Phoenix Rising: No-Eyes' Vision of the Changes to Come

Customer Reviews:

I like this less than others do.......2006-01-21

Given all the glowing reviews prior to mine, I feel compelled to offer an alternative viewpoint.

I find Mary Summer Rain's writing style very annoying and thus difficult to read. I find her relationship with No-Eyes irritating and extremely distracting from the message of the book.

Of course, perhaps I am overlooking the whole point. Maybe it is her interaction with her teacher that is the point of the book and teachings about end-times are just incidental.

I am at only at page 100 and have had a hard time reading more than a few pages at a time (and I haven't yet discovered anything about the future other than it is going to be bad). Now that I read in a review below that there is a list at the end of the book, I plan to skip straight to that and spare myself the misery of reading everything to that point.

Obviously others have liked it very much, but it is definitely not something I will read over and over (in fact, I won't finish it). Nor will I recommend it to others.

I suggest you find a copy of one of Ms. Summer Rain's books at the library. Check it out. If her style of writing fascinates rather than disturbs you, then by all means read this and her other books. If, like me, you cannot stand her style, then you have saved yourself the cost of the book.

Mixed Emotions.......2005-11-25

I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this, the second book in the "No-Eyes'" series. I had been blown away by the first book "Spirit Song", and wondered if the same would be true of this one.

First, I must say that Mary's writing style really appeals to me - she has the ability to draw the reader into her experiences, with descriptions that allow you to vicariously hear/see/smell/touch whatever she is talking about at the time - it's an amazing journey, to say the least!

In "Phoenix Rising", Mary brings to light her lessons re: No-Eyes' vision concerning our future - the future of the earth, and everyone who resides here. This future appears quite grim, at least at first, until the "cleansing" is complete, and a new way of living - a decidedly more positive way of living - comes into being.

Many horrible events are prophesied - ones that would make anyone shudder - and it's these events that are to be used as a warning that additional horrors are on the way. Many specific examples re: these events are given, and I couldn't help but notice that some things on this list have either already occurred, or are occurring as I write this - although only a few...

My first reaction as I began reading this book was fear. But as I continued, my belief that we can still turn things around came to my mind. I do realize that there is currently much negativity in our world, but I do see things changing (albeit slowly) - I see more & more people interested in changing their thoughts from negative ones to more positive ones.

To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure how I feel about the idea of the "end of the world" - or at least the end of the world as we know it. I've tended to be put-off by doomsday prophesies - as there have been so many that never came to pass, and many people who have taken extreme actions in an effort to protect themselves from things that just don't wind up happening.

Having said that, I don't believe that this book is a fabrication - I tend to think that it does reflect what No Eyes
saw. But maybe this is just one possible future - dependent on too many variables for us to number...

I gave this book 4 starts instead of 5 mainly because of what was said in the last chapter - as I found this part quite judgmental. In it Mary states that no one should put a price on helping others - she uses the fact that people charge for seminars and the like that are really meant to help people grow spiritually. While I agree that there are some outrageous price tags out there for this "enlightenment", there are many people who still charge "affordable rates". The fact is that many people who offer this guidance do so for a living - they need to be compensated so that they can live - and to say that they are wrong for doing so just doesn't sit well with me; espeically since I'm sure this author is making money from the selling of these books - and there's nothing wrong with that, she needs to have money to survive - but as such, it's quite judgmental to say that no one else should earn their living by helping others...

I agree that no one should be turned away who needs comfort and guidance, and that's why many of us in the "helping professions" use such means as bartering, or sliding scales to ensure that all who are in need are helped. But to say that they should not be compensated for what they do puts a sour taste in my mouth.

Overall, this book has much to offer by way of making the reader think about their lives & how they are choosing to live it, the state of affairs on our planet, what may occur to our earth (and us), as well as what role we are allowing our government to play in our lives. As such, I would highly recommend it to those who are interested in books re: spirituality & our planet earth.

A Look At Things To Come.......2005-09-29

It is scary to imagine how this book ties into the events happening in our world today. This book will make you stop and think about the way our world is changing and the predictions of coming events.

well, that was different.......2005-09-15

i just finished reading "phoenix rising" and all i can say is alrighty then. definitely not what i expected from a mary summer rain book, but most assuredly an interesting read. it truly was an eyeopener as to what some of the recent world events mean and how to "survive" them. if you like mary summer rain or are interested in finding/following your true path in life - then read this book; you'll find out how.

Be Prepared To Be Shocked... and Inspired!.......2003-02-25

... WOW! ... If, after having read this book, you do NOT seriously reconsider WHERE you are living in relation to the surrounding circumstances of your immediate environment, if you do NOT reconsider the WAY you have been relating to that environment as well as to your fellow human beings and all of the other creatures who share that environment with you, and if you do NOT reconsider your goals and means to those goals as far as whether they are in HARMONY with both Nature as well as Spiritual Laws, then - if what this book prophesizes is true - you may be in BIG TROUBLE in the coming years ahead. ... This is no joke!

... This book picks up where SPIRIT SONG left off. It fills in more detail into the teleological understanding of End-Times prophecies from the Native American perspective of No-Eyes - the wise, old, blind teacher of Mary Summer Rain. If you liked SPIRIT SONG, you are going to LOVE this second book in the series, Phoenix Rising. It leaves no stone uncovered.

... Mary Summer Rain writes, on page 48: "As we listened to the nonstop chatter of the scampering squirrels, each of us was lost in our private musings. I wondered at the great number of unaware people I saw around me every day. Didn't they realize that there were great things in the offing? I saw no physical evidence of preparation, physical or spiritual. Oh, I knew of separate groups of mountain folks who believed and were taking every opportunity to physically prepare for the bleak future, but, on the whole, everyone appeared to be obsessed with worry over the most trivial matters. I found this incredibly difficult to accept. The general unawareness of the masses made them look like mindless robots living out their individual lives with blinders on. I thought about the times when I'd overheard people idly comment on the strange occurrences of this or that, yet nobody was ever aware enough to connect the strange occurrences together. Nobody bothered to fit the puzzle pieces of the signs together. Nobody was aware enough to see the entire picture for what it represented."

... Funny, how blind prophets - Native American or otherwise - seem to have more insightful vision than people with normal sight do! We can thank No-Eyes for sharing her visions and wisdom with Mary Summer Rain, and we can thank Mary Summer Rain for sharing them all with us. She has presented us with all of the connected pieces of the entire picture of the prophetic puzzle! Whether your eschatological beliefs are pre-Millennial or post-Millennial, embrace the faith in a Rapture, or even simply cling to the stand that you will one day die, be judged, and hopefully go to a place called Heaven, it doesn't matter - ALL of these prophecies may take place and come true BEFORE any of those final, Biblical, tribulation time events of the Apocalypse ever take place. If this is, indeed, the truth, then Mary Summer Rain has done us all a great service - and we are very grateful to her, and thank her with all our hearts. ... YOWZA! - The Aeolian Kid

Average customer rating:

Warm, compassionate guidance

a sudden loss is not the end

a very helpful book

A valuable guide

POWERFUL and informative

The Phoenix Phenomenon: Rising from the Ashes of Grief
J. Jozefowski
Manufacturer: ARONSON, JASON
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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How To Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies

ASIN: 0765702096

Book Description

A well-written and valuable resource for both grievers and the mental health professionals who help them, this book provides hope for transformational grief and the tools to forge that outcome.

Customer Reviews:

Warm, compassionate guidance.......2004-10-15

This book is like feeling the steady hand of a warm, compassionate friend who will walk with you through every step-all the way from surviving the agony of your loss, helping you cope, recover, be resilient, and eventually find positive new meaning and purpose in your life. Is especially valuable for families and close friends of victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack, and those who have lost loved ones in the military.

a sudden loss is not the end.......2000-11-14

This layperson's textbook provides a structure from which a person can understand and evolve from loss in life's journey. The various stages of grief, as described by Dr. Jozefowski, can be traveled to and from. This process is validated within the pages, allowing the griever to realize that others have discovered similar reactions.

Having experienced a sudden traumatic loss of the central person of my life, my mother, only three years ago, the reading of this book greatly relieved my anxiety and angst. Knowing that others have been there, and how they reacted, helped to structure my own healing.

Thank you, Dr. Jozefowski, for providing help and reassurance in my greatest time of need and loss.

a very helpful book.......2000-05-26

My husband and I were given this book by the counselor we have seen since our daughter died. We both found it helpful. I do have to admit that I struggled with chapter 1 and was a bit lost for awhile. If you find yourself in the same predicament, continue reading and it becomes much clearer by chapter 2. Highly recommended for its advice on how to make some sense out of a tragedy.

A valuable guide.......1999-09-27

This book gave me new insights into death issues I've been dealing with for the past few years.

I highly recommend it.

POWERFUL and informative.......1999-09-19

Quite possibly THE only book that deals with the survivors of grief and how they honor their loved ones with their lives. Written for both the grievers and therapist who work with them, this book adds more to the subject of loss, grief and healing than any other. I am a bereaved father who also lost my father and brother - this has been the only book that has come anywhere close to helping me understand what not only I, but other survivors go through. Thank God someone finally made it OKAY for us to lose a loved one and go on living ourselves! I highly recommend it to anyone who has lost a loved one. It should be manadatory reading for all mental health workers.

Average customer rating:

Stranger than reality.
Avoid this book if you have anything important which needs to be done!
Three stars due to the audacious plot idea
Enjoyed the Concept
Heavy-handed and dull

Rising Phoenix
Kyle Mills
Manufacturer: First Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0061012491
Release Date: 1998-06-03

Book Description

Special Agent Mark Beamon is a maverick. His open disdain for the FBI's rules--and Directors--has exiled him to a no-profile post in the boondocks.

But when a shadowy right-wing group starts flooding America's emergency rooms with dead and dying, Beamon is summoned back to Washington. Teamed with an icily efficient female field agent, he is given the thankless task of stopping the slaughter--even though millions of Americans secretly approve of it!

As the body count rises, Beamon realizes there is something eerily familiar about his adversary, reminding him of the coldest killer he ever encountered--not a criminal but a law enforcement colleague. And for the first time, he wonders why he was chosen for this assignment.

Was it his expertise--or his expendability?

"An explosive thriller that launches a new genius for taut, compulsive adventure writing...."
- Tom Clancy
"In the world of political thrillers, I have the feeling that young Kyle Mills will soon be a very big player."
- Frederick Forsythe
"A phenomenal concept....Fascinating....Good conspiracy theory, absolutely!"
- Rush Limbaugh
"Absorbing..A fine thriller with memorable characters and enough twists to keep readers turning pages....Mills is definitely someone to watch."
- Publishers Weekly
"Writing in the Tom Clancy tradition, Kyle Mills has produced a power-packed drama about the men and women who battle the bad guys to protect us all."
- William H. Webster, former director of the FBI and CIA
"[An] exceptionally accomplished debut thriller.A chillingly effective and suspenseful tale, complete with the moral ambiguities and guilty pleasures of such vigilante dreams as Death Wish."
- Kirkus Reviews
"Rising Phoenix is gripping, authentic, and as frightening as a gunshot in the night."
- W.E.B. Griffin
"A seductive action novel....Here's one slick page turner that makes readers think."
- San Francisco Chronicle

Customer Reviews:

Stranger than reality........2007-04-05

Reality #1: over the past 20 years, there have been at least 3 outbreaks of poisonings related to contamination of street drugs. In none of the outbreaks could a "reason' for the substitution or addition of one drug be determined. Additionally, the perpetrator or perpetrators have never been caught.
Reality #2: "unintentional" deaths from drug abuse outnumber deaths from homicides
Reality #3: drug abuse crossess all economic and demographic boundaries

Along comes Kyle Mills to put a new spin on reality with his gripping novel of intrigue and science. Could his fiction really be reality? When a rogue DEA agent and a frustrated, do good, clergyman join forces and poison the street drug stream, chaos is produced when dead drug abusers start piling up in hospitals throughout the world. Guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Avoid this book if you have anything important which needs to be done!.......2007-02-19

Annually my Christmas gift to friends is the best book I have read during the previous year. Kyle Mills' first published work was my choice during an earlier year, and I would encourage anyone who enjoys a thrilling almost real-life scenario to add Rising Phoenix to your list of books to read. However, I will give you the same warning I voice to whomever I share this book with: Do not begin reading if you have anything important which needs to be done, as I can assure you that once you complete the first chapter, whatever you deem important will have to wait.

Three stars due to the audacious plot idea.......2006-11-03

Well..how to begin. I think that this book had an excellent and relatively innovative idea to wrap a story around. Poison the drug supply and what happense to the US and Columbia..neat concept! It's in the execution of the story that things start to fall apart for me. As an example (and I freely admit that his editor should probably be flogged for this as well) the author described Houston as a desert. The rugged terrain, the exposed rock etc etc during a car chase that seemed to have no real connection to the story other than to show Mark's character. While the character development was nice, it is a bit of a problem as Houston was built in a swamp. To find anything that resembles desert is a several HOURS drive to the west. All the scene needed was some tumbleweed rolling through to complete the illusion of the old west..well, some tumbleweed and the ability to move the location a few hundred miles west. It's that sort of jarring detail that makes me question the remainder of the story and it was that scene that in fact started me down the road to losing interest....A nice if somewhat underperforming start to what I hope is a good career..

Enjoyed the Concept.......2006-08-06

I really enjoyed the concepts and ideas in this book. I'm not going to write a plot summary because Amazon and other reviewers have already did that. But the concept that someone could poison cocaine and heroin at the production stage to get people to quit using is interesting. I really enjoyed the character development. I'm looking forward to reading Storming Heaven next to see what Mark Beamon gets himself into next.

Heavy-handed and dull.......2005-10-09

Take a maverick FBI agent mired in the bureaucracy of law enforcement, (with the predictable pinhead director), a self-righteous preacher, strangely competent bad guys and a pseudo-moralistic plot, and one might be forgiven in thinking that, "I've read all this before.". Well, you have ... in better books. One doesn't feel led through this story as much as shoved from behind with the author's hand on your collar with no subtlety or tension. After being sledge-hammered with character development, (all that is missing are white and black hats), the plot takes much too long to develop. Testimonials on the cover aside, (from Clancy, Griffin and Forsyth no less), this one didn't work for me.

Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy: A Bridge from Body to Soul

Average customer rating:

Honest and Deep Approach To Yoga
Reviewed for Yoga Journal by Richard Miller, Ph.D
Personal yoga stories, and wonderful awareness exercises

Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy: A Bridge from Body to Soul
Michael Lee
Manufacturer: Health Communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:

Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

ASIN: 1558745130

Book Description

In the 1980s, author Michael Lee gained great insight and awareness about himself and life while doing yoga. He sensed that his body was a port of entry to a deeper level of awareness and realized that yoga transformed him mentally and spiritually as well as physically. Wanting to help others gain from his experiences, he founded the Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy program. Named after the mythical bird that burns itself on the funeral pyre and rises from the ashes transformed, the program is a powerful mind/body system of interwoven postures and non-directive theraphy that has helped thousands of people achieve inner peace and fulfillment. In this fascinating book based on Lee's internationally acclaimed program, you will find an essential guide to achieving spiritual balance and living in the present moment. Through exercises and meditations, you will learn how to recognize and then release the body-stored memories, fears and traumas that trap you in the past. You will discover how to embrace your daily joys and fears to live your life to the fullest and findy your own true self. Like the phoenix, you will rise from the ashes harmonized in body, mind and spirit.

Customer Reviews:

Honest and Deep Approach To Yoga.......2003-12-19

I just finished reading this book and found it to be very worthwhile! I would almost say it's a must read for serious students of yoga who want to go "beyond the postures".

It approaches yoga practice as a gateway to the internal, as a way of making a deeper connection with oneself and discovering themselves through the practice of yoga. This isn't a book on asana (postures) so if you are looking for that this book is not what you need, rather look into books such as Erich Shiffman's "Yoga The Spirit And Practice Of Moving Into Stillness" , Donna Farhi "Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit: A Return to Wholeness" which are both excellent books on learning Asana as well as the deeper aspects as well.

The author writes with openness about his own experiences, and does not try to come across as all wise and knowing, but rather someone who himself is very much "in process".

I highly recommend this as a book for those who are looking to take their practice of yoga beyond the physical.

Another book I would highly recommend is Stephen Cope's "Yoga and The Quest For The True Self" which also is focused on the internal aspects of yoga. This book actually goes (in my opinion) even deeper than the Phoenix Rising book in terms of covering the psychological aspects in a much more in depth way and it's just a wonderful companion to have to help you deepen your practice.

Also, check out "Bringing Yoga to Life : The Everyday Practice of Enlightened Living" by Donna Farhi which is also a book on the internal and life changing practices of yoga.

Still, that is to take nothing away from "Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy" which is definitely a book I would highly recommend to those looking to go further on their path.

Reviewed for Yoga Journal by Richard Miller, Ph.D.......2002-07-15

The best course I attended while earning my Ph.D. in psychology was "Theories of Personality." The professor brought the theories to life by describing the lives of each theorist - including people like Freud, Jung, and Maslow. She underscored how all theories grow out of an individual's life experience.

Michael Lee wrote his book on Phoenix Rising yoga Therapy (PRYT) from this perspective. We get to know Michael and his life first. As he describes his own psycho-spiritual journey, we tangibly feel how his approach to training teachers grew organically out of her personal life experiences. And as Michael tell his story, I see that he is also telling my story. It is not just about his journey in life and Yoga, it is also about my journey. This is also the story of how the PRYT training came to be, and thus if you are thinking of taking this training or are interest in following the story of a well-known Western yogi, I can recommend this unpretentious book.

I like that Michael acknowledges early on that each one of us is unique. We each follow a singular path to freedom, and we hold within ourselves the answers that guide us on our path. In turn, true teachers don't tell us what to do. They support us as we discover our own understanding. They help us accept ourselves as we are, so that we may listen deeply and uncover our own voice and song. Phoenix Rising, as envisioned by Michael, supports these views. It supports the therapist as guide, not as "one-who-knows-all."

Michael constantly reminds us that we need to keep out of our own way and the way of the student. Our mind is quick to give advice, but this instills an attitude that the therapist knows what is best for the client. Michael advises us to keep quiet and allow the client to come to his or her own knowing. While simple, this is perhaps the single most powerful message in the book - the attitude of listening, staying out of the way, witnessing, and being inwardly still, while at the same time being an actively engaged loving presence.

In Michael's words, "The more invisible and unobtrusive I am, the more clients feel they have permission to surrender to their body's innate wisdom. The process [of PRYT] unfolds naturally, guided by their inner being as I simply provide a space of acceptance and love, affirming all aspects of each person as the work of the Divine within."

At its core, PRYT is a practice that promotes transformation by drawing on the unique wisdom of the body. And as Michael affirms, "For empowerment and transformation to occur, the process must honor the spirit and stay out of its way. When this happens, Yoga is therapy."

Michael once told me that he was not trying to create a be-all-end-all training for Yoga teachers and therapists. He was interested in concentrating on a particular psycho-spiritual approach utilizing body and breath to enable students to get in touch with their core beliefs and emotions. Through PRYT he wanted to dig one well deeply, in one place. I'd say; he's struck a clear spring for refreshing water.

(Richard Miller, Ph.D.)

Personal yoga stories, and wonderful awareness exercises.......1998-07-24

This is an excellent book for those of us who would like toread what yoga can do in one's personal life. The author explainssituations in his life and how his studies of yoga effected them. He also give really GREAT awareness exercises to try at the end of each chapter. Anyone, yogi or not, would benefit from these thoughtful exercises.

Average customer rating:

Terrible Resurrection
Jean Grey returns from the dead!
Phoenix's First Resurrection
Essential
A few things missing, but still good.

X-Men: Phoenix Rising TPB
Roger Stern
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0785107118

Customer Reviews:

Terrible Resurrection.......2006-03-25

The death of Jean/Phoenix on the moon in UXM # 137 was one of the most emotional moments in the history of the X-men. It was a great story and a lovely conclusion. As one of my favorite characters, I'd still have preferred to have a proper burial for Jean and the emotional story intact rather then digging her up and putting her in X-factor for the sake of making a splash. It also establishes the first hideous convolutions of the Phoenix story, establishing that Jean Grey actually merged with a cosmic entity on the shuttle while leaving her old body behind in a coccoon in the Hudson. This is the beginning of the many complications of the Phoenix concept, once extremely elegant.

Thankfully they have moved towards a cleaner and simpler explanation in recent years with Grant Morrison's [i]New X-men[/i] and Greg Pak's [i]Phoenix: Endsong[/i].

Jean Grey returns from the dead!.......2004-08-26

X-Men : Phoenix Rising ressurects one of the most important characters in the Marvel Universe, Jean Grey! the book features the Avengers,Fantastic Four, and X-Factor.the graphic novel features art by John Buscema, John Byrne, and Jackson Guice. the story was written by Rogern Stern, John Byrne, and Bob Layton. the book tells you the explanation on how Jean Grey was ressurected and how she formed X-Factor with the Original X-Men! Jean Grey is my favorite character in the Uncanny X-Men, X-Men, and X-Factor comics. The introduction is written by Kurt Busiek, he was the writer responsible for Jean Grey's return to the Marvel Universe! Highest Possible Reconmmendation!

Phoenix's First Resurrection.......2004-03-02

To many, this is the story that ruined the X-Men. That is understandable. To many, the classic death of Jean Grey/Phoenix on the moon at the end of the "Dark Phoenix Saga" is not something to be tampered with. Therefore, when Marvel decided to resurrect Jean for the formation of X-Factor in the mid-1980s, many felt cheated. They felt that this story cheapened the original "death". For me, I'm glad that Jean is alive again (although she's dead again in the recent Grant Morrison X-Men run, I was told!). I felt that this story opened up so many story possibilities - especially the emotional tug-of-war that Cyclops, then married to Jean-lookalike, Madelyne Pryor, had to face.

The problem with many comic fans is that they can't seem to see beyond the "scandal" or "controversy". For example, the Batman story, "A Death in the Family". Everytime you hear fans discussing that storyline, they have to bring in the controversial decision that D.C. made at that time to set up a 1-800 number for people to call in voting whether to let Robin live or die. Seeing beyond that little piece of marketing ploy, the story by Jim Starlin and Jim Aparo is pretty tight and solid. Same thing here. Jean Grey lives. The Phoenix entity that died on the moon was a different person altogether (therefore, Jean is not guilty of the crimes committed by Dark Phoenix). If the fans would just take time to examine the story carefully, they would find this a solid book to begin with.

Firstly, we have the issue from Avengers wherein the cocoon holding Jean underwater is found. The fans also screamed when they discovered this - Jean's resurrection taking place in "Avengers" rather than "Uncanny X-Men". But then that was the time when Jim Shooter was head at Marvel and continuity BETWEEN the books was very tight (unlike the current no-continuity nu-Marvel). I, for one, do not see a problem with that. And I'm thankful to see again the work of Roger Stern, John Buscema and Tom Palmer, whom I consider the best Avengers creators ever (check out their work on "Avengers: Under Siege" to see what I mean). The second part of the storyline takes place in "Fantastic Four" and it's largely written and drawn by John Byrne. Great flashback scenes here explain in detail what really happened to Jean and Phoenix in "X-Men #101". I was told that Chris Claremont tampered a little with this story and some panels were redrawn by Jackson Guice. This, of course, contributed to Byrne's finally leaving the FF soon after. The best part of the book, and also the part that packs the most emotional punch is the last chapter - a reprint of X-Factor #1. Bob Layton writes and Jackson Guice pencils this tale of how Jean's closest pals/lovers, namely, the original X-Men, react to her being alive again.

Reading this carefully, one can see the seeds being planted for future storylines in the X-books like "Inferno" and "X-cutioner's Song". Scott is pushed to the limit emotionally and ends up a wreck, abandoning his wife Madelyne and son, Nathan. The original five X-Men, including Jean, forms X-Factor. The last panel with Madelyne discovering Scott's "unfaithfulness" on TV (in an X-Factor ad) is priceless.

Lastly, this book comes with an Introduction by Kurt Busiek, who had the guts to claim credit for coming up with the idea of Jean's resurrection in the first place. Overall solid writing and art throughout. Long live Jean...

Essential.......2003-09-04

The entire Phoenix Saga is by far the most compelling story line in Marvel's history. This graphic novel is unfortunately missing several issues that follow the supposed death of Jean Grey (which would leave some newbie readers a little lost). It also does not end with any sense of closure as "The Dark Phoenix Saga" and "Inferno" graphic novels did.

There isn't a lot of action here as you would find with most other X-Men graphic novels. However, this is an important link in the chain of Phoenix-related events. The development of the characters and the twisting of the plot is unmatched. No true fan can deny that this paricular era of Marvel's history was the finest in comic story-telling. The art is superb and the depth of the characters is what REALLY makes this worth reading.

Discover the complexity of Jean's revival. Watch the unravelling of Scott and Madelyn's marriage. See the forming of a new superhero team. Witness a woman's descent into madness... "Phoenix Rising" is an essential part of any worth-while collection.

A few things missing, but still good........2003-08-18

Short and to the point, this novel depicts the return of Jean Grey and the creation of X-Factor by the original X-Men. It is a very well done story, but it was definitely missing a few cogs. It should have included X-Men #201, which depicts why Cyclops left the X-men. A few segments from Defenders #152, which show why Angel, Beast, and Iceman were ready to retire would have been a huge plus. (Not the entire issue, however, as most of the comic was not that good.) Still, a nice job.

Average customer rating:

Beautifully written!
A GREAT BOOK!!!
Erin's Book Review
Mikey's book review on the best book ever!
Adam's Review on the Best Book Ever!

Phoenix Rising
Karen Hesse
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0140376283

Book Description

Nyle's life with her grandmother on their Vermont sheep farm advances rhythmically through the seasons until the night of the accident at the Cookshire nuclear power plant. Without warning, Nyle's modest world fills with protective masks, evacuations, contaminated food, disruptions, and mistrust.Nyle adjusts to the changes. As long as the fallout continues blowing to the East, Nyle, Gran, and the farm can go on. But into this uncertain haven stumble Ezra Trent and his mother, "refugees" from the heart of the accident, who take temporary shelter in the back bedroom of Nyle's house.The back bedroom is the dying room: It took her mother when Nyle was six; it stole away her grandfather just two years ago. Now Ezra is back there and Nyle doesn't want to open her heart to him. Too many times she's let people in, only to have them desert her.Karen Hesse's voice and vision are grounded in truth; she takes on a nearly unharnessable subject, contains it, and makes it resonate with honesty. Part love story, part coming of age, this is a tour de force by a gifted writer.

Customer Reviews:

Beautifully written!.......2007-04-15

Phoenix Rising is a beautifully written book that kids from grades 4-9 would enjoy. I loved the descriptions of the changing of the seasons in New England, where the story takes place. I also liked to see how the main character, Nyle, changed from the fall to the spring. This book is sad at times, and really makes you think about the consequences of nuclear power.

A GREAT BOOK!!!.......2007-03-28

I READ THIS BOOK A FEW MONTHS AGO...I SIMPLY COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. I LOVED IT SO MUCH I WANTED A CLASS SET FOR MY 5TH GRADERS. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS BOOK IS OUT OF PRINT SO I WAS UNABLE TO PURCHASE A NEW SET. HOWEVER, I WAS BOUND AND DETERMINED TO HAVE MY KIDS READ IT. SO, BETWEEN AMAZON AND EBAY I PURCHASED 25 USED COPIES. MY STUDENTS LOVED IT SO MUCH, MOST OF THEM READ AHEAD AND FINISHED IT EARLY. THIS IS MUST FOR ALL STUDENTS TO READ. IT IS AN EASY READ SO I WOULD EVEN VENTURE TO SAY THAT CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS FOURTH GRADE COULD READ THIS.

Erin's Book Review.......2007-02-27

In school we read a brilliant book as a group, Phoenix Rising (by Karen Hesse). If you are looking for something interesting to read, Phoenix Rising is a good book for pretty much anyone. It is a book on the subject of problems, regarding loss.

The history of the family is very unfortunate. Just before the book started there was a radioactive explosion at a nuclear power plant. The main character, Nyle and her grandma live on a farm near Cookshire, Vermont. Nyle's dad left when she was very young. Her father left Nyle with her grandparents when her mother was very sick because he did not want to see Nyle's mother die. Her mother died years before the explosion as well as her grandfather; they both died in the back bedroom. Nyle saw it as the dying room. Then Ezra and his mother, two evacuees, came to stay in the back bedroom.

The events of the story are very dramatic. There was a radioactive explosion. Suddenly there were protective masks, contaminated food and evacuations. I think it would make it very hard to try to live a peaceful life again after something like that.

The main troubles the family had were: One, Nyle was afraid to care or love anyone again. Two, sometime Nyle will have to face telling her best friend, Muncie about Ezra. Muncie and her family live on Nyle's grandmother's property. She was afraid if she told Muncie about Ezra staying with her, Muncie would freak out and move off their property, and then Nyle would not have a friend. Three, it is hard to deal with everything, and it is hard to face the truth that anything could happen to Ezra.

The thoughts and opinions I had for this book were focused on the author and the book as it unraveled. When I first read the book it seemed stupid. I wanted to tell my teacher it was a lousy book and the worst book that was ever written, but I read it anyway. I kept reading and it was the one of the greatest books I ever read. That was because I could relate - I have lost people in my life. But, the only question I had for Karen Hesse was, "What was her point? What was the moral of the book? What was she trying to tell us?" I don't have an answer, but I know there was a point and everyone sees it from a different point of view. And this book made me feel that I am not the only one that has lost important people.

Even though it was a story, people can still relate to it. I thought the beginning was slow to start, but once I got into it I wanted to read more. I saw Nyle as the main character and as the Phoenix. Ezra could have been the Phoenix because he helped Nyle change how she felt about people. I think people should recognize that if you don't like a book you could abandon it or keep reading because you should never read a book you dislike.

Nyle reminded me of myself because it is difficult for me to change like her. I can't seem to come to a conclusion. But my loss helped me understand feelings that the characters had. I would definitely recommend this book. I would recommend this book to children around 10 and 12, as well as people just looking for an interesting book.

Mikey's book review on the best book ever!.......2007-01-23

Phoenix Rising is about a farm girl named Nyle. Nyle's best friend, Muncie, is (to everyone but Nyle) a mutant. Muncie is very small, but has twice the strength of Nyle. There was an explosion at a nuclear power plant and everyone needs to wear radiation masks. Ezra is the son of the boss of the power plant in Cookshire (southern Vermont).

Nyle and her grandmother decide to house two of the evacuees. Ezra's mother is named Mrs. Trent. Ezra's father died in the accident (he ran in and got other people out because Ezra told him it was his fault and he also kept absorbing more and more radiation when finally his skin was all bubbly and black, he died in the hospital bed). Ezra is 15 and Nyle is 13 years old.

Nyle feels she has to hide Ezra from Muncie because Muncie's family is afraid they will get sick if they are around people who have the radiation sickness. Muncie's family is also very careful with their decisions. Muncie is always thinking of the perfect thing to say. Later in the book Nyle and Muncie go to Manchester and see a replay of the accident on the news and Nyle realizes why Ezra is so afraid of the outside world.

I liked this book because it had some sad parts in it and it had a scenario of a nuclear explosion. It's also what would happen if there was a nuclear explosion at a power plant.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes books with many conflicts. The conflicts had an impact on the book by connecting things together and making you realize that everything happens for a reason. No events in this book just happen then fade away. I also recommend this book to anyone who likes stories that could be real but aren't, because when I was reading this book I kept wondering if the story was real... but it wasn't.

The characters had a personality. Ezra's personality was kind and gentle. He was also rich but after the accident he realized there are other people that aren't rich but can still have a happy life. Nyle's was a simple farm girl that liked the outdoors. Muncie's personality was a kind caring person that cared about other people and if they were different she tried to make friends with them. I like books like that because it keeps the story alive. I loved this book and I hope you will too! On a scale of 1 to 100 I give this book a 100!

Adam's Review on the Best Book Ever!.......2007-01-23

Phoenix Rising by Karen Hesse is the best book I've ever read! I think it teaches you about loss and that there's always someone out there for you. It takes place in Vermont. It's about two thirteen-year-old farm girls named Nyle and Muncie and a fifteen-year old radiation-sick boy named Ezra. Nyle and Muncie are best friends. Muncie's family is very afraid of radiation and people that are sick from it. They also live on Nyle's Grandma's Property.

Ezra lived in Cookshire. When he lived there, his father owned the nuclear power plant. When the power plant blew up, Ezra's father went in to get other people out and ended up dying. Ezra got sick from radiation and Nyle and her grandmother allowed him and his mother stay there. Nyle lived with her grandmother. Many years ago, her father left and her mother and grandfather died.

When Ezra came to stay, Nyle stays home to help him. When Nyle stops going to Muncie's house and stays home with Ezra, their friendship starts breaking. When Muncie finds out about Ezra, Nyle and Muncie's friendship ended for a while. But when Nyle and Ezra needed help, Muncie didn't hesitate. I think that it was smart that Nyle didn't tell Muncie about Ezra because if Nyle told Muncie, Muncie's family would move away and Nyle would never see her again, but if Nyle and Muncie drifted apart, after Ezra left they could try to be friends again. I think that the morning after Muncie found out about Ezra, Muncie was overreacting about why Nyle didn't tell her about it. Earlier in the book Muncie said the evacuees were mutants, and when Muncie found out about Ezra, she said that Nyle should have told her. However, Nyle was telling Muncie that she would have freaked out if Nyle had told her.

I liked the part when Muncie said that everyone is dying because it made sense, no matter how young you are, you're still slowly dying. I think something the author could have done better would be to take out the part where it said that Mrs. Trent was getting sick from radiation because the author never said anything else about it. On a scale of one to ten, I rate this book a twelve! I hope you take my advice and READ THIS BOOK!

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Fabulously Imaginitive & Sexy Anthology

Phoenix Rising I
Morgana de Winter , Marie Harte , Michelle M. Pillow , Sherrill Quinn , and Alicia Sparks
Manufacturer: New Concepts Publishing
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ASIN: 1586088815

Book Description

Nightshade by Morgana de Winter (Fantasy Romance): Which one's the real beast? The abusive husband who tried to kill her? Or the gargoyle, Nightshade, who not only saved her life, but taught her something she had never known...passion? Deception's Calling by Marie Harte (Paranormal Romance): In the Specter Squad, Lt. Drake Nichols is referred to as Lt. Hotbod. Newbie Det. Summer Michaels knows the 'boss' is off limits but she can't seem to get the man out of her mind. Arrested Desires by Michelle M. Pillow (Futuristic Romance): Evicted from her home on Baida Prime without a credit to her name by her soon to be ex-husband, Juliana Harrison has little choice but to take the deliciously handsome Officer Maverick Perkins up on his offer... The Wolf of Cnoc Meadha by Sherrill Quinn (Paranormal Romance): Queen Una of the Daoine Sidhe is playing at a little matchmaking for her son Connor, the Faolchú Cnoc Meadha--The Wolf of Cnoc Meadha. Morpheus by Alicia Sparks (Paranormal Romance): Anna took the job writing for the magazine Metal Alloy to be closer to Grey, the lead singer for the band Morpheus. Now he has invaded her dreams. Rating: Contains graphic violence, explicit sex, adult content and language. Some stories include oral and anal sex, and bdsm.

Customer Reviews:

Fabulously Imaginitive & Sexy Anthology.......2006-12-19

Nightshade by Morgana de Winter

Bronwyn's husband, William Smythson, Lord of Raventhorne keep, is about to throw Bronwyn to her death from the castle ramparts.

Nightshade, the keep's one-time owner, crouches atop the castle's entrance as a gargoyle. Now, he is cursed by the sorcerer who stole everything from him to guard the keep for the usurper's heirs. Only at night does he become flesh and bone rather than stone. And on this night, he saves Bronwyn's life-but has he forever damned himself in the process?

Morgana de Winter has created a spectacularly sensual and heart-tugging tale with gothic overtones and an unusually enthralling ambiance that will capture the reader's mind and emotions effortlessly, and have you looking to add her name to your list of `must-haves'. Highly recommended.

Deception's Calling by Marie Hart

Detective Summer Amora Michaels and Lieutenant Drake Nichols work on the same team of elite paranormal cops, and though they are both attracted to one another, Drake doesn't get involved with coworkers. But he's about to hit a problem he didn't count on: Summer is a sexual demon, a succubus, and as the two are thrown together, their chemistry ignites in a passion neither can deny-and Drake can't remember afterward.

This rollickingly good and sexy story by Hart has cops, robbers, busts and bedroom scenes that will have the smoke coming out your ears long after the story's over. Highly recommended.

Arrested Desires by Michelle Pillow

Juliana Harrison has just been thrown out of her own house by her soon-to-be very ex-husband, the rat lawyer she helped put through law school and who has now found a 20-something bimbette to replace her. But, if you have to be evicted, what better way to go than escorted by a hunky cop named Maverick Perkins, who offers to let you stay at his place gratis `til you get on your feet?

Michelle Pillow writes with her usual spunky style the story of a woman scorned, then reborn who meets the man of her dreams on the rebound.

The Wolf of Cnoc Meadha by Sherrill Quinn

Mackenzie Macallum is a dog-well, she used to be before the Queen of the Fae turned her into a human in a fit of pique at her husband. Prince Connor mac Finnbheara still IS a dog-the three days of the month surrounding the full moon. He was cursed by an old crone of the enemies of his own people, the Fae, to be a werewolf on those days-and to attack any of his people around him. He's been sent to check on Mackenzie, and see that she's doing well-never suspecting they'd fall in love. And now it's almost the time of the full moon, and they aren't entirely sure-is Mackenzie fully human, or just a little bit Fae?

A funny and quirky story by an imaginative and fresh author, with plenty of sexual tension and amusing characters and situations to keep the reader enthralled. Recommended.

Morpheus by Alicia Sparks

Anna feels herself inexplicably drawn to the rock star the world knows only as Grey, after hearing him play the piano in the lobby of a Memphis hotel late one night. Grey claims he is a god who needs her to help restore him to his kingdom and his powers-the god of slumber. But is he? Or are they both going crazy?

One of the best stories I have read in a long time, this author has managed to capture the state of the dreamer in this sensuously riveting tale of obsession and a love that transcends consciousness itself. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lee M

Copyright © 2006 CK2S Kwips and Kritiques. All rights reserved.

Haiti, Rising Flames from Burning Ashes: Haiti the Phoenix

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A fascinating book and easy to read
A Passionate Portrait of Haiti
Pierre Scores A Big One
Review of Hyppolite Pierre, Haiti: Rising Flames from Burning Ashes

Haiti, Rising Flames from Burning Ashes: Haiti the Phoenix
Hyppolite Pierre
Manufacturer: University Press of America
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ASIN: 0761833692

Book Description

Haiti, Rising Flames from Burning Ashes is a brutally honest and precise historical analysis of Haiti and a discussion of how the political system can be reformed to promote democracy, a vibrant economy, and cultural integration. In contrast to traditional theory, Haiti, Rising Flames from Burning Ashes explores the distribution of powers rather than the separation of powers as a solution to Haiti's political and cultural chaos.

Customer Reviews:

A fascinating book and easy to read.......2006-09-13

In February 2004 Haiti lived its 33rd bloody coup d'etat in 200 years and
its second one in less than 15 years. Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the
constitutionally elected president was overthrown on February 29, 2004 by a
band of paramilitary thugs carrying US made M16 and supported by the United
Sates, France, Canada and the Haitian opposition. He was replaced by a
brutal puppet regime, led by a prime minister nominated by a council of
notables. The regime held on until June 2006, during which thousands of
Haitians were killed and hundreds opponents were jailed without receiving
any judgment.

Haiti is among the poorest and less politically stable countries of the
Western Hemisphere, ravaged by extreme unemployment, almost total
deforestation and many infectious diseases. On the other hand, Haiti has one
of the richest culture in the Americas and its diaspora is flourishing
everywhere in the world. This paradox deserves all our attention and
Hyppolite Pierre has done a great job in trying to make us understand it.

In the beginning of his book, Pierre talks about the historical failure of
compromise between political leaders. He explains that the death of
Toussaint who tried to compromise with the French" as he says, "was a
devastating blow to the spirit of compromise in the heart and soul of the
successive leaders after the revolution". He cites as modern examples, the
electoral controversy of eight Lavalas senators which would not resign in
May 2000 and the criminal stubbornness of the opposition which refused twice
the power sharing plan agreed by Aristide before the 2004 coup. But in the
case of Aristide it should be noted for instance that his government was one
of the most inclusive that Haiti had known. Aristide for instance accepted
in his government former political opponent Marc Bazin as minister of
planning, former Duvalier minister Stanley Theard as minister of industry as
well as many members of the mulatto elite such as Lilas Desquiron or Leslie
Voltaire. He was much criticised for this by part of the intellectual left
and some of his own party members.

The ideas and suggestions in Part III are very interesting, especially the
part on the executive branch where Pierre defends with conviction the
importance of stability in the political process. He argues that "a system
that can not allow a president to finish his term will not inspire
confidence and that the only way to end a presidence's term is through the
process of impeachment allowed by the constitution". Political stability is
key to stimulate developpement and investment and one can easily argue that
the last two years following the coup have been among the worses in all
Haiti's history. Realities in Haiti are often very confusing and people,
even well educated on paper, are trapped in trying to look only for quick
fixes.

Chapter 24 deals with the diaspora and is one of the more interesting and
hopeful for me. Pierre shows with strong evidence how the Haitian diaspora
has been neglected and how its resources have not been tapped constructively
for the best interest of Haiti. He argues that its members who pay each year
an average of twenty to thirty percent of their revenue in remittances
(total of one $ billion a year) to their family back in Haiti should be
fully included in Haiti's political life and shows how that could be done.

Although I did not agree with every of his critics against Aristide's last
government, his attempt to be constructive, honest and balance should be
applauded. Not much has been written recently in the press or in academia
that tries to go beyond partisan hatred. His book is fascinating and offers
glimpses of hope by telling us how the political system could be reformed to
promote peace democracy and economic prosperity in Haiti. Besides, he makes
us understand how Haiti's struggle for its identity is profoundly rooted
into its complicated and troubled past. I believe that the reasons for
Haiti's failures may lie mostly in the lack of historical knowledge of the
many politicians, commentators and international leaders who have been
involved in Haiti's decision making process. Hence, Pierre's book is
extremely useful and I would highly recommend it to schools, universities,
people working in politics, and anybody who wants to understand Haiti
and its complex and rich history.

[Nicolas Rossier - director of Aristide and the Endless Revolution..]

A Passionate Portrait of Haiti.......2006-07-25

Hyppolite Pierre has emerged as one of the most thoughtful and provocative young Haitian scholars in the United States who have been trying to advance to solutions to the plight of their home country. In his new book, Pierre investigates Haitian history to identify the origins of the country's current political situation. Not surprisingly, he argues that Haiti's development has been crippled by the embrace of predatory political traditions, and he offers fresh historical examples that Haitian leaders might follow.

Pierre's diagnosis of Haiti's political ailments is dead-on. This battered country has suffered from the repeated triumph of opportunism over pragmatism, resulting social and political mistrust, the reliance on violence as the ultimate problem-solver, and the centralization of power. But is Haiti really that unique? While Pierre's coverage of the political history is exhaustive and well-analyzed, his insistence on Haiti's historical uniqueness fails to explain why many now-successful post-colonial republics were also born in violent revolution and struggled through years of brutish, mistrustful, and corrupt politics.

Why does Haiti's history hang so heavily around its neck? What truly sets Haiti apart from much of the developing world isn't its frequent political upheaval, but rather its harrowing economic backslide and economic degradation over the last 200 years - exacerbated by the episodic intervention of the great powers in the affairs of this small state created by freed slaves. Throughout its history, the notion of Haitian sovereignty has been a notably flexible concept both within and outside Haiti. Pierre makes this link between the political and economic roots of violence when he writes that "the obsession with political power resulting from the weaknesses in the economy has always been so intense that vital questions are rarely explored."

Pierre's book was published just a few months before Rene Preval was inaugurated for a second time as Haiti's president, thus earning a second chance to become the most democratic and perhaps the most pragmatic head of state in modern Haiti. But in the absence of a new social contract or a viable political compromise, populist appeals will continue to resonate with the millions of Haitians who live on less then $2 a day, yet Haiti desperately needs a political pragmatist who can make peace with the country's fractious elites and win the confidence of the international community to maintain the flow of foreign aid. The electoral victory of René Preval may offer the chance for greater democratic stability, but it remains to be seen whether the U.S. and the international community can break the cycle of intervention and neglect and work effectively with the new Haitian leadership.

Pierre concludes his book by writing that "Haiti is like a Phoenix buried under her own ashes, barely visible and looking vile. But under these ashes hides a dim but brash, unyielding and consuming fire." Pierre means the metaphor as a symbol of hope, but it can be easily be seen as one of despair. Are the Haitian people doomed to choose between ashes and fire? The author closes the book by invoking the words of former Haitian leader Alexandre Pétion that "freedom means freedom." But Pétion's political career began with the assassination of Haiti's first leader, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, in 1806. As Pierre passionately argues in his new work, although more than two hundred years have passed since gaining independence, most Haitians can barely perceive their freedom in the midst of the lawlessness and deprivation that threatens to keep both democracy and development at bay.

Pierre Scores A Big One.......2006-07-01

Approaching this work from a direction other than scholarly, I found the book to be engaging from a historical perspective and certainly thought provoking on an overall basis. If one knew nothing about Haiti, other than "it's somewhere out there by Cuba," as did I and your only point of reference was Papa Doc Duvalier, who was certainly a newsmaker in his own right, after digesting this book your knowledge base will expand dramatically. This is not a light, or easy read; however, anyone that has any interest in history or politics should find this to be a fascinating book. Haiti seems to be a pot that has been just below the boiling point in one manner or another for a number of years. Pierre examines the reasons for unrest, political chicanery over the years and gross miscues on the part of other governments that have been involved in and with Haiti. This leaves the reader with a solid foundation of what was, what happened and what could be if Haiti develops along the lines of thought he weaves into the book. Highly recommended from a lay persons point of view; politically astute throughout and very thought provoking. I'll give it an "A."

Review of Hyppolite Pierre, Haiti: Rising Flames from Burning Ashes .......2006-06-15

I enjoyed reading this book from a former student. It is a great personal accomplishment and its argument timely and necessary. Pierre argues in clear and unequivocal terms that the Haitian government should be reformed into a rational, law-based system of checks and balances that both insures a level of independence for the judiciary and legislative branches from the executive branch and enables them to work together for the good of all citizens. He brings impressive historical knowledge to the task and deftly uses the context of Haitian independence, both its triumphs and failures, as a theoretical model for what is right and wrong in Haitian politics today. And he supplies a fascinating account of the post-colonial power structure dominated by traditional elites, whose French-identified class bias and racism continue to divide Haiti.

The author also shows admirable courage in taking on the orthodox Left by refusing the argument for revolution. Although I think he idealizes and portrays U.S. democracy uncritically in many places, Pierre's strategy of grounding his argument in the unfulfilled revolution of 1804 is insightful and wise. He stretches the historical analogy perhaps too far into the 20th century, but it works rhetorically and politically. His grasp of Haiti's long history also is strong and assuring, lending resonance and credibility to his account of the political failures of revolution in each generation. Being equally critical of traditional elites helps provide analytical balance and turns the argument into a model of rational and moderate negotiation between political extremes. The treatment of Aristide is exemplary in this regard and, while I think it would strengthen the argument to explain more fully and clearly how Aristide brought the masses into the political arena, I believe Pierre's insistence on building a stable civil society through rational, predictable, and enduring structures of governance is a mature and valuable addition to Haitian politics.

I found part I to be the most successful, especially chapters 2-5, which are very solid and launch the book nicely, setting the tone and establishing the credibility of the author's argument. His treatment of the post-independence power consolidation is sharp and makes a significant contribution to the period. Although the book could benefit from engaging, however critically, the classic arguments of C.L.R. James's Black Jacobins (l938), Pierre's account of the dynamic struggle between Christophe and Pétion and of Boyer's ultimately disastrous policies is worth consideration by scholars writing in the field of both Haitian and post-colonial studies.

Part II on the U.S. occupation is also good. It tells the truth about U.S. aggression and does not gloss over the responsibility of Haiti's elite and the people in general in provoking such action. But this part raises a key intellectual and political problem that the book does not adequately deal with: and that is the question of agency (in terms of the means of exerting power or influence). The issue is not easily explained or resolved. Even in the United States, Pierre's model democracy, it is questionable whether common citizens actually have power or the means to influence government. Although this question also emerges forcefully in part III on how to reform Haitian institutions, it appears starkly in relation to the occupation by the U.S., which may with France exert more economic and military power over Haitian politics than Pierre allows. But that is open to debate. What he does say in chapter 7 (particularly pp. 88-9) is that the U.S. stabilized the country while "failing to install a systemic backbone to ensure that Haiti would not again fall into the trap of its history" (89). How can an occupier install a system and that system be the historical exertion of the Haitian people? The question is doubly difficult to understand when the author does not state what were the strategic goals of the U.S. at the time. Pierre's treatment of Estimé and Papa Doc are very good and make the chapter strong, with excellent work on Lavalas and Aristide as they relate to Pierre's "all-or-nothing" thesis about Haiti's political culture. But the material on Baby Doc needs more analysis (110ff) in relation to the economics of U.S. intervention: since he suggests that the U.S. really was in control of the Haitian economy in the 1970s, which in turn structured the political behavior of Haiti's rulers, then he needs to lay out more clearly the nature and goal of U.S. overlordship in this period (and others) as well. Further, while this question of agency in relation to the United States would force Pierre to deepen and complicate his analysis of the U.S. as a model democratic society, the concluding paragraph to part II raises the issue purely within the Haitian context: who is in charge of the "carrot and stick" policy? Pierre says that "Reason" must be at the center of all political decisions, but how do you manifest such an abstraction, particularly since revolutionary change must be subordinated to a U.S model of pragmatism? This question makes part III of the book very important.

That Pierre understands the importance of a broad-based and comprehensive reformation of Haiti's institutions of governance is a credit to his foresight and courage in tackling the hard questions. It also shows a deep-seated and genuine love of his country. Having recognized its value, though, I think this is the least successful part of the book.

The ideas in Part III are encouraging but lack the requisite concreteness to be of pragmatic use. Who is to carry out these suggestions? More crucially, what obstacles must be faced? In terms of the military (whose reform would be instrumental in changing Haiti), what entrenched resistance might arise from traditional elites, rival factions, or U.S. and French interests? These considerations involve agency and who will inaugurate and guide the reforms, especially in terms of distributing power more widely than the three branches of government. The basic idea is good, to open up more political space for the media, interest groups, professional associations, and the like. But these chapters speak of organizing different interest groups under an "umbrella" and of establishing a "set of accepted legal structures" without saying who would carry out this activity (190). How do you institutionalize the two national parties? What would the CEP need to do to become more powerful? The author mentions "incentives" (223) without saying what they are or how the CEP would become more organized, powerful, and relevant. At this stage, he simply asserts that they should be so. The CEP's autonomy is important but how to engineer such independence, particularly in light of the majority party getting 4 members on the CEP (239)? What "smart, pointed, and relevant legislative decisions" does the author have in mind (256)? Perhaps the point is simply to get the idea out there, especially in view of the dominance of "egos" in the present system, but without some sense of the specifics of the proposed changes Pierre's argument remains abstract.

The executive branch chapter (21) is refreshing because the historical analogy returns to bolster the argument; but the next chapter on empowering the people needs to consider more fully, as I suggest above, what role Aristide's brand of populism would play in the reform of Haiti's institutions. Again, the question of agency is central to this concern and no single writer has all the answers to these questions. It is valuable that Pierre raises them. And he does so as a patriot in exile, which makes the chapter on the Diaspora (24) one of the best in the book: it benefits from the author's personal experience and knowledge and provides more grounded discussion than the chapters on state institutions. Finally, I think it would help the structure of the book to separate chapters 22-25 into a part IV, especially since part III is over-crowded.

My criticisms may appear to overshadow my praise for the book, but that is not my intent. Hyppolite Pierre has written an important and provocative book, one that should enhance his reputation as a voice to be reckoned with in Haitian political circles. While I believe the press was negligent in not ensuring a better scholarly presentation, and in producing typographic and allowing grammatical miscues, I was inspired by the book and look forward to his continuing contributions to the science of politics and to the improvement of his beloved Haiti.

Professor G.A. Rosso
Department of English
Southern Connecticut State University

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Fair Follow Up To Phoenix Rising I

Phoenix Rising II
Angelique Anjou , Mandy M. Roth , Jaycee Clark , Donna Grant , and Elizabeth Baten-Carew
Manufacturer: New Concepts Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1586088823

Book Description

Pleasure Master by Angelique Anjou (Futuristic Romance): The alien artifact that plows into their newly completed space station contains more than just the 'remains' of a dead alien. Legion is stirring and not even Medical/Science Officer Anya Rambo can resist the golden god, last survivor of an alien race. Debt of Honor by Elizabeth Batten-Carew (BDSM/Contemporary Romance): Angelica couldn't believe that hopping off a plane during a refueling stop to search for one-of-a-kind souvenirs could lead to so much trouble or that she would end up in a harem. Contact by Jaycee Clark (Romantic Suspense): When P.I. Daxton Adams discovers a serial killer has set his sights on Meredith Fox, he's forced into a race against time to save the woman who scorned him. Prince of Desire by Donna Grant (Historical Paranormal Romance): Lucian Sinclair has left his beautiful magical home, Drahcir, in search of his mate. Mating Behavior by Mandy M. Roth (Paranormal Romance): Alan has a problem--he wants Katie in the worst sort of way, but Katie's human and for a were to choose a human for a mate is a death sentence--for both of them. Rating: Contains graphic violence, explicit sex, adult content and language. Some stories include oral and anal sex, brief scenes of female/female sex, and bdsm.

Customer Reviews:

Fair Follow Up To Phoenix Rising I.......2006-12-19

Pleasure Master by Angelique Anjou

Anya Rambo is the medical officer aboard a space station where an alien artifact impacts. Studying the artifact, she becomes aware that she and the other women aboard the station are having dreams about the same man-and discovers the alien artifact is in fact a capsule encasing the man she believes they have been dreaming of, and who she fears is now attempting to instigate a takeover of the station through those whose dreams he invades.

Like Alien-the original movie, not the sequels-but not gory, and with very hot sex. One of the best sci-fi tales I've read in a while, but with a disappointingly quick ending which made this reader wish the author would expand the story and continue the journey through this very intriguing universe. Recommended.

Debt of Honor by Elizabeth Batten-Carew

Angelica can't believe what's happened when she gets mugged switching planes to return home: a man who claims she has either helped the woman who mugged her, or helped kidnap her says she has offended his family's honor, and now he demands her body as recompense.

Harem scenes with highly explicit female/female and male/female/female interaction. Bondage and fantasized forcible sexual encounters. May not be for all readers.

Contact by Jaycee Clark

Meredith Fox and ex-cop turned P.I. Daxton Adams are a thing of the past until he finds out the serial killer he's hunting is on her trail as his next victim.

Well-written thriller with sexual tension and sub-plot dealing with the loss of family due to cancer. I'm not a big fan of most thrillers, but thought this was well done, particularly given the limitations of a short story. Recommended.

Prince of Desire by Donna Grant

Prince Lucian Sinclair must take Isabella home, or his kingdom will die. Cursed by the Fae, the Princes of his people must all go to the outside world to find their mate and bring her back voluntarily. Should even one fail, the kingdom will be destroyed.

The author uses an interesting device for the drawing together of the two principles here, and though the story takes some time to get rolling, it picks up steam toward the end for a decent finish.

Mating Behavior by Mandy M. Roth

Alan is in love with Katie-but werewolves are forbidden to mate with humans. Not only will they kill him, they'll kill her if they should mate. But Alan knows Katie is his true mate, and can't bring himself to fully leave her, staying on as her best friend and neighbor. Now Katie's talked him into taking her into the mountains to observe the mating behavior of grey wolves-only after it's too late does Alan realize the mountains are inhabited by weres-and that he has placed Katie in great danger just by being with her.

Mandy Roth-need I say more? Ms. Roth delivers her usual stylish punch to a story that's worth the price of the book by itself. Highly recommended

Reviewed by Lee M

Copyright © 2006 CK2S Kwips and Kritiques. All rights reserved.

Phoenix Rising: Rising Above Limitations

Average customer rating:

Phoenix Rising: Rising Above Limitations
Denise Linn
Manufacturer: Hay House Audio Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 1561706981

Book Description

Use Phoenix Rising as a gateway to bring growth, abundance, assurance, and vitality into your life. Release old blockages and become the person you have always dreamed of.

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