Having heard so much about this saga-type novel I sought it eagerly & finally broke down & bought it via amazon uk (after a long & fruitless hunt stateside). Rather expensive for this paperback w/lots of typos & editing problems, I thought. But the book, I judge, was worth it in the end. The tale of Orm Tostesson & "friends", this book follows the adventures of this typical late tenth century viking through nearly all the high-points of vikingdom in the period. From raids & servitude on the coasts of Moorish Spain, to visits with Irish monks and dinner with the Danish King, Harald Bluetooth, and his assorted guests, including no less a worthy than Styrbiorn Olafsson, the Jomsviking and claimant to the Swedish throne about whom E. R. Eddison wrote so brilliantly in his own viking novel, STYRBIORN THE STRONG, this book takes us through all the paces. Orm ends up with a very noble wife living in a backwater part of Scandinavia (the borderlands between Sweden and medieval Denmark) but even there he gets no peace since his enemies and adventures pursue him. And in his maturity another and final adventure comes his way when he is summoned to the eastern reaches of far Gaardarike (the country that was to become Russia) to claim an inheritance of great value. Along the way, Orm makes some good friends, some bad enemies, participates in some (but by no means all) of the great events of viking history in that period, and finally mellows to become a better man who embraces the new way of thinking while yet feeling at home in the old. I did think the book a bit too episodic though this is no indictment of it since the sagas themselves are nearly always such and the "voice" smacks very much of the sagaman's art. However, a close reading makes this very clearly a modern novel for the humor is quite bracing and alone marks this tale out as one of ours and not one from an earlier time. I especially appreciated Orm's hypochondria, despite his courage in the face of battle, a very human and humorous touch! And the fighting is all very realistic, no great superhuman feats of derring do (except occasionally as we find in the real sagas.) Some of the literary technniques used, besides the marvelous sense of tongue-in-cheek humor, are also quite contemporary. I did think the tale a bit slow in places, especially at the beginning, and rather more predictable than not. And, more, it is not, in my opinion the best of the viking or saga novels despite what others have said here. For tautness and action, none have yet done it better, in my opinion, than H. Rider Haggard with ERIC BRIGHTEYES. For the pure poetry of style, Eddison's STYRBIORN THE STRONG still has my vote. And for the pure greatness of the tale and the power to move, no modern author has ever penned a better saga novel than Hope Muntz did with THE GOLDEN WARRIOR. But Bengtsson did a very nice job and deserves five stars for it. I take my hat off to him and to all those here whose reviews obliged me to obtain and read this fine viking tale.

(For those with an interest in the saga as novel, a few other good ones I'd recommend include Cecelia Holland's very modern and psychological TWO RAVENS, a glimpse into the hot-house environment of an Icelandic farm, and Jane Smiley's THE GREENLANDERS which tells of the final days of the the Norse settlement in Greenland as the cold and the Eskimos closed in around them. And if you still have any patience and want more, perhaps you'd want to try my own small effort, THE KING OF VINLAND'S SAGA, which I wrote to be the saga I'd always wished had been written and preserved about the Norse excursions to this part of the world. All, I believe, are available in some form or another on-line. Mine I know is.

Having heard so much about this saga-type novel I sought it eagerly & finally broke down & bought it via amazon uk (after a long & fruitless hunt stateside). Rather expensive for this paperback w/lots of typos & editing problems, I thought. But the book, I judge, was worth it in the end. The tale of Orm Tostesson & "friends", this book follows the adventures of this typical late tenth century viking through nearly all the high-points of vikingdom in the period. From raids & servitude on the coasts of Moorish Spain, to visits with Irish monks and dinner with the Danish King, Harald Bluetooth, and his assorted guests, including no less a worthy than Styrbiorn Olafsson, the Jomsviking and claimant to the Swedish throne about whom E. R. Eddison wrote so brilliantly in his own viking novel, STYRBIORN THE STRONG, this book takes us through all the paces. Orm ends up with a very noble wife living in a backwater part of Scandinavia (the borderlands between Sweden and medieval Denmark) but even there he gets no peace since his enemies and adventures pursue him. And in his maturity another and final adventure comes his way when he is summoned to the eastern reaches of far Gaardarike (the country that was to become Russia) to claim an "inheritance" of great value. Along the way, Orm makes some good friends, some bad enemies, participates in some (but by no means all) of the great events of viking history in that period, and finally mellows to become a better man who embraces the new way of thinking while yet feeling at home in the old.

I did think the book a bit too episodic though this is no indictment of it since the sagas themselves are nearly always such and the "voice" smacks very much of the sagaman's art. However, a close reading makes this very clearly a modern novel for the humor is quite bracing and alone marks this tale out as one of ours and not one from an earlier time. I especially appreciated Orm's hypochondria, despite his courage in the face of battle, a very human and humorous touch! And the fighting is all very realistic, no great superhuman feats of derring do (except occasionally as we find in the real sagas). Some of the literary technniques used, besides the marvelous sense of tongue -in-cheek humor, are also quite contemporary. I did think the tale a bit slow in places, especially at the beginning, and rather more predictable than not.

And, more, it is not, in my opinion the best of the viking or saga novels despite what others have said here. For tautness and action, none have yet done it better, in my opinion, than H. Rider Haggard with ERIC BRIGHTEYES. For the pure poetry of style, Eddison's STYRBIORN THE STRONG still has my vote. And for the resounding greatness of the tale and the power to move, no modern author has ever penned a better saga novel than Hope Muntz did with THE GOLDEN WARRIOR. But Bengtsson did a very nice job and deserves five stars for it. I take my hat off to him and to those here whose reviews obliged me to obtain and read this fine viking tale.

(For those with an interest in the saga as novel, a few other good ones I'd recommend include Cecelia Holland's very modern and psychological TWO RAVENS, a glimpse into the hot-house environment of an Icelandic farm, and Jane Smiley's THE GREENLANDERS which tells of the final days of the the Norse settlement in Greenland as the cold and the Eskimos closed in around the settlers. And if you still have any patience and want more, perhaps you'd want to try my own small effort, THE KING OF VINLAND'S SAGA, which I wrote to be the saga I'd always wished had been written and preserved about the Norse excursions to this part of the world. All, I believe, are available in some form or another on-line. Mine I know is.) -- Stuart W. Mirsky

I was fortunate to be given a copy of a British paperback edition by a Swedish friend, re-awakening the joy I experienced reading this book thirty years ago. When I received this gift, it looked like a fairly ordinary paperback with a ludicrous cover illustration. The worlds within are amazing. It's exuberant and beautiful, indeed.

Michael Zak's book, "Back to the Basics for the Republican Party," is at once a splendid history lesson of our nation and an illuminating dialogue of our political system. Mr. ZaK begins with the events and the ideas that gave rise to the Republican Party. He goes on to explain how the fundamental tenets of the party enabled the Republicans to save the Union, rid our country of slavery and lay the foundation for the modern American economy. Mr. Zak then discusses how the GOP strayed from its principles, allowing the Democratic Party to gain the advantage. Finally, the author provides, through his own incisive analysis, the framework by which the Republican Party can regain the moral and political high ground, and lead America to even greater accomplishments. Nonetheless, this book is neither a dry nor a pedantic study. It is a thoughtful, well-written, compelling and entertaining discourse in the realm of politics. Most importantly, "Back to the Basics for the Republican Party" is a clarion call for the GOP to return to its roots. I highly recommend this outstanding book.

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party" provides a detailed history of the Republican Party as well as a thorough explanation of Party politics in general. Interspersed within the text are delightful little gems of human interest such as, "It was when rung at a ceremony to mark the death of John Marshall in 1835 that the Liberty Bell cracked." (60)

Author Michael Zak's writing is very readable; it is both informative and entertaining for the lay as well as the professional audience. He has a straightforward style for presenting facts, yet he also writes with a passion that moves the reader to conviction; at times I felt as if I was actually there.

If you are a Republican, you should buy this book; it will make you proud of your Republican heritage. If you are a Democrat, you should also buy this book-you may find some surprises about your Party's history as well. As Mr. Zak so eloquently quotes in his text, "For you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." (6)

Michael Zak's book, "Back To The Basics For The Republican Party," is a wonderful achievement. "Back To The Basics" is at once a splendid history lesson of our nation and an illuminating dialogue of our political system. Mr. Zak begins with the events and the ideas that gave rise to the Republican Party. Mr. Zak goes on to explain how the fundamental tenets of the party enabled the Republicans to save the Union, rid our country of slavery and lay the foundation for the modern American economy. Mr. Zak then explains how the GOP strayed from its principles, allowing the Democratic Party to gain the advantage. Finally, Mr. Zak provides, through his incisive analysis, the framework by which the Republican Party can regain the political and moral high ground, and lead America to even greater accomplishments. Nonetheless, this book is neither a dry nor pedantic study. It is a thoughful, well-written, compelling and entertaining effort. Most importantly, "Back To The Basics For The Republican Party" is a clarion call for the GOP to return to its roots. I highly recommend this outstanding book.

This book chronicles six of the years of Mystery Science Theater 3000 episodes on Comedy Central, through the eyes of the show's writers. There's tons of information on such classics as "Manos: The Hands of Fate" and "Mitchell", as well as extra features no MSTie could live without. Unfortunately, with the show now in its ninth season, the book is somewhat outdated.

The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Amazing Colossal Episode Guide is the perfect resource for any MST3K fan! The book breaks down episodes in the seasons that do not air on the Sci-fi channel. I absolutely love this book, not just because I'm a fan of the show, but also because it gives you some interesting information about actors in the movies and behind-the-scenes antics of the MST3K cast.

It's a real shame that this wonderful show was cancelled, but the fans of this show have plenty of tapes, DVD's, and memorabilia to keep us happy!

If you're a fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000, buy this book! You won't be disappointed!

Well at least it was back when Mystery Science Theater 3000 was in its sixth season.

This is THE book for any fan of MST3K whether you became a fan of the show during its early days at the local station in Minneapolis, or just found it on the Sci-Fi channel during the final reruns. The book offers a peek into all of the 120 episodes that can only be seen on a fan's tape. Each episode area has descriptions of the actual movie, all of the segments, and one of the writers reflects on the episode. In fact the style of how each episode is described in the book was so much loved by the fans that the cast continued to describe the 8th, 9th, and last season at Scifi.com. It also chronicles the conception and birth of a revolutionary comedy.

Running through the book are poems, reflection, and suggestions on how to discuss "Your Area" which will leave your sides in pain. In fact the introductions of the book are enough to rip out a few stitches so be careful.

Even if you do not really care about all of the old episodes that you may never seen, the reflection and other writing in this book are enough of a reason to buy this book. Trust me.

Daughter Anna (now 19 years old) loved this book. It was her favorite above all others. As we sorted through some old kid things for give-away purposes, we stumbled upon this old, well worn copy of "The Velveteen Rabbit." She insisted we keep the book for HER children.

This was her book that Mama (me!) had to read to her again and again and again. As soon as the last word was read on the last page, it was "Mama, please read it again!"

(how I miss those days, by the way!)

The book also has a powerful message about Love that children understand and cherish.

This is a wonderful book. No child should be without their own copy of "The Velveteen Rabbit."

It's a sweet story of a 'simple' stuffed rabbit amidst the more 'complex' modern toys in a boy's "toy collection". The rabbit starts to believe that in order to get the love of the boy, he needs to appear 'real', or be able to zoom about like the motorized toys...
(And I'm not going to tell you the end hahahahaha!!!)
It was great having that read to me, while I was hugging my stuffed animals in bed.
But -- in a way, at first glance it looks like a simple story, but it is actually a surprisingly complex story. Leave it on your child's bookshelf as he/she grows up and he/she will reread it again and again as he/she questions issues such as "who am I?", "what does it mean to be 'real'"?, "what is my role in this world?", and even "what is death"?

I seldom write reviews on children's books, although I love them with a passion. My children are now mothers and my grandchildren are past young childhood. However, I believe that somewhere deep inside each of us remains a small child that still loves fairy tales, cotton candy, and walking barefoot in the grass. This book was one of my children's favourites, along with "Charlotte's Web;" both were also my own personal favourites. When my children were six years old reading this book became a nighly adventure until I knew the words by heart. For the reviewer who rated the book with a one star due to a spelling error, my heart goes out to you; you have sadly missed something very important - the message. The book is not about spelling, editing or lack thereof; it is about encouragement and love.

The book tells the story of a toy, sawdust-filled rabbit who wishes with all his heart to become real. The message contained in this book is poignant, heart-warming and touching, and one that you will never foreget as long as you live. It is a story of beauty, wonder and love. Any child who misses out on "The Velveteen Rabbit" is missing out on one of life's greatest lessons. I cannot say enough good things about this wonderful, wonderful book and highly recommend it to children...and the grown-up child in all of us.

I have no kids (unless you count my cat and my husband) but I bought this book originally for a friend's little boy's first birthday. I loved it so much I had to get my own copy. The songs are a scream and I love how some of the most serious actors in Hollywood are singing them. Come on, Meryl Streep singing "Nobody Understands Me"? What's not to love about that? I just wish all of the words to the songs were in the book, not just the first verse.

I think our children and grandchildren will regard Sandra Boynton as we and our parents regard Dr. Seuss. As usual, her stories are adorable. I saw highlights on the today show this morning and had to go buy it today. My daughter's a little young for it (7 months) but her 2 year old friends loved the music. It's a children's CD I like and do not find annoying (such as those by that purple creature).

The book is well done. There is a page for each of the songs with an illustration. There is also sheet music and lyrics for each song in the back of the book.

I'm sure we'll cherish this one for years to come!

We love Philadelphia Chickens so much that we have two copies, one for the house and one for the minivan. My boys (ages 4 & 22 months) love to sing along with the songs. They even recall the animals featured with each song. I have even made up a dance routine for the chorus-line song "Cows". My 4 year old loves the affectionate song "Snuggle Puppy", while my 22 month old loves the rush around operatic song "Busy". The variety of music featured is a wonderful exposure to kids.

Originally published in 1988 it took twelve more years for a commercial following to gather for the Liaden Universe. The first three books, "Conflict of Honors", "Agent of Change" and "Carpe Diem," were then compiled into a single volume and sold as "Partners in Necessity." During the mild aftermath of their first being published, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller continued to write, but mostly for themselves. If the general public didn't embrace what they wrote, at least they enjoyed writing it.

The strange thing here, is that those three novels were excellent. It's a mystery to me why it took so long for them to succeed, as they should have from the first day. The book market can be an unpredictable battleground. If it weren't for all the positive ratings awarded on Amazon.com, even I would not have read these quality novels.

Written in the vein of space opera, each of the Liaden Universe books, six so far, centre on the Liaden clan Korval. A non terrestrial but human family that ensures its survival in a universe of cut-throat politics with commercial acumen, a fleet of ships and a generations long breeding program aimed at producing pilots, (a rare bread of individual that has the reflexes of a cat and the courage to match). Each book tends to concentrate on one couple, typically as they meet, fall in love and life-bond. All this tends to happen under adverse circumstances; running from secret government agents, duelling with mad ship captains, targeted by a futuristic crime family or just being attacked by a mindless race of aggressive aliens known as the Yxtrang.

The Clan Korval is not always fighting alone however. One of their more fascinating allies is the Clutch Turtles, linked to Korval through an unspecified and mysterious adoption. These aliens are an old race, long lived, slow to act, fascinated by art and possibly the most deadly creatures in known space. There are so many factions, families, races and species involved in the Liaden universe that we need every book these talented authors can produce just to scratch the surface. I just hope their growing popularity gives them enough reasons to continue writing.

If you pick up this book on a Friday evening, expect not to do anything else until Monday morning...

The Liaden Universe is like James Clavell in space. The plots are not quite so complicated, and the pace is faster, but the focus on interweaving conflicts of duty, profit, and romance remind me a lot of Noble House or Tai-Pan.

In the Liaden Universe, there are two primary rules. Don't start fights. Always finish them.

One thing that might throw some people off is that the authors are very strict about not "explaining" anything. It's up to the reader to puzzle out who the Liadens, Yxtrang, Terrans, Turtles, Clans, witches, healers, etc. are. This isn't as hard as it sounds like, because the authors want you to figure out the puzzle. And it makes the books a great re-read, since you don't have to wade through pages of exposition explaining things you already know -- it's straight into the action right away.

But that doesn't mean the world is constructed shoddily. Everything hangs together fairly consistantly, nothing seems to be added on as an afterthought just to advance the plot.

You will certainly want to read Plan B after this one -- do not read them out of order!

PARTNERS IN NECESSITY is one of the greatest compilation volumes I have had the pleasure of reading for a good many years! It is actually three novels CONFLICT OF HONORS, AGENT OF CHANGE and CARPE DIEM originally published in the late eighties. How I could have possibly missed them back then I don't know but now I have found them I will never let them go!

Classic space opera! Interesting plots, wonderful characters, and enough action and romance to keep you turning the pages fast enough to have to worry about paper cuts! I read these books quickly and reread them and reread them again trying to memorize it! I'll admit I have become a Liaden Universe addict! Please don't try to rehabilitate me!

This is a keeper! One of the few that actually ended up on my library shelf rather then the local library.

For those of you who like adventure and romance I can't think of a better place to spend your time. It's worth it and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you get a copy...

For those who have stumbled on this book title from something else entirely, you should know that this is part of a series. You would be missing a great deal if you tried to read this first, without having read _Partners in Necessity_, the reprint of the first three books in the series.

This series falls into several subgenres of science fiction- partly good old space opera, partly romance, partly fantasy (I'm sorry, but anything which has wizards and goddesses in it is fantasy - not science fiction).

Perhaps the best thing in the book is the dry sense of humor. Miri has lots of wisecracks, Val Con is a master of irony, Shan has very sarcastically expressive eyebrows, and the Clutch Turtles are themselves. The interstellar crime cartel, the Juntavas, appear at times to be "the gang that couldn't shoot straight." Jeeves the robot makes an appearance with Anthora and the cat.

I don't think that the Yxtrang as they are developed in this book are the extrapolation I would have expected from the portrayal of them in the previous books. They are far too human. Frankly, the Department of the Interior seems more ruthless and warlike than the Yxtrang. Nonetheless, I like the character of Nelirikk Explorer. Not sure how the heck he learned to sew, though.

Toward the end of the book, several random things struck me together, to start the sort of train of thought that could be somebody's thesis in English or something- not me, gods forbid, but someone: the surname of dea'Judan; the resemblance of the name Daav to David... and I started wondering, is this Moses' flight out of Egypt? Are we going to have 40 years of wandering through space? Will we be finding more "lost tribes"? Somebody out there can take this and run with it- start doing an extended comparison of this book to Exodus. Maybe it's not really there. But it could be fun to look for it.

"Plan B -- Speak to me of danger, do!" has become a watch-word among certain groups of readers. And now we finally know what Plan B IS----- sort of. After reading (and re-reading) the first three books in this universe, and hooking many of my friends on them, I was thrilled beyond words when the newest edition hit the stands. Action, most certainly. Honor, excitement, romance, intrigue, curious abilities and of course, ten foot tall talking turtles....what is there not to love!?! Val Con and Miri, Shan and Priscilla, all of our favorites from Clan Korval are here, and THIS time, some of them in the same places! If there is anything wrong with this book (besides the fact that it ENDED!), it is the way the chapter-lets, or segments, really, jump from character set to character set. You could get motion sick, if you're not careful, trying to keep track of where you are when. But much can be forgiven where so much pleasure is delivered. And of course, nothing whets the appetite better than knowing there is more to come! "I Dare" isn't THAT far away.... Keep on writing, Steve and Sharon!

I read the last Sharon Lee and Steve Miller book, Carpe Diem, by candle light in San Francisco after the October 17, 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Even with all the difficulties surrounding the aftermath of the quake, Carpe Diem had me laughing out loud. For a short time I was taken away from the devastation in the City. It's been a long wait, over 9 years, but the wait was worth it. Plan B is an excellent novel. Though I read by electric lights this time, I still laughed out loud and found myself taken away to the wonderful Korval Universe for a few hours. The day after I read the book, I reread it, it was that much fun. I know we have to wait another couple years for the next installment ... but maybe if we whine loud enough Sharon Lee and Steve Miller will speed up the process. Folks if you haven't read books by these two, go find them! Buy Plan B! You won't regret it.

This is an absolutely fantastic inside look at the design process of Disney Imagineering. The book details the past, present and future projects along with great anecdotes from the Imagineers themselves. The book is also filled with rich pictures, illustrations, and sketches from projects both built and left on the "shelf". As one who wishes to pursue a thempark design career, this book acts as a great reference tool and both inspires and motivates your creative juices.

-Ken G.

No other text comes as close to capturing Walt Disney's joy and enthusiasm for the creative process. Written by Kevin Rafferty with Bruce Gordon, their text explores the historical context for this remarkable story. Originally known as WED Enterprises (Walt Disney's personally owned laboratory for creating what would later become known as Disneyland), their story details the guiding influence of Walt Disney himself, as well as of the men and women who succeeded Walt in becoming the first generation of "Imagineers".

Having laid that foundation, the development of Disney theme parks is presented with amazing attention to detail. David Mumford and Randy Webster have taken in-depth research and image selection to new heights. Every graphic and illustration makes a strong contribution in documenting the role of Walt Disney Imagineering in expanding Disney's reach to the far corners of the globe.

I had a hard time finding this book, and guess where I am...Orlando, Florida! You'd think that there would be plenty on the shelves! When I finally found it, there were only two on the shelf in a small section on the 2nd floor of Barnes & Nobles!

I was just in awe at the book, I expected many pages of text, but I can't remember a full page of text in this huge book. It's full of illustrations and pictures that really make you feel like you're one of the Imagineers checking out ideas for the parks.

For anyone who likes Disney, or really anyone who enjoys design, art, architecture, etc.; or just needs a good coffee table book, this book is stupendous, and you get a deal here on Amazon. ...

I hope they come out with another book.

This standard hardback sized 3 in 1 is just the thing. Most adults find Tintin an excellent toilet book and the single adventure large versions just aren't right. This neat set of three: The Broken Ear, The Black Island and King Ottokar's Sceptre (the best 'early' Tintin, by the way - i.e. no Captain Haddock or Calculus ; though the Thompson twins are not in their first adventure) fits nicely into the bathroom alongside the other volumes. I'm not sure why they stopped at three - or, at least, I can't find volume 4, but it was high time a decent-sized version of Tintin appeared and this does the trick nicely.

This is a wonderful book that is perfect for any age. I've been reading Tintin since I was about 4 and right now, I'm 12. You may think of Tintin as just a regular kid's book, but trust me, these books are perfect for even adults (like my father, who is 48). It's full of mystery, comedy, and just regular old fun! All of his books have something interesting to talk about. The pictures are very clear and accurate, especially when it comes to portraying actual places.If you are looking at this book, BUY IT NOW!("Cigars of the Pharaoh" is a great book).

I loved Tintin books when I was a kid, and I love them now at age 37. I know I'm not alone, because a Tintin store in San Francisco sells Tintin coffee cups and ties and key chains (grown-up's items!) I myself have a Tintin tie and key chain! THE LAND OF BLACK GOLD is my favorite Tintin book. It has all the best characters, humor, and an intriguing plot. (That's why adults can like them, because many of the books have reasonably sophisticated James-Bond type plots.) Tintin forever!

Raising Fences by Michael Datcher is truly a black man's love story. A story of love found love lost betrayal and everything in between. Michael Datcher opens up to his readers in way that lets you know he is not holding back! From his feelings on being an adopted male, to his discovery of the opposite sex, he brilliantly places the reader in his life situations allowing you to see how his choices helped develop him into the successful man he is today.
Lastly, just when you think you know him well, he expertly uses his poetry to give the reader an even deeper insight into his true self. Raising Fences is definitely a great read. One that leaves "Pages" anxiously waiting for more.

I truly think this wonderful, and well written book isn't getting the praise it desreves.I love my black male authors,but Michael has taken reading to a whole 'nother level.I got word of it through one of the guys featured it the novel.I figured it to be just a friend trying to promote a friends work.Was I wrong! Raising fences, to me as a black woman helped me better understand the trials and emotional struggles that the men in my life go through.If you for some stupid reason choose not to read the whole book, you MUST at least read the poems from the story.There's one in particular from a little boy that grabs your heart and toys with your emotions. So many authors try to write about life from a black persons perspective in south central, but they normally lack the depth,and realistic ways that we handle day to day life.After reading this I couldn't go back to the same ol'novels that I see in every bookstore,so I'm waiting for a second.

I was chapter or two into this book before I realized it was non-fiction. Michael Datcher's style is so vivid and fluid I thought "Raising Fences" was a story he'd spun from his imagination. Once I realized it was a memoir, I was that much more intrigued by his story.

Datcher takes the reader through some of the defining moments in his life. His tale may not be much different than many other men, but he bravely lays himself wide open for his readers in a way that must have been painful but also necessary. His life-long ache for a father, his stuttering speech impediment, his painful spiritual soul-searching (which leads him to join a cult-like religion), and his damaging experience with a dishonest woman are all shared with honesty and grit.

Happily, Datcher's story ends on a high note, and by the time you reach the end of this book you'll want to cry tears of joy for him. Read this book. You won't be disappointed. I admire the hell out of Datcher for having the heart to write this book.