One of the really funny aspects of John Grisham's novel The Firm to me was the idea that a law firm could be a Mafia front. In Unholy Order William Heffernan presents an even more diabolic relationship between a secretive Catholic order and a Columbia drug cartel.

Heffernan's novel falls short only by failing to fully exploit the oppotunities the cultish criminal enterprise offers. As he draws near the end of his tale, the focus becomes concentrated on one member of Opus Dei, rather than the order itself.

While this enables him to wrap up his novel, the reader wants more. In a sense Grisham had the same problem and reached for the same quick solution in The Firm with the "mail fraud" prosecution. But this book is, if anything, more artfully presented than Grisham's classic, and such a facile solution is a bigger loss to the reader.

I've been a fan of Heffernan since I read Ritual, which was the first novel to feature Paul Devlin. Unholy Order is the best one in years. I'm not going to give a plot blow by blow. That's what the book jacket is for. The story is very interesting, the characters are as real as they get. An outstanding edition to a great series!

My favorite kind of novel. I couldn't put it down. Devlin and co. always entertains as they try to solve the hardest of cases when road block after road block is thrown in their path. All the supporting cast were great, even the villains. Loved the ending. Highly recommend.

I collect art books and am particularly fond of Vincent Van Gogh, the fabulous Dutch artist of the 19th Century, who is probably the most popular of all artists--EVER (certainly my favorite!!). I have taken several art history courses with Van Gogh as subject, seen all the "Van Gogh" films, etc. I own many books about Van Gogh including a few I picked up in the Netherlands. What could anyone else possibly say about him that I have not already heard? The answer as it turns out is plenty. I had not yet read Debora Silverman's VAN GOGH AND GAUGUIN: THE SEARCH FOR SACRED ART.

Silverman has taken a different tact in writing about the artists Van Gogh and Gauguin--who will linked together through eternity if for no other reason than the episode in Arles with Van Gogh's "earlobe" (not ear). Like many, I have wondered just why these two men behaved so antagonistically towards each other. I have heard about personality conflicts, differing life styles, and mental illness, but somehow these reasons have never resonated with me. The explanation for the Gauguin-Van Gogh conflict according to Silverman was owing to nothing less than their conflicting interpretations of the meaning of life.

Gauguin was raised Roman Catholic and attended a Catholic boys school where he was taught the theology of bearing one's cross and dying to the material world to attain the transcendent good--paradise. Van Gogh came from a humanistic Dutch Reformed background in an era when this church was focused on the need for a consolatary religion in the face of EVOLUTION. Their conflict seems to have been a feud of a particular kind as both men attempted to understand the eternal truths, grapple with the new reality of science, and abandon their relgious upbringings.

While Gauguin's paintings reflect the transcendent as "otherworldly" and point the way for later abstract symbolists such as Picasso, Van Gogh's works are tied to the sacred presence of the eternal in the natural world. In painting after painting, Gauguin flattens the canvas, uses paint sparingly and depicts scenes of misery and suffering, sin and redemption. On the other hand, Van Gogh focuses on the sacred nature of work and rural life--threshing, weaving, milking, and rocking the baby by the fireplace. Where Gauguin creates angels strugging with men and flying cows, Van Gogh paints wheat fields and grape vineyards filled with sowers, thrashers, and harvesters. Where Gauguin sees classical elements such as the three muses and a Greek temple and admires Delacroix, Van Gogh sees bridges, sailboats, looms, and walls, and adores Millet.

During their short time together in Arles, Gauguin sought to influence Van Gogh--to have him paint from memory, flatten surfaces, and introduce overt religious symbolism into his work. Van Gogh did partially adapt some of Gauguin's techniques such as cloisonism (black outlines separating flat patches of color), but while Gauguin continued to tackle the sinful ways of man (and apparently sin quite heavily when he wasn't working) Van Gogh adapted Zenlike techniques reminiscent of Hiroshege and other Japanese artists who saw no boundary between the divine and natural worlds.

Silverman writes beautifully (I read every word..this is a powerful book) and there are hundreds of drop-dead beautiful facsimilies of the works of Gauguin and Van Gogh. I think Silverman favors Van Gogh, and I do too so I was not disappointed (though she covers Gauguin quite well). She spends a great deal of time on style and technique, which I also liked very much. She is not merely pointing out technical differences, however, she is showing how their respective techniques were tied to their philosophical outlooks. Several "sets" of paintings by both men are discussed in detail--Van Gogh's Langlois bridge paintings (all nine are reproduced) and the Berceuse paintings (she who rocks the cradle); as well as Gauguin's repeated use elements such as the women of Brittany, cows, angels, and "the dead."

This is a wonderful book and if you love Van Gogh and want to better understand his painterly ways, you must have it. It will enrich your life.

Although a non-scholar, I have a keen interest in art history and thus was delighted to receive a copy of this book as a holiday gift from my daughter. The subtitle indicates Silverman's thematic objective: To examine "the search for sacred art." She provides her reader with a brilliantly written narrative during which she shares a wealth of information about Van Gogh and Gauguin, of course, in combination with hundreds of illustrations (many in full-color) which are skillfully correlated with the text. Here is how the material is organized:

Part One: Toward Collaboration [two "Self-Portraits"]

Part Two: Peasant Subjects and Sacred Forms [eg Van Gogh's "Sower" and Gauguin's "Vision After the Sermon"]

Part Three: Catholic Idealism and Dutch Reformed Realism

Part Four: Collaboration in Arles

Part Five: Theologies of Art After Arles

Part Six: Modernist Catechism and Sacred Realism

Silverman carefully identifies and then eloquently explores all manner of comparisons and contrasts between the lives and art of Van Gogh and Gauguin within an historical, theological, and anthropological context. Hers is a magnificent achievement.

a work of genius and a pleasure to read. this book is essential for any museumgoer and the general reader with any interest in either artist. revealing the mutual respect and support between two very different men, with outstanding illustrations and insightful prose. i cannot remember any art history book so erudite and approachable.

This book is an authentic treatise about the many stages upon the ancient, universal initiatic path into the mysteries.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama recommends this arcane book on the back cover of the book itself.
This book can be easily misunderstood or not understood at all. What one needs is the keys of the path, the factors of the revolution of the consciousness. Otherwise, how can we listen to the "VOICE OF THE SILENCE". It is the Voice, the Verb, the LOGOS, the supra-Monad... We need the steps in order to do the "Will of the Father", here, as it is in heaven.
We must read and re-read and meditate on this book. It is profound, exact and terribly magical!
gnosticinstitute.org

This book contains some high level lessons given to seekers who are really engaged in the path of truth and duty. H.P. Blavatsky had written this book from what she had learned by heart when she was studying in Himalayan places.The first lesson makes us understand Maya's illusory structure and dangers that it creates on our path. You should learn how to recognize them and deafeat them, then you'll begin to listen to the voice of silence which is the voice of your inner master. Second lesson teaches us about two different paths: heart one and eye one. Third and last lesson is about seven gates to Nirvana and describes us the weapons we should gather or create before fighting dangers we will encounter at each gate. But main lesson is that we should never give up. So if you think that your path is the one of duty for yourself but even more for mankind, this book is for you!

Isabel Cooper-Oakley said of this book:

"Now, inspeaking of the teaching that we have in the Theosophical Society there is one book, by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ................. " Why? Because she knew that it was only the few in the hurry and the press of the everyday life, it was only the few who would really stand aside from the stream of life and try to give some thought and some time to the soul within. She translated this book from one of those priceless treasures then in the possession of the Eastern teachers of Theosophy. It is called The Book of Golden Precepts, and from it she has gathered some few of the precepts which those who really desire to develop their spiritual life will take up and study. Dedicated as it is to the few, it is only the few who really find benefit in it. It is called The Voice of the Silence. The name is in itself paradoxical, but the name in itself is a volume of teaching. It is the Voice of the Silence because it is only when the Silence and the hush come over the material part of man's life that the real Voice of the Silence can speak. It is only when man will take a little time to still his worldly life, to still his worldly thoughts, that the true small Voice which really lives in the heart of every man may make itself heard. And therefore Helena Petrovna Blavatsky gave us this book, leaving it to the few who would listen in the Silence to the Voice that would speak, and she gave it to us as the guide, the prayer book, and the very basis of our daily life." [From Report of Proceedings and Documents of the 1893 Parliament of Religions, pages 174 to 176]..........................

This game has an excellent RPG system and storyline.
I like the 'random # table' and 'combat results table' Dever uses in this book (and other RPG books of his). The book is just like a video game with all the options that you can do (Which makes those "Choose Your Own Adventure Books" I played as a kid a big joke) and many options in the battles (fight, cast a spell from your staff, flee, use item, etc.). The story is gets a little complex as your character uses his newfound powers of the moonstone to defeat an evil wizard in book 4.

the whole series is great! I wish there were as many sequels as in the original lone wolf series!

Grey Star has his work cut out for him. As the finale of the series, Dever and Page really went the full nine yards to create a quest that is not only suspenseful, but challenging. I would have to say that my favorite moment is when you are being chased by a thousand ugly demons and your horse is put out of commission. You are left with two options: run 20 miles to safety, or die! There are new challenges around every corner. I wish that more of this series was written.

This book has changed my life. I have read it 3 times and made my own cliff notes for quick reference. Frankly, I wish there was a longer, more detail group study guide to accompany the book. If you are serious about having peaceful relationships with "everyone" around you, the best way to start is changing yourself. This has been the quickest route I have found and the most profound. The author changed my heart and gave me a positive approach to reducing (soon to stop...yeah!...I feel it coming!) my angry reactions and participation in the angry outbursts of others. I especially wanted to raise my children to the highest standards of life I could find and not "pass on" my dysfunctional upbringing. What can I say, but thank you to this man who has helped me rise up to a new level of understanding. God Bless you!

Paul Tripp's book is unlike any other book on communication... instead of teaching communication skills or techniques, he goes right to the heart! What comes out of our mouths, is only an example of what is in our hearts! Tripp deals with heart issues! I have recommended this book to many people already!

This is a great book for those that really want to get the "heart" of relationship/communication struggles. Having the right words to say at the right time is a struggle for all of us. This book helps to show where our true responsibility lies for the words that come out of our mouth. It is a practical guide on how to understand the words we use, why and how to use our words to be better people to everyone.

I'm told that the humorist stylings of Steven Colbert, Amy Sedaris, et al are an acquired taste. I'm unable to judge, seeing as how I acquired the taste long ago, thanks to the brilliant "Daily Show" and "Strangers With Candy" shows these folks put together.

"Wigfield" concerns a broken-down town on the way to being an underwater park, thanks to the impending destruction of a nearby dam. This is simply the framework on which the authors hang their over-the-top caricatures, however.

If you enjoy deadpan delivery of the outrageous (think "Spinal Tap" or "Best In Show"), you'll dig "Wigfield."

Want to take a trip to a bizzare little town full of weirdos, tons of strip clubs and lots of used tires? Make plans to visit Wigfield...a quarter mile stretch of land that came into being because of an unneccessary dam that is now in danger of being destroyed by the government. This horrible act will flood the "town", which sprang up in the river bed and force the tenants of this loveable slum to move from their beloved homes/shanties. You'll meet people like Cinammon, a stripper, who uses hush puppies in her routine in a very unusual way; Julian Childs, an "confirmed" bachelor and theater owner, who uses rabbits in all his productions; Mae Ella Padgett, who in her 40s, proudly claims to be the oldest person in Wigfield--a claim disputed by Dottie Fore, who makes her claim as the elder; and many more. Guided along by Russell Stokes, the author, who stumbles upon this intriguing drama, desperate to find a subject that could help him start the 50,000 words required for the book he must write to meet his publishing deal with Hyperion publishers. Amy Sedaris, Paul Dinello and Stephen Colbert, of Comedy Central's brilliant cult series, "Strangers With Candy", are totally insane and that's what makes the book so much fun. Its dark, bizarre and a hilarious read that makes you laugh out loud. Complete with pictures of the wacky trio as the townsfolk, taken by Todd Oldman. If you love "Strangers With Candy", you'll want this book. If you want a good laugh this summer, you'll want it as well. PS---buy the new "Strangers With Candy: Season One" dvd too----So FUNNY!

This was the first book I've ever read, and I liked it a lot. It was a great mix of humor and words, which translates well to print.

If you were a fan of the "Strangers with Candy" you will love this book. If you hated the show, you probably weren't that smart anyway, so you might want to pick up something else. Or maybe have your servant read this to you, while you relax counting your millions, sipping Martinis in your fancy bath robe. Jerk.

I truly loved this book. For once, because it's part of my own past, Paul Hertel was my mother's uncle. And second, I like Mrs. Falkenhagens style. It was great for me to learn about my ancestors. Now I understand much better my own urge to discover the world.

"Wilderness Beginnings" is truly an adventure story about two people facing seemingly insurmountable odds both in Pre-WWII Germany and in the wilderness of British Columbia during the 1930's. This true-life book is extremely well written and an easy read. The story draws you in from the start and holds your attention throughout the remarkable journey. There are times it is difficult to believe this is not fiction. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages.

A true life adventure of a young German immigrant who migrates to the wilderness of British Columbia during the mid 1930's. The adventures and brushes with death from the natural elements remind me of Jack London's "Call of the Wild".

Having two girls to attend to, life can be hard and demanding but when I make the time for myself, reading is the most rewarding past times I enjoy. This is one of those few and rare, poetry and essay books that not only touches the senses but also gives worth to every indiviudal for what they are and makes us appreciate our self-worth and capabilities, as human beings. No two people are alike and we should be proud for that. This is one book I can read over and over again no matter my moods and feel energized to get up and never give up in life no matter the problems I am facing. It offers insight into people and their personal lives and loving them for what they are...

This book is very inspirational, warm, and loving. I regret not writing this review sooner. I feel it has many uplifting words and is not negative in anyway. If only more people would recognize the small things in life and encourage the world as John Paul Padilla has. John Paul goes way out of his way to be there for everyone around him unconditionally. He explains things with thorough simplicity that touches the heart. There are not enough words to say how great this book is nor is there enough time. John Paul reminds us of the beautiful things in life. John Paul offers enormous hope when I thought I was lost. Most of all John Paul reminded me not to ever GIVE UP!!!!! Love You Lots JOHN PAUL PADILLA.

This is one book that I recommend. A book that is thought to be written for all people. It must be read for everyone at least once. People looking for meaning of life would find this book really useful.

"Wingspan" is a glossy book of photos for fans, combined with some scraps of comment by McCartney (interviewed, it should be noted, by his own daughter Mary.) It's good to finally get some information about Paul's Wings years. This is obviously Paul making his own case, though he is certainly honest about matters such as his frustration with the band's ever-changing lineup, as well as his 1980 arrest for pot in Japan. Overall, one cannot help but admire the bravely carefree attitude with which Paul formed this new band and made some spotty but often good music. Above all this book is meant to be a tribute to Linda McCartney, a defense of her role in the band, and an inspirational look at how a family man can combine work and play. Personally I would have liked to see more in-depth interviewing by someone more impartial, as well as interviews with other band members, most especially Denny Laine who stayed with Wings through the entire decade but is given rather short text shrift here. But then, I'm grateful for what we get. As Paul comments, Wings wasn't rocket science, it was just making music, and this is a fun, breezy book about a fun band.

As a second generation Beatles fan, I truly loved Wings. It's a shame so little has been written about Paul and his band....until now. While I do wish more details would emerge about Paul's relationship with Denny Laine and Jimmy McCullough, I am grateful for Wingspan (DVD and book). If Linda had lived to help with this project, I believe she would have felt free to recollect both good and not so good times on the road. Because the Beatles legacy is so huge, I feel not enough respect and appreciation is given to Wings' legacy, not even by Paul himself! Perhaps in time, we'll learn more. For now, Wingspan is the best tribute yet.

Has Paul McCartney finally found the writing partner to fill the void created by the breakup of his liaison with John Lennon? If "Wingspan" is anything to go by, then he may well have done so. Mark Lewisohn, the much-celebrated Professor Emeritus of Beatledom, proves himself to be the ideal sidekick to Macca, collaborating with the Great Man on a wonderfully informative book that leaves no stone unturned in its effort to detail every facet of a fascinating period in the life of a multitalented artist. So vivid are the recollections that it's almost as if you're right there with Paul, Linda and their troupe of kids and collaborators. Lennon & McCartney were a legendary team, but Lewisohn & McCartney are a pretty formidable pair in their own "write". They should try working together on some songs...

I foudn this book a very entertaining read, especially as a racing fan. Bobby is definitely an accomplished driver, and there is much that we can learn from his example, both in racing and in business.

Having said that, I thought some of the main lessons, like good sportsmanship, a focus on customers and good customer relationships, are quite obvious, even though the author does present vivid cases of these being true. I would recommend reading it for the story, rather than the takeaways.

...and visions are meant to be shared.

Bobby's translation of what it takes to move from leading a race into the winner's circle to leading in business is an analogy well made in this book, particularly for all racing fans who find themselves wanting to gain a winning edge in life.

Paul Pease parlays Bobby Unser's winning focus in driving to be first for the checkered flag into a shared vision for his readers of what it takes to succeed in business. Bobby's lessons learned on the track and in between race days made him a part of one of America's most winning race families in a sport that has literally killed many who took on its challenges.

Bobby's experience in the business of racing and in the business of business in his twenty years of retirement, make him an excellent teacher of valuable lessons for the lay reader. The examples of lessons learned from his years of racing provide an entertaining and enlightening background for the reader to gain perspective on each message Bobby has to offer.

Bobby is clearly a monumental character both on the track and off. Being a willing teacher of what it takes to make a difference in business as in life makes this book very satisfying to the finish.

I found Bobby's book to be not only a fun read, but also packed with great motivational tips. Applying the tips to racing really hit home and was great reinforcement. It was nice to read about someone who actually practices what they preach, and can then explain it so that others can benefit.