First of all, I'll concede that it's tough to find someone who argues better for libertarianism in practical, understandable terms than Mary Ruark. Moreover, her book's a very simple read and paints vivid examples of what a libertarian world *might* look like.

But this brings me to my first minor critique. Ruark provides examples of the way a free nation might run, but she elaborates on them in such detail that one begins to get the impression that she's arguing for the examples themselves. When she discusses a system of free-market private schooling, she describes the schools she envisions in intricate detail, and they don't remotely resemble what I think schooling in a libertarian country would look like. Now - Presuming I weren't a libertarian and even slightly objected to the school system she describes, I might simply reject all her ideas based on my objections to her illustrations of them.

Secondly, I just disagree with Ruark's anarcho-capitalistic version of libertarianism. I really am - as some libertarians would say - myopic enough to believe that we need government to provide public goods (I'm talking about the real ones like defense, police protection, and criminal justice). And call me a statist, but I think we'd have to fund these government activities with taxes. Of some kind. Somehow. Of the unvoluntary sort. With - yes - government force to ensure compliance.

Otherwise, though, this book should make an interesting read for libertarians and non.

I love this book. Really.

Dr. Ruwart's political philosophy's foundation is about non-aggression. This is nothing new in the libertarian creed, and the difference is that instead of concentrating on arguments of property rights, she really drives home with the non-aggression principle. She avers that by using aggression (i.e. force) to solve our problems, we end up only worsening our lives. We create a world of zero-sum games instead of a system that respects individual choices so long as they do not harm our person or property.

What also makes this book a pleasure to read is that it its tone is very friendly and accommodating. Many people (rightly) expect books on political philosophy to be badgering or aggressively written, so I like that Dr. Ruwart ditched the popular approach. Plus, her compassionate way of writing makes it difficult to call her a bloodthirsty free-market fan -- she does care about matters like helping the poor and making healthcare accessible.

Every issue she looks at shows the failures of aggression (i.e. government) to be effective, and conversely non-aggression (i.e. voluntary, private cooperation) has been more successful. Healthcare intervention? It's aggression, and it's bad for our health (and our wallet). The Federal Reserve? Central banking is aggression that monopolizes the money supply and creates the "boom & bust" cycle. The public school system? It might be obvious that the Department of Education doesn't actually educate anyone, but the whole setup is aggressive too, and children suffer because of it.

The principle of non-aggression is also applied to pollution, crime & punishment, the FDA, gun ownership, and -- the one especially important these days -- foreign policy. Non-aggression wins every time, and very few issues go untouched.

A cool touch to Dr. Ruwart's book is that she puts tons of great, great quotes in the margins, which work wonderfully with the topic at hand. One of my favorites comes from the first chapter (about the basis of non-aggression): "...we are living in a sick Society filled with people who would not directly steal from their neighbor but who are willing to demand that the government do it for them," says William L. Comer. That's classic! There's a lot of great ones, many of which I didn't recognize.

Please, read this book. This is a world where governments keep getting bigger, and that will always mean more aggression as the State invades more aspects of our lives. Know what's scary? In Chapter 19, "The Communist Threat Is All In Our Minds", Ruwart shows that the United States has implemented eight of ten policies The Communist Manifesto declared necessary for a transition into socialism. Darn. So, getting the word out on liberty is always a good thing. Please see Scott Ryan's excellent review of this book too.

Her premise isn't that hard to understand; when the government
takes (even if they call it taxation) it's stealing, so someone wins and someone loses. Essentially, in all coercion someone wins and someone loses. In voluntary exchange--the free market--it's win-win. Ruwart has a casual, easy-to-understand style. The title isn't an exaggeration; the world would be close to healed if everyone would follow two simple and ancient laws: "Do not steal" and "Do not murder."

I loved it, I enjoyed every minute of it and I didn't want it to end. From the Prologue to the Epilogue, this book moved you into the past with a realism that touches all your senses. Using words long forgotten in the English language, her descriptive narrative not only puts you in a time and place long ago, but you can feel it! You know exactly what the General's coat feels like. You can smell the spices, herbs, foods, the trees and flowers. You can hear the sound of a knife cutting into flesh. And you struggle with your own moral since of what was between the white man and the Indian at that time and place in history, while you live this life with Mary and Henry who are so very human. My favorite part is the prologue, I went back and read it again when I finished the book because it just blew me away how she describes Mary preparing her husbands body for burial. What a book!! Good job Micaela!

From the moment you begin reading this historical novel, you'll be pulled into the lives of Mary Bulliett and General Henry Atkinson. The story between this husband and wife is beautifully written and described with such great detail, you actually feel like you are there witnessing the daily struggles and lifetime tragedies these two extraordinary characters experience. The book is based on real people and events, which occurred in the early 1800's - a time when Indians and white man battled over the land. Ms. Gilcrest has done an excellent job telling their story while at the same time developing their very authentic personalities. A truly well written, great book!

What a terrific story! A young (?) southern belle, and a General 22 years her senior, get married after knowing eachother for three days, and he whisks her off to the western frontier, so he can try to keep order in the Indian lands.

The injustices that were done to the indians are just one aspect of the things you learn, along with some history of the west; but it's the characters and their story that keep you turning the pages.

Mary, the "heroine" is a woman you can relate to. How she comes to really love her husband, how she adjusts to her new surroundings; her jealousies, her heartbreak, her overall character. The indian characters are wonderful, and really draw you in, you will want to know their story, and even though you already know the outcome, you are still routing for them to win their war. Especially Bright Sun, what she goes through being a translator for the white man and the Sauk, being a woman indian in the time of war, trying to hold what she loves together, and what she believes...well some of it is truly heartbreaking. You will admire her strength and courage. The General, himself, is an unforgettable character, I only wish there was more info on his life.

The story keeps you turning the pages to find out what is happening, it keeps the characters firmly planted in your head, and even your heart because you really "feel" for them, and the ending is wonderful, as well as satisfying, it ties up all the loose ends that you are waiting for throughout the book.

Go west, young man,(woman), and take the journey.

Enjoy, Debbi

An interesting edition to the many books that have come out on Mary Magdalene. At times the poetry on being alone seems to apply more to the author's human condition than to Mary Magdalene. Also it is disappointing that the author has left out the the sexual connection of Unity. Still, all and all an interesting read -- Although this would not be the book I would recommend to someone as a first read on Magdalene.

This is the first and only book that speaks to the soul. From the dozens of people who have read it upon my recommendation, many agree (they all loved it, by the way). It is the first book that felt like I was talking to myself! Here, the author knows what it is like to be me. You will develop a rapport like nothing else ever experienced. Such is the power and grace of Mary Magdalena! By the way, she was not the prostitute she has been label by the Church Fathers! You will either love this book (and just can't put it down) or you will hate it and be unable to read it at all. Those are the only reactions I had people experience. So, if you can wait to get your hands on a copy, you are right! ------ COPYRIGHT 1997 Nathan Ray Stephenso

If you are a seeker of truth, buy this book now!

It will speak directly to your soul like no book you have ever read. Since reading this book I have been blessed to have several conversations with the author. I believe in this book; it is truth.

Honor yourself and read this book. You will be changed. It will shift you into the world you "gave up" when you "grew up".

Feel free to write me for more recommendations in the same light as this one. I will be happy to answer your questions and share the blessing I have received.
Peace

Mary Elizabeth Anderson's LINK ACROSS AMERICA is an informative and entertaining way for young and old alike to learn about the Lincoln Highway. The book combines facts, photos and entertaining Burma Shave jingle signs to help keep children interested in the topic while they read.

The history reflected makes you appreciate the roads we travel, instead of just taking them for granted. I must admit that I attended Seedling Mile School in Grand Island, Nebraska for 3 years and only recently learned why it was called such when I read Ms. Anderson's book. I had no idea the struggles made by so many to put together this road that I travel so often.

I highly recommend LINK ACROSS AMERICA to anyone with an interest in American history.

I thought the book LINK ACROSS AMERICA by Mary Elizabeth Anderson was excellent. I have lived by the Lincoln Highway most of my life but I was never aware of the histroy behind it. It is a fun book for children to read, and also learn at the same time. The book makes us appreciate what we have and also recognize the efforts of the people who gave us the first coast to coast highway.

A friend of mine recommended "Link Across America", and I thourghly enjoyed reading it. I had no idea that the Lincoln Highway even existed, since I grew up here in Michigan. I was also not a fan of history as a kid, but this book is so interesting and easy to read. Children will love it. It is a great part of history that children should not miss out on. I also love all of the colorful pictures.

This is great book for you if you like adventure books. It is magic tree houes book it is called "Midnight on the Moon". The characters are Jack and Annie are sister and borther. The author is Mary Osborne. She is a good author. Jack and Annie learn about space like how hot it is in space. I like this book because I like adventure books. If you like astronauts read this book

this book will take you to the moon. It's an exiting adventure where Jack and Annie get wisked off in another adventure to the moon. they need to know how to live on the moon but thet find somthing that helps them.I wonder what it was? find out and read!

Three... two... one... BLAST OFF!! The Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie off to the moon- and the feature. Their mission? To find the last "M" thing that will free Morgan from the spell. Can they do it before the air in their oxygen tanks run out? And why is Peanut the mouse acting so strange?

The only way to find out is to read Midnight On The Moon.

I just finished "Chesta's Way" by Mary Jacobson. I read it in one sitting and have been preoccupied with thoughts of Chesta, her family, their lives and incredible contribution to our society's cast-off girls. Chesta and her family offered unconditional love to these girls by opening up their home to them and providing calves for each girl to feed, groom, nurture - to love and to be able to receive the kind of love they had never experienced. This is the story of a family moved to make a difference in the lives of abused, neglected and consequently very troubled and troublesome girls. The calves become a catalyst for transforming the angry, cynical, hard shell of these delinquents to young people who allow themselves to love and be loved. It is a heartful book that is a must-read for all who are affected by today's culture of escalating youth violence and are wondering how we can help to make life so much better for our young. Chesta found a way. "Chesta's Way" is uncompromising in its integrity of portraying the characters who inhabit a fertile valley in the Pacific Northwest and the events which transpire to make it a difficult, yet truly inspiring story. Mary Jacobson is the kind of writer I love to read. Her prose is simple, direct and powerful when her content warrants it, i.e., when the girls interact with the family, school and one another, but as she situates the story and weaves effortlessly from scene to event to dialogue, her prose takes on a lyrically evocative quality that enirely captivated me and made me yearn for more pages when I got to the end. Mary Jacobson is a very fine writer who can tell an engaging story. I look forward to her next story!

As a teacher and someone who works with today's youth, I found Chesta's Way to be an inspiration and an affirmation that people, right now, are not just talking about how to help our youth, but are doing it.

Chesta's Way offers a true glimpse of reality, but uniquely tells the story of a woman who stumbles on a solution to some of our youths' biggest problems. I laughed and I cried while reading this book. Not because it is a joke or because it was depressing, but because I could identify so strongly with the characters and the struggles they went through. It so accurately portrays what our kids are going through and the frustrations most adults confront while trying to help them or just understand.

I do not read for pleasure usually. This book was presented to me and I told my friend to be patient with me, I may not read it for awhile. The first page was tough for me. It seemed too "flowery". However, once past that page, I COULD NOT put it down, literally!! I have NEVER been so moved by literature. Absolutely incredible! If you work with children, have children, like children or are looking for ways to help our future, this is a must.

To those of you who take this seriously, thank you! It is you who will make this world a better place! (I know it seems extreme and exaggerated just for a book, but wait and read it then make your judgement!)

Chesta's Way is an inspiring and heartwarming true story that captured me from the beginning. Through smiles, tears and intense moments, this is an uplifting account of how one woman's compassion and perserverance helped fill the void in troubled city kids hearts. This book is a "must read" for anyone concerned about kids today, anyone who is called in their "own way" to make a difference in the lives of others, and for animal lovers everywhere who know and cherish the gifts animals bring to us through their need, companionship and love. City Kids and Calves...what a wonderful combination! Chesta's Way is beautifully written and it's story rekindles one's faith in the human spirit. It is the kind of book you will want to share with others. The perfect gift. I have given this book as gifts to others with the greatest of joy. Thank you, Mary, for sharing this story.

This book really captured my heart and attention!! I tried to identify with one character and found myself in every one of these woman. Such a moving story; the pages turned too quickly. The 'looking back' required to write and read this book is challenging and poignant. Everyone who is interested in famiy dynamics and women's relationships with the important people in her life should read this book. The resolution is realistic as well as life affirming. I wanted to be there with the sisters and come to grips with some of my own stories. Bravo Mary Alice Monroe for giving me a window to look at life's events from a different point of view.

I enjoyed this book so much. I was in a deep reading rut when i came across this one in my pile of boooks to be read and it immediately grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. What a wonderful story about sisters' relationships and self discovery! I will be reading more by Mary Alice Monroe.

Mary Alice Monroe is a skilled storyteller. Her prose is beautiful and her understanding of human nature profound. I was toally absorbed in the lives of these sisters. This book is what good writing is all about.

For me, reading this book was a pleasure I never knew existed in poetry. I have seen O'Donoghue read and it to her credit that she does not have to perform as much as shallow poets. Why? Because her poetry is loaded with such magnificence. I found myself tripping over the evidence to amplify this point. Evidence: "My Body Is Leaving Me"- chilling, "Witches of Monin Na Gloigeann"- hilarious, "Cattle Cars"- frightening and sad, "Bank Holiday Menlo Castle"- innocent and "Hebe at the Job Interview" is a poem that deserves awards in itself. I am happy to have read "Tulle". It was a great experience. After reading one poem, I just wanted to keep going. I read it in one reading- a first for me with poetry. This is something special.

I got this book for Christmas as I am a follower of the Irish literary scene. I found this to be an excellent and mature collection of poetry. The maturity comes with it's humor. It is not humor from the school of smart alecs. The humor is used just at the right time always- timing would be the best word. "Hebe At The Job Interview" has timing. "Slugga" has this too as does "Two Poems For Rodger". All poems come from the pen of somebody who can tangle the English language to produce outstanding results.

Mary O'Donoghue is a young Poet and judging by this- an excellent one with a huge future. This is her debut and it has a polish that most debuts do not have. Take your pick. Every poem has something.

Mary O'Donoghue is a young Irish poet but I did not get a young feel from this collection. This was as mature a collection that you can get. The variety of issues covered in this is highly admirable and reveals the depth of the writer. The title of Tulle comes from the poem "The Textures" where the poet compares herself to different fabrics being held affectionately by a loved one. "Tulle" is one of these fabrics. O'Donoghue's words drip sensitively in "The Textures" taking this reader to another place.

This is only one of many masterpieces. Greek mythology is mined on a couple of occasions and done so successfully. Again, to pull this off commands maturity that O'Donoghue shows in abundance. The "Job Interview" poem shows Hebe explaining at an interview why she's tired of Olympus and all its splendid trimmings and her extra macho boyfriend- Hercules! I found myself laughing out loud!!

There are so many flavors in this collection from the delicately personal, to the horrors of war, to Greek mythology transplanted excellently in the present and to modern, yet heartfelt, views of rural Ireland. This book has it all. Humor is a big player in O'Donoghue's poetry but it is the way that she uses it that makes this special. Timing with humor is a gift that is also evident. What it amounts to are poems that are well rounded and excellently balanced.

My actual rating would be four-and-a-half stars...Although the author has a "pet" scripture (Rom 8: 17-23 and pun intended) to which she refers repeatedly, she is quite substantive when it comes to Biblical support with other passages,far more so than another book that is also strictly Biblically-oriented. I might add that her apparent favorite Scripture has much to be gleaned from, so the repetitiveness can be forgiven.Stories are occasionally woven in, and do fit in well. Ms B-Porter does not tend to digress from her topic and tackles it well and convincingly.The author shows her Christianity but is not judgmental of others who might not share her beliefs. "Nominal" Christians or even non-Christians can read it without feeling "preached to". There is, rather, a sharing of her joy in being Christian. The book is a gentle one.The Apocrypha (Books still found in the Catholic Bible, but exorcised from the Protestant ones) are drawn upon as well; she states that the passages to which she refers help in the understanding of the rest of Judeo/ Christian Scripture in her topic of God's plan for all of His creatures.I recommend this book to any believer in the Bible who wants to know "Will I see Fido [the dog, or Mopsy the cat, or Fifi the parrot, or Carrot, the rabbit or any beloved pet :-) ] in Heaven?

After losing my young golden retriever/aussie shepherd mix to multiple organ failure, my first thought was "why, Lord?" followed closely by "where is she, Lord?" This book will help guide you through that question and answer it based on what God's Word says - not man.

"Will I See Fido in Heaven?" will show you, verse by verse, God's plan for His creation and His will concerning the things He has created. It's a rich book which can be read over and over. It has a permanant spot in my library.

I also recommend this book for those who have not lost a pet. I found, after reading it, my relationship with my remaining pets was much enriched. I wish I had read this (and "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates") prior to my Khiori's death. It would have greatly helped me through my grief and sorrow, while being assured her place in heaven.

This is a book every Christian needs to read. It shows the importance God gives to His beloved creatures. We are here as stewards of God's creation. We should treat all animals with compassion.

But for us pet-lovers, for those of us who consider our pets as family members, this book should give great comfort; a lot of loving work has gone into producing it. Pets will, indeed go to Heaven; the author has done a wonderful job demonstrating this from Scripture, with inspired comments of her own.Now, the question is, will we meet the Lord's requirements so that we will be able to join our innocent four-legged (or two) beloved companions there? We must be born again; they have no need of this.

This book could be a good conversion tool for the animal-lover who has not made a decision for the Lord.