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Book reviews for "Sumichrast,_Michael_M." sorted by average review score:

Eagle in the Sky (Macmillan UK Audio Books)
Published in Audio Cassette by Trafalgar Square (2000)
Authors: Wilbur A. Smith, Wilbur Smith, and Michael Jayston
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A kaleidoscope of emotions!
Eagle in The Sky takes you through a full range of emotions and once you think you have experienced it all, guess again! This is the first book of his that I ever read and now I read it at least once a year. He writes so you can see, smell, taste every word. I only purchase his books in hardcover since so I can savor them over and over. You can't go wrong with this one.

This is the best book I have ever read! You will love it!
David and Deborah find love, adventure and horror but you won't want to put the book down once you have picked it up. The ending will suprise you. You will be glad to have spent the time

Smith's best
I've read all 27 of Wilbur Smith's books -- looking back I have to say that this one is the best. It's not the funniest, most interesting, or most exciting of his books, but it certainly made the biggest impact on me. Just thinking about the book (and it's been a long while since I've read it) sends a wave of emotion over me.


Friends Are Friends Forever
Published in Hardcover by Thomas Nelson Publishers (2000)
Author: Michael W. Smith
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Wonderful Book- A Must Read
This is just a wonderful book.......I recommend it to anyone who is a Michael W. Smith fan

Bible verses applied to real life situations
Michael does a great job of choosing bible verses that can be applied to real life situations. He also shares stories from his tender heart. His love for his family and friends are very obvious in this book. This is a great book to read if you need some encoragement from the greatest book ever written,the bible and also michael is a great encourager. I would recommend this book to anyone who feela like they need a friend

Spiritually Warming!!
This is my absolute FAVORITE book!! I just started it and it's great!! I can't say enough about it. It just makes you feel good inside after you read it. After I read the first page, I knew it was going to be my favorite book. I just couldn't wait to get it!! It's SO GOOD!! I would reccomend this book to everyone!! Michael, this is a WONDERFUL book and I am going to buy another one for my cousin! Keep up the good work!! You are doing a great job preaching God's work!! God Bless You!


Out of the Flames: The Remarkable Story of a Fearless Scholar, a Fatal Heresy, and One of the Rarest Books in the World
Published in Hardcover by Broadway Books (17 September, 2002)
Authors: Lawrence Goldstone and Nancy Goldstone
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An excellent book for school and church libraries
I first learned of "Out of the Flames" from a review written by The Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt in the November/December 2002 isssue of "UUWorld," the magazine of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

McNatt's description of the personal conflict between Michael Servetus and the famous John Calvin and the martyrdom of a heretic at the hands of a Protestant founder intrigued me. As both a member of a UU congregation and a humanities teacher in the public schools, I wanted to learn more about this part of our religious struggle.

The book grabbed my attention right from the prologue, and, except for some detailed and belabored connections near the end, held me. Anyway, I was more interested in first two thirds of the work, the story of Servetus and his conflict with Calvin. The last section of the book follows the history of the surviving books by Servetus after his execution

The life of Servetus and his adventures is portrayed in an exciting fashion, fleshing out the characters, both obscure and famous. The trials and tribulations of this heretic who dared to question the Biblical foundation for the trinity, were captivating. The authors seemed to have a keen sense as to exactly how far they could take me down a path before bringing me back to the main story line, clarifying the importance of what at first may have seemed like an interesting but unimportant detour. With a summarizing statement or a simple declaration, the intrigue was palpable.

I was both saddened and appalled by the intolerance displayed by so many of our religious ancestors. The horrible fate of Servetus seems brought on more by personal enmity than by the disagreement over religious doctrine. But the antitriniatrian position held by Servetus was certainly not popular then and is still widely misunderstood today.

I would strongly recommend this book to all, trinitarians, antitrinitarians and those who are interested in our religious history and are not too apprehensive to encounter some uncomfortable and maybe some unsettling conclusions. To me, this story seems like a very important aspect of Protestant history that was omitted from my Sunday school lessons. I believe this work would make an excellent addition to almost any school or church library. (Our students can use all the support you can give.)

Brings Servetus into the light-Thank you Goldstones!
I first heard of this book on an NPR talk show while working on a school essay dealing with religious intolerance and the intellectual repression of religion. My paper was about complete, but I knew that I had to read this book. I am so glad I did!
A fascinating tale of Europe at the crossroads of religious orthadoxy and intellectual progression, it has more characters in it than a Tom Clancy novel. And they are all brought together to relate the story of Servetus, his views, and how those views caused him so much grief.
The reader comes away from this with much more than he/she could imagine. I was fascinated with the history of printing, the process and the business. While realizing the book was going to deal with religion, it is mind boggling to see what kind of grip it had on society in those days. (Judging by what is going on in the world today, it still does) Ever fearful of losing their hold on power, religious leaders resorted to whatever tactics were necessary to keep the flock intact and growing. Reminds one of a company wanting to retain a monopoly, but in a much more violent way. Scary.
The tale of Servetus's last book, Christianismi Restitutio,and its survival to modern day is an added bonus to this great revelation about a brilliant man, his contributions to humanity and the cruel, unforgiving world in which he lived. Thank you Lawrence & Nancy Goldstone for the enlightenment.

Michael Servetus - Etched in my mind forever.....
What a fascinating book. It is superbly written and almost impossible to put down. Nonfiction history books that read like bestselling thrillers are hard to find indeed. But that is definitely the case here.

Throughout the ages, how many individuals have markedly changed the world we live in, yet are not found in most history books? The name Michael Servetus is one that should be known by any serious student of Western Civilization, yet sadly his story has been missed by so many historians.

Kudos to the authors for a job well done.


Medea
Published in Paperback by Players Press (1993)
Authors: Euripides, William-Alan Landes, Michael Wodhull, and Willian-Alan Landes
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Medea...too much woman for me!
'Medea' by Euripedes is a classic and powerful Greek tragedy that broke all the rules of that time period. Euripedes takes two great figures in Medea and Jason, and uses Iconoclastic techniques brilliantly to make Jason seem stupid and Medea seem like a murderer. It is especially interesting because of the story that you need to understand outside of the play. You will need to know who the gods are and how Medea and Jason got together. Medea is a powerful sorceress, which is a major point in this play. The imagery of the death scenes were VIVIDLY scripted and the gods, who are supposed to represent all that is good and rightous, are also mocked and bashed by Euripedes. Overall, Euripedes defied all and created a tragic masterpiece, I will definately recommend you to read this. Thank you.

Scorned Barbarian Woman Bent on Revenge
This is one of those remarkable plays that feels like it was written just last week. Medea is the daughter of the evil King Aeetes in Colchis -- on the remote, eastern side of the Black Sea. She assists Jason in slaying the serpent that guarded the golden fleece, and fell deeply in love with him. (See Apollonius Rhodius' Argonautica for a fuller treatment of the love episode at Colchis). She even killed her brother, Absrytus, on their way back to Greece.

Medea has one problem, however. Aside from the fact she is a witch, she is a barbarian, a non-Greek. The Greeks used the word "barbaros" to refer to all people who weren't Greek, because if they didn't speak Greek, it just sounded like "bar bar bar" to the Greeks.

So after Jason and Medea settle in together back in Greece, his homeland, he decides that his interests (and Medea's) are better served if he marries the daughter of King Creon of Corinth. Medea gets jealous, poisons the woman, and then kills her two children in revenge.

Medea is an absolutely riveting character, whose tragic problems are those of all woman who have left their homes and families to follow men to foreign lands, only to be scorned by them in the end. The speeches of Jason and Medea are remarkable point-counterpoint presentations which reflect the deep influence of the sophists of Euripides' day. Medea sounds, at times, like a proto-feminist. She is one of the most enduring dramatic creations of all times, revealing with each line the remarkable genius of Euripides, the most modern of the three great Greek tragedians

The best known tragedy of Euripedes.
This play is regarded by many as Euripedes' masterpiece and should be required reading of all educated people. It retells the tragic story of Medea, who had helped Jason in his quest, became his wife, gave him two sons, and feels betrayed since he is marrying the daughter of the ruler of Corinth (Jason has come to the conclusion that this is necessary to protect Medea and his sons since she is a barbarian). With horrible vengence, she kills the bride and the king and then kills her two sons. Euripedes depicts how much passion and vengence can overcome not only individuals, but those who strive to be rational. Men (and governments) can't ignore the influence of emotion, and even irrationality, on their decisions and actions, even when those actions may seem rational and just. Man has to remain flexible. The play also shows how emotions, anger, and unbridled fury can cause a person to do stupid and irrational acts. Euripedes is undoubtedly warning Athens with respect to the war that is going on with Sparta.


A Night of Questions: A Passover Haggadah
Published in Paperback by Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (22 February, 2000)
Authors: Joy Levitt, Michael Strassfeld, Jeffrey Schrier, Rabbi Joy Levitt, and Rabbi Michael Strassfeld
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An excellent updated, gender neutral Haggadah
Rabbis Joy Levitt and Michael Strassfeld have spent several years updating the Haggadah of the Reconstructionist movement, which was last revised in 1941. This Haggadah, which sold out of its first printing of 15,000 copies, in just a few weeks, offers more of a narrative story for the Passover seder (more of a story than the rabbinical commentary format that is found in more traditional haggadot). It also offers the family gender neutral language, does not refer to the Hebrews as a "chosen people", has the story of the four children instead of the four sons, and includes new traditions, such as "Miriam's cup."

Best Haggadah I've ever read!
Hello. If you are looking for a Haggadah that will keep you and your family's attention, including you're kids, then read this and use it this Passover. My kids, Jenny and Roderick, are in LOVE with the amazing haggadah. They love all the colors. Buy this to make you're family happy. It sure did it for me.

Excellent combination of tradition and innovation!
I love this Haggadah. Whether I am teaching about Passover, leading a seder, or participating in a seder, this is one of the best resources. The use of questions in this night already devoted to questions is remarkable. If you only have one Haggadah, this will cover all your bases; if you use many, this is a must have!


A Nomad of the Time Streams: A Scientific Romance
Published in Paperback by White Wolf Publishing Inc. (1997)
Authors: Michael Moorcock and Chris Meuller
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A most fascinating nomad, Oswald Bastable
Moorcock proves himself once again--he is a fine writer with a much-better-than-average grasp of many genres, which mesh well within his book. "A Nomad of the Time Streams" is sci fi in the best H.G. Wells tradition, with Bastable's bemused and uncomfortable Edwardian observations of a world torn apart by war. What fascinated me most was how zeppelins are the central theme of all three books; Moorcock presents three "what if" stories by mixing and matching historical events of the 20th Century and placing them in different years--nuclear war (the bombing of Hiroshima) in 1973, Armageddon (or something like it) in 1904, and a Russia where the October Revolution of 1917 failed in 1941. Definitely recommended.

The series just gets better!
This book is probably the most science-fictional of the four books in the series I have read thus far, and I'd probably consider it the best. The three tales of Oswald Bastable are rife with ideas and imagination. As usual, here are comments on the individual books:
Warlord of the Air: Great introduction to Bastable. I thought Moorcock in the beginning was him, so it was neat to see Bastable actually show up later. The future of 1973 that he goes to is great on the surface, but dark underneath, and the political arguments are anything but one-sided, highlighting both sides. Oh, and Oswald drops a bomb.

The Land Leviatian: This one reminded me of Heinlein's novel Farnham's Freehold, for some reason. The premise of blacks taking over the world in response to the crimes against them by whites is an interesting study of our world. Still, Bastable still feels lousy for helping to destroy the obviously unrepentant whites. Go figure.

The Steel Tsarr: Longest of the three, and probably the most complex, set in a democratic Russia at war with its Cossacks. Poor Bastable finally gets some peace with the help of Mrs Perrson. And is it me, or is the Steel Tsar a dead ringer for Stalin?

I enjoyed reading about Bastable and hopefully Moorcock will include more about him in the later book in the series. In this one, he mentions that Bastable is mentioned in Warriors at the End of Time, so perhaps he's there. I can't wait

Recommended
"A Nomad of the Time Streams" is a unique and fun read, somewhere between Rudyard Kipling and H.G Wells. I think the concept alone is worth the price of the book--but of course, Moorcock is a writer of rare excellence and the result ranks with the best books of speculative fiction.


It's So Amazing! A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families
Published in Hardcover by Candlewick Press (1999)
Authors: Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley
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This book is So Amazing!
Every parent should have this book available for their children when they start asking those delicate questions. It's So Amazing! cover topics from maturation, to reproduction, homosexuality, and sexually transmitted disease in a non-judgemental, factual way. The bird and the bee that are part of the learning audience help children to feel comfortable with their own reactions to the material covered; the bird is excited and anxious to learn more, whereas the bee is apprehensive and not quite comfortable with it all. The illustrations are humorous, helping to lighten such serious topics but without detracting from the importance of it all.

All topics may not be appropriate for most 7 year olds. However, chapters are arranged to start from the most basic topics and progresses to topics that are more sensitive. If the book is read with parent and child together, new chapters can be introduced as the child is ready to learn and understand more. It is also an excellent choice for a child to read alone.

After the experience of learning sex education from the dry, clinical books available that traumitized me when I was growing up, I am very pleased to know that my son's experience will be so very different from my own!

Straight talk with plenty of humor
The best part about this book is the organization; it's easy to skip around and address the speifics that your child has questions about. The beginning parts are a perfect introduction to "How babies are made," and acknowledges all the mixed feelings kids might have on the subject. It's a good book to leave around for your child to "find"; kids have an idea of what they're ready to deal with. (As a 13-year-old, I picked up my parents' copy of "The Joy of Sex" and quickly put it away because I wasn't ready for that!) I like "It's so Amazing" better than "It's Perfectly Normal" (acknowledging that you will need a more advanced book for your older children to "discover"); "Normal" is thorough about anything a preteen could possibly want to know; unfortunately, some of the pertinent info you have to discover by accident while reading other sections of the book. Also, "Normal" equates having a crush with "sexual attraction" - I'm not comfortable with that assumption. Note: "Amazing" is not a sufficient resource for your reaching-puberty boy or girl; you should have a boy-or-girl-specific book for that 9-12 age. I'll be on the lookout for a knockout book for graduates of "It's So Amazing!" Maybe we need a really advanced teenage book that tells it all about contraception, bodies, and sexual risks in a way a 9th grader can relate to - after that it may be too late!

what a wonderful book!
This book is perfect for children to read before entering puberty! Robie Harris explains male and female body parts (inside and out), what changes take place during puberty, how an sperm fertilizes an egg, what sex is, what love is, what happens during pregnancy (including how a baby grows and how one is born), different types of families (gay, straight, adoption, etc), good and bad touches, and even a bit about HIV and AIDS.

The author explains everything very honestly without being judgmental, although he leaves room for a parent to explain his or her own values to a child. For example, while explaining masturbation he writes, "Every family has its own thoughts and feelings about masturbation...Some people and religions think it's wrong to masturbate."

The book covers a lot of information, but presents it in a fun and simple way. The cartoon illustrations are complete without being terribly graphic, and the small bird and bee throughout the book serve as "tour guides". This book will definitely be on my bookshelf when my daughter starts asking questions.


The Journey Home: A Kryon Parable: The Story of Michael Thomas and the Seven Angels
Published in Paperback by Hay House, Inc. (1998)
Authors: Kryon and Lee Carroll
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Heartfelt story - A keeper for the personal library
A wonderful story that really brings home the meaning of why we are here, and the search to find happiness. This book really helped me reassess the relationships and experiences in my life and to be grateful for the opportunities they have presented.

Easy to read, but full of messages.

The most comprehensive book on the process of enlightenment
I have read all of the books written by Kryon and Lee Carroll and have found that this one book summarizes everything I have ever read on the topics of spiritual growth and enlightenment. It is a book I give freely to people who cross my path because I think it offers the purest message on God and the meaning of life on this planet. Kryon goes, step-by-step, through the process we all need to take to find our true sense of Joy on this planet. It is though-provoking, funny, and incredibly uplifting. It shows that everything we do, that everything we experience has value in the eyes of God and the Universe. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to find their own sense of the Truth.

This book sums it all up..leaves no unanswered questions.
I found this audio book tape excellent. I have read many new age books and this one is easy and understandable. I said to a friend, this book explains everything you want to say and don't know how to. It is the total sum to my belief in the way and why we are here. It is CLARITY. A must read !


The Keys to the Effortless Golf Swing: Curing Your Hit Impulse in Seven Simple Lessons
Published in Paperback by Atheneum (1985)
Authors: Michael McTeigue and Michael McTeigue
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very impressed reader
It's scary but I've read almost all of the well-known golf instruction books, and many of the lesser-known ones as well. This is the best golf swing book I have ever read for the high-handicapper who is looking to bring consistency to his/her swing. This book is not about fades, draws, varying trajectory, or anything else that involves advanced shot-making. But for the beginner, it's clear, common-sense, easy to follow and easy to learn. Info is presented in a way where you can actually learn and build upon the different parts of the swing. Muscle memory is key, along with a sound mental approach. It's all covered here. A solid companion book to this, one that focuses entirely on the mental aspect of the golf game, is Quantum Golf, also available via Amazon.

Effortlessly putting it all together!
When I stumbled upon Michael McTeigue's book, I'd just about given up on the game of golf. I had so many swing keys and "positive" thoughts swimming around my head that I'd lost my passion for the game. I felt like a poster child for the frustrated golfer. Well, that's all changed after reading this book.

If you're sick and tired of trying to micro-manage your full swing: right elbow here, left forearm there, head over here, etc., this is a book you must read.

In my case, I literally stopped golfing while I read, understood, and practiced the keys outlined in the book. I would highly recommend that approach.

This is the first golf book I've read that shows you how to develop a full swing with rhythm and timing. Now I swing the club at 75% of my previous effort level and hit the ball 5~10 yards further per club with more accuracy than I can remember. Moreover, I believe that I can "feel" my swing better than I ever have. Oh, and by the way, my handicap is down 8 strokes from a 22 to 14.

Now, just try to wipe the stupid grin off my face as I stand over the ball on a 200 yard Par-3 over water!

Best beginnner golf book: focuses on the fundamentals
This instructional golf book foucuses on developing the fundamentals of the full swing in 7 easy steps. This is the first golf book (and I've read a few) that demystifies the golf swing. I lowered my score 10 ten strokes in 30 days. It is well worth your money, time and effort.


The Platinum Rule: Discover the Four Basic Business Personalities - And How They Can Lead You to Success
Published in Paperback by Warner Books (1998)
Authors: Anthony Alessandra, Michael J. O'Connor, Tony Alessandra, and Michael J. C'Connor
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Insightful!
Author Anthony J. Alessandra identifies the four basic business personalities: Directors, Socializers, Relaters and Thinkers. As you come to appreciate the strengths of each of these styles, you also learn to put them to use. You will read about the drawbacks of each style and you will see how you can help people overcome them. The book is generally for managers who want to get more out of their employees. The authors include a section on how to apply The Platinum Rule to selling, which makes the book quite useful for anyone in a sales position. We [...] recommend this book to sales or personnel managers, and to other executives who want to understand and motivate people.

There is another dimension.
"As Chairman of the Bethel Institute, I recommend The Platinum Rule by Dr. Tony Alessandra, my clients all find it to be most useful. However, there is another dimension I'd like to suggest. I have six adult children and each is married. I have given the book to each one as a guide to a happier marriage. Tony has given us a tool to build relationships, understand ourselves, our partners and our children. Our most important and endearing relationships are at home. It seems appropriate to have a book of this magnitude to guide us in our efforts to achieve a happier personal life." Sheila Murrary Bethel, Chairman, Bethel Institute, Author: Making A Difference, 12 Qualities That Make You A Leader

One of the best systems for improving communication
The Platinum rule presents an easy to learn and apply system of personality typing based on an individual's social style and interpersonal interaction. This differs from many other systems of personality typing in that it is based primarily on a person's observable behavior and style, rather than on their deeper inner motivations, functions, attitudes, etc. It's a great tool to use in any relationship, business or personal. I use it often and train my staff in the system. It really works and is extremely effective!

Tony Alessandra's work is a more updated, refined, expanded and user friendly version of the work on social styles by David Merrill. A good companion book with more analytical and theoretical information on this work (for all you Thinker types) is Merrill and Reid's "Personal Styles and Effective Performance".


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