What a great example of Walt LaRue's early work. You can tell Walt was there in a time when people got excited to hear the Rodeo was coming to town and the children would look forward to seeing the cowboys as they brought with them the history of the old west and how it use to be. Walts book gave me a smile that often became laughter, but the smile never left my face all the way through the last page. It's a wonderful Book.

If you liked Tiny Toosey's birthday you'll like Tiny's Big Umbrella? Why? Because it's better! I know it's hard to believe that nothing could be better than Tiny Toosey's birthday, but this is! Good ole Tiny Toosey. Anyway, this time Tiny has a big umbrella. And so,.....I knew I shouldn't have tried to write this. I knew this would be a mistake. But listen, if you like Tiny Toosey and you like big umbrellas, you are GOING to like this book! Mary Stevens drawings are par excellence as usual. Mabel had a lot of fun writing this one I'll bet. And how about that title? If you're a Mary Stevens fan like I am, you'll soon discover that Mrs. Toosey looks an awful lot like Lena in More of All of a Kind Family.
You'll also discover that Charlie from Tiny Toosey looks an awful lot like Jim in the Trixie Belden books. Tommy looks like Brian Belden and Tiny looks like Bobby Belden. Anyway, it's really a very good book. It's better than this review. And somebody needs to send a copy to Michael Lewis to read to Tallulah because after reading his latest stuff all I can think about when I think of Michael Lewis is Tiny Toosey.

This book is very helpful for a few reasons.

1) It gives the authors understanding of the basic principles of Black Preaching.
2) It speaks of the different domains that Black Preaching addresses such as Social Injustice, Personal Piety, etc.
3)It provides a number of sermons from Black preachers through the years and analyzes them according to the principles set forth in the book.

If you want to gain a greater understanding of Good Black preaching I would suggest this book.

The contents of HEART OF BLACK PREACHING includes acknowledgments, an introduction, and four chapters of proposed analytical nomenclature, application of that system of analysis to 19th century and contemporary preachers and one of their exemplary sermons, ending with a review of the preceding exposition and analysis. The appendix contains a full published
rendition of the sermons analyzed in chapters 2 and 3. There are ample footnotes, bibliography, acknowledgments of copyrighted material and an index at the close of the book, which totals 260 pages.
The introduction is unpretentiously clear in its conclusion that the author relies on David Kelsey's theory that "all faith communities have some master interpretive lens that guides their interpretation and use of scripture." (3) This apparently operates in a similar fashion to Gunkel's "Sitz im Leben" for exegetical research purposes. Only, the Kelsey approach is applied to sermon texts, instead of literary and historical development of biblical scripture. LaRue posits that "What we perceive to be the most important aspect of Christianity is the key factor that determines how we construe and use scripture..." Chapter 1 entitled "The Search for Distinctiveness in Black Preaching" contains certain supposedly unique "Characteristics of Black Preaching." The would be "strong biblical content", creative uses of language, appeal to emotions, ministerial authority, and some additional characteristics" ncluding "homiletical musicality." (13) The next "Scripture and Life Experiences" section emphasizes how the black church was born in slavery and continues to carry the legacy of oppression and struggle of the past four centuries. "A Communal Interpretive Strategy" returns to the Kelsey theory and nomenclature for literary analysis of sermons. The concept of "discrimen" means "a distinguishing pattern that guides scriptural use in specific faith communities." (17) LaRue applies this approach so as to postulate "[f]rom beginning to end, therefore, the black sermon has as its goal the creation of a meaningful connection between an all-powerful God and a marginalized and powerless people. (19)

The preceding pages prepare the reader for the most important lesson in the book that teaches Dr. LaRue's literary and sociological approach to understanding the black churches'
common characteristics in sermon content. In "Dynamics of a Black Biblical Hermeneutic" he draws most of the reader's attention to further application of the previously mentioned "Sitz im Leben" approach. He then axiomatically sets forth "five broad domains of experience that appear often in black life and preaching to constitute a paradigm... personal piety, care of the soul, social justice, corporate concerns, and maintenance of the institutional church." (21-25) Although the
author mentions "extended metaphors" including liberation, deliverance, empowerment, providence, reconciliation, parenthood, and election as common themes of the manifestations of God's power in the black religious experience, (28) it becomes very obvious that the sermons used as demonstrative examples are heavily involved in liberation and deliverance in the 19th century and empowerment in the 20th century. On the same token, among the possible array of "domains of experience" LaRue has taken very obvious editorial license to promote the
impression that sermons with the greater significance lean heavily in the "social justice" and "corporate concerns" domains. Impliedly LaRue uses deductive reasoning under the pretext that he is a black preacher having studied and read many 19th century black sermons; that he has read and listened to many contemporary black preachers. He maintains this inner sanctum posture throughout the book.
In chapter 2 "The Power Motif in Nineteenth-Century: African American Sermons" begins with John Jasper's characteristic hermeneutic. It is premised as containing narrative genre, where God acts mightily as a "liberator and defender." He relies on the domain of the "care of the soul." (35). Alexander Crummell is previewed next with a hermeneutic of a God who acts mightily. "History moves under the power of God with purpose and design; God is sovereign over all nations of the earth, including America; and Whatever a nation or people ultimately becomes, both corporately and individually, depends upon its character and obedience to almighty God." (37) Crummell also utilizes principles of destruction and restoration. (41) This is significant, since LaRue fails to feature the post reconstruction sermon "The Greatness of Christ." The political agenda of the author rules and "The Destined Superiority of the Negro" is what the reader gets. (138-146)
LaRue's treatment of the remaining 19th century preachers: Francis J. Grimke, Daniel Alexander Payne, and Elias Camp Morris. This writer has found similar political agendas in the Chapter 3 "A Hermeneutic of Power in Contemporary African American Sermons." Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., Katie G. Cannon, A. Louis Patterson, Jr., Mozella Mitchell, Fred C. Lofton, and Carolyn Ann Knight are all very exemplary. Their styles of preaching are sufficiently varied to avoid any possible accusation that LaRue is practicing denominationalism. Chapter 4 "The Basic Dynamics of the African American Sermon: Power and the Sovereign God" is an admirable summary of LaRue's thorough review of the black preachers he has chosen. "The Black Socio-cultural Context" and "Varieties of Black Experience" hint at possible further research and exposition on themes not raised in this book. As an aside. Justo L. Gonzalez's Santa Biblia, The Bible Through Hispanic Eyes might prove to be an interesting comparison. What if someone wrote a comparative review of many such socio-cultural contexts in the Christian churches throughout the world?
The Appendix contains the following excellent sermons: John Jasper's The Sun Do Move; Alexander Crummell's The Destined Superiority of the Negro; Francis J. Grimke's A Resemblance and a Contrast between the American Negro and the Children of Israel, in Egypt, or the Duty of the Negro to Contend Earnestly for His Rights Guaranteed under the Constitution: The Roosevelt-Washington Episode, or Race Prejudice; Daniel Alexander Payne's: Welcome to the Ransomed; Elias C. Morris' The Brotherhood of Man; Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr's What Makes You So Strong? Unexpected Blessings; Katie G. Cannon's To Tell the Truth; A. Louis Patterson, Jr.'s How to Know You Are in the Kingdom; Mozella Mitchell's: Pro- vi-dence; Fred C. Lofton's: Bad Black Dude on the Road; and Carolyn Ann Knight's: If Thou Be a Great People.

This is a super book for anyone wanting to know the history and present day dynamics of black preaching. LaRue brings forth a wealth of information on great black preachers of the past and he also draws upon current African American preachers on the American scene. He claims there is a particular way of viewing God that is distinctive to black preaching. Moreover, he argues that there are five domains or spheres of black lived experience that are very helpful to black preaching. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain a greater understanding of the particulars of black preaching and a greater understanding of how to prepare your own sermons. It is a most helpful book. Great!

...the first thing I see is that the front cover picture is all blurry. Plus the photos inside are all black and white. "worst book ever" as the comic book guy would say.

Lots of effort, research and love for the hobby has made this book as excellent as it is. It's obvious that this piece is written by a true fan, which makes it all the more interesting. The book takes an exhausting look at the variety of Simpsons merchandise, with hundreds of photos and pricing information. I've never considered myself a collector, but browsing through the pages of this book made me want more items I can ever afford to buy. That's why having this guide is a nice substitute for having the real things.

Instead of History 101 this is SIMPSONS COLLECTING 101. It is a very well written, and highly entertaining book, for anyone who knows THE SIMPSONS are not related to OJ! It's not your basic "collecting book" but much more. Just an all around great book that makes me want to shout WOO HOO!

In New Orleans, though she fears her upcoming sixtieth birthday because that sounds old, Charlotte LaRue feels quite good about her cleaning company, Maid for a Day. Her small firm won a contract from realtor Marian Hebert to clean the renovated Devilier Apartments before the tenants take residency.

However, the cleaning crew finds a dead body in a closet in one of the rooms. The police led by Charlotte's niece and her tenant arrive to investigate. The corpse turns out to be Drew Bergerson, who allegedly died two years ago in a plane crash into the Gulf of Mexico. Though told to stay out, Charlotte wonders if this death is connected to the supposed accidental explosion nine months ago that killed Marian's husband as she tries to sweep clean the homicide in her own unique manner.

DEATH TIDIES UP is an attractive amateur sleuth-police procedural that reader will relish because the engaging staff, especially the charming star, makes for fun reading. The cozy style who-done-it will hook the audience because of the warm cast though the answers to the murder mystery seem strange. Barbara Colley provides an entertaining cozy that will send the audience seeking the first LaRue novel, MAID FOR MURDER, which is being re-released as a paperback in January.

Harriet Klausner

Charlotte LaRue owns Maid For A Day in New Orleans, LA. Charlotte and Janet, Chere, and Emily, who work for her, clean the new apartments in the renovated Devilier house. Drew Bergeron is discovered dead in one of the apartments. Charlotte faints after he is found. Drew was supposed to have died 2 years ago.

Charlotte's niece, Judith, who is the detective on this case, encourages Charlotte to contact her son Hank who is a doctor. Judith calls Hank the next day. He sets up an appointment with a fellow doctor for his mother for a physical. She is feeling tired and forgetful. She begins worrying that she has some terrible disease. She is also very nervous about her upcoming 60th birthday.

Through families Charlotte cleans for, she gathers information and does some sleuthing. There are plenty of suspects. Charlotte believes in not gossiping about her customers, so she finds it difficult deciding when she should contact Judith with information and when she needs to stay quiet. Sometimes this puts her in dangerous situations.

This author has done a great job creating the characters in this series. I found myself really feeling for Charlotte in her concern for her health and her frustration with turning 60. It is all very believable and well constructed. This series is definitely a quick read. You will want to keep reading until you get to the end.

I like the relationship developing between Charlotte and Louis, Judith's soon to be ex-partner. I hope this will develop even further in future books.

This is the second book in this series. I highly recommend this series. It is definitely a great cozy.

Violence and personal relationships are popular topics today. But some books seem to miss the mark. Some seem overly sentimental, focusing on softer 'healing' aspects of sharing tragic incidents. Others can be overly technical sanitizing a traumatic and potentially deadly issue.

In Stalking: Surviving the Hidden Terror, Paula LaRue does neither. Using a case study format she lays out balanced basic coverage of stalking and it's very personal effects on victims and their loved ones.

LaRue addresses the mechanics, of stalking as well as offering good basic precautions to help avoid becoming a target. She also goes beyond the limits observed by some authors, by including positive examples and case studies that show how specific tactics and actions successfully addressed stalking incidents.

A quick and easy read, Stalking: Surviving the Hidden Terror is an excellent book to introduce someone to the complicated topic of stalking.

Can one become a victim before a faint realization, much less a complete awareness of the ongoing crime? According to the author of Stalking: Surviving the Hidden Terror, yes, if this crime is stalking.

I have tasted a certain amount of this "unwanted attention" myself - attention, which even in its mild form poisoned everything it touched. When such a meaningful thing as an expression of love becomes horrifying and leaves one's heart pounding with fear, life suddenly becomes a fight, where the only means of defense is your Power of Knowledge.

The truth is that not many people realize when the line is crossed, and even fewer can label it as stalking. After Laura Blake's case which, in my mind, was an official acknowledgment of this crime (the movie Stalking Laura was made shortly afterwards), Paula LaRue's book is an official guide to how to protect yourself from becoming "Laura." It is official in more than one way. True stories of surviving, the stalker's profile based on the detailed psychological analysis, legal standings of the crime and rules of law, including citation of relevant statutes in different states and, finally, practical tips on how to deal with the situation, make this book a valuable anti-stalking tool.

The book is required reading for the Anderson University MBA program in Anderson, IN. The book is used as an introduction to the MBA program (first course in the sequence).

As a curriculum developer I found Dr. Larue's book to be avaluable resource book. I and my co-author had the task of developinga set of supplemental teaching materials for use in California and other states that are teaching about religion. Driven by current social forces, schools, and hence textbook publishers are including the teaching of religion in history and social science classes. These textbooks generally forget that many important changes in society were brought about by individuals who were not only not religious, but often were anti-religious. Our approach was to utilize individuals from Larue's work as a foundation for a set of teacher materials to teach about the many nonconforming individuals in history. We used Larue's book to produce a time line of freethought across centuries. And we created a number of concept and story lessons and activities based on individuals in his book. His introductory chapters served as a major source for the development of two pamphlets of background information for teachers. I found the work to be accurate and complete, and a well-referenced source of information of many of the people in history that should be in history books, but are either overlooked or ignored. I would recommend it as a fine authoritative documentation of the multitude of freethinkers who have given to all of us many of the important ideas which serve as the foundations to our current liberty and freedom.

This was a remarkable and eye-opening book, even for a religious skeptic such as myself.

The author's insight into the sexual morality of the Hebrews is amazing. From the "righteous man" Lot's drunken impregnation of his virgin daughters to St. Paul's blatant sexual paranoia, every chapter has a surprise in it -- things they never told you about in Sunday school. Where else would find out that the Hebrews took the virgin daughters of their conquered enemies for sex slaves, or that in Hebrew custom a man swears his mightiest oath with his hand holding his testicles? Or that following strict Jewish law on when intercourse is sanctioned by God (a week after menstration, not on the Sabbath or during a number of religious holidays) it would only be possible on less than 100 days a year?

A fascinating read for the believer and non-believer alike.

The university I teach for uses this book. It is an "easy to complex" book which is perfect for the classroom or for the manager who wants to improve his or her strategic management skills in the comfort of their reading room. The strategic management model developed by the authors is easy to follow--and remember--to include the many connections it makes with external and internal analysis. I am most impressed with the authors' coverage of leadership, organizational structure, and culture. Not only will you learn the basics of strategic management--but it is a quick read and includes some outstanding case study's to reenforce the learning. A great read.