Local Custom is the first novel chronologically in the Liaden series, but the fifth novel published. Er Thom yos'Galan is caught in a emotional and moral bind: Liaden law requires him to provide children to the clan, yet he is infatuated with a Terran woman that he had meet several years before on Proziski. After a whirlwind affair, the two had parted, with Er Thom returning to his ship and trade route.

Now that his clan has demanded his child, Er Thom finds himself unable to become interested in any other woman. In a spirit of desperation, he borrows a ship from his foster brother and tracks down Anne Davis at her university. Their affair resumes immediately, as if no time has passed, but then Anne introduces Er Thom to their son, Shan yos'Galan. Suddenly their love affair runs afoul of a difference in customs. To Er Thom, the boy is a child of Clan Korval and Line yos'Galen and must be presented to the delm and thodelm to be accepted into the clan and line. Anne doesn't see him quite that way, but rather as her child, with Er Thom only the sperm donor. She refuses his offer of a contract marriage, seeing it as only another temporary fling.

This novel has elements of a comedy of manners, with misunderstandings occurring in all parties and with a few bitter feeling stirring the mix. However, such communication failures still occur in daily life even between close associates and still more often between different cultures on this planet. Nevertheless, the lovers struggle so hard against their misconceptions and freely open themselves to embarrassment with a spirit of trust, but are temporarily derailed by the thodelm.

This novel is a witty demonstration that etiquette -- i.e., manners -- is not universal. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" is an ancient adage that will probably still be true when the Sun dies of old age. Proper behavior is relative to the culture, depending upon customs, mores, folkways and traditions, yet people often assume that their own, local etiquette applies in every situation and place.

This novel also points out that etiquette exists only to facilitate interpersonal relationships and that foolish insistence on rigid formalism can destroy rather than nurture such relationships. In many respects, this tale summarizes the theme of the whole series: societies grow only when they continue to diversify and expand their horizons. Er Thom and Anne add a breath of new life to a complacent and ossified Liaden society. Indeed a comedy, but also an epiphany.

Recommended for Lee & Miller fans and anyone who enjoys exotic cultures with a touch of mystery, farce and romance in a SF setting.

When reading any of the books of Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, one expects a rousing good tale with plenty of action and well-developed characterization. That's what one expects from any good writers of space opera. But Lee and Miller set a higher standard of writing. Their use of language is exquisite. If you like wit and style, a dash of romance and characters so compelling they stick with you long past the time you close that back cover, then read this book and any of their others that you can get your hands on.

Local Custom tells the tale of Master Trader Er Thom yos'Galan and Scholar Anne Davis. He being Liaden and she human, their understandings of each other are not complete, and the fate of their child is at stake. Woven through this mix is a dark menace neither of them even perceive. How do they resolve their feelings and their clash of custom? Read the book to find out. I don't want to spoil anything!

- you can't ALWAYS do as the Romans do.
In the highly complex society that is Liad, it is necessary to move with great care to avoid giving or recieving offense. Not something that has oftened concerned Clan Korval, but this time it will matter deeply.
When Er Thom's obligation to produce an heir for the clan reaches a critical point, he finds himself unable to complete his duty until he settles some unfinished business....getting the mesmerizing Terran he met out of his head first. Which turns out to be harder than he expected, and dreadfully complicated by the existence of Shan yos Galen, son of Er Thom and his Terran lover!
This second "prequel" to the Liaden Universe stories gives us a wonderfully rich explanation of Liaden customs and manners, a better understanding of the Scouts and plenty of excitement. Buy everything these authors write if you like Bujold, Weber, Georgette Heyer or Dorothy Sayers!
Who says you have to be rude and swear to make a point?

This book is a first person account of Terry Wendt's struggles in Nashville as a struggling musician (pedal steel guitarist). It should be read my anyone aspiring to be a musician in Nashville as it covers life on the road as well as touching on studio work. As well as the professional struggles the book also chronicles the battles that the author endured on a personal level and details battles with the "powers that be" in an attempt to get an independently produced song distributed.
After reading the book (2 1/2 hours) I was emotionally drained and glad that I had chosen a different path.

This book is loaded with history and information about the music business. I was in awe over the reference to many country (well known) entertainers I actually had heard of that the author has been involved with. I think this is very good for reference for musicians in general with attention paid to detail. Even as a lead guitarist in a rock and roll band I learned a lot about the music business in general. I think everyone will like it who reads it. You feel a part of the story too!

When I saw the book, I started reading.
As more I red, as more I would come to the end, to see and understand.
Terry took me into a world, unknown so far for me, but...with several well known names.
let me tell you this, when Terry or others write books about country muic , I would be updated.
Thanks Terry, Your book is a big help for me, for my radio shows.

A sad story about problems caused by misconceptions concerning angels and spirits. Although the author is not a very good writer, the story is spellbinding and would make a great movie.

this book is a true account of a prayer group that was deceived by demons. they were true sincere christians that were visited by angels that told them they wre chosen of God, and all sorts of other things that stroked their ego. they figured that because these beings were beautiful and said they wre from God, that they MUST be from God. long story short, the demons little by little snuck in a little like mixed in a world of truth. kind of like giving a thirsty person a big glass of water with a little drop of cyanide until the person dies.

over a period od time the demons posing as angels from God told them that they had to steal from people who were demon possessed (which the demons called totaled) for the good of mankind. this went on and and the demons told them to do increasingly evil things until they eventually killed people. then they realized they wre being fooled by the demons.

the point is that the prayer group forgot the key thing the Bible says which is Isaiah 8:20 - To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. those angels went agaisnt God's word, but the peopel figured because the angels were real to them that they MUST be telling the truth. everything that seems godly, ISN'T. thats why its important to stay rooted and grounded in God's word. the first thing satan does is attck the Bible. once u dont have your sword u are defenseless agasint satan.

in today's world where u have people like John Edwards talkng to demons posing as loved ones, we need to stay rooted and grounded in the bible. the Bible tells us enver to talk to the dead (Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:11; 2 Kings 21:6; 1 Samuel 28:3; Isaiah 8:19; to name a few). we need to know that the devil is out to decive us all. if he cant get u one way, he will get u another. remember everyone, satan is the FATHER of lies.

Thank God that as we abide in Him, love, and obey Him, we have nothing to fear. God has a covering over his children that protects even agasint the strongest strongholds of satan.

peace and God's blessings
Jobita
:-)

With "The Tomorrow Log," authors Sharon Lee and Steve Miller introduce new characters, Gem, a thief who was once part of a close-knit community on a ship, and his cousin, Corbinye, who tracks him down to bring him back to his family.

This book was fine - well written, interesting characters, good plots, and all of the hallmarks of a good space opera. The problem is, it just doesn't compare to Lee and Miller's Liaden novels, with their wonderfully intricate plots, terrific characters and intriguing storylines. I would read "Tomorrow Log" again, but it isn't on par with the Liaden stories, for me, at least.

I have read and own all of the Liaden books by Lee and Miller. I consider myself to be of average intelligence. THE TOMORROW LOG is good; I don't think Lee and Miller could write anything but. However, there were certain aspects of this book that had me confused. I had trouble with the imagery of the Trident, Witness for the Telios, the Telios and their planet, and the garden on the spaceship. Also, the characters didn't quite come to life for me. If this is the beginning of a series, I will stay with it, though, and hope for the best.

It's impossible to write about a Lee and Miller space opera without comparing it to the Liaden series. But this book is not part of that series, and stands on its own (so far).

[If you haven't read the Liaden books, I recommend starting with the compilation Partners In Necessity.]

What the book is: a space opera -- sort of an Indiana Jones style adventure. By that I mean that we have a male hero (extraordinarily capable but with some flaws), a female sidekick who could easily also be the hero, some evil mobsters, daring breakins, swashbuckling fight scenes, sneaky assasination fight scenes, a romantic relationship based more on battles survived together and mutual respect than instant physical attraction, and some mystical artifacts and prophecies.

What it is not: Liaden. Liaden novels are more like James Clavell merged with Lois Bujold, with cutthroat business and social maneuvering intermixed with military action (and with a healthy dose of telepathic wizardry). Liaden novels are more setup, strategy, and verbal banter. Tomorrow Log is more action, with our heroes bouncing from one scrape to the next and the stakes increasing every time.

In summary, this book has much of the style of the Liaden stories, but with a rather different content. It is not as good as the whole Liaden series (a couple hundred pages versus over a thousand), but it probably is just as good as any of those books considered one-on-one.

This book is poorly put together. It looked as if it had been copied and it was even double copied on some pages. It also had no cover or colored pages. Figures are small proportions, not up to date with fashion figures. It was a bunch of copied pages

Yes, this book is very helpful with developing design skills. The only thing I was unhappy with when I recieved it in the mail was that on the preview of it on this website Amazon.com it looks as though it would be in color...only when it came it looked like it was xeroxed (and a bad job at that) it was obviously printed in color to begin with but has since been printed in black, gray & white. For instance, it goes to describe a color scale but the "color" scale is gray & black. It also has a section about highlights & skin color yet alas, it is gray & black...Very helpful but at the same time very disappointing...

I thought that this book had alot of really helpful ideas and tips.Personally,this book has improved my skills from "not so good" to unique and lifelike! My regards go out to Sharon Lee Tate and Mona Shafer Edwards...Excellent Job on writing an outstanding book!

I have reviewed critical articles of this book to determine whether it should be considered as a possible home school reference. In spite of a good coverage of important topics, the editors and writers present only the humanist driven explanations of the earth's creation and evolution. Intelligent design perspectives and scriptural facts are missing from their scientific literalist presentations. An editorial policy of scientific literalism does not completely serve those looking for broader treatment of all the facts. Most importantly, the book does not account for facts relating to Flood stratigraphy and editorializes against and ignores the facts supporting a "younger earth" hypothesis.

I like the mixture of astronomy and geology, but the astronomy articles treat physics and chemistry THEORIES as established fact. I would have liked more on environmental matters,especially articles on exploitation of the biosphere.

The pictures are good but, as with the text, the resources directing students to additional information seem slanted toward the scientific literalist perspective. The book would be greatly improved by presenting all sides of the growing scientific debate. In a book on Earth Science, all scientific perspectives need coverage. Although there is some good factual information, the books treatment of many creation and evolution issues seems one-sided and is thus incomplete. I would not recommend this book as appropriate as a stand-alone reference resource for home school study.
by: W. Stephens, FL. (PATH reviewer for home study resources).

An fine entry-level resource for high school and university students. The books have interesting pictures and a diversity of topics reinforce clear explanations of scientific principles that cut across the geosciences. SCIENCE is well presented.
Joan Francis, Earth Science Teacher, Retired Geologist.

In 1999 it was found that 17% of American high school students reported carrying a gun or other weapon over the past 30 days (MacKay AP, Fingerhut LA, Duran CR. Adolescent health chartbok. Health, United States, 2000. Hyattsville, MD: Nat Center Health Statistics, 2000) and males were more likely to carry than females. Among male students, non-Hispanic black students were more likely to carry a gun than non-Hospanic white and Hispanic students. Seven percent of the students reported carrying a weapon to school, 11% of males and three percent of females. In 1999, 27 percent of female students and 44 percent of male students were involved in one or more physical fights, but between 1991 and 1999 the percent of students carrying a weapon decreaseds 35% (26% in 1991 and 17% in 1999) (1).
This book is edited by Mohammad Shafii, a professor of Psychiatry at the University of Louisville School of Medicine and Sharon Shafii, a nurse with experience in adolescent medicine with another 22 contributors with a multidisciplinary background. The book is devided into four sections (Contributing factors, assessment and management, legal aspects and prevention) with a total of 15 chapters and a god index.
The layout is good, the chapters easy to read and the editors did an excellent work in order to give an up-to-date review of this field with perspectives for further research, prevention and interventions. We would have liked to see e-mail addresses included in the list of authors for further personal communication with each author.
This book will certainly become a resource book for professionals working in the school environment.

Professor Joav Merrick, MD, DMSc
Director, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel and Medical Director, Division for Mental Retardation, Box 1260, IL-91012 Jerusalem, Israel. E-mail: jmerrick@aquanet.co.il

Shlomo Kessel, MA
Director of Neve Natoa Residential Center, Box 93, Hadera. E-mail: skessel@internet-zahav.net

The authors of this book are pulling a huge scam on people who are interested in learning and/or enhancing their design skills. The information provided isn't even useful for a beginning designer.

My entire take on this book is "we're big shot designers and your NOT. So, you'll be happy to spend $54 plus dollars just to have a book we've taken the time to write." Who are these people, I've never heard of them! I have gotten better and more useful information from books that cost less. Well over half the book is filled with cheap looking line drawings of their designs, which the reader is to copy by tracing. If these were people with a good design sense, I wouldn't be so upset- but they aren't. If a person is looking to learn design in the method the authors "write" about,one would be better served to get a Fashion Trace Barbie Set for $15 bucks. It's the same thing, only Barbie doll designers have better sense of style. I know Amazon is looking to sell books. but this one is taking advantage of people.

i had to buy this book for a class in my fashion design program. i thought it was a huge ... when i bought it. it's an absorbitant amount of money for pages that look like they have been photocopied and put together cheaply with one of those flimsy plastic book binding things. i suppose that it was a bit helpful in understanding how to produce sketches for the industry. but, think i agree with the person who suggested the barbie sketching thing. just use a little imagination to picture your design drawn out like that.

I am an architecture student who was very interested in entering the design world. I picked up this book on a lark and found that without a teacher I was able to master the art of fashion design. It also proved valuable in teaching me the proper names of specific details and silhouettes. As far as I am concerned it is one of the best books out there for understanding the specifics of fashion design while at the same time being entertaining. I give it a high 5.