This book and the other two books ofthe mages of garillon were excelent. It is horrible they stop printing them. They are the only three books I didn't fall asleep on in the first capter. The other two begining books of this trilogy are The Burning Sone and The Gaunlet of Malice, which I both highly recommend. The book was actually exciting. Sure there is a lot of big words but you can still get the overall meaning if you just skip over them. Come on, can't someone reprint it. It is alot better then all those poorly written, boring and pointless books that companies print a million of.

It's a darn shame this book isn't available any more - with any luck, word will spread and the publisher will reprint the series. I read the three of them when they first came out, and Spiral of Fire was a wonderful end to a series full of adventure and memorable characters. Without resorting to purple prose, Harris nevertheless invokes genuine emotion in the reader with her loving portrayal of her central characters. The battles between good and near-overpowering evil are exciting and different, and Harris keeps coming up with new and different ways to approach old problems. The author has written a number of books now with Katherine Kurtz, but the Mages of Garillon, of which Spiral of Fire is the last, really sing in her own voice. This is a rousing good read, a great romp of an adventure and a beautifully rounded end to a much-missed series. Time to reprint!

I learned about "The Statesman's Yearbook" while reading Gary Hoover's "Hoover's Vision." He listed it as one of the books that no true business person should be without.

I couldn't agree more. It's a tremendous resource. Just the other day, I needed to know some facts about the Uruguayan economy for a proposal I was writing. It's all here: economic policy and performance; banking and finance; energy and natural resources; key historical events; territory and population; demographics; etc., etc. etc.

Suppose you had a question regarding civil aviation in Uruguay. The Statesman's Guide tells you:

"There is an international airport at Montevideo (Carrasco). The national carrier is Pluna...There are 60 airports (1996), 45 paved with runways, and 15 with unpaved runways. In 1998 Montevideo handled 1,470,000 passengers (1,198,000 on international flights) and 25,500 tons of freight."

That's the level of detail you get on any question of national importance...for *any* nation in the world. It's an amazing resource, notable for both its breadth and depth. In short, well worth your money.

The Statesman's Yearbook 2002: The Politics, Cultures and Economies of the World is the best of its kind that I've seen...

This is the 138th edition - it has been published annually since 1864. There are two main parts to the book: Part I, International Organizations; and Part II, Countries of the World A-Z. Part I contains a detailed description of the United Nations and associated agencies (can you recite the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?) and it also provides descriptions of approximately 100 other international organizations.

Part II provides detailed descriptions of each country - these descriptions are organized into several main areas: Key Historical Events; Territory and Population; Social Statistics; Climate; Constitution and Government; Recent Elections; Current Administration; Defense; International Relations; Economy; Energy and Natural Resources; Industry; International Trade; Communications; Social Institutions; Culture; and Diplomatic Representatives. There is also a "Further Reading" section at the end of the entry for each country, which is particularly helpful.

For breadth and depth of information, this is the book. I also recommend the following similar books: The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2002; The National Geographic Desk Reference; the Encyclopedic World Atlas: A-Z Country-by-Country Coverage; and The World Factbook.

When I first looked through this quilt book I knew that it was one I was going to have to have eventually, even though the price seemed a bit steep. I was particularly struck by a design called "Bento Box" which is made up of Japanese fabrics - completely made of rectangles which are cut 2"X31/2" and combine Japanese indigos with colorful kimono type fabrics. There were several other very attractive quilts, including the one featured on the cover. I realized that what I like best are quilts that combine simple piecing with colorful, interesting fabrics, and that is the basis of this book. If you feel the same way, I highly recommend this book.
I also thought the introduction (which describes the collaboration of the two women who wrote the book together) was touching.

The directions were clear and simple. The quilts were beautiful.

For a solid page-turner and escape from your daily cares, read Scott-Turner's adventurous love story, "Swordplay." It captures your imagination immediately, introducing you to heroine, Ardys Trevallon -- not your typical 16th century lady. The Queen's court is her playground, fencing her unladylike vocation. Though thoroughly enchanting and beautiful, Ardys asserts herself (often with the strength of a man) and her place in the scheme of things. She's definitely a woman, born well before her time.
Ardy's capture by the rogue, handsome pirate -- Desmond Kirkconnell -- during the most vulnerable time in her life, plunges the reader into a series of events that proves Ardys resolve and tenacity. Falling in love with Kirkconnell, being kidnapped by his enemy, and a succession of misunderstandings, impel the reader along Ardys' journey from the Queen's castle, Ireland's forests and even a Caribbean island. Ignoring her true feelings, Ardys uses her body to accomplish her resolve.
Politics and intrigue catapult Ardy's into a quest that brings full circle her love story. Though the book satisfied this reader to the very last moment. I want to hear more of Ardys and her adventures with the love of her life.

An exciting,romantic swashbuckler with lots of suspense and great characters. The background detail and historical information show a lot research on the author's part and play a big role in the atmosphere set in the novel. It's right up there with another old favorite 'Jamaica Inn'. A must read for romantic period piece devotees.

This is the only book that I could easily find about this difficult subject. It dealt clearly with all the issues concerned and did not tell you what to say, rather it gave you ideas and the confidence to find your own way. It is beautifully written. It covers many areas the ordinary person might not think of. I recommend it to counselors working with bereaved children. It is very helpful.

This is a handbook for adults to help children cope with death and dying. These are difficult subjects to broach with other adults, and more difficult when talking with children, who may have very different fears and thoughts and misperceptions. Ms. Turner presents death and dying in their place as part of living, accepts their inevitablity, the pain and, most importantly, how there are sometimes no answers to the question "why?". The book is for adults to use, then to adapt to the needs of the child they are talking with. It is sensitive to different attitudes to dying among different religions and races. I would recommend it for teachers, counselors and parents. It is particularly helpful in giving insight into how a child's mind works. I have never seen a book which covers all the areas as this one does.

Tangerine Sky is superbly written, gutsy and gripping as it follows the emotional destruction of a Vietnam veteran and his family. Clearly, Barbara Fleenor Turner wrote this novel from painful first-hand experience. It's not fun, but it's a rare jewel, and I recommend it with enthusiasm.

BACK IN THE DISTANT HAZY PAST I WENT TO VIETNAM AND THE THINGS THAT I WITNESSED AND LIVED THERE CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER. TANGERINE SKY BROUGHT IT BACK INTO FOCUS IN A POSITIVE WAY. IT AMAZES ME THAT A LADY WRITER HAS THE PERCEPTION TO SO VIVIDLY PRESENT SO MANY SEGMENTS OF MY EXPERIENCES THERE.

EVERY VETERAN OF THE VIETNAM CONFLICT, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, WITH ANY SERVICE, WILL ENJOY THIS GREAT BOOK. IT WILL BE A BOOKSHELF KEEPER THAT WILL BE READ AGAIN AND AGAIN.

Jeanne Manning has compiled hundreds of participant interviews and letters involving men and women of many nationalities, on both sides of the conflict, front-line and home-front, officers and enlisted personnel, refugees, partisans--all with fascinating stories to tell. A Time to Speak is an impressive record of human experience. Want the real flavor of those years?Here it is. H.G. Eldridge Boulder, Colorado

A Time To Speak is a wonderful and comprehensive collection of interviews with those whose lives were touched by World War II. The book presents personal accounts from all sides and perspectives, from a woman involved in the French resistance to a prisoner of war who spent months in a Japanese prison camp; from a young Jewish girl who fled Poland and the horrors of the Holocaust to an American professor working on the Manhattan Project. The author has created an incredible collection of thoughts, memories, and first-hand experiences from those who survived the war. At a time when we are beginning to lose many valued members of that brave generation, A Time To Speak is an important and invaluable personal and historical account of World War II.

Ann Turner Cook was one of the celebrated Gerber babies at the beginning of her life. She is presently a retired English teacher, living in Central Florida, where she researches for her mystery writing with her husband. She acted as an emissary for the Gerber Company and has made several guest appearances on national talk and news shows, including The Today Show; Good Morning, America; Entertainment Tonight; Sally Jesse Raphael; and the Rosie O'Donnell Show. She is just as cute now as she was as a Gerber baby.

Brandy O'Bannon is trying to save her job with the Tavares Beacon by writing an interesting feature article for her editor, Mr. Tyler. It concerns an old mansion that is decaying and about to be sold to a developer. Brookfield Able bequeathed the old mansion to his sister Sylvania, with the understanding that she could sell it if she so desired. There are rumors that the mansion is haunted, and the tale of a bizarre drowning forty-five years ago adds to the mystery. Brandy enlists the aid of Sylvania's grand-nephew, architect John Able, to gain access to Sylvania and the mansion's sad and eerie history. John and Brandy connect after sharing life-threatening experiences as they "look around" the mansion for artifacts and find human remains:

"At the same instant, the moccasin's fangs sank into John's hand. She gave a sob, sprang out of the boat, and rushed toward John as the moccasin drew back and slid over the edge of the pier into the water. John had dropped to his knees, supporting his wounded arm with the other hand."

Ann Turner Cook's twenty-six years of teaching high school literature shines through in her writing. The plot is first-rate; characters are people who are easy to relate to and care about; the action is nonstop; and the denouement is excellent. Ms. Cook intertwines a sad but wonderful ghost story into her plot, which keeps the reader guessing from page one until the delightful finale. I got totally caught up in her tale and couldn't put the book down! I personally wish I could have experienced Ann T. Cook's teaching, because I'll bet she was a superb teacher. Trace Their Shadows is an entertaining mystery and ghost story that can't help but please.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

Mount Dora is a sleepy lakeside community outside bustling Orlando, far away from the big mouse and screaming rides, and is known more for antiques than crime. My most personal memory of Mount Dora is a wonderful, sleepy day of drinking far too many Dos Equis at the Mexican restaurant while celebrating Cinco de Mayo, years ago.

In contrast, author Cook takes you along with Brandy O'Bannon, an enthusiastic if inexperienced journalist, to the Mount Dora where cottonmouths strike out of the dark and old murderers flit across the mists. A classic mystery novel, Trace Their Shadows has more than a fair share of crime, clues and villains.

Cook brings an old south knowledge of the people and place alive, reviving memories of the Florida, good and bad, that is rapidly disappearing, replaced by developments and theme parks. O'Bannon reminds me of what I imagine Nancy Drew would be if she were plopped into the twenty-first century, a little more worldly-wise, but still inquisitive and forever into things she shouldn't.

Trace their Shadows is well crafted, an entertaining trip across the new Florida to the old.

Trees Of Golden Gate Park And San Francisco is a 'must' bible of detail for any San Francisco resident or enthusiast who wants to know more about the city's urban forest and landscape. Chapters are packed with details ranging from early San Francisco landscape history to the evolution of its parks. The presentation is based on the writings of botanist Elizabeth McClintock, and presents the stories of almost two hundred different trees located in Golden Gate Park. No color photos, but the depth of text and detail doesn't need them; the b/w line drawings are enough.

...that there should be people in my community as to write such a book. Starting with the park's planning phases (did you know that Mr. Central Park himself, Frederick Law Olmstead, recommended putting the park along what is now the Van Ness corridor!), the book quickly progresses to encyclopedic coverage of the trees of the park... Sections from this book are destined to become long and enjoyable walks for us in the near future! Unlike many field guides, very fitting for pleasure reading.

This book is for anyone who is interested in the history of pottery in North Carolina. The book focuses on pottery as necessary to the rural way of life. Turners and Burners makes the reader appreciate the functional designs of the early potters.
It explores three rich pottery areas in the state - Catawba Valley, Seagrove area and Moravian potters. Many families in these areas are still turning out pottery. The book goes into great detail about Burlon Craig, who is considered the last folk potter in North Carolina.
Sections of the book reviews glazes, kiln construction and functionality of different container designs. Also, it reviews whimsies, face jugs and ring jugs and their place in the pottery tradition of North Carolina.
Turners and Burners gives the reader a great appreciation for the history of pottery in the North Carolina. It will make you want to plan a trip to Seagrove or the Catawba Valley.

Turners and Burners is a must for anyone interested in North Carolina Folk pottery. It presents the history starting with the first potters to settle in the region to the evolution of the trade that lives on today.

Charles Zug does an outstanding job of presenting the culture and the mindset that guided the craft through generations of potters spanning over two centuries.

And the technologies of the craft is given ample attention, through interesting descriptions, drawings, and photographs. A prime example is the discussion of how alkaline glaze kilns differed from the salt kilns in terms of design, firing methods, and durability.

This is a great book, full of useful information to the researcher as well as praticing potters.