Katie is the most gruesome of all Michael McDowell's books, yet it is one of my favorites. Philo is a true heroine, Katie is unbelievably evil, and then who hasn't known a person who resembles Jewel? The Slapes will leave you dumbfounded at their callousness, and you will find yourself cheering every time Philo overcomes some other obstacle in her path. This book is a really fast read, totally absorbing. Get ready for some gore, though.

Closer to the great gothic tradition and to Charles Dickens, this is a real jewel of plotting (as all of McDowell's novels were, either by pseudonym - Nathan Aldyne and Axel Young- or under his own name)about two nemeses who are bound to face off in late nineteenth-century New York.

Meet Katie Slape and Philo(mela)Drax. Both were born poor and were destined to come unto money, though one was to inherit, the other to steal it. Katie is what you would call a monster. Pretty to look out, but you wouldn't want her to look into you.

On the other hand, Philo is a heroine in the old-fashioned sense of the word, browbeaten, put-upon and constantly humiliated, yet always optimistic and resourceful, not to mention lovable, she is acharacter one roots for from the start.

Gruesome in some details, yes, "Katie" is also an engrossing read, evocative, well-researched and written, composed with a sense of [very dark] humor and a prodigious sense of wonder, this is a novel to be sought, found, and treasured forever.

An unsung classic by an obscure yet marvelous writer.

This is one of McDowell's most brutal books. It's a nice Cinderella-type story with an unrivaled evil stepsister. I like the ending- gory but ultimately a happy one.

Dr. Zaka and Dr. McDowell have compiled a wealth of information and knowledge in this book. Dr. Zaka is an authority concerning Islam and I highly recommend this book to any Christian searching for methods of interaction with Muslims. I give this book 5 very enthusiastic stars.

This book is a great resource to have to understand how Muslims came into existence. It clearly lays out differences and explains how the Muslims view the Bible and Jesus. I was unaware of specific Bible passages that Muslims think were changed to hide references to Mohammad.
One illustration that was very helpful to me is that the Muslims view the Koran as Christians view Christ.
This book will give the reader a clear understanding of Muslims origin, doctrine and culture. It helps to remove any fear or mystery in speaking with them.

The authors have done an excellent job of re-centering our priorities in ministry to Muslims. They focus on friendship and understanding as the keys to effective minstry. The book has a healthy balance of theology and history with practical ministry applications. At Biola University we have used their models for a continuing relationship with Muslims in our area.

This is a book that stands alone. I was reluctant to purchase it because it only had 2 reviews, but all I can say is WOW! The sheer artistry alone is worth the price of the book. I cannot explain in words the beauty and life, as well as likeness of the subject, that the pieces in this book depict. I have not yet been able to use the techniques as I have just purchased it and am a beginning quilter as well. There is no doubt, however, that it will be nothing less than everything you need to know about expanding the basics of piecing. I am highly confident this book will teach me so much. Even if I weren't planning on quilting, which I am, I would still buy this book for its aesthetics.

I enjoyed this book tremendously and refer to it often. Until recently, I was somewhat hesitant to try curved piecing and felt that sometimes my quilting lacked imagination. McDowell's book helped me on both counts. I'll be using this book for a long time and will wait hopefully for another book from her soon.

Really, the best primer I've seen on curved & angled seams. Even includes a review of basic straight seams. Ruth's a great technical writer and instills confidence that you can achieve her results (and you really can). Would make a great gift for the quilter who wants to branch out into more complex seamwork. Thanks Ruth B!!

I am 15. I've been a Christian for 11 years. I've read my Bible every day of my life, and God never ceases to speak to me, even when I don't understand some of what I'm reading. I picked up The Rock and God totally rocked my world!! I understand EVERYTHING and it's so relevant to me!! I definitely recommend this!!

This book shines like a lighthouse on a dark night. Young people can be helped in making good decisions if they follow the clearly organized topics. WWJD? Becomes "Now I know what is the right thing to do in my life." Helps young adults to live in the world and not be of it. Also, I regularly read the KJV and when meaning seems muddled I can rely on this version for clear and accurate information.

For years it seems the NIV "The Student Bible" has dominated the landscape of Bibles for students. "The Rock" is-without a doubt-the new standard. The readability of the New Living Translation coupled with the excellent commentary and helps makes this the Bible of choice for my Student Ministry.

Contains several writings by Ralph Waldo Emerson including Walden, Essay's 1: Art, Friendship, Self reliance Essay's 2: The Poet, Gifts, Nature, Politics, Nominalist and realist. It also contains his famous The American Scholar writing, The Trancendentalist, and the book of English Traits: Wealth, First Visit to England, Race, Manners, Charactor. Also includes info on non - conformity and several poems and society/ political protocal.

Emerson is sometimes belittled (sometimes fairly and sometimes unfairly [or, regarding the latter, sometimes even with dishonest and/or malicious motive.]) There need to be influences that can reach people all up and down the ladder. That Emerson is not Plato or Kant or [insert fashionable French philosopher...] is not an argument for not reading him. For what he is he inspires and can lead one on to ever higher influences - only Emerson's specialty is he is very good in leading one in a true, sunlit, direction which may explain some of the malice and snickering of some of his detractors and satirists. And by the way, the common criticism that Emerson had no understanding or vision of the darker side of life has never been true. That he didn't indulge in negativity may be true. It's always been a statement to make him seem a lightweight to those who have never read him said with the intent to keep those people (young people especially) from ever reading him. As another aside it's interesting when you read non-Americans writing on Emerson that it's obvious they would treasure his works as part of their national or cultural contribution to the world...

Emerson is quoted as often as any other writer or speaker. Not becausea few lines here and there are profound. Rather because he understands more about human beings and life. He is thought provoking and so deep its a joy to read the same essay several times. If people take the time to read it they will understand many things about life they can't get other places.I find it interesting we live in a period of time where civilization is far more advanced yet it appears Emerson knew many things society still doesn't get. There have probably only been a handfull of what people call Masters of life. Those people who had few equals. Without question Emerson is one of these people.If you haven't read the essay Compensation you are missing a very important classic which will speak to you like it was written today.

This is an awesome book for readers who need a little uplifting. It brought tears to my eyes one moment and the next a light went on. Thanks Mr. McDowell for your sharing it was great.

Read this book! If you want to understand how God sees you, and how you can love yourself, get this book. It will change your thinking, your feelings about yourself, and your behavior. It's the best work on self-esteem I've ever read.

Josh delves into the Scriptures and shows us that God wants us to love ourselves. More importantly, he shows us HOW... the three key components of high self-esteem, and how to acquire them, biblically.

A great book for all of God's people! Lots of Scriptures, real-life illustrations, and easy to read format. Thank you Josh!

This book is excellent! The writer's contribution to rational evangelism in an increasingly postmodern context is much-needed and very helpful. His "positive deconstruction" is a much better model, in my opinion, than the slick and formulaic evangelism methods often presented in other books. My only regret is that his plan of salvation does not include the necessity of baptism (immersion). Although he quotes from Acts 2:37-38, he glosses over the baptism portion, making it only a public confession of faith. The rest was quite good, and I plan to reread it again soon and take notes!

What I love about Pollard's book, is that it is not simply about apologetics or learning "techniques" on how to do evangelism. It is really about learning the art of dialogue and how to engage those who come from completely different worldviews. This is an honest and forthright book, written by an author who does not claim to know all the answers, but really knows how to humbly engage non-Christians in real dialogue. I loved this book. I think that it should be must reading for any Evangelical Christian who ministers to skeptics.

This is a beautiful book. The photography is gorgeous, and I highly recommend this book a a bookshelf staple.

I have always loved the writings of Colin McDowell: from "The Designer Scam" to "Man of Fashion" and "Galliano." His latest, "Fashion Today," is truly the crowning achievement. Each chapter can be read as an individual essay. The writing has the same combination of criticism and appreciation--and true understanding of fashion--that is characteristic of McDowell. And the photographs--some are rare even for a fashion devotee such as myself (I thought I'd seen most, if not all). This is another beautifully designed book by Phaidon--an instant collectible!

As a single woman without kids I found that I still got a lot out of this book! The book is excellent for ANYBODY who deals with kids, whether it be dads, moms, aunts, uncles, etc. The book covers a broad range of topics including, divorced parents, step-parents, and single mom families. This book would be a blessing to anybody who read it.

I am a very happy father of a five year old and three year old. Being a father has been a life long dream that is far better than anything I could have ever imagined. This book stoked the fires of my passion to be a father like my Heavenly Father. It his written with insight that will make you a better Dad and man. I am starting a Bible study in a few weeks with fathers and we will go through this book. Do your kids a favor and get this book.

In early 1880's New York City, a prominent citizen is found murdered in the infamous Black Triangle section. The incident set off a public outrage that was fanned by the aristocratic Stallworth family. At the center of the Black Triangle's activities is the Shanks family, known for fencing stolen goods from their "pawn shop" and abortions. During the first half of the novel, Judge James Stallworth plays an important role in the deaths of three of the Shankses. Shanks matriarch Lena orders her family to flee after an incident in which her daughter is killed. But before leaving, Lena vows to slay three Stallworths for the three Shankses slain. For several months, nothing happens and the Stallworths are lulled into a false sense of security. Then all of a sudden, each Stallworth receives an invitation card to his or her own funeral. Now the fun begins.

While this book might not have the fastest pace, it does a splendid job placing the reader in 1880's New York City. And even with the story being a little bit predictable, the characters are constructed with enough substance to appreciate the events that they either cause or feel the effects of. For instance, we have great characters like corrupt lawyer Duncan Phair, strict James Stallworth, his compassionate granddaughter Helen, and Lena Shanks who may not think twice about commiting a crime yet she has a strong sense of family.

Before I submit my review, I have to point out a few things. This may be a very difficult item to find. It was written by Michael McDowell, a horror writer. But GILDED NEEDLES is more of a historical revenge novel than it is a horror novel. When this book was first released in 1980 (I believe, don't quote me), it was marketed as a horror novel with the blood dripping from the golden finger needles and a positive blurb from Stephen King.

Also check out TOPLIN by Michael McDowell. This book is competely different from, but equally as good (and equally as hard to find) as GILDED NEEDLES.

A wonderful McDowell book, as usual. Set in 1880s New York, it's the story of evil Lena Shanks, head of a family of thieves and thugs... but is she evil? We have in the other hand, good, righteous judge Stallworth, a man who always has the law no matter what... but is he good?

This is the story of the clash of two families and how one slowly and strategically destroys the other. Shocking, to say the least, and a marvel of plotting. An unforgettable book.