The first couple of chapters were OK. Mr. Shanks' description of the battle was great, however his description of the subsequent trial was outstanding. I did not have a clue as to the outcome of the trial until the very last couple of pages. Mr. Shanks' final disclosure was extremely surprising, therefore, I am interested in researching more about this event in our history. I served 3 years on the USS Long Beach CGN-9, which was a Nuclear Cruiser. I can relate to many of the terms Mr. Shanks uses in the book as being very accurate. The research by Mr. Shanks for this book had to have been extensive. His insight was great. Although my last name is Colby, I am not related to the Colby in the book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a good story based on a World War II naval battle that happened over 50 years ago.

It is a story that needed to be told.

I was the Officer of the Watch on the bridge of HMAS Canberra, at the commencement of the Battle of Savo Island on August 9th. 1942. This absorbing book by Sandy Shanks is Historical Fiction featuring Captain Bode of USS Chicago, you will particularly enjoy the trial section. As a published author of Naval History and a Retired Naval Officer after 20 years service, I found this book most authentic, and totally holding my interest. "The Bode Testament" is a recommended read. Do yourself a favor, buy it, read it, and enjoy. Now, that is an order!!

Mackenzie J Gregory. Lieutenant Commander RAN. (Ret'd)

The following is taken from material accompanying the recently completed Writers Digest Magazines 2000 Self Published Award Books program which was forwarded to the author: "The book really starts with a big event. Wow, that's definitely the way to grab a reader and pull them in. I was hooked after the first scenes in the book, and stayed up late to finish the book. You have a good sense of pacing in your work. You let the suspense build, and then let it down a bit, and then build it up some more. That's what is needed when writing this type of book - that I considered a cross between sci-fi and fantasy. You want somethat the reader just can't put down. I think one of the most difficult things to do in certain fantasy works is to create a different world that the characters share. With other genres, the known world is a given, and doesn't need much explanation. But an alien world -- especially one under the sea -- must have rules and landscape and a million details that need to be worked into the text without bringing the action to a halt. I think you did a good job of that. Using the main character as someone who is not of that world helps to show events and the strange places through his eyes. I liked the way you managed to bring in some political aspects by the mention of the environment, etc. You made some good points without being too preachy."

The following comments about Bouquet Island were taken from material sent to the author by panel members of Writer's Digest Magazine's recent 2000 Self Published Books Awards program which judged all submissions: "This book really starts off with a big event and a crisis of sorts. Wow, that's definitely the way to grab a reader and pull them in. I was hooked after the first scenes in the book, and stayed up late to finish the book. You have a good sense of pacing in your work You let the suspense build, and then let it down a bit, and then build it up some more. That's what is needed when writing this type of book - that I considered a cross between Sci-fi and fantasy. You want something that the reader just can't put down.I think one of the most difficult thing to do in certain fantasy works is to create a different world that the characters share. With other genres, the known world is a given, and doesn't need much explanation. But an alien world - especially one under the sea -- must have rules, and landscape and a million details that need to be worked into the text without bringing the action to a halt. I think you did a good job of that. Using the main character as someone who is not of that world helps to show events and the strange places through his eyes. I like the way that you managed to bring in some political aspects by the mention of the environment, etc. You made some good points without being preachy."

"Combining encyclopedic coverage of destinations with loads of practical information and atlas- type maps, the series illuminates the wonders of nature but emphasizes the peculiarity of a place's people and their folklore." Library Journal

This recently published (1999) guide by Bernd Gruschwitz, cites prices that are more likely to reflect reality than older guides to the islands. Its photography is luscious, professional, and plentiful (145), and above all the pictures truly capture what the islands are all about. The maps are excellent and drawn with three dimensional details, so that mountains and valleys are immediately grasped visually.

The book is 257 pages long, giving it sufficient room to address the important aspects of each of the 7 islands, as well as to present an overview of their collective history, language and customs. I found a number of small errors (calling shrimp "cangrejo" and captioning a picture of dried fish as "marinated rabbit") but this is a first edition which often contains such mistakes. Counterbalancing those small irritants, the book is exaustively informative: for instance it tells about topless and nude bathing, about assistance for people with special needs (electric wheel chair rentals in Tenerife, for example) and about recent exchange rates for currency. The book's advice is always sound and by all means should be followed.

I remain partial to the Lonely Planet guide (it is personable and a fun book), but if I were going to the Canaries for the first time and had to make an absolute choice between this guide and Lonely Planet's, this is the one I would take. The author (a frequent vacationer there) wrote the book in German and then had it translated to English; thus the slightly stiff prose. In all, highly recommended and best to be read and digested while the trip to the Canaries is still in its planning stages.

Kim Grant has undoubtedly composed quite a thorough and resourceful guide to Cape Cod! This book covers all the towns along the Cape as well as the two islands - Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. One will find information about sightseeing, shopping, dining, activities, etc.

I picked this book instead of Frommer's or any of the other travel books because Grant made it quite clear that she personally went to each and every place that is in this book - so she didn't merely compile the listings of businesses along the Cape, she went and saw them each with her own eyes. Hence, the book has more of a personal touch to it. It is quite evident that Grant spent a great deal of time putting together the valuable information which comes in pretty handy for those touring the Cape.

An excellent resource indeed!! All people who travel the Cape, regardless of the degree of knowledge you possess (or don't possess) of the Cape, have this book with you!

As a lover of the Cape; I enjoy finding new places to explore when I go there. This book has given me that and more. Ms Grant (no relation to me) gives a very personal look at places to see, places to eat, and places not to miss. I couldn't put it down. I found things in this book that I've never seen on the Cape before and I've been going there for over 20 years. Ms Grant gave very easy to read, accuarte details, phone numbers, websites and names. I've found in each area of the Cape she gives a brief, yet thorough description of stores, specialty shops, restaurants, ice cream shops. She has also included Museums, Courthouses, even Cemeteries. Also included is Medical Information. Motels, Hotels, Bed n Breakfasts, Cottages. Tennis, Golf and Miniture Golf Courses. Times, places. When they open in the spring, if they're open all year round, when they close in the fall. There was a great little specialty shop that I visit each time I visit the Cape. It wasn't in the book. So I emailed her and told her. She visited there, as did her mother and it was in the next edition she published.

I love this book! it is fun and lovely and really quite cuttie wootie~

I thought that Cassie Loves Beethoven was good because she could talk and play the piano.Then when she here's Beethoven's music her whole life changes.So then she goe's to a concert and she decides she need's to play an instrument,she tries almost every instrument but nothing seem's to work.Then Hallie and David's dad Myles made Cassie a 40 foot long piano.Then Cassie became very famous,then got mad at a newspaper review and got in a fight.From then on she just played for fun and with no audience.

Timid little mouse, Hubie, would have probably been more receptive to the idea of going on a family vacation to exotic Barabooda Island had he not seen the scary movie, The Island Of No Return. And the fact that they were traveling there on an enormous dirigible, The Island Clipper, didn't help calm his fears. But when his worst fears are realized, and a storm sends poor Hubie overboard, he finds himself on an almost deserted island, and ready for the adventure of a lifetime..... James Stevenson has brought back one of his most endearing characters, and just like his previous Hubie stories, The Seaview Hotel, All Aboard, and The Stowaway, his latest opus doesn't disappoint. Mr Stevenson's playful and engaging story, told in a bold and busy comic-book format, is clever and entertaining, and kids will revel in the humorous, action-packed scenes, eye-catching details, and surprise ending. Perfect for youngsters 5-9, The Castaway is a manic, fun-filled romp that shouldn't be missed.

As usual James Stevenson comes out with another great book. Hubie is back! I am a big fan of James Stevenson. Everything he writes always takes me back to my childhood. I highly reccommend this book. Your children or students will enjoy!
...

Jon Williams five volumes describing the fictional adventures of the sailing Markham family of Portsmouth, New Hampshire is as good as any nautical fiction you can find. It's amazing to me that these books are out of print and rarely considered when listing Age of Sail writing. These volumes should be re-printed! His characters are deeper and more interesting than most I've found, and his naval action rivals anyone. He also writes from a strong American point of view, which is refreshing. Yankee, Privateer, Raider, The Macedonian, and Cat Island may be hard to find - but ABSOLUTELY worth the effort!!

Cat Island is the last of five excellent novels that focus around the nautical adventures of members of the fictional Markham family. The hero of the last three novels is Favian Markham, an officer in the US navy.

These novels are well-researched. They include interesting elements of the politics of the time. Favian is not the only well-drawn character. These are all strengths in my eyes.

Favian is an intelligent, calculating, ambitious officer. Like CS Forester's Horatio Hornblower, the nautical hero to which all other nautical heroes are eventually compared, he feels like an actor. In my opinion he is a more interesting, more fully realized character than Hornblower -- and would be a more interesting person to have a conversation with in real life.

The novel itself is framed by the Battle of New Orleans. Favian arrives in the city prior to the attack, and takes a leading role in its defence. The novel includes the usual measure of well described battle scenes, with the added richness of political struggles as Favian helps meld the various parties in the city's defence.

I am a big fan of this genre. I rank Jon Williams novels right after those of Patrick O'Brian, and before those of CS Forester, Richard Woodman, Dudley Pope, and all the others.

I truly enjoyed reading Chincoteague Pony Tales by Bernie Pleasants. It was a quick read - I couldn't put it down. I've been to the Pony Swim before but after reading this book I made it a point to go to my first Chincoteague Pony Auction and it was as good as the book! Don't miss either one!

I have been going to Chincoteague all my life, and this book really captures the memories I have. Mr. Pleasant's does a wonderful job re-telling the tales that he has encountered during all his years auctioneering for the event. After you read this book, you'll want to pack your bags and go to Chincoteague to experience it for yourself!

Bliss designed a great variety of styles, all attractive and all, sadly, only in children's sizing (many would make truly lovely adult sweaters). Difficulty level is not high -- some are fairly simple to make and the others are well worth the effort. Some are rugged sweaters, others decorative. Sweaters for boys and girls, too. The photography is nice and instructions are clear. Really a fabulous book.

My husband and I started knitting while expecting our first child. Ms. Bliss' books contain photos of beautiful sweaters, caps and dresses which are very inspiring. The most classically fashionable that I've ever seen, and surprisingly not impossible to make. We also own her "Kids Country Knits" which is great. My husband's first ever knitting project was a large stuffed sheep, and his second a beautiful sailor collar style sweater with a family of ducks knitted into the design. Both turned out great!!! These patterns are in the "Kids Country Knits". I made a cute hat and sweater set from the "Classic Knits for Kids". I recommend her books as the instructions are understandable, versatile and the small child sizes take a short time to make.

Twenty years or more i read that book and i have read it again at different times. she started me out on historical /fiction. My mother was an avid fan of ms. whitney's before mom passed away. That is a good memory of my mom that i share! Thanks ms. whitney

Columbella was the first Phyllis Whitney book that I read, but it still is very clear in my mind after perhaps twenty years. It is beautifully written, and so descriptive of the Caribbean with its sudden storms and usually sunny weather. The story, like so many of Phyllis Whitney books, is centered around mother and daughter.