David Morrell has encapsulated -- in 232 pages -- the essence of writing. As he has so succinctly demonstrated in his novels, David writes to every level of reader. He clearly covers motivation, plot, character, research, voice, writer's block, and the "business" of writing, using exceptional wit and examples that will have you rolling with laughter. If you are interested in improving your writing, or want to get in the mind of a writer's writer, or simply learn from the master, this is the book for you.

David Morrell has presented us with a book about writing that tells the truth about the craft and business of writing. Like many books on writing, he tackles the basics of plot, character, point of view, and description, but his explanations are superior to most books of this type. Because his examples come from his experience writing novels (and screenplays), he shares his personal difficulties along the way. His discussion of point of view, particularly when to use first person or not, is among the best I've seen. I loved his discussion of the financial aspects of writing where he states the real dollars you can expect-not the fantasies so many writers have of getting rich. Some laughter here, too, about his experiences with Hollywood.

If you're in the middle of writing a novel, stuck on a block, or considering starting a novel, you'll find LESSONS FROM A LIFETIME OF WRITING readable, inspirational, and practical.

~review by Joan Mazza, author of Dream Back Your Life; Dreaming Your Real Self; and 3 books in The Guided Journal Series with Writer's Digest/Walking Stick Press.

After recently meeting David at a conference, I bought and read his book, FIREFLIES. Written with a mix of fiction and fact, it touched my heart so deeply that I found myself searching out his other work. Since 1988, I've had short stories published, signed with a literary agent and also a screenplay agent, but eventually gave up writing fiction altogether in 1997. Then because my new line of work led me to write an autobiography, I chose his book, LESSONS FROM A LIFETIME OF WRITING. After reading each of his chapters, I found myself critiquing my own work from his examples. Though his book is based on helping the fiction writer, I found much helpful information concerning the craft of writing that applied to both fiction and nonfiction. It was such an inspiration that I have decided to return to fiction writing, my true passion! My favorite part in the entire book is when he asks the question; Why do you want to be a writer? And his answer says it all. For those of you who had to put your fiction writing on hold for one reason or another, David Morrell's book will re-ignite your passion for writing and have your mind dancing with new ideas long before you read the last page.

This book is great fun, not least because of the author's extraordinary skill in the efficient delivery of interesting facts. The opening chapters, which detail the origins of the world's major drugs, are among the most informative I've read.

The second half of the book, while still engrossing, is a less comprehensive historic analysis of drug use and prohibition. Courtwright concentrates on economics at the expense of culture, emphasizing production and commerce rather than demand and moral opposition. Given the enormous social influences in the modern world, such as the American cultural war against 60's drug use and the pervasive use of alcohol and tobacco as social tools, the emphasis on money and power over cultural forces in the past strikes me as an incomplete analysis. It leads the author to unconvincingly argue that American prohibition and its repeal were primarily the results of economic interests (a "contradiction of capitalism"). Oddly, the same events in the Soviet Union are attributed to "popular resistance", without any comparative discussion of the two nations. Finally, the value of pleasure and the concept of individual rights are generally neglected.

In the end, my main problem with is that Courtwright doesn't give culture the excellent and amusing treatment he gives commerce. I can think of worse things to say about a book.

I'm an obscure history buff and when I saw this one it piqued my interest. This is part history, part science and part sociology and the author makes this a more interesting subject than I thought it could be. He starts off with what he calls the Big Three: Alcohol, Tobacco and Caffiene. From there he breaks it further down citing the most popular and not so popular illegal drugs. Mentioning natural stimulants that are unfamiliar to most, such as Qat, Kava and Betel and the very descriptive reasons on why they did not take to popular consumption.

Courtwright also doesn't fail to mention that, even though with best intentions, scientists around the 1800's and the turn of the century were also responsible for some of the most addictive substances. Your jaw will drop when you read who devolped heroin and what is was originally used for.

Fun, informative, and mind blowing reading.

I was attracted to this book originally because I had read one of Courtwright's other books, "Violent Land," and was very much impressed. Courtwright seems to be building a career on the study of the historical dimensions of deviance--which is important for all of us when we try to look at today's problems in perspective. A major theme of "Forces of Habit" is that some drugs, such as coffee, tea, tobacco, alcohol, and chocolate have become "world drugs" due to the efforts of the international pushers known as "the West." Other drugs, such as qat, kava, and betel have never caught on in the West and, as a result, have not been made into international commodities complete with huge multi-continent plantations and a complex distribution system. The West, however, has now decided that some drugs are bad because they don't work well in complex, industrialized society--cocaine, heroin, etc. Even though the British were once the major distributors of Opium, literally forcing it on the Chinese, they now oppose it. "Forces of Habit" is a fascinating but quick tour of many aspects of the history of drugs from a macro perpective. If you are looking for more details on specific drugs or a detailed analysis of a particular era, Courtwright does offer an annotated bibliography to guide you. If all you want is an overview, this is a great place to start.

I resonated with this book more that any other. It is exactly what the title says, a no nonsense concise description of what makes up a mature healthy adult psyche. I found it easy to dismiss other less precise, more preachy/cheesy self help books. But when I read this book it just resonated as "truth" and those less functional parts of my psyche had to admit that they had been found out. It's similar to the feeling one gets when reading the Feynman Lecture Series about physics -- they are both masterful distillations.

A superb, to the point book. Its advice is cogent, wise, and the distillation of many years of practice by an excellent therapist. This book outlines so many of the areas of life we need to take responsibility for in our own personal growth as adults in order to be happy. Of particular value is the emphasis on our need to "self-parent." This book is so densely filled with useful advice that you cannot read more than a page without putting it down to reflect on how applicable it is. It's that good.

I am a clinical psychologist and am loathe to recommend self-help books as most of them are just ways for the author to make money by tapping into the reader's anxieties about themselves. Most offer superficial and simplistic solutions that offer little more than false hope but will keep the reader "coming back for more" from the self-help industry. NOT SO THIS LITTLE GEM! It is one of the two most solidly written and thought through books on personal growth I know of (the other is The Road Less Travelled, by Scot Peck). It's the kind of book you will need to read slowly and meditatively, perhaps even only a page at a sitting. It's also the kind of book you can expect to benefit from reading through again after a year or two on your shelf.

Language Of Souls is heady and a delightful read. The artwork lends itself beautifully to the written work. The poetry of Mr. Taub, Ms. Frankovich and Mrs. Solomon holds your rapt attention. Definitely a must-buy book.

I heard KT and David do a Poetry Reading from their Book Language of Souls, it was done with such love and special meaning,I know that the words and poems chosen,When kt and David recited their works it made you feel as if you were reliving the experinces that they shared in there superb poems. They have such depth in the way they express themselves and beauty in the words. Just wonderful, there are not enough words I can say about these special people. Keep up the Wonderful Work God Bless Janet Russell Host and Producer Beyond The Unexplained

This book is quite a treasure.The artwork of Freydoon Rassouli is evocative and dreamlike adding a marvellous dimension to the language imagery of authors k.t., David and Ruth - an extraordinary trio of poets whose differing styles keep the reading fresh as they wander through topic and theme. I will remember and re-read 'The Precious Bag Lady', 'Winter Walk' (and other seasons) and 'Luminary Appropriations' and many others. I can recommend Language of Souls as a rich and rewarding reading.

A great book for anyone who has a tenacious desire to go beyond their initial romance with a trip to the moon and learn what the "missions" were really all about. It was a tough read though - at least in the beginning. I found that I had to study the glossary for a day or two before I was qualified to understand the complex geological prose that Harland launches into right from page 1. But by the time I finished Apollo 15, I felt like I was an expert at planetary geology and couldn't wait to "explore" more with Apollos 16 and 17!

Overall a really terrific book, but nevertheless, I agree with some other reader's criticisms:

1. The basic geological terms and principles should have been explained to laymen throughout the first half of the book. So much of the wonder and excitement of the adventure is dependent on a thorough understanding of what the scientists were searching for. Patient readers (like me) will wade through and learn "the hard way" (checking the glossary often) but Harland could have made the book a smoother ride with a little more "teaching."

2. The pictures could definitely be better. In particular, every mission should have a detailed traverse map up front with all craters and landmarks noted that are mentioned in the text. I found that I had to supplement the book with charts and photos from the internet in order to properly follow along.

That's it! I've learned a tremendous amount and am grateful to the author for making me into more of an expert on a subject that I have always loved.

'Exploring The Moon - The Apollo Expeditions' is an account of the manned Apollo lunar landing missions and their unmanned precursors and successors. It focuses on the three so-called 'J-missions', the extended 3-day stays on the lunar surface which brought the program to a conclusion, and delivered the bulk of its scientific results.

Having previously read the detailed accounts of lunar surface activities contained in the Apollo Lunar Surface Journal -- a web resource that documents the mission transcripts with a commentary -- it was a delight to read Harland's travelogue-style approach. The extremely lucid narrative really succeeds at putting the astronauts activities into context, with lunar geology being the scientific theme. One feels at times as though one is standing just a few feet away from the moonwalkers as they cope with the pressures of trying to perform work in the limited time available, the frustrations of apparatus not working as planned, and the exhilaration of surprise discoveries.

Supplementing the text are numerous maps, photos and some excellent assembled panoramas mosaicked specifically for this book. Appendices list the missions, the crews, and the moonrock samples described in the text. A glossary of geological terms and a description of all of the lunar surface experiments will be helpful to the non-geologist, non-scientist reader alike.

One will not likely find a better book on the subject of planetary field geology. Perhaps this ought to be required reading for the people who will someday return to the Moon.

Astronomer Patrick Moore provides the Foreword, and Apollo 15 Commander David Scott the Afterword to this exceptional work. Even the learned Dr. Moore, who has studied the Moon for many years, admits that he's learned new things from this book.

Having studied the lunar surface activities of the Apollo astronauts for some years now, I must say that this book is a must-have for any serious

Apollo buff. I'm sure that I'll be referring to my dog-eared copy for many years to come.

If you want to know what people did on the Moon, and why they did those things, read this book. I very highly recommend it.

David Harland's book is one of the finest I have ever seen on the Apollo program or on Solar System exploration in general. Getting beyond the techincal aspects of spaceflight, the spacecraft or the astronauts' personalities which have been done by other authors, this book brings out the excitement of exploration and the discovery of the unknown that the Apollo astronauts participated in. Many people have been exposed to a taste of this in the episode about Apollo 15 in Tom Hanks' excellent television series "From the Earth to the Moon" which showed how, under excellent teachers, the astronauts, coming from a background of engineering and aeronautics, became true scientists and explorers.

It is true that a lot of geological concepts are thrown at the reader from the beginning and those (like myself) who have no previous background in geology might be intimidated but I find that a careful reading of the excellent glossary contained in the book should give enough background to make the science generally accessible. Harland makes clear why the various landing sites were chosen and what the geological issues were that were to be investigated. Traverse maps showing the various geological features to be explored are included for each mission. The many photographs presented illustrate the main discoveries and their significance. Of special note are the panoramas personally assembled by Harland (which are also available on the internet's Apollo Lunar Surface Journal) which give a stunning view of the Lunar environment as the astronauts saw it.

Finally, I strongly urge someone who finds himself becoming more interested in the subject of Lunar geology to also read Don Wilhelm's "To a Rocky Moon" which presents the historical development of our ideas about the Moon up through the famous Kona Conference in 1984 which determined that the Moon was probably created due to a giant body impacting with the fledgling Earth and also Paul Spudis' "The Once and Future Moon" which gives a summary of our state of knowledge up to the mid-1990's and directions for future exploration.

Provided you are ready to recive it, and ideally have read "Power vs. Force" beforehad, this book will radically transform you. It changed my life forever. It blows my mind every time I pick it up and read it, which is basically daily. My copy is bent, tattered, underlined, written upon, due to constant referral and reflection.
This book is best taken daily; read a paragraph or a sentence, then reflect upon it. Being that it is like "mainlining" spirituality it is practically impossible to take in more that a bit at a time without going into overload.
The benifits of carefully reading and reflecting on this book over time *cannot*, i repeat *cannot* be overestimated, cannot even adequately be put into words.
This book is a perfect complement to "The Power of Now" as well; I found that working with both books simultaneously has a powerful synergistic effect. Tolle is a bit more gentle and hands-on, while Hawkins hits you (lovingly) with a 60ton anvil-over-the-head of direct spiritual truth.

I've searched for a long time trying to find a spiritual book that is truly unique. I read Power vs. Force based on a recommendation from one of the Amazon.com book lists. That book laid the foundation for proper appreciation of the Eye of the "I" which is the second book in a yet to be completed trilogy by David Hawkins. I've read the Eye at least five times and I'm for from done yet. I carry it wherever I go. Single sentences and paragraphs can have a life changing effect - much like the Gita. This is a book of immense spiritual power that needs to be savored, absorbed, cherished.

Upon completion of Power vs. Force, his first book, it was evident that Dr. David R. Hawkins was onto something big. Now comes The Eye of the I, the second in a trilogy that will, no doubt, become classics in Spiritual literature, if not in Physics, Medicine, Psychology, and heaven knows what other areas. A noted doctor and healer with many credentials, Hawkins experienced enlightenment in all its glory, and gently points the way for us. He is a loving presence, a kind teacher, a benevolent energy that transcends time and space. The words on these pages awaken something great in the reader. It is recommended, though, that the books be read in order. Though the first one is a bit technical, the second book speaks to the spiritual seeker in all of us. The world morphs into a paradise as these books are passed from hand to hand, from mind to mind, and from heart to heart.

I picked up this book after reading Long's collection of stories "Blue Spruce" and feel sure I am going to be reading his other works as well. Long's story gives us an insight into smalltown America, totally different from what we see in Hollywood movies and such. It's simple and honest and explores the basic and fundamental intricacies in human relationships. I personally find the protrayal of the Stavros sisters interesting as one can see the mirror and similarities in the characteristics of the four of them. Although the main focus of the novel was on Mark and his marriage to Olivia, I think more enduring was the flashbacks of Nick's marriage to his long-dead wife, Grace. That is a bond that overcomes differences, difficulties, temptations and time -- gathering all the strands of the novel together and thereby providing a centre for the story. I would have liked to have the WHOLE TRUTH about Celia and Linny, Olivia and Linny, and all the other little mysteries peppered throughout in the novel, but that would just have detracted from the novel's purpose and might just have reduced it as a whole. I enjoyed this book which spoke to my heart and by the way, isn't Davey just adorable?

On many different levels, the Falling Boy is a joy to read. The story of Mark Singer and the family he marries into is a fairly simple one, but the reach of the novel is so much greater.

David Long invests the ordinary with so much meaning and life, without making his observations at all contrived. The Falling Boy will make you look at your own familiar surroundings in a new light.

A perfect read for a quiet day.

I have just finished reading this exquisite novel and I know it will be with me for days to come. Mr. Long has written a beautiful story, not just about marital infidelity but about the "messiness" of life in general. His characters are distinctly drawn without ever becoming archtypes, recognizable even if we have never met anyone exactly like them. There is so much here that strikes a chord of recognition not in a showy, lightning striking way but as gentle thoughts curling up in those many recesses our souls develop as we age and experience. The short story writer that Mr. Long is shows in the well-crafted but clean prose that is a hallmark of this novel. Thank you, Mr. Long. I look forward to reading your other work.

This book brought all the fun and laughter you remember from the episodes it covers, and more! With absolutely beautiful color pictures of the stars, as well as black and white pictures of some of the scenes from the episodes, and also candids of the stars themselves, a true Friends fan/addict can't go wrong with this one!! Every time I pick it up, it brings a smile to my face and heart! Fantastically written, I enjoy this book from first page to last no matter how many times I have read it. Just like the shows re-runs, I can't seem to get enough!! Thank you David Wild!! and the creator, director, and cast of Friends!

All friends fans will LOVE this book, It has a whole chapter "written" by Marcel the monkey, Quotes from season one episodes, a summery of season one episodes and a BIG friends quiz, chock-a-block with brain teasers.Not to mention interviews of all the cast-If you havent read this book you're missing out!

This book could not be more enjoyable, it is the perfect accompaniment to the best TV Show in the World of TV. If you think you know everything about Friends, well you dont know until you've Read this book.

The best baseball book I've ever bought sight unseen. When I started leafing through it I couldn't believe my eyes. There are photos in here that I doubt even the Hall of Fame knows exist. A team picture of the 1890 Columbus Solons? And with all the players identified? But the photo and caption about the days when gloves still could be left on the field was my favorite. A really neat book.

I have to take exception to the last reviewer even though I'm not really a big fan of the 19th century either. This book takes you on a complete journey throughout baseball history unlike most similar type books that would have you believe everything that happened before 1900 doesn't count. Sure it counts, and Nemec's book convinces you--okay, me anyway--that every player and record he cites in it is important from 1871 to the present. I will agree, though, that the answer section leaves something to be desired. My solution was to insert a kind of permanent bookmark so I could turn to it easily. Anyway, I really liked it a lot even if I too didn't exactly bat 1.000 on all the questions.

If you have a teenage son, as do I, I don't see how you can go wrong here if he likes baseball. My older son got this book for his birthday and that was the last we saw of him for about a week. He still loves it so much and is so possessive of it that I now have to get another copy to give my younger boy for Christmas. P.S. Their father might just wind up getting one too.

If you are searching for what value you hold as a person, especially that of a child of God then this is the book for you. No other book has ever spoken so directly to me and my life's background. Dr. Seamands seemed to be talking directly to me throughout much of the book and has helped me to appreciate and love the REAL me, just as I am. My life will never be the same.

Healing for Damaged Emotions has really helped me in my spiritual growth. I am still human and I still make mistakes, but I feel that I can cope with them better after reading this book.

I would strongly recommend it to others. David Seamands did a great job, using scriptures to back up what he was saying. Of course I wouldn't put it above the Bible, but I would say that it comes in a close second. I will say that this book with the exception of the Bible really helps me understand the difference between the real me and the super me.

I believe that God led David A. Seamands to write this book, and I also believe that He (God) led me to buy this book.

George Nelson

David Seamands shares why and how to move beyond crippling emotions. This book gave me the hope to look outward and not inward for healing. Biblical principles with scriptures are abundant to show the way of God, not the way of man. The choice is mine. Do I want God's way and peace or man's way and confusion. This choice is also yours to make.