You are never going to sing the song, "I've Been Working On The Railroad" quite the same again after reading this air hammer of a book. The milieu of the Fifties and the pressure to conform is as stifling as a 102 degree summer day standing on the rail lines with your pick and shovel in Central Ohio. You can sense the pressure, feel the heat and the limestone dust seeps in and stuffs up your nostrils and clogs your lungs. What this boy goes through and what happens to him still wakes me up sweating in the night. Best of all, it's Part I of a four part novel... I can't wait to get the rest of this series!

Excellent! In the song, Gandy Dancer's Ball, you'd think a gandy (railroad section hand) would get to dance. This one missed the ball all around and I won't reveal the big surprise ending...The story is absolutely masterfully handled.

Before Elvis and Rock and Roll and Marlon and James Dean the Fifties "Happy Days" were pure teen hell, and some of us expatriates were around to notice. Damn, this 44288 guy got it down; you feel like you're there, or back there, and you just want to come up to suck real air. It's a wonder anybody survived and more of a miracle anybody managed to grow up. Kudos to 44288, I really would have liked to have met the man. And kudos to Perry Aayr for rescuing this treasure from certain destruction. National Book Award class. I look forward eagerly to the rest of the Some Die Mad series: Gandy; Auschwitz, Ohio; The Place To Wait; Islands In Time. Get in at the beginning on a sure international winner.

Michael Thelwell's novelization of the Perry Henzell cult film is no mere "padded" movie script. Jamaican youth Ivan's odyssey from country-raised boy to reggae-star and celebrated outlaw is a character-driven work of depth and distinction. Plotted as rite-of-passage adventure, Thelwell's writing craft provides lyrical descriptions; astute psychological observation; and an unashamed assertion of moral sensibility. THE GOOD GUYS lose in this Jamaican anti-hero legend. In fact the good guys(Ivan and even his friend Ras Tafarian ganja man, Peter)"become like that which they behold": amoral,very bad, bad guys.

CORRUPTION is,in fact, the focal theme of the novel. Only a mature writer of Thelwell's skill prevents the story from becoming maudlin or (worse) a violently sensational manifesto about BAD BABYLON (The West) vs."los inocentes" of the Third World. Most readers will grant superiority of the novel to the film it's based-on. Despite advantage a "classic" musical score undeniably provides, it is, in fact, Thelwell's rendering of characterizing dialects; accents,and slang,that makes this novel superb.THE HARDER THEY COME,in my estimate, surpasses its cinematic progenitor.It's worthy literature: a very Boss Book!

This book is a treasure that I happened to come across in a 'discount bin' at a bookstore - but like so many of the books that are greatly reduced in price, this one is truly priceless . . . I have always been interested in Jamaican culture and society, and just finished reading Timothy White's 'Catch a Fire - The Life of Bob Marley' which was the perfect way to get in the mindset for Michael Thelwell's masterpiece 'The Harder They Come.' This book is not simply a tale of the legendary Rhygin who was a hero of the common Jamaican sufferah, but also a glimpse into the life of Jamaicans following the period of British colonial rule - So many themes are present in the novel - the contrast between country and city, the traditions and myths of those living in the bush, the hand to mouth existence of so many Jamaican poor that live in Kingston, the power struggle of politics and law, as well as the ganja trade which somehow effects all Jamaicans . . .

This book will immerse you in Jamaican culture, and I'm not talking about the resorts on the coast - this is the real deal and is a must read!

Not a cheap novelization, but a work with its own life. Unforgettable story about Babylon and its impact upon the poor of Jamaica. If you are a fan of the movie, or if you are not, this is a good one for you.

Excellent Guide. The book is organized in a manner that makes it easy to find individual pieces. The information is both informative and entertaining (to a collector of HK anyway). I was surprised to find so many of the new pieces in the book, Leanna must have worked up to the last second including them. This is a must for any Harmony Kingdom collector.

The second edition of the Harmony Kingdom reference guide provides even more fascinating background on the company than the first, and provides even more useful data on the collection.

If you're an HK collector, this second edition is indispensible. If you're not one, reading this book will make you one.

There was a large group of retirements immediately before the publication of the first edition, so the second edition provides production figures for thirty pieces whose true rarity may be a surprise to HK collectors.

The background information in the first volume is not completely repeated, which prevents the first edition from becoming truly obsolete.

Anyone who collects Harmony Kingdom will find this book interesting and extremely helpful. The author provides a wealth of information on the company and the artists, an explanation of how the boxes are made, and a listing for each piece. The listing for each piece includes a picture, a description, information on variations, and the secrets to be found on the piece. A really handy book to have with you when you go out hunting for HK!

Even if you have the first edition of this book, I think you will want this edition too. It includes all the pieces released through 1999 and more background information on the artists and the company than appeared in the first edition.

This is the best. It takes your breath away how Gai can come up with all these gorgeous inspirational quilts. The book is very easy to understand and English is my second language. She explains it in very simple terms. Your hands will itch to get started. It is like painting with fabric. Start collecting lots of fabric and she teaches you what to look for. You will never look at fabric the same way again. I also like to recoment her 'Color from the Heart' book. You learn so much that you use these books over and over again. Her books are real treasures.

This is the most marvelous book I have ever seen about impressionist or watercolor quilts, Gai did realy a great job with this book. It gives you lots of ideas to go on and make some beautiful Impressionist quilts of your own. I love all her books, and hope she write lots of more in the future, certainly about this type of quilts.

This is a truly wonderful book for the quilter who wants to create art, to go beyond traditional approaches. Ms. Perry's quilts are inspiring -- I went out and chose my fabrics for a new project the day after I got this book. She emphasizes the importance of putting certain colors and prints together to create marvelous impressionistic effects on a quilt top. The pictures of completed quilts are incredible, the writing instructional and clear, and the suggested projects are exciting and fun to make.

This is a great book when I discover this one it takes my life upside down, and all that i want to do is make this sort of quilts, It is full of color and patterns to use for every quilter. To make splended paintings from fabric on the wall.

Walking through Joanne's Fabrics, Gai Perry's book caught my eye. Having never tackled a quilt, I jumped right in and designed my first one based on my mother-in-laws beautiful English Garden at the shore. Using her easy to follow instructions, the wall hanging was a success. Now I'm quilting my interpretation of the Buchart Garden's on Vancover Island in B.C. On the drawing table is a moon light scene over a lake to be done exclussively in blues and purples.

Buy this book, you'll be glad you did when you read about floral fabric selection, mixing and matching, gradations, and on and on. I've peeked at the photos in her 2nd book and can't wait to read it when Amazon ships it.

Traditional quilting somewhat bored me but I love collecting fabrics. Impressionist Quilts challenged me to use them! Ms. Perry takes you step by step through the process of watercolor quilting. This book will teach you more than just quilting but also color theory and design. I can't stop the ideas! I highly recommend this book and can't wait to get her next one!

With each page I read I felt that this could work for me. I have Lupus and I am desperately searching for a way to at least, stop the pain, and to come back to the living. This book has given me hope. I am truly amazed at the things that Dr. Liu has done in his life, but I know that it is not impossible. I do believe in miracles. I wish that I could meet him personally. Thank You Dr. Liu, the book was wonderful!

This book served as my introduction to Qi Gong. I had never heard of it before but since I have been searching for some pain relief I expanded my reading to healing techniques used by other cultures. I loved the authors description in the first part of the book about becoming a Qi Gong master. After reading the book I became very interested in some of the exercises and have included them in my exercise routine and have read more on the subject of Qi Gong(Ken Cohen's "The Way of Qi Gong" is good). Most of the book is very easy to understand and implement. I have not tried any of the herb "remedies" he writes about because I don't know enough about them yet but feel the exercises are helpful.

The Qi Gong moves described in the book Mastering Miracles are easily understood and applicable. One of the best books I have read regarding Chinese Healing. Qi Gong is definitely a powerful healing tool that Master Hong Liu is bringing to the West.

Flame is the love story of Bacall and Rory. Bacall is just graduating from college, and lands a job at a record company. Rory becomes a big time singer, which makes Rory Jealous of all the attention he gets from other women. Bacall tries not to let lust take over her Chrisitan values, while dating Rory, but finds out that it's not always so easy. This is a good book for all people in a relationship to read.

Flame by Stephanie Perry Moore

Bacall Lee prayed a selfish prayer asking God to send her a guy who's handsome, popular, charming and lovable. That prayer went from her mouth straight to God's ears. Awhile later Bacall was at a party with friends, where she meets Rory Kerry. Bacall thinks Rory is the one, tall, dark, handsome and bald. One night temptation shows its head. Will Bacall continue to keep God first, and save herself for her husband? Or push her beliefs aside and taste temptation.

Flame was a wonderful uplifting read; it is categorized for young adults, but everyone will get something from Flame. I closed the book with a challenge, to get to know God. I want to feel that burning passion Bacall and the Rev. Brandon Lee talked about throughout Flame. This book is a page turner you need to read.

Missy APOOO Bookclub

Flame is a good read. You have a preacher's daughter that meets the man of her dreams at a college talent and step show. They fall for each other and encounter seperation,sex, drugs,jealousy, murder,superstardom, along the way before they can be together. It is a good Christian fiction in the vein of Singsation.

It's London, 1940 - and as World War Two rages, the Doctor and Ace team-up with PI Cody McBride to look into what appears initially to be a secret Nazi weapon. In truth, the sphere contains a Cyberman...

There's something about the Seventh Doctor that seems to require writers gives us stories that feature Cybermen and Nazis - first 'Silver Nemesis' and now this. However, unlike the twenty-fifth anniversary story, this one works!

Flowing quite neatly on from the established relationship between the Doctor and Ace - it is very trusting and mutually reliant. This places it in distinct contrast with the earlier written New Adventures published by Virgin, which focussed on the Doctor's emerging manipulative nature and the strain it placed on his friendship with Ace.

The Cyberman in this story is a return to a classic monster - somewhat spoiled by the ridiculous "allergy" to gold introduced in 'Revenge of the Cybermen', this aspect is not considered in this book and therefore the task of the Doctor and his allies is much more real and dangerous.

A good example of how to write a traditional Seventh Doctor story, and a welcome return to a strong portrayal of a classic Who monster.

Let me explain something. I love the Daleks. Ok? I really love them and always thought of Cybermen as, so-so. But this book is great. The setting, the time period, the characters all really come alive. Even the feel is of a Dr WHO? TV episode. Now if they can only get the Dalek Novels to be this good, but frankly, this is the only Dr. WHO Novel that I have had so far that is right up there, in plot and charcters, with a Dr. WHO? TV episode. Great stuff. Loved Ace. The Cybermen were ok too.

Oh, the scene with the Panzer vs. the Cybermen was cool.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the atmosphere of the story, the air raids, just the whole WWII theme. Like Ace, I think it would be fascinating to visit that era of history. It would have been better if the Doctor and Ace had been together more in the book as their characters compliment each other so well. It was nice to see the Cybermen back, (well, not *nice* since they killed people, but you DW fans will understand) and I found the majority of the characters interesting and likeable in their own ways. I think any fan of the 7th Doctor would enjoy this story.

The truly successful organizations in the next century will be those that learn how to engage and energize the creativity an enthusiasm of their human assets. This is the next frontier in competitive advantage. In fact, there's always likely to be someone out there who can outspend you on those things. What makes your company unique is your people. Their innovation, creativity, and enthusiasm can't be copied. And, if that uniqueness is directed to creating processes, products, and services that are better than your competitors, you have an unbeatable advantage.

In Leveraging People and Profit the authors introduce a new term, altrupreneur. Altrupreneur is defined as one who conducts the affairs of an enterprise with conspicuous regard for the welfare of others. The altrupeneur is not one who acts only for the welfare of others, but one who acts with awareness of others' welfare as one of his or her top priorities.

The authors go on to outline a leadership model which includes the following.

1. The very essence of leadership is you have to have a vision. It's got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You cannot blow an uncertain trumpet. 2. Employees want and expect leaders to set direction and determine the business focus. Leaders are relying more on the power of influence than of command and control. 3. To be credible as a leader, you must first clarify your own values, translate them into a set of guiding principles, a credo, that you can communicate to the people you hope to lead. These overaching values help employees make decisions consistent with the aspirations of the company. 4. A leader must earn the trust of those he/she expects to lead. 5. Establish a mutual service compact which helps people understand where they fit in the value chain, aligns recognition programs to reward organizational successes, establishes training and personal development programs to reinforce continuous improvement, develops a communicaiton plan to ensure every employee understands values and vision and allocates resources to support improvment initiatives.

When an organization is energized by a vision that draws out the best efforts of all stakeholders in a positive and mutually beneficial context, there is virtually no limit to what is possible. Human creativity is not maximized until it is challenged by the impossible.

This book encourages those of us who want to make a little difference every day. It also dares us to be bold and public and exemplary in holding others in conspicuous--and high--regard. Written from experience on the inside of corporations, yet rich with values and insights, it is the most "balanced" look at leadership this year.

There are "how to treat people" books out -- and tons of "how to make more profit" books. Mark this book as one of the very few that integrates the themes with effective, believable ideas about how to manage more productively (and humanely!) tomorrow. One neologism worth noting in this book: altrupreneur. The word symbolizes the writers' core idea: that you can be an entrepreneur while being altruistic. You don't have to exploit to advance, they say, in convincing, straightforward language, statistics, and quotes.

My nine-year old son and I both read this book and loved it! Marrietta is a wonderful character, full of spunk and smarts. The suspenseful plot kept the pages turning. The author has such a wonderful imagination. My son and I can't wait for Shannon Perry's next book!

I was enchanted by the storyline of fantasy, magic and adventure. It's very easy to read and quite entertaining. I highly recommend it for your children as well as adults trying to recapture their childhoods.

Marietta and the Creeping Nasties is an amazing tale of mystery, fantasy, and magic! The heroine, Marietta, is an earthgirl who arrives in the fantasyland called, Incunabula, to save the land from the Creeping Nasties. There she encounters good and evil. She is a strong, vivacious teen protagonist, who you can't help but love. Along her journey she is faced with a variety of obstacles, but succeeds beyond her wildest dreams. She acquires good friends and realizes that her strength is within.
As a third grade teacher, I read this book to my students. Each day, it was hard to stop reading it. My kids would yell, "No, Miss Keenan, don't stop!" There are so many suspenseful turns in the plot and it keeps you on your toes. I've been teaching for ten years and have read countless books. I can honestly say that this is the best book for young people that I've read. It even surpasses the Harry Potter series. I especially enjoyed the fact that the hero is a female. However, boys and girls alike will be swept away with this magical tale. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any person, young or old.