Upon reading this book, I was immediately comforted by the words of Dr. Caldwell. With her many examples and compassionate prose, she helps readers to understand how they can play a part in the lies when they dismiss the signs and ignore their instincts. Dr. Caldwell illustrates the importance of trusting yourself. She shows how to listen to your inner voice and sustain yourself through the realities. This book will help you to open your eyes and it does so with empathy and comfort.

Thank you, Dr. Caldwell, for warmly reminding your readers that it isn't their fault entirely, that these men are Master Manipulators - and for showing readers just how to spot the behaviors they exhibit. This is necessary reading for ANY woman who is dating or involved in a relationship. It is (and I HATE this word, but it fits) empowering to USE the investigating information that Dr. Caldwell provides at the end of the book. Thank you, Doctor.

Finally, somebody has written a book about a topic that is all too familiar....the big time and serious lying that goes on in a lot of relationships.

I found this book was the first I'd read that isn't just about superficial lying and isn't a superficial treatment of the subject. Dr. Caldwell really takes the subject apart and backs up what she says with lots of case studies. More than that, she offers solid advice about what to do when you're mixed up with a liar.

In my opinion, every woman should read this book! Thanks!

This book will scare you. The case studies that Dr. Caldwell uses to explain how women get involved with Romantic Liars are real eye-openers. Instead of just dismissing deceptive relationships as mistakes on the part of the woman, Caldwell shows how our society provides a perfect basis for deception. In fact, one of the most valuable aspects of Caldwell's work is that she doesn't blame the victim.

With the compelling and intriguing stories as a backdrop, Caldwell presents a thoughtful analysis of the dynamics of deceptive relationships---how they got started, how they are maintained and how they frequently end. Like I said, this book will scare you---once you begin to understand how vulnerable to deception all of us really are.

The book has 4 parts and the first part is when she's in the hospital, the next part is when she's in rehab and meets 3 friends, the thrid part is when she goes to her grandmas house because she lived in an apartment.It started when Lucy St. Cloud was going to her friends house and her boyfriend was dancing with her friend Jenny. She was upset and left early. On the way home a truck hit her.She had to go to the hospital. She didn't like much and she hated the thought of her boyfriend and her friend Jenny. You're going to have to read the book. I liked the book alot and I think anybody would like it.

This book is fantastic!!!!! I love sad and deppressing books and this one was also perfect. If other people are like me in book taste, try reading books by Lurlene McDaniel and "A Time for Dancing" by Davida Wills Hurwin. This wonderful book is about a young woman named Lucy St. Cloud. Lucy went (drove) over to her friends house one evening to see Kendra, Tia, Dash (her boyfriend) and Jenny. She arrives to see Dash and Jenny flirting and dancing like mad. Dash doesn't even stop when Lucy gets there. Lucy leaves quickly. It is pouring rain. In the car, Lucy shouts about how horrible Dash and Jenny are, and hence the car accdinent happens. Lucy goes to the hospital, and thank goodness did not need leg amputation. Afterwards, Lucy goes to Twin Willows Rehabilitation Center. She meets Robin, Tony and Jude. Lucy hates Rehab and convinces her mom to let her stay with her grandparents, until she finds a wheel chair accseibal place. Lucy meets superguy online and that sure entertains her. Also, her grandfather's hierd hand is really sweet to Lucy. I don't want to say what happens in the end so PUHLEEZE read this book!!!!!!

In this book you will expierence many different emotions. I loved reading this book and could hardly wait to turn to the next page. In the book Lucy arrives at a party where she sees her boyfriend and best friend dancing. This does not affect her untill neither Dash nor Jenny notice that she has arrived. Lucy then leaves the party immediatly even though her other friends try to get her to stay. On the way home Lucy is in an accident where she is trapped for a period of time in her car. After she is freed from the reckage Lucy is taken to the hospital where she undergoes numerous surgeries on her legs. Once released from the hospitial after some interesing turns Lucy goes to a rehabilitation center. It is here where Lucy must face the toughest part of her healing, the emotional part. Lucy however doesn't want to deal with this so she runs to the safty of her grandparent's house. Here she encounters some new people such as Andy and Superguy. Lucy realizes while she is at her grandparents that it is soly up to her wether or not she will ever walk again. Her therapist can only do so much the rest is hers alone. You will see the result of what a change in attitude can do for the betterment of us all. If you are like me the characters are easily identifiable with. You will see yourself in Lucy one way or another. I really enjoyed this book and know that you will also. If you want to know what happenes between Lucy and Andy or Superguy READ the BOOK!!!!! I promise you will not be disappointed!!

This is the best novel I have read in years. It explores the themes of betrayal and forgiveness, commitment and impulse, and most importantly, the enduring love that exists between a parent and child.
The early part of this book is set in Shanghai in the 1930's. Anna lives there with her parents--Joseph, the son of missionaries, now a smuggler and millionaire, and Genivieve, the composed and graceful beauty. When Shanghai is taken over by the Japanese at the beginning of the Second World War, Anna and Genevieve escape to California, while Joseph cannot bear to part with the city he loves. Again and again he choses Shanghai over his family, and Anna resolves never to let him into her life again. But when Anna is an adult, he reappears and she reevaluates her resolution to shut her father out.
This book was magical. Anna's relationship with her mother is every bit as compelling and complex as her relationship with her father. What I really felt this novel stood for is the proposition that your parents' love guides your life from the cradle to the grave, long after they are gone. To me, one passage in the book stands out more than all others. Anna says, "My parents have been gone for more than 20 years, and every year I feel their love more strongly." I can't even write about it now without tears coming to my eyes.
The writing is so beautiful and the imagery of Shanghai is so rich. Also particularly beautiful is Caldwell's description of the various gardens that play a role in her story. This is a book to be read slowly, savored, and then passed on to your mother, father or child.

Distand Land of My Father is the best book I have read in years, and was the first book that brought tears to my eyes in ages. I flew through this book in two days because I couldn't bear to put it down. It is hard to believe that it is not actually a memoir, as the sights and sounds of Shanghai are so real, and the narrator's (Anna's) story seems so true.

I will tell as many people as possible about this book, and I look forward to Bo Caldwell's next effort.

You have to hand it to Chronicle Books.
A publishing house known for its refreshing non-fiction and cultural oddities publishes a magical book by a woman named Bo that could easily make the list at Knopf or Farrar Straus.

Here is the high concept premise and I challenge you to pick up the first page and not continue. This is a fictional memoir of a daughter who adores her father and dreams to be like her mother -- set during World War II in a corner of Shanghai where stories are spun like so much colorful silk.
How can a San Francisco woman write a period story of China that seems so real?
Here is the first sentence which I read in downtown San Francisco
on the way to buy shoes. I then forgot about the shoes:
"My father was a millionaire in Shanghai in the 1930s."
And it is preceded by a hand-drawn map. Yoknapatawpha County?
A little Huck Finn magic to come.

Truly original and truly worth every penny.

This book is a must read! If you are struggling on how to bring some of your dreams to fruition please read this roadmap to WHOLENESS. I am not the avid reader but I was so engrossed and encouraged in his philosophy toward Holistic Salvation. the Gospel of Good Success opened my mind to new directions that I needed to begin for my journey of perservance when completing my goals. I have found new life within these 256 powerfully written words.

I really like this book, I think it's one of the best Christian books on success written the Author it's really knowleagble and gives a sure practical way to achieve your dreams especially How to succeed and deafeat Satan with the greatest armor in existence like the author says. And also How to overcome obstacles in life. I highly recommend this book to all.

I read this book because of the author's skillful and articulate interview on the Bill O'Reilly televised show. I liked his demeanor and his clarity on the power of perception. His book is equally concise. He offers common sense religious avenues for dealing with the issues of today, and transforming your life. His road map covers emotions, finances, career, health, parenting. Among his six strategic steps to success is "stage a comeback". I especially liked that passage. It dissipates the perception of failure. A mistake is an opportunity to make a wiser decision the next time. If you enjoyed, Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson's "From Rage to Responsibility", and Harold Klemp's,"Secret of Love", you will glean a lot from Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell's , "Gospel of Good Success". I did. Start working on your self-esteem and your self-confidence today. Your success is in your hands.

I read this book years ago, as a teenager struggling with my own inner demons. It was one of the few books that made me cry, there were so many beautifully crafted scenes of humanity and redemption that resonated with what I was going through at that point in my life. Luke's mixed feelings and sometimes disdain for his father echoed some of the same feelings that I had for my parents, and woken me to the shame of having such unworthy feelings. Luke's lost of faith echoed my own inner struggles for identity, my constant feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness, and my then slowly dying faith in Christianity. My favorite scene in the whole book was a little story Mary told Luke: Lucifer, the Morningstar (portrayed here as an infinitely beautiful angel whose perfection is only marred by his own pride), took a clump of soil from the earth and showed it mockingly to Jesus, indicating that everything Jesus strives for is nothing more than dirt. Jesus then took up another clump of soil, and a plant grew and blossomed in his hand. Somewhere along the way, during those difficult years, I had also come to realise that this world, this life I've been given, is full of beauty and worthy things to struggle for and cherish, if only I would open my eyes and see them. I loved this book. BUY IT if you wish to read a fictionalised but touching account of St. Luke's life.

This is one of my absolute favorite books. It has really given me more insight into the life of Luke, and helped me to see him as a "real" person, not just some historical figure. Read this book, and then read the book of Acts. Fascinating!

Taylor Caldwell's book on Luke the physician who in his later years traveled with St. Paul and who is believed to have authored "the Gospel according to Luke" is a masterpiece. The time Ms. Caldwell spent staying in and studying the Mediterranean world as well as absorbing all the information she could find about Luke paid off. This book is absolutely fascinating -- full of action, very well researched and written so vividly as to make the reader feel that he is living right there with Luke and accompanying him on his journey through life, his search for meaning in life and his first-century A.D. world. The problems of the physician in those times weren't much different from today in terms of trying to cure disease, bring new lives into the world and help the dying to leave it with as little pain and suffering as possible. What is very interesting is how much the physicians of his time did know, knowledge which was much more than our 20th-century generations give them credit for. However, for a man who outwardly had a very successful life, the real meat of the story lies in his feelings of being unfulfilled in his work and his constant seeking and yearning for deeper meaning to his life. Where he travels, whom he meets and how he finally comes to the discovery of this meaning bring the inner man to life and give us an excellent insight into this most special physician. I could hardly put the book down and and have lent it out so much that it is falling apart! Was delighted to find a hard-cover version for my library on Amazon.com.

I both read the book and saw the miniseries many years ago when I was about 12 years old and decided at that time that if ever I had a daughter she would be named Taylor. I was eventually blessed with a daughter and yes! she is named Taylor. I have read many different authors but Ms. Caldwell and her writings remain my favorite, especially Testimony of Two Men.

This is a fantastic read. I first came across this book over twenty years ago and have been a fan of Taylor Caldwell ever since. I highly recommend this book!

a very beautifully written, meaningful novel regarding a man of medicine attempting to move a town into the modern medical era. jonathan ferrier is a great character and his story of doctoring and unrequited love is heartbreaking and moving. i've read it a couple of times over the years and it is one of caldwell's best novels. a truly enjoyable book that can hold it's own against most of the popular fiction(and some literary fiction) being published today.

I had just seen The Excorcist when I read this book. And it made me understand why Lucifer hates humans as He does. However; Michael, also an Archangel has some nice things to say about us.
God has a wonderful sense of humor.
You be the Judge.

I read this book when it first came out. Then I read it many times over the years. It is probably one of the most thought provoking books I've run across. Who would ever think that one could find compassion for Lucifer and his great loss of God! I felt so lucky to be a human being with a soul worthy of redemption. Now looking for a new hardcover edition to pass through my family.

First published in 1967, it's a moving piece of work. Lucifer is presented in the old Hebrew/Christian tradition ... not totally fallen ... not beyond redemption until he tempts mankind into complete destruction. The book is a series of letters between Michael the Arch Angel, and his brother. They each present humanity's case from their respective points of view ... Lucifer's as God's great mistake, giving us immortal souls ... Michael is our defender. It is well worth the read. And make sure you check out the prologue.

I am a Hindu believer by birth, The Listener is one of those few rare books that opened up my horizon to the truth and suffering of Christ (and human beings. In fact, this book gives me watery eyes every time I read it, and I read it often. The New Testament was written by The Apostles in The Apostles` words, while The Listener is The New Testament written by and in the laymen`s words.

The Listener has helped me through many crisis. It returns to my mind when most needed. It is a book that can not be put down and never be forgotten.

This book made me - a firm athiest- a believer in the existence of God. It presents people from all walks of life, in all circumstances, talking to "the Listener", and coming away renewed with hope, no matter how hopeless their circumstances. It was one of the most moving books I have ever read

This book is one that truly stands the test of time. I first read it in the 70's as a teen, and it has stayed with me all these years. If you are a lover of historical fiction, appreciate bold, sweeping epochs, and are fascinated by human nature, this is a read for you. I love Taylor Caldwell's books, but beware if this is your first foray into her works, as she sees the world and people in general as very duplicitous. She can be very dark and brooding, and appears to have been a rapt conspiracy theorist judging from the introduction and the bibliograpy that appear in this book. Her characters tend to be quite black and white, but that of Joseph Armagh is quite complex and will be an endless source of fascination to the reader. Aside from the heavy handed political tones in this book, it is the saga of the Armagh family that will keep the reader engrossed. Caldwell weaves a formidible tale-one that is engaging, educational, emotional, and yes even a little frightening. I find myself wondering at the conclusion of this book: What if, in fact, we truly are at the mercy of the "deadly quiet men"? This book will entertain you and make you think!

There are two sides to this book, one is typical of the romantic pulp fiction style of the 70's, this is first the life story of Joseph Armagh, a destitute orphan who emigrated from Ireland because of the famine. His bitter experiences in childhood leave him cold hearted and in pursuit of money at all costs, and he achieves incredible wealth and power in America. His goal at any price is to make his son president of the United States. There was a made for TV mini series based on this story.

The other more interesting part of this book though is about the control of wealth and real power in the world in the hands of a few. Taylor Caldwell has written an add on to the story that is a warning that the "controllers" are not fiction and were more powerful than ever. In the Captains and the Kings some historical events described are the US civil war, the presidencies of Lincoln, labor struggles, the making of Teddy Roosevelt, and immigration. Was the civil war after all just an event arranged & set up mainly by rich European bankers for profit? Are all wars always set up by a handful of distant people for profit? This book really makes you wonder

If I were marooned on a desert island, I would have to have this book with me! I read it in the 70s and have also enjoyed the mini-series many times over which starred the late Richard Jordan as Joseph Armagh. While it would be easy to draw parallels with the fictional Armagh family and the Kennedy dynasty, I prefer to think of the book as a testament to one Irish immigrant who found and then lost the American dream. The more disturbing aspect of the book (and one I always think of when a major news event takes place) is the presumption by the author that there are powerful men with money who control much of the destiny we call history. Do these men exist? Who can say? A riveting book and one worth more than one read.

"Dom Casmurro," by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, is a delightful novel by this great Brazilian writer. I have read the English translation by John Gledson. In the foreword to his translation, Gledson notes that the book was first published in 1899 or 1900.

"Dom Casmurro" is a first-person narrative about the life of Bento, a 19th century Brazilian man. Bento recalls his youth and adulthood, and tells about his friendships, education, romantic life, and family relationships.

The content of the novel sounds straightforward enough, but its execution is a virtuoso display of ironic playfulness. Machado's narrator addresses various potential readers, from the "'most chaste' lady reader" to young lads. The narrator comments on the structure of the story and plays with readers' expectations, and even at one point challenges the reader to throw the book out. Machado's narrative technique blurs the line between fiction and reality.

"Dom Casmurro" is an effective mix of comic and tragic elements. Particularly interesting are the gently satiric portrayal of religion, the tender evocation of youthful romance, and the many European cultural references. This is a story of love, jealousy, and loss, told with wit and compassion by Machado. Highly recommended for all those interested in Latin American fiction.

I can say without a shadow of doubt that this is my favourite book. It was the first book of Machado de Assis that I read and which made me follow in love with his work.
It is a story about an old man who "try to attached both extremes of his life" on the own words of this character, Bentinho who explains his nickname, Dom Casmurro, on the first pages of the book. He tells the reader about his youth, his studies and mainly about his first and only love: Capitu.
However, if you are expecting another novel talking about love, reading the book will surprise you. It is not only about love, it is about insecurity and doubts. Better, this novel is about the human soul, its worst and best sides.
I would say that the talent Machado de Assis takes the reader into an investigation. But it is not an usual one. It is necessary to enter into Bentinho's mind looking for clues that could absolve him or his beloved, Capitu. The reader is overwhelmed by the doubts that disturbs Bentinho and which made him took drastic actions.
The most fantastic element in this book is that reading it over and over never guarantees the certainty about what it is right and what is wrong. If we suppose that there is some truth to be found. It is a game between the character and the reader!

Considered by most critics the greatest brazilian writer ever, Machado de Assis writes a masterpiece about a paranoid man consumed by his own jealousy, insecurity and self pity. This storyline is also considered one of the most intriguing dillemas of brazilian literature. DID CAPITU CHEAT ON BENTINHO OR NOT??? Machado doesn't reveal it. Each reader makes his own mind. I believe in Capitu and hate Bentinho. She was faithful till the end. Why did that stupid paranoid had to fool her that way... Oh man, read this book!