For the first time I read this book when I was in the forth grade of the High School. What impressed me most was the personality and strength of Ahmed Nuruddin, a sheik of a tekka and the way he coped with reality. In this case it was a guilt for not trying too much to save his brother. On the other side, it was guilt for doing things that he was not supposed to do as a sheik of tekka. It is a philosophy of life - all in one in a wonderful book written by Selimovic. How did I fell after I read this book? I felt I had cleared my soul and I found a new approach to problems in life. It is a source of human feelings, from fear to joy. What is good and what is evil in every human being? What is it that makes people commit crime? The evil of the twentieth century comes to our souls once we read the book. We cannot escape it. It is a history of humankind. It is both our treasury and guilt. Selimovic made a picture of one soul. We make a picture of ourselves when we finish reading this great book. It might be time to ask yourself about your life.

After all of these reviews that I have just found here, there is no sense of talking about the characters of this great book, but I would like to write some things that maybe not all readers know. Mesa Selimovic was born in Tuzla, Bosnien and Herzegovina, same like me. My high-school name was Mesa Selimovic and I am very proud of it. The messages from "Dervis i smrt" are universal, but they are also the picture of bosnian tradition and society, and the most important fact - they represent the mirror of bosnian soul. If you want to learn something more about Bosnia, its people and history, than you should read this book. As a Bosnian I can't think of a better book. And I don't think that it's bad to say that Selimovic was Bosnian (according to Mazedonian reader ), because he was. It was not mentioned in the review was he a Croat, Muslim, or Serb, and it doesn't matter. I think that we after all that happened in my homeland at least have right to say that we are Bosnians without mentioning the nationality. Bosnia is home for all of us. Don't denial this right to Selimovic.

Few days ago I finished my fourth reading of this book and I experienced exactly the same mixed feelings I had after my first reading.I was sad to witness such a human tragedy and I was happy because in this book I found a real treausure of human mind. Even though located in the Balkans dark age the story still sends a universal human mesagge where philosophical exsistence of good and evil live in eternal confrontation. The final sentence (...death is nonsense,the same as life) rather than lament sounds to me as an invitation for reflection about our existentialism and values we blindly follow and promote today. Finally, with all respect to the people who translated the book I find myself extremely lucky being able to read this book in its original version in bosnian language which is obviouslu much more authentic and colourful. P.S. I would not like to open a political debate in this place but I found the Cyprys' reader final comment about Selimovic's "Serb's" background extremely offensive, inaccurate and inappropriate. By the way, the biographic data about Selimovic, that I as a Bosnian know , are completely different but I have no intention to place his genius in a shadow of political triviality.

Crunk dances with his readers creating rhthyms that speak to the most sophisticated mind as well as the toughest heart. His themes of redemption, comprised salvation, and life crushed by experience are like delicious wine. Provocative reading.

It took me back to the days growing up in the south. What he saw, you saw. What he heard, you heard. It appears simplistic, but underneath, there are many layers. He is truly brilliant!

His poetry is better than his prose, but that is high praise indeed for this collection of poems and essays that are so meaningful they cause a tingling sensation every time I read them. I wait eagerly for another collection of Crunk's work to appear.

These are rare, beautiful poems. Her images breathtaking. I love this book.

Octavio Paz said once that to read a poem is to let "words enter through our ears, appear before our eyes, disappear in contemplation." This is what Marissa de los Santos offered us. And in its various incarnations. In her poems, the writer also allows the words to enter our eyes, appear in contemplation and to never disappear from within.

Lightness and grace permeate the words in this book. Throughout, the reader can sense a warm heart and compassionate eye. A joy to read for observations on family, on history, on nostalgia, on desire...the poems create a beautiful presence and experience for the attentive reader. I thank the poet for her words.

Actually "The Death of Gwen Stacy" deals with more than the titular fatality and the end of the original Green Goblin in reprinting five classic comic books from Volume 1 of "The Amazing Spider-Man." You also get the previous three-story confrontation between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin that became infamous when the stories did not receive the Comic Book Code seal of approval because of a major sub-plot involving Peter Parker's roommate Harry Osborn being hooked on drugs: (1) "Amazing Spider-Man" #69, "And now, the Goblin," Story by Stan Lee, Art by Gil Kane and John Romita, Sr.; (2) "Amazing Spider-Man" #70, "In the Grip of the Goblin," Story by Stan Lee, Art by Gil Kane and Frank Giacoia; and (3) "Amazing Spider-Man" #71, "The Goblin's Last Gasp," Story by Stan Lee, Art by Gil Kane and Frank Giacoia. This was the first time when Norman Osborn remembered who he was along with Spider-Man's secret identity. Of course, the resolution of this crises leaves much to be desired since it is a tentative, at best, fix. The most memorable sequences in these stories is actually when Peter Parker and not Spider-Man takes down Harry's dealer. This trilogy sets up the other story, not just because it is the previous confrontation between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin, but because another subplot has Peter and Gwen resolving their current interpersonal conflict.

The key thing to remember when you get to the next pair of stories is that Stan Lee is no longer writing the book and therefore killing off Peter's girl friend was not his idea: (4) "Amazing Spider-Man" #112, "The Night Gwen Stacy Died," Story by Gerry Conway, Art by Gil Kane and John Romita, Sr.; and (5) "Amazing Spider-Man" #113 "The Goblin's Last Round," Story by Gerry Conway, Art by Gil Kane and John Romita, Sr. Of course, the title of that first issue does not appear until the final page, since it obviously gives the game away, but just as clearly that is not a problem for this trade paperback collection. I think Conway did away with Gwen because Peter was getting pretty close to actually being happy and Spider-Man needed to get back to the oppressive sense of guilt that drives him because of the death of a loved one. Now, in addition to Uncle Ben, there is Gwen (Spider-Man was much more responsible for Gwen's death than that of Captain Stacy). Little would we know that the end of this story, where Mary Jane Watson stays with Peter to comfort him after Gwen's death, that this would end up being the start of something special.

Also included in this collection is "The Kiss," by John Marc DeMatteis and John Romita, Sr., which is reprinted from "Webspinners: Tales of Spider-Man #1," which serves as a poignant epilogue to the main events. This 112-page edition has a new cover by new painted cover by John Van Fleet. I would not exactly say that the deaths of Gwen Stacy and the Green Goblin were "great" Spider-Man stories, but they were certainly important and constituted an impressive one-two punch for consecutive issues. The historical importance would apply to the Lee stories as well. Unfortunately, these events eventually led to introducing the horrible idea of clones into the story line, both for the late lamented Gwen and Peter himself. More often than not, the dead should stay dead, even in the world of comic books.

This is a TPB of the saddest moment in spidey history. The Green Goblin commited his most henous act killing Gwen Stacy ( spideys Girl Friend). But it was also shows a supposed final end (impaled by his own glider) It also left room for harry to take his fathers place.

I love these poems, and find myself returning to them again and again over the years. Talvikki Ansel combines the acute precision of a scientific eye with shimmering, translucent, finely-honed language. Her mastery of the sonnet form in the second and third sections of the volume seems virtually effortless -- as if the poems have simply transcended the rigors of form. These are poems of fierce and delicate inquiry (a study of bats, the dissection of a bird, the exploration of a pear down to its very core, the unraveling of the memory of a season spent in the Amazon Rainforest); poems of travel, explorers, and exploration; and poems of being forever changed by the processes of inquiry and exploration, like Caliban, or Elizabeth Bishop's Robinson Crusoe. Indeed, perhaps Ansel is, or will be, our Elizabeth Bishop of the new century. Ansel's poetic voice is clear, warmly modulated, and threaded throughout with marvelous flickers of quiet whimsy and humor. These are poems that resonate and linger. I highly recommend this book.

Telvicki Ansel communicates the multiple awareness of self, nature, and the unmanefest. She can have you hold a pear as she has held it, and feel the humorous frustration of raising miniature horses.

"My Shining Archipelago" is a real find.

If you want to eat healthy, on good tasing foods, and do it cheap this is the book you MUST HAVE. The side benefit is that you will create a more sulf reliant life style that is great for the entire family. This is the book everyone will be getting for gifts this year.

Having an earlier 1974 version, I find this new update absolutely fascinating. Rita Bingham continues her mother Esther Dickey's legacy by providing us with the most current information to help us learn provident living. Not only does Ms. Bingham tell us what to do, but how, and where to go for additional information. She tells us how to use that information, and her recipes are wonderful. This is one of only two books that I recommend to my friends who want to be more self-sufficient, the other being "Making The Best Of Basics" by James Talmadge Stevens. This duo is a must have base for anyone wanting to learn more about taking care of themselves.

I've the same book but a french one, it is the most useful book a reptiles' lover must have. It is simple to read, to understand. There's a good introduction to reptiles classifications (which is not obvious for begginers), the "identity card" for each animal is well conceived.
A good book to bring for travelling.

Like all the books in this series "Reptiles and Amphibians" gives a species by species look at a huge variety of creatures. From Chameleons to Cobras this book has a great selection. There are not many field guides out there with such fantastic and detailed photos so I suggest it for anyone who loves the to some "unlovable" slimy or scaly creatures of our world.

Friends and Lovers was an excellent novel. It kept me totally enthralled from start to finish. Eric's other two books Sister Sister and Milk In My Coffee were excellent as well. I have to give credit where credit is due and Eric Jerome Dickey deserves it all. I finished the book within a matter of hours and I was upset when I got finished because it meant that I was no longer involved in the lives of Tyrel, Shelby, Debra and Leonard. I strongly suggest that Eric and his agents discuss a possibly movie deal for Friends and Lovers because I would love to see it on the big screen, Nia Long and Shemar Moore would be perfect for Shelby and Tyrel!! Keep up the good work Eric and as long as you do I will remain a loyal fan.

P.S. If we can't get a movie deal, will you at least consider a sequel. Maybe it could be about Debra finding a new love and Shelby and Tyrel having marital problems

"Friends and Lovers" is my absolute favorite book of all times! I absolutely loved it. Before I bought the book, I hadn't read many books by African American authors, much less authors that were men. Terry McMillian was the only one. When I went away to college a fellow student asked me why I only read books by white authors? I didn't have a good excuse, so I set out to read and support African American literature. I was at the bookstore buying a book when I saw "Sister Sister" I thought of my friends words and bought the book. I tore that book up in about 4 hours! *lol* I went back to the bookstore the next day to get "Friends and Lovers" but it wasn't out yet. I had to keep re-reading "Sister Sister" I finally did get "Friends and Lovers", and it was worth my wait. I finished "Friends and Lovers" the same night. It was such a good book. Debra, Shelby, Leonard, and Tyrell were like people I knew. I passed the book on to my 15 year old brother, who in turn passed it on to our mother. We all love it! I just got finished reading "Milk in my Coffee" and I loved that too! Eric Jerome Dickey can do no wrong when it comes to telling a story!

I really enjoyed this book. Each character was given their due time and time to shine as well. Tyrel was a handsome find. His character was portrayed with such depth as was every one of the people involved. He & SHelby's relationship seemed rocky yet so solid at times. Leaonard he was a man of standard and he had been like Tyrel's brother in being such a good friend... Tyrel was dealing with a married woman who did him no justice.. Leonard let him know that and so the story goes.... they both wind up with some really special ladies and i dont want to hurt the plot any for those of you who havent read it but Eric has put such spin on this book that it will have you reeling from the beginning to the very end.. Eric Jerome Dickey has a real flair for writing and i hope that you all enjoy this book and many of the others. I have read them all.

As a young professional single woman, I find Eric Jerome Dickeys writing style of the "90's" to be very fresh, provacative and totally realistic. His style of writing such as in "Cheaters", gets you very involved with the characters from the get go, which makes this book very difficult to put down! You can't wait to find out what is going to go down in the next scenario between Chante and Stephan, or any of the other characters for that fact. I appreciate EJD and his ability to write about such personal and sexual feelings. Coming from a man, this is rare, but he has mastered the art of combining pleasure, entertainment and lust into a meaningful story that we can all relate to. I really enjoy how he individualizes each character within their own chapters, as if they themselves have written it. This gives you great insight on what each character is thinking and how they see and feel about the situation at hand. It is as powerful as Milk In My Coffee, his last hit novel, which amazingly lent a positive and realistic imagery towards interracial realtionships. As a person involved in interracial dating, this really hit home for me and made me look at mistakes I have made in my own dealings. EJD is a great author because he writes REAL stories about REAL characters that everyone can relate to. Keep up the great work ERIC,...cos we all love ya out here and think you are da bomb! I will buy any book you write because I already know it will be great!

By now, I've read all of EDJ's books and am a hugh fan. Cheater's however, was the ultimate, my favorite, and absolutely off the hook. The story was completely engrossing from the first through the last sentence. I hated for the story to end, algthough he brought it to a very satisfying conclusion. As the book cover synoposis explains, the story revolves around the African-American dating scene in L.A., and the trials and tribulations associated with loving them and leaving them on the one hand and finding someone for a one-on-one relationship on the other. It also deals with personal growth and the consequences associated with two people who are either on the same page in terms of their goals and/or are growing together or growing apart (with respect to dreams, plans, aspirations). Lastly, it deals with stunted emotional growth and the personal hell people put themselves and others through as they struggle to deal with their inner pain and/or short-comings. Dickey's treatment of all of the scenerios he creates was truly gifted. The book is funny, serious, poignant, sexy, hot and irresistably engrossing. Dickey should no longer be compared to Terry McMillian (Exhale). He has raised the bar and created the NEW standard in depicting meaningful Africian-American relationships, and penning stories that help us see ourselves, enjoy ourselves and perhaps learn something about ourselves along the way. I'm looking forward to the movie, too! Thanks again, EDJ. I'm eagerly awaiting your next book!

Cheaters is the first book by Mr. Dickey which I've read. It's truly a SUPERB piece of work, and I literally can't wait to read everything he has written! Once I started reading this book, I would of never put it down, if it wasn't for those few hours of sleep I needed at night. Even with all the "cheating" going on, I found the main characters to be engaging, easy to relate to, and their situations mesmerizing. The detail in the erotic scenes captivated me; for the simple fact that Mr. Dickey kept it intense & HOTT! That was a refreshing change from other African-American fiction I've read which seemed to be, ummmmmm, devoid of sexual imagery. As if.......... Anyway, in closing, I would just like to thank Mr. Dickey for keeping it funky and also the enjoyable trip he took me on! PLEASE don't make us wait too long to see, CHEATERS, THE MOVIE!

This book is intended for physicians but I recommend it forPill-using women.(If you're the type who likes perusing PHYSICIANSDESK REFERENCE, you'll LOVE this. It's much more user-friendly.) The past nine editions(first published in 1977) have been popular with clinicians and the book is a kind of "secret weapon" in the drawer of many a student health service or family planning center. You come in with a certain health history or certain side effects from your current Pill,and the doctor peeks in here to see what brand of Pill to start you on or switch you to. For example, according to Dr. Dickey, if your breast size increases that might mean you have estrogen excess whereas continuous bleeding and spotting suggests an estrogen deficiency. On the other hand, progestin excess might be signaled by appetite increase, depression, fatique. So in theory your doctor relies on this publication for guidance on dosages and brands. It includes various kinds of useful information that you are unlikely to find elsewhere; for example, what kind of interactions occur with other drugs you might take, what symptoms of deficiencies of which vitamins and minerals to watch out for on the Pill,the relation of side effects to hormone content and how to distinguish symptoms of a potentially serious nature.Problem is the oral contraceptive manufacturers are so aggressive about promoting their brands, the doctors are so busy and distracted etc, that, for her own protection, its really a good idea for the OC user to familiarize HERSELF with Dr. Dickey's continuously updated material. Let's be realistic-- this drug is unlike others in that healthy women take it for the longterm,( not being pregnant is not a disease,) and while some may benefit from the Pill, others may be harmed. Some vigilance is called for. If a woman feels comfortable letting her doctor "do the worrying for her' - well, that's fine. But if she's not so sure about that, if she wants to learn this stuff for herself, here's a fine way to begin. I don't expect that the author will appreciate this review. He doesn't aim his manual at patients, but since he started writing and publishing it, the health care delivery system has been falling apart, fewer people can rely on trusted long-term doctors who know them well, and - like it or not- patients are often required to take healthcare decisions into our own hands. If every student health service has this publication, I say so should every women's dormitory at every college. Power to the people!

An excellent reference guide and teaching text for every clinician who has a personal relationship with patients of reproductive age. The book fits in a lab coat pocket and has a unique design, which enables the user to find critical information quickly and easily. It is strongly recommended to physicians, residents, nurse practitioners and all other medical professionals in an OB/GYN clinic or teaching hospital. The 11th edition includes the new patch, ring and all new pills available 9/02.

As a pill user, I have found this book to be extremely valuable. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who like to be informed about her own medical care. This offers enough information to allow you to be involved in decision making.