Beyond Illusions : A Novel

Book Description

Now available for the first time in North America, Huongs first novel is a brilliantly spun tale of a young woman who marries her professor because she so admires his idealism. When he sells out everything he believes in order to support her, her love goes. Only when they are both beyond illusions can they try again for a real relationship. Deeply lyrical and wholly believable, this early novel is illuminated by the haunting language and unflinching honesty that have led critics to hail Huong.

Customer Reviews:

Predictable but pleasant.......2006-06-16

This book was predictable but most bodice rippers are predictable; after all, if the hero and heroine didn't fall in love it wouldn't be much of a love story. This is one of those little books that you can finish in one sitting. Even though Molly and Hart started out at loggerheads, they were both very likeable characters and I wanted to see what would cause them to resolve their differences. When Molly was kidnapped and Hart was injured trying to rescue her, I thought, "Yep. That'll do it!" I see that Ms. Raleigh has written a lot of books and I have added her to my list of authors whose books I will be searching for. It wasn't "War and Peace" but I greatly enjoyed this book!

Greed will save my irresponsible brother! .......2005-06-10

This is a cute little romp about a couple who are thrown together by the death of an aunt. The aunt's will stipulates that the nephew and companion must marry each other to inherit. The one who does not show up to the wedding inherits nothing.

Normally, the sweet companion would have handed the money over, but she must save her brother from himself. He has become a smuggler underground to hide from the loans sharks that covered his gambling debts. As he is risking his life daily, the heroine decides to risk going up against the formidable lord in order to make him cry off so she can pay her brother's debts. The lord in question, however, is a worthy opponent, and hijinks and romance ensue...

Fortunately, this story features likable characters, as the plot (and the heroine's and her brother's repentance for their greedy ways) seems a bit sketchy, improbable and formulaic.

Enjoy!

Book Description

ONLY DYKSTRA CAN SAVE US NOW!

Humanity had thought itself alone in the Cosmos. By the end of the 21st century, it had filled the Solar System and begun warring with itself. But then the aliens came -- swift, silent, and deadly, possessing enigmatic weapons and faster-than-light technology.

At 126 years of age, James Christian Dykstra had thought he'd done enough. As Einstein had been to the 20th century, he had been to the 21st. Nearly all advanced technology depended upon the foundation of his physics. But the aliens had brought something new, and nobody understood it. And nobody understood them.

So the System Patrol called upon Dykstra to solve the riddle of the alien weaponry. His failure would mean the end of Humanity. His success would offer a chance at least to fight back....

Customer Reviews:

Excellent read by author Clayton L. McNally To The Stars - Galactic Str Force series www.clmcnally.com.......2007-02-19

Dykstras's War was a super read. It combined the challenges that often place mankind against itself, all too frequently in life and agaisnt aliens. The novel takes you through different emotions as you see the helplessness of mankind agaisnt an overwhelming force with greater technology. Lots of fun. www.clmcnally.com

reminds me of a "lensman" book.......2006-11-27

This book reminded me of the E. E. Smith "Lensman" books. Very good story and good plot. I am ready for the sequel !

Review of the reviews.......2005-06-28

I read the reviews here except for the one that warned about spoilers before I read the book, and have now just finished the book. Now, going back, I can say that I found all the reviews helpful, both the ones that liked the book and the ones that did not like the book, except for one: Daniel Ford "deford23"'s review said that it was "religious propaganda", but that is very misleading: it made me think that, like C.S. Lewis, Mr. Kooistra had put a heavy amount of Christian allegory or preachiness into the story, but it did not.

In fact, I daresay a lot of Fundamentalist Christians would be upset with the book, for it assumes that the diversity of life comes by evolution, and there's even a premarital sex scene. I never noticed anywhere in the book where Kooistra tried to proselytize the reader.

So I found Mr. Ford's review rather misleading. With the other reviews that did not like the book, their reasons were, at least, on their personal level, valid -- for example borealis disliked how Dykstra could solve any problem with his genious.

One wonders if Mr. Ford is the one with a hidden agenda, not Kooistra!

I think that James Cleaveland's review is the best one to read if you want to get an idea of the book. I didn't read it before I read the book, however, as he said there're plot spoilers. On the other hand, I enjoyed the book too much to give it only 3 stars -- so I gave it 4 stars. I guess the main thing I disagreed with Mr. Cleaveland's review was that I didn't think it was poorly-written -- except for the jarring stitching between part 1 and part 2. I discovered from Analog's website that Kooistra had tacked on part 1 (previously published as short stories in Analog) at the last minute.

This isn't fine literature, but it's decent space opera.......2004-10-31

I read this few years ago and liked it. I was disappointed when Mr. Kooistra didn't write any more books, but such is the nature of the publishing industry or the author's whimsy. Some of the critics difficulties stem from their not agreeing with the incredible mind powes of Dykstra. The counter to their argument is that this is a novel and thereby normal rules of reality can be bent or ignored and super genisues may be created. Another criticsm stems from the Christian element to the book. Since most sci-fi tends to display Christians as people who are well intentioned morons or backwards yokels who need to be taught the basic rudiments of modern society like electric lighting, forks, and houses that aren't shacks, this book is sort of a counterbalance--and a welcome one at that. Despite its faults, which to me were ignorable and this novel comes out a winner.

A very find read with many appealing ideas........2003-12-24

The aliens are the most unique I've seen. Very good lead in, this keep me interested in the story and the characters.

The 24 Hour War (Endless Quest Gamma World Setting)

Average customer rating:

A darn good Sci-Fi book

The 24 Hour War (Endless Quest Gamma World Setting)
Nick Pollotta
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0786901985

Customer Reviews:

A darn good Sci-Fi book.......2001-10-22

This book rules! The choose-a-path story styling is a little obnoxious, but the setting, characters, movement, humor, it's all great! Makes me wish Pollotta did more Gamma World novels.

Bright Radical Star: Black Freedom and White Supremacy on the Hawkeye Frontier

Average customer rating:

Brilliant, Readable, and Profound

Bright Radical Star: Black Freedom and White Supremacy on the Hawkeye Frontier
Robert Dykstra
Manufacturer: Harvard University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0674081803

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant, Readable, and Profound.......2003-09-11

"Brilliant, readable, and profound ... concerned with the broadest and deepest questions about our history." -- J. Morgan Kousser. "One of the most important books ever written about the politics of race in the United States." -- Tyler Anbinder. "Superb ... exhaustive [and] convincing." -- James M. McPherson. "Extraordinary and sophisticated. [The author] is one of the most meticulous historians in the business." -- John Lauritz Larson. "A model for both political historians and students of nineteenth century race relations." -- Albert S. Broussard.

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CIVIL WAR HISTORY
Robert Ed. Dykstra
Manufacturer: State Univ. Of Iowa
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JEYMSS

Civil War History March 1965 vol 11 No 1

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Civil War History March 1965 vol 11 No 1
Robert R, ed Dykstra
Manufacturer: University of Iowa
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KCVGHE

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Civil War History Volume 10 1964
Robert R Dykstra
Manufacturer: STATE UNIV OF IOWA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PYP448

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Civil War History Volume 8 1962
Robert Dykstra
Manufacturer: STATE UNIV OF IOWA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PYP434

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Civil War History Volume 9 No 1 1963
Robert Dykstra
Manufacturer: STATE UNIV OF IOWA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PYN03U

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Let the Cannon Blaze Away
Joseph P. Thompson , and David Dykstra
Manufacturer: Solid Ground Christian Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1932474773

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A young boy's experiences in early (pre) Oklahoma

Storm and Stampede on the Chisholm
Hubert E. Collins
Manufacturer: Bison Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0803263864

Book Description

In 1883 young Hubert Collins traveled the Chisholm Trail to a ranch in Indian Territory. For the next fifteen months he lived at the Red Fork Ranch on the banks of the Cimarron River at present-day Dover, Oklahoma. It was the boy’s “great land of romance,” a dusty empire of cattle and rattlesnakes owned by his older brother, Ralph. With plenty to learn from rangy cowboys in residence and frontier characters passing through, Hubert enjoyed more adventure than he would ever know again. He befriended Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians who stopped by the ranch, and he visited them at the Darlington Agency. In Storm and Stampede on the Chisholm, first published in 1928, he recorded his excitement at being exposed to an elemental way of life soon to be gone.

Customer Reviews:

A young boy's experiences in early (pre) Oklahoma.......2006-02-25

In 1883, when Hubert Collins was 11 years old and living in Iowa, he talked his father into letting him leave school to join his older brother on his recently acquired ranch just off the Chisholm Trail where it crosses the Cimarron River (present-day Dover, OK). He stayed at brother Ralph's Red Fork Ranch for 15 months before returning to Iowa. The experiences garnered there would last a lifetime, and later in life, after a successful career as an internationally respected engineer, and having seen the country change so much, he decided an account of what he had seen and learned during his youthful Red Fork Ranch days was worth writing. He spent four years gathering information, writing to relatives and acquaintances of that time period and conducting research in the Oklahoma Historical Society, before beginning his task.

Because of his initial youthful perspective and the passage of time, probably some of what Collins writes may not be absolutely true. He mentions, for example, some visitors to the ranch by name, but further investigation indicates Collins must have been mistaken. But this really doesn't matter because it's not the specifics of names and dates that Collins is interested in, but in life in general for a boy (and the adults) around him. The ranch was near the Darlington Indian Agency and he spent much time among the Indians, mainly Cheyenne and Arapahoe, playing with and befriending Indian kids his own age. He admires and respects the Indian ways, a view he carried over into his adult years. Because of its location the ranch was a busy place, and Collins's observations are fresh and lively. Although written as an adult, he tries to relate events as he must have witnessed them as a pre-teen; maybe in his mind's eye that perspective never left him. And that is the biggest satisfaction with the book, the novel, innocent-in-youth vision he brings to his chronicle. The book is wonderfully entertaining and will be enjoyed by all who like reading about the Old West on the Plains just before settlement would begin in earnest.

Book Description

For more than a decade, Desires in Conflict has been the definitive “must–read” for those who wonder “Can a homosexual change?” This new edition with updated information offers more compelling reasons why the answer is “yes!”

“I read Desires in Conflict for the first time when I was 19...More than a decade later, I am free of desires that once held me captive, strong in my faith, married to my amazing wife, Leslie, and currently the Executive Director of Exodus International, North America. The Lord used Desires in Conflict to help guide me out of homosexuality. Joe Dallas has eternally impacted a generation of young people like me.”

Alan Chambers
Executive Director
Exodus International

Customer Reviews:

Desires in Conflict: I highly recommend the book.......2007-02-11

"Desires in Conflict..." by Joe Dallas, is a manual for Christian men striving to be Godly while dealing with their homosexual temptations. The book deals with the topic honestly and sympathetically but remains grounded in scripture. I highly recommend the book to any man struggling with homosexuality, and to any minister who may be counseling such men.

This book is not about who can and can't be a Christian!.......2007-01-23

This is an excellent book and a great help for anyone who is struggling with or trying to leave the homosexual lifestyle. This book is loving in tone and not hateful at all. It is full of encouragement and will be a real asset to anyone wanting to leave that life behind. This book is not about trying as hard as you can to suppress your desires and behavior. It is about dealing with and allowing God to bring healing to the root causes which will bring about change.
The review titled "you cannot be homosexual and be a Christian" (or something to that effect) sort of misses the point of the book. That's like saying "you cannot be greedy and be a Christian!" Both are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6 as those who will not inherit the kingdom of God. It isn't God's plan for Christians to be greedy, but they are sometimes. Hopefully, they deal with it and move on. But while they are dealing with it, they may still be Christians. Christ's sacrifice is sufficient. His blood is enough. The requirement for being right with God is accepting and putting your faith in what Jesus did and that alone. It isn't Jesus plus not sinning ever again. It's Jesus PERIOD. This book is for those who want to live more in line with the teachings of the Bible. Wanting to save oneself by being good or remaining sinless is off the mark. If, however, you want to live in a more mature way as a Christian, this book can help. I highly recommend it.

Joe Dallas's long, sad journey.......2007-01-05

I am a 23-year old gay man, and this book was given to me by a probably well-meaning relative. Joe Dallas falls into the same trap of attempted extrapolation that most exgay testimony books do: "My homosexuality makes me miserable and self-loathing, and your homosexuality should make you miserable too." He also blames his problems on homosexuality where the actual issues probably lay elsewhere. He admits in the later edition of his book that his sexual partners numbered in the hundreds(!) prior to 1984 (another common extrapolation in exgay testimonies - "I had hundreds of anonymous sex partners, so all gay men must.") and details his considerations and plans for suicide in the mid 80's. This sounds like a maladjusted or profoundly disturbed individual, perhaps sexually-addicted person who happens to be gay, not an accurate profile of how a gay man is. Many exgay books seem to fall into this unfortunate trap of trying denigrate all gay men to make their point.

He spends chapters on the idea of bad male-male non-sexual relationships (primarily those involving the father) as the primary driver of homosexuality, although he reluctantly admits at a few points that many heterosexual men seem to have the same deficits yet, strangely, aren't gay! His own assessment of father-son relationships is grim, calling them inevitably "doomed" to rages and hatred, more or less, including his own relationship with an adoptive son in the "raging" yet "re-bonded" category. These parts of the book is basically useless if your relationship with your father was not somehow estranged and you turned out to be gay anyway. (I even got the benefit of baseball-in-the-backyard with my dad on a regular basis growing up - sorry Joe, I got all that healthy male socialization and I still prefer men.)

I perhaps had one real argument with my father ever, nearly all my best friends in school were male, and even now I consider my relationship with my father considerably more genial and bearable than the one with my mother, and yet I am still gay. Also, since I am not plagued with guilt and self-loathing about my sexuality, I find little common ground to share with Joe Dallas. Perhaps if you're an evangelical Christian male miserable about your sexuality, you might feel less alone reading this ('uplifting' is not the word I'd use for this book, though), but it's virtually without value for people who don't fall into that narrow category. Two stars.

Great Book.......2006-11-06

This book helped me learn so much for me to be able to turn my life around and change completely for the better. If you're struggling with your sexuality and desperate for answeres and help, this book is a must read. I hope it'll change all your lives for better as it did for me. I literally cried tears of joy as I read this book, and I could never thank the author enough for having taken the time to write it. Thank you, Mr. Dallas from the bottom of my heart.

Dallas book an excellent resource.......2006-02-25

For those interested in understanding the underlying dynamics of homosexual attractions, this book will be a necessary part of your library. The author, Joe Dallas, overcame his homosexual attractions and has been a professional counselor, author and speaker for years on this issue. He is well-educated and compassionate in his approach. No one book explains everything on the issue of homosexuality but I recommend his book first to anyone interested because it gives a great overview in discussion of the general issues. A must read!

The Desire of the Ages, The Conflict of the Ages Illustrated in the Life of Christ (1)

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The Desire of the Ages, The Conflict of the Ages Illustrated in the Life of Christ (1)

Manufacturer: Review and Herald; Pacific Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:

The Desire of Ages

ASIN: B000BNLI4S

Product Description

Illustrated and easily readable. This is Volume 1 of a 2 Volume book.

The Desire of Ages: The Conflict of the Ages Illustrated in the Life of Christ

Average customer rating:

Draws you to Jesus and the Bible like no other book
I read this book after I read my Bible

The Desire of Ages: The Conflict of the Ages Illustrated in the Life of Christ

Manufacturer: Review and Herald Publishing Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B000EFIHKQ

Product Description

A chronology on the life of Jesus, illustrated throughout with color.

Customer Reviews:

Draws you to Jesus and the Bible like no other book .......2006-10-22

Ellen White's masterpiece on the life of Christ. Be prepared to be taken back to the culture and day of Jesus. You will feel yourself there and what's most important you will be drawn into His presence. You must read this book!!!!!

I read this book after I read my Bible.......2006-10-18

I was given this book years ago and read it regulary with my Bible. Mrs. White's insight into Jesus and His mission on earth and what His life means to me is a blessing to my soul. Regardless of how far you have walked with Jesus, this book can and will refresh your soul and give you a new understanding of our Lord.

The Desire of the Ages Vol. 3: Conflict of the Ages Series

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The Desire of the Ages Vol. 3: Conflict of the Ages Series

Manufacturer: Pacific Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound
ASIN: B000BMKP3E

Product Description

Christian Literature

The Desire of Ages: The Conflict of the Ages Illustrated in the Life of Christ (Conflict of the Ages Series, Volume 3)

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The Desire of Ages: The Conflict of the Ages Illustrated in the Life of Christ (Conflict of the Ages Series, Volume 3)

Manufacturer: Pacific Press Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000B43L2Y

Product Description

In the hearts of all mankind of whatever race or station in life, there are inexpressible longings for something they do not now possess. This longing is implanted in the very constitution of man by a merciful God, that man may not be satisfied with his present conditions or attainment, whether bad, good, or better. God desires that the human shall seek the best, and find it to the eternal blessing of his soul. -from publisher's preface

Balanced personality;: How to solve the conflict between desire and conscience

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Balanced personality;: How to solve the conflict between desire and conscience
F. Alexander Magoun
Manufacturer: Harper & Brothers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Personality | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

The Desire of Ages (Conflict of the Ages Series)

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The Desire of Ages (Conflict of the Ages Series)

Manufacturer: Pacific Press Publishing Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0816320918

Product Description

The Desire of Ages, Volume 3 of the Conflict of the Ages series, is Ellen White's classic on the life of Jesus - the One who stands at the center of all human history. No one else has had such a profound influence on planet Earth as Jesus Christ. In this book the author does not set forth the events of Jesus' life in strict chronological order, but she presents Him as the One who can satisy the deepest yearnings of the human heart. She presents the divine beauty of the life of the Savior, the love of God as revealed in His Son. New and glorious light flashes from many familiar passages of Scripture. Follow Jesus in these pages from His birth in Bethlehem's stable to His death on the cross, His glorious resurrection, and His triumphant return to heaven.

The Desire of Ages (Conflict of the Ages, Vol. 3)

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The Desire of Ages (Conflict of the Ages, Vol. 3)
Ellen G. White
Manufacturer: Pacific Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NVM7YI

The Desire of Ages - The Conflict of Ages in the Life of Christ

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The Desire of Ages - The Conflict of Ages in the Life of Christ

Manufacturer: Iinspiration Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000FLB6WK

Product Description

Paperback published November 1983 by Inspiration Book

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The Desire of Ages the Conflict of the Ages Illustrated in the Life of Christ
White Ellen G.
Manufacturer: Review and Herald Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JL5762

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