If you are looking for a book that shows the tensions between the real and the "expected," between the inner and the outer, between "chasing God" and "being chased" by God and then resolves those tensions by giving a spiritual vision of wholeness that embraces the paradoxes, then this book is for you. That is not to suggest that Chasing God is a metaphysical or philosophically dense treatise on life. The way the author writes about her relationships with family and friends; about the birth of her son; about the growing romance with her second husband ring so true that the reader experiences the relationship as well. Chasing God is a journey through one woman's life. It is a book written with clarity and beauty.

Cunningham is particularly strong when she describes places. The reader is with her in her high school in Wisconsin, with her in the convent, with her in Spain, with her as she races to a doctor with her new friend Jerry who is suddenly and unexpectedly ill. Cunningham's reflections on being ill, herself, with cancer and her subsequent change in feeling about folks who are not fully well are worth the price of the book.

Likewise, this book is for those who are, at heart, artists
and for whom the daily responsibilities of life have squeezed the artist thin. Cunningham, through her own experience, challenges the reader to nurture the creative within and shows the connections between creativity, spirituality, and healing.

For many of us used to looking for reality "outside," the author of this book asserts not only that the really real is out there, but that the "real thing comes from inside" as well and challenges us to listen.
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This book is interesting and inspiring for many reasons. Shirley Cunningham uses her literary talents to create a real page turner. Her journey into spiritual discovery has numerous twists and turns, that I found very intersting. This book conveys that through the ups and downs of life, God is ever-present and loves us very much. This highly personal book is a must have for anybody in search of the divine!

I found Chasing God to be an inspirational story for women who are in the midst of change in their lives. It is a story of spiritual and personal growth which I feel to be one of the best stories I have ever read. Chasing God will keep you interested from page 1 to the end with Shirley Cunningham's exciting life story. If you enjoy autobiographies, this book is a must for you!!!

This book is about a girl named Nikki who gets pregnant and she has to make some very hard choices, with help from her family. This is a great book, that's definetely worth reading.

It's been a while since I read this book, but I really enjoyed it. It has superb character setup, and a great plot. I recommed it to everyone not just girls who want to read it for support.

Knowing that this book was endorsed by "Focus on the Family," I was apprehensive about reading it, fearing that it would give pat, spiritual, band-aid answers to real problems. But it doesn't. Thios book doesn't say, "Jesus is the answer, I'll pray for you, now go away." It follows the life of a young girl as she struggles with the decision of whether or not to get an abortion. For once, people are honest about the yelling and screaming coming from both sides of this issue. What I mean is, it's not just the "evil pro choice baby killers" who are preaching here, it's also the "backward pro lifers" who preach at Nikki. She's caught in the middle of these two opposing viewpoints, unsure of what to do. Meanwhile, her grandparents and her friend Jeff, some of the kindest, gentlest Christians, pray for Nikki, listen to her, and show her Christ's love through their actions. In the end, it's not yelling or preaching that will convince Nikki (or anyone) that abortion is wrong. It's hearing an unborn baby's heartbeat, and finding that it really is a PERSON, another life, growing inside a woman. Not just "pregnancy tissue" or a "fetus" that can be removed, but a real human being, created in the image of God. And this book shows that without being preachy. Halleleujah! I found myself crying at the end of this book, glad that I'd read it and eager to read the rest of the series! And the other books in the series are just as good. Overall, I highly reccomend these books.

This is a powerful and moving story of conditions between black and white in the deep South before Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, and others put themselves in harm's way trying to change the status quo.

Shirley Ledgerwood's novel, Thy Brother's Blood, is, in my opinion, a fascinating story of conflict and compromise.

Young Dr, David Crews and Sam Williams, a white man and black man, living in Grove City, Louisiana, have been lifelong friends. The description of this friendship shows how real friendship is utterly innocent, not even destroyable when growing in a hostile environment.

The insight that there are chasm-deep differences between him and Sam comes slowly to David.

The book is like a landscape through which one walks calmly, peacefully, and suddenly a stone falls into the deceptive peace. There is David's father who has to ask David if he ever noticed that Sam never eats at their table? There is Fanny Mae, the Crews' help who has to make David understand that trying to get justice for a black person is wasted time. There is Sam himself who time and again takes care that he doesn't bring his friend David into some compromising situation which David doesn't even see.

And at the end, when Sam, innocent scapegoat, is found almost dead, David gears himself to getting justice for Sam.

But there is Fanny Mae: "Doc, caint you see what would happen? There's bin murders in this town when it was black man against black. And there warn't nothing done a-tall. Nobody even brung to trial. You don't think when it's a white man who had done the killing, that they'll do anything about it, do you?"

It is a beautifully written book. For me the dialogues in "black jargon" are even more spell binding. Maybe there is another difference between the two worlds, white and black. White language is matter of fact, black language is like poetry.

A powerful novel that delivers a moving message, not only as a history, but for our world in the 21st century. Our world today needs many, many more messages that we must love one another.

I love Shirley Hughes, her illustrations are realistic and detailed enough to allow plenty to pore over. But the story is what shines in this book. David loses his "dogger" and Bella, his sister, helps him get it back. Very few children books model the kind, caring side of a sibling relationship. This one shows kids how a good family can help each other out. I, too, get a tear in my eye every time I read it and my children ask for it again and again. It is in no way sappy or sentimental, it simply rings true. You will not go wrong with this book, and if you have more than one child--it's a must!

This book has an engaging story, and charming illustrations. And the way that the sister shows love for her brother rings true - children really act like this, when they're at their best. Any child who has a favorite stuffed toy will get caught up in the story, in the suspense, and in the happy ending. Shirley Hughes is a British author, and an observant reader can see that the setting doesn't look like America. This book,as well as other Shirley Hughes books, could be used for multi-cultural education, though the differences that can be found between Britain and America are subtle.

My family loves this book. Every time I read it, I almost cry when Bella helps her little brother get Dogger back. Wonderful, loving story!

I only paid 19 dollars for this book, brand new in a military post exchange?. Why is it 47 dollars here?

This is the book that Korean mothers buy for their daughters when they get married!!! It's as close to authentic as you can get.

From the beautifully laid out step-by-step pictures to the detailed instructions, this book is far and away the best cookbook for authentic korean cooking. This book contains 200 recipes. The recipes cover the range from side dishes to desserts and beverages. It is appropriate for those looking for popular korean dishes(such as "bulgoki" or "galbi") but also more traditional, authentic recipes(such as "gopchang jungol" as well. Buy this book if you want to experience true korean cooking. Don't buy the other books by this author, however, as I have seen them in bookstores and they are only repeats of what is contained in this book.

My son, 3, loves this book. The stories have humor, tenderness, and the children are always treated with dignity. I love Shirley Hughes!

All the Alfie and Annie Rose books are excellent! My son and I read them over and over, without getting bored. Gentle little stories about everyday life, with likeable characters and lovely illustrations. Often humorous. My favorite children's author.

We raised all 3 of our children on Shirley Hughes's books ("Dogger" was the all-time favorite) and now I'm giving them to my first grandchild. Absolutely first-rate stories with the most exquisite, fascinating illustrations. Do your children/grandchildren a favor and get them hooked on this series!

This book held very special meaning to me as the "Uncle Johnny" and "Nellie Carson" in the book, were my parents. I had heard bits of pieces of the stories Shirley tells in the book, from my parents over the years. Shirley provided a beautifully written context around these stories. I felt as if I were standing outside of a window in Crested Butte, peering back into my parents' and relatives' lives. It was an eerie yet comforting feeling for me. Needless to say, a few tears were shed during the course of reading this book.

The essence of Crested Butte is beautifully captured in this book - of times gone by, fiercely loyal friendships, a unique blend of ethnic diversity, socioeconomic hardship we cannot begin to understand, and a tenacity to make it through the hard times. "Don't Be Give Up" was a mantra of my grandmother's that I believe lives on in our family blood today. Thanks Shirley, for capturing the memories on paper and for giving us a very unique view of how World War II affected the lives of a fiercely proud people in a small coal-mining town in Colorado.

Antonia Mufich Black

While I have no doubt that this book can be enjoyed by children as well as adults (after all, I enjoyed at 60 years old), I would certainly recommend this to a parent to read to a young daughter or granddaughter. Hickman really captures the "feel" of childhood through the eyes of a young girl. This book made me pause and think of my own childhood and I realized how much gender affected my perceptions. I would have conceded this point without argument on a rational basis, but this book made me feel it on an emotional one.

The best part of the book, however, is the warmth, humanity and decency that radiates from every page. This is a book that could easily have lapsed into sentimentality, but never did. Hickman has obviously told this story with love and affection for her family, but it is not affected. They are not the paper dolls with which she played as a child; they are real human beings. Their love of country and family shines out in each differently, but yet is a common theme to all.

This book is very well written. The stories in it come alive and so do the characters.

As all youngsters do, we attached meanings to words that made sense to us. The author does this in a humorous and meaningful
way. This book brought back many childhood memories to me.

Her ability to tie this in with World War II and the people in small western town makes this a book you don't want to put down.
The elements of suspense, sadness, humor, and the thoughts of gownups are real to us all.

After many years of placing "Jane Eyre" at the top of my "favorite stories of all time" list, I was glad when my husband gave me this book so I could read some of Bronte's other novels.

What I found was that I liked "Villette" even more than "Jane Eyre" - and, although it was arduous at first, I found "Shirley" was better yet.

"Jane Eyre", for anyone who hasn't read it, is a wonderful gothic romance, moralistic and spiritual, a very good read and fascinating tale.

"Villette" is more mature. The author explores a deeper sort of love - not based on mere physical attraction or infatuation, but based on deep, abiding friendship and respect. This story, too, has its lessons.

The character development in "Villette" was more complete than in any other novel I've ever read. I became fascinated by the unattractive little professor, and by other characters as well.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of French in this story, and what appeared to be the most pivotal moments were written in French... dialogue that I really wanted to understand was just lost on me. That was truly unfortunate. I'll have to find someone to translate for me sometime.

"Shirley" is the best of all. The beginning is arduous. I had to use my dictionary throughout, but the beginning is particular difficult. Shall I say.. boring, even. I found that, once I forced myself through the beginning, I was very much rewarded.

This story is a gem. The female heroines - Shirley and Caroline - were wonderful to get to know. Shirley is not the sort of female I would have thought Bronte had had occasion to know, so this was enlightening for me.

Truly an eye-opening look at 19th century feminism! And incorporated into these wonderful romance stories.

"The Professor" was a bit more dry than the others, although it was fun to read a romance story strictly from the male viewpoint. For a first novel, this was really incredibly well written.

As for "Wuthering Heights", it's been a number of years since I've read the story, so I won't attempt a review here.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes "Wuthering Heights" or "Jane Eyre". All these stories are wonderfully written, with complex characters and interesting plots. The work of true genius.

This novel was written as a looking glass into the life of one Jane Eyre. Welcome to her thoughts, her advice, and descriptions of her beliefs. But before you venture off, keep on the look-out for the contrast that exist in her thoughts compared to your own. By finding contrast you will observe some of the similiarities in her thinking to your own. "listen, then, JaneEyre, to you sentence: to-morrow, place the glass before you, and draw in chalk your own picture, faith-fully, without softening one defect; omit no harsh line, smooth away no displeasing irregularity, write under it, "Portrait of a Governess, Disconnected, poor, and plain." In the novel you come to understand Jane as a strong person with even stronger beliefs that she lives by. You now get a feeling of the contrast of her life. By re-reading the line notice the way she judges and punishes herself for what she finds fualty in her life. An entire novel is created around these constraints and contradiction. You may come to understand a small portion of yourself through Jane's contrasting life.

I thought it was a good book

This memoir with recipes brings some wonderful flavors and aromas to life; the recipes are easy to follow and you can almost feel the tradewinds wafting through.....kalua pork,soy glazes, coconut pudding.....
Shirley Tong Parola and her daughter Lisa Parola Gaynier recall a simpler time and a beautiful harmony between peoples of different ethnic backgrounds, living out their dreams on the paradise that is Hawaii......their ability to bring a taste of the islands to the mainland resulted in opening successful restaurants in Indiana and then later in Michigan---tasting the foods of this heady ethnic mix, Mainlanders never had it so good and you, too, can recreate the special culinary magic that was theirs.....

This was more than a cookbook it was an experience. The recipes were just great, from fried rice to banana cream pie, my husband and I have savored the flavors. As a collector of cookbooks I have been more successful with these recipes than any cookbook I have tried in many years. However, the surprise bonus was that the delightful history of the food and the family caused me to actually read the entire cookbook before I tried the first recipe. What fun!

I'm a Hawaii native now living in Bloomington Indiana. I was not able to see Shirley in person when she was here earlier this month for a book signing / cooking demonstration. I did buy her book anyway and it is really great. Why? I'm not exactly the best cook by any means, but through Shirley and Lisa's honest, open, and interesting commentaries, one can actually learn about the history, culture, and uses of the many flavorful dishes of the islands. Plus, the book does a great job explaining what certain food terms mean such as "saimin", "poke", "mochiko" or "aburage" since they are not common words used here on the mainland. I have many cookbooks from Hawaii written for locals, but I honestly believe that Shirley and Lisa's book is a great way to share Hawaiian food dishes and recipes with our mainland friends. In fact, I have recommended this book to several of my new friends here in Southern Indiana. If any of you want to try out Hawaiian food without having fly to Hawaii to sample it, this book is the easiest and cheapest way to do so. On a final note, try the Mochi Chicken. This dish is typcial party food in Hawaii. You'll like it!

As an exchange student, then as a college student, I spent a total of a little more than a year of my life living in the Cordoba region. Like Ms. Brooks, I found "La Cocinera Criolla," the classic Argentine cookbook, to be tremendously vague and unhelpful in replicating the dishes I had come to enjoy so much.

I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of "Argentina Cooks" for months, hoping to finally receive guidance in making those treasured meals.

I am pleased that the book does contain a good number of the dishes that I was anticipating, like milanesa, gnocchi, and alfajores. And, I almost broke into tears when I saw that it included a recipe for my beloved "pastelitos", a treat that I have not tasted in at least eight years.

However, I was a bit surprised to see that the section on Cordoba contained a large number of recipes for dishes that I had never tasted or heard of. While many of the dishes sound enjoyable, I can't help but point to the notable lack of recipes with an Italian influence. (About 40% of the Argentine population is Italian). Where are the recipes for ravioli, cappeletti, and cannelones? Not to mention the very tasty roasts (chicken and beef) that the Argentines prepare, arroz con leche (a childhood favorite), and pasta frola (cake with quince paste). These are all dishes that I found repeated over and over again in the homes that I visited, and would have expected to be included.

Though I am a bit disappointed by the lack of certain recipes, this is a wonderful and varied cookbook that reflects the tremendous diversity of the country, and is sure to appeal to just as diverse an audience!

What a surprise and a delight this book is! The recipes have so far proved fool-proof and have pleased even the most jaded and widely-traveled of our friends. Far more than a cookbook, Argentina Cooks is a nice piece of travel writing. Ms. Brooks brings this country, which gets little press in the US, alive. As a person with an academic background in geography, I truly valued and enjoyed her descriptions of Argentina's regions and the ways that geography and culture have influenced each region's cuisine. She adds just enough info. to enhance the choice of recipes. The black & white illustrations are delightful. Color photos would have been nice, but her writing is so vivid and detailed that their lack takes nothing away. An unusual, useful book on many levels.

Argentina Cooks! is a fabulous addition for the gourmet's bookshelf. The book is divided up into recipes from the varied regions of Argentina. The regions are described so evocatively and personally that this book provides tremendous enjoyment for the armchair traveler as well as the cook. The recipes have proven delicious, truly sensual. I have tried the lobster empanadas and swooned. The meat and seafood dishes are quite varied, new and delicious. Recipe instructions are precise and the processes made clear and simple. A culinary standout! Highly recommended.