After reading Allan Eckert's books on the frontier, I was pleased to find he also wrote a book about the passenger pigeon, a subject that has always fascinated me as a history teacher and an environmentalist. I read The Silent Sky and was deeply moved. So moved in fact that I was almost ashamed to be human. The greed and outright murderous lust thousands of Americans had for such an easy prey as the passenger pigeon was shameful and hard to comprehend. Unfortunately, the passenger pigeons were so timid, easy to hunt and numerous that they were incredibly easy pickings for the pioneers of the 19th century who unbelievably decimated a species that at one time numbered in the tens of billions. Eckert is an awesome writer and really hits you in the gut with such a touching story that you feel fascination, anger, guilt (for being human) and sorrow at the same time. In what I have learned from this incredible book, it really is a silent sky out there today compared to just over a century ago. Anyone with an interest in American History and the environment just has to read this book. Eckert, as a writer and researcher is truly gifted.

What can i say about this book, it was beyond captivating it was the best story i have ever read. Anyone who cares about nature or wildlife or both need to read this book. The way Eckert puts the plight of the passenger pigeon into words is wonderfull. He makes you believe you are one of the now extinct birds flying among one billion soaring a thousand feet in the air looking for your next meal, feeling your strong wings glide through the air and most of all feel the pain of being alone. In an extremely short period of time man wiped the passenger pigeon off the face of the earth. It gave me a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach to realize that man is capable of destroying such a beautiful bird....hundreds of millions of them...untill they were gone forever. GET THIS BOOK EVEN IF YOU DONT LIKE STORIES ABOUT NATURE..IT WILL TOUCH YOUR SOUL

The Silent Sky is a tale of the horrible and total slaughter of an entire species. I was captivated by the novel. In fact, I couldn't stop talking about it, and my friends all wondered what could be so interesting about a story about birds. Believe me, it is facinating... just read it.

I am a teacher as well as a mother. I like the simplicity and organization of the book. Under each topic a good explaination and variety of treatments are listed. You can pick the book up and quickly and easily find your information. I would definitely give this book as a gift to new parents.

We have both this book and the Healthier Child book. They are now dog eared from being used so much. Very well written in a format that is easy to use. I recommend this to everyone. It has saved us a lot of money on doctor visits!

I'm a fan of books about health, and have quite a large collection. This has quickly become one of my favorites, due to its well-balanced combination of traditional (allopathic) and alternative medical advice. It's unique in this way-most other health books are either all alternative, or all traditional (despite the fact that the majority of Americans are combining the two approaches). I consider this book an information integrator that helps me see all our choices for health and wellness, to weigh the merits of very different approaches and make informed decisions. It will be under the Christmas tree for many of my friends and loved ones this year.

Military Science Fiction of the highest order. This series is one of the best I've ever read (and re-read and read again and so on) The characters are true to themselves for the entire series. The storylines are great. I should say storyline (singular), because after the first two books develop Alex's and Sten's characters, the next 6 present an excellent story arc, each book satisfying yet you crave the next book. (I was stationed overseas when the last book came out and I had to wait for Christmas for my relatives to send it to me)

Recommended.

This is the first of the "Sten" series. It's a great sci-fi read with pleanty of classic sci-fi premisies with a few twists.

One of the nice things about this series is that it ends. Once you get excited about reading these books and become attached to the characters, you can simply pick up the next book and continue on. There is no waiting through years of writers block or movies deals (a la Robert Asprin and JK Rowling).

Yes, it's sad that a series you enjoy ends, but at least you have the sense of completion and closure to the story. Since no series can go on forever it's nice to finish strong.

This, as the first installment, is a great read on it's own merits. It's a great story with great characters.

If you're a fan of books like Starship Troopers (book NOT movie) and Ender's Game - I think you'll like this book and it's sequels.

The Dynamic Duo of Allan Cole and Chris Bunch has pulles together one of the greatest scifi series i've ever seen. The Sten series. Sten a man living a life of hell on the laboring planet of Vulcan found a way to get off that godforsaken rock and with a lil luck made it into the imperial army. With Stens luck he could make it through anything but being promoted to the Mantis section of the imperial army will he be able to pull of the impossable mission of recapturing Vulcan for the Eternal Emperor? Or will his luck finnal run out?(Come Check out my Site for more info on scifi and fantasy books http://scifi-fantasy.8k.com/

Many people don't know it, but a stuffed animal's personality is formed when he or she is made in the factory. And when a teddy bear is sewn with slightly crooked eyes and a tight mouth, it can make that bear a bit of a snob. So how can that bear stand the indignity when he's taken home by Mrs. Broom, treated as a doll by her youngest daughter, threatened by George the pyromaniac, and carted away by the rag and bone man? And that's just the beginning of our teddy's adventures! A very clever book, full of warmth, with and wordplay, and one that adults will enjoy right along with their children. An excellent book!

This is my favorite book of all time. It's sad but sweet. A teddy bear is made in a factory with a proud looking face, and is very vain. No one seems to want him, and he goes through many and many owners, all which treat him with no love or care. Over the years, he gets very worn and old looking, and as all of his experiences have taught him, he becomes not so selfidh anymore and thinks about others. In the end he finally finds his place, which makes it a happy ending.

THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ. IT HAS AN IMAGINATIVE STORYLINE BUT A REALISTIC GROUNDING. THE READER ITSELF TAKES THE ROCKY JOURNEY WITH THIS TEDDY BEAR INTO ADVENTURE AND FEELS EACH EMOTION WITH THE CHARACTER. NOT ONLY WILL THIS BOOK LEAVE THE READER REFRESHED BUT IT WILL MAKE A SOFT SPOT IN EACH OF YOUR HEART'S FOR ALL THAT IS AROUND YOU. IF NOT MY WORD TAKE THE WORD OF THE OTHER REVIEWERS FOR THIS BOOK MOST DEFINITLY BELONGS IN THE BEST OF THE BEST SELECTION OF OUR TIME!

This book has been a favorite of the entire family for years! Every recipe we've tried has gotten rave reviews. The Chocolate Chip Scones are a real breakfast treat, and the Denver Chocolate Pudding Cake is one of my most requested desserts. The recipes are easy to follow, and produce wonderful results. If I ever lost this book I would replace it at any cost!

I found this to be a great cookbook. The recipes are out of this world - - our favorites are chocolate pound cake and chocolate pudding. Williams-Sonoma and Lora Brody are the Dream Team of Cookbook Authors. Their recipes are beautifully written, always work and have gorgeous photos to boot. What's not to like?

I have had great luck with many of the recipes in this book. It is well illustrated, the directions are easy to follow and the results are delicious and attractive to look at. Try the White Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberries on top!

This well thought out introduction to the natural setting of California is a must for anyone that either lives in the state or is planning a visit. I used this book as a reference in a report I wrote on California's environment. The all emcompassing narratives about flora, fauna, geology, geography and the wonder of California, makes this book priceless! This is by far the most thorough book on California's native environment that I have seen. Augment this book with, Audobon's Guide to California, and you have a history, guide and interesting information about California to make any vacation or field trip into a journey of unfathomable wonder of California and the natural environment that most of us fail to take advantage of and appreciate. This book really is a must have for anyone who considers themselves a Californian.

If you have an interest in natural history, especially of California's natural history, this is an excellent book. The reader learns all sorts of fascinating things, practically from page one. It is very comprehensive in its breadth while not requiring high-level courses in geology, zoology, botany, etc. to understand it. The writer does buy into a couple of ideas that I think are influenced more by eco-religion than ecological science, but he attempts to maintain scientific discipline and does not harangue the reader with political axe-grinding. He writes in a readable, objective, tone that doesn't get in the way of the interesting "hard" facts conveyed in a clear, interesting style.

The book is an excellent survey text of natural history, California's in particular. I'm an immigrant to California from the Midwest, and did not have the advantage of learning about my adopted state during my school years. I have been looking for a good comprehensive book explaining the formation of the geography and an explanation of the operation of nature here in this state. This is the best book I have found on this subject since I moved here five years ago.

If you are an amateur naturalist, like myself, even just to the extent of having a fondness for programs like Discovery Channel, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, and the National Geographic Specials, you'll like this book. If you're a California parent, the book is really useful for answering the questions kids ask about the world around them.

Though it's authoritative and thorough, it's also entertaining and very accesible. It belongs in every outdoor enthusiast's "camping box."

As I first began to read The Seed Of The Dogwood Tree, I was easily distracted, but by the time I got to Chapter four I was hooked. It is the story of Michael Sinclair and Bruce Plantard, who set out to do a student archaeology trip to the Mendip Mines of Somerset, England. What they found, the journal of the first Baldwin King of Jerusalem, started them on an adventure that would change the world.

Feeling that the journal gave them clues to greater hidden treasure in Mendip, they are financed by Bruce's Uncle Edmond and a secret expedition is undertaken. Uncle Edmond also gives them some new documents and with those and the journal in hand they discover a secret chamber and what it contained was almost unbelievable. The excitement rose in the young men! Could they truly have discovered the cross that Jesus was nailed to? And what was in the jars that they had found? Could it be the blood of the Savior? I wanted to know.

Trust me, this story is not easily figured out. Secret societies are discovered, murders uncovered,and the birth of a child conceived with whose seed? You'll hold your breath waiting to find out as all leads to a climax that you will not soon forget.

Is it the story of the beginning, or the story of the end! This is the thought that you will ponder after reading this excellent novel by Greg Cicio. A Very good read!

This book is a fascinating fiction with a twist of the truth. You'll love the characters, and soon find that they will follow you long after you've finished reading the book. Perhaps there will be one character whom you will NEVER forget. "Seed Of The Dogwood Tree" is a wonderful combination of theology, mystery, phrophecy and just the right amount of humor. A GREAT novel by a first time author. I'll be waiting for the next book by Greg Cicio. In the meantime, I just might read "Seed Of The Dogwood Tree", one more time.

Greg Cicio masterfully weaves theology, science, history and historical prophecy into a spell binding portrayal of the end of time as we know it. Once you pick up this book, it is impossible to put down as we each know and can relate to at least one character in the story. The book is a work of fiction, but it has the twist in that each and every element has a certain ring of truth. When you finally finish the book, you take a deep breath and say 'wow' is THIS really how it all ends. Very believable and enjoyable story. Follow this author.....if this is just the beginning of his writing career he has a long and glorious future ahead of him.

Absolutely the single most impressive volume on Marine Corps history! After teaching History of the U.S. Marine Corps for over two years at the U.S. Naval Academy, I can honestly say that nothing else in print even comes close to Allan Millett's Semper Fidelis. To all Marines... this is what we SHOULD know about our history -- not just the propaganda and minutia. To everyone else... read this book to understand us and our institution -- you will not be disappointed.

A must read by all Marines, future Marines, or just Marine fans. An easy read that is stacked full of the stuff that made the Marine Corps legend.

As a former student of Dr. Millett's I've come to expect first-rate research with tremendous story-telling skills to complement his works. This book will not disappoint. From the amature to the serious historian, this work is a text-book example of how to tell a story without bogging the reader down in irrelevent detail. Every serious military professional should read this text to gain an appreciation for the missions, traditions, and legacy that the Corps has given this nation. If you don't know why the Marines are regarded as the foremost shock troops in the world, you'll understand after reading this fine work. There's a reason why the Marines are always "first in, last out"! LtCol. R. McQuiston, OHANG

This book is nine chapters of mostly biographical information of muslims from west africa who got caught in the north american slave trade. The first two chapters are an overview the muslims and historical accounts. Chapters 3-9 concentrate on the lives of some of the most well known muslims and what others wrote about them.

The reason why I didn't give this book five stars is because of the author's use of Ar-Rahman as if it is Ibrahim 'adurraHmaan's last name. In the muslim faith, it is blasphemous to refer to a person as Ar-RaHmaan or any of the other names of allah (god). This may seem like a small issue to most, but it is a very serious issue because the author is showing his ignorance of Islam and spreading ignorance among the readers who know little or nothing about Islam. The readers of this book will see the casual use of ar-Rahman and think that it's ok to use it for short 'adurraHmaan. Since the author has a Ph.D, I think he should have had knowledgeble muslims read through his book before publication.

Austin's book brings to light an under-examined aspect of African Islam's role in early North America. The short biographical stories of African Muslims have never failed to capture students' imaginations in my classes. A good read and an excellent addition to reading lists for American and African-American History surveys.

It is about time that someone documented with accuracy the origins of some of the earliest Muslims in America. My congratulations to the author, Allan D. Austin.

This is one of the best books out there that addresses the school bully issue. This book is full of lists and charts that you can use. Although it is targeted for elementary and middle school aged kids, any parent, teacher, or other school official can benefit from this book. Dr. Beane has done some great research, all of which has been put into the writing of this book. He is one of the leading experts in this field, and has a lot of good information. I strongly recommend this book...thanks for everything Dr. Beane, I know the knowledge I've gained from you will be helpful in all of my educational endeavours.

If you are researching the subject of school violence as a teacher or a parent, this book is a good place to start. The author, Allan L. Beane, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Special Education at Murray State University in Kentucky. He specializes in developing violence-prevention programs for public schools and teaches workshops on this subject.

After so many years of increasing violence in the public schools, most of us need no convincing to believe this is a vital issue that =must= be dealt with. Though this well-laid-out guide is written with the school teacher mostly in mind, I would not just recommend it for teachers. No anti-bullying program can begin in any school without the administration, teachers and parents working together. So it is important, whichever of these categories you fall into, to know what is in this book.

In the context of the current books that are out there on this subject, this one is excellent and makes a very useful contribution. However, since there are, sadly, so relatively few books out on this subject, to anyone seriously researching this subject, it is highly recommended that you read not just this book, but all the other books currently available (most of which are for sale here on Amazon).

I am an elementary school teacher and this book covers the basics of bullying in the classroom and on the playground and what the class and the teacher can do to prevent it and deal with it. It also gives ideas on how to cope with bullies in life outside of the school. The book is well organized and easy to read. It has a lot of rules/ideas in graphic organizers for easy transfer to posters. There are a lot of pages to copy for the kids to use to discuss and understand bullying. This is a good book to read to make school a safe place to be.