Having heard so much about this saga-type novel I sought it eagerly & finally broke down & bought it via amazon uk (after a long & fruitless hunt stateside). Rather expensive for this paperback w/lots of typos & editing problems, I thought. But the book, I judge, was worth it in the end. The tale of Orm Tostesson & "friends", this book follows the adventures of this typical late tenth century viking through nearly all the high-points of vikingdom in the period. From raids & servitude on the coasts of Moorish Spain, to visits with Irish monks and dinner with the Danish King, Harald Bluetooth, and his assorted guests, including no less a worthy than Styrbiorn Olafsson, the Jomsviking and claimant to the Swedish throne about whom E. R. Eddison wrote so brilliantly in his own viking novel, STYRBIORN THE STRONG, this book takes us through all the paces. Orm ends up with a very noble wife living in a backwater part of Scandinavia (the borderlands between Sweden and medieval Denmark) but even there he gets no peace since his enemies and adventures pursue him. And in his maturity another and final adventure comes his way when he is summoned to the eastern reaches of far Gaardarike (the country that was to become Russia) to claim an "inheritance" of great value. Along the way, Orm makes some good friends, some bad enemies, participates in some (but by no means all) of the great events of viking history in that period, and finally mellows to become a better man who embraces the new way of thinking while yet feeling at home in the old.

I did think the book a bit too episodic though this is no indictment of it since the sagas themselves are nearly always such and the "voice" smacks very much of the sagaman's art. However, a close reading makes this very clearly a modern novel for the humor is quite bracing and alone marks this tale out as one of ours and not one from an earlier time. I especially appreciated Orm's hypochondria, despite his courage in the face of battle, a very human and humorous touch! And the fighting is all very realistic, no great superhuman feats of derring do (except occasionally as we find in the real sagas). Some of the literary technniques used, besides the marvelous sense of tongue -in-cheek humor, are also quite contemporary. I did think the tale a bit slow in places, especially at the beginning, and rather more predictable than not.

And, more, it is not, in my opinion the best of the viking or saga novels despite what others have said here. For tautness and action, none have yet done it better, in my opinion, than H. Rider Haggard with ERIC BRIGHTEYES. For the pure poetry of style, Eddison's STYRBIORN THE STRONG still has my vote. And for the resounding greatness of the tale and the power to move, no modern author has ever penned a better saga novel than Hope Muntz did with THE GOLDEN WARRIOR. But Bengtsson did a very nice job and deserves five stars for it. I take my hat off to him and to those here whose reviews obliged me to obtain and read this fine viking tale.

(For those with an interest in the saga as novel, a few other good ones I'd recommend include Cecelia Holland's very modern and psychological TWO RAVENS, a glimpse into the hot-house environment of an Icelandic farm, and Jane Smiley's THE GREENLANDERS which tells of the final days of the the Norse settlement in Greenland as the cold and the Eskimos closed in around the settlers. And if you still have any patience and want more, perhaps you'd want to try my own small effort, THE KING OF VINLAND'S SAGA, which I wrote to be the saga I'd always wished had been written and preserved about the Norse excursions to this part of the world. All, I believe, are available in some form or another on-line. Mine I know is.) -- Stuart W. Mirsky

Having heard so much about this saga-type novel I sought it eagerly & finally broke down & bought it via amazon uk (after a long & fruitless hunt stateside). Rather expensive for this paperback w/lots of typos & editing problems, I thought. But the book, I judge, was worth it in the end. The tale of Orm Tostesson & "friends", this book follows the adventures of this typical late tenth century viking through nearly all the high-points of vikingdom in the period. From raids & servitude on the coasts of Moorish Spain, to visits with Irish monks and dinner with the Danish King, Harald Bluetooth, and his assorted guests, including no less a worthy than Styrbiorn Olafsson, the Jomsviking and claimant to the Swedish throne about whom E. R. Eddison wrote so brilliantly in his own viking novel, STYRBIORN THE STRONG, this book takes us through all the paces. Orm ends up with a very noble wife living in a backwater part of Scandinavia (the borderlands between Sweden and medieval Denmark) but even there he gets no peace since his enemies and adventures pursue him. And in his maturity another and final adventure comes his way when he is summoned to the eastern reaches of far Gaardarike (the country that was to become Russia) to claim an inheritance of great value. Along the way, Orm makes some good friends, some bad enemies, participates in some (but by no means all) of the great events of viking history in that period, and finally mellows to become a better man who embraces the new way of thinking while yet feeling at home in the old. I did think the book a bit too episodic though this is no indictment of it since the sagas themselves are nearly always such and the "voice" smacks very much of the sagaman's art. However, a close reading makes this very clearly a modern novel for the humor is quite bracing and alone marks this tale out as one of ours and not one from an earlier time. I especially appreciated Orm's hypochondria, despite his courage in the face of battle, a very human and humorous touch! And the fighting is all very realistic, no great superhuman feats of derring do (except occasionally as we find in the real sagas.) Some of the literary technniques used, besides the marvelous sense of tongue-in-cheek humor, are also quite contemporary. I did think the tale a bit slow in places, especially at the beginning, and rather more predictable than not. And, more, it is not, in my opinion the best of the viking or saga novels despite what others have said here. For tautness and action, none have yet done it better, in my opinion, than H. Rider Haggard with ERIC BRIGHTEYES. For the pure poetry of style, Eddison's STYRBIORN THE STRONG still has my vote. And for the pure greatness of the tale and the power to move, no modern author has ever penned a better saga novel than Hope Muntz did with THE GOLDEN WARRIOR. But Bengtsson did a very nice job and deserves five stars for it. I take my hat off to him and to all those here whose reviews obliged me to obtain and read this fine viking tale.

(For those with an interest in the saga as novel, a few other good ones I'd recommend include Cecelia Holland's very modern and psychological TWO RAVENS, a glimpse into the hot-house environment of an Icelandic farm, and Jane Smiley's THE GREENLANDERS which tells of the final days of the the Norse settlement in Greenland as the cold and the Eskimos closed in around them. And if you still have any patience and want more, perhaps you'd want to try my own small effort, THE KING OF VINLAND'S SAGA, which I wrote to be the saga I'd always wished had been written and preserved about the Norse excursions to this part of the world. All, I believe, are available in some form or another on-line. Mine I know is.

I was fortunate to be given a copy of a British paperback edition by a Swedish friend, re-awakening the joy I experienced reading this book thirty years ago. When I received this gift, it looked like a fairly ordinary paperback with a ludicrous cover illustration. The worlds within are amazing. It's exuberant and beautiful, indeed.

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party" is a timely manifesto and historical overview of the ideas that define the Republican Party. As we feel inundated these days with media sound bites and empty symbolism in politics, it is easy to lose sight of the underlying organizing principals on which political parties are formed and how the parties differ from each other. The author agrues that most Republicans misunderstand or are out of touch with the party's founding ideals and therefore are not successful in promoting the party to a wider audience. He takes us through a tour of what began as "The Party of Lincoln", emphasizing individual freedom under the rule of law. The immediate political outcome was the abolition of slavery and its enforcement by war. The tour concludes by demonstrating how those underlying principals have evolved today--namely, an abhorrence of tyranny worldwide and a continuing vigorous effort to decentralize government by bringing it closer to the people.

The author brings to life the personalities, both old and modern, who shaped the Republican Party. Both history book and political essay, "Back to Basics for the Republican Party" weaves together an impressive amount of facts and anecdotes that will make you think about Republican ideals in new and interesting ways. It is a well-written, lively, and lucid contribution that will be of interest to anyone who wants to better understand the Republican Party and its roots. The book is also peppered with witticisms and "zingers" that will make you cheer or shake your head depending on where you stand.

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party" provides a detailed history of the Republican Party as well as a thorough explanation of Party politics in general. Interspersed within the text are delightful little gems of human interest such as, "It was when rung at a ceremony to mark the death of John Marshall in 1835 that the Liberty Bell cracked." (60)

Author Michael Zak's writing is very readable; it is both informative and entertaining for the lay as well as the professional audience. He has a straightforward style for presenting facts, yet he also writes with a passion that moves the reader to conviction; at times I felt as if I was actually there.

If you are a Republican, you should buy this book; it will make you proud of your Republican heritage. If you are a Democrat, you should also buy this book-you may find some surprises about your Party's history as well. As Mr. Zak so eloquently quotes in his text, "For you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." (6)

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party" is a timely manifesto and historical overview of the ideas that define the Republican Party. As we feel inundated these days with media sound bites and empty symbolism in politics, it is easy to lose sight of the underlying organizing principals on which political parties are formed and how the parties differ from each other. The author argues that most Republicans misunderstand or are out of touch with the party's founding ideals and therefore are not successful in promoting the party to a wider audience. He takes us through a tour of what began as "The Party of Lincoln", emphasizing individual freedom under the rule of law. The immediate political outcome was the abolition of slavery and its enforcement by war. The tour concludes by demonstrating how those underlying principals have evolved today--namely, an abhorrence of tyranny worldwide and a continuing vigorous effort to decentralize government by bringing it closer to the people.

The author brings to life the personalities, both old and modern, who shaped the Republican Party. Both history book and political essay, "Back to Basics for the Republican Party" weaves together an impressive amount of facts and anecdotes that will make you think about Republican ideals in new and interesting ways. It is a well-written, lively, and lucid contribution that will be of interest to anyone who wants to better understand the Republican Party and its roots. The book is also peppered with witticisms and "zingers" that will make you cheer or shake your head depending on where you stand.

OK, so this really only covers 6 seasons of the show, was written in 1995/96 and has nothing on the SciFi channel run. Still, for any fan of MST3K it is an indespensible guide to the show's history, and a hilarious tour of the best(worst) films ever lampooned on the show.

As said above, the book covers the first 6 seasons of the show, with brief section about the infamous KTMA Public Access years and a short rundown on the truncated season 7 on Comedy Central. Each movie is first given a very funny synopsis and then an analysis is made by one of the writers. Usually it's completely bizzare, especially if the analysis is by Mike Nelson, the show's head writer. The synopsis' also include great lines like "I want to hurt this movie" and "please, PLEASE don't reveal the super secret ending of Manos:The Hands of Fate". Each episode also has a breakdown of the "host segments", the skits that serve as bumpers for the movie, and every so often TV's Frank(writer Frank Conniff) pops up with his thoughts on a particular movie experience. The book also chronicles the various monsters that have appeared in the films over the years, from Godzilla to Torgo.

The history of the show is also included, from the birth of the idea to the conventio-con, expo-fest-a-rama held in 1995. It's all done tounge in cheek, but serves as a good guide to how the show went from public access obscurity to cult hit with it's own motion picture. If you ever loved this show, or simply want to decide who lives and who dies, you must own this book.

When you're a MiSTie (an official fan of MST3K), you treat this book is like a bible. When you need to find out about obscure references made by the silouhettes, what the Best Brains in charge of the show thought of the episodes themselves, or just need to ask, "Why...?" all you need by your side is a copy of the MST Amazing Colossal Episode Guide.

A tasteful insight behind every episode from seasons 1-6, with information behind the KTMA years, the movie, and the near-absent season 7, all drummed up by the minds behind our favorite show.

This book stays true to everything MST3K, and doesn't jerk around with the fans. It makes you laugh while learning about the best show on TV at the same time. Picking up a copy of this book is like watching an episode of the show... you never know where it's going, and when it's done, you wish for more. It truly is the only thing for comfort during those endless hours in between episodes.

-MSTTorgo

Well at least it was back when Mystery Science Theater 3000 was in its sixth season.

This is THE book for any fan of MST3K whether you became a fan of the show during its early days at the local station in Minneapolis, or just found it on the Sci-Fi channel during the final reruns. The book offers a peek into all of the 120 episodes that can only be seen on a fan's tape. Each episode area has descriptions of the actual movie, all of the segments, and one of the writers reflects on the episode. In fact the style of how each episode is described in the book was so much loved by the fans that the cast continued to describe the 8th, 9th, and last season at Scifi.com. It also chronicles the conception and birth of a revolutionary comedy.

Running through the book are poems, reflection, and suggestions on how to discuss "Your Area" which will leave your sides in pain. In fact the introductions of the book are enough to rip out a few stitches so be careful.

Even if you do not really care about all of the old episodes that you may never seen, the reflection and other writing in this book are enough of a reason to buy this book. Trust me.

Daughter Anna (now 19 years old) loved this book. It was her favorite above all others. As we sorted through some old kid things for give-away purposes, we stumbled upon this old, well worn copy of "The Velveteen Rabbit." She insisted we keep the book for HER children.

This was her book that Mama (me!) had to read to her again and again and again. As soon as the last word was read on the last page, it was "Mama, please read it again!"

(how I miss those days, by the way!)

The book also has a powerful message about Love that children understand and cherish.

This is a wonderful book. No child should be without their own copy of "The Velveteen Rabbit."

I make sure I use this book with each class I teach--3rd and4th graders. They always get it--that love makes us real, too. Theymake the connection between the Skin Horse becoming shabby and people getting old. I always bring in my stuffed velveteen rabbit I bought years ago and it starts making the rounds and popping up on different children's laps. It is a pleasure to see them become attached to the rabbit instead of "mechanical toys that were very superior, and looked down upon everyone else." They also relate to the lessons the Velveteen Rabbit learns from the Skin Horse about how becoming real is a painful process sometimes and can take a long time.

It's a sweet story of a 'simple' stuffed rabbit amidst the more 'complex' modern toys in a boy's "toy collection". The rabbit starts to believe that in order to get the love of the boy, he needs to appear 'real', or be able to zoom about like the motorized toys...
(And I'm not going to tell you the end hahahahaha!!!)
It was great having that read to me, while I was hugging my stuffed animals in bed.
But -- in a way, at first glance it looks like a simple story, but it is actually a surprisingly complex story. Leave it on your child's bookshelf as he/she grows up and he/she will reread it again and again as he/she questions issues such as "who am I?", "what does it mean to be 'real'"?, "what is my role in this world?", and even "what is death"?

I think our children and grandchildren will regard Sandra Boynton as we and our parents regard Dr. Seuss. As usual, her stories are adorable. I saw highlights on the today show this morning and had to go buy it today. My daughter's a little young for it (7 months) but her 2 year old friends loved the music. It's a children's CD I like and do not find annoying (such as those by that purple creature).

The book is well done. There is a page for each of the songs with an illustration. There is also sheet music and lyrics for each song in the back of the book.

I'm sure we'll cherish this one for years to come!

We love Philadelphia Chickens so much that we have two copies, one for the house and one for the minivan. My boys (ages 4 & 22 months) love to sing along with the songs. They even recall the animals featured with each song. I have even made up a dance routine for the chorus-line song "Cows". My 4 year old loves the affectionate song "Snuggle Puppy", while my 22 month old loves the rush around operatic song "Busy". The variety of music featured is a wonderful exposure to kids.

The CD is wonderful. It has become the top car request now...and we like it almost as much as our daughter, who just turned 4. The range of musical styles, and the amusing lyrics make it a true winner.

My daughter loves having the book to go with the CD, and can study the illustrations, turning the pages with each song, for an hour at a time during long car trips.

Unfortunately, despite her fairly gentle treatment of the book, the pages all started falling out during the first hour of a 4 hour road trip last weekend. Somehow we got the book away from her without a meltdown! We have owned the book for less than a month, and are very disappointed with the binding.

Buy the book and CD anyway -- you can always tape the pages back in (my next task)!

Originally published in 1988 it took twelve more years for a commercial following to gather for the Liaden Universe. The first three books, "Conflict of Honors", "Agent of Change" and "Carpe Diem," were then compiled into a single volume and sold as "Partners in Necessity." During the mild aftermath of their first being published, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller continued to write, but mostly for themselves. If the general public didn't embrace what they wrote, at least they enjoyed writing it.

The strange thing here, is that those three novels were excellent. It's a mystery to me why it took so long for them to succeed, as they should have from the first day. The book market can be an unpredictable battleground. If it weren't for all the positive ratings awarded on Amazon.com, even I would not have read these quality novels.

Written in the vein of space opera, each of the Liaden Universe books, six so far, centre on the Liaden clan Korval. A non terrestrial but human family that ensures its survival in a universe of cut-throat politics with commercial acumen, a fleet of ships and a generations long breeding program aimed at producing pilots, (a rare bread of individual that has the reflexes of a cat and the courage to match). Each book tends to concentrate on one couple, typically as they meet, fall in love and life-bond. All this tends to happen under adverse circumstances; running from secret government agents, duelling with mad ship captains, targeted by a futuristic crime family or just being attacked by a mindless race of aggressive aliens known as the Yxtrang.

The Clan Korval is not always fighting alone however. One of their more fascinating allies is the Clutch Turtles, linked to Korval through an unspecified and mysterious adoption. These aliens are an old race, long lived, slow to act, fascinated by art and possibly the most deadly creatures in known space. There are so many factions, families, races and species involved in the Liaden universe that we need every book these talented authors can produce just to scratch the surface. I just hope their growing popularity gives them enough reasons to continue writing.

First, let me state up front that I am NOT the Steve Miller who co-wrote these novels, so I'm not singing my own praises here. I AM a Steve Miller who's also a writer (and who may have chosen a different variant on his professional name if he had been aware of the other Steve Miller who also writes sci-fi/fantasy, but for now I guess we have to share... :) ), but we are two different guys.

With that aside, I'll just say that I greatly enjoyed "Partners" and that I hope to start "Plan B" (the follow-up novel) next time I have a trip I have to take. In fact, "Partners" is one of the most enjoyable books I've read so far this year.

Lee & Miller write with the kind of style I wish I could. It seems breezy and effortless. Their tales are populated with likable characters whom the reader almost can't help but care about. The adventures are exciting, the romances touching, and the action fast-paced and exciting.

I highly recommend this omnibus of the first three Laiden Universe novels to anyone who enjoys sci-fi that's focused on characters rather than tech. The section about the 'hows' and 'whys' of this particular volume is also interesting reading.

After fifteen years, I have kept these books, even though I've winnowed Anne McCaffrey and dozens of other authors from my collection. I think it's the dialogue that brings you back. Like I've mentioned in another review, it's that Regency-style British witty repartee that Lee & Miller have a knack for that keeps you turning the pages, even after all these years. Fans of Lois McMaster Bujold and Catherine Asaro should check these stories out.

"Partners in Necessity" is a collection of the three original Liad books: "Conflict of Honors," "Agent of Change," and "Carpe Diem." How can you not love a series with giant talking turtles?! A lot of space opera, a little bit of romance, some complicated cultural clashes and you've got the pattern for a Lee & Miller story. Oh, and don't forget the humor! Lots of that.

And for anyone who cares, Val Con and Miri are my favorites! I love a herione that doesn't start out two emotional rungs below her hero (like Shan and Priscilla or Aelliana and Daav or millions of other scifi couples). I can't stand a wimpy, frightened heroine and thank God there isn't much of that in Miri, the former mercenary soldier!

Get these before they go out of print again!

After a long wait, I am delighted to report that this book is an excellent continuation of one of my all time favorite series. I read the 3 earlier books years ago and have been on the lookout for this one ever since. I often reread those three earlier books (they are being republished early next year BTW)and am pleased to add Plan B to my list of all time favorites.

While this book does build on the earlier novels it can be read & enjoyed entirely on its own merit. Of course I strongly recommend picking up the other three as they become available, I know I will be picking up additional copies. :-)

Warning this book can be hazardous to your job. Do not pick it up unless you have the time to read it in one sitting. Everyone I have talked to or loaned my copy has been unable to put it down.

Happy reading!

Many authors can create either a great plot and gripping action, or sympathetic and memorable characters. It takes a great writer (or in this case, two of them!) to create both in the same series... which is exactly what Steve Miller and Sharon Lee have done with "Plan B." As the fourth book in a series, "Plan B" makes a *little* bit more sense if one has read the previous novels - but it isn't a requirement. Even if you have no prior exposure to the Liaden Universe, I believe that Miri, Val Con and company will touch your heart, tickle your funny bone, and have you perched on the edge of your favorite reading chair. The gap between the books' publishing may have been nearly 10 years, but the story picks up almost precisely where it left off, and proceeds to take the reader on a wild roller-coaster ride. If you enjoy your SF with a warm human (or Liaden) side, you should definitely give "Plan B" a try!

First full disclosure: I have fallen in love with the Liaden universe! All these wonderful stories have been a godsend and a comfort. Marvelous tales of adventure, romance and daring do! There isn't a bad one in the bunch.

Now specifically lets look at "Plan B," the third in the Agent of Change series. But maybe it would be better to look at them as two parts of one story separated into two sections each. "Agent of Change" is nothing without "Carpe Diem" and "Plan B" is nothing without going on to "I Dare." "Plan B" is the continuation of "Carpe Diem" so you know where it's been. By the way if you haven't read "Agent of Change/Carpe Diem" do it now! Don't wait. In fact you can buy both of them along with "Conflict of Honors" in one volume called "Partners in Necessity", without a doubt the best buy around. Anyway the whole cast is there as you follow them throughout their various exploits.

I will grant you that my two favorites are "Carpe Diem" and "I Dare" but you can't skip "Plan B." You just can't! You can't skip tot he middle of a book and that's what you would be doing!

Given the total Plan B/I Dare, they really should have been one novel, you just can't beat it. Not only do I recommend this book but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.

This is an absolutely fantastic inside look at the design process of Disney Imagineering. The book details the past, present and future projects along with great anecdotes from the Imagineers themselves. The book is also filled with rich pictures, illustrations, and sketches from projects both built and left on the "shelf". As one who wishes to pursue a thempark design career, this book acts as a great reference tool and both inspires and motivates your creative juices.

-Ken G.

This is the BEST book I have EVER read. I'm 14 years old and ever since I came back from Walt Disney World in 1999 after seeing the Millennium Celebration, I have wanted to be an architect for Walt Disney Imagineering. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Disney or wants to be an Imagineer. It has inspired and motivated me to be the best I can be and to look at everything as an oppritunity to see and learn new things. I have never wanted to be an Imagineer more since reading this book. It gives you a beautiful and rare collection of WDI drawings and paintings and what it's like to be an Imagineer. They explain the jobs there and tell you what it was like to work for some of their biggest projects. I was sad when I finished this book! Each page motivated me to turn to the next and keep reading until my eyes fell out! There are inspiring quotes from Walt Disney and the Imagineers themselves. The the Best and Only book on Walt Disney Imagineering.

I absolutely cherish this book and reviit it time and again just to look at the photos and drawings. Contains detailed information about how the Imagineers go about creating the Disney theme parks and hotels and shows all of the imagination and attention to detail that goes into that process. No wonder these are some of the most magical places on earth. Everything is engineered to the human experience.

Contains photos from WDW, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Tokyo, and sketches and models of some attractions never built. Shows the entire process from conception of an idea to developing color schemes, to building models, to actual contstruction.

Of course we've all grown up with so many fiction characters from DC/Marvel comics, Disney, Archie's`etc., each of them with its own appeal and flavour ...

What sets Tintin apart from all the rest, I feel, the brilliant quality of the artwork. The level of detail, right from the wheels of flight 714 about to land on that tiny island (flight 714), to the shadow effects of walking in a hidden passage to the Inca empire (prisoners of the sun), to the shape of the waves on which Tintin in a coffin is floating (cigars of the pharaoh), or the jaguar in which Tintin chases the gangsters (the calculus affair), the details are just fantastic and the right amount, without creating too much noise and distraction - as is the case with many of the DC comics - iron man, the incredible hulk, etc.

The stories range from contemporary to looking ahead in the future - swing wing planes, rockets to the moon, hidden cameras/espionage. The subject matter is political, and in my opinion slightly controversial at times. Especially the way Herge stereotypes native people in India (Cigars of the Pharaoh, Tintin in Tibet), or in the jungles of Amazon (The Broken Ear). But even here, Herge is way above the shady and simplistic plots of the like of Phantom and Flash Gordon.

The collection is more readable towards the later comics, some of the earlier ones contains situations which are too improbable and rely far too much on luck for Tintin to get himself out of danger.

I am only 11, and I have only read some of the Tintin books, and the reason I'm at Amazon.com is to buy all the others. Out of the one's I've read so far, I think "Red Rackham's Treasure" was my favorite. I loved the way Herge made Calculus, and thought he was extremely funny, even when he did get annoying! I love the Tintin books, and look forward to reading every single one again! If I could go over 5 stars, I would, definatly!

As a kid, the one single book that would bring me greatest joy and take me to a whole different world was "Adventures of Tintin". I am 25, and I love them more than ever before. It is REALLY a pity that Herge isn't alive today to write about a 1000 more. I sure hope some bright new talent can capture his magic and continue to amaze the millions of Tintin fans who are dying for more of his unique adventures.

His books are guaranteed to keep you captivated, as the adventures are VERY well thought out, and the characters are among the most intriguing ones you have ever imagined. The adventures, the characters, and the ambience of the book in combination give you the best time you have ever had reading any book. Not only will the plot keep you on the edge of your seat, but the characters are guaranteed to make you laugh and keep you coming back for more. Don't take my word for it. TRY IT NOW!

RAISING FENCES is a breathtaking account of one black man's (Michael Datcher) journey from childhood to the remarkable man he is today.

Told with such truth and emotion, RAISING FENCES depicts Mr. Datcher's experience being parented by an adoptive mother, who definately sets a solid foundation for his growth into manhood, and moves through a forest of obstacles that ultimately leads him into lifelong decisions about and for his future.

This book is not only about family, friends, relationships, love and deception...... but also about growth and identity.

Exceptionally written and poetically told, RAISING FENCES is a book for ALL to read so much so, you will be left intoxicated with words of wisdom!

I was chapter or two into this book before I realized it was non-fiction. Michael Datcher's style is so vivid and fluid I thought "Raising Fences" was a story he'd spun from his imagination. Once I realized it was a memoir, I was that much more intrigued by his story.

Datcher takes the reader through some of the defining moments in his life. His tale may not be much different than many other men, but he bravely lays himself wide open for his readers in a way that must have been painful but also necessary. His life-long ache for a father, his stuttering speech impediment, his painful spiritual soul-searching (which leads him to join a cult-like religion), and his damaging experience with a dishonest woman are all shared with honesty and grit.

Happily, Datcher's story ends on a high note, and by the time you reach the end of this book you'll want to cry tears of joy for him. Read this book. You won't be disappointed. I admire the hell out of Datcher for having the heart to write this book.

At first, I was sure if i wanted to read this book because it was suggested in my book club (i'm the only male) cause i thought it was going to be another stereotypical, E. Lynn Harris-type black love story. I am so glad that i was wrong. This book touched on almost everything i've thought about as a black, heterosexual man growing up in white america. His imagery and word usage made me feel like i was right there on the block growing up with him or in the poetry club listen to him spit his poetry. I HIGHLY recommend black men to read this because we have been through one or all of the things Datcher touches on in this novel. An excellent read!