Fascinating account of growing up on the left in S.F. Highly recommende

Aimee Semple McPherson was a Pentecostal evangelist who achieved celebrity status in the 1920's. "Sister"(as she was affectionately called) also pastored Angelus Temple in Los Angeles and founded the Foursquare denomination. To begin to understand the complex McPherson one should read this definitive biography by Edith Blumhofer. Aimee, a Canadian farm girl was heavily influenced by her mother's Salvation Army activism, and to a lesser extent, her father's traditional Methodism. For example, McPherson's putting ministry ahead of family is parallel to her mother's doing the same and the Salvation Army marriage vow to not let marriage interfere with ministry. The Army background definitely influence her use of theatrics and pageantry in her ministry. Robert Semple, an evangelist, and her first husband, introduces Aimee to Pentecostalism. "Sister"'s Pentecostalism was not definitive enough for classical Pentecostalists(Some Assemblies of God ministers saying she did not insist on tongues always being the evidence of the "Baptism of the Spirit"; a view which seems to shift in agreement with classical Pentecostalists later in her ministry?). She referred to her message as "Bible Christianity" rather than Pentecostalism. One is struck by the acceptance of her by much of Protestantism, the transdenominational clergy cooperation, and her good sense of using much of Protestant hymnody to unify the different traditions attending her meetings. She seems more of a forerunner of the "Charismatic Movement"(pentecostal renewal within Protestant denominations) than a classical Pentecostalist. The most intriquing aspect of the book for me as an evangelical, is Aimee's methodology in presenting the gospel. Rather than "preaching the law" so as to convict of sin, Sister instead provides a potrait of the Beautiful Saviour, Jesus, "the same yesterday, today and forever". Perhaps McPherson finds that the prescence of God will so show the Saviour in his holiness and glory that the same goal is achieved more efficiently? Blumhofer shows Sister Aimee, as she was, warts and all. One flaming anti-Pentecostalist summarizes McPherson as "married three times, died of an overdose". To get the full story, read this book. Fundamentalists and Evangelicals tend to look over obvious faults of their heroes: Luther was foul-mouthed and anti-Semitic, William Carey and John Wesley were far from role-model husbands. Sister, like all of us is a mixture of mud and marble. For God has no perfect people to work with. Her willingnes to go into the dance hall, boxing ring or red-light district to love the unlovely reminds one of Wesley and Whitefield. Historians, Evangelicals and Pentecostals will enjoy this well-researched, sympathetic potrait of "Everybody's Sister."

Amelia Barr wrote over 50 novels in a career that lasted 40 years, yet she is little known today. Her autobiography is as good as any of her novels, an engaging record of a long life. Born in England, she and her Scottish husband immigrated to the U.S. with two children when his business failed. The autobiography vividly describes her English childhood in settings that were the subject of many of her novels (Yorkshire, Isle of Man). Her married life was spent mostly in Austin, Texas, which is also entertainingly described. They lived there 10 years, including all of the Civil War. Married life ended when they moved to Galveston and Mr. Barr (and three of their six children) died of yellow fever. That was how Amelia Barr became a novelist, thrown on her own resources to take care of her remaining three children. Her tales of novel-writing for profit give an unusual view of what it was like to be a woman writer in late 19th century America. A good read, as are many of her novels.

Although dated in its perspective, this little book is a gem of information. It has a great deal of information packed into it. The reverent and practical aspects of altar guild membership are addressed. It gives suggestions for guild by-laws, prayers, and a very nice glossary. I wish it had more diagrams, including altar linen care, but for the price it's a bargain.

What a superb classical reading book! My six year old is eager to read each story. It presents positive ethical and moral values while the child practices his/her reading. Many wonderful short stories reflecting loving family ways and togetherness. Does not overstimulate the child's senses, allowing the child to easily comprehend what he/she is reading, pleasantly. Many parent/child bonding moments. The first short story, "Jean's Surprise," shows the family sending Father off to work and informing him of a surprise for him at the end of the day. All day long, those at home work at preparing the surprise, and what a wonderful surprise it is. The surprise is one your own child can do for those close to him/her, building your child's self-confidence, and fostering the child's desire to read. May sound corny, but it is a reflection of how simple life should and can be. This is the second book in a series of nine classic reader books, originally published in the late 1920's. By today's public school standards the child should be able to read at a second grade level. By most private school standards the child should be able to read at a first grade level. With homeschoolers, of course, this will vary.

The book is organized by organ system, and each chapter is full of very well explained illustration. I am using this book after only freshman biology and chemistry, in order to learn the basics of anatomy and physiology on my own as preparation for the mcat. I highly recommend it for students who want an elementary, easy to follow introduction to anatomy and physiology for self-study.

I found this book to be very informative. It helped me prepare for my placement tests. Everything was explained clearly.

If you want to bead flowers, get your hands on a copy of this book! Instructions are clear and complete. Flowers go from Andromeda to Peppermint Zinnia, and instructions are also included for making fruit, trees, boutique items, a few pieces of jewelry, and some holiday items. I couldn't ask for a more comprehensive book on making beaded flowers!

This is a book well worth the read. Many insights!

E. Nesbit's books have a well-deserved place on my shelf next to the C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia and Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles, and more recently, Harry Potter. I discovered her books through those of Edward Eager; if you have read and enjoyed any of E. Nesbit's books before, I recommend you take the opposite journey and check out Eager's books now (start with Half Magic.) A real treat.