Judging by the table of contents, this book appears to cover all the basics for seed saving from your garden for flowers, vegetables and herbs. It also has over 300 photos of flowers, vegetables and herbs. This will help in identifying plants in your garden. The book comes in both paperback and hardcover and is reasonably priced. The author appears to be well-educated on gardening matters. My only negative is I had wished a more complex review access to information about the book.

I bought this after seeing it as one of the few books offered by Vesseys Seeds (vesseys.com). (It was listed at[money] - lucky for me I often comparison shop.) Many propagation books contain information on seed starting, but because this one concentrates on seed propagation, it has more room to expand on the topic and gives more than books that have to save space to discuss other techniques like cuttings, dividing, layering etc. It discusses seed saving plant by plant, and contained an entry for nearly every plant I looked up.

Amateur historian Pete Armstrong provides a good summary of William Wallace's famous rebellion against English rule in Scotland during 1297-1298. The two principle battles of this rebellion were Stirling Bridge and Falkirk, the first a Scottish victory and the second an English victory. Overall, Armstrong provides both insight and detail of this epic phase of the Scottish struggle for independence from English domination.

Stirling Bridge & Falkirk 1297-1298 begins with a nine-page introduction that explains how Scotland's dynastic problems led to English intervention. The sections on opposing commanders and opposing armies are decent, but perhaps not as informative as they could have been (a diagram of tactical unit dispositions might have been helpful). The maps are a bit skimpy in this volume, as there are only four 2-D maps instead of the typical 7-8; they are: Edward I's invasion in 1296, the campaign of 1297, the campaign of Falkirk and the campaigns of 1300-1307. There are also three 3-D "Birds Eye View" maps - two of Stirling Bridge and one of Falkirk. The three battle scenes by Angus McBride depict William Wallace at Stirling, the Scottish attack at Stirling and the English cavalry at Falkirk.

One aspect of this book that is particularly welcome for military historians is the attention that the author devotes to issues such as the terrain over which the battles were fought. Clearly, the restrictive terrain at Stirling Bridge contributed significantly to the English defeat on that battlefield. Similarly, the lack of suitable defensive terrain at Falkirk led to the Scottish defeat. It is also clear that both sides were plagued by logistic problems and the lack of intelligence about enemy movements.

I know that many people like the Hollywood movie "Braveheart" with Mel Gibson, and have "learnt history" from that inacurrate, fantasy film. But if you want the real story about William Wallace's war against Edward II, take your time and read this superb, new volume from Osprey, written by the respected historian David Nicolle. Here we're introduced to Wallace the armoured knight, leading his disciplined mailclad scottish pikemen, not the longhaired and kilt-dressed savage in head of his pictish hordes as inacurratly portrayed by Hollywood. Perhaps equally important for the victory at Stirling bridge was also Andrew Murray. So enjoy this fascinating peice of history, and laugh next time you watch "Braveheart"!

'The Structure of Sociological Theory' is now out of print for its content is so out of date that it would rather write whole other book than update. to keep up with the current, the volume of book should be too bulky to be used on class, thou it was very concise and adaquately structured account on theoretical edifice. for instance, he took Dahrendorf as example to conflict theory. it should have some appealing point in '70s but now could u find anyone to read him? this kind of example are the major problem arising from it aging. as the title implies this book not intended to focus on individual theorist. but I read this book twice on undergraduate and graduate courses as introduction to not only theoretical schools but also theorists.

The book has an introduction examining sociological theory at a meta-level (ie; studying the structures of the theories rather than the theories themselves) and then goes on to a comprehensive overview of the schools of thought in sociology. There are too many chapters to list (32 in all) but the major sections are functional theorizing, conflict theorizing, exchange theorizing, interactionist theorizing, structural theorizing, and assessment and synthesis of sociological theory.

The book would suit a beginning graduate student wanting an overview of the subject at a serious level or the curious and able undergraduate student or lay reader.

I dont have the sociological background to comment on the merits of the discussions from an academic perspective except to say that they seem well written and clearly argued.

Summary: Comprehensive and well written.

"Who am I & why am I?" these questions and more were always disrupting Sugar's thoughts, until one day Tracy Bachrach Ehlers gave Sugar the opportunity of getting answers, by writing her story. Throughout the journey of Sugar & Tracy you will find many different reasons Sugar wanted her story told. The one reason I feel held true page after page is "Don't give up, God can change anybody.

Two women from opposite lifestyles come together to cleanse one, but ironically they both receive the greatest bath of their lives. Sugar Turner is a hustler, hooker and welfare mother. Amongst her negatives, I found her to have an angelic and smart voice. Ehlers, the author of Sugar's Life in the Hood is a cultural anthropologist and has done an excellent job of showing the social structure of Sugar's world. Sugar's story chronicled how she came from hustling, prostitution and welfare to enrolling in college, being apart of an entrepreneur program and forward to a paying job.

The author did an excellent job of painting pictures from Sugar and Ehler's world. I felt like Sugar was my friend and I rooted for her throughout the book. The author and Sugar shared in the telling of this story, because they worked so well together the book was more showing then telling and narration. Everyone should read Sugar's story whether you are gainfully employed or seeking employment or need help out of a situation.

Missy
APOOO BookClub

I am a middle class white woman who lived all her life in predominantly white neighborhoods until 7 months ago, when I moved onto an ethnically diverse, upscale block in the middle of the hood. This book, SUGAR'S LIFE IN THE HOOD, confirmed what my experiences here had been teaching me: that black culture, in some ways, resembles the stereotypes with which I had been raised, but in many other ways, is totally different. The multidimensionality of Sugar Turner defies stereotypes. I am humbled and inspired by her ingenuity, honesty, persistence, kind-heartedness, and faith.

Turner's book is a look at a year in the life of a climbing guide in Grand Teton National Park. Turner, an Exum climbing guide, also relates to nature, wildlife, and the overall experience of the lifestyles of those who call the park home throughout the year. As I read the book, I felt like I had been transported to the park with Turner. His vivid descriptions and lively writing style make the book a must read for anyone interested in climbing, mountaineering, or this country's national parks.

Teewinot - A Year in the Teton Range. Jack Turner. Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press. New York. 2000. 248pp.

Jack Turner is a mountaineering instructor and guide for Exum Mountain Guides, the oldest and most prestigious guide service in America. He has lived and climbed in the Tetons for over 40 years and so is uniquely qualified to write this book.

A philosophy professor by academic training, Turner has deeply contemplated the essential nature of the mountain landscapes of the Teton Range. Teewinot, named after the peak that looms above the Exum Guides' summer base and climbing school, is an ode to the mountains, streams, plants, animals and people that he loves. However, this book is far more than just an account of one of America's most beautiful mountain ranges or the remarkable climbers, rangers and biologists that know those mountain holds better than anyone ever will. It is also about achieving a tranquil and happy life by strengthening personal connections to the seasons, cycles and rhythms of the land.

Turner speaks of the "gifts of returning" - certain routines observed year after year, season after season, which in time have become personal and meaningful rituals that uplift and reconnect him to the landscape each time they occur: the first circumambulation of the Cathedral Group every Spring; the first snowfall in Lupine Meadows, snow that will not melt until the following summer; battening down the guides' hut for the winter off-season; and the final hike around Jenny Lake each year.

Turner reminds us that such simple gifts are available to anyone who attunes one's self to one's surroundings and the people and places one loves.

In its major themes and conclusions, Teewinot is in a class with Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' lovely book, Cross Creek. The latter book is a loving testimonial of the joy Rawlings experienced during her long residence in the land between Orange and Lochloosa Lakes in North Central Florida in the 1930's and 40's. Like Teewinot, Cross Creek teaches that meaningful connections with a place are hard-won after patience and persistence and determination.

I recommend Teewinot to anyone who loves and contemplates landscapes and their meaning in our lives, and who believes that developing a sense of place and exploring one's inner landscapes go hand-in-hand in one's attempt to live a deliberate, meaningful life.

I thought this book was a really good historical fantasy. Atmospheric, well researched, creative, etc.
But. I'm interested in Scottish history, history in general, and occultism. I have books upon books.
Katherine Kurtz is awesome as a writer, and I agree with the person above who said it feels like you are there. It's part of how she makes the story work. The more farfetched mysticism feels real because of the way she describes it and the whole scene.
But if you are not interested in history-you might get a bit lost. To say the least

I spent last night in Bannockburn with Robert Bruce and a group of outlawed Templar Knights. I watched in awe as they routed the army of Edward of England. Actually I've spent the last week following these men around the world...To France, Scotland, and even under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. And now that the adventure is over and Robert is King, I will miss our time together.

If I sound like Robert and his Templar friends are personal friends, you may be right. In their latest collaberation Kurtz and Harris have created their best story yet. They skilfully weave fact and fiction in this tale of Scottish independence and the downfall of the Knights Templar.

Much has been speculated about these mysterious warrior monks. When Philip of France orchestrated their downfall in 1307 he expected to find great stashes of gold and other valuables. However, when the king's men invaded the Templar Chapter Houses, the vaults were empty. Not one ounce of the Templar's reputed wealth has surfaced even to this day. What better place to stage a novel than in the middle of an unsolved mystery?

We follow Arnault St. Clair as he struggles with forces both physical and spiritual to put Robert Bruce on the Scottish throne and to provide a place for his displaced Brethren. The book is full of battles, politics, spiritual evil, and spiritual good. It is fast paced and full of characters one can actually identify with.

I hated to come to the end of this novel. That is the highest compliment I can pay to any book. I just hope that the story will go on.....and on......and on.....

The history of the Civil War is intimately tied with the spread, refinement and development of new technologies. From iron-clad ships to rifled artillery to aerial observation, the military effort expended by North and South changed the face of the industry in the United States. Victory Rode the Rails looks at one aspect of this change -- the railroads and how they helped the North win the war.

From the early skirmishes in Baltimore to the final rail movements surrounding the surrender at Appomattox, Turner does a magnificent job of making the railroads of the 1860s come to life. By keeping his focus on the railroads and their role in the various campaigns, Turner highlights a side of the war that is commonly glossed over in histories that focus on battle tactics.

Starting with the differing North/South attitudes towards railroads prior to the war, which left the CSA with a rail network that was ill prepared for the rapid dispersal of troops and supplies that the war required, Turner celebrates the business plans, engineering feats and supply marvels that allowed the Northern commanders to continue their advances even as Southern troops worked to destroy the rails, and vice versa.

As the title describes this book provides an extremely well written analysis of the decisive significance the railroad had on both the start and outcome of the American Civil War. While the content is authoritative it reads like a novel and I had difficulty putting it down.

I found the early chapters that discuss how the socio-economic environment, created in large part by the railroad, helped foster the events leading to the outbreak of hostilities particularly insightful. The chapters describing the events that took place around Washington and Baltimore in the early years of the war are incredible. Turner's tight prose describing the political shenanigans and war profiting in the Lincoln cabinet shows that little has changed in Washington in the 125 years

I only wish that the book contained better maps of the regions covered.

This book is a must read for American Civil War historians and rail buffs

My homeboy let me read Toni's "Love Gone Wrong" & "Wisdom from the Soul : Quotes from Friends" . Toni can write and express her impulses in a very direct and Cincinnati way that the world can appreciate from her experiences of pain , solitude and triumph . I read her poems in Wisdom of the Soul . Funny , sad and inspiring . Check her out . She got a lot to say in a witty way.

Toni Turner's Wisdom from the Soul is filled with insight and intuition about the vicissitudes of life. Wisdom transcends all color, cultural and socio-economic barriers. This book uses few words but yet speaks volumes about human nature. There is an African Proverb that says "the only time we should look down on someone is when we're reaching down to help them up". Wisdom from the Soul is truly a helping hand.

Along Came A Spider is a thriller by James Patterson. I enjoyed this novel because it was unpredictable and held my interest the entire book. Along Came A Spider was well written, with developed, realistic characters. Though lengthy, this novel is a fast and exciting read.
Along Came A Spider is one of many books written by Patterson that centers on a Washington D.C detective, Alex Cross. Cross is a cop living in a dangerous part of town, trying to improve the lives of those around him by catching criminals. He is a widower and a father of two, and under his seemingly tough exterior he has a good heart. Cross's varied qualities make him an interesting and likeable character.
The novel is set mainly in D.C, where Maggie Rose Duane and Michael Goldberg are kidnapped from their prominent private school. They are kidnapped by a teacher, "Mr. Chips," which makes their wealthy, important families even more upset. Alex Cross is put on the case, and though he does not want it because of it's high publicity, he reluctantly takes it. Soon, though, he is in pursuit of a ruthless and psychotic criminal, who may be connected to many unsolved murders in Alex's neighborhood. Throughout the novel, Cross is trying to outsmart the kidnapper and get the children back before they are killed. Along the way, there are many unexpected twists, turns, and surprises. Cross finds that people are not always what they seem, and he can never be sure who to trust. The kidnapper's need to "be somebody" drives his actions, and is a prominent theme found in the novel.
Along Came A Spider was an exciting read, and I would recommend it. If you are looking for a suspense novel that will keep you guessing, this is the book for you.

When he saw the previews for the movie Along Came a Spider, my brother encouraged me to read the book before the movie came out. I was pleased with the results.

The only reason I gave my review 4 stars and not 5 is because when you get to the end, the rest of the book seems rather drab. I found Alex Cross to be a very intense and deep character. Gary Soneji also was a very deep and at times, even confusing character.

Like I said the ending ROCKS! I seriously read the last 150 pages in a blur, I don't think I even took a bathroom break. The begining was a typical forensic/psycopath book, but not nearly as good as books like Silence of the Lambs. I was like, "I thought James Patterson was suposed to be a brilliant author!". Then I hit the end and it just blew me away! Some people say they didn't like the ending, I loved it! It caught me off guard and was as far from cliche as you can get. Thats what I love in a book.

I seriously reccomend this book. It may start slow, but by the end, you'll be trying to catch your breath!

This is the first book by James Patterson that I've read, namely because I wanted to read the book prior to seeing the movie. Let me say that I'm very glad I did. This book, the first in the Alex Cross series of stories, opens with an alternative telling of how the Lindbergh kidnapping might have happened, and then proceeds to detail a brilliant kidnapping from a highly guarded private school attended by the children of national politicians and ambassadors. The criminal mastermind (named Gary Soneji) is very well created, always staying one step ahead of the police while trying to create his legacy as the greatest criminal of all time. His chief rival, psychologist and police detective Alex Cross, is the only one up to the challenge of catching Soneji. In fact, detective Cross's pursuit of Soneji allows the author to draw some very disturbing but insightful pictures into the mind of a madman. This alone would have made the book an excellent story. However, the plot twists that continue to be revealed as the book unfolds make the book even better. I don't know if Mr. Patterson's later books about Alex Cross are as good as this first one, but if they are even half as good, then they'll be a real treat.

Oh, and for those of you who have seen the movie, don't worry. The book is very very different from the movie, and in my opinion much better. I don't know why movie makers think they've got to change the storyline of a bestselling novel to bring it to the screen, but in this case, the result is a very diminished and unfaithful retelling of James Patterson's classic thriller.

So take my advice and read this book. You'll love it, and you'll be hooked on James Patterson and Alex Cross.

If you are picking up a Lincoln Rhyme novel for the first time; rest assured you are in very good hands. Jeffrey deaver has developed his character extrememly well over the three books and though some people crib about the ploy of using a quadraplegic detective; trust me, it works and how ! . In the Empty Chair; Rhyme is not only a fish out of water(out of his familar NY surroundings) but he also has to grapple with trying to convince Amelia sachs that he has to undergo a complicated operation which could leave him worse off but which could also give him some additional mobility if things go well but before that he has the local Police department asking for his help in locating 2 kidnapped girls and from here on, you are in classic Deaver territory; he piles on the chills and the thrills without ever sacrificing the characters in favour of the plot, the ending is a virtuouso tour de force and it was virtually impossible to second guess the outcome of the book. Garnett's obsession with Insects was a great touch and though like one reviewer mentioned ; it is a little reminescent of Silence of the Lambs; Deaver has managed to make that detail fit perfectly into place in the context of the book. I am not going to divulge the further twists and turns but believe me; if you start reading this book in the evening; you can be sure that you are going to have a late night trying to finish it. I would have given this book a perfect rating except for the fact that towards the end; great though it undeniably was, I could not help overcome the feeling that it was written to be made into a movie, it read too much like a screenplay. Don't let that stop you though, read it, it is one terrific ride and you are going to have a good time, Guranteed !

If I haven't read Bone Collector or Coffin Dancer, I may give this a 5-star rating. This book maintains all the elements or a good fast thriller - distinguishable characters, tight plot, unexpected twisted, that will keep you to flip the book like crazy. But this one lacks the tightly woven complicated plot as in Bone Collector, or the much further character development (for Lincoln and Amelia I am refering to) as in Coffin Dancer.
Some reviewers argued that in the beginning, you have already known who the killer was. But if you are a veteran Deavers fan, you should know that Mr. Deaver will keep giving you surprises in his books. In fact, I think because I have become used to expect the unexpected, so that soft some of the excitement in reading his books lately. But there is seldom any author nowadays that can create such tension as Mr. Deaver does, so I still recommend this as to all thriller lovers.

Jeffery Deaver has done it again. If you're looking for a suspensful novel, filled with intrigue, twists and turns, you've found it.

"The Empty Chair" is a gripping story that takes you to Smalltown USA. Lincoln Rhyme is asked to look into a case of a local teen in a nearby town that has committed murder and also kidnapped two young women.

The story seems clear-cut. You've got the good guys and the bad guys. The Prime Suspect is really the culprit, the antagonist in the story, and all Lincoln has to do is find him before he murders the girls.

However, all is not what it seems. The book doesn't reveal everything about each character at once. It does this in layers. By the time you think you have it all figured out, Deaver removes another layer that undermines your confidence in anticipating what happens next, who the real bad guy is, and how it will end.

"The Empty Chair" is filled with suspense, intrigue and its riveting story will keep you guessing through the end.