This Fire Down in My Soul

Customer Reviews:

Really makes you think about home!.......2007-09-27

JD Mason has done it again. This book was a great read. I have read others by her and she never fails.

Not my cup of tea..........2007-09-20

I liked the book as far as the writing goes, but the plot was limited. In a nutshell it was ONLY about cheating! I was expecting more of Waiting to Exhale meets the church. I just wished the book had given me more subjects to read about instead of cheating...that's not the only drama-filled topic. Reality has enough of that as is!

Good Read - Highly Recommended.......2007-09-17

I enjoyed this book. It goes to show that no one is perfect and even Christians make mistakes. You have to put your faith in God and lean on him when things get tough!!!! Keep up the good work. I

Too Much Profanity.......2007-09-06

As a rule of thumb, I read good Christian fiction and very clean romance stories. I purchased this book thinking that it was on the clean side. Sad to say it is filthy and I cannot read it...What a disappointment, in order to express oneself why do we have to use 4 letter words. I gave this book to one of my co--workers. Please be aware this book contains a lot of profanity. Can I get a refund?

Always something going on..........2007-08-14

I really enjoyed this book. I liked that there were so many different characters with different but similar stories going on. There was one couple's story that I felt was unnecessary but it didn't drag on too much where I was bored with it. I recommend this book and I hope there will be a sequel.

The Sword of Truth Box Set, Books 4-6: Temple of the Winds; Soul of the Fire; Faith of the Fallen

Average customer rating:

A very solid series that keeps expanding even after 6 books.
excellent
Books are excellent
5 stars for TotW--3 stars for SotF--and 5 stars for FotF
Awesome once again

The Sword of Truth Box Set, Books 4-6: Temple of the Winds; Soul of the Fire; Faith of the Fallen
Terry Goodkind
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth, Book 2)

ASIN: 0765344947
Release Date: 2002-08-29

Book Description

The Box Set includes: Temple of the Winds Soul of the Fire Faith of the FallenBook 4: Temple of the Winds On the red moon will come the firestorm....Wielding the Sword of Truth, Richard Rahl has battled death itself and come to the defense of the D'Haran people. But now the power-mad Emperor Jagang confronts Richard with a swift and inexorable foe: a mystical plague cutting a deadly swath across the land and slaying thousands of innocent victims.To quench the inferno, he must seek remedy in the wind....To fight it Richard and his beloved Kahlan Amnell will risk everything to uncover the source of the terrible plague-the magic sealed away for three millennia in the Temple of the Winds.Lightning will find him on that path....But when prophecy throws the shadow of betrayal across their mission and threatens to destroy them, Richard must accept the Truth and find a way to pay the price the winds demand....or he and his world will perish. Book 5: Soul of the Fire Sequel to the New York Times bestselling Temple of the WindsRichard Rahl has traveled far from his roots as a simple woods guide. Emperor of the D'Haran Empire, war wizard, the Seeker of Truth--none of these roles mean as much to him as his newest: husband to his beloved Kahlan Amnell, Mother Confessor of the Midlands.But their wedding day is the key that unlocks a spell sealed away long ago in a faraway country. Now a deadly power pours forth that threatens to turn the world into a lifeless waste. Separated from the Sword of Truth and stripped of their magic, Richard and Kahlan must journey across the Midlands to discover a dark secret from the past and a trap that could tear them apart forever. For their fate has become inextricably entwined with that of the Midlands--and there's no place so dangerous as a world without magic....Book 6: Faith of the Fallen Sequel to the New York Times bestselling Soul of the FireTerry Goodkind author of the enormously popular Sword of Truth novels, has forged perhaps his best novel yet, pitting Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell against threats to the freedom of the world that will take them to opposite ends of the world to defeat the forces of chaos and anarchy.Emperor Jagang is rising once again in the Old World and Richard must face him, on his own turf. Richard heads into the Old World with Cara, the Mord-Sith, while his beloved Kahlan remains behind. Unwilling to heed an ancient prophecy, Kahlan raises an army and goes into battle against forces threatening armed insurrection in the Midlands.Separated and fighting for their lives, Richard and Kahlan will be tested to the utmost.

Customer Reviews:

A very solid series that keeps expanding even after 6 books........2007-08-09

I was given bookset 1-3 as a gift, but bought 4-6 myself. I can definitely tell that Goodkind has grown as a writer since the first book. Unlike other fantasy series I've read, Goodkind's world keeps growing even at the 6th book -- which makes sense. As Richard's view of the world grows, so does the reader's. I consumed these three books, finishing them in 3 days once settled down to it. I was warned by one of my liberal friends that the hints of libertarianism in the first three books explodes in the later books, and it's safe to say that he wasn't lying. But that's OK with me. I'm glad to finally read a fiction book that actually teaches a worthwhile lesson.

The one problem I have with these books is that they are entirely too repetitive. I found myself skipping just about every third paragraph because it was a paragraph devoted to summary of what has already happened. I realize this is common to every sequel, but in my opinion Goodkind takes it to extremes.

excellent.......2007-02-01

Terry Goodkind has captured the imagination. His sequel books are hard to put down. They should be made into a movie or series on television.

Books are excellent.......2007-01-10

Books are in excellent condition, received on time. Have read two of the books and can't wait to continue the next one.

5 stars for TotW--3 stars for SotF--and 5 stars for FotF.......2006-10-20

I believe that judging this series as a whole will favorably argue that Goodkind is every bit the equal to Tolkien -- even though Terry Goodkind himself would probably balk at such a comparison. I have it on good authority a very large chunk of Sword of Truth fans are not even typical Fantasy readers in general (or at all). The social & political upheaval that is covered within the entire storyline is truly epic in scope. The first three books (Wizards First Rule, Stone of Tears & Blood of the Fold) are easily my all-time favorite Fantasy novels. Not an easy place to be in my opinion writing in the shadows of Terry Brooks, J.K. Rowling, George R.R. Martin and the mighty Tolkien (to name a few). While I believe books 1 & 2 are STILL the best, in this boxed set, two remarkable stories stand out.

First...Temple of the Winds is simply AWESOME. While after initially finishing Blood of the Fold I was slightly disappointed, after re-reading it several years later, I decided that it was actually very good...but Temple of the Winds surpasses it in every way (IMHO). The struggles against Emperor Jagang and his evil plots to conquer the world as he sees it is amazing. Just the very idea of the Temple I found to be incredibly original all the way around. The eventual outcome and how Richard had to lower himself in order to save his people -- and his beloved Kahlan -- was nothing short of compelling.

Second...Soul of the Fire was my first (and only) serious disappointment in this entire series to date. While I wasn't very pleased with 'Pillars of Creation' and how Goodkind totally changed gears on his faithful readers by shuffling his main characters into microscopic roles (they only appeared in the final 40 pages or so), in SotF he did a very similar act. He created the brand new city of Anderith and immersed us head-first into this entirely new plot-line and kept Richard & Kahlan to nearly secondary characters altogether. Even though Pillars almost eliminated Richard & Kahlan, I STILL found the overall storyline to be quite entertaining...but with SotF it just fell flat for me. At least half of the novel kept me interested, but every time we went back to the problems in Anderith, MY interest virtually died.

Third...Faith of the Fallen really IS long on commentary by Richard, almost as though he were running for office. What I found to be utterly compelling however is that to the people Richard is virtually preaching to, what he is saying actually FITS 100%. The worth of souls ARE great, and Richard sees this, and has this monumental struggle to prove it to those in bondage to the Order. The pacifists of this world will never really fully understand what this means, because they are so busy trying to iron over any so-called problems and shelter their families from the real-world consequences that almost ALWAYS happen when you take a back seat to the oppression that threatens to consume the world as we know it. In short, I loved this book. If you put aside your political beliefs, and the outright incorrect way in which many attempt to connect FotF to Atlas Shrugged, LOOK at the situation that Richard finds himself forcibly immersed into...how ELSE can he express himself and talk sense into those who passively sit by while the evil-doers of the Order slaughter innocent lives all in the name of the Maker? Goodkind got it totally right here and I wouldn't change a word.

All in all I would rate the series 5-stars.

Wizards First Rule 5 Stars
Stone of Tears 5 Stars
Blood of the Fold 5 Stars
Temple of the Wind 5 Stars
Soul of the Fire 3 Stars
Faith of the Fallen 5 Stars
Pillars of Creation 4 Stars
Naked Empire 5 Stars
Chainfire 5 Stars
Phantom 5 Stars

I just wish that Terry could write faster...but if it in any way compromised the quality of the stories, I am perfectly happy waiting however long it takes to read whatever he writes.

Awesome once again.......2006-10-02

These three books cover so much information that is essential to the story of Kahlan and Richard. My favorite of the three is Faith of the Fallen. One thing that a lot of people do not like about these books is the very heavy political undertones that Terry Goodkind displays. I happen to love the long monologues about the worth of an individual. Faith of the Fallen has many such monologues, but still moves a very quick pace. Would recommend these books to anyone who loves a great fantasy series.

A House on Fire: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia Soul

Average customer rating:

An Outstanding Book - Thoroughly Researched
The rise and fall of Philadelphia International Records.
Major Disappointment
I wish it could have gone on forever
Didn't I blow your mind....this time!

A House on Fire: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia Soul
John A. Jackson
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0195149726

Book Description

"If You Don't Know Me By Now," "The Love I Lost," "The Soul Train Theme," "Then Came You," "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now"--the distinctive music that became known as Philly Soul dominated the pop music charts in the 1970s. In A House on Fire, John A. Jackson takes us inside the musical empire created by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell, the three men who put Philadelphia Soul on the map. Here is the eye-opening story of three of the most influential and successful music producers of the seventies. Jackson shows how Gamble, Huff, and Bell developed a black recording empire second only to Berry Gordy's Motown, pumping out a string of chart-toppers from Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, the Spinners, the O'Jays, the Stylistics, and many others. The author underscores the endemic racism of the music business at that time, revealing how the three men were blocked from the major record companies and outlets in Philadelphia because they were black, forcing them to create their own label, sign their own artists, and create their own sound. The sound they created--a sophisticated and glossy form of rhythm and blues, characterized by crisp, melodious harmonies backed by lush, string-laden orchestration and a hard-driving rhythm section--was a glorious success, producing at least twenty-eight gold or platinum albums and thirty-one gold or platinum singles. But after their meteoric rise and years of unstoppable success, their production company finally failed, brought down by payola, competition, a tough economy, and changing popular tastes. Funky, groovy, soulful--Philly Soul was the classic seventies sound. A House on Fire tells the inside story of this remarkable musical phenomenon.

Customer Reviews:

An Outstanding Book - Thoroughly Researched.......2007-03-31

What impressed me most about Mr. Jackson's book is the research he did. I can't imagine a more meticulously detailed and thoroughly researched subject. This book should be required reading for potential writers, to learn how it should be done. Because this is not mainstream material - this book would never be a best seller since the subject matter is of interest only to a small segment of the reading public, Mr. Jackson probably could have taken a few shortcuts here and there; who would have known? But he obviously didn't.

My interest lied with whether there was a connection between Cameo-Parkway, a label whose music I treasured as a teen (and still do) and Philadelphia International, all of whose music I was equally as impressed with. I wanted to see if there was any connection between the companies since they were both based in Philadelphia. I certainly found my answers and then some, thanks to this book. Highly recommended!

The rise and fall of Philadelphia International Records........2007-03-26

Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's legendary Philadelphia International label was the most important and influential R&B imprint of the 1970s and this long-overdue chronicle of its rise, glory days and fall is indispensable for anyone who loves the music PIR released. Although the author was unable to interview either Gamble or Huff he does interview Thom Bell and other key players of the PIR camp. Thoroughly researched and a well-done job indeed. Whereas books on the Motown, Stax and Atlantic labels have been previously available this is (surprisingly)O the first-ever in depth one published about PIR and is much-welcome on all counts.

Major Disappointment.......2007-03-20

For me, this book is a major disappointment. The biggest gaping hole in the book is the fact that the author was not able to interview either Gamble or Huff. It also reads like a college textbook - dull writing style. This was hot R&B music of the 1970's and the writing should have reflected the excitement in the music.

I wish it could have gone on forever.......2007-01-20

The book AND the era in music, that is. Being a huge fan of both pop music history and early-70s soul, I savored this read like a fine meal. My only complaint is that it had to end. So much detail, such loving care applied by the author...this is one great read. I'd give it six stars if I could. It's that good!

Didn't I blow your mind....this time!.......2006-01-21

I thought I knew a lot about Philly Soul. This book turned on so many lights for me regarding Philly Soul. MFSB, Bell, Huff, Gamble and many others are covered in this book. I would like to sit down and talk to Thom Bell. Out of all the people in this book (and a lot are covered,) the music and genius of Thom Bell really blew my mind.

Soul of the Fire (Sword of Truth, Book 5)

Average customer rating:

Book 5
An okay read.
The Series Takes a Side Road to Hell
Goodness.
Goodkind writes side characters better than the main ones

Soul of the Fire (Sword of Truth, Book 5)
Terry Goodkind
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth, Book 2)

ASIN: B0000A09DV

Amazon.com

Soul of the Fire is the fifth book in Terry Goodkind's wildly popular Sword of Truth saga. The previous books are: Wizard's First Rule, Stone of Tears, Blood of the Fold, and Temple of the Winds.

When last we saw our heroes--Richard Cypher (Lord Rahl) and Kahlan Amnell--they each had made enormous sacrifices to save one another from certain doom. To save her beloved, Khalan, Mother Confessor of the Midlands, had spoken the three chimes, summoning these chaotic beings from the world beyond and unwittingly releasing incredibly destructive power. Now the chimes are stealing souls, and malevolent forces are reshaping the world itself. To save everything from almost certain doom, Richard, Kahlan, and the wizard Zedd must hunt the elusive chimes and reharness them before it's too late.

Although comparisons to Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series are inevitable, there's obviously enough room in the world for more than one blockbuster swords and sorcery series. With Soul of the Fire, fans of epic sagas will get their fill of adventure, magic, strange beings, and struggles for power as Goodkind delivers another thrilling episode of the Sword of Truth, with all the complexity and taut characterization we've come to expect from this master of fantasy. --Adam Fisher

Book Description

In the previous volume of this bestselling series of fantasy novels, our hero Richard Rahl, wielder of the Sword of Truth, and his lover Kahlan unwittingly released upon the New World a terror from the malign and wild magic of the Old World. The Chimes now run free in the Midlands and Richard and Kahlan, powerful in their own right, begin to see their own magic undermined, leaving the people of the New World vulnerable to the encroaching evil that Darken Rahl first unleashed in WIZARD'S FIRST RULE.

Customer Reviews:

Book 5.......2007-09-20

Soul of the fire was a slow starting book, but then it became much more interesting. It was a very compelling and emotional book in the series. I highly recommend this series.

An okay read........2007-08-22

This book was... needed. In the structure of story there are certain things that must always happen. For me, this book was a path I needed to go down to get from the 4th to the 6th (books). This book has good parts in it, but for me it was not a very enjoyable read. However, if you have read the previous four books and dislike this one... do not give up. Faith of the Fallen is really good and worth getting to. If you do read this book and greatly enjoy it - even better!

The Series Takes a Side Road to Hell.......2007-06-09

The Wizard's first and only rule should be that fantasy fiction series cannot be longer than 5 books. The leaders of the "Fantasy Fiction Writers Guild" should pass a resolution to this effect. If you have read Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time mess, or just about any other writer including Goodkind that has tried to take his/her series beyond 5 books you know that it is like a train going off the end of a broken bridge into a deep gorge.

Goodkind has obviously run out of story, so he takes this book down a side road to the psychotic world of Anderith. A whole bunch of self-serving useless characters are introduced, examined in depth, and then killed off to add absolutely nothing to the story line.

At least Goodkind keeps to his theme of rape and torture of innocent women. I was beginning to think he might be loosing his touch, but the good leaders of Anderith have redeemed him.

A hard read at best.

Goodness........2007-04-28

I am well versed in all things fantasy. You name it - rare or popular - I have probably read and/or watched it. I will let nothing get in the way of my search for the most entertaining, enlightening, life-complimenting reads... not even biased readers whose only goal in life seems to be nitpicking instead of enjoying the things they read. (You can find a few of their reviews here. Look for the reviews with 1-3 stars.)

An overwhelming number of readers criticize Goodkind's writing in the Sword of Truth series, using the phrases "cliche" and "cookie-cutter" all too often. How funny. "Cookie-cutter" is itself a painfully cliche phrase. This hypocrisy, to me, is grounds enough to mistrust the opinions of those naysayers...

As I said, I know a thing or two about fantasy. Few books have affected me as deeply as the Sword of Truth series. Heck, I haven't written an Amazon review in years; I'm only here now because I'm offended at the negative reviews. I took it personally. That's how much I love this series.

The Sword of Truth books are a celebration of life. Beauty. Progress. Emotions. Pessimistic readers seeking a cookie-cutter pattern will surely find one, because Goodkind DOES have a trademark approach to building tension that he uses often. But I know better than to call that "cliche." In each book, Goodkind explores different facets of the concepts of life, beauty, progress, and emotions. He NEVER explores the same facet; he always throws in a twist.

Reading each of these books is like cheese tasting. A cheese-lover with a refined sense of taste will delight in the worlds of difference between blue cheese and brie and baby swiss. They will compare; they will savor every bite.

But someone who is not accustomed to cheese... will, upon trying blue cheese, think "this smells like feet." Then they will try swiss cheese, hoping it doesn't smell like feet. Then feta. Alas, cheese usually smells like feet. The pessimists will then proceed to the donut and snack food aisles, looking for just the right junk food to ease their craving; nothing more, nothing fulfulling in the long run.

Fantasy connoisseurs adore Goodkind. Yet average readers find numerous things to complain about. Contemplate this for a bit.

I'm sorry for not going into detail about this book, but in one sentence I will help you decide if this series is right for you:

If you *adore* any of the concepts of life, beauty, progress, and emotions... you will love the Sword of Truth books. I promise you.

Goodkind writes side characters better than the main ones.......2007-04-25

I went into this book after the last two books in the series left me a little dry and tired of hearing about Richard and Kahlan, who were interesting enough in the first two books but have had little to no character development since then. The development that has been there, in Blood of the fold and Temple of the Winds, has basically been "will they or won't they ever get maried." Now that they finally have, this book is free to go in a slightly different and much more welcome direction. Not only that, but the author takes us away from the locations and people's that we have gotten used to by now, and we leave the majesty of Aydyndril for the new location of Anderith. I really enjoyed the description of the Anderith society, and all of the new characters introduced are especially well written, and quite three dimensional, unlike most of the series' main characters. Dalton is especially interesting to follow as he schemes and plots throughout the book, and what he does in the end was a somewhat sickening but clever surprise ending that fit.

My only gripe is that the book feels somewhat disconnected from the rest of the series, but in my opinion it's probably the best book in the series since the begining. From what I've read past, the books go somewhat downhill after this one, so if you want to read a good book to end the series before it gets bad, this wouldn't be a bad stopping place. Of course the best option for this series is to read the first book and stop there, I have enjoyed the series and Goodkind's unique writing style, but the first book in the series is undoubtedly his best work.

Fire in the City: Savonarola and the Struggle for the Soul of Renaissance Florence

Average customer rating:

Fire in the City
Savonarola and Florence emerge into the light!
Another view
Florence Comes Alive
Very Strange

Fire in the City: Savonarola and the Struggle for the Soul of Renaissance Florence
Lauro Martines
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0195177487

Book Description

A gripping and beautifully written narrative that reads like a novel, Fire in the City presents a compelling account of a key moment in the history of the Renaissance, illuminating the remarkable man who dominated the period, the charismatic Savonarola. Lauro Martines, whose decades of scholarship have made him one of the most admired historians of Renaissance Italy, here provides a remarkably fresh perspective on Girolamo Savonarola, the preacher and agitator who flamed like a comet through late fifteenth-century Florence. The Dominican friar has long been portrayed as a dour, puritanical demagogue who urged his followers to burn their worldly goods in "the bonfire of the vanities." But as Martines shows, this is a caricature of the truth--the version propagated by the wealthy and powerful who feared the political reforms he represented. In fact, Savonarola emerges as a complex and subtle man: compassionate, wise, a poet and scholar, and even, at critical moments, a force for moderation. The friar, a mesmerizing preacher, set the city afire with his message of Christian charity wedded to republican ideals. It is this reality--of Savonarola as both religious and civic leader--that Martines captures in all its complexity, showing how he inspired an outpouring of political debate in a city newly freed from the tyranny of the Medici. In the end, the volatile passions he unleashed--and the powerful families he threatened--sent the friar to his own fiery death. But the fusion of morality and politics that he represented would leave a lasting mark on Renaissance Florence. For the many readers fascinated by histories of Renaissance Italy--such as Brunelleschi's Dome or Galileo's Daughter, and Martines's acclaimed April Blood--Fire in the City offers a vivid portrait of one of the most memorable characters from that dazzling era.

Customer Reviews:

Fire in the City.......2007-09-08

Overall good
I was hoping that there would be more on the content of the sermons of Savonarola

Savonarola and Florence emerge into the light!.......2007-01-08

Fire in the City is another revealed hornet's nest from Martines that picks up the thread where his previous book April Blood left off. As the title suggests, this is not an exclusive biography on Savonarola, the author casts his net wider than that detailing, in a very readable fashion, the political and social settings that were bound in with Savonarola's actions.

With Lorenzo's death, Florence is at the mercy of his vain and incompetent son, Piero de Medici, whose diplomatic bungling with the invading King of France, Charles the VIII, gets him run out of town by the citizens of Florence, creating political alternatives to Medici rule. Into this anxious period of uncertainty, the searing personality of the reforming Dominican Friar, Savonarola, is catapulted.

Martines shows how Savonarola's political instinct was very much in line with the Christian ethos he espoused from the pulpit, preferring a broader based franchise through the Great Council, sustained by a Republic, instead of oligarchic rule by an elite. Salvation meant not just the deliverance by redemption from the power of sin, but also preservation from tyrannical harm. Yet Savonarola's motives were not as subversive or ego driven ('vainglorious') as his inquisitors and future Medici regimes led history to believe.

Martines also shows how Savonarola's prophecies, another contentious quality to his personality used against him by his enemies in Rome and elsewhere, were not far off the mark. The sack of Rome by Christian mercenaries in 1527, twenty-nine years after Savonarola's execution, seemed to vindicate much of Savonarola's visionary utterances. Was that, indeed, the scourge against the Church he claimed Charles the VIII capable of a generation earlier?

Emphasising the importance of this little Dominican Friar from Ferrara who was prepared to take on Pope Alexander VI over issues of simony and moral corruption, reminds us just how much of a precursor he was to Martin Luther. His insistence on a reformed Church was not merely rhetorical either, his own example proved otherwise.

No doubt Savonarola was a force to behold with his lightning bolts of apocalyptic doom. He profoundly affected Michelangelo and Botticelli who heard him speak, but Martines has stained orthodox whitewash with the blood of historical realism, showing us that Savonarola was more vital and complex and his contribution more positive, than that of just a preaching terrorist who infuriated Rome and encouraged the `bonfire of the vanities'.

After reading April Blood and Fire in the City, the enigma of Florence is much better understood. We patiently wait for his next publication, to read again where it will lead.

Another view.......2006-11-11

I had read enough about Savonarola to have a vague idea as to what he was about, but this book gave me a very different perspective. Savonarola was much more complicated, and less a mad man than I had thought. The destuction of the "vanities", which was the most lamentable of all his actions from our perspective, is better understood after reading this book. Obviously, the value of the destroyed art in Savanarola's context is quite different than it is in ours, and Mr Martines made the point very well. It is a great read, full of history, and I enjoyed it very much.

Florence Comes Alive.......2006-08-03

This is a must read for anyone planning a vacation to Florence, or for those wanting to experience the place and time without the expense, as Martines reaches far beyond the story of a single man and into Renassiance Florence. Readers will find this gripping and complex historical drama impossible to put down. "April Blood" (the Pazzi conspiracy against the Medici) sets the stage for this great book, and Martines combines expert scholarship with dramatic narrative skill in both works.

Very Strange.......2006-07-19

I was interested in learning more about Savonarola because "The Palace" by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro is set in Renaissance Florence at the time of Savonarola, who plays a part in the novel. Now I love history and read a lot of history books, unfortunately, this book was a big dissapointment. Contrary to the blurb on the back cover this book is hardly riveting nor is it much of a thriller. It only covers the last few years of Savonarola's life but it is more about the political history of Florence than on Savonarola himself. Actually the book does not really seem to have a direction or a point and I could not figure out why the author wrote this.

I would suggest that if you are interested in this book that you find a copy in a book store and read it before you buy otherwise you risk being dissapointed.

Fire in the Soul: A New Psychology of Spiritual optimism

Average customer rating:

Great Signposts, a Bit Verbose
Very highly recommended
This book helped during a very difficult time
Imperfect but still useful spiritual guide.
Purification for the Soul

Fire in the Soul: A New Psychology of Spiritual optimism
Joan Borysenko
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Guilt is the Teacher, Love is the Lesson
The Power of the Mind to Heal: Renewing Body, Mind and Spirit
Handbook for the Heart: Original Writings on Love
Minding the Body, Mending the Mind (Bantam New Age Books)
Meditations for Self Healing and Inner Power

Accessories:

RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)

ASIN: 0446670154

Customer Reviews:

Great Signposts, a Bit Verbose.......2007-06-07

I recognized many of the stages that we go through in accepting ourselves and seeing past ways that we feel victimized or stuck. There were several gems of "aha" moments throughout the book. However, it is not pithy and direct but more of a slow analytical approach.

Very highly recommended.......2004-07-09

Friends have been telling me for years that I am entirely too pessimistic. With an eye toward changing, I searched the local bookstore shelves a book that presents a balanced spiritual optimism. FIRE IN THE SOUL by Joan Borysenko, Ph.D seemed to meet my needs exactly. Certainly the concept that every difficult experience provides an opportunity for soul growth is not new to me. But Borysenko has a gift for presenting familiar material in a way that is refreshing and revitalizing as she points to the paths that allow the pain of soul making to lead to deep healing.

One of the most profound concepts of FIRE IN THE SOUL is that it is the stories that we tell ourselves that determine how we recover from painful experiences. Pessimism, believing that we have done bad things for bad things to happen, leads to depression and powerlessness. Optimism, accepting that bad things happen to good people but present an opportunity for growth, leads to deep healing. Like one woman in the book states, "This is the role I've been given to play. I'm going to do it as consciously and gracefully as I can."

Personal anecdotes, case histories, and various spiritual readings combine in a powerful tool for healing in FIRE IN THE SOUL. I began working my way through the book several months ago as I underwent a terrible spiritual crisis. As the fires of transformation have burned their ways through my life, Borysenko's confirmation of spiritual truths that I have long held has provided the lifeline needed to endure and even flourish despite profound challenges. Certainly it is an imperfect book, with an over abundance of references aimed to encourage the reader to buy Borysenko's previous book. And many of the concepts are quite familiar. Yet Borysenko's gift for weaving text that speaks to the soul and inspires transformation makes FIRE IN THE SOUL a powerful spiritual tool. FIRE IN THE SOUL comes very highly recommended.

This book helped during a very difficult time.......2003-12-02

I read this book during the recent hospitalization and subsequent passing of my wife. In the course of dealing with death and dying, I experienced what I would call a spiritual awakening. This book helped provide a context for some of what I was experiencing and was actually a source of incredible comfort. I'm in the process of re-reading this book now & again find it helpful and affirming for the spiritual path I now find myself to be on.

Imperfect but still useful spiritual guide........2003-05-29

Much of what J. Borysenko writes is, for me, too "out there" to be accessible (e.g., her chapter on past lives). However, much of what is written here is also extraordinarily helpful to those of us seeking practical steps toward creating a more compassionate relationship with ourselves and with others. If you can read this book with a view to skipping over the more fantastic claims and discussions, then I suspect you will find some profoundly excellent guidance.

Purification for the Soul.......2001-07-27

This book is correctly named. It is an excellent book for those who find themselves feeling sad, depressed or just out of sorts and they can't seem to figure out why. It is helpful for looking at our own shadows and dealing with them in an effective and healing manner.

Average customer rating:

My favorite book
Disappointed
More than just nostalgia...
A journey through Hassidism

Souls on Fire
Elie Wiesel
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Hasidism | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

History of Religion | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Jewish | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Messengers of God
All Rivers Run to the Sea: Memoirs
After the Darkness: Reflections on the Holocaust
The Forgotten
The Trial of God

ASIN: 067144171X

Customer Reviews:

My favorite book.......2006-05-12

This book is difficult for me to describe, I guess I can only say that along with 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor E. Frankl, 'Souls on Fire' by Elie Wiesel is among the two books that have changed my life.In these powerful and beautiful stories of Jewish Hasidic masters Elie Wiesel teaches us to fight depression by deliberately cultivating joy,that we must enjoy life in spite of life,that death is never the answer,and that that life is sacred,so much so that in spite of anything we have suffered we must say yes to this life.
In sum this book (and Frankl's) should be read by all who struggle with sadness.It is a very poetic and life-affirming book by a survivor who has seen ultimate evil in man and yet still affirms the holiness of our lives.

Disappointed.......2001-11-26

I was disappointed with this work. It is more about Elie Weisel then about chassidic stories. Many of the stories are familiar to me, and in all cases they appear distorted and many times the point of the story is missing. To summarize, as one of the stories said, He didn't hear what was said, and didn't write what he heard.

More than just nostalgia..........2001-01-19

It's amazing how everything Wiesel touches turns to gold, and here, he's done it again.

The Chassidic masters Wiesel portrays were passionate about Judaism in a way any modern reader can relate to. Wiesel deftly brings that message home time and time again, evoking not only the syrupy nostalgia of most volumes of "Rebbe stories", but also a very immediate committment to Jewish life.

A masterpiece, this would also make an excellent gift for anyone interested in Jewish spirituality.

A journey through Hassidism.......1999-11-03

Hassidism, its tales, legends, and masters, has always been a source of mystery and confusion. "Souls on Fire" is a journey through Hassidism. Traveling from the source and further development of this unique Jewish religious manifestation is a joy when led by the mind and sould of Elie Wiesel. His personal and emotional input, the tales and legends included throughout the book, and his non-academic but rather humane approach (a typical Hassid) is the most sincere attempt in trying to understand and "speak of the unspeakable," sparkling light into a religious fervor born out of anguish and despair. The purpose is not to agree or understand, but rather to believe.

One Holy Fire: Let the Spirit Ignite Your Soul

Average customer rating:

Control Freaks need to read this book
Anointed
Be Ignited
Doesn't get much better than this
Stunning book

One Holy Fire: Let the Spirit Ignite Your Soul
Nicky Cruz , and Frank Martin
Manufacturer: WaterBrook Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Religious | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Soul Obsession: When God's Primary Pursuit Becomes Your Life's Driving Passion
Run, Baby, Run
The Cross and the Switchblade
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire
The Life God Blesses: The Secret of Enjoying God's Favor

ASIN: 1578566525
Release Date: 2003-01-21

Book Description

One Holy Fire is the dramatic true story of the work of God’s Spirit in one person’s life–and how that same Spirit can revolutionize readers’ lives as well.

Nicky Cruz shares lively, never-before-published stories from his ministry that will quicken readers’ hearts and spark their souls. Stories of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Of masses coming to salvation in Jesus Christ. Of hand-to-hand spiritual warfare. Of the supernatural provision and presence of God’s Spirit in every area of his life and ministry.

Cruz also explores the promises in Scripture regarding the Spirit’s work on earth, addressing such questions as What does it mean to “walk in the Spirit”? How does a supernatural God do business in a natural world? Why has the body of Christ been so slow to come to grips with the Spirit’s power and presence?

In his first new book in eight years, the renowned author of the phenomenal Christian classic Run Baby Run introduces readers to the Holy Spirit. He challenges them to live according to the Spirit’s moment-by-moment guidance. And he inspires them to open their heart and let the Spirit ignite their soul.

Customer Reviews:

Control Freaks need to read this book.......2004-03-10

I have to admit in over twenty-nine years of ministry, I have not read a Nicky Cruz book until now. Sure, back in the early 70s I saw the Cross and the Switch Blade, but not being a Christian at the time I was not too impressed. So when my youth minister laid this book on my desk, it sat there for almost two weeks until an overwhelming sense of guilt and obligation make me pick it up and begin to read.

This is a wonderful book. As I read it, I could sense the integrity of Nicky Cruz. How refreshingly honest it is to read when Nicky tells us that he has not written a book in the past eight years because he had nothing to say. As an avid reader of Christian books, it become readily apparent that too many authors repackage sermons and stoop to write drivel just to publish another book to receive royalty checks. As soon as I read this confession, I was hooked. On the integrity issue, we see how Nicky had to come to grips with the cult of celebrity and his sense of being used to attract crowds so Christian entertainers could earn more money. I was shocked to see how his publisher failed to pay him any significant royalties on his book Run Baby Run, an international bestseller. I was awed by the grace with which Nicky accepted his plight and gave God the glory for it.

Enough about the author lets look at the book. Cruz calls the church to stop doing church and to be the church- to abandon its fear of men and to follow without hesitation the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is, as the poet said, a road less traveled. Interlaced with personal stories, Cruz argues persuasively for a life of faith and trust in the sovereign moves of the Holy Spirit- that as Christians we could turn the world upside down if we would just get out of the way and let God be God.

For us control freaks this is a word we need to hear. The Holy Spirits fire is something we cannot calculate or control. It the truth be told, too many us prefer predictability and security to the guidance of Gods Spirit. The results are predictable- stagnating or declining churches where the power of God is absent. We cannot have both- We must surrender the leading and power of the Holy Spirit and see lives transformed, or we can try to control the sovereign God and get only the results that we, ourselves, are capable of getting. I choose to follow God.

Anointed.......2003-12-05

I strongly recommend this book to every Christian who is looking to serve God in any capacity. One Holy Fire is a solid reminder of what God is willing and able to do whenever He finds a believer that will yield completely to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
In this book, Nicky Cruz narrates amazing accounts of God's power, deliverance and love towards the hurting and helpless. He also shares inspiring testimonies of how God has mentored, supported and refreshed him throughout his ministry. One Holy Fire is a refreshing, uplifting and anointed book. I believe it will greatly bless every person - clergy or laity - who reads it with an open heart.

Be Ignited.......2003-07-29

Nicky Cruz author of 'Run Baby Run' and whose life was subject of the motion picture 'The Cross and the Switchblade' (from the title book by David Wilkerson) has a new book that will set your soul afire. 'One Holy Fire' is such a book with never-before-published stories from his ministry that will make your heart quake and explode your imagination. Cruz shares dramatic stories of physical, emotional and spiritual healing. Thousands have come to Christ as a result of the Spirit working his life. Cruz explores spiritual promises regarding the Holy Spirit's work and what it means to "Walk in the Spirit." 'One Holy Fire' will inspire you to live according to the Spirit's guidance. After reading and applying what purpose the Spirit has for you, you will experience new energy as the Spirit of God works in your life. This book has so much anointed power, that it's sure to change you how you live your life. If you've searching to be set on fire for the fulfillment of God's joy let 'One Holy Fire' ignite the flame of your deepest desire. I recommend this highly.

Doesn't get much better than this.......2003-05-15

Nicky Cruz has gone out and done it again. Although I watched his bio and read his book, Run Baby Run, I have never been moved like I am with this latest book. From the very first chapter where he is getting ready to do a "hit and run" evangelistic tour to the consequent chapters where he continues sharing bits and pieces of what God has done in his life and what He can do in ours, I have loved this book. It is definitely a must read for anyone who may be feeling a little beat up and for that person who feels they are doing exactly what God has called them to do. Let Nicky share with you how God has continued to move in his life!

Stunning book.......2003-03-23

This is an amazing book. While reading One Holy Fire, I found myself amazed at the power of the Holy Spirit, and the awesome things that can happen when He is given free reign in a person's life. Nicky Cruz lives a life right out of the pages of the book of Acts, and he tells us how we can do the same. If your life has become predictable, read this book; it will encourage, energize, and convict you! Highly recommended.

The Fire and the Light (The Souls of Aredyrah Series)

Average customer rating:

Great work
New Fantasy Series At It's Best
A poignant epic fable, highly recommended for all ages.
Wow!
When's Book 2 coming out?

The Fire and the Light (The Souls of Aredyrah Series)
Tracy A. Akers
Manufacturer: Ruadora Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fairy Tales | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Peddler's Trials
The Search for the Unnamed One
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His Dark Materials Trilogy (The Golden Compass; The Subtle Knife; The Amber Spyglass)

ASIN: 0977887502

Book Description

The Fire and the Light begins the saga of two boys from opposing cultures who meet and discover some unwelcome truths: not only are they bound by blood and prophecy, but their differing beliefs are founded on similar lies. Both boys want nothing more than to live normal lives, but their chance meeting sets them on a path of danger, discovery, and some difficult choices. If they reveal what they have learned, they risk not only their lives, but the stability of their world. If they keep the knowledge hidden, they will deny their own destinies and a chance to lead their people out of darkness.

Customer Reviews:

Great work.......2007-02-19

I loved this book. It was just one of those books you wanted to keep reading and reading and reading. I am excited to read the next one. All of the characters are well-written and interesting. Great work for this author

New Fantasy Series At It's Best.......2007-02-14

Dayn is a freak and scorned in his world. Ruairi is the betrothed crowned prince and heir in his until a fiery accident renders him "unpure". What future events will bind their destinies together?

THE FIRE AND THE LIGHT (the first of five books in THE SOULS OR AREDYRAH series) begins the epic tale of these two young men and Dayn's sister, Alicine. Dayn is tall and fair and persecuted in a land of people who are shorter and dark, and who believe they are the only survivors of a Purge by the Gods. Ruairi's family and people have banished him to be a third class member of society when his hands are badly burned - a requirement in a land where perfection of body and mind is demanded by the Gods. Neither knows the other lands exist until Dayn and Alicine flee their village, travel through the forbidden mountains and wind up in Ruairi's world. Their meeting is by chance, but soon the secrets of the ties between them are revealed. Dayn, Ruairi and Alicine begin a journey to uncover the past, and find themselves on a dangerous path that will lead them to question both societies, and the customs and religions that rule their lives.

Akers' creates a wonderfully developed world that you are swept into, with a plot that immediately demands your attention. Her characters are richly developed, their personalities and emotions clearly depicted through their words and actions. The descriptive writing style is never overdone, with just enough flavor to immerse you in the surroundings. The dialog is crisp and concise, makes you believe in the characters and leaves the impression that you are right in the story with them.

This is a must read for fantasy lovers of all ages, although with good news and bad news. The good news is that you will be hopelessly spellbound with this wonderful story. The bad news is you will not be able to stop turning the pages, and then must twiddle your thumbs until the next book comes out.

A poignant epic fable, highly recommended for all ages........2006-11-06

Written by teacher Tracy A. Akers, The Fire and the Light is book one of The Souls of Aredyrah series. A fantastic adventure set in a world where nothing is as it seems, The Fire and the Light follows an ordinary boy and a prince, bound together by bonds of blood and prophecy, in a land cursed by darkness, ignorance, and fear. Both boys crave only a normal life, but the shadowed world around them is desperate for transformation, even though sparking a rebellion could well bring about their own destruction. A poignant epic fable, highly recommended for all ages.

Wow!.......2006-10-30

I couldn't put this book down! I became totally caught up in the world and lives of the characters. Each character is beautifully drawn and their journeys are so compelling and complex. I envy future readers who will be able to turn the final page of this novel and immediately pick up book 2 of the series. I've recommended it to two friends already.

When's Book 2 coming out?.......2006-10-19

Okay, okay. I'm not a "young" adult, but I really enjoy Tracy's story-telling skills and The Fire & The Light was no exception. I became so involved with the characters that I found myself physically reacting to the challenges they were facing, I'd get cold and my muscles would tense. I even felt short of breath when we (the characters and I) walked through the hazardous and ancient pathways of The Forbidden Mountain on our way to new adventures. It was great fun! Can't wait for the next one. Keep 'em coming.

CCEL Classics CD: works by Saint Augustine, John Calvin, John Donne, Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, Martin Luther, Saint Teresa of Avila, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas a Kempis, John Wesley, and more!

Average customer rating:

CCEL Classics CD: works by Saint Augustine, John Calvin, John Donne, Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, Martin Luther, Saint Teresa of Avila, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas a Kempis, John Wesley, and more!
Dr. W. Harry Plantinga
Manufacturer: Christian Classics Ethereal Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Product Description

The most important spiritual writings of Christian history are available on this Classics CD by the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at Calvin College. It contains 118 Christian classics, including three versions of the Bible, several commentaries, Bible dictionaries, readings, spiritual guides, sermons, poems and journals -- all in a convenient, searchable form. Books are available in HTML and PDF formats. The easy-to-use CCEL Desktop software powering the CD enables users to browse and print books and install additional books from the Web. The top-of-class search engine can search for words or phrases in books, in authors works or in the whole library. In addition, it can search for dictionary definitions of words and commentary or references to scripture passages. The interface is a Web browser. The CD is compatible with Windows 2000+, Macintosh 10.3+, and most Linux versions.

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