This book is an enlightening first step in understanding a spouse who is driven by perfectionism, anger and control. Reading the book makes you realize it's not their fault -- or yours either. (This does not make their behavior less destructive, but it's easier when you stop blaming them for it.) The person from this type of family does not have the self-awareness to recognize their own destructive impulses, much less develop the skills they need to have healthy relationships. It's like they are pre-programmed to destroy relationships with family and business partners. After reading this book, you realize that you, alone, cannot help your spouse, and if you keep trying to do it alone, you will only become more frustrated and heartbroken. It is a good guideline to begin therapy with a good family counselor, which I believe is the only way to break the cycle.

Shame has a myriad of origins, this book gives an excellentunderstanding of shame and its effect upon our lives. It helps us todifferentiate the important difference between guilt and shame. Shame deeply effects our self esteem as well as how we view others and eventually our success in life. John Bradshaw, who is also an excellent writer, in his book regarding shame mostly limits his approach to those from alcoholic families. In this book, not only is this area covered but many other areas along with the developmental dynamics of shame and shame-based behaviors. Not coming from an alcoholic family I did not understand my own deep feelings of shame until I read this book. I highly recommend it for any persons who wish to understand themselves better on their road to becoming a more complete, self-accepting and healthy person.

The authors do an excellent job of raising awareness of how shame impacts family relationships. Their limited, but well focused use of graphs and case studies allows them to relay a great deal of information to the reader in a concise but very understandable manner.

I've read and re-read both this and its prequel "Jade Darcy & The Affair of Honor" more times than I can count. Jade, who could be considered the descendant of the Cyberpunk era, puts in another awesome performance among the Furgatos. Stephen and Mary have filled the pages with a mosaic of colorful characters for Jade to play off of or knock heads with. A *definite read for the SF adventure buff in search of something a little different. =)

Jade Darcy is a cyborg: a human being with a computer at the base of her spine that gives her inhuman reflexes and trained to do one thing: Kill!

Now the war is over and she has to learn how to be a humna being again.

With the most likable set of aliens and one of the best backgrounds I can ever remember,this is a book you hate to see end.

I have read this book at least five times and always reach the end of it with joy and regret. I have kept my eye out for more in this series but have never found any.

If you like this book,you may also like David Weber's "Path of the Fury" which is similar in premise but much more military in tone and plot.

Jade Darcy is one of the most memorable characters in SciFi. Somewhat reminiscent of Heinlein's Friday (high praise as I'm an RAH fan) - I've continued to hope for another in this series for the last 7 years. Maybe this year...

We had this book in our house at some point in the early 70's. At a time when we 5 teenagers were in almost daily conflict with our parents, this book was something that we all enjoyed and laughed about together. It helped us to make a connection with them at a time when connecting was not easy. The book disappeared somehow, and we have since tried many times to recall the words to all the "How 'bout them . . ." poems. Some we remembered, and some we debated. Amazon recently found a copy for me just after my father got out of the hospital after a stroke. His memory is spotty now, but when I showed him the book. He immediately started searching for "How 'bout Them Lunch Toters", his personal favorite. Once again, this book helped us to make a connection at a time when connecting was not easy. I've recited the poems to my daughter many times and now I'm glad I'll be able to get the words right.

I discovered this book a few years ago when my mother tossed it at me one day in our living room, thinking I might enjoy it. She remembered what everyone does: the comedy. Granted, this is a funny book. I laughed out loud at the essay about deriving maximum enjoyment from crackers. However, what is overlooked too often in this book is his real poetry, especially his love poems. Works such as "Wanderlove" and (my personal favorite) "Saturday's Night at the World" leave me awe-struck every time I read them. In "Saturday's night at the world" Williams says, "Her eyes seemed to answer the echoing silence from yesterday's asking and waiting and listening for something resembling a song to be sung back to me." These words linger inside my head, repeating over and over. I urge lovers of poetry to find this book. It is beautiful, it is humorous, it is touching, bizarre...everything thrown into one collection of poems, scribblings and pictures.

My sons grew up reciting not "Humpty Dumpty fell off a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall," but "Hey, you Moose Goosers, Ain't they clods. 'Sittin' around goosin' those ...." and "How about them Toad Hoppers Ain't they Hogs." Sittin around thumpin' those Green Toadie Frogs" This rare book of '60's poetry and prose can be compared to Dylan's satire in his composition of lyrics set to music. The rhythm of the poetry is appealing to all ages and my children would beg for more and more and more. They would confuse some of the text as did I and the message to them was differenct than it was to me. But who cares? It was the very best reading matter around. But it vanished. Maybe the memory is better. The message to me was descriptive of occupations in our society, and how ridiculous the choices seem to be. A Moosegooser. A Toad Hopper. And the description of each follows. I am still looking for a copy. My ex-husband and I discussed who would receive the one copy we had more than who got the Mercedes!

Open Hands, Open Heart was one of the best childrens illustrated books I've read since Dr. Zeuss.

Ms. Diedra Robinson's book about Biddy Mason was inspiring to those young and old. I really enjoyed reading this book and I others will enjoy this book just as much as I did.

I found this to be a delightful book with accurate historical information and a story reflecting Biddy Mason's strong Christian values. It has a warm friendly tone and the story is anchored in the history of early Los Angeles as well as of the United States. All ages could learn of Biddy Mason from this book and find it an enjoyable experience.

finally a clear, cohesive compendium to the songs and chants of the Orisha tradition and well-researched vital information on the tradition of the sacred bata drums / for someone like myself, an Ocha initiate who lives in Asia, thousands of miles from Africa, Cuba and the US, this is a resource godsend --

To anyone that practices within the Ifa'Orisa community, this book is a jewel. It is not often that one stumbles upon a book rich with knowledge & standing strong in it's research & presentation. Mr. Mason has taken his years of practice & translated these beautiful songs to call the Orisa. I can only say that this is probably one of the BEST books I have ever seen on the Orisa tradition! Mr. Mason is to be thanked time & time again for his amazing contribution of this community! ASE!

This is a wonderful work, well researched, full of interesting comments and done with extreme care.

As both a professional librarian and practicing historian and biographer, I understand the sentiments of reviewers expecting one sort of book but unexpectedly finding another. Personally I am delighted that an author finally has the gumption to meaningfully address their role and biases toward their subject. There is no sanctimonius false objectivity here. The author is subjective and tells you so, yet it is one of the fairest books I have read. While readers who expect fact will find it in Demaratus's book, this more accurately described as a biography of emotions. It is a book about every character confronting themselves over an intensely emotional subject. Compare, for instance, the stories she includes of her experiences with Brenda and the man she calls Sam C. Ultimately, that theme binds together what otherwise could be an important but intensely impersonal narrative. Demaratus suceeds, in my opinion, in treating life--with its chance, missed opportunities, short-sightedness, and subjectivity--historically. This is tough. Slaves typically left little documentary material of their own and the case of Biddy Mason is no exception, so like Ladurie's "Montaillou" the author approaches her subject from a tangential documentary angle; in this case based upon material specifically for and about Biddy's owner, Robert Smith. I found one of the book's greatest strengths to be the author's acknowledgement of how this habeus corpus case affected not merely the plaintiff and defendant, but also the judge and herself. This book not only lays out but also wrestles with the first-hand issue of slavery: what was it like to be owned, and how did ownership affect people on both sides? I was not bothered by the "what ifs" because she stated them clearly and hung to the facts and sources well (and yes, I did check notes). The result is a book that is interesting without sacrificing academic integrity, emotional without being maudlin, and anything but stuffy. I highly recommend it.

This is a very thought provoking book for anyone interested in southern history and especially for us with a genealogical interest of our "Deep Southern Roots". Since my husband descends from Robert Mays Smith, the book is a necessity in my "Genealogy Library"!

DeEtta Demaratus has taken the lives of five people--Biddy, Hannah, Robert, Rebecca and Benjamin--interwoven by circumstances and events during a time far removed from that of people today and has given life to each in a most refreshing manner. You are presented with not only a historical masterpiece, but a moving narrative of events that changed each life forever.

I was immediately captivated by the authors ability to fairly treat each of the characters; especially since the issues involved were given to volatile possibilities in interpretation. Apparently, she chose to be impartial yet totally candid in her treatment of each. In order to have a well rounded narrative of "the search for a lost story of slavery and freedom", each life involved was given its place in this cause and effect chronicle. It was obviously vital for the characters involved to take his place and be counted and held accountable for his part in this gripping narrative.

Ms. Demaratus deserves accolades for her beautiful portrayal of justice triumphing even in the most unlikely of circumstances!!
Kudos for a job well done!!

I'm an undergraduate student of history, anthropology, and classics, so this book is merely one of my assigned texts for an obligatory course. I was a bit worried (and a bit more when I saw the price tag), but I found myself pleasantly surprised by this book.

Before you buy it, realize that it is, first and foremost, a textbook, so it is written in a scholarly fashion and has plenty of (relatively common) references to periods of time (e.g. Bronze Age, Paleolithic), historical persons not covered in great detail within the text, etc. Also realize that if you want a comprehensive, detailed, and -- best of all -- interesting overview of Rome from its earliest known inhabitants (circa 1200 B.C.E.) through Justinian (circa 600 C.E./A.D.), this is a great place to get it. Highly recommended.

This is the most complete, concise, and up-to-date survey or Rome from c.1000 B.C. to c.600 A.D. Along with the standard political, military, and legal narrative comes several chapters detailing Roman thought, religion, economy, agriculture, families, technology, and art. Useufl maps are abundant in this edition. Don't be awed by the price tag -- it is well worth it.

As a previous reviewer has noted, this is the standard text for any survey study of the Roman state and people. Well and concisely written, this is the place to start for anyone seeking a broad review of the history of the Roman state, from its legendary and archeological inception to the last days of Justinian. Clearly organized and, unlike some other books written to satisfy the requirements of the undergraduate classroom, presented in a style that will satisfy both the casual as well as historically trained reader, this text broadly and completely covers the essential events, figures and characteristics of the social, political, cultural and military developments that define the Roman civilization from its birth in legend to its political decline and transformation during the rule of the Dominate, eventually evolving into the Romanized societies and political entities that were to define and characterize the early Middle Ages. If there is any criticism that can be leveled at this work, it is only regarding the price, though if you visit your local university bookstore, it is likely you can find a clean used copy at a cost more commensurate with what should be expected.

Of the many books on college that I've brought home for my offspring to look at, _How to Write a Winning College Application Essay_ is the first that my daughter read.

The book is well organized and has interesting topics. My favorite was the chapter of essays gone wrong, and the intelligent discussion of what went wrong with them. My daughter spent hours on the writing exercises--though she hates her writing about herself--and I think they helped her. The tone of this book is helpful, not the least bit condescending, as it points out errors of content, style and tone that can hurt the applicant's chances.

This best part of this book is that it has a large section (50+ pages) on how to gather the raw material on your life that can help you find the material for your essay. If you have no idea who your hero is or what adversity you've overcome, this will help you find your story and the supporting antecdotes that make your essay stand out. Mason also gives very specific instructions on how to write a good essay. This would be a good book for someone who wants some guidance turning ideas into a workable essay. It also has short chapters in writing essays for the SAT II English test, graduate school admissions and scholarship essays.

MY name is.... I was born and raised here. I have 2 brothers and 3 sisters. I know that if i get accepted into this college or one like it I will do my best and keep my grades up. I have a 3.725 right know in middle school for my G.P.a and right know i'm working on getting my 4.0 and see if i can keep it all the way through high-school. I would be honered to be accepted into this college and do my very best for you. well please read this very carefully i have never had to write anything like this or actually i haven't been taught how yet. I just started writing out of my head and tryed to figure it out by myself if you could, could you maybe help me out if I am way out of reach with this thank you....

Recommended!! Written by an author who is a specialist in the literary traditions and content of first century authors like Josephus. Provides useful detailed insights and commentary on the comparitive style and content of Josephus and NT writers. For most of the book the author stays on-topic, and readers will find the Luke/Acts chapter one of the best in the book. The author should have pruned some of the off-topic wandering into biblical interpretation of the NT with no real connection to Josephus; fundamentalists might find the author's comments annoying, but there are enough plain interesting quirks in the NT text that the author cites to be useful nevetheless.

Great book that tells the affect that the Jewish revolt in A.D. 70 had on the Roman Empire and the writers of the time. Talks about the different groups within the Jewish Community. Gives a comparison between Luke and Josephus in treatment of events and N.T. characters. It describes how Josephus contradicts himself and sometimes seems to change his view on an event. So reading a single one of Josephus' books may not give a clear picture. This book does. I have never read Josephus, but I feel that I know what to expect.

As a Jew, I was not looking for a pietistic Christian work, but one that would give me insights into how Josephus was received and utilized by the Church Fathers. I found Steve Mason to be an amicable and informative guide to the Christian perspective as well as a wonderful introduction to Josephus' life, works and world in general. I have read all of Josephus in the annotated Loeb editions and found new insights throughout this excellent little survey. Further, it contains one of the most incisive and reasonable discussions of the highly controversial Testimonium Flavianum -- Josephus' alleged witness to the life and mission of Jesus. I have since have had the pleasure of reading other books by Steve Mason on Josephus and have corresponded with Dr. Mason by e-mail. He is, along with Louis Feldman (who focuses on Old Testament issues) a leading authority on Josephus. This book illustrates why he is not only a great authority but a most effective instructor. Highly recommended.

The final book in this special edition Golden Books series of the first STAR WARS trilogy. RETURN OF THE JEDI finishes the saga begun in A NEW HOPE and continued in THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Like the other two books in the series, this book successfully condenses the plot of the movie into a small children's book. Contains some great pictures. Alas, there is no mention of the speeder-bike chase and there are no pictures of the Sarlacc. That's about the only negative aspect of this book. If you've read the first two, this one is a must.

This children's book is a great introduction to STAR WARS. The book successfully compacts most of the important plots of the movie. It also contains some great pictures to go along with the words. A few of the words are difficult for real-young, youngsters to understand, but other than that, that's the only drawback.

My 3 year old loves this book. He carries it around with him, spending at least 20 minutes a day looking at the pictures asking me to read it to him. The art work in this book really brings the characters to life. I highly recommend this book for children and Star Wars Collectors.