.
An excellent review of the process of forgiveness.This book reinforces the idea that forgiveness is a process, and shouldn't be entered into lightly or too soon. The use of Kubler-Ross's 5 stages of death provides an easy to understand framework for assessing where the reader might be in a current forgiveness process, and is also thought provoking for assessing one's general understanding of forgiveness and it's place in daily life. The book is easy to read, and follows philosophically the attitudes expressed by the authors in "Sleeping with Bread..." I highly recommend this book to families, counselors, and clergy, as well as to individuals looking for help with the difficult and growth-producing process of forgiveness.
A very creative and practical bookI highly recommend this book for anyone with the need to work through forgiveness. It is written in a disarmingly simple, lightly humorous style, but the concepts it expouses are very powerful. Claiming that any hurt is like a "mini-death", the authors use Kubler-Ross's five stages of bereavement - denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance - as a framework to work through the forgiving process.
At the same time, the concept of the two components of nonviolence, resisting evil but at the same time wooing the evildoer, is introduced as a creative way to foster reconciliation.
The book is religious in nature, but by no means oppressively so. It will be beneficial to persons of any or no religious persuasion. A delightful book.
Sacred Space: Clearing and Enhancing the Energy of Your Home
Published in Paperback by Ballantine Books (Trd Pap) (December, 1995)
Average review score:
Changing Your Life Through Scared SpaceThis book can change the way you feel and think about your home, life, health, and emotions. Scared Space shows you how to organize your life in such a way that can clear you mind, body, and spirit for the better. The author gives lay outs of a way a home should function to create positive energy. Also how to combine your home with your inner self when buying or building . I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to change thier life as well as the energy in thier home.
This is a serious book. The author is not a "flake".I was skeptical about reading this book but a good friend of mine recommended it. This friend has a photo of my daughter, her god-daughter, in a section of her house with a lot of other similar photos of friends and family, and one day she explained to me why my daughter's photo was in that particular spot in her house. Its placement was very intentional; it had something to do with affecting the "energy" of her home...then she told me about Denise Linn's book. This book is not a joke written by some far-out flake in California. This book is seriously written and researched by a highly educated and skilled woman. It is applicable not only to houses, but to any place of residence or even an office space. You are a part of your environment. The space in which you live affects your mood and psyche, and there are ways to improve your well-being by improving your environment. That is what this book is about. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It made a lot of intuitive sense, even if I didn't understand the "science" of it all
Sacred space: Clearing and enhancing the energy of your homeThis was a wonderful book. It was very informative and easy to understand. I enjoyed the reading immensely and am still space clearing my home. You will love this book. I recommend it highly.
Indian Summer
Published in Paperback by Xlibris Corporation (November, 2002)
Average review score:
Wisdom that needs to be knownHello my DEAREST Linn,
I finally finished your book. I really enjoyed it! I wanted to mention several things.
I found some important messages for myself such as to say 'No' to my daughter when it is necessary without fear that she will stop loving me because I said 'No.'
While I was reading, I was highlighting my most favorite phrases. I wanted to comment on some of them. For example, Mannie said to Toby 'Then take the chance and believe in yourself. Be a dreamer, because dreamers make things happen in life. We spin our dreams into a reality of ourselves.' It is so close to my heart! It helped me in believing of myself in the middle of my career change! I want it to be the slogan of my life and that what I say to my daughter too.
I was just amazed of how Native Americans do 'the soul cleansing.' 'The water is a magnificent cleansing agent for the spirit. It washes away the dirt that is inside you.' 'We are here as I said to cleanse the inner body. This water helps to cleanse away the negativity's we hold inside.' Both these phrases are just what I was feeling intuitively, but I was not sure that it is so deep in meaning. Interestingly enough, the Russian culture, the Finnish culture, and probably other nations' cultures have the same. During the old times, Russian people would use 'banja's to clean their bodies. You needed to sweat in the 'banja' and use the Burch tree leaves to clean your body after sweat. The 'banja' is a small log house with a wooden stove, which makes the air hot. I tried it in Russia. The body felt after all so light like I almost had had not have a weight. (Check my grammar...)
About spelling errors. Being a foreigner, I made constant spelling errors. I read your email with the explanation about the spell check. I think your letter should be attached to the book. It is very interesting detail which makes your book even more special.
Thank you so much for all your wisdom.
Olga
I finally finished your book. I really enjoyed it! I wanted to mention several things.
I found some important messages for myself such as to say 'No' to my daughter when it is necessary without fear that she will stop loving me because I said 'No.'
While I was reading, I was highlighting my most favorite phrases. I wanted to comment on some of them. For example, Mannie said to Toby 'Then take the chance and believe in yourself. Be a dreamer, because dreamers make things happen in life. We spin our dreams into a reality of ourselves.' It is so close to my heart! It helped me in believing of myself in the middle of my career change! I want it to be the slogan of my life and that what I say to my daughter too.
I was just amazed of how Native Americans do 'the soul cleansing.' 'The water is a magnificent cleansing agent for the spirit. It washes away the dirt that is inside you.' 'We are here as I said to cleanse the inner body. This water helps to cleanse away the negativity's we hold inside.' Both these phrases are just what I was feeling intuitively, but I was not sure that it is so deep in meaning. Interestingly enough, the Russian culture, the Finnish culture, and probably other nations' cultures have the same. During the old times, Russian people would use 'banja's to clean their bodies. You needed to sweat in the 'banja' and use the Burch tree leaves to clean your body after sweat. The 'banja' is a small log house with a wooden stove, which makes the air hot. I tried it in Russia. The body felt after all so light like I almost had had not have a weight. (Check my grammar...)
About spelling errors. Being a foreigner, I made constant spelling errors. I read your email with the explanation about the spell check. I think your letter should be attached to the book. It is very interesting detail which makes your book even more special.
Thank you so much for all your wisdom.
Olga
Breathtaking !When I finally had a chance to sit down and read "Indian Summer", I did not stop reading until I was done with the last page. It was breathtaking, fascinating; what a wise, strong-willed, spiritual, down-to-earth, kind, funny, insightful, righteous woman that Mannie is -- I love her ! The way the bond between mother and son is described throughout the book is so heartwarming -- you feel the strong love they have for eachother. And, although deep down it must have been very hard for her, the tough-love decisions she makes towards her daughter are the right ones, and there is a good lesson for all of us parents to be learned right there ! It is a wonderful story and I thank Linn for sharing it with the world.
Native American Must Read"Indian Summer" by Linn Bailey reflects the cross culture existence in today's world. Lack of understanding breeds denouncement and the beauty of truths is denied to apathy.
A most interesting story that sends sparks to open us to the magic of crossing the bridge to that which is beyond.
"Indian Summer" is a learning adventure in reading. A must read for Native Americans and people of all cultures. Lynn Lossiah, author "Cherokee Little People"
A most interesting story that sends sparks to open us to the magic of crossing the bridge to that which is beyond.
"Indian Summer" is a learning adventure in reading. A must read for Native Americans and people of all cultures. Lynn Lossiah, author "Cherokee Little People"
Altars: Bringing Sacred Shrines into Your Everyday Life
Published in Hardcover by Ballantine Books (Trd) (01 October, 1999)
Average review score:
Great Concept, OK BookI agree with Denise Linn's approach to the topics of altars and sacred space. I learned some things from this book, and it gave me some issues to think through in my own life. But I was disappointed with the book at the same time. I didn't enjoy the pictures, and was left with a hungry feeling at the end. I've read many books about altars, and this is the best one so far, but isn't the gem I had expected (wanted) it to be.
The *best* book on AltarsI've looked at every book I could get my hands on about the subject of Altars, and Denise Linn's book on the topic is, in my opinion, the best. Many of the other books have way too much text, but Denise Linn's book on Altars has lots of great pictures and just the right amount of descriptive text. She also has wonderful suggestions on various types of altar objects (with pictures), where to find different altar objects, imaginative altar layouts, etc. This is a *must have* book, and unfortunately, I'm sad to see that it is currently out of print. So if you can find a used one, grab it ! ! You won't be disappointed.
Beautiful photos and filled with inspiration.I have arranged various collected objects on a shelf for some time now and did not realize that this was actually an alter! This book has helped me reorganize my beloved and sacred objects into my very personal little space with the appropriate intent. Thank you to Ms. Linn for this wonderful book. I'm so happy that I purchased my copy last year as it is now out of print (which I don't understand since it was only published in 1999). If you can get your hands on a copy please cherish it.
A Teacher's Introduction to Postmodernism (Ncte Teacher's Introduction Series, 5)
Published in Paperback by National Council of Teachers of English (August, 1996)
Average review score:
A MasterpieceNever before have I read such magnificance in all my years as a college student. This has inspired me to further pursue my interests in the post-modern world. I trust that all educated scholars will appreciate this work filled with ideas concerning the existence of every individual. I ardently recommmend this book to anyone who has the time to contemplate over his or her post-modern existence.
Post Moderism ROCKS!As a young student of the wise Ray Linn I was always astounded by his ability to simplify complicated philosphical ideas. Ideas such as Post Modernism. Using this book I was able to easily understand key Post Modern ideas and write about them clearly. I feel there aren't enough writers like Ray out there and the few that are should be recognized for there genius in writing great books. ALRIGHT!
Uncomplicating a Complex Subject as Much as PossibleI am an English professor at a small university in South Carolina, and I have been looking for a book that my students could read as an introduction to 20th century literary movements, so I checked out Mr. Linn's book from the campus library to evaluate it.
The book was not what I expected in that university English Departments normally classify certain works of western literature written after World War I (roughly) as "modernism," and certain works of western literature written after World War II as "postmodernism." However, this is not what Mr. Linn's book focuses on (yes, I end sentences with prepositions--Bishop Lowth be damned!).
Instead of addressing "modern" and "postmodern" literature as 20th century literary movements (or even as movements in the other arts), Mr. Linn takes us back to the concepts of modern and postmodern philosophy. As I read Mr. Linn's book, I suddenly recalled a little slogan my philosophy professor drummed into my head way back when I was a freshman: "Modern thought begins in doubt with Descartes." With all due apologies to my old professor, Dr. Harbison (and he must be "old" by now), I never really understood what that slogan meant--and I forgot all about it as the years passed (probably at the end of that freshman semester, in fact). However, in an almost Proustian fashion, Mr. Linn was able to bring up that long-forgotten nugget that I did not know I possessed deep in my memory--and now the slogan makes sense!
The ideas in the first chapter of the book are probably too complex for my freshman and sophomore students to fully grasp (Mr. Linn's former high school students who have posted reviews here must be extraordinary--though I suspect he might be teaching more advanced students than the ones who normally enroll at my university). However, I found that Mr. Linn has done an excellent job of taking very complex ideas and presenting them in a manner that is accessible to thoughtful readers without "dumbing down" the concepts.
I have read one other book in this "Teacher's Introduction to" series, and I was completely disappointed with that book because the concepts were not presented accurately after they had been "dumbed down" for the layperson to understand--but this is not the case with Mr. Linn's book. He makes modern and postmodern thought accessible to his readers in the same manner that Stephen Hawking makes contemporary theories in physics accessible in A BRIEF HISTORY OF TIME (a book that the majority of my students also would not be able to fully grasp).
Good Goats: Healing Our Image of God
Published in Paperback by Paulist Press (June, 1994)
Average review score:
excellent, simple explanation of basic Catholic conceptsFor all those who have misunderstandings of basic Catholic teachings, this book will free you of unwanted ideas about God. The readablity also makes this a great selection for all adult and teen readers. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for God but is caught in images that are not life giving. Pictures are humorous and also lead to a symbolic understanding as well as the cognitive input.
Profoundly rehaped my belief systemI discovered this book by accident and am SO glad I did. While it was written by Roman Catholics it certainly is not exclusive to them. I am a Presbyterian and I have shared it with people of other faiths who enjoyed it as much as I did. "God loves us at least as much as the person who loves us most." This is the jumping off point for this book. If we can accept this idea then it follows that we need not fear divine retribution. God has and will continue to make an infinite number of attempts at reconciliation with us. Because He loves us. This is the only book I have ever felt compelled to share with my co-workers. Give it a shot. You won't be dissapointed.
I finally found the "God" I've been searching for!All my life I've been burdened by a punishing and vengeful image of God. After reading this book, I feel that for the first time, I actually drew a peaceful breath. This book has given me a wonderful feeling of hope that I too will be saved. I think that no catechism should ever be distributed without a copy of this book. I love my new "God", even if he/she is just a cartoon image of love.
A Book of Songs
Published in Paperback by New American Library Trade (September, 1983)
Average review score: 
Unique, Moving Portrait of the HolocaustA Book of Songs by Merritt Linn is a marvelous book. It is the story of survival in all senses of that word; physical, emotional, but especially spiritual. It traces the story of Jews in a forced labour camp and the small child playing the violin who appears to them. The originality in the characters and the vivid details of the situation sets this book apart from others covering similar material. It goes beyond merely the sheer horror of the situation and finds the novel's life in the individual characters trapped within that situation. The story finds its universal message not through a grand design but through finding the uniqueness of the individuals in small, personal ways. A truly touching work.
like many things under rateda book were you know whats going to happen but you keep on going because its writen to good. most likly people dint read it because of its name
Wonderful, moving book, it is a crime that it's out of printThis is one of the best books I have every read, it is up there with Diary of Anne Frank, and The Hiding Place. It makes you really FEEL. I think it should be required reading for everyone.
God Bless America
Published in Paperback by Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation (November, 2001)
Average review score:
God Bless AmericaThis comes with a CD of Barbra Streisand singing God Bless America - which is great (and I am not a huge Barbra fan). The illustrations are wonderful and do a great job translating the lyrics of this classic song.
The Best Patriotic Children's Book I've Seen YetMost patriotic children's books get sappy or trite ... but not this one. The words are merely the lyrics of the great song. However, the illustrations that bring those words to life create a wonderful, colorful celebration of our country, without being overly sentimental. They are so well done they stir up feelings nonetheless. When you turn the page to the fireworks over The Statue of Liberty, goosebumps are guaranteed. My kids loved the family trip across the U.S. This is Lynn Munsinger at her best! I highly recommend this book over any other I've ever seen.
Great book!This is a wonderful picture book. I am using it for second language learners during summer school. This also appeals to the musician in me. I plan to play the CD of God Bless America while showing the book to the students.