It is a delightful story of the saints of Assisi intented for the young people, written by Helen Walker Homan and illustratd by John Lawn. The oft-written story of these saints becomes alive in 12 short chapters in simple language, readable for young adults. I am sure that a lot of research and exploration have gone into this work. The early 12th century Assisi becomes alive with the castles, market places, taverns and churches. The saints become normal and real, like the everyday people we meet. At the same time their sanctity and uniqueness in history are well brought out. Indeed it is a well-written book for beginners.

The reading level of this book is challenging enough for my 10 year old son, and enjoyable for us to read aloud together. This book brings to life the story about St. Francis, and made us feel like we knew him personally. It showed my son that saints had real lives, they were children who played just like kids do now, and they chose to serve God. My son and I both enjoyed reading this book.

St. Francis de Sales' book of spiritual direction is a very practical book for the lay person who wishes to lead a devout life without becoming a religious, and still attend to the necessary business that a lay person's life requires. Wendy quotes each of St. Francis de Sales' sections and then provides her commentary on that section. Her commentary is based on her extensive research on each of the sections; the spirituality of the times concerning the subject, its sources, and how that particular spirituality has changed as of today. She has done her homework and provides invaluable insight into her subject, including, in some cases, her own personal experience with it.

I found & read this book in a Church library and immediately decided to buy it. What impressed me most was St. Francis timeless teachings on how we can lead a devout life in whatever state where are in, whether we are rich or poor. He teaches how we can transform the disadvantages of material riches into spiritual blessings and likewise how to transform poverty into spiritual wealth. The teachings gave me a new perspective on how to lead a devout life in this modern world. The book is very contemplative and full of wisdom. You can read it over many times and still be able to learn new things.

The second in a projected three-volume series, this well-crafted tome brings together the early sources on Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), arguably one of the most popular saints among Christians and non-Christians alike, shedding light on his role as religious founder. The writings of Francis himself were collected in the first volume, as were the earliest lives of Francis and some liturgical documents. The editors represent the three branches of traditional Franciscanism, and together offer what are as far as I can tell all of the primary sources dealing with the first years of the Order, along with introductions and copious notes. While much of the material is repetitious, what emerges is a portrait of Francis from several different perspectives, not all of them flattering. The documents collected here represent that period of time in the life of the Order when the followers of Francis were trying to determine how to live the life that he had left them. They show various attempts to interpret his wishes for his followers. Even the different biographies were written with a view toward advancing one or another interpretation of the Franciscan Rule. Presented in roughly chronological order, the documents show the developing views on Francis and his legacy. The first, The Beginning or Founding of the Order, treats of the development from a group of companions informally gathered around him to the beginnings of what would become the Order of Saint Francis. The Assisi Compilation, dated 1244-1269, collects personal reminiscences of Francis, and offers a multi-faceted portrait. In introducing the legends and sermons by Bonaventure of Bagnoregio, the editors show how Bonaventure used the information at his disposal to a certain extent to his own ends. They note that Bonaventure's portrait of Francis became normative for a time, but was later contested. What results is a fascinating collection of documents illustrating the influence of this great man, and the struggles his followers went through in their attempts to interpret his rule in changing circumstances. Scripture quotations are put in italics, and the reference supplied in the margin. I did note one mistake: On p. 168, the reference is given as Rv. 4:12, a verse that does not exist. Surely the reference is to one of Paul's epistles. The editors have critically examined the documents, and indicate where one is dependent on another. The footnotes make reference to varying interpretations of certain passages, and relate the works to earlier Christian writings. An appendix has eleven maps, some showing the geographical or political features of the area, and two showing Assisi at the time of Francis. While the critical apparatus make this work especially valuable for scholars, all those interested in Francis of Assisi or the history of Christianity at the time will appreciate having all of these text gathered into a convenient volume.

No more bird bath type view of who Francis is. With the most up to date scholarship, Franciscan scholars have put together the best English translations with a commentary that can guide you through the medieval world in wich these early documents of Francis of Assisi were written. I find the commentary particularly useful in my own personal study as well as meditation so as to make Franciscan spirituality meaningful to today. The Volume Two focuses on Francis as the founder of the Franciscan movement of communities of lesser brothers (friars minor), poor ladies (poor Clares nuns) and the tertiaries (regulars and seculars). This is essential reading for Franciscans and franciscans-at-heart to find out what Francis has wanted his followers to do.

Joan Mueller has written a historical novel true to history and alive with Francis' love of the Gospel life. She has Francis describing the Franciscan charism in a simple and accurate statement: "We are Troubadours of God who strive to move people's hearts in order to lead them to the joys of the spirit." This is a book that everyone who loves Francis and the Franciscan way of living should read.

"Francis" is a remarkable book, combining accurate historical research, with the flavor of the times in which he lived. For those who think they are familiar with the story of St. Francis of Assisi there is enough that is familiar to feel at home, but at the same time there is a wealth of new information to allow the reader to learn so much more. The book is interesting, insightful, and dynamically written. I felt as though I was in Assisi watching every turn in the life of Francis. It helps the reader to get historical insight and also to understand the Church better. I recommend it highly to anyone who is interested in Francis or the Franciscans.

Ms. Francis has written a delightful adventure that kept me smiling all through the read. She has a flare for generating interest in and care for her characters. Her writing is precise; her expertise in the fantasy genre shows; and her remarkable ability to draw a reader into her fantasy world is sure to bring her kudos. I am delighted to see she is receiving well-earned praise for Free Spirt. She will go far in this business. Watch her shine!

Free Spirit is a story that grips you from beginning to end. Diesa is a hard-as-nails soft-as-butter heroine whose open vulnerability hits you from page one. This is the story of Diesa's bondage into slavery with Scanlon, the Elf Prince, along with Kittellan, who becomes her most loyal friend. Her rape by the evil Marsden. Scanlon's desperate search for Diesa. It gently portrays Scanlon's sensitivity and love for Diesa and his fairness, understanding and empathy with Kittellan's homosexuality. The emotion and excitement JennaKay Francis arouses in her book leaves you breathless and wanting more. I have no hesitation in recommending you read this book whether you are a lover of fantasy or not. I defy you to put it down.

Another reviewer apparently never read the book (and presumably wouldn't understand it if he did). This book is actually an interesting and fresh look at galois theory in a surprisingly general context. I advise it to anyone with an interest in galois theory and some knowledge of category theory. Please ignore the other reviewer's idiotic advice.

I was a little hesitant to buy this book at first because what more can be written about galoshes. But I was pleasantly surprised once I started reading. The author has a clear and concise style that is easy to follow. Chapter 3 goes over polymorphic recalcification in inspiring detail. Chapter 4 was not so inspiring although it is understanding considering the authors had just been released at that point. The final chapter considers algorithmic orthography a "voodoo" science, which I do not agree with, but I understand the author's argument. All in all this was an enjoyable read and the authors legal "problems" do not seem to have influenced their work at all. Although sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

The Gospel according the spiritism, by Allan Kardec, provides a broader view of life and answers many of the questions that we carry in our mind and soul since we were born. The reencarnation is a scientific fact but why it happens ? Could God be so mean to allow us undergo all the suffering that happens in this world ? Why there are people suffering on the streets and other don't ? Is there a real justice ? If you have these questions inside your mind, you are one step ahead to face and understand the reancarnation process and WHY it happens. This book is definitively the first step for each of us became awarenes of the individual responsibility towards each other's life. After reading it, you will be able to understand how to reach the real justice and love.

This book answers hard questions regarding God and our existance in a way that is very racional. I could not find one thing that didn't have a logical explanation regarding the spiritual way of looking at things. It is bealtiful, positive, and only talks about love. It has helped me see life in a different way and respect God's work. I learned that he is in charge at all times, protecting us, and will give us eternal life. This knowledge will help you cope better with every day life issues, tragedies, etc. I hope everyone in the world would read this book and live accordingly, which will happen with time.

Mason's characters always sparkle with diversity. Sung Wing-kei is a native of Hong Kong who is an offspring of a concubine belonging to a favorite general of Sun Yat-sen. He got his start in business by collaborating with the Japanese. Nina Tizzard is an exotic oriental ballet dancer whose career has been spent mostly in Europe. Add to this a generous sprinkling of smugglers, socialites, soldiers of fortune, ex-patriots and the usual line-up of military types, both foreign and domestic, and you have the ingredients of a typical Hugh North adventure.

Hugh North solves his twntieth case in the GRACIOUS LILY AFFAIR. The story bears the usual Mason trademarks of thorough research, exotic locales, a smorgasbord of intriguing characters and a plot that includes a series of murders and a puzzle to solve within the larger riddle. Bermuda is where it all begins when a Portuguese plane carrying a courier crashes offshore. What stands out most in a Colonel North story is the attention to detail.In this instance we are introduced to more than sixty sites between Bermuda and the Far East. There are also some interesting tidbits on local ethnic customs.

Frances Browne, the author of this enchanting and original collection of fairy tales lived between 1816 and 1879. She was blinded by smallpox when she was a baby and so all of the vivid descriptions in this charming book are from her own memory of the tales that she heard as a child and from her colorful imagination. In 1904 Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote an introduction for a new edition of the book because as a little child she had won a copy of it as a prize for good behavior in school. It became her favorite book but was lost to her over the years. She searched high and low for it and it eventually surfaced in Boston and again in a second hand shop in London. This edition contains the introduction by Burnett that is certainly an added treat. It is brilliantly illustrated by Switzerland's Gisele Rime with her characteristic bright colors and whimsical decorative borders. Unlike other collections of fairy tales these are completely original and bring us new characters and plots with gentle moral lessons. The fame of Frances Browne may not approach the Grimms or Andersen but the beauty and cleverness of her tales will enchant and delight you just the same. Curl up in Granny's wonderful chair, snuggle close and follow the stories of Fairyfoot and Childe Charity, Prince Wisewit and Merry Mind. Meet the Lords of the White and Grey Castles. This is a grand experience not just a good book.

Do you remember visiting Grandma as a child? Perhaps snuggling into her favorite chair when you were too tired to possibly do anything else? Do you recall the comfort, the smell, the feel, the total release of 'Grandma's' chair? This was one my of favorite 'escape' books as a child. I would curl up in 'Granny's Wonderful Chair' and be transported to many a wonderous place. I have searched for many years for this title, and was so excited to see it unearthed for republishing! We will be reading it aloud as a family now. Granny's Wonderful Chair is a great addition not only to your library, but to you and your children's memory's as well!

Books on spiritual direction are usually addressed to the spiritual director, aspiring or practicing, but there are at least four reasons why a good book on spiritual direction like this one would be helpful to the spiritual directee.

First, the book clarifies the ends, or more accurately, the end, singular, of spiritual direction. Many are perplexed, asking what is the point of the whole process, and a gifted spiritual director like Houdek might well provide a sound answer. He carefully expresses this purpose in terms of the transcendent dimension of all human experience: "Spiritual direction is concerned about a person's life in all its dimensions and at every moment because God can reveal mystery at all times and in all experiences" (p. 8). He says more than that, of course, and it's worth the reader's time to go over the exposition.

Second, the book elaborates on the means of spiritual direction, in this case, at modest length but in depth. By reflecting upon tested principles, but more importantly, accounts of actual applications, as well as reports of their beneficial effects in the lives of other directees, the directee grows in an awareness and understanding of the process in oneself and in others and so begins to value the experience of spiritual direction more deeply. Just as significant is that the directee derives the criteria for assessing the quality of spiritual direction, thereby empowering the directee in the process of their own guidance. All in all, this knowledge of spiritual direction not only enriches but also empowers the directee in the subtle, intricate, potentially precarious process of spiritual discernment, in which the ultimate responsibility devolves upon the directee.

Some of the most helpful discussions for me pertain to the author's limited attempt to classify directees into types, so I became aware of the profoundly varied yet distinctively individual quality of the spiritual life. Also important was his discussion of the gifts--theological and psychological awareness, spiritual experience, interpersonal skills--ideally suited for spiritual directors.

Third, the book is itself a helpful source of doctrine on spirituality.

It is apparent from the very beginning that Houdek assumes the traditional model of the spiritual life as a progression in stages, so that the influence of St. John of the Cross is present throughout yet refined--the author's tone is modern, flexible, without the slightest trace of doctrinairism. The author's distinction between "vagueness" and "obscurity," which traces to the Mystical Doctor, is especially valuable.

In what sense does the author disclose a Jesuit perspective, as noted in the title? His focus is on discernment, both as a central topic and a governing paradigm, so that discernment even marks the writing style of the book--reflective, attuned, open to truth, wise.

Houdek's discussion of discernment is so discerning itself that I feel compelled to quote: "Although helpful techniques or methods in spiritual discernment do exist neither ultimately guarantees real success. To explain or expect success we must look toward other realities...First, God's unqualified and unconditional love guarantees divine revelation to each of us. God's Spirit works within each person to validate and perhaps even guarantee that the person can and will arrive at a competent understanding and interpretation of individual personal experience. Second, the predispositions of the persons are far more important and influential than any technique or method for spiritual discernment...The central disposition for discernment is trustful surrender--trust in the love, the promises, the fidelity, and the providential care of God--to the initiatives and actions of God" (p. 116).

Fourth, the book brings up fresh perspectives on old issues or introduces new issues in spiritual direction, matters that may be of greater significance to the directee than the director. Some of these issues include problems arising from transference, gender dynamics, or the supervision of spiritual directors.

One weakness of the book is the relative absence of discussion on many aspects of modern clinical psychology, but this knowledge does not lie within the expertise of the author. However, he recognizes its value as well as its necessity in some cases, so that he gives short advice on identifying the need for counseling and on working successfully together with the counselor.

I highly recommend this book as a wealth of experience and wisdom brought to bear on an important area of the Catholic experience--spiritual direction.

Introduction (What is spiritual direction?) Chapter 1 -- The Directee and the Process of Spiritual Growth (Patterns of spiritual growth and development: Direction for beginners, Being Purified by God, Direction for directees who are moving toward God, Direction of directees who have been purified by God; Growth patterns: awakening to spiritual realities, personal appropriation, commitment to the gifts of God, discerning the voice of God; Emotional fervor, dry prayer, and spiritual awakening; final period of purification) Chapter 2 -- Some Particular Types of Directees and Their Needs (Five types of directees: Beginners, Religious converts, Those having a dry and arid prayer life, Contemplative, Those having a roller-coaster experience of prayer and faith; Issues for Beginners: Fear, Anger, Depression, Sexuality, Authority) Chapter 3 -- Prayer and Spiritual Discernment (The mystery of prayer; difficulties in prayer; personal prayer; spiritual discernment; signs of a "good-spirited" directee; religious movements in the director; strategies for spiritual discernment) Chapter 4 -- The Director and the Process of Direction (Community recognition; Gifts needed for direction: Theological and psychological awareness [a balance of Scripture, the Christian ascetical and spiritual traditions, and recent advances in the human sciences including psychology], spiritual experience [personal experience of the Spirit and personal supervision], interpersonal skills [hospitality], self-appropriation [personal competency, goodness, and vision]; The process of spiritual direction [recognizing the work of God]; The director's genuineness, caring, and understanding; Criteria for evaluating spiritual direction [altruism, hope, emotional expression, trust in God, the awareness of mystery]; Issues of transference in spiritual direction; Gender differences in spiritual direction; Supervision for spiritual directors)