"I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library," wrote Jorge Luis Borges. This perfect quote for book lovers is a sampling of what's inside Shelf Life, a treatise about the impact books have on humanity. Throughout this small volume, the reader uncovers information about books as well as wonderful quotes concerning books, and book lists from a variety of sources. It is also a look at what kinds of reads appeal to a variety of thinkers. The quotes alone are enough to make an avid reader want to get his/her hands on these pages, the book lists are engrosing as well. I could ad some of my own favorites to this review, and so I shall: My Best Friends Live In Books ...from a poster promoting the children's writer, Rosemary Wells. You better be careful to make books like you!... ...taken from The Goops by Gelette Burgess. The only thing missing are some pretty pictures! Enjoy!

The culture of books and reading has had a great impact not only upon the lives of individuals, but on the course of nations. This celebration of books and reading gathers quotes and reflections by literary figures from all eras, considering these changes. Light but inviting reading.

Tracy Grant is a terrific young writer. I have enjoyed all of her books; I've never been disappointed. Recently, while Web surfing, I came across a quote about this wonderful book, Shores of Desire, that I would like to share with others. (Unfortunately, it was unattributed, so I don't know who should get the credit for it---but it was not I.) "Shores of Desire includes scenes in and around the Battle of Waterloo and is one of the most straightforward and moving descriptions of what a battlefield is like that I have ever read." And she does the romance part great, too!

Because of his command of English, Robert Lescaut is a very successful spy for the French Republic during the Napoleonic Wars with England. After completing a dangerous mission, Robert is placed on leave. He returns to his home only to learn that his English wife, Lucie, is at a nearby inn, probably rendezvousing with a lover. Robert goes to bring his spouse home. When he arrives at the inn, he finds his wife dying from numerous stab wounds. For the next four years, Robert delays his quest to uncover the identity of Lucie's killer until he is no longer needed by his country.

When Napoleon is exiled to Elba, Robert Melton and his son David visit Scotland where they assist Emma Blair deal with an injured person. Robert tells Emma that he knew her husband, who died in Spain two years ago. She invites the pair to stay at Blair House. Emma is also a single parent, who has no plans to find a new man in her life. Robert echoes her sentiment about the opposite sex, having no desire for a second wife. So why did these single parents fall in love with each other? What will happen to their love when Robert reveals that he is Robert Lescaut, seeking to uncover the identity of his wife's killer among her family tree, the Blairs?

Tracy Grant continues to rise to the top of the historical genre with her latest regency romance, SHORES OF DESIRE, being one of the sub-genres top five novels of the year. The story line is filled with intrigue, romance, and suspense. The characters add a badly needed freshness to the sub-genre. Of special note is the rousing Robert, who de-demonizes the French side of the early nineteenth century conflict with England. Ms. Grant continues to write some of the best romance books around today.

Harriet Klausner

Robert Grant (emeritus, U. Chicago) and David Tracy (U. Chicago) have come together in this small book to give perhaps the finest concise history of biblical interpretation that you can find for the money ... Yes, it leaves out some theologians and interpreters, maybe your favorite ones, but the book is not meant to be exhaustive. Nevertheless it almost manages even this, since I cannot think of someone you NEED to know about that you won't have studied after having read this little tome. There is a very nice biblography, a good index (includeing references in the notes as well), though no scriptural index. This is not a real problem, however, since this is not a book of exegesis per se, but the history of exegetical problems and traditions.

The book is divided into two parts, historical and theological. That may not be an exact divide in a book on biblical interpretations, but it serves. Grant writes part one, and manages to give a good overview of all (and excellent investigation of others) of the various readings of the text, Old and New. In 150 pages of non-technical language, Grant leads the reader from Jesus and first-century Jewish readings of the Bible, and the development of Christian texts into a "testament," all the way to modern (20th century) Protestant ways of reading, without leaving out anyone who figures largely or less-largely in the history of interpretation. Quite a feat, but he is successful, at least within the scope that this book sets for itself. It is not for the specialist, but the specialist can certainly benefit from it as a reference book and quick look-up tool (and who doesn't need that from time to time?) David Tracy's contribution is part two, a theological and hermeneutical look at biblical interpretation, interpretaiton theory, critical theory, and prospects for the future. As in Grant's earlier chapters, Tracy gives just enough information to be helpful, but not enough to be daunting.

With a top scholar in biblical studies and a top scholar in theological studies coming together in this book, it makes it a volume hard to avoid owning, especially for the student or educated layman. Here is a suggestion, as a matter of fact: this would be an excellent adult study book for churches--pastors and vestries take note! If you are in the position to need a history of how the biblical texts have developed and been interpreted (the multifariousness of interpretations might well shock you), this is a great little book to own. I highly recommend it without reservation.

This short, concise book gives a clear and easily understood history of the interpretation of Scripture. The author examines the way the Bible has traditonally been interpreted and then shows how these historical approaches have contributed to our contemporary understanding. While this book may be of particular interest to clergy, teachers, preachers and students, it is free of specialized theological and exegetical terminology and is a valuable resource for anyone who reads the Bible. Highly recommended

This is an excellent book that chronicles the history of Jamaica with religion being the underlying theme. I could hardly put it down and look forward to other books by this author.

This is a very good book. I have enjoyed every minute of reading it. It is full of suspense, humor, and history. Although a few editing errors, overall it is an outstanding job for a first time novelist.

It would be nice if you listed the author's bio and a picture of the book on your web page.

Library Journal: "Schnarr's encouraging insights are illuminated by his own honest struggles with personal failure and addiction." Wisconsin Bookwatch: "Spiritual Recovery . . . charts a path to freedom from unconscious compulsions born of guilt, fear, anger,want and resentment. . . . Grant Schnarr uses lively, compelling anecdotes to show how to recognize and break free from addictive thoughts and behaviors."

Grant Schnarr provides the reader with a slightly altered version of the 12 step program begun by Alcoholics Anonymous. The guide, while it demands the reader to be humbled and to really examine their greatest faults, is a wonderful support for anyone wishing to grow spiritually. It is difficult to admit one's less likable traits, but this guide helps the reader do this without making him or her feel horrible about themselves. Very helpful and definitely worth reading for anybody, not just those in recovery.

An excellent examination of a poorly understood disorder. Few of us are able to distinguish between compulsive behavior and criminal acts. However, Dr.s Grant and Kim clearly show that people who suffer from compulsive urges are struggling with behavior they cannot control. This book is a comprehensive review of every aspect of the compulsive behaviors associated with uncontrollable urges to gamble, shop, steal, and have sex. Both those suffering from uncontrollable urges and their family and friends will benefit from the authors explanations of how to identify a compulsive disorder, possible causes and treatments, and resources for finding help. This was the first book I've found that focuses on the patient's own stories. Throughout the book I was struck by the authors' deep compassion for their patients and join their call to all doctors to familiarize themselves with the characteristics and current treatments for compulsive disorders. Just as many people have benefitted from the treatments described in this book, I am hopeful that a friend of mine will also regain health and happiness by reading this book. It may even save her life. This study also has important implications for the examination of other compulsive disorders and how we may be able to help many others take back control of their lives.

I have been searching for help my entire life. Having had lifelong problems with impulse control I have problems with relationships and even trouble with authorities occaisionally. No one would take me seriously labling me as weak or of low moral character. Having heard Dr Grant on television and radio speaking wih such empathy for Winona Ryder I new he could help me. I bought his book the instant it came out. I was imediately able to apply his techniques to my own life. I really feel I have taken control of my life for the first time. The book is so well written, full of keen insight and examples drawn from Dr Grant's clinical practice. It is about time someone took my problems seriously.

I could not put this book down! The characters were wonderfully woven in and out of eachothers lives with terrific skill. The author found a most interesting way to bring the story vividly alive from the first chapter. I was sorry to read one of the reviews appearing on Amazon. The author did not depict Luther as being the sole protestor of the Catholic Church, or its' methodology of religion. The book mentioned plenty of others, including John Huss. But let's face it, the book was about Martin Luther.... my 7th graders would resound with an eye-rolling "Hellloooooww"! I hope to see other books from this author, but I am happy to still be basking in the glow of finishing "Storm".

Just like the subtitle of this novel says, the author describes different facettes of Martin Luther's personality and life.

This is a great novel. It is a fascinating read. Recommended to everyone who wants to get an introduction to Luther and have fun reading it.

I am looking for a cd rom of thisbook, may be you can tell me if this cd exists? if yes how can I get it?
best regards Dr` Roman Korobochka MD

As a woman who has had a history of difficult pregnancies (including unexplained fetal demises), Williams Obstretrics was indispensable to me in my search for the causes of my missed abortions (late miscarriages). Many doctors feel the less patients know from firsthand sources (such as this book), the better it is. But for me, Williams Obstretrics answered many questions not only regarding my losses but also in my uncomplicated pregnancies. OBGYNs don't need to be told about this book; they swear by it. I think their patients should too.

I enjoyed the work from a number of angles. First, Charles Frontenay had to have burned the midnight oil on his extensive research into the Civil War in general, and this particular focused location/period especially. The merging time line approach is difficult to handle for many, but Charles pulled it off adeptly. Keeping the characters believable instead of heroic was to my liking as well. The story line prevented much by way of predictability, but not so much that it was unpleasant or confusing. All in all, a very good read, especially for people interested in this historical time frame.

TARGET GRANT, 1862 is a fast paced time travel thriller. Harry Vick, a present day Southerner believes the South should have won the Civil War. He assumes that had General Grant of the North been killed, the course of this country's history would have been changed so that the South had won. Vick finds a way
to go back in time with an M1 rifle to assassinate Grant. This is the novel form of a short story Fontenay wrote that ran in ANALOG a few years ago. Fontenay has expanded the premise and given the ending a twist that adds to the work.
TARGET GRANT, 1862 is a great "what if " novel.

I have never before experienced such an easy to follow and such an interesting cookbook. I found it on a trip to Canada in June, 1998. Each recipe has been delicious and successful every time; my husband and I have loved every one and have bought the book for several family members and friends. Everyone has been delighted; HATS OFF to a wonderful,versatile Chef Rosamund Grant.

I have tried several of the recipes contained within this book and have been completely and totally taken in by a cuisine that I had no experience with prior to reading Ms. Grants book. If this is an introduction to traditional African cooking I feel that a great many people are missing out on one of the most flavorful and enjoyable cuisines of the world.