The scores of short stories contained within this emotion-impacting book span a wide range of life-affecting topics that include love (15 stories), giving (11), parents and parenting (15), faith (12), levity (11), overcoming obstacles (11), perspective (11), and death and dying (15). The carefully selected stories (from thousands submitted) provide insight into the person God has called us to be, the actions God expects us to take, and the faith and attitude God expects us to adopt and profess. Scattered between the selections are both comics and thought-provoking quotations relevant to the section that they appear in.

Contributions for this outstanding 375+ page work were supplied by individuals such as the late Norman Vincent Peale, Corrie ten Boom, Dick Van Patten, Charles W. Colsen, Gary Smalley, Joan Wester Anderson, and Dick Van Dyke.

All stories are presented in a very readable level in which the reader can relate to the themes discussed and are short enough that single stories can be read in a session and then pondered. Your life will be more spiritually fulfilling and be more positive upon completion of reading this book if you take these stories to heart.

Do yourself a favor... A MUST read!

Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul paints a beautiful picture of true Christian love. The book does exactly as the title implies: warms the heart and rekindles the soul. The stories are very touching and moving, and they are all the more remarkable because they are true. Chicken Soup leaves the reader feeling very loving towards others and wanting to follow many actions of the people in the book. Chicken Soup's many themes include love, friendship, and devotion. Most of the stories in the book are based on one of these ideas. Often the stories show how love and friendship impacted or changed the author's life. People come to value these things much more when they have really been involved with the feelings of love and friendship. Chicken Soup makes a point to impress these values on the reader. The stories in Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul are all drawn from personal experience or the experience of a friend. This makes them seem quite real to the reader and leaves a very lasting impression. Many of the stories in the book question the power of Christ in one's life. Every time, His power holds true. Other times, the stories of devotion show just how rewarding love can be. These two things really give the reader something to think about. Also, the reader doesn't take so many things for granted. The Chicken Soup stories have all been very well written. They are worded in a way so as to touch the reader with everything they say. The book argues and defends its title very well and answers all questions posed in any of the stories. Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul proves to be very accessible to just about any reader of reasonable age, although the book probably has a more lasting impression on Christians. But, being a Christian isn't necessary to understand and enjoy the book. The point of view varies throughout the book, which makes it a little more interesting to read. The strengths of the Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul include the wonderful Christian-like themes it addresses throughout the book. Also, the book's ability to leave a lasting impression and make the reader truly grateful is definitely very important. As for weaknesses, none were noticeable. This book really contributes to the reader's understanding of life in general and how a little love and caring can go a long way. Reading Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul would definitely be a positive influence on just about anyone. The book proves its capability to cheer someone up when the soul feels blue. This is a wonderful book that plenty of people would enjoy, should they take the time to understand the feelings of the authors. Chicken Soup can certainly change the way one looks at themselves and others and make the quality of life much richer.

I have not yet completed this book, but I am in the process of finishing it now. So far it is very motivational. The chapter on Faith has got some real meaningful messeges. I recommend that anyone who needs some words of wisdom should open this book. It is definately worth the time and worth the money. I am only 20 years old and have read a lot of books, but this one is literally too hard to put down. When I put it down after reading a story I feel like being the best of God's people. God's work is really involved in these stories, and in putting them together so that we can enjoy them and learn about some wonderful workings of God.

Fishing Passion
by
James C. Chapralis

As a university administrator of long standing, I read hundreds of pages of articles, reports, and memoranda weekly, and, sometimes, even daily. I am also an avid novel reader and devour much non-fiction. In other words, reading is the linchpin of much of my work and leisure; therefore, I am always on the alert for the next "great read."
Not being either a fisherman or an angler, but always eager to stretch my knowledge base, I was intrigued by the title of a new book, Fishing Passion, and its tag, "a lifelong love affair with angling." Happily, my curiosity led me to read Mr. Chapralis' marvelous odyssey about his incredible life...one imbued with his love and virtuosity of fishing/angling, his daring immersion in several unique business ventures, and his genius for forging remarkable and enduring friendships, including some with the rich and famous.
This incredible Promethean journey, begun and centered in Chicago but encompassing every corner of the globe, is recounted by Mr. Chapralis in an engaging, humorous, and self-effacing style that is the hallmark of every accomplished raconteur. I found myself racing ahead to see what new, exciting, hilarious, and even life-threatening, adventure he would next expose to this delighted, and by now captive, reading audience. And he never disappoints--his is a career highlighted by a life-informing zest and decades of improbable encounters and feats that will not only fire your imagination but also blow your envy quotient through the roof.
We should all be so lucky if a passion of ours could feed our soul, earn our bread, and burnish our existence with the joy, grace, and success that Mr. Chapralis has attained and conveys so effortlessly and convincingly in Fishing Passion. Am I ever glad that my restless inquisitiveness strongarmed me to read Fishing Passion...and so will you!
Bob McFarland
Schenectady, New York

Fishing Passion: A Lifelong Love Affair With Angling by international fishing pioneer Jim C. Chapralis is a unique exploration that explores not so much the "how-to" of fishing, as the emotional aspects of angling. Comparing the attraction and act of fishing to the condition and experience romantic love, as well as deftly capturing the passions of the sport in anecdotes, dreams, memorable personal experiences and communions with nature, Fishing Passion was written by an angler, for anglers everywhere, as it vividly communicates the true joy of a beloved and life-long pastime.

Written in a very conversational tone, this volume covers 30+ Lovecraftian films. And the author gives his definition of Lovecraftian so you know where he's coming from. An excellent companion to The Lurker in the Lobby. Because of Mitchell's somewhat differing views it isn't a rehash of that title even where the same films are covered. Plus it includes numerous films not covered by the earlier book such as the Quatermass series, The Trollenburg Terror (chill out Mysties!) and many more. A have to get for all HPL fans.

This book is actually divided into four different parts. The first is the introduction which provides an excellent backgroud to Lovecraft, including an overview of his work and a glossary of Lovecraftian terms and ideas. Here the author lists over 60 works influenced by Lovecraft, ranging from a comprehensive adaptation to a work with a throw-away reference to Lovecraft and his work. These films are divided into two categories, depending on whether the level of ifluence is major or minor. Each film has a brief synopsis. The second part is an in-depth treatment of the 30 films in which Lovecraft's influence is most important. These films are then thoroughly analyzed by comparing them to Lovecraft's own writing. In many cases, this section is the most appealing. For instance, Mitchell takes a film seldom considered to be Lovecraftian, such as THE CRAWLING EYE, and proves the Lovecraft connection by quoting four passages from Lovecraft's novel AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS. Utterly brilliant! The third section is the photo essay, which is most enjoyable, but far too short. I enjoy the pictorial comparisons of Lovecraft himelf to actor Christian Heyerdahl, who plays Lovecraft in the picture OUT OF MIND. Finally, the last section are the appendices, which briefly touch upon Lovecraft's influences on television shows such as THE NIGHT GALLERY or THE TWILIGHT ZONE. Then he touches upon AMATEUR Lovecraft productions, a most welcome coverage. The book ends by discussing the difficulties and problems of developng good Lovecraft film adaptations. The author then suggests a dozen novels and short stories by Lovecraft and others who write in his style that would have the best chance to be developed into good films. This last section is most extraordinary and valuable, and i makes the book indispensible for the Lovecraft aficianado. A most excellent book on all counts!

What an excelent film guide to HP Lovecraft. A winner on all counts. (By the way, another reviewer made a mistake. "Lifeforce" the film is NOT based on Colin Wilson's The Mind Parasites. It is based on another Wilson novel "Space Vampires" and it is not a Mythos title. This book correctly omitted it). My favorite part of the book is the last appendix, a listing of books and short stories based on Lovecraft that could easily be adapted to film. This is a FASCIATING BOOK. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Scotch Whisky by Charles MacLean is a comprehensive guide about the different single malt and blended Scotch whiskies available. It starts with a short history about Scotch whisky and goes on to the making, the regional differences and how to appreciate this very traditional Scottish drink. This is followed by a listing of all the different single malt whiskies and blended whiskies. Each of them is listed by category, distiller and owner. There is also a description of the history of the whisky as well as tasting notes. This guide to whisky is excellent reading for those interested in whisky from the connoisseur to the enthusiastic amateur. And, of course, this book is always a superb gift which is usually very much appreciated.

An excellent little guide to the making and tasting of Scotch whisky, both single malt (81 pages) and blended (94 pages). After the introductory chapters on the history, making, and appreciation of whisky, brief (2-5 paragraphs) descriptions of each whisky are listed. There is an emphasis on the history of the distillery; this makes it an ideal travel book. The book is part of the "Mitchell-Beazley Pocket Guides," so can be kept easily in a purse or coat pocket (and, yes, the print is legible but quite small).

The tasting descriptions are generally well within the limits of reasonable subjectivity. (Example: The Macallan 12--"...usually full and well-rounded, reminiscent of old Armagnac: sherry, fruit...a hint of wood, clean, intense..."). I think Paul Pacult's "Kindred Spirits" is the better book, however: The tasting notes seem more accurate, and the grading system gives you an idea of his opinion of one scotch versus another. There is no such rating system here.

The notes are necessarily brief for a "pocket guide" and often describe only one vintage (e.g., a 12-year old). However, the notes for the notorious Laphroaig (peat smoke, tar, diesel oil, seaweed, iodine, salt") don't state whether it's the 10-, 12-, or 15-year old that is being evaluated. All in all, however, the author, a renowned authority on whisky, knows his scotch, and conveys well the essential elements of nose, body, taste, and finish.

There is a fairly heavy emphasis on the industry, including a list of top selling brands, prices fetched at auction (!), and the transfer of distillery ownership. There is a nice list of distilleries, locations, and telephone numbers for those planning a scotch tasting excursion, and a good (but dated) bibliography. Recommended particularly for those who want a portable reference book, or who have a special interest in distillery history.

This is a pocket size book with detailed descriptions of numerous Scotch Whiskies, single malts and blends. It briefly provides a history of the distillery and most helpful, detailed tasting notes on each whisky. Charles MacLean is a well known and highly respected expert in whiskies. This book makes an excellent companion to Michael Jackson's "must have" book on Single Malt Scotch Whisky giving the reader another experts perspective on the wide variety of flavors in Scotch Whisky. The print in this book is very small, at times hard to read, but the information makes it worth finding your glasses. This book is one of three books on Scotch Malt Whisky I would not want to be without. If you've come this far, buy the book, I know you'll enjoy it.

Devoted to the work of Victorian-era Bowery photographer Charles Eisenmann, this book is a reprinting of an edition published in the 1970's. I can't compare the two editions, but this one (put out by ECW Press) contains a number of essays about Eisenmann's working methods, Victorian photographic conventions, etc., and 87 plates accompanied by biographies of the performers depicted, except in the case of several unknowns.

I applaud Mr. Mitchell and ECW Press for reviving this project, but I wish the book were better researched and included a fuller range of Eisenmann's work. The photographs are quite nicely reproduced and exceptionally clear. But I wonder why -- out of a collection numbering 500 images -- some of these photos made the cut and others did not. The author includes multiple images of some performers when a single example would have done just as well. Sometimes less is more, and deleting the extraneous shots would have allowed for inclusion of more interesting subjects.

I guess we'll have to wait for someone else to publish a definitive catalogue of Chas. Eisenmann's freak portraits. In the meantime, this book is worth owning, despite my reservations.

If you are interested in freaks, then I would suggest that you buy this book. It has lots of pictures with discriptions. It's a really good book.

I found this book particularly interesting in light of the current turmoil in the Catholic Church. Looking at the history of the Church in this truthful, revealing way helps shed perspective on where we are now in the Church and how we got here. It also helps explain why it is so difficult for the hierarchy to change. The anecdotes sprinkled throughout make it readable and relevant. I would recommend this book to anyone searching for answers to the above questions or just looking for an unvarnished, brief church history.

Charles Mitchell's book offers an excellent introduction to the differences in attitudes, values, protocol, rituals, traditions, communication styles and other characteristics that commonly separate cultures. He distinguishes people's basic cultural traits from different national groups, while noting regional and individual variations, too. Mitchell cites examples from many major nations, including the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Nigeria, Israel, Australia, China, Japan, Russia, Vietnam and India, and from Hispanic and Arabic cultures. The book is clearly written and well organized, with tips on giving gifts, negotiating, handling verbal and non-verbal communications, holding meetings and conducting business in general. We [...] say tuck this into your carry-on bag - the farther you're going, the more you'll need it.

I spent a whole term going over this book in freshmen English class. It is an overall good book, full of interpritations. There are many symbolisms and allusions. However, it is important to remember that this book was originally a serialization, as it came out every week in the paper. There are some parts when Dickens drawls on with his plans, events, ect. However, there are scenes that are very fast paced and action filled. The overall plot is a young, naive boy of about ten lives with his sister and her simple husband named Joe. However, Pip is given a secret benefactor and is thrust in the life of nobility. Pip is tangled in his probelems of leaving Joe behind and his encouters with the shallow (and I mean SHALLOW) Estella and the wicked Miss Havisham. Dickens is a master with characters and the languege, but he doesn't describe any everyday events. For example, Pip goes to study law, but thats all we know. In my opinion, it gives the characters this higher than life importance, and less real. But, if you take this book slowely, maybe a chapter a night (instead of the five I had to do), you will definately enjoy this book.

I've never read any Dickens of my own free will. I was forced to read "A Tale of Two Cities" in high school and I thought that was enough for me. However, one day, on a whim, I bought a copy of Great Expectations. I'm not sure what I expected, but I certainly didn't expect to love it as much as I did.

Dickens is not a writer to read at a swift pace. Indeed, this novel was written in weekly episodes from December 1860 to August 1861 and, as it was created to be a serial, each installment is full of varied characters, great descriptions and a lot of action which moves the plot along and leaves the reader yearning for more. Therefore, unlike some books which are easily forgotten if I put them down for a few days, Great Expectations seemed to stick around, absorbing my thoughts in a way that I looked forward to picking it up again. It took me more than a month to read and I savored every morsel.

Basically the story is of the self-development of Pip, an orphan boy being raised by his sister and her blacksmith husband in the marshlands of England in 1820.

Every one of the characters were so deeply developed that I felt I was personally acquainted with each one of them. There was Pip's roommate, Herbert Pocket, the lawyer, Mr. Jaggers, and his clerk, Mr. Wemmick. And then there was the wicked Orlick. The dialogues were wonderful. The characters often didn't actually say what they meant but spoke in a way that even though the words might be obtuse, there was no mistaking their meaning. I found myself smiling at all these verbal contortions.

Dickens' work is richly detailed and he explores the nuances of human behavior. I enjoyed wallowing in the long sentences and letting myself travel backwards in time to a different world. However, even with the footnotes, I found myself sometimes confused by the British slang of 150 years ago, and there were several passages I had to read over several times in order to get the true meaning. Of course I was not in a particular rush. I didn't have to make a report to a class or take a exam about the book. This is certainly a pleasure.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read.ting from the secret wealth of Magwitch, who made a fortune in Australia after being transported. Moreover, Magwitch's unlawful return to England puts him and Pip in danger. Meanwhile, Estella has married another, a horrible man who Pip despises. Eventually, with Magwitch's recapture and death in prison and with his fortune gone, Pip ends up in debtors prison, but Joe redeems his debts and brings him home. Pip realizes that Magwitch was a more devoted friend to him than he ever was to Joe and with this realization Pip becomes, finally, a whole and decent human being.

Originally, Dickens wrote a conclusion that made it clear that Pip and Estella will never be together, that Estella is finally too devoid of heart to love. But at the urging of others, he changed the ending and left it more open ended, with the possibility that Estella too has learned and grown from her experiences and her wretched marriages.

This is the work of a mature novelist at the height of his powers. It has everything you could ask for in a novel: central characters who actually change and grow over the course of the story, becoming better people in the end; a plot laden with mystery and irony; amusing secondary characters; you name it, it's in here. I would rank it with A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist and David Copperfield among the very best novels of the worlds greatest novelist.

GRADE: A+

Dickens, along with Dostoevsky, stands atop my list of novelists who could most accurately portray the subtleties of human emotion and passion. "Great Expectations" is simply a masterpiece of 19th-century fiction, and is pure Dickens. In this semi-autobiographical work (a trademark of Dickens' writings), the life of a poor young boy, Pip, is followed from his humble beginnings to his rise into the middle-class, due to the mysterious aid of an unknown benefactor. His pursuit of Estella, a beautiful young girl raised to break the hearts of men by her jilted caretaker, Ms. Havisham, is a classic of literature that has been repeated countless times since. The tragic, gradual break between Pip and his family (particularly the humble but caring Joe) is heartwrenching. Pip's eventual realization of the insincerity of the middle class, and his love for Joe, brought tears to my eyes.

"Great Expectations" is a wonderful, moving book that has been copied and satired again and again, from Mishima's "Forbidden Colors" to South Park. An important and unforgettable novel!

I just bought this book for my father who is a huge fan of Charlie Chan films, and he was absolutely delighted, calling it the best birthday gift he ever received.

My pet peeve are reviewers who comment without actually reading a book. You can pick them out easily, because they are so vague, or just try to plug a different book. Well, I just got this book in, and it's great. I love all the Chan extras about the TV shows, the foreign Chan films, the latter day films (I loved Ross Martin!) and the complete quotes. The analysis of the four types of Chan quotes is priceless, as is the complete listing. I also ead the earlier book by Hanke wich was not bad, but this one covers so much more, such as a complete analysis of ERAN TRECE with the script of CHARLIE CHAN CARRIES ON. The Oland version of the film is lost, but with this book, it is just like having seen it. If you are a Chan devotee, do yourself a favor and buy this book. If the Hanke fans (or is it fan) who keeps knocking this book would enjoy it as wel if they actually saw it!

I enjoyed using A GUIDE TO CHARLIE CHAN FILMS while watching the recent AMC Chan festival. It was a pure delight to note each and every Chan quote listed as I followed along with the film. Another good feature is Mitchell's annotated cast lists which clearly spells out the relationships of all the characters. What a great idea. It would be good if other films books aopted this idea. The clear organization makes the book valuable especially if you need to look something up or check a fact quickly. The appndices are also chock full of interestng details such as Chan on television and the foreign language Chan films in Mexico and Cuba. The full chapter on the Spanish language version of the lost CHARLIE CHAN CARRIES ON. What a revelation. All in all, the perfect guide book.

This is definately not a 2000 book. Coin dates stop at 1984. What a waste of money this book was.

This book is an excellent resource for the new collector or the old collector who is staring to purchase coins. It is easy to understand and the layout makes it easy to find your coin. It could contain more info on different grades of coins from good to uncirculated, most are just fine to uncirculated. A must have for the new collector!

This book is by far the best for refering all US Coins and gives a far price listing for all coins. Great for beginners and expert collectors. If you going to collect coins this book is a must.