I must confess, I wasn't quite so crazy about Giles Blunt's debut, Forty Words For Sorrow, as others were, even though it was certainly very good. However, now, after reading The Delicate Storm I'm quite tempted to revisit his first novel and be prepared to reassess my opinions, because The Delicate Storm is, quite simply, excellent.

It begins when a human arm is discovered on an unseasonably warm day in some woods near the town of Algonquin Bay. The search for other human body parts leads investigators John Cardinal and Lisa Delorme to a remote hunter's cabin that is clearly the scene of the crime, and which holds some useful information. The deceased is soon found to have been an American citizen, and so the Mounties are brought in to assist. But, it is when the Canadian Secret Service also start sniffing around the case that Cardinal comes to uncover something far deeper and darker.

Then, a few days later, a young doctor goes missing, and the glittering woods relinquish a second dead body.

Blunt paces his novel absolutely perfectly. It's not too slow, but nor is it so fast that, come the end, the book feels like sand having slipped through a net. He has also struck a perfect equilibrium between character and plot, giving the book power from both corners, and a nicely rounded feel. The characters are excellent, especially Cardinal and Delorme, who are fascinating (both when working together and apart), and, I am sure, capable of sustaining this series for many books to come. The plot itself is great (although possibly discomforting for those who don't like to confront the possibility of a "perfect" crime), and the plotting is slick, smooth and assured, all stemming from Blunt's excellent narrative control. He also examines, interestingly and convincingly, the past and present Canadian political scene.

However, possibly best of all is the setting, which the author describes brilliantly, giving the book a sharp, edgy and entirely chilly atmosphere that broods over the whole novel like some impetuous deity. The landscape creaks and shimmers under the ice and takes on a forbidding life of its own in a way which few writers can really create.

Overall, I'd recommend this book to everyone who likes a great crime novel, because there is no way you'll be disappointed with this. It's full of interesting characters with interesting lives, great plotting, and an atmosphere that shivers. Giles Blunt is tremendous, and surely the best writer to have emerged from Canada in many a moon. I'm looking forward to the next one already!

This second adventure of detectives John Cardinal and Lise Delorme is a welcome addition to the series. Author Blunt has created a believalbe, worldly set of characters who are able to keep the action going while dealing with their own personal problems. Although this is one of those stories that grab you at the beginning and keep you reading through the night, it is not a mindless escapade in non-stop thrills, but just a very good story about detectives searching for the truth and their lives outside of the station house. I especially like the setting. The small, rural town locale in Canada seems to add to the suspense. It is a welcome diversion to read about someplace other than the huge metropolitan US cities where most novels seem to take place. Cardinal and Delorme are interesting, entertaining characters who complement each other perfectly. I can't wait for the third novel in this series.

John Cardinal returns in this superb sequel to 'Forty Words for Sorrow'. While this book is not quite as gruesome or suspenseful as its predecessor, the writing, characterization and setting is so well done that it sets its own standard. It is quite excellent.
Once again, Cardinal and Delorme form the foundation of the book, and it's great to see Cardinal's depressive wife, Catherine, behaving so warmly. Cardinal's father, Stan, is also an excellent addition. The relationship etched between John and his father is brilliant in its realism, although the ultimate ending though cautiously foreshadowed, still packs an emotional wallop.
It takes Cardinal and Delorme a long time to find outwho is responsible for the gruesome death of an American tourist. They go through tons of interviews, all leading back to turbulent political times; the connection is there, you just have to wade through a lot of evidence to get to the conclusion.
The ending is a shocker, and it certainly necessitates book # 3 in this excellent series.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

What a thrill. Although Mel graduated from Lane ten yearsbefore me, I enjoyed his book immensely. Some of that thrill wasbecause I grew up six blocks west of where Mel did. He mentions manyfamiliar landmarks: Hamlin Park, swimming at the Belmont Rocks, local movie theaters, the Lindberg Beacon atop the Palmolive Building, Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln-Belmont YMCA, and of course, Riverview Park and the roller rink. I, as he, used to listen to Randy Blake on WJJD, and rode the Green Hornet streetcars. Much of the book is dedicated to Lane Tech. I thought I was reading about myself, as Mel took me to Riesz's and McGovern's stores. As a "freshie" he learns as all of us did, about the sacred campus lawn, being subjected to a penny attack, how the room numbering can get you lost, and a trip to the discipline office. He uses terminology which was part of our experience at Lane such as: socials, course book, rovers, division rooms, and of course, the Myrtle and the Gold! Thanks, Mel! I recommend his book for all alumni who would like to take a walk down memory Lane (Tech).

"George Street, Our Street" is not a book, it's a time machine. It took me back through the 30's, 40's, and 50's. By page 39, along with sneaking peeks further on, I was traumatized. I couldn't talk around the lump in my throat ... I walked through old neighborhoods, I walked the halls of Lane, I went to the "Fog Bowl" football game at Soldier Field with Mt. Carmel. I froze, once again, watching Lane's football team beat Fenwick. I was back at the corner of Damen and Diversey selling newspapers again. What a trip! Quite a trip. I would urge all Laneites from all classes, past, present, and future to read this book. Those from the 40's and 50's will be instantly trans- ported back to those times. The alumni from the 30's and before will very much identify with it. All others who came after will have purchased a window to the past and will more fully understand: "Wherever you go, what ever you do, remember the honor of Lane". David V. Radcliffe, Lane Tech Class of January,1950

Set in Chicago from the Depression-era to the early 50s, this emotion-laden book chronicles the maturing of a young boy and his brothers, all born in Texas and whisked to Chicago by their courageous mother to escape an abusive father. With remarkable attention to detail, it captures the intense, profound love this family shared, as well as the pain they endured living "on the wrong side of the tracks". It sends a strong reminder that the most important things in life do not have a price tag.

Enduring? This book has been around since 1956 and is still in print, now that's enduring! I first read Hannah Fowler over twenty years ago and I also "re read" it every couple of years. It is my most favorite work of fiction. An incredibly simple and beautiful work of art, Giles weaves regional lore with a touching love story. Since I first read this book Janice Holt Giles has become my favorite author, she writes with an honesty and wisdom that draws you to her characters. If anyone is remotely interested in Hannah Fowler, please read it, you won't be disappointed. I especially recommend it to teenagers.

I've read most of Janice Holt Giles' books but this one (my first) has got to be my favorite. It certainly isn't your conventional love story; but then, Hannah isn't your conventional heroine. Nor are she and Tice a conventional couple (she asked HIM to marry HER) but they don't seem to be any less happy for it. Giles' beloved Kentucky hills are the perfect setting for the story, and her writing style is wonderful in its simplicity.

By the way, the best subtle reference to sex I've ever found is in this book. When Tice says, "Let's try out that new shuck tick of your'n" and gives Hannah a gentle shove in that direction... and the rest is left to the imagination.

I first read this book over 15 years ago. I have since gone back and read it over about every year or two. The writer has created such real characters and a story line that is just as readable as it was when it was first written. I can not recommend this books strongly enough.

Mr Bump, quite frankly, is a clod. He can't seem to do anything without injuring himself or others. How can he get by in life with such a predilection for mayhem? Read it and see. Great for both children and adults.

Mr. Bump has a problem. He is always getting into accidents,bumping into anything and everything in his way! Although his bumpingdilemma causes him lots of problems in holding a job, after a not-so-bump-free vacation Mr. Bump realizes the perfect job for him. You'll have to read the book to find out Mr. Bump's job niche. This a clever little book great for all ages to teach the lesson that there's a bright side to every situation.

One of the delightful books in the Mr. Men series by Roger Hargreaves. Mr. Bump is one of the best. His trials and tribulations come about from his seemingly innate tendency to get into accidents. Bumping into anything and everything in his way! Although this problem causes him some problems in finding a job, after a not-so-quiet vacation to the beach, Mr. Bump realizes the solution to his job problem. To find out his ideal job you'll just have to read the book yourself. Great for kids and for kids at heart as are all the Mr. Men books!

One of the joys of having Amazon friends is that they lead you to books that otherwise would not come into your sightline. I am indebted to Alejandra Vernon for introducing this little treasure to me. Although this is a book "written for grades 4 - 6" it is much more than a children's book of beautiful pictures and brief introductory statements to accompany them. This book gently opens the common pathways between the great religions of the world, showing, subtly, that Islam, Cristianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism are all similar means to an end. That said, the author and illustrator show the wondrous differences that enhance our appreciation and respect for religions many of us don't fully understand. This book, beautifully designed and written, should be in the front of every bookstore across the world just now. Were it required reading for all people, I think we would not be at war........

Giles Laroche's numerous books are magical, and this is one of his best. It is also educational, with a clear and well written text by Philomon Sturges.
There is a short explanation of the great religions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and 26 descriptions of the places depicted. A useful world map is on the final page, so one can see exactly where these Sacred Places are.
I have had the privilege of seeing Mr. Laroche's work in a gallery setting, and marveled at its intricacy and inventiveness; his skill in using paper as an art medium is unparalleled (he calls his technique "paper relief"), and as I work with similar tools as a collage artist, I am in awe of his mastery.

The reproductions in this book are excellent, with good color (the tiles of the Dome of the Rock are gorgeous !), and Mr. Laroche's sense of perspective is also wonderful; I found the overview of the Kaaba spectacular and startling, as I never envisioned it as being in the midst of a city. The large vista of Jerusalem is also fabulous, but so are the smaller, simpler pieces, like the Wailing Wall and the Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, which are two of my favorites.
Children of all ages will be enchanted with this book, for its instructive content, and its whimsical, exquisite art.

Wonderful book and the Illustrator, Giles Laroche's work
makes this book so special. I have another book with Giles's
illustrations called "Ragged Shadows" (Halloween) he signed for me while
doing his now famous paper cutting masterpieces at the Shaughnessy
School in Lowell, Massachusetts. Grab "Scared Places" while
you can!

Unger's Lafayette is one of the best written revolutionary period biographies. Most of us know Lafayette only for his American Revolution contributions. Unger's book takes us to the French revolution as well and Lafayette's key role in it. Here he tried to prevent the massacres that took place and personally paid dearly for his role. One can not help have strong admiration for Lafayette as a man of ideals, honesty and courage. Unger has written a highly readable and entertaining biography. I read his book on Hancock and was also imnpressed with Unger's ability to tell a story with an always interestimg prose.

Harlow Unger's book covers a biography that is stranger than fiction, starting with LaFayette's unique marriage and continuing with his fanatical dedication to the remote American struggle for freedom; his close relationships with Washington, Franklin, Jefferson and other world leaders; his exceptional military leadership; his continuing voluntary work for independence in his own country (including 13 months in a horrific prison) all the way until he died at the age of 77. Throughout the story, the mutual, unabated love between the Marquis and his very capable wife, Adrienne, provided even more dramatic episodes. Nearly every event was more amazing the the one before.
This is a detailed and eye-opening history of both the American and French revolutions and their great contrast. If the reader has trouble believing it is truly factual, he will be convinced with the frequent, verbatim letters and voluminous, documented historical references. This is absolutely a must read for anyone with an ounce of interest in western civilization.

This book swept me away with its twists of adventure, romance, and military scenes. It is definitely the best biography I've read on Lafayette with its thorough detail and gripping narrative. Lafayette's story combines French and American history, and captures the moving love story of his marriage. It has been a long time since a book transported me like this one did.

I'll admit it- I'm a longtime Marvel/DC afficionado. Ask me a question on any X-Men plotline from the last 20 years, quiz me on the various memberships of any JLA incarnation, and I'll knock your socks off with years of inane comic information retention. But recently, starting with the 'Legal Action Comics' Danny Hellman compilation, I've been drawn to that other corner of the comic store... that corner populated by obscure, shadowy... underground comics.
Well, I ran across Monkeysuit, and Bride of Monkeysuit.. and I couldn't be happier with my shocking display of literary bravado. I could sit here and expand upon their multiple stories, but for brevity's sake, I'll summarize- Cool. Neat. Interesting. Shocking. Daring. Innovative. Fresh. What comics are all about. A credit to the genre.

If you're a DC/Marvel/Image fanboy like me, do yourself a favor- these books cost the same as four regular comics. Bonus points to the Monkeysuit folks for their economic savvy. Their stories and art are priceless.

If you're a longtime underground comics fan... hey- thank the Monkeysuit folks for giving people like me this glimpse into a better comics world.

Incredibly constructed, beautiful artwork, intelligent writing, vast range of styles and humor. If you love comics, you couldn't get a better book!

This is a great anthology that will appeal to anyone who has enjoyed Raw, Drawn and Quarterly, Blab! and similar cutting edge collections of not-mainstream comics. "Rover" reads like Pogo done by Chris Ware, "Profiles in Tenacity" will appeal to fans of "Lenore" or anything by Jhonen Vasquez, and "Secret Santa" is such a great idea it's amazing that nobody thought to do it before this. And that's just scratching the surface of what's in this nifty little book.

This is on my list of Most Favorite Books Ever! I've looked for SHADY GROVE for years as a gift for people I love, but it's been long out of print. Thank goodness it's again available. The book, which is about the Sudley Fowler family of Broke Neck, Ky, including their relationships--regular and irregular---moonshining, Lonelyhearts letters, government men, picking and grinning, hound dogs, getting "on the draw," and that old time relgion.
Mostly, though, it's about a way of life unique in all the world, and there's a belly laugh on every page.
Oh, gentlemen, you are mortally going to love this one!

I love this book. It is the funniest book that I have ever read. I could just picture them running up on that porch in that old car that was out of control. Every time I get slightly depressed, I re-read this book. I will always have a copy. It's good medicine.

This is the funniest book I have ever read. After reading the first page, I could not put it down. I wanted to know why that preacher wound up with a guitar around his neck. I wanted to know why the television crew was there in Broke Neck. This book is for everyone who enjoys a good laugh. It is just pure fun from the first page to the last.

In his book "Conscious Living" Gay Hendricks masterfully takes the reader to a profound realization of the most basic lessons in living. With so many self help books available it is sometimes difficult to know where to focus one's attention and how to proceed along the path of self transformation. Gay Hendricks has an uncanny ability to light the way and often in a humorous and inspiring manner. His insights and practical applications do not leave the reader stranded in an intellectual quagmire with nothing solid to stand on. Instead, he offers solid information that will take, those of us inspired to do so, deep into the realities of our own existence. Gay repeatedly offers opportunities for the reader to commit to an empowered and exciting life where relationships can flourish, creativity abounds and self exploration becomes an adventure spawned by curiosity encased in wonder and vitality.

Over the last few years, I have read an assortment of relationship books with loads of great strategies that combat a wide array of issues. When I encountered the book "Conscious Loving" by Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks, I was amazed by how different the book was. Gay and Kathlyn were communicating at a more fundamental level that bridged the gap between examples and strategies.

When "Conscious Living" came out, I eagerly pounced on it to see how much more I could piece together. On my first pass through the book, I was deeply moved by the quantity and depth of "aha, that's why" connections I was making with my life and my prior readings. This book did not disappoint me since it was working at the fundamental building block level that I first encountered with "Conscious Loving". After reading the book for the third time, I'm still in awe at how much clarity Gay brings to the journey of life. If I had to sum it up, I would have to say that I was left smiling at the profound beauty of life. I was also pleasantly surprised and deeply moved by the spiritual connections I made through reading the book.

The book follows a natural progression where Gay takes you from a great personal and historic introduction through the five required lessons followed by the inner shifts and outer moves that create a conscious life. The second half of the book deals with conscious solutions to some of the most crucial areas of real world life. I found the book to be chock-full of interesting examples and inspiring snippets of wisdom. One of my favorite snippets was "We argue for our limitations, and, sure enough, we get to keep them."

I have read several of Gay Hendricks books and each is a masterpiece. He surprises me every time by having so much to offer. Reading 'Conscious Living' is an enlightening experience. What touched me deeply is its simple profundity.

Its evident that Gay writes from a depth of authentic experience. He blends the sublime with the practical, the mystical with the earthy, the miraculous with the ordinary. I am confident that this book will become a landmark in the human evolution to embrace its own divinity in ways that are magical.

As I read it, I was in an inspired space to act out of integrity in ways that create enduring change towards greater inner joy & success in the outer world.

I found this book in the attic covered under piles of dust. I did not know what it was about as it did not have a cover or anything telling what the book was about. I decided to give it a try and was immediatly submersed in the world of the 1800's. I could not put the book down after the first page. it took me about 2 days to complete the whole book. The author, Giles, is very descriptive and exciting writer. Usually i do not like to read books set in the 1800's, but this book is excellent. It is about the life of Rebecca Fowler. It starts with her early life chasing the man she loves and evovles as Rebecca does into her life story. It talks of life in the wilderness and then life while she is involved in a Shaker community and life thereafter. This is an excellent book and i cannot wait to read more book written by Giles.

From beginning to end I was drawn into the lives of all the caratures. Being from Kentucky and visiting Shakertown, I was able to use my imagination and see different sides of how they lived. It brought out both the pros and cons to their living. I also liked how a woman in that time was able to be strong and go with her "beliefs".

I have read many of Ms. Giles books and this one is by far my favorite! She truly reached out to me and because of her book I am contemplating converting to Shakerism! She makes the characters come alive, feel their feelings, and even though she shares it from a point of view against Shakers, she lets you form your own opinion. I worked at a Shakertown but nothing was as moving to me as this book!