When you read The Honor of the Ken, you will be enthralled by the powerful and soaring writing! The plot is a fantasy, and occasionally gets a little too-far-fetched, but it will hold your interest and you will enjoy it!

When colonizers from Earth impose their Manifest Destiny upon a distant planet and enslave the inhabitants to exploit a rare mineral, we are reminded again of how almost every country in our world has experienced this horror and that the fight for freedom never ends. Laura Haywood's "The Honor of the Ken" is a powerful story of the slaves' struggle to regain their freedom from their captors who regard them as "animals" and break their promises as often as promises made to Native Americans were broken. This is a book worth owning and reading, again and again, for its absorbing, thought-provoking tale, and its poetically written prose, comparable to that of Nicholas Sparks.

You need not be a sci-fi enthusiast to relish Laura Haywood's new novel. It does not depend on space travel and space wars for its appeal but rather it is a sharp look at freedom, of freedom lost and freedom regained, and the indomitable young womanof mixed Earth and alien parentage who endures and triumphs.

I bought this book for my nephew who is named Hunter!
It's a great story--with a message, but not in a pushy way.
Peer pressure is a difficult subject to address; this book handles it superbly!!

As an educator of young children for over twenty-five years, I find Hunter's Best Friend at School by Laura Elliott to be one of the best books I have ever read, dealing with being true to one's self. All children want to be liked and often do things that they would not otherwise do, just to be accepted. Hunter and Stripe are such friends, yet with the help of his mother and his teacher, Hunter is able to set an example that encourages Stripe to be "his best self." This book is absolutely delightful and entertaining. The words, the illustrations, the message of being true to oneself is certainly needed in today's world. I read it to a Kindergarten class that was spellbound by the second page. The school librarian is going to order one copy for each of the primary classes at our school. My own grandsons, age five and seven, were touched by Hunter's example, with the five-year-old saying, "my eyes are getting wet from hearing that story" and the seven-year-old saying, "I have that problem with my friend." Out of the mouth of babes is a telling review of this wonderful book and I would encourage every parent and grandparent to include it in their children's library as soon as possible.

Ms. Elliot has followed up her acclaimed book for young adults, "Under a War-Torn Sky", with a charming new book for 2-6 year olds. My children love to hear about the little racoon's dilemma about following along with his best pal's naughty antics versus trying to inspire his friend to behave as his "best self." The story is wonderfully entertaining (my son walks around quoting his favorite characters' lines!), the illustrations are adorable, and the book teaches a valuable message for kids of all ages. Hunter has become my children's favorite book -- I highly recommend it!

Ms. Berton's account of life in Dawson from 1907 to the 1920's is too late to tell the story of the Klondike gold rush. Instead it tells of life in a small northern community that has seen its hey-day come and go, describing it's traditions and lifestyle in such detail you soon feel as though you've lived there too.

The descriptive passages are excellent and the book contains several colorful tales of individual struggles, her own and others'. I was a bit put off by the enormous number of names of people she met in the Yukon but didn't find I needed to remember them all to enjoy the book. If you have read the history of Dawson during the gold rush in other books, this is a great afterword that describes many notable figures' lives following the rush, answering several 'whatever happened to so-and-so' questions.

I remember our elementary school library encouraging children to read it, but given its richness of detail and adult perspective it's anything but a kid's book. Despite her matter-of-fact writing style, Ms. Berton's story is emotionally engaging and a great portrait of life in northern Canada.

If you ever plan to come up to Dawson City, Yukon you will want to read this book. Mrs. Berton gives an insight to the Goldrush town of Dawson City. I can say that you will still find the house she lived in and some of the houses that she describes in her book. As a resident of Dawson City it is nice to have read a book that is truly about what life was and is in Dawson City.

This is the true story of a woman who moved to the Yukon in the days of the Gold Rush - she went to be a schoolteacher for a couple of years, married a prospector, and wound up raising a family in one of the most spectacular - and harshest - places and times in North America. Laura Berton writes with humor and insight, and has produced a most entertaining book which is interesting as biography, as history, and as just a fun read! Laura also produced one of the most prolific authors in Canada today - Pierre Berton, author of FLAMES ACROSS THE BORDER and THE DIONNE YEARS. This is a book that deserves to be more widely read!

Michelle Spring has created a heroine with layers and erudition. Laura Principal's already well-defined character takes on a new layer with this book. (Like a mystery itself, Laura has emerged layer by layerr in previous books.) So, too, does the plot, unfolding gradually. The author knows how to tell a story, little by little, until the reader is hooked and has forsaken everything but the book. The suspenses builds, then tapers. And when you think you've got it all figured (maybe you've cheated and read the last page) forget it: there are still more layers to peel back. Well written and not at all trite, as is the case with some mysteries that are lumped into the "cozy" category. Or maybe Spring has redefined the genre.

Don't start this book if you don't have time to finish it in a couple days! My poor husband felt as if his wife was abducted when I started 'Midnight'. But it was so good! Definitely a woman's mystery! With all the humour and insight that only a woman can appreciate. The characters are so richly woven and developed that you will feel almost desolate when you've finished the book! Michelle Spring is a talent that not many have heard of but I'm on my band wagon singing her praises! She is awesome! Not since P.D.James has there been a more talented mystery writer that can weave a tale like Spring.

Although this could be classified as a British suspense novel, I find the comparisons to an American Grande Dame of suspense,too many to explore here. Suffice to say that those who enjoyed the work of Phyllis Whitney will also appreciate Michelle Spring. A well plotted mystery with a terrific heroine.,and a fine cast of characters make for a cozy and quick read.

The Intimate Soul: Living the spiritually authentic and intimate life...

by Laura V. Hyde, 2001, Sustainable Solutions Press.

Michigan's own Laura Hyde exquisitely crafts a book with substance and heart. She blends the wisdom of The Course in Miracles with insights only experience and wisdom can create. Based on the premise that "intimacy can only exist to the extent that you are in touch with your deepest most authentic self," Hyde opens the rulebook and inserts new rules for spiritually evolved partnership.

Carving beyond the barriers of safety and complacency, Hyde asks questions that bring us face to face with our soul. From there she elicits the spiritually empowered man and woman. She describes paths to moving beyond the fear of intimacy. Through case studies, and her personal vulnerable journey she begins to map out a new route to intimacy, based on unconditional love and a commitment to growth.

There are prayers for healing throughout the book. Hyde also addresses the perplexing area of sexuality and spirituality. Her concepts are easy to understand and the delivery is very relaxed and illuminating. By calling fear by its name, she reroutes the mind toward a vision of transforming love and healing.

Reviewed by Ellen Waara, phenomenews, Detroit, MI

Laura courageously shares her own intimacy issues, illustrating firsthand that you must look inward to become truly intimate with others. "The Intimate Soul" is a moving book. I've found myself drawn back to it, re-reading parts over again, gleaning new "lightbulb moments" as I continue my journey to live authentically and deepen my relationships with others. A friend I've talked with about the book wants to borrow it. I'm finely going to buy her a copy of her own. I don't want to part with mine!

I have finished reading The Intimate Soul and have found it to be very helpful with cultivating a relationship with myself as well as a more genuine relationship with my partner of 10 years. I have been following Laura Hyde's work for years and have found her to be one of the most authentic authors I have ever read. She really shares herself (and life) in this book which I find to be very, very helpful. I have recommended this book to all of my friends!

I thoroughly enjoyed every word of Jaspar and liked very much the art work included. This book gave me a completely new appreciation for cats, owls and dogs. The author made me feel like I was there with Jaspar and feeling all the feelings he was experiencing. Great book....hope there will be more by this author.

I enjoyed Jasper very much. By the end of the book I felt I knew
the cat. The author has shown us a view of his world through
Jaspers eyes and made it very real. I find myself looking at
my 13 year old cat with new eyes and wondering??? I think readers of all ages will truly enjoy this book.

Michelle Groce has successfully invaded a cat's mind to see the world from his point of view, and what a magical world it is. Jasper and his buddy Hank (a "big-boned" great horned owl) learn about the world of the kept cat; a position Jasper longs for, but is it all he believes it will be? Also, Jasper has the ability to see glimpses of the future - is this a gift or a curse? Will he take the responsibility that comes with this special power even if it means he may sacrifice his dream to be cared for by humans?

The lyrical and luscious language creates images in your mind that linger well after the book is finished. Ms. Groce's characters, both human and animal, will entertain you and make you laugh out loud.

Enjoy this book, savor this book, give this book as a gift to your best friend.

This is an excellent book. I am a recreational skater, who plays the occasional pick-up/old folks hockey. I learned skating skills and techniques from some of the chapters, that I could not learn from my friends. My skating has improved since I read Laura Stamm's Power Skating. The author really knows how to express herself and teach. Techiques are described with clarity and appropriate drills are detailed. This should be beneficial to all skaters, from novice to expert. If you are only buying one hockey skating book, it should be this one.

Although I play roller hockey instead of ice hockey, this book is still an excellent resource. Very thorough explanations, illustrated with many clear photographs.

I think it is most appropriate for beginning to intermediate skaters. However, if you are an advanced skater and want to check that your mechanics or sound, or want to squeeze the last bit of performance from your technique, you should consider this book.

I can't recomend this book highly enough. In the first week after getting it, I was able to skate faster than many of the other people in my hockey class who had blown me away the previous week.

This is a great prep book before starting hockey clinics. She gives you lots of subtle position and balance tips that really change the feel of your feet on ice and help you move faster with more assurance. She's got practice exercises as well.

This book is very well done and "straight from the heart" of the author who obviously has an excellent understanding of children's emotional needs - expressed and unexpressed.

I have used Mac's book extensively as a taking off point in individual therapy sessions with children, teens, and adults. It is a wonderful therapy tool. We can all use a little of Mac's "i am" kind of ordinary magic in our lives. Thank you for such a simple and valuable contribution, Mac! Chelley Rouda, The Resilience Project ...

What a realistic writer! Mac writes from the heart and shows her life and love of G-d in her writing. Thank you for such an insight of ourselves and how we really are, not just how we think others see us!

Parts of this book seemed to me to be imitations of better fantasy. Anyone who has read The Lord of the Rings will know what I mean.

I got this book for a birthday when I was younger and loved it. I read it over and over and over again. Now, a decade later, I just finished reading it again and still loved it. Maybe it is partly the nostalgia, but I think that it is an enjoyable read for any young person and highly reccommend it. It's too bad it's out of print!

This is one of my favorite books. It can be read over and over again and each time you will find something new or something that you forgot the last time you read it. A definite must for those people who like to read fantasy/romances but don't like the story to dwell only on the romance.

This book does a very good job of getting you right into ActiveX, and then slowly adds the VBScript. While the examples on the CD are well documented, I couldn't get a few of them to work (SelectedIndex) for one. However, I would recommend this book as both a good reference and usuable tool. Note that you should have a pretty good understanding of HTML. If you don't, you'll have problems, but the CD has an HTML book on it that is easily indexed. It helped me out greatly.

I like the way Ms. Lemay wrote the book, She makes it easy for a beginner like me in VBscript easier to understand the language. It is like one of her Teach Yourself books! I highly recommend this as a good reference!

Excellent step by step lessons on using ActiveX and VBscript. This book cleared up alot of questions I had. I just bought this book a week ago (May 1999) and I wish I had bought it a long time ago. Although this book was published in 1997, it is unbelievably useful today!