Dr. Ben Gallagher's account of WWI is one of the most compelling books I have ever had the pleasure to read. Between his medical background, self-reflection and observation this is perhaps one of the most complete views of war and humanity ever committed to paper.

Inbetween his own story, Dr. Gallagher also relates the stories of the people around him, including one of the most remarkable escapes from a POW Camp I have ever heard. He also includes the stories of his patients whose courage is both humbling and inspirational.

I am grateful that this account was published and I am only too sorry that more readers have not found this hidden treasure. Don't miss out. This is one of the best personal accounts you will ever find!

Gallagher's memoir is a combination of clinical observation and vivid prose which provides one with a unique view into the March 1918 Offensive which should become a classic of that nearly forgotten generation. His detail and imagery are phoenominal. Factual in the extreme, his reference to the obscure 12th. U.S. Engineers of Missouri railroad men only serves to enhance the credibility of his experience. I have not, yet, seen a medical memoir of any war to compare. We are fortunate that this account has been published rather than lost in the archives of some facility.

dr gallagher's second book reflects a remarkable talent as a story-teller. In Cellars, he makes the reader feel like a member of the family as he relates the tale of his grandfather's experiences in World War I. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to his next story.

"Cold Hit" is one of the best books in the Vincent Calvino series and I guarentee that when you pick it up, it definately WON'T be easy to put down!
Vinnie is his usual lovable, cynical-but-caring PI struggling to make a living in Bangkok and live in that unique world where Thai and farang meet. The painful events he has happen to him in the first chapter when he's merely off to deliver a birthday card to a bargirl are the best introduction to both the story and Calvino himself. As expected, the other characters, some based on real expats in Bangkok, are just as believable and just as easy to love or loathe or sometimes do both at the same time; this is indeed a brilliant writing characteristic of Christopher G. Moore. If this book proceeds for you the way it did for me, you'll wipe it out within a day or two but if you're anywhere in Thailand when you do, you might be in a bar, sipping a beer or some Mekhong and feel as though you've transported yourself into the heart of Moore's writing and that Vinnie will be joining you soon for a whiskey himself. If you want fun, fantastic literary work and the most enjoyable means to learn about Thailand, get this book lao-lao. You'll love it!

Thailand is a country with many faces and Moore is an artist who paints fascinating portraits. Though I am generally not a fan of deceive stories I am hooked on Moore's Calvino series. Moore has very intriguing way of commenting on life through his characters. Cold Hit is definitely one of Moore's finer works.

Like a great vintage wine Moore just gets better and better.His latest in the Calvino series is a great place to begin your probable addiction to his books.I can only warn you that after reading a few of Moores books you may find yourself on a plane to Bangkok and i guarentee you will be forwarned and better prepared for your adventure than from reading any guide book.

Christopher Schink is a terrific teacher and communicator in this lovely, and invaluable instruction book. Complete with many colorful examples and exercises, this world-class painter uses work from many different exceptional painters, along with a few of his own, to show how wonderfully expressive your own work can be by utilizing some of these techniques. He also shows and shares his deep understanding of what happens to color as it's mixed and layered, etc. And at the bottom of it all is the message that painting is about communication of ideas, and not simply a series of techniques! This core message is the most valuable of all.

If you can only buy one water color text book, buy this one. For a change this painter focuses on teaching you more than just tecnical skills. He gives you excellent information on color history, and analysis of other watercolorists work. Deals with problems you may run into and provides great visual examples. Handles subjects like controlling pictoral space, simultaneous contrast, and well as composition and design. This is book to study, not just look at the pictures!

I found this book to be most interesting on the topics of Colour, Tone, etc. Mr Schink goes on to apply the initial principles he outlines at the beginning of his book, to show how different effects and appearances can be created, even from the same basic composition! It was a fascinating read, and provides a good point of reference for me.

...I liked this book because I like sports books. I like hockey too that is what this book is about. I liked this book so much that I couldn't put the paperback book down for the whole five days that I read the book. I liked that book also because it was about two very special friends trying to get along with the others on there hockey team even thought Derek was a different race then everyone else. I would recommend this book to anybody that likes the sport of hockey.

I read the book Cool As Ice. I am going to review it also. I liked this book because it is a sports book. I especially liked this book because it was about hockey, one of my favorite sports. I liked the book so much that I couldn't put it down for the whole five days that I was reading it. I liked this book also because it was about two very special friends trying to get alkong even thought he is a different race then all the other boys on the hockey team. I would recommend this book to anybody that likes sports especially hockey.

I liked this book because it is a sports book. I especially liked this book because it was about hockey, one of my favorite sports. I liked the book so much that I couldn't put it down for the whole five days that I was reading it. I liked this book also because it was about two very special friends trying to get along even thought he is a different race than all the other boys on the hockey team. I would recommend this book to anybody that likes sports, especially hockey.

Good book. Easy read. Very much to the point.

However, it does not cover the essentials of teachings. With the Moonies, they clearly drifted away from the original intentions of the biblical teachings. What if you feel you really hit the truth (like many Christians do)? Is it allowed to not totally give a newcomer the full scope? But 'introduce' him with the good looking aspects? We do the same in a way with children, e.g. not showing pictures of dead people, simply because they are not ready for that part which embodies the life they will live. So Christians that 'know' they hold the truth may also feel that they are allowed to hide children of faith from the harder aspects of God untill they are more spiritually grown, and ready for it. Still not sure where I stand on this one, and the book doesn't get into that. I think the decision is not so important as the reason behind it: greed (personal desires and fears) or love.

Still, a very clear good introduction of what teaching methods can/should be used and avoided in life.

The book is over twenty years old.However,the material is ageless. As long as there are radical cults in this world, there will be a need for a book like this. The book takes you through the initial idealism of joining a radical group to the subsequent dissolutionment that follows when one realizes how he/she could have been involved in such a group. I challenge you not to feel that dissolution at the end of the book.

As an ex-cult member, I have to say that this book by Christopher Edwards was instrumental in helping me to leave the group I was with. Though we were not moonies (we were oneness pentecostals, United Pentecostals) there were enough similarities in the thought control process between the two groups that it shook me up and started me thinking about what I was involved with. A great book, a must read.

This book is now available in a Japanese edition, with a US edition due out soon, I hear. Slowly, this book has gathered a following and a movie version is no doubt in the cards someday. YOU CAN FIND christopher belton's homepage by doing a search under his name... and read more about CRIMES SANS FRONTIERES, titled KOKKYO NAKI HANZAI in Japanese.

In "Crimes Sans Frontieres," first-time author Christopher Belton takes us on a lightning tour of the globe chasing down an international computer crime so thoroughly researched, detailed and plausible that one wonders if Belton hadn't given thought to pulling it off himself. It is exactly that attention to detail that keeps the reader suspending disbelief from start to finish, immersed in a world of high-tech espionage that makes one think twice about "information security." "Crimes..." is a refreshing newcomer to a genre that has all too often offered clumsy formulaic tales of late.

I thoroughly enjoyed author Belton's book, a technothriller with most of the action taking place in Japan. It's a pleasure to be able to see the country and its customs through the eyes of a Westerner who has lived there for a long period of time.

Belton demonstrates knowldge of international policing agencies as well as those in Japan. He writes with authority about the politics within these places and the types of personalities that work there.

The characters have depth and complexity, which adds to the reader's entertainment. The plot line is credible and lively.

The story starts when staff at an arm of the United Nations become aware of a startling increase in computer crimes, many with some relationship to Japanese firms. A brief investigation leads to the death of a detective in Tokyo and to some behind-the-scenes attempts at a cover up. As part of the scheme to prevent law enforcement from finding the gangsters responsible, a government ally of the Yakuza asks that Western operatives be brought in.

The Westerners are spied on until they go to ground and the chase--and tricks--begin.

The story is definitely for those who like their crime fiction with plenty of fight scenes and close calls.

This is a brilliant book that not only makes the reader realize the devistation and heart ache involved in the history of Africa ,but also touches the readers soul by displaying the true emotions of human beings during such devious and devistating times. The detail and description in this book is so real, it bought me to tears on several occasions.

As a proofreader of this book, I am excited about the characters and the plot. After finishing the book, the characters seemed to be alive - people whom I had known for years. This is one book I did not want to end - and hope there will be a sequel. The characters were unforgettable. It also takes the reader into a time that he or she has probably not experienced, which educates the reader to some of the problems in Africa. The ending is great!

This book deptice a story of africa that one could see as a real life experince.
The writing reminds me of Wilber Smith.
Great book. Thank You Robert

I like this book because i like baseball and i also like Derek Jeter. This story tells how Derek Jeter wanted to be the yankees shortstop it shows how he had to acommplished his goals by going through different obstacles in his way to make it to the major league.one of the obstacles was when he got drafted in 1992 but did not play until 1995. this book also talks about his great awards like becoming the american league rookie of the year.he also won the world series a couple of times. before Derek Jeter played for the yankees the yankees did not win a world series in 15 long years.so Derek Jeter is one of the big reasons that the yankees have been winning the world series.

As with other juvenile biographies in the Matt Christopher "On the Field/Court with..." series, this look at New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter emphasizes work ethic and family life as much as it does achievements on the baseball diamond. Since Jeter dreamed of being the Yankee's shortstop since he was a little boy, the first half of the book follows the "dreams come true" motif, while the second half of the book, covering how Jeter's Yankees won three World Series in his first four seasons in the Major Leagues comes under the "succeeding beyond your wildest dreams" heading. In relating key moments for Jeter at bat, on the bases or in the field, there is an admirable attempt to provide the details and not merely refer to things you might remember having seen on television. But there is always something of an educational purpose behind these sports biographies, so young readers will also learn that despite all his talent, Jeter had to work very hard to become a baseball star. Being considered the top high school player in the country does not mean you are ready for professional baseball, even at the lowest minor league level. Young readers will be informed to learn that Jeter's fielding style and batting swing had to be readjusted to make him a better player. They might also learn something from the relationship he enjoyed with his parents and his attitude towards people and school, as well as towards sports, that make him such an admired sports figure.

I believe this biography is written by Glen Stout, although it is copyrighted by Catherine M. Christopher for whom Matt ChristopherTM is a trademark. It only sounds confusing. One of the fun thing with these books is that they are not written "down" to the level of their readers. You should always keep an eye out for words that will send kids running to their dictionaries. In this book the biggie is found in the following sentence: "Near the end of the season he magnanimously offered to move to third base so Derek could play shortstop for the varsity." Other titles in this series look at Kobe Bryant, John Elway, Wayne Gretzky, Mia Hamm, Lisa Leslie, Tara Lipinski, Sammy Sosa, and Tiger Woods to name but a few. "Matt Christopher" is, by its own admission, the number one sports series for kids and based on the few books I have read to date, I have no reason to suspect there are engaging in hyperbole.

I LOVED THE BOOK. I LOVED IT BECAUSE I LOVE DEREK JETER, THE NEW YORK YANKEES, AND BASEBALL. IT HAD A GOOD SETTING. I LOVE THE BOOK IT WAS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE READ IN A REALLY LONG TIME!!*!!

I've been a role-player for over 20 years now and have easily read over 50 different game systems. This book is HEAVY on atmosphere but a little lacking in providing game mechanics. There is enough here for a very experienced GM to run a game but new or moderately experienced GMs may have trouble jumping in and handling the game system. My players had a hard time understanding that you may not play out every kick and punch, especially when the action is so fast and furious in the TV show.
I also found the price high for a basic RPG book. Getting it through Amazon garners you no discount either. The cover price is [money amount]and you pay exactly that (luckily it's cost gets you free shipping).
Don't get me wrong, this is a great time and they really do capture the feeling of Sunnydale and its various personalities. Don't go into this game thinking it will be easy to master in a heartbeat. Give it some time, read it thoroughly several times and then go for it!

At the beginning of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Core Rulebook," writer and designer C. J. Carella acknowledges that the reader of this volume could just as easily be a Buffy fanatic as a veteran of role playing games. Indeed, Carella considers it a safe assumption that anyone who gets to page 194 of this volume is a fan of the show (but he sees advantages for those who are not). Of course, I am the former, although I do remember an evening with college friends trying unsuccessfully to get me hooked on Dungeon & Dragons and my daughter and I have attempted the Buffy the Vampire CCG game a few times (I am happy just to collect the cards). Certainly, Carella has put together a gorgeous volume. On top of that, the role playing game, part of the Unisystem, might actually prove to be fun as well.

The "BtVS RPG" covers a lot of ground (by its own admission), from rules to stats to descriptions to backgrounds. There are eight chapters and an appendix: (1) "It's the Slayer's World, We Just Play Here" contains introductory sections, notes about role playing, a list of conventions, and a brief recap of Seasons One through Five of the television series (note, breakdown is by season rather than episode specific); (2) "Some Assembly Required" covers character creation and provides the game stats for the main characters as well as a gallery of Archetypes (e.g., New Slayer, Demon Hunter, and Former Vampire Groupie); (3) "Rules, Borders, and an End Zone" provides the rules of the game, teaching you how to play the game, when to use dice, detailing character development, and explaining the importance of Drama Points; (4) "Playing With Primal Forces" explains the upside and the downside of magic in the Buffyverse; (5) "Sunnydale After Dark" goes over both the favorite hotspots in and around the home of the Hell Mouth and the major Guest Stars of the show such as Joyce, Amy, Jonathan, etc.; (6) "Children of the Night" covers all of the vamps, demons, and other Big Bads from the show's first five seasons, providing such great details as character motivation (e.g., Glorificus wants to go home but Drusilla is just a "Whimsical nutjob"); (7) "Episodes, Seasons and Drama" is for the Director of the game and provides guidelines on how to create storylines and run games; and (8) "Sweeps Week" provides an actual adventure for the "BtVS RG" game, to be played with the Archetypes. Finally, the "Appendix" helps you hone your Buffyspeak and also provides useful charts and tables, a glossary, an index and conversion notes from other Unisystem games.

Christopher Golden, who has written some of the best "BtVS" novels along with the comic book and "The Watcher's Guides," writes the Foreword to this volume, which is basically a teaser for a role playing game. My son, who has considerably more experience with role playing games than I do, assures me this is fairly basic stuff and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" is a natural for this sort of fun. It is well established that "BtVS" is my favorite television show and I am fascinated by the details for the role playing game Carella has developed (e.g., the idea that guidelines are providing for "Breaking Things" tickles me). I also like the idea that playing the game can be developed in terms of Episodes and Seasons as well, providing a grand narrative structure to the fighting and biting. For those who love both "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and role playing games, this Core Rulebook as to be a treat.

I am an avid gamer for over twelve years. I love collection all types of RPGs cause you never know if you will find something useful.

I just got this book and think that my group and I are going to give it a swing. It looks like there are many posiblities for some great roleplaying. I think if you like the show and you are a gamer, you'll like this book.

This trade paperback presents a serial story that originally appeared in issues 21 through 25 of the BTVS comics. Officially it occurs at the end of the third season, but is more of a bridge into season four, presenting Buffy as a new freshman in college, desperately trying to balance the pressures of real scholastic work with her night job - slaying. When an old, scary legend of 'Mad Jack' comes back to life, Buffy over-reacts and kills the first suspect demon without a thorough investigation. The result is a major crisis when it turns out that Mad Jack was just the guardian over something much worse.

Originally released during the Roman conquest of Carthage, Ky-Laag is major badness. He was only brought under control at that time by the wiles of Vraka, another demon, who led a cult called 'The Blood of Carthage.' Several thousand years later Buffy has let the rabbit out of the hate, and Vraka heads for Sunnydale to try to stop Ky-Laag and, in his spare time, kill the offending slayer. Buffy feels the same way about Vraka, but, if they don't work something out, they will be dead and the rest of us will be worshipping Ky-Laag.

One of the other key story arcs is Willow's need for emancipation from a Xander who still treats her like a childhood sidekick. As a young woman with significant magical and intellectual skills this has become more than a little irritating. In a series of flashbacks we see the developing relationship between the two as children. One in which Xander often took the lead. The other piece of history is a series of pieces about Vraka and reason for his bad feelings towards Spike. It should be no surprise that these do not paint the vampire with a chip in his head in a very good light.

One has to think of 'The Blood of Carthage' as more than a trade paperback rehashing the contents of a series of comic books. The story itself is larger than its media, and the trade paperback or graphic novel suits it best. Part of this is due to the efforts of Christopher Golden as writer, and the rest is due to editor Scott Allie's decision to deviate from the story telling style in the previous comic series - 'Bad Blood.' This is not intended to be a criticism of Andi Watson's rambling nine-issue series. Instead, Allie decided it was time for a change of pace and then turned to Golden, a proven Buffy novelist, to implement the idea.

Golden's story line is structured much like a novel, with a focused major story arc and rising levels of complexity and intensity. To break up the pacing a bit we are treated with flashbacks to Willow's childhood with Xander and Spike's first encounter with Vraka. Another thing that makes this series special is the carefully managed creative artwork. While Cliff Richards is the artist for the main story, Chynna Clugston-Major and the team of Paul Lee and Brian Horton each get one of the flashback series. This is cleverly orchestrated to provide different moods and contexts. The art really is excellent, and a separate article on what went into it is included in this volume.

If you have been wondering which trade paperback to buy first, this should be high on your list.

I think this trade has issues 21-25 of the series, I can't be sure but the info I got is from the Dark Horse comics website. The issues aren't sectioned in the trade (the blood of carthage), they run together to form a really good story with rather good artwork. We even get to see Xander and Willow as kids! Its a good stand alone trade, I really recommend it. Spike and Dru make an appearance and Giles makes scones! The coolest thing about the trade is the Xander/Willow storyline because it really examines their relationship and who is the sidekick (or not). Christopher Golden is a great Buffy writer, I suggest you pick this one up.

The only problem with this excellent graphic novel is that it isn't a full length book. A plot so complex and characters so rich they deserve 300 pages. Christopher Golden never disappoints.

The art work is exciting and colorful. I think the actors are well drawn. Their voices are true.

Set in the fourth season, Buffy is at college. The pressures weigh heavy on her slayer duties. When she kills the wrong demon all Hell breaks loose which forces deadly enemies to work together. I recommend this to all Buffy fans