AAAIIIEEE!!! has me convinced that Jeffrey Thomas is the next name in horror. This collection of stories is possibly the most entertaining book of indie fiction I've read (its main rival being Thomas' earlier collection Punktown). These short stories have the innovation and fresh perspective of Bradbury, the perverse car crash magnetism of early Clive Barker and the layered depths of Lovecraft.

Normally I prefer novels to short stories but Thomas has the knack for creating a complete world with dynamic characters in only a couple pages. Thomas' range is amazing, from the darkly romantic tale of an angel "Fallen" to the truly bizarre "Family Matters" his fiction is always compelling and thought-provoking. Nor is Thomas without a sense of humor. Take for instance,"Psychometric Idol" his tale of a quirky pop star resembling Michael Jackson who acquires artifacts (like the skeleton of the elephant man) so as to convert them to nutritious and inspiring shakes.

I can't recommend the work of Jeff Thomas enough. If you are looking for innovative, top-notch fiction in a dark vein then look no further than Jeff Thomas'

Jennifer Barnes[]

Was hesitant to read this book ... thinking it would be simplistic. Not at all. This former Peace Corps volunteer, who died in an airplane crash in Ethiopia while heading Congressional delegation led my Mickey Leland, writes wonderfully, shares insights about Africa and about living in countries that are not your own, and describes scenes that leave lasting images in your mind.

A friend recommended All Love Flows to the Self... Eternal Stories from the Upanishads. She and her teenage son were sharing some quality time reading one of the twelve stories every night, and they were enjoying both the story content and the feeling of settledness that resulted from reading uplifting, classic-style literature. The book jacket comments, "The timeless and universal wisdom expressed in these twelve stories reminds us of the natural flow of life towards its supreme goal." And a reviewer goes on to say, "The Upanishads are perhaps the greatest works of wisdom known to man." I was further enticed and purchased the book. Now, I read and reread a story and stop to savor a descriptive phrase, such as "...stars, scattered across the sky like a thousand sugar crystals." And I pause now and then and realize that these stories reflect some greater, spiritual truth in my own life. All Love Flows to the Self takes the reader to a deeper, refreshing level. I also appreciate the color photos that accompany the stories, the Sanskrit phrases, and the glossary that really make this book complete.

This collection combines 150 years (1819 to 1960's) of short fiction by those authors you've always heard of, but never quite got around to reading. It starts with Irving's "Rip Van Winkle," which has a corker of an ending you might not know about if you've never really read the story. And that's a great start to a series of wonderful surprises for those of us who haven't read quite as much mainstream fiction as we'd like to think (or claim). The collection progresses chronologically by author's birthdate, including over 50 writers's works. You'll recognize nearly every name (Bierce, Crane, Thurber, Steinbeck, Welty, Vonnegut, etc.), which ought to be enough to let you know this really is what its subtitle claims. The only pause I was given arose from the sudden end of the parade in the 1960s, while the book came out in 1994. Was there nothing worth including from the ensuing 30 years? Maybe copyright law has something to do with it, but the introduction doesn't say. Regardless, this is a fine, venerable compendium that might be the starting place for a new writer, or a resting place for an old reader. It's 1,000 pages long; given the names on those pages, the price is virtually nothing, while its value is incalculable.

An outstanding and well researched expose of the Martha Jefferson-Sally Hemings half-sister myth. The rumors and political slandering of Thomas Jefferson began with early political enemies of Jefferson, some fired from office or denied office due to malfeasance or unsuitability for government office. The notorius scandalmonger reporter, James T. Callender, continued the "Campaign Lies", (the Tom Woodson charge was exposed by there being NO Jefferson/Woodson DNA match), and these slandering efforts were carried out by Samuel Wetmore in the Madison Hemings interview in Pike Co, Ohio. Many of the statements contained in this interview have been exposed as being very doubtful under close and minute research.

Recent evaluations of these misleading findings of the Jefferson-Hemings DNA Study of 1998 and the resultant sensationalist media coverage, would lead one to believe that Thomas Jefferson is guilty of fathering Hemings children. Nothing could be further from the truth as reported in the Jefferson Scholars Commission Report, a blue ribbon panel of thirteen prominent professors, released April 12, 2001. The Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society has links to the full S.C. report.

The authors have long researched all the material and have personally visited many of the covered sites. There are many excellent references cited and for all who wish to keep current on the Jefferson-Hemings controversy should read this book and also the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society book, "The Jefferson-Hemings Myth, An American Travesty."

Best Friends: A Collection Of Classic Stories is an anthology compiled by Jean C. Fischer of true biographies and excerpts from famous novels for children and young adults, presented with captivating full-color paintings by Thomas Kinkade. Some of the heartwarming stories that Best Friends draws material from include "The Secret Garden," "Anne of Green Gables," Sacagawea's life story, and "Little Women." Enhanced vignettes and border art by Kevin Burke, Best Friends makes for excellent bedtime stories and also serves as a gateway to hopefully inspire young folks to track down the classic texts from which it draws. Best Friends is a very highly recommended literary and visual treasure trove for young readers.

The best account of the infamous Lawrence, Kansas massacre during the Civil War. Goodrich uses meticulous detail and vivid writing to deliver a fascinating, often gruesome depiction of Quantrill's raid. The casual reader will find "Bloody Dawn" riveting; the historian will discover a treasure trove in the copious footnotes and bibliography. A must for anyone interested in the seamy underbelly of the "bleeding Kansas" era.

Both my sons (ages 1 & 3) love this book - it's their favorite bed-time story, with it's colorful illustration and fun/humorous storyline. They even pretend to read the story themselves, as they point to the egg on Thomas' nose & giggle. It's a delightful storybook for little ones.

12 short stories written by well known Spanish language authors including Octavio Paz and Isabel Allende. Stories of mystery, magic,love and humor, the stories are enjoyable to read as well as challenging for a non native speaker. Used in a Spanish language class the book offers questions to increase one's comprehension of the language, questions for discussion and exercises to increase grammar skills and vocabulary. My favorite, Don Elias Neftalí Sánchez, mecanógrafo was cleverly written and had me laughing out loud at the absurdity of the obnoxious friend Don Elias cannot get out of his house.

This book will definatly leave you wanting a visit from a creature of the night! Each story is as fascinating as the last