Kept me interested until the end - very suspenseful

This was the first book of Hogan's that I picked up, almost twenty years ago. I was amazed by the story Hogan could tell - an intelligent, well thought out scientific thriller, with believeable characters who acted upon real motives. I have been a huge fan of Hogan's ever since, and have a collection which will be complete as soon as Amazon can find the two out-of-print titles I've ordered. Do yourself a favour and buy everything by Hogan you can get your hands on. This man can write!

This book is a exciting fast paced read and I would recomend it to any reader

Great Bible. In it I learned that I was dead in my sins and that by faith alone in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, all my sins woud be forgiven and I would have eternal life! Can't beat that with a stick!

I will leave discussions about the "tool of death" to the hardware department and discuss the merits of this Bible. My wife and I knew that her mother wanted a Bible that included the NIV translation, Thompson Chain Reference, and was large enough for her to read without squinting. I was pleased to find exactly such a Bible here. My father-in-law examined her copy and let us know that he wanted one for Fathers Day. My only wish is that a choice of colored leather binding was available. I have a normal size print edition of this Bible and have found it helpful in preparing Bible studies and sermons. While not as in depth as the Oxford NRSV or Zodhiates Word Study Bible the NIV Thompson Chain Reference system is handy for finding related concepts and taking a quick survey of a topic.

In response to the review posted from Atlanta, GA on 9/18/00. The cross was not the "tool of death" for Christ. You and I were the tool of death that caused Jesus Christ to die. Our rebellion toward God caused Jesus to die. I pray that truth will be found by all who read this Bible. I am looking forward to studying God's word with this Bible.

If misunderstandings proliferate and spread like an alluvial fan throughout the world to give us a false or naive understanding of the events we assume to know, then God From Afar is here to wake us all up and and clue us in to what it is REALLY like in the atmosphere of the educational environment. In two words: Absolutely Shocking. In one really twisted and psychologically enthralling word: Fascinating! One, like myself, would be inclined to think of the collegiate world as one of being a very stimulating and intellectually pleasing garden where the inhabitants stretch out behind tall shrubs and among the placid lakes, but this is not the case. As James Shiavone describes his long pursuit that yearns for the gratification one gets from teaching fresh minds in the classroom, we learn that there is actually quite a bit of turmoil behind the staff room doors. From the constant squabbling, to inane jealousies and rumours, to the physical altercations and trumped up charges, we see that the base apsects of human nature can take hold of even those we assume to be our most respected leaders. But it is Professor James Schiavone's valiant effort and endearment toward his students and passion for teaching that wins out overall. Even under the intimidation of hierarchal threats he does not back down and holds true to the cause he believes in, which has been long forgotten by most administrators, and that is teaching - the last thing that seems to be on the minds of those who have elected to be in this position. And through it all, what we see time and time again are those who reach a status rank only to grow sluggish, unenthusiastic, inflexible and self-serving. Those select few who attain power and leave no room for change or the little man, but what they expect from their often trite and narrow, little concerns. This book offers the reality of a cankered situation, and exposes it in a way so that we may bring remedy to a growing epidemic. Because invalid assumptions that go unchecked, only serve to help those who are helping themselves at the expense of the naive multitude. And this book brings these issues to light, and in a way you might say that with this book Professor James Schiavone is still in the classroom.

In GOD FROM AFAR, Professor Schiavone narrates a fascinating account of his decision to attend college and become a teacher, the first in his family to do so.. Beginning with his birth, he includes heartwarming sketches of growing up in a close and supportive family, his parents children of immigrants. He encompasses his transition from a high school teacher to college professor, earning full professorship, and becoming the author of several text books. Readers who cling to the notion or naive enough to believe that the world of pedagogy represents the pinnacle of human elements in the realms of character, integrity, and human relations will find this account disillusioning. Professor Schiavone tells of his travails with honesty and reality. In the first segment of his memoirs, the author tells of his beginning years in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. He pays tribute to mentors and model teachers. Schiavone spent thirteen years in Florida and relates his interaction with students there and reveals his sensitivity to them. It was in Florida that he had diverse experience: TV, high school, and university . However, Professor Schiavone combatted and transcended personal jealousy so bizarre that it would defy veracity if it were not for his probity in narration, along with supporting material. This man who simply wanted to teach was to meet and surmount even greater obstacles upon his return to New York City and appointment at a CUNY branch. Academicians who have fallen victims of machinations perpetrated by administration and colleagues will commiserate. Professor Schiavone's story will be a revelation to others . Despite documentation, there may be readers who will simply not believe the bizarre mode of behavior that is permitted and condoned in academe. . There are readers who will be shocked that minuscule mentality extends beyond "local" officials. Others might recall that revengeful comportment is designed to control , tarnish, intimidate, and eliminate EMPLOYEES WHO CRITICIZE THE SYSTEM. This author documents that even the "college designee" was a pawn and puppet of the administration. . Professor Schiavone does not limit his disclosure to finagling against him personally. With clarity and honesty, he questions the process by which reappointment, promotion, sabbaticals, and tenure are granted. He tells of the positive and negative aspects of tenure. This man's pursuit of equity evoked wrath since it robbed "masters" of the chain that bound their "slaves." . GOD FROM AFAR is a revealing and compelling account of a college professor's sojourn in the academic arena. It is a saga of one man's battle with and victory over an "academic Bastille."

I am delighted that Professor Schiavone has decided to reissue his groundbreaking book, GOD FROM AFAR for the new millenium. His book gives me hope that God is closer than we think. After the educational debacle of the last century I am hopeful that the words of Dr. Schiavone will be heeded and seriously considered by politicians and academicians alike-especially in the upcoming election where education is such an important issue. In his memoirs, the professor tried to warn us of the corruption rife in academia-apparently they fell on deaf ears. Now with the issuance of the 2000 edition, there is hope once more that the education of our students at all levels, and especially at the college level will be taken seriously by those who should care the most. He has courageously tried in his memoirs to delineate the political atrocities of the past century which has left our system in shambles-a whole generation of students semi-literate and unable to cope with a more complicated world which requires the ability to think, to write, and yes, to read. To read his book is to find out just what happened and how it can be averted or corrected. The professor pulls no punches-he places blame and praise on those who deserve it-alas, he who is without spot may throw the first stone. Now in retirement, I welcome the reissuance of his GOD FROM AFAR and hope that its far reaching implications will be heard and felt in all parts of the nation where politicals, greedy for power and election, are touting their theories about education with one eye on the ballot box and saying little that is substantive about how to remedy the current debacle. It behooves all in academia and in politics to read his impeccably edited book carefully, to quote him generously, and to heed his words with alarm. When may we expect a follow up to GOD FROM AFAR? Certainly the talents of the author should not stop with his retirement- he must be ever vigilant that his words will make a significant change in a system, alas, gone awry.

This is my favorite of all of Jim Richard's books. I never understood what Grace meant until reading this book.

This is the best book I have ever read second only to the Bible. I couldn't put it down. Dr. Richards explained so many things that had been frustrating me in my relationship with God. This book goes directly against much of the religious and traditional teaching of the church that is keeping people from experiencing a real relationship with God. My life will literally never be the same. WOW!

I have been searching for the truth now with all that I am for several years, and I believe that this book comes the closest I've found so far to presenting a totally scriptural Gospel, that is neither based on "cheap grace" or a legalistic grace negating self-righteousness. This book is very intensive on the Word, with few anecdotes, or personal notes, and its aim is to get you to fully believe and trust God's grace in every area of your life, and believe that that grace will change you and empower you to live the Christian life you've wanted to live since you got saved but couldn't. God bless your search for Him and His Kingdom!!

Greenbelt brought back childhood memories of a Texas lake and the antics one can get away with as a young kid. It reminded me of times that I had not considered in ages. Times when I was invincible.

The stories in this book transcend a regional area, they could have occurred on a Texas Panhandle lake, a California beach or on a Iowa farm.

Read this book to remind you of your own childhood or to remind you of a childhood you wish you had lived!!

Released just in time for for summer reading, I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure. Jim Man's style is easygoing, and at the same time compelling. I kept reading "just one more chapter" to find out what would happen next to Jim, Dwight, and the other colorful characters. This book truly is a return to a simpler time in the not too distant past. A time when kids explored the outside world on their own, and a Mother's parting words were "Be home in time for supper".

I picked up the book on a Friday night. I was skeptical at best, but everybody leaves the bookstore with a book; and besides, the author was at the bookstore doing the dog and pony show trying to sell some of his books. Politely, I bought the book, came home and was mesmerized for the next four hours (I am a slow reader). I liked the size of the book, it wasn't real intimidating and I thought I would give it at least three chapters. That was all it took and I was hooked. A NOSTALGIC RETURN is exactly what I got. Mr. Man's book took me back to my own childhood and the amazement that I (and he)lived through it. Chapter after chapter was adventure, exploit, and just good ole' childhood mischief. I finished the book that night (to my wife's dislike). Several times she woke up and hit me with the pillow because the bed was shaking from my laughter. I honestly couldn't put the book down. Anyway, for what it is worth, I wish I had the book to look forward to. Write on Mr. Man, Bart boxwell

(From Planeta.com Journal) - Reading Richard Mahler is like opening a letter from a well-traveled friend. This is the second edition of a regional classic. Its coverage of environmental issues and travel options is first-rate. This is a must read for any eco traveler.

As the author of this book, I am predictably biased in its favor. However, I feel it's important to say that I spent several months in late 1998 and early 1999 poring over every word, photo, and map to make sure that it was correct, helpful, and informative. Readers will find everything from restaurant and hotel reviews to reports on Spanish schools, craft markets, and Maya ruins. I find Guatemala a fascinating and rewarding country to visit and it remains one of the world's greatest travel bargains. However, since the Peace Accords were signed in 1996 and the guerrilla war ended, more and more people are discovering this place. Therefore, prices will only go up. I'm convinced that there is no better time to see the unspoiled treasures of Guatemala than right now, before the crowds descend. My specialties are the contemporary and ancient cultures of the Maya as well as the national parks of the country. In the latest edition of my book, I've gone to great lengths to include every possible useful tidbit of information on these subjects, from the best place to explore the rainforest to the best way to tour Tikal. As always, I am eager to receive reports from readers, who supply me with some of the best insider information available. Enjoy!

This book is based on an earlier book by Mr. Mahler, which I used frequently during my 1994-97 posting to Guatemala. I had several guide books, but found that Mr. Mahler's was the one I turned to most frequently. I eventually got to many of the places mentioned in his book, and found that the information he had provided was accurate and useful. I spoke with Mr. Mahler just before leaving Guatemala, and am delighted that he included some of my suggestions in this book, including Los Viejitos Restaurant in Nebaj (look for the green door)--the owner told me she used to cook for Nancy Sinatra!

"A tremendously exciting read" Judge Sanford M. Brook

Patricia Williams, Acting Justice of N.Y. Supreme Court says about Gun Crazy: "I truly enjoyed Mr. Booker's writing. He knows the secret of making you want to actually visit the scenes he describes so well. . . Mr. Booker's book is different than others, because it deals with the many different aspects of a real trial. Hence, the characters are drawn with detail and care."

Warren Burnett said: "Superbly, writer Booker honors his craft in this story of a courtroom trimph made possible by the grit and grace of Kerrville's Scott Stehling, a true examply of the decent and talented lawyer."

It's an amazing saga about fear, hate, love and war. The heroine, Sarah, is abducted from her colonial home by Abnaki indians. At first she fears them but after a while she learns to understand them. I have read this book several times (both in Swedish and English) and now I have my own copy of it - and I love it!

This is a captivating story that will appeal to those who love well-written historical fiction. The author has a decided flair for epic storytelling, as the reader will be riveted to this wonderfully told tale of abduction, slavery, and love. It is the story of Sarah Wells, a seventeen year old settler from the colony of New Hampshire, who is forcibly captured by a party of Abnaki Indians, sympathetic to the French, during the time of the French and Indian Wars.

Taken to their village where she is made to live the life of a slave, Sarah develops a loving relationship with the Taliwan, the gentle son of the old Abnaki Indian woman to whom she had been given in slavery. It is her relationship with Taliwan that would eventually become a pivotal one in her life.

The book is rich in the details of her life with the Abnaki, ground in the context of the times and the French and Indian Wars. It is the story of two worlds and the ways that Sarah Wells finds to straddle both. She ultimately must choose, however, one over the other. It is a choice that will eventually be a test her love.

This is an action packed story that will keep the reader turning the pages of the book until the very last. I loved this book when I first read it about twenty five years ago. In reading it again, time has not diminished this wonderfully told story.

"Ghost Fox" is a well-written, thought-provoking story of Native American and colonial settler's lives. More vivid than most books of its type, it does a wonderful job of drawing comparisons between the cold, stark, unforgiving New York wilderness winters giving way to seductive springs and the harsh, hard-working and judgemental colonial American existence giving way to the nomadic, sometimes fierce but often gentle Indian life. I felt despair, joy, emptiness, love and the bite of a New England wind as I sat reading "Ghost Fox" in my Florida home.

While some writers of police procedurals feature a detective who reappears throughout a long series of novels, Bill James repeats not only his detectives, but also his "bad guys," creating an entire world of fascinating characters to which devoted readers (including me) return again and again. James's world is mad, complex, and even violent, but it is always full of irony and wry humor, and it is always thoroughly entertaining. This novel, one of the early Harpur and Iles mysteries, takes a bit longer than some others to get its legs, but once it does, it's off to the races.

Like virtually all the male characters here, Chief Superintendent Colin Harpur does not find that having a wife and child in any way limits his social life. This time, the middle-aged detective's extracurricular love is a 19-year-old college student whose best friend is the lover of Harpur's chief "grass," or snitch. When, as a result of information received from the informer, Harpur interrupts a robbery and kills the son of a vicious but somewhat inept criminal, he sets in motion a series of threats on the life of his lover Denise, thought to be a conduit of information between the informer and Harpur. As Harpur tries to protect her, the informer, his reputation on the force, and his marriage and family, we come to know him as basically a good-hearted man who enjoys living way out on the edge, a man willing to bend every rule, if necessary.

James manages to keep the excitement high and the threat of real violence foremost in the reader's mind at the same time that he presents some wonderfully funny scenes--the funeral of the thief Harpur killed, the disposal of a body which inconveniently appears on the grounds of a house where a lawn party is to be held, and the resulting garden party, almost certain to end the upward mobility of its host. His peripheral characters are quirky and memorable, his dialogue is superb, the plot and motivations feel realistic, and the novel, overall, offers a terrific escape into a well-developed and exciting fictional world.

The good guys are Detective Chief Superintendent Colin Harpur (and his girl friend Denise), and his boss Desmond Iles.

The bad guys are Doug Webb - a truly low class criminal , Courtney Saquhar-Perry - a criminal of more elevated rank and good at organizing, and Ralph Ember - owner of a pub/club, where the low life likes to congregate.

And in between these two groups are the informers who supply the good guys with the inside info on planned criminal activities and, in return, are cut considerable slack when doing wrong themselves. Foremost is Jack Lamb (and his girl friend Helen), who worked his way into a super trophy mansion and a remarkable collection of fine art, most of it stolen and now for resale. On a lower rung is Tony Towler, and also our friend Ralph Ember.

Let the fun begin with a heist the police had been advised about. It turns problematic when Doug Webb?s son Martin is killed by Harpur. Webb needs revenge. Who blew the whistle? Maybe Denise, who is also friendly with Helen and could be the messenger go-between. She has to be eliminated. It definitely could be Lamb, but he is a few numbers too large to just blow away. No such problem with Towler, who quickly gets killed. But who can trust anybody? Saquhar-Perry plans a new heist at a bank. So let?s plant some desinformation to make sure the good guys are in the wrong place. Feed it to Towler, who will pass it on to Lamb, who will then inform Harpur. Towler can?t be found (remember, he is dead). You have to find a substitute. But who can you trust? What information can you trust? As a matter of fact - can Ember trust Webb? Can Saquhar-Perry trust Ember? Can anybody trust anybody?

The author has written a tightly constructed mystery. After introducing the actors, he starts to apply the vise and squeezes the last bit of thought out of them. The result is a cliff hanger not to be missed. I just wonder why it took ten years for this book to make the trip from England across the Atlantic. We desperately need more books of this caliber!

James writes the best dialogue in current mystery fiction; his plots are superb; and his portrayal of police under siege is unequalled. James does not disappoint, and in "Gospel" he excels.

This book (interestingly enough written as a textbook for the second half of Professor Kugel's Introduction to the Bible Course) is a beautiful book examining the wonders of Biblical Poetry. As Kugel notes, the poems have none of the classic poetic elements in English of meter or rhyme, but do have this wonderful ____A____|____B____|| element to them. He carefully walks the reader through how the bridge between A and B is important, and develops in a scholarly but totally readable way how the poem generates meaning. Anyone interseted in understanding further how the Bible works, and how it applies to our life should read this book.

Kugel's book provides wonderful insight into some of the subtleties that lie behind these 'poems' of the Bible so often lost in translation and literalized in this overly scientific day and age of ours.

The poems, with the commentary provided by Kugel, come alive on the page and Kugel's knowledge and enthusiasm for the material is obvious on each and every page. A worthy addition to any collection.

The Great Poems of the Bible could also have been titled: "Wisdom in the Bible". In his book, James Kugel shows the depths of thought and feeling that one can encounter in these texts when one takes the time to ponder their words and rhythms. The Wisdom which is put forth is far from the sanctimonious moralizing of some. Rather it is an endeavour to picture the universe as a whole, where in the end harmony triumphs. Kugel's prose itself is a tour de force of poetry and most probably it took a poet to reveal the Poems of the Bible from the all encompassing cries of the Prophets to the "one-liners" of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. One cannot finish this book without desiring to read it over again.