What an exciting and fun book to read. It offers a peek into the exclusive worlds of the rich, famous and fashionable during the peak of the party life years of the 70s and 80s. Not only does the story cover the lavish lifestyles, it covers the characters as real people that everyone can relate to on an emotional level. This book has a little of everything, drama, suspense, romance, steamy love scenes, action, mystery you name it. This was a great book to read on the beach on vacation.

As luscious as biting into a fresh peach... As decadent as pure milk chocolate...This is a witty and sinful look into the lifestyles of the rich and famous, a definite treat for anyone who enjoys Jackie Collins and her ilk. It conveys an absolute sense of realism that even Ms.Collins can't provide. Even if you think yourself worldly and sophisticated and unshockable, I guarantee without a doubt that this book will force you to cover your mouth in surprise. Oh, one word of advice: If you are IN ANY WAY prudish and sexsensitive, don't pick up this book. If you're like me and want to be royally entertained, dig in and enjoy. But don't say I didn't warn you!

This who-dun-it has all of the essential elements of a good mystery. A fisherman discovers a severed arm in a lake, and the plot thickens from there. The detectives investigating the case are interesting characters, and as they become better acquainted with each other, their relationship blossoms. The author has done a fine job of studying and explaining the science of embalming, which fits nicely into the plot. All in all, a good read and a fine first novel. Let's hope for more from this author.

The Butcher Bird weaves a tale of intrigue that holds the reader's attention to the last twist of fate. The book tweaks the imagination and stirs the curiosity to solve the strange and bizarre tale that evolves slowly to the end. The book is not for the "faint at heart" as it reveals the shadow side of human nature that prevails even in the quiet calm of a peaceful setting. The Butcher Bird is a good backpacking companion to hunker down with amidst the hum-drum workaday world. NDalebuck@aol.com

I know Geogie Anne Geyer personally. We met first in Poland in the 1980's when she covered my country after the military coup in 1981. I have red her autobiography several times. I translated it to Polish in jail, when I was a political prisoner of the communists. This woman is a unique example of an investigative journalist. If she had fought in the wars, she would become a war hero. But she covers all the wars and revolutions that broke out during her mature life.What I like about Georgie Anne ("GeeGee") is her sharp mind and toughness. She always gets to the heart of the matter. But (a unique feature) she's also a lovely woman who never looses her charm. I recommend her book to everyone who is conscious of the World we live in. DAVID MARIUS DASTYCH (60),a veteran international journalist, Warsaw, Poland. E-Mail me at: starm@poczta.onet.pl Date: August 12, 2001 on Sunday

Ms. Geyer reveals her life and work as a wonderful adventure. As one of the first women foreign correspondents, she was where the action was. She provides us not only with brilliant insight into the geo-political events of Vietnam, Central America, and the USSR, but makes each of her tours an adventure. Ms. Geyer is truly a gifted writer. You have so much fun reading about her adventures, you may not realize you are learning a lot about foreign politics at the same time. This is a great book.

This book is simply amazing. Everytime I read it with my 4-year old, we pick up something new in the illustrations. It is carefully crafted on a religious level to not be overly religious but the book picks up momentum as it progresses. My 4-year old (as well as me!) are constantly looking back at previous pages to see what we recognize in the newest scene. This is such a unique approach to the wonderful carols it illustrates. We originally got a copy out of the library but now own our own, a very well read copy.

The charming colorful artwork will warm your heart. At the bottom of most of the 34 pages, you will find the melody line in music notation, with lyrics & chord symbols of many carols, so you & your child can sing along together. A lovely Christmas book celebrating family, children & Christmas.

Does your love life need a pick-me-up? Are your fires burning low? This exciting book suggests plenty of fun activities - from authors who know where to find the most romantic spots. For couples of all ages and lifestyles, this guide has something to suit every taste and budget. Competing "romantic" guidebooks are little more than a listing of expensive restaurants and hotels, but Hunter's Romantic Weekends guidebooks are for everyone. Quaint inns & delightful restaurants are included for their high romantic appeal - not their high price tag. Includes Charleston & its barrier islands, the Outer Banks (Roanoke, Hatteras and Nags Head), and Savannah, perhaps the most romantic city in the US.

This book suggests plenty of fun activities - from authors who know where to find the most romantic spots. For couples of all ages and lifestyles, this guide has something to suit every taste and budget. Competing "romantic" guidebooks are little more than a listing of expensive restaurants and hotels, but Hunter's Romantic Weekends guidebooks are for everyone. Quaint inns & delightful restaurants are included for their high romantic appeal - not their high price tag. Includes Charleston & its barrier islands, the Outer Banks (Roanoke, Hatteras and Nags Head), and Savannah, perhaps the most romantic city in the US.

The Courthouse And The Depot: A Narrative Guide To Railroad Expansion And Its Impact On Public Architecture In Georgia 1833-1910 by Wilber W. Caldwell is an exhaustive catalogue of 19th century public architecture in Georgia and all the railroad lines that criss-crossed the state during this period. A wealth of Deep South history illustrated throughout with black and white photographs. The Courthouse And The Depot uses the unique framework of architecture to substantially narrate a significant stretch of Georgian state history, and how the coming of the railroad changed everything for the future. A fascinating and superbly presented wealth of information about changing times over a century ago, The Courthouse And The Depot is highly recommended reading for American history, architecture, and railroading reading lists and reference collections.

Mr. Caldwell, an "independent" historian, has provided us an exaustive and accurate compendium of the architectural and social history of Georgia in the 19th century. He has reviewed and cross-referenced the hundreds of sketchy local histories in Georgia and has noted the background and history of the creation of every Georgia county and railroad from 1800-1911, and how the railroad shaped the aspirations or distrust of Georgia's communities.

He notes how the influence of Northern "carpetbaggers" led to the development of many of Ga's reconstruction railroads and the erection of its many distinctive high-style courthouses. The influence of Bostonian H.H. Richardson on Georgia architects Gloucke and Bruce & Morgan is prevalent as well.

Interestingly, Mr. Caldwell is intent on revealing what he sees as the truth behind the "myths" of the Old and New South and how those myths are related through railroad development (the equivalent of a 19th century interstate highway) and public architecture. His conclusion that the creation of post-civil war railroads and the promise of Northern investment was nothing more than a sham in most cases is very unique and interesting and deserves further study.

This book is less about the specifics of architecture but basically provides a clearer view of rural southern history, and provides a useful collection of the local history of 159+ counties in Georgia. There are a few spelling errors, and could have used a few color plates, but the book is well made.

This book is a must for any Georgia architect, landscape architect, and historic preservationist. It also could be of use to a few politicians in order for them to better understand the background of thier own GA communities. Of course, armchair historians and lovers of southern history will enjoy it as well.

Gary does an excellent job detailing the establishment of the school, the life of cadets on campus and their participation in the Civil War. He has an incredible amount of information on many of the cadets,their attendance at GMI and courageous actions during military action. Cradle of Glory truly brings to life young men who grew from "seed corn" to soldiers fighting for the southern cause. The book includes photos and detailed rosters of each year of the school and Caper's Battalion. If you love reading about the Civil War and GMI, you'll love this book. Great, Great Book.

Gary does an excellent job detailing the establishment of the school, the school life. He has details on many attendees of the school. He really brings the school to life and does a great job following their participation in the Civil War. Photos are included and detailed rosters of each year. He also includes a listing of member of Caper's Battalion. Great book from cover to cover. If you love GMI and want to know how the cadets supported the Civil war, you'll love it.

Although the storyline is somewhat tragic, the storytelling was exceptional, and the theme was clearly communicated across characters and timeperiods. As a psychologist, I thought the author did a fine job of characterizing the psychological impact of slavery and racism on family dynamics across generations.

I thought this was a good book to read. It gave a lot of insight into the troubles african american women of past generations faced through the life of Story. She was scared to love and be loved. Only through Story's death was her daughter Hermine able to break through her mothers wall and love her.

I had this book on my shelf for a long while and finally pulled it down a few days ago. I should have done it much sooner! Jim describes experiences that awaken memories from long ago. When I lay the book down and reflect on his story there always is an afterglow.

I have loaned this book to several of my best friends, the ones I shared the best and worst times with. This is the type of book many will relate to because it reminds us of the value of friendship and honesty. If you have a close group of friends who have seen you at your best and worst, this book will add a new wrinkle to the emotional bond between you. I have loaned out my copy of a lot of books, most I never get back. This one I always track down. It is mine.

It's hard for me to emphasize what a good book this is. It has everything one could want: a compelling, well-told story, finely drawn characters, a wonderfully evoked setting, and a literate style. A winner.

When Burrison University English Department shut down his folklore section, Dr. "Fever" Devilin knew it was time to go home to the Georgia Appalachian Mountains. Fever figures that the time is right to write about his home lore yet also put to rest the past that he fled when he first went off to college.

He moves back into his family's cabin on Blue Mountain where Fever plans to reacclimatize from the academia think tank world to the more mellow isolated environs. His best friend from childhood, now Deputy Sheriff Skidmore Needle, arrives at the cabin to greet his old buddy, but finds a corpse just outside the edifice prior to the professor's arrival. They quickly learn that the deceased is Fever's half-brother, a blood relative he never knew he had. Fever wonders if perhaps he was the intended victim and if so why. Unable to heed Skidmore's advice, Fever begins making inquiries into who would want either he or his sibling dead.

THE DEVIL'S HEARTH is a discerningly written regional amateur sleuth that employs some police procedural elements to enhance the feeling of realism. Fever is a delightful lead protagonist who keeps the story line focused. The secondary cast including his buddy, a university colleague, and locals embellishes a powerful plot that delivers a wonderful look at Appalachia folklore interwoven within well designed who-done-it.

Harriet Klausner