What a treat! Whispering is an easy read and hard to put down once you start reading. The author takes a look at everyday life and finds grace in the simple acts of living. My emotions were jerked from laughter to tears but I was always smiling when I put the book down.

Stuarts book is easy reading, full of incidents that show he is a man of high moral standards. His attention to family values and love is to be commended. Humor plays an important part of the the fabric of his life and he obviously enjoys sharing it with others.

Many people spend too much time looking for the true meaning of life in overly complex ways. As "Whispering" reminds us, it doesn't have to be that hard. Stuart does a great job of capturing everyday moments we all encounter and turning them inside out to see the true meaning of life in ways you wouldn't expect. He shows us, through short, fun to read stories, that there is humor and grace all around....all we need to do is look for it in places you might not expect to find it, like your own backyard.

This book is SUCH an easy read. It explains everything you'd need to know in plain english and gives many real life examples. I've just started to put what I've learned in the book into practice and I can't wait to see the results.
Two things would have made this a better book: 1) a tearout that can be used as a quick reference guide and 2) it really could use to be updated. It was written in 1986 and many organic and chemical products have been introduced since then that I would like to get his take on.

I was quite starved for information to help me repair drought damage to my front lawn as well as seed a new lawn from scratch in the backyard. I read the book from cover to cover quite quickly and I feel somewhat enlightened. The concepts put forth by Stuart et al for maintaining a healthy lawn are quite simple to understand and execute. Each aspect from choosing a grass type to how to effectively seed and then eventually maintain your lawn is covered in detail in its own chapter. One aspect of the book which I particularly enjoyed was the explanations of exactly what you need to do to cause problems in your yard. I think sometimes its just as important to be informed how to to screw up as it is to do things right. Sometimes people can accidently kill their lawns without the knowledge of exactly what they are doing wrong. The book covers the functions of different chemical approaches to lawn care, but maintains that natural care is the most cost effective and safest way to maintain a lawn in the long term. I was very impressed by the book, and would highly recommend it to anyone.

This is the best book I have read on the topic. It is clearly written, and loaded with useful information. I recommend it as a great book for those who want to understand why their lawn looks so bad.

Lovely stories that take place in the intersection of dream and waking life, stories you'll want to read again and again from one of the most original and lyrical writers working today.

Stuart Dybek is truly a gifted writer. But moving beyond my humble opinion, this unique collection of short stories shines. Dybek's prose is haunting, his language at times startling and spare, at others languid and nearly musical. His characters are alive and absolutely believable in their mistakes and victories. Each story stands as a reflection on everyday beauty; Dybek that takes time to notice the details other authors overlook or dismiss as mundane. In 'The Coast of Chicago' Stuart Dybek has managed to do something quite rare in the all-too self-conscious realm of short story writing-- create stories that are rich yet still real without trying too hard to be so. Allow yourself to get sucked up into the twisting paths of his Chicago-- it's a journey you won't regret.

Dybek is one of those few writers whose work finds rare common ground between comic naturalism and tragic myth. The language of his stories honors the special poetry of the working class -- a poetry elastic enough to range from street slang to high diction, and from cynicism to a stubborn innocence that approaches the heroic (a touch of Damon Runyan at the one end, a mythic reach at the other). His characters struggle with their hearts and minds in ways that are fresh and original, without giving the sense that Dybek is contriving to keep them so. He is the genuine article, a natural myth-maker with an empathy large enough to let his characters behave badly without trying either to condemn or justify them. Dybek seems awed and enthralled by his world, deeply attentive to its particulars, on the lookout for magic but not desperate for it, with a richness of vision that makes his mythic Chicago echo loudly with the voices of the world at large. A wonderful writer.

It is said that Romans is the most complete statement of Paul's theology. That is probably true, but Galatians is gospel-concentrate. No serious Christian should leave their library hindered by the absence of this book. Luther said that he was wedded to the book of Galatians like his dear Catherine. This is the type of commentator who you should want to read. John Bunyan said this was the book that he would give up last save for his Bible. There are not enough accolades to give this book, buy it as soon as possible.

Martin Luthers work on the Book of Galations surpasses most in that this is the book that lead Martin Luther to understand Grace, so he naturaly pours out in it in his great gift of understanding the teachings of God's word. Martin Luther prepared a book worthy of all the praise it has received and is of great benifit to all who seek to gain a greater understanding of the Book of Galations.
These are the books that helped the Church grow in strength, and are greatly in need of being studied today.

Martin Luther (1483-1546 AD) became an Augustinian, Roman Catholic monk where he studied the Word of God diligently while still in the monastery. His study convinced him to post his 95 theses, statements he wanted to debate within the context of the Church to restore it. The rest is history as Martin Luther was excommunicated from the Roman Catholic church and became the first "Lutheran."

Luther was convinced that: God justifies a person (declares him righteous and acquits him) by faith alone and not by works, each believer has access to God directly apart from any human intermediaries, and the Scriptures are the true source of authority for both faith and life. Many of his doctrines, especially on justification, he covered brilliantly in his commentary on Galatians. And rightly so, for Galatians was his favorite book, his "Katherine," and it was central to his understanding of the gospel.

Luther's Commentary on Galatians in the history of the Christian Church is very remarkable. It presents like no other of the central thought of Christianity: the justification of the sinner for the sake of Christ's merits alone. Luther also delineates the difference between Law (what God demands from us) and Gospel (what God has done and does for us); in this text, we understand his "simul justus et peccator," that is, a Christian is simultaneously 100 % saint and 100 % sinner.

To understand Christian theology and justification by faith, reading this commentary is proper, right, for our eternal good--for Luther explains the doctrines of the Scriptures in forthright boldness and clarity.

Ryan Hays has a keen mind and a sharp wit! In this book he has collected inspirational and heartwarming wisdom. Expect great things from him in the future. Hays, a proud graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, is a thoughtful, deliberate writer whose reflections upon the state of religion in America are both insightful and entertaining.

Ryan Hays has a gift for selecting profound quotes. In this book he and his colleagues have collected a series of trenchant thoughts that offer encouragement to anyone interested in finding "Common Good -- Common Ground."

This attractive book is collection of quotes that will help inspire you to make a difference in your community!

Forbidden Planet is regarded by many as the greatest science fiction film yet made. The novel by Stuart deserves regard for additional insights into the mystery of the KRELL super race and Morbius' obsession with them. Morbius is central character of the novel. The reader learns that (unlike the movie character) the good doctor, after surviving "initiating" shock of the Krell Mind/Consciousness-expansion Machine, repeatedly exposed himself to it. These experiments boosted his brain by quantum leaps far beyond the mental categories of even the most extraordinary human being. Constructing the anthropomorphic Robby, The Robot; and translating the hieroglyphics of the Krell WERE child's play. What the novel makes explicit is that Morbius capacities were not merely intellectual. Like the Krell, he was transformed into a CREATIVE GENIUS. The Space Tiger, deer, birds were... consciously...made (ex nihilo!)by Morbius as playmate companions for his daughter, Altaira. Likewise...in outrage and vengeance... we learn at the finale, was THE MONSTER FROM THE ID. Did Morbius realize this? I leave this to readers to judge Morbius' personal account. The novel employs 1st Person and stream-of-consciousness narrative. ((Dr. Ostrow, for example, examines remains of an accidentally killed chimpanzee. He discovers the chimp is biologically aberrant... with incomplete/deformed internal organs/systems...in effect, a HOLLOW MONKEY that should not exist.))

Stuart's story functions at frequently profound theo-philosophical depth. Yet the writng is spare; fairy tale myth-like in surface simplicity. Morbius is anti-hero whose hubris endangers and betrays the community he was commissioned to serve. In the novel...unlike the film...Morbius regards humanity with undisguised CONTEMPT. Only after he learns the fate of "his beloved Krell" does awareness that the TREE of KNOWLEDGE is NOT the TREE of LIFE summon him back to protect what he loved...his CHILD... and originally valued, TRUTH. FORBIDDEN PLANET is a great story. What it Stuart lacks in craft, he more than compensates for with an exciting, profound mythical tale that resonates with virtually Biblical warning that as great as man is...or may become; again misunderstanding his measure in all things...he is a creature; not the Creator God......

If you have gotten this far, you probably have seen the movie ASIN: B00004RF9B. The book has better characterization and plot details. And of course it tells you want they are thinking; so you do not have to guess from facial expressions. The bulk of the story matches with movie with one big exception

What seems to be overlooked is the WHOLE primes of the story. The animals are contemporary, not dinosaurs or wooly mammoths. In the movie the Krell brought the animals back from Earth over 1million years ago. In the movie the great machine transports material in any quantity and shapes anywhere.

The real threat is only in the book. The animals were contemporary because Morbius CREATED them from memory. He was not moving matter and the Krell were not interested in moving matter. Although that is what Morbius told the space crew. The Krell was creating life.

I saw Forbidden Planet when it first came out in 1956 and believe it is among the top three sf films ever made. I have the VHS Remastered Edition, the DVD and the first VHS release. the VHS Remastered is better than the DVD re film transfer, by the way.Right after I saw the movie in 1956 I obtained the book. I am trying to get a hardcover copy now. The film has obvious parallels to Shakespeare's The Tempest (which I also have as well as various critical essays).Robby's debut was great and he stole the film (I have a nice 12" Robby model and a large, framed Planet poster). Robby, by the way, has two Web sites of his own. Full-size (7-foot articulated reproductions) are made here in Los Angeles.Walter Pidgeon was tremendous as Morbius and Isure would like to see a remake of Planet utilizing today's technology, with, say, Michael Caine as Morbius . . . Dr. Robert Moog, with whom I recently conversed, is building Theremins these days.I have run into a lot of sites that claim that this film was the inspiration for Star Trek. I don't think so (although it certainly figured in).Try reading A.E. Van Vogt'sVoyage of the Space Beagle (originally published in "Triad") if you doubt my position . . .John Bartok Bastian, CEOFEAR NOT ENTERPRISES N.A.

Stuart Kaminsky is such a flexible, enjoyable writer. He captures the flavor of the Rockford Files series perfectly. Sure miss the show! Hope this is the start of a new series for Mr. Kaminsky.

I understand from a friend that Mr. Kaminsky may have been one of the Rockford Files' writers. Does anyone know if that is correct?

not only was the green bottle skillfully written, but it satisfied me both as a mystery reader and Rockford Files tv watcher. now as i come on line to see what else smk has done, i find this is Vol. 4--even better! Angel is perfect, Jim is better than tv where j garner caricatures the part a little too much every now and then, the ending remembering Old Carlos while looking west is effective and legitimate, and the scene where the judge takes apart the young d.a. is worth the book alone. what a find for me--and you.

Stuart Kaminsky has written an enjoyable and satisfying novel based on the characters from the television series, "The Rockford Files." Jim, Beth, Dennis, Angel, and the Firebird are all here in form true to the original characters.

Jim Rockford is older now; mourning the loss of his father, Rocky; battling bad knees; trying to elude Angel's ubiquitous scams; and reflecting on his relationship with Beth and what might have been. Despite the passing of the years, Jim retains his wry wit and keen observations of the human condition. Mr. Kaminsky provides additional insight into the character of Jim Rockford, particularly the formative years and the time in prison.

The story is well-paced and intriguing. I enjoyed this book more than many of the recent 2-hour "Rockford Files" movies presented on television in recent years. If you enjoyed the original "Rockford Files" series from 1974-1980, you will enjoy this book.

More than 2o books about collectible lighters have been published in the past years. Many are focused to specific lighter manufacturers. Books with a wide content, covering many different aspects of lighter collecting are scarce and often incomplete. This book is different. It gives a new collector the optimal idea about collectible lighters of this century. Fantastic models are shown in excellent quality and there is not much missing. I am a European collector for many years and I must say this book covers the global lighter collecting quite perfectly. In addition it is both affordable and handy. Congratulation to the editors-

This is a great book - a must have for anyone dealing in cigarette lighters. It is the only book I know of that gives such a complete over view of vintage lighters. A highly recommended read!

Bob Brockmann New Haven, Indiana

Well thought out presentation of collectable lighters. Pictured items cover the gamut of beginner's basics, to extremely rare pieces that most advanced collectors will never own.

Certainly a "must have" for all lighter collectors, and an interesting historical perspective for non-collectors.

This book is in its third printing. If your used books are from the first printing there are additional facts in the next two not presened in the first one.

I wish every doctor in America who treats children could read this book. Dr. Haber battles conventional wisdom and comes out on top. The over-prescribing of drugs and faulty diagnosis of ADHD has turned into a national epidemic. "The Great Misdiagnosis" makes an urgent call for rationality.

Controversial and thought provoking, Dr. Haber has challenged my long-held beliefs on ADHD and forced me re-examine the conventional wisdom. A very important book.

the exiles was a wonderfully written novel that is full of suspense and keeps the reader glued to their chair. It is a masterpiece and is well worth reading. You really do feel like you are there with the convicts.

This book takes you back to the late 1700's to England where criminals, justly and unjustly accused, were transported under ghastly conditions to Australia to begin a new colony. When reading this book, you really feel as if you were there right along with the exiled prisoners. Although the book is fiction, it is based on events that actually happened, and I feel I now understand a bit more about this period in Australia's history. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

This series should be used as a teaching guide. It gives a remarkable insight into the reality of a new colony built on hatred and fear. What our ancestors endured was without doubt incredible. The corruption and politics unequalled. The insensitivity of the British Admiralty and the cruelty of the English Government against the Irish and their own people was horrific. Vivian Stuart's research and insight into the personalities of our founding fathers & early colonists is brilliant. This historical record has been written with passion and understanding. I advise every Australian and those interested in history to read this account. It is also a tribute to William Bligh, who should be vindicated in history as he was not only a great mariner but a fine leader. Read it.