The book is broken down very nicely into sections. The topics are introduced clearly and briefly in understandable terms. Following the introductions are some examples that apply the concepts and/or equations. Each example has the step by step solution which is easy to follow and prepares the user for the practice exercises. There are sufficient practice problems with answers to the odd numbered problems. This allows the user to check his or her answer and correct any mistakes.

It's great and easy to understand. It's broken into many different lessons that are really easy to comprehend.

If you are looking for a book to give you the necessary information to show or breed basenjis, this is the book for you! There are lot's of great pics and illustrations given of good and poor breed standard. The book does contain some information on temperament but is mostly about what makes a dog a champion!

This beautifully illustrated book brings the basenji to the forefront of readers' consciousness. The exotic African dog is indeed unique; basenjis shed tears, they yodel instead of bark and they clean themselves like cats. A spirited hound, the basenji is also notable for having the grace and agility of an antelope. Female basenjis come into heat once a year.

The basenji, a long established breed has a history spanning some 2,000 years. This book does an excellent job of introducing readers at large to this exotic little dog. From breeders and people who show their basenjis to the happy pet owner, this book is really a treasure indeed.

Robert Cole's "The Book of Houses" provides a unique and personalized system to really understand your natal chart. Out of print until recently, I have used Cole's book for years to help focus and manifest my personal goals, by utilizing the natural solar progression through my natal houses over the course of a year.

Cole provides an easy-to-use chart to calculate the dates of your natal houses. For instance, my "rising sign": occurs at 25 degrees Libra. According to Cole, this is equated with the day which occurs 25 degrees (or days) into the sign of Libra - or October 18th. Every year, this is the day when the Sun crosses into my 1st house & spends approximately 30 days there. Working with the solar progression as a process of "bringing to light", I would spend this time focused on "1st house issues".

Assigning 365 days on the 360-degree circle of a natal chart is easy, when Cole provides you with the key. His system allows you to spend approximately one month per year in each of the 12 houses, working to bring to fruition a set of goals you chose on the appropriate day.

Actually, I have blended Cole's system with the annual choosing of a tarot card to create an integrated and personalized magickal pattern of self-actualization, which I have taught to others.

Cole's book is fun to work with and each individual's house-seed system is unique unto themselves. You do, however, need to have an accurate natal chart to use the book since it does not provide you with one.

If I were stranded on a desert island and could only have one astrology book - this is it! Have been using this cycle of houses in my life for over 15 years - it's amazing!

Coles introduction to his book begins with his own story of being raised by parents who were much engaged in reading the classics. His parents, his father in particular, stressed to him that novels contained wisdom that could guide one throughout life. This idea holds true throughout Coles' own life as he practices psychology and then becomes a teacher. In this book, he offers examples of how this principle has helped his patients, students, friends and family deal with times of crisis and times of growth. For Coles, every reader has his or her own powerful response to a writer's work. These responses generally result from recognition of the change in a character and can lead to moral introspection where the reader begins to identify similar changes in himself. As readers connect with the character, they are able to see the ethical considerations affecting the character's situation, learn about their responsibilities to themselves, friends and society, and can make adjustments in their own lives. Coles believes that the responses to these ethical questions make us who we are. Coles specifically mentions using the works of William Carlos Williams, Tilly Olsen, Ralph Ellison, Mark Twain, Dickens, Hardy, Tolstoy and many others in his psychology practice and as a professor at Harvard. He offers examples of the effects these novels had on his patients and his medical, law, business and architecture students because of their ability to engage a reader's growing intelligence and absorb the reader into the emotions of the story line. Further, they make the reader focus on moral development, which is especially important for students who believe that development of their ability to perform a task will protect them from moral danger. The thoughts and feelings that emerge for the reader bring back memories of the past which are then analyzed and expanded in the development of the reader's moral and emotional self.

Calling upon his own memories, experiences and those of his mentor, Dr. William Carlos Williams, Robert Coles wrote a much-needed about the transformative power of stories. In learning with students at all levels one finds Dr. Coles' faith in "moral imagination" and the "call of stories" borne out.

This anthology is a well-packaged, heart-warmingly first-person annoted retrospective of Lange's career. Enlighening glimpses into Lange's personal point-of view are offered here, showcasing her stark Depression-era WPA migration shots alongside her later vignettes of the American western plains and western coastal dwellers captured in their every day routines. Therein lies this collection's strength and weakness: while her Americana movement captured a rural slice of America which later mediums still struggle to duplicate, that subject matter still did not match the sheer horror and power of her WPA work, which captured the raw strength of the human spirit during life-threatening crises. The diversity of this collection makes it an essential introductory volume, however.

I had just recently seen a Lange exhibit when I bought this wonderful book. It starts with an essay on Lange by Robert Coles. Then it moves into her photographs and her own words. Her work is beautiful on its own, but to have the photographs and her philosophy side by side is an enriching experience. The photographs fill the entire book so it's a great read and a nice coffee table book. The images are primarily from her depression photos, but there are also pictures from around the world, her family and her early portraits. I also like that they included photographs of her and her oak trees. Dorothea Lange was a woman with such a unique perspective on life. I feel that this book does an excellent job of presenting her work.

Gary Nabhan and Stephen Trimble have penned a fine collection of essays on how children perceive and play in their environment. References are made to psychological studies that support a child's need for wild places, but the real value I see in this book comes from the authors' own anecdotal experiences with their children. If you are a parent of small children, you will especially enjoy the ideas you will get for places to take children to play and explore. Read this book and you will begin to learn why children need to experience wild places. And why, as adults, if we share the "hands-on" experiences with our kids, our own connection to the landscape becomes more deeply rooted.

At first glance, this book seems to be another in a long line of published material telling parents how to be good parents. But it really seemed like a personal reflection of what makes life great through a child's eyes. Instead of trying to raise a child through adult methods, this book shows that through simply remembering what being a child was and why it was fun is enough to help you understand what your child is thinking. Through this understanding, you will become a great parent. I was very pleased with my purchase and recommend this book to anyone that has had any contact with children.

the book was ok but I'm not really into historical fiction, I just needed it for a book report. but the book gave me LOTS of facz. a+ for me!!!!!!

Ruby Bridges is an outstanding little girl. She expressed the true sense of being spiritual, honest and true. She taught many valuable lessons to everyone that came into contact with her. I was very pleased after reading such a heartwarming book. Ruby was strong and truly a blessing, regardless of the many degrading words thrown at her. She showed everyone how to stand strong in the midst of adversity. I recommend this book to every adult, so that they can share it with every child they come in contact with.

The return of Elvis Cole is well worth the wait. Robert Crais moves Elvis right into action during the first chapter. He is caring for his girlfriend's son and in just one moment the boy disappears. The ensuing search for the boy centers upon's Elvis's Vietnam memories, and a box hidden in his closet that contains medals and pictures. This is not a mystery solved easily- lots of turns and tangles. Old nemesis and the return of Carol Stanger from a previous novel keep this storyline fresh and right on the edge of your seat. Action and deep thought are all a part of the story. Elvis digs deep to keep his relationship with the boy's mom on an even keel, but this may be
the last chance that won't work out. The return of Det. Stanger
gives us renewed hope that she will be part of Elvis Cole's next
case and maybe a new romance...

Private investigator Elvis Cole and his longtime girlfriend Lucy Chenier are having a tough time making their relationship work. Lucy left her life in Louisiana to be with Elvis in Los Angeles even though she knew the transition would be a hard one, especially for her ten year-old son Ben, but she never dreamed the violence of the city would touch her.

While Lucy is away on business, Elvis is left in charge of Ben, and after a week of quality bonding time, Ben disappears without a trace. Confused as to what has happened, Elvis believes the boy ran away, until a mysterious phone call explains a much more sinister scenario...

The caller states that he has the boy and it's payback for what Elvis has done.

Now with the help of his partner Joe Pike and LAPD Detective Carol Starkey, Elvis must race the clock to save Ben and the key to doing this is a long buried secret from his past.

The highly anticipated 'The Last Detective' is easily the best novel yet from Robert Crais, and that's saying a lot! From page one I was held captive by the gripping plot, well drawn characters and shocking twists. Readers of the previous Cole novels will see this as his best outing, and fans of 'Demolition Angel' will welcome the appearance of Carol Starkey.

Robert Crais is one of our finest writers of suspense fiction, and with each new novel he gets better and better. With a writing style that is sharp and smooth, pacing that is pitch perfect and plots so tight and suspenseful, Crais creates novels that are intense reading experiences.

Expect to see 'The Last Detective' on all the bestseller lists. This truly is a MUST read page-turner, one that I finished in one sitting.

Nick Gonnella

It was worth the four-year wait for Elvis Cole to return in "The Last Detective" by Robert Crais. I read it in less than 24 hours.

The plot catapults at a relentless pace. Down-to-earth, practical detective work is what solves the crime in this ticking clock child kidnapping. Since the child is the son of Elvis Cole's girl friend, the hunt is both personal and professional'and therefore all the more chilling,

The point of view switches between the characters (Elvis is in the first person) and is smooth as silk and most engaging.

The reader learns the clues as they unfold for Elvis, going thru the stages of frustration to hope to possibility to solution with Elvis and his archangel Joe Pike.

The supporting cast, especially Carol Starkey (from "Demolition Angel") is outstanding.

We learn a lot of Elvis' past via flashbacks that propel the plot. The scene from his Vietnam days is as intense as any I have read.

It is a compelling novel that truly showcases depth of Robert Crais as a writer.

Highly recommended.

It is not often i find an American Private eye author which i like (im English). There are very few, the only two i can think of right now being Sue Grafton and Michael Connelly.

I thought, after finishing The Monkey's Raincoat, that this would probably be yet another American PI novelist which i read a couple of, and get bored with. However, i was very very wrong. Robert Crais is a superb, superb writer. It is just this one book which lets him down. All the others are briliant.

The PI's in this novel are the main character Elvis Cole, and his detective agency partner Joe Pike.

It's quite clear from reading this - his first novel- that Robert Crais does have considerable potential, not just because his characters are drawn so superbly. Which they are. The lead two characters are the best PI's i have ever read. they're brilliantly interesting, especially the silent but deadly Joe Pike. I am glad i didn't just read this one, and did decide to read a couple more.

This book is somewhat laclustre in it's style and content. All the hallmarks of his future novels are there. Well rounded plot, well drawn cahracters, the great humour which seems to seep out of all PI novels of this day and age.

But there is definitely something in it that does not click in the mind of the reader. As it is a first novel, the writing isn't particularly confident, or assured. Also, you feel he was trying to pack a lot into quite a small number of pages. this, essentially, is a mafia/mob/gangster tale. It's understandable, he was young when he wrote this. He's an american, he's male. It's understadable he would like to write a book about mob related issues and mafia style morals and violence. But this novel is very much "one for the boys". I can't women liking this as much as men.

You even get the feeling that at times Mr Crais wasn't really taking this very seriously. At times this crosses the line into piece of comedy writing. And not very good comedy. If he restricts his humour,as he does in his other books, it makes them extrememly funny. But in this one it doesn't. it's overused.

The plot is slightly...complicated. And boring. are the two words which comes to mind. really, a lot does happen, but none of the events are really that interesting. As a first novel, it is not really a very good one. The plot is not all that interesting, and the mix of humour and mob violence does not really work.

However, this book still does have Robert Crais most prolific hallmark. His furious yet subtle compassion. He has a very finely honed sense of right and wrong, and he tries to brings this out in this novel, without the reader actually noticing he is doing it. and he manages it brilliantly. This fact made me want to read more of his, otherwise i might not have continued. And i was glad i did, because from here on in it's plain sailing. ALl his other novels are much better. the humour is not so much a central part of the book, and the plots are all interesting and very readable. He goes on to tackle the topic of the mafia yet again much better in several of his other novels. (namely Indigo Slam)

In short, if you want to read Robert Crais, it is not really necessary that you read this. Like every good Pi novels he reintroduces the characters with each new book. So you can give this one a miss and concentrate on his other novels. Which are well worth a read.

I made the mistake of reading VOODOO RIVER before reading THE MONKEY'S RAINCOAT that has Elvis Cole's first appearance. I had trouble knowing who Cole was in the earlier book but after reading this one things starting falling into place.

Elvis Cole is an L.A. Private Investigator who collects Jiminy Cricket as well as other Disney memorabilia. He is hired by Ellen Lang to find her husband and child. He learns that Ellen Lang's husband is dead and that a drug lord has kidnapped her son. The criminal will give the son back to his mother as soon as he gets back the cocaine that Mort allegedly stole from him, Another problem that Elvis faces is that Ellen has disappeared.

What follows is a lot of shooting and fighting in the search of Ellen's son. I was not convinced by Crais' characterization of Ellen. She has a lot of emotional problems and low self-esteem that after a few days with Joe Pike (Cole's partner), she is a stronger woman. Cole is [cynical] who likes to live for the moment and finds the humor in anything. Pike is just Pike. He is the strong and silent type who is ready to go into action into a pinch without hesitation. Who cares about the consequences?

The Elvis Cole novels seem to be a good series to start when one wants to give their logic circuits a break.

If the mere hint of a private investigator with Disney figurines and a Pinochio clock in his office isn't the least bit interesting, I don't know what is. Robert Crais has created a wonderful persona in Elvis Cole.

Cole, a former security guard turned private investigator, is hired by Helen Lang to find her missing husband, Mort, and son. Before you can even begin to wonder about kidnapping, Mort is found dead in his car, and their house has been trashed, with the boy still missing. Throw in the mafia and a spanish bull-fighter turned aristocrat, and you have one exciting novel.

Cole is a wonderful, wise-cracking character, complimented nicely by his mercenary partner, Joe Pike. Together, they make a sensational team. The storyline is nicely developed and the suspense is great. Crais is talented writer.

Overall, this is an excellent book, and a really good start to the Elvis Cole mystery series. This faced-paced story doesn't stop with the thrills until the heart-stopping, wild ending.

My only experience with Robert Crais was reading DEMOLITION ANGEL. I discovered that aside from DEMOLITION ANGEL and HOSTAGE, he has a series of books starring Elvis Cole, a California Private Investigator and his partner, Joe Pike. Unfortunately, I started to learn about the characters in VOODOO RIVER instead of THE MONKEY'S RAINCOAT.

Cole is sent to Louisiana to investigate the adoption of a well-known television actress. He later discovers that the actress (as well as her birth mother) was being blackmailed. There is a second story involving the trafficking of illegal aliens which I ended a little to conveniently. One does not get to know much about the characters in this book. I had no idea what was Elvis' past, age or even a physical description. I heard a lot about Joe Pike but people keep telling me to read LA REQUIEM, to know more about Pike.

VOODOO RIVER is formulaic in which the action tells the story and just ignores the characters and their motivations. I acquired Elvis Cole's first appearance (THE MONKEY'S RAINCOAT) and I hope with this I might change my mind about Cole and get to know him a bit better. Crais has a lot of fans in Texas.

To know Elvis Cole is to enjoy him. Once again, Craig brings his excellent dialogue, intriguing plot lines and sense of humor to life. Crais writes as well as anyone in this genre. Additionally, each time he takes on different topics in which to set his mysteries. In Voodoo River Elvis takes his "world's greatest detective" agency to Louisiana and enters the worlds of adopted children growing to middle age and immigration. Despite the change in locale away from LA, Mr. Crais does not a miss a beat. If you are an Elvis fan this is everything you have come to expect. If you have not yet met him, you will enjoy him and look forward to finding another Elvis book. Crais' writing style enhances the telling of terrific story lines.

Robert Crais's detective, Elvis Cole, is a wise-cracking P.I. working in Los Angeles whose office is adorned with Disney characters. In "Voodoo River," an actress hires Elvis to check into her background and, specifically, her adoption years ago. Elvis takes the case and goes to Louisiana on what should be a fairly easy case. Much to his surprise, though, he finds that another detective is already investigating and that people's lives are soon at stake.

The plot of any Crais novel is almost unnecessary, though, since the writing is so good and so enjoyable. That's not to say that the plots are not well crafted and exciting; they are. Crais is a gifted writer, and his creation of Elvis Cole (along with the tight-lipped Joe Pike) is an engaging and thoroughly entertaining character. What sets "Voodoo River" apart from the previous series entries ("The Monkey's Raincoat," "Stalking the Angel," "Lullaby Town," and "Free Fall," in that order) is that Cole is both at his most personable and most vulnerable here, largely due to the introduction of Lucy, a Louisiana attorney in whom Elvis develops a romantic interest. As always, Joe Pike and Elvis's cat are along for the ride and add color, but this entry into the series thrives on how personal it gets. A great deal of the power of the book comes from the issue of adoption, one Crais has taken from his own life. The actress's motive for seeking information is not that she has an insatiable, talk-show desire to learn about her "real" family. Rather, she needs medical information. With so many adopted children, that's the way it is--they're happy with their adoptive families and consider them in every respect their "real" families.

As with all the novels in the series, Crais gives great attention to the setting, portraying faithfully the flavor, look, and feel of the locale while never forgetting the action and suspense that have made him a best-selling and award-winning author. As in any series, there are good and bad places to begin. The Elvis Cole series does not depend to a great extent on sequence, and "Voodoo River" therefore is an ideal place to jump in.