The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the Eucharist is the "source and summit" of the Christian Faith. The Eucharist is the actual Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, of the Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. Yet many Catholics doubt this belief, are confused by it, or reject is altogether. This book provides both answers and challenges for Catholics looking for a better understanding of the reality and Real Presence of the Eucharist.

Dave Pearson initially set out to write a theological and apologetic work aimed at clarifying Catholic teaching about the Real Presence. Wanting to include some personal anecdotes, he interviewed several people active in regular Eucharistic adoration. Realizing the power of their experiences, he compiled these nine interviews. Frank, open, and often vulnerable, these ordinary folks gives witness to the reality of the Real Presence and its tranforming power. As nineteen year old Dylan states so well, the Eucharist is "a radical invitation to love and be loved." This is a book that will challenge and encourage those seeking a deeper, more intimate relationship with their Savior.

[Carl Olson is editor of Envoy magazine.]

In "No Wonder They Call It The Real Presence," David Pearson conducts a multi-voiced chorus of praise to our Lord present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

The people David interviews -laymen and women all - are themselves a mirror of the Eucharist: quietly hiding beneath the common things of this world and yet in their substance full of power and majesty and grace. In a time when tragedy is so often twisted into farce, these folks tell of lives transformed through the renewing of their minds and hearts in adoration of Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament.

This book will remind you that while laymen and priests and bishops may sometimes fail us, the Church never does, because only through her do we receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

"A lot of very down-to-earth, nonfanatical people are having very transcendent, mystical, religious experiences in Eucharistic adoration chapels," writes David Pearson in this book. That is the fundamental message of this book.

The nine people Pearson interviews come from a wide variety of backgrounds and life experiences. He allows them to tell their own stories, simply coaxing them along now and then with a few probing questions.

These folks offer their stories without trying to come off as pious saints or theologians. They simply and generously offer us a window into their own lives, especially their spiritual lives, parts of people we rarely see unless they are our spouse or close friend.

Sure, we hear about their moments of rapt joy at the realization of Jesus present in the Eucharist. But we also hear about the dry and boring times of prayer, and about the difficulties and tragedies of life and the place Jesus in the Eucharist has there.

I'll keep this one, and probably pick it up again in my own moments of spiritual dryness, boredom, and questioning. To me, it's a written record of God's grace in the lives of everyday folks.

I recently met Dave Eastman at the VHPA reunion in Las Vegas where we exchnaged books. Once I opened Outlaws in Vietnam I could not put it down -- it took me back to the sights, smells and sounds of Vietnam. A great read and if your interested in what it was like to fly a UH-1D in combat, I really mean to get the feel, experience the excitement and the sometoimes cold fear in the pit of your stomach, then this book is a must. Dave is a wonderful writer who takes the reader into the cockpit and along for a wild ride. Great job Dave!

For thirty some odd years, America has been subjected to lots of hype and fictional fantasy about the Viet Nam war in the form of movies and books. Now comes a real story in the form of Dave Eastman's book entitled Outlaws In Viet Nam. This book takes you into the hearts and souls of the people who served with the Outlaw Aviation crews from Vinh Long in the Mekong Delta of Viet Nam. Eastman provides a direct view into the daily lives of this unique helicopter company and enables the reader to come to an understanding of the bonds that made this military unit such a closely-knit group, different from other such units in Viet Nam at the time. The closely-knit bond of these aviation soldiers continues today in the form of an association that still meets in a reunion every two years, with the next reunion slated for San Antonio, Texas in October 2002. Whether you were part of this unique chapter in the history of Viet Nam aviation, a family member of someone who served with this company, or a reader who is simply interested in knowing about these guys, you will not be disappointed with this book. For the children of the people who served with the Vinh Long Outlaws but never knew their parent, this book will become a wonderful keepsake to document the memory of your parent and what life was like for them in Viet Nam. After thirty four years, it still brings tears to my eyes.

If you are looking for a more complete book dealing with the lives of helicopter pilots in Vietnam, look no farther. This book is it! From cover to cover, Outlaws in Vietnam tells the full, rich story of the "Magnificent Seven" as they flew in the 175th Aviation Company (AML) from late 1966 until late 1967. These seven classmates of flight school class 66-14 lived at Vinh Long and experienced the "best years of their lives" as they wrestled everyday with danger, boredom and terror! This book is a wonderful story of comrades in combat, told through the clear, vivid writing of David Eastman, one of the "Magnificent Seven".

Outlaws in Vietnam is a great mix of 40 short stories, so interesting and gripping with detail the reader will easily be able to visualize and understand every described happening. Each story will leave you wanting more, more. Funny, sad, tragic, ironic but never dull, all chapters are "brim full" of wonderful details and emotion. David is very skillful as a writer and he easily brings back vivid memories about his fellow helicopter pilots and enlisted crews. He also enhances the understanding for the non-pilot reader. In real life, David Eastman is a Forester and is attuned to the aesthetic world of wildlife, the environment and landscapes. He writes and publishes regularly for the print and broadcast media about the outdoors and its beauty. He lives in New Hampshire where forestry, nature and esthetics are very important.

Most books about Vietnam usually begin with flight school and the too long a flight to the other side of the world. However, David Eastman teases the reader with a very interesting turn of events, which could have allowed him to, perhaps, escape the trip. David was an honorable man, however , deciding to have no part in the "chance opportunity." Then as luck would have it, his assignment to the 175th Aviation Company (AML) at Vinh Long would be a wonderful stroke that would launch the young RLO (Real Live Officer) for a year of flying which he describes as, "the best year of his life." Many, but not all, helicopter pilots have echoed this thought. But, all would admit that their lives were changed, significantly, by the experience.

One thing stands out about flying helicopters in the Delta was the size and lack of recognizable landmarks. Plus, the vast, flat, often flooded southern ¼ of Vietnam, offered very little contact with or support from U.S. troops. In the Delta, the Vietnamese mainly fought the War. Not until the 9th Division came to Dong Tam, later in the War, did U.S. forces enter the Delta region in significant numbers. U.S. Advisors were the only Americans that David and his fellow pilots came in contact with on a daily basis. The Delta was a different world, a world where the young helicopter pilot and his trusted crew spent hours and hours flying daily to the far reaches of IV Corps. The long days and many flight hours insured their learning many skills and "tricks" about flying over what could be described as mostly enemy territory. And, if these little details were not passed on to other young pilots, or adhered to exactly, the crews could be destined to a lonely death!

Staying alive and reaching DROS was always in the back of each crewmember's mind. But in the end, David Eastman is full of mixed emotions about going home. Leaving his fellow crewmembers and their past months together was harder than expected. He would no more be experiencing the intense and close lifestyle of Vinh Long. Such realizations caused him to wrestle within himself. Then, when that long awaited DROS day finally arrived and he could leave Vinh Long with the other members of the "Magnificent Seven", he found it very difficult. An interesting conclusion to a very good book!

Outlaws in Vietnam is a book that is well written, interesting, and certainly deserving of your reading. It is one of the best I have read. It would not be a surprise to have the entertainment industry agree. We just might see something in the future based on this book and its real life, no, bigger than life characters. If the details, as written by David Eastman are retained....it will be a great story.

... you just HAVE to check out Deb Butterfield's book "Showdown With Diabetes"! In her book she tells about her life with diabetes and her transplant! In the second part of her book, she talks about the progress over the years that pancreas and islet transplants have made! What impressed me is how she takes all the MANY researchers' information and discusses it all in an easy to understand and positive manner! I'm just so impressed and just had to share this book with you! It's the best thing I've read in a long time!

Wow! I just finished reading Showdown with Diabetes. It is a beautifully researched work and is the first book (I have read many) that tells the truth about diabetes. This is a MUST read for everyone with diabetes. It is full of optimism and is truly an inspiration to all those who love someone with diabetes to get out and advocate for a cure. Thank you Ms. Butterfield!

I consider myself privileged to have been allowed to read this extraordinary book while still in galley form. Deb Butterfield has written an achingly candid account of her personal journey with diabetes. She begins with her diagnosis at age 10 and ends with her pancreas transplant some 15 years later; covering all the physical and emotional trauma wrecked by diabetes in between. Unfortunately, the toll diabetes took on her life is all too common. She puts to rest, once and for all, the myth that diabetes is a chronic disease which can be managed if one is simply diligent enough. After reading Ms.Butterfield's book, it becomes crystal clear that diabetes is still a fatal disease which can only be managed by curing it. The book ends on a joyous note with the knowledge that alternatives to continuing with diabetes already exist and that the cure will come sooner rather than later

114 stunning, full color nature photographs illustrate fifty-three Christian prayers in The Reverend Debora Kaiser-Cross' superbly presented Prayers For The Seasons: An Inspirational Collection Of Christian Prayers And Nature Photography. The beauty of her memorable and inspiring photographs is matched only in the devout sincerity of the accompanying devotionals. Prayers Through The Seasons is meant not just to be read, but to be meditated upon. This is a highly recommended gift book selection for any nature-lover and within a Christian perspective.

More than a beautiful "coffee table" book, I found Prayers through the Seasons to offer inspiration and wisdom through its stunning photography and heartfelt prayers. In light of recent events, I have found it especially comforting as it speaks of God, simple beauty, faith and peace. Every page is a delight for the eyes and soul. I love it! (It would also make a wonderful gift).

As a poet and lover of words, I find myself looking for visual stimulation. This special book surprised me with it's raw beauty. Nothing is more sacred than Nature. And Laurie Bohlke has created a special gift for the "tenderest" of us. I have to admit that I do not keep it with my "coffee table" books, but next to my best friends; the Dictionary and Thesaurus.

I have finally found a dessert cookbook that meets all the criteria I look for in making a dessert - simple to make, flavorful ingredients, beautiful presentation and of course delicious to eat. I love the creativity and simplicity of the desserts in this book. David Lebovitz is a dessert maker after my own heart. He combines wonderful, fresh, flavorful ingredients with creativity and produces unique, delicious desserts that are works of art! This has become my all time favorite dessert cookbook. I highly recommend this book.

I just received David's book, ROOM FOR DESSERT. It is a wonderful combination of delicious dessert recipes and modern innovative flavors. I like the way in which he uses all-natural ingredients, and includes a detailed list of where to get them. The recipes are straight-forward and easy to understand. The photos are luscious, as well. I certainly have "room for (David's) desserts !!"

This cookbook certainly gets 5 stars. My requirement for a cookbook is that the recipes should be doable by mortals and that there should be at least one recipe in the book worth keeping. This cookbook meets both requirements. I have tried only the passion fruit poundcake and the ginger cake. They get rave reviews because they are perfect recipes and easy to do. I came to the ginger cake with reluctance simply because I don't care much for either ginger or molasses in anything and am not into pepper as an ingredient in cakes. Since the author says that this recipe is the favorite of many people, I took the chance and, boy, am I glad I did. In this recipe what you get is a beautifull deep brown, moist cake with great texture and subtle flavors. Mr. Lebovitz suggests fresh peaches to accompany this cake. A glass of cold milk goes well with it too.

In addition to 110 dessert recipes, many of them beautifully photographed, Mr. Levobitz has a chapter called "Essentials" in which he discusses equipment, ingredients and fruits. In his introduction he gives his philosophy of dessert-making, that they be simple and that less is often more. In this instance I would say less is just right.

If you like to cook unusual desserts, you will love this cookbook.

Rosa Parks: My Story is about this lady named Rosa Parks. She refused to move to the back of the bus. She went to jail because she refused to move to the back of the bus. Rosa Parks was born February 4, 1913 in Tuskegee and was named Rosa after her grandmother, Rose. What I liked about the story was that she had the courage to stand up to the white people and policemen. What I didn't like was that the police had to take Rosa to jail, but they didn't want to. They said it was wrong.

Rosa Parks was a Black woman who lived in a time of unequality. Blacks were being treated as though they were lower and were lost of the many priveleges that white people had. Well, Rosa Parks didn't let what they thought get in her way. She stood for what she believed in and stuck by it all the way. By refusing to sit at the end of the bus, Rosa showed me how strong, independent, daring, and brave she was. She knew of the consequences yet it didn't stop her. I really admire her.
This book came across me after my friend Catherine read it and recommended it to me. She told me that it was a good book and that I should read it. She told me that it would touch my heart and would help me see Rosa Parks in a different way. Seeing the cover, I knew that it would talk about one of the most important events of her life-the incident at the bus.
I enjoyed this book very much. My favorite part was when she refused to sit at the back of the bus.She demonstrated acts of bravery and courage. She showed them that she was equal and that no one had the right to treat them differently. That event also proved that small acts can make big differences in the world. One little protest made a positive change in the way of the world. This helped me want to be more active in our world. I realized that the blacks had to go through so much to be where they are today. It helped me appreciate them more. This book should be read by everyone!

The title of my book is "Rosa Parks:My Story".The story takes place in the South.The most interisting factin the beginning of the book is that rosa lived through racism.When Rosa was going to school predjuced people would throw things at her.At the end of my book the most important fact is that she wasan activist in the N.A.A.C.P.Also she worked toward ending racism, and she is still living today.

My 8 1/2 year old got this book and asked me to read it to him every night. I also fell in love with this book and it was so well written. I am now going to get all of the sequels to this book as a special surprise for Christmas. A story of friendship and sharing life together, it warmed our hearts. The book also kept us both in stitches. We would read paragraphs over and over just to get a good laugh! It was wonderful time together laughing and learning about what life as a cat would be. I loved the parts where the cats would make fun of the dogs.

This is a story about how a cat and a dog can be friends. Upchuck is the cat and Rotten Willy is the dog. When Upchuck's friend moves away and his Katie goes to some place called College, he becomes lonely. So the only one to play with is Rotten Willy, a Rottweiler, "As big as a car and as black as death itself," but can he trust him to be his friend and not another stupid dog wanting to bite off his head and eat him for lunch?

If you want to find out, then you will have to read the book! It warmed my heart, and made me laugh. If you like books about animals and like to laugh, then this book is for you!

Heather Harger, age 10

If you looove animals like me you'll love Upchuck and the rotten Willy. Know here a little about it. Well, let's see THeres these two cat's who have adventures, but one cat moves away and so chuck makes friends with a dog. It also made me cry but in a good way.READ this book if you like excitment, adventure, and love- Upchuck and the Rotten Willy!

When Harlie was One was an enjoyable book, with quite a bit of thought given to "its" character development. Unfortunately, I've looked for "When Harlie Was Two" or "The God Machine" - both titles that were listed as a sequal and have not found either. Were either actually published?

David Gerrold is quite prolific and has done some great TV scripts and a number of series books (Star Wolfe) and (Chtorr). I would also like to see more in these series.

Mr. Gerrold, if you're listening. Please consider the many fans of these series and WRITE MORE PLEASE!

Simply one of the best pieces of speculative fiction I've ever read. It has flaws, but it still takes the breath away, the sheer audacity of its vision. Warning, this book will make you think and could change the way you see yourself and others...

Once read, never forgotten. It's a crime it's out of print, track down a copy and see for yourself.

I read the book maybe 25 years ago, and it is one of the few books that have always stuck in my memory. The main reason I am writing this review is that I hope the publisher will consider a reprint! As I found - reading the other reviews - that there are more people like me for whom this book was an unforgettable experience. (And of course I would like to find out if it has retained its magic over the years.)

This book is entertaining and well written, both for adults and children. Contains some great tips on how to make eyes, noses, hair etc. for puppets and how to animate the finished products. However, if you are looking for a book on how to make muppet-style puppets or stuffed animal style puppets, this is not the one. Most of the puppets described in the book are 'wooden spoon' or sock puppets - cute, nice for kid's projects but not professional looking. To its credit, this book does contain lots of ideas and insights which could make it a good accompanying book to some other more definitive puppet making book.

This book helps kids transform neat puppets into extraordinary ones. There are great ideas for developing characters, as well. Worth its weight in gold.

This book has so many great ideas using many easy to find objects. It even includes a little packet with 2 pairs of eyes, some faux fur, a few feathers and other sundries. The day this book arrived, my daughter and I made 3 puppets. In the next several days we made many more out of socks, oven mitts and other things that were just laying around the house. If you hate to throw things away, you'll love this. After reading the book, you'll start looking at your trash with new eyes. Old paper towel rolls, band-aid tins, fabric scraps, plastic spoons, small plastic bottles you might throw out, sponges, pot scrubbers, erasers--all these things can be transformed into puppets.

My only quibble is that the suggested reading level is ages 4-8. My nearly five-year-old can't do these projects alone, (I also use a hot glue gun, so it's too hot for her) so I've ended up letting her direct what goes where on the puppets. I think a six year-old working with less dangerous adhesives could do many of the projects himself, and I think kids even older than the age range would find the projects fun, especially if they have little siblings or an opportunity to teach younger kids. (Like helping out at Sunday school).

The book is full of projects that are easy to do right away, don't cost much money or require special trips to the craft store and let your child develop her imagination/creativity/emotional skills.

As a Spanish teacher I was delighted to find such a grammar gem on the market for Spanish students at all levels. I bought the book with the intention of using it as a guide and review of many difficult grammar concepts in Spanish and I definitely was pleased with the grammar material and brief cultural readings that are included in the book. The book covers all key grammar concepts that must be mastered in order to speak Spanish confidently and with superior grammar control. The book contains twenty-eight valuable chapters in which key grammar concepts such as verb conjugation and verb usage, tenses and moods of verbs, the passive voice and other key elements are analyzed. The heavy emphasis on verbs and verb usage is indicative of the quality of this book especially since the ability to conjugate and use verbs correctly are the key to mastering any language. The practice exercices are also very valuable and readily force the student to apply the knowledge learned in the chapter thus understanding the practical use of verbs, prepositions, idiomatic expressions or whatever the grammatical concept may be. This book is definitely one of the most handy Spanish grammar tools available and can always be used as a reference for clarification of one's queries in Spanish be it a written grammar concept or an oral query. The purchase of this grammar book will enable you to fortify your Spanish and clarify many grammatical querires. A highly recommended purchase.

If you have already studied Spanish and want to strengthen your skills, this is the book for you. It would also be a good supplementary text for first, second and third year students of college level Spanish. Better than most books that cost twice it's price, it not only gives you clear, well thought-out, and well organized descriptions of all the essential grammar points in Spanish, it also includes copious exercises to drive the points home. This "workbook" aspect of the book is an invaluable asset, since once you have understood the grammar point, you still need to practice it a bit make it second nature. I guarantee that if you work you way through this whole book and absorb its contents, you'll have a very good grasp of Spanish indeed. Coupled with something like the Pimsleur courses, a person could get quite fluent is six months of solid daily study.

I have studied Spanish at the college level before, but since then have not had the opportunity to practice speaking or writing except in informal settings with friends, while traveling, etc. So when I needed to speak with a Spanish client for business, I found my conversation and writing skills somewhat lacking. I turned to "The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice" after having it recommended to me by a few business associates. After one month of working intensively through the book, I feel much more confident in my formal Spanish skills. The book is well thought out, organized into 28 chapters, each focusing on a different topic. Starting with the present tense of verbs and other basic language topics and progressing through the subjunctive and other advanced forms, it provides a comprehensive text to learn and perfect both oral and written Spanish. The explanations and examples of each topic are very clear, and the exercises provide a challenging test of the subject matter presented in each chapter. The short and lively cultural notes add an authentic touch to the language, and provide interesting observations of Spanish and Latin American culture. I found Part IV particularly helpful as it included chapters on common idioms and frequently found errors that have helped my conversation skills measurably. Although targeted at intermediate and advanced learners, I can see the text helping beginners as well, and I have recommended it for associates and friends. In sum, this is a very helpful and comprehensive review of Spanish.