To describe Sklenicka's book, I am going to quote from a review of it by the late Mark Spilka, who was one of the finest critics of the novel in the late 20th century: "The whole unsettled question of Lawrence's relation to children, and of his literary uses of his own childhhod experiences, is taken up handsomely by Carol Sklenicka in her breakthrough study . . . .[She] has given us the first important study of the thematic value of those years for he fictional treatment of children, and for his lifelong fascination with childhood."

Anyone who thinks of Lawrence as a now-obsolete proponent of free sexual expression should take a look at this readable scholarly study. Sklenicka shows that Lawrence had real insight into the nature of children and parenthood. Especially interesting is her idea that Lawrence (in 1920!) was a proponent of greater involvement by fathers in the raising of their children.

In a complex book like The Rainbow, it's essential to use insightful critics as a guide, in order to examine the text fully. Dr. Balbert really has the critical reflex down.

As we wrestle with the challenge & stress of day-to-day life, it's easy to forget the wonderful GOOD THINGS about our lives and circumstances. This book encourages reflection on those "positives" without the tyranny of a daily-diary format. Each section offers personal-reflection suggestions with room for writing, if you feel like writing. The reader is encouraged to consider a topic and write responses [examples: "Look around your livingroom and make note of all the special items you have there and the memories they hold for you. Write about those." "Consider the word CREATIVITY. Setting a timer for 5 minutes, write whatever comes to your mind."] I find just opening up this book for even a short time gives me an instant morale-boost. I can feel tension subside immediately as I read through the wonderfully moving personal anecdotes and inspirational quotations sprinkled throughout the book! It offers the perfect balance of "structure" and "freedom" for triggering personal discovery and gratitude! I've given it to all my close friends!

This book was very good. The main characters are Dakota and Treacle. The main idea is Dakota has to find Medusa's gem covered turtle. Medusa is a weird woman. Her favorite color is green. Medusa thinks that her turtle is her husband. To break the spell, Dakota and Treacle have to find a diamond the size of a pea. When Medusa fits the diamond on the turtle's shell he will turn back to a human. Again this was an awesome book!

Durrell (The Alexandria Quartet) originally published this "adventure" under another name, but it's pure Durrell; multiple character's find their appropriate discovery in the labyrinth under Crete, and an O.Henry style conclusion offers new possibilities. Deeper than you think.

David Muench, the dean of American landscape photogrphers explores a very novel idea - look at the big picture and then the small picture within. It reminds us to look for the little things and find great beauty within. Lawrence Cheek is a gifted writer whose prose matches Muench's genius with a camera. What a spectacular gift book!

This work is a complete collection of chronicles for the De Soto expedition into La Florida (which is most of the south-east USA). Due to the fact that this work comprises two volumes of almost 600 pages each, I have so far only read volume II which is the complete account "La Florida" by Garcilaso de la Vega. Following others (including the Narvaez expedition that de Vaca relates) De Soto went into Florida to find gold and eventually settle the new land. Garcilaso used one captain from the expedition as his source and is a great storyteller, claiming his abhorrence of exaggerating the contents, much of it is told with the heroic chivalry and noble virtue of the times, whether speaking of Spaniards or Indians, and always some purposeful enthusiasm. If all you know of De Soto is that he was the first to see the Mississippi, that doesn't begin to say anything about what happens during the expedition, and even to the way those who were on it considered it afterwards. It shows also the real nature of the natives, showing great differences in their treatment of the Spanish, their use of slavery, and the brutatilty they showed towards other tribes. (Not as placid as Las Casas would have you believe). Also describing the native cultures and life-styles to some degree. All wonderful and interesting stories. The volumes contain some maps and black and white illustrations. Volume I contains all the other existant accounts including the more historical one by the Gentleman of Elvas. Well worth the price.

This is a very good book about an all-too-common problem, police brutality. Read it to get a sense of how police circle the wagons to defend each other, and how hard a determined attorney has to work to get to the root of the problem.

This book is an outstanding read for anyone needing PR advice. Whether you are only interested in the subject, a professor teaching it, or a professional employing it, this is an invaluable resource.
Full of real world examples and fascinating insight its written so that a novice and and expert can make sense of it, and yet it is never condescending.
More than a teaching tool, it is a set of values that every PR professional should adhere to. Teaching success and how to avoid the traps, it stays interesting and flows well all the way through.

I read this collection of short stories right before a caribbean cruise, which may have added to my enjoyment significantly. However, I would recommend it highly to any lover of cruising or of murder mysteries. It provided a wide variety of authors and styles, all exceptionally enjoyable.