If you are going to play fantasy live action, this is the game to get. In fact, if you are going to play live action at all, THIS is STILL the game to get. A quick, easy magic and combat system, handy coil-bound for ease of reference in an outdoor setting (and the covers do not have that habit of pulling off easily, as happens with a lot of small press publications), and a nice little primer on weapon and clothing making all add up to a splendid package. And the Artwork! The cover is very nice, but where the book really shines is in some of the more action-oriented illustrations (such as the Combat title page on pg 81 with the minotaur). What other books have featured these artists?

Overall, a nice, handy package for live action, definitely superior to some of the more prominent game systems out there.

I recently purchased the Havok! book, and I must say, it is one of the coolest LARP systems I know of. I had the opportunity to attend the first official Havok! event in my city, and I just have to say it was amazing. Please purchase this book and support Seventh Moon! You won't be sorry you did!

I read Sister Carrie when I was a teenager in China. The other day I listened to a Hoosier's holiday on Talking Books. He went back to his hometown after some thirty years. I went back to my hometown, Hangzhou, China and saw my old house now completely destroyed and replaced by a huge scaffolding. Somehow I felt my experience wasn't so different from Dreisers. I liked the book so much I'm going to order a copy to read certain parts again, although I have been in Indianapolis exactly once in my lifetime. Indianapolis and Hangzhou are world's apart. Dreiser and me are only 50 years apart but I feel I knew how he felt. Kai Lai Chung

Theodore Dreiser is one of America's great authors, but he is also an enigma wrapped inside a contradiction. Forever in awe of the "great social forces" lurching mankind forward, and inspired by the great financial titans and clever capitalist geniuses who attempted to reap the whirlwind, Dreiser nevertheless embraced communism late in his life as the antidote for the injustices plaguing mankind. He was a spirited social rebel, railing against orthodoxy and Puritan "Babbitts" who would foist their Midwestern morality down upon him, but at the same time, as he demonstrates in this book, his idealization of the small-town Hoosier philistines in Warsaw, Sullivan, and other whistle stop towns far removed from the Broadway footlights he had known intimately by the time this epic journey to the Heartland commences. Dreiser devoted hundreds, perhaps thousands of pages of prose to attacking the small-town "Babbitts" sharing the views of another world-weary cynic, Henry Louis Mencken. And yet, for all his caustic attitudes toward rigid conventions, Dreiser swoons in near reverie after catching first glimpse of the mundane streets, the old grammar school, feed store, and the simple folk he remembered from his youth. In other passages,examples of plain country living he encounters along the bumpy, dusty backroads of America circa 1914, are ridiculed and scorned as one would commonly expect of Theodore Dreiser and his war against society's religious and social conventions. Nevertheless, Dreiser's personal observations on life are often more engaging and inciteful than in some of his later novels. He is an American master; a pioneer of literary realism, and despite the contradictions, this is a fine and engaging volume exploring a vanished American landscape. Mr. Brinkley is to be commended for presenting it to the reading public again after all these years.

While visiting Ireland for a week my Dad and I enjoyed two of the walks described in the book. Walk 16 from Spa to Tralee winded next to a quiet stretch of ocean and canal. While following the trail through farmers's fields spotted cows slowly blinked at our presence. We viewed horseback riders, the Blennerville windmill, and wild flowers during our trek. It was an up close view of the beautiful green Irish countryside. We also enjoyed walk 14 on Inishmore (one of the Aran Islands). The book gave helpful advice on using local transportation to travel to the starting point of the walk. Starting at the mighty fortress Dun Aonghasa we marveled at the sheer cliffs protecting the fortress. The view was incredible. Leave extra time for listening to the crashing ocean waves and exploring the rocky walls. On the return walk the ocean view was captivating. We saw a local farmer repairing a stone wall by hand. This walk allowed us to enjoy a unique part of Ireland firsthand. The 35 walks listed in the book were from 2 to 9 miles in length and descriptions of elevation and estimated walking time were included. Public transportation information was provided where available which we found helpful since we did not have a rented car. Using this book we were able to enjoy recommeded sites, but also get off the beaten path to see the real Ireland.

Planning a walking trip sight unseen is always an act of faith. This well-written guide makes it easier to discover Ireland off the beaten path and be confident that you are setting off on walks that you can handle, that you know what to expect along the way, and can judge ahead of time whether to take one walk versus another. Booth includes information on where to find food and water as well as toilet facilities. I looked at three walking guides for an upcoming trip to Ireland, and this is the only one I am taking with me.

We spent 6 days in Italy, and ended up only doing 2 of the walks (plus visited the site of a 3rd), but found this book a great resource for getting away from the crowds, without being in the back of beyond. It provided ideas for some truly unique places to go that weren't on the usual "tourist's map" of Italy. Also, one of the hotel recommendations in the beginning (there aren't many -- the book is not at all a comprehensive guide) was a great find. We did find at least one discrepancy in a trail marking (at the end of the Florence walk), so be alert and flexible!

We spent 2 weeks in Italy and did 6 walks. We would love to do more. This was a very easy guide to follow and you could make this the only book you need. Can't wait to try another one soon.

I justfinished the bookand found it pretty interesting. It delevd into things I never even htought good influence the IR scene and hold so much bearing over the future of groups, countries, and regions. Very inciteful and written decently. I recommend this book be bought.

This volume edited by Ken Booth and Steve Smith takes as the starting premise that the World is going through major changes and International Relations, as a discipline, can no longer afford to pretend that it is a self-contained discipline. There are twelve chapters dealing with various aspects of IR theory that need modification and addition. The themes that are covered in this collection include Political Theory, International Political Economy, The Post-Positivist Debate, Neo-realism, International Society, and the Idea of World Community.

Particular emphasis is placed on the question on "identity", "security", "levels of analysis problem", for all of which the contributors acknowledge the need to make use of other disciplines such as sociology on the question of "identity". Fred Halliday's chapter on the end of the Cold War is also eye opening in that he readily accepts IR theory's failure to predict the demise of the Soviet Union. And some of his conclusions, both analytical and theoretical, show the clear need for IR scholars to study other concepts as well. For instance, the issue of ethnic conflict is too important for IR to trust it with historians.

The chapter on the Global Environment is also very successful in applying the recently considered normative concerns in IR theory. Building on Chris Brown's International Relations Theory: New Normative Approaches (1992), applications of criteria and classification of theories are presented on the issue.

I recommend this book to graduate students of Political Science, International Relations as the arguments presented in the book assume a developed understanding of the concepts and an extensive background.

The finale in the Penrod series. Not as funny as the previous two books, but good for a few chuckles. The title comes from Penrod's ambition to become a detective -- naming himself George Jashber. He and the neighborhood boys decide to "shadow" a stranger in town -- suspecting danger. However, nothing could be further from the truth, however the adventures of the boys are thus chronicled.

The stories were pretty good and it was entertaining. The cultural elements of being a boy in the 1910's are captured perfectly. It is a shame that this series ended here.

I read this book, along with Penrod, and Penrod and Sam, to my two younger brothers, ages 13 and 11. They loved all of them! they thought these books were hilarious, and they still talk about them every once in awhile. There are a lot of big words, and the way Tarkington says stuff is old-fashioned, but that makes it all the more interesting, and at times, all the more funny.

David Dodd has assembled a wide variety of stories to inspire and encourage addicted people to get clean. I was impressed that Twelve Step groups were NOT the focus of every tale, and that the one constant was that each individual made a PERSONAL CHOICE to forego their addiction and live sober. For all the help some people get from 12-Step groups, there are many who don't "relate" to the religiousity. But this book shows that recovery is still possible and worthwhile. The fact that most of these tales are told by celebrities and artists we KNOW only increases their value. Plus, it's nice to know that my gut feeling about Steven Tyler is "on the money" - he truly IS a mensch!!

I was attracted to the many well-known names listed on the cover, but once I began reading the book, I was overwhelmed with its passion and solutions. David Dodd has done a remarkable job which is reflected in this collection of interviews. My favorite part, however, is the introduction to the book, where the author tells his personal story on how he became sober with the help of Steven Tyler. His vivid description of the events were astonishing to me, they were absolutely incredible. This is a wonderful book!

Booth defines religious addiction and abuse then goes over a twelve step program of recovery. This book shines a light into the dark recesses of religious abuse. The person who is the most addicted and abusive may very well be the person who is admired by outsiders for their religious conviction. The children and spouses see a very different picture. I think this book would be helpful to someone who was willing to consider the possibility that they have a problem. I think it is more likely to be read by someone affected by another's addiction than by the addict herself. Booth says he has success in his practice of working with religious addicts so perhaps they can be helped. In my experience though it seems that the people who fit his description of a religious addict are the ones who would never consider that they may be wrong or that their religion is causing a problem. For these cases Booth presents ideas for staging an intervention when the addict/abuser will not admit to the problem. Good luck.

One problem I have with the book is his anti-atheist bias. He wants to bring the people to a better spirituality but considers atheism to be a negative outcome. He sees it as a backlash to abuse. He must be aware that people can arrive at atheism in many different ways. He seems pretty open minded otherwise. People who want a healthier relationship to their faith without giving it up should be comforted by the fact that he is in no way trying to talk them out of their faith. He is a man of the cloth himself.

I'd recommend this book for someone who thinks his or her religious involvement may be getting out of hand. For the abused children or spouse of an addict it's a start only. I'd like to see a lot more awareness that religion can be used in such a damaging way and this book is a step in that direction. Abused children are in the worst position since society doesn't really recognize this type of abuse and is not prepared to do anything about it. (I read the hardbound version.)

In this book, Fr. Leo outlines the problem of being addicted to religion. He outlines the steps one can go through as the addiction comes to dominate one's life, and outlines the steps necessary to break free from this addiction. Being a religious addict myself, I really enjoyed this book. He described my life to a 't' in this book, and it has helped me break the chains of religious addiction and has helped me attain a more healthy spirituality. If you even suspect you might have a problem with your religiousity, I highly recommend this book.

I spent my honeymoon in Williamsburg and my family returns there every other year. This cookbook has allowed me to relive many happy hours in Colonial Williamsburg. The book is gorgeous and my only complaint is that it needed more photos. Classic colonial Southern cooking is displayed here:Sally Lunn bread, Salamagundi, and the best pound cake I've ever tasted. If you can find it you and anyone who eats the food will be happy.

Chow down, y'all.

Rated by "USA Today" as one of the six all-time classic southern cookbooks. With its elegant cover and photographs and distinquished historical narrative, afficionados of the taverns of Colonial Williamsurg (especially the King's Arms Tavern, that the author was hired by the Rockefeller family to run) will gain accolades for replicating the cookbook's user-friendly American colonial recipes. Time and again, my guests have asked me to prepare the eggnog pie I made last year and the wassail. Other favorites are the game pie, Sally Lunn bread and cheese souffle. This is one of those cookbooks that everyone must have on their shelf, like "The Joy of Cooking." Also, if you don't get it here online, you've got to go all the way to Williamsburg, the only other place it's sold. I have also given "The Williamsburg Cookbook" as a gift. It is so beautiful, it could easily be an art book for the coffee table. If you are buying your first copy, I envy you the excitement you'll have on your enchanting find.

The police task force searches on foot and via helicopter for the missing teenager, Laura Vernon. While most folks hope that Laura traveled to London, Detective Constable Ben Cooper expects to find a corpse in the nearby woods. Ben's expectations are met when matter of fact, almost bored, retired miner Harry Dickinson shows him the bloody trainer. Just beyond the sneaker in an overgrowth Ben finds the body.

Ben and his new partner, outsider Diane Fry, begin making inquiries. Their short list includes the enigmatic Harry, the victim's parents especially her father, and some of the hired help. As they close in on the truth, the case forces Ben and Diane, attracted to one another even as they compete for the same promotion, to look back into their own demons.

Readers who enjoy plenty of non-stop action or a highly constructed complex puzzler will not want to try BLACK DOG. However, fans who enjoy the deliberately slow husking away of layers of psychological protection and hidden lives that leave bare the inner most essence of the key characters will fully enjoy this tale. The psychological suspense crowd will warmly receive author Stephen Booth's debut novel.

Harriet Klausner

From the moment Detective Constable Ben Cooper finds young Laura Vernon's lifeless body his life goes steadily downhill. It doesn't help matters that the new woman on the force is somehow stepping in to fill his shoes and taking over the case. Diane Fry is ambitious, tough and just recovery from her own tragic set of circumstances. A woman alone, and unable to understand the needs of family and friendships as they apply to the small town she's now living in. But Diane learns that she can't go this one alone. As an outsider, she can't discount Ben Coopers expertise in the area and the people. This is Ben's hometown, the people are his people, and those of his father before him. Regardless of the pressure this puts on Ben, there's no escaping this fact. Village suspicions, family secrets, and loyalty forged in the fires of lifelong friendships blend together in a masters stroke in this wonderful mystery that spans such a range of human emotions as to leave you gasping as you learn who really killed Laura Vernon and why. The answers will surprise you as will the ending to this incredible mystery.

A body has been found in the Peak District in Northern England. It's the body of 15-year-old Laura Vernon. The only daughter of Graham and his wife, Charlotte Vernon. They're a rather odd couple, who live a life of luxury above the Village, in a big white house they call the Mount. They cause more questions in the investigation than they can answer. Add to that, Laura's rather angry and aggressive brother, Daniel, and you have the makings of a super exciting book, called Black Dog.

Ben Cooper is investigating Laura's murder when Detective Constable Diane Fry joins his team. Dealing with family problems of his own, and trying to make rank, the last thing Ben needs to deal with is this odd woman. Diane's out to prove herself, and holding back plenty of secrets of her own. Ben has no choice, they have to work together, he knows all the areas they have to investigate, and all the people they have to talk to, and Diane is new to the area.

While talking to retired miner, Harry Dickinson, who finds the body of Laura, while walking his black Labrador dog, on his property, Ben and Diane realize that Harry seems to be mocking them. This is only the beginning of a strange investigation that causes more suspicion in the people of the village than they care to deal with. Moving around the village, and talking to people Ben has known his whole life, leads him to question himself about whether he's ever really known them at all. It seems to him that the villagers are holding back secrets. He's at a loss as to what is going on, and where the few answers he has will lead him.

Black Dog is a really magnificent book! Mr. Booth sure knows how to tell a story. He delves so deeply into each character that you find yourself really getting to know, and care about, them. The scenic descriptions are beautifully written, and make you feel apart of the story.

I loved every minute of Black Dog, and enjoyed the ride around all the twist and turns that Mr. Booth took me. I had no idea who committed the murder of Laura Vernon, nor did I know why. Any author who can write such an in depth book, that holds your attention straight through, and doesn't let you see what's going to happen next, deserves big kudos'! Stephen Booth has definitely achieved this with Black Dog, and I can't wait to read more from this truly gifted author.