It was my great pleasure to be able to know and study with Lee Raus Gandee or "Lee" as I called him in the mid-1970s. He was as fascinating and enigmatic as the book he has written. Sadly, Lee passed from this plane of existance in 1989.

When I first met Lee in 1974, he lived outside Lexington. SC in a house once owned by Mary Englemeyer, a woman who was convicted of withcraft and tortured in 1798. Facing east on the highest point between two bodies of runing water, it was a proper "hex" house. During the three years I studied hexerei with Lee, the unusual became commonplace and I learned that magic was not only real, but a very serious business not to be taken lightly or for improper motives. Though in many ways, a tragic person who saw much sorrow and pain in his life, Lee was also a first rate hexenmister and was, in every respect, the "real McCoy." I once asked Lee " How does one become a Hexenmeister?" He answered "By being a hex until you can mamage it." Over the past twenty five years as a practioner of hexerei/powwow, that answer has echoed again and again in my memory. Real magical practice is a life-log spiritual pursuit as it was in the days when it was more common.

You, the reader, probably don't want to hear these personal anecdotes and memories. The only reason I offer them is to say that if you can get a copy of this book, it is worth your time to read and experience the depth and mood of hexerei/powwowing through the life and stories of a "real master."

Unfortunately, most of what has been written on the topics of hex, pow-wow, and german-american folk healing is out of print (including _Strange Experience_, sadly) or is grossly inaccurate compared to what i've learned about the subject living within ten minutes of both the west virginian and pennsylvania boarders. Mr. Gandee's autobiography is a rare gem next to these other works. In addition to an account of the peculiarities of his own life that lead him into lifestyles few other americans are even aware of, _Strange Experience_ gives detailed instructions on the use of "hex" signs, magical charms, "effective" prayer, and divine healing, and also embarks on many discussions of occult and mysteriouss topics, from dopplegangers to saintly miracles to spiritualism and the after life. Although Mr. Gandee reveals other spiritual and philosophical influences then those native to german appalachia, that just goes to show how organic and flexible the art of hex is, and how likely it is that it still survives in a few places today. For anybody serioussly interested in the magical and healing arts of pennsylvania, west virginia, and german-americans everywhere, this book will prove every bit as invaluable as "The Long Lost Friend" to scholar and practitioner alike.

Published at the time of the American occult revival in the 1960s-70s, this book takes you to a world not often seen in contemporary literature: the back country of West Virginia where superstition, hauntings and folk magic are an integral to the consciousness of its citizens. Chock-full of folk-remedys and magic, the book is also valuable beause it illustrates many of the "hex signs" which adorn the barns and houses in that part of the country. Amazing is a chapter where Gandee describes his adolescent sexual relationship with an older boy named, get this, Stud -- amazing at least for a book published in 1971. These tales are never dull, and this is an essential book for anyone interested in witchcraft and the occult.

I thought the potential reader would be interested in where the content for the guide came from. Simple... readers and organizations like yours. All of the concepts are fully tested and I truly don't know of anyone else who took this approach. And, although I come to the table with bias... I think you who have helped with the work deserve five stars.

This book is must for any Inside Sales Manager. The information and guidelines in this book helped me to start a new Inside Sales Department with a large manufacturing company. It made it possible to grow $20 million in mature existing business by 15% in just 18 months. Quite a return for such a small investment. Lee Van Vechten provides direction for a telephone sales manager in all areas as it relates to starting and managing an Inside Sales Department. It is simply stated a step by step guide to success regardless of your level of experience. This book has became my "bible"!!!

John Kirk Senco Products, Inc.

This book is a must for anyone starting and/or managing a telephone sales call center. It gives you every piece of advice that is necessary to succeed. The information in this book was key to the success that I have had starting and operating an Inside Sales Department for a large manufacturer. Following the guidelines and information in this book I was able to take $30 million dollars worth of existing mature business and grow it by 15% during the first 18 months. In my opinion this book should be the bible for any telephone sales manager...it's value is priceless!!! Mr. Van Vechten is certainly an expert in his field.

John Kirk SENCO Products, Inc.

Taxing Tallula is a very entertaining book! T.J. Marino has many problems, and they all need to be dealt with NOW! A gambling habit she's trying to break. Three marriage proposals. A Mafia connection. What's a girl to do?

L.L. Lee does a marvelous job of weaving all of these aspects, along with the idiosyncrasies of small town life, into a believable, funny, enjoyable book.

I consider all of L.L. Lee's books in the "must read" category.

L.L. Lee's first novel will appeal to anyone who enjoys fast-paced farcical literature with an emphasis on eccentric characters. But it will especially appeal to anyone with small-town experiences. Having lived most of my childhood in Louisiana, I must say that Lee's Louisiana reflects the real one in the funniest and most bizarre ways. But gambling problems, the mob, and crooked politicians in the Pelican State? Can I believe all of that? Well, actually, yes.

One scene in particular epitomizes Lee's comic skills. When a hard-at-hearing man happens into the middle of a poorly timed break-up of two lovers, his attempt at comprehending the words somehow turns into a threat that causes him to leave all his money and take off running!

The main character, T.J. Marino, is a special treat who will stay in the minds of readers, even after they forget the details of the plot. Marino is one of those offbeat, lovable characters who manages to put herself into every bad situation possible! However, you can put yourself into a good situation by reading this delightful book!

I just finished Taxing Tallula and really had a few belly laughs.I identified with several of the characters and the abundant "Comfortable in Chaos" that many of them shared.The characters were "Real" and many I have met before.The authorwas able to paint a picture in words in many instances such as the holiday sights and scenes and the environmental amviance that goes with such.It would be interesting to see a sequel to this story to find out how T.J. manages or unmanages the rest of her life.

The great state of Tennessee has produced some of the truly dynamic leaders of this century. One of the best of them is Senator Bill Frist, distinguished physician and surgeon and now a lodestar leader in the United States Senate. Reading this book is both informative and inspiring. You will gain a unique perspective on the twentieth century through the insightful biographical chapters on the Tennessee Senators who impacted the history of our nation and the world from 1911 to 2001. The theme of servant leadership, so evident in the author's own life, is illustrated in the lives of those benchmark Senators from Tennessee. This book is a very important study of leadership that forces us to redefine the title "politician". This book is a good, stimulating read!

Dr. John Lloyd Ogilvie, U.S. Senate Chaplain

While filling his role as an active United States Senator, Bill Frist has undertaken a task requiring a sense of history, perspective, and courage. His commitment to Tennessee history from the perspective of both information and inspiration is evident in his wide-ranging research into the careers of the seventeen Senators who are his subjects, and courage was surely necessary in his evaluation s of their constructive or detrimental contributions to their state and country. His introductory essay, "A Sense of Place and Time," provides an exemplary summary of the events and issues challenging the varied, fascinating, and intensely partisan group of twentieth century leaders who come to life in these pages. Their stories will remain a unique part of the Senator's legacy to history.

-Wilma Dykeman, Tennessee State Historian

With deftness, Senator Frist and Mr. Annis have mined a vein of Tennessee history rich in character and content. The reader will take delight in sifting through the settings, circumstances and fascinating personalities who have contributed so distinctly to a governing process which has led the United States to a pre-eminent position among all nations. Every student of Tennessee history will find in the content of this unique work a great storehouse of information, reminiscences, and intriguing insights concerning the unique individuals who have served their state and nation in the United States Senate. The book represents a valuable gift to every Tennessean.

-Governor Winfield Dunn

Hi - I'm the illustrator that did the cover. Had to read the whole manuscript first - Lee's a sweetly demented fellow, his tales of full of sadness, regret and wicked observation.

Had to get a drunk a couple of times just to start work on the cover art.

Lee - you never said whether you liked the cover or not?

Lee K. Abbott is the King of Kings and the true heir to John Cheever's crown as the ruler of the short story as Big Art. I once phoned him while doing a stage at the University of Iowa International Writers Workshop and he promised to send me "The Heart Never Fits its Wanting" (his only title I didn't have); he never did but it's okay: still looking for it and proud to be his only fan born in Argentina.

Simply THE BEST. Every book by Lee K. Abbott reads like a chapter in a BIG AMERICAN NOVEL. I mean: each one of his short-stories is more nutritive than most novels published these days. I already wrote a review as a READER FROM BARCELONA, SPAIN but forget to put my e-mail there in case Mr. Abbott wants to send me the promised out-of-print-book (if you're there, Lee, knock three times). In a world where everybody seems to fall for minimalists, Mr. Abbott is a maximalist with a vengeance. Lucky us.

The Scarlet Letter puts even the most morally secure people's beliefs to the test. The line between what is really sin and what is "different" in this novel is one that most cannot define at the end of finishing this book. It makes the reader think about the choices in their own life, and the choices they would make in situations such as those of Hester Prynne, Dimmsdale, and little Pearl. The Scarlet Letter has a wonderful way of depicting the exclusiveness of the early Puritans that is not outwardly horrible, but chips away at the patience of the reader until their feelings towards the Puritans are nothing but distain. The novel uses light and dark in ways that subconsciously show what is Godly and reverent and what is evil and sin. So many elements in The Scarlet Letter just capture the reader into wanting more, and I recommend this book to anyone who wants to challenge their beliefs.

I first read this book in high school, and i didn't like it much, which was surprising because i really enjoy Hawthorne's short fiction. i again picked it up recently, and found that loved it. There no doubt that it is a difficult book to read, Hawthorne requires the reader to think as he reads. everything is symbolic of something in this book. Hawthorne has a mastery of the language that you just don't see anymore. think this is one we should re-read every few years, as we mature. I got the Norton edition, which helps a little with understanding the story, but most of the articles were not that helpful.

This was an interesting book. I liked the plot, but the author really needed to wrap up those words that I didn't understand. I mean, I can define any one of the words in the book, save few, but using about 5 of them in one sentence just makes me too confused to try to get into the story like I normally do.

This is a book that you don't want to end. I wanted delve more into the characters lives as the book went on. They were so fascinating and varied. I liked the way Helen Elaine Lee integrated telling of folktales so closely with the story as well. That aspect gave the book a magical feeling and hope to the characters lives.

I will add this book, and Ms. Lee's most recent accomplishment, Watermarked, to my Good List.

Ms. Lee's novel weaves the tale of two families whoses lives are forever entwined. Cleverly, she uses the image/symbol of the serpent through the important passages of the main characters. LaRue, an accomplished story teller also helps to convey the symbolism of the snake. Through powerful metaphorical images and symbolism, Ms. Lee leaves readers contemplating about the two families, the Staples and the Smalls even after the very last page. A powerful tale from an eloquent writer. I am still in awe of the fact that The Serpent's Gift is Ms. Lee's first novel.

Not the most imaginative or stimulating approach, especially for younger children with a strong creative bent, but it gets the job done and provides a strong foundation for using more creative, play-oriented techniques.

I purchased this title because I needed something more effective than what my child's first grade teacher was using. Step by Step Phonics is very easy to use. It is set up so even a parent who isn't familiar with teaching the reading process can use it with little or no effort.

My daughter quickly learned the phonics patterns and sight words in each unit. She can now pick up any book and read on her own. What I liked best about this book, children learn phenomenal spelling and writing skills while they are learning to read. My daughter really enjoyed learning and illustrating the poems too. It is a great program to use with your child and for primary teachers. I'm glad I found it when I was looking through Amazon's titles last fall. Thank you so much. Now that my child can read, I have one less thing to be concerned with as a parent. I highly recommend this title.

I have used this program with my first grade Title One children. ( These are children who do not qualify for special classes, but need extra help in Reading) It works, it is thorough, and the children really enjoy it! My ESL (English Second Language) students also have improved greatly through this program.

Poet Ezra Pound once told literary critic Hugh Kenner that Kenner had an obligation to visit the great people of his time. In "Street Conscious Rap", H. Samy Alim takes this counsel to heart and hand, as he, with James G. Spady, records the words and ideas of hip-hop's innovators and creators. The resulting rarity--the makers of hip-hop speaking, without interpretation, of what they, themselves, think and do--is a resource for study and insight; a document with archival muscle; a testimony for all time.

The interviews in this book are so detailed and in-depth that it made me think differently about some hip hop artists and hip hop as a whole. For instance, Method Man, Common, and Xzibit provide some real insight into the creative processes and abilities involved in hip hop. And Grandmaster Flash provides a first-hand historical account that makes you feel like you were there when hip hop was just getting started. All of the artists tell such amazing stories about their lives and experiences that we don't really read about anywhere else. The book also shows how important hip hop is culturally, historically, and socially -- and the impact it's had on the world. If you're serious about hip hop, this is the book you need to get. It's off tha hook, y'all!

I have always believed that hip hop, is America's only TRUE culture. Originated in the U.S., and flourishing all over the globe, hip-hop has become a subject of great interest over the last decade. This book gives much insight as to the origins of hip-hop with interviews and ideas from legends like Grandmaster Flash, Doug E. Fresh and LL Cool J. At the other end of the spectrum, some of hip-hops newer and most intriguing artists are covered from Method Man to Busta Rhymes and even including some of the hottest local and underground rap groups to show the evolution of hip-hop in America. You will see that this virtual encyclopedia of hip-hop facts and philosophy doesn't miss a beat, as you find yourself continuosly nodding your head in awe of the detailed content as you turn each page. Anyone who has a thirst to learn more about the thoughts of their favorite rap artist, or to better understand the culture, philosophy and art of hip-hop, should purchase this book.

Lee did it again! I rate this one my favorite of her works so far. She put a great deal of emphasis on historical detail while spinning a mysterious little tale of intrigue for her two main characters. The detective couple starts out to enjoy rounds of golf in the Hawaiian Islands and ends up solving a unique mystery. It made a great summer read in my backyard hammock.

D. Whitehead
MidlandTexas

Lee Tyler is a veteran travel writer and current member of the Golf Writers Association of America. Other books include The Case Of The Missing Links.

Hawaii is full of mystery and romance, and when Harry "Win" Winslow and June Jacobs (who are self-described top golfing sleuths) are talked into watching over the new Mauna Makai golf course for a week, they have no idea that they will be dealing with more than just political mischief. Mauna Makai has an ancient wall, known as "papohaku" running through it. The wall is both the draw and the originator of many of the problems Martha Masters and Doug Banner have been having in getting the golf course online in time for a big celebrity wedding and the launching of the golf course:

"As they lurched along toward the first hole, Ted said, 'I live up-country, up there, about ten miles away.' He pointed to a mountain in the distance. 'See that rainbow? That's Waimea, where I live. Sometimes in the middle of the night, I hear this golf course calling to me. Like it's crying for help. So I get up at like two in the morning and get dressed and drive down here to check on things. My wife thinks I'm crazy. Doug here thinks I'm superstitious. Me, I'm just doing my job. And you know what? Every time I've come down here, there's been something screwy. Like majorly wrong.' He turned to Doug and said, 'Explain that with your mainland logic.'"

Tyler has combined the game of golf, ancient Hawaiian mythology, and a couple of scatterbrained sleuths to produce a whimsical tale about love, ghosts, and the history and culture of Hawaii. The Teed-Off Ghost is an excellent book to pull out on a cold winter day, as Tyler's passages about luaus can't help but warm the spirit. Tyler pokes fun at the obsession of golfers, while treating us to a warm Hawaiian experience complete with lots of terminology for the uninitiated. She adds island mystery, an entertaining and irascible ghost, and handsome natives who play havoc with the ladies' hearts. The Teed-Off Ghost is more about getting into the native spirits than it is about murder and mayhem, but it is a fun read nevertheless.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

I really enjoyed the book I liked the characters, I liked the plot, and I felt like catching the next plane to Hawaii, even as a non golfer. The book was consisently charming and fast pased.