The Christmas Box is an emotional story which touches the heart and probes the "true" meaning of Christmas. I highly recommend it to anyone. I read the book while my wife was pregnant at the request of our child's godmother. You don't have to have children to appreciate the book. A quick read, but well worth it!

Having just finished The Letter, the last in this trilogy, I am sad to be saying good-bye to Mary Ann and David Parkin. This is a love story in the truest sense of the word but not sappy at all. In the Christmas Box, we are introduced to Mary Ann, an elderly widow living on her own. We meet David Parkin, her husband, in The Timepiece which in my opinion was the best of the three books. In this book, they meet, fall in love and have the perfect life until tragedy strikes. The Letter finds them 20 years later still trying to cope with their loss and trying to keep their marriage together. Evans writes, "Could it be that to truly love a thing is not to desire it, but to desire happiness for it." This seems to sum up this delightful series. If you want a break from your usual reading, you won't be disappointed. If you want to give someone a present they won't forget, try this one.

I bought the Christams Box set in paperback, while traveling from Lexington, Ky to Denver, Co.I frequently buy books when I travel, but seldom read them until after I arrive at my destination. Not so with the Christmas box. I was so taken with the simple beauty and truth in the story that I couldn't put it down. I think I scared the Attendant when, not noticing the passage of time, she startled me, and with tears in my eyes, I answered her, "I'll have a coffee, please." I was compelled to explain to her that nothing was wrong, but that the book was amazingly touching. I later saw her in the airport book store investing in a copy. I bought a copy for almost everyone this Christmas. I am certain that you will cherish it too... Enough to share it with everyone you love!

Filled with unique illustrations of the brain in an imaginative manner, combined with powerful information regarding the clinical anatomy of our CPU, this is a must read for those working with brain injured individuals or who would just like to understand the magic that is our mind.

The most striking aspect of the authors'work is the magnificent way in which the various layers of the brain/consciousness are paired with the drawings evoking our ancient evolutionary history. Rather than a modern suburban house built on a scraped lot, the brain is portrayed as a ruin with succeeding layers built on top of each other. I believe the book succeeds in conveying a sense of mystery as to how we are able to function as modern homo sapiens while carrying around with us the results of milennia of evolution: the hope and the danger as it were. And yet, this is all achieved in a very light-hearted and entertaining manner.

A really great introduction to the workings of the brain. Truly memorable illustrations: so much better than those dry, factual diagrams you get in most textbooks. This book is an easy read, and keeps a lively pace. Its only drawback is that it is a little dated, but any book on a subject under such intensive research is likely to be a bit out of date by the time it reaches the lay-reader. Highly recommended though.

Here's an easy recipe to make any father or daughter you know get all puddled up: get them Richard Paul Evans'"The Dance." This short, epigrammatic tale follows an unnamed father as he watches his daughter grow up, progressing from hopping around in the yard to formal dance lessons to being a ballerina. I can't say too much more or I'll give away the tear-inducing ending.

It's short--you can read it with or without a child on your lap in perhaps ten minutes. But the emotions it provokes are powerful, and powerfully enhanced by Jonathan Linton's astonishing paintings. Evans has a note at the beginning of the book saying that although a different illustrator had been selected for "The Dance," he happened to see the cover painting (by Linton) somewhere and felt strongly that Linton should illustrate the book. Thank goodness Evans went to bat for Linton, as the text and pictures mesh beautifully. I can't think of a girl, young or old, who wouldn't enjoy "The Dance"--and I can think of lots of dads who would get a little emotional reading through it themselves. Highly, highly recommended.

I picked up The Dance as I browsed my favorite bookstore and was immediately caught in the magic of the illustrations. The message within struck a personal chord. An only daughter, I am extremely close to my father. His time on this earth is limited as he battles a devastating neurological disease. With tears streaming down my face, I was reminded that his love will always be with me. I am grateful for this simple book with such a powerful message.

Almost every little girl grows up with the dream to become a ballerina. This is a story about how a father observes his daughter go through the many different stages of life by the dances she does, from her first ballet class to the dance on her wedding day. Though the daughter does not realize it, the father watches proudly as she waltzes through life. I would recommend this book for every dancer, no matter what age. This touching story can help build or restore the bond between a father and daughter. The illustrations by Jonathan Linton are extremely beautiful and very realistic. It should be a must on every dancer's reading list!

Of course, it's better if you read all three novels in the trilogy that tells the tale of the Parkin family, but if you're going to choose just one, let it be "Timepiece." "The Christmas Box" introduced us, briefly to MaryAnne Parkin, by then an elderly widow with a mysterious past, but "Timepiece" fills in the gaps and brings you in, through the vehicle of her husband David's diary, to a warm and wonderful story of true love and loss. Here you learn about Andrea, the little girl MaryAnne mourned beneath the famous angel statue. But most importantly, you get to know David and MaryAnne-their faults; their pain; their loyalty to each other, their daughter and their friends; and the strength of their love. Reading of the lives of David and MaryAnne Parkin is almost like hearing your grandparent's love story after they're gone. These characters really touch your spirit. I've just finished "The Letter," and, knowing it's the final installment, I'm really going to miss this family. Richard Paul Evans' talent for capturing emotion and his attention to detail make this book a delight to read. My suggestion to him now, is to go back and write about Lawrence and his Cavalry days...

"Timepiece", is easily one of the best books I have ever read. It opens your heart and makes itself at home there, and continues to live there long after you have finished reading it. I will admit "Timepeice", made me cry, but it also made me think and take the time to be thankful for the gifts I have been blest with. Richard Paul Evans has given us characters we really care about and come to love. If you love a romantic, sweet love story you will love this book.

Timepiece begins the love story of David and Maryanne Parkin. The scene starts in 1908, when Maryanne and David meet. They get married and have a daughter, Andrea. This story is so well written and the character's seem so alive. It will capture your breath and your heart. Start with The Christmas Box and then Timepiece and finish with The Letter. It's hard for me to say good-bye to David and Maryanne. I feel like I was actually in the story with them. I could feel all the emotion in each chapter. Richard Paul Evans out did himself on this series. Get your box of tissues ready and take a ride with the Parkin's, you will not regret it. Your spirit will be lifted and you will think about this story long after your done reading the series. Additional characters, Catherine and Lawrence really make a difference as well. Such devoted friends to David and Maryanne. There is a mystery about Lawrence and one as well about their daughter Andrea. I can't reveal. You must read. Very, very, touching story. Enjoy!!

The ups and downs set us off in directions that hopefully lead us back to each other. This is a continuation of the love story of Michael and Faye who we first met in the book THE CHRISTMAS BOX. Evans does it again, a five hanky novel that leaves you sobbing and thankful for what goodness your everyday life holds.

Faye goes off to medical school and Michael must stay behind. As if that isn't enough, a visitor at the nursing facility where Michael works has become very close to him as she watches her grandfather grow weaker and close to death. Faye makes friends with a waitress on the run who has a daughter to support and is faced with a crippling disease.

There is trouble on all fronts and Michael and Faye's world is about to be shaken to the very core. Evans' novels have some of the strongest characters I have ever come upon. They make mistakes but they have morals, and his message is unrelenting and moving. There is always a great feeling of resolution when you read the last page. Kelsana 6/25/01

Several years ago, Richard Paul Evans became known for his book The Christmas Box. In this short novel we are presented with the story of an elderly woman and her devotion to her family. Shortly thereafter, Evans followed this book with two ore about this woman and family in Timepiece and The Letter. Again readers were regaled the spirit of loyal relationships and caring individuals.

Through the years and in future books, these values would become the benchmark of an Evans novel as they became a recurring theme. And this is certainly true of hsi most recent book, The Carousel. In this book we, as readers, learn more about Faye Morrow and Micheal Keddington whom we first met in The Locket. While The Carousel deals with loyalty, sacrifice, salvation and ultimately redemption, it is also a beautiful story of a great and abiding love between two people during a diffciult time. And while the storyline borders on sappy at times, the reader comes to love the characters of Michael, Faye, their friend Hallie and Sarah so much that even the predictable ending is overlooked.

I do suggest that others read and take to heart Evans's words and views especailly when they think life has little left to offer them.

And while it might be too late to purhcase this for the holdiay season of 2000, be sure and put it on your list for reader's for next year. It is perfect for the spirit of the holidays as are most of Richard Paul Evan's' books.

Like a ride on a carousel, the story deals with the unforeseen 'ups and downs' we are all faced with in a lifetime. It reveals how many of the characters struggle to conquer indecision, uncertainty, doubt and despair in their attempt to overcome the tough times. At the same time, the book delivers a hidden message illustrating how we as individuals can grow and actually become better people as a result of those unpleasant experiences that seemingly aim to rip our happy and peaceful lives to shreds.

I've read all of Richard Paul Evans' books and this one is right up there on top. Many successful authors seem to rest on their laurels after a few best sellers and amazingly continue to sell books despite their lukewarm slipshod offerings. It is refreshing to note that Mr. Evans does not fall into this category. It's as though he becomes more seasoned and strives to improve with each novel he writes. Unlike some of his previous novels, he delves into many ugly issues and problems we are faced with in today's world -- for example, child abuse, suicide, AIDS, sexual harassment, and drug abuse. However, as in his prior books, the realities are exposed but without the unnecessary overuse of expletives and explicit graphic detail.

The male protagonist, Michael Keddington, who was first introduced in The Locket, has a dream about his lovely girlfriend, Faye Murrow. In the dream she is on a carousel riding a handsome jeweled Arabian horse. On the first turn, she is smiling and happily waving to him while beckoning him to join her. On the second turn, she mysteriously vanishes from sight. Michael is troubled by his haunting dream and wonders whether it was just that...a dream, or a portent of things to come.

Prior to the two young lovers going their separate ways off to colleges 2000 miles apart, they decide to elope on the spur of the moment. From that time on they are faced with difficult challenges and a course of tragic circumstances that cut into their seemingly blissful relationship like a fresh wound. Many people of different walks of life and diverse backgrounds enter the scenario as if by destiny or fate. It shows how each helps the other in their own special way, whether by kind deeds, actions or words.

My favorite passage reveals a thought provoking message so beautifully expressed and is found in the introduction to Chapter 13 -- "...we do not walk alone in this life. There are others, fellow sojourners, whose journeys are interwoven with ours in seemingly random patterns, yet in the end, have been carefully placed to reveal a remarkable tapestry. I believe God is the weaver of that loom." This illustrates that although there are times we would like it to be so, no man or relationship is an island. Clearly put, people do indeed need people!

I highly recommend this book not only for an entertaining read but also for the inspirational powerful messages contained within the story that can be applied to our own lives.

I bought this box at christmas. One night while waiting for my 5 year old to get ready for bed I picked up this book. I finished the first chapter before he came in then I couldn't wait to finish reading the book. However I couldn't finish it that night because my son wanted me to read him picture books. So the next day, I started the second chapter. As it turned out even though it was a very short story it took me days to read it and as I took my time on reading, I reflected on what the author was writing. I felt that as each day was passing on the character lives, that they became people that I felt close to. When Jenna talked to Mary about time with her father it may my heart ache. Don't we all put off time now and then and forget about how fast our children grow? The book made me laugh, cry and reflect. So much, that now the most important thing in my life is my child. Work can wait my child can not. My child and I now wear angel pin pals so that we will never be apart from each other. A MUST READ BOOK.

This book was very emotional, surprising and sad at the end. It keeps you in suspense because the family that lives with the old lady notices strange things happening in the house. For example, the family finds an open Bible with tearstains on the pages and the man hears music in the house, which comes from the Christmas box. I really liked this book. My favorite part in the story was the end. When you read it you will understand why the end is the best part. The strange thing about this book is that it is true. The man, who wrote the book, heard the music from the box and discovered the secret of the old lady that his family lives with. I would recommend this book to people who believe in angels and who like to read dramatic stories.

In between books on December 31, of 2001, I thought about reading a memorable book to finish off this calamitous year. The book I chose was The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans which was actually a re-read for me but proved to be even more meaningful this time than the first time I read it sevevral years ago. Coincidentally earlier in the month I read The Christmas Box Miracle where Evans described how he came to write The Christmas Box and the tremendous popularity this small book has received. Both titles, seemed then and now, most appropriate choices.

Today many readers are familiar with the book and the movie based on this book which starred Maureen O'Hara and Richard Thomas. Originally written as a gift for Evans's two daughter, The Christmas Box provides readers with a rather simplr and inspiring story of an elderly woman and the young family who she hires to help her out with her large home. As they live with this woman, her story of love and devotion is told through an antique Christmas Box that is also connected to the elderly woman's daughter. The message which is time;ess allows one to realize not only the true spirit of the holidays but a parents unconditional love for their children.

The events of Septemebr 11th were certainly on my mind then as they are now, and as I finished this book I grieved for the many parents who lost children and the many children who lost parents. In some ways I found this inspirational book provided me with the profound hope for better days in the future.

This is a fun book to read, but inaccurate, despite the best intentions of one of the authors.

The more accurate biography of Bix is that by Phil and Linda Evans, which has a wealth of information and photography not included in this book by Evans and Sudhalter, and has been carefully compiled to have only facts, not anecdotal myths.

I have long been a fan of Bix Beiderbecke, and this book provided more information about his life than I would have thought possible. It showed what a genius he really was, and displayed many aspects of his sometimes sunny, sometimes dark disposition. The book was very detailed, and at times I could swear I had been there. The attitude of the times was well described, and you could almost see how Bix and the people around him lived and felt. I feel this book does great justice to Bix's tumultuous but short life. I loved this biography so much, I can't say enough about it.

In planning for Bix Beiderbecke museum exhibits, I read the book for historical background on the musician who has long been my favorite. I was enthralled by the depth AND breadth of the author's approach, and multiplied my previous knowledge of his life, times, compatriots, instruments, and, of course, the music. I would love to contact the author or publisher to get permission to use parts in the museum exhibits!

A bit of philosophy that occasionally reached beyond me, but an engaging read on the meaning of being human.

The book Integral Humanism can be considered as one of the most important books of the twentieth century. It is Maritains masterwork on social philosophy. It was first published in Spain as a result of six lectures on the university of Santander in 1934. The whole idea of the book, is that the crisis of the Modern times is a problem of the question of what humanism is? He shows that the great problems of communism and liberalism is that it is based on an antropocentric humanism. Against this form of humanism Maritain defends a theocentric humanism, which gives meaning and value to the human person. His idea of the human person has been known as Personalism. The person is more important than the totality of society. As an individual he belongs to society and therefore he has to obey the laws etc. But as a person, society must be serving his neccessary rights to live a full human life, which also means for men to find his supernatural destiny. Only a society which has a notion of a common good can provide meaning for the human life. The society is organic, build up of lower relative autonomous groups. This idea is consistent with the earlier encyclical views of a Pope like Leo XIII and the ideas or roman catholicism on social issues. Maritain has been praised for the book, but also been criticized because of his lack of insight on economic issues. Altought he rejects marxism, he also has an anti-capitalist attitude.

Maritain can be considered as one of the most influential roman catholic philosophers of the twentieth century and I think this work has still a lot of value for the problems of our time.

Cornelis van Putten

The book basically contains 3 parts: Some of Edgar Cayce's readings related to Atlantis; The evidences both from a Geology and Archaeology viewpoint; and a brief history of the archaeology findings in both Egypt and Bimini. The book by no means shed more light onto this mystery. The book must be read with an open mind especially when Edgar Cayce spoke of the origin of humankind, nevertheless, it is always interesting to read other peoples' philosophy on matter such as this. The later two elements of this book (Geology, Archaeology findings) makes it worthwhile to read. The Author in every why he could, attempted to use these findings/evidence to support Edgar Cayce's views, however, these findings/evidence by no means confirm nor deny the existence of Atlantis.

Easy to read 200 page book that gives an overview of the Cayce readings about Atlantis. Considering how much garbage has been written about Atlantis just to sell books, this is an excellent place to start. Strength of the book is the author's attempt to present the Cayce readings objectively with comparisons to scientific thinking and that of other metaphysical writers on the topic, such as the Theosophists. The weakness is that some of the science is outdated, and it is presented incompletely.

There are compelling scientific arguments against a mid-ocean continent 50,000 years ago containing an advanced technological civilization. This makes Cayce more difficult to believe than is acknowledged here. But there are real reasons to take Cayce seriously, both metaphsical and scientific. One of Cayce's claims to fame is his statements that the Sphinx and the largest pyramid at Giza are much older than archeologists believe, and that there is now---some 70 years later--geologic and astronomical evidence to support these claims for an age of 12,400 years (though these claims are vociferously denied by Egyptologists).

An excellent book as a follow up to this one, exploring this geologic and astronomical (as well as common sense) evidence that support Cayce's claims for a vast age for some Egyptian monuments is "The Message of the Sphinx" by Hancock and Bauval. THAT book, about the ancient Egyptians, which gives Cayce credibility, is five stars.

This is an excellent book, but should be read after you read "Edgar Cayce on Atlantis". There is some redundancy but this book contains additional information and insight into the readings of Edgar Cayce, including an Afterward section that gives you a summary of recent archeological findings that support the readings of Edgar Cayce.

In this book, you will find an attempt to categorize this history of early ancient civilizations into three categories related to the partial or complete destruction of ancient civilization dating from 50,000 b.c., 30,000 b.c., and 10,500 b.c. According this book, we are living in the fourth time period dating from around 10,500 b.c. to the present. Explanations of the various types of people (and/or beings) are given. The "Dead Sea Scrolls" and even the "Bible" also support these descriptions to some degree.

If you are a hard-core evolutionist or creationist, this book will provide some support for both but you will quickly realize that a lot of what is taught in school, is not necessarily supported by recent archeological findings. You will also discover that we are all on a spiritual journey, possibly of our own choosing. The most interesting dilemma in the research in Egypt is that there seems to be an overwhelming amount of evidence that a "Hall of Records" that contains information about the architects of the Egyptian Pyramids, is buried under the Sphinx or nearby in a Pyramid "of it's own".

Why don't we go over there and dig up the records? Cayce's claim is that these things cannot happen until the right time or until we are ready for the "next evolution of mankind." If in fact these records exist, we would have to re-write history and it would probably have a radical affect on our society, both scientifically and spiritually. This book also paints a picture of our own future that is bleak (although I found this particular chapter to be a little speculative for my tastes.) The Afterward is good but you will want to read other books that support these writings since they are vague and only summarized.

Lastly, I have begun to really doubt the accuracy of Carbon-14 dating, not just from this book but from other archeological books I've read that draw conclusions based solely on dating research. The tests used to date the Pyramids, place the dates of the Pyramids 200 years before Kafu, the assumed builder of the Pyramids. Unfortunately, it also doesn't support the dates provided by Cayce either. The Carbon-14 dates really don't make much sense, especially if you consider that there are watermarks around the neck of the Sphinx, which can only be traced to the period between 8000 and 5000 b.c. The fact is, we still have a great deal to learn about the Pyramids and that the most incredible archeological finds, are still to be had right in Giza. Hopefully there is more to come.

The Spyglass is not just for grades K-5. Our Chief Technology Officer read this story to us during our last meeting, and most of us have graduated from grade 12. He is the wise king who peers through the wrong end of the spyglass and goes forth to tell all about his great visions and we are the poor peasants who will carry out his wishes.

What a beautiful enchanting story for all ages to read! I loved it, my children loved it! The Spyglass is a wonderful story to teach us (and our children) on how we view things in life. It taught me when we have faith and hope in our hearts we can reach for that which we thought was beyond our grasp. The illustrations were marvelous! I understand that this book is one in a virtues series, I can't wait to buy the whole collection. What a treasure to have! Thank you for writing a story with such uplifting values for our children! Keep them coming Mr. Evans!

THE SPYGLASS is the opposite of the "Enchanted Kingdom" books. It tells of a king and his people who regain their inner strength after a visit from a stranger. Children will enjoy the story, but there's an important message to be learned - you have to believe in yourself and others. This isn't done in a preachy way, but in the engaging text that parents and children will enjoy readng together. The paintings are beautiful.