Unless you are very familiar with formal Islamic writing you will find this book hard going in a lot of places. However, that given it is a good place to start if you're interested in the writings of Bahaullah. It's reasonably short and filled with many insights on mankind's search for God. Just be sure you're wanting a book to take slowly and study, rather than something easy.

This little book by Baha'u'llah is a very big statement about the nature of existence and the various conditions of the human soul as it attempts to unravel its mysteries and discover The Ultimate Unknown--God.

While the book is written in the early ministry of the Prophet of the Baha'i religion, it is couched in the language of the Islamic-Sufi-mystic. For the reader new to this style, some of the concepts may at first be unclear or foreign, yet at the same time to the heart it all seems somehow familiar, as the valleys unfold in their mysterious--yet universal and familiar--landscape.

For the Baha'i, this is a basic requirement for the personal library.For the investigator of truth, religious scholar, or mystic, it is the key to a whole new world ideas and insights, full of paradoxical wonder, and yet always simple in its truths.

This is one of the most powerful spiritual works you will likely ever read, and is one of the yet undiscovered classics to be placed among the likes of Rumi, Hafez, Saadi, and Khayyam.

While it is undoubtedly one of the great classics,make no mistake, it is both unique and peerless, among its contemporaries. No small wonder the the Revelations of Baha'u'llah have given birth to one of the fastest growing, and second most wide spread, religious movements--since its inception in 1844--in the world today.

Baha'u'llah takes us through a tour of Seven Valleys and Four Valleys of spiritual attainment with classical Sufi imagery. In this book, I have found many multi-faceted gems. For example, the explanation of the origin of conflict in creation found in the Valley of Contentment.

Jacob Sinclair is a widowed man trying his hardest to raise three young daughters in a world domineered by males. Having done his best, one daughter, Leah, chooses to pursue a college education, the other two sisters, Garnet and Meredith, remain home hoping to discover their talents. Both Meredith and Garnet receive a beautiful, handcrafted heartwood chest complete with a secret drawer that hides an object Jacob has handpicked as a gift to each. What lies within SHENANDOAH HOME are Garnet and Meredith's journeys to grow emotionally and spiritually, while they find their heart's desires and the meaning behind their Father's gift.

The first story is Garnet's story, "The Cardinal Feather." Artistic Garnet has always been free willed, but her independence often lures her into troublesome situations. Hiding a ghastly secret, Garnet becomes reserved; a change that her sisters and father cannot ignore. When Dr. Sloan MacAllister comes to town, he soon finds himself unwillingly doctoring both Garnet and an injured fox that she risks her life to save. As Garnet heals, she reveals her past to Sloan. Both Sloan and Garnet feel their budding attraction, but can they find faith in a God they feel has forgotten them? Will they muster the strength to face their feared pasts and start anew?

Next is Meredith's story, "The Gingerbread Girl." Meredith is the obstinate oldest sister who wants to become a successful businesswoman. When a prosperous businessman, J. Preston Clarke, comes into town after insulting Meredith's boss, Benjamin Walker, in a local paper, Meredith prepares to battle the fiend. However, once she meets Preston, she is soon entranced by his charm and quickly finds herself falling in love. Love is not always as it seems, however, and Meredith has to face intense challenges before realizing the heart never lies.

While SHENANDOAH HOME starts with an exceedingly slow pace, it transforms into a beautiful piece of fiction. Strong characters shine through realistic dialogue and thought provoking narrative. There are subtle religious themes mentioned within the story, but the author never preaches-only makes you stop and think about your choices in life.

The second story is, by far, the stronger of the two. Meredith is constantly battling to remain a woman within a male-dominated business world. She remains strong despite the men's vocal perceptions of her friendly attitude. Meredith's strength endeared her to this reader's heart.

I do wish, however, that the third sister, Leah's, story was contained within SHENANDOAH HOME. It seems slightly unfair that the two sisters get a heartwood chest, while Leah remains in the background. I anxiously await Leah's story, VIRGINIA AUTUMN, next spring.

I have read most of Sara's books and this truly is her best book yet--from the lovely cover to the size of the book-- but best of all what is cover to cover! She takes you into the lovely Virginia country side and the city so many years ago. You are there-- you know the characters-- you get into their lives. You feel their pain and joy.

What beautiful names for the characters--Sloan, the doctor, Garnett- the middle of three daughers, Jacob the father, Meredith - the eldest daughter, Leah--the youngest daughter, Phineas-the domesticated fox and of course J. Preston-- the villian!!

When you start reading this book (which is really two books in one) you won't be able to put it down. The first half of the book is Garnet's story and the second half is Meridith's story. Two of three sisters who are quite different but both find their way to depend on God for things that matter.

As usual, this includes a beautiful (actually two) love stories--not sappy but just beautiful. There is no doubt that Sara puts herself and her personal love story in each book and this is no exception.

It is evident that much research went into making this book a reality. You ride in the buggy in the countryside and dine in the lovely hotel.

I have only one thing to say--when will the next in the series be ready????? I can't wait!!

You can always count on Sara Mitchell to deliver three things: Characters you love. A setting that makes you wish you lived there. And a great love story. She does it again with Shenandoah Home. I think I've read all her books by now, and I'd rate this one as her best yet. She drew me into her story on the first page, and by the time I reached the last few pages, I realized I was putting off reading the ending, because I didn't want to let go of these characters or their stories.

An excerpt in the back of the book indicates there's a sequel, and I can hardly wait until it's on the shelves!

This was my grandfather's favorite poem--he used to recite it from memory. I can still hear his hushed, suspenseful tone as he told the tale of the strange miner, the dangerous gun fighter, and "the lady that was known as Lou." When I found this illustrated copy, I was floored--Ted Harrison perfectly captured this eerie story. I had to buy a second copy for my mom!!

With Ted Harrison's illustrations, this classic poem comes alive. Whether its read as a children's introduction to poetry or just for fun, this is a book to own. "Were you ever out in the Great Alone?" Probably not -but this book can get you close.

The poem is great to begin with, but coupled with the pictures, "formidable!" Each page could be clipped out and framed on its own merits.

Good book. Could do a little bit more better. Jessica and Elizabeth are always fighting, that's true. Their mother admit that she and her sisters never fight, even once ! But on Thanksgiving Day, everything changes. Jessica and Elizabeth's aunts and cousins come to Sweet Valley to celebrate the big day. Somebody wake up early in the morning to do the stuffing. Some changes in the family history. It also changes the 'harmony' family who never quarrels. They conduct a war on a day which suppose to be happy and loving. Who stop it ? Jessica ? Elizabeth ? One of their cousins ? You'll just have to read it.

This is another extra-funny Sweet Valley Twin classic!Jessica and Elizabeths auntys are visiting and,despite Mrs Wakefields constant ramblings that she and her sisters never ever fought,the house is FILLED to the brim with arguments galore!It is really funny too,and the interaction between Jess +Liz and their cousins is fun and realistiuc as always,and yep we get to meet Robin again!

This was one of the best SVT books I've read! A great Thanksgiving story with a lot of bittersweet memories & a good deal of family stress that marks this time of the year. The book rivals a Baby-Sitters' Club book with its deep probe into the psychology & family dynamics & poignant parts. Interesting how Alice insisted that she & her sister NEVER fought, but when her sisters Nancy & Laura show up, they fight more than Elizabeth & Jessica & their cousins! All in all, it was a lot like a BSC book...a warm, touching family gathering, but imperfect with a poignant, bittersweet ending. The families of the BSC members end up with family gatherings like that. A great Thanksgiving read!

Jessica and Elizabeth have played one too many tricks on their brother Steven..(hey its all kharma!!!lol)and now he plots his revenge!!...as do the boys at school who are locked in a ScareWar with the girls.

i have read this book a lot!!!! why? because it's one of the best in the series. i really liked how steven got the twins back.it's one of the most hilarious books i've ever read. i recommend this to intense sweet valley fans. peace out!!!

This is a good book. The kids in 6th grade are involved in a "Scare war" the girls against the boys. The girls decide to use one of their older brothers are a ginnie pig. Steven(the brother) is not happy about this and he's determined to get revenge on his sisters. This book is funny and it shows a good relationship between two sisters and their brother.

Steven hates a schoolmate who does everything better than him,and when Jess starts dating this "jerk" Steven is L I V I D. He is openly rude to Jess and her date even in front of his parents!you will gasp!In fact Steven gets so angry maybe just maybe he'll pay attention to a girl called Veronica.............

Ben Oliver, a new student at Sweet Valley High, has become Steven Wakefield's newest enemy after he replaces Steven as starting center on their JV basketball team, forcing Steven to play guard. Then Steven loses the freshman class election as treasurer to Ben by one vote--which was made by Steven's own girlfriend. But the worst part is that Ben is dating Steven's sixth-grade sister, Jessica. While Jessica finds Ben boring and annoying after awhile, she continues seeing him as a way to bug her older brother, as well as gain the admiration and envy from her close friends (the Unicorns) for dating a high school guy. Steven, in return, plots to get Jessica back by dating Veronica Brooks, Jess's arch rival.

As these two overreact and plot revenge against each other, I began to wonder if maybe Steven's number one enemy wasn't Ben, but Jessica. I mean, these two never seem to get along, and not just in this book. Yet "Steven's Enemy" has a relatively happy ending, particularly for both pair of enemies (Ben and Veronica), who find their perfect match.

During her siblings' complicated little battle, Liz Wakefield tries not to get caught in the middle of it, which is usually what happens. Instead, she's busy playing detective with Amy Sutton, trying to figure out why Amy's parents are fighting. While Liz does find some upsetting clues, this story line isn't resolved by the end of "Steven's Enemy." It continues with the next book: "Amy's Secret Sister," in which part of the secret is revealed in the title.

This was a great Sweetvalley book! It gets really exciting at the end, cause steven has a plan to get Jessica back! It's so funny! Well, just read it, it's pretty cool!!!!!

Jessica Wakefield manages to snag a leading role as Lady M in the school's production of Macbeth.

At the same time, a new girl Paula, begins at SVH and quickly becomes Jessica's number 1 fan. Paula manages to infiltrate Jess's snobby clique and also become her understudy.

Jessica is more than happy to have someone at her beck and call and Paula seems more than happy to be this.

However, underneath Paula's meek and mild mask is a character who is just as devious as Jessica, in fact even more so, as she is planning on sabotaging Jessica's role and grabbing the lead for herself.

This book is strongly influenced by "All About Eve" but, is well worth a read and contains all the typical SV elements that makes the series so well worth reading, even if the books are pretty hard to get ahold of now.

This is a better Sweet Valley High book,in which a wicked girl is jealous of the amazing Jessica,and pretends to be shy and to be Jess's friends.Behind Jess's back,she is an extrovert who is planning to take Jessicas place in a shakespearan play.Jessica deals with this schemer in a noble fashion,and shines with class and dignity.

I first picked this book up in the sixth grade, when I'd first discovered the series. My passion for the theatre also began around that time, a combination which made this book the perfect match for me.

I can heavily relate to Jessica in this book too, seeing as I've had other actresses attemp to steal my leading role before.

Its a great read for rainy days, or just when you feel that urge to pick up a great SVH classic.

I like this book because it is very exciting and I really wanted to know what would happen. I was tempted to read while I was in my math class..Cricket's dream was to go to Washington D.C and finally her friend, Zoe invited her to go to Washington D.C during their spring break. But something bad happened so she missed her trip to Washington D.C with her friend. But she had fun staying at home. My favorite part was when her teacher asked Cricket whether she wanted to enter the contest and so I really wanted to know whether she would win or lose. And only one way to find out is to read it!!

My name is Helen and I'm ten. I think this book is okay. I can understand Jessica sneaking off with Jean-Claude but her two-timing Marc is just too much. It would be more of Jessica if she started a fight with Marc, it's not going to hurt his feelings as much but I guess that's how the author wanted it. Anyway, Elizabeth isn't really what she is in other books. She's more of a half Jessica. Another thing is the book is much to predictable and you don't really need to read the whole book, the first chapter will tell you the whole book

Fifth-grade Cricket Kaufman was supposed to go to Washington, D.C. with her best friend, Zoe Mitchell, during spring break, but she broke her ankle one day when she was walking home from school just two days before spring began, so she had to stay home during spring break. Cricket was bored at home. Worest of all, Zoe invited another girl to go to Washington, D.C. with, Sara Jane. Fortunately, Sara Jane didn't come because she thought she would be homesick in Washington D.C. Instead she visited Cricket. Cricket entered a desin-a-stamp contest. She couldn't find the instructions until she had a dream that had a boy who came to her house. Cricket showed the papers that her little sister, Moinca, scibbled on. The instructions where on the back of the paper! And she found they were on the back of them! When Cricket finally got her cast off, she went to school with one blue shoe and one red one! Cricket started a new trend. I really liked this book.

Jessica's so weird!She is so fed up with her brother Steven(when he draws cross eyes on Johnny Buck its the last straw)that she decides to make a voodoo doll of him.

Jessica is learning about antebellum America, and does some research on voodoo. She is fascinated, and does an experiment on her brother, Steven. She makes a voodoo doll of him to get back for all the things he's done to her. Jessica begins doing things with the doll to affect Stephen's actions. It seems so perfect---until she realizes it wasn't what she expected. This story is very funny and exciting, and I would recommend it!

This book is so funny!!I love it!I love all Jessica and Steven's tricks.The ending was kind of touching.Steven really love his sisters even though he always teased them.I LOVE IT!I recommend this book to anybody who loves funny stories.

This book is about the Elk River in West Virginia and the people from the area. The author writes about many of my ancestors in this book making it of interest specifically to me. He mentions the fish camp where my grandfather and his brothers earned their living. The book is interesting reading if you know the area it's written about and can relate.

Byrne takes the reader from the very headwaters of the Elk River in central West Virginia to its confluence with the Kanawha River at Charleston and then back again. His descriptions of the area, its life and people back during the late 1800's and early 1900's leaves the reader feeling they were there with him. If you don't read this book at least two times, you won't appreciate its value in the history of the area.

Although I may be a bit biased since I have lived most of my life on the Elk River, I really enjoyed this book. The writer has a way of describing the river, fishermen's friendships, and an earlier time on the river in such a way that one feels he is there. This is a story of God's country.