This book on one of the great gardeners of South Carolina is well researched and well written. The book brings a great deal of information to the forefront about Harold Hatcher, and expresses his story in a thought provoking and meaningful way. I have walked through his gardens on many ocassions, and find this book to bring back those wonderful memories in full force.

Mark Gilderhus' Second Century (2413-1, $55.00) provides an important narrative on the relationship which has existed between the U.S. and states in Latin America since 1889. The focus on U.S. goals and nationalist reactions in Latin America makes for an intriguing set of political insights.

Secret Gospels: Essays On Thomas And The Secret Gospel Of Mark by Marvin Meyer (Griset Professor of Bible and Christian Studies, Chapman University, Orange, California) is a close and scholarly study of apocryphal texts - those ancient Christian writings which are not included in the canonical New Testament Gospels. These texts present accounts of Jesus' childhood, teenage years, and relationships with women left out in the canonical gospels, and this in-depth study of their meaning and symbolism offers a fascinating new dimension to Biblical reference shelves. Also very highly recommended for Christian Studies reading lists are Professor Meyer's earlier books: The Secret Teachings of Jesus: Four Gnostic Gospels and The Gospel of Thomas: The Hidden Sayings of Jesus.

This book is so terribly funny and right on the mark. Most women/girls will identify with many of the secrets therein. I am guilty of so many I think that I was the model of the book. But seriously, "The Secret Life of Girls" does poke fun, but in a very true manner. The secrets are out, now if some brave female would let the male population in on this book, maybe they could catch up in catching on to things! READ IT AND PASS IT ON!!!

This masterful text was the result of a collaboration between author Helen Landalf and her brother, autistic savant artist Mark Rimland. The story of Amanda entering into a "secret world" one night in search of her missing "Tabby" will keep audiences of all ages entertained. Not to mention, Mark's amazing contour style illustrations of the cats and creatures Amanda comes face to face with. I have successfully incorporated the story and artwork into a fun and simple art project that works well with grades 3-6. I highly recommend this fun picture book to all teachers and other animal lovers!!!

I found Mark Jarman's book of essays, _The Secret of Poetry_, to be very rewarding, both in the actual experience of reading the book and in the essays' tendency to resonate in my mind since then. The book is one of those gems in which literary analysis becomes not only intellectually interesting and informative, but enjoyable as well. Jarman's ability to find new, relevant issues in the writing of prominent poets and his insightful exploration of his subject matter help to give this book the weight of genuine importance that so many books ultimately do not have. Fans of Jarman's poetry will recognize his characteristic wit in surprising (and often delightfully subtle) moments in this collection of prose. Although I had read poems by most of the writers to whom Jarman refers, there were also many times in which Jarman referenced either specific poems or poets I was not familiar with. I was pleasantly surprised that I still felt engaged when reading essays that dealt with works unfamiliar to me. Jarman must have a talent for precisely contextualizing poems and poets, because I was not left feeling lost; in fact, I have found that the essays made certain writings seem so intriguing that I have felt compelled to read several of them since then. For me, the most unique aspect of _The Secret of Poetry_ is how it offers so many potential secrets of poetry. This aspect makes it feel like Jarman is inviting the reader along on a search rather than simply stating his own conclusions. Although Jarman frankly gives his own opinions about what the secret of poetry may be, there is also a definite sense that he wants his readers to consider the question on their own.

IM Dvoretsky was known as the Soviet Union's top trainer, and this very personal and honest work presents much of his rigorous thinking on chess tactics. This book does not believe in simple divisions and guidelines; there is much to read about subjects like creating confusion to make it difficult for an opponent to press an advantage, the blurred line between theatrics and soundness, etc.

I confess to some bias, since I have been married to the author for over four decades. She wrote it about 20 years ago, when we were camping in upstate New York. In fact, the protagonist, Roscoe, got his name from a nearby town. This story, with its superb illustrations, gives a reality to the experience of looking and listening in the forest. Life is all around you, but you have to show patience and understanding in seeking it out. I am looking forward to a sequel

As a former President of the Houston Astronomical Society, I found the illustrations and clear presentation to be especially useful for young students - I'd say 6th - 8th grade. David Levy--the co-discoverer of the comet that smacked into Jupiter--wrote the introduction.

I know of no better book with practical self-hypnosis scripts, for personal use. With the author's guidelines, anyone can learn what self-hypnosis is, how to use it, and can use an ordinary tape recorder to create great results.

As a hypnotherapist myself, I have sometimes used Henry's scripts with clients,and have found them helpful for myself, as well.

Yes! You'll like this book!