I have never EVER read anything better ! I haven't found any other book which has the same influence on me and on my life. The first time I read it ~4 years ago being in Russia in Russian language.

And of course I re-read it couple of times since that because this is a kind of book you can't read just once -- you want to enjoy it again and again.

You read it when you're having a black strip in your life, when you feel that everything you do is not good enough and you've got to do something right now but you don't know what and how. And this book gives you necessary strenth and confidence, it helps you to see the world as it is and your role in it, it virtually forces you to take control over your live again.

The first time I read this book being in Russia in Russian language. Many things passed off since that time. Well, I live in Australia now and still cannot forget the story I've read in my "previous life". And I'm still trying to find it in English.

And another thing I'd like to do is to meet Paul-Loup Silitzer and express my appreciation for this marvellous story, so detailed, so real and... so implausible. I hope it will happen one day...

Rescued from a concentration camp, the young survivor Reb Michael Klimrod works his way to America, where along the way, he takes vengeance on his former Nazi persecutors, and continues his education of survival in the brutal conditions of the Amazon.

His rise from rags to riches is a credible panorama of sense, perseverance and courage. While Sulitzer too commonly weighs his books with sexual content, its appearance here finds perfect harmony in the physical and spiritual power of wealth among its several characters, as a vital component of Klimrod's sheer will.

A human book as well, with Klimrod's struggle with his emotions, his ambitions, his beliefs and his dreams, all are quite human in their embrace.

This book satisfies on a number of levels. An excellent read, a great translation, and a considerable testimonial of human effort. 5 stars is only an understatement - a wonderful book.

The Green King is my all-time favorite book. I read it for the first time when on vacation in Aruba in '85 and have read it at least three times since. I found a first print in hardcover and it is the jewel of my book collection.

Reb Michael Klimrod's journey from a nazi death camp to the richest man in the world without anyone knowing him is remarkable. The detail that Sulitzer maintains in his book of the men that kept this secret is breath taking; the web of financial companies and transactions is exhilarating. This is a great book for anyone that enjoys high finance and a desire to fulfill a dream. 5 Stars are not enough for this book.

Martin Luther, Leonardo D'Vinci, Napoleon Bonaparte, Karl Marx. Ha. Who needs these puny little figures in history? Instead there should stand one man, a man so great that he can never find a piece of chalk. A man who can stare Doritos in the face and laugh. A man who's name means Prussian Nobility (well not really, there's a A instead of a O, but does it matter.) A man who worked in the fields for 12 hours a day. A man whose wardrobe matches that Calvin Klein guy. This man, strong, tall, kind-of-smart: Paul van Wie. Read his book and you shall see what a master piece is. Read it a second time and see what the masterpiece of time is. Read it backwards the third time and it will reveal the secret message "Why are you reading my book for the third time? Go study for the AP test!"

the jingle of coins that is...

Dr. Van Wie's historical masterpiece on the evolution of European coinage is nothing short of a relevation to the modern world. Within these few 224 pages, Dr. Paul Van Wie enlightens us to how the symbolism on coins can represent the beliefs and socio-economic trends of a particular civilization.

Furthermore, I truly believe that Dr. Van Wie is the reincarnated Johann Tetzel, our beloved sacrilegious friend. Just the way he sings the line "as the gold in the basin rings, so the soul in heaven sings". It makes me tingle all over. But more than that, it is full evidence that Dr Van Wie is Johann Tetzel. Not only that, but he posesses special powers. Dr. Van Wie has an uncanny ability to harness the forces of transubstansiation. With a wiggle of his ears he can transform an A.P. European history lesson into magical mystery tour. Dr. Van Wie also has mastered the translation of Swiss proverbs into English. Now all Americans can learn that "As they say in Switzerland, your finished, baby."

Dr. Van Wie has transcended into a god-like figure among Americans. In fact, Paul Van Wie now has a cult following on the Eastern coast of the United States. FBI reports have recently shown a sharp increase in the number of snowball attacks against old ladies.

So, as Doc would say during his translation of swiss proverbs...

"As they say in Switzerland, see ya."

There is no one more informed on this topic than Paul Van Wie. He truly is a treasure. Anyone who has a remote interest in History and/or Politics must pick this book up. A must read!

"The Man Who Planted Trees" is a wonderful short story about the fictional life of a man who singlehandedly restores a valley to life by becoming the Johnny Appleseed of Trees. More importantly, its about a man who, having suffered the loss of his wwife and only child, chooses to live a simple life in anonymous service with little but his own resources and his love for trees. The short-term effect is almost unnoticeable; long-term its staggering.

The wood engravings that accompany the text stand out and mirror the book's theme of asutere simplicity quite beautifully. Its a wonderful book for children, nature enthusiasts, gardeners and those looking for hope that follwoing one's heart and living out of love, rather than fear, can ultimately make a difference.

This is a wonderful read. It makes a great bedtime story and it is also beautiful (the wood carvings) and inspiring. This is good for people tired of reading what is wrong with the environment. The Man Who Planted Trees is kind of like a sophisticated Lorax book. Anyway, buy this book and enjoy it!

Jean Giono's inspiring story of the "man who planted trees" reached me some days ago as a birthday gift from my two sons.They thought it an appropriate gift for me probably because I am now engaged in an effort to grow trees in some land which I bought as a barren waste land. I found the book extremely inspiring.The interesting thing is that there indeed are unsung heroes and heroines in many parts of the world who do do such inspiring work without thought of reward.Some months back I read in Indian newspapers about a poor couple in the Karnatak state of India who decided to plant trees to assuage their sorrow in being childless.As they had no land of their own they decided to plant trees on the roadside.And ended up with magnificent avenue trees on miles and miles of the road near their village. There still seems to be hope for mankind!

Each year when my family is able to be together, we curl up around the christmas tree and read Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. It has become a family tradition and one that I cherish, even as an adult.

We were so concerned about this book going out of publication and to know that it is being sold again is wonderful - If you are looking for a story you all can share, year after year, this is the one!

It has seen us through over thirty years and is still going strong!

This story is a really good story. It's where Mr.Willowby gets a tree for a surprise. I really like this story because it's a Christmas story and because it really is cheerful. I recommend it for all ages because it is a really good book.

I am 29 years old and have never forgotten the story of Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. I cherished the book as a child and have a special place in my heart for it still today. This book is enjoyable to read any time of year not only at Christmas. I enjoy giving hardcover versions of my favorite childhood stories as treasured gifts. This book deserves more than 5 stars. I do not wish to give a summary of this story, but encourage you to please read and ENJOY!!!

Janeway's immunobiology is beautifully written for both medical and basic biological studies. With the update of a new edition every two years, this textbook is moving closely with this rapid scientific field. The big improvement seen in this edition is its organization and writing style. Compared to the previous edition, the authors explain concept much more concisely and less verbosely. The pictures drawn ( in a simple, friendly cartoon formats)throughout the text are nice and helpful to understand. The references given at the end of each chapter are carefully chosen. Overall, this immunology textbook covers all we need to understand all major concepts in immunology.

I cannot say enough good things about this book. I'm a graduate student in Microbiology and Immunology, but my undergraduate major was in biochemistry. Having had NO immunology classes before, I felt myself beginning to drown in my first graduate immunology class... I knew I needed help (there was no textbook for this lecture-only class), and went searching. This is the book I eventually bought.

It saved me, big time! In plain language, and with easy-to-follow pictures throughout, this book literally taught me all about immunology--it is the reason I passed my classes; NOT sitting stunned in some lecture hall listening to some guy drone. It took some work, and I had to read the book almost front-to-back, but it is a WONDERFUL text.

This book is not really a graduate caliber text, however. For specific and more technical aspects, books like the one by Paul are going to be the ticket. But even now, when looking to brush up on my basics, design pictures for a lecture, etc. I refer back to this book first. Only 3 years old, my copy is dog-eared, worn, and well-used. I often end up with classmates and professors asking to use it, too.

If you find yourself desperate and failing in an immunology class, BUY THIS BOOK AND READ IT. If you are taking any immunology text, and your prof has chosen a really cruddy book you are having difficulty understanding, do the same. If you're a professor trying to teach an immunology class, USE THIS BOOK. Make life a whole lot easier on your students--and you, when grading and evaluations time comes around!

This is by far the most well written immunology text I have encountered. Even the most difficult concepts are presented in the most understandable manner. This book is very extensive in the material it covers and is highly recommended for an advanced undergraduate student or as an introductory graduate text. By far the feature most appealing to me are the extensive images and cartoons used in this text, used quite effectively to elucidate even the most difficult of topics. This visual presentation style combined with the extensive and highly readble coverage of relevant material make this a must have for any serious student. The book is also updated frequently I believe a new edition is on the way slated to be publsihed in April 2004.

The story of Paul and Roger starts off as the ultimate love story of two people who found themselves in their partner. Their struggle with Roger's diagnosis and illness just cements that feeling of absolute oneness. I have never read a book as emotionally demanding. I have never cried when closing a book. Until now.

I had to take two days off from work when I started this book because I just couldnt make myself put it down.

Paul (I write in Frankness because by the end of the book all the charecters become like Family) writes with such simplicity and command that one feels like sitting by a campside listening to a wise man tell a heart wrenching tale.

Moreover, one thing i really admired about monette was that he doesnt try to gain sympathy by cashing in on his life. He doesnt use over dramatization as tools of deploying tears!

I really loved the ending because it brought such a fatal blow and with so little effort that the readers themselves had to grieve.

Furthermore, I learnt a wealth of information about HIV and AIDS from this book. Plus I just couldnt believe the red-tapism in the USA medical system. It really made me angry.

Read this book , Pronto!!
May Paul and his lover rest in peace!!

I picked this book up in a thrift store last week and have just suffered with Paul and Roger as I read. Immediately I searched Amazon.com looking for other writings by Paul Monette and learned of his death in 1995. Now I'm really depressed. I'm straight, white, female, a wife and a mother of a 2 year old. Probably not Paul's expected audience yet he reached me deeply. I feel tremendous compassion for anyone dying of AIDS and for those that love them. I will look for an opportunity to demonstrate love to someone with AIDS.

This is an excellent information book about cats. It is informative, fun, and I think well written. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to have a reference guide to help understand your felines.

I also recommend Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook for anyone wanting more detailed medical info. relating to diseases, treatment options, pictures, etc. I found it to be easy to understand and well written.

Here's what others have said about "Cats For Dummies":

"The authors provide reliable information on topics from preventative health care and common health problems to solving behavior problems. There is even a chapter on cats in cyberspace. Sure to be often requested, this is highly recommended for even the smallest of libraries." -- Edell Marie Schaefer, Library Journal

"Cats For Dummies" is wise, up-to-to-date, and written and presented in a form that is easy to understand and navigate."--Vicki Croke, Boston Globe

"It's astounding how much helpful information the author have accumulated and packed into a concise and easyt-to-follow formula. Some of the information is, in fact, rarely found elsewhere. -- Steve Dale, Tribune Media

"Depending how far your relationship has progressed -- or regressed -- with your favorite feline, you can jump about in this handy guide." -- Ranny Green, Seattle Times

" 'Cats For Dummies' is an excellent, engaging, encyclopedic primer and reference book for the person about to be adopted by a cat. This is a book that readers will undoubtedly pull off the shelf again and again." -- Margie Scherk-Nixon DVM, Diplomate, ABVP (Feline Practice)

"Cats For Dummies is catnip for the feline fanatic. It offers sound advice on cat care, behavior issues, products, services, and fascinating feline trivia, all served up with wry humor that entertains, even as it educates." -- Amy Shojai, Pet Author and President, Cat Writers' Association

" 'Cats For Dummies' is terrific. It's an educational and fun read for all cat owners -- new and experienced." -- Colleen Currigan, DVM, Veterinary Homecare For Cats

"All the questions you have about owning a cat are answered in 'Cats For Dummies.' This book is a must-read for the new kitten owner." -- Sandi Pergande, Country Paws - Burmese Cats

I just received this book yesturday and i've already read half of it. Cats for dummies, 2nd ed., has helped me in choosing a cat companion and has many tips on health care, litter box problems, breeding, and more. If you have a cat or are considering a cat this is the book for you.

As a mom of biological children as well as a Vietnamese daughter, Kelly, I quickly "connected" with Tom and Cherie Clark in the first portion of Cherie's book, After Sorrow Comes Joy. Reading some of her statements, was like a flashback to my thoughts and feelings during Kelly's adoption. One of the comments was when Cherie said, "pregnancy did nothing to prepare me for this intense longing I would have for a child I had never met." It's one of those things you can't adequately explain to people who haven't been there.

Cherie's vivid descriptions of life in Vietnam help me to understand more about the birthcountry of my daughter, and the devastation that was caused by a war I was too young to care about at the time. The Clark's desire and willingness to live in a war-torn country and care for so many needy children, should ignite in all of us a greater desire to deny ourselves and serve this world. They made a significant difference in so many lives. A difference that continues into the present and future of many lives.

Cherie commented that during one of her trips back to Vietnam, the "smell of Vietnam" overwhelmed her with memories of her time there. I remember the first time I walked into the Denver Vietnamese market after adopting Kelly. I burst into tears, because the smell was the smell of me finally going to Saigon and seeing my baby. Nothing ever smelled so wonderful! Another thing you can't adequately describe to others.

As my husband and I pursue the adoption of a Vietnamese boy with the help of Cherie's organization, International Mission of Hope, I feel indebted to her for her active expression of love for my baby's country, for her love of orphans and others in need, and for her desire to give up so many American comforts to experience the the vast joy that comes only from denying yourself and serving others wholeheartedly.

After Sorrow Comes Joy is the riveting autobiographical story of Cherie Clark's entry into the world of international adoption. It culminates in her dramatic, humanitarian efforts to aid the babies and children left disolute by the aftermath of the Vietnamese American War. Inspired by her own adoptions and a meeting with Mother Teresa in India, Cherie responded to the call of her heart to journey to Vietnam where she founded the International Mission of Hope. After Sorrow Comes Joy documents the story of how Cherie found a home in Vietnam caring for the sick and abandoned babies and children trapped in a frightened and poor war-torn country.

Following the end of the Vietnamese-American war, Vietnam was still torn in two by fighting between the North and South Vietnamese armies. Americans, Europeans and thousands of Vietnamese people were rapidly fleeing the country as city after city fell to Communist rule. This stirring account describes how Cherie Clark cared for the babies and children of Vietnam during this period of chaos, uniting them with families and medical care and food that they needed to survive. It is also an account of bureaucracy gone amoke. Normal channels failed as families and even basic government services were caught in the a war crashing down upon them. During this upheaval the heroism of the Vietnamese and Americans who cared for the orphans and abandoned children is heart wrenching. After Sorrow Comes Joy brings this tulmultuous time back to life with clarity and intimacy.

Readers will find themselves captivated by many of the scenes in this book - including Cherie Clark's heartfelt return to Vietnam 20 years after the war, her children's escape from a collapsing Vietnam, her first visits to the orphanages that many continue to adopt from today, and several kidnapping attempts including that of her own daughter.

After Sorrow Comes Joy is informative and engrossing on many levels. It is an historical account of the beginning of adoption in Vietnam. It is a personal account of a family's growth through adoption. It is a stirring documentary of a period of history that for years has remained best forgotten, but which still startles in its immediacy. Hundreds of pictures flesh out the dramatic stories. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of Vietnam, in the antecedents of Vietnamese adoption or in the International Mission of Hope. Rarely do adoptive parents get such a personal glimpse into the lives of those who will be assisting them as they find their own forever families.

I've just finished After Sorrow Comes Joy and I still haven't caught my breath. I'm crying and gasping for air!

For most of us whose lives were, in a large part, dictated by events in Vietnam during the late 60's and early 70's, the Vietnam war remains a mystery. We didn't understand it then; all these years later, we still don't understand it.

This book does NOT de-mystify the war. It simply gives a day-to-day, blow-by-blow account of how it affected the smallest victims of that war--the children, and the least of these--the orphans.

Cherie Clark, a normal, middle-class housewife caught up in a decision to adopt a child from the war zone, lived this story and has written, not a political treatise, but a heart-wrenching, heart-stopping diary of what happened as the government and the very fabric of Vietnamese society unraveled in those last awful days. How she has managed to write this with such honesty and detail without seeming to sensationalize any of it, or appear as if she's nominating herself for sainthood, is an amazing accomplishment.

I can hardly wait to read the rest of the story, the next two in the trilogy, about her work in India and her return to Vietnam.

"Paul Kirk's Championship Barbecue Sauces" is a must-have for anyone who's serious about creating great barbecue. The book contains much of the same information that Chef Paul teaches in his Pitmaster BBQ classes all over the U.S. Lots of flavorful recipes for sauces, rubs, and marinades that are easy to make, plus tips on creating your own signature sauce or rub. Your barbecue book library is not complete without this book!

This is by far my favorite barbecue sauce book on my cookbook shelf! Paul Kirk knows barbecue and how to make delicious sauce. I love his Sweet Kansas City Barbecue Sauce recipe. It has a sweet, robust flavor and a nice spicy kick. I have a favorite bottled barbecue sauce that I've bought for years, but this sauce made it seem bland in comparison! I also love his Chicken Rub recipe. I always have a batch of this ready for grilling. It's designed to season poultry, but it's great on beef and pork too! I am eager to try more of the great recipes in this book. He has recipes for rubs, mops, marinades and sauces and explains how and when to use them to create a flavor sensation every time. If you love barbecue like me, this is one book you won't want to be without.

When I purcharsed this book I didn't have great expectations for its contents. However, with the credentials that Paul Kirk has I thought it might be interesting reading. I also expected it to contain 175 recipes with little or no explanation of how or why they work, oh and of course the first three chapters would be on how to start my smoker.

I admit, I was wrong! It starts with the basics and teaches you how to build from there. If you are a mustard lover this is definately a must buy. Every ingredient listed serves a purpose and he tells you why. Paul Kirk may not give you his secret recipe, but he sets you up to make your own. Oh, only the introduction covers the cooking methods so the whole book is dedicated to Barbecue Sauces. My only problem with the book is the pages should be laminated It's already getting stained. I love BBQ and this book.

My only complaint about this book is that I had to wait too long for it to come out. Now I find out that the new book, The Bannerman's Prophecy won't be out for another eight or more months.

John R. Maxim is the world's greatest storyteller. I consider this book to be one of his best. He is an expert in weaving the background history of his characters into the new story. For the first time reader of Maxim's books they shouldn't have any difficulty to figure out who Bannerman and his "ghosts" are.

I had a difficult time putting it down once I started reading it the first time. The story made me laugh and cry all though the book. The characters seem so real, I can almost imagine what Bannerman, Carla and of course Waldo might look like. I'm not sure I would want to know if they were one of my neighbors.

I highly recommend this book for anyone's library. I have reread all of Maxim's books that I have several times.

It feels like forever between one Bannerman book and the next, but they're well worth the wait! Once again, John Maxim has done a superb job of bringing these characters to life in Bannerman's Ghosts. It kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next! The subject (bio terrorism) is timely -- and scarey -- but leaves the reader with a sense of hope for tomorrow. Mr. Maxim never disappoints!

The definition of "neighborhood watch" takes on an entirely new meaning in this latest Bannerman thriller by John R. Maxim IV. Long time fans and first time readers will be pleased to see favorite characters from his early novels and those from recent endeavors gather together to wreck havoc and just a touch of personal vengeance on the villains so aptly created by Maxim.

As with other Bannerman novels, GHOSTS is impossible to lay aside until the highly emotional final chapter and epilogue leaves you wishfully hoping Bannerman's Prophecy is already on its way to the publisher.

A recommendation for Hollywood: Beat a path to John Maxim's door for the Bannerman movie rights!