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Book reviews for "Stobaugh,_Robert_B._Jr." sorted by average review score:

Come Away My Beloved
Published in Library Binding by Kings Farspan Inc (1985)
Authors: Frances J. Roberts and Francis 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.

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.

Reading it for the second time.....
I read this book in December after losing my 42 year old husband to brain cancer. He was my EVERYTHING! I thought that I was handling the grief well...and the book was informative, on my first pass through it in the days following my husband's death. The past month has been very difficult for me....the grief has tried to swallow me up. I started reading the book again. I am now acting on the suggestions of the authors. They were both widowed in their 40's. Their perspective comes from two different vantage points. He is a theologian...and she is a psychologist. The book has been quite helpful...and I feel as though it is helping me move forward.


How to Care for Aging Parents
Published in Paperback by Workman Publishing Company (1996)
Authors: Virginia Morris and Robert Butler
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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.

A much needed resource on care for the elderly!
As the number of "baby boomer" caregivers increases, so, too, has the number of books on how to best care for our aging parents. Virginia Morris book, How To Care for Aging Parents, is a personal favorite for several reasons. In layman's lingo she addresses almost every concern a caregiver might experience. She provides ample options and suggestions for dealing with those concerns. Additionally, she offers information on community and national resources to contact for help.

Details relating to the physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of aging are addressed as well as dying and bereavement issues. Likewise, housing alternatives, financial, and legal aspects are presented in a readable and clearly detailed manner.

The challenge of caregiving for parents can be monumental at times. I only wish that this book had been in print sixteen years ago when I became a caregiver for my father following his stroke. Kudos to Virginia Morris for offering this much needed book. It will inform and encourage anyone who cares for our elderly.

Tremendously helpful during a difficult time
This book helped me tremendously as I stuggled through a difficult time being both a parent to my children and having to care for an ill parent. The book is easy to use with helpful information and resources, as well as being emotionally supportive. Easily read, not cover to cover, but as I needed help and support at different moments I picked it up. I have kept it next to my bedside...


The Kid from Tomkinsville
Published in Library Binding by Bt Bound (1999)
Authors: John Roberts Tunis, Paul Bacon, and Bruce Brooks
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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.

LEADING OFF A GREAT SERIES
When I was a kid in the late 60's and early 70's, I read all eight books in the J.R. Tunis series in his Dodgers series. Anyone who gets into the series MUST start with this one. Roy Tucker is an integral part in nearly all the books ("Young Razzle" being the exception), and "The Kid From Tomkinsville" introduces him along with the other characters. While some of the dialogue is of the "gee whiz" variety, the book and series are excellent. I'm so glad they were re-released, and I now have all of them. Now, I want to get a Dodgers replica jersey with the name "Tucker" above the number 34. Any kid between 9 and 90 who reads this book will know why.

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.


Billy the Kid: A Short and Violent Life
Published in Hardcover by Univ of Nebraska Pr (1989)
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.

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.

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 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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Building blocks of a little-known faith
I have been attending a Unitarian Universalist church for about a year. I was drawn to the church because of its openness. Unfortunately, the Unitarians are so fearful of evangelism that they almost refrain from giving newcomers any information about their faith in great detail. This book scratched the surface and then some. "A Chosen Faith" explains that two religious movements joined to created what is now the Unitarian Universalist movement. Now that I've read the book, I understand why Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Taoists, Pagans, Atheists and Agnostics all come together in UU fellowships. But more than that, the book attempts to explain what kind of theology can support such diversity under one tent. UUs have, I believe, a lot to say about how religious pluralism can be healthy and positive for our culture.

Warning: Rating for even numbered chapters only!
The book is actually co-authored; Forrest Church writes the odd number chapters and Buehrens writes the even. The two have completely different styles of writing, which Church acknowledges in the forward (which begs the question of why they would attempt such a book). It makes it feel like two different books altogether. Beuhrens' is far better and clearly quenches the objective of the book, giving a splendid introduction and education on Unitarian Universalism. I urge him to write his own book. Church, ironically, represents the very kind of religion I would assume UU's want to avoid. He "preaches" (he even compares himself to a spider - one "who spins what he has to say out of himself") and often speaks in complexed, theologian rehtoric that only a scholastic author of religion text books would understand. You might as well read a King James Hymnal. Buehrens words flow like Emersons, which warm with logic and burst with revelation the way one's free religion teachings should. Skip the odd chapters and you'll be satisfied.

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


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.

THIS IS THE BEST NON-FLEMING BOND STORY
I have just finished this book and I experienced the same thing as when I read Fleming himself. Amis has been able to do what none of the other Bond writers (Gardner, Benson) can even come close to doing. Very Fleming-esque and very true to the original formula of a Bond story. I really enjoyed it and highly agree with the other reviewers. Kingsley Amis was the true successor to Fleming. If only he'd written more like this...


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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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.

A Sign of Change
The transference of allegiances from one Christian tradition to another can often be a source of pain the converts' friends and family. A particular sore point is when one leaves for a Church that is viewed in one's former tradition as "highly suspect." Robert E. Webber understands these emotions well. Webber, a former Bob Jones University graduate who left the Evangelical Protestant movement for Anglicanism, was one of the first in a wave of prominent Evangelicals discovering liturgical worship. Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail is not as much a call for all Evangelicals to make a similar move, but an explanation - using his own experience as an example - as to why an Evangelical would make such a move. The overall tone is very irenic and seeks to promote a greater understanding among faithful Christians of all traditions.

The first part of the book is a description of Webber's conversion to Anglicanism. Rather than giving a strictly chronological telling of his trek, he approaches it from six different aspects of the Christian Faith (mystery, worship, sacraments, spiritual identity, the Church, spirituality) he came to believe were inadequately expressed in Evangelical Protestantism. The turning point in much of his discussion was his discovery of the Church Fathers. In them, he saw a far more balanced vision of Christianity - one he found expressed well in Anglicanism and the worship of the Book of Common Prayer.

The second part of the book consists of the personal testimonies of converts to Anglicanism. Although generally kind towards their former homes, it is obvious the deficiencies of modern Evangelical Protestant worship had taken its toll. A strong point here is each of the testimonies are sufficiently different in background and experience to avoid repetition of the same points. This also gives a sampling of the breadth of the movement to historic Christianity.

Webber returns to finish with a call for Evangelicals and those in the liturgical Churches to grow to know each other better as fellow Christians. While pointing out the factors leading to his move to Anglicanism, Webber recognizes strengths in Evangelicalism (strong personal faith, commitment to orthodoxy, love of Scripture, and concern for mission and evangelism) that would benefit the liturgical Churches. He predicts a convergence of traditions in the next century as the old wounds of the Church finally begin to heal.

In the nearly twenty years since the publication of Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail, much has happened relating to the points Webber raised - and many of his predictions now seem prophetic. The move to the historical Churches has grown considerably with Evangelical converts bringing their strengths with them to their new homes. Also, there have been many points of honest discussion and a detente of sorts along the ecclesiological front lines (although like other cessations of hostilities it is neither appreciated or observed by all).

Oddly though, Webber's own Anglicanism has not been a major beneficiary. Although the Anglican Communion is growing rapidly in Africa and Asia - where it is orthodox in its beliefs - the Episcopal Church (the U.S. province of the Anglican Communion) has declined and is increasingly both apostate and irrelevant. An obvious choice for a Protestant looking for a liturgical Church, its political correctness is anathema to someone looking for the faith once delivered. Thus most of the converts to historic Christianity have ended elsewhere.

Webber is not to blame for the folly of his Church. His book was the first sign of an important change in the Christian landscape. Although in some points it is now dated, Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail still affords the reader a rich understanding of both Christian worship and spirituality and a glimpse on the early stages of a significant movement of God.

A must read for evangelicals wanting more
If your experience in the evangelical tradition leaves you wanting more then this is the book for you. Webber explains in a succinct and lucid manner his personal journey from an evangelical (Baptist, Bob Jones graduate, Presbyterian minister, and Wheaton professor) to an Anglican. The second half of the book is devoted to six others who have similar stories. This book is not really an apology for Anglicanism, but the story of seven writers who looked at their spiritual lives in the evangelical tradition and found them wanting. They eventually discovered fulfillment in the Anglican Church. The writers are not hostile to their former traditions and do not take an elitist view of their journeys. Still, they do point out some of the problems of modern evangelical worship and doctrine. Also, the writers are traditional Anglicans; they are not associated with the more liberal side of the Church. As a lifelong evangelical who is now a communicant member in the worldwide Anglican Communion, it is almost as if Webber and his friends were telling my story. I just wish I could have found this book sooner. I highly recommend it!


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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Response to "A Reader From Sweden"
what do you expect...this book was written by a man who breeds bearded dragons and it is a book about bearded dragons. It is a wonderful book and tells you everything you need to know about keeping a bearded dragon whether you are breeding them or not. I personally own a 1 year old dragon, and this has been like the bible to me. Whenever something is wrong i consult this book and it will always have the answer you need. All the other books are written by herpotologists who have never actually owned, bred, or loved a bearded dragon. This book is amazingly helpful and comes from a person who knows what he is doing. I would recommend it to anyone who is planning on owning and loving a bearded dragon.

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

I LOVE THIS BOOK
I bought this book when my parents bought me a baby bearded dragon. this has everything you need to know about raising dragons. it tells you all the feeding instructions and it also has an extensive list of diseases and ailments and there respective symptoms. it tells you all about how to create a good terrarium. it also has information on breeding and overall care of the dragons. this is an amazing book and i would recommend it to anyone that is looking to buy a bearded dragon.


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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Jayme Blaschke is sure to be the next big name in sci-fi
Jayme Blaschke's short story Cyclops in B Minor, appearing in this 1998 edition, is probably one of the best modern fantasy stories I've ever read. This book is a collection of very talented young writers. Get this book for a sneak peak at the future of the genre.

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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