Each time I reread this book it takes me home. I grew up in the 50's,60's in Humboldt Il. Mr Thomas deserves a big plus for bringing out the closeness of people in a small town. I knew and loved many of the people he wrote about in this book. If I could locate Mr Thomas I would invite him to walk the streets of Humboldt with me. We could relive the best days of our lives.

This book transports you to a time and place where people passed their days doing the big and small things that weave a time and place in history that should not be forgotten. It is a wonderful book that talks about Humboldt, Illinois and individuals living there during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This is a story of German immigrants and their descendents as well as others, making a living by farming or whatever else that would make a living. It is a treasure of everyday life on a farm or small town in the midwest. For those who lived in Humboldt, it evokes powerful sensations, memories of a time that was........ Even those who have not lived in Humboldt will appreciate the way Mr. Thomas has ensured that those unique individuals in his book will never be forgotten.

I was raised in Humboldt and this book brought to me many hours of history and memories. This is a very laid-back farm community with a real midwest lifestyle.

Conrad's Bane will leave you smiling. From college pranks to military exploits, the story goes from charming to hilarious to serious as you follow the life and times (or adventures and misadventures) of the author. There is something for everyone in this book!

Conrad is a bright new writer of humorous short stories and
gives you a breath of fresh air reminding you of when you were
young adventurous and had many exciting experiences.

This is a very humorous anthology of humorous short stories it sometimes reminds me of myself and all the crazy things that hve happened in my life.

As a native Baltimorean, it was both refreshing and unsettling to note all of references to my home town. Refreshing, because it was heart-warming to visualize the exact settings so vividly described in Mr. Keech's book. Unsettling, because while you don't want to believe politicians can be so egotistical and corrupt, you can see just how possible and probable it is. The good news is that this writer effectively overcomes the power of evil by allowing some of his characters to see the light and mend their ways in time to save the day. In the end, the little man triumphs, a rhyming mayor changes his lyrics, and a couple of Legal Assistance Attorneys find love among the case files. An enjoyable read, filled with humor, plot twists, and happy endings.

I used to think that politicians were a breed of unemotional, greedy manipulators, but this book convinced me that they are really wildly emotional greedy manipulators. This was a hilarous book, especially when I sometimes saw myself in the portrayals of this wild cast of characters.

If you care about people, cities, or poverty, you should read this book. It is an entertaining and thoughtful story about the impact of politics on poverty and the efforts of a person to beat the system.

In 1968, a full year before the Stonewall Riots that began the historic start of the gay liberation movement in the United States, a young gay minister started a church that would change the lives of countless gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and straight people throughout the world. Meeting with just 12 people in his living room, Reverend Troy Perry began a ministry of hope and healing that continues to this day to more than 300 congregations in 19 different nations.

This incredible book, written by Reverend Troy Perry, founder of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, and co-authored by Thomas Swicegood, details the early life of both Reverend Perry and UFMCC. Rather than simply a chronological retelling of the histories, the book is divided into individual themes: Reverend Perry's childhood, his struggles to accept his homosexuality, the history of women in the MCC churches, international outreach of the denomination, the impact of AIDS on the denomination, and other topics.

My favorite chapters involve the struggles of the early congregations. So many of us who have come to MCC in the past 10 years aren't aware of what the early congregations endured. Some of the more horrific stories involve arson of MCC churches, murder of church members, rejection of the congregations by their local communities, and in one case, an actual cross burning on the grounds of the MCC in Houston, Texas. But within the stories of horror are stories of hope, courage, and a love of God that stands pure and true.

I am unable to complete this review without offering a personal testimony to what this denomination, and this man means to me. For many years I too thought that God couldn't love me because I was gay, but one Sunday in February of 1996 I was taken to Covenant Metropolitan Community Church in Birmingham Alabama by two friends who thought I needed to see what MCC was all about. Reverend Perry was preaching that day in honor of Covenant MCC's 15 year anniversary, and when he told the congregation, "I want you all to turn to each other and say, 'You're in the right place,' " tears began to flow from my eyes. I knew that I had found a home and that God loved me after all. Recently Reverend Perry was once again at our church to help us celebrate our 20th anniversary, and I was able to thank him for what he and MCC have done for me and my relationship with God. The tears flowed again, and I wasn't ashamed of a single one of them.

Reverend Perry is one of the most sincere, loving, and genuine Christians you'll ever meet, and I urge you to purchase this book even if you're not a member of an MCC congregation. You will encounter a man who is not a saint, but an ordinary person who has trusted God to give him the strengths and talents to do God's will and make a difference in people's lives.

I discovered this book by accident in an Edinburgh book shop in 1993. I had no active interest in religion at that time but for some reason I felt compelled to buy it. I "devoured" the book in 24 hours and have re-read it several times since.

The book is an honest and inspiring account of Rev Perry's life and the circumstances surrounding the formation of the Metropolitan Community Church. As well as his own testimony, we are treated to the stories of many other people who have helped made MCC what it is in the 19 countries world-wide where its congregations (now over 300 in number) minister.

Two years later I helped found MCC in Edinburgh, Scotland as a result of reading this book. No other book as had such a direct impact on my day to day life.

Even if you are not religious, this book will gave you an insight on the striggles of lesbian and gay people of faith within a Christian church which has often closed its ears to Christ's message of inclusivity and hope.

I first read this book in 1992. I was going to school in Florence, Alabama and I drove 70 miles one-way to Huntsville, Alabama to a gay/lesbian bookstore. I read that book in one afternoon. It brought tears of joy to my eyes and my heart was deeply touched at the courage of Rev. Troy Perry He is an inspiration to all gay/lesbian people everywhere.Words just cannot describe how I feel.

A great fast read! I couldn't put it down. The story draws you in immediately. George Thomas is a source of inspiration. Not only does his story impact those afflicted with epilepsy, it gives us regular folks reason to get off our couches.

This is a book that anyone can get into, athletic or not. It's about setting goals, gaining strength from within, and going for guts over glory. You'll want to get off your duff and not only cheer but participate.

Makes a great gift.

A sensitively told story of loss and growth. It definitely has a message. A superb story about the persistance of desire and the perils of commitment. I give it a 5 star rating.

I recently finished reading "The George Thomas Story: Going the Distance" by G. Thomas and J. Welsch. I feel, unequivocally, that this book merits a 5-star rating! The story entails the many moments of personal agony and anguish of a determined and courageous bicyclist by the name of George Thomas. The drama of this story, so eloquently and vividly expressed by the authors (Welsch and Thomas), took place during a 9 to 11 day, 2911 mile long bicycle race named the Race Across America (RAAM). This bicyle race, which started in Irvine CA and terminated in Savannah GA, is recognized by exercise physiologists as the most grueling athletic event in the world, far more strenuous then, e.g., the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon and requiring considerably more exertion then, e.g., the Tour de France. To add substantially to this incredible story is the recognition that George Thomas suffers from a relatively common but seriously debilitating disease known as epilepsy! The Forward of this book is written by renown Harvard Medical School neurologist and epilepsy expert Steven Schachter, M.D. who states...."At least once in a lifetime, you may be fortunate enough to meet someone truly inspirational, someone whose influence becomes a change in your life. I know this to be true, because I have met and been inspired by George Thomas." I would be remiss to share with you, in advance of your reading this book, the ultimate success/failures of George Thomas in this incredibly arduous solist bicycle race. I will say, however, that this is a book that I could not "set down", a book whose drama will remain in my memory forever. In essence, I enthusiastically and whole-heartedly recommend this superb and riveting book to you.

A Bicyclist in Michigan

I read this book for a counseling class. It is one of the best books I've ever read for a class. While learning a wealth of information about the widely diverse cultures represented in this book, one's imagination is ignited and inspired. This is a book full of pathos, magic, and adventures of the mind. An excellent point of departure for those interested in Latin American cultures and people.

This is a fantastic introduction to the rich rich world of Latin American Literature. If you are already familiar with this unique body of literature, this anthology can only expand your horizons further. Because of this book I was lead to to explore further the great works of Machado de Assis, Allende, and Amado, among others. Open this book and open yourself up to a rich new world of imagination!

Passion, creativity, a hot history, and the zest for life found in S. America shines through - in these stories--- some of which are mind blowing - and bizzare. Stories range from about 4 to 40 pages - nice depening on the amount of time you have at any given "reading moment" - a definite read for anyone who likes short stories!

This book is about the events leading to the Battle of Gonzales, which was the first conflict in the Texas war of independence from Mexico (October 2, 1835).

I started reading this book to my daughters (ages 7 and 9) after dinner one evening, and we didn't put it down until bedtime more than 50 pages later. They didn't want me to stop reading, and I didn't want to stop either. The characters felt like real people, the story was involving, and just like the people of the times, we didn't know what would happen next.

Melinda Rice gives the reader a Texan's-eye-view of the looming war with Mexico by putting us in the perspective of an 11-year-old girl whose older brothers sympathize with different sides in the conflict. The characters and story have an authentic feel throughout -- I've been to the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum many times, and I found myself reading this book using the same breathy accent used by the historical speakers in their video exhibits. Rice did an excellent job of bringing the reader into history as it happens and making past events feel like they're unfolding around us.

At the end of the book there is a short historical section that gives additional information about the Battle of Gonzales.

The book should be a comfortable read for fourth graders, except for some place and people names.

The unique and historically accurate Lone Star Heroines trilogy by Melinda Rice brings real events in Texas history to life as it shows young readers how girls living at different eras experienced and contributed to dramatic events. In Messenger On The Battlefield (1556227884, [price]) is set in 1835 when 11-year-old Isabelina Montoya is happy to hear that her older sister has accepted the marriage proposal of a handsome Mexican solder. But when Texas goes to war against Mexico, dividing Isabelina's family, a decision must be made as to whether they should remain true to their Mexican heritage or fight for their new Texas homeland! Fire On The Hillside (1556227892, [price]) is set in the spring of 1847 and finds 13-year-old Katherine Haufmann arriving from Fredericksburg, Texas with her family as immigrants from Germany. As she struggles to get used to her new home, Katherine becomes intrigued by the mysterious fires that start appearing in the nearby hills. While the rest of the townsfolk focus on peace talks with the Comanche, Katherine decides to discover the cause of those mysterious fires. Secrets In The Sky (1556227876, [price]) is set in 1943 as World War Two is raging overseas. 12-year-old Bethany Parker lives in Sweetwater, Texas, when the Women Air Force Service Pilots come to town. When one of the women dies during a training flight, Bethany is convinced the mysterious crash was the work of a Nazi spy -- and sets out to prove it! The Lone Star Heroines is an outstanding and very highly recommended series of historical novels for young readers that are each enhanced with a "Sources" bibliography for the further study and more detailed study of Texas history.

Eleven-year-old Isabel Montoya lives with her family on a ranch near Gonzales, Texas, in 1835. Isabel feels as if everything in her life is changing. Her older sister has left home after marrying a Mexican soldier, and the family is divided over the conflict between Texas and Mexico, with Isabel's two older brother on opposing sides while Isabel and her parents struggle to remain neutral. When her brothers run away from home - Joaquin to join the Texans, and Alonso to join the Mexicans - the family is devastated. And when Isabel's father is shot and may be dying, Isabel knows it is up to her to reunited her fragmented family - before it's too late. This was a wonderful novel about a young girl caught up in the beginnings of the Texas Revolution. I wish, however, that the book had been a little longer, and that the ending was less open.

This book is riveting. Once I started reading it, it was impossible to stop. Mr. Trout really brings the reader into the story. Even though the events happened over 30 years ago, you feel as if you are there. David Stout is a real journalist. He brings the story to life, he is fair and balanced in his reporting. I highly recommend this book if you have any interest in crime, punishment and what's right/wrong with "justice" in America.
My heart goes out to the families of the victims.

Most of us have views about the efficacy of societal imposition of the death penalty for ultimate crimes such as murder or high treason. David Stout's Night of the Devil will will take you on the forty-year journey of a convicted murderer of two police officers, from the crime through the laborings of the state and federal judicial sytems, as they lurch through the particulars of this case and through the general evolution of our society's unsetteled position over the imposition of the ultimate sanction.

Written by a veteran reporter and author of several mystery novels, this story is thoroughly researched, dispassionate, and riveting. The author is from the old school: present the facts so that the reader can gain insight and form their own opinions. Mr. Stout writes in a clear, highly-paced, engaging manner. Few readers are likely to put this book down for long.

I am the sister of Gary Tedesco, the policeman that was murdered and so for me reading this story was very difficult. With that being said, I believe David Stout wrote this story with a great deal of compassion for all the family members and friends that will be forever changed as a result of this horrific crime. If you want to read a true account of the story that has been in the news for 39 years then I would suggest reading this book. David really did his homework.Everyone who believes hard criminals should be released into society again, should read the results of what allowing these two murderes into society time after time did to two innocent lives and the families and friends their lives touched. The two men who murdered them should never have been out of prison in the first place but one is now walking the streets with us again. The policeman got the death sentence and the families got the life sentence.

my friend owns this book and brought it to school and i read two chapters from it, it was funny, most of them werent' really crimes just odd. but if you were going to use this for being turned on, then check out porn, this is just a book about stupid people getting off. pretty funny, which i why i gave it many stars.

Thomas Roche has gathered some of today's best erotic writers in this collection of fiercely written, highly polished stories for the lover of the noir genre. Where Chandler, Hammett, Esteleman, McBain, and other crime writers leave off, these authors begin. Not afraid to push boundaries -- or even to break them -- the stories cross the police barrier of sweet arousal into the realm of dark, hot, sex.

This is one of the best anthologies of any kind of fiction that I've ever read. It's an incredible blending of my favorite kind of writing, crime fiction, with erotic fiction. Many of the stories are perverse and shocking, but there's also a lot of dark romance mixed in with the crime thriller plots. And they're all excellent stories -- I liked every story in this book except maybe one or two. Anyone who likes mysteries and erotica should buy this book!

I'm one of three teachers for 2nd & 3rd graders and I teach the "Christian Youth Praising Christ" class for our church. I just love this Praise Bible, the stories are short, accurate & to the point. The pictures are very colorful (just what children like) and our children are learning to pray with the help of the "praise prayers" shown after each bible story. Our children really enjoyed the bible stories & the pictures. I highly recommend this bible to all children.

First came The Beginner's Bible in 1989 that sold more than 2.5 million copies, also illustrated by Dennas Davis. It was a break through for children with illustrations and fast paced text. Now, The Praise Bible, also illustrated by Dennas Davis, combines a fun illustration style taking kids into the 21st century, with fast paced and biblically accurate story text.

The part we like best, is how each story is summarized at the end in a contemporary scene, that applies the truth of the story in a way that children understand. And, it helps children have a positive attitude about the Bible, since each story is up-beat and ends with a focus on thankfulness to God.

Anyone who opens up The Praise Bible to the story about "The Seed and the Soil" will immediatly see how the illustrator is able to teach the story so well with his fantastic art work - and then when the art is combined with the story - it truly is a master piece.

I highly recommend it for children from ages 3 to 7, and believe it is also simple enough for even college professors to understand!

This is my 7-year olds indispensable Scriptures. He loves it. Your child will too. The bright, vibrant artwork of Dennas Davis coupled with Mack's retelling of favorite Bible stories is wonderful. For children raised on VeggieTales and Nickleodeon, this is their Bible!