Described as a "love story for the holiday season," this novel focuses on events in the lives of two families, mainly around Christmas, over some 63 years. I am easily hooked by the words "Christmas" and "love story", but this novel is much more than that--too much for my romantic taste. The author seems to be following the literary adage to write about what you know; he was a lawyer before he added author to his credits.

It is not clear to me which genre Bowersock is aiming for, as he seems to have three targets: a wonderful Christmas romance (reminiscent of Same Time Next Year), politics and government (the Mob, Presidential history, FBI) and Florida's seamier lifestyle. He is well versed in the latter two areas, but I prefer my fictional romance to exist in a realm less penetrated by history lessons and modern (pop) references.

The love story part is beautiful and there are many themes of value to consider in this tale, but the author's amoral attitude peeks through the chinks, as he seeks to show off his behind-the-scenes knowledge or theories re the JFK assassination. Bowersock was certainly right on back in 1994 when he predicted the computer age. Fascinating plot with constant time and scene shifts--all tied up with kelp and booze... A good read if you like your Romance served with Politics!

A truly wonderful love story. The story is so strong it grips you from the beginning to the end. Beautifully written. I have read this book at Christmas time along with other traditional Christmas stories. This book is destined be a Christmas time favorite.

I acquired this book after enjoying other books in The West and the Wider World Series (Harris' The Sins of the Father, Seaman's Paper Airplanes in the Himalayas). Unlike the other books, The Cloud and the Light provides little insight into the relationships and the interactions between cultures. In part, this is due to the others being written by children of missionaries, authors exposed to both worlds as a child. A large part, however, seems to be Dr. Kawano's desire to be positive and not critical. He speaks against the horrors of radiation poisoning, suicide and smoking, but seems hesitant to criticize any person or cultural group. The absence of comments regarding America's use of the bomb are notable.

The first chapters of this autobiography provide revealing descriptions of what it was like to live and to provide medical care in Nagasaki during and after the bomb. The middle chapters, however, focus on other aspects of his life - his work in neurology and his support of suicide hotline and anti-smoking campaigns. The final chapters provide more wartime background and address how Dr. Kawano became a Christian.

Readers interested in "inspirational" lives may enjoy this book. Those interested in Japan and Japanese medicine during and immediately after the bomb should read the first chapters. Most will probably find the translated prose readable but dry.

THE CLOUD AND THE LIGHT Memoirs of a Japanese Christian Surgeon from Nagasaki

The West and the Wider World Series, Vol. XII By Martin Kawano, M.D.

In an extended memoir, Dr. Martin Kawano reviews his life from the rare perspective of a Protestant inter-denominational surgeon who, while a medical student, survived the bombing of Nagasaki. This intensely personal account casts more light on the bombing and its immediate aftermath than other existing classic works.

Dr. Kawano had studied Protestant theology, but set these pursuits aside to join the army. Following his stint in service, he began medical studies. He has been a surgeon all his professional life and a crusader against smoking. In his world-wide service as a social reformer he worked with many well-known people such as Maria Von Trapp and the daughter and granddaughter of Albert Schweitzer.

"Like my father Albert Schweitzer, who influenced him, Martin Kawano has made his life his argument. From the time when as a medical student he miraculously escaped death from the atomic bomb which fell on Nagasaki, his life has unfolded in steady service to mankind. From his studies in the USA, Germany, Switzerland and Canada, he has brought back to Japan unique capabilities for helping where he sees the greatest needs, without consideration for his career or his personal life. His story is inspiring, the testimony of a man with unwavering faith and dedication." Rhena Schweitzer Miller, 1996

While dated, this third issue is still unmatched in breadth and depth of scholarship on this rather obscure topic. The legacy of Alexander of Macedon in Central Asia will certainly grow as more digging occurs in the region, and this book will be a valuable reference. One quibble is the lack of a complete and thorough update of the references, including footnoting the latest archaeological finds. Regardless, this text is essential for anyone interested in the ancient history of India, Central Asia, and the Hellenstic world.

This is one of very few studies available on the Greek kingdoms in Bactria (Modern Afghanistan.), and western India (Modern Pakistan.). W. W. Tarn treats the history of these Indo-Greeks as part of the general history of Hellenism. The only other major study, V.K. Narin's "The Indo-Greeks", treats the subject from a more Indian perspective. None of this should be important to the person who loves to read history-- the subject matter of a nearly legendary lost kingdom on the edge of the world, is fascinating in and of itself. This is a scholarly book, but it reads much better than the title would lead you to think

Having previously read "Netware Professional Reference" by Karanjit Siyan, I hoped this edition would follow in the same light. This book is a real help for network administrators as it gives good examples and solutions of day to day problems.

This book is designed as a reference not a study guide.This is one of the best Intranetware books I have read to date.

I have all of my "favorite places" marked for quick reference. The book is not organized to study for CNE exams. However, it has the information for Intranetware Network Administrators need for managing their networks. It contains a great index for quick look-ups.

The implementation manual is informative and easy to read. I find useful and noted that it assists me in easily identifying ETIF's that may apply to my clients. It does lack the FASB's so if you are looking for an all inclusive book, this is not it.

This is an excellent book for beginners in accounting or business who need to understand how accounting works and what the basic principles of accounting are about. It is an extremely easy book to read ( I tell people it takes less than 50 minutes to read the entire book), yet very informative. If you want the basics of accounting, this is a good, quick book. If you are looking for depth of theory and practice, get a more thorough book.

I was expecting more of a how-to book when I bought this but was not at all disappointed. This funny and inspiring book gave some insight into the life, work and thoughts of one of our time's greatest actors. This is an good book for both fans of Shakespeare and of biographies.

British Ocean Liners: A twilight era is a grand scrapbook of the British ships which plyed the worlds oceans after WWII. Each ship has its statistics and a brief history listed with them. The pictures are plentiful and are excellent recrousces for reports, art etc. This is the perfect gift for the Ocean Liner Buff

Interesting and novel perspective on management balance between the forces of change and those of continuing operations.
Lew Allyn, Chairman
Welch Allyn, Inc.

Change Creators & Momentum Maximizers provides a fresh and insightful description of organizations and their productivity. This book catalyzes fundamental business structure and operations dynamics to yield a clear description and new perspective regarding the process of change within organizations.
Carl E. Bretko, President/COO - DentalEz Group

An interesting and well presented treatise that can be helpful and thought provoking for top management. Since Momentum Maximizers and Change Creators are relatively new terms, they can be useful in managing an organization.
Albert Duval, CEO & Chairman - Hammermill Paper Co (retired)

Author offers a very interesting premise in the way he segments the activities in a business. It's a logical and rational way to differentiate the various drivers that are present.
James Perry, President & CEO - Global Thermoelectric Inc. (Canada)

William Miller has written a rare common sense guide through the jungle of the supply chain to maximize productivity while also driving change. The book is well written and erudite, unusual in management books.
D.E.I. Smyth, Senior Vice President, Corporate and Government Affairs, H.J. Heinz Company

This is a strong concept, present early in the text...unique and well presented. This is a good, no-nonsense book that should be helpful to those that read it.
Writers Showcase Review

Interesting and novel perspective on management balance between the forces of change and those of continuing operations.
Lew Allyn, Chairman,
Welch Allyn, Inc.

Change Creators & Momentum Maximizers provides a fresh and insightful description of organizations and their productivity. This book catalyzes fundamental business structure and operations dynamics to yield a clear description and new perspective regarding the process of change within organizations.
Carl E. Bretko, President/COO -
DentalEz Group

An interesting and well presented treatise that can be helpful and thought provoking for top management. Since Momentum Maximizers and Change Creators are relatively new terms, they can be useful in managing an organization.
Albert Duval, CEO & Chairman -
Hammermill Paper Co (retired)

Author offers a very interesting premise in the way he segments the activities in a business. It's a logical and rational way to differentiate the various drivers that are present.

James Perry, President & CEO -
Global Thermoelectric Inc. (Canada)

William Miller has written a rare common sense guide through the jungle of the supply chain to maximize productivity while also driving change. The book is well written and erudite, unusual in management books.
D.E.I. Smyth, Senior Vice President, Corporate and Government Affairs,
H.J. Heinz Company

This is a strong concept, present early in the text...unique and well presented. This is a good, no-nonsense book that should be helpful to those that read it.
Writers Showcase Review