Structured into three sections for each day: a morning reflection; a short Thought to refer back to during the day; and a bedtime prayer. Excellently captures the gist of St. Francis' teachings. This book has become very popular in my men's group.

This book was able to put into words what anyone who's lived in Hawai'i has sensed all along. Chapters on the Hawaiians, the Caucasians, the Chinese, the Japanese, the Portuguese, the Okinawans, the Koreans, the Filipinos, the Samoans and the people of Indochina discuss the history of the arrivals of the different people in the islands, value systems, stereotypes, contemporary situations, etc.

As a kid at Makalapa Elementary school I knew that lots of my Chinese friends had extended families, lots of my Japanese friends had YBA on Saturdays, lots of my Caucasian friends from military families lived almost cloistered, separate lives, that you couldn't tell who was part Hawaiian by someone's first name, that lots of people put down Filipinos, etc. But I didn't know most Caucasians value individuality over extended family and that they are unique in doing this in the land of 'ohana. Or that hanai adoptions by a child's tutu were the norm (such that nearly 1/3 of the Hawaiian community surveyed in 1970 had legal or informal adoptions in their family). Or that traditional Japanese wives were expected to move in with their mothers-in-law. Or that traditional Samoan views on childrearing involve older children taking care of younger children and physical punishement or shaming for "bad" behavior.

The different chapters were all written by experts on the community in question. The book does a great job of presenting balanced views (including both positive and negative stereotypes) and avoiding generalizations. The book is geared towards use in the mental health care field, but will appeal to a far greater audience. This is a must-read for anyone curious about the histories of different cultural groups in Hawai'i, or with an interest in racial relations in the United States. Accessible and extremely well done!

"The Pirates of the New England Coast" constitutes a very well researched and serious source on Piracy for the period 1630-1730. I highly recomend this book, which is well written, entertaining and accurate. The main character is Boston-born Edward Low, the most notorious of all New Englanders who became pirates. Five chapters are dedicated to him, and one to Captain Lowther, his closest partner in plundering. Three chapters are interesting accounts written by seamen who were captured and remained on board Low's ship for weeks. These narrations are among the most valuable sources dealing with life on board a pirate ship. The exploits of other less known pirates such as Harris, Spriggs, Phillips and Fly,(who were all sailing under Low for some time before seeking their own fortunes independently), are also well detailed and researched, based on first hand documents, including: state papers, judicial documents on the pirate trials, and gazettes dating from the Colonial Period.

Are you interested in Francis and his spirituality? Do you want to learn more about him? This book is a superb way to explore the spiritual life either individually or with a group. I've used it again and again. In fact I've worn out my first copy and had to get another! Organized into 15 topics by chapter the book includes prayers, editorial introductions, the words of Francis, opportunity for reflection and action, and relevent scriptures for each topic. Topics covered are: The Central Place of the Gospels, Holy Poverty, The Good Sense of Foolishness, Blessed Peace, Coutesy, Right Action, Simplicity, Serving Our Neighbors, Littleness, Glorious Nature, Humility, The Church, Struggle, Worship, and Joy. I am a minister. I have used the book personally and in groups. When used with 7th grade boys and with adults all were moved toward Christian maturity following in the footsteps of Francis their guide.

I had the pleasure of being one of Dr. Libertino's contributor to this extraordinary textbook. It is one of a kind in Urology, covering the major topics in reconstructive surgery of the genito-urinary system. The authors of each chapter are the leading names in the field. It is well recommended to Urologists in general and residents in training.

From Shakyamuni Buddha through fifty three generations of successors to Koun Ejo, the lineage of Soto Zen Buddhism unfolds.

Each chapter centers on a pivotal exchange between a Zen ancestor and his successor. These exchanges, preserved and used as koans, represent the living transmission of awakened mind, presented by Keizan Zenji, co-founder with Dogen Zenji, of the Japanese Soto school.

Master Keizan's lucid commentaries and verses on each case render the succession accessible to the determined practitioner. This masterful collection, parallelling in importance the Shobogenzo of Dogen Zenji, remains a seminal text for all serious students of Zen.

The translation by Francis Dojun Cook is at once meticulous and vivid, embodying careful scholarship as well as the essence of the realization of these fifty three Zen ancestors.

Time spent with this book will richly reward the reader.

of English actors, this is the book for you. Clive Francis (one of my favorite actors - Masada, The Piglet Files, Poldark) has drawn caricatures of dozens of actors - who give their own verbal tributes to Sir John Gielgud.

I was doubtful when a friend gave this to me. It sounded hardboiled and I don't read those. It was a marvelous surprise. The characters are real, well-rounded people. Cuddy is not what you expect and keeps surprising you. I particularly like his recurrent conversations with his dead wife, Beth. I just ordered all the ones I couldn't find at my local store! I can't recommend Cuddy and his friends highly enough. It won't be what you think

"Swan Dive" by Jeremiah Healy is another very satisfying John Francis Cuddy mystery. A good fast paced story with gritty, colorful characters and an abundance of violence. Makes me want to read his next outing "Yesterday's News". Was well worth my hunt to find this out of print copy.

Every year, Pope John Paul II selects a preacher for a course of Spiritual Exercises for himself and the Vatican's Roman Curia. For the Jubilee 2000, he chose Vietnamese Archbishop Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan.

I originally read Archbishop Thuan's exercises by way of Zenit - the News of Rome. As compelling as those accounts were, the book is even better. Archbishop Van Thuan's experiences, as a prisoner in Communist prisons for 13 years, and his insight on faith are true food for a hungry soul.

Testimony of Hope is the complete text of those Exercises. Archbishop Van Thuan's description of isolation and abandonment, and his secret for finding hope in despair makes for moving and uplifting reading.

I guarantee that readers will be moved by the 22 meditations. Archbishop Van Thuan offers light amidst the darkness. The book is a quick, easy, and inspirational read.