Rogers uses a unique viewpoint to give us a world that doesn't conform to the fantasy we are used to- there are no quests through pristine forests, no virgins and unicorns, and there certainly aren't any men in tights and silly pointy hats with feathers in them.

After reading Blood and Pearls, and sympathizing with newcomer Jagutai's civilized outrage, one has to delve deep down within one's self and wonder: how much of myself is reflected in Khymir? What insight does Mark Rogers have into human nature? How accurate is his disturbing perception and reflection of us?

The city of Khymir's raw violence and celebration of all of the baser human instincts shocks and intrigues the reader and makes him question himself- but that's not all that is unique about this novel, and indeed all of Rogers' work. He gives his characters a flippant wit, provides them with captivating dialogue, and shows us intricate plotlines full of political wrangling, theology, and gender wars.

Read this book if you want to think, and wonder, and squirm.

BLOOD AND PEARLS is a great beginning for the series of prequels to Rogers' ZORACHUS and BLOOD OF THE LAMB books. Set in Khymir, the city maintained by Satan as an argument against the creation of the human race, it introduces Zancharthus, a blood-thirsty sorceror with few redeeming qualities...but some. He's sexy, as are several of the main characters as we learn from Rogers' lengthy, vivid, and...quite interesting sex scenes. He's reasonable by comparison with his enemies. Dessicatorius, the leader of the Satanic cult for which Zancharthus works, who sees fluid as the problem and spiders as the solution, is one of Rogers' best bad guys...and that's saying something! And he really wishes things worked better. There's enough there to start the process of salvation. In addition to great characters, wild action, fantastic monsters, and solid philosophy the book has wonderful illustrations...Dessicatorius covered with spiders (p.264) is dementia incarnate and the last picture in the book (p.313)is about the fleshiest piece of cheesecake you're likely to see. There's something for everybody...and then some!

An awsome novel. The characters seem to come alive on the paper. The settings make you feel as if you're there. The story keeps your eyes glued to the pages. The philosophy makes you stop and think. This is definatly a novel worth reading, you will not be disappointed. Just as in his other books, this one has way of capturing your attention and imagination and holding them until the end. Having read some of the stories that take place later (Zorachus, The Nightmare of God, and The Blood of the Lamb series) I had some idea how the book might end (or at least who wouldn't die) and I was still fascinated by it enough to read it straight through. Also, the artwork in this book is super. It brings the story even more to life, and best of all and often overlooked, it matches the story. A TRULY EXCELLENT NOVEL and I can't wait for the next one.

The book was given to me as a gift, little did I know that I was about to relive my child hood, my youth, my fifty plus years on the high plains of Wyoming. The smell of horse farts in the early dawn, cold feet, till there is no longer pain. Getting a case of 22 shells for Christmas, birthday, and wearing out the gun . Mark has finnaly writen a book of "how the west is" at least the last 50 years. To see death as an almost constant player, hunting, calving, blizzards, drunk driving, fast cars, all part of Wyoming. The country school, first love, almost social retardation. 60 miles from town is a long way, few people can stand the loneness. Twenty years behind the times, still is a good place to be in 2000, May Mark Spragg share more of his life with us , in many more books to come,as his works touch a nerve few authors today can.

As a person who also grew up in the NW part of Wyoming in the time period of this book there is much here that resonates. To me this was the journey of a young boy expected to be a man, perhaps sooner than he should, expected to be self sufficent, to put emotions aside and to deal with life at it's basic level-- in essence to grow up "cowboy". In that journey Mark could have turned hard and cold, instead he became introspective and uniquely sensitive to the world in which he lived. As an adult he examined in detail and with prose those relationships and rememberances and gave them to us. If you have ever wondered what happened to the cowboys of the long-ago-time they are here in this book. These days few people can live by or appreciate that philosophical outlook and even fewer try to maintain the effort. At times this was a hard read, often harsh and emotional, but an excellent trip. It was also a rememberance of wonderful Wyoming and home. Thanks Mark.

Having never heard of Mark Spragg, I bought this book because it was the winner of the 1999 Mountains and Plains Booksellers Award. I can hardly wait for him to write more! The beauty of this book is how the author relates events of his life, particularly his boyhood, with such matter-of-fact innocence and honesty. I marvel at how candid he is with his thoughts and feelings. Wyoming comes alive because of the vivid pictures he paints with his words. I feel thankful that I found this gem of a book!

This book also has a recommendation by Teresa Jordan, author of Riding the White Horse Home, another of my favorite books.

my mom bought me this a few christmas's ago. I wasnt really a diary type person so I figured I wouldnt like it. But one day when I was bored, I opened it up and looked and realized what I had been missing. this is definitly a great book for teenagers. Its not just a blank journal, it gives you lots of interesting ideas to write about and asks questions that make you think. I love writing in it if I'm bored. And it's big so it wont get used up fast. Also, even though there are sections, you dont have to do each one in order, you can just skip around if you want. the sections are similar to the ones in the chicken soup for the teenage soul books. and for some of the questions, they give alot of space to just write whatever you want. I especially liked the section where your friends, boyfriend, etc. could write to you and the part where you can put your pictures. I highly recommend this journal! its great! I hope they come out with a second one

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: Journal, was one of the most moving books I have read. It's directed towards adolescents, and deals with issues every adolescent girl faces. It's a blend of stories, quotes, poems, and spaces to write your thoughts. This book has many different sections such as: family, love and kindness, learning lessons, and though stuff. My favorite section, however, is "loving yourself". This book gave me a chance to deal with issues and see that I'm not the only girl whom faces such issues. Chicken Soup is a book that I am able to pick up at any time if I need some inspiration on a situation, or some reassurance. Other issues helpful to me were on drinking, self-esteem, eating disorders, and how to deal with my past. The best part about this book is that a lot of it is compiled with texts written by teenage authors. There are spaces for friends to write about you, and spaces for you to express how you feel about certain things. Chicken Soup allowed me to realize I was not the only girl who had experienced some of the feelings that I did. After reading this book I knew I wasn't alone! I do highly reccomend this book to any teenage girl. Adolescence is a hard time to get through, and many girls need inspiration. You do not have to read the book cover to cover; you can pick it up any time and read whatever section you desire.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: Journal, was one of the most moving books I have read. It is directed towards adolescents, and deals with issues every adolescent girl faces. It's a blend of stories, quotes, poems, and spaces to write your thoughts. This book has many different sections such as: family, learning lessons, love and kindness, and tough stuff. My favorite section, however, is "loving yourself". This book gave me a chance to deal with issues and see that I am not the only girl whom faces such issues. Chicken Soup is a book that I am able to pick up and at any time if I need some inspiration, help, or reassurance. Other issues helpful to me were on drinking, self-esteem, eating disorders, and how to deal with my past. Another good part about this book is that a lot of it is compiled with texts written by teenage authors. There are spaces for friends to write about you, and spaces for you to express how you feel on certain issues. Chicken Soup allowed me to realize I was not the only girl who had experienced some of the feelings I did. After reading this book I knew I wasn't alone! I do highly recommend this book to any teenage girl. Adolescence is a hard time to get through, and many girls need inspiration. You do not have to read the book cover to cover; you can pick it up any time and read whatever section you desire.

I walked into my university bookstore years ago during a book sale and I spotted this book... "Some Beatle garbage" I said to myself. Then I found myself buying the book...!

Then I found myself buying all the Beatles CD so I could listen to the music that was described in the book...

I think the Beatles ARE BRILLIANT and I despair what to think my life would have been without the Beatles!! I just spent the whole day of New Year's Eve listening to various Beatle cds and other sources!! This is a great book! and it's not being published...! :(

Almost ten years ago I bought this book --hardcover-- in Mexico City, noy quite knowing its content. As a growing Beatles fan myself, I found it as a perfect guide to the group's development into studio techniques. If one wants to know how the Beatles turned the recording studio into an instrument in itself, one just has to read in detail: the 1962-1966 period (when the simplest, most straightforward music was composed) has only 60 pages, whereas the complex 1966-1970 period accumulates 120. One can know the origin of the backwards tapes, the tape edition (ie, at the end of "...Mr Kite!"), the outside musicians, the psdychedelic "sonic textures", the fundamental roles of producer George Martin and engineers Norman Smith and Geoff Emerick. One can even know the names of the orchestra performers. One can know the problematic "Get Back" sessions held in January 1969. This book opens a window to the landscape of the big experiments going on in Abbey Road studio two where the history of popular music changed. It's no surprise Paul McCartney calls this book "the bible".

I have been a dedicated Beatles fan for many years. The Beatles have been with me for years and have inspired many of my own works. Listening to the albums and watching the Beatles' movies has been a very important part in my life, and owning this book is the ultimate experience. I'm twenty-two and unlike my mother and father who were actually around to experience The Beatles, I have grown up only listening and watching everything about them. If you have ever wondered about the background of a certain song or the reasons behind certain lyrics, you need only turn this book. I bought this at a flea market when I was about twelve and I continue to pick it up and read or find about a certain song or recording day in the life of the amazing group that we call The Beatles. This book is a must have for the Beatles collector, and will be more valuable beyond its price.

This book gave me a clear, consise way to communicate with Angels. I have read many books on the subject of Angels and how to communicate with them and this was, by far, the BEST. The other books get into dealing with your "chakras" and getting "grounded. Forget all that "fluff" and just read "Angelspeak!" You won't need anything else. In fact, after listening to the audio, I felt compelled to speak and meet with Judy. After our meeting and receiving messages from my Angels using their method, I am on my way to writing a book for Children! Thank you to Trudy & Barbara for sharing these messages with us! Special Thanks to Judy for her Angelic guidance!

I bought Angelspeake about 4 years ago. At the time I read it but didn't think it would work for me. Little did I know by reading the 4 Fundamentals I started, with the help of my angels, to use them on a daily basis.

I now write to my angels every day and my life has taken a 180 degree turnaround. The angels love to be God's messengers and I find much comfort in talking to them daily. I thank this book and the authors for opening a new spiritual dimension to my life.

The most incredible thing, is to receive a message from your angels. They bring you peace, love, guidance & gifts of abundance. I have been writing to my angels ever since I read the 1st book! It is so easy using the Four Fundamentals. Angels also answered my questions about God, my spirital path, mission in life and connected me to my father who passed away without closure for our family. It has changed my life replacing anger with love, loneliness with self esteem and an inner tanquility. Thank you Barbara & Trudy for listening to your angels! Love & Angel Blessings ():)

Giovanni Boccaccio THE DECAMERON. Second Edition. Translated with an Introduction and Notes by G. H. McWilliam. cli + 909 pages. Penguin Classics. London: Penguin Books, 1995. ISBN 0-14-044629-X (Pbk).

Second-hand opinions can do a lot of harm. Most of us have been given the impression that The Decameron is a lightweight collection of bawdy tales which, though it may appeal to the salacious, sober readers would do well to avoid. The more literate will probably be aware that the book is made up of one hundred stories told on ten consecutive days in 1348 by ten charming young Florentines who have fled to an amply stocked country villa to take refuge from the plague which is ravaging Florence.

Idle tales of love and adventure, then, told merely to pass the time by a group of pampered aristocrats, and written by an author who was quite without the technical equipment of a modern story-teller such as Flannery O'Connor. But how, one wonders, could it have survived for over six hundred years if that's all there were to it? And why has it so often been censored? Why have there always been those who don't want us to read it?

A puritan has been described as someone who has an awful feeling that somebody somewhere may be enjoying themselves, and since The Decameron offers the reader many pleasures it becomes automatically suspect to such minds. In the first place it is a comic masterpiece, a collection of entertaining tales many of which are as genuinely funny as Chaucer's, and it offers us the pleasure of savoring the witty, ironic, and highly refined sensibility of a writer who was also a bit of a rogue. It also provides us with an engaging portrait of the Middle Ages, and one in which we are pleasantly surprised to find that the people of those days were every bit as human as we are, and in some ways considerably more delicate.

We are also given an ongoing hilarious and devastating portrayal of the corruption and hypocrisy of the medieval Church. Another target of Boccaccio's satire is human gullibility in matters religious, since, then as now, most folks could be trusted to believe whatever they were told by authority figures. And for those who have always found Dante to be a crushing bore, the sheer good fun of The Decameron, as Human Comedy, becomes, by implication (since Boccaccio was a personal friend of Dante), a powerful and compassionate counterblast to the solemn and cruel anti-life nonsense of The Divine Comedy.

There is a pagan exuberance to Boccaccio, a frank and wholesome celebration of the flesh; in contrast to medieval Christianity's loathing of woman we find in him what David Denby beautifully describes as "a tribute to the deep-down lovableness of women" (Denby, p.249). And today, when so many women are being taught by anti-sex radical feminists to deny their own bodies and feelings, Boccaccio's celebration of the sexual avidity of the natural woman should come as a very welcome antidote. For Denby, who has written a superb essay on The Decameron that can be strongly recommended, Boccaccio's is a scandalous book, a book that liberates, a book that returns us to "the paradise from which, long ago, we had been expelled" (Denby, p.248).

The present Penguin Classics edition, besides containing Boccaccio's complete text, also includes a 122-page Introduction, a Select Bibliography, 67 pages of Notes, four excellent Maps and two Indexes. McWilliam, who is a Boccaccio scholar, writes in a supple, refined, elegant and truly impressive English which successfully captures the highly sophisticated sensibility of Boccaccio himself. His translation reads not so much as a translation as an original work, though his Introduction (which seems to cover everything except what is most important) should definitely be supplemented by Denby's wonderfully insightful and stimulating essay, details of which follow:

Chapter 17 - 'Boccaccio,' in 'GREAT BOOKS - My Adventures with Homer, Rousseau, Woolf, and Other Indestructible Writers of the Western World'
by David Denby. pp.241-249. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1997. ISBN 0-684-83533-9 (Pbk).

Ten young Florentine noblemen and women escaping the Black Death in Florence in 1348 entertain themselves by each relating a story per day for ten days - 100 entertaining stories in all, mostly set in and around medieval Florence. Although famously naughty, none of these stories strikes a modern reader as more than mildly erotic. Rather, they consistently astonish by their thoroughly modern message that women are as good as men, nobility doesn't come from birth, sanctity doesn't come from the church, and - above all - true love must never be denied. Amazingly, Boccaccio often delivers this message while pretending to say the exact opposite; sometimes he presents very sympathetic characters who get away with things thought scandalous in his time, offering a mere token condemnation at the end, while other times he depicts someone actually following the accepted code and committing some horrible act of cruelty in the process. Either way - and despite his claims to be upholding convention - we always know what he really means, and apparently he didn't fool too many people in his own day either.

But one doesn't need to focus on the revolutionary aspects of the Decameron to enjoy the book; each of the stories delights the reader with a different tasty morsel, and, you can read as much or as little at a time as you please. Once you get past the introduction, (and that's probably the most serious part of the book, so be sure not to give up before you get to the first story) the stories will make you laugh, make you cringe, and make you sit on the edge of your seat. Inspiring authors from Chaucer to Shakespeare and entertaining audiences for over 700 years, the Decameron continues to delight.

For a book to be even considered to a classic; then it, i.e., the book has to stand the test of time (and by so been read, pondered on and enjoy by several generations). The Decameron (Oxford World's Classics) by Giovanni Boccaccio, et al is one of these few books, e.g., The Odyssey, Thus Spoke Zarathustra et al. The story follows a plethora of storytellers whom all have gone to the countryside to escape the plague. The stories are filled with bravura, vigor, fortitude, a bit of sex and many other subjects (that are all written with an uncanny ability). If one considered oneself to be a scholar or a learned man then this book, i.e., The Decameron (Oxford World's Classics) by Giovanni Boccaccio, et al, is a must have; since not owning or having read it, then one as a person/scholar/learnedman must be considered less then civilized.

If my doctors would have read this book, I would definitely be in a healthier condition. But all my propaganda did not help. In Switzerland they prefer Harrysson, which is larger, but therefore no doctor has the time to read it. The Merck Manual seems to be the best book for concise information about diseaes, diagnosis and therapy. The authors are high level in their fields and still present there topics in a comprehensible way. But still, some knowledge about physiology is assumed. Pathology can only be understood as a deviation from physiology.

This book MUST be in a survivalist library! It is the authoritive guide to identifying, diagnosing and treating human illness. You'll find nearly all the collected current knowledge of modern medicine within these pages.

Along with the Bible, this book is the single most important literary resource you can own. The Merck Manual is broken up into sections categorized along types of afflictions and causes, followed by appropriate treatments. Sometimes the language is clinical and can be difficult to follow without an understanding of the terms but most laymen can grasp enough to administer correct emergency medical care when necessary.

The Merck manual also proves useful when confronting your doctor about your condition or that of a loved one, it enables you to understand the diagnosis and treatment sufficiently to determine if there may be a mistake or a possible side-effect your doctor might not be willing to admit to.

I also recommend "Where there is no Doctor" and "Where there is no Dentist" to accompany this great book.

My daughter bought me this book last year and I have updated the editions through the years. It has the latest information on medical conditions that can even help you to know if your doctor is keeping up with the latest in the field of knowledge he is supposed to be treating, for whatever condition you have to be managed. Not all doctors graduated in the top half of their class, patients need to keep in mind. It also helps a patient be knowledge to be able to speak better with their doctors, but please do not mention that you read the Merk Manual, he will think you are trying to diagnose yourself or be critical of him if he knows that he has not kept up with the latest information. It will help a knowledgeable patient to know when their doctor perhaps is not the doctor they should be seeing if the doctor always seems to midiagnose or order medications that make their conditions worse, but will not compromise or change how they treat them. I have a great deal of respect for doctors who have not forgotten that keeping patients well, the best that they can was the mission they were supposed to get into medicine for in the first place. If a doctor does not take the time to keep up with their field, it is time to find another doctor. Being upset with your medical care or lack of interest by the doctor is just going to make a patient sicker. It is true, if you have your health you have just about everything. Medicine is not an exact science as it is proven by the new additions of this book that are revised frequently. This edition has the "original" Merk Manual as a bonus to prove that point. Doctors are not infallible and many are very incompetent, while others are exceptional, and keep up with the latest. When a doctor states your medical is too complicated for him to treat, he does not want anything but assembly type simple patients, and earn the money as fast as he can. We need dedicated physicians, and I think most doctors are in the dark when they do not know, even without a medical degree, patients can tell when they truly do not care. Patients have the intelligence to get familar with the terminology in this book, and if my life depended on it I woould certainly purchase a book on medical terminology to get understanding. Ignorance is no excuse to allow a doctor to victimize your health. Mrs Symmington

Ritchie's book blew me away. It showed me that no matter what code of ethics one has, human beings still violate their own standards. The Yanomamo Indians have a standard which we would depict as savage: revenge killings, even when they did not know the perpetrator (as when disease takes a life); marriage by rape; wife beating ok to keep woman in line and preserve one's standing in the village; lying and stealing an expected way of life; etc. Even with these lower standards, Jungleman (one of the main characters) violated his own standards and was haunted with guilt since he violated his conscience. We keep thinking that guilt is just because of standards too high and restrictive. Spirit of the Rainforest showed me that changing the standards wouldn't help. People are the same everywhere. We would still do evil. The descriptions of the spirit world were also mind blowing. It is incredible to read first-hand accounts of trafficing with spirits! "Spirit" is a must read. Go for it! Christopher Barnes

The 16,000 Yanomamo people are depicted as the most primitive, most violent, and most famous tribal society in the Amazon. Popularized by the most widely read book in the history of anthropology (*Yanomamo: The Fierce People*, by Napoleon Chagnon), these people are today suffering excruciating problems from gold miners and newly introduced diseases. Major debates have raged among anthropologists, and between anthropologists and missionaries, for 20 years over the "truth" of the Yanomamo culture. Do they live a wonderful life in a beautiful rain-forest Eden, as Chagnon implies in his 1992 book, *The Last Days of Eden*, or do they live in fear and misery as some missionaries say?

Perhaps we should ask that question to the Yanomamo themselves, rather than to the anthropologists or the missionaries. Who does speak for the Yanomamo, anyway? Here, for the first time, author Mark Richie allows the Yanomamo to speak for themselves to us. This is truly "a Yanomamo shaman's story," as the book's subtitle says. It is the autobiography of a Yanomamo shaman-chief named Jungleman. He, at least, is weary of his violent society, and fed-up with the anthropologists, too.

Anyone who thinks the Yanomamo culture is idyllic must be a male: The women live in chronic danger of gang-rapes, savage beatings by their husbands, and kidnapping. And men suffer one of the highest homicide rates in the world from the frequent raiding between villages. If you think it's a romantic way of life, why don't you try it?

Non-specialists in Amazonian anthropology may be skeptical of Jungleman's descriptions of the sexual customs of a European anthropologist who the Yanomamo call "Ass Handler." A.H. has lived with the Yanomamo for many years and, says Jungleman, makes a regular practice of forcibly sodomizing Yanomamo boys. Disbelievers may want to ask the opinion of any anthropologist specializing on the Amazon.

This is a gripping book to read: hard to put down, violent (some would say pornographic), and gut-wrenching. Students who have read the other ethnographies on the Yanomamo will recognize that this book has, above all, a ring of truth. New Age seekers will be fascinated by Jungleman's descriptions of the spirit world that shamans have found. Anthropology students will be shocked by Jungleman's insider view of the political internecine intrigues among anthropologists and between anthropologists and missionaries.

I must admit I am a lousy reader. I just do not read a lot of books, much less finish them. But when I saw Chief Shoefoot and Mr.Ritchie speak at Santa Rosa Junior College in California. I was so taken back (hooked) by his speech I was compelled to buy Spirit Of The Rainforest right there on campus. I never buy books but this day changed all of that. I now vow to buy anymore books that are as worthy as this one! This particular book ought to receive a standing ovation for its portrayal of these hidden and much misunderstood people. I also think it should be a required textbook for classes pertaining to Culture at colleges all over the the United States and the world.

This is probably the only computer book that I have read that has been worth the money. The writing style is concise, clear, and to the point. Unlike most programming books that are filled with jargon, Whitehorn & Marklyn refrain from blatant attempts to impress the reader with "computer speak". Instead, they intelligently explain the history and benefits of relational database design. I have been creating databases for 2 years and I found this book to be a great resource.

The authors do a fantastic job of explaining relational databases-- in theory and in practice. Something I look for, even in a "techie" book is an easily-read, approachable style. Well this book has that in spades. There is humor, wit, and style in the pages without dumbing anything down or leaving out key info.

Perhaps the best parts of this book:
1) It builds logically from nothing to a "whole lotta good stuff" (very quickly and clearly).
2) The "translation" of Codd's rules is wonderful.

And this book is appropriate for self-taught learners as well as a classroom setting. In fact, the way this book is written lends itself to an unusually young (for the subject matter) audience.

Great work!

Inside Relational Databases will teach the newcomer to Access or relational databases in general, the theory needed to design and develop applications in the most efficient and professional manner.

All those theoretical questions you are asking yourself when programming in Access will suddenly be answered, and you find yourself more confident and inspired to develop the best application possible now that you passed this hurdle; at least I did.

The first 3 parts of the book will teach you the relational database model supported by examples on the enclosed CD-ROM. These examples are not to be used as "cut & paste" into your own application, but designed to turn theory into reality easy to grasp! The last part consists of standalone chapters covering essential subjects related to database theory and design, like: Normalization, SQL, Queries and Codd's Rules

You will not find another computer book on Access and relational database theory and design, or any other subject for that matter, which makes use of such clear language. I have read the book cover to cover several times, and I am still impressed. Which makes me ask if we, the readers and buyers of computer books, quietly and wrongly accept badly written books filled with errors and poor language?

If I were asked to make a list of suggested readings for Access and database developers, this would be No. 1.

I like the cover art on this paperback as well as the description of it as "Dracula meets the Godfather". I figured it would be good for some cheesy vampire action; you know, one of those books you have to read because it's so laughingly bad. I'm pleased to say I was completely wrong!

The novel begins with Chris Csejthe trying to find a cure for the mysterious disease that started to plague him shortly after the deaths of his wife and daughter. Chris, who narrates the story, then finds himself in the middle of a bizarre life-or-death situation while two powerful vampire "families" (in the mob sense) fight over him. Turns out Chris is in the middle of vampire transformation; neither human nor vampire, Chris begins an adventure of discovering who he is, testing his new powers, and solving the mystery of the tragedy that took the people he loved. Along the way he meets Dr. Mooncloud, Bassarab, Lupe, Suki, Elizabeth, and a whole slew of other-worldly creatures such as elves, goblins, dryads, nagas, knockers, sprites, and many others. All the while, he narrates the events around him with sarcastic humor, literary references and some healthy wariness. Any vampire novel that can weave an enchanting tale of an alternate history such as this while quoting Sappho, Yeats, Victor Hugo, Donne, Wordsworth, Oscar Wilde etc. deserves more recognition! Simmons has created a fascinating world filled with funny, intelligent characters. The dialogue is snappy, the plot is filled with twists and turns, the story is suspenseful, and the book itself is impossible to put down. I am so pleasantly surprised by this novel, and I sincerely hope that Simmons will revisit these characters and give us a sequel! I found this book in the fantasy/sci-fi section, but it easily crosses into horror, humor, drama as well. It has something for everyone: humor, action (you'll find lots of weapons and methods of killing without intense graphic gore), suspense, mystery, fantasy. Buy it, you won't be disappointed.

Very little drives me crazier than authors who rely on literary convention, who are self-indulgent in any of the several ways possible for fiction (for example, if the main character is righteous, or if the author uses the book to promote his or her pet ideas, or if it's a historical makes the characters of the past have the sensibilities-- feminism, for example-- of the present). Wm. Mark Simmons does NONE of these things. One Foot belies its somewhat lurid cover art by asking the readers to believe only one thing-- these "supernatural" creatures do exist-- and goes on to tell a story that keeps my interest and never rings false to my internal B.S.-meter (and I read a lot, so it's finely tuned). The once-human "monsters" are still very human in their hearts and minds (which are sometimes monstrous, like those of some humans); their situations have scientific bases. Add to this "keeping-it-realism" a literate quality, thoughtfulness and a significant portion of humor, and you wind up with a work which is at the same time intelligent, funny, and very rereadable, which is my standard of measure for quality fiction. Or to put it another way, most of my paperbacks stay awhile and then get traded in. Not this one. I look forward to its sequel(ae).

I've read many different vampire myths, but this one is wittier and more intelligent by far. Told from the viewpoint of a man experiencing the change between humanity and vampirism, this novel makes the reader feel the impact of the shift from a mundane life to a supernatural undeath. The dialogue is splattered with allusions to literature, history, and most especially - movies and pop culture. The arguments on the question of free will between our hero and the vampire leader are like an episode of Politically Incorrect. This is a well-researched novel with enough fact included to make you wonder how much of it is fiction. The fight scenes are more than enough to slake any bloodthirst. Sardonic retorts, exasperated vampyr and a sexy wolfgirl make One Foot In The Grave an apetizing read!