Pilots Choice

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Lee and Miller mix a compelling fictional society governed by a strict code of honor with romantic, funny, touchingly real characters and great storytelling in Pilots Choice. Its two tales are prequels to Partners in Necessity, the long-awaited reprinting of their first three novels, Conflict of Honors, Agent of Change, and Carpe Diem. You need not have read their other books before diving into this one. But be warned: you may read straight through until you've finished the sequel to Partners, Plan B.

In Local Custom, Er Thom yos'Galen is at odds with his duty: to match with a proper Liaden bride and provide clan Korval with an heir. His mother observes, "You have consistently refused every contract-alliance the head of your line has brought to your attention for the past three years. Permit me to wonder why."

Er Thom can't forget Terran scholar Anne Davis, though they agreed to part. Revisiting her one last time he finds Shan yos'Galen, his son. Shan needs Liaden training and Korval needs his skills. Anne loves Er Thom and knows he risks his melant'i (honor, reputation) if he takes a Terran wife. But she won't be parted from her son.

Er Thom and Anne are aided by Er Thom's cousin and foster brother, the Delm (head) of Korval, Daav yos'Phelium. Scout's Progress finds Daav facing contract-marriage himself. Then he meets Aelliana Caylon, a gifted mathematician who needs a pilot's license. Daav becomes her copilot and instructor. Aelliana begins to plan a future far from Liad and her sadistic older brother, Ran Eld, heir to the Delm of her clan. She doesn't know that her friend Daav can't leave with her, and is promised to another woman.

These are SF and fantasy books. Lee and Miller are master world-builders: the pilot culture, the intricate web of Liaden custom, the portrayals of the "three" races (Liaden, Terran, and Yxtrang), and the detailed history gradually revealed all attest to their skills. Moreover, there's plenty of action and adventure here, and no painfully graphic sex scenes. If you enjoy witty banter between characters, social and political intrigue, and "tales of love and glory" set in intergalactic space, don't miss these books. --Nona Vero

Book Description

Lee and Miller mix a compelling fictional society governed by a strict code of honor with romantic, funny, touchingly real characters and great storytelling in "Pilots Choice". Its two tales are prequels to "Partners in Necessity", the long-awaited reprinting of their first three novels, Conflict of Honors, Agent of Change, and Carpe Diem. You need not have read their other books before diving into this one. But be warned: you may read straight through until you've finished the sequel to Partners, "Plan B". In Local Custom, Er Thom yos'Galen is at odds with his duty: to match with a proper Liaden bride and provide clan Korval with an heir. His mother observes, "You have consistently refused every contract-alliance the head of your line has brought to your attention for the past three years. Permit me to wonder why." Er Thom can't forget Terran scholar Anne Davis, though they agreed to part. Revisiting her one last time he finds Shan yos'Galen, his son. Shan needs Liaden training and Korval needs his skills. Anne loves Er Thom and knows he risks his melant'i (honor, reputation) if he takes a Terran wife. But she won't be parted from her son. Er Thom and Anne are aided by Er Thom's cousin and foster brother, the Delm (head) of Korval, Daav yos'Phelium. Scout's Progress finds Daav facing contract-marriage himself. Then he meets Aelliana Caylon, a gifted mathematician who needs a pilot's license. Daav becomes her copilot and instructor. Aelliana begins to plan a future far from Liad and her sadistic older brother, Ran Eld, heir to the Delm of her clan. She doesn't know that her friend Daav can't leave with her, and is promised to another woman.

Customer Reviews:

Great Story in Liaden Universe.......2005-10-01

I am new to the Liaden universe and have, over the past several weeks, read all the novels I could get my hands on. "Pilots Choice" was my first introduction to the novels and I found both stories very entertaining, containing action, romance and humor. Being a hugh fan of Georgette Heyer, having read all of her work, I was drawn to the Liaden stories when another reviewer made an anaolgy between the two styles of writing. I highly recommend Pilots Choice for anyone who enjoys a great story, with interesting characters, who you can get to know quickly. Highest praise to Sharon Lee & Steve Miller - why can't we find these great books at our local book store?

Absolutely Wonderful - Don't Miss This One!.......2004-01-30

Pilot's Choice is an omnibus of two novels: Local Custom & Scout's Progress, both of which are prequels to Partners in Necessity.

Local Custom: Er Thom yos'Galan, Master Trader and Heir to Clan Korval knew his duty to his clan - to provide the Clan with a child of his own body. He also knew that he could never offer a contract wife the care and attention his honor demanded until he had seen Anne Davis one last time. Then he would seek the Healers on Liad and they would erase all of his memories of the woman who had captured his heart...

Anne, a Terran and brilliant linguist had met Er Thom years before and had a wonderful affair with him, falling head over heels in love, but knowing that he would leave her, as he had. What Anne did not tell Er Thom was that she bore his child, her precious Shan. She never expected to see Er Thom again and was stunned when he walked in to her apartment. They both found that their love was as deep and fierce as it had ever been and Er Thom found that he did not know how to say goodbye. Then Shan returned home and Er Thom found himself with an even bigger problem than before. For Shan was Er Thom's heir, but as a half Liaden, half Terran, there was no guarantee that he would be accepted by the Clan and the Tho'Delm, Er Thom's mother. Er Thom knew that there would be a sacrifice to make in the time ahead of him, a sacrifice that would rip his heart to shreds. For the tho'Delm had rejected Shan and refused to even consider that Er Thom had a future with Anne and so he was faced with the difficult choice of weighing his honor and the honor of his clan against the love he could not live without...

Scout's Progress: Aelliana Caylon learned the hard way that she was powerless in her Clan. At first, she tried to defy her brother, Van Eld, when he attempted to exercise his authority over her as the next Delm, but after her first and only contract marriage to Van Eld's abusive friend, Aelliana no longer rebelled. She learned to feign meekness and remain quiet except when she was teaching her advanced math class to the irrepressible pilots in training at the academy. She had value at the university and was readily acknowledged as one of the most brilliant mathematicians of her day. When one of her pilot students convinced her to play a game of chance at a new gaming palace, Aelliana used her math skills to beat the cardshark and found herself the proud owner of a ship - and her chance to leave Liaden forever...

But before Aelliana could leave Liaden, she had to get her pilot's license. Luckily, she was docked at Binjali's, where the pilots were irreverent and surprising, but genuinely friendly. Before she knew it, Aelliana found herself adopted in to a kind of family where her skills were valued and her opinion was asked. She quickly found herself looking forward to her lessons with Master Pilot Daav, who challenged her to become more and to take risks. What she did not know was that her quirky co-pilot was in fact Daav yos'Phelium, the Delm of Korval and arguably the most powerful man on the planet. She also did not know that Daav was in negotiations for a contract marriage or she never would have let herself fall in love with him....

I found the Liaden culture fascinating and loved learning more about the customs and mindset of these people. Lee and Miller have done a fabulous job at creating this universe and making their characters absolutely believable. I loved all of the characters and felt that I could identify with all of them in a different way. All of them have their strengths and weaknesses and all of them had their own part to play in the game. Although the romance of the two main characters in each book is a large part of the plot, the world building, the characterization, attention to detail and the excellent quality of writing kept me absolutely riveted - I couldn't put this book down!

Good Start.......2003-12-02

This was my first foray into the Liaden universe and I can honestly say I enjoyed it immensely. Both novels had me hooked by the last 100 pages of each. This book does a good job of forming the universe, I feel like I have an understanding of the conventions in which the characters have to work. My disclaimer for this review is that I like SF not necessarily Romance.

At first I thought I would prefer Scout's Progress to Local Custom because SP on the surface has more SF elements to its plotting. After reading both, I actually preferred LC to SP. It is primarily due to the fact that LC has superior characterizations and a more engaging premise. All in all for me, a well written, richly detailed and superb characterization is more important than which genre fits best.

The Liaden universe (at least in these 2 novels) is filled w/ damsels in distress and knights in shining armor. A little cliched for my tastes especially SP. I find myself wondering about the misogynistic undertones of the stories. I will definitely read more in the series before coming to any conclusions, however, these two books are definitely leaning in that direction.

An interesting read, but I believe I haven't read the best that these authors have to offer yet. I am looking forward to reading them more.

You'll keep coming back..........2003-07-18

...to this amazing universe. I have read this particualr omnibus, (as well as Partners in Necessity) probably 4 times in the past year-and-a-half, not only for the sheer enjoyment of the stories but for the added insights/revelations I continue to glean about the main characters and their world(s). The authors have done a fabulous job of character/society/world-building that immerses the reader completely.
Admittedly, I initially favored "Scout's Progress" over "Local Custom", but my most recent rereading made me realize that although each is a fine stand alone novel in its own right, the two complement and complete each other perfectly, much like Er Thom and Anne, Daav and Aelianna. I have become increasingly selective of the titles I purchase; I love books that I get the urge to pick up and read again every year or so. These have me diving back in within a matter of months. Buy this series if you enjoy intelligent, rollicking space opera, romantic but not cloyingly so, with an undercurrent of ever-present danger and potential violence.

Addendum: To be fair, there were one or two small plot holes that I felt weren't adequately resolved, but in the overall scheme of things, the excellent storytelling renders them insignificant.

Very Good! Very, Very Good!.......2003-04-24

PILOTS CHOICE is a compilation of two independent novels, LOCAL CUSTOM and SCOUT' PROGRESS. What can be said of these two stories?! For those of you, like me, new or unfamiliar to the Liaden Universe created by Ms. Lee and Mr. Miller all I can say is be welcome! Loaded with romance, adventure, action and just a bit of comedy these stories have everything for the escapist in you.

The universe created here is wonderfully new and fresh. The characters interesting, likable and extremely well constructed. The romance, yes I like romance so there, is hart tugging, believable and, well, fun!

Although these are two independent novels they SHOULD be read together and I'll bet after you finish you won't be able to wait to get your hands on PARTNERS IN NECESSARY (even better than PILOTS CHOICE!) These are great stories that shouldn't be missed.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! You bet!

Book Description

Think all heroes have washboard abs? Think all heroines wear Size 3 Junior Petite? Think again! Come join Gene Wolfe, Elizabeth Anne Scarborough, Jane Yolen, Jody Lynn Nye, and Sharon Lee & Steve Miller, who along with nineteen other authors, introduce you to some of the funniest, wildest, sexiest, most powerful, and normal (considering these are science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories) fat people on earth and a few other planets. Meet a pirate named "Valkyrie" and a cardsharp named "Fat Moriah". Meet a xeno-fitness instructor and an earth-mage who don't apologize for taking up space. Meet fat cats on a mission and a very different kind of vampire. Meet characters for whom "plus-size" is about body size and heart. Brought together in this first-of-its-kind collection are stories that raise the set point on adventure and redraw the picture of "the hero" along the way. Tales of power and abundance that prove that heroes and heroines come in all sizes.

Customer Reviews:

Unique and Exciting.......2001-07-26

"Such A Pretty Face" puts more than just a new look at an old stereotype. Editor Lee Martindale has put together an amazing collection of size-positive short stories to celebrate a new era of heroes. With contributions from both well-established authors to new-comers in the genre, these stories are inspiring and entertaining. They affirm the beauty and abilities of a snubbed majority - the person of size. This collection is ground-breaking, exciting, and long overdue, but has been well worth the wait...and weight.

Great read - I hope it becomes a series!.......2000-10-17

No, I haven't any reason to think it will be a series, but I can hope, can't I?

I ran across the book back in July and fell in with the cover painting. Then I saw that it was edited by Lee Martindale, someone I remembered encountering (and respecting) in the size acceptance newsgroups. At that point I probably would have bought it no matter what, but the theme of the anthology cinched it.

I finished it within 48 hours of getting it, and it was wonderful. As usual with any anthology, I enjoyed some stories more than others. I think "Demon Bone" by Teresa Noelle Roberts had to be my favorite story. The poem "Fat Is Not A Fairy Tale" by Jane Yolen and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough's story "Worse Than The Curse" were awfully good, though :-) Paula L. Fleming's "Polyformus Perfectus" left me wishing it were the beginning of a novel rather than a short story.

I've already recommended this book to quite a few people, but I have a feeling I'll be handing it out to more. I'll probably buy a hardback copy to keep and loan out the paperback, but I'll be buying some copies to give as gifts as well.

And if I EVER find a print of the cover painting by Doug Beekman, it's going in a place of honor in my living room.

Fat is beautiful...and funny........2000-09-06

This is an anthology about fat people published by Meisha Merlin Publishing. Such SF/F luminaries as Jody Lynn Nye, Gene Wolfe, Jane Yolen, Elizabeth Ann Scarborough, K.D. Wentworth, and a host of others present a look at another view of the hero. A princess is cursed, and starts a new fashion trend, a sizeable selkie is the love of a man's life, a forty-year-old fat bi . . . uh, woman rediscovers the joy of creation on a lonely dirt road, and a couple of truly fat cats are far more than they appear. These and more stories just as exciting grace the pages of this thoughtful, wildly funny, and excellent volume of stories.

A great concept, and terrific stories.......2000-07-07

I ended up staying up far too late the night I got this book, because I kept telling myself I'd just read one more. The stories were well-written (I especially loved "Worse than the Curse" and "Casting Against Type"), and while the theme was definitely evident in all the stories, it was not hammered in. A touch of spice, rather than an overwhelming topnote.

Size should not be an issue!.......2000-07-01

I found Such A Pretty Face a delightful romp from one end to the other. I very much enjoyed the concept that someone's size is irrelevant to their personality and abilities. The characters were people first and fat/large/whatever second, something I think more characters (and people) should try. I intend to buy many copies to give as gifts and would recommend this book to anyone who is tired of the fat versus thin stereotypes. These stories prove that there is more to people than just their packaging.

A Picturesque Tale Of Progress : Nine Volumes Complete (World History)

Average customer rating:

A Picturesque Tale Of Progress : Nine Volumes Complete (World History)
Olive Beaupre Miller
Manufacturer: The Book House For Children
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000N4ACF6

Only Nine Chairs: A Tall Tale for Passover

Average customer rating:

Perfect for tikes
Hilarious Book about Seder
A great story in rhyme for the younger set (ages 3-8)

Only Nine Chairs: A Tall Tale for Passover
Deborah Uchill Miller
Manufacturer: Kar-Ben Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Matzah Man: A Passover Story
P is for Passover (Holiday Alphabet Books)
Sammy Spider's First Passover
Four Special Questions: a Passover Story (Festival Time!)
The Passover Seder

ASIN: 093049413X

Book Description

A seder for 19 with seating for 9
Will some have to stand while the others recline?

A rhyming tale for young and old presents a new solution to an old dilemma -- the overcrowded seder. A Passover classic.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect for tikes.......2002-03-30

This darling 37-page book offers even the smallest of children--babies and toddlers too--a funny Passover feast.

The poem has barely more than 200 words, but hilariously recounts the arrival of guests--while counting their 19 noses, 38 thumbs, freckles and the hosts' insufficient chairs. It wanders through places they might find seats, including "in the attic,/ Or on bookshelves in pairs,"... "in the sink/ Soaking suds with the pans," camped out "in the carport" or in "empty trash cans."

For the Kiddush (blessing the wine) the family will stand, so that's no problem, but the child narrator knows that sitting down for the meal will land "half on the floor." He thinks of stacking everyone in one chair, and reading "the Haggadah/ Sing songs filled with hope,/ With one book at the bottom/And a long periscope."

I won't spoil any of the glorious special effects. Suffice it to say, readers will delight in the book's dipping of greens, funny hiding of matzah and hysterical asking of four questions. (Even Elijah brings a laugh.) Children also love the simple pen and ink drawings that bring this light-heartedness to life. Alyssa A. Lappen

Hilarious Book about Seder.......2000-03-22

What I like most about this book is that it is so differentfrom the average Jewish children's book. Instead of going through theseder and what each thing symbolizes, it tells a humorous story about a girl worried that there will not be sufficient seating at her family's seder table. Its a funny book, that just happens to occur during Pesach. A real treat.

A great story in rhyme for the younger set (ages 3-8).......1999-01-02

A very clever poem about celelbrating the Seder when there is not enough room. Especially nice for non-orthodox families because the characters could be us and the traditions referenced in the book are probably familiar to most readers even if not orthodox. And the last line of the book makes me smile time and time again. I think I may it enjoy it more than my children. Get it. You can't go wrong.

Average customer rating:

Teaching your child about the value of work
Great for beginner readers
my review rulz!!!!!!!
The Little Red Hen
Simple and Easy but Still Good!

The Little Red Hen (Little Golden Book)

Manufacturer: Golden Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Three Bears (Little Golden Book)
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Scuffy the Tugboat and His Adventures Down the River

ASIN: 0307960307
Release Date: 2001-02-01

Book Description

Beloved illustrator J. P. Miller’s graphic, colorful farm animals seem to jump right off the page—but they aren’t jumping to help the Little Red Hen plant her wheat! Young children will learn a valuable lesson about teamwork from this funny, favorite folktale.

Customer Reviews:

Teaching your child about the value of work.......2007-07-15

I'm surprised anyone still reads this. It is about the value of working and teaches the lesson that those who don't work should not share in the efforts of those who do work. If the major media and the federal government find out that people are still reading this you can expect it to be attacked or banned.

Great for beginner readers.......2007-06-19

This book has a lovely repetitive rhythm that engages children to remember and repeat.
It is simple and gives a nice message about helping, the simplicity of the story also makes this a good book for beginner readers.

my review rulz!!!!!!!.......2006-04-25

This very cheerful story shows the childern that if they don't work they will not be able to reap the rewards. It is about a hen who finds a grain of wheat. She wants to grow the wheat but no one will help her, so she decides to do it all herself. the pictures are also very colorful and detailed. Everytime is see the pictures I see something new. this book is a must for young children because it teaches them responsability, and to do there share of the work. I really enjoyed this book and im sure your children will to.

By Grant (who rulz!!!!)

The Little Red Hen.......2006-02-27

What a wondeful story about the values of sharing, working and team work! This story was one from my childhood. The lessons one can learn from it apply even more today than they did 50 years ago! This story and Little Butterball (which is no longer in print but should be)are timeless. Enjoy it with your child(ren) today!

Simple and Easy but Still Good!.......2001-12-27

I was looking through some old Little Golden books looking to see if we had any that my niece might like and I came across The Little Red Hen and I remember really liking this cute book when I was little and it being one of my favorite Little Golden Books it has nice pictures and is very simple and easy to read and perfect for a child just learning how to read.

Cape Cod Stories: Tales from the Cape, Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard

Average customer rating:

"On this fragile piece of land..."
Mixed Pleasure

Cape Cod Stories: Tales from the Cape, Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard

Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Cape Cod
Cape Cod
The Outermost House: A Year of Life On The Great Beach of Cape Cod
The Salt House: A Summer on the Dunes of Cape Cod
Frommer's Cape Cod, Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard 2007 (Frommer's Complete)

ASIN: 081183252X

Book Description

From the drifting sand dunes and quaint shops of Provincetown to Nantucket’s whitewashed verandas and craggy beaches, Cape Cod Stories evokes all the rustic beauty and history of this picturesque area in the words of America’s best writers. With a striking new cover, this popular anthology is the next best thing to a summer on the Cape.

Customer Reviews:

"On this fragile piece of land..." .......2004-12-29

Alice Hoffman has written an Introduction to this treasure chest of poems, diaries, stories, and musings about Cape Cod that makes the reader plunge into the many atmospheres and moods of this special place. Her seduction proves worthy, for this collection of prose and poetry edited by John Miller and Tim Smith manages to uncover memories and a long history of this unique haven for artists.

Cape Cod and its neighboring Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard have long been a place for writers to visit, to live, and to incorporate into some of the most important literature of this country. Herman Melville writes about the oddities of the Nantucketer. Among the writings is a Falmouth Whaling Log from the early 1900s. There are moments from the works of Henry David Thoreau, Edgar Allen Poe, Benjamin Franklin, Helen Keller, poems by Marge Piercy, Edna St. Vincent Millay, and Sylvia Plath, and fresh stories from Adam Gopnik, John Updike, Kurt Vonnegut, Norman Mailer, and Edmund Wilson - twenty five entries in all - that bring back memories for those who have had the special joy of Cape Light.

This is a fine selection of quick reading stories that remind us how important (in its own quiet way) that this eastern most point of the United States has been - and continues to be: this fragile piece of land has inspired more beauty of words than almost any other idiosyncratic spot in the country. Grady Harp, December 2004

Mixed Pleasure.......2002-06-17

I didn't find this anthology as effective in conveying the feel of a place as say, "A Key West Reader". Some of the pieces, however, made it worth the purchase - "Falmouth Whaling Log" by an anonymous sailor, "Nantucket" by Melville and Kurt Vonnegut's "The Hyannis Port Story" were gems.

Phantom of the Pines: More Tales of the Jersey Devil

Average customer rating:

a good source of mythological information for someone to build great ideas on
Interesting book on a convoluted topic.
A Fair Book; A Frustrating Topic
My favorite cryptozoological monster ...
Awesome

Phantom of the Pines: More Tales of the Jersey Devil
James F. McCloy , and Ray Miller
Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

The Jersey Devil
Tales Of The Jersey Devil
Chupacabras: And Other Mysteries
Mothman: Behind the Red Eyes
Haunted New Jersey: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Garden State

ASIN: 0912608951

Book Description

Emitting shrill cries and leaving its footprints in mud and snow, it has roamed the Pine Barrens of South Jersey for almost three hundred years. It is usually said to resemble a composite of several different animals, but it walks upright and is believed to be the child of a human mother. It is often associated with witchcraft and devil worship, yet it sometimes travels in the company of beautiful golden-haired girl. And it has lent its name to everything from small businesses to a professional hockey team.

What is this mysterious creature? The Jersey Devil course! And in this brand-new collection of fascinating legends and lore, you will learn more than ever before about New Jersey's most infamous resident.

More than twenty years after their first book about the Jersey Devil was published, James F. McCloy and Ray Miller Jr.'s, new research into this phenomenon continues to intrigue readers. Using historical accounts and interviews with New Jerseyites, many of whom were eyewitnesses to the creature's actions, the authors try to piece together the mystery that is the Jersey Devil.

Despite the variations and contradictions that have shaped its story through the years, one thing is certain: the legend of the Jersey Devil is not likely to disappear anytime soon. And as one believer notes, "Behind every tradition...there's something real." Does the Jersey Devil actually exist, leaving its fearsome mark throughout the region? Or is it simply a hoax, grown to epic proportions through years of storytelling? Open Phantom of the Pines-if you dare-and decide for yourself.

Customer Reviews:

a good source of mythological information for someone to build great ideas on.......2006-08-11

Growing up near (and sometimes in) the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, it is safe to say that I have had a fascination with the Jersey Devil all my life. First, it started as a natural childhood monster fascination (the same thing that had me watching Godzilla movies and being unable to fall asleep with the lights out), and over time it simply became an interest in how ideas survive through the ages, as well as how they morph and change from person to person.

This book is a great collection of the multitudinous versions of the Jersey Devil myth, along with connected legends and stories of sightings to document the wide variations that have occured over time. Even the shape and form of the Devil himself is in contention--from something serpentine to humanoid. The authors set down the wide array of variations with an almost anthropological removal. Rather than going for cheap conclusions or pale insinuations of a real monster out there in the pines, the authors relish in the array of tales that are out there as a kind of history of New Jersey storytelling. Their proper tone keeps the evidence convincing, and I became impressed with their thorough work and had no doubt that their research was authentic.

In the end, though, I did leave wanting some kind of summation of things beyond the information provided. Obviously, this was not the point of the book itself, but I do hope that it has been (or will be) the fodder of some analysis of Jersey folklore that looks at the drive behind the legend--what truths about New Jersey can be found in the proliferation of the Devil myth? McCloy and Miller have done great work laying down the foundation. I am waiting for someone to build the spires atop of it.

Interesting book on a convoluted topic........2006-03-05

I never realized how complex the Jersey Devil phenomena is until I read this book. You get the feeling when reading this book that the Jersey Devil is an amalgamation of several different crytpozoological elements (a little Bigfoot activity here, a little Thunderbird activity there, and a lot of that ugly cow, pig, kangaroo, dragon, goat-mix thing activity everywhere). I guess the only way to distinguish the Devil from his crypto brothers is to assume that he/she is represented by the continuing accounts of the "ugly cow, pig, kangaroo, dragon, goat-mix thing". Personally, it seems easier to believe in the existence of Bigfoot or the Thunderbird than to believe in the existence of the Jersey cur. Keel descibed wndows of paranormal activity and maybe South Jersey is such a window where Bigfoot and the Thunderbird and the Jersey cur all cross paths. I'm not doubting all the accounts beacuse that's a futile argument. It just seems more difficult to believe in the biological adaptivity of such a creature if it did physically exist. Regardless, this is a great, quick read. The authors seem to be knowledgeable of the subject. All in all it's a pretty good book on a topic which has too many loose threads.

A Fair Book; A Frustrating Topic.......2005-12-28

Allow me to introduce myself briefly; I am an amateur investigator of the weird, strange, and the generally paranormal. My attitude is to always keep an open-mind, and to believe that anything that is logical can be true, whether or not it follows the grain of conventional science. In fact, I find that many a time, the skeptical story may be less logical and believable than the "outlandish" explanations that there are paranormal forces at work in our world.

Now on to the topic at hand: "Phantom of the Pines," a book by James F. McCloy and Ray Miller Jr. I should first say that I had very little exposure to the topic of the devil in my prior reading. I'm much more well read on the "classics" of cryptozoology and the paranormal, by authors such as Coleman, Shuker, and Keel, on the more traditional topics of lake monsters, bigfoot/sasquatch, mothman, UFOs, and so on.

In regard to the material covered, I found that without a doubt Miller and McCloy are experts on the subject. The book leaves no doubt that they've done their homework on the Jersey Devil, and contains countless notable events throughout the modern history of the devil, including an extensive treatment of multiple possible origins. This being their second Devil book, it leaves no question that they're more than capable of accurately representing the Devil's history. In terms of writing style, I found it quite readable, and was pleased to see that the authors did maintain a healthy distance from the material presented. While I admit I've not yet finished the entire book (now over half way through), they have fully refrained from opinionated text. The text is primarily a compendium of quotes and references, not of the author's opinions, and I find that extremely important in any book on the paranormal. The reader can definitely draw their own conclusions.

This brings me to my complaint: my conclusions. In all honesty it is a complaint with the legend of the Jersey Devil itself, rather than with the authors of this book, however I think it's fair to lay out all grievances as I find it may impact the pleasure of future readers just as it has impacted mine. The authors mention more than once that the Devil is a wide-spread and popular myth, and yet it has not received the same attention as the other paranormal topics I mentioned earlier. I have quickly come to the conclusion that there are multiple "problems" with the Jersey Devil myth, and perhaps this is why it has not been treated very equally.

First of all, the Devil is clearly a hybrid between a folk tale and a crypto- or paranormal incident. Creatures like the Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster do not have backstories or folktales associated with their coming into being, or their life. They are accepted as a scientific or zoological problem because their witnesses treat them as fellow earth creatures rather than fables. On the contrary, the Devil has a rich history of mythology. Stories, many different and varied versions, have been handed down in Jersey for many generations telling of how this "devil" was actually born. This then intermingles with real eye-witness sightings of the paranormal, so you have a clear case of a folktale which has also somehow come to life. Now even I, as a very open-minded person, have trouble dealing with such a situation. Either it's a folk tale or a real creature, but not both.

Secondly, I find it blatantly obvious that the Devil has been used as a blanket explanation for a huge variety of paranormal events in the Jersey area, no matter how unrelated. The authors themselves take you through countless examples of "Devil" sightings which range from 6'' tall human like creatures, to 25' long dragons, to blatantly obvious Bigfoot encounters, and everything in between. And yet despite the vast diversity of the experiences, they're all explained away as an incarnation of the same "Devil". I find this to be not only frustratingly illogical, but a crime against any real investigation that might otherwise have taken place. Rather than attempting to categorize the weird goings on as one might in any other portion of the country, we instead find every strange event in the area simply shrugged off as the work of the same enigmatic creature that apparently has no form nor function.

Now to tie my rant on the Devil in with this book specifically, I found the clear problems with the myth were quickly frustrating as a reader who came in hoping for at least a story of a semi-believable creature. I was extremely annoyed when the authors would recount an obvious sighting of the Bigfoot family, and credit it to the Devil instead. And for that matter, the fact that nearly every account in the book dealt with a different description of the "same" creature was very intellectually frustrating. Furthermore the authors made almost no attempt to categorize what was witnessed in any logical way. In a chapter which actually contains "Bigfoot" in the title, they simply used it as an excuse to recount more Devil sightings, rather than make a logical comparison of the topics. Finally, the recounting of the initial folklore behind the Devil was frustrating to me, although it was hardly the authors' fault for including it. As a person of science I had expected to be reading of empirical evidence of a creature, not the old wives tales I was presented with.

So in summation, I found the "Phantom of the Pines" to be physically successful as a work: readable, with authors of good integrity and expertise. Unfortunately I was very unpleasantly surprised with the subject matter, and don't plan on continuing to read into the topic of the Jersey Devil. The lack of any logic or tact behind the creature left me more than frustrated, and I would much rather dedicate my time to topics which can be approached scientifically and logically. I would only recommend this book or this topic to those with a healthy interest in New Jersey folklore, but those looking for something scientifically paranormal should look elsewhere.

My favorite cryptozoological monster ..........2003-06-19

Aspects of Phantom of the Pines are slightly cheesy, but ultimately, the Jersey Devil has to be my favorite mythical beast. The accounts of parents not allowing children to school for fear they'd be prey of the monster are as chilling as they are silly.
The JD has a long, rich history. You can say that sasquatch encounters go back to Native Americans, but the "wild man" hairy hominoid stuff is very Jungian. The Devil is its own beast.
This is a fun, worthwhile introduction to the terrifying creature. You don't need to be from Jersey to appreciate the Devil.

Awesome.......2001-10-16

fascinating book - definately recommend it - especially to native New Jerseyians...

Tales Of Persia: Missionary Stories From Islamic Iran

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Enjoy and learn!

Tales Of Persia: Missionary Stories From Islamic Iran
William McElwee Miller , and Bruce Van Patter
Manufacturer: P & R Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0875526152

Book Description

News from the Middle East finds us wherever we live in today's world. Children often wonder about this far-removed land, while parents struggle to teach their children about Islam. Tales of Persia is a timely book of missionary tales that will teach readers about Islam and encourage a new generation of Christians. Tales of Persia is especially useful for family devotions and Sunday school classes.

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Enjoy and learn!.......2006-04-12

In order to support his family, Gasem worked hard in his little shop in the bazaar in Meshed, Iran. Every day at lunch time, he would close his shop buy some bread and cheese and go home to share it with his family. One day, the grocer wrapped the cheese in the page of a book. After the meal Gasem read the story on the page to his family. It was so interesting that Gasem continued to request the cheese be wrapped in that particular book's pages. The book was a Persian New Testament. And the pages of that New Testament introduced the whole family to Christ.

Tales of Persia is full of wonderful, true stories. First published in 1979 for family reading, this simple, profound book just had to be published once again for us to read. In 1919, Presbyterian missionary William Miller answered his Lord's call to go to Persia, now known by its ancient name of Iran. He fell in love with the people and the country, living there until the late 1960s. This humble, caring man writes delightfully, with empathy and minimal fuss, about his adventures, the people he cherished, both missionary and native, and his Lord. Van Patter's black and white sketches draw out the meaning behind each story. Willing to learn from Muslims about Islam, Miller approached the people at their level, introducing Christ in ways they could understand. He does the same for us in this book, tying it all together with Scripture. The customs, mores, religion, everyday life, and the heart of these people become alive and real to the reader. You may have already met Miller through his book for the adult reader, A Christian Response to Islam. This author has a deep understanding of his subject and a talent for presenting the deeper truths at an understandable level.

Although written primarily for older elementary school age, Tales of Persia appeals to all ages from preschool to adult. Homeschoolers will delight in the fact that long before it was called homeschooling, Miller's mother taught her son at home. Tales of Persia will be cherished by many: the individual reader, family reading circle, Sunday School, VBS, church camp, the homebound, and those thinking of becoming a missionary. It will make a useful aid for introducing people to the need to answer a call from the Lord.

Meet missionaries in covered wagons; a shepherd boy and his lost sheep; Sa'eed the brave doctor, both beloved and hated; the little girl Fatima who loved Christ and dared all for Him; and many more. Tales of Persia is a book to enjoy and learn from. - Donna Eggett, Christian Book Previews.com

Feast of Fear: Conversations with Stephen King

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A Good Look at the First Half of King's Career
And Now for the Main Course

Feast of Fear: Conversations with Stephen King
Tim Underwood , and Chuck Miller
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0446395056

Customer Reviews:

A Good Look at the First Half of King's Career.......2003-12-23

This collection of interviews with and articles about Stephen King give a very detailed look at his early career. The latest interview was published in early 1989, while King was still working on The Dark Half.

There's a lot of ground covered here, but not all coverage is even. For instance, Stanley Kubrick's film version of The Shining is discussed frequently, first with King discussing how excited he is about the project (pre-release) and then how disappointed he was after the movie came out. King's own directorial project, Maximum Overdrive, gets similar coverage, as does his work as screenwriter for Creepshow. Some of King's work is strangely missing, though: The film Firestarter is discussed much more than the novel; The Dark Tower books (The Gunslinger and The Drawing of the Three) and The Talisman are mentioned only in passing. An article in Time Magazine where King is referred to as "the master of post-literate prose" is mentioned several times, but the article itself is absent.

The interviews are divided up into nine chapters (plus epilogue), covering his start, early years, "Going Hollywood," recent (late '80s) years, etc. Copyright details for each piece appear at the beginning of the book, but I think it would have been more helpful if they had appeared prior to each interview along with a brief bio of the interviewer (as many interject their own opinions and memories into the interviews and it would be nice to know who these people are).

King is portrayed in fairly glowing terms throughout Feast of Fear; a much franker version of this period of his life - including alcoholism and drug addiction - appears in King's autobiographical memoir, On Writing. Is King entirely truthful in his interview responses? No, but he is insightful - King admits in On Writing that he made up his stock response of writing everyday except for Christmas, the Fourth of July and his birthday, because you have to say *something* and it should at least be half clever. Nevertheless, even if Stephen King the brand-name-and-legend isn't the real deal, the man reflected in these pages is still a heck of an interesting guy with a lot to say about the creative process and celebrity.

And Now for the Main Course.......2003-11-18

Feast Of Fear: Conversations with Stephen King's main con is that it was published in 1989, and the modern master of horror, by my guesstimate has published at least between 20 - 25 works between then and now.
This volume is a series of interviews with Mr. King from 1974 to 1989 largely by people in the field. It is often set up in informal conversations with peers and other writers giving a sense of intimacy to the reader. Reading it I gained a whole new level of respect for King. Sure there were redundancies and repetitions in places where questions were subtly changed, but with the same general point, but King's answer's showed a level of class and sophistication that may take some non-fans by surprise. There was even some interviews which included George Romero giving the reader a bonus treat of hearing wit and wisdom from two people at the top of their mediums.
This book lets people know the man behind the author, and for me made me want to read/reread more King as stated it just lit up my respect for him like a Christmas tree.

Hunting And Herding Dogs (Dog Tales: True Stories About Amazing Dogs)

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Hunting And Herding Dogs (Dog Tales: True Stories About Amazing Dogs)
Marie-therese Miller
Manufacturer: Chelsea Clubhouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

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ASIN: 0791090388

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