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.

I have read "They Cage the Animals at Night," and all of David Pelzer's books, including "A Child Called It." Hearing about, "Orphan," I tried every major book store from Eastern Canada to Ontario and could not find the book. Finally, some time ago, a client lent me a copy but I am still not certain why the book does not see to be available in Canada.

Roger's story, like others of childhood abuse, is horrific, gut-wrenching and not an easy read. As a counsellor and adult survivor of child abuse (although certainly not to the extent of these cases) I have listened to hundreds of stories from the adult survivors I have counselled over the years.

"Orphan" definitely ranks near the top of the list of the most extreme and worst cases documented. While the physical wounds heal, the emotional scars last a lifetime. One can learn to face, accept, forgive and live with the past, but the pain forever lurks beneath the surface. It is not always present, it no longer plays havoc with our lives if we choose not to let it, but it takes only a simple, innocent reminder, i.e., a particular scent, colour, personal characteristic in someone, or a childhood memory to momentarily bring back the pain as if it happened only yesterday. Those survivors who have learned to live with these feelings, have found the tremendous courage it takes to heal, and the strength and wisdom to go on to live productive and, yes, happy, fulfilling lives despite all odds.

The story of Roger Dean Kiser is one such story. You will feel his pain, weep for his lost childhood and say a silent prayer that he not only survived but was given a second chance at life and happiness. I am sure adult survivors everywhere would say, "Thank you, Roger, for telling your story. May eternal peace and happiness follow you in whatever you do, wherever you go." For all it's shocking horror and attrocities, the author's courage and honest writing style make this book deserving of not five stars... but all the stars in the universe.

As many have reviewed before, there are simply not enough stars that I may account to this book. It is indeed a story about abuse, eventual strength, and redemption. I wish that I could say that Mr. Kiser's story was not true, but, alas, it was. Perhaps if not only just his eventual redemption, the fact that many, perhaps thousands of people out there will be helped and informed about child abuse that occurred in orphanages in the past. As well, it will help many and inform many on the subject of child abuse, in general. Indeed, Roger Kiser was a beautiful, special boy and I am sad that noone ever told him that in his childhood. Ah, but he grew up to be a wonderful man, husband, father, and-author. He has opened the door to the often not talked about subject of child abuse. And I will forever, absolutely truly be grateful to him, for that. Not enough stars, for this book. Not enough stars, at all.

While reading this book I experienced a wide range of emotions drummed up by the detailed descriptions and "childs-eye" view of the world portrayed by Mr. Kiser. Scenes were playing in my mind with extreme clarity and I felt like I knew the characters by the end of the book.

This is ranked a 5 rather than a 4 or 3 because of the author's ability to put me in his shoes so that I would laugh and cry along with him and his orphan friends as they rambled through childhood. Another reason this is a 5 is because Mr. Kiser is able to transcend circumstances so that I could relate to his stories eventhough I was a child with a mommy and daddy.

I can only imagine the imact this book would have on fellow orphans, foster children, victims of abuse, and the adults who work with these children. I am certain it must be 1000 times the impact it had on me, another justification for 5 stars.

Let me note, this is not the first book I have read about a child rising though extreme circumstances in the United States; it is simply the best I have read.

All my life I've thought to myself, "I don't DO poetry!" This book caught my eye just because of it's beautifully simple cover, so I picked it up and began to read. From his opening line in the Introduction, "Good poetry has the power to start a fire in your life," I was as mesmerized by his writing and explanation of the selected poems as I was by the poetry itself. This little book has taught me to NOT take a poem, chew it up and spit it out, but to take little bites, small morsels at a time, savor them, roll them around on the tongue a bit enjoying each little piece, then move onto the next bit, which has left me wanting for more! Thank you for this introduction to poetry in my life! I loved this book!

Roger Housden's "ten poems to change your life" is guaranteed to inspire, illuminate and educate. Having discovered Mr. Housden's analysis of Mary Oliver's "The Journey" in the July issue of O Magazine, I was moved to purchase this gem of a book. The author has a remarkable relationship with language. Each poem is an opportunity to discover the music of Housden's ability with words. "This is the self who slips through the cracks of the ordinary mind when the sentry is looking the other way. If there is one word that can describe its voice, it is the word authentic." His fluid and incredible visual style had this reader weeping. Without question, each poem is in, and of itself, special, but it is the author's lyrical interpretation that gives this book it's powerful voice. For anyone who is on the path of self-discovery, Roger Housden's work is a journey well worth the taking.

I love this book, "10 Poems to Change Your Life"! I came across the poem "The Journey" while reading an issue of "O" magazine along with an article about the author, Roger Housden. Whether you're a poetry lover or not, this book will, without a doubt, stir some things around in you. I am at somewhat of a turning point in my life and "10 Poems" (along with my Master) are my inspiration. Mr. Housden has a wonderful gift of interpreting these poems. I appreciate him for putting this together. Everyone should own this book!

My mother remarried when I was almost 12 years old. My sisterand I stayed with family friends while she was on her honeymoon. Theyhad a copy of "Angel Unaware". I read it everyday after school that week. It was one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. I have never been able to get it out of my mind. I am absolutely thrilled to see it in print again. I spent several years before the internet looking for a copy. If you haven't read it you need to put it on your "must read list". You'll never be able to forget it either.

I read "Angel Unaware" about 20 years ago and could not put it down until I finished it. Mrs. Rogers said she was inspired by God to write this book and I know in my heart only someone in tune with God could have written such a heartfelt book. Over the years I lost my copy and have searched everywhere for another copy with no avail. After I got my computer, I found you folks and thank God, at last, I found my dream. I have never been able to think about or tell anyone about this wonderful book without feeling the wonderful warmth and joy I felt 20 years ago when I first picked up this book. I have never read a book since that touched me the way this book did. Thank you for preserving this wonderful work of art even now that the wonderful author, Dale Evans Rogers is at long last at home with that beautiful angel of hers.

I first read this book back in the late 60's as a youngster after my youngest brother was born with Down Syndrome. It is a lovely, beautiful, and tender story. No matter what your religious background, you can't help but be moved by this book. These children truly are perfect in God's eyes. They have been given the gift of a perfect spirit from God and we are blessed to have them among us.

Dear HW4u: I would not feel "whole" with out starting my day with Heartwarmers. I bought my Heartwarmers book Saturday and finished it Sunday night. It is one of the BEST books of its kind ever published! My daughter is already starting it and requesting copies for her friends. I realize this was no small undertaking in getting it ready for publishing. Thank You, Thank You and Thank You again for all the effort. I love the smaller size also. Fits right into a purse or pocket. I am an avid reader; never without a book; so can relate to reading in grocery lines, stopped up traffic, etc. Keep up the great work -- Mary Acheson

The book is perfect (in content and size!) When I joined Heartwarmers.com some months ago, I figured, why not, it's free, what do I have to lose? Well, it has actually changed my life. Now I wake up and look forward to my days, rather than getting hit with the usual negative news. When I heard Heartwarmers.com was coming out with a book, I was so happy. Now I could share these wonderful stories with friends who were not on the Internet. When I got the book, I was thrilled and got several more. Oh, this would make a great Mother's Day gift too! (My mom already has hers, I couldn't wait.) I hope they come out with more books soon. I want to start a collection. Brenda

About a year ago I was given a website to go to. There I found stories that touched my heart and my life. After reading what others shared, I decided to share a story or two of my own. I never dreamed it would lead to my being published and having 4 stories in Heartwarmers. I think what makes Heartwarmers so special is that the stories are true and written with such genuine emotion that the reader becomes involved. They shed a tear, or a giggle, they may break out in a fit of laughter, but the reader "feels" something because of what they have read. How do I know? Because they write and tell us so. They let us know they had a similar experience, or a similar problem. They reach out to us and thank us for the courage, inspiration, encouragement, or humor we added to their day. I will be forever grateful to have been a part of a website and book that has brought so much to so many.

Where to begin? Well, I can say I've never read a travel book quite like this one. Even if you don't plan to go to Mexico, it's a great read because of the way it's written: Clear, eyes-wide-open style with some absolutely hilarious stories. If it were only a book of anecdotes, I'd put it up there with Steinbeck's "Travels With Charlie" or William Least Heat Moon's "Blue Highways." IT'S THAT GOOD! Fortunately, for the traveler, it's also an outstanding compendium of what life in Mexico is like down to the last detail. My wife and I have only been to Mexico once (to Tijuana for a day), but after reading this book, we're planning to go back further south into the "real" Mexico (and are even considering retirement there in a few years...AFTER we learn to speak Spanish). I can't begin to recommend "The People's Guide to Mexico" highly enough. If you REALLY want to get to know the country, toss out your Frommer's and Birnbaum's guides and GET THIS BOOK.

If you're going to Mexico, especially if you have even the slightest interest in Mexicans as human beings and not just a backdrop to your vacation - a rare virtue in some North American circles - and you're planning on getting out of the usual gringo mainline, you simply must read this book. There is no better book on Mexico available. It's funny, it's informative, and best of all, it's simpatico.

It won't tell you about specific places in Mexico to visit, but it will tell you what you will need to know in order to function on the ground anywhere in Mexico - eating, drinking, camping, hotelling, what to look for when you buy things, dealing with the police, insuring your car - in general, how to be a minimally offensive gringo. You'll thank yourself for reading it, and you'll thank Mr. Franz for writing it, after you get there.

Because my wife, Esperanza, is from a tiny village east of Juan Aldama, Zacatecas -- I had made a few trips to Mexico before having purchased this book. I truly wish I'd bought it before the very first time. Carl Franz humorously takes you through many typical venues and situations encountered in Mexico. In addition to being quite entertaining, these illustrations and anecdotal stories provide great insight to understanding the subtleties of Mexican culture. Carl Franz's love for the people, history and customs of Mexico come through in his writing. I can vouch, through my experiences in Mexico, that Carl is "right on the money" with his travel suggestions and understanding of the Mexican people. This book will give you the proper mindset for Mexican travel, leaving our preconceived notions at home, eager to take in all that Mexico has to offer and loving the country and people on their own outstanding merits.

Needless to say, this FoxTrot comic book is very funny. Needless to say, if you are a fan of comic strips of any kind, I would quickly usher a large amount of FoxTrot books your way.

The outrageous series in this book include:
-Sportschatter vs. Duke Nukem
-Titanic Craze
-Valentine's Day
-Power shut-out
-gotee magic
-finals week (always a FoxTrot staple)
-BittyBaby Craze
-X-Men the movie
-Jasondows98
-Football training
-mutant zucchini
-Tomb Raider 2
-Babysitting (for Mrs. O'Dell)
-Airguana
-First day of school clothes
-The 97-panel comic
-How to promote your comic
-Wind essay
-POST-Halloween craze

Now, you SHOULD just be imagining in your head right now the funny twist that Bill Amend puts on these. If not, well, you should!!!

Great job Bill Amend, you rock!!!!

If you don't think that getting 369 good laughs for 10 bucks is a good deal, don't buy this.

This book is soooo hilarious! The "Titanic"-themed strips are really good, but my favorites are probably the ones about Jason's nightmare encounter with Lara Croft of "Tomb Raider" fame. A few other good cartoons: Andy's mutant zucchini (sp?) crop, (Man, can I indentify with that! I haven't touched one of those things in over a year, when MY garden went beserk with 'em. If I never see one again, it'll be too soon!) Paige and her uncaring biology teacher, Peter's obsession with summer football training, and Roger's inabilty to watch football at Super Bowl week, due to Jason's playing of "Duke Quackem" on his "Jupiter 64". In this story, Rog tries to hurridly get Jason a memory cartridge to save his game, but gets him a "Rambo Pack" instead. Any video-game-system-literate person will find this series of strips hysterically funny! Great book, Mr. Amend! Keep 'em coming!

Great book! One of the best, actually. As I said in my other Fox Trot review, I just can't get enough! I dread the day Bill Amend decides to retire. May that day never, ever come!

This book is must for your collection!

Congratulations to Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia for their excellent compilation of what everybody knows in their hearts and minds but seemingly few know how to put into action. Like "1001 Ways to Energize Employees" by Bob Nelson, there is not a single "silver bullet" that will energize employees, nor is there "one" that will make a company an "Employer of Choice". Managers continue to seek "the solution" which is extremely elusive. It is the application of Recruiting the right people (talent), Respecting the individual,Recognizing their individualism, empowering them with Responsibility, developing Relationships, and Rewarding them with competitive compensation. Easy to say but extremely hard to put into practice.

Roger and Joyce provide the roadmap of ideas from "real life" events and stories from hundreds of very successful companies that were "field tested" and got results for their organizations. There are more examples of "how to" than any organization could ever embrace, however, regardless of the organizational culture, there are ideas that will work and fit to strengthen the bond between the individuals and their employers in any setting.

Ideas are like habits, it takes several repititions for it to take hold and understand. EOC hits the concepts repeatedly in different ways throughout the book to enhance the possibility that these "common sense" actions will germinate and embed more deeply in the mind. So while an experienced veteran may not encounter alot of "new" ideas, they are packaged in such a way that it should stimulate new ways to act and behave. A new manager will find a vast resovoir of ideas to apply. Thanks to Roger and Joyce the road map is there for everyone.

What each of us must provide is knowledge of our culture and courage to act in ways consistent with that culture. Like a great tasting food, the receipe is in the book and need only be mixed properly with the right ingredients to create a masterful meal.

When I read a management book, I want concepts to jump out at me; I don't want to have to search through obscure language to find the nuggets. I don't need a bunch of theory; I want to know what the authors are thinking, how that might work for me, and how I can put it to work. Practical. I appreciate illustrative examples that help me understand and absorb the key points. How to Become an Employer of Choice exceeded my expectations! The book was recommended to me by a friend who is already putting the principles to work in his company, and is considering applying for formal recognition.

This book is enlightening and straightforward at the same time; educational, yet tightly written. The content, addressing step-by-step how to reposition your company in the employment marketplace, was right on-target. As a marketer by nature, I appreciated the potential impact of each aspect the authors presented. Employers really do have to re-think how they recruit and hold employees. I agree that this is a marketing issue, but that it has to be genuine-the company really does have to be worthy of being chosen by discriminating applicants.

The book is filled with call-out boxes (I like the gray shading) with real-world examples supporting their points. I learned so much! The index is comprehensive. I was able to easily find some parts I wanted to go back to after my first read.

Herman & Gioia's EOC is a virtual quick-trip to understanding how the EOCs have achieved their elite status. Easy reading, practical advice supported by diverse cases from leading companies. The summaries of best practices alone are worth reading. Readers wanting more detail can refer to the chapter notes citing specific bibliographic sources.

The chapters on Culture and Enlightened Leadership contain insights into what leaders personally and specifically can do to create the kind of organizational environment that is attractive to employees. Those chapters would be useful to those leaders who sincerely want to "walk the talk." The chapters on Growth and Opportunity and Compensation & Benefits provide poignant "how-to" tips for addressing some of the key advancement, development and pay-related reasons that younger employees are defecting to other competitors. The chapters on Care of People and Meaningful Work would be useful to HR officers wanting to improve employee relations and job design to help reduce the skyrocketing cost of undesirable turnover.

In sum, Herman & Gioia's book is a cornucopia of pithy, actionable suggestions based on relevant EOC case examples. Any leader "worth his/her salt" should reap a significant ROI by effectively implementing even a few of those ideas to help attract and retain talented people.

I found this book was entertaining, however it was very short. I enjoyed the photos, as all Tori fans would, but there was nothing about her miscarriage, marriage, or her new album, From The Choirgirl Hotel. It was very well written, and intriguing as well. Good job Kalen Rogers!

For anyone who is a die-hard Tori fan like me, definitely get this book for all its excellent photos. There is lots of biographical information but not much that I didn't know. I was hoping to read stuff about Tori's miscarriage and her new album From The Choirgirl Hotel. But it was still worth buying.

As an avid fan of Tori's music, I was anxious to read this book in particular because it has been authorized by Tori herself. Within these pages Tori reveals herself as more than just a cultural icon. She speaks about the deep emotions behind each of her songs, particularly "Me And A Gun" which is Tori's account of when she was raped. However, more than my own personal intrest in Tori's story, I enjoyed All These Years as a well written and consistentlly interesting work. Obviously, I would recommend this for fellow Tori fans, but also to those who enjoy present day biographies.

"Strategy" may be a terribly overused word, but it certainly isn't a used-enough practice when it comes to creating and managing an effective Web site. The vast majority of Web sites out there are just that--"out there," with no clear purpose, no specific goal, no compelling attraction to turn visitors into customers.

They lack a strategic plan.

Solid, thoughtful help has arrived for businesspeople, especially those with small businesses, in the form of Roger C. Parker's "Streetwise Relationship Marketing on the Internet." Parker spells out in great detail, and with very practical supporting tips and worksheets, what he calls the Customer Development Cycle. It's a five-step strategy that maximizes one's Internet efforts while also putting them in the greater context of one's overall (offline) business goals and strategies.

By studying his easy-to-read strategies one can turn a Web site that is currently not much more than a highway billboard (with cars speeding by it) into the most interactive business tool since the face-to-face meeting.

Speaking of interactive, Parker also assigns e-mail its deserved central role in creating loyal customers. In tandem with a Web site's own information ("meaningful content" in Parker's words), the exchange of information is a vital component often lost on businesses on the Internet.

I highly recommend Parker's book. Even though his many examples and 29 case studies do not include my own field--publishing--I found his unique perspective of combining relationship marketing and the Internet very helpful in developing and fine-tuning a profitable Web site.

I just finished Roger Parker's book "Relationship Marketing on the Internet" and highly recommend it. Too often, "business" books are written just for those employed by large organizations. Parker's book, while providing a wealth of information for marketing professionals, is also an invaluable tool for small business owners and even independent contractors. If you are in business and you have a web site, this book is a must read.

Roger Parker displays a solid grasp of internet marketing fundamentals. His unique style presents not only the trends and best practices for relationship marketing on internet, but he also gives detailed implementation information.

After reading his book, I have already taken steps to change the approach we are using in several sections of our corporate web site. I also found his discussion of how to engage the customer at each stage of the buying cycle very valuable. For those considering email marketing, this book is a must read.

The last section of the book presents a large number of case studies for various types of businesses. Detailed examples of how to use your web site and email at each stage of the customer relationship are included. Best of all, this book [is] a real bargain!