Nothing beats James Jeffery Paul's uncanny mastery of the English language. Harry McCreedy is depicted as a coy man with a "steel rod" shoved inside of him who meets the girl of his dreams and becomes, in many ways, a new man. I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in reading an entirely new kind of novel. Sit back and enjoy Paul's nigh-poetic prose.

This novel is a cautionary tale about a culture gone mad. One in which we judge people by the color of their skin-in this case the darker the better. When you read it expect to get angry, because you will be. Expect to cry, because you will.

Is there any higher achievement by an author than to imbue their story with whatever qualities etch it indelibly upon the reader's memory? This quality is posessed by Paul. This novel shines among such literary novels as have seen the press this year. Do not allow it to pass without reading it.

When King came to our campus to lecture about this book, I was naturally interested in attending, but believed I knew the story already. (A man had been brutally murdered in a small Texas town because of his skin color).

I am glad I went on impulse because both the presentation and the book throughly examines intersections of race, gender, ecconomic status while imploring all of us to work together for the proverbial betterment of human society. What it lacks for in volume it more than makes up for with substantive content and heart-wrenching insight.

Alternating between detached reporting and personal narratives, this story chronicles the best and the worst of human condition. Just because it is easy to simplify things into a 'soundbyte binary' does not mean the action effectively generates learning, indeed such labeling effectively stops the process.

Without dilluting Byrd's saga, the author also recounts her complex feelings during the investigation. Briefly living among the residents of Jasper Texas in order to complete the book, she learned good people come from all backgrounds and there was no shortage of townspeople (including the law enforcement) who roundly condemed the act.

this Book is very much on point to me.it's no secret here in the United States we have come so far but we have so far to go.this is a Friendly Reminder of a time not so long ago.this Book details that&so much more.truth be told as much Hatred that still goes down you couldn't tell if it was 1898 or 1998? truth be told not much has changed overall.James Byrd should have been front Page News all over the World.Much Props to Dennis Rodman for Contributing to the Byrd Family a Story that went almost unnoticed by the Media.

This book was many things to me. Disturbing, insightful and educational. The book depicts the Mr. Byrd's death so vividly that at times I felt myself being dragged behind the truck. I had to put the book down many times but I was unable to stay away for long. The author did a very good job of exploring the backgrounds of the men convicted of this heinous crime. You must be made of stone to be left untouched after reading this book.

This is one of the best books on success using principles and wisdom from the Bible. If you enjoyed this one also check out "Pray and Grow Rich : Seven Overlooked Secrets from the Bible That Control Your Wealth, Success and Happiness" ~ by Richard Gaylord Briley and "Bible Power for Successful Living: Helping You Solve Everyday Problems by Norman Vincent Peale with Donald Kauffman and also on the another super book on why people hold themselves back from being successful is PERMISSION TO SUCCEED by Noah St. John. Beyond Motivation... Beyond Positive Thinking... Learn How to and Why to Give Yourself Permission to Succeed.

This book speaks to what each and every one of us as human beings struggles with daily, and throughout our lives. It is simply a wonderfully balanced, common-sense guide to everyday problems we all face, and helps us put our difficulties - whatever they may be, in perspective. I recommend it highly!

I had actually borrowed this book from the library many years ago and dreaded giving it back. My roommate at the time was so intrigued with my unsolicited review that she special-ordered it for herself; I always regretted not having done the same.

I was extremely pleased recently to find it in reprint. Since then I have ordered extra copies and have given them as gifts. I believe that anyone sincerely looking for insight and guidance will not be disappointed in what this book has to offer.

I had bought this little book some years ago and was drawn to it for the purpose of helping my care receiver. I was in awe of the wisdom that is so beautifully expressed through the healing power of the Bible. I would recommend it to anyone, but especially someone who is in need of emotional or spiritual healing. I purchased an extra copy to give to my Stephen Ministry group.

James Green's "The Herbal Medicine Maker's Handbook : A Home Manual" is one of my new favorite books on herbal forumlation. Green makes the subject not only easy to understand but he talks to the reader in such a way that makes the subject extremely accessable. Green has taken all the percieved diffuclty or mystery out of making your own medicines. I keep my copy right next to my herb cabinet where I can get right at it!

Finally a book that takes the magic of herbalism and adds a healthy dose of structure, science and common sense. As a beginning herbalist, I find the information contained in the book extremely useful and not found in many other places. This book has earned its place on my favorite list.

The Herbal Medicine-Makers Handbook blends the herbalist author's natural home remedies with his perspectives on the art of herbal medicine's applications, with recipes for folk extractions including plenty of recommendations for usage. The result is far more in-depth than your usual herbal recipe book, packed with insights on how to extract herbs, make tinctures, and apply them properly.

Through examples of our use, abuse and mystical ties to groundwater, Mr. Chapelle gently eases the layman into a greater appreciation of this vital resource. He doesn't spew politically correct nonsense---one of his chapters deals with a woman who, despite all evidence to the contrary, is convinced her well is poisoned by a toxic dump. Cautionary tales, groundwater mystery stories, even a little history; this book's got it all. It should whet the wistle of any future hydrology or geology student, while at the same time educating the casual reader.

The Hidden Sea is wonderful, low-tech introduction to ground water. I used it as part of an informal discussion class made up of a variety of students ranging from undergrads to PhD's. Everyone was able to understand and enjoy the book. For the novices it was a good introduction to typical field problems. For the experienced student it provided a unique historical review to put their studies into perspective. If you use it as a class text, try to have at least one discussion period on it. It will be an eye opener.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's "bite-sized" chapters and smooth flow made it hard to put down. It's narrative style made it easy reading, but it brought out some useful scientific concepts. It took a lot of ideas and looked at them from a new perspective. After thinking about it, I found myself thinking, "Hey, I knew that, but never thought about it from that angle." This would be a good supplementary text for any aquatic studies course. There are even some math problems you can develop if you like quantitative stuff.

How much of what you choose to do and say is influenced by your interior life? Most of us smuggle the contraband of our dreams in our pockets, existing part-time in an isolating underground that no one ever sees, as do the characters in _High Times in Fabulous Toledo_.

Lily James' people live parallel lives that only intersect when a ludicrously botched kidnapping forces them to confront the glaring difference between what they have imagined their lives and themselves to be, and who they really are.

This story is a hilariously tragic fable that pierces the truth of our fantasy lives. Lily James shows us how our imaginary identities both shape our authentic selves, and isolate us from one another. A fast, funny romp that left me hoping for more from this young and brilliant author.

"High Drama in Fabulous Toledo" is a funny, readable, delightful novel from an author I will be watching. If you like women's fiction but long for something truly original and fresh, THIS IS IT. Her writing style just carries you along - it's a compelling and new way of getting to know a character - which makes it one of those books you can't wait to get back to. Adventure and philosophy, sociology and brain studies fans will find much to think about here, all in the form of an entertaining read.

I want Lily James to write about my kidnapping! ... or at least about my hometown!
This is one quirky tale about a kidnapping gone very wrong. Two parts love, one part terror, added to a heavy dose of comedic BRILLIANCE and you've got a book you'll want to read again and again.
Lily James' ability to crawl beneath the skin of her characters and drag you along with her is uncanny and terrific - not to mention terrifying and exhilerating.
This is a Hal Hartley film waiting to be made. Hear that HAL HARTLEY?? You need to make this movie!!
This and _The Great Taste of Straight People_ make me a permanent member of the Lily James fan club.

Of all "Christian World View" books published in the last twenty years, this reigns supreme. Though certainly never intended to be practical or prescriptive, Sire provides the greatest service to 'Intellectual Wannabes' by discussing exactly what it means to be a Christian intellectual. His own history provides an able model for aspiring thinkers. However, the real inspiration lies in holding up Jesus as the ultimate thinker. Jesus' incontrovertible logic is emphasized. Jesus' mind and wit bolsters our own courage to stand up for His truth in a world flailing for standards of verity. Via his discussion of wholistic disciplines, Sire encourages engaging and stretching the mind inside a wider integration of being (mind, body, soul, and spirit). He spurs us on to acquire holiness and to live the truth beyond mere mental ascent. Sire encourages us to develop the intellectual habits necessary to go forth and live truth.

Few contemporary evangelical writers have so profitably and profoundly explored the meaning and implications of the Christian worldview and mind as James Sire. Now his wise, well-informed, and witty book puts us even further in his debt. The chapter, "Jesus, the Reasoner," is worth the price of the book. It demonstrates that Jesus prized and exemplified the life of the mind.

Be sure to read Dr. Sire's other books on related themes: "The Universe Next Door, 3rd ed.," "Why Should Anyone Believe Anything at All?," and "Discipleship of the Mind."

Douglas Groothuis, Ph.D., Denver Seminary.

This is an excellent, and well written book on the exercising of the mind as a Christian, and the need for it. This is a welcome look at Intellectual Christianity, both the benefits and the dangers, especially for a college student like myself.

This is an excellent anthology of essays by many accomplished scholars (see the list of names above). Some are psychotherapists, some former ministers, and some psychiatrists; many are simply inspirational writers. This is a calming book with eclectic selections that will suit most tastes.

I picked up this book when I was at a low point in my life. It awakened me to a new way of seeing - both myself and the world around me. Handbook for the soul is a wonderful collection of short essays, by various people, all with the same message. It is one of my most favourite books and I highly recommend it!

Anything Richard Carlson lays his hands on is worth considering reading. Each essay offers a philsophical view worth pondering guiding the perseptive reader closer to the inner self. The wealth of information well surprasses the few dollars spent on this compilation.

Our young bear hero, Bobby North, discovers that what was hip at his old school is not cool at his new one. Then Bobby meets moose Harry Haller, the "Emperor of Cool" and copies his every move. "He ate cool, he slept cool, he walked cool, and he talked cool," He becomes so cool, in f act, that one day he literally needs to thaw before he can move! Finally he wins the acceptance he so eagerly sought..

After reaching the epitome of cool, Bobby discovers he know longer has to try being cool: "He already was cool. He'd been there. Right at the heart of it". Bobby seems to have discovered the zen of cool-- being cool is about authenticity and not playing to the crowd. But this moral conviction falters as author McEwan tries to have it both ways: At the contest for coolest skateboarder, Bobby both tries being cool and disdains it. Harry the moose's sage advice that boundaries are sometimes needed tempers Bobby's free-wheeling but potentially dangerous freedom. (In a way, there's a mixed message, being cool means doing your own thing, but within limits imposed by a role model). Ultimately, the sage Harry whispers an understanding message about skateboarding and the art of achieving inner cool: "Many catch air. Only a few take flight."

Perhaps this review finds too much of a message in the book. At the level with which most kids will read it, "The Heart of Cool" uses authentic language(e.g."Okay, big man, your turn! Show us how Mr. Totally Cool does it." "Hey, I never said I was Mr. Cool," a believable spectrum of characters, and Sandra Boynton's ever magical mix of soft line, beautiful, unusual coloration, and nuanced portrayal of emotion. The best cool is that which you find within yourself. 48 pages, buoyed by Boynton's graceful illustrations and a "message" that may, at least in part, alleviate some of the dangers of peer pressure.

This is nearly a perfect book. I have nothing negative to say about it, so perhaps that means it IS a perfect book. It communicates coolness to the 3rd/4th grade set smashingly.

Bobby North starts at a new school and finds the things that were cool at his old school aren't cool in his new environment. So he immitates the coolest kid, skatboarding moose Harry Haller(at first very badly). With practice he gets better and wins the appelation "cool." He becomes SO cool he chills completely.

Then his coolness is challenged (by warthog Siggy Sidewinder). (Usually the story ends here with the challenged winning out...) And he's so intent on feeling the coolness of his air-grabbing stunt that he plants his face in the shrubs.

When Siggy laughs at him the next day at school Bobby & Harry have a little discussion about what coolness is.

Sandra Boynton's cooly colored cartoon illustrations are just exactly right: cute without being cutesy. An excellent gift for young skateboard enthusiasts who may or may not love to read. OR an excellent gift for that teenager who is searching for cool.

Happy Reading!

Looking at the subject matter of this book, I figured it'd be the same ol', same ol'--don't try to be "cool", just accept who you are and learn to like yourself. The Heart Of Cool isn't so nearly so dull as that! Bobby starts off simply imitating his cool idol, Harry, but then truly transforms into someone so cool he's nice and chilled. Bobby eventually finds he doesn't need to show off to prove anything to the other kids--he knows he's cool. This is what kid's books should be: fun!

As a result of many questions of our Pastor, in Weatherford Texas,Does God still speak to us? He prepared a series of sermons entitled "Listening to God", and the numerous ways He speaks. The reference Book he recomended was HIPPO IN THE GARDEN.
I would recomend to anyone searching for a closer walk with the diety of your choosing. listen for God and be blessed.

I read this book when I found a copy in the library of our campus ministry "LifeHouse" here at East Central University in Ada. I was all but blown away by the fact that Ryle, rather than being a dispensationalist (i. e. "Miracles and anything supernatural from God passed away when the apostles died"), not only affirms the fact that God, as the all-powerful Creator, can speak to us any way He wants--but he also presents a hope so wildly powerful it made me temporarily short of breath to think about: GOD _WANTS_ TO SPEAK TO _US!_ That realization ignited a hunger in me that has only intensified as the weeks have passed. To make a long review short--get this book and read it. You won't regret what lies beyond its back cover!

What a unique an excellent book "Hippo" is! If you have ever heard James Ryle in person, he speaks like he writes, in an amusing, simple yet profound manner. That is exactly how he comes across in this book. He tackles a very, very difficult subject with story, witt, and lots of scripture (that is very appreciated). Most of the contents of this book came as a fresh breeze of new insight. How very much we as Christians need to allow God to be God in our lives and speak to us how He sees fit! This is what this book addresses and succeeds at relaying. That's why I highly recommend this book to you if you are looking for fresh insight to having a one-on-one relationhip with God. For, God does speak today, in a variety of ways! What is He saying to you?