The romance of Kirk and Sharon reminds me a little of Cary Grant movies or Hepburn/Tracy pictures - the fellow's often overwhelmed by a very bright and unpredictable girl, and falls hopelessly for her. The main characters are very endearing, and there are a lot of funny scenes and situations. There's quite a bit of play-by-play football action - and although I'm not really a football fan - I enjoyed it (and understood it!) and was rooting on the home team. In fact, the football games were very fast-paced reading and I kept reading a little further to find out who'd win! Aside from enjoyable for yourself, it's a great gift because there's nothing you'd be embarressed to have your mother or friend read!

This review ran in the following publications: SportsTime Magazine, Insider Sports, News Herald, Conway News, Before and After Dark, Cutting Edge, Spotlight, Happenings and Osceola Magazine.

NOT JUST ANOTHER LOVE STORY covers college football players on and off the field. Kirk Daniels plays middle linebacker for the University of Maryland. After completing his third season he takes a summer job arranged by his coach at Elk Neck State Park, where he meets Sharon. The two become romantically involved but the real story begins when he returns to UM to play his last season. In this term, the team is determined to go all the way, advance to play the Orange Bowl and become the top team in the nation. The story moves along briskly and really picks up speed with the game against the Miami Hurricanes. MacDowell's description conveys the essence of how much the players of Maryland want to win. Just 30 minutes stand between victory and defeat. This book is a love story in two ways: Kirk's love for his girlfriend whom he later marries and his love for the game of football. Readers will enjoy this fine novel by a very astute writer on the subject of love.

In the genre of Nicholas Sparks: Message In A Bottle and A walk to Remember, Not Just Another Love Story touches your emotions...and takes you back to when the earth seemed cleaner, the air smelled of Jasmine and swinging on the front porch was a natural part of life. The magnetism of this story becomes etched in your mind, bringing back memories of your first encounter with tenderness...when someone who believed in you gave you the courage to go that extra mile. This is a book to curl up with... about young love, college football, romance and adventure in the Chesapeake Bay area.

DeMello's book, One Minute Nonense serves as a primer for everyday meditation. One who is looking for dense text with long theological discourses should look elsewhere. What one will find is a collection of very short dialogues (usually between a master and a disciple). I seemed to have come across many of these somewhere in the past, and no doubt some are from a common pool of wisdom. They have a distinctly eastern feel to them; zen qualities abound. However, one can feel confident that an orthodox christian will find true wisdom in his words.

I have personally used the book much like a flip calender with quotes; they can be chewed upon mentally throughout the day without much effort in terms of memorization. However, they bear fruit. They challenge you to become Aware. To Wake Up. Even if for a moment this book can help one to break out of the normal perspective so often we are entranced in. I highly recommend the book. And by the way, I consider myself a catholic in good standing. Peace!

Anthony deMello is a unique type of spiritual teacher. He teaches not with long theological treatises but with simple stories. The present book published after his death, belongs to the category of books like 'One Minute Wisdom', 'Prayer of the Frog', 'Song of the Bird' etc. The present one is entitled 'One minute Nonsense' which is an appropriate title. Some of the anecdotes can be misunderstood and dismissed as nonsensical. Indeed, DeMello was misunderstood. It is a Master who tells the anecdotes and he could be a Hindu Guru, a Jewish Rabbi, a Muslim Mullah or a Christian Priest. His message transcending all manmade boundaries, sometimes sounds nonsensical and contradictory because he is trying to 'express the inexpressible'. People with an open mind with regard to the truth of God, would love this book and cherish the anecdotes.

Anthony de Mello's books generally fall into three groups - guided meditations; cross-cultural, interreligious, traditional teaching tales; and sayings of the Master in context. This book falls into the second category - traditional teaching tales. Fr. de Mello has categorized the stories into seven chapters: spirituality, education, authority, human nature, relationships, service and enlightment. Most of the stories are told without any "editorial" comments i.e. the author trusts the power of story. The selection is excellent coming from a wide variety of traditions and ages.

My favorite, having studied Sanskrit for several years in graduate school: "Enthralled at hearing the Master chant Sanskrit verses in a melodious voice, a Sanskrit scholar said: 'I have always known that there is no language on earth like Sanskrit for the expression of things divine.' 'Don't be an ass,' said the Mster. 'The language of the divine isn't Sanskrit. It is silence.'"

You can read the book straight through and get a lot of laughs or you can read it as intended, pondering the stories and risking having your life changed. The latter is the intend of the author.

Evans delivers a great study of the book of James. It's compelling, well-written stuff, filled with the sort of real-life examples that Evans is so good at. You will learn how to better curb your tongue, avoid prejudice, and encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ. If I have any complaints, it is only in the area of faith/works. Evans caves into conventional wisdom here to perpetuate the myth that your salvation can never be lost, even if you never exercise your faith with works. This wouldn't be such a big problem if the passages he quotes in James didn't say the exact opposite thing. (Read James 2:14-26).

Otherwise, an amazing book, which will uplift you and challenge you to a greater and more productive faith in the Lord.

In The Perfect Christian, Tony Evans calls believers back to God's demand for perfection. Evans draws from biblical teaching and unforgettable anecdotes to offer heart-grabbing insights. Based on solid Bible teachings from the book of James, Evans comments on such essential questions as how to resist temptation, balance faith and works, control our tongue, and know the power of prayer. Although perfection is an always elusive goal, The Perfect Christian will material and substantially aid the reader to achieve a new level of spiritual life, power, and victory over adversity resulting in an improved spirituality and growth in the Christian faith. The Perfect Christian is wonderfully insightful, supportive, and recommended for all truth seekers and students of spiritual progress within a Christian perspective.

The title of this book won't grab you, but its a dynamic book for personal growth!

The concept of a person recovering from an illness beyond where they were prior to debilitation effects of an illness was intriguing to me, so I began reading this book. I found it easy to read without technical terms confusing the reader. It is motivational, helpful to a variety of situations in a person's life. It is useful to those who become discouraged with life's situations, to those who experience loss and have difficulty overcoming it, as well as to those who have mental challenges that are debilitating.

This book changed my life and I think would change the life of anyone who reads it. It doesn't even matter if they are dealing with mental health problems, the book is simply about how to move forward when you cannot move back and how to have hope. I've highlighted every other paragraph -- I hope others find out about about procovery and this amazing little treasure of inspiration and plain practical common sense.

This piece of literature is valuable for "anyone". I can't even begin to imagine the trials someone with a physical or mental disability has in their daily life. My own disability pails in comparison; however, I draw a huge amount of information and believe that even the most healthy individual can benefit from reading Procovery. Kathleen is obviously very well read. Her choice of quotations is only surpassed by the appropriate placement of each. It is in calling upon a variety of world class authors that allows Kathleen to successfully include spiritual versus. Procovery is about Pro-action and therefore reminds us that we are empowered. Procovery is about Pro-cess so enjoy the journey. Whether it's 2 steps forward and 1 step back or 1 step forward and 2 steps back; in the end we have traveled 3 steps. Procovery is about hope so recognize that life is a gift. I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did.

Plantagenet Palliser reluctantly becomes the Prime Minister of England. Lady Glencora continues her self-appointed task as a meddler in affairs of the heart and now politics. We are glad to see the couple back at the forefront of our story, the 5th entry of the Palliser saga. Re-appearing characters Lizzie Eustace and Phineas Finn are present, but only in minor roles. The delightful Marie, now Mrs. Finn, stands by Cora in triumph and trouble. Lopez slithers on the scene and courts Emily Wharton, much to her family's dismay. The novels of Anthony Trollope are the Victorian equivalent of daytime TV dramas. They are lightweight, but entertaining. The pace is leisurely, and the book goes on for 700+ pages. Graham Greene once wrote that Trollope's novels ease stress levels because nothing much happens. The stylish presentation in smoothly written prose compensates the reader nicely. Besides, nobody captured the comic essence of Victorian manners and morals as Trollope. The unyielding men and women are often the cause of their own dilemmas. This book is a pleasant contrast to the noise, bustle, and electronic hardware of modern life. Recommended reading. ;-)

Anthony Trollope has created yet another book full of twisted plots and fatal loves. Another book to read and cherish.

When Plantagenet Palliser (Duke of Omnium) is named Prime Minister, his wife, the Duchess Glencora, is delighted. Immediately she plunges into politics herself, giving huge parties intended to support the Duke, who is completely honorable, but unfortunately detached and reserved, seeming at times icy to those whose political backing is needed. Glencora, one of Trollope's most delightful creations, has a sparkling personality, but is occasionally too outspoken and is sometimes misunderstood. Eventually her well-intended machinations result in embarrassment for the Duke's ministry.

In the other main plot, Emily Wharton ignores the advice of her father and almost all her friends when she falls in love with Ferdinand Lopez, about whom very little is known except that he seems to be a wealthy gentleman. Finally she persuades her father to give his permission for her marriage. Very quickly she discovers that she has made a horrendous mistake, and her life becomes a living h! ell. Only one of her old friends remains true--Arthur Fletcher, who vows that he will always love no one but her.

Anyone who is interested in Victorian history and British politics will find the novel a pure delight. Others may find it slow going and mystifying in spots, although no such knowledge or interest is needed for the Emily-Lopez plot. Lopez is one of the most despicable villains in all of Trollope's fiction, ranking with George Vavasor of "Can You Forgive Her?" Emily, on the other hand, sometimes becomes tiresome in her queer, fastidious obstinacy.

The character of Plantagenet Palliser is finely drawn. He is a man who is scrupulously honest, too much so for partisan politics. He is a natural leader and yet a thin-skinned, conscientious man who takes any criticism to heart. He loves his vivacious wife, who teases him mercilessly when she wishes to upset him. The match seems very odd, and their marriage began under inauspicious circumstances, and yet she,! in her way, admires and adores her husband.

"The Pr! ime Minister" is an outstanding work by one of literature's greatest novelists, mainly because of his brilliant handling of character. No one does it better.

When I ran into the author at Aunties Book Store in Spokane, WA, after a reading, he had a big stack of the book on his table. My wife and I were on a mission and, while I almost walked by his table without as much as a glance, the cover of his book caught my eye and he asked if I liked science fiction. While I generally prefer light and easy sci-fi-fantasy books, I decided to check his out.

It is a good read. I got through it in a few hours and enjoyed the story. It was light, easy, and reminded me of some of the series books I've enjoyed before. I particularly enjoyed the environmental and change perspective that the book brought to the forefront.

The only negative perspective I really had was that there were descriptive points that seemed redundant and the character development seemed, at times, fast. But I believe I still connected well with the characters and story.

It made for a good weekend read. Not too heavy, but fun.

The magnificent artwork on the cover only begins the wonderful and beautiful journey that this book guides you through. The fresh views of humanity and different ways of life are inspiring. I could not put it down. Yet, when I finally did the gorgeous cover only swept me back into the expertly crafted world. I loved it and continue to love it. Thank goodness there's more to come.

I believe this is the best book I have ever Read.

I am lucky in having pursued infertility therapy as a client (successfully, thankfully) as well as by being a urologist who treats infertility clients. I read this book to decide if it would be a helpful adjunct to the people I treat. I have decided not to recommend it to my clients. I would sooner have them read Larry Lipshultz's book, technical as it is.

While the medical information in the book appears accurate, there is an awful lot of fluff and touchy-feely content obscuring the medical information that is important. At times, the text is downright pandering.

As a urologist who treats infertily patients (successfully, I might add), I found the belittlement of those of us without fellowship training insulting and capable of undermining the confidence of my clients. The benchmarks they site as marks of expertise are entirely artificial and appear self serving; 'don't go to any practitioner who doesn't...do it like we do.' Hopefully the discerning couple will see through the alarmist threats that you will receive inferior medical care and results unless bring your money directly to a university hospital, fellowship trained infertility specialist who only will accept cash in advance of all visits and procedures. Unfortunately, such content only deters those without the means or proximity to visit such fellowship trained infertility specialists from pursuing their care through the resources they do have access to.

Until this book is revised in a way that eliminates the self serving content directing people to refer themselves to specialist with like training of the authors, I would be hard pressed to recommend it to anyone. Additionally, eliminating a bit of the fluff would be extremely helpful in assisting people in actually finding worthwhile current treatment practices.

This is one of the best infertility books I have purchased. Most of the other books leave out valuable statistics and information that made me more curious than before reading the book. This book however, gave me detailed information that was invaluable! It is well written and researched! Being a doctor myself, I was thankful that someone actually included scientific results and information along with all other sorts of data. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone struggling with male infertility!!

I have never met Dr. Shrover, but Dr. Thomas is wonderful! He is one of the best in the field - very knowledgeable. He's also a nice guy. He's my husband's doctor.

After we heard that he wrote a book we made sure to get it and check it out. This is a great book if you are facing male infertility and want to learn more. The book covers all sorts of diagnosis and gives some really good advice. I highly recommend it.

Remember, you have to be your own advocate - you need to learn all you can if you want to make sure you get the best treatment. This book will really help you learn what you need to know.

Good luck!

This book is not an easy read and I found myself having to re-read certain passages so I would not get lost in its argument. Kelly presents his case well. It is presented from the point of view of Natural Theology as he clearly states. Initially, for me, the book held more promise than it delivered. I concluded, however, that my disappointment is probably due to my particular understanding of theology and not Kelly's arguments or academic effort. I do not contest Kelly's thesis that "Natural Theology can now provide an answer to the question as to the reason for the existence of man and the world." (...) He understands Natural Theology to be distinct from revelation (p.24). He initiates his investigation as a speculative activity but concludes it as an existential activity. In this he perpetuates a dualistic way of thinking. He writes: "When our contemporary understanding of the world is applied to the raw material of revelation, the essence [speculative term] of revelation will no doubt be maintained but the expression [existential term] of revelation may be quite different" (p.125). A way to overcome this dualism, to my mind, is to consider the role of one's response in existential theological interpretation. (...) These musings notwithstanding, Kelly's thesis is a challenging read well worth the time and effort expended in doing it justice.

Cosmologists such as Paul Davies and Stephen Hawking have ventured onto the field of Theology, posing questions as to the Mind of God. The tables are turned by an Australian Philosopher and Theologian who proposes answers to the ultimate questions of Cosmology.

Kelly extends the recent trend among evolutionists from self-organisation to the concept of self-creation. Basing himself on the work of Samuel Alexander on Emergent Evolution and of the little known Latvian Philosopher Nicolai Hartmann, Kelly puts forward views which are likely to upset more traditional theologians as well as scientists.

I've read many a book on Jesus, Christianity, and the Bible since 1976 through a myriad of sources from fundamentalism to liberalism and even New Age, and have found this book to contain the most satisfying explanations of the development of life and of the existence of evil I've ever read. Dr. Kelly builds his case so thoroughly, and comes up with an hypothesis dazzling in its simplicity. A must-read for all!

This book really helped me focus on what I needed to enhance my relationship with the Lord. I learned how to seek the Holy Ghost and how His presence could change my life. It taught me about God's promises to me and what I needed to do to be in-line with them. A must for Christians seeking direction and even for those desiring a spiritual walk but don't know where to start.

Tony Evans' in-depth explanations of the Holy Spirit's relationship with christians was enlightining and gave excellent examples to show how much God really loves us and helps us in life with his comforter, the Holy Spirit. This is a must own for any christians who are experiencing trouble understanding the third person of the Trinity, and how he reacts to us.

I thought the book was wonderful. Tony Evans is a very studied and easy to understand author. I will recommend this book to all of my family and friends.

A careful, highly readable and sometimes very amusing account of the life of the Irish novelist, playwright, theatre director and sports enthusiast. This gives a nuanced and sensitive account of the Irish background from which Beckett at first painfully extracted himself to a new life in France, but which he was always attached to sentimentally and creatively, never being too busy to meet with a young writer from Ireland, or to drink with old Irish friends and wax nostalgic about the Liffey. This book, while generally very admiring (Cronin has no time for the last novel), is actually more discerning and knowledgeable about Beckett's affairs emotional, literary and dramatic, especially in the later years of his career when Cronin was one of the first to write about him at length in the TLS and elsewhere, as well as to meet him and ask questions such as, "Krapp seems to think he had the possibility of happiness...?" To which Beckett calmly replied, "That doesn't mean he did though, does it?"

You get a fair sense of the man and his times, and a more modulated sense of his slow climb to success, even after "Waiting for Godot" made his name. Never has fame seemed less romantic. Cronin is that best of acquaintance-biographers - no fool, but not an assassin either. Fun as well as thorough. I can't think what will come to light to make a better biography possible.

For a pretty fat bio, I found this a surprisingly easy and swift read. Cronin, who certainly knows the lay of the land, the type of people, and even some of the actual folks Beckett knew, seems a fair and judicious biographer. I found the book most useful in charting Beckett's development as an artist from the callow "knowingness" of his early novels and poems to the wry despair of his mature work. One is impressed both by Beckett's inconsistent touchiness about the handling of his work by adapters, and by his quiet generosity with near strangers as well as friends. Cronin includes plenty of delightful trivia, from quotes ("I am not a philosopher; one can only speak of what is in front of one and that is simply a mess") to the fact that Beckett always accented the first syllable of Godot.

This is a valiant attempt to understand the man and the artist. The slow and unconventional evolution of Beckett's art is well described. This biography is, I feel, honest [in as much as any biography can be such] and does not mythologize. Sad that in Beckett's last days he appeared to be consumed with remorse.