The Cenotes of the Riviera Maya is a must read for all cave divers and other divers considering cavern and or cave courses. My husband and I are so astonished by it that we are forever showing everyone we know, even if they only look at the fantastic photos. Most of the people we know think we are crazy for cave diving and this book is our way of showing them the beauty that draws us to cave diving. I have had the pleasure of diving with Steve Gerrard and have also had the privilege of being photographed by him. I am so proud of those photos! Our first visit to the Yucatan was in 1999 and after receiving this book we couldn't help but book our flight to go back this year! It reminded us of all of the truly amazing sights we had seen and of the others we will surely venture upon. I believe the book covers all aspects including, history, conservation, site reviews, accident analysis, techniques, planning for your trip, and training agencies. Very well rounded. I believe that dive instructors should also use this book as one of their teaching tools. Steve Gerrard has created a masterpiece with this book. His knowledge and photography are a blessing to the diving community!

For those of us privileged to have logged bottom time with Steve Gerrard, "The Cenotes of the Riviera Maya" serves as a wonderful keepsake of the experience of entering the realm of the cenote. The book is a brilliant guide to the cenotes whether you plan to snorkel or complete full cave dives.

Steve's obvious commitment to safe cave diving is evident throughout his book. His dedication to continuing cave diving education is demonstrated in the detailed accident analysis chapter.

This book is a great help for all cave divers, who tried in vain to explain their hobby to other people. It presents an excellent impression WHY (take a look at the marvelous pictures) and HOW (equipment configuration, techniques and training) cave divers are addicted to their alien environment. (Even my grandmother ( 87 ) wanted to read the book.)

Besides THE CENOTES OF THE RIVIERA MAYA is an excellent (full information) guide for every snorkeler and especially cave diver who intends to visit Yucatan.

For everyone who has been there: !WARNING! This book contains the feelings and memories of the best diving you ever had, it`s like a call to come back.

Blake Bailey's Edge Of The Cave is the enticing story of an ordinary lawyer who becomes drawn into the deep spiritual questions, who seeks wisdom from a variety of religions and philosophies - and finds so much of it that he winds up committed to the county psychiatric hospital. Witty, thoughtful, filled with subtle insights and a candidly askew look at life, Edge of the Cave is a most absorbing and rewarding read.

If you could imagine an argument that would decide the fate of the world and it's citizens, this is the book. The surrealistic imagery that allows one man to debate the fate of nations and their political representatives. Who is responsible for the "crime" of war? Is it a crime? How would you like to be the one responsible for proving it one way or the other. Bring your imagination, this book is an enthralling ride.

Although I'm relatively new to the area of philosophy, I found this book to be very understandable yet compelling. While many higher ideas are discussed by the characters, it's still written in such a way that a philosophical novice such as myself can grasp the concepts and thoroughly enjoy the book. It stretched my mind and challenged some of my preconceived ideas. The author has a real talent for presenting a likable, engaging character and yet presenting complex material at the same time.

A really outstanding book! It presumes a very basic level of knowledge and builds your confidence - from the history and making of climbing rope to all the hardware and knowledge needed to descend and ascend. All the techniques are listed and advantages/disadvantages noted for each. There is information for cavers and explorers as well as sportsmen and rescue pros. Some of the most interesting passages in the book describe real situations, poor planning, and what happened. If you want information good enough to go out and survive a dangle from a rope, this is it.

This is a wonderful book. It shows knots in detail, it shows when and how to use them. We use the book all the time as a training manual.

This by far the most comprehensive book on technical rope work and rigging I have ever found. The information is of value to anyone who does high-angle work, not just cavers. The authors do a fabulous job explaining different techniques and WHY they work-an attribute lacking in many other such books. ON ROPE has been the single greatest non-human teacher in my climbing career. Its a must-own for anyone who puts their life on a rope.

The best series of books I've ever read. I can't wait until the 5th book comes out - hurry hurry please!!

Have read all Jean Auel's books in the Earths Children series. I could not put them down. Please tell me when the 5th book will be out!

A wonderful, well-written series. I've read these books several times through, just dying for the next one to come out. The characters are captivating and Auel draws you into their lives so vividly you don't want to put the book down. The history and story-line are so well researched it's sometimes hard to imagine you're reading fiction. When the fifth in the series does come out, I will reread each and every of the previous books in order to capture the full beauty and richness of Ayla and Jondular's lives once again. I just wish the author would finish the next segment.

I had to stop by and read the reviews on "Bodyguard of Lies". Wow,of 8 reviews, 7 gave it 5 stars and 1 gave it 4. The 4 star review, submitted in 1996, griped that the book was "historically inaccurate" because it did not consult "recently released" material.

If that is the worst thing you can say about this book, then I'll take it. "Bodyguard..." was written in 1976 only a few years after the disclosure of ULTRA and other previously, highly classified secrets that did not come to light until decades after the war. In its humble defense, "Bodyguard of Lies" is not only the best book I have ever read on WWII or spies, but one of the best books I have ever read, period. I highly recommend this book to anyone with the slightest interest in not only WWII or espionage, but history and great writing; Brown is a writer and storyteller of the finest kind. Extremely well-documented and suspensefull, this book is far more gripping and compelling than anything Hollywood could ever come up with, and the best part is that the book is true, and "historically accurate". Read this book, then you too can write a rave review.

A relative "turned me on" to this book. Yes, it is out of print. But if you haven't read it - go find it. I found a copy through Amazon, and what a value ...! Brown takes his readers into the bowels of espionage, counter-espionage, and a host of "immaculate deceptions" concocted by those who became responsible for the success of Allied efforts during WWII. Beyond the riveting stories of mystery and mayhem created by MI-5, MI-6, the OSS, and even Churchill himself who loved this sort of thing, Brown explains WWII politics, including the cement-head of Charles DeGaulle, and the political implications of the post WWII era that were being considered in all quarters well before the end of the war. Not to mention an in-depth study of the "Shawarz Kapelle," the conspiracy within Germany to do away with Hitler.

The success of D-Day, the effects of D-Day not only on the soldiers who fought but also and especially upon those who planned the operation, the successes and failures of many deceptions designed to keep the Axis guessing, are all described in detail. D-Day was the culmination of the games, ruses and set-ups that had been going on for almost four years.

If you haven't read this book, don't let the 1976 pub. date deter you. This is a must-read for anyone interested in WWII, WWII politics and post WWII politics, and anyone interested in learning about the lengths nations would go to in order to achieve deception.

A relative "turned me on" to this book. Yes, it is out of print. But if you haven't read it - go find it. I found a copy through Amazon, and what a value ...! Brown takes his readers into the bowels of espionage, counter-espionage, and a host of "immaculate deceptions" concocted by those who became responsible for the success of Allied efforts during WWII. Beyond the riveting stories of mystery and mayhem created by MI-5, MI-6, the OSS, and even Churchill himself who loved this sort of thing, Brown explains WWII politics, including the cement-head of Charles DeGaulle, and the political implications of the post WWII era that were being considered in all quarters well before the end of the war. Not to mention an in-depth study of the "Shawarz Kapelle," the conspiracy within Germany to do away with Hitler.

The success of D-Day, the effects of D-Day not only on the soldiers who fought but also and especially upon those who planned the operation, the successes and failures of many deceptions designed to keep the Axis guessing, are all described in detail. D-Day was the culmination of the games, ruses and set-ups that had been going on for almost four years.

If you haven't read this book, don't let the 1976 pub. date deter you. This is a must-read for anyone interested in WWII, WWII politics and post WWII politics, and anyone interested in learning about the lengths nations would go to in order to achieve deception.

I give it 4 stars. It blew my mind. The one star omitted was for the style of writing. Casting that aside, the essence of all is beyond words. For spiritual journey, the simplicity and practicality of the relation vibrated from the subject of the book itself, in this case, this fascinating figure , has answered so much. One would love to hear more of the direct experience and of course, get back with 'it'-the practice quickly. And as the 'words' is not the 'things', the challenge of 'living' is enormous.

What is so magic about the whole thing is how it is being ordinary. This is why the style of writing is a little bit overdone, it seems, for me. Though I must admit the background provided sufficient glimpse into the always mystic Tibetan Buddhism but somehow, sometimes that backed up research backfired in all its simplicity. The 'journalistic' hook of the author might work very WELL at the beginning, toward the end it finds to repeat itself over and over again like chunk of bold letters all lose its emphasis. Thank you so much Tenzin and the effort of Vickie which deserved much admiration. I would buy more copies to pass on and I am so happy that a proportion of royalties of the sale of the book would go toward the dhamma which in essential, more than just one's 'dream comes true'.

This is an informational and fascinating book. Tenzin Palmo is certainly an unusual person, but she is a beacon for anyone, man or woman, who wants to achieve what the official dogma denies s/he can achieve!

The writing is a bit on the clunky side, but who cares? That's not the point--the point is the Enlightenment, and the fact that Tenzin Palmo would let nothing stand between her and it.

Also, even though I follow the Theravadin path, I found the descriptions and information of Tibetan Buddhism fascinating, and the Dalai Lama comes off even more wonderful and sympathetic than I've ever seen. He does care about the plight of women, in his tradition and out.

A fantastic read! But it does make you want to go on retreat--NOW!

This is, for me, an unexpectedly wonderful story. Clearly written and fast-paced enough to read in just a few evenings, this book takes you on a journey into the deepest heart of Tibetan Buddhism, all from the vantage point of Diane Perry, an english woman who became the first ordained caucasian Buddhist nun and is currently the foremost female Buddhist alive today. Along the way are enchanting encounters with wolves, a Yeti, avalanches, mysterious ancient ceremonies, the Dalai Lama, and famous tulkus (reincarnations) to numerous to mention by name. There's even a near-miss path-crossing with none other than San Francisco's own beat-poet-chief Allan Ginsberg, who left Freda Bedi's Young Lama's Home School in Dalhousie only months before the young Diane Perry (aka Nun Tenzin Palmo) arrived there (in 1964) to begin her journey (perhaps many future lives long) toward becoming the first human to officially attain enlightenment in the female form. Outstanding!

Sheck was THE authority in underwater cave exploration. Many of the individuals that are written about in this book are still around, and they can tell you about Sheck's support of cave diving.

You probably found this page because you're interested in cave diving, but any diver would be hard pressed to dislike it. This book neither sells or discourages the idea of learning to cave dive, but it more than adequately describes the unbridled fear of a diver in deep and well-deserved trouble, and that same diver's survival and subsequent development of accepted safety techniques. Sheck Exley will probably never be challenged as the world's greatest cave diver. Read the work of others at the pinnacle of this sport, and you will become convinced that the world lost something when Exley died.

Sheck Exley is without a doubt the best cavediverin the world, probably unchallened in that title. Here we are invited into his world to share in his unharnessed thrill of the dive. You are welcomed to see through his eyes the beauty of what awaits. Many of todays standards in cave diving were set by Exley he has set many records that today stand still unchallenged. If you have the tiniest of desire to cave and explore the wonderous beauty of caverns or understand the desire of those who do, this is the book you need to read.

Great job, very realistic, an outstanding tribute to the Loadmasters who got very little recognition, who without them many a C-130 mission would have never got off the ground. Hang in there Sam, do another one, Loads Clear.

This book brought back a lot of memories of my days over the trail.Not only that but as a boy from West Va ,I found the cave portion realistic,for as a boy I too used a carbide lantern in some underground exploring.I loaned my copy to Son in Law,so he could get a feel for The "Trail" Ken C

Having flown similar type missions over the same territory, I find the author's grasp of the subject excellent. He tells a great story, too. His characters are believable and likeable.
For a first novel it is extraordinary.
Try it!

Fantastic! This book should hit it big. Luckily, I have had the opportunity to meet the author and several of the kooky scientists in this book. These characters are real people and the information provided is scientific, but easy to understand. Mr. Taylor has captured the characters beautifully. This book has inspired me to learn more and explore ways that I can become involved in the study of extreme organisms. If you are interested in life science or are just a Trekkie, you will enjoy this book. We are not alone!

For starters I will never look at my mineral collection quite the same again. Dark Life has shown that nanobacteria (only recently confirmed)is the absolute frontier of a new world. Minerals and "life" coexist and the nanobacteria "feed" upon the chemical compositions of minerals. The scientific world will be turned on its' head in the near future as a whole new science emerges. This book is easy to understand for those of us who aren't scientits but who are interested. As one who also has Multiple Sclerosis the possible connection with nanobacteria and mineral plaques in the brain was astounding as I read it.

Nanobacteria have been researched by many prominent scientists worldwide. This book looks at the findings of scientists with respect to Nanobacteria and the science of Geology. Nanobacteria, specifically Nanobacterium Sanguineum, have been studied by scientists and medical researchers as they pertain to causing human disease or Pathology as well. Nanobacterium Sanguineum is a Nanobacteria that is approximately 10,000 times smaller than regular bacteria. It replicates from 1000 to 10,000 times slower than regular bacteria as well. It grows in the human system in blood, and has been found by various medical researchers and scientists to cause many human problems. Some of the various diseases that it has either been implicated to be involved with or to cause are: Calcification in atherosclerotic plaque, kidney stones, calcification in the lenses of eyes that ultimately causes "cataracts", soft tissue calcification in scleroderma, calcification in tumors, calcification in arthritis or osteoarthritis and other pathological disease states in humans. These Nanobacteria colonize and secrete a "biofilm" over themselves that causes them to be covered by a calcium "shell". These Nanobacteria are implicated to be the cause of all calcification in the human system that you were not born with, that you subsequently develop as you age. These Nanobacteria are also implicated in causing some forms of cancer and "apoptosis" or cell death. Scientists are now working on ways to eradicate Nanobacterium Sanguineum with prescription medications. Please keep your eyes open for further research regarding Nanobacteria. Try surfing on the web for "nanobacteria". Sincerely, Gary S. Mezo, President of the Academy of Medical NanoScience, Tel:813-264-2241.

Thunder Cave is one the best books I have ever read. It's all about elephants, the Masai people, and poachers. When Jake's mom dies, Jake secretly goes to Kenya on a wild adventure to see his father who works in Kenya. On his way, Jake meets Supeet, a Masai boy who's trying to bring back the Masai people and the heavy rains. Jake finally finds his father, and they move to New York.

Thunder Cave is a fast paced, fun book. When Jake's mom dies he is forced to live with his aunt and uncle. Jake decides to take matters into his own hands. His dad is a field biologist tracking elephants in Kenya. Jake hatches a wild plan to fly to Kenya and bike 70 miles to his dad's camp. On his crazy journey he goes through more than enough. He becomes friends with a tribe leader that helps him. He also becomes not so friendly with a group of poachers that want to kill Jake's dad. Jake has to find the mental and physical strength to overcome the odd's and find his dad without getting killed.

Thunder cave is a very good book to read. the reading level is 4.4 but it is not that bad. the story takes place in Kenya, Africa. the main characters in the books are Jacob,Robert,supeet, and donavan. this book talks about how you can live in Kenya without a grown up.