Listen, I have been around a long time and read every true crime book on the market. There hasn't been a book in a long time which effected me as much as A Reason To Live. Beginning with page 1, the authors grabbed me and I couldn't let go, and I am telling you, it was like an emotional roller coaster from then on. I wanted to scream when Woomer and Skkar did the things they did and cry when Wanda Summers and the others suffered and died the way they did. At the end of the book, I stood up and cheered Wanda and Jimmy for not letting Woomer ruin their lives. My husband thought I had gone nuts, but I couldn't help it. This book is written so well it makes you do crazy things. A THOUSAND THANK YOUS goes to the authors for bringing this story to light. And I SALUTE THE COURAGEOUS HUMAN SPIRIT of Wanda Summers and the countless other victims who have suffered like her.

There were many expectations as to how Dale Hudson and Billy Hills would handle their second true crime book. After all, their first, An Hour To Kill, with all its controversy and popularity, would be a hard book to follow. It was no surprise however, to find that their new book, A Reason To Live, is filled with so much more than ever was expected.

In Hudson-Hills style, not only does the reader get an inside detailed and sordid crime story, but also an inside look at victimization at its finest. The story, which revolves around Wanda Summers is an inconceivable story of valiancy and determination. In 1979, Wanda Summers became the unfortunate victim of Gene Skaar and Rusty Woomer, two men with no consciousness. Wanda, along with her friend Louise, was kidnapped, brutally raped and then shot in cold blood, left to die. She and Louise were not Skaar's and Woomer's first victims however, they would be the last. Shortly after their crime spree, Gene Skaar killed himself before being apprehended by police, and Rusty Woomer was arrested and charged on numerous counts.

Hudson and Hills provide a spellbinding story by introducing the reader to Wanda's life of victim and survivor, which is a rarity in true crime books today. As many books mainly focus on the crime and criminal, once again Hudson and Hills provide readers with a different look at a crime through the victim's eyes. The reader has the ability to feel the emotions that Wanda has been going through years after the crime occurred. Not only the emotions keep the reader wanting more either, the facts of the case and the determination by Wanda to change victim's rights is truly an act of bravery; after so much endurance of pain and frustration through years of legal mishaps during penalty phases for Woomer.

While many readers of the true crime genre wonder what happens to the victims of violent crimes, A Reason To Live makes sure the reader is satisfied with the results of the victims afterwards, instead of leaving the reader unsettled. There is no doubt that this book will also catapult among the true crime genre population with great strides. A Reason To Live is poignant and courageous and will leave you ready to read Hudson and Hills next book.

Wanda Summers...what a courageous young woman. This is an incredible and inspiring story of a victim who wouldn't give up in spite of being raped, shotgunned and left for dead on a cold, deserted road in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Having been a victim myself, I can empathize with Wanda and her family, and know perfectly well what all she went through just to be normal again. America, when are we going to wake up and take notice of what happening in our society? Criminals get better

treatment than their victims. Thanks to the writing team of Billy Hills and Dale Hudson for bringing us another good story of American justice. They are carving a niche out in the true crime genre which seems to be read and appreciated by everyone. I will be first in line to buy their next book.

I've never played anything but 1920's Call of Cthulhu, and have never been to keen on the idea on modern-day CoC. But I must admit, the Delta Green campaign setting is really impressive. After having taken a look at it and purchasing it, I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a change of pace in their CoC game. The best comparison I can think of is this: If CoC 1920's is the movie "Alien," Delta Green is the movie "Aliens." Both are cool, both have the same creatures as the adversaries, but they both have different moods and different types of protagonists. The background info in this book is so realistic, if I were a bit more mentally unbalanced :), I could easily believe every bit of it as gospel truth, not just a game setting.

If Lovecraft was alive today this sourcebook would make him green with envy! This takes the Call of Cthulhu game to the contemporary level. There's more than enough plots and characters to juice up a modern (postmodern?) Call of Cthulhu game. I especially like how the creators have made so many versatile options. You can make this supplement as intricate or as simple as you want. I definitely recommend this as a sourcebook to all Call of Cthulhu role playing fans.

Many have commented that DELTA GREEN is where X-Files meets the Cthulhu Mythos. They are correct, but it goes beyond that. Delta Green presents a satisfying and believable context for mythos roleplaying in the modern era. This supplement for CALL OF CTHULHU, a game which has a history of great supplements, raises the standard by which future works will be measured. This is quite possibly the best role-playing supplement ever. I have been into RPGs for nearly 20 years now, and I have seen most of what is out there. Believe me, it does not get better than this.

Into the Woods...How can you forget the name and all of its characters if you've seen it before, and if you have not, then it includes such timeless fairy tale names as: Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack (of Beanstalk fame), Little Red Riding Hood, and many others. James Lapine's brilliant script and Stephen Sondheim's astounding score are all in this book! Don't miss out on reading this fantastic book with your kids or for pleasure! This book is great for pleasure reading or if you are looking for an amazing musical to put on. Once you start reading this book, you won't be able to put it down! And if you liked the book...you won't hesitate to buy the video of the original Broadway cast and the CD or cassette! Having all 3 mentioned items and watching, listening, and reading over and over still isn't enough! You will love it too.

This is a wonderful play to introduce students to music, theater, Sondheim, and fairy tales. In my class we read many of the original Grimm Fairy Tales (Dover Ed.) and the Perrault Fairy Tales (Dover) discussing the tales, but also color symbolism, different forms of magic, totems, threshold creatures, etc. Pretty heady stuff for sixth graders, but they LOVE it! Finally we read this wonderful interconnection of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Baker and His Wife, Little Red Riding Hood, and more while they are on a quest tale to get things to undo spells. Everyone takes parts and it is AWESOME!! The book is certainly not just for kids, there are very dark themes underlying all of the "fun". These can be discussed and its great to see kids find more to a story than its literal meaning. The VHS tape is then shown, which can be ordered here. This is a taping of the Broadway stage production and is mesmerising. Students think it's awesome. (I do suggest previewing, though. The wolf certainly is "untamed nature" and his coat stops just above what probably should be hidden in a mixed group of sixth graders. :) We just fast forward those three minutes.) This is a great unit. If you would like more info, please contact me via e-mail. This is wonderful stuff, though certainly not Disney!!

This book is great to have before seeing the show or listening to the soundtrack... you'll completely understand what's happening in the story. I should also say, just in general.... Into the Woods is back on Broadway now, and I just saw it yesterday on its opening day with front row seats in the orchestra. I was worried the new production might not surpass the original, and that I would be disappointed since I love love Bernadette Peters and all... but it really blew my mind! The set and costumes were so much more appropriate, more fairytale-esque. There were lyric and staging changes, a little more dancing around, and Milky-White was alive this time which made her like another character. The musical has a lot of catchy tunes but also a good storyline, and though there is a lot of symbolism that if seen literally might not be appropriate for kids, they usually are too young to notice or understand it at all. So anyone can see it, and everyone finds it funny, everyone likes it. And the current production is better than you could have dreamed.

Mildred Taylor has written an outstanding novel. The Land is a prequal to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. It traces the life of Paul-Edward Logan. Paul-Edward is the son of prominent Edward Logan and his former slave, Deborah. This mix leaves Paul mostly unaccepted by the white community and the black community. Where does Paul fit in? The book recounts Paul's inner and outer struggles of growing up. It tells of his conflicts with family, friends and strangers. The novel is very well written and includes emotions by using the appropriate dialect that it allows the reader to become part of the story. I felt that I was there in the scenes as a bystander.
I think the novel is appropriate for a high school audience. The novel covers some very sensitive issues. Their maturity is needed to accept the struggles and prejuidices without becoming so angry and upset.

After reading "Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry" and the two following books of the trilogy, I fell in love with Mildred D. Taylor's writing. I searched the library for more books by her, and when I was successful, sat down and read the books immediately, becoming more enchanted with each one. When I heard that there was a prequel to the books, I couldn't wait to get a hold of it. On the way home from the library, I started reading and didn't stop until the last page.
Paul-Edward Logan has a white father and a half black, half indian mother. Growing up on his father's plantation, he never quite knows his place. Although his mother is always warning him against it, Paul-Edward's best friend is his father's other son, born from a white mother. As Paul-Edward grows he learns of betrayal and watches his best friend abandon him for a group of rough white boys. When Paul-Edward is fourteen, he runs away with his new best friend, Mitchell. A book about racism, friendship and family, Mildred D. Taylor has created another masterpiece to be enjoyed for many years.

... The Land By Mildred D. Taylor

For the past month or so, my class has been reading The Land, by Mildred D. Taylor. I am not exaggerating when I say this is one of the greatest books ever! The Land is about an African American boy named Paul Edward Logan, who lives on his white father's plantation. Paul lives in the time of racism, slaves, and disrespect of black men and women. Even his very own father treats him differently than Paul's white brothers ' he cannot eat at the table when there are guests. Nor can he talk to white men the way they treat him. Paul begins to realize the truth of it all. However, he does not give up his dream ' to own his own land. He does not lose faith, even when his father denies him an opportunity to race a horse for cash. Denial only pushes him to accept the offer, but the owner of the horse refuses to pay him his winnings. Mitchell, his personal bodyguard, decides to take matters into his own hands and makes them running for their lives. The Land takes the readers on a journey of Paul's determination, hard work, and his daring and desperate decisions.
One reason I absolutely love this book is because of the plot! The way Paul and African Americans are treated helps me understand what it was like for people, like Paul during the 1800s. This book helps me realize how hard it was back then ' to treat others respectfully while they mistreat you, to try to be quiet when a white man was speaking! For example, in the book, Paul is not allowed to hit his brother when he has done something wrong because he is white. It makes me think about how unfair it was a century ago. People were treated unjust because of the color of their skin! I now appreciate my life much, much more, knowing how many lifestyles used to be.
In addition to this, I love the suspense! There is always something exciting happening ' from the horse race to the fights where Mitchell, Paul's bodyguard protects him. What makes this book so fascinating is the fact that there is always something incredible, simply amazing happening. This makes me want to read more! Not only is it entertaining, but also this book raises many intriguing questions. For example, what is going to happen to Paul, what dramatic decision will he make now, and how is Paul's father going to react to this chaos? As you can tell, many questions arise. This is one great aspect of The Land.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy books based on history ' something that actually happened. The Land is based on true facts ' how people were considered, how lifestyles were for African Americans, and how there were many unjust, unfair laws. This book has a wonderful plot, which is not only entertaining, but also educational. You would have to read it yourself!
I can understand why this book won the Coretta Scott King Award!

A nuclear warhead is missing, a terrorist is faxing detonation threats to the white house, and William Harrison's family insist on living the most frightening scenes of American society! Welcome to the "The President"! This is the second novel from Parker Hudson and as you can see it is a page-turner. Set in the not to distant future, this novel boldly addresses the issues of social crisis facing our country on its current course of godlessness. Despite the weight of the subject and the length of this novel, Hudson's work demands attention and will keep you begging for more until the very last page!

Parker Hudson uses the typical American family (The Harrison's)to weave his tale of social immorality, repentant cleansing, international terrorism, and political potential. "The President" challenges the typical reader comfort zone and forces critical examination throughout. Be ready to get angry, frightened, and overjoyed through these incredible pages.

This book may not be appropriate for younger readers due to the honest look at homosexuality, adultery, violence, and pre-marital sex. Adults see these topics just as the Harrison's do in Hudson's novel; they are everywhere!

Any citizen concerned about the course of American government should definetly read "The President". You will be challenged, rewarded, and inspired to let God lead you as he did "The President".

Readers of Christian fiction will be touched by the spiritual journey of several of the characters in this book, including a fictional future President of the U.S. The characters are well developed. The author in story form presents two major world views - a God centered world view and a humanistic (or man) centered world view. This is accompanied by a series of several interwoven plots that come to an exciting climax as the characters wrestle with their choices, and their belief systems. I hope that readers who do not normally read Christian fiction will consider this title. I think they will be pleasantly surprised by the sensitive and sincere tone of this book. Readers may wonder, so I will mention that this book does not promote a political party. Thank you

This book is one of the best I've ever read. What would happen if a president elected on a liberal platform became a Christian? And then attempted to govern the United States as the founding fathers intended...with a Christian foundation? Parker Hudson does an outstanding job relating the issues facing our nation today, from terrorism, (a forboding prediction of 9/11), to abortion, sex education in the schools, and homosexuals in the military. Although a fictional story, I felt like I was reading the newspaper on the issues covered in the story. I have found myself constantly referring back to the historical quotes from the founding fathers used as lead-ins to each of the chapters, especially with current decisions from the courts regarding the Ten Commandments and now the Pledge of Allegience (removing "under God"). This book has opened my eyes on the importance of becoming more involved as a Christian in the political decisions being made for us. When you buy this book, be prepared to sacrifice the time to finish it, because once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down.

I loved this book! Ms. Hudson used such a creative approach to keep us captivated as she weaves the lessons of her own life with the history of the North Carolina Coast, and one of it's original residents........Virginia Dare.

This book is a real treat. It takes one of the great legends of American history--the Lost Colony--weaves it into the author's memoir-like reflections of her own life and the "missing people" in it, then folds in the author's fictional speculations, beautifully written, about the fate of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World, who was one of the colonists who disappeared from Roanoke Island in the 17th century. These fictional passages are beautifully written. The book is hard to categorize, with its mix of fiction, nonfiction narrative, and memoir, but that shouldn't stop you from grabbing a copy and reading it over & over.

This book is a treasure. Marjorie Hudson has brilliantly woven history, essay, life and meticulous reporting into a lyrical narrative unlike any I've ever read. We are caught up in not just the mystery of Virginia Dare - which is enough to sustain any work - but in the broader mysteries that Hudson brings to tea - families, the search for truth and the drive to leave behind some evidence that we were here.

Orchids in the Snow is a lovely, well-written book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and immediately become drawn into the characters' lives. Being a military spouse for the past 24 years, I could easily relate to the various changes the character,Andrea, went through. Friends become like family during the many times of seperation which frequently are part of a military spouse's life. The military lifestyle can be extremely challenging and as Andrea was soon to find out it's very important to keep the lines of communication open. Charlie brought the characters to life with the insight of someone who herself has a personal knowledge of how the military works. I highly recommend this book and will definitely be getting it for my friends. I'm looking forward to reading Charlie Hudson's next book!

This book was given to me as a Christmas present and I have already given it to a good friend to read with the stipulation that she return it to me. It takes a fictitional yet real look at women and men in the military and the roles they play professionally and socially. I am not in the military but have worked many years ago (at the very end of the Vietnam war) for a short while at a military installation plus I have had several close friends who were military officers. Even though the characters in this book are all military personnel and their spouses or civilian employees at military bases, their lives and problems make you look at your life and examine what is important to you as you read of their travails. The relationships and changes occurring as life's circumstances change are explored intimately and empatheticly. For all of us baby boomers who are entering middle age, it is a thought provoking look at our own lives and values. Charlie Hudson is an excellent, entertaining new author who I hope will write many more books.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was an Air Force brat and could identify with the Air Force side of the book. I also have worked with the Army for 29 years and have seen people that could have been models for some of the characters Charlie used.

I think this book sheds valuable insight into the stresses and joys of a military life. What the general public sees about the military focuses on the servicemember but rarely do we see what trials and tribulations are experienced by the spouse and family members left behind.

I myself have felt like a stranger when I returned home from trips of only a couple of weeks - and I'm a civilian!

I hope there is a sequel, in particular, one about Sam.

I am blessed to work with the author of this well written novel. I am an avid reader and was given a copy of "On the Edge" by another co-worker. I took the book home and immediately started reading it and from the onset, I found it a book that I absolutely couldn't put down. I don't want to give away any of the contents or storyline, however, I will say this, if you are struggling or if you are challenged in your christian daily walk and just can't explain some of what goes on in your life, this book will OPEN YOUR EYES to the tricks/schemes/wiles of the enemy. Parker, thank you for allowing God to use you to write such a powerful book. It's an eye-opener and a life-changer, indeed.

This book is absolutely amazing! Until I read it, I didn't truly have God in my life. I always felt so unworthy and it was beyond my comprehension that God would forgive me of all of my sins and except me as one of His chosen. My sister who was finding so much joy in knowing God was at the library one day and saw "On the Edge". She'd already read it and, on a whim, decided to check it out for me to read. My family and I went on a cruise about a week later and I took it along. All I can say is it totally changed my life! It just clicked for me, I gave my life to the Lord aboard that ship and slowly I began to change in ways I didn't even know I needed to. I truly started to understand it was real when my family noticed the huge difference in me and I began to find pure joy in studying His Word and having a personal relationship with Him. That was five years ago and just recently God led me back to it, I ordered it online and it was even sweeter reading it the second time. God has truly gifted the author in being able to relate to the soul and I will forever be appreciative of His gift through F. Parker Hudson.

This is one of the best books I've read about the reality of the spiritual realm and the impact of prayer (of lack thereof!) on the salvation of souls. The Sullivans and the other characters in the book are incredibly realistic - I could have been reading about any number of people I know. The author gives us a realistic glimpse of the way blinders are kept on unbelievers minds through "anything goes", "just this once", "everyone is doing it", and "it's not THAT bad"....the deadly impact of NOT knowing God or His word and having any foundation on which to base decisions.
He also very well describes the serious the consequences of God's own people failing to pray. I've definitely taken a hard look at my own prayer life and how I can better help the lost souls around me: be there for them as a friend, speak up, and PRAY! The book is biblically based and very solid in Christian theology. Really makes you think, and keeps your interest all the way through!!!

O Ye Jigs and Julips is without equal. It is the funniest book ever written. Actual essays and recollections of a ten year old turn of the century schoolgirl, Virginia's charm, wit and escapades will send you into fits of laughter. Virginia's English essays unwittingly tell the entire town's secrets in vivid detail to a schoolmarm whom you can only imagine, was shocked and appalled. The book brings to life the nineteenth century lifestyle, social graces and gives a rather unfettered view of the practice of religion in smalltown America. This book is a must-read.

I first read this when first published, at about 10 yrs. of age. I appreciated some of the humor, but about 10 yrs. ago I found it again, at age 35, at a garage sale , and found it much more humorous. No one I have shared it with , can get through a page or two without laughing out loud. I also have received a news clip from 1963 from "The Oregonian" with a full history of the author, her heirs, and the story of the essays. It is very interesting. A wonderful book , delightful, especially for those with any type of church backround. A guaranteed giggle!

I first read this book as an eight year old in the sixties. I found it again about 10 years ago. The young writer gives insight and humor to life on the eastern shore of Maryland a century ago. I especially enjoy her views on comparative religion. Bring back this book! Please!

Ice Under Fire was a great mystery, but in my opinion had no fire. Even though it was a sweet love story, Ken struck me as a softy, and yes there is a such thing as being to soft, and Nique as a person that did now know exactly what she wanted! But I must say the suspense and mystery was the bomb! The story started out good but quickly slowed! This book did not keep my attetion for a very long and that is why it took me a long while to finish it.

Omunique Philyaw was a figure skater. That, in itself, was amazing since her coaches had told her that she would never make it to Pro. But she did! She triumphed over childhood illness and less than zero encouragement! Skating pro was the only thing Omunique had ever wanted in her life. Now it all hinged on getting the sponsor of the athletic-wear company.

Kenneth Maxwell, Jr., had begun on the wrong foot. He had thought Omunique to be a temporary employee that he had been waiting for. And every second he pushed his foot a bit deeper into his mouth. The family company was all that mattered to him. His whole life was put into the company. But his father dumped the US Olympic Skater contract in his lap only two hours before the figure skater was due to arrive and flew out of town! Hot sparks flew the moment they met! Two hot heads that are attracted to each other, yet unable to let go of their own troubles.

WOW! This book has it all, Readers! Omunique is one classy and sassy lady! Kenneth is no slouch either! This story has a powerful message behind it of reaching for your dreams, yet still comes across with the softness of love. Highly recommended!

Omunique Philyaw was a figure skater. That, in itself, was amazing since her coaches had told her that she would never make it to Pro. But she did! She triumphed over childhood illness and less than zero encouragement! Skating pro was the only thing Omunique had ever wanted in her life. Now it all hinged on getting the sponsor of the athletic-wear company.

Kenneth Maxwell, Jr., had begun on the wrong foot. He had thought Omunique to be a temporary employee that he had been waiting for. And every second he pushed his foot a bit deeper into his mouth. The family company was all that mattered to him. His whole life was put into the company. But his father dumped the US Olympic Skater contract in his lap only two hours before the figure skater was due to arrive and flew out of town! Hot sparks flew the moment they met! Two hot heads that are attracted to each other, yet unable to let go of their own troubles.

***** WOW! This book has it all, Readers! Omunique is one classy and sassy lady! Kenneth is no slouch either! This story has a powerful message behind it of reaching for your dreams, yet still comes across with the softness of love. Highly recommended!