Education has been a primary concern for African-Americans throughout their history. At one time they were denied schooling, then had to accept segregated schooling and are now left with public schools that are failing. If you are an African-American parent concerned about your child's future, homeschooling may be a viable alternative.

Freedom Challenge is a compilation of interviews of parents and their children who have chosen home schooling and achieved remarkable results. The parents give the reasons why they chose this alternative after having gone through negative results in the public and private school sectors. These individuals share a diverse background of education and vocation. At some point in time they discovered that the schools were failing them and decided to do something about it. The young adults, teenagers and younger children share their experiences in going through home and public schooling. Their sensitive insight and enjoyment of their present schooling affirms the need for such an education that empowers them and their parents.

Schooling has become a political football as the country debates about vouchers, testing and holding teachers accountable. African American parents need to consider what is in the best interest of their child. Homeschooling may be the answer. This book can serve as a catalyst for you to make such a critical decision in your child's education.

Although the interviews were informative and the parents views enlightening I felt that the text didn't provide the parent with enough information about the process of home schooling. What curriculums are available that are Afrocentric in nature for a family to follow? How do African American children compare with their white counterparts who are also home schooled? What are the obstacles that African-American parents need to watch for when preparing to home school their children?

Home shooling isn't anything new. Mass education as we know it is a "recent" development. Education was at one time only for those in the elite social groups of society. In choosing home schooling know the needs and maturity level of your child. Make sure that you and your spouse are ready to give your full commitment in making it work and above all do research, reseach and more research about homeschooling. This books doesn't provide all of the answers but serves as a catalyst for your child's future education.

I checked out and read several books on homeschooling before making the decision for my son. The variety in teaching styles and methods used and the results, all good, convinced me even more that I needed to do this for my child. He is a very good reader and excellent speller for his age, however, he struggles in math. Even with that knowledge, his teachers were willing to push him along without even the offer of any additional help for him. Because I didn't want him to be lost in the system, I pulled him out. Because of the courage of the parents in this book, I knew I could do it too. My son is nearly to the place where he should be in math and it's because he had the full attention of someone who cared enough to make sure he was not pushed along and that he actually learns.

If you are interested in homeschooling this book is a great place to start because it is written by the parents and children who are actually doing it. It is very real and speaks directly from their hearts.

This book had much of the same info. we see everyday on web pages or articles. It had a few pictures in the middle that I have seen before. This book tells all about the real life of the characters. If you don't know much about the real life Dawson's Creek members, then this would be good for you.

Any DC fan knows all this already. But it was decent. I do recommend it though, if you are DC clueless. Nice pictures.

THis was a good book and provided mewith lots of informatio

This book is a dialog between the defrocked Catholic Matthew Fox and scienctist(of morphic resonance fame) Rupert Sheldrake. In it they discuss both science, religion and spirituality(mostly Echart and Hildegard) and how they intersect at points as I understand it.

Do they do a good job? yes and no. Yes in that both are sincere in their efforts. Sheldrake stands out as the better of the two intellectually. No in that Fox falls down in several areas.

1. He commits a serious epistemological error by confusings metaphysical levels of the spirit and soul with material levels of existence. For Fox A = C this is a big no no. Angels are not atomic paritcles and the soul is not the body. Reification is plain wrong.

2. He bases the bulk of his newly created theology on selected portions of Eckhart, Hildegard and Rumi. This is dangerous, since these were mystics of a high order their writings were never meant to be read as one reads a newspaper or literally as Fox wants to do. Also none the people he mentioned were rebels like himself. These mystics worked within the religous framework of the time. To try to create an exoteric framework from esoteric writings which is what Fox has done is fraught with problems, especially when you are not their equal.

This is my biggest problem with Fox. Instead of trying to show the reader the differences between science and religion he's trying to peddle his new religion of creation spirituality. Which is gnosis without gnosis in disguise.

3. As for Fox's understanding of Catholic or Christian religion in general, he has blinders on. Especially when he comments on the great Cathedrals of Europe. He fails to understand or evem see their symbolism, instead he find's solace in their crypts of all places - this is neurotic. This man loves being in the dark and would like to see all new churchs built underground. His attitude is positively Manichean in nature.

Sheldrake also confuses the readers with his understanding of science in general. Science deal with the quantitative and measurable aspects of materialism. It cannot deal with qualities nor with metaphysics. To use science to justify religion is sloppy thinking and equivalent to building a house on shifting sands.

So my rating is:
** stars
-1 star for lack of a index and specific sources for the quotes Fox used.
-1 star for sloppy epistemology and for Fox trying peddle his new religion instead.
-1 star for using on the back cover "institutionalized science and mechanistic religion" it should mechanistic science and institutionalized religion. Religion may be dull at times but never a machine

The book fails in trying to bring together the strands of science, religion or spirituality. Which nobody has ever really done well. Read E.F. Schumachers "Guide for the Perplexed" which is a must and then Hossein Nasr "Man and Nature". Another good one is Huston Smith's "Postmodern Mind". For a real study on spirituality get Evelyn Underhill's "Mysticism" she's a beautiful writer and very well studied on this topic.

I've read this book twice and have underlined a lot of it. I've recently shared it with friends and have discussed some of the concepts the authors describe so well. The idea of the body is in the soul, the soul as field, the connectivity through grace...these are powerful, transforming thoughts. Thank you Matthew for another fine book.

Well, ran into some deep space in this one. This cosmic equation seems to have some real balence. But as you know love is all there really is> Author write me. Enoch

Author James Grace does a very good on describing the actions of the U.S. and Japanese forces during the naval battle of Guadalcanal, especially given that the action was a night-time slugging match. His coverage of the Japanese combatants is appreciated. He also covers the immediate aftermath of the battle, detailing some of the stories of damaged ships and overboard sailors. The author generally eschews dramatic writing, and doesn't spend a lot of ink second-guessing the commanders. He lets the story, especially the limited success of radar and the tragic episodes of "friendly fire," speak for themselves. A major weakness of the book is the overly-short discussion of the near-term effects of the battle on the Guadalcanal campaign. The author also assumes that the reader is familiar with the layout and design of surface warships. Nonetheless, highly recommended for those interested in the Solomons Campaign, naval operations in the Pacific during World War Two, or in naval surface warfare.

Actually not having read but a few brief passages from this fine effort, I believe that some additional background from & about the Japanese would better help the reader understand the materials proffered by the author & his conclusions. I make reference to one excellent volume by a Japanese naval officer, Captain Tameichi Hara, entitled "Japanese destroyer captain" as an outstanding source of background fact, personal experiences & strategic recollections of many facts relating to the Japanese overall conduct of their war effort & his witnessing of many of the major U.S./Japanese Guadalcanal naval engagements.

I have read this fine book & am impressed by Captain Hara's professionalism, insights into Japanese traditions & his command of the Japanese destroyer flotilla that the U. S. code named "The Tokyo express". He also details his flotillas personal activities during the great raid on Rabaul & his suggestions to his destroyer commanders maximizing the use of their anti aircraft batteries' withering fire in defense of the anchorage that made headline in the U.S. referencing the "heavy losses" encountered by the attackers. He also provides an eyewitness account of the destruction of the Japanese super dreadnaught, Yamato, on her last foray from Japan to Okinawa on her kamikaze sortie in the defense of this embattled island.

I heartily endorse this book as both an aid & companion volume on the Guadalcanal campaign.

This is an excellent account of the Naval Battle off Guadalcanal in the early hours of 13 November 1942. The battle was one of three major disasters that overtook the U.S. Navy in World War II, the others being Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and Savo Island in August 1942. Grace provides a very well written account of the battle with excellent accounts of the men and ships in battle. Very highly recommended.

This book tells you short and sometimes sentimental stories about amazing people doing the most amazing things. It makes it clear that there really are people out there doing great things, and it also gives you the feeling that you too can and ought to do it.

This is of course not bad of a book, but it might not be all that you want. If you are interested in understanding why these people do what they do or why you do what you do (whatever that is), you are not likely to find much help here. What this book gives you is the stories, not the explanations or the understanding. (If you want the latter you are better off reading, e.g., "The Altruistic Personality" by Samuel P. Oliner and Pearl M. Oliner.)

It should also be mentioned that the book is sprinkled with quotations from thinkers from different times and different parts of the world. Some might find these quotations profound, whereas others might find them stupid and annoying.

There are stories in this book that moved me to tears sometimes and brought a smile to my face at other times and times I just wanted to sound with an affirming"Yes!" as I read this book. Ordinary Grace is such a positive book and as you read about a well off couple who were told by doctors that they couldnt have children and travled all the way to Romania to adopt four children with AIDS whom they didnt even know or parents after losing thier infant son to Muscular Atrophy go about designing and building a play ground where children regardless of phsyical limitations can interact with each other and play together you will be so touched you will feel like crying to. This book is full of positive stories like the two mentioned and it will affirm or reaffirm your faith in the human heart and humanity. This book is must read

My church has used this book as an example of the kind of book material we want our congregation to be acquainted with. We use the book as a compass and guidline for encouraging acts of human kindness. We agree with Robert Urich's comments that it was the most important book he had ever read. We feel the same way.

It's hard to believe another reviewer said that having quotes from authorities from long ago and across the seas is a stupid thing. I believe we get the best knowledge and insight from those whose reputations have lasted for centuries and from different cultures.

One reviewer said that the book did not explain why people did wht they did to have "ordinary grace". This is definitely not true. In fact it is the basis for our forums on this subject. The previous reviewer must have stopped reading half way through the book. Chapter 9, "What I've learned about Ordinary Grace" is a case in point. On page 167, the Author identifies 7 characteristics of those who have this gift: 1-They feel at a deep level a storng connection with other people. 2-Abiding faith in other people. 3- Believe that helping others is not a service but a privilege and blessing. 4- They are humble. 5-They have as sense of humor and give the impression of being psychologically happy people. 6- Impulses to do good are immediate and instinctive. 7 Able to turn negatives, even suffering into positive energy and grace. The Authors Chapter 10 is called finding Grace in your own life. This is a working guide that individuals and groups can utilize in developing a more caring and sharing world for all of us to live in. A book like Ordinary Grace must be read reflectively and not just skimmed through. It's important with this book to read it through. This is where you can apply what others have learned to increase your own level of Ordinary Grace. Our group has also utilized this Arthor's previous book, Awakening at Midlife which also contains many pages of work sessions for groups to use together or individually. Shelley Deesgud

Considering the calibre of the writers from whom Marilyn Sewell requested memories, the low quality of both the writing and "storytelling" in this book is abysmal. Most of the memories had little substance, and the tone of many essays was so poor that I had the impression the authors had scribbled them on cocktail napkins in a rush.

With few exceptions (Thomas Merton's section, for example), the recollections were boring and lacked any sort of bite. Neither humorous, nostalgic, nor thought-provoking, the tales would leave one constantly turning the pages, hoping some substance would follow. The quest for the Holy Grail would be less futile than that for any wit or charm in this book.

The promise of the title undoubtedly would prompt people to order this book as a gift for a Catholic friend or a hope of memories for oneself. I strongly suggest that potential readers at least take a glimpse at a copy on a library shelf first.

Anyone who has ever sinned or wondered about the nature of religious feeling should read this book. It is funny and heartbreaking by turns, and amid all these memories we see how children interpret ideas of spirituality passed down to them. They may not always understand, but their experiences are illuminating.

"A collection for Catholics, former Catholics, and Catholics by association, "Resurrecting Grace" is redolent with the images, sounds, smells, and deep heart experiences that are so much a part of a Catholic upbringing . . . . It is an encounter with this complex community of faith that sustains and exasperates those who have been touched by it." (from the jacket cover) These personal recollections are from some of our finest contemporary writers: Frank McCourt, Tobias Wolff, Anna Quindlen, Michael Patrick Macdonald, Brian Doyle, Sandra Cisneros, Rosemary Bray, and Patricia Hampl, among others. The collection contains pieces from writers of various races and ethnicities, and the reader is led to see the One True Church in all its colors and forms, all of its follies, and all of its profundities. The volume is rich with humor, but takes no cheap shots. These writers have reflected deeply upon their early religious experience: they have written to learn what they did not know, and they have grown deeper roots in the process.

As a big Shakira fan I bought this book the minute I saw it. This book is fairly good. If you are a new Shakira fan, I reacommend it. It tells the story of how this Latin Pop/Rock Icon became the huge star she's today. It tells the struggles and problems she had to overcome for reaching her goals and dreams. If you have known Shakira for a while you'll have already herad almost they say here...

Hey, this book is pretty good. I find it interesting to read about where she comes from, her blended family and etc. It is a good book to build your Spanish vocab. Espero que lo leas!

I loved this book. Loved reading about the integrity and hard work and perfectionism this artists brings to her music. Shakira's the real deal. We can all learn from this kind of dignity and sense of self. What a hero -- especially in this age of inflated egos and marketing hype.

This (work)book reminds me of those self-help books. "You can do better if you remember to try harder and don't give up." "Be proactive." etc.

However, there are some interesting suggestions for getting groups and teams to think together. Most of them are really cheesy (like the color of the paper its printed on), but if you can overcome your fears of being laughed at after the meeting or of any awkwardness during the meeting, then they can be good ice breaking techniques.

Stimulating groups isn't as easy as it sounds, so browse the yellow pages in the middle of the book. The rest of it you can skip.

This book is great! It is extremely well organized, easy to read-and fun! Provides a whole new outlook on how to build a work environment that stimulates brain power and team thinking. It gives thought provoking fodder for why it's important to enhance thinking in the workplace, outlines the components of effective performance (in terms of human characteristics and qualities), and then tells you HOW to do it. I highly recommend this book if you are trying to build a more positive and creative environment.

This book is full of useful information that focuses on strengthening the FOUNDATIONS of teams and individuals, rather than changing the WINDOW DRESSINGS. The author believes, as I do, that developing the individual's inner strengths is the only way to achieve consistently strong results in business. This is not a new idea, but the book provides the motivation and a step-by-step process to harness its power. Use the book as a guide for transforming your team or as an occasional reference when you need an idea to give a jolt to a mundane process. I especially appreciated the section on "Thunderbolt Spirit." The idea that managers can develop the flexibility, courage, humor, awareness and spirit of action in team members has been instructive for me, and I am achieving real results through it. --T. Farrell, president & CEO, Webster Properties

I'm not even a Christian, and I liked this book. How did an unorthodox person such as myself end up reading this? you may ask. I found it in a 25 cent bin at a library sale. Sometimes we get surprised.

Lynette, the heroine of this book, is a deeply devout young Christian woman. She just graduated from a prestigious Bible college, where she studied Scripture, Greek, and Hebrew, in order to be the perfect preacher's wife, a complement to her sweetheart, Dana, who has just graduated from seminary. Now, Lynette starts out as the sort of sickeningly-sweet can-do-no-wrong heroine we all love to hate, but then everything changes.

Dana turns out to have become a cynic while away at school; he doesn't really have any faith left, just a desire for adulation and attention. He's only becoming a minister because that's what everyone expects of him. And when Lynette comes home, he ignores her in favor of Jessie Belle, a manipulative, spoiled brat. Lynette has always done exactly what everyone expected of her--but when Dana snubs her, she drops everything and takes a trip to Europe. I think that was the moment I decided I liked Lynette--when she made the first self-nurturing decision of her life.

Lynette contemplates her life and her faith on her trip, while Dana spirals deeper into trouble with Jessie Belle, all the time blaming Lynette's pride for all of his problems. In the end, both sow what they reap--Lynette finds someone who can appreciate her abilities and faith, and Dana has to grow up and deal with his mistakes.

Though I am of a different religion, I rejoiced to see the intelligent and golden-hearted Lynette rewarded for her faith and spirit.

This is a great book! It will touch your heart and show you the meaning of true love.

Kathyrn Swinbrooke, physician, herbalist, and leech, makes this period piece seem like a series of anachronisms, but it's well worth the time to delve into this exciting Medieval mystery by one of my favorite authors P.C. Dougherty writing as C.L. Grace. The author is able, due to his expertise in this period of English history (he holds a doctorate from Oxford), to make his tales sound genuine and forthcoming. It's interesting, too, to see him portray Edward IV and Queen so vividly and, with a keen sense of awareness, gives us an insight into the Future King, Richard Duke of Gloucester. Little does Edward realize his short lived tenure!

A good read!

This series has an unusual protagonist and so introduces the reader to an almost unknown part of history - that of women doctors in the Middle Ages. This is sometimes more interesting than the plot. I wish Katherine and Colum would get together soon though!