It's very funny to read the other readers' comments and the rumors that Mike Kun is dead. Where did that ever come from? The guy's not dead. We just met him and his girlfriend when they were in Hawaii on vacation a couple months ago, and he certainly appeared to be alive. He was breathing, talking, eating, moving -- all things which stongly suggest he is still alive! Not only that, but he said he's got a new book that he's trying to get published called "The Lockman Letters," which sounded like it might be funny. If it's as funny as parts of "Benjamins" were, then I'll definitely be recommending it to our book club. On a personal note, in case he reads this: Mike, my husband and I thank you for dinner and thought your girlfriend was adorable.

This is a response to the last reviewer. I also LOVED "A Thousand Benjamins" and have looked everywhere for anything else by this author. A friend of mine tracked down a book he wrote called "Our Poor Sweet Napoleon," which was serialized in an East Coast newspaper about 10 years ago. It was absolutely amazing -- a wild, funny, sad story about people struggling with the essence of truth. I still have a photocopy of it, which I hope doesn't violate some copyright laws, and I still go back and read chapters every now and then just to laugh. I don't know if "Our Poor Sweet Napoleon" was ever published by anyone in book form, which is a shame -- it's even better than "A Thousand Benjamins," if you can believe that. Anyway, I haven't seen anything from the author since. Friends of mine had also heard the rumor that he died in a car accident, as well as a rumor that he was very ill. On the other side of things, they'd also heard a rumor that he was dating Jewel (the singer) and had co-written some of her songs. Who knows what really happened to him. But I agree with the last reviewer -- if you know the author, please tell him to write another book! Soon! I promise to buy 100 copies myself!

Wow! This is one of the most sensitive, sweet, funny, beautiful novels I've ever read. I can't believe it wasn't a best-seller, and that someone hasn't made a movie from it yet.

It's the story of one man's struggle to overcome the tragedies in his life, and the different ways others try to overcome their tragedies, too. It sounds like it would be a sad, depressing book, but it's not at all. Some of the writing is the funniest fiction I've ever read: people were staring at me on the bus because I was laughing so hard.

The author has a tremendous ear for the way people really talk, and he seems to understand people -- women, especially -- more than people understand themselves. The main character, Benjamin Sacks (think Tom Hanks) is troubled yet sweet. His girlfriend Kim (think Winona Ryder) is cheerful yet oddly distant. His brother Phinney (think Woody Harrelson or Johnny Depp) is crazy in a way that maybe isn't so crazy after all. In the end, you can't help but like the characters and root for them, the same way we all hope our friends and family like us and root for us.

This is truly an amazing first novel, so far beyond the drugs-and-sex you normally see from young writers. I eagerly await the author's next book.

Michael McDowell is possibly the most under appreciated author in the horror genre, and this is, in my opinion, his best book. It is both suspenseful and eerie throughout. If you can find this out of print book, buy it and read it!

Michael McDowell had a truly great way of creating the creepiest tales in the simplest prose. Amidst all the genteel southern hospitality and bubbling personalities lies a dark undercurrent of murder, and revenge from beyond the grave. Nathan Redfield picked the wrong family to bully when he started in on the Larkins, a quiet and unobtrusive small family trying to eek out a living with a tiny blueberry crop.
Nathan is an abusive controller over everyone he meets, especially his brother Ben, but he hides it behind his slick southern veneer of politeness. When he targets the Larkin farm, attempting to take it at whatever cost, he finally meets his match without ever realizing it.
McDowell so skillfully takes the reader into this hot, humid, languid town that you actually feel you are there, and that you are part of this small town and know these peoples habits as well as they do. Superbly written and completely creepy, with frequent doses of terror and gore mixed with good ol' southern hospitality, you will find this book one of those "can't put it down" reads that leave you wishing for more.

Like most of the other reviewers I read this book as a youngster and it scared the hell out of me. The reader does not know until the very last sentence whether the murderous lead character is actually haunted by ghosts or is driven insane by his guilt. And what happened to Michael McDowell? He started writing scripts for movies (Beetle Juice being the most famous) and television shows (i.e. Tales from the Darkside et al).

Lots of books have been written on the "spiritual disciplines." But very few, if any, have been written with the breadth, depth, and intellectual stimulation as well as personal/spiritual edification that "Disciplines for the Inner Life" contains. The late Dr Bob Benson Sr, along with his son, Michael W. Benson, offer english-speaking Christians a volume which is bound to become a classic.

All the bases are covered in this volume: Section One deals with Disciplines for the Inner Journey, covering such topics as "Addressing God," "Solitude" "Making Moments" "Silence" "Petition" "Journaling" and thirteen other disciplines in this section alone.

Section Two, "Obstacles to the Inner Life" speaks poignantly and clearly to the "every day-ness" of our existence. We encounter such issues as "Guidance" "Time Management" "Distractions" "Doubts", "Place" and "God's Absence", plus several others.

Section Three clearly guides us through "Patterns for Living Inwardly." The authors help us discover the riches of "The Lord's Prayer" "The Lord's Supper" "The Beatitudes" "The Parables" "The Jesus Prayer." The richness of this section is well worth the price of the book all by itself.

SEction four, "Inward Graces of the Centered Life" calls us to a place of discovering just how we can "center" our lives on the things that really have eternal importance. Eight inward graces are addressed in this chapter, and when you buy the book, you will find out what they are!

Section Five provides the perfect climax to a volume of this magnitude. The Christian's "Outward Fruit of the Inner Life" is covered and explained in a beautiful, yet gripping manner. We understand more clearly the meaning of "Service" "Growth" "Liberty" "Priority" "Awareness" and "Celebration" plus three other graces.

If you are looking for a volume that offers a simple, this is "how-to-do" for the Spiritual life, then this volume is not for you. If you sincerely want to discover the Spiritual Disciplines from their aesthetic, historical, and reflective angles, this get this book, by all means.

Every Christian should have a copy of this book!

My husband and I received our first copy of Disciplines for the Inner Life in the mid 1980's, and it transformed my understanding of the devotional life. Since then I have read widely of devotional writers and devotional classics, including Henri Nouwen, Richard Foster, Thomas Merton, Emilie Griffin, Annie Dillard, Kathleen Norris and more. I always come back to the Bensons' book like an old faithful friend. Many of the devotional writers I have come to love I first read their quotes in Disciplines. This guide to prayer has broadened and deepened my devotional and spiritual life over a decade and a half. I had the great privilege of hearing Bob Benson preach in his later years, and being personal friends of Mike Benson, I can say that the authors are men of depth and integrity. I cannot recommend this book too heartily. It belongs in every devotional collection.

This book has really helped me in my daily walk. The book is divided into 52 topical sections like silence, meditation, fasting, distractions, etc. with scriptures to read for each day of the week. There are also hymns, meditations by Christian authors and prayers for each week that relate to the topic. It's something you can do in 10 minutes a day if you're just starting and need to develop the discpline or you could spend 20-30 minutes each day if you want more time in prayer or to meditate on the readings. I highly recommend it and am about to buy a second copy for a friend.

Michael Bunker has written a strong and passionate discourse on the merits of what he calls (and I believe aptly so) the Doctrines of Grace. Chapters 6-9 are particularly potent and clear. These for me were the most valuable part of Mr. Bunker's book, although his historically oriented chapters at the beginning are quite fascinating and worthwhile in themselves. For those who desire an accessible and throrough examination of the Doctrines of Grace, a topic central to authentic Christianity, Mr. Bunker's book is very well done.

To his credit, Mr. Bunker upholds the authority of scripture as the final word on the matters discussed and serves up generous and frequent portions of Biblical reference to support his views. For any biblically abiding Christian, this is indispensible.

His 'expose' of Dave Hunt as a Jesuit Coagitator I found generally less convincing, although Mr. Bunker certainly avails his readers to the many ways Mr. Hunt contradicts himself and the Bible.

Likewise, Mr. Bunker's assessment of Homeland Security being a Jesuit fascist machination falls short of being bullet proof. This isn't to say that it isn't so, just that Mr. Bunker doesn't "prove" it as any thorough investigator would like to see it proven (I offer this opinion as someone who staunchly opposes Homeland Security).

All in all, "Swarms" is an excellent work, deserving of a careful read and prayerful consideration - whether one be a 'Calvinist' an Arminian or simply foggy on the concepts altogether.

That's what you'll be telling yourself after you read "Swarms of Locusts".

The visible Christian Church in America is completely impotent and unable to breathe life into our dying culture. "Swarms" uncovers inportant history that reveals the theology behind this current crisis. For anyone who is truly seeking answers into why the current Christian down-grade in America is so prevailant, get this book and devour it from cover to cover. From Cain to Charles Finney, the author thoroughly traces the history of rebellion against God and His sovereignty right through to our current Jesuit-tainted protestant churches.

After the history is revealed and the visible American church of today is found to be lacking, the author then offers solid biblical teaching that embraces the Doctrines of Grace and Predestination.

"Swarms" is a must read for anyone seeking solid truth into the theological and doctrinal crisis of our Christian churches.

Michael Bunker has done a superb job exposing Satan's plan of the ages to perpetuate war on the Saints. Satan's diabolical strategy has always been to work through his ministers of evil, those loyal warriors skilled in the use of deceit, lies, manipulation, control and/or murder. This book should be read by every discerning Believer who hungers and thirst for a right understanding of GOD's truth, and desires to know who it is the Enemy will use to try and subvert GOD's truth.

This Eyewitness Handbook on whales, dolphins, and porpoises was extremely valuable during my recent trip to Baja Mexico to whale watch in the Sea of Cortez. The book provides a wealth of information on each species with specific descriptions and illustrations that are right on. We had two naturalists on board and they love the book too, so it's worthwhile no matter what your level of cetacean knowledge.

This is a great book if you want just a field guide with information on the different species of cetaceans. This would be a great book to take "whale watching".

This book clearly deserves more than five stars for the great joy it will make available to you in the future by encouraging you to do more cetacean watching.

One of my pleasures is planning and taking trips to the various whale, dolphin, and porpoise rich areas in the world. When there, I spend as much time as possible on the water enjoying the views. I was particularly delighted to see that this book opens the doors to locales that I did not know about. As a result, I now have three times as many places to visit as I thought I did. Having seen the unusual species that I have missed, I now see the world much differently. That's a great gift to receive from a field guide.

Most people are unaware of the fascinating and beautiful mammal life in the oceans and rivers (yes, some dolphins live in rivers) around them. Although I live near one of the world's best cetacean watching areas, I would estimate that fewer than five percent of the people I meet have ever gone to observe the wonderful sights that are just a few minutes offshore. This guide can help change all that.

With a heightened sense of our aquatic co-species, I think that all people will have more respect for them and interest in preserving their habitats and populations.

Many people have a chance to go boating on the ocean, and see something that interests them. What is it? How should they approach it? I hope that all ocean-going boaters will buy a copy of this book to address those questions.

This is a beautiful book to hold and behold. The drawings are luscious in their subtlety of color and shape.

As a way to identify cetaceans, I cannot imagine a handbook that could be any better. The book is filled with dozens of clues for each type from length, shape, coloration, presence of typical parasites, behavior, breathing patterns, and other physical characteristics (like the shape of the teeth or baleen, blowholes, tails, heads, etc.). With so many observational points to consider, it would be very unusual to make a mistake. So the casual cetacean watcher can quickly be able to perform like an expert.

After you have finished enjoying this wonderful book, I suggest that you plan your next trip to watch cetaceans. If possible, I suggest going to some location that you have never been to before. Even if formal party boats are not available there, you can go out in the least expensive way and rely on your handbook to guide you into a better understanding of what you are seeing.

Appreciate the natural grandeur and beauty of the cetaceans . . . always!

This book is truly a work of art!

The eminently talented Michael Whelan showcases his treasures in this large-size, full-color coffee table book.

With his superb attention to detail and boundless imagination, MW has created fantastic worlds. Here, he catalogues his numerous book covers (all genres of Science Fiction, and all genres of Fantasy, and other areas), paintings, and assorted works (he paints not just for a living but for his own enjoyment, evident in the many small sketches included throughout the book).

MW himself describes each piece. He isn't an artist who simply creates a cover when commissioned; he reads the text of the book he will be making a cover for. This is what makes his book cover art so wonderful. In my mind, his cover art for "Catspaw" and "The Snow Queen" are every bit as memorable as the stories they were made for. He details everything minutely: the curling edges of a drying leaf, the dust stain in a fold of clothing, a nick on the blade of a warrior's battle-ax, a snarl in a lock of hair, the markings on a spaceship lifting off from a background launch pad, the clearing sky reflected in a dangling pane of broken glass, the frayed edges of a worn rope attached to a forgotten bell. And that's just the little stuff in the background.

What sets this book aside from other art books is the fact that this book is made for people who like to LOOK at the art. Nearly half of the pieces featured here are full-page size, with the text/description and sketches, studies, details, alternative concepts on the facing page. Too many art books tend to squeeze pictures into small squares on a page. None of that here. The colors are sharp and vivid. The edges are sharp and crisp. The paper used is heavy glossy paper. There are three chapters (interviews, introduction, technical aspects) printed on heavy parchment-like paper. The book itself is clothbound in matte midnight black, embossed in gold. The publishers spared no expense in making this book.

And here's something I haven't seen in other art books: the 85+ full page plates are indexed in a back section of the book. Shrunk down to B&W postage-stamp size, you can glance through to quickly find your favorite picture.

The work represented here covers everything from dragons, winged lions, medieval castles, futuristic alien castles, strange aliens, bustling spaceports, nature settings, warriors of every type, humans and much more. Each picture is worth a thousand words indeed.

The paper cover/dustjacket features "Passage: The Avatar" (the breathtaking blue ruins) on the front and "The Summer Queen" on the back, both are featured inside the book. This is a plus, as many times the dustjacket art is counted among the represented work.

Very highly recommended.

...To look at Michael Whelan's art is to look into a mind so brilliant and vivid that only a hand guided by God could create such pictures... Get this book if you like "actual" scenes from other worlds.

"Hello there, come on in, deary, have a spot of tea. What? oh, that's my Art of Michael Whelan book; it's fascinating. Oh, I quite agree, deary, yesyes, he is the best in fantasy artists. But not just fantasy, oh nonono, he does horror too. This fellow just drags you into his imagination. Here, just look at this picture. Yesyes, I know it's just a ladder with broken rungs. LOOK at it. The broken rungs and the cobwebs, the way it leans, why, it's just pitiful, positively evokes ya. I get a lump just alooking. Ayup, this Whelan guy is a master. You know, I've started reading more authors because of him. Now don't you laugh, deary. Drink that tea all up now. I started reading them because he's done the coverwork. And I know for a personal fact that whatever he does the cover for, well, the inside has GOT to be good just to keep up with the out. Here now, you just take this home with you and see if what I'm saying isn't true."

"A Bear..." is one of the few books that really fascinated me. I usually buy children's books to give to my little cousins and I must say I enjoyed reading Paddington as much as they have. I decided to buy two copies: one for myself and one for my cousins. This is one children's book that will be appreciated by adults as well. The characters are quite real and easily identified with. I believe the selling point of the book is the innocence of Paddington himself. Michael Bond manages to bring out the innocent kid in us as we read of Paddington's adventures.

This is one of the most delightful children's books ever. I listened to my mom (Ann)read the Paddington books to my younger brother and was hooked. When I was younger, I remember my mom telling me about the bear on tv who liked marmalade but was never interested in him until I heard the stories. The stories often ended in tears- we would laugh so much. Well, I guess this is less of a review than it is a recommendation. With all of the worthless children's literature out there, this one stands out.

THE BOOK STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARITY. A FAMILY TAKES IN A PERFECT STRANGER. WHY? WHY NOT. IT REMINDS ME OF MY GRANDMOTHER WHO TOOK IN 4 OR 5 KIDS AND RAISED THEM AS HER OWN (SHE HAD 10 OF HER OWN). ON THE LIGHTER SIDE, READING BOOKS IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS GENERATIONS BOND. BUT THEY CAN'T TRULY BOND UNLESS THE OLDER GENERATION CAN ENJOY THE BOOK ON ALL THE SAME LEVELS AS THE YOUNGER GENERATIONS. PADDINGTON BEAR IS NOT A CHILDREN'S FAVORITE. IT IS A PEOPLE FAVORITE. WHO DOESN'T ENJOY WRITING ON STEAMED GLASS? AND YOU CAN ALMOST HEAR HIS CLAWS AS THEY ETCH INTO THE MIRROR. I LOOK FORWARD TO READING THE PADDINGTON STORIES TO MY KIDS AND NEPHEWS AND NIECES JUST AS MY PARENTS AND MY ELDEST BROTHER TOM DID. INCIDENTALLY, TOM ALWAYS REFERRED TO PADDINGTON BEAR AS "FOREST JUDY". I DON'T KNOW. IT JUST MADE ME LAUGH.... AND HIM TOO.

The author, Micheal Hughes, does an admirable job weaving a tale of triumph over fear and self doubt in a setting where young men are restrained in a system of endless rules and oppression by their charges. Underlying the main character's passage from boy to man is a story of a corporate good deed gone haywire. Hughes does a fine job of intertwining the two into a light and funny story about life at Hershey Home for Boys. Anyone who has unwrapped the foil from a Hershey's Kiss will enjoy unwrapping the wit and humor in this book. I highly recommend it to young and old alike. It will inspire the young and cause those of an older age to reflect on their own passages into adulthood. The author has done a fine job on this, his first novel. I will look forward to his future works.

Mike Hughes has written a great story for anyone who enjoys fiction. While reading Cocoa Beans I found myself making comparisons to another great story about a young man's coming of age in The Catcher in the Rye. J.D. Salinger gave us Holden Caulfield in 1951 and Michael J. Hughes gave us Dave Purenut in the year 2000. Thanks to both of them. I won't summarize the story here but will tell you that while I was reading the book late into the night, I found myself laughing out loud at situations the main character Dave, a.k.a. Crazy, got himself into. My spouse didn't enjoy my outbursts, but I'm encouraging her to give Cocoa Beans a read and am sure she will have the last laugh. I also did not want the book to end. The author tells this story using what I think are a great combination of qualities in a work of fiction -- a great sense of humor, given to some genuinely unique and interesting characters, and uses his good storytelling ability. Mike Hughes may be a new author, but all great authors start somewhere. Try Cocoa Beans. I enjoyed it tremendously and think you will too.

I'm an avid reader and thoroughly enjoyed reading cocoa beans. It chronicles Dave Purenut's senior year of high school at an all boys school in a small, but well known town in PA. It's a coming of age book filled with humor,tenderness and even some tears. I'd recommend it for readers of all ages!

If you want a book that has details and specific studies and bunches and bunches of references on Psi phenomena, this is it.

MICHAEL SCHMICKER gives the casual skeptic and the believer all the details and information anyone could want on a multitude of topics. From the table of contents this is what is covered:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Part I: PSIentific Facts
Chapter 1: Nobody Really Believes This Stuff, Right?
Chapter 2: Yeah, But I Bet They're All Wierdos and Nut Cases
Chapter 3: OK, But Do Any Scientists take This Stuff Seriously?
Chapter 4: But Science Says...
Chapter 5: The Times They Are A-Changing

Part II: Best Evidence
Chapter 6: Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP)
Chapter 7: Psychokinesis (PK)
Chapter 8: Dowsing
Chapter 9: The Mind-Body Connection: Mental And Faith Healing
Chapter 10: Death Bed Visions
Chapter 11: Near Death and Out-Of-Body Experiences
Chapter 12: Ghosts and Poltergeists
Chapter 13: Mediums and Channelers
Chapter 14: Reincarnation
Chapter 15: The Future of Science

FIRST HE GIVES US INFO ON ALL THE BELIEVERS OUT THERE. This list is sprinkled with many of the top scientists and world renown people of the last 2 centuries. So much for being a minority of odd balls.

THEN HE GIVES US NUTS AND BOLTS FACTS ON STUDIES DONE ON EACH TYPE OF PHENOMENA. Here is a fact-finders dream. This book references hundreds of sources of information on this phenomena. From the fringes to highly regarded institutions. When you read this, you will be astounded at the level of information provided. You could spend a lifetime reviewing all the references here. This book is a keeper once read for just this alone.

IF YOU ARE OF THE SCIENTIFIC MIND, this book gives you enough information to launch your own investigation into these recorded documentations of this phenomena. Let's face it, if we can use statistics to prove quality levels, prove scientific theorems we can also use it in Psi phenomena. This books points you to studies where scientists did just that. Excellent book. I'm going to dog-ear it for the references for sure.

Many of the people who call themselves skeptics are really cynics. Author Michael Schmicker calls them "debunkers" and says that the book is not for them. "Such self-appointed guardians of scientific truth share many of the traits of religious fanatics," Schmicker writes, pointing out that they are afflicted with a sincerity poisoned by an unshakeable belief in an immutable orthodoxy along with extreme zealousness in the hot pursuit and punishment of deviant thought and behavior as well as an atrophied sense of humor. This book is not for the cynic but for the true skeptic, someone with an open mind who is interested in examining phenomena that goes beyond the limits of science.

Schmicker examines the best scientific evidence, including the pioneering works of well-known researchers such as Sir William Crookes, who is credited with discovering the element thalium, Dr. Ian Stevenson, Dr. J. B. Rhine, Dr. Karl Osis, and many others.

If I were teaching an introductory course in the paranormal to college-level students, this would be the prescribed text. It touches all bases in the paranormal field, truly offering the "best evidence" in each subject matter.

Michael Schmicker has produced an excellent book for all interested in the study of psi phenomena. Not only does he provide interesting descriptions of evidence supporting these events, he lists the reference that may be used to obtain more veridical data.

The first section addresses important issues about belief systems as they relate to phenomena. You may be surprised at the famous scientists who have explored these areas. You may also be surprised at pronouncements made by other scientists deriding advances only to be proven wrong. After all, Lord Kelvin thought X-rays were a hoax. My favorite quote attributed to a chief skeptic was "An open mind is an empty mind."

I recommend this to all who are wondering if there is a scientific data to support unusual claims. Actually, there's a lot more than you might think and this book will give it to you.

BUYOUT will become the 'bible' of buyouts for managers and investment bankers/advisors. One of the first good books on buyouts. The book covers all aspects of the buyout considerations/process/tactics/contracts etc, is an easy read, but above all the joy of which it is clearly written with(and the convincing arguments) must inspire managers to pursue a buyout. I think no manager will be imune to this great book. BUYOUT is a guide, a motivator, a sales pitch and fun book to read at the same time. Also a recommended read to sellers of businesses to show that a buyout is nothing to be scared of. A must read for everyone unknown and known with the buyout business. Just read the book and find out why I am so enthusiastic about it.

This is a book from the real world that business students should read. I found this book tremendously readable. The lessons that Rick has learned are enjoyable and entertaining--while teaching the reader valuable lessons about business and buyouts.

Rick Rickertsen is an expert at leveraged buyouts. He is also an exceptioanlly nice guy. His rare combination of talent and achievement, combined with a graciousness and good nature have helped Rick build a network of contacts and relationships which are truly exceptional. This book reflects lessons learned not only from Rick's own considerable experience as an LBO sponsor, but also wisdom garnered from almost two decades of working with some of the greatest fiananciers and managers of our time. The style of the book reflect's Rick's personal style: straightforward, and easy to understand. One of Rick's unique gifts is his ability to make powerful financial concepts easy for the average reader to grasp. Another distinguishing feature of the book is the repeated use of real life examples. One could write volumes trying to describe a financial theory, or just convey it quickly with a powerful example. Of course, this is not just a "how to" guide, it is also a compelling series of stories with real life charachters, who are brought to life by Rick's captivating writing. Get this book. It reads like Barbarians at The Gate or Liars Poker- i.e. it is impossible to put down. It also gives a great overview, with sample forms included, of how, when, and why to do an LBO.