This book is filled with scripture quotes and Christian experiences and also many harrowing adventures. The author and her family, both before and after marriage, are deeply religious. The family's Christian experiences lead them through the fires of hell where they don't experience a singe, starting in Vietnam and ending in the good ole' U.S.A. If you are not convinced there is a higher power in this universe after reading this book, then you will never benefit from that power.

The book was extremely interesting in filling in pieces about the war in Viet Nam and the history that led to the war from one family's perspective. The story demonstrates hope coming out of chaotic situation, the war that was so painful for this country. I think reading this book may help us better understand that God can bring good out of the war with Iraq.

I was deeply moved by Ahn's unspeakable courage. This is a powerful story of faith. Reading this book has strengthened my own faith and truly humbled me. What a Mighty God we serve! Thank you Ahn, for sharing this inspiring testimony. May it bless many others as it has blessed me.

In considering Ralph Sawyer's translation of "The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China" one must look at the work from two angles. First, one must consider the quality of the translation, and how well the author has set the historical stage for the piece. Second, one must consider the pieces themselves, and their pertinence to modern strategic thinking.

Regarding the first issue, Sawyer has done a superb job in both his translation, and in his historical research. The prose is easy to read and understand, but the essential, almost poetic, essence of the original language has not been sacrificed. Furthermore, each piece is prefaced by a brief, but detailed, overview of the work including a biography of the author, or possible authors, and a synopsis of the historical context in which the work was created. In addition, the book is heavily footnoted, which allows the reader to fully comprehend each piece, without the primary texts being chopped up.

Regarding the second angle, I was genuinely astonished by how pertinent theses works are to modern military thinking. For such primitive (chronologically, not intellectually) works, they do a superb job of capturing the key elements of strategic thinking: maneuver, logistics, terrain, combined arms and command hierarchy. Moreover, they are extremely sophisticated in their consideration of Grand Strategy and the mobilization of the population. While these works are by no means a blue print for a modern army (the codes of conduct are draconian, to say the least), they undoubtedly provide a framework for the analysis/planning of modern operations.

This is truly a superb work that captures both the philosophical and the practical aspects of some of the most ancient books on the planet. Furthermore, it is a fascinating look at ancient Chinese history. It is truly a must read for anyone interested in military theory or international relations, particularly with China once again ascendant on the world stage.

Ralph D. Sawyer's translations is a must have for anyone studying military thought and theory or martial arts. This translation brings to the Western reader the ideas set down by these wise men of the past. My friends who do read Chinese say this translations is one of the best English versions. Many business professionals like to say how "Business is war" and use these warriors' thought, but here the Saywers show that the ideas set down in these classics are for the warrior and especially for peace. A lost business deal pales in comparison to what a warrior faces when he/she looses in combat. These seven classics are a wonderful guide to one who wishes to live a martial and peaceful life.

Sawyer translates seven of ancient china's military classics and does it in a very thourough, informative, and highly readable way. I have read translations of the Art of War from Griffith, Cleary, and Sawyer and I found Sawyers version to be by far the most readable, as well as the most informative. If you want to study the ancient military texts this is simply a must read. To complete your collection I would also recommend Sawyers translation of Military Methods by Sun Pin.

The information is presented in an entertaining while very informative way. Quit fighting the same old over-the-counter routine...get this information so you can eliminate these critters for good, and KNOW with complete confidence that it's going to work Greatly. Then you can share what you know with others who you may find, need it as well :O)

I run a professional nit removal and head lice treatment service located in Roslyn, N.Y. We have been treating people with head lice for about 2 years and we use this book as our guideline. It is a wonderful book. The video is great too!

The authors seem to think so, and you might also after reading this. There is a lot of controversy surrounding head lice today. This book is a great reference to the variety of techniques as well as a delightfully entertaining guide to their own chosen style of eliminating the determined pests. The book treats the readers with respect. The straight forward honesty of the writers is refreshing and funny.

I have completed reading Facing Me and I knew all along I would be blown away with not only what you went through to get to where you are, but that I praise God for His love for you, His care of you, His presence with you and His guidance with you prompting you to write the book. But in a larger sense, it seems to me to be only natural to want to tell the world about how faithful God is and how blessed we are when we trust Him completely (and that included trusting those He places on our path). If you had never been delivered from so great a situation what would there be to write about? If you had not "drug the dregs" what good would it be to see the mountain top, let alone get there? And who would ever want a life without the valleys because there would be nothing to rise to?

You put me right there in your house, your life, your heart as I read and pictured myself a visitor in your turmoil, stress and heartache. And you put me right there with you to share your triumph. Though ever so slight in comparison, I felt a small sample of your emotional roller coaster and I am amazed at your, how did you say it, tenacity, determination and perseverance -- almost as if you knew it was going to come out the way it did.

I am certainly thrilled I got to read it and that I, in a small way, know the actual person about whom I read.

As I read "Facing Me," I was very much caught up in Stephanie Sawyer's humble nature. It is encouraging to see that she is so willing to share very personal encounters. In so doing "Facing Me" aids the reader in feeling her pain amidst her struggles. Me, being touched and tested by disease, I was indeed motivated as I witnessed Stephanie Sawyer's relentless spirit.
I was equally inspired to observe that Ms.Sawyer has a deep-seated faith in The Almighty. This surely was an added incentive on a journey of survival. I also found "Facing Me" to be very informative regarding Epilepsy. Being in touch daily by a Neurological Disease, I could relate to many of her emotions as well as symptoms. Stephanie Sawyer and I are so alike in many ways. Her love for music also aroused my attention. Anyone who appreciates music would understand how it helped her throughout her fight. I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking a reason to celebrate life. "Facing Me" affirms my belief that battles can be won when God is in it!

If this book does not inspire you, nothing will. And I don't mean strictly Christian inspiration, although it is that too. This is an amazing first person story.

From childhood, the author struggled with epilepsy of the petit mal type. It was a bleak existence for a child, with little support or understanding from family or peers. She grew up thinking epilepsy was a shameful thing, a condition to hide, one that made her past, present and future hopeless. Doctors medicated her, sometimes to the point of toxicity, and told her there was nothing they could do. Not until college years when she met her future husband did Stephanie feel safe, loved, and accepted.

Despite her husband's love and support, life does not get easier. Her study of and love for music is put on hold. Children come along, financial worries threaten. And through it all, the spectre of "seizure invasion" looms, to strike with regularity. When she meets a special doctor with a positive persona, her life is changed. Surgery turns out to be the godsend he has promised it would be in her case.
Life looks brighter for awhile, despite setbacks. The blessing of a nurturing mentor with a can do attitude leads the author back to the music she always loved. She resurrects her musical artistry and pours it into passion borne of pain.

Facing Me documents one woman's trials, defeats, and triumphs with painful honesty. If you struggle with epilepsy, or know someone who does, I recommend you read this book. Or if you simply enjoy well written non-fiction, give Facing Me a try.

Someone is after Honey Malone. She has no idea who would want her dead, but her pursuer has even tried to force her car off the road. Sawyer Hudson is fascinated by the beautiful woman who almost runs him down with her car. Honey is daunted by the gorgeous physician, but his house full of relatives, including a teenaged son, and three strapping brothers, almost bowl her over. Sawyer's reaction to her is just as strong.

Sawyer and his family spare no effort in protecting Honey, but Honey is falling in love with Sawyer. The trouble is Sawyer seems to come not only with a family, but with a lot of baggage. Even though he tells honey he can't love her, she can see in his eyes that he may not know it, but he does love her.

Lori Foster sizzles and satisfies with Sawyer, the first book of the Buckhorn Brothers series. A fitting beginning for what promises to be an excellent series. by Rickey Mallory

I almost didn't buy this book decause the cover was so off-putting (pity the model and the clearly "starving" artist). But, my enjoyment of Lori Foster pushed me past the superficial and I loved it! Foster introduces the heroine, Honey, with the right amount of pathetic vulnerability while instilling the hero, Sawyer, with the strength and protectiveness we love to fall in love with. But as Honey heals physically, her character toughens to a delightfully strong female who is more than capable of handling 4 stong, overprotective men. Foster's romance is wickedly HOT and delicious! I fell in love with Sawyer and can't wait to do the same with Morgan, and the rest. If this series continues on the same formula, it will rank right up on top with Nora Robert's McKade Brothers! Just rip the cover off before you begin...

I just loved SAWYER. It is a wonderful blend of family, fun, and sex!

Sawyer saves Honey Malone when her car crashes into his lake. He is the only doctor in the small town of Buckhorn, so he takes her to his home (AKA office) to recuperate. The attraction between Sawyer and Honey is instant and intense. Nobody writes sexual tension like Lori Foster. Whew!

For me, the best thing about this book was the entire cast of characters. Sawyer lives in a huge house with his 15 year-old son and his three fabulous brothers. Casey, his son, is a future heartbreaker. Morgan, the sheriff, is a huge, sexy, bad-tempered sheriff with a heart of gold. His story is next and I can't wait! Jordan is the quiet, intense, sexy animal lover. And Gabe is the youngest brother: a lazy, sexy, heartthrob handyman with too many women that he knows what to do with. They are all gorgeous, sexy, wonderful...mother hens. They gather around the injured, lost Honey Malone and 'adopt' her. Watching them do it makes you laugh and sigh.

This is going to be a wonderful series. The brothers are sexy as heck, but honorable and family-oriented too. I can't wait to get my hands on them...er...the books!

This is the true story of one young man's search for identity as he grew up in a small Texas town in the shadow of an older brother, both having lost their real father as very young children. Their stepfather was the only father figure Scott knew, yet he was acutely aware that they were not the same flesh and blood. It is also the story of his family coping with the death of Scott's older brother from cancer when he was only sixteen. His ongoing relationship with two fathers-the one he never knew and the only one he did know-ultimately helped him find his identity in the heavenly Father as well.

This is a warm, and honest portrayal of a man living through time by capturing and re-evaluating his past. When the famous psychologist Alfred Adler was exploring how our identity is formed he made the following interesting and counter-intuitive claim: Our present effects our past to a greater degree than our past effects our present. This book, a journey through a lifetime of memories experienced again and bonds established for the first time, demonstrates that Alder's claim is often true. The perspective we have today influences how we view the events and feelings of the past. The author, Scott Sawyer, uses his present perspective to unearth a beautiful retrospective of his family and his fathers.

This book contains a wonderful journey, and those reading it will be blessed by the opportunity to experience it with him. I was moved and touched, and the depictions and images involved me as a member of this family for a fleeting few moments. I cried, I laughed, and I was humbled by the love that radiates off the pages.

The style of the book is more poetic than narrative. I would normally have given 4 stars on this review, because I am usually more drawn to a narrative style, in this case however, the events, images and emotions of this family and his life captured me so completely that I quickly adapted to the many transitions and sound bites of thought.

Please read this book. I found that once I settled into the story, my efforts were rewarded, and the images and emotions came to life. I had the pleasure of attending a reading of the book by the author at a local bookstore and can tell you first-hand that the emotion that went into this project is real. The scene was similar to the experience of reading the book. We all laughed out loud at the comic depictions of his childhood, and cried at the emotion of meeting and losing his father again. Highly recommended to everyone.

We all have a story--usually a bittersweet blend of angst and elation. When loss comes, whether through death or separation from someone we love, our hearts must wade through the complexity of emotion remaining.

There are many ways we can tell our stories...flanked with humor and shrowded by denial...cloaked with bitterness and oppressed by hatred...or creatively open and inspired by redemption.

This is the brilliant balance Scott Sawyer achieved in his own story. In choosing to share this story, he could have opted for denial or for bitterness. Instead, he chose a delicate blend of humor, creativity and redemption. He allows us a unique glimpse into his contemplation, his desire and his pursuit to comprehend what bearing loss has had on his life.

The focus encompasses much more than loss, however, and delightfully depicts sibling rivalry, a boy's adoration for his mother and his family, wonder at not one but two fathers, the pursuit of passion and dreams, as well as life-altering spiritual discoveries. And revelations about a Heavenly Father.

I was rapt with the flowing rhythmn of humor, contemplation, angst, passion, peace and JOY (you'll see the significance of this adjective when you read the book).

Scott was brave to bear his heart, was artful in how he did so, and gracious not to air unnecessary dirty laundry.

This is a story that will make you laugh out loud and bring tears to your eyes. And it will cause you to contemplate your own soul...journeys left midway...pain left untended...discovery still to be made.

This book was incredible!! It was sexy, page-turning, & emotional all at once (similar to an SEP novel). It was such an unexpected surprise; I've never read Meryl Sawyer before but now I'm very curious to see if her books are always this well-crafted and moving. The love story between Mitch and Royce is possibly the most passionate and plausible I've ever read in a romance novel. If I had any complaints, I'd say that the resolution to the mystery needed to be explained better. I cried more than once reading this book, but at the same time, it's steamy...and has an uplifting sweetness to it. Read this book!

This book is very hard to find. I won it at Amazon auctions. I'm glad I read it. Mitch, a criminal attorney with a very sad past and Royce, a columnist who hates him because he convicted her father 5 years prior. She's accused of theft and he's there to defend her. I usually figure who is the villian in most books but this one fooled me. I didn't like it that Royce's uncle conducted an investigation on Mitch even though he specifically told Royce not to do it. Right... Royce didn't do it but she didn't demand her uncle seize. That was the least she could do as she couldn't afford his attorney fees. Nevertheless, it made for a good story. I loved it that they had this chemistry that neither could deny, hard as they tried. I recommend this book to anyone who can find it, although, Tempting Fate is still my favorite.

Any fan of Meryl Sawyer's never has to worry about setting high expectations with her books, and "A KISS IN THE DARK " is no exception.This one delivers. This is one of my favorites. A romance that practically sizzles off the pages, and a mystery that has more twists and turns that a pretzel ! Mitch Durant is a tough, smart yet unfailingly likeable guy, and Royce Ann Winston is his perfect foil. Both are trying to keep their lives in some kind of order , yet fate keeps throwing them curves - and throwing them together! Trust was what nipped their relationship in the bud years before, and now Royce realizes that trusting Mitch might be the only way out of the mess she's found herself in. Meryl Sawyer has again given readers a sexy, touching love story, and a crackling mystery that keeps you turning the pages at a fever pitch. Beg , borrow, or steal this one folks! It's FANTASTIC !

Title: The Sixteenth Man
Author: Thomas B.Sawyer
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 0-595-14544-2
Rating 4.5

A dirt bike accident by Dr. Matthew Packard an archaeologist results in a discovery of human bones in a shaft that is partially covered by a huge boulder. Fifteen of the male human remains were almost one hundred thousand years old. The sixteenth male skeleton, however, is much more recent, less forty years old and embedded in his scapula is a 30 calibre steel jacketed bullet. Who is he? Why was he in the shaft with the ancient remains?

While Packard searches for the identity of the sixteenth man, his archaeological team is murdered and he finds himself embroiled in the most profound true crime mystery of the past century. As the tension continues to mount and the body count increases, Packard find his own life in danger.

Thomas Sawyer has written a fine thriller complete with a complex plot and a stunning ending. His story is a hard-boiled private eye exploit, a suspenseful thriller and a chase that leaves you gasping. It is fast paced, and excellently structured,. The only reason that I gave the book a 4 instead of a 5 was the changes in the type font that I found distracting and hard to get used to. This is a promising debut novel by a talented author

This political thriller caught and held me all the way from cover to cover. Mr. Sawyer skillfully weaves two main characters and two timelines, one in the present and the other in 1963, with hair raising results. A must read for those interested in the JFK conspiracy theory and for those who just like a fast paced ride!

The Sixteenth Man held me in its spell from beginning to end. Mr. Sawyer skillfully weaves two very believable main characters and two different time settings into one masterful and entertaining read. A must read for those who love political thrillers!

This is the first book I have ever read by Meryl Sawyer. I absolutely loved it. I definitely agree with the other readers, the best book ever. I think Logan and Kelly made a great couple. Many times I read books where one of the main characters is always nasty until the very end and that can be quite exasperating, this was a delightful change. My only regret is that the book ended. If there were more than five stars available to rate, I would rate it higher.

I just finished reading this book and I had to slow down because I did not want it to end. This was a wonderful book. I loved every minute of it. The Stanfield's clan was so twisted. But it made for exciting reading. I fell in love with little Rafi. He was so adorable. The love between Logan and Kelly was so touching. Tears streamed down my eyes several times. But go slow, because you will not want it to end. Logan really does sound like a man to die for. The things he went through during his childhood just broke my heart. I'd love to read more about Logan, Kelly, Pops, and Rafi. This was my first time reading Meryl Sawyer and now I must read more. This is one romantic suspense that I highly recommend. There is absolutely no way you could be disappointed. Enjoy

The story keep me guessing until the end. I never knew what anyone was capable of doing from one minute to the next. The chemistry was explosive. When you meet "THE ONE" and have a hard time accepting them it makes for some interesting situations. The family saga was just heartbreaking for both Logan and Kelly. I just wanted to smack Logan's father and Kelly's deceased husband's for being such idiots. But unfortunately without them we wouldn't have had such a wonderful book to read. She should do a follow story up on where Logan, Kelly, Rafi and Pops they are in 10 yrs and let the readers see how Logan has adjusted back to civilian life. If he has??

I bought the second edition of the Keybook. It has a lot of interesting games, but, like Mr. Ted Ichino of California wrote, its main problem is that it does not address the issue of playing against the Benoni, French, Pirc, or Caro-Kann (i.e. the BDG Avoided). For this reason I give this book four stars.

It has many of my games included, such as the Zilbermints Gambit in the Euwe Defense to the BDG (5...e6 6 Bg5 Be7 7 Bd3 Nc6 8 OO! Nxd4 9 Kh1!), and my recommendations against the Bogoljubow Defense.

I am disappointed, however, by the games Drueke-Sawyer and Sawyer-Just not being analysed deep enough. Both games are critical to understanding my gambit against the 7...Nc6 variation in the Euwe Defense. For example, in the Drueke-Sawyer game, 12 Bh4 instead of 12 Qh4?! would have been OK for White. And in the Sawyer-Just game, instead of 13 Ne5? , White should have played 13 Bb5!

But overall, even with typos, this is an excellent book. If you wish to learn the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit, I strongly recommend you buy it.

Buy the first edition (1992) too -- it has some great stuff the second one does not -- and use both to learn the BDG. Good luck!!

This is a beautiful and uniquely done chess book. Compared to the other reviewers, I would only say that the BDG is a little harder to play than you would think. White must play with great precision, since he is a pawn down, whereas black can normally at least equalize, and perhaps win, by playing common sense moves. This puts a big psychological and actual burden on you as white, and often I have wondered why I have done this to myself. You have to attack in the BDG to win, and you know in your heart that on a logical level you are not really justified in attacking from the start (Steinitz). Most wins by white occur because black does not know the system. The fact is that if black castles king-side in the BDG, he will be smoked by anyone who knows the system well as white. Thus, the best answer to the BDG is the Teichmann system (1. d4 d5, 2. e4 dxe4, 3. Nc3 Nf6, 4. f3 exf3, 5. Nxf3 Bg4! 6. h3 Bxf3, 7. Qxf3 c6, 8. Bd3 Qb6!, followed by CASTLING QUEENSIDE). Even the book itself rates black as having a plus in this line of the Teichmann. The assumption is that most people won't know it as black. Once you castle queenside against the BDG, you are much more comfortable and will have better chances than white. Alternatively, black can simply play 3... e5 and has easy equality, avoiding the BDG. The book itself is brilliant, with tons of games packed within the annotated main games. Also, it is wonderfully produced.

If you play the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (BDG) or want to, you need this book. The main line BDG starts like this: 1. d4 d5 2. e4 dxe4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. f3 exf3 5. Nxf3 or l. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4. f3 exf3 5. Nxf3. One thing that is really great about this gambit is that you get to play it a very high percentage of the time. Attempts at the French or Caro-Kan can be forced into the BDG (1.d4 d5 2. e4 e6 3. Be3 dxe4 4. Nd2 Nf6 5. f3 exf3 6. Nxf3 and 1. d4 d5 2. e4 c6 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. f3 exf3 5.Nxf3). This gambit is fun to play and I have found it to produce great results. I have played this gambit countless times on the internet and have scored many wins in under 20 moves. It can be exciting.

This book contains over 2700 games in a well organized format. There is virtually everything you will need to play the BDG. All the normal defenses are covered as well as the attempts to avoid or decline the BDG. Sawyer has also produced the BDG gambit keybook in 1992 that has 700 games (100 games for each of 7 chapters). If you can find it, get it too.

I believe the other reviewers' criticizing the book for not showing how to play against the Benoni, French, Pirc and Caro-Kan are misplaced. The French is covered in game 6. The Caro-Kan is covered in games 45-49 and 8 and 24. I don't think there can be a Benoni position because white doesn't play c4. The Pirc completely avoids the BDG so I don't think the author should be charged with covering it anymore than he should have to cover 1...f5, the Dutch Defense or 1...b6, the English defense. This is, after all, a book on the BDG and not a complete repertoire for 1 d4.

Having said that though I do appreciate Reviewer Lev Zilbermints comments on Sawyer's treatment of the Zilbermints gambit. I have printed it out and put it in my book! Thanks.

If you decide to play the BDG I suggest you also purchase Sawyer's "Alapin French." It is a small book (86 pages) with 50 annotated games and 220 other fragments or whole games included in the text. While The BDG Keybook II includes 30 or so Alapin French games in the text of Game 6, it is worth having the extra games and information.

Kudos to Tim Sawyer for not including any of the games in his first BDG Keybook or his Alapin French (except for Game 6) in The BDG Keybook II.

Finally, playing this opening is an ideal way to improve your tactics and attacking skills. You'll get to use them a lot!