I live for boots,so I've bought that book and I have to say this is the best book about boots I've ever seen,a must for every bootaficionado.

"The Art of the Boot" is informative, interesting and fun to read. The photos are outstanding. This is another outstanding book from this duo. I had the good fortune to recently meet Tyler and his lovely wife, Theresa, when they visited our shop. I can honestly state that I have never met a more interesting guy! Anyone interested in wearing, knowing about or just looking at boots will love this great book. AND it looks so cool on the coffee table!

Good information...glorious photographs...a galaxy of great boots! This book is more than just another pretty picture book. It has well-researched information on boot history, lore and boot-makers, written in an engaging, personal style. There's an up-to-date list of bootmakers and sellers of collector boots. Ya just gotta have it! (only one quibble..."el rey" means "the king", not "the sun."

All this hype about liberals and conservatives . . . simply put, it's a story about extremes. There's blood and guts, sex and corruption all keeping the pages turning. The liberals look bad, (they're fouling up the country) the conservatives look bad (they're murdering maniacs)and even a Catholic priest ends up as a bad guy. I'm not exactly sure why I liked it, but it sucked me in and I recommend it as a story when you're in the mood to let loose.

"There was a time when the political assassin was always cast as the antagonist in fiction, and the plot revolved around the struggle of the hero to thwart the dastardly scheme. In "Pay Severance Or Die", the roles are reversed. Colonel Jack Davis is not only the protagonist, but a certified hero: a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Disgusted by a corrupt political system with a liberal draftdodger president who would allow gays in the military, abetted by liberal members of Congress who seem bent on giving away the country and with the compliant assistance of a predominantly liberal media, he decides to get his share. He will stop killing liberal politicians when they pay him and his skilled crew of Vietnam-trained assassins. He gets even in spades! Well-written and the editing is first rate. For frustrated conservatives, it should provide a welcome catharsis. It is not recommended reading for those of the liberal bent." Joseph H. Pierre, Jr., Syndicated book Reviewer

Just when you think the good "bad" guys are in trouble, the liberal media goes after the draftdodger president. You've gotta read this book!

I discovered this book because I always read the RWA RITA Award finalists, and I can't remember the last time a novel touched me so deeply. If you're looking for a book that will bring tears to your eyes and joy to your heart, buy TWELVE DAYS. Buy it right now.

Ms. Hill gifts us with everything we could ask for and more: lyrical writing, powerful emotion, tender romance and the kind of freshness and originality we rarely see in the genre these days. She also writes some of the best dialogue this side of Nora Roberts. Her characters are marvelously human, vulnerable, real people and their story will linger in your heart long after you turn the last page.

In my humble opinion, TWELVE DAYS should have won the RITA and Teresa Hill deserves a place on the hardcover bestseller lists. If you enjoy women's fiction by authors like Barbara Delinsky, Kristin Hannah and Anna Quindlen, you will love Teresa Hill.

Sam and Rachel's marriage has been going downhill for years, neither of them wanting to admit it. Despite the fact that Sam has taken to sleeping in another room, Rachel is stunned when she overhears Sam's phone conversation revealing he is moving out after Christmas.

While their problems are deep, they seemed to come to the surface after the foster child (Will) they were caring for had to be returned to his biological mother. Now neither of them are willing to care that much for a child again. Sam and Rachel have struggled with infertility ever since the death of their premature daughter twelve years previously. They gave their heart to young Will only to have it shattered.

Twelve days before Christmas Rachel's aunt, a social worker, shows up on their doorstep with three young children in tow. It seems they have been abandoned in a local motel by a mother who promised she'd return. Rachel and Sam are still on the list of approved foster homes and despite the fact that neither of them feel they want to risk their heart again, they have no option but to keep the children -- at least through the Holidays.

This is an emotional story, reminiscent of Kristin Hannah's "family dramas." I love it when you have a couple who has had some sort of problem to work through which leads to them almost parting -- or sometimes actually separating/divorcing. The characters of Sam and Rachel as well as that of the three children, Emma, Zach, and Grace are ones that will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned. There were no easy answers for Sam or Rachel here. Their problems are realistically portrayed. If you enjoyed books such as ANGEL FALLS by Kristin Hannah, COAST ROAD by Barbara Delinsky or MOMENTS IN TIME by Mariah Stewart, chances are you will enjoy TWELVE DAYS as well. The book is simply unforgettable and I can assure you it will be going on my keeper shelf for re-reading every Christmas season

Sam and Rachel have drifted apart, neither understanding at the beginning of the story just how far. When she overhears him on the phone making plans to leave her right after Christmas, she is devestated,and realizes she has only twelve days to change his mind. In Sam and Rachel's tradition, the twelve days before Christmas (not following) are very special, and the magic of caring for unexpected foster children may help revive their love. But they've loved and lost children before, and the three who show up on their doorstep desparately needing a warm Christmas, have the power to tear the couple apart, or put them back together. This is an emotional story and I recommend a box of tissues and a big chunk of time to read uninterrupted.

Re:My message sent to Oprah's Book Club and Oprah's Angel Network
I'm recommending Letting Your Heart Sing, a daily journal for the soul, by Deborah Tyler Blais .This is an awesome self help manual for all who are in need of spiritual renewal! Everyone should check it out, especially with what is happening in our World today! Maybe, using her daily action plan, we could even get the mideast region to stop fighting! Amen!
I believe it could help anyone, not just Cancer survivors! As a cancer survivor myself, I'm recommending it to all AA, and NA, OA members, or anyone who feels that they are not in touch with thier inner spirit! I've read it through once already and am preparing to go back to the beginning to do the daily action plan at the end of each segment! This should be required reading, and is a first class book to be listed by Oprahs' Book Club editors ! Deborah Tyler Blais is a cancer survivor and also a former drug user! Debbie's honesty and spirituality,coupled with her strong determination to overcome her weaknesses have helped her evolve into a very spiritually recharged person. She now is an accomplished speaker and writer! Deb's clouded past , with alcohol and drug problems consuming her and her husband Gary's lives , now have transformed them, and improved their relationship! This awesome self- help manual is a must read! It should be required reading for high school and college age students as well as adults! Anyone who feels that they don't know where they are headed or have hit a brick wall in their lives will benefit from and be helped using her renewal-of-soul action plan! Deb's spiritual renewal is uplifting and her practical daily action plans make it easy to follow!
A great book for the new millennium!
Peace,
Sharon M. Collins

Deborah and I are fellow writers so I couldn't have been more happy when she told me her book was being published.She writes with great courage honesty and humor.Her tale of Dharma's effect on her recovery from her surgery is very moving. The miraculous way this tiny kitten triggered this whole story and the profound effect it will surely have on many many readers as it spreads far an wide.. is truly inspirational. You'll certainly want to get 2 copies so your can share this with someone you love.

This book has the capacity to change every single aspect of your life if you open yourself up to it and make the decision to reach for the highest inner possibilities that are within each of us. From start to finish, Deborah guided me along a path that she has walked with courage, honesty and faith, holding my hand, prodding me when needed, sharing her life, her innermost strengths, weaknesses, fears and shining triumphs, always with hope and a passion to heal, recover, find the very best that I could be and telling me how to find that "real self" hiding within. The author has been there, done that, and gently relates how her path can be your path. I too am "in recovery", a cancer survivor and have a passion for life which has been aroused and redirected by this book. This book is a daily reminder that life is not a spectator sport and that we MUST each moment regroup, redirect and focus our energies, sometimes gently, sometimes firmly towards finding our very best innerselves in spite of our weaknesses, our insecurities and our perceived lack of strength. The author truly has shown me that in spite of trauma, disease, fear, anxiety and low levels of trust we, with faith and hope, can have lives full of joy, peace, health, love and can indeed become whole, healed inwardly, and capable of going outside of ourselves once again and confidently rejoining the human race on equal terms with all people. The author has elevated living to a new dimension for herself and husband, and, in doing so has instilled in all readers of this book the ability, direction and means for elevating their lives and living out their own stories with compassion, strength, courage and love. Must reading for all who have any doubts, fears and insecurities about the events and direction of their lives and their future.

Simply put, this is by far the BEST poetry compilation that I've read in a very long time. 2 syllable word: Awestruck. Feelin'Blue and Black all over is a breath of fresh air....after reading this book, my respiratory system has not been the same. And if breathing means being without this book...then let me take my last breath now! The passion and energy that was placed into this book can not be explained in mere words, and to attempt to do so would slight Brett Bonner's efforts. So I will just say MMM. Because those are the ONLY words that you will be able to bellow once you put this book down. IF YOU CAN! I DARE YOU! Mr. Bonner, if you read this...A job well done! My hat goes off to you. A revolutionary after my own heart. Keep the movement moving brother! Lead us to that land brother...lead us on!

I have to preface my review by saying it was hard for me to put this book down. Not only did the author speak to my spirit, and pierce my soul he awakened in me my ancestral connection. From the horrific events of slavery to the heartache of lost love, Mr. Bonner addresses a range of emotion. He forces you to deal with your own idiosyncrasies, and challenges your thought process, as well as whom and what you assimilate with. Being a writer myself, I appreciate Mr. Bonner's work, and applaud the fortitude and courage that is required to open up to the masses, and invite them inside of your secret place......your mind's eye.

Although I don't consider myself to be a poetry reader/lover, this book is very meaningful to me. The writer has a way with imagery that takes me from love and compassion to anger and discontent. Certain pieces seem to capture that which has been repressed and has made me feel things about my being that I hadn't discovered about myself. It's a must read for anyone that has ever felt abused, loved, tired, and/or triumphant because it encompasses the best and worst in all of us. It's the best poetry book I've ever read. My personal favorite is a poem titled "Summur's Time". It seemed to read my soul inside and out! I think anyone who reads this will feel the depth of this author's sincerity, passion and pain. I emplore you to pick it up!

I am an adult who never liked picture books as a child (I fell in love with reading in fourth grade, when I finally had the vocabulary and comprehension skills to read the more appealing "Chapter" books). I came to this book because Tyler is one of my favorite contemporary novelists, and even though I love tons of other novelists both present and past, sometimes I just can't wait for Tyler's latest to hit the stores. So, I read her children's book, and I was enchanted. The story is great, the pictures are charming, but what I liked best was the book's "Child is father of man" philosophy. Modarressi, who happens to be Tyler's daughter, has written and illustrated a number of other books: don't miss "Yard Sale!" and "The Parent Thief" and even the weaker "The Dream Pillow" is worth a look-see.

The story of Tumble Tower is hardly throw-away - Princess Molly the Messy is almost despised by her family: King Clement the Clean, Queen Nellie the Neat, and Prince Thomas the Tidy. Molly lives in the castle tower, where her room is beyond what most would considered "a bit cluttered." However, as we soon discover after the rest of the castle is flooded, even the messiest of rooms can be considered a safe, even comfortable haven. Seeing life through Molly's eyes gives the rest of her family a sense of understanding, perhaps even empathy.

While Anne Tyler's story is very nice, I found the illustrations to be far more engaging. There are hidden surprises in almost every page, and the characters are wittily, handsomely, and endearingly brought to life in a style that almost resembles the Saturday morning series "Angela Anaconda."

The kids will love having this book read to them again and again, and there's enough treasures spread throughout to make the parents most happy to oblige.

Although an avid Anne Tyler fan, I just discovered this book she wrote for children and I now number it among my favorites. I find it perfectly charming to see childhood "messiness" vindicated. My grandchildren (ages 8 to 13) thoroughly enjoy the book, too. I can tell they relate to "Messy Molly," although maintaining that their own bedrooms are never as messy as the wonderful two-page spread of Molly's room.

In deftly describing the organic connection between economic well-being and the production of culture, Cowen essentially affirms the need and the justification for being optimistic about our present state of culture, at least as far as creative output is concerned. He argues against and explains the origin of cultural pessimists and their rhetoric, which the author sees as understandable but not necesssarily correct. That is, not as correct as these pessimists would have you believe. The section on the visual arts is particularly rich with historical vignettes of artists and their way of doing business to get the work out and at the same time try to make some money. This book would be particulary good reading for artists -- in whatever medium -- who are often, too often, trained to see their work and that of others as critics would, rather than as artists and creators, who have bills to pay, not just inspiration to concretize. Cowen does a great job of condensing amusing anecdotes culled from dozens of art history books (most of which, let's face it, can be pretty tedious for the most part). Cowen makes a convincing argument that today, as an artist, one can be as esoteric as s/he likes and still find an audience, BECAUSE the economic structure of commercialism is in place to the extent that it is. In citing examples of artists who managed to become millionaires in their time (Michaelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Mozart, Monet, etc), the author argues that being successful does not have to mean "selling out". Of course, in the process, he also implicitly argues against the ingrained prejudice people have against the idea of "selling out". Let the market and humanity's better judgement do their job of sorting it all out in the end : Only the excellent survives, and what is excellent in an artwork operates independently of the magnitude of popularity. Thus, the author lays out his reasons for the need to be more embracing of new genres of art by accepting the possibility that new stuff may one day be "classics", just as much of what we call "classics" today acquired their present status although they did not start out that way when they were born. By profession, the author is an economist, who apparently takes a great interest in the arts, and is concerned enough about seeing them flourish in diversity to say: Thanks to the market driven economy we have in an economic structure (for better or worse) that goes by the name of capitalism, more than ever before, artists can be as good as they wanna be doing their "thang", and still have a shot at being handsomely remunerated. Art is about pleasure, Cowen says. The pleasure of perception, sensation, feeling, provocation, inspiration, ideas, regardless of the kind. Even cultural whiners whine, with learned diction, because it gives them pleasure, much pleasure, to complain about how things are nowadays.

"In Praise of Commercial Culture" is Cowen's attempt to demonstrate that capitalism and economic growth promote, rather than squelch, individual creativity through artistic expression. In it, he provides a detailed history of the origin and development of markets for literature, painting, sculpture, and music. Throughout the book, he focuses on both pecuniary and non-pecuniary incentives that markets create for individuals to challenge prevailing artistic sentiments and express their creative energies in new and unique ways.

He begins his economic analysis of art markets by stating that the creation of wealth enables people to address their aesthetic interests. Specifically, markets enable artists to free themselves from both the desires of wealthy patrons and the need to satisfy mainstream tastes. This enables outsiders who stand to gain little by appealing to mainstream conventions to take risks and establish new cultural ideas. He gives a number of examples of how members of ethnic minorities managed to break color barriers by creating new genres of music.

In the area of books and literature, he asserts that the decentralization of editorial and financial decision-making enabled the number of publishers to skyrocket. He points out that small independent and university publishers can flourish in a commercial society by gathering capital for little-known authors who operate outside of popular spheres. He states that it has become more and more difficult for a small group of authors to dominate the attention of readers. He responds to the accusation that literary diversity diminishes fame-based incentives for authors by explaining that markets tend to increase the quantity of fame available to everyone over time. As a result, the quantity and quality of literature available to the public also increases over time.

Cowen responds to critics from across the political spectrum. He deconstructs arguments brought against capitalistic art by neo-conservatives, religious leaders, neo-Marxists, feminists, multiculturalists, artists, and surprisingly, some libertarians. He explains that members of each group fear culture because it can produce rapid changes in people's worldviews. As unregulated culture cannot be controlled, people who have a vested interest in preserving certain ideas tend to oppose it. Thus, people who work in politics must limit human creativity to stay in power.

Although his defense of government as a limited entrepreneur in the cultural market will rankle some readers, Cowen's account is a lively historical view of how markets reward individual creativity. Like Samuel Johnson, he praises the ability of markets to enable artists to turn their passions into livelihoods. He presents an effective critique of arguments that favor heavy government involvement in the artistic realm. Most importantly, he demonstrates why individuals should look forward to enjoying high quality artwork for years to come.

What is quite extraordinary about Tyler Cowen's book is not his sohphisticated understanding of economics (one expects that), or even his ability to put across difficult problems clearly, but the breadth of his knowledge about art and music. The book is indispensable to anyone who claims an interest in arts policies.

On Growth and Form written by D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson is a classic and should be found on the bookshelf of any well read person.

This book sets our mind up for an education in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and physiology with form and function. Language skills are needed for reading this book as the author uses the original Greek in places for explaination and emphsis. Aristotle comes to mind and German is used for emphsis.

If you want to get the full extent of the text and you are not up to speed on the subjects mentioned or you'll find it hard to read this book. This could be read by a junior or senior in high school. But, I think it would be more appropriate for college.

This book is the study of organic form using methods found in the physical sciences. This book is a challenge to read, but it is very logical and straight forward.

Biologists currently believe that DNA 'codes' 'information'--you can see the garbage we impose on these little hydrogen bonds--everything from your eye color to your ability to speak language.

Yet Physicists now believe that there are universal aspects to phase transitions, which make no reference to their constituent parts. I read Thompson as saying something similar: forms such as the spiral and hexagonal array are displayed in wildly disconnected systems, because they solve an optimization problem that is commonly seen. We may -not- describe a shell with reference to its DNA--not only would it be tremendously difficult, it would be impossible! These forms make -no reference- to constituent parts, only to the very high-level enviornment.

If this is correct, biologists may be barking up the wrong tree! Whatever made them think that DNA 'codes' anything? We know perfectly well that tiny changes in initial conditions can radically change the final product, but in a totally unpredictable way! Better to ask, why do so many things in the world--'living' or not--take on the form that they do? What is this urge to 'live', that is (in physicist's terms) to self-assemble? And, is our instinct correct, that life's form displays the same kind of universality that we know exists for phase transitions?

Thompson's reference to Leibnitz (usually taken as kooky classicism) is hand-in-glove with this argument. His discussion of effective versus final cause reads like a manifesto for a new (or long ignored) science. Wolfram take note: this guy beat you (was genuinely original, and even wrote beautifully) by about 100 years.

This book is a classic, no two ways about it. It is really the first credible attempt to start taking a quantitative approach to biology, and despite the developments of the past century (molecular biology, etc), the problems raised in this book are just as pressing as they were when thompson wrote it. Anyone working in cell biology nowadays will immediately see applications of the ideas in this book, for example to organelle morphogenesis. The genius and erudition of thompson shine through on every page, making the book inspiring to read.

Lee did it again! I rate this one my favorite of her works so far. She put a great deal of emphasis on historical detail while spinning a mysterious little tale of intrigue for her two main characters. The detective couple starts out to enjoy rounds of golf in the Hawaiian Islands and ends up solving a unique mystery. It made a great summer read in my backyard hammock.

D. Whitehead
MidlandTexas

Lee Tyler is a veteran travel writer and current member of the Golf Writers Association of America. Other books include The Case Of The Missing Links.

Hawaii is full of mystery and romance, and when Harry "Win" Winslow and June Jacobs (who are self-described top golfing sleuths) are talked into watching over the new Mauna Makai golf course for a week, they have no idea that they will be dealing with more than just political mischief. Mauna Makai has an ancient wall, known as "papohaku" running through it. The wall is both the draw and the originator of many of the problems Martha Masters and Doug Banner have been having in getting the golf course online in time for a big celebrity wedding and the launching of the golf course:

"As they lurched along toward the first hole, Ted said, 'I live up-country, up there, about ten miles away.' He pointed to a mountain in the distance. 'See that rainbow? That's Waimea, where I live. Sometimes in the middle of the night, I hear this golf course calling to me. Like it's crying for help. So I get up at like two in the morning and get dressed and drive down here to check on things. My wife thinks I'm crazy. Doug here thinks I'm superstitious. Me, I'm just doing my job. And you know what? Every time I've come down here, there's been something screwy. Like majorly wrong.' He turned to Doug and said, 'Explain that with your mainland logic.'"

Tyler has combined the game of golf, ancient Hawaiian mythology, and a couple of scatterbrained sleuths to produce a whimsical tale about love, ghosts, and the history and culture of Hawaii. The Teed-Off Ghost is an excellent book to pull out on a cold winter day, as Tyler's passages about luaus can't help but warm the spirit. Tyler pokes fun at the obsession of golfers, while treating us to a warm Hawaiian experience complete with lots of terminology for the uninitiated. She adds island mystery, an entertaining and irascible ghost, and handsome natives who play havoc with the ladies' hearts. The Teed-Off Ghost is more about getting into the native spirits than it is about murder and mayhem, but it is a fun read nevertheless.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

I really enjoyed the book I liked the characters, I liked the plot, and I felt like catching the next plane to Hawaii, even as a non golfer. The book was consisently charming and fast pased.

I have owned this 'game' for several years and have introduced all my friends to it. It is far more than a game - it is a wonderful, spiritually healing experience. Using Angel, Life Insight, Life Setback and Awareness cards, each player follows his or her own 'life path' on the game board. The game is always affected by the energies of the people playing and can manifest itself as a deeply spiritual experience or a rather light-hearted, humorous approach to your question (focus for the game). Don't let the sheer volume of cards overwhelm you -- by themselves or in combination with awarenesses earned, each has a truly unique message.

this new age game , is easy to play , it takes time , but it worth every hour you put in it . I played it with my oldest daughter , during two hours ,and it helped both of us to find , good ,truthfull and amazing answers to our questions , also , it helped us with our reationship . I played it also with two friends , who are dealing with energies and self conciuosness , it took us 4 hours , but the insights each of us got was amazing , and it was fun at the same time . I find it a very wise and rewarding way of beeing with friends . Geula , a medical doctor -Israel.

...this "game" is actually more of an experiential module that guides one through the change process no matter what the issue at hand. After playing it for the first time, I felt closer to my life partner than ever - we shared so many small but intimate details that previously had been suppressed or thought not important enough to share. We were both left emotionally exhausted but content and at peace after 4-1/2 hours of play.

This game helped me to harness all of the knowledge and coping tools I brought into it and to blend and use them as powerful forces of action and insight.

I would recommend this to ANYONE who feels a need for deeper self-understanding. Just make sure you have a large block of uninterrupted time before you begin!