Please expose young people to this work! It will bring the Scriptures and African-American culture alive for them. It wouldn't hurt adults either..I was thinking from a teaching standpoint..Love this work!

James Weldon Johnson was one of the giants of African-American cultural history. A novelist, poet, songwriter, diplomat, educator, and activist, he left behind a towering legacy when he died in 1938. An essential part of that legacy is "God's Trombones," a book in which Johnson pays poetic tribute to the "old-time Negro preacher."

"God's Trombones" contains seven poems, each of which is inspired by the art of the classic African-American sermon. Most of Johnson's poems retell Bible stories. "The Creation," "Noah Built the Ark," "Let My People Go," and more--each one carries the reader to the traditional Black churches of Johnson's era. In his preface Johnson discusses the cultural significance of the traditional African-American religious orator and also reflects on his own literary strategies in the construction of these poems.

Johnson's poems beg to be read aloud. Whatever your own ethnic heritage or religious inclination, try giving voice to these masterworks: you'll be amazed at the effect. If you are a lover of Christian inspirational writing, a scholar of African-American culture, or a person who appreciates great poetry, "God's Trombones" would make a fine addition to your library.

I read this book two years ago as a freshman in college. The poems touched me so much that I still continue to read them. Through this book James Weldon Johnson has retold familar Bible stories in a new light. He has captured the spirit of an oral tradition and has preserved this great tradition for future generations. I would highly reccomend this book to people of all ages and all backgrounds!

This book is a wonderful depiction of human nature, society and the ultimate need we all have for survival and love. It is fast moving and brilliant in it's character development.

I heard she's got a producer in New York looking at her manuscript for possible production.

Way to go Coz! Thanks for writing such a wonderful sci fi drama. Setting on the edge of my seat waiting for your next book!

I was sceptical when I first got this book and it was quite hard to get into it at first, but after the first couple of chapters Coz stepped up the pace and I was hooked. The whole concept was Refreshingly different, the setting was also a breath of fresh air compared to some of the stale (same old)standard sci-fi books that are out there! With any luck this series will become the new Star Trek of sorts. Can't wait for the next one! Good read

This is classic Science Fiction as it used to be (and in my opinion still should be), written. Fast paced yet still managing to develop plot and characters magnificently, "The Green Way" will have you turning the pages avidly to see what happens next. The book works on many levels and if you take the time to re-read it, you'll discover how complex the storyline really is. Just when you think you know what is going to happen next, Johnson has the knack of lobbing in a totally unpredictable plot twist. At its simplest level it's a love story set against a background of interstellar conflict, but this is merely a vehicle to draw the reader into Johnson's vividly imagined world. The frightening thing is that if you look at what is going on in the world around you today, the scenarios depicted are only too believable. I have but one criticism: the book ends with so many strands of the plot left hanging that it is unbearable to have to wait for the sequel to be published. Of course from the publisher's point of view this isn't a criticism at all since it guarantees future books will be snapped up. All in all a remarkable debut work - watch this space; Johnson may just be the next Aasimov.

I originally bought the book in paperback years ago with the idea that it would be a good, quick, trashy read when I was in that kind of mood. Wow! Was I caught off-guard on this one. This book put me through an emotional wringer. When I put the book down, I was shaking--I couldn't get over it and I thought about it for quite awhile. Its been out of print for awhile, but if you find a used copy or can get it at your library, its worth the effort. Just be prepared for an incredibly intense experience.

A young babysitter, Barbara, wakes up one morning to find that she's tied spreadeagled to her bed. The kids have complete control of her now, and free rein over the house, and there's no-one within half a mile to interfere - and their parents are not due back for a whole week. What might possibly happen within that week? Barbara is helpless, and fearful of what might be in store for her.

And that is only the beginning: there are many interesting things to try out on her, many interesting ways of tying her up; a week is a very long time... a mini-eternity....

This book is one of the most terrifying and claustrophobic novels I have ever read, and leaves you wrung out and shaking. For once, the cover blurb is no idle boast. ("A novel more terrifying than LORD OF THE FLIES & THE EXORCIST combined!" "A horror tale that will harrow you and haunt you long after you have finished it.")

This is the ultimate book about the effects - physical, mental, and emotional - of long-term, close confinement. It is the last word about what it is like to be tied up helplessly; after this, every other book I have read in which someone is bound is, with but one exception, shallow and unconvincing by comparison in its depiction of being bound. This novel should be read by any fiction writer who wishes to convincingly portray what it is like to be tied up for prolonged periods: the terror, the helplessness, the gibbering mind, the internal dialogues, the physical restlessness which itself torments. Just *reading* it makes you feel the agony of all this yourself. The challenge for authors would be to write about confinement just as well as this novel, but without copying it.

Perhaps the only comparable novel I know of is Stephen King's "Gerald's Game", probably the ultimate handcuff novel, which is, however, completely different - but just as effective.

It is regrettable that Mendal Johnson never published any novels other than this. This was his only novel - his only published one, at least - and at the time of his death in 1976 he was working on three other novels.

But writing of such searing, burning intensity lifts it above the commonplace and speaks of a substantial writing talent. It also leaves you wondering whether the author was simply writing a novel, or whether he was expressing something deep inside him that demanded expression, perhaps born of profound fears, or some personal experience.

The psychology of the vicious kids is chillingly portrayed, and Barbara's terror is heart-wrenching. Mendal Johnson should have had a meteoric rise in a career as a highly skilled writer of psychologically-oriented horror, yet he remains obscure. Possibly the darkness of his story prevented it from becoming more popular on the mass market. His meagre output, itself puzzling in the light of his great writing skill and perceptiveness, might have also counted against his becoming better-known.

It is interesting to observe that Steve Vance's horror novel "The Abyss" undoubtedly refers to Johnson's novel at great length (without resorting to plagiarism). Johnson's novel is mentioned in "The Abyss" as a novel some of Vance's characters had read, and this inspired the actions of some of them. However, "Let's Go Play at the Adams'" is not mentioned by name, just alluded to, and the author's first name is changed from Mendal to Martin, and his surname not mentioned at all. I can only presume this was for legal reasons, although there is no reason to think there would be legal problems anyway with simply alluding to another novel; but the plot referred to is so similar that it cannot be coincidence.

And it is interesting that, towards the end, Vance's novel includes a drug-induced vision one his characters has in which she actually visits Martin's (Mendal's) widow and learns more about him and the circumstances in which he died. However, although this information given by Vance about Martin roughly corresponds with Mendal Johnson's life with regard to time of death and the like, it should be noted that the detailed circumstances around Martin's death as described in "The Abyss" are fictional only, and do not correspond to any known facts about Mendal Johnson.

The details of Johnson's life and career still seem a little hazy, although my thanks go to Ray Girvan, Barry Schneebeli (who both reviewed the novel on this page), and Steve Vance for various pieces of information which helped me sketch out a few facts about Johnson here. If anyone who reads this review knows more about Johnson or his work, I'd love to hear from you.

It is interesting also that Barry Schneebeli has written a so-far unpublished sequel to this novel, called "Game's End", which explores the aftermath of the events related by Johnson.

--- NOTE: --- My second review of this book on this page is posted with Amazon's permission. My original review here, posted a year ago, unfortunately got damaged somewhere along the line, and when I wrote to Amazon about this, they suggested that it be removed, and that I repost it. Accordingly, I was glad to bring it up to date and to be able to answer some of the questions about Johnson that I posed in the original version.

I found my copy of the book in my wardrobe at home, and as soon as I looked at the cover of it (a severed doll's head, and the tag-line "a novel more terrifying than 'The Exorcist' and 'The Lord Of The Flies' combined) I was intrigued. I started to read it, and right away I was captivated. The serene opening scenes painted a beautiful picture of how I have been led to believe 1970's small town America was. It was also brilliant as a prelude to the nastiness that follows, and the contrast between the two is great. When the children have got Barbara completely in their hands, having set up the rules and everything, that is when the novel becomes totally engrossing. The tension builds as Bobby starts to question if what they are doing is really as much fun as they think, as John gives in to his animal instincts, as Paul becomes increasingly unhinged, as Cindy begins to enjoy the freedom a bit too much, and as Dianne is just Dianne. In some of the scenes, my heart was either beating like a sledgehammer, or still as if waiting for the worst (which of course comes). The only other time I had been affected in that way by a novel before, was with the hedge animal bits in Stephen King's 'The Shining', but this was the first time an ENTIRE novel had made me feel like that. I have read 'Let's Go Play At The Adams'' about five times in total, as I haven't been able to find another novel as awe-inspiring, or that satisfies my literary needs anywhere near as well. The only novel that come close to the amazing level of this, is Terry Southern's 'Flash And Filigrie', btu that is a completely different style of novel altogether. Basically 'Let's Go Play...' is the best novel I have ever read, and since it is out of print, I hope my tattered old copy lasts a few more years!

Ever since the 1960s, Kent Keith has doggedly insisted that despite the insanity that seems to consume the world, people can still act honorably and change things for the better. He calls his manifesto the "Paradoxical Commandments," and the very first commandment states: People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway! Commandment number two asserts: If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway! Now Keith's Paradoxical Commandments are presented with more detailed explanations, insights into the foibles of human nature, and the uplifting conviction that doing good for its own sake is the right, best, and happiest way to live. The Paradoxical Commandments: Finding Personal Meaning In A Crazy World is aptly divided into three parts: It's a Crazy World; The Paradoxical Commandments; and Living the Paradoxical Life. Each part offers a little more insight into the world we live in, and how to make it a better place. Every few pages features a short proverb of kindly wisdom, such as "Who you are and how you live are more important than who remembers what you did." Highly recommended for students of ethics and spirituality, as well as the non-specialist general reader in search of self-improvement and personal insight.

This fabulous book is packed with wonderful wisdom. The author shares a series of interesting life stories that are enjoyable and convey a deep truth about the human experience. His writing leaves you renewed and inspired, providing a new perspective about the events and people that shape our lives. The main elements are the ten Paradoxical Commandments themselves. They combine to form a positive message about life and the human spirit. This enriching message frees you to be yourself, and give the world the best you have. The Commandments are so powerful that for years they have circled the entire globe, continually passed from person to person. Now, the original author takes you on his path of discovery. I urge you to read this book; it will refresh your soul.

How wonderful to find such a compelling book of hope, of comfort, of action -- a clear voice of reason in a confusing and sometimes frightening world. It presents simple principles that are powerful enough to not only affect the way you view life experiences, but change your life if you apply them. The only person over whom each of us can hope to have any control is our own self. This book helps us see the possibilities of taking that control, no matter what else happens around us. And as Lois Wyse expressed, "[I]f one soul awakens, is not the whole world strengthened?" Read the book, then try to live the principles. You'll be happily surprised by the result.

Thank you, Kent, for sharing these eloquent Paradoxical Commandments with us.

THE RITZ CARLTON CAT by Janet Johnson opens the door to a rich world of imagination and warmth that you and your children will want to visit again and again. It is a world where lasting friendships are made, hearts are changed for the better, joy and comfort happen every day, and-- best of all-- CATS RULE! In this soulful and elegant introduction to what I certainly hope will be a long series of Ritz Carlton Cat adventures, Darling Cat will entice you to meander through Boston like a proper cat, and hear a beguiling tale of loss made right, strangers who become family, and cosmopolitan felines who find salvation for themselves, and also for the humans in their lives. Make sure you own this book, for your children and their children. and also for yourself!

Martha Stout, Ph.D. Clinical Instructor in Psychology Harvard Medical School

The Ritz Carlton Cat is a treasure to be read and re-read, again and again. With each delightful read, you will be charmed by the story and the style with which it is written. Janet Johnson does a marvelous job in creating all the pictures necessary in words and imagery to bring Darling to life. She creates a vision, and we are all better to have "seen" it.

BOSTON - Born at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Boston, Janet L. Johnson's "The Ritz Carlton Cat" is a book that weaves a tale in the style of Walt Disney. An intriguing blend of humor, drama, happiness and sadness, this is a whimsical, "children-of-all-ages" story of a little cat orphaned at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Boston by her mistress, Dame Tadlewad. In the frenzy of packing upon hearing of her father's death, Tadlewad forgot a hiding Darling Cat under the bed. Tadlewad suffered a fatal attack on the plane, and Darling Cat was all alone at the Ritz. This is a unique style picture book in every sense of the imagination. Only two illustrations appear in the entire book, but vivid imagery paint amazing pictures with carefully chosen words by Johnson, who has a real estate office in Gloucester, Mass. The book's opening is just such an example of this imagery: "It was one of those perfect blue and gold summer days of August that made the City of Boston sparkle in the sunlight. Darling Cat and Ali Cat were meandering through the Public Garden, pausing every so often to admire the rose gardens and beautiful flowers that were bursting with color and luxuriant in their foliage at the height of the season." With this kind of detailed storytelling, pictures are not necessary. This self-confessed "dog person" said the story of the Ritz Carlton Cat popped into her imagination during a stay at the Boston hotel herself eight years ago. Johnson said she was in town for the wedding of her daughter's friend. Enjoying a brunch in the Ritz with the bride's parents, Johnson (not much of a breakfast person) said she asked a hotel employee to give her Eggs Benedict to the Ritz Carlton Cat. At that point, the story just began evolving for two weeks on napkins, sticky notes and any little piece of paper she could get her hands on, she explained. Finally on Labor Day weekend, the story wrote itself in 2 1/2 hours and wasn't anything like the original shreds of storyline. And, not only did Johnson write this charming classic. She published it herself.... The story just finished its third commercial printing last year. Apparently the story may have some historic significance, according to Johnson. Recently 80-year-old Marie Faillace (nee Duplain) called Johnson to ask her how she even knew there was a Ritz Carlton Cat in Boston. "She saw an ad for my book in a newspaper and said her dad baked bread for the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Boston. There was Banino, who was the Ritz's Italian executive chef from France, much like Figardo (the book's main human character), who was Darling's savior." "Marie explained she had taken in a stray pregnant cat, gave away four kittens and kept the 'baby." She presented the last kitten to Banino in a basket with rose petals at the hotel. Faillace relayed to Johnson that the cat lived at the Ritz with Banino for a year and was treated and feted just like Darling Cat! Eventually, Banino brought her to his farm in New Hampshire as keeping the cat in the suite most of the time was not right, he believed. So, there really was a Ritz Carlton Cat, Johnson discovered. At the end of the book, there is a section called "Imagination," which asks questions of the readers. It is great for children as it asks them to verbalize what they visualize in their minds during the story. According to Johnson, three sequels are in the works and someday an animation of all of the stories, ala Disney, the way they used to be. The next book examines how Darling's friend, Ali, a royal cat from Monaco, ended up in Boston.

This was my first introduction to how I could take my idea and turn it into a screenplay--I was psychically comfortable for the entire trip, which meant that I remembered a lot of what I'd read and used it again and again. Bill Johnson (no relation) tells you what you already know about stories you've enjoyed all your life. Then he applies these ideas to the other end of the process:
actually creating a story, fulfilling a promise you make to your audience. I'm about to start my fourth screenplay; Bill's book was instrumental in getting me going with gladness and enjoyment.

Recently I wrote a short story for a friend and it amused her to no end, yet she said the ending was somewhat surprising to her. I wondered if I had in fact left something out of the story, which would have otherwise prepared her for such a harsh ending.

I had never written a story before, let alone developed a plot. I had also never thought about how emotionally fulfilling a story would need to be, so I was a great candidate for reading this excellent guide. I simply sat down and wrote the story one night on a whim. I saw the story playing in my head and simply wrote down what I saw. It was fascinating since I had never experienced anything like that before. I mostly write recipes and this was new territory for me.

Since I review popular novels and movies, I have noticed a deeper truth running through them. After watching "The Big Country" I noticed a theme of "pride" running through the entire movie. Everything in the movie revolved around the fight between two very selfish men. Most books which also capture my attention have a definite theme running through them.

Since I read "A Story is a Promise," I realized how true it really is. When reading "Kitchen" by Banana Yoshimoto, I felt cheated by the ending. Something was missing......"Had I really spent that much time reading, only to feel a sense of anger at the ending?" While I was addicted to reading the entire book, nothing prepared me for the ending, which seemed to drift off into nothing. Had the promise been broken?

That is the problem with many stories written without an underlying purpose. Bill Johnson explores this in depth. This is the best book I have read on understanding the most difficult of all arts: writing! To create a dramatic engaging story takes and understanding of the underlying principles. Authors of the most popular works have tapped into this deeper understanding. They have fulfilled the promise to the reader.

Bill Johnson knows why human's need stories. That is something many of us have most likely never really considered. Why do we love a great story? Is there something within us that wants to escape? Or do stories help us survive when we can't think of any other way to explain our lives? Do the stories we tell ourselves give us a sense of belonging?

"Take away a person's sense of place in the world, and you'll have an unhappy person." -Bill Johnson

This book is a highly intellectual look at how to fulfill the promise to your readers. It is written in a more conversational style. Bill took his nagging feeling that there was more to a story than just the plot and turned his quest for answers into a book which can help you write that next novel or screenplay.

You will discover how a story function like a promise, learn to develop dynamic characters and be more aware of the role of ideas in a story line. The role of conflict in storytelling, writing that first dramatic sentence and developing a plot are all discussed. By reading this book you will in fact be taking a fascinating journey to the heart of storytelling. This book will fulfill the promise of making you a better writer! :)

Alas, I have studied many of the popular books on the craft of writing. Bill Johnson's stands at the very top of my recommended list.

Why? Well, most books teach specific techniques and/or discuss structured approaches to storytelling. This is fine, but they somehow skirt the issue of what really separates the good stories from the bad. Bill gets to the bottom of this most critical issue (it is curious that so many of the other books have overlooked the essence of these most important points). I found that the principles Bill outlines are a great complement to the "hero's journey" approach taught in many popular books on the craft.

Bill's book is NOT about teaching specific techniques as much as it is about understanding the essence of what will make your story compelling. As Bill will teach you, there are some specific things you need to do . . . and if you don't . . . well, you will struggle more than you need to. If you are serious about writing, don't go without studying this wonderful book.

This little book (400 pages in paperbound volume) is so handy. It is such a good herbal reference because it lists individual herbs, herbal combinations, Chinese herbs and combinations (which is important, as Chinese herbs are almost always used in combination.) Common herbs as well as less familiar ones used in Western herbal medicine are included with much helpful detail.

The Chinese herbal section is better than those I have seen in many other books including ones solely on Chinese herbs. This section gives the Chinese and common name, alternative names, the action and the yin/yang (dry, moist) type of action. While not a comprehensive Chinese herbal and not a substitute for years of education in TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) the section on Chinese herbs is a very helpful reference.

There is a lot of information packed into this book. Highly recommended.

This book lists the most prevalent health problems and their herbal treatments. It also lists herbs and how they should be used. This book is a QUICK reference and answers most common herb questions. Further, it gives excellent herbal combinations for common problems like sinuses, Pms, pain relief, cold/flu/fever, female problems, etc. This book is an wonderful resource on how herbal nutrition can enhance your health.

This is the best basic medicinal herb information book I've come across in 15 years as an herbalist. I recommend this book to all my customers and clients. The combinations are a bit "out there" sometimes but study of the individual herbs will make it possible for even a beginner to put together a tea that will work for him or her.

Move over, Paul Bunyan, there's a new tall-tale hero in town.

Well, not exactly a new hero.

In the New York City of the 1840s lived a legendary firefighter named Mose Humphreys. Standing eight feet tall, with "hands as big as Virginia hams," he fought fires all around the great city, striding towards danger with his flaming red hair under his stovepipe hat. Whether rescuing babies from flaming tenements or bankers from burning hotels, Mose was beloved by all New Yorkers for his bravery and selflessness.

Mary Pope Osborne's story, in true American folktale tradition, renders a loving portrait of a man who symbolizes all that we respect and admire in firefighters: courage, willing sacrifice, tireless service to others. These traits were never so dramatically demonstrated as they were on the morning of September 11, 2001, and the story is a fitting tribute to the 343 New York City firefighters lost on that tragic day.

Though dedicated to the memory of modern firefighters, the gritty tones of Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher's illustrations remind us that this is also a tale about firefighting in a city overcrowded with wood-framed buildings and illuminated by oil lamps, when water had to be physically pumped out of tank trucks with enough force to reach the upper floors of very modest buildings, and when firemen needed the strength to carry grown adults rung by rung down wooden ladders. The nineteenth century was a time when fire was a very real possibility, not an unfortunate occurrence that happens to others and played out on our TV screens.

Together, the text and illustrations bring Mose Humphreys to life brilliantly, and make him a potent symbol of the strength, valor, and sacrifice of all firefighters--in New York City and around the world...

I found this book at my 9 year old daughter's school bookfare. While she no longer reads picture books, I am enthralled by them and this one caught my eye. Like another reviewer, I had trouble choking back tears as I read the tale of Mose Humphrey's firefighting in the late 1800's of NYC. I bought the book and passed it on to a gentleman who is a volunteer firefighter, ems worker and full time police officer for his two young sons. A work of art, both with its sparse, yet moving prose, and beautiful paintings. Recommended highly for ages 4-7.

"New York's Bravest" combines text by Mary Pope Osborne with paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. The book begins with a historical note in which Osborne describes the background of her tale. In 1848, a heroic firefighter character first began appearing in stage productions. This character was based on a real-life New York City firefighter named Mose Humphreys. In 1915, historian Herbert Asbury included some Mose stories in two collections of stories about old New York. As Osborne observes, firefighter Mose is "America's first urban folk hero."

Osborne's story takes place in a past era where newsboys sold papers for a penny each. The story's hero is Mose, an eight foot tall firefighter with superhuman strength. Sample text: "'Come on boys!' said Mose. Mose was the most famous firefighter in New York City."

The story is well enhanced by colorful illustrations that are full of great details. There are some exciting firefighting scenes, as well as some nice pictures of Mose engaged in less dangerous pursuits (such as eating a hearty meal).

The book has the following dedication: "To the memory of the 343 New York City firefighters who gave their lives to save others on September 11, 2001." It's a beautiful tribute that I recommend to readers of all ages.

This is not just another "sex ed" book. In fact, it couldn't stand alone for this purpose, but that's fine -- it's most valuable as a secondary resource for parents.

The author presents information regarding children's sexuality development in a logical, easy-to-understand manner. Behavior common in normal development is presented, and then contrasted with behavior which *may* indicate abuse or the potential for abuse [I emphasize the word "may" because the author makes clear that some behaviors can exist even though no abuse has happened]. The author includes charts and tables to summarize information, and also short case studies which help to illustrate certain topics. In the last third of the book, the author gives advice on dealing with specific situations (examples: talking with your child about sex; what to do if you think your child has been molested; how to encourage healthy sexual development).

In my opinion, the book's most important function is not helping parents identify possible abuse; it is helping parents understand that sexual curiosity and exploration are normal childhood behaviors. So many parents worry when they find Johnny "playing doctor" with the kid next door. This book will help parents feel more confident in accepting their kids' normal sex-play *as normal*, and be more aware of when the line between healthy and unhealthy behavior is approached.

A much-needed book, and a very helpful guide for parents to include in their toolbox of sexuality education references.

This is a wonderful book explaining in simple language various levels of sexual behvior and development. Helpful to parents and professionals, you will be able to identify and recognize differences between normal, inappropriate and troublesome sexual behavior. Also helps parents understand how to talk to their children about sex at the child's developmental level.

While this is not an introductory text, it does cover many topics that are areas of concern for parents. Since there are so many children who have been exposed to adult sexuality, abused, or just experimenting with growing up, it is important for parents and clinicians to be able to access accurate and uncomplicated information. Dr. Cavanagh-Johnson has articulated this well in this book. A very good read.

I have always wanted to get my pilot's license, and I came across this book and decided to read it. This book explains all about what steps you need to go through and what to expect when starting flight training to get your private pilot's license. I had no idea that so much was involved before I read this!

If you are thinking of getting your pilot's license, I suggest that you read this book. I am now finishing up my Private Pilot training, and the book was very accurate about the training involved. Very informational and highly recommended!!

Greeting from Cleveland (BKL) Airport. This is one excellent book. It is a book if you are thinking about starting flying. It goes into detail but it is real basic. It has help me out greatly, even after 60 hours of flying. Good Luck.

I'm planning on taking up flying as a career and this book did a lot to explain to me the different licenses and ratings and also explains how the plane flies and the aerodynamics. Before, I was clueless and now I know what to do. Thanks!