Don't Divorce Your Children honors the children of divorce and offers practical ideas on how to handle real life challenges. It describes anecdotal situations in a diary format and discusses how to handle them so that the relationship between parents and children are strengthened. The chapters are in an easy to read format that allows you to zero in on a situation that matches your own.

As a step-mother, this has been a very helpful guide to me when confronted with the negativity and unhappiness of my husband's ex-wife and how her manipulative behaviors effect the children and add stress to the transition between her home and ours. It helps me to be supportive of the children and of my husband at the same time.

The book is filled with wise insights, comfort, and good counsel. It has been a lifesavor through the journey as the children have grown older and established their own identities. While their parents have been divorced for 8 years and the children are now young teens, each stage has taken on a new nuance, and this book has helped my husband and me to maintain a sense of humor and connectedness as a family.

It sometimes takes a lot of emotional energy on the part of parents and children to work through these solutions, and this guide has given us permission to remain firm in being actively involved in the children's lives (even if their mother wishes we would move to another planet.)

A consistent and helpful approach is provided no matter what age your children are or whether your divorce is new or long-standing. This is a book worth buying and reading again and again as you encounter new and different situations.

Children don't share our perspectives. Developmentally they have very different needs than the adults in their lives. Divorce can rock even the firmest foundation we have given them. This book gives parents the ablility to seek simple solutions from different perspectives. Answers that were easy, can get more complicated with divorce and it is refreshing to find solutions that use common sense, and place not winning or losing but succeeding as the goal, The authors, understand both children and parent needs, and the importance of building good relationships for all involved. I highly recommend this book, I have had opportunities to put the authors' guidelines to use and they work - for both parents and children, empowering all involved.

Just like your divorce, you probably won't like everything in this book, because no matter who you are, you can't help using the kids somehow to act out your own issues with your soon to be ex. This book really takes on the specific issues that effect children, so if you are serious about wanting to spare them long lasting problems as much as possible, read this book and pay attention to what it says.

Eleven-year-old Livvy Hudson's life is shattered when her mother dies of cancer. Livvy now has no support for her skating, and her dad has turned into a hermit. But one day her dad decides that he wants to move to Alpine Lake to get away from all the memories of Livvy's mother. Livvy is upset that she will have to leave everything and everyone behind, especially her coach. But Apline Lake turns out to better than Livvy thought, especially since she now lives in the same town as her pen pal. But Livvy is still unable to get a new coach or lessons. Will her Olympic dreams ever come true? I really liked this book, even though I am not into figure skating.

I have read all of Beverly Lewis adult books and long for more. I am intrigued by the stories of Lancaster County Pa. Looking forward to more tales of the simple life. Beverly, thank you very much for soothing "winter" reading. I really enjoyed your stories.

Dreams On Ice by Beverly Lewis is a fabulous story about an eleven year old girl named Olivia Hudson. Her dreams of becoming a professional figure skater are put on hold when she and her dad move to Alpine Lake, Colorado after her mom dies from cancer. Olivia makes friends in some unexpected places and begins to really enjoy her new home. I love it when she gets to meet her pen pal and finds a place to skate. I enjoyed this book because I like to ice skate like Olivia. I have read nearly all of Beverly Lewis' Cul-De-Sac Kids books and this book in the Girls Only series is just as wonderful. I'm looking forward to reading the 3 other books in this series. by Kaitlyn Drennan, 10 years old

The Energy of Life is a book that will change your life for the better, whether you are currently in the depths of despair or at the pinnacle of your success.
Barbara and Jimmie have written a book that interesting and fun to read. Most importantly, it is a book that gently but firmly leads the reader to honestly evaluate his/her responsiblity in creating a joyful, abundant life. What I liked best about The Energy of Life is the completely non-judgemental way that the authors helps you dig into some very sensitive areas of your being in order understand why we are where we are and what we can do to change that.

What made The Energy of Life authentic for me is the way that Jimmie and Barbara weave their own personal examples into the book to illustrate each chapter's principles. They hold nothing back, positive or negative. I felt completely at ease trying to be honest about my own consciousness knowing that Barbara and Jimmie had been down that path before me.

Rediscovering Your Core

This book is a tool for peeling back the layers of false beliefs that you have accumulated through out your life. An awakening of your core can be the result. If growth is your path this book can offer insight to obstacles in your way.

I am privileged to know the authors of this text. They live their lives according to their work. They have and will continue to have a profoundly positive impact on my life. They live a life and have a relationship that others told me did not exist. I am truly blessed to know them.

The Energy of Life is a book about you and me: how to change you and me; how to create a new you and me. Many, many lives have been touched, and thus changed, through the principles offered in The Energy of Life. Using The Energy of Life as a text and guide, my teaching ministry, Pan-African Metaphysical Center, has offered class after class after class, helping individuals to know themselves better and to become open to a deepened awareness and understanding of living life through the principles taught in this book.
Each class is a series of 2-hour gatherings once a week for 7 weeks, and the class serves as a springboard for miraculous realizations and in-depth changes for every participant.
In the years since the first publishing date of The Energy of Life, 10 such class series have been made available through this teaching ministry. And each new class brings more and more individuals seeking - and finding(!) - a new empowerment through self-awareness and self-responsibility.
When the authors speak about "Uncovering the Iceberg", for instance, they offer clarity about false beliefs, and new realizations about how to overcome these. From one idea to the next, simplicity of presentation is the key that moves this book into that special category of universal acceptance.
The Energy of Life speaks to everyone and is understood by all - no matter what the age or life experience. The active, excited participation of the variety of individuals enrolled in these classes - from high school seniors to senior citizens - supports the awareness that The Energy of Life is profound in its simplicity. What more need be said!

After spending literally thousands of hours reading true crime books, I can say that this is the real thing. I was absolutely thrilled to see that it is available because I am going to make it required reading for the students in my Criminal Investigation classes! They may grumble at first about having another book to read, but when they start on "The Evidence Never Lies", they'll not want to put it down!

As the spouse of an award-winning crime reporter, we found "The Evidence Never Lies" to be a compelling, thought-provoking analysis of the incredible career of Herbert MacDonell. For those whose careers focus on crime, crime buffs, and seekers of great reading, this is a must-buy.

I first found this book in 1992...and it changed my life. I am not kidding. Because of this book, I went on to studying serial killers, profiling and forensics...I was a paralegal major before that. The Evidence Never Lies is one of those treasures that should not be lost....never mind out of print!! I searched for it to see if there were a newer edition; I cannot believe it is out of print. Please Mr. MacDonell, write another like it. It is truly great

If you are at the least familiar with Prof. Gordon's work, then you should need no prompting in purchasing this text. If not, then I wholeheartedly recommened "Existentia Africana" for anyone with an interest in race theorizing along existential lines. Gordon draws influences from such existential theorists as Frantz Fanon, W.E.B. DuBois, Jean-Paul Sartre, and bell hooks to paint a very coherent and useful picture of modern Africana existential thought. Buy it, and read it, you won't be dissappointed.

Sylvia Wynter has said that it is the challenge of the writer to create new "forms of life." Lewis R. Gordon has done just that with "Existentia Africana." With chapters such as "Can Men Worship?", "'What Does It Mean to be a Problem'?", and one of the most moving sections, "Writing: Words and Incantation", Gordon pours out his soul in trying to explain to the reader why in the year 2000 black people in Africa and the African Diaspora are still regarded as problem people. The author is a writer, philosopher par excellance, a jazz musician, a product of both Jamaica and black America, the academy and the realm of grassroots political activity. Discussing persons such as Frantz Fanon to Angela Davis to Jean-Paul Sartre to W.E.B.Du Bois to Naomi Zack to Josiah Young to Abbey Lincoln and to others, Gordon's words and incantation force the reader to confront the meaning of black existence from Jamaica to the United States to the UK to Africa to aboriginal Australia. Gordon differentiates between the European movement of thought "Existentialism", versus what he terms a "Philosophy of Existence/Existential Philosophy." A Philosophy of Existence addresses issues of freedom, anguish, dread, and responsibility in a way that does not limit discourse to European thought and thikers such as Sartre, Heidegger, Jaspers, and Simone de Beauvoir. Dear reader, please read on if you are willing to confront these serious and pressing issues of our times.

Professor Lewis R. Gordon (Brown University) has outdone himself in this groundbreaking introduction to Africana existential thought! In addition to a breakthrough in Africana studies, Fanonian and DuBoisian students and scholars alike will appreciate the fruit of Gordon's labor. I would highly recommend anything written by Gordon; his style and method are very endearing to the reader.

I really liked reading Han's Christian Anderson's biography. You learn a lot about him, and his stories from this book. He is one of the greatest writers ever. He tells the story of his life beautifully. It was full of adventures and travels, of which he tells a lot about in his book. He truly liked all people. I highly recommend this book, and would give it more stars if I could.

The Fairy Tale Of My Life is Hans Christian Andersen's autobiography. Andersen (1805-1875) had an undeniable gift for storytelling that led to the creating of a series of classic fairytales that included "The Little Mermaid", "The Ugly Duckling", and "The Snow Queen. His sense of fantasy, descriptive abilities, and sensitivity to human emotions are also evident in the candor and engaging self-told story of his life from the extreme poverty of a provincial childhood to the international celebrity of his final years. Careful readers will also find valued insights into the sources for many of his most famous and enduringly popular stories. The Fairy Tale Of My Life is a "must" for the legions of Hans Christian Andersen fans!

The Fairy Tale Of My Life is Hans Christian Andersen's autobiography. Andersen (1805-1875) had an undeniable gift for storytelling that led to the creating of a series of classic fairytales that included "The Little Mermaid", "The Ugly Duckling", and "The Snow Queen. His sense of fantasy, descriptive abilities, and sensitivity to human emotions are also evident in the candor and engaging self-told story of his life from the extreme poverty of a provincial childhood to the international celebrity of his final years. Careful readers will also find valued insights into the sources for many of his most famous and enduringly popular stories. The Fairy Tale Of My Life is a "must" for the legions of Hans Christian Andersen fans!

It must be really strange for a child of immigrants to understand what their parents are feeling about their other country and culture. Some may or may not understand their parents first language. I am eager to share this book with my students and see what they think.

Faraway Home is the story of a young girl whose father must go away to his home land to see his mother. The girl (Desta) isn't very happy about this. The illustrations (by E. B. Lewis) are simply stunning. This is a truly spectacular book

In this beautifully illustrated story, a young girl comes to terms with her immigrant father's plans to visit his country of birth, Ethiopia. In the process, she learns about the differences and similarities between his childhood and hers and, more importantly, about the enduring strength of the love between parent and child. This wonderful book is perfect to share with the child facing similar fears about whether a parent will return from a journey to a distant place or the child perturbed by immigrant parents' longings for an unknown and strange land. For every parent and child, it is a great introduction to a family discussion of "when I was your age, we ..." Highly recommended.

First Place is an absolutely awesome program, offering a balanced and spiritual approach to health and weight loss.

In the kit you will find a Member's Guide, which contains the essential information about the program, food and exercise plan, etc. There are also four motivating cassette tapes, 13 weekly commitment records, a neat little spiral bound Bible verse memorization book, and a journal in which to write your prayers.

The essence of this Christ-centered program is captured in nine basic commitments. These commitments include daily prayer, Bible study (using one of the First Place Bible Studies, such as "Life Under Control" or "Giving Christ First Place"), the memorization of one Bible verse/week, and daily Scripture reading--so it would be best to plan on setting aside some quiet time each day. Other commitments include a well-balanced food plan (similar to the diabetic or old Weight Watchers exchange program), regular exercise, and keeping a Commitment Record of your progress in all of these areas.

What makes the program work, though, is not the well-planned and reasonably priced materials. It's the fact that setting aside quiet time in this too-busy world to be alone with God will improve your life immeasurably. As you draw closer to Him, you will find that you develop and practice both self-discipline and gentleness with yourself.

First Place has a web site that offers the opportunity for support through various bulletin boards. I can attest to the fact that there are wonderful people on these boards, willing to support and encourage your efforts, and even to pray for you. ... There also is an online ministry available, for those who would like to practice the program, but who do not have a local group available. I belong to that, and have found it very helfpul. The web address for that is: rhbfirstplace.org

It has been less than 2 months since I first became acquainted with this program. I'm so impressed with the program that I'm planning on starting a local group shortly. My life has changed so much for the better in a very short time. A modest weight loss is just one of many blessings that have come my way.

May God bless your journey towards health and wholeness!

When I joined first place, I mainly joined just wanting to loose weight. We are starting are third session now and the Lord has really worked in my heart and mind with scripture memorization and bible study reading verses, has all helped me more spiriturally. You need all four things in your life to be balanced, physical, emotional, spiritual and mental. With this you will see a lose in weight and a gain in understanding and feeling good with excercise. I am in this to be balanced and to grow. So far I have lost weight and still have more to go. Praise the Lord for First Place!

I found that this program was a great way to loose weight. If you want to loose weight and are a Christian, this plan is for you. You will love the bible study and will feel great about yourself.

My son and I love all Kim Lewis's books. Her cosy illustrations are so dear. This story is simple and meaningful.

My little Sara loves books and this is her favorite (and I really like it too - it is a pleasure to read it over and over and over... :). She has never fed sheep, but she helps me feed our dog. She may or may not remember what snow is like. But Kim Lewis makes the entire story real and meaningful for her. Every time we read it and get to a particular page she identifies with Sara and says "she's sad!" We are very happy they have such a good dog that saves the day. This book took her to a beautiful new world and we never tire of returning.

This book has great pictures as described elsewhere on this page. It also has a great plot and appropriate character development for a little listener. I think the text in this book is helping my daughter make the connections between words and stories. She even asks me to read the very last page, which is a short bio of Kim Lewis. She wants me to read every word. Maybe this book will increase her desire to learn to read for herself some day. I want to read more of Lewis' books.

It's true - this is my two year old sons' favorite story out of the 300+ that sit on his bookshelf. The illustrations are glorious, and the story is simply wonderful. I swear we can smell the clean, crisp air that the author depicts on that mountain! I highly recommend this one - in fact, I just ordered five more books by Ms. Lewis!

This is a most enjoyable book, covering the highways and byways of the food of Italy. It is not a cook book. It is a book about a culture, or rather the agglomeration of cultures that is Italian food. Highly recommended to the armchair or the actual traveller, and the lover of Italian life and culture.

Root's The Food of France is a highly entertaining classic. The Food of Italy is slightly less so.

As with The Food of France, Root gives us here a survey of the food of an entire country. The country here is, of course, Italy. The book details the varieties and specialities of each region in Italy, which each make up a chapter in the book.

As with The Food of France, Root examines not only the specialities and food of a particular region, he discusses also what it is in terms of taste, ingredients and cooking methods that makes a particular dish distinctly of that region. Beyond that, he also examines the history, geography and native food resources of a region in considering what it is that has gone into making the food of that region distinctly so. He studs each examination with charming details and anecdotes. And he does this all with methodical meticulousness.

In each chapter, Root will start with examining the history, geography and available food resources of the region. Each chapter is divided roughly into the various major cities and districts that comprise the particular region being discussed. The food of each city and district is then discussed, starting with the savoury dishes and ending the sweet. Each chapter finishes off with a discussion of the wine and alcoholic beverages of that region.

Mostly, he tells it with inimitable style. However, unlike The Food of France, there were times with The Food of Italy when I felt it a bit of a slog to read. Quite literally from time to time I just felt like I was wading through a listing of descriptions of different types of food. In the chapter on Liguria, for example, Root discusses x number of dishes in a section headed antipasti and entrées, then x number of dishes in a section headed soups, and so on through sections on fish, meat, poultry, game, vegetables, and finally, desserts.

However, you can't argue though with the immensity of his knowledge, and the book deserves 5 stars alone just for that. Ultimately, if you are interested at all interested in reading about food, your collection would not be complete without this, and his other classic: The Food of France.

My Personal Rating Scale:
5 stars: Engaging, well-written, highly entertaining or informative, thought provoking, pushes the envelope in one or more ways, a classic.
4 stars: Engaging, well-written, highly entertaining or informative. Book that delivers well in terms of its specific genre or type, but does not do more than that.
3 stars: Competent. Does what it sets out to do competently, either on its own terms on within the genre, but is nothing special. May be clichéd but is still entertaining.
2 stars: Fails to deliver in various respects. Significantly clichéd. Writing is poor or pedestrian. Failed to hold my attention.
1 star: Abysmal. Fails in all respects.

Imagine eating delicious meals in every region of Italy, at someone else's expense, for years on end. That's pretty much what Waverly Root did in his long career as a journalist. And the result is a classic work about Italian food.

There are maps showing the food specialties of every Italian region and the best cities to visit for great eating. Each city is rated on a map, so you can easily create your own travel itinerary.

And there's a long chapter for each region, describing it special food and wine. Just the thing to feed daydreams.