Although out of print this volume and its companion volune PHOENIX are among my favorite collections. They are very insightful in areas D.H.L. is not usually recognized for.

In this volume one of my favorites is HYMNS IN A MAN'S LIFE. It starts "Nothing is more difficult than to determine what a child takes in, and does not take in, of its environment and its teaching..." Later, "...Love is a great emotion, and power is power. But both love and power are based on wonder. Love without wonder is a sensational affair, and power without wonder is mere force and compulsion. The one uiniversal element in consciousness which is fundamental to life is the element of wonder."

And consider D.H.L.'s insight into scientific research when he says: "Even the real scientist works in the sense of wonder. The pity is, when he comes out of his laboratory he puts aside his wonder along with his apparatus, and tries to make it all perfactly didactic. Science in its true condition of wonder is as religious as any religion..." In my work as a scientist I find this to be very true. The little hints, the inspiration, the hunches, the dead ends...none of these is acknowledged as one tries to make the result of the investigation perfectly logical.

He goes on to talk about his religious childhood and how it carried over into his adult life. Hear his recollections: "...I liked our chapel, which was tall and full of light, and yet still; and colour-washed pale green and blue, with a bit of lotus pattern. And over the organ-loft, 'O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,' in big letters."

D,H.L. had a rich background in the Bible, and it entered many of his works. The book APOCALYPSE is devoted in its entirely to the analysis of the Book of Revelation. An essay in the initial PHOENIX is titled "On Being Religious". His religion developed beyond the usual Christian dogma, and he gives top billing to The Holy Spirit.

The last two essays in PHOENIX II are titled: "On Being a Man", and "On Human Destiny." very provocative titles.

I have touched on the element of religion because D.H.L. usually is not associated with "religious" thoughts. A vast variety of other subjects are treated in other essays, as well as the full text of his novel MR NOON.

This book is one of my treasures!

I love everything about this terrific little book. It has an exciting adventure-filled plot, stout-hearted little heroes and scary adversaries. It has a quest filled with peril and great hope. There are just barely possible tasks to be fulfilled some sorrow and some mystery and some happiness, too. The illustrations are very lovely and filled with details that take you to the heart of this story of the last five survivors of an ancient Peruvian race of tiny folk who must journey to find a new home knowing full well that it is prophesied that only three will survive the voyage. They set off across the vast sea, afloat in an old earthen poppykettle and you will eagerly rock with them upon the waves through many an astonishing adventure. Children will love this and so will any adult with a gypsy soul and a child's heart.

A must for any serious potter trying to duplicate ancient chinese blue celedons. This book is not only a fascinating history on the subject, but a comprhensive study on the hows and whys of achieving this elusive glaze. Although not a book of formulas, one will recieve all the information one needs to easily duplicate this glaze in all its variations.

The book is succinct and doesn't mince words.

Brother Lawrence can be of enormous help to those of us seeking to grow closer to Christ. For one, there is no complicated methodology behind practicing the presence of God.

As Brother Lawrence says, "Lift up your heart to Him ... the least little remembrance will always be acceptable to Him. You need not cry very loud; He is nearer to us than we are aware of."

And so, the practice of the presence of God is to simply think of him often. As Brother Lawrence says, your friend (God) is always with you. Why would you cut off conversation with God when you would not be so rude to another person.

I enjoyed this book. It takes maybe one hour to read, but I have a feeling it will have a lasting impact on my life.

Have you ever read a book/article, heard a sermon, or had an experience that you sensed in the midst of it that your life would be changed forever? This is such a book! Bro. Lawrence, in a very simplistic and often repetitive manner, has solidified for me what it means to truly walk with the Lord, to pray without ceasing, and to experience God's presence in such a way that I can find joy in tribulation and be assured that He will never leave me nor forsake me...I mean really grasp it!! The repetitiveness isn't a drawback in the least...as the saying goes: "repetition is the mother of learning". I'm thankful that Bro. Lawrence doesn't give "how-to's". The manner in which his walk w/ God is shared provides a blue print or outline, yet challenges the reader to discover his/her own unique way of walking with, praising, and glorifying God with our entire lives and in all circumstances. It's refreshing to know that a monk over 300 years ago actually struggled w/ being distracted in prayer from time to time. Yet he was able to confess it, forgive himself, and try again. Read it and be blessed.

This is one of the three greatest Christian books besides the Bible that I would recommend for all to read, the other two being "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life" and "Pilgrim's Progress". Brother Lawrence seems to have found a heavenly type of life on earth and describes his experience in this very short and simple book that other's may partake of this blessing also. The life he portrays is one of continual communion with God in that all our daily mundane works are intimately connected with Him. One interesting comment he makes, and which perhaps best serves as the central thesis of this book, is that he feels no less closer to God when he is busy doing his earthly chores than in his set time of devotions. The Christian life he found is the one God intends for all belivers to have.

Gone, Baby, Gone is everything we've come to expect from Lehane, all turned up a notch. He takes on the terrifying subject of child abduction and refuses to flinch in his merciless exploration of all the gruesome implications and possibilities. Kenzie and Gennaro return in fine form, and Lehane takes us further into their complex individual psyches as well as their strangely woven relationship. Bubba returns and the story is populated with a compelling and mysterious supporting cast. Lehane flexes a little as a writer with mixed results. This is a more intricate plot than in the past and he weaves the various threads well but many of the descriptions are overdone and unnecessary. Too often I lost Kenzie's voice and became conscious of Lehane's. Sometimes, Lehane is his own worst enemy, the action is so engrossing I lose my patience when he steps away from it. Through the four novels I have become deeply involved in the lives of Kenzie and Gennaro, the time between books is like losing touch with close friends. Gone, Baby, Gone is easily the darkest of the series and simultaneously an excruciating and engrossing read. It may be detective fiction but it is anything but light reading. If you have not yet discovered Lehane you live in a poorer world. Start at the beginning and enjoy.

Whew! I couldn't help but race through GONE, BABY, GONE. The Kenzie/Gennaro series is tough, gritty and absolutely stunning...page turners like no other. It isn't often that characters are as memorable and real as Patrick and Angie...days after finishing the first four of his books, it will be some time before I will be able to release them from the corner of my mind. Lehane has proven himself a major player in the genre, no one else even comes close...I just wish I didn't have to wait so long for the next installment! P.S. Thank you Leah Loar-Mays for giving away the end of the book...when reviewing, please refrain from giving away important plot details. Some of us who read these reviews have yet to read the book!

After reading my first Dennis Lehane book -- Gone, Baby, Gone -- all I can say is I'm hooked! Great plot, very well- developed and real characters and a writing style that makes you want to finish the book in one sitting. I've just gone out and bought two others in the series --Sacred and Prayers For Rain -- and am looking for the others. If you like good,exciting mysteries, especially ones that depict real life situations (i,e, every outcome does not always have a happy ending), than add Lehane to your list of must-read authors!

The wisdom of this book is that it doesn't presume to prescibe solutions that will work for everyone as much as it provides a practical framework for individuals to think about their lives and spirtuality. I found the simplicity of the message to be refreshing and inspiring and would highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to uncomplicate his life by first uncomplicating his mind. William Penn, a prominent Quaker, in stressing the need to make one's life speak, wrote that one might be told "Well Done", but not "Well Professed". Mr. Smith has made his life speak and deserves to be told both Well Done and Well Professed!

This book speaks for me, a relatively new Quaker without the family support mechanisms birthright Friends might take for granted! My own friends and family members ask me why I chose to become a Quaker; acquaintances and curious visitors sometimes ask me what Quakers believe. The former is easier to answer than the latter, but this little book explains Friends in a welcoming manner that is easy to understand.

Robert Smith touches on the history of Quakerism, his grandparents and growing up in Moorestown, New Jersey. He wrote the book because he believes there is a need in the world today for what he calls the compassionate Quaker message.

The author voices his belief that "Quaker values of simplicity and silent contemplation, truth and conscience, seem more important now than ever before." He explains further. "To Quakers simplicity does not mean turning the clock back on progress or rejecting the benefits of modern science and conveniences of modern technology. Nor does it mean casting off one's possessions and embracing a life of poverty. And it certainly does not mean casting off joy."

With all the currently popular books on Simple Living and spirituality, Smith's book stands out, speaking briefly and clearly in chapters titled Silence, Worship, Truth, Simplicity, Conscience, Nonviolence, Service, Business, Education and Family. In these brief chapters, he covers more issues than I can fit into this review -- Quaker history, his own military part in World War II, intermarriage, the internet, and more are within these pages. He weaves in quotes from Jesus, Martin Luther King Junior, Shakespeare, Rabindranath Tagore, as well as those from Friends past and present.

The chapters fit together like quilt squares. Any one could be read and comprehended by itself, but as pieces of a whole, they reveal much more. A simple lifestyle, not necessarily "forsaking worldy goods" is connected with silent worship, bare walls, and simple folks. He tells us of his own childhood, of Quaker cousins who had more toys and possessions than he had, and of his own 'un-Quakerly jealousy." A trip to Toys 'R Us to buy a checker set with his grandson brings them down the action toys aisle, and leaves us to guess which his grandson found more appealing. He recognizes that there are increased difficulties these days when trying to sort out for children -- and for ourselves -- what is necessary from what is desired. The answer is the same as it has always been.

"'What do I need?' is simplicity's fundamental questions, a question that rubs against our natural proclivity for acquiring things, a question few of us feel ready to address. America's favorite weekend activity is not participating in sports, gardening, hiking, reading, visiting with friends and neighbors. It's shopping." (pg. 54)

He does not preach or focus on the Bible, but writes in an open and inclusive way about the variety within the Religious Society of Friends.

"But for all their differences, Meetings for Worship are fundamentally the same. At each Meeing, a group of individuals gathers and, open to the word of God, waits in attentive,expectant silence for a spark of the divine in their midst. Sometimes it comes in words; sometimes in silence. The language of truth can often be heard in silence, if only we know how to listen." (p. 29)

He closes the book with Ten Life Lessons, with explanations of each: Seize the Present; Love Yourself, whatever faults you have, and love the world however bad it is; Stop talking and listen to what you really know; Play soccer; Accept the fact that our lives are only partly in our hands; Believe in the perfectibility of yourself and society; Make your love visible in the world through your work; Seek justice in the world, but not in your own life; Look for the Light of God in everyone; Let your life speak."

The book was enlightening and a very good read. In fact, the book was so well written, it was difficult to put down, once opened. The words of wisdom that are offered, are simply things have become common sense in today's society, but are sometimes forgotten or taken from granted. To read this book is a good reminder of what's important around us, and inside of us. And with all these wonderful things, a story of one man's life as a Quaker, is intertwined. A rich story, at that.

This book (play) is very interesting. It is well written, funny, and gives ,much insight into the characters portrayed in it. It is loosely based on the Scopes Monkey Trials in the 1920s in which a biology teacher is put on trial for teaching evolution to his students, which was against the law in that particular state. Among the cast of characters is Henry Drummond, the defense lawyer, Matt Brady, the Christian fundamentalist who is the prosecutor, and my personal favorite is the newspaper writer Hornbeck who is cynical and has a wry sense of humor. He is suprisingly poetic while bashing people and his wit could cut one to shreds. Although this book was delightful to read, it is very historically inaccurate and should not be taken hook, line, and sinker. The authors were very careful to write it in a manner which makes the reader feel empathy for the poor opressed bio teacher who only wants to stick up for his values, and makes the townspeople and the prosecution look like religious idiots. This is ok of one is simply reading the book for pleasure, but it should not be treated as a historical account. After looking up what really happened in the Scopes trials I came accross several huge inaccuracies in the play. First is the fact that this trial was a set up. John Scopes, whose name is Bert Cates in the play, was a substitute teacher for the biology class who never actually taught the eloltuion lesson and volunteered to be prosecuted to try and get rid of the Butler Act which prevented Tesesee teachers from disputing the Bible creation in their classes. This, among others, is a large inaccuracy in the play.

All I am saying is that this book is very biased on the part of the authors towards the side of the evolutionists and is not entirely fact. However, I do recommend it highly as a play that is hilarious while treating the subject with the seriousness it deserves. Happy reading!

This is a work of literature that deserves merit. The characters were realistic and funny. Bertram Cates is a teacher who taught Darwin's Theory instead of the creation story from the Bible. This is against the law in his small town of Hillsboro. A famous lawyer comes to defend him, but an eloquent speaker and presidential candidate is on the prosecution. It's a heated arguement between strictly religous people and those who believe in evolution. Anybody who likes to read drama and historical fiction(as it's based on the Scopes Monkey Trial) should read this book. It really makes you think.

Inherit the Wind, a book written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, is based on the famous Scopes Trial. In this novel, Henry Drummond is the lawyer fighting for what is right. Inherit the Wind takes place in the summer of 1925, in a small town. The majority of the book is inside the courtroom. The major conflict is between Henry Drummond and Matthew Brady who believes in God and wants the law enforced. The theme of Inherit the Wind is that just because you don't believe in something, doesn't make it wrong for someone else to. Lawrence and Lee use foreshadowing in this book. The people in the court take their jackets off because it is so hot to foreshadow that the trial is going to get heated. I found this book to be very easy to read and understand. It has a valuable lesson and I would suggest this book. "He that troubleth his own house, shall inherit the wind."

The reason that I read this book first is that it is the first in the Stone Barrington series and I have an obsession with being chronological about novel characters. However, I wasn't at all disappointed with the writing! This book has all the necessary components of a contemporary detective novel! A wacky partner, seduction, news crowds, and an unexpected ending! I managad to read this very quickly, and that doesn't always happen. Also, I learned everything I need to know about police safety. Get shot, go through hell. One thing I am skeptical about: how can anyone survive a twelve story fall? I know it's possible, but only about one in a hundred thousand. Anyway, excellent way to pass the time, and Stuart Woods is on my positive list!

This was the first book by Stuart Woods that I have read. I couldn't put it down! Now, I have gone and purchased all of the books published in the Stone Barrington series. I hope the rest of the books are as hooking! This book kept me turning pages without even noticing the time. I really like a book that keeps me guessing as to "who done it" and trying to piece the clues together. This book does just that. It is the first in the Stone Barrington series and I would definitly recommend it to anyone who likes a mystery! I hope you enjoy!

This review is about the abridged audiobook narrated by Efrem Zimbalist.

I have read quite a few of Stuart Woods' books. This is one of the best. Stone Barrington is a very appealing character. The book is quite suspenseful and a real page-turner.

The one negative is the narrator, Efrem Zimbalist. He uses the same voice for all the characters. This makes his narration rather dull. I have listened to many audio books and most of the narrators offer a variety of voices for different characters.

As a lifelong horseman, I have been amused by the acclaim Monty Roberts has garnered with this book. I have heard many anecdotes recently about the "other side of the story" of Monty Roberts. Most point to his genius at self-promotion.

Those of us who spend much of our lives horseback know that the "training methods" Monty describes are mostly good basic horse sense and certainly not new or unique to him. His book is entertaining, but as fabulous as "The Horse Whisperer."

New or aspiring horsemen who are interested in learning the real basics of horsemanship should spend time (a lot of time, not just a weekend clinic) with some of their local professional horse trainers. Equine competition today is tough enough that no one who relies just on "whippin' and spurrin'" can succeed. We all must understand not only what motivates horses, but how their minds & bodies work together.

It is an entirely human trait to look for the "One True Way", especially if that way is cloaked in magic. However, horses don't know magic, and they have no religion. Folks who seek the quick fix with things equine probably ought to stick to goldfish.

I have attended Monty Roberts' demonstration, and I was absolutely mesmerized. There were five horses, each with some serious behavioral problem (and you can't "fake" a problem horse with smoke and mirrors like some of Monty's critics seem to suggest). One by one Monty let these horses blow off a little steam, get to know him on their own terms, and finally approach him willingly without the use of a rope or anything. Then Monty proceeded to gently halter and saddle each one, including a very green yearling who went berserk thirty minutes earlier when its owner had tried to do the same thing. In one instance a horse demonstrated a pathological fear of getting into a trailer and it took six adults to get her anywhere near the opening, but after about forty minutes she was walking alongside Monty in and out, in and out, without him pulling at her. It seemed like magic except that he explained every single gesture he made and we could see the horse responding to everything. It took a while, and if you read the book you'll see how he did it, but it suddenly made so much sense that I couldn't believe how stupid people (including myself) can be regarding horses and failing to "listen" to what they are telling us.

Monty Roberts has received some negative press, mostly spurred by his family because there is a history of abuse and jealousy there, and this is unfortunate because his story is worth reading and his techniques are brilliant. You don't have to be a horse person to appreciate this book. It can teach all of us to be more open and compassionate to every living animal and person.

I love this book! The best thing about it is that you learn so much about horses by listening to his stories. It's not a boring how-to. I really feel I developed a greater respect for my horse and definitely a greater understanding. Even though there's a lot of controversy over Monty Roberts I really don't care. Who knows what's true and what isn't? Personally I don't care. His methods work in most cases and you can learn a lot from this book. Don't decide not to read this book because of the controversy. It makes no difference because you can learn so much.