This book had eluded me for years, ever since I first read it (at 13) and after reading it voraciously, lost it. I am not a fan of romance novels, but this book lured me in from the start -what a delicious read! It's one of those books that you'll put down with a satisfied sigh, and a month later, pick it up to begin again. I should know, I read "Roommates" over and over. Now that I've found out who the author is to this book, I am anxious to discover more of her work!

This story touched on a lot of heavy subjects, such as war, murder, rape (and reactions to it), anorexia, kidnapping, and poverty. However, the story itself was not depressing. The plot centers around Carrie, who has just started college at Stanford, and falls for Jake. Jake is her brother Stephan's roommate. Stephan and Carrie's roommate, Megan, fall for each other. But the story is not a simple romance, Jake feels his secrets should keep him away from Carrie, and Carrie ends up with other boyfriends, and gets engaged. Stephan marries Beth, who doesn't realize her business partner, Jon's adoration of her.

Usually in a story where more than one character's romance is told, I favor one's story more than the others, but this was not the case in this novel, I loved reading all their stories, and it wasn't confusing or hard to keep track of.

A reviewer mentioned that the ending was too storybook, but I really don't agree. This was a romance, so the ending was a happy one for pretty much all the characters. However, the characters weren't riding off into the sunset, they were happy with the ones they love, but there was still the unknowns of Jake's leg, Mark's reaction to Carrie calling off the engagement, Stephen's relationship with Megan's secret, and how Beth and Stephan will handle their new lives.

This was one of the best Katherine Stone books I've read (and I've read all of them), it was a touching, heartwarming story, and I completely recommend it to everyone.

I read this book more than 10 years ago. I had never been a reader, but, something drew me to it. I have read other authors but, never found one that kept my interest the way that Katherine Stone novels do. The book is moving,inspiring, and she writes to a wide variety of readers. She doesn't focus on the rich and wealthy, and doesn't write only about the common person. This book is my all time favorite, and I am a devoted fan of her work to this date.

(6th Ed.) Although I've played classical piano for a long time, I'm a beginner in this aspect of music. This book provides a fantastic, detailed survey of the entire symphony orchestra for those who don't know an English horn from an oboe; however, it seems like it's one of those handy books you will refer back to for a very long time:

- basic introduction to various configurations of orchestras
- all the instruments individually described & photographed
- idiosyncracies, limits, abilities of each instrument
- the realistic note ranges of each instrument
- scoring for sections (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion)
- excerpts from real scores demonstrate techniques
- some important aspects of color/blend/orch.texture
- arranging for school orchestras, smaller groups
- contains small suggested assignments and listening refs.

Personally, I am using it as a reference for working with a sampler-based orchestra, to give me better insight towards creating more realistic arrangements and mockups.

I'm a universitary professor and I found that Mr. Kennan did an excellent job in this matter. Highly recommended for music students and professional musicians in general. The chapters dedicated on the subjects of scoring for each section of the orchestra are a jewel.

With a new updated edition appearing every few years, this book still manages to maintain its place as the standard for entry level orchestration.

Along with the basic need to know information, you will find it packed with musical examples of each instrument as well as in context with relative sections and the entire orchestra.

Also there are suggested assignments and suggested listening at the end of each chapter. This is invaluble in assimilating and applying the vast amount of information presented here - especially if you don't have access to a live orchestra.

Any aspiring composer or orchestrator should consider this book a "must have" - pick it up, you won't regret it.

The Voices of 1776 by Richard Wheeler is a
great reference book. The book begins with the out
brake of the Revolutionary War on April 19th
seventeen-seventy-five. The book has a collection
of different accounts of the major battles and campaigns of the war. It is an easy book to read and
entertains the reader. The book also has maps that are useful in seeing the layout of the battles. This
book is recommended to any American history
buff, or some one who just loves good reading.

This book is captivating even for non-"history buffs". I was so impressed by it that I ordered copies for several family members and friends and they rave about it. If the history books used in schools were even half this interesting we'd be a nation of history scholars. Having those who lived through it "tell" you what happened and how in such detail makes it a hard book to put down. It's the best 12 bucks you'll ever spend.

This excellent volume is yet another compendium of primary source material coupled with the excellent commentary and summaries by the author. It is enlightening, accurate, lively, and just a plain good read. It is also an excellent research resource for further study of the period.

The war is covered through a continuous drum roll of accounts of the participants, ranging from a lively description of a hanging, which, failing the first time because of a faulty rope, the unfortunate party was 'launched into eternity' on the second go round, through the accurate description of the worthless militia that 'ran like a torrent' at the first clash at Camden in 1780, leaving the stalward Maryland and Delaware Continentals to slug it out alone and outnumbered under their respected commander, Baron de Kalb, who, after finally falling with his eleventh wound of the action, saw his faithful Continentals ground to destruction by overwhelming numbers of enemy infantry and cavalry. Finally, in one of the best quotes in the book, a Virginia officer saw and heard Washington relieve Lee at Monmouth, in the midst of the retreat, and that the Commander-in-Chief 'swore till the leaves shook on the trees' and that the language used on Lee was both 'charming' and 'delightful.' It is also noted that the Virginia officer himself was a master of the profane.

What this volume does provide is an authentic record of the men who fought and won the Revolution, through incredible hardship and long odds. What they won can be captioned simply by what a British officer told a Quaker in Philadelphia, 'You have got a hell of a fine country here.'

We should all take that comment to heart. Reading this book will give the reader a renewed aprreciation both for what we have and what these soldiers and statesmen wrougt by their dedication and sacrifice. This book is highly recommended.

The following review (below) was written Friday, Oct 22, 1999 for our Divine Rights Newsletter at Spiritweb. Today, we still know that "WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN" by Romona Louise Wheeler is the best Book we have ever read on Egypt! Throughout the book, Ms. Wheeler's personality blends history and humor to make reading fun and interesting.

At the time of the newsletter in 1999 we made a Special Review Web Page in honor of Ramona Louise Wheeler and her book.

Oct 22, 1999 REVIEW FOR "WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN"

Dear Friends and Family,

We are introducing to you the most balanced book on Egyptian Spirituality that we have ever read. The Author is gifted in presenting her unique insights into Ancient Egyptian history. "Walk Like an Egyptian" by Ramona Louise Wheeler could very well be the handbook for understanding Natural Spirituality, the Passion of the Egyptians and returning to the Golden Age.

With permission from Ramona Louise Wheeler we present Chapter one of "Walk Like an Egyptian" in two parts. Enjoy!

Walk Like An Egyptian is a compelling and informative survey of ancient Egyptian philosophy and religion. Chapters are devoted to basic concepts of reality and the human soul; the essential Egyptian view of the self; the role and symbolism of ancient Egyptian deities, and much, much more. Walk Like An Egyptian is a highly valued contribution to New Age studies and will prove of immense interest to students of Egyptology, philosophy, metaphysical studies, and the meaning of the self.

While I was searching for the origin of hypnosis (I don't believe that Anton Mesmer "invented" hypnosis -- hypnosis is a natural and common biological phenomenum), I bumped into this website and the author. The question I asked was "Did the ancient Egyptian have a specialized god like the Greek's Hypnos in charge of hypnosis?". No, but hypnosis was used all over in their daily life! They don't need a god to handle that job.

As a Chinese, I am, of course, very proud of the "very long 5000 years of Chinese histroy". However, there is always a curiousity -- is there someone else "older and greater" than our ancestors? Did the Chinese "invented" the concept of Yin and Yang (the dualism), where many "traditional believes and concepts" came from? ... etc.

This website, now the book, opened my eyes to see the what happend in the ancient world, and I enjoyed very much. Some of my personal misunderstandings about the Chinese "greatness" were shaken down, and make me more humble. I even wrote an article entitled "Walk Like a Smiling Egyptian", which was included in my first hypnosis book (in Chinese). And at the same time, this book confirmed my observations -- every religion was invented by someone(s) for a specific purpose, Christian believe is not an exception (I read the Bible from page one to the end 100 times when I was in college.), and every religion is like a biological species "on top of the earth" -- it evolved sometime in geological time, and multipled and then eventually died out.

If there is anything that I would suggest, I think this book should have some illustrations and heiragraphs. For example, what the Isis/Hathor, etc. look like? To an beginner to the field of ancient Egypt, I think these pictures/drawings visual illustrations are very important.

As for general book readers, I strongly recommand this excellent book -- if you dare to open up your frog-in-a-deep-well (a Chinese idom, meaning turnnel vision) mind.

I would compare this extraordinary memoir by an extraordinary man to The Tale of Genji - both of them are "firsts" in their culture. The descendants of Tamerlane were both ruthlessly crafty Central Asian kings and warriors, and ultra refined conoisseurs of art and architecture, poetry, food, gardens, and (alas for them) wine. The Baburnama has it all. To encounter the private thoughts of a great conquerer is a unique experience. The Baburnama is well-written and well translated. It is one of the great treasures of literature, and will give the reader a much better idea why Afghanistan and Central Asia are the way they are.

Babur, a descendant of both Timur and Genghis Khan, was a truly remarkable man: a soldier and a poet, an inspirational leader with a deep appreciation for the beauties of nature - and a sensitivity that seems striking to us in a warrior of his undoubted stature.

His memoirs are a detailed, entertaining, and highly personal view of a changing world. In leading his followers into northern India, he laid the groundwork for the Mughal Empire, one of the great Islamic powers of the early modern period - and it is this achievement that history primarily remembers him for. Yet the _Baburnama_ shows that there is considerably more to the story than its conclusion.

With unstinting and engaging honesty, Babur talks of his early struggles, his constant setbacks, and his lifelong desire to hold Samarkand, glorious seat of his ancestor Timur (Tamerlane). For Babur, India is only the consolation prize after his failure to reconquer the lands of his birthright; India is rich, yes, astoundingly so, but it is far removed from his fond reminiscences of home. Along the way, reports of skirmishes with his enemies, and the constant betrayals of his allies, share the page with descriptions of local flora and fauna, and fascinating observations on everyday life in the cities and towns that he spends time at - and it is here that the work's true enjoyment lies.

Bear with the initially confusing internecine squabbles of the Central Asian nomads, and you'll be richly rewarded. A comprehensive and compelling insight into both Central Asia at the turn of the sixteenth century, and the day-to-day pressures inherent in the leadership of an empire based on conquest.

Babur was a king in the true sense of the word. His autobiography outlines his feirceness as a warrior as well as his compassion toward the people in his court. Although he lived in a time where one would think there would be little time for introspection, this is exactely what his narrative is: and introspective look at his own life, his shortcomings, his downfalls, his triumphs and tragedies. One is touched by Babur's humbleness, his sensitivity towards some of the most simple of things, and at his sense of awe and appreciation of beauty in the world around him. Although in some ways I prefered the AS Beveridge translation, this is also a wonderful translation with beautiful pictures and notes in the margins to help explain things. Even if you are not normally interested in this type of book, Babur leads you into his world and you are compelled to read on!

Peter Decker and his wife Rina are enjoying family life with her sons and their new baby daughter when Rina's old friend Honey Klein asks to come visit. Rina is surprised because they hasn't been in close contact with Honey in recent years, but she agrees to the visit. Meanwhile Peter works with his partner Marge on a case involving an entire family who have suddenly vanished. The husband is a diamond dealer, and there are many motives for a possible murder, most of them having to do with money. Coincidentally, after Honey comes to the Lazarus home, her husband, also a diamond dealer, is mysteriously killed. Peter's quest for the truth in these matters eventually takes him and Rina to Israel where they pursue missing persons from both of these cases. As usual, author Kellerman weaves interesting facts about the orthodox Jewish religion as well as Peter and Rina's evolving family life. The trip to Israel adds an extra dimension to the story, and the total package is very satisfying for a mystery reader.

In my book 'Sanctuary' is one of the best in the Peter Decker/ Rina Lazarus series. The story revolves around the missing husband of Rina's friend. The search takes Rina and Peter to Israel where we are treated to a fascinating tour of the West Bank and the diamond trade in Israel. What makes this entry so important today is the portrayal of the continuing conflict and violence that shapes Israel's future and her people. It is a pleasure to read a book that is both thoughtful and fun to read.

My only other suggestion if you are new to Faye Kellerman is to start at the beginning with 'Ritual Bath' to see the relationship between Rina and Peter unfold. Then read all her books in the order in which they were written. Its a great series.

In my book, this title vies with 'Ritual Bath' and 'Justice' as Kellerman's best. As with 'Ritual Bath' the reader is treated to the all encompassing traditions of Judaism. Although the Honey Klein angle seems to get more emphasis in reviews, I found the diamond merchant subplot more believable and fascinating. Descriptions of Israel and the West Bank were super--I enoyed the travelogue. Faye, give us more!

Told from a child's point of view, WALKING WITH MAGA captures a young girl's moments spent walking with her grandmother. Biro brilliantly describes the simple pleasures of walking during all seasons, and taking in every scent and scenery around.
Whether you are watching shapes in the clouds, listening to seashells, or playing with a caterpillar-it's always best when shared with a loved one.

Biro's writing style and Wheeler's pastel illustrations seem to go hand in hand. The charming pictures cause you to feel as though you are there with the young girl and her Maga. Their relationship shines.

If this story doesn't make you think of your own childhood memories, then you better read it again, preferably to a child, and read it slower. They'll come to you.

After reading it to my 4-year-old-daughter Jordan, she wanted me to go through each page with her again just to look at the illustrations in detail.

Author, Maureen Boyd Biro is a freelance writer who has had several of her articles, essays and fiction published in numerous magazines.
This book is her first picture book. Biro resides in Pleasant Hill, California with her husband, Martin and her daughter, Jordan, and her son, Martin Jr.

Illustrator, Joyce Wheeler has illustrated several books and she lives and teaches illustration in Santa Monica, California.

ASTORYWEAVERs Book Reviews highly recommends WALKING WITH MAGA by Maureen Boyd Biro.

I found this book to be wonderful for my three children they loved it, and I felt it had a lot of heart, something you don't find much anymore. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice children's book for their child to read or be read too.

Author Maureen Boyd Biro's Walking With Maga is an elegant, gentle prose picturebook about Maga and her young granddaughter, who go for walks through the seasons discovering simple joys in the world around them. At last, the granddaughter makes a special wish. Filled with heartwarming color illustrations by Joyce Wheeler, Walking With Maga is a beautiful and restful book excellent for reading aloud. A strong choice for family, school, and community library picturebook collections.

I really enjoyed this book, which opened my eyes in several different aspects. Looking at the relationship, from someone else's perspective, as well as ending an relationship, makes one more closely examine, the "whys" and the "what ifs". But I believe that the bottom line still comes down to communication, truth and honesty - from both partners. If the communication is not flowing, how can one know? Truth and honesty are born from communication. Michael Drury writes from the perspective of a mistress, speaking to the wives of not losing themselves, but maintaining that sense of self. She speaks of marriage, love, of sex and of making love - huge difference between having sex and making love. There are many great quotes in the book, "Attraction can flare up in almost any situation, but love cannot long endure where there are no selves, no terminals between which the spark can alternate."

Her advice is that of an old sage, crone woman - wise beyond her years. This is not a book one can fly through, but to savor, mull over and contemplate such worldly advice. Then apply it to your relationship and open the flow of communication, of total honesty and truthfulness.

An easy, quick read who's quotes are timeless. It helped me better understand and honor myself as a woman, and as a person, and changed the way I look at love and relationships.

Reading this book is like getting good advice from a close friend. Not only does the author have extremely good insight on relationships, but she also knows what it means to be happy in life whether you are by yourself or involved with another person. The most impressive facet of the book is that the author has realized that there is no one right way to live and thus manages to convey her ideas in such a way that no matter what the reader's mindset is at the outset, each and every person will leave the book with a slightly different and equally poignant message. Anyone in a serious relationship and considering questions about monogamy and lifetime committment should definitely read this book. I know that it will profoundly effect the way I approach my relationships in the future and I think its words will give more that just a few clues on the mysterious realms of love and happiness.

For anyone who loves animals and has experienced the loss of one, this story supports the emotional attachment and makes us feel the pet is in a great place. We hope for our pets to be taken care of without us, and this story sets just that stage.
The illustrations support the story and are beautiful in their own right. I have given this book to three friends with children who have lost family pets and all three felt it provided a kind word at that most difficult time.

This is a must have for anyone with children or who work with children! I still can't read it without tears coming to my eyes. I am the director at a Christian preschool and we have read it many times when hearing questions of pets dying. The story helps children to cope with the lose by helping them envision their pet in a happy, beautiful place with children angels who love them. It also emphasizes the joy of one day being reunited again. Please order this book now or keep the title for future reference. I have never done a book review for Amazon but felt compelled to do one on this book! You won't be sorry!

This book is wonderful. It was a gift to my daughter and I highly recommend it. I know a family who has had a young (very young) girl pass away. I decided to look for this book to give to her older brother who is only 3, to show him that his baby sister is with the Angels. This book would help anyone (even adults) feel better about a death of a child. Highly recommend.

I've always enjoyed AM's performances whenever I come across them, but I wouldn't consider myself a fan. That's why I'm surprised to be rating this autobiography with 4 stars. I wanted to get the dish on Elvis, and yes, it's here. But there's more, too. She's refreshingly honest about the duality of her nature -- the onstage strumpet who can (to borrow a phrase) start a heat wave by letting her seat wave coexists with the "good girl" who brought friends with her on dates so she wouldn't have to be alone with a man before she was ready; the dutiful daughter who couldn't bear to disappoint her parents coexists with the reckless woman who truthfully, regretfully admits to having ended marital arguments by roaring off on her Harley with a good deal of alcohol in her system. It must be hard for her to live her life with, as she refers to it, "the two Ann-Margrets." I found that, and her enduring love story with Roger, to be the best and most surprising aspects of the book.

Ann-Margret showed a lot of class in the writing of this book and I just know she is a great person.This book is very discreet - not a tell-all like SOME people.Very informative about her life.For the record,I think Ann-Margret and Elvis should have stayed together,they made a lovely couple!

Ann-Margret is one of the most private Hollywood Legends ever...her candid tale is so riveting and just terrific, it's not to be passed up! She is truly a legend and always will be...you will respect her even more after reading this.