Authors Ian M. Harris and Mary Lee Morrison do an outstanding job of explaining what peace education is. Moreover, the serious study of militaristic thinking and the worldwide struggle for peace is both succinct and provocative.

"Peace Education," is a comprehensive book. I found chapter two, "Religious and Historical Concepts of War, Peace and Peace Education," and chapter three, "The Practice of Peace Education--What Does it Look Like? Types of Peace Education," excellent.

The authors explain, "the struggle for peace, if it is to be successful, must also provoke courage, must be understood as a heroic task, and must recruit thousands if not millions of converts willing to renounce violent means to settle disputes." They also suggest that there must be a strong understanding of the calamity of war to promote peace.

The practice of nonviolence and love in the affairs of human beings is an important field of study. This book covers sensitive issues in peace education, how to overcome obstacles and visions for a more hopeful and interdependent world. Professor's Harris and Morrison provide a clear-cut analysis of peace education and the practice of pragmatic rules to seek positive social change.

Bert Ruiz

Reading Matters: Learning By Text
Reading Matters: An Interactive Approach to Reading by Mary Lee Wholey and Nadia Henein, is a textbook designed for use with a wide range of intermediate or advanced level students of English as a second language or foreign language, but could easily be adapted to any second language situation. The format of the activities puts the focus on the students, rather than the teacher. At the same time the activities are designed to be non-threatening to even the most reserved students, thus lowering the affective filter for greater student involvement and success. The goal of the text is to develop fluency in advanced high school or college level students by providing them with a significant amount of exposure to various texts and extensive reading.
This textbook is the third book of a four part-reading program that implements a variety of text styles and genres from a plethora of American cultural media. The organization of the text is functional and easy to follow. It is structured into six units with two chapters in each unit. Each chapter has approximately four reading selections that increase in difficulty. The text should be followed in order of the chapters, as the texts gradually become more challenging by skills and grammar with each new unit. What is interesting about the organization of the chapters is that each section contains a reading skill (brainstorming, previewing, skimming, predicting, etc), an activity (interviews, matching meanings, giving your opinion), a relevant vocabulary section, and an expansion activity (reaction activities) to provide the student with an interactive means of demonstrating what was read. Exercises in the text are valid and the directions are clear to both the students and the teacher.
The readings of the text focus on attention-grabbing topics such as a case on misplaced embryos, kids shopping online, risk taking sports, and certain psychological disorders, to mention a few. The mixture of the readings captivates reader attention and provides many ideas for writing prompts. The use of the various realia allows students to become immersed in a variety of "real" readings that are current, cultural, and of interest to most students. Clearly written reading passages are presented in American English and are appropriate for the proficiency level of the targeted intermediate ESL students.
This text is a good source for teaching reading skills and introducing students to cultural texts, but lacks focus on writing skills, and does not include activities for listening and speaking skills. K-12 educators might like supplementary materials that the authors could provide, but which are not included in this series. In order to make the textbook more effective, I suggest providing a workbook with writing exercises, tapes of the readings to allow the students to hear (and to try to understand) a variety of English accents, a set of various types of assessments to check for comprehension, video tapes pertaining to the readings, and most importantly a teacher's guide.
I highly recommend using Reading Matters: An Interactive Approach to Reading in intermediate ESL classes, provided that the authors make available some helpful methodological guidance, alternative exercises, assessment strategies, and supplemental activities in how to teach each unit. This book could be used as a primary text of an intermediate ESL course or as an excellent supplemental text to accompany another series. ESL, EFL, and Foreign Language students and teachers would benefit from using this interactive reading text because it allows readers to experience diverse reading material available. Excerpts from this text are thought provoking and allow students to make personal and real world connections, thus bringing value and retention to reading.

..i seem to recall first reading this story in the pages of "heavy metal" magazine... but i must've missed a few installments because reading the story all in one compilation made it ten times better. the people who worked on this book are also prevelant in the comic book industry and sci fi/fantasy novel area... the work is some of the best and skin tight orbit is no exception. the art work and storyline bring to life the fantastic and gritty world. the elements of sexuality and lust are handled maturely and beautifully. the detail of both scenery and character make skin tight orbit one of the best erotic tales around. it's set in a semi-sci fi futuristic sort of theme and thus lends to having wonderous scope and imagination put into the story. it is a credit to the artist and writers talent and a good read for anyone into anything "heavy metal".

"Spirit of the Siskiyous" is a rare, precious book by a woman with a keen sense of observation and perception. Not only can she translate her knowledge and insights in words, but she can also enhance her writing with drawings and watercolors that visually capture the often profound subtilities of flowers, seasons, bugs and birds. The book is one to be read slowly so that it can be enjoyed graciously. It's a small gem, one that will delight and enlighten its readers.

This is a remarkable book. It is a primary account of a child's life growing up in Montana and Canada in the early part of the twentieth century. Margaret (Peggy) Bell's life spanned some 94 years, from 1888-1982, and her story is as exciting and troubling as any account one is likely to read, fiction or non-fiction. That the book is edited by Mary Clearman Blew makes it not only highly readable but lends it undeniable credibility.

Bell's account of growing up on the high plains of Montana and Canada is a rare, first person account of life on the frontier with it's numerous hardships, grinding poverty, and ultimate struggle to retain her mind and spirit that will break your heart and make you shout for joy...sometimes within a few paragraphs or pages. In a straight forward, honest, almost stoic manner she describes the many life lessons she learned and discusses a subject that is rarely seen in print in the literature of the period: the abuse, sexual and otherwise, she experienced at the hands of her uncle and stepfather. This is an amazing book that chronicles the life experiences of a resilient woman in a man's world that lived to understand who she was, where she came from, and what it all meant. That she could tell such a story without self pity or sentimental, touchy-feely themes is remarkable. Brutally frank, honest and ultimately uplifting.

"History has given Mary Custis Lee a bad rap," writes John Perry in the opening sentence of LADY OF ARLINGTON: THE LIFE OF MRS. ROBERT E. LEE. "I'm out to change that."

And change that he does. Perry rehabilitates Mary Custis Lee from a whining, neurotic invalid whose weakness and selfishness made everybody around her miserable and demonstrates that she was, in fact, a charming, attractive woman who turned heads in the Supreme Court chamber as a teenager and who almost certainly received a marriage proposal by no less a man than Sam Houston.

"Over her sixty-five years," writes Perry, "friends, relatives, and perfect strangers consistently described her as cheerful, smiling, welcoming, and industrious. She read Latin and Greek, and when she ordered a copy of LES MISERABLES, she wrote the bookseller to send it in either English or French, whichever was more readily available."

True, had not her great-grandfather been George Washington, and had she not have married Robert Edward Lee, the greatest of Confederate generals, we probably would never have heard of Mary Anne Custis. But Perry shows that she was a fascinating and inspiring woman in her own right.

Mary Custis Lee was an excellent painter, a published author, a legendary hostess, a tireless fund-raiser for charities, a devout Christian, staunch patriot, the mother who cared for seven children when their father was away from home for years at a time, and a devoted wife who nurtured her beloved husband's career even as arthritis crippled her body and the ravages of the Civil War drove her from the only home she had ever known.

Through diligent and dedicated research, John Perry has tracked down false rumors, half-truths, and conflicting claims about his subject and, by bringing the real Mary Custis Lee into the light, has set the record straight.

"Certainly the most exciting discover was Mary's prayer journal at the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond," writes the author. "As far as I can learn, none of it has ever been published or even examined before. Filled with her innermost thoughts, hopes, and fears, it casts new light on every word we have from her."

Was the discovery of Mary's prayer journal a blessing or a curse? Although some readers may rejoice in Mary's expression of religious emotions (concerning which Perry puzzlingly writes, "No one would ever read this"), others may find her diary to be overwrought, tedious, repetitious, and ultimately boring.

Be that as it may, Perry's diligent and dedicated research has tracked down false rumors, half-truths, and conflicting claims, and, by bringing the real Mary Custis Lee into the light, has set the record straight.

3.5 Stars

I was attracted to this book as a result of reading, "April 1865". I found General Robert E. Lee to be a particularly fascinating person, both militarily and in his personal life, and so a biography of his wife seemed to be an appropriate progression. I had never read material on this historical figure, so this books promise of the inclusion of her diary for the first time was also an attraction. The book was less than I had hoped for, while Mrs. Lee certainly held a unique place as a result of The Civil War and her relationship to George Washington, this book did not seem to justify its necessity.

Mrs. Lee like many women of the southern wealthy families lost virtually everything she ever called her own as the result of the war. She also was a beneficiary of the provision of a new home, and a more rapid return to a form of normalcy due to her husband's appointments, and then her son taking his father's place as a college president after the war. This was a return that was measurably longer for other families. The transition she did not make with her husband was the progressive acceptance of what had happened, and acknowledging the new reality that post war America would offer to those of the losing side of the conflict.

Mrs. Lee came from a family that was very progressive with regard to abolition and many other issues typically credited to The North. Unfortunately these thoughts did not carry through the war, and when compounded by her illness and the confiscation of the family homestead, she spent the balance of her life growing progressively angry. The US Government did return the title to her Arlington home after her death, and after it had thoroughly been destroyed as a family home. This home was also the site of many of George Washington's belongings, including the bed he had passed away in, his carriage, silver, literally rooms of possessions. This estate that had been the calling place of successive presidents and dignitaries like Lafayette was turned into a deforested piece of land, a squatter's village numbering several thousand people, and a national cemetery that encroached to the edge of her families graves.

The offerings from the diary are fairly slim in their variety and information they share. They are deeply personal notes of a devout Christian woman, however they do not offer great and original insight to her life.

This book is about much more than Mrs. Lee; it could have been called, The Families of Arlington. There is much that is of interest regarding her relations, and details of General Lee's correspondence, however she alone does not fill this book. Other work has been written about Mrs. Lee, and has received high praise; a reader might be better served to read other work prior to setting out with this offering by Mr. Perry.

I love everything about this book. They way it traces Mrs. Mary Custis Lee's family all the way back to George Washington and takes it forward from their. The way it describes the acquisition of Arlington. I have never seen a biography written better and keep my attention word for word till the end prior to this book.

I just finished reading this book and found it fascinating and helpful. As a mother of two boys, I am very interested in making my home as safe as possible. Using all-natural, chemical-free products is a great step in that direction. Mary Lee Patton's book is a "must read" for any mom, or mom to be.

Christine Fountain The.fountains@juno.com

I have practiced Essential Oil Therapy for years, and I find this book to be the one I am now recommending. I disagree with the reviewer below, and doubt this person has read the book, as there are many, many essential oils mentioned that Mary Lee does not sell (as you can see in the appendix). Also, all of the stories I read in the book, whether it was a celebrity, or a mom like me, contained very practical information. They were heartwarming as well, which makes it more enjoyable! This book is so easy for the novice, or the experienced to pick up, read, and put into practice immediately. I can also say, as an avid reader of books on health, essential oils and herbs, that I applaud the author for her section on safety. Too many books throw out information without the general precautions. I highly recommend this book for everyone.

I heard Mary Lee on the radio and bought her book. I read the entire book in three days and think it's terrific. I have been looking for a way to live a healthier life and I found Mary Lee's Natural Health and Beauty extremely helpful. It gives me a starting point in making my home a happier, healthier place without going to extremes. I also love the fact that she has made her passion into a successful business. I know this phrase is overused, but...."YOU GO GIRL"!

This book was confusing - Too much similiar information packed into the same chapter, very confusing for students.....

I have taught out of Pasajes from time to time over the last 10 years throughout several editions. The Fifth Edition appears to be their hottest edition yet. The presentation in the book is sharper and more comprehensible than ever. While many texts just lose steam after several editions, Pasajes has hit its peak!

This book was the first I've ever bought where the Introduction was better than the book. I thought there might be an answer or 2 in the book. There wasn't. There wasn't much content and some the questions were questions I've asked before. Still not sure how to get them answered in my rather traditional church. This book may be more useful to Theology students and ministers.

For those of you who are comfortable bringing up challenging topics with your friends and family, this book is a must. With the questions the author has presented, you can spend hours learning about the true nature of those you hold dear.

If you are less comfortable challenging organized thought with others, take time to review your own views and beliefs. I believe this book has strengthened my beliefs as much as any sermon I've ever heard.

If you want to generate some interesting and, more than likely, confrontational discussion at your next dinner party, bring this book. The questions contained in this book are designed to challenge your assumptions and learned beliefs about God and religion. The book offers no answers to the questions. As the reader you can rest assured that the author does not push you down a path of thought you are not willing to explore. But I would challenge all readers to explore each path thoroughly and to find your faith strengthened by what you discover.

This book is great about confusing beginners. I haven't read the whole book yet ,but so far it's been pretty confusing to understand the examples that they show because they don't explain the code clearly. If this book is pretty confusing to me even that i have basic programming knowledge, I can't imagine a total non-programmer learning javaScript from this book.

i think that this book is a great book and it helps you realy learn about JavaScript. The problem with this book is it doesn't realy give a real lot of examples and explain how they work. i learned JavaScript mostly from online tutoriols from web pages. END

This is a great book for beginners who want to learn enough to be comfortable with Javascript.