Leah's Way: One Woman's Search for Justification and Love

Book Description

A testament to the irrepressible will of the human spirit and a tribute to an indomitable faith that guides the soul homeward.

Customer Reviews:

A Compelling Inspiration.......2005-11-06

Jody Maier, The Riverfront Book Club (Yonkers, New York)

Leah's Way is a powerful "can't put it down read" that touches the soul, invigorates the heart, and leaps at the mind. Richard Botelho's vividly and beautifully rendered descriptions of nature enhance the novel's central theme of the duality of the human condition: the struggle between our earthly and spiritual essences. His smooth prose style realistically portrays the intense emotions of his characters as they cope with trusting themselves, trusting life, and trusting God. This is a novel to be savored for its rich and meaningful messages about one's search for purpose in life, about the importance of love for family, for friends, and for community, and about the courage it takes to meet life's challenges. In a natural progression of his story, the author leads the reader to the conclusion that it is love, hope, and forgiveness that enables us to overcome our human frailities.

Not What I Expected.......2005-04-12

I'm commenting on Leah's Way because this book is the type of novel that breaks the mold. Friends told me to read Richard Botelho's book because they were sure I'd appreciate something different. They were right. Leah's Way is not your standard inspirational novel. It wasn't inspirational at all, unless you consider the ending inspirational. I sure didn't. Yet there is something about the story that left me feeling I had read an important story, a well-crafted journey of a misguided woman that approaches a saga. Reading Leah's Way takes tons of effort since so much of the story of Leah is depressingly dark. Are there people out there like Leah? Can life be that bleak coming from a seemingly normal background? It did make me wonder. I did gain some important insights about the book by reading other reviews online, and most agreed that the book is different, a category challenger, but I was most struck by the writing. The writing is superb. A book this impactful and good should never have to be published by a small press that I've never heard of. Leah's Way is definitely not commercial junk. It's real literature. The large publishers probably passed on it because it doesn't fit into a clearly defined category with a built-in audience. But if someone big does discover it, it would make a great movie. I look forward to more from this author.

Poorly written. .......2005-04-10

Annoying characters that still manage to be only two dimensional, based around chiches and no original plotpoints. Worst of all, it's simply quite poorly written.

Enjoyable and Unique and the Writing is Excellent!.......2005-04-04

I read this book on advice from a friend in a reading group. Their group tries different genres as a matter of course. At first I was skeptical of reading a spiritual book since I don't typically enjoy that category of fiction. But Leah's Way is unique. There's nothing like it that I've ever come across. I was most impressed with the quality of the writing. Wonderfully written book. The descriptions of nature are as fine as I've read and the dialogue is very entertaining. The secondary characters are captivating and very true to life. But the main character of Leah was hard to fathom some of the time. Talk about stubborn! And frustrating, because she wouldn't take obvious actions that could have made her life so much easier. It is also true that the book is sermonizing at times, replete with the typical Christian message, but surprisingly I didn't mind it much because the book produces raw, real characters and circumstances. If you are a reader who enjoys different, hard to categorize books you'll like this book. If you want typical feel good and pure entertainment, pass on it. This read is a serious read, not for amateurs.

MARVELOUS NOVEL, BUT CONTROVERSIAL!.......2005-03-22

It's about time that a novel exceeded my expectations. Leah's Way is a wonderful novel that inspired me to read more about the plight of the less fortunate in America. Written in a classical style, this is the kind of novel you can't put down until you're finished. It's riveting. As the leader of a reading group, I recommended this book to another group and then had my own group read it as well. The interpretations of the book covered a wide spectrum. What we all agreed upon was that Leah's Way touches on a number of fascinating themes:

1. How have women changed since the 1950s?
2. Has the search for meaning changed much over time and does faith in God provide the answer to the age-old question of "what is the meaning of life?"
3. Why isn't more being done to help the destitute?
4. Is Leah a heroine or not?
5. How dysfuctional are families, and is Leah's family really all that different from so many families out there?
6. Is tragedy necessary for understanding?
7. What is the purpose of life?
8. Is romantic love all it's hyped up to be?
9. Is life on the road an escape or a refuge?
10. Why is the human condition fraught with so much peril?

One thing is certain: there is no other novel like Leah's Way. Definitely controversial. Although I've listed ten themes that emerge from the book there are countless others. And that is part of this novel's appeal: it is deep, curious, dubious at times, reflective, sad, yet wonderfully uplifting in its conclusion. If you like a story where the human heart is relentless in its quest for understanding and purpose, where goodness comes forth from much suffering, you'll love Leah's Way. Although certainly not what you expect from its cover, Leah's Way is a real find and a book worth talking about with others.

Customer Reviews:

A disappointment.......2003-12-05

I dearly loved Dan Jurgens' run on the "Superman" comic books -- he wrote and drew some of my favorite Superman stories of all time, not the least of which was the infamous "Death of Superman" storyline. This is not that storyline, however -- it's a rehash of the story years down the line filtered through the perceptions of a stereotypical comic book "crusading journalist" type. The new characters are dull and the old characters don't really add much to the story that we didn't get ten years ago when it was printed the first time.

If anyone gets this paperback, it'll be Superman completists. People looking for a good Superman story -- get the original Death & Return saga... I'm afraid you won't find it here.

DOOMed from the Start?.......2003-12-01

If SUPERMAN: DAY OF DOOM -- a narrative penned by Dan Jurgens, the genius behind "The Death of Superman" storyline -- should be remembered for anything, it's in igniting the desire to go back and reread (and relive) the events of the entire "Death" series. Certainly, it's hard to compete with one of the most revered stories to come out of comics in the past twenty years, but Jurgens does a respectable job only trying to give a nod to the events now in Supe's ever-growing history. While the perspective of "looking back" is a nice touch, I found the character of 'Remnant' to be little more than formulaic. Still, DAY OF DOOM is a quick read, and it deserves a place on any Superman fan's bookshelf.

Superman #74 (Countdown to Doomsday) (Guest Starring Justice League of America)

Average customer rating:

Superman #74 (Countdown to Doomsday) (Guest Starring Justice League of America)
Dan Jurgens
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Superman | Characters | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Justice League | Characters | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

DC Comics | Publishers | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
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Superman: Day Of Doom #1 (Doomsday, 1 of 4)
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Superman: Day Of Doom #2 (Superman's Death, 2 of 4)

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Superman: Day Of Doom #2 (Superman's Death, 2 of 4)
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Superman: Day Of Doom #3 (Funeral For A Friend, 3 of 4)
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Superman: Day Of Doom #4 (World Without A Superman, 4 of 4)

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Superman: Day Of Doom #4 (World Without A Superman, 4 of 4)
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Superman: Day of Doom

Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 1417669756

Book Description

A fiercely individualist Goth girl wakes up to discover that the whole world has gone Goth and she's actually -- gag -- popular.

Jade Leigh is a nonconformist who values individuality above all else. She has a small group of like-minded Goth friends who wear black, dabble in the dark arts, and thrive outside the norm. They're considered the "freaks" of their high school. But when Jade's smart mouth lands her in trouble -- again -- her principal decides to teach her a lesson she'll never forget.

Taken to a remote location where she is strapped down and sedated, Jade wakes up in an alternate universe where she rules the school. But her best friends won't talk to her, and the people she used to hate are all Goth. Only Clarik, the mysterious new boy in town, operates outside all the cliques. And only Mercedes, the Barbie clone Jade loathes, believes that Jade's stuck in a virtual reality game -- because she's stuck there, too, now living the life of a "freak." Together, they realize they might never get back to reality...and that even if they do, things might never be the same.

Customer Reviews:

Didn't care for it.......2007-09-12

Isn't this what youth is suppose to be preventing? I can't stand these cliques and these stereotypes.. and yet Mtv(not surprised by them really) has set out a line of books completing to that. Why are you supporting something that you are fighting at the same time? You can't be on both sides expecting a pass. You all are such hypocrites because you usually have the attitude of, "Don't label us! We're people just like you! We have our own style!". Ha! You are not fooling anyone with this book. When I picked this off the shelf I had not expected such a farfetched standard for the plot. Critisize me on that all you want since I believe it was a waste of my time as well. The concept it creative, yes, but everything that comes with that is such the typical view of a close minded person. And I believe the author has a very fast paced and detailed way of words, making it a better read. Nonetheless, my opinion stands.

Well good job, Mtv. Well done. Now I'll just have even more people questioning why I do the things I do and wear the things I wear.
Oh no, couldn't be Weatherly now could I? Now I have to be known as something riduculous like a "cemetary goth" or "punk goth" and the like.

Entertaining........2007-07-20

I thought the book was cute. The plot was interesting. However, while reading the book I got a sense that the author did not quite understand the Goth subculture. To me it felt like she just went on Google and searched the word "Goth" and used whatever she found as a reference. An example of this would be how Jade kept referring to other Goths as cemetary Goth, asian Goth, and etcetera. In real life most Goths are not that easy to pin point. Most are rather varied in their interests and would fall under many different categories. I was also annoyed at how cheesy and cliche some of the Goths in the virtual world were. For instance, one girl walks up to Jade and says "Darkness rules!". Being a Goth myself I know for a fact that in real life a Goth would not say that to another Goth unless they were joking. I was also annoyed when one girl asked Jade to start a black magic club. Oh come on! Now, if she would've wanted a Peter Murphy or Siouxsie Sioux fan club then that would've been better. It would've been cool if the author could have slipped a few references to bands like Bauhaus, The Sisters of Mercy, The Mission UK, and Sex Gang Children in the book. Also, I think it would've been entertaining to see some new classes added to the virtual high school. Classes like Goth Rock Music History, DIY 101, and Proper Make up Application. Overall this is a very cute book. I would recommend renting it from your local library if you are bored and need something to do.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2007-06-23

Jade is a Goth-girl who is a total nonconformist and is a "freak" at her school.

Mercedes is a "Barbie" -- blonde, super-popular, and a total conformist, who is also Jade's mortal enemy.

Clarik is a new mysterious boy that has come to their high school, who Jade quickly realizes she has a crush on.

The girls' principal is sick of these two girls causing problems so she decides to teach them a lesson they will never forget.

After getting the parents' consent, the girls are taken to an old rundown building, strapped down, and sedated. Mercedes and Jade have no idea what is going on, until they wake up at home. They go to school only to realize that everyone has turned Goth and the "Barbies" are the "freaks" now.

The girls don't like their new environment at all and are determined to find out how to get back to reality. Clarik is in the game with them and he and Jade become very close. Can he help get them back? Will they ever get back to the reality they knew? When they get home, will things be the same way they were before, or will the girls have to change?

This is a super-fun, fast-paced novel that even someone who would be called a "Barbie" can like! The characters are all lovable, and I really enjoyed this book!

Reviewed by: Taylor Rector

Oklahoma Setting.......2007-03-07

One of the reason I bought this book was because the setting was in Oklahoma. The story is good and I felt for the characters.

Good Book .......2006-10-02

I like the book, maybe it hasent been my favorite book, but it has some meaning in it, for example: culture discrimination, how tenns see the world today, so on and so fort. You can actually understand a subculture by reading this book, and also it helps you understand the outside world.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Story, Horribly Underrated
Tired of T3? Read this!
A good first try.
Wonderful portrayal of being a sentient being.

Virtual Girl (Ace science fiction)
Amy Thomson
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0441865003

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Story, Horribly Underrated.......2005-01-12

I read this book for the first time when I was in 5th grade, and I immediately fell in love with it. The first review listed on this page though isn't enitrely sure, so I am assuming that the person didn't read it very well as ***PLOT POINT PLOT POINT*** Maggie wasn't rejected by her creator, they were attacked and she thought he was dead, so she left him .***END POINT END POINT*** As for the other person who stated that the book offered nothing new, maybe when compared to other books out today it isn't unique, but when it was first released in the early 90's, it was very unique. I think this book is very good, and highly recommend it to any one who likes stories about humanity.

Tired of T3? Read this!.......2003-07-09

This book is the flipside of Terminator 3. This is a humane, simple yet exciting story of a female android built by an ambitious male scientist who rejects her and leaves her to fend for herself in the Real World. This book is sensitive to both women and robots, and is a very good jumping-off point for new readers of feminist sf, mostly because Amy Thomson doesn't hit you over the head with complex feminist issues; by sending Maggie out to live her own life, Thomson creates a believable character who uses her personal skills (physical, mental, and eventually emotional) to build her own independent individual life. Highly recommended.

A good first try........2001-11-07

But unfortunately, there's nothing new in this book. The plot and characters are predictable and stereotypical. HOWEVER, the good news is that Amy Thomas published novels after "Virtual Girl" - so check out her other excellent works titled "The Color of Distance" and "Through Alien Eyes".

Wonderful portrayal of being a sentient being........1997-11-02

This is a terrific book on what it is like to be a sentient being. The main character is flooded by information, like all of us and has to learn to survive. After the first 100 pages there is a detour in the book's strength, in that secondary characters are introduced who are sexual minorities. There may have been a reason for this, but it was a minor distraction. I would recomend this book to fans of basically sentient characters (like Robocop), fans of pursuit/suspense (like Dean Koontz and Jefferson Swycaffer novels), and to readers interested in artificial intelligence or just the mystery of being alive. Whenever I feel down I pick up this book or Shadows Fall by Simon Green.

Virtual You! Love, Beauty, Relationships, Purity, Truth

Average customer rating:

A must for teens!
Great Resource for Teaching Teen Girls

Virtual You! Love, Beauty, Relationships, Purity, Truth
Jimmie L. Davis
Manufacturer: Vine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Virtual You! addresses the issues and challenges unique to young women in their teen years-such things as their relationship with God, inner beauty, dating, lasting love and purity. And it helps them learn how to make wise decisions that will keep them spiritually and personally healthy for a lifetime. This fun, interactive book leads teenage girls to experience a spiritual makeover by helping them see themselves through God's eyes and discovering what He wants them to do with their lives.

Customer Reviews:

A must for teens!.......2003-04-20

Virtual You! will take teen girls on a journey that will change them from the inside out. Within the pages is an inner "makeover" that will have outward results. Girls are encouraged to step out and trust God with every area of their lives. This fun, interactive book dicusses love, purity, relationships, personal make-up - everything girls need to grow into Godly women. Jimmie Davis' friendly and conversational tone gives girls the feel of receiving guidance from a long-time, trusted friend. The contemporary format and language makes it especially appealing to teens. This book is a must for teenage girls and would be a great small group study.

Great Resource for Teaching Teen Girls.......2002-10-10

As a teacher and leader of teen girls, I'm excited to see an interactive study like Jimmie Davis'Virtual You! Often it is difficult to find a book that challenges teen girls to think on a deeper level without being so tedious that they lose interest. Virtual You! provides a great balance. The computer theme used in the book is perfect for today's youth, who spend untold hours online. This book does a wonderful job of encouraging girls to think beyond the immediate regarding matters of dating, sex, and marriage, among other things. Virtual You! is a great choice for a small group study for girls.

Virtual Girls: The Erotic Gems of Evan Hollander

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Virtual Girls: The Erotic Gems of Evan Hollander
Evan Hollander
Manufacturer: Circlet Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 188586504X

Average customer rating:

Virtual Silence
Joan Schweighardt
Manufacturer: Permanent Press (NY)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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Virtual Girl
Amy Thomson
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000K6O4QA

Average customer rating:

Great book!

Perfect Vegetables

Excellent

Veg-o-rama

Good book, but many repeats

Perfect Vegetables: Part of "The Best Recipe" Series

Manufacturer: America's Test Kitchen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Amazon.com

Perfect Vegetables is the work of Cook's Illustrated magazine, a publication devoted to providing the "best" American recipes. Like the magazine, from which its contents is largely drawn, the book offers super-tested recipes--as many as 18 tries for stuffed tomatoes, for example--for an A to Z vegetable range, artichokes to zucchini. The book also includes dozens of technique and equipment notes ("Stir-Fry Basics," is one), plus a short section on vegetable soups. An impressive recipe range is here and accounted for--classic dishes like grilled eggplant and braised fennel, plus "newer" formulas for the likes of Grilled Red Peppers with Mint and Feta and Glazed Curried Carrots with Currants and Almonds. Are these the ultimate versions of the dishes included? Certainly they represent exhaustive investigation--and most cooks will find the Perfect Vegetables take, which offers many technical refinements (preheat your baking sheet to ensure golden oven-baked fries, for example) enlightening.

Vegetable entries begin with a detailed discussion that highlights the cooking methods for each that ensure best results. (Steaming, for example, gets the nod for artichokes, as it yields the "deepest, most pronounced flavor.") Master recipes follow, such as that for steamed artichokes, plus formulas for tasty accompaniments like Lemon Mint Vinaigrette, or variations, such as Roasted Baby Artichokes with Roasted Garlic Aïoli. Techniques are beautifully illustrated with line drawings and photos. The ingredient and equipment investigations, which often include ratings, are mini consumer reports. Devotees of Cook's Illustrated and those new to its "obsessive" approach to dish making, should happily embrace this encyclopedic compendium. --Arthur Boehm

Customer Reviews:

Great book!.......2007-05-23

Has helped me to improve my vegetable consumption with cooking techniques and tasty recipes.

Perfect Vegetables.......2007-03-09

This book on vegetables covers every thing you need to know about selecting and preparing vegetables. There is also a nice variety of recipes using the specific vegetables. I have found it an excellent addition to my collection of cookbooks.

Excellent.......2007-01-23

My goodness, they cover almost every vegetable from A-Z and even sometimes tell you which cookware they tested to be the better out of the rest - such as V-slicers, potato mashers, salad spinners...even balsamic vinegar.

Veg-o-rama.......2006-08-04

A well written, detailed book wherein each chapter brings a new vegetable and great ideas. I was primarily looking to make vegetables play a more central and creative role in my cooking, and this book has been the answer. You'll be carmelizing onions and braising endive in no time.

Good book, but many repeats.......2006-01-07

I love Cook's Illustrated. I subscribe to their magazine, I subscribe to their website and I own several of their cookbooks. Very rarely have they ever steered me wrong with any of their recipes and tips. This is one book that I was disappointed with, however---not because the recipes aren't great or the layout of the book isn't up to par, but because many of these recipes can be found in their comprehensive cookbook "The New Best Recipe" (a great book, btw. It has just about everything you could ever need). There are only a few different recipes in Perfect Vegetables that cannot be found in the New Best, and the money I spent to get a handful of new veggie recipes was not worth it, in my opinion. If you already own the New Best, than I would be very hesitant to spend any money on this book. I would physically look through the book at a bookstore before buying to see if this is something you would really like to own. If you don't own New Best and are looking for a wonderful veggies cookbook, than this one is for you!

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