5 comments about The Oxford Book of American Short Stories.

1. When I went to graduate school for a course of study that involved primarily reading, I did not want to spend too much free time reading. Because I find it hard to put down a book that I enjoy, it was hard to commit to a novel. So I became a devoted reader of short stories, including many anthologies and collections.
   This collection by Joyce Carol Oates was, hands down, the best that I ever encountered. A hardcover volume makes a good graduation present for a young scholar, or someone who loves to read but cannot find the time for a novel.



2. I have only read the first few stories yet, which of course are great literary works. As far as Joyce Oates' work is concerned, she has done an excellent job of introducing the collection and giving a brief summary of each author. For the price and the quality this is a book worth your library!



3. There is a beautiful strangeness to each of these stories that Joyce has melded into an unsettling yet perfect whole. Any professor of an MFA program will do well to expose his or her students to these neglected gems. The anthology takes the reader off the beaten path and opens the imagination to the ghostly jungle of possibility.



4. "The Oxford Book of American Short Stories," edited by Joyce Carol Oates, is an impressive anthology. The editor herself is well-known as a master writer of short stories, so you know that she has insights into the genre.

   This is a truly sweeping anthology. The authors (56 altogether) range chronologically from Washington Irving (1783-1859) to Pinckney Benedict (b. 1964). Many of the "giants" of U.S. literature, among them a number of Nobel and Pulitzer recipients, are included: Herman Melville ("The Paradise of Bachelors..."), Edgar Allan Poe ("The Tell-Tale Heart"), Edith Wharton ("A Journey"), Saul Bellow (Something to Remember Me By"), etc.

   In her introduction, Oates notes that one of her goals in this anthology was to present "[f]amiliar names, unfamiliar titles." Thus, it is rewarding to see stories like "Cannibalism in the Cars," by Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain). But she does, in some cases, include an author's best-known story (like Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper"). A good balance overall.

   Oates also includes many authors who represent ethnic currents in U.S. literature: African-American, Jewish, Native American, Latina, and Asian-American. There are also a number of "regional" writers.

   There is a wide variety of themes and stylistic approaches represented in this book. I was particularly interested in those stories that represent various forms of American vernacular speech: Jean Toomer's "Blood-Burning Moon," Eudora Welty's "Where Is That Voice Coming From?", etc. I was also pleased at the inclusion of one of Ray Bradbury's masterful science fiction tales (the haunting "There Will Come Soft Rains").

   Obviously, an anthology of this nature will not please everybody perfectly; I'm sure many readers will name favorite stories and authors whom they would have liked to have seen included in this collection. Personally, I would have added a story each by Alice Walker, Hisaye Yamamoto, Samuel Delany, H.P. Lovecraft, and Octavia Butler. But overall, this is a fine anthology, good both for classroom use and individual recreational reading.




5. This is a solid cross-section of time, authors, style, intent, and soul. I taught this to 50+ teenagers with a high degree of success and corporate enjoyment. The primary downfall of the piece is that Oates comments before each story, sometimes playing the obnoxious neighbor by actually giving away the resolution. Read her comments after you read the story. Otherwise, great work.

1 comments about Silver Linings: Triumph of the Challenger 7..

1. I absolutely cried when I read of how she watched the terrible explosion. My heart, too, was in pain. I went through it with her and as the book progressed, I too was healed. 5 stars, A+++

5 comments about The Confessions of St. Augustine.

1. For whatever reason, the editor here has seen fit to leave out sections of Augustine's Confessions. What is most annoying is that this book is not clearly marked "abridged". Honest dealing requires this book to be clearly identified for what it is - an abridged, incomplete version of Confessions.



2. For those of you who thought that St. Augustine was going to be so deeply intellectual that it couldn't possibly apply to you, you should try this small book. It's not difficult reading, but the ideas aren't little ones. I was amazed at the parallels in culture to our 'modern' age, and at how little has changed in nearly 2000 years. He writes pretty bluntly about his youthful vices, which made me examine my own. I bought ten copies for friends and for graduation gifts this year.



3. When I studied religion at university, my lecturer told us that if we were to read any book, it had to be confessions. It really is a great book and well structured. It is very dense as the best religious texts are, so it will take a long time to properly read and absorb. A must have for your collection.



4. The Augustine part is fine and the translator did a wonderful job, but why were the parts edited out? Saint Augustine was just like us in his struggles to not only come to Christianity but also to live the Christian life after his conversion. He writes about his screw-ups, failures, and triumphs in such a humble, heart rendering manner I wish I had articulated it that way first. All Christians should have this book in their library to be read and re-read often. PAX, bb



5. The Confessions offer a deep look into St. Augustine's mind as he battles through questions about time and memory. It is, quite personally, an account of a once atheist who, through tragedy and an insatiable desire for truth, becomes spiritually connected to God. Augustine presents age old questions about existence and purpose, and provides his own unique and intelligent viewpoint. Augustine's confessions are uplifting to read through, and his gentle and eloquent praises to God are remarkably written. I gave this book five stars, in light of its uniqueness and the personal betterment I felt when I read it.

1 comments about Saint Monica: C. 332-387 : Model of Christian Mothers.

1. Having just really appreciated the story of Saints Monica and Augustine, this was an excellent short read on the mother/son story of two of heavens greatest saints. This delicate little book will make you appreciate and ponder on her inspiration.
   
   This paperback tells of the infinite faith of Saint Monica and her unceasing cries and prayers to heaven for the redemption of the body and soul of her son, Augustine, whose youth was being spent in paganistic ways, much like his father, Patricius. But just as her prayers were in earnest for her son, likewise were they for her husband, who eventually became a Christian, being affected by the love, patience and purity of his wife's life and example.
   
   Monica's being also became a profound influence on her mother-in-law, who made Monica's life miserable, along with Patricius. But in her elder years, she began to take notice of her spiritual daughter-in-law, who always showed her the utmost respect, despite the reproaches thrown against her.
   
   And of course, the most touching and profound story of conversion due to a mother's plea, is that of Saint Augustine. He is considered by many to be one of the most gifted saints, due to his natural insights and blessings, that he initially fought against during his early years, but which brought him such gifts of witness and teaching, in his later years.
   
   The conversion stories of her mother-in-law, her husband, and then most profoundly her son, Monica is a wonderful example for anyone struggling with a yearning and desire to bring their loved ones attention to Our Lord. At the same time, you realize that her journey of truth for her family, took years of patience and blind faith, and it is then that we once again understand, that everything is in God's time, and not ours. And for those who have the true understanding of His love for us, we become grateful servants as we wait for the Master's Word.
   
   This would be a most treasured pocket-size book for those who admire the faith and perserverance of St. Monica, as well as something to give to a struggling wife or mother, in need of encouragement.
   
   God bless and peace in Christ!
   
   Addendum: Located in the second to the last section of this book is the description of, and information for, "The Confraternity of Christian Mothers" which is a society in which Christian mothers and wives "offer mutual prayers for husbands and children who have gone astray" as well as "frequent and regular prayers with other women in the same vocation, talks, discussions, frequency of the Sacraments, as well as the edifying examples of other members".
   
   The last section offers the prayers to St. Monica (The Litany, Novena, Mother's Prayer for the Intercession of St. Augustine, and the Daily Prayer for the Children).

5 comments about Reggie White in the Trenches: The Autobiography.

1. Let me start by saying that I'm a 13 year old boy and that Reggie White is my hero. I bought this book looking to learn more about my hero's life and I really struck gold.
   
   Reggie White tells you about his entire life in this autobiography. He starts with an Introduction called "Promise Kept", which I particularly enjoyed. He then tells about his childhood, College days with the University of Tennessee, his Memphis Showboat Days, the USFL's fold and his move to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles (my favorite team), and then his move to the Packers.
   
   In between that though he tells stories of God and his miracles on the football field and about Buddy Ryan and the players he would go into the trenches with any day.
   
   He also writes about the death of Jerome Brown, stories of God, how he didnt want to leave his teammates of the Eagles but had to because of the ignorance of Norman Braman, and much much more.
   
   This is perhaps my favorite book I've read so far, and I enjoy reading.
   I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the NFL in general. Reggie White is a true NFL Legend and my hero.



2. I don't know where I'd be today without the witness of the late Reggie White. I suppose the answer is that God would have used someone or something else to crack open my hard heart, but I will still be eternally grateful to Reggie - not only for writing this excellent football book, but more important for always wearing his heart for the Lord on his sleeve, in plain sight for any observant fan.



3. THIS IS THE STORY OF REGGIE WHITE FORMER NFL GREAT. THIS IS A GOOD READ FOR EVERYONE, NOT JUST FOOTBALL FANS. REGGIE TELLS US OF HIS LIFE AND CAREER WITH THE EAGLES AND PACKERS, ALONG THE WAY HE HAS SOME GREAT STORIES ABOUT FORMER COACHES AND TEAMATES. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE IN THIS BOOK IS HOW TO LIVE A CHRISTIAN LIFE. REGGIE WAS A DEVOUT CHRISTIAN AND SPREAD THE WORD. HE NOT ONLY TALKED THE TALK BUT WALKED THE WALK. THE LESSONS AND MESSAGES IN THIS BOOK ARE WELL WORTH READING AND USING IN EVERYDAY LIFE. I WAS VERY SHOCKED TO LEARN OF REGGIE'S DEATH. HE WAS A GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR EVERYONE. I RECOMMEND THIS ANYONE AND EVERYONE TO READ. THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH REGGIE WHITES IN THIS WORLD.



4. "I've never seen any conflict between Christianity and football. I don't see football as a violent sport; I see it as aggressive. And I see Christianity as an aggressive faith." (pg. 189).
   
   IN THE TRENCHES spends tons of time talking about what made Reggie White famous, FOOTBALL, and what he thinks is most important for him to do with his football success, use it to promote JESUS!
   
   "...three words--IN THE TRENCHES--sum it all up for me. I live my life in the trenches. I do my work in the trenches. I serve my God in the trenches. I go to war against evil, poverty, racism, and injustice in the trenches." (pg. 22)
   
   Reggie talks about how he grew up. He was the second son of a teenage mother, who seldom saw his father. He was always much larger than other kids his age, and they called him names like "Bigfoot" and "Land of the Giants." He got saved when he was 13, and he would point out what the Bible said to bad kids who were doing things like always telling lies.
   
   He claims O.J. Simpson as his childhood inspiration and main reason that he wanted to play football, even though this book was written after the famous murders?
   
   He toughened himself up for football, to prove wrong the folks who said he couldn't handle it because he's a Christian!
   
   He talks about playing in the USFL and the NFL, for the Showboats, Eagles and Packers. This book was written before he won the Super Bowl with the Packers. He spends plenty of pages giving many details about many different games. Sometimes it gets a little too long for me, so if you are interested in hearing about his football career, then this is the book for you! "Sacks are fun, man. There's nothing like throwing a quarterback down for a big loss." (pg. 83). He also talks about being one of the first really big stars to go into Free Agency, which was not popular with the team owners of the time! "The owners who screamed the loudest about free agency were the owners of the notoriously tightwad teams--the Eagles, the Bengals, the Steelers." (pg. 127).
   
   He details the times when God pulled off public miracles to heal him to play. He also discusses how God used his football fame to bring to the public eye the problem of church arsons in the South, by having Reggie's church get burned down, which brought national media attention, and plenty of extra love and support from Green Bay fans, and from across the nation.
   
   There are many b/w photos in the middle of the book, so you get to see many of the family and friends discussed.
   
   This book is better than Reggie White's later book, BROKEN PROMISES, BLINDED DREAMS, which is mostly about his thoughts concerning African-Americans in the USA. BROKEN PROMISES focuses mainly on what's wrong with the immoral US culture, these days, so you should read BROKEN PROMISES if you are interested in social activism and the African-American experience, from Reggie White's perspective.
   
   He only briefly touches on the culture wars in this book, IN THE TRENCHES, "Nobody's preaching abstinence today because nobody's figured out how to get rich off of other people's abstinence--but there's plenty of money to be made from other people's sexual activity...[...]..sexually transmitted diseases...aborting unwanted babies...Much of the money spent on various aspects of people's sexual behavior is TAX money--money you and I shell out to the government, money that is spent without our say-so!" (pg. 217).
   
   At the end of the book he give tips on how to be a good role model.
   
   I am a Reggie White fan, because I like what he did with his football fame, using it to promote Christianity throughout his entire career, and way before and after his pro football days, as well!
   
   I think this is the best Reggie White book that I have read, though I can also recommend BROKEN PROMISES for anybody who is intrigued by the activist aspect of Reggie White's life.
   
   There is also a pretty decent book of photos called REGGIE WHITE: A CELEBRATION OF LIFE, 1961-2004. This is slim on text, but has many interesting photos of his pro football years.
   
   "When I face the final judgment, God isn't going to ask me how many Pro Bowls I played in or ask me to recite my stats. He's going to ask me if I knew Jesus, and if I helped to bind up the wounds of people." (pg. 195, IN THE TRENCHES).



5. I found this book very interesting I learned a lot about Reggie White. I wish that he was still with the Green Bay Packers. I am a huge Green Bay Packer fan. This book had a lot of interesting stuff in it. For example I never knew that one of his favorite players growing up was O.J. Simpson. Reggie said in the book that O.J. Simpson was like a moving target for defensive linemen; he said, that was one of the reasons that he wanted to play defensive end. I also learned that he really liked his coach Buddy Ryan when he played with the Philadelphia Eagles ,and when Buddy Ryan got fired Reggie couldn't figure out why he got fired; he said Buddy Ryan was a good coach. Reggie also talked about his church getting burned. He also talked about his friend and teammate Jerome Brown who was killed a car accident and he thought he was a really great person and he said he misses him. I learned a lot from reading this book. This book is one of my favorite books that I read. I would recommend this book to every Green Bay Packer fan.

5 comments about Maurice and Therese: The Story of a Love.

1. A revealing portrait of a great saint, this book contains the correspondence between St. Therese and her spiritual brother Maurice Belliere, a struggling young seminarian. As you read the letters you can see the growing friendship between the saint and the seminarian as they learn about each other more. Even though the letters were only intended for Maurice, we can learn deeper throught them the meaning of her " little way ". It is also amazing that despite of her own struggles with illness and the spiritual darkness she is experiencing, she is still able to uplift and encourage Maurice in his difficulties. The author also gives explanations after each letter which gives us a picture of what is happening in thier lives while they were answering the other one's letter. A book I would highly recommend especially for those interested in St. Therese and her little way.



2. This book changed my life!
   I never have shown much of an intrest in St. Therese. Many people are devoted, but I never understood why.
   
   This book helped me to see why.
   
   This book taught me how to love and taught me much about mercy and trust.
   
   Therese, a doctor of the Catholic Church, writes beautiful letters to Maurice, at times a somewhat confused seminarian. Therese meets us at our level to show us the love of Jesus.
   This book is a one that points past the works of Therese, and straight to Christ.
   
   God is nothing but mercy and love.
   Thank you for showing me St. Therese!



3. This is a fantastic book! I enjoyed reading it immensely, and I want to give copies away to friends. I am sad to see it is out of print. It really should be brought back. It has a powerful synthesis of the Little Way, and the correspondence with Maurice brings this out very well. It becomes a correspondence and a comparison between a saint and someone who is trying to become one. Most of us can relate well with Maurice. The way St Therese relates with him helps me see the role of the saints in our life.
   
   Bring this book back in print!!!



4. if you admire and hold lots of devotion for St. Therese of Lisieux as I have for so long now- she always said she was Little Therese. However in this book the most moving charisma of her love and personality are seen in a "big" way regarding her friendship with Maurice. We see a saint so full of love and compassion for his shortcomings and never does she once in this book show anything but encouragement to Maurice. There are many lessons to be learned in reflecting on this book . One of the most significant things I feel is our should be support to our priests, bishops and clergy in the universal catholic church. As Maurice radiates in this book as an aspiring semanarian our clergy does have up's and down's also. May we all love our clergy as St. Therese did, does and symbolizes her special love for the priests, and bishops. A most marvelous book. As the late John Cardinal O'Connor said in his review to Ahern's book " We see Therese now more as a woman and we are fascinated. :)



5. What a wonderful book about a wonderful saint! This book, while not a difficult read, is certainly rich in emotion, beauty, and spirituality. If you have read St.Therese's "Story of a Soul", this is an excellent "second book" to read. It tells of the story of a relationship between a seminarian/priest and St.Therese in her last days. I recommend it for anyone's spiritual edification, especially Catholic Christians.

No comments about Saint Joan: The Girl Soldier (Vision Books).

5 comments about Sai Baba Man of Miracles.

1. I went to see Sai Baba in the 80's. I bought into the Miracles.
   I'm glad the Internet became available because now people can see the Miracles as Simple Parlor Tricks. If you don't believe me go to
   www.exbaba.com, "Movies" and see for yourself.
   Besides the Fake Miracles there are many reports of Sexual Abuse of Young Boys. The Fake Miracles are the easiest to Prove but there are many things to consider before entering into sai baba's orbit.
   Please check carefully before going there. thanks, rich brennan



2. I was 11 years old.
   
   I was standing with my Mom and Dad outside his Whitefield ashram in Bangalore, India and my Dad had brought us to visit the Sai Baba.
   
   My Dad knew him well. He was Sai Baba's chief banker.
   
   Sai Baba came out of the ashram. Saw my Dad and came over to talk.
   
   He could see my Dad was not feeling well.
   
   "What is wrong with you, Mr. XXXXXX?" he asked.
   
   My dad explained. For years my Dad had a syndrome called Menier's Syndrome (incorrect spelling). It is an imbalance between the ears that causes massive attacks of dizziness. My Dad told Sai Baba that this was incurable and he had learnt to live with it. Some days were just horrible.
   
   Sai Baba looked concerned. "Mr. XXXXXX!" He said. "Let me give you medicine that works! Take two a cay and you will be fine in a few weeks!"
   
   He pulled his sleevs back. He rubbed his palms together. As I watched in astonisment several hundred pills (tablets) started falling out of his hands in a steady stream (as if coming out of an invisible tap). I was so astonished I almost peed in my pants. Several hundred pills fell to the floor making a big mound. My Mom bent down and used her sarry (Indian woman costume) to grab all the pills and tie them into a little bag.
   
   This is no slieght of hand. What I saw was real. My Dad took me to visit the Sai Baba several times in his inner quarters. We would all sit down on the floor and Sai Baba would talk to us. Several times he would just open and close his fist in thin air and would give me neat little medals and trinkets. I wish I had saved them so I can look at them today.
   
   I was just a kid. I know one thing. What I saw of the Baba I find it hard to believe even today. I can not comprehend it. I am scientist today and I choose to live in ignorance because I can not face fairly and squarely what the Baba does. I know in my heart that what he does is not just "David Copperfield" type magic. He has real supernatural powers.
   
   I have no reason to lie or exaggerate. What exactly am I gaining? I do not like nor do I follow the Baba. Instead, I follow another wonderful Guru from the same state Baba hails from (Gurur Ragavendra of Mantralaya).
   
   My Dad passed away just a few years back. But before he did he sat me down and told me the real "scoop" behind Sai Baba's miracles. While I can not share the details with you I can only tell you that the Baba has truly supernatural powers. My Dad just shed more light on how Baba came to acquire his supernatural powers and how he actually puts them to use in real life.
   
   NOTE. The powers are supernatural. They can not be explained by the laws of physics and nature. Are you now quaking in your boots? You should, because I am doing as such as I write this incredible review which I never meant to.
   
   The universe is not as you see it. The laws of physics are not complete. They do not account for the dimension that we do not yet see or comprehend.



3. this is not a very good Baba book. Purty's is better but hard to find in this country.



4. Howard Murphet has shown himself to be a very inaccurate and fanciful reporter of many events. He claimed, for example, that Hitler was persuaded when he made the final decision to invade the USSR by the influence of Sri Aurobindo of India! But Hitler had planned this for many years, and the invasion plans had been in full operation since the end of the Battle of Britain. A man who claims such absurd things cannot be trusted not to have been duped by his own desires to experience miracles and more. Therefore, this book is highly suspect from beginning to end.



5. I've read this book and no one has to believe something they have not experinced. Murphets experience is well described. Yes, I too have learnt from the Satya Sai Organisation. Sai Baba doesn't ask for followers.

   Take this book as you may - with skepticism or any other way but don't bother with the moronic reviews that attack the subject of the book. Any teacher of any substance will be attacked by people with an axe to grind. Articles on the web attacking Baba or reviews that state unproven and blatently false allegations should be given the attention one gives to trash in the gutter.

   If you have an open mind, and are interested go for it. Religious bigots and people with an axe to grind - save your money and a tree. Don't tell us you shredded the book, just don't buy it.

3 comments about Hidden Women of the Gospels.

1. This is truly a must read for laity and clergy alike. The book is not only inspiring, but also thought provoking. Ms. Coffey reaches deep into the gospels and weaves ancient stories that can help each of us live in today's contemporary society. This book deserves a bravo!!!!



2. I found this book to be wonderfully moving. It helped me to understand the women of the bible within the context of their everyday lives. And so it made me more able to then relate their lives to mine. This book is an exciting read for women (or men) who want to know the women of the bible on a more personal, emotional and every day level. It's also a great jumping off point for prayer, meditation, or bible study.



3. A rare book of encouragement to all the silent Christian women. Funny, moving and a very good read.

1 comments about Mary Slessor: Forward into Calabar (Christian Heroes: Then & Now) (Christian Heroes: Then & Now).

1. My 10-year-old and I read this as part of a home school unit on Africa. Mary Slessor is a wonderful role model for kids: scrappy, stubborn in the face of great resistance, and deeply compassionate. She helped West Africans tremendously by opening up inter-tribal trade and, perhaps most importantly, implementing peaceful alternatives to the more devastating and cruel tribal practices. The amazing thing is that she did this through a deep understanding and appreciation of native culture, as opposed to the more typical whites-are-superior-and-Africans-are-savages model of the time. The writing is not perfect by any stretch, but it's a truly great story.