BOOK REVIEW By Maryanne Raphael, Writers World

FOR THE LOVE OF CHILDREN is an inspiring treasure of quotations, poems, and anecdotes that celebrate today's children and the child living within each of us. As comforting as advice from Grandma and long-time family friends, this charming book can refresh exhausted parents giving them the courage and sense of humor they need to carry on. It includes favorite stories of famous parents, showing how they met the challenges of rearing children, communicating, setting boundaries, encouraging creativity, intelligence and compassion, sharing love and letting go. This book is truly a reminder of the joy and special magic that is childhood, helping us recognize its fleeting nature and precious beauty. We have more love, patience, joy and awe for our children. Every page is easy to read with humor, memorable quotes, and sensible advice. FOR THE LOVE OF CHILDREN gives us "a reason to thank the Universe for the incredible gift of childhood."

For the Love of Children, is filled with wonderful stories and quotes that will let any parent at any phase of parenting know that they are not alone.

It is delightful to hear other people give voice to my parenting challenges, such as Robert Frost's statement about a father and mother toward son and daughter. One of the best quotes, "If you don't want your children to hear what you're saying, . . . . pg 27

The topic of this book is children but it's really written for everyone to enjoy -- grandparents, parents and even non-parents like myself. If anything, it recalled long-forgotten childhood memories and helped me get in touch with my own child within.

IMPRESSIONS:
This book was a wonderful story that touched your heart and showed you the true beauty of the human spirit. The characters are wonderful and lovable and they literally come alive for you; you care for them and about them. The story is a wonderful tale of family, love, death, life, war, racism, and every other aspect that you can imagine. It will appeal to all different ages and types.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
The race aspect of the book is very interesting and eye-opening. Due to the fact that it starts in the 1920s and spans until present day (or around there) it can really appeal to everyone and can also be very educational. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a book which will make them laugh, cry, and most of all, love.

Ann Elizabeth and Rob are a young newly married couple tryin too make it doing the racial times of the 40's, and 50's. Rob's dream is to be a pilot, but prejudice always get's in the way. The couple had to face so many trials, in there marriage. I was so hurt when Rob cheated on Ann, I wanted to cry with her. This book give you a look at a young married couple, and their family trying to overcome turblent times.

So much of our history is either robbed from us or never brought to light. NO CRYSTAL STAIR provides readers, through the saga of Ann Elizabeth Carter and Army Air Corps pilot Robert Metcalf, a brief glimpse into the world of the black privileged class as well as the determined, black working poor. Without apology or excuse, Ms. Rutland allows her readers to plunge themselves into over sixty years of love, passion, sadness, and laughter in the families represented in this book. Readers get to see that yes, there was high society in the African American race, and like with any "moneyed" group, they had their problems, but when the chips were down, they pulled together with the larger group for equality and justice for all. The story takes us through the World War where brave young black men stood proud and soared high among the clouds. It also lands us squarely into the age of consciousness where black folk redefined themselves through their movements and their leaders. But through it all, we see the unity that exists among a people that are both different and the same. After reading the final page, I could not help but to smile and reflect on the fact that yes, life has not been "no crystal stair," but, like Langston says,"We're still climbin.'" Thank you for sharing this story, Ms. Rutland.

If there ever was a book that answered any questions that one may
have about the full life,of not only Jesus, but his parents
and diciples as well,this book is it!!! It is the only book
on the subject of Jesus that I,ve read that had an extremely
emotional effect on me. Now I don,t know if it was the almost
sacred like way that the english language was written, or the
simple yet potent way that it touched my soul. All I know is
that something deep in my soul told me that this is the TRUTH!
I am fully aware that these things will not happen to anyone
that reads the book, but I,m positive that it will move the
person that seeking the truth with a meek and humble heart!
May God bless all those who have a strong desire just to over-
come and make it back home!!

Reported to be taken from the Akashic Records, Levi's The Aquarian Gospel Of Jesus The Christ the story of Jesus of Nazareth, and how he attained the Christ consciousness that is open to all men. The Aquarian Gospel Of Jesus The Christ is a complete record of the "lost" eighteen years passed over in the New Testament gospels between the appearance of Jesus as a child in the Jerusalem temple and the commencement of his selection of apostles and the launching of his mission to the people of Palestine. The Aquarian Gospel Of Jesus The Christ is a record of Jesus' encounters with the masters, seers and wise men he visited while traveling in Tibet, Egypt, India, Persia, and Greece. A classic of metaphysical studies, this edition from DeVorss Publications will once again make this timeless testament available to a whole new generation of students and truth seekers.

This esoteric book, apparently transcribed from the Akashic Records, took me by surprise on the first page and never let go. If it's true - and I definitely feel it is - it just could be the most important book ever written.

It is so incredible and refreshing to read what feels like accurate "new" information about history's most famous figure. Jesus is shown as someone wholly sympathetic with all mystery teachings (Buddhism, Hinduism, even the Delphic Oracle in Greece!) and the detail of his life in India and elsewhere, before embarking on his more famous Holyland ministry, is fascinating and persuasive; not least the notion that Jesus was born a man and had to become "the Christ" through his own epic inner journey. Quote from Jesus: "What I have done, all can do." I find that an inspirational challenge to our spirit. Especially now, in the dying year of the worst century ever.

This book is a great incite into the times of elizabeth the first. Written from the perspective of Elizabeths cousin, this was an honest, enlightening and interesting book. It has certainly got me gripped on the British monarchys history. Elizabeth is seen to be a domineering, spoilt person but yet extremely loyal to friends, family and her favourite servants. She is torn between the love of the charming Robert Dudley and her obsession not to have to share her crown.

this is a really wonderful book. it's so descriptive and it feels as if you are looking through an window of Tudor England and seeing everything, from a jewel on a queen's splendid crown to the look in a man's confident eyes. Lettice tells her story so well, and makes the characters so real and believable. It is a good mix of entertainment and history.

It was refreshing to see Queen Elizabeth from a different point of view; you always hear her described as "Good Queen Bess". Of course, we are shown through this book that the Queen wasn't as good and sweet as everyone thought she was. Granted, though, she was still brilliant.

It was also interesting to see more about the Queen's "favorites". Overall, I would highly reccomend this book.

I really like this writer, that being said -- If you are a reader like me and you like your reading material to be both interesting and fun then this book is right up your alley!

Necessary Lies by talented Canadian writer Eva Stachniak is a worthy read that just received an award for excellence in its category. A bitter sweet story of a Polish emigre` who returns to Europe after the fall of communism. A engaging story you won't want to miss!

This is a novel one can't put away. It describes a very complicated and controversial issue of emigration, betrayal and forgiveness. There are no solution to any of these problems in this novel, and maybe that's why the entire story is real and very interesting. Many of us came to Canada leaving behind our lives, families, etc. Did we really had to come here? What is moral? What is not? The same questions are asked by the author of this novel.

Wish I'd seen this book before I had read other books on the subject - I could have taken the author's advice to read a couple of them thoroughly than try to read a library's worth on this harmonious way of living and designing your environment.

Feng-shui has shed the image of "some Easern mumbo-jumbo that has no impact on modern life," as people have increasingly realized and accepted its benefits and become more aware of the need to live in harmony with the environment.

This is a great book on the subject - easy to read but full in addressing its subject. It should be required reading, not just for any urban or other planner, but for anyone interested in living a better life.

Eva Wong's book has much in its favor. Historically, the selection of a grave site was one of the most important commissions a feng shui master would receive. You had to be at peace with nature for a long time, and this was no snap question.

Mistress Wong introduces you to this ancient Chinese landscape of the mind. I would never have come to appreciate the red raven formation in front of my Seattle home were it not for this informative book.

I do not pretend to be expert in these arts. Westerners used to consider all of this 'black magic.' This is fusion culture for those who like fusion cuisine. Bon appetit!

When I started to become interested in Feng Shui, I didn't know where to look. So many books are out there, but which ones are for real? And which ones are just jumping on the new fad band-wagon? At some point I came across some information on Eva Wong and decided to purchase this book. It was a great decision.

With Feng Shui, you have to realize that it is an ancient art that is so much bigger than what you read in a book. This volume is an excellent step in the right direction if you are desiring to learn about the tradional Chinese practice. It covers everything from the history of Feng Shui to taking readings of your home. It is simply amazing the time and knowledge that goes into this practice and Ms. Wong breaks it down chapter by chapter.

Taking time to really sit down and study Ms. Wong's book has been rewarding...and has me asking to learn more. One great piece of advice she does mention is to learn one or two books well...no need to ready everything everyone has written on the subject.

Madame Curie is a touching and honest biography. It tells the perserving story of Marie Curie, a native Pole who would seem out of place in France and--being a woman in a more prejudice timeframe--in the scientific community in general. Although this was the case, it did not stop her from becoming one of the most prolific and important scientists in the realm of physics and chemistry.

Within this book is held the tale of a woman who worked almost every single minute of her life in either the laboratory, the classroom, or her own home. But she never faltered under pressure and endured inhospitable laboratory conditions (she was originally working in a shed to help discover radium, the element that created the field of radiation cancer treatment and spurred the field of nuclear science.

As a biographer, Eve Curie remains factual in content, allowing the reader to form an unbiased opinion of her mother. She buttresses the book with personally letters to and from Marie Curie, which add a first hand account of certain aspects of her mother's life.

A must read for anyone looking for a heartwarming story.

The book is a reprint of the biography written by Marie Curie's daughter, Eve Curie in 1937. It is a book which should be read by all - especially aspiring scientists. Marie Curie was the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in France, the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize and the first person to receive two Nobel prizes. The work she accomplished under the most difficult situations for a scientist is truly inspiring. When asked why she and her husband, Pierre Curie did not patent the procedure for extraction and purification of radium, something which would have made them very wealthy, she said "No, It would be contrary to the scientific spirit." How refreshing, since in today's world the first thought of scientists is patenting their discoveries.

My mother gave me this book when I was about twelve years old. And, still now this book serves as a constant inspiration ...

I find that this book helped me to transform my life to what is true freedom and our purpose for existence. It is truly profound and rich with material that will last for life and cannot be replaced. The lectures listed in the back of the book are additional treasures. This is my favorite and is such a gift left by a very courageous and talented woman. If you discover this book you are blessed in life.

This book totally answered almost all of my questions about life. It CHANGED my life. I introduced it to my roommate, and we kept stealing it back and forth from each other. It is the single most important book I've ever read. It seriously changed my life- how I saw things, how I lived. It's background may make people a little skeptical, but I swear, if you read it, you will know... I don't care what the circumstances were for it's being written, it combed my soul and lifted me PERMANENTLY from the depression that was always lurking somewhere in my life.

I have been studying the Pathwork lectures for the past two years in Grace Training facilitated by Gayle Straub. The suggested reading list contains all of Eva Pierrakos books. There are 34 of us studying the lectures and Pathwork of Self-Transformation is one of the main texts for understanding the shadow and lower self. There are very few books that delve as deeply into the inner workings of the unconscious. The masks we have acquired out of self protection are described in great detail. It is like reading the book of life and all we need to know and don't know how to ask. This book describes in a readable format very complex image distortions. These distortions and illusions appear very real to us. You can "see" yourself very clearly in each chapter. You will find yourself saying,"That's me. So that is why I do that." Uncovering and facing the self is very difficult without an unbiased third party as a sounding board. This book is the sounding board.

Remember when you first fell in love; that feeling which overpowers you and consumes your entire being? You HAVE to be with your lover or you'll die. Then came the marriage proposal; THEE question you waited for, prayed for, and almost died for.

True Love is filled all of these emotions that will take you back to your own wedding proposal. It is a great read and makes the perfect gift for a new bride (or even an old one!!!). The true stories in this book are engaging and easy to read through quickly since we're in the "micro wave" time frame. Some of the stories are humorus while others might solicate emotions of frustration and even anger. But they all leave you with that "ahhhhh" feeling when the "Will you marry me?" question is asked. These true-life couples will help any young couple plan their engagement and wedding.

The book also contains a section with a list of engagement rings that can be chosen and are proper to chose. For example: A bride born in October may choose an opal engagement ring because opals symbolize hope. At the end there are pages to fill in about your own wedding, such as: Our Wedding Day with names of the best man, groomsmen, maid of honor, bridesmaids etc; The Groom's Memoirs and the Bride's Memoirs; and a Certificate to be filled in on your wedding day.

The book is also sprinked with great quotes and fillers from various people and even celebrities such as John Tesh and Connie Selleca's proposal and the Rev. Billy and Ruth Graham among others. Poems and quotes from Shakespear, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Charles Dickens also fill the pages.

I highly recommend this wonderful, inspiring book filled with love stories.

...

What a joy it is to read this book filled with true stories of love and marriage. Poems and prose and scriptures enrich every page and bring a smile to the face and a lift the heart. In this constantly changing world it's refreshing to read of true love and marriage divine style. Eva Everson's lyrical prose has given us an intimate look into the hearts of very special people. This book is a classic look at true love.

Special Forces and Army Ranger training didn't prepare me for the most important battle of my life: overcoming years of military training and finding the art of appreciating the delicacy of the perfect moment for the perfect marriage proposal. True Love : Engaging Stories of Real-Life Proposals by Eva Marie Everson does just that. Guys don't pass this book up as a "chick flick" sort of thing! It's going to be you on the bent knee with your future, as you hope it will unfold from that moment on! For those bold souls, (and that goes for you women of action who decide to propose e.g. the author Eva Marie), read and learn. Those who fail to plan, plan to fail! This book's many stories about how men and women accomplished the perfect proposals (well, not always perfect!) but always conducted with the fine art of being at our most human; was great reading! I didn't realize this book was of the "Christian Bookstore" fare and like every great book the Bible and Shakespere are referred to. However, because this book has applicability to the most wonderful human condition of being in love and proposing marriage it deserves the widest possible readership. Fortunately, the author had that in mind. So go get it. This book is a whole lotta fun that encouraged me to ask all of my Army buddies about their proposal stories! HOOHAH!

This book focused on the stories of Eva Luna (which is the book that chronicles the life of the narrator of this book). I found it even more interesting than Eva Luna. The stories are richly told. Isabel Allende did an excellent job writing this book. The stories are bout characters frpm the book of Eva Luna, some made up stories and others about her lover. A great book.

Although a few of the earlier stories in this book didn't quite catch my interest, most of the following ones did. In a big way.

This book is a collection of short stories told in the style of "Sheherazade in 1001 nights". Each story has a little bit of magic in it, as is often the case with latin american literature, and interesting characters.

I fell in love with this book, and wished for more. You'll enjoy it.

I am reading Cuentos de Eva Luna in spanish and would very much like to read the same book in english to compare the two. That is, if it is published in english. I think it would be very helpful if the reviews you post more clearly indicated whether they are reviews of a book written in spanish or written (translated) into english. Just a thought. BTW, the spanish version is excellent.