This is a wonderful book for early readers about Two mice and their adventures into the unknown. Timmy, the country mouse goes into the town by accident and gets a big surprise at the very different lifestyles etc. This book really relates to real life situations and how people get really surprised and scared in a new place. I would reccommend this story to children who are in the process of moving or have a new friend in town. It will help them realize how everywhere is different.

Unlike some of Potter's other books concerning young animals' rash behavior (Peter Rabbit, Tom Kitten) or adult animals' ignorance/trickery (Jemima Puddle Duck, Mr. Tod), this book simply tells the story of Jeremy who is almost eaten by a fish while fishing on a lily pad. No life lesson, but a sweet story and some of her most beautiful illustrations ever. Especially great for budding fishermen/women!

Beatrix Potter's tales have often revolved around endearing characters such as Tom Kitten, Jeremy Fisher, or Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle. Sometimes the main characters have been of the mischievous type like Squirrel Nutkin, Hunca Munca or Samuel Whiskers. Well, in "The Tale of Mr. Tod", the main characters, Mr. Tod and Tommy Brock, are two thoroughly disagreeable and unpleasant creatures. Mr. Tod has foxy whiskers and is of a wandering habit. The other animals either cannot bear him or are frightened of him. He has several different houses but is rarely found home. However, his houses are not always empty, for Tommy Brock is prone to moving in without Mr. Tod's permission. Tommy Brock is a fat, waddling badger with a horrible grinning face and a habit of digging things up. One day he pays a call to old Mr. Bouncer, Benjamin Bunny's father. Today he is in charge of looking after the young, while Benjamin and his wife Flopsy are out. Unfortunately after conversing with the badger and smoking a very strong cabbage leaf cigar, the old rabbit falls asleep and Tommy Brock makes off with the rabbit babies. When Benjamin and Flopsy return they find their young gone and Benjamin at once goes out to track down Tommy Brock. Along the way he enlists the help of his brother-in-law, Peter Rabbit. Of course, they are not the only ones after the terrible badger. It seems that yet again he has set up house in one of Mr. Tod's residences and the fox, who is not in the best of moods this day, discovers the badger asleep in his bed... There are not many color pictures in this book, but there are many black and white illustrations in the style of woodcuts. Of course the story is extremely interesting and suspensful. "The Tale of Mr. Tod" is a longer story than some of the author's other tales. Also, there is more narration than dialogue and the language is early twentieth century, so this story may be more suitable for older children. Parents and children should not pass up this lesser known tale by a very talented storyteller and illustrator.

Children who love animals of all kinds, and especially insects, will love the Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse. Mrs. Thomasina Tittlemouse is rather obsessed with cleanliness. She is constantly sweeping and dusting. Unfortunately for her there are a variety of unwelcome guests that invade her tidy home: a beetle, a ladybug, a spider, a butterfly, a group of bumblebees who have made a nest in her storeroom without permission, and a most unpleasant toad named Mr. Jackson who never wipes his feet and creates a terrible mess. However there is a happy ending to this story. The watercolors are beautiful---I particularly like the one of Miss Butterfly tasting the sugar. If your young ones have a dislike for creepy crawly creatures, then this story might not be for them, but I have always found Beatrix Potter's tales delightful and unique, and The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse none the less so.

Anyone who wants to know a little bit more about Beatrix Potter, the person, will be pleased with this book. Through real-life annecdotes John Heelis conveys what should be obvious but isn't - Beatrix Potter was not a perfect human being, she had tiny flaws just like the rest of us. Sometimes she got cranky, occasionally she was absent-minded with her head in the clouds but mostly she was wonderful - although quite strong willed and opinionated.

Those who are fascinated by Beatrix Potter will find the little book a great addition to their library. However, be forewarned - those who are buying this book for a voyeristic look into the intimate details of Beatrix Potter's married life will be sorely disappointed. This very private woman's private life remains private.

I found this book to be very helpful. It articulated an approach to life that I have used for many years, but have not had a term for before now; it is great to learn that all the various pieces of one's way of doing things all fit together. Also, I thought the comparison she draws with ancient Japanese culture is very interesting. I felt a part of a larger group of people, sharing their struggles and their path, as I can very much relate to the difficulty of carving out a non-pre-fabricated career path. She has good suggestions for how to apply her ideas in a practical manner in the workplace, and lots of anecdotal examples, which nicely bridge the gap between theory and practice. I only wish I had encountered this book sooner, as it would have provided needed encouragement.--I now know that my approach to the workplace did end up standing me in good stead, but struggled with an initial period of many years when it looked like my approach wasn't paying off and there was something wrong with me because I couldn't find the right "ladder" to start climbing. I have only one critical comment: While the CONTENT of the drawings is very well-conceived and relevant, I don't like the fact that all the women are drawn as if they were sticking their chests and behinds out, and with shadowing that makes them look like they are wearing excessively tight skirts; This is inappropriate in a book that is supposed to get away from conventional workplace patterns. (I don't want my name mentioned over the web, but the author may have it and my e-mail address if she is interested.)

As a beginner in the world of pottery, I found this book to be useful in a language that is easy to follow and understand.

Norman Geisler describes himself as a "moderate Calvinist". In his book "Chosen But Free", Geisler's moderate Calvinism turns out to be nothing more than four-point Arminianism. This is the conclusion that James White, author of a number of books including "The King James Only Controversy" and "The Forgotten Trinity", comes to in his recent book "The Potter's Freedom". From Geisler's unique understanding of God's foreknowledge, to his plain and simple passing over of crucial biblical texts, White has painstakingly documented and refuted the many errors and contradictions found in Geisler's exegesis of Scripture. I was also quite happily suprised to discover that White's book is much more than just a refutation of "Chosen But Free", but is also one of the most easy-to-understand books on Reformed theology I've ever read. I highly recommend it to anyone who has either read "Chosen But Free" and would like to get another viewpoint, or to anyone just getting their feet wet with Reformed theology.

Rick.larson@lawson.com

James White's book, The Potter's Freedom, can easily remind one of the Luther-Erasmus debate in 1517. Dr. Norman Geisler's work, Chosen But Free, analogously functioning like Erasmus' work, is really an attempt to make sense of God's sovereignty and man's (libertarian) freedom in a way that is compatible with the Biblical data. In doing so, Geisler's presentation of the view he believes to be horrendous, Calvinism (or more precisely according to his terminology, "extreme Calvinism"), fails to make sense of certain texts that appear to "plainly" argue against it. Dr. White's book, then, attempts to clarify what Calvinism *really* teaches and further attempt to respond to Geisler's arguments for his "moderate Calvinism," which is fundamentally four-point Arminianism.

This book, as I see it, has several general points that recur throughout it. These are: (1) Geisler's interpretation of the Bible is rooted in the philosophical precommitment to libertarian freedom; (2) Geisler is not a Calvinist in any meaningful historic use; (3) Calvinism is caricaturized in CBF; (4) The Bible does in fact teach Calvinism; and most importantly: (5) CBF fails to provide a case for man's freedom and God's sovereignty based upon an exegetical examination of the Scriptures.

I have found this work quite insightful for dealing with several texts. Furthermore, White brings up points about the Greek language and about historic figures (like Calvin) that are relevant in demonstrating that the scholarship or work put into CBF is less than adequate. For instance, Geisler makes the point about the word "or" or "out of" and says the Greek word is "EK" (epsilon, kappa) in a particular text. Unless one can actually read Greek (koine), then one would otherwise be unaware that the word does *not* appear in that text. So, I have found this work both edifying and insightful.

However, there are questions that I believe White has not addressed, or points that he addresses but I would say does so inaccurately (or at least insufficiently). For instance, Geisler comments that if Calvinism is true, then God is responsible for evil. White's response is, "This is false." I think Geisler is correct in so far as it goes, but how that point can function as an argument against Calvinism and *not* Geisler's own view is beyond me. It seems that any view that posits God with exhaustive foreknowledge and control over every event must concede God is responsible in some sense. So, there are a few philosophical quibbles that I have with James White about how to respond to Geisler on these issues. But regarding the exegetical issues, which is what James White's book focuses primarily upon, I think that my criticism here is too small to consider docking him a star (on the Amazon review). Exegetically, his work deserves all five.

Dr. James White does a wonderful job defending the sovereignty of God in all of His acts. He totally destroys the Philosophical arguments of CBF. Dr. Giesler has done many good things in defending the faith (while I disagree with his apologetic method), but this time, Dr. Geisler went in over his head. Calling historic Calvinism 'extreme Calvinism' is absurd. It is obvious that Dr. Geisler didn't read Calvin's Commentaries, because if you read certain passages in there, it is obvious that he does teach Particular Redemption. But, even if Calvin didn't teach Particular Redemption, the Bible does! Dr. White does a great job of exegeting the passages that seem to teach Universalism, but when properly exegeted, obviously do not. This book has great exegesis on passages such as Romans 9, John 6:35-45, Matthew 23:37, 1 John 2:2, 1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9, etc. Any one can just proof text a passage in scripture, and it will seem to be right (Geisler's method). But, unless we actually exegete a passage, then we do not know what the authorial intent of that passage is! Dr. White's defense of Calvinism is one of the best defenses that I have ever seen. Calvinism has had a resurgence among believers today, and it is a good thing to see Evangelicals seeing that God is sovereign over ALL things!

The only quibble that I have with this book is the spelling errors. Calvary Press is a TREMENDOUS publishing company, but they do tend to make mistakes in their editing. But, in this book, it does not dispel the marvelous content of the truth of the Gospel. Like the reformers before, Dr. White believes this issue is the very 'heart of the Gospel.' This is a Tremendous book for anyone studying this complex issue.

This book is a well-written parody of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and the more of a fan you are, in my opinion, the funnier this book is. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself before purchasing it! Go to barrytrotter.com and you can read the first chapter. If you don't like it, don't buy it! But I think that if you can appreciate humor and are a fan of Harry, you'll be very interested to read on!

It's always exciting when an artist comes along and resurrects a forgotten form in a new and wonderful way. Think of what Ira Glass did for radio with This American Life; what Dave Eggers did for lit-mags with McSweeney's; what the White Stripes did for garage rock with White Blood Cells; what Sammy Sosa did for under-the-table steroid use with 4 60+ home-run seasons.

Gerber's form is the parody book (long since defunct from it's "Bored of the Rings" glory days), and he re-invents it masterfully. His Barry Trotter is an obnoxious, snot-nosed brat, made famous and rich by books and movies about his magical life. Gerber's satire is especially sharp: by creating a grown-up Trotter, he suggests that a character of the imagination is not only real, but can be changed and shaped by the crass marketing forces around it. Barry Trotter and Harry Potter are no longer so different. That's a scary thought and it's what makes the book so successful.

Plus, the book is real funny. There's sharp satire and poo-poo humor and everything in between. Any students of comedy, fans of Harry Potter, or just people who want to have a good, non-meanspirited laugh should check this book out. I personally cannot wait to see what Michael Gerber does next.

Looking for a book that'll make you laugh harder than you have in YEARS? This is the one. Gerber's parody is witty, outrageous, twisted, bizarre...and absolutely fabulous! Whether you're completely enamored by Rowling's Potter books, or if you hated them and lose your lunch whenever the series is mentioned, "Barry Trotter" will blow your mind and is guaranteed to bring on uncontrollable laughing fits. It's extremely important to note, though, that this book is NOT for children. There's adult content (some of which would honestly go right over kids' heads...some of which wouldn't) and many "mature" references. This is for teen and adult audiences-the audiences that are able to pick up and appreciate the nuances of phenomenal parodic writing and the over-the-top hilarity of modern adult-culture references. Everyone from CEOs to high-schoolers will love this (and those aren't arbitrary determiners--both the CEO of my company and my 17-year-old niece read and loved it), so BUY THIS BOOK!

Upon finding the dead, unidentified body of a woman in Central Park, Kay Scarpetta immedialtely recognizes the gruesome work of Temple Gault. Temple Gault has been murdering people for many years. He hasn't struck for a while, and everyone, including Kay Scarpetta, dreads the horrid day when he does. Kay Scarpetta is the chief medical examiner of Virginia and consulting forensic pathologist for the FBI.

When they find this unidentified body, they know immedidately that it is a Gault killing......for only he murders and them puts the victim in a sitting position. This time Kay and her team are determined to find and kill Gault, no matter what the cost. But this time is different, Gault seems to be chasing Kay and her computer expert niece Lucy. Lucy, however, tries to beat him at his own game. She tries to trap him on the computer long enough so that they can find out where Gault is located.

From Potter's Field, by, Patricia Cornwell, starts out pretty slow, but soon reaches the action part and takes off from there. It is a very well written, chilling and suspenseful book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I really enjoyed this book not only because it was well written, but because it was a mystery. If you like mysteries and semi-horrifying books, I suggest that you read this book.

...and with this book, she has done it yet again.

The book does not start off too well, with the sherrif Santa bit being a bit confusing for the first couple of pages. I didn't like it. And i thought i might be in for a disappointing Cornwellian offering.

My, was i WRONG.

This book is yet another stunner. She has definitely veered away from the cunningness and cleverness which inhabited her first three books. But she more than makes up for it with a chilling plot and one of the most cold and clinical serial killers i have eve read of. Essentially, this is a serial killer novel, and as that it not especially original. But it is nonetheless a good one.

Marino, Benton, Lucy and of course Kay are back again for another great read. Cornwell's writing is sharp and to the point, and keeps the you turning those pages. I can't really put my finger on a reason why, but from the first time i read a Cornwell book i feel in love with the way she writes. It's simply...wonderful. I can't get enough of it. It's no more literate than the next person's, but for some reason i just relish every sentence she writes.

The plot here is sometimes scatty and random (as was Cruel and Unusual) but here, she pulls it off a lot better. I tend not to like books full of random killings, without rhyme or reason (yoo hoo, James Patterson, author of Violets are Blue, i'm talking in particular about you.), but here i really did. The randomness is chilling, and Tenple Gault is a super villain, who curdles the blood. He is just so...hateable. You loathe him absolutely. Especially when you find out how he treats his sister. You just hate him even more. With every part of i wanted him to die, die, die. It is hard to conceieve of anyone so cruel and horrifically terrifying than him. When Scarpetta talks to his parents, it's painful to read, even though it's fiction. It's an extremely moving scene, full of emotion. (As is the entire book.)

This book moves along relentlessly to it's absolutely brilliant conclusion. It is the best conclusion she has penned yet, down in the bowels of the New York subway. Dark and frightening, she really brings over the atmosphere.

I loved this book, as i have loved almost every single Scarpetta novel so far.

The identity of the first victim should come as a real shock.

"With each book, her scalpel is getting sharper," the praise from Newsweek on the inside cover claims. After reading "From Potter's Field", as well as six other novels by Patricia Cornwell, I must agree with the reviewer's statement. Cornwell has yet to write a book that disappoints me--so far, each book I have read has been more thrilling and stimulating than the last! This book was no exception. In "From Potter's Field", Kay Scarpetta, Lucy, Marino, and Benton Wesley return to once again match forces with Temple Gault, a notorious serial killer who first surfaced in "Cruel and Unusual", the fourth book in the Scarpetta series. As usual, Cornwell's elements of obvious research, superb characterization, and plot developement were present, making the story seem very realistic. Everytime something new is introduced into the plot, it all builds up until everything comes together at the end. It was fun to reread parts of the book and figure out how it fit into the picture. Overall, just another great Cornwell book. I don't know what else I can say about it that has not already been said.