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Book reviews for "Parelius,_Robert_J." sorted by average review score:

Come Away My Beloved
Published in Paperback by King's Farspan, Inc. (1994)
Author: Frances J. Roberts
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A wonderful amazement of God's Love.
It will touch your heart, pierce your soul and correct wrong mindsets. It will make you weep Godly tears of joy. It will bring you closer to your Heavenly Father with words of wisdom and insight. A must for any Follower of Christ hungry for a deeper relationship with God. Ready for a touch of fire from the Holy Spirit? Then this book is for you. Read it often and always.

Not a book to be swallowed in one bite
Come Away My Beloved is more than a devotional. These are love letters from God. My son, 15, says, "Mom, this really encourages me in my life to live more for my Heavenly Father."

I read the Psalms to be encouraged...and now I also read Come Away My Beloved..it's food for my spirit!

Heavenly Perspectives
I have had this book for a long time now, but only recently started to discover what a gem I had. I found it, a good few years ago, among a pile of second hand books I was rummaging through. About 2 years ago I read one or two extracts and found it so comforting that I immediately passed it on to a friend! Two months ago it came back to me - unread! But what a blessing it has been.

I think the author is a lady, but I'm not sure. One thing that I am sure of though, is that it is authored by a saint. It is written, in the main, "as if" the Lord were speaking directly to Frances. She/he seems to be documenting the constant love and comfort, and also loving correction, that the Lord is pouring into her life. It is this heavenly perspective which interprets and redefines all that comes her way - the nominal church, the demands on time, the lures of the flesh etc. Superimposed upon all the manifold and varied revelations is one of a gracious, tender, loving and strong Father. The true Christian will immediately recognise that One to be his God.

Because all believers who truly long for closeness with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ, share a similar pilgrimage, you will find, as you come to this book, prayerfully (or at times in utter spiritual bankruptcy), that again and again it will speak precisely to your condition. But don't make it your God - heed the warning given often in this book of finding God for yourself. Frances wants you to come to Jesus and hear what He has to say to you, in your circumstances and calling - and so does Jesus, I might add. But get a vision of love, sacrifice, discipleship and devotion here that has almost been lost in the polarising camps of the laid-back-Christian-seeker-friendly-entertainment cult and the over-doctrinal-classification-artistes, who want a revival of Puritanism in our day. Get to the marrow - you'll find plenty of that here.


Getting to the Other Side of Grief: Overcoming the Loss of a Spouse
Published in Paperback by Baker Book House (1998)
Authors: Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge, Robert Devries, Robert C. De Vries, and Smeenge de Zonnebelt
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Getting to the Other Side of Grief
What a wonderful and comforting book. It has touched on almost every feeling and concern I am having even though it has only been 6 weeks after loosing my husband of 23 years. I was able to feel comforted and assured by each chapter. The "Pastor Says" sections gives scripture to point the way and the "Psychologist Says" helps you realize all the feelings you have are okay and normal. Blending the knowledge from both aspects was so helpful. The fact that both authors have lost a spouse and know first hand the grief process shows through in this book.
The authors have Blended both the spiritual and the emotional aspects into one very special book.

Excellent--Even if you only read half
If the Christian scripture approach does not fit with your views on God and religion (it does not mine), don't let that discourage you from buying this book. The psychologist portions alone are excellent. I am not yet on "the other side" of grief, but I'm starting to see glimmers of what the other side will be like. I'm cautiously optimistic, and this book reinforces that optimism. The psychologist's entries give a wonderful, hopeful view of what's possible in starting anew. It helps assuage any lingering guilt you may feel about starting over. A central concept within is that to get to the other side, you must face your grieving head-on and not simply expect time to do the job for you. The book offers prompts for writing exercises that will help you to face and resolve issues in your grieving. It's hard to find the time to write, especially if you've still got children at home, but whatever you can do will help. Here's a motivating quote from the book: "Do not waste your life on what might have been. Deal with the grief. Deal with it now so you can get on with your life." In the early weeks, I wasn't ready to "get on"; instead, I was "holding on." That's normal, as is the change I'm now feeling towards moving on. Grief is strange, and different books and approaches help at different times. When you are ready to think about moving forward to the next chapter in your life, this book will give you the encouragement you need as well as guidance to help you to the other side.

Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death
This book has an excellent message for surviving spouses. The authors cover three basic issues involved with the death of a spouse. First is the practical experience from the authors lose of their first spouses. Second is the Clinical aspects as their professional training comes through with the explainations of how grief effects people physically, and mentally. Third is the spirital as Bob is an ordained minister. Many times as I read this book it covered the questions I was facing and trying to answer myself. One of the important messages I received were in the title I chose. This is a journey THROUGH the shadow of death, and you will heal. If you find yourself grieving the lose of a spouse, or a close friend in that situation I highly recommend the book. It will help you begin the healing process.


How to Care for Aging Parents
Published in Paperback by Workman Publishing Company (1996)
Authors: Virginia Morris and Robert Butler
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If you have an aging parent, you must read this book.
I got this book when my father-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and it was a tremendous help. It provides very clear, practical ways to deal with problems that arise when your parents become unable to care for themselves. It's compassionate and heard-headed at the same time, so it not only helps you cope with the emotions involved in a difficult situation, it helps you actually resolve the situation in a way that is beneficial for everyone concerned. This is an indispensble guide for anyone who is grappling with how to care for an aging parent. I have given it as a gift to many people and they all say the same thing -- "I don't know what I would have done without it."

Five stars on this are not enough!!!
This book helped me through the roughest time of my life when my Mom became ill and was unable to care for herself any longer. I had to make the decision to place her in a skilled nursing facility. She was in and out of the hospital and the nursing home for almost 8 months before she died; and this book helped me to know what I needed to get her the best care she could have. God gave me the strength and this book gave me my sanity. I have recommended it to at least a dozen others who are facing the same difficult decisions, the guilt, the anger, and all the other feeling that no one but someone who is going through this would understand. This book reminds you that you are doing okay, and prepares you for everything that happens.. One of my friends told me that parts of the book are as if she wrote it herself. I read several chapters more than once...some 3 and 4 times. I truly believe my Mom and I had quality time together before she died because of this book. I could never have gotten through those last 8 months if I had not read it. I can't thank Virgina Morris and Robert Butler enough for writing it.

Highly recommended and very helpful
This is a wonderful book, and will be helpful for anyone facing the inevitable issue of parents or other relatives growing older and needing care of any kind. Easy to read through, as I have just done, it is also a wonderful resource to pull off the shelf as these issues manifest, from talking to your parents about what needs to be discussed as soon as possible, to knowing when to intervene and when to get out of the way, what questions to ask whom, and what to expect. Information about contacts and agencies is liberally sprinkled throughout the book, and a helpful index at the back helps you to find whatever you need at a moment's notice. An initial read-through makes you familiar with what the book has to offer, making it more familiar as the needs arise. Highly recommended.


Kid from Tomkinsville
Published in Hardcover by Peter Smith Pub (1988)
Author: John Roberts Tunis
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One of the best sports books ever
When I was in junior high, I was addicted to reading juvenile sports fiction. Shortly after beginning seventh grade, I went to the alphabetical beginning of the fiction section in the school library and began moving down the alphabet. As I went, I examined the books and read all that were sports related. In a little over two years, I had read every sports fiction book in the collection. Of all those books, the Kid From Tomkinsville was one of the most memorable.
While the background of the 1940's made the presentation difficult for someone in their early teens in the 1960’s, the descriptions of baseball more than made up for it. Roy Tucker is the title character and an excellent pitcher. However, immediately after one of his best games, he slips and cracks his pitching elbow. This finishes him as a pitcher and the main theme becomes his quest to come back as an outfielder.
He is initially very effective and believes success is assured. However, he soon begins to struggle and doubts creep in. The description of all of this is a combination of one of the best baseball stories as well as one of triumph as a combination of talent, hard work and persistence lead to his success. I still remember the scene where his manager comes to his room and tells him the problem is that he is playing for himself and not for his team.
John Tunis is one of the best writers of sports fiction that has ever lived. He makes baseball exciting, even when all the action is taking place off the field. While our society has moved on to a point quite different from the time period of the story, baseball is still a game where strategy, preparation and dedication can triumph over athletic ability. That has not changed, and the descriptions in this book will continue to keep the attention of baseball fans for decades to come.

Good for bright youngster who want to read about baseball
I first read this book when I was 7 years old in the 1970s. I still love it to this day. The characters jump off the page and take you back to the 1940s, a different time and world.

One of the great baseball books
I read this book the first time back in the mid-80's in high school. I had a burgeoning love of baseball and fell deeply in love with Tunis' works. The point I got from this story is that there is always another door to get to your dream.


Billy the Kid: A Short and Violent Life
Published in Paperback by Univ of Nebraska Pr (1991)
Author: Robert M. Utley
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Good, If Slow-moving.
First of all, let me say that this is one of the only Billie The Kid/Lincoln County books I have found that actually explain the confusing circumstances around the Lincoln County War understandably. That coverage is excellent, and alone makes this a great book.
Besides that, it is still a pretty good book, one of the better ones, and it gets the truth straight, not filling it up with made-up stories of Billy's heroics (See: "Authentic Life of Billie the Kid"). What it does fill up with, though, is lots of unnecessary background info, which is interesting but makes for very slow reading. Robert is good at going into Billy's mind and personality. I like espcially the way he writes seemingly without bias: you can't tell if he leans towards the Billy-as-hero side or Billy-as-killer side, which is -so- refreshing.
It's slow moving, but Robert gives you the straight story and forgets nothing, leaving no rock unturned. Great for beginning William Bonney enthusiasts.

OUTSTANDING!
Fast moving, action packed, superbly researched and easy to read. A standard bearer for all future books based upon the life of Billy the Kid. Robert M. Utley has been uncomprimising in his efforts to convey the true exploits of the 'Kid'. The author displays an extensive knowledge in this field, and it is hard to fault the texts contents. Plenty of other sources are cited and scrutinized by the author, for further reading and information in closely related topics ie. the Lincoln County War.

Clearly, one of Robert M. Utley's strengths is how well he argues the evidence, an ability he exerts throughout this truly enthralling biography. This only adds to the enjoyment of the book. To be fair there are several areas that could be expanded upon, such as 'the Kid's' earlier relationship with Pat Garrett, but there is no evidence to suggest that this work was to be completely exhaustive. But certainly this book is an exceptional building block for further research and any emerging new evidence. If you are interested in the life of Billy the Kid, and you've not read this book...READ IT! You will not be disappointed.

A Civil War in the West and Billy the Kid
Robert Utley writes an excellent history of a young man virtually parentless (a surviving but perhaps neglectful father) that becomes involved with petty crimes and eventually winds up with a gang of semi-outlaws in Lincoln County, New Mexico. Fascinating descriptive of life in this county where cattle rustling and other related crimes did not seem to have the mark of a criminal as they would in our day. Utley documents how young William graduates to a member of one of two cowboy armies in Lincoln, each supporting rival businessman in the Lincoln County war where control of rival business interests involve murder, gun battles and massaging of the legal authorities in the State. Billy earns his nickname the Kid during his benefators losing battle with the other business rival resulting in the death of his benefactors plus Billy's involvement of the killings of several men including a well liked Sheriff. Utley chronicles the story of the Civil War, the causes, the Armies feigned attempt at neutrality that actually defeated the Kids forces, Billy's testimony at a trial, chance for a pardon from Governor Lew Wallace, his continued participation in crime, arrest and bloody jail break and his refusal to leave the State after being declared an outlaw. Utley tells an amazing story of an apparently likable young, man who was popular with the senioritis and in spite of the legal authorities attempts to apprehend him he continued to live almost openly in a neighboring town only to be caught by Pat Garrett an acquaintance of his. Utley writes a real story of the west where a not so innocent youth gets caught in a social Civil War and with an opportunity to leave it all behind, stubbornly or playfully decides to continue to live in his home neighborhood which cost him his life. Utley's book leaves you thinking that at 21 years of age, the Kid was truly too immature to know when it was time to move on and actually grow up. Utley's description makes you wonder if with the right mentor other than gunman, the likeable kid would have been a popular citizen with a family if he every developed something of an honest vocation.


A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism
Published in Hardcover by Beacon Press (1998)
Authors: John A. Buehrens, F. Forrester Church, and Robert Fulghum
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This book was excellent
Out of Recommendation from a friend I bought this incredible book and surprisingly, I proceeded to enjoy the openmindedness this religion has to offer. A Chosen Faith has shown me a whole new perspective on the Unitarian Religion, and although I was raised under a Catholic background. This incredible book has changed my views on life emphasizes equal respect towards people of all religions and cultures. The book has taught me the virtues of Unitarianism, and I am now proud to say that it has changed my life. This book is a must read for anyone interested in a religion/philosophy in which you are free to question the soul, choose your own morals and experience openminded love towards one another. 5 stars

A Thoughtful and Poignant Introduction
I grew up attending a Unitarian Universalist church, but once I reached an age to begin to understand and question the ideals of the faith, I went in search of information on this and other religions. This book was recommended to me by more than one person. I expected dry, history-filled rhetoric, but instead was treated to warm, humorous and thought-provoking sections that challenged me to evaluate my views on religion, social issues and my own value system. By the time I was finished I felt very comfortable with the ideas expressed about UUism and was intrigued to learn more.

A Great Place to Start
This book is a wonderful introduction to Unitarian Universalism. It is easy to read and explains well a religion that many people have a difficult time describing. After having read this book it is always the first book that I reccommend to persons who have have questions about Unitarian Universalism.


Colonel Sun
Published in Paperback by Harper Mass Market Paperbacks (1993)
Author: Robert Markham
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A meaner and colder tone, but excellent Bond
Colonel Sun is a sadist. So was Kingsley Amis, as the miniscule details of pain and torture are given as much relish as Fleming did about the class trappings that we enjoy. It's also clear that the style was more "modern" than Fleming, but it still remains true to the character that he built, more so than what's been coming about lately.

Even without the minor details, it's still a great Bond book; compelling throughout.

Best Fleming imitation ever!
Forget Raymond Benson. Don't even waste your time with John Gardner. They're hack writers who learned all about Bond from the movies. Markham (aka Kingsley Amis) knew enough about Fleming's vision of Bond to write "The James Bond Dossier", one of the first critiques of Fleming's series. "Colonel Sun" picks up right where Ian's final novel, "The Man With The Golden Gun" left off, and brings 007's career to a fitting close. The writing style is eerily like Fleming's, even containing dashes of the famed "Fleming Effect". Read this one, put in on the shelf next to your original 007 books, and forget about wasting your time with any other authors who attempt to write Bond.

A Rip-Roaring Good Read
Kingsley Amis was Ian Fleming's true successor. It's absolutely criminal that this thriller remains out-of-print while John Gardner's drivel remains on book store shelves. Raymond Benson claims to be familiar with this novel. Well if he is, then he should try to model his own work on it and stop writing like he's only seen the Bond movies.


Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail: Why Evangelicals Are Attracted to the Liturgical Church
Published in Paperback by Morehouse Publishing (1989)
Author: Robert E. Webber
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An Escape From Rationalism
For those who are looking at joining the Anglican Tradition then this book is a must read, though the reader must be warned that this book is not a staunch, detailed defence of Anglicanism over other evangelical denominations. Webber has a love for all evangelical traditions, though for him the Anglican Tradition met six important needs that other traditions did not. He explaines those within the book.

In my opinion Webber's book touches upon a more important issue that is rampant within conservative evangelicalism: rationalism.

For the conservative evangelical who is only concerned about his neat, ordered, boxed up theology, this book will not serve that purpose. Webber's journey into the Episcopal Church could also be titled "An Escape From Rationalism." He like myself have discovered that there is a whole lot more to Christianity than getting our theologies perfect.

One of Webber's reasons for joining the Anglican Tradition was needing what he called "a sense of mystery in religious experience", in other words this was saying that God cannot and will not be boxed up in some theological system.

I like Webber have also made the pilgrimage to Canterbury, I encourage others to explore also and to discover the beauty of the Anglican Tradition for themselves.

Very good!
So much of what I read on these pages is exactly how I've experienced the evangelical church (a meeting, or "service" revolving mainly around the sermon, and the Episcopal church I am attending, (centered on the worship of God. I learned alot from the first section written by Robert Webber, and found the testimonies in the second half of the book to ring very true. I think this is one of those books I shall be re- reading for some time to come. And I look forward to reading other works by the author. He writes in everyday language and he tells it pretty straight.

Another piece to the puzzle...
I found mention of Robert Webber's book while I searched online about Anglican/Episcopal/Liturgical topics. The church I currently attend is utilizing the "seeker-sensitive"/"purpose-driven" model for worship and it has begun to wear thin on me lately. There has got to be more to Sunday worship than a few songs, a drama and the use of a multi-media screen. And I have to say that Webber's book has made a great impact on my growing interest in the value of liturgy in general and the Anglican tradition in particular.

If you want a great book that makes an impressive case for the importance of liturgy, I highly recommend this book. It also includes the tesimonies of six other evangelical who have entered the Episcopal church and every short essay will ring true to what you are feeling.

I would consider this book a "must read" for anyone who has given consideration to liturical worship.


The General Care and Maintenace of Bearded Dragons
Published in Paperback by Advanced Vivarium Systems (1996)
Authors: Philippe De Vosjoli, Philipe De Vosjoli, Robert Mailloux, and Robert Maillioux
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One of the best books on bearded dragons
When it comes to experts on bearded dragons, no one doubts the knowledge and experience of Philippe De Vosjoli. If you have a bearded dragon, this is one book you cannot do without! I have turned to it countless times to expand my knowledge of the pogona vitticeps. I love it

An Oldie but a Goodie!
Given the expertise and knowledge of the authors, it should come as no surprise that this book has been the herpetological equivalent of the bible for Bearded Dragon owners since its original publication.

Even though some of the information (especially on diet and temperature) is a little outdated, it still holds its own in the market and once you buy a copy you will find yourself referring to it again and again (my own copy is very dog-eared!)

The current version has been updated to include extra photographs and if you have, or are thinking of getting a Bearded Dragon, the frist thing you should do is buy this book and then read it several times.

Bill Mears. BorderView Bearded Dragons, Canada

This is THE book for Bearded Dragon Owners.
This book is the best look at the care of Bearded Dragons I have ever seen. This is a very practical and useful source. Highly recommended to any current or potential Bearded Dragon owner.


L Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future (Vol 11)
Published in Paperback by Bridge Publications (1995)
Authors: L. Ron Hubbard, Robert Silverberg, Algis Budrys, Dave Wolverton, and Robert L., Jr. Hubbard
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WoTF's Vol. 13 has something for everybody.
The book rates an 8 instead of a 9 or 10 because it could have had at least one startling story in it. Since Stanley's short story, CHILDREN OF CRECHE, back in another earlier volume, there have been some near-contenders to such a slam-bang ending, but none have come even close. Still this omnibus offers some above-average short stories -- stories without the gum-smacking, philosophically idiotic messages that the previous three volumes were heavily caught up in. There's more intelligent stories evident in this volume than in the previous three volumes.

Wonderful stories from up and coming scifi writers!
I love short story anthologies and this is a book packed with good stories. from "Blade of the Bunny" to a thought provoking "The Price of Tea in China" every story is a must read. The tales are mixed with thoughtful tips and hints for new writers and the whole book makes a worthwhile text for anyone trying their hand at writing.

This book delivers the best of new writers.
Okay, I admit I'm biased, since my story "Cyclops In B Minor" is one of the stories contained in this volume. But you're not likely to find a more enjoyable anthology this year. This one's got everything: Hard SF, Urban Fantasy, Space Opera... It just doesn't get any better.


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