I have never been the type who went for reading the adventures of werewolves & vampires, etc., but Nancy Collins Sonya Blue series was able to persuade me otherwise. I first read Sunglasses in college and found that not only did I like it, but could not put the book down. Sonya Blue is definitely nothing like that OTHER well known vampire writer's protagonist, LeWuss, I mean, well, you know who I mean...Sonya Blue is unlike any vampire you'll ever read about. In the first installment, we are introduced to a badass Sonya, and Nancy Collins has a way of making the reader care about this badass. Not only is the story compelling, but if you read the subsequent Sonya Blue books, you'll see that the character development meets and exceeds all expectations. I have read all four novels in the Sonya Blue collection and simply cannot say enough positive things about the series. My favorite book happens to be In the Blood, but the reader would be doing a great disservice to himself not to read the other books.

This book rocks. period. and about the film, bud, if you actually READ the book, you know that with today's cencorship problems, there is no way the film would be released in the US. on to the review! let me just say that if you love vampires, are strong of stomach, and don't get offended too easily, READ THIS BOOK! Our main character is Sonja Blue, a renegade vampire, vampire slayer, owner of Renfeilds, and prostitute (sometimes). This book was really graphic, as were the illustrations sometimes. but i must say that to this day it is my favorite book, a close second being The Long Hard Road Out Of Hell, by Marilyn Manson, but that's another story. The story aside, this book is extremely realistic, and doesn't balance it's weight on iffy situations. Sonja's extreme suberbness, wasn't just a fluke, as so many movies are clicheing so much, she was a mess up, the byproduct of her creator's uncarefulness. My friend showed me this book, and since then i have gotten two more people into Sonja Blue, and i hope i can get you in too. Beautiful book, stunning story, vampiric vixen, what more could a guy ask for?

Although the synopsis as written here is actually the plot line to Nancy A. Collins' book "Wild Blood", "Sunglasses After Dark" is one the best vampire novels I've ever read. Sonja Blue is a very complex and sympathic character in the same manner as LeStat and like the early Anne Rice vampire novels, you find yourself getting mental impressions from the detailed story lines long after reading the book. This is definitely one to keep and read 2 or 3 times.

There seems to be a lot of misperception of what Final Judgment does and does not say about the JFK assassination. The book does not say that "the Jews killed JFK." That's horse manure.

What the book does say is that:

When New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison charged businessman Clay Shaw with participation in the JFK assassination conspiracy Garrison stumbled upon the Israeli Mossad connection to the murder of President Kennedy. Shaw served on the board of a shadowy corporation known as Permindex. A primary shareholder in Permindex was the Banque De Credit International of Geneva, founded by Tibor Rosenbaum, an arms procurer and financier for the Mossad.

What's more, the Mossad-sponsored Swiss bank was the chief "money laundry" for Meyer Lansky, the head of the international crime syndicate and an Israeli loyalist whose operations meshed closely on many fronts with the American CIA.

The chairman of Permindex was Louis M. Bloomfield of Montreal, a key figure in the Israeli lobby and an operative of the Bronfman family of Canada, long-time Lansky associates and among Israel's primary international patrons.

In the pages of "Final Judgment" the Israeli connection to the JFK assassination is explored in frightening--and fully documented--detail. For example, did you know:

• That JFK was engaged in a bitter secret conflict with Israel over U.S. East policy and that Israel's prime minister resigned in disgust, saying JFK's stance threatened Israel's very survival?

• That JFK's successor, Lyndon Johnson, immediately reversed America's policy toward Israel?

• That the top Mafia figures often alleged to be behind the JFK assassination were only front men for Meyer Lansky?

• That the CIA's liaison to the Mossad, James Angleton, was a prime mover behind the cover-up of the JFK assassination?

Why didn't Oliver Stone, in his famous movie "JFK" not mention any of this? It turns out the chief financial backer of Stone's film was longtime Mossad figure, Arnon Milchan, Israel's biggest arms dealer.

The very fact that the Israeli lobby has gone through such great lengths to try to smear Michael Collins Piper and to try to discredit Final Judgment gives the book great credibility. If the book was really so silly or so unconvincing, it doesn't seem likely that groups such as the Anti-Defamation League would go out of their way to try to suppress the book as they have. The fact is that Piper demonstrates that Israel did indeed have a very strong motive to want to get JFK out of the way and that numerous people who have been linked in other writings to the JFK conspiracy were (as Piper documents) also in the sphere of influence of Israel's Mossad. Not only Clay Shaw in New Orleans, but also James Angleton at the CIA, who was Israel's strongest advocate at the CIA and also the CIA's liaison to the Mossad. The Israeli connection is indeed "the missing link in the JFK assassination conspiracy."

The "Reader from Chicago" who wrote the review of Final Judgment posted here is really off the beam and I suspect he (or she) is deliberately distorting what Piper's book does say in order to try to discourage people from reading it.

The fact is that Piper's book documents (quite clearly, in my estimation) not only the means, opportunity and the motive for Israeli Mossad involvement in the assassination (working in conjunction with the CIA), but it is also quite fascinating and very interesting read. "Boring" is the last word I'd use to describe the book, and it is certainly not "poorly written."

What's more, the book is not--I repeat--not "anti-Semitic" and the book has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the subject of the Holocaust.

In fact, anybody familiar with any of the standard writings on the JFK assassination will recognize the names of some of the key players in the scenario Piper documents: Clay Shaw, David Ferrie, Guy Banister and James J. Angleton of the CIA--and none of them were Jewish. So where this reviewer gets off saying that Piper finds "a Jew under every rock" is beyond me.

I have read literally hundreds of books and magazine articles and other material on the JFK assassination and not in a single one of them--with the exception of Final Judgment--did I ever learn that President John F. Kennedy was trying to stop Israel from building the nuclear bomb and that this literally touched off a "secret war" behind the scenes between JFK and Israel's prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, who resigned (among other reasons) in disgust over JFK's policies with Israel. In fact, Israeli historian Avner Cohen in his book, Israel and the Bomb, documents this quite thoroughly.

And in Final Judgment Piper also outlines some interesting Israeli connections by people who have been linked to the JFK assassination and cover-up, including Clay Shaw of New Orleans. Even Israeli journalist Barry Chamish has written in an Internet review of Final Judgment that he finds Piper's Israeli connection (via Shaw and Permindex) quite convincing.

There was a controversy in the Chicago area following an attempt by the Anti-Defamation League (an Israeli lobby organization) and people associated with the ADL to prevent Final Judgment from being placed in the Schaumburg Township District Library. Chances are the Reader from Chicago is probably an ADL representative!

A landmark book for modern American history that should be on the bookshelf of every serious historian as well as every single concerned American. Let me give my reasons.

This book is an extraordinary feat of investigative journalism. The information and facts that Piper uncovers are used in an extremely powerful way to reveal a whole sequence of Israeli/Jewish actions culminating in the assassination of JFK (who was an implacable opponent of the Israeli nuclear weapons program of the early 1960's and 1950's ).

The depth and thoroughness of Piper's investigative journalism literally takes one's breath away. At the same time the book is very easy to follow and understand as Piper methodically builds up his damning case against showing the depth of Israeli involvement in the JFK assassination.

Once I started reading this book I could literally not stop until I had finished. I thoroughly recommend this book as a way to expand one's mind beyond the confines of the modern day media which has severely suppressed this book making it almost a taboo for mainstream booksellers to stock it. This is shown by the fact that it takes Amazon.com 4 to 6 weeks to obtain a copy.

As an Israeli/American peace activist I welcome this book . This book is especially topical today as the search for peace in the Middle East continues. As Israelis as well international Jews who care about our country I believe it right and proper to engage in an informed and vigorous debate about the undoubted wrong-doings of our government in an open and informed way. This is the only way in which the worst excesses of Zionism can be curbed. This book provides us all with just such an opportunity.

Piper does much more than convince readers of the multi-layered conspiracy to remove JFK from office: he convinces us that the facts have always been right before our eyes. "Final Judgment" is easily the most well-documented conspiracy book of our time....a great -- and frightening -- work.

Some years ago, during an annual pilgrimage to Branford, CT to pay my respects to a lost loved-one, I noticed a gravestone adorned with shell offerings in St. Agnes Cemetery. Knowing of my Branford connection, an old friend recommended this book, which reveals that these shells were left by the author, Julia Mary Collins, at the grave of her father, Jeremiah Collins.

The author evokes the deep roots of her family in Branford, a coastal New England town that was in the autumn of its economic prime, yet still suffused with the natural beauties of sea and shore, and sustained by family trees and traditions. Despite a childhood tempered by the Great Depression and fading family fortunes, Jeremiah Collins nonetheless believed in a brighter future and a share of the American Dream.

His aspirations, along with his innocence and idealism, perished in the fiery crucible of the battle for the Pacific Island of Okinawa, in which over 250,000 soldiers and civilians perished. Cast adrift with his altered worldview and survivor's guilt in his unchanged hometown of Branford, Corporal Collins existed in a tenuous state of suspension between the still living and the dead.

The author, who became her father's confidante, perceptively and movingly captures his physical anguish and psychic pain, as well as its lasting impact on her family. Her book serves as a deeply human counterweight to the sea of books that celebrate the triumphs of WWII, but assiduously avoid the incalculable costs for "the greatest generation."

Julia Collins writes "let me bring back my dad, the way he was when I was seven, just before I began to lose him for good." She has not only resurrected her father, she has delivered the eloquent eulogy he deserves, and has gently and lovingly laid him and his anguish to rest, finally at peace in the earth of his native Branford.

The sunbleached shells she leaves at her father's grave, washed ashore from the Atlantic ocean of Jeremiah Collins's childhood, but resonant with the Pacific ocean where he fought his greatest battles, bear silent witness to her enduring love.

At first, I could only read this book in bits at bedtime, but by the time I hit chapter four, I could no longer put it down and finished it in the middle of the night. I wept long and hard. Sadness and overwhelming joy. Ms. Collins - no, Julia - thank you for having the courage to share your story with us and for telling it so even-handedly. I felt like my grandfather, a storyteller whose quiet voice used to gather amazingly large crowds, was telling a tale of that Great Generation, of the tribulations faced not just a war but at home. And I feel sorry for anyone who has not heard this tale of yours and had the chance to share its epiphanies. Thank you again.

Without 20:20 hindsight or wishful thinking, Julia Collins has written a graceful and moving work that stares straight into the failings of her father as a war hero, husband, breadwinner and parent and somehow manages to elevate and dignify the person her dad was. This challenge made all the more difficult by having Jeremiah Collins pose for a portrait that in life, he would never have held.

“My Father’s War” is not the retelling of one ex-Marine’s pointless miseries but wisdom collected from the perspective of the point-blank battles that raged on the homefront long after the formal surrender of any proclaimed American enemy.

I've read and re-read this book, and I can't get over how useful it has been for me. It's not like a typical marketing book that is written in a high-brow "I'm smarter than you" kind of style. Rather it's conversational and easy to understand.

A real Godsend!

I only wish I would have read this book before I put my affiliate program together. This book is so crammed full of valuable information, resources, tips, and help. I took 4 pages worth of notes. This book is excellently written both for the merchant who is thinking about putting an affiliate program together as well as for someone with an existing successful affiliate program. I doubt that there is a more complete and thorough book on successful affliate managment. I would give this book 10 stars if I could!

For first-time affiliate managers or seasoned pros in affiliate marketing -- this easy to read "how-to" book is a must-have manual for guaranteed success!

I have been setting up affiliate programs for years and in "Successful Affiliate Marketing for Merchants, I discovered great new resources and recommendations for maximizing affiliate programs that I can't wait to try!

Shawn Collins is my guru in Affiliate Marketing. Everything I know about this field I learned by reading his online editorials and articles--now all his expertise and insight is gathered together in one, completely up-to-date, easy to read book.

Mind provokeing book, with insight to behind the life and family history of one of the countrys greatest Malcolm X, A must do read.F.

a memoir on Malcolm x long over due, a tribute to the man and the Little family. a must read book.

my first book about the subject,found it very interesting and relevent to the time.his philosophy resonates from the pages thru his sisters words.her love for her family is apparent throughout the book.his words continue to speak to the masses and his intelligence shines through .love the book. will pick up the autobiography .malcolm x words still very relevant to race relations in america

I went on vacation to San Francisco about a month ago and I needed a book that would guide me to the city. Access San Francisco was extremely informative and helpful. I found some great restaurants, cafés and shopping areas. Of course, it also guided me to China Town and the Golden Gate Bridge. Also, the book tells us the history of San Francisco and the different types of neighborhoods one might want to go to. I loved it. Are you planning on going to San Francisco? If so, buy Access San Francisco. Believe me, it is a tourist's must have!

This book was the most useful book I purchased to plan our trip to San Francisco. I can't say enough good things about it. It divides the city into neighborhoods then goes through each one not only listing the good points and points of interest, but also listing the bad. The information is practical and easy to find and understand. His carefully researched data helps one understand the city and the culture that make it so unique. From parking garages to street vendors this is the book to have on San Francisco.

In the spring of 1996, I traveled to the Bay Area with a friend for what would turn out to be the vacation of a lifetime, thanks to San Francisco Access guidebook. SFAccess was the best read material of the week. It outshined all other tourist info and guide books that we had. The reviews and suggestion were right on. I have increased my collection of Access books to now include the London and Paris editions. I can't imagine that I would have made it around each of these cities, or enjoyed my vacation as much, without these guides. I am going back to SF in a few weeks and I am buying the new edition of SF for the trip. And hope to add the Italy edition next year. I put my seal of approval on Access travel books.

I really looked forward to reading this book as a source of inspiration, but I think the editor ends up missing the boat by overzealously trying to preserve the ironman's own words. This means that crucial facts about people's lives are left out, or the reader is plunged into the middle of the tale, not really understanding whose story is being told, or why we should care. Rather than having the effect of making the race more immediate, this ends up making all of the stories seem alike. We don't necessarily get backstory about who this person is, or from where he/she got the drive to do this ironman, or why. The stories are often told as if the teller is speaking to a good friend, who already knows everything about the speaker, and just needs to hear how this one race went. I hope if the editor decides to follow up this volume with another, she heeds this critique. I would love to buy another volume, but only if more information about the athletes is included.

As a long time triathlete (16 years), I found this book to be a much needed breath of fresh air. Since I have been involved in the sport, triathlon has evolved from a rough and tumble gunslinger's kind of challenge to a much more refined and scientific undertaking. There is almost nothing in this book about lactate threshold, bladed spokes, or the merits of the electrolyte-replacement-drink-of-the-moment. There is a lot about peanut butter, which I for one, am glad to see.

This book, and the stories inside, return us to the true nature of triathlon. The fundamental reasons we all race; to challenge ourselves, to be healthy, to have FUN, and to find out what is really out there for us to experience in this short life.

I am returning to the sport after a somewhat lengthy sabatical. I can honestly say that I think I lost sight of why triathlon is important to me. I think I forgot about the roots of this great sport. I never really had a burning desire to do an Ironman, although I always thought I would do one eventually. A couple of halfs had helped to fuel the "long-distance" fire. I am back on my bike, ready to go, and this book has been a gas can.

Inspiring!

I read this book in two days - I just could not put it down. It's an awesome and awe-inspiring book filled with stories relating to one of the greatest athletic and life accomplishments. Kara, congratulations and thank you for writing such a fantastic book!

When I finished Paul Collins' book "Sixpence House" I had a similar feeling as to when I read "The absence of nectar", by Kathy Hepinstall. Although the stories have nothing in common (they're not even in the same genre for the matter), the feeling of disappointment I experienced was the same. Although I think in Collins' case is even stronger, because of the expectations I had on the book. My shrink - yes, I had one! - once told me that expectations are a bad thing. Why? Because of what happens when things don't turn up as expected. Usually a strong feeling of desolation creeps in. And that is exactly what happened to me with "Sixpence House".

Let me just say, it is not a bad book. It's not badly written either - although the prose could use some help here and there. It's just not a narrative of someone "lost in a town of books", as the subtitle proclaims. First of all, it's not about the old abandoned pub that bears the same name in Hay-on-Wye. True, the author and his wife attempt to buy it while house-hunting there, but this occurs only in one chapter - rather late in the book, I must say. Secondly, it's not a book about being lost in this famous booktown either. As he points out several times, Collins had been there before as a tourist (that's what prompted him to choose Hay as his next area of residence), and as a matter of fact he knows his way around the town very well. It appears to be, however, the story of someone at a loss with what to do with his life - Collins doesn't seem to have a straight job, except for the proofreading of his first book; and at a loss with his own thoughts. Only about half the book is about the famous Welsh town and its characters. The other half... well, it's hard to say what it's about or why it's been included in the book in the first place; to the point that I found Collins' affinity for neologisms takes over him, as he himself states: "I am very good at coining neologisms when free plane tickets are involved." (Page 10); and thus making you wander how much of his appreciations are not of his own invention. Collins keeps on reminiscing about almost anything that comes to his mind; which would be fine, but then the title of the book should have been something like "Reminiscences of my life during my stay in Hay-on-Wye", or something of the sort. What really disappointed me to its fullest was the end. I'm not going to give it away out of sheer literary etiquette, but I'll just say that if I had been blessed with the possibility of moving to Wales, well...

As the strong fan that I am of everything Welsh and, as a typical bibliophile, as fascinated as I feel about the concept of the "booktown", I was hoping for a story about IT, with the author's impressions yes; but nevertheless a story about Hay-on-Wye, its people and its history. Instead, this book sounds like the kind of propaganda written by the typical son of British immigrants who favors the American way of life for no other reason than the fact that it is in a different continent where it does not rain as much. If you want to find out about this wonderful town, I would recommend Richard Booth's book "My Kingdom of Books". Even though it's now out of print, it will make for more enjoyable, focused reading.

Paul Collins has written a book that is part memoir, part travelogue, and two parts documentary. "Sixpence House", (Lost In A Town Of Books)", ostensibly is a book about one writer's decision to relocate his family from Victorian San Francisco to a Welsh town of 1500 persons. Hay-on-Wye is the town and it easily could be the setting for a novel in any of the last five centuries. This piece of Wales has everything from the requisite castle with a self-proclaimed king, to over 40 sellers of antiquarian books.

What the author and his wife did not expect from this picturesque community was the possibility that when buying a house they would have to face arcane events such as gazumping and gazunding, and as buyers having no representation while sellers have no obligation to share the defects of their home. (How to say caveat emptor in Welsh?) A 500-year-old house is likely to have some faults as they imagine and find to their dismay. Even when in the 16th century apartment they are faced with rooms that are painfully small, where natural light is simply an idea, and events like a shower with water pressure are no more than a memory left some 3000 miles away.

In the midst of myriad daily adjustments the couple is attempting to raise their young child and the author is gallantly trying to finish his first book. Paul Collins gives readers a new view on the effort required to get published as well as the tasks of finding a title that is hopefully unfamiliar to readers, combating editors who wish to amend his writing, and even a paper shortage caused by the printing of 800 pages 5 million times. The latter represents the first edition of JK Rowlings's fourth book in the United States.

The village and the idea of making a new home amongst the residents gradually, yet steadily, changes from the romanticized idea many of us would create in our own minds, to encompass many of the same grinding realities creating a new home would present anywhere. One of the books charms is the historical arcanum that the author includes rather effortlessly during the tale. A walk past a cemetery invokes a short history of the watch, the early shapes associated with death that they took, and the rather prescient shapes of watch that Mary Queen Of Scot wore during her abbreviated life. The author also tells the story of an unusual explorer of London's sewers, and the time he took while underneath the royal household to break in to song, and the odd circumstance this may have presented to those living in the royal household.

Mr. Collins has written a book that is well worth your time, and likely to be several degrees different from many of the books you have read.

Paul Collins takes us with him as he relocates his family from San Francisco to the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye, the little burg known for a bazillion used book stores. When he buys a 500-year-old house, he of course suspected he might encounter a problem or two, buy yikes! He faces problems, however, not just with his 'home' but also with his editors, his publishers, family adjustments to village mentality, etc. but the whole is more than the sum of its parts in Collins' book. It can be read and enjoyed as memoir, travelogue, history, and adventure.
Altogether, a good read.

This book is a wealth of information for parents, caregivers, teachers, grand parents and anyone else who has contact with your food allergic children. It is also an excellent resource for those who you are trying educate about food allergies and the importance of strict avoidance of the offending allergen(s). The book is written by the mother of a child with a life threatening peanut and tree nut allergy who has adopted a down to earth approach in dealing with all of the issues that you are faced with when a family member has a life threatening allergy. The author shows you that a realistic approach to keeping your child safe while, at the same time, trying to allow him or her to lead a normal life and be a "kid" can be achieved. She leads you through the stages of life with severe food allergies and the emotions evoked from the usually terrifying initial allergic reaction experience, diagnosis, feelings of guilt, acceptance, practical advice for coping and avoidance, dealing with sometimes doubting family members, caregivers and educators.

As a parent of a little boy with a life threatening peanut allergy, I can truly appreciate the knowledge and first hand experience that the author has in dealing with severe food allergies. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone with food allergy concerns.

Lisa Collin's book is informative, insightful, and full of the reality of living with life-threatening food allergies. In a society where misconceptions and ignorance about true food allergies is the norm, it is so very helpful to have a book that seeks to enlighten and educate. As a parent of a child with food-induced anaphylaxis, I wish I would have had this book 7 years ago at the time of diagnosis. However, it is still an excellent resource for those of us who are years into living with the knowledge that a trace of peanut protein could lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction in our child.

My own son experienced his first (and hopefully last) peanut reaction just before a year old and I can so relate to what the author has gone through. She lets you know it's okay to feel the guilt, sadness, stress and all the highs and lows that you go through worrying about the future, etc. My son is 19 months old and was diagnosed at 11 months. It has been a very stressful and emotional year. She touches on all aspects of what parents go through and how to handle situations. I just cannot tell anyone what a wonderful book this is for someone to read, especially a parent of a peanut allergic child. It has helped me greatly!

Before purchasing this book, I looked through many feng shui books. Being a novice, I didn't know what to look for in a book. But I did notice many books looked like college text books-BORING!

This book is an attractive, easy-to-read book. No long passages to bore me. It gets right to the point. I'm looking forward to the book sequel, if there isn't one out yet.

Have a lot going on in your life? Feel like your pushed for time? Does the thought of opening up a book chock full of unfamiliar territory make you shiver - or conversely, do you get frustrated wanting the author to 'cut to the chase' already? If your mind is already full of clutter and you just want the simple basics about feng shui - this is the book you want. It's pleasant, warm, quick and informative without bogging you down. A very simple, pleasant way to learn the basics of feng shui. It's the "Baby Bear" book of feng shui; Mama bear's book was too hot. Papa bear's book was too cold. But Baby bear's book was juuuuust right!

A good friend recently gave me a lovely gift, HOME DESIGN
WITH FENG SHUI A-Z by Terah Kathryn Collins . . . it hit me at
just the right moment because I've recently been giving a lot of thought about how to simplify not only my life, but also my home environment.

Feng Shui (pronounced FUNG SHWAY), meaning "Wind and
Water," has been practiced for over 3,000 years in China. Yet it
can still be applied today to deal with the same essential
issues that were in vogue then: pursuit of health, prosperity
and happiness.

This excellent book succinctly shows how any room can
be designed to help get the life you want . . . there were many
memorable passages; among them:

Spray a cleansing mist along the baseboards and into all the corners to revitalize a space. Cleansing mists contain citrus oil and can be purchased where health food and aromatherapy products are sold. Or make your own be adding a couple of drops of orange or lemon essential oils to an atomizer filled with water.

One of the quickest ways to calm a bedroom down (along with its
occupants) is to remove or over the mirrors. . . . You can treat large mirrors, with beautiful curtains or shades that can be opened by day and closed by night. Other mirrors can be moved to a more active room or draped with fabric at night. This is especially important if the bedroom's occupants are not sleeping well there.

Do you believe in yourself? Do you hold the vision of being a great success? Have you clearly defined your purpose in life? Meditate on how to align your purpose in life with your professional goals. Post affirmations that keep you inspired, such as "EVERYTHING I TOUCH IS A SUCCESS," and "EVERY DAY MY WORK ATTRACTS MAGNIFICENT PEOPLE AND OPPORTUNITIES INTO MY LIFE."