THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY is a charming book about the nature of patience and grace. Jonathan Toomey is a very sad and gloomy man. His wife and child died very young and he has never gotten over his grief. Children call him Mr. Gloomy, for they fail to see the beauty beneath. One day a young widow and her son show up, asking Toomey to make a nativity scence for them, replacing one they lost when they recently moved to town. Mr. Toomey agrees. His life is forever changed by the act.

The book is beautifully illustrated and has become a modern Christmas classic.

This heartwarming story of how a bitter woodcarver let a widow and her 7-year-old son into his life should be a holiday tradition for all. The boy is lovable and encouraging and he nurtures a spark of Christmas/holiday spirit in the woodcarver. This book is guaranteed to leave many eyes misty. It is truly a work of art and a gift for the heart. I love it.

I'm a writer/editor that is always on the lookout for great books for my three kids (7, 11, 14). I don't even remember where I found this one, but it's my ALL TIME favorite Christmas story. It's got enough religion to keep the Christians happy, but the real message here is the miracle of the wonderful connections we can make with each other. I haven't met anyone who doesn't love this book. Do your family a favor and BUY IT NOW! It will become a tradition in your house, but be warned: you won't get through it without puddling up, and that, my friends, is a good thing. It really is. Merry Christmas to you all...

This book is one of the best woodworking books I have ever read on any topic. This book happens to be on wood finishes. Not only does the author tell you about various finishes and what they might be best for, but he tells you why! Not only does this extra information satisfy curiosity, but it helps you learn how to pick a finish even if your exact situation is not listed in the book.

The author provides helpfull tricks like how to tell if a can of finish is an oil or a varnish. (let some dry on a piece of glass and check the results). How to treat pine before staining to prevent blotches. He even revleas the ridiculous labeling practices of the finish makers that often make it hard to buy what you meant to buy. Did you know that many rubbing oils are varnishes, not pure oils?!?

The author has clearly studied the science of finishing. He explains the whys and hows with enough detail for an engineer like me without overly complicating matters. The pictures are helpfull and well done.

This book is definetely on my "must have" list for any woodworker. I just can't say enough good about this book.

A friend loaned me a copy of this book when I was trying to figure how to stain a cherry cabinet without the typical splotchy results one usually gets with this difficult-to-stain wood. This book not only addressed that problem, it gave several techniques to deal with it. Flexner even explained why different brands of stain would have different results. I was so impressed I bought my own copy. No other book I've seen does such a great job of explaining the technical aspects of how finishes work, and what protection each kind of finish provides, while keeping the text easy to follow and understand. This makes it a great book for learning about the many different stains and wood finishes.

Plus, it is more comprehensive than other wood finishing books I've seen. It explains in detail the different application techniques, when and how to use them. There are plenty of helpful illustrations, including color photo examples of different stains and finishes on various woods. So it is a great reference source when working on a particular project and trying to decide the best finish or application technique to use.

I keep looking for other books on wood finishing that would add to what is in this book. But I haven't come across any yet.

This book is a GREAT place to start your journey into wood finishing.

Bob starts by systematically explaining the logic and science behind different types of finish, including oils (varnish "oils" too, polyurethane and such), shellac, lacquer, conversion, waterbase, waxes, and more.

He also explains application methodology IN DEPTH, such as, french polishing, brushing, spraying.

He explains shaping tools (these include scrapers with sharpening methods, spokeshave devices, steel wools, rubbing compounds, sandpapers (all types)) and how to use them to achieve results.

He then goes in depth into suggestions for different woods, limited exotics and many domestics, as well as good rule of thumb's.

Main positives to this book: Mr. Flexner has given in depth and yet layman's explanations of how finishes work and the chemicals involved. This is integral to applying a good finish, in my opinion. This book could stand alone as everything a fledgling finisher needs to tackle any project.

Main negatives: Mr. Flexner is very informative and systematic. That said, he is obviously not a writer by trade. You WILL find yourself treating this as a reference book, its not a "sunday read" for the woodworking inclined. Several times (not many, but a couple) he contradicts himself (there is a passage that "debunks" the myth of better protection from thicker film build of a finish, and then later he suggests building the finish to a thicker film for "better protection...")

These negative in my opinion NO way detract from the book. It is an incredible reference tool for the amateur, and marks a necessary item for the professional finisher's bookshelf.

JTAcoustics

Picking up a deck of Tarot Cards is like jumping feet first into a cold lake. It may be exhilerating, but it's pretty intimidating as well, especially to a seeker who has no idea what he or she is about to get into. This book offers hope, practical advice, and common-sense answers to the beginner, the intermediate student, and the advanced adept alike.

Lavishly illustrated with the lovely Robin Wood cards, but applicable to any deck, Louis' remarkable observations and essays on each card are on the mark, easily understood, and readily remembered to any serious student of the Tarot.

Louis seeks more than "how to read," and instead teaches the meaning of each card as a tool of self inspection. If the reader cannot read his or herself, she or he cannot read another. Instead, Louis looks to the symbolism, the richness, and the history of each card as pertains to the reader. "Know thyself" was the inscription of the Oracle of Delphi, and Louis has tried to apply that knowledge to his interpretaion of the cards.

The result is a splendid text for beginner or experienced practitioner alike. A wonderful read, a glorious illustrated guide, and a charming introduction to an art too long held too arcane for the layman. "Tarot: Plain and Simple" is the best addition to the field in thrity years!

The title of this lovely volume says it all; Tarot, Plain and Simple. The book itself is, the use and knowledge gained are far more than the innoncence of the title would suggest. Mr. Louis is able to the put the cards in your hands, and to work immediately. There is much on the history of the images, the development of the cards, and other esoteric Tarot lore that Louis omits (wisely, in my opinion). This little book is an introduction, not a thesis. Robin Wood's illustrations and Louis' own charm and humor make this a "user friendly" volume, which is fun to read, re-read, and refer too again and again. Easy, yet challenging, Tarot: Plain and Simple will likely become a classic addition to the field.

Look no further, this is simply the best tarot introduction book. The book is really all-round, written in a clear and simple language which everyone can understand. I have several other tarot introductory books, but all of them fail to give me clear explanations of the court cards (maybe it's just me:-)), and the court cards have been a headache to me when it comes to doing a tarot reading. Now with Tarot Plain and Simple, I finally begin to grasp the court cards and put them into my reading at ease.

Most importantly, the book doesn't skimp on the reversals. Most tarot books for beginners seldom put emphasis on reversals and tell you to neglect it. This one doesn't. The explanation of every card's reversal is as detailed as the upright meaning, and right to the point. I am really impressed.

Five stars, no doubt.

The Old Turtle is truly an incredible book that works on so many levels. The author incorporated his love of, and respect for, the environment, as well as his concept of God, into a very well-written, enjoyable story. The illustrations were beautifully done and work so well with the subtle, underlying theme of the story. While the book will surly be enjoyed by children of all ages, I purchased it for a Christmas gift for my 28 year old sister. Likewise, I intend to buy another copy for myself so that I can continue to enjoy it, and share it with my children when I have them. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to humans of all ages.

I had first heard of this book when I was in high school and trying to decide what to do with my life. Such a big deal was being made of it that I decided to pick it up in the bookstore and read it. I cried at the end! It was given to me as a gift shortly thereafter and I have kept it with me ever since. It has touched me, and explains god in a way that children and even disenchanted young adults can understand. It also helped me find my way to ecology and the study of god's beautiful creation. I highly recommend this for anyone struggling with how to explain god to their child, or who want to help their children understand the sacredness of life and the beauty within all of us. I still sniffle every time I reach the end.

This is a book worth having, if only for the stunning artwork by Illustrator Cheng-Khee Chee. But in addition to the artwork, the story is one that is ideal for young and old. In this story, the world begins as a beautiful place, filled with luscious trees and colorful plants and flowers, stuffed with a wide variety of strange and exotic creatures. They begin talking, then discussing, then arguing over who God is. Before they come to blows, Old Turtle offers her wisdom and view of the future. There is peace until God adds people to the earthly creatures, and they (we) go through the same argument - whose definition of God is the accurate or better one? The people argue, hurt each other, wars break out (stop me if you've heard this one!). Old Turtle comes to the rescue again. Diversity, God as in all of us - a wonderful book, and absolutely worth having or giving in hardcover.

It doesn't get much better than this. And I've read most of the top books in this field. If you have an interest in Baseball -- and want to read about the sport when it was really a "game" try this book. The book is truly told by the men who played the game in the early 1900's -- as transcribed in oral history fashion -- one chapter devoted to each player. Ritter brings to life players that most of us have always read about (Ruth, Cobb and Walter Johnson) and many more greats from that era -- Harry Hooper, Paul Waner, Rube Marquard, and Goose Goslin. (And yes, the author is my Uncle, but the book is STILL a great one!)

This is one of the greatest books I've ever read and may well be the best non-fiction book I ever read. The book is actually a collection of reminiscences of old-time baseball players compiled by their interviewer, Lawrence Ritter. The original book was written in 1966 with additional chapters added for the revised 1984 version that I read. What comes across first and foremost in all the recollections is the joy and dedication of the long-retired players. At a time when labor strikes, hold-outs and escalating salaries are standard sports stories, this book takes Baseball nostalgia to a new level. It isn't just about the joy of the game, however. This book brings to light a lot of forgotten Baseball history. I fancied myself a bit of a Baseball historian but there were a number of major events in Baseball's early history that I had never heard of before. I think the most memorable was Fred Merkle's "bonehead" play that cost the Giants the pennant in 1907. That was a situation where he forgot to touch second base and thereby cost the Giants the winning run. It is told (and referred to often) with better embelishment than I just gave it but, then, that's the point of my praise; the whole book is a poetic look backwards at the game we sometimes take for granted these days. It's no accident that the best parts of the book are the earliest recollections. You can almost see the corrupting effects of popularity creep up on the game in the 1920's. The stories that these veterans tell and the details that they give make you feel like you've been there yourself. If you're a Baseball fan, you'll love this book. If you're not a Baseball fan, reading this book might just make you one.

I have heard so many stories about Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb, I can't tell fact from fiction. Lawrence Ritter and undertaken an extremely long journey to bring you a true record of the early days of baseball.

Packed with stories from legends Goose Goslin, Harry Hooper, Joe Wood, Hank Greenberg, Sam Crawford and others the spirit of baseball past comes to life. Ritter's ability to bring baseball alive is nothing short of spectacular.

Probably the best baseball book I have ever read, The Glory of Their Times, is more than a amazing collection of stories. You'll read about how baseball has transformed from a love of the game to love of money.

Each story has so much packed into it that I found myself re-reading each chapter just to make sure I got everything. I am so very proud that I have had the opportunity to read and review this extraordinary work on baseball. Thank you so very much Lawrence Ritter!

I am so glad that William Horwood's books are finally(nearly) availble in the U.S. I first read Duncton Wood about 16 years ago when I lived in the U.K. I remember saying to a friend that he should write a series of them and when he came out with Duncton Quest (about 5 years after Duncton Wood), I knew that the tales of Rebecca, Bracken, Mandrake and all those brave moles live on. You find yourself being wholely immersed in the tale and becoming part of the Duncton system, the rituals and the lore.It is a very hard book to put down once you start!

I remember how difficult it was to find Horwood's books (in the late 80's) in the U.S. and there were only limited titles available and not one of them the Duncton series! I had a friend in the U.K., also an avid Horwood fan supplying me with his books.I am proud to say I have read all the Duncton series and hope to read them again one day. Now that cyberspace shopping is here, I hope that more people in the U.S. will discover Horwood's writings. I have a copy of the Wolf series and hope to start on it soon!!!!!

My 10 year old daughter just finished "Duncton Quest" (940 pages). She is a good reader anyway but to have read "Duncton Wood" at 700+ pages and now be way into "Duncton Found" staggers me. I read the trilogy about 20 years ago and when I dipped into DW to see what drove my baby to this effort I was reminded what a truly great piece of work each of the three novels is. Read the other reviews on this page. These are not kids books, they are truly gripping adult adventures. Think of them as Science Fiction if you like, the exploration of a world which might exist "if only....". I am still surprised that I bought & read three books about moles, but I never regret it.

I see that everyone else on this page has evangelised so there is no reason for me to add anything except my endorsement. These are extraordinary books and easily among the best books I have read. Do yourself a favour, cast aside any moleist prejudices and buy it, buy all three.

I don't even remember how long ago I first read Duncton Wood; proably not long after it came out, but it has stuck in my mind all these years, and still ranks as one of my very favorites. Forgive my ignorance, but I didn't even know there were more of these wonderful tales from this author. The impression of the Wood, with the fallen leaves, the myriad of burrows, the smells and sounds, still haunt me. The purity of the Stone, and its powerful presence, fill my mind with awe. I can't wait to find these books, and to see where the story goes...

This book reminded me that siblings have the longest relationship with a person with any disability and need support - the parents lives overlap with their children to a certain extent, but a sibling's life overlaps for the whole of their lives. The sibling is just as affected as the person with a disability and their lives are changed too. The Sibling Support Project of the ARC is a great resource for kids who ahve a sibling with a disability ...

The Man Who Loved Clowns is about a girl named Delrita Jenson and her Uncle Punky. Punky has down syndrome so Delrita dosen't have many friends because she doesn't want people to make fun of his disability. It is a heart warming story and you they grow on you as if you were really friends with them. I really like June Rae Wood. She is a really good author and i love how her book are so interesting. I really like the story. It makes me feel bad that some people would actually make fun of other people because of a disease they were born with. I have read her other books and they are just as good as this one. I really like this book. Its is one of my very favorite books I have read it a lot of times. It is a really good book you should think about reading it. The only thing I would change is I wouldn't have had both of her parents die. I think it was to dramatic. It is a good book for anyone who likes a sad story.

The man who loved clowns is about Delarita Jenson and her uncle "Punkey". He has Down's Syndrum and therefore Delerita wants to remain invisible. But when a terrible car crash claims Delaritas Parents, she and Punkey are forced to live with her aunt, and her world turns upside-down. While reading this book, I couldn't help but crying. I would recommend this book to every one and any one with a heart.

This delightful and uplifting novel by Monica Wood has some characters you would expect to meet in a Tyler novel, some magical language like Alice Hoffman's, and the beauty shop characters of Lorna Landvik.

After I finished the book, I was not surprised to read, in an interview with Wood, that Tyler is her favorite author. Tyler's influence is subtle but apparent.

When they meet, the main characters, John Reed and Rita Rosario, are both recovering from sad situations: she is divorced and "lost" a baby when she and her ex were scammed by an adoption attorney; John is still reeling from the horror, five years earlier, of his brother's suicide after he killed his wife in a drug-induced rage. Both of them have floundered emotionally in the years prior to their meeting and attempt to help each other heal. Rita is compassionate, funny, loving, and clairvoyant (she reads Tarot cards) but needs a family to complete herself. John is sad, insecure, and in need of direction to help him figure out how to reconnect with his niece, his only relative.

How each of them relate their "only story" and help each other find their way is a story you will not want to end.

Wood is a wonderfully evocative and original writer - the language is so beautiful and memorable. This story of the selflessness of love and the obligations of family will touch your heart.

I gulped this book down in one indulgent swallow. MY ONLY STORY is that rare combination of compelling plot AND well-drawn characters. Rita, the zany, literary hairdresser with a wide-open heart (and also the story's narrator) took me right into her life. I think that the world should read this book, starting perhaps with fans of books by Anne Tyler and Elizabeth Berg. Only I think Monica Wood is even better!

Monica Wood's novel opens with a great quote by Anais Nin: "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." What a powerful, thoughtful quote to open a powerful, thoughtful novel. Rita, the hairdresser, is not a character--she's a real person. Wood made me feel that I could see her, hear her, touch her, and that I can't wait to find her (around any corner, I know it) to read my Tarot cards. Her new man, John, is so wonderfully sweet and shy with such a tragic "story." John is literally stuck in his life by his story and Rita is the only one who can help him move his life forward. Wood's plot moves the action along quickly and satisfyingly. But best of all, this novel is poetic. Many times I found myself rereading words two or three times to savor the sound, the feel, the beauty of the words. Bravo, Monica Wood! Hope to see more of Rita (in another book, perhaps)!?

"The Thorn Birds" by Colleen McCullough is my favorite novel. It is in a category by itself and deserves more than five stars. I saw ten minutes of the miniseries on television and knew I had to read the book. I was twelve, and the story of Meggie and Ralph moved me to hysterical tears. I am now 18, and I have read the book so many times I have lost count. Set in the Australian Outback in the years surrounding WWII, it is the story of a girl growing up, learning that "The best is only bought at the cost of great pain...Or so says the legend." The courage and strength of Meggie despite the tremendous hardships of her life inspires me. I must admit I fell in love with Ralph de Bricassart; first with his name, then with the man. (I can only hope to find such a person!) All of the other characters--Fee, Paddy, Frank, Dane, Justine, Rain--are developed clearly throughout the story. McCullough is a genius for combining three generations of the Cleary family into one novel! I still cry when I read the story, for the love, and for the pain. The introductory story of the thornbird is a lesson for life: all sadness will pass, and one day something beautiful will come from that pain. A highly emotional book, "The Thorn Birds" is the best work of this century. It is worth reading to anyone who enjoys drama and romance, as well as suspense, action, and sadness! The movie based on the novel starring Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward is an excellent interpretation.

The Thorn Birds, by Colleen McCullough, begins in 1915 and spans three generations long. It is a complex story about the Cleary family that leave their home in New Zealand to live and work on a relative's extensive, Australian sheep ranch. At the ranch, the family experiences many tragedies and hardships including fires, floods, droughts, and devastating deaths of loved ones. The main character, Meggie, falls madly in love with a handsome man named Ralph. Unfortunately, Meggie is not able to marry Ralph because he is a priest. Ralph loves Meggie dearly, but has devoted his entire life to God. Throughout the novel, they experience great love and sorrow together. Meggie has children who become the third generation of the novel. The children bring her much happiness, but she still has a deep passion for Ralph in her heart. This forbidden love for Ralph will stay burning inside her soul throughout her entire life.

I truly enjoyed how the author used a lot of description and detail in the novel. This description enabled me to paint vivid pictures of the beautiful, Australian land in my mind, as well as clear pictures of the many different characters' inner and outer appearances.

This extraordinary love story was like an emotional rollercoaster. It twisted and turned leaving me feeling many different emotions including love, humor, sadness, anger, hate, and malice. I often found myself crying as well as laughing while I eagerly devoured every word on the page. It kept me reading and reading until the very interesting ending. I would recommend this captivating novel to anyone who is looking for a great story about life and love! I'm sure you will enjoy it just as much as I did!

The Thorn Birds, written by Colleen McCullough, in my opinion is the greatest romance novel of all time. The character of Meggie Cleary is my favorite character in all of literature. Her strength, beauty, passion and love makes her a timeless heroine. Meggie and Father Ralph share a love story that spans many years and many heartbreaks. Even though they are not together, the book always has a undercurrent where you can feel their longing and endless love for each other, even though they are not together. In their hearts, they will be together forever.Meggie and Ralph are the Romeo and Juliet of the Australian outback- just as tortured and tragic. The miniseries was also fabulous--Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward make me speechless every time I see it. It is spectacular. Read The Thorn Birds and watch the series, if you are lucky enough to have the chance. You will never be the same--it's not just a book or a movie, it's an experience. Thank you Colleen McCullough, for such a wonderful story.