Goodwin manages to pull off a delicate balancing act in No Ordinary Time. She spends a great portion of the book discussing the consequences of the large issues (race relations, labor/production struggles, military preparedness) facing the country during this period. Yet, she also spends as much time noting the personal issues, like Franklin and Eleanor's struggles with their marriage and the tragic travails of Missy LeHand. The result of this balancing act is a wonderfully complete depiction that gives one an appreciation of not only the complexities of the time, but also of the incredible intelligence and character of the Roosevelts. The comprehensive nature of the book makes it difficult to imagine that a better book on the Roosevelt presidency during World War II can be written.

A reader may get a little lost trying to keep track of all the names, especially when they appear only once every fifty or one hundred pages. Fortunately, the index in the back is very useful for finding the first appearance and description of these characters. Still, this minor drawback does not offset the powerful lessons that the book teaches. For those who equate government with partisan bickering and gridlock, it is heartening to know that such conditions existed during World War II, yet were overcome with persistence and ingenuity. For those who did not live thorough those times, it gives a vivid portrayal of the sacrifices and challenges that all Americans endured. Finally, it shows that Roosevelt's belief that people will respond successfully when given a challenge and the freedom to rise to that challenge is true. These are all powerful lessons that not only illuminate our past, but give us a guideline for our future. Ultimately, that is the mark of a successful historical book. Goodwin should be (and has rightfully been) commended for making such a book.

I have been a fan of Doris Kearns Goodwin after hearing her speak at a leadership conference. All of her descriptions of events were built around the people that made the key decisions or influenced the events to occur.

This Pulitzer Prize book is equally well researched on both of the book's characters, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. In reading the book, you feel like you are actually living in the White House during the events leading up to and during the Depression and World War II.

The author is so thorough in the details gathered from her research from diaries and letters, that the book is not a fast read. However it is a fascinating portrait of two extraordinary individuals that led our nation through extraordinary events and personally influenced historical change in the way we live as Americans that forever changed our fabric.

I highly recommend to any Franklin or Eleanor Roosevelt reader...through this work, you cannot understand one without knowing the other.

This is one of the finest books I have ever read about America's involvement in World War II. Not only has Goodwin thoroughly researched her subject, but she knows how to tell it in an easily readable, "can't put it down" manner. Writing an informative, wonderfully illustrative book about the home front during mankind's biggest, deadliest war is a feat, but making readers feel as if they are actually living and experiencing that time is another accomplishment altogether. Goodwin does this in a book that will be read hundreds of years from now.

Anyone who wishes to get the feel for what it was like during this tumultuous time should buy this book, read it, and then read it again.

Many people of FDR's inner circle are profiled and narrated, including Lucy Mercer, the woman FDR fell in love with and nearly divorced Eleanor over; Missy LeHand, FDR's personal assistant whom many referred to as his "real" wife; as well as Ikes, Morgenthau, Stimson and most importantly, Harry Hopkins.

Goodwin also debunks some myths about the FDR presidency, both good and bad. Some World War II "Did You Know" tidbits covered:

1. Nearly 105,000 refugees from Nazism reached the U.S., more than any other country. Palestine was second with 55,000. No one disputes that the number should have been much, much higher, but today's attitudes would lead people to believe that we turned everyone away. Footnote - during FDR's presidency, only 3 percent of the population was Jewish - but 15 percent of his appointments were Jewish. Our greatest wartime president was no Anti-Semite.

2. The journey of the St. Louis. The author gives adequate attention to one of the great tragedies of the war, and an enormous stain on FDR's legacy.

3. Goodwin thoroughly covers the internment of Japanese-Americans - another enormous stain on FDR's presidency. But what is often ignored is the overwhelming pressure on FDR from a tremendous number of people to confine anyone even remotely related to the Japanese. This should not have mattered to FDR, and tragically, it did. One can only wonder if this was part of FDR's dealmaking mentality to accomplish many of his goals to prepare for and wage war. Quite possibly, if he didn't go along with this tragic idea, he many not have received cooperation on many of his other initiatives. People also tend to forget that this was all out war following a tragic, unprovoked attack. Many of the same things are happening to people of Arab decent following the 9/11 attacks, and the Bush administration doesn't hesitate to throw the rule book or Constitution out the window with people of Arab decent, all in the name of fighting terrorism. Rooting out sympathizers and spies was a principle reason in confining the Japanese. This is not a justification for internment, merely part of the reason.

4. Eleanor played a big role in trying to convince Congress to pass legislation that allowed British children to come to the U.S. so they could be out of harm's way during the bombing of Britian. William Schulte of Indiana tried to get the provision expanded to include all European children under 16 - including German Jewish children. The provision never made it to the Senate floor for a vote.

Goodwin also covers FDR's reasoning and motives behind lend-lease, the brilliant idea to provide war matériel to the Allies when they couldn't afford it. Even Stalin said that lend-lease was one of the biggest factors in winning the war.

In short, this is one of the most informative and educational books written yet about what the home front was like, and the thinking and wisdom that went into many of the decisions about the war. It also offers many wonderful insights into FDR and Eleanor, and their complex relationship that was really more of a partnership.

This brilliant tome belongs on any World War II bookshelf. I'd give it six stars if I could.

It's impossible for me to say that I really understand this novel. It's not totally my fault, either: Bulgakov died before he could finish editing it, and this has left apparent contradiction in the narrative. The editors and translators in this edition try to point out inconsistencies in their "Commentary"--actually a set of endnotes that refer to certain words or phrases--but unfortunately do not include page numbers. You will have to come up with a system for when you want to flip to the back of the book and look something up in the hope that it is addressed. Anyway, the Commentary also hints strongly, at certain points, that it merely scratches the surface when it comes to explaining about Bulgakov's many sources. It seems Bulgakov drew heavily from real personages he had met or had skirmishes with--including literary critics, government officials in charge of housing, etc., or even literary figures whom he came to know or inspired him through their works--and Ellendea Proffers's annotations include a few admittances that she basically gives up on providing all the countless topical references. I suppose we get the important ones.

Meanwhile, there's all the religious allegory, combined with uniquely Russian satire of the environment Bulgakov had become familiar with, Moscow of the 20s and 30s. So, be prepared to watch as high fantasy is used to tear apart politics and religion. The devil and his fantastic entourage invade the squalor and bureaucracy of Moscow between World Wars, and wreak havoc. People are teleported, documents appear and disappear at the whim of the troublemakers, thus giving officials headaches they never dreamed of, the devil hands out free money that later turns to illegal foreign currency, gifts of fine clothing that are illusory--and that's just the start. Woland's powerful associates include creepy Korovyov, a tall, skeletal oily talker who cannot be trusted, Behemoth the talking feline, who can get quite nasty with anyone who gets in his or his friends' way (best to stay quiet around him if you want all your body parts), and quiet Azazello, with the red hair and fangs, who can also leave quite a bruise if he wants to. Sometimes these folks are slicksters, masters of illusion, laughing manipulators of their poor human pawns, and later, mostly, they get more direct in their mischief put upon Moscow, with their fires, and theft, and apparent indestructability.

Through all the chaos, Woland takes a special interest in two sundered lovers: a failed writer called the Master who let his critics blast his career to pieces, and Margarita, who watched him fall apart over the rejection of his retelling of Pontius Pilate's story (we are treated to large portions of this radical version of Pilate's most famous moments, along with new looks at Judas, Yeshua (Christ), Levi (Matthew the tax collector), and others), and encounters Woland just when she may fall victim to offering him too much for a lovers' reunion. A poet named Ivan, incarcerated at the same asylum where we first meet the Master, also figures into Woland's puppetmaster machinations, and does not escape the situation without having his life and outlook radically altered.

For the fantasy reader, there are witches and demons, much magical mischief-making, and lots of symbolism pointing at greater meaning to it all (the moon as symbol, light versus dark as part of Manicheeism, tons of religious iconography, and hey, flying broomsticks and all-powerful talking cats). If you can't get it all sorted out while enjoying the sly revels, then don't worry about it; the editors have abandoned trying to make it all make sense, and for that matter, nobody in Moscow really understands what really happened anyway!

Anyone with even a remote interest in great fiction should definitely read this book. Banned in the Soviet Union for many years, it is the author's masterpiece.

When Satan arrives in Moscow with an entourage including a talking cat that walks upright and a faithful "translator," anyone standing in this bizarre threesome's path is swiftly dealt with-usually via a trip to a famed Moscow mental health institution.

Satan is used to represent of the "official" Soviet view of foreigners--suspicious, evil and not to be trusted. The tyranny of Soviet life is also well documented through the character's offbeat adventures and actions. Through the main character, the poet Homeless, as well as the elusive Master, writers as represented as an oppressed society in Soviet life. This is a clear political statement of the author's and adds to the controversy of the book.

Although politics are usually the subject of mockery and satire, this book is highly unique and certainly not to be missed. New insights into a dark period of Soviet history will be gained in a delightful and entertaining way.

Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita has everything: magic, mayhem and a vodka-drinking cat. This book is nothing short of a masterpiece of modernist literature. Bulgakov addresses a slew of themes throughout the novel including life in communist Russia, atheism, Christianity and love. These concepts are constantly running through the plot whether it is evident or not. What is most impressive about the novel is Bulgakov's ability to present the story with a certain surreal and mysterious quality, which at times is Kafkaesque. This is most apparent in book 1 when Woland (Satan) reeks havoc on the citizens of Moscow: neither the reader nor the characters in the novel are exactly sure what is happening, but for the characters the effects are very real. The fantastic elements in the novel, particularly the presence magic are primarily responsible for creating this effect. The rational, atheist citizens of Moscow are vulnerable to Woland's sometimes deadly, sometimes mischievous powers because they refuse to believe their senses. At the same time however, the citizens are willing to accept the impossible when it benefits them (as in the black magic show) and Woland exposes this weakness as well. There is also a strong absurd quality to the novel that helps the reader to understand the flaws in both mankind and society. This is evident in his depiction of Satan, Hell and his demon sidekicks. A talking cat that swills vodka and fights over a chess game is funny anyway you look at it. Satan holds a grand ball in Hell, which is presented as a grand mansion. The reader is not upset when bad things happen to the characters because the devil and his intentions are presented very lightheartedly. The devil even seems have more human qualities than most of the characters in the novel, especially when examining his relationship with Margarita in the second book. Overall this book was top notch. The story was entertaining and funny as well as profound, it drags in a few spots but not many and not for long. Buy the book on Amazon.com and read it. Even if you do not understand it on its most intellectual level (which I admittedly did not) you can still appreciate the work and take something away from it.

Few (if any) Americans ever did more for the good of their country and the world than did Benjamin Franklin. Born of humble station in Boston in the early eighteenth century, Franklin overcame enormous odds and, through his diligence, ambition, and sheer genius, established himself as the most prominent of Philadelphia printers while in his twenties. This incredible man would later go on to achieve world renown for his work in electricity and other fields of science, as well as in politics and many other aspects of life. Franklin established respect for American thinkers in the eyes of the rest of the world, and his story is an amazing one.

Brands does a great job of narrating Franklin's story. This volume is large, over 700 pages, and at times it seems this is almost not enough to accurately characterize this remarkable man. But Brands skillfully handles the most important aspects of Franklin's life, and pays special attention to his many public services and the actions that eventually led him to play such a great part in the American revolutionary cause.

This book is not perfect -- the author sometimes tends to assume he knows what Franklin was thinking -- but aside from the psychoanalysis this work is very good. I believe this is as thorough a treatment of Benjamin Franklin as can be expected in one volume, and I highly recommend this work. Franklin's is a life that everyone should be at least somewhat acquainted with.

With a series of well researched and well written books, Texas A&M History Professor H.W. Brands has placed himself in such heady company as David McCullough as one of the preeminent history authors working today. Brand's biography of Benjamin Franklin is a lively, witty and very informative look at the senior statesman among America's Founding Fathers. Helped by Franklin's engaging personailty and prolifc writings, Brands brings him to life for modern readers.

"The First American" provides a sweeping overview of Franklin's life, from his Boston upbringing to his early audulthood as a Philadelphia printer to his later years when his stature as a philosopher, scientist, politician and diplomat made him world famous. Electricity, the Gulf Stream, the modern fire department, the lightening rod and bifocals are among the many deicoveries or inventions he either initiated or was key in developing. And oh by the way, Franklin was also the prime negotiator of the Treaty of Paris in 1783 and played host to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. On the whole, not a bad set of lifetime accomplishments.

Brands' account of Franklin's life is must reading for anyone with an interest in American History. The author has that rare gift that combines storytelling ability with scholarship. If more history professors could write (and lecture) this well, the subject would be all the more popular for it.

In the last 16 months there have been some heavy-hitters in the world of American political biography. Besides this book, the books by David McCullough and Edmund Morris, on John Adams and Theodore Roosevelt, respectively, come to mind. (I apologize if I am leaving out any other "biggies".) I have read all three of the above mentioned works and I have to say that I think the Brands book is the best of the bunch. That statement is not meant to demean the quality of the other two books. They are both wonderful books. But Brands has surpassed McCullough and Morris with this particular book.

Why do I say this? There are several reasons. One reason is that Brands is equally good with narrative and analysis. His way with words is equal to the other two authors. High praise indeed, because if you look at the Morris book there is great writing on nearly every page. Brands has managed to accomplish this also. Regarding Benjamin Vaughan, who espoused the virtues of hemlock to Franklin as a treatment for Franklin's kidney stone, Brands writes that he had "suggested a sub-Socratic dose." Regarding Franklin's voyage from Boston to New York, as a teenager, where his foray into vegetarianism ran headlong into the smell of fresh cod being cooked on board: "Before his vegetarian days he, like most Bostonians, had loved fish: fried, steamed, boiled, stewed. The present smell conjured recollections of memorable meals past, and he decided to revisit the argument for interspecies pacifism. To his delight he discovered a loophole. 'I recollected that when the fish were opened, I saw smaller fish taken out of their stomachs; then I thought, if you eat one another, I don't see why we mayn't eat you.'" But besides writing well, when dealing with Franklin's political life the author is able to explain and analyze and make things clear for the lay reader. (As Brands is a professor of history he has the advantage of his teaching background in this regard.)
Although the narrative was wonderful in the Morris book I found him a bit weak on political analysis. Likewise with McCullough. This could have something to do with their non-academic backgrounds. I also felt that McCullough went a bit overboard in his "Jefferson bashing", as though he felt he needed to build Adams up by tearing Jefferson down. Brands does very little "bashing" of anyone. He has a few comments towards the end of the book regarding Adams' jealousy of Franklin, but it doesn't turn into a diatribe.

Brands has the good sense just to tell you about the remarkable life of Franklin. We all know about the kite and lightning rods but what about Franklin's invention of a musical instrument (the Armonica); his creation of a more efficient stove for heating (the Franklin stove); inventing what he called "double spectacles" or bifocals, as we know them; etc. When Franklin got to Philadelphia he started a public library and fire brigades; later on in life he speculated on scientific matters- the Gulf Stream and a geological theory that was admittedly very rudimentary and not developed- but that had elements of plate tectonics in it. Remarkable. Oh, and something else..... After observing some black children in an "experimental" school setting he came to the conclusion that there were no intrinsic differences in the races. So, not only was he "anti-slavery" but he truly believed that with education all races would be equal. This was very radical thinking for the times....

It is a major accomplishment that Mr. Brands managed to fit everything into this one volume, without skimping on any aspects of Franklin's life. A truly wonderful book.

This book is a children's classic, containing all the elements of a fairy tale. There's a villain, a good person, a magician, a princess in disguise, and a "happily ever after" ending. Except, unlike a fairy tale, it could have happened.

Sara Crewe's officer father sent her to an English boarding school when she was seven. Because she was rich, the ambitious headmistress of the school, Miss Minchin, spoiled her. Then Sara's father lost all his money and died, leaving Sara a pauper in Miss Minchin's care. Miss Minchin put her to work at what was essentially slave labor, scrubbing floors and shoveling coal from dawn to dusk at no pay and very little in the way of food and other necessities of life. Sara was about to despair, when mysterious things started showing up in her room. Hot meals laid out for her in the morning and evening. Then a rug for the bare floor. Then a warm nightgown to wear, and a new blanket for the bed. She didn't know what was happening, and assumed it was magic.

It was a fine book, very good for children I think. My only problem is that Sara, like most of Frances Hodgson Burnett's characters, seemed too good to be true. She was never angry at Miss Minchin for treating her cruelly. When she found fourpence in the street, she bought food and gave almost all of it to a beggar girl even though she herself was starving. And so on. But other than that it was great.

This book has familiar fairy tale figures, such as a wicked stepmother-like Miss Minchin, a fairy godfather, and an orphan protagonist who is a princess in disguise. It's the story of a little girl who endures some setbacks but reaches a happy ending not only for herself, but for those around her whom she helps even when she's pretty downtrodden.

The writing is charming and Sara comes through as a person who is determined to maintain her values, through good times and bad. She has a definite personality and that is a good role model for any child. She stays true to her beliefs in being kind, mannerly, charitable and above all, herself.

The magic in this book is unsurpassed in children's literature. When Sara comes home, wet and cold and neglected, to find that a magician has transformed her world, you can't help but be enchanted. I will admit to reading it again now and then as an adult. The charm is still there.

Just a fun factoid; A Little Princess was originally a shorter story titled Sara Crewe, in a volume of children's novelettes by Burnett.

If you remember seeing Shirley Temple in the 1939 "The Little Princess," this is the same basic plot with a wonderful new twist. The story is based on the beloved classic by the same author of The Secret Garden.

The movie opens with some stunningly beautiful scenes from India and all too suddenly Sara Crewe must leave with her father who is being called away for military duties. Sara has to go live in a New York boarding school. Through her experiences she learns to survive in the world and takes each day as it comes. Her vivid imagination is a pure delight and when she tells her magical stories, they are played out in a fairy tale like way onscreen. This contrasts with her real life at the school.

Sara's fun-loving spirit does get her into trouble from time to time. Overall, she is just used to living with her father and being free to do mostly what she likes. In her new school she has to follow many rules. She draws strength from her father's words to help her believe in herself. He tells her that she will always be his little princess.

A wonderful movie which shows that if we make the best of our circumstances, we will be blessed in the end. Five stars for storytelling magic!

I have been using this deck for a year and a half now. The only obstacle I can see with using this deck is the backs of the cards showing whether it will be reversed or not. (Some people have had a slight problem with the size of the cards-but you get used to it in no time.) I just make it a point to not look at them when I am mixing them up so that it will not affect me. Otherwise, the imagery is beautiful-I love the way it has incorporated actual places with the images of the Tarot. Even though some of the meanings and cards are different, it's all in the way you feel when you see them more than what the book says anyway. Great book with lots of information and history. I love it!

The Sacred Circle Tarot is designed to be used by Celtic Pagans, and has a very British-Wicca feel. Franklin and Mason have tossed aside all the Cabalistic and Golden Dawn symbolism you're used to; all of the symbolism you'll see here is derived from Celtic folklore. There is a lot of attention to detail--the cards are replete with Celtic sacred sites, animals, and plants. Everything you'll see is very thought-out and well-researched.

The cards are done using modern computer-imaging techniques. Many of them are stunningly beautiful (the High Priestess, which could be an alternate cover for Mists of Avalon), many are very evocative of their meaning (Initiation, which is represented by a labyrinth leading to the Cauldron of Ceridwen). The Majors, for the most part, are great. Getting into the Minors, the Cups are especially gorgeous, while the Discs occasionally leave me cold. Some of the cards aren't very intuitive, but that's not a big deal since this is one of the decks that provides a little one-word caption on the card to help you out. All in all, a solid and beautiful deck.

A beautiful deck using Druid/Celtic/Pagan/Wiccan themes. First time I've ever seen the death card done so beautifully as an older/mature wise woman robed in grey, than the traditional, grim reaper/skeleton look. The magician changes to the Shaman so will appeal to the Druid/Celt Pagans, as the theme of this deck was designed for. All the art is done using the computer and gives the cards real depth, giving the feeling that you can simply step into another world. The Minor Arcana suits are beautifully bordered with their corresponding elements - air, fire, water, earth. Excellent for meditation purposes or use as focus in magick or the altar using some of the cards to represent your elements in circle. I wouldn't suggest this deck to beginners as many of the cards of the minor arcana I find are not very intuitive at all and the major arcana are slightly different than the traditional Rider Waite system, which may frustrate a first timer to the Tarot. However, this deck may call the beginner to pick it up, if they are Celtic Pagan and if they have not seen any other deck like Rider Waite before. But, it really does help to have many symbols on the cards rather than a couple to gain greater insight to the meanings. The meanings are printed on tops of the cards, but personally, I do not feels this helps, as it can disturb the inner voice when trying to read the cards, which has happened to me. I'm an empathic reader and I found the meanings in plain view disruptive. Tarot cards can mean many different things in a spread to different readers, which is why the meanings printed on the cards can confuse. However, the reviewer with the idea of blackening out the words is a wonderful idea! If you love tarot with a Druid/Celtic slant I think this deck is worth having, if for the artwork alone! Comes with a fantastic book with every card explained in detail which is a nice extra.

'Fed up with the fanny' was an all right read. The characters were not too complicated to understand. In the beginning I didn't find it that much interesting. I found that in the beginning till before the ending was dragged and I found sometimes the story got a little bit confusing, because it jumped from character to character, but what kept me reading was I wanted to see how the situations in the book would turn out. (It kind of all combines in the ending)

The ending was a shock, and almost had me in tears, but I found the very end (the conclusion) didn't really describe what happened to the characters in the book , it kind of left me wondering, but hey maybe there will be a sequel. All in all I give 'Fed up with the fanny' 3 stars

Franklin White has been dubbed the male version of successful author Terry McMillan and with valid reason. His first novel, "Fed Up With The Fanny", offers a look into the heart and mind of an African American male who is trying to do right by his family and friends. A captivating page turner, "Fed Up With The Fanny" will have readers laughing, crying and recommending it to their friends.

Detroit, Michigan is where the story unfolds. It revolves around Khalil, a successful businessman who is committed to his community as well as his relationship with Cece - his longterm girlfriend. There is Leandra, Khalil's sister, who is hiding a problem and shirking her parental responsibilities. Sonje is his manipulative ex-girlfriend, whom he was seeing while still involved with Cece. Dewayna, a close friend of Khalil's since childhood is facing her own issues fo raising a son without a father.

They are strong, driven characters that hit you with some juicy surprises along the way. It is an easy and enjoyable read. I liked it the most because the characters were very realistic and funny. Whether we hate to admit it or want to tell the whole world...we all have characters like this in our families!

PREFECT......
NOT ONLY WAS IT AN EASY AND FLOWING READ IT WAS VERY WELL WRITTEN. VERY REAL.
EVERY CHARACTER WAS WELL TALKED ABOUT. EV' 1 PLAYED A ROLE.
MODERN DAY STORY FROM A MALE POINT OF VIEW.
TO THE POINT AND DIDNT LEAVE U HANGIN ON N E PARTS
PLEASE READ!...

I agree with FLASHMAN on this. It is by no means an advanced book. I didn't even buy it. I just went to Barns and Noble and leafed through it and read several chapters. I was very dissappointed, as it was hailed as being the answere to flash designer's prayers. I am a designer, and was therefore put off by the cover to begin with...that aside...where is the content promised? If that is advanced I should be more highly paid for my skills, and maybe FLASHMAN and I could write a book on advanced actionscript. Now, I am certain that those two authors know more advanced and useful techniques than what is offered. I gave it three stars, simply because I thought it was well written and carried a writing style that is capable of offering an advanced level tutorial were macromedia willing to have them actually write an advanced book.

Makes transition from Flash 5 to new Flash version smooth! One of the first books I've seen that deals with Flash MX (Flash 6).
I'm an intermediate level Flash developer and I found this book extremely helpful. The chapters are clearly laid out by content and easy to understand. The programming is advanced but well explained and accessible to non-experts with some Flash experience. Building applications step by step is one of its best features. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Flash programming.

Macromedia Flash is a not a tool for casual users. Getting used to its complex interface can be a daunting task. To add to the frustration for those of us who are self-taught Flash users, many Flash books are poorly written, rife with errors, and full of "examples" that have no practical application.

In contrast, Derek Franklin and Jobe Makar's Actionscripting: Advanced Training from the Source towers above the rest. This book is simply one of the most comprehensive, well-written instructional texts on the market. You don't often find a book that could be used as a textbook in a university course and still serve the solitary learner equally well, as this one does.

The authors have the rare gift of being able to explain concepts clearly while keeping their material engaging. The material is organized into manageable and logical sections, facilitating ease of use and ease of study. Kudos goes to Macromedia Press, too, for its clean presentation and use of color for the code samples.

With its accompanying CD-ROM, Actionscripting provides hands-on, useful projects covering a wide range of topics and providing plenty of ideas and inspiration. Reading this book not only raised my Flash skills and understanding to new heights-its sample scripts served as springboards for my own projects. For example, after having used only streaming sounds with varying degrees of success, I learned from the book how to create sound objects inside movie clips. This gave me more control over sounds and their accompanying actions and changed my approach to how I was using sound.

I'm not going to join in the discussion regarding semantics of the use of "advanced" in the title of this book. I will only say that no book provides a better, more rock-solid, foundation in the ActionScript language. Besides being a superb instructional tool, Actionscripting is also a handy reference. It remains on my desk, and I turn to it often for reinforcement of concepts and for its useful examples.

Watch for Derek Franklin's forthcoming book, Macromedia Flash MX Creative Web Animation and Interactivity. It's already available for pre-ordering on this web site.

I choose Tower Treasure because my teacher recommended it because I told her I was interested in mystery books,and it was a good choice.
This book is about two young teenage boys who want to be detectives like their father.They are out to solve a mystery of stolen jewels.This is a mystery they want to solve quick to clear a friend's father who is innocent.During their journey they find many clues,but to find out the amazing ending you'll have to read it.
I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy mystery books.It is exciting as you near the end,but you have to give it a chance in the beginning.I'm sure you'll enjoy this mystery book.

This was a fairly good Hardy Boys book. Can't say it is the best though because other books have more suspense, mystery. However, this book was the first and therefore did not need to be the best. Frank and Joe Hardy are the sons of celebrated detective Fenton Hardy. Apparently even though it does not go into details, they just helped them on a case. They hear that the Tower Mansion, one of the bigges houses in town has been robbed. They find out that the suspected is one of their best friend's dad Henry Robinson. Using a lot of brainwork because of a deficit of details they figure out the solution of the mystery. To find out what it is, read it.

I first read this book when I was twelve years and it was one of the first of many Hardy Boys I read. Unfortunately, in my youth I read the 1960's version, but this version, written in the 1920's, is much much better (I'm 39 now and read it to my son).

I think the most interesting thing about this book is that a lot of the problems that today's parents/teachers/politicians complain about are the main topic in this story. Without giving away the storyline, it has car jacking, crime, violence, false judgments of youths, neglected children and murder. I guess it just goes to show that the good old days weren't always what they seem to be.

Briefly the storyline is as follows. A rich person house is broken into and jewelry, money, and bonds are stolen. The Hardy boys investigate and find out that this burglary is related other things going on in town. Eventually, the boys with the help of their father solve the mystery.

A nice bonus for this book is that for those of you who always wanted to know about Franklin W. Dixon, a very brief biography is presented.

I loved the title of this book and why it was titled "Cup of Love" I hope I have my cup filled I do believe so.

Cup of Love takes some time to get through, but once the story starts Franklin doesn't stop.

Don't read this b/c you enjoyed Fed Up With The Fanny, the stories are very different, read it b/c you like Franklins writing skills.

My favorite character in the book was Mz Melba she was truly an angel, she walked into Vance and Artise life not when they wanted her to but when they needed her.

This book has dirty politicians, the bi-... rich, them that's not and wanna get, and those fighting with demons in their closet. Each one of those folks are looking for their very own Filled to the Brin "Cup of Love"

WHAT A WONDERFUL READ! Franklin White in his novel took me back to so many conversations I've had with my girlfriends and situations we've all been through at one time or another. Mother/daughter, best friends and even trying to understand anothers sexual orientation without being disrespectful. The male characters commitment to GOD was also very refreshing and let me see how men fight within themselves to do the right thing by their mate. Cup of Love has it all- but the most surprising them to me is, I didn't know about Franklin's ability in writing passionate, relatable, thought provoking poetry. I see great things ahead for this author and highly recommend this book.

Franklin White has done it again!! A Cup of Love is absolutely moving! The way he mixed spiritual and "worldly" issues combined in this book could make a someone think twice. Once I started reading Cup of Love, I started feeling myself within the book. The issues between Vance and Artise is something I'm sure all can relate too. Oh, but let's not forget about Ethan. We all know someone like him. I didn't like his character too much in the beginning but when those babies died, I really felt for him. Even the issue's between Artise and her Mother was real. I think this book is especially important because it also leaves a spritual impact on those who believe. The bible verses, prayer quotes all kept us on our toes. I give all praise for Franklin White because not many authors can "flip" their writing styles like that. (compared to Fed Up With The Fanny.) I can't wait to see what he has lined up next...

Excellent...!

I really enjoyed this book. It has fourteen stories and all are connected to people who try to stay together in relations whether married or not. My favorite story was Change of Heart which is the continuation of Fed Up with the Fanny. I was glad to see the author bring back some of the characters and once again I was surprised at the ending. I also enjoyed the very first story "Lockdown" about a lady who had to decide whether or not to stay with her husband who had been sent to prison. The main character really had to jump through some hoops to keep her family together and I was glad she made the right decision at the end of the story. The story "Love So Deep" has a pace like no other story I have ever read. I was so good to read about a couple who stood together through the civil rights movement and who were once Black Panthers but were still in love. This story is a must. The very last story Before I Go was touching. I cried because I couldn't imagine going through having cancer such as this main character did and asking her friend to take care of her husband and marry him when she died. I think this book was wonderful and will give it four stars only because I wish he would have made all of these particular stories novels. Franklin White is a very good author.

Franklin White is now on my top list of male writers. I love the way Franklin is able to bring me into his stories and this collection of stories was no different than his other two books that I have read. The continuation of Fed Up with the Fanny-the ending really shocked me and I have to admit I didn't see it coming but I do understand why Deric did what he did. He simply didn't trust Kelly any longer. Also the story 'Miles Away' was really a page turner and I would have love to see this in a entire novel. The long distance relationship was very true and believable and I loved how the female character had a very important job in an industry that you don't hear about women actually being in. The very last story 'Before I Go' should be a movie. This story made me cry more than one time. A very good read and I will continue to purchase other works from this author.

Great job Franklin White. This book was worth the read and really has how relationships and what people go through on point. From the very first story Lockdown-where the young girl struggles through a situation of having her man in prison with kids to care for. You really captured that situation really well. Also Kelly and Deric from Fed Up with the Fanny in Change of Heart was very good. But my two favorite stories were Please Listen and Before I Go. I am positive anyone who reads those will enjoy them as well. Keep up the good work. God Bless.