Book Description
In one West Philadelphia neighborhood, families come together in celebration of unity and togetherness. Their block parties provide a union that serves as a backdrop for discovering the truth about themselves and the people they think they know.
Best friends Neet and Shay have depended on each other for most of their lives. However, their friendship will be tested when Neet becomes pregnant by one of the corner boys and Shay arranges an abortion that goes terribly wrong.
To Shay's horror, Neet is left unable to bear children and embraces her mother's esoteric yet sometimes impractical religious beliefs as punishment for her sins.
Meanwhile, Shay is left to struggle with her own growing maturity, the grief of losing a cherished friendship, and the disintegration of her parents' marriage. The two girls eventually choose their own separate paths.
Leaving Cecil Street invokes those things that are most important -- family, friendship, and love.
Customer Reviews:
Good Entertainment.......2007-01-06
I have read most of Diane McKinney-Whetstone's books, and this one like the others did not let me down. It is a well crafted, organized story of a very personal nature. It reminds me how nieghborhoods used to be, both black and white. Nieghbors would share and assist raising each other's children, drink each other's food, and get into one another's business without major repercussions. This is the village that raised many of us in the older portion of the modern generation, before we were raised by the video game and television set. The characters are human, sturdy and accessable. I've seen these people, I know these people, I like these people. This is a very well written and enjoyable book. And i would encourage you to read it if you have a chance.
A literary pleasure........2006-12-02
As with all of McKinney-Whetstone's novels, you are moved by her literary prose to destinations, times, eras, and so many fine places of the heart.
Wanted to Stay on Cecil Street.......2005-10-01
The novel LEAVING CECIL STREET by Diane McKinney-Whetsone is set in Philadelphia in 1969 on a beautiful African-American neighborhood street. It was a joy meeting Joe, Louise, Shay, Alberta, Shawn, Neet, Deucie, and Brownie in the novel. Cecil Street and its inhabitants reminded me of the cohesiveness of the African American neighborhood in the past. This is when African American continued to try to keep their streets as nice and neighborly as possible. The story centers on family, betrayal, secrets, love, survival, and dysfunctional families. It included vivid imagery and was full of nostalgia.
The author's novel writing skills are extraordinary. She really knows how to provide vivid setting descriptions that made you think that you are right there where everything is happening. She gives you a feel for the problems that the characters have contented with in the past and current. Her character descriptions make them seem like someone you have known; they jump right off the page. Even though there were scenes were my teeth cringed (eating cat food, mouth surgery) I couldn't stop reading. This story bought back memories of my childhood neighborhood. Where everyone knew everyone's business however, the neighbors were always there to lend a hand whenever needed
One problem I had with the story was that many of the subplots developed by the author were not brought to a conclusion, which left me with many unanswered questions. In addition, through there some very dicey scenes in the book, as soon as the excitement happened, the book ended. .
Overall, I rated the book a five based on its easy read, vivid descriptions, interesting characters and wonderful story line. What happens on Cecil Street could happen in any neighborhood. If you like a good story, read this book.
Loved It!!!.......2005-09-28
I am also a big fan of Diane McKinney Whetstone, and while I'm not sure why it took me so long to buy and read this book, I am really glad that I finally did. Once again the author has given us characters who we can't help but love - even the ones that we probably aren't supposed to! I enjoyed this book immensely and can't wait for the next one!
Superb & Compelling Black Family Story.......2005-09-19
Diane Mckinney W hetstone is one of my favorite authors. I bellieve I've now read all her novels and can truly say each is absolutely
astounding and satisfying. Not only is she a good storyteller but her style is literary. I have always been drawn to stories set in big racially-mixed cities since I grew up in Chicago. I'm never disappointed with this author. I can't wait until I have a new novel to read. She's realistic and compassionate. I learn much about surviving from her novels.
Book Description
It was a dream come true.
Buying a run-down farm in a beautiful Vermont town is the start of a new life for Sophie Davis. She moves her mother, Grace, and her half sister, Marty, out of the city, hoping the change will help both women sort out their complicated lives. And for Sophie, turning Stonegate Farm into a quaint country inn is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. She doesn't even mind that the farm was the scene of a grisly multiple murder twenty years earlier . . .
Then a stranger comes to town.
When a stranger moves in next to the farm, Sophie believes the sense of peace she has built for herself and her family is being threatened. Because there's something different about John Smith. It's clear he's keeping secrets . . . and that he's come to Colby, Vermont, for a reason. And that reason has something to do with Sophie and Stonegate Farm.
Now her dream is becoming a nightmare.
Who is John Smith? Why does his very presence make Sophie feel so completely out of control? And why is she beginning to suspect that this mysterious stranger will put in jeopardy everything she's dreamed of -- maybe even her own life?
Customer Reviews:
Good read but ..........2007-01-31
This was a good fast read but leaves little in the males character development. I think that the mals character needed to be more in depth. The book does have you wanting to read more. This is my second Anne Stuart book but as the other reviews say it apparently is not her best. But always read for yourself to see... Iw ill still read Anne I think her writing style is easy and very satisfying.
Still waters run deep.......2005-09-01
Was he a murderer? That question has haunted Thomas Ingram Griffin for over twenty years. On a summer day in 1982 Griffin woke up at a farm in Colby, Vermont covered in blood and accused of killing his girlfriend as well as two other girls. Convicted for murder but eventually released on a technicality, Griffin went on, in the ultimate irony, to become a successful lawyer. However, the time has come for Griffin to search for the truth. Changing his name and renting a cottage in Colby for the summer, he finds out that the farm where the murders occurred has been transformed into a country inn. Now, Griffin must somehow find a way to search the property for clues to a decades old crime and keep his hands off the delectable innkeeper.
Sophie Davis is trying to keep it together. She's burnt her bridges by leaving the city and buying a farmhouse in rural Vermont. Okay, so the property was the scene of a grisly triple murder. A little notoriety just might help jump start her bed and breakfast inn! In the meantime, Sophie's got to keep an eye on her eccentric mother and rebellious teenage sister and her hands off the new neighbor who seems to be everywhere. She absolutely does not need to get involved with a man who obviously has secrets to hide. Nevermind that he has the body of a god, gives earth-shattering kisses and owns a '74 Jaguar XJ6.
Anne Stuart is back and I'm happy to report she is in fine form, indeed. Her descriptions of the Vermont countryside are vivid, the plot is classic and the characters are varied and interesting -- from the mutinous Marty to the God-fearing town locals. The interaction between Martha Stewart wannabe (for the domestic goddess stuff, not the insider trading) Sophie and mysterious John Smith aka Griffin is sometimes farcical, always funny and downright steamy on occasion. Nothing's better than a good girl learning to be bad and nobody writes naughty good girls better than Anne Stuart.
TheSchemer
Ok, but not my favorite.......2005-07-15
I have recently started a collection of Anne Stuart books. I read one and got hooked. I would say that so far this is my least favorite of the books I have read. I am not saying it is not a good book, it is a really good book. Just compared to her other books, this one is lacking. OK, even though I figured out the "who done it" in the begining of the book, it still had the suspense factor. I may have known who did it, but at times I still questioned it and did not know what he was going to do. That mixed with the sexual tension keeps your heart pounding through out the whole book. I though that John in this book was a little too um, distant. It seemed he felt nothing but lust. Most male characters usually make some mention of feeling something other then lust, even if they turn right around and tell themselves they are wrong, they at least mention it. I didnt like how up until the very last page, he didnt seem to have deeper feelings. He kept them just a little too hidden. He was an interesting character though. They all are in her books. There were things that were also left to the imagination I guess. Just little things that seemed to be signifigant were never mentioned after the first time. Like the knife. Did it ever have any impact on anything? Or even at the end when she wore the dress,it was so important to her when she was getting dressed, so while we are waiting for his reaction to it, it never happens. Just little stuff like that. I still thought it was a good book, but there were too many little things that were not matching up that took some of the enjoyment out of it for me. But dont knock it until you try it.
A fun read!.......2004-07-08
I enjoyed reading "Still Lake" I am not much of a contemporary romance reader, but if there's suspense and thriller, I never pass it up! An added bonus were some pretty hilarious moments that had me laughing out loud. The main characters are Griffin (aka John Smith) and Sophie. They have this love-hate thing going with a lot of sexual tension. There's Sophie's mother, "Spacey Gracey" who just cracked me up and Sophie's "rebel without a cause" younger sister, Marty. (I won't summarize the story, since other reviewers have done so). The reason I gave the book only 4 stars was due to the fact that the plot was rather weak. I was hyped up in finding out "who done it", but I figured it out immediately. No surprises or mystery about it. It seemed that the whole story was mainly focused on Griffin and Sophie completely and their "blossoming" affair. There were no real thrills and chills in connection with "finding the killer" before he strikes again. All in all, I'd say it was a good erotic romance story, the down and dirty type in some parts...LOL. But if you are looking for those certain "thrills and chills" in finding out "who done it" or "why he or she done it" I do not recommend this book. I recommend Anne Stuart's other novel, "Into the Fire"...Happy Reading!
Simmering sensuality.......2004-02-10
Sophie Davis writes a column providing household advice. "The poor woman's Martha Stewart", Sophie doesn't get much of a chance to actually apply that advice - until she buys an old inn in Vermont, and moves her mother and sister along with her. The inn was the setting for a gruesome triple-murder twenty years ago, but Sophie doesn't care much about that aspect of her new home. She's intent on renovating and decorating the place, although she's not too eager to have strangers invade her sanctuary. However, she knows that this is the only way to maintain an income in such a small city.
Sophie's life gets even more complicated when the enigmatic John Smith rents an old abandoned cottage near her inn. Why is he there? It's obvious to Sophie that his name is not really John Smith, and he seems to be asking way too many questions about the old murder, yet she can't figure out his true identity. Meanwhile, Sophie has other problems. Her mother, Grace, is slowly slipping away as she battles Alzheimer's disease, and her sister, Marty, is going through an extreme teenage rebellion stage. And why is Sophie so intrigued (and a little frightened) of John Smith?
Anne Stuart has created a gorgeous story of finding love when you least expect it. Both characters have issues, and they're as different from one another as could be, yet when they're around each other, sparks fly. The tension and attraction between them is strong, and the reader immediately gets pulled into their relationship, rooting for Sophie and John to make it despite their differences and the obstacles thrown at them.
The beautiful scenery and atmosphere works as a wonderful backdrop for the story. My only complaint is that I had the "bad guy" figured out about 1/4th through the story, so the ending didn't come as much as a shock as perhaps it should have. Still, the romance and the incredible sensuality in this story were enough to keep me eagerly turning pages until the end.
Book Description
From the best artists working in the world today comes an instructive and inspirational series--How Did You Paint That? Covering a spectrum of popular topics, this series provides beginning and advanced artist of all mediums with detailed examples of the myriad ways in which to portray the featured subject.
Each title includes 100 different interpretations of the topic, and each interpretation is accompanied by valuable firsthand feedback from the artist, including the colors and brushes used, along with the artist's methodology, challenges, and motivation. Readers will also find suggestions and exercises from the painters, allowing them to apply the lessons of masters to their own masterpieces.
Customer Reviews:
Not enough instructions/detail.......2006-10-18
He should have cut down on the number of ways to pain seascapes, rivers, and lakes and given more instructions.
How Did You Paint That?.......2006-02-26
This book is a nice book with a lot of nice pictures and reviews of these pictures from the painters. But the painters did not go into any specifications about how they made the water look so real or what type of brushes they used. There are no directions or instructions on how to reproduce one of the paintings. I was looking for a book on how to paint real looking pictures for advanced painters and this was not that book.
Customer Reviews:
The Sacred Harvest.......2000-06-01
Very good and clear to know how to harvest wild rice and what wild rice means to American Indian.
Book Description
The field techniques photographers need to photograph water with pleasing results, including motion control when photographing running water, lighting, shutter speed, and framing and perspective, are explained in this guide. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities, ages, and experience levels, five major photographic themes are presented through clear instruction and series of photographic comparisons that illustrate the varying results of decisions photographers make. The creative process, equipment, and techniques by which each photo is produced are described, and film and exposure information is given throughout.
Customer Reviews:
A Poor Choice for Photographers.......2005-04-05
There are two different approaches authors take to photography instruction. In the first, which I call narrative, the author tells you about the topic and provides pictures to illustrate the teaching points. In the second, which I call exemplary, the author provides a picture and then tells you what considerations went into the choices that he made in taking the picture.
When I first read this book, I thought that I was dissatisfied with it because it followed the exemplary style. Then I looked at two of my favorite books that use the exemplary style: Art Wolfe's "The Art of Photographing Nature" and Tony Sweet's "Fine Art Nature Photography." Wolfe's book uses examples but presents them in a well developed, logical order, from fundamental to complex issues. Sweet's book, on the other hand, does not provide this structure but is aimed at photographers who know how take pictures but want to go further in their art; his pictures are truly magnificent and his explanations of his goals in taking the pictures are insightful.
Kahn on the other hand appears to have taken whatever photographs he had in his files on water, without regard to quality, mixed them up so there was no logical order of presentation, and then written inane comments.
As I read the book, I felt that it was aimed at inexperienced photographers, but failed to develop the subject logically. For example, in photographing moving water one of the first choices to be made is whether to shoot at a fast or a slow shutter speed. Fast speeds freeze the water while slow speeds create a silken blur. This isn't even mentioned by Kahn until late in the book.
But there are many more weaknesses. For example, he has several pictures where the sky is overexposed because the water he was photographing was in a dark area. One way to deal with this is by using a graduated neutral density filter. Kahn doesn't mention this anywhere in his book. He also excludes any reference to full neutral density filters which are used by water photographers to lengthen exposure time to achieve water blur.
People interested in photographing water would be better served by Heather Angel's book, "How to Photograph Water." Aside from a more logical, comprehensive presentation and better photographs, Angel also deals with water in all its forms, like fog and snow, which Kahn ignores. Neither book mentions digital photography, but I believe that a competent digital photographer will be able to apply the material presented in either book.
Not too impressive.......2003-01-28
Not a lot of new info and worst of all, the photos chosen to illustrate the points are not at all impressive.
A good book for beginers, ok for the more advanced.......2002-01-14
This book is a good reference for beginers, with some helpful hints for the advanced. The photgraphs used to illistrate the text are good and he gives the reasoning behind why the shoot was taken. I will probably glance through this book from tome to time just to get general ideas durning those times when I start going stale looking for shots.
Average customer rating:
|
It Could Still Be Coral (Rookie Read-About Science Series)
Allan Fowler
Manufacturer: Children's Press (CT)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Nonfiction | Marine Life | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Water | Nature | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Coral Reefs | Oceans & Seas | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0516260820 |
Product Description
A book exploring America's rivers and lakes. Many color photo illustrations all throughout the book.
Average customer rating:
|
Still Water Fly-Fishing: A Modern Guide to Angling in Reservoirs and Lakes,
T. C. Ivens
Manufacturer: Transatlantic Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Guides | Fly Fishing | Fishing | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
General | Fishing | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
England | British Isles | Regional Guides | Fishing | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0233961283 |
Average customer rating:
|
Be Still and Listen
Janice Lake Presgraves
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1553951735
Release Date: 2006-07-06 |
Book Description
Biography of housewife and mother possessing special connection to God. While becoming a Christian she learns to listen to God\'s inner messages and many wondrous blessings appear.
Book Description
In this biological thriller of the near future, postinsurrection Mexico has undermined the superpower of the United States. But while the rivals battle over borders, a pestilence beyond politics threatens to explode into a worldwide epidemic. . . .
Since the rise of the Holy Renaissance, Ascension—once known as Mexico City—has become the most populous city in the world, its citizens linked to a central government net through wetware implanted in their brains. But while their dictator grows fat with success, the masses are captivated by Sister Domenica, an insurgent nun whose weekly pirate broadcasts prophesy a wave of death. All too soon, Domenica’s nightmarish prediction proves true, and Ascension’s hospitals are overrun with victims of a deadly fever. As the rampant plague kills too quickly to be contained, Mexico smuggles its last hope over the violently contested border. . . .
Henry David Stark is a crack virus hunter for the American Center for Disease Control and a veteran of global humanitarian efforts. But this disease is unlike any he’s seen before—and there seems to be no way to cure or control it. Racing against time, Stark battles corruption to uncover a horrifying truth: this is no ordinary outbreak but a deliberately unleashed man-made virus . . . and the killer is someone Stark knows.
Download Description
"The topic is timely (viruses and pandemics are hot), and the just-around-the-corner world is very well realized, full of smart extrapolations from today's technologies and social conventions." -- Booklist
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Customer Reviews:
Well-plotted and classic.......2007-01-13
This page turner sticks with me months after I've read it; the timeliness of the topic and the depth of the characters make it a fascinatingly fun read. Anderson has successfully combined the classic sci-fi "morality play" genre with a cutting-edge it-could-happen techno thrill ride. I'm waiting for more. I'm saving my fifth star for the next things he writes!
Decent but not Exceptional.......2006-08-08
This book is a near-future science fiction thriller about a bioengineered plague that specifically kills a racial subgroup (indigenous native Mexicans). The reason? The typical villianous "doing evil to do a greater good" type of plot.
The action was decent and the descriptions of the way the bioengineered plague (masking as the Dengue virus) infected the body were quite interesting.
However, I felt the book was about 100 pages too long. Some portions felt padded for the sake of having a larger book. (Perhaps that requirement was forced on the author by the publisher -- or maybe more culling of excess material was needed during the editing process.)
Books about plagues have been around for ages, but now with bioengineering a true reality (or near future true reality, depending on your viewpoint), these types of plots seem to be more "scientifically" real, hence more believable -- more science, less fiction -- than before.
This book certainly delves alot into the inner workings of antigens, antibodies, immunoglobins (e.g., IgG, IgM, IgA, etc.), cloning, the CDC, and bioengineered diseases.
Being a science fiction work, it includes references to "wetware" (computer/hardware implants to enhance neuroprocessing and/or other bodily functions), and some interesting near future flying technology (i.e., flying motorcycles). A must-have for some types of science fiction nowadays it seems.
For those who like to read near-future science fiction that deals with an interesting plot about the decline of the U.S. and the subsequent rise of our third-world neighbor (Mexico) to the south; and bioengineered warfare; then this is the book for you.
I only wish the editor had cut out about 100 pages of fluff. Whatever happened to the concept "Less is More" in fiction writing? I felt like we were hand-held too much by the auther, and not enough was left to the imagination.
After reading this book, I doubt I'd want to read it again, in its entireity.
This book didn't quite have a nifty science fiction "big new idea" to speak of. But that's certainly not a requirement for good fiction.
Unfortunately, when you compare and contrast this "potential end of the world" book with Margaret Attwood's "end of the world" book _Oryx_and_Crake_, which is also about a bioengineered disease, then you'll know what I'm talking about: Attwood's book is better -- better characterization, better plot, and although about the same size, it didn't seem padded like this book does. Attwood's book still holds enough "mystery" to want to read again, after you've finished it. This book lacked that.
This book reads like an inflated novella.
All in all, not bad for a first novel, although I'm not sure I'd purchase this author's next book.
Maybe with more craftmanship, the author's next book will be better. The author has potential... he just has to polish his work, that's all. Hence the 3 stars out of 5.
By far the best medical/disease book I've read.......2006-06-17
This is a debut book from a new author? You have to be kidding me. This is a powerful, literate, compelling, and fascinating story that will turn experienced writers green with envy for the talent on display here. Do they give awards for debut novels? Just give Barth Anderson three or four right now.
I didn't know what to expect when I ordered this book from Amazon last week. It popped up in my recommendations so I decided to give it a whirl and boy am I glad I did. Frankly, I don't even know how to categorize this book. It's set 60 years in the future, so you could try to label it science fiction, and while there are some elements of that, the label doesn't fit perfectly. If you like science fiction you'll like this book, but if you don't like science fiction this probably won't feel like science fiction at all. This is a character and event driven story in which the author does masterful characterization so deftly his efforts seem invisible. Good characterization is one of the more important elements in writing to me; if the characterization is poor or unbelievable it really kills a story for me. Since this could also be labeled a medical thriller I'll use this analogy: the best of all needle pricks is the one you don't feel. Anderson does characterization so well you simply don't feel it. I only noticed halfway through the novel that I hadn't even thought about the characterization.
The novel follows H.D. Stark, an experienced epidemiologist with the CDC, as he investigates an outbreak of Dengue in Mexico City in the 2060's. The world is a strange place politically...America is no longer a superpower, a mosaic virus has decimated our agricultural output and set us back several notches. Kazakhstan, an expanded China, Brazil and Europe have parity with us now. The world's new superpower is Mexico. A fascist dictatorship/theocracy has assumed power in Mexico, renamed Mexico City "Ascension", and using a new biotechnology have basically placed the internet and computing power directly into the heads of their middle and upper classes. Being wired in this fashion provides their society a competitive economic advantage that spurred the growth of Mexico's economy. There is still a vast underclass of poor in Mexico though, along with the resentment which arises when bleak poverty must exist alongside wealth and glamor. Into this changed geopolitical scene arrives a terrifying and deadly new disease. Stark, an American, goes to Mexico to aid in fighting the outbreak and we are treated to an absolutely mesmerizing tale of how viruses work, spread, and leap quarantines and how medical science fights viral outbreaks today, and a fascinating study of some truly amazing medical advances theorized by the author which are also used to combat the outbreak. I flat-out enjoyed this book. "Compelling reading" is too faint of praise for this story; I was riveted. This is a wonderful five-star book that I highly recommend and feel should win more than a few awards this year.
great beach read.......2006-05-14
Anderson creates a very real future, with characters that inspire concern. "Patron" is a reality check for all U.S. citizens who havn't ever considered their nation's place in the world's political food chain. This book is cohesive, allowing for the medical layman to easily understand the essential biophysics involved in the telling of the story without the author going through tedious explanations. Great book with exciting speed.
This ROCKS!.......2006-05-09
"The Patron Saint of Plagues" is a fantastic book. (And never mind the `for a first novel" qualifier. It's excellent regardless.) Through the first five chapters I was into it like any other very good book, intrigued by the futurist research, the medical espionage, insight about political ideology abusing/using the religiously faithful, a hero I liked being with, etc. But at the end of chapter 6 I actually grinned and said out loud as I walked down the sidewalk, "This rocks!" In that short chapter, Barth Anderson simply (but not so simply) describes the progress of a virus taking over a human body in a way that had me actually holding my breath! That's what made me grin: The realization that I had been literally holding my breath reading about the cells, DNA, nuclei, sweats and fevers and hemorrhages of a disease in a body. I know this sounds ridiculous, I wouldn't have believed it myself --until I read Barth Anderson's throat-grabbing yet poetic prose. Anderson's technical research seems at a level that belongs in a science journal yet some passages read like the best of Gothic sublime. I have nothing but praise for this book. And even IF I saw weaknesses, anyone who can write about blood cells and nuclei in a way that is as exciting as Hollywood wishes its car chases were has my rapt attention for the rest of the book, my recommendation, and my anxious wait for his next novel.
Book Description
Millions of American families have turned to The Book of Virtues and The Moral Compass by William J. Bennett for moral guidance in troubled times. Our Sacred Honor offers inspiration and instruction as well...this time of a particularly American sort.
The lessons it contains are especially welcome. We live in a time when the practice of representative government in the United States of America is under siege from both the left and the right. Scandals abound. We are first shocked, then wearied, to learn that our national leaders have feet of clay. We live in a time, in short, which demands that we return to our origins to discover the common principles that make us essentially American. Our Sacred Honor reveals those common principles. They are articulated by the flawed but deeply admirable men and women who first wrote what it is to be American. The pledge made by the Founders to one another that hot July day in 1776—the pledge of "our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor"—has been redeemed many times in the centuries since, but the nation they founded has never failed to profit from their example.
It is time to profit from their advice.
In Our Sacred Honor, William J. Bennett has collected the best that has been thought and said by and about the men and women who founded America. And what a group they are: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John and Abigail Adams, and so many more that otherwise first-rate intellects such as John Dickinson, Benjamin Rush, and George Mason are relegated to the status of footnotes in the popular imagination. Not since Periclean Athens has such a small nation been led by so many larger-than-life figures. The only characteristic they shared more widely than revolutionary ardor was their talent (and inclination) for advice. Here is that advice on virtually every aspect of "the good"—good government, good relations between individuals and nations, and what it means to live a good life. Here are Thomas Jefferson on piety ("Adore God. Murmur not at the ways of Providence"); James Madison on justice ("It ever has been, and ever will be pursued, until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit"); and Patrick Henry on patriotism ("Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?"). Here are Abigail Adams on love ("When he is wounded, I bleed..."); Benjamin Franklin on industry ("Have you somewhat to do tomorrow, do it today"); and George Washington on friendship ("Be courteous with all, but intimate with few"). Here are the lyrics to "Yankee Doodle," Longfellow's celebration of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, and the Declaration of Independence. Here are the stories of the Liberty Bell, Washington at Valley Forge, and Nathan Hale. Here are selections from The Federalist Papers, and Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Concord Hymn," with "the shot heard round the world." Here are Poor Richard's Almanack, the extraordinary correspondence between John and Abigail Adams, and George Washington's Farewell Address.
The stories, songs, letters, and speeches collected in Our Sacred Honor are an inspiring celebration of American exceptionalism, produced by a collection of exceptional Americans. It is the best book of advice in more than two hundred years.
Customer Reviews:
Our Sacred Honor..........2007-10-06
As always, Bennett tosses us a great story about our founding fathers. His writing is coordinated and he points out the best of the dramatic tales (real) that they endured--as individuals, as well as family heads. If only, when future historians look back on our current days, they would be able to say..."Those were great days." Alas, I doubt it. Although the founders were what might be called "normal mortals", to challenge each other to create our great nation makes one proud to be able to say "we belong!" They were clearly heroes.
One Inspirational Read.......2007-05-14
I was tasked to find an appropriate book to give to outstanding high schoolers for our local Rotary Club. I felt this book well represented the ideal of the club. This book should serve as a valuable resource in future years as these young men and women matriculate to higher learning, and careers.
Bennett chose material well.......2007-03-26
Bennett chose his material well. Historians may argue with some of the details in his commentary (e.g., that Burr shot to kill Hamilton, aiming directly at his chest). Others may take issue with some of the "nuclear family" biases inherent in his commentary. That isn't the meat of the book. The importance of the book rests in the quotes of the founding generation, and Bennett went beyond some of the most famous quotes and speeches, although these are represented as well, to give us a true feeling of a generation that approached life with a genuine goal of self-improvement. Most interesting were some passages from Abigail Adams, from her "tough love" to John Quincy through her disdain for french dancers. Anything regarding Bennett's personal life is irrelevant for assessing the value of this work.
The greatest generation speaks .......2006-07-09
The United States of America was blessed with a generation of founding fathers who were at the same time people of action, and people of thought. They were an incredibly brilliant group of political and moral thinkers. Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Hamilton, Madison had a profound understanding of both human nature and the unique circumstances bound up with the founding of the United States. Their dream was of creating a nation like no other before, one based on principles of freedom, and dignity of the individual The ideal formulation is of course in one of the documents central to this collection, ' The Declaration of Independence' , life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
In this anthology of the founding fathers' writings in story, letter song, speech and hymn we feel the spirit of a new and great nation and vision for mankind.
God Bless America.
Quite Enjoyable.......2005-12-31
Bill Bennett has collected some of the greatest pieces of rhetoric and stories of our founding fathers. This work includes everything from patriotism, the meaning of freedom, and romance to ethics and advice. It's a wonderful collection, one that will connect the listener to the intellect of the greatest Americans, at least the greatest of the early Americans. Bennett doesn't read any of his selected pieces, only some of the introductory material. However, the people who do read the work do a magnificent job. It's an abridgement of the source work and runs about 4 hours. It's a perfect collection for long drives.
Customer Reviews:
A Book that Should Be Required Reading in Every High School.......2000-07-04
We fail to appreciate the fact that men and women of great wealth and means voluntarily gave their, "Lives, Fortunes and Sacred Honor" in order to estabish a country for the benefit of free people. This nobel cause created the most powerful and wealthy nation on earth that was born under God and the rule of law. In our modern day as we compromise law for the rule of man, we must ask ourselves, isn't this what our forefathers gave their lives for; that we tear away from the rule of man, coruption and politics of the ruling classes so that the people in this country can be free. Free to speak, free to associate, free to keep the fruits of their labors? This book should be required reading in every high school in America as a balance to the radical agenda that is in pursuit of the utopian dream. It is truly an inspired work.
Book Description
In epic style, the new historical fiction series Prelude to Glory chronicles the miraculous events that gave birth to a new nation. In Our Sacred Honor, the first volume in the series, master storyteller Ron Carter presents the early events of the Revolutionary War through the eyes of common people. We meet the heroes, but we see them through the eyes and hearts of the soldiers and the sailors, men and women, who came out of the shops, fields, and forests and paid the price. No human mind could ever have created a plot so diverse, so intensely gripping, so inspiring as the story of the American Revolution. Through fictional as well as real-life characters, Prelude to Glory powerfully depicts that dramatic story.
Customer Reviews:
A wonderful story.......2006-10-28
I love historical fiction! Prelude to Glory make the details of history come alive with Carter's descriptive style.
The ending made me want to read the next one.
She's Dutch!
MUST Read!!.......2006-05-29
This is an awesome book!
I learned more about early American History in this book than I think I learned in High School and College. I also bought this as a gift for my Father-in-law...it was that good!
History 101 - not.......2004-11-13
I've never been so captivated by a volume of books as by Prelude to Glory by author Ron Carter. He has woven a fictional family (and the reader!) and actual American history together to create an account and the incredible story of miracles that lead to the creation of the United States of America. I learned much about my beloved country in just the first volume. If American history was taught in our schools in Mr. Carter's style, we would have a generation of patriots graduating in our schools! I'm now in Vol 6 and will surely feel a let-down after i finish the last, Volume 8. What will I have to look forward to! With the completion of each volume, i can't wait to begin the next. Enjoy the masterful storytelling of this author and catch his enthusiasm and love for his country.
Prelude To Glory #1-Our Sacred Honor-Hey Grandpa!-Great!.......2003-04-26
The book Our Sacred Honor, written by Ron Carter, is very well put together. It is humorous frequently, and is very entertaining. For example, at one part it is describing how this great, powerful, huge army of British is marching to Concord...and then they fall right into a bog. There are many funny parts in this book that I would want to share. It is a riot! I really loved this book, not only because of the humorous parts, but also because it is very descriptive, and the words sound so good together. There is only one thing I donýt like was the gore. It is not very often, but at times it is nauseating. I really like the way he words some sentences like, ýHe jerked the reins to stop and the horse battled for breath.ý It is descriptive and the words work together like a river going to sea.
The story is centered around a family who is on the colonial side-the eldest son (Matthew) is engaged to a lovely young woman, and the eldest daughter is stunned by this young lieutenant on the British side.
It is packed with action, war and adventure. Our Sacred Honor is only the first fantastic volume of a whole series by Ron Carter (my grandpa!). These books are very well written and should be read time and time again. Enjoy!
Prelude to Glory (All 3 volumes).......2001-04-15
This is by far the most excellent series of historically based fiction that I have ever read. I was there with the soldiers as they were fighting for the freedom and liberty that we hold so dear today. I had to put an extra blanket on my bed while I was reading about the conditions that were suffered through during the winter. I was ducking for cover as the cannons thundered and the musket balls whistled past. The interlacing of histroical fact with a very few fictional characters is masterful. Mr. Carter should be congratulated on bringing the struggle of the American Revolution to life in an entirely readable manner. I wish I could have studied American history in high school using Mr. Carter's works, I certainly would have done better and enjoyed the class much more. Even if you do not read them for the historical significance, you should read them for the enjoyment of reading a very good series of books.
Product Description
This beautifully bound book contains the stories of the Founding Fathers. It is designed to inspire the young person to become a good citizen and a worthy member of civil society. Excerpts have been selected from the writings, journals, private and public letters of great Americans such as Thomas Paine, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison Benjamin Rush and others. Indexed for ease of use.
Product Description
Some interesting details on the lives of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Average customer rating:
|
Our Sacred Honor
Cynthia Van Hazinga
Manufacturer: Ivy Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0804101930
Release Date: 1988-05-12 |
Product Description
Our Sacred Honor is an inspiring 6"x9" historical book from Successories featuring a comprehensive collection of historical documents including:
The Declaration of Independence
The Preamble
The Constitution
The Bill of Rights
Our Sacred Honor also features commentary from constitutional experts as well as unforgettable quotes from our founding fathers. And every section has breathtaking, full-color photography that captures the very essence of America!
This 72-page hardcover historical book makes a beautiful gift for history buffs, educators, administratorsand anyone who wants to learn more about our incredible nation.
Books:
- Mal de amores
- Mefisto
- Memoirs of a Mangy Lover
- Mississippi Flyway
- Nowhere Else on Earth
- Observatory Mansions: A Novel
- Olivia
- On a Dark Night I Left My Silent House
- One Part Angel: A Novel
- Paradise Reclaimed
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Men to Match My Mountains: The Opening of the Far West, 1840-1900
- Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich
- Welcome to Higby
- A History of the English-Speaking Peoples Since 1900
- Beauty and the Beast
- Differential Equations, Dynamical Systems, and an Introduction to Chaos
- Crimes Against Nature: How George W. Bush and His Corporate Pals Are Plundering the Country and Hija
- Benjamin Graham Classic Collection
- What's Wrong
- Keys to Success: How to Achieve Your Goals
