This is a cinderella/ugly duckling tale that demonstrates the fact that everyone is capable of winning if you only believe. If you don't believe yourself beautiful or capable or lovable it is very hard for others to find you so.

The author's wit shines and her sense of humor is utilized to carry the story and the heroine to the man of her wildest dreams

The Italian philosopher, Fransesco Petracha (1304-74), who was responsible for the recovery of many Latin manuscripts, who was one of the primary causes of the revival of Latin letters, and who, like Dante, wrote much of his poetry in the vulgar tongue, is one of the greatest poets of all time and one of the most influential men in the history of the western world. Of the poems he wrote in his native Italian, 366 have survived under the name "Canzoniere" (short-song). Roughly 45 of the 366 poems are provided here in an excellent, faithful translation which steers clear of that cancerous and faulty element in poetry--the rhyme. They were carefully selected for their content, so the discouraging number of 45 poems seems bigger when the editor's subtle discretion is taken into account. The basis of these poems--like Dante's Beatrice and Catallus' Lesbia--rests mostly upon Petrach's undying love for Laura, but at times his verse resounds with political and religious themes, and with praises of Rome's past and the Italy of his own time. Every poem will be an enjoyable read; they are always profound and inspiring in their glorification of feminine beauty; and the vivid and picturesque allusions to nature are always soothing and edifying. One may easily see, after reading Petrach's "Canzoniere," Horace handing Petrach his pen and Virgil his laurel crown, for they were as real to him as the lines of his poetry. They guided him through the fields of Italy and lent him breaths of inspiration along the way. Petrarch was anything but a mean and vulgar poet; he deservedly stands out as great amongst the greatest. Also included are some short prose works (letters) which throw some significant light upon the life and character of Petrach. This conveniently sized collection of the poet laureate's works is thoroughly recommended.

Groo Library

Groo gets involved in his usual mayhem and manages to displace his swords several times - Ruferto exercises in a little hero worship and fantasy, and like a faithful dog that's smarter than his master he manages to haul Groo out of the pit's he digs for himself. Groo get's involved in a scheme to "liberate" the most valuable sapphire in the world; the Minstrel, Arcadio the warrior, Arba and Dakarba, sister Grooella, the Sage and more fools who've never learned to keep away from Groo get involved in machinations. Groo attempts more gainful employment and serving as a village protector he manages to bring the village to destitution. The very last page introduces none other than Chakal - the warrior gal Groo has heart-eyes for!

Note: the printing quality is generally okay to very good for the series, but this is generally a collection for Groo fans and comic book fans. The binding on some of my copies is broken (these are soft backs) and the print is now and then not the greatest. As a fan, I bought every collection I could, and enjoy them despite this! Not though for long-term pristine collectors though.

This isn't Mark's best work but it's good. Predominatly Jewish/Isreal latter-day info here. This is not for the very new believer as the outline is intense.

A provocative and genuine portrait of Americans exploring their sexuality in their own words. They reveal their most intimate thoughts and feelings on everything from losing virginity to coming out, from what makes a good lover to the pros and cons of adultery, sex after marriage and sexual practices both ordinary and bizarre. Candid anecdotes show sex in all it's variety- accompanied by love, jealousy, anger, joy.

Overview: Give credit to authors Wallace and Mangan: they wear their sympathy on their sleeves. "Sex, Laws, and Cyberspace" is not intended to be an objective review of the state of First Amendment protection on the Net; it is a passionate argument for redefining how we apply the First Amendment to the Internet. This passion is both the book's strength and its weakness, as it will reinforce beliefs but not necessarily win converts. The book's outstanding summary of major events in Internet law will provide researchers with tremendous details in the years to come.

Full text of this review is at: http://www.redstreet.com/readingroom/reviews/sexlaws.htm

In this small volume, Jensen does a wonderful job of blending a psychological insight with compassion for a lay audience. In spite of many personal reservations about reading this book (Why waste the time?), I found enough nuggets in every chapter to keep me at it.

Jensen understands vocation to be more than Christian ministry and more than occupation. He understands vocation has to do with a commitment to follow a Jesus way of life. Occupations change, even ministerial ones, but the lifelong process of pilgrimage and growth continues unabated.

His chapter on the pain of loss is sensitive not only to losses suffered from external forces, but also the normal losses associated with our common human life cycle and those losses we bring upon ourselves. Jensen strives to communicate that loss, when seen within the shadow of the cross, becomes an effective tool to rid us of the falsities with which we so often encase ourselves.

He grounds vocation in both creation and covenant, in both who we are and what we are called to do, and challenges us to relive our personal experiences of God even when faced with loss. In what may well be the best chapter in the book (no. 4), Jensen reminds us that it is our individual experiences of God that sustain us through loss and provide a foundation upon which to rebuild our lives.

To me this book represents the best of what Southern Baptists used to be - a diverse people seeking to know the Unknowable in a personal and experiential way. While there is no mistaking his strong evangelical convictions, I doubt that Jensen could get this volume published today. He did remind me of why I was once a Southern Baptist, and of what we have all lost.

If you or someone you know has lost moorings, give this book a read. I'm glad I did.

This juvenile biography of "Sheryl Swoopes: All-Star Basketball Player" was published in 1997 and ends with her joining the professional "American Basketball League." Of course, it is as a member Houston Comets that Swoopes has been on three championship teams for the Women's National Basketball Association. Consequently, Liza N. Burby's book ends just as the career of Swoopes really takes off. However, what happened before that time is pretty impressive as well. Burby tells of how Swoopes learned to play basketball just as well as the boys and went on to lead Texas Tech to the national championship. The book also covers her international play with the U.S. team in the Olympics. Being a sports superstar is not just about achievements but statistics, Burby does have a tendency to overlook the numbers. A prime example is when she relates how Swoopes team won the NCAA championship in 1993 when she set a scoring record, but does not mention that Swoopes scored 47 points in Texas Tech's 84-82 win over Ohio State. At one point we read that Swoopes broke records set by Larry Bird and Bernard King, but we are not told what records (or why young readers would remember those now "ancient" players). This book is written for very young readers and offers full color photographs with a paragraph of text on the other side. Young readers who have heard about Swoopes from her WNBA achievements will probably be disappointed this book does not cover what appear to be her glory years playing basketball. "Sheryl Swoopes: All-Star Basketball Player" is part of the Making Their Mark: Women In Sports series. Other titles in this series look at speed skater Bonnie Blair, runner Jackie Joyner-Kersee and tennis player Monica Seles.

This book was not as good as the main rulebook. But then it depends on what you are looking for. History and factual information [when avaliable] is abundant. It covers alot of the book and is quite in deapth. That is worth 5 shuriken I mean stars ;). Which is a very interesting read.
It adds alot of info for adding ninja into the game and some of it is very useful indeed. But by the end of the book. I felt that there should have been more game related info. But it is still worth your money. If you want to seriously add Ninja to your game then buy this book for sure.

A witty romp with two heroes having very different approaches to life and investigating. Lots of references to 90's media and political characters, which will either date this book in a few decades or make it a nostalgic favorite. Some untypical (possibly unrealistic) actions from cops and mobsters, but who am I to quibble? The wrapup is a little slow, but overall, it's delightful reading. The alternating first person usage is done very skillfully.