An Antidote to Modern Life!, 01 Nov 2008
Finding Happiness is one of those rare gems of a book that serenely guides you through the trials of modern day life. Father Jamison takes the reader hand in hand to genuine inner joy. "Are monks happy?" His reply, "They are not unhappy." That grabbed me straight away, along with his question about having a happy death! Having never thought about death being happy, on the rare occasions I think about death. I realised that to have a happy death, equates to having a happy and fulfilled life.

With his profound insights, and effective communication, this book remarkably mirrors humanities embedded condition. With such elegance, we're guided through many of the reasons that make us unhappy.



Ultimately the dark clouds dissipate, opening the door to inner happiness, if you so choose..



This book is of a solid foundation to make a significant change in your life. Its timing in this troubled era is perfect.

An Antidote to Modern Life!, 01 Nov 2008
Finding Happiness is one of those rare gems of a book that serenely guides you through the trials of modern day life. Father Jamison takes the reader hand in hand to genuine inner joy. "Are monks happy?" His reply, "They are not unhappy." That grabbed me straight away, along with his question about having a happy death! Having never thought about death being happy, on the rare occasions I think about death. I realised that to have a happy death, equates to having a happy and fulfilled life.

With his profound insights, and effective communication, this book remarkably mirrors humanities embedded condition. With such elegance, we're guided through many of the reasons that make us unhappy.



Ultimately the dark clouds dissipate, opening the door to inner happiness, if you so choose..



This book is of a solid foundation to make a significant change in your life. Its timing in this troubled era is perfect.





Comments by Michael Calum Jacques author of '1st Century Radical'., 21 Nov 2008
The author of this book, Sir Roy Strong, former Director of the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum, is also a broadcaster, and has written a number of bestselling books which include The Story of Britain, The Cult of Elizabeth and The Spirit of Britain.

This book attempts to narrate the complex history and development of the English parish church "...from the first buildings erected in Anglo-Saxon times to its uncertain future in the twenty-first century." That is to undertake quite a task and the author has made a jolly good job of it!

The book has been described as a "richly illustrated elegy, and a plea for the preservation of the country church." Indeed, Strong's book really is both at once a celebration of the English country church - and a passionate plea for its conservation. The author entertainingly and anecdotally relates the dramatic ebb and flow of the English parish church, through its various epochs and vicissitudes.

The reader really does feel as though he or she is actually engaged in a voyage through time; from the arrival of those Catholic missionaries who systematically erected crosses here and there to mark the places where they preached, to the beautiful architecture and aureate pseudo-spirituality of medieval Christianity; from the tumult of the Reformation to the times of the 'squarson', the sedate, gentrified type of cleric we encounter in the works of Jane Austen: we are swept along on a journey of discovery and rediscovery.

This book is an enlightening and an invigorating yarn and this reviewer can heartily commend it to prospective readers.

Michael Calum Jacques

A long overdue general history and introduction, 19 Jul 2008
Periodically books are written on the subject of the parish churches in England. The wealth of beautiful churches that this country has is one of the most unappreciated aspects of England's architectural heritage and many urban and rural parishes are struggling in the upkeep of these edifices, some of which are of cathedral like proportions to services villages of a few hundred. This is the motivation that Roy Strong states in his introduction for writing this book - to highlight the country church's plight and highlight the challenges we will face to preserve them in the twenty first century. Whereas the twentieth century saw the preservation of the country house, the twenty first century will have to deal with the challenge of preserving the parish church building.

The book is however mainly an overview of the way that the building and in particular the furnishings of English parish churches have changed from the early medieval era which saw church interiors lavishly decorates and furnished through the period of the Reformation and the Commonwealth which saw the destruction of a massive amount of church art and furnishings which tracked the interpretation of Protestant theology in its manifestation in the decoration and liturgy of the parish church. The book describes in vivid detail the rituals and ceremonies at the heart of the parish throughout history tracing their changes with the contemporary religious and political events that occurred in England, particularly momentous events such as the Reformation and subtle changes brought about by the Oxford Movement in the mid nineteenth century which has shaped the liturgy and decoration of modern parish churches to this day.

The book however is popularist rather than academic. In that sense it is a pretty easy read and the plethora of illustrations including well know examples of surviving medieval furnishings makes this a solid read. However, the academics may wince a little bit at the presumptions that are made and conclusions that are drawn. However, reading the book does not really answer the issues raised in the introduction - namely how will the English parish church survive in the twenty-first century and beyond? Strong has a one or two ideas in the epilogue - namely more of a community use for the building. But this does leave the reader a little unsatisfied, making the book feel like a good overall history of the parish church surrounded by an introduction and conclusion which does not fit the subject matter in the middle of the book.


A Book In A Million, 31 Dec 2007
Anyone wishing to see how church architecture and spirituality were affected by political and theological developments in England should purchase this book. It is a wealth of information, extremely well written and illustrated throughout with excellent examples of church architecture.

The beauty of this book is that is explains the essence of continuity in English Christianity as perceived through the experience of ordinary worshippers and does not get embroiled with the relative merits of theological standpoints.

An excellent book, buy one for the Vicar!!!

An Antidote to Modern Life!, 01 Nov 2008
Finding Happiness is one of those rare gems of a book that serenely guides you through the trials of modern day life. Father Jamison takes the reader hand in hand to genuine inner joy. "Are monks happy?" His reply, "They are not unhappy." That grabbed me straight away, along with his question about having a happy death! Having never thought about death being happy, on the rare occasions I think about death. I realised that to have a happy death, equates to having a happy and fulfilled life.

With his profound insights, and effective communication, this book remarkably mirrors humanities embedded condition. With such elegance, we're guided through many of the reasons that make us unhappy.



Ultimately the dark clouds dissipate, opening the door to inner happiness, if you so choose..



This book is of a solid foundation to make a significant change in your life. Its timing in this troubled era is perfect.





Comments by Michael Calum Jacques author of '1st Century Radical'., 21 Nov 2008
The author of this book, Sir Roy Strong, former Director of the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum, is also a broadcaster, and has written a number of bestselling books which include The Story of Britain, The Cult of Elizabeth and The Spirit of Britain.

This book attempts to narrate the complex history and development of the English parish church "...from the first buildings erected in Anglo-Saxon times to its uncertain future in the twenty-first century." That is to undertake quite a task and the author has made a jolly good job of it!

The book has been described as a "richly illustrated elegy, and a plea for the preservation of the country church." Indeed, Strong's book really is both at once a celebration of the English country church - and a passionate plea for its conservation. The author entertainingly and anecdotally relates the dramatic ebb and flow of the English parish church, through its various epochs and vicissitudes.

The reader really does feel as though he or she is actually engaged in a voyage through time; from the arrival of those Catholic missionaries who systematically erected crosses here and there to mark the places where they preached, to the beautiful architecture and aureate pseudo-spirituality of medieval Christianity; from the tumult of the Reformation to the times of the 'squarson', the sedate, gentrified type of cleric we encounter in the works of Jane Austen: we are swept along on a journey of discovery and rediscovery.

This book is an enlightening and an invigorating yarn and this reviewer can heartily commend it to prospective readers.

Michael Calum Jacques

A long overdue general history and introduction, 19 Jul 2008
Periodically books are written on the subject of the parish churches in England. The wealth of beautiful churches that this country has is one of the most unappreciated aspects of England's architectural heritage and many urban and rural parishes are struggling in the upkeep of these edifices, some of which are of cathedral like proportions to services villages of a few hundred. This is the motivation that Roy Strong states in his introduction for writing this book - to highlight the country church's plight and highlight the challenges we will face to preserve them in the twenty first century. Whereas the twentieth century saw the preservation of the country house, the twenty first century will have to deal with the challenge of preserving the parish church building.

The book is however mainly an overview of the way that the building and in particular the furnishings of English parish churches have changed from the early medieval era which saw church interiors lavishly decorates and furnished through the period of the Reformation and the Commonwealth which saw the destruction of a massive amount of church art and furnishings which tracked the interpretation of Protestant theology in its manifestation in the decoration and liturgy of the parish church. The book describes in vivid detail the rituals and ceremonies at the heart of the parish throughout history tracing their changes with the contemporary religious and political events that occurred in England, particularly momentous events such as the Reformation and subtle changes brought about by the Oxford Movement in the mid nineteenth century which has shaped the liturgy and decoration of modern parish churches to this day.

The book however is popularist rather than academic. In that sense it is a pretty easy read and the plethora of illustrations including well know examples of surviving medieval furnishings makes this a solid read. However, the academics may wince a little bit at the presumptions that are made and conclusions that are drawn. However, reading the book does not really answer the issues raised in the introduction - namely how will the English parish church survive in the twenty-first century and beyond? Strong has a one or two ideas in the epilogue - namely more of a community use for the building. But this does leave the reader a little unsatisfied, making the book feel like a good overall history of the parish church surrounded by an introduction and conclusion which does not fit the subject matter in the middle of the book.


A Book In A Million, 31 Dec 2007
Anyone wishing to see how church architecture and spirituality were affected by political and theological developments in England should purchase this book. It is a wealth of information, extremely well written and illustrated throughout with excellent examples of church architecture.

The beauty of this book is that is explains the essence of continuity in English Christianity as perceived through the experience of ordinary worshippers and does not get embroiled with the relative merits of theological standpoints.

An excellent book, buy one for the Vicar!!!

It's ok, 12 Dec 2006
I bought this book on the strength of the reviews and although it's ok, it's not as awe inspiring as it's made out to be. It's a useful book for youngsters who aren't aware of the cease fire on Christmas Eve during the 1st World War and that in itself is heart warming, but the ending isn't what it could be and leaves one feeling a little flat.

Very moving, very brilliant, 20 Jun 2005
I borrowed this picture book for the local library for my youngest child, without really looking at it. When I read it I was absolutely blown away and ordered it from Amazon the same day. Michael Foreman's illustrations and Michael Murpurgo's story work extremely well together to draw you into the book, involving you in the characters and their lives. The ending illustration left me with goosebumps and a feeling of joy for the characters involved. Perhaps my teenage daughter's reaction best sums up this book: "WOW!"

Brilliant simplicity... and simply brilliant!, 14 Oct 2004
This is what this author, the current children's laureate, does best. He has taken a familiar story - in this case Christmas Day in the trenches of 1914 - and given it a contemporary twist which delivers poignance and pathos. It all begins when an old letter is discovered in an antique desk...
If you already know Morpurgo's work then you won't be disappointed. And if you don't yet know his writings, which run to over 100 published books, then this little gem is as good a place as any to begin.

An Antidote to Modern Life!, 01 Nov 2008
Finding Happiness is one of those rare gems of a book that serenely guides you through the trials of modern day life. Father Jamison takes the reader hand in hand to genuine inner joy. "Are monks happy?" His reply, "They are not unhappy." That grabbed me straight away, along with his question about having a happy death! Having never thought about death being happy, on the rare occasions I think about death. I realised that to have a happy death, equates to having a happy and fulfilled life.

With his profound insights, and effective communication, this book remarkably mirrors humanities embedded condition. With such elegance, we're guided through many of the reasons that make us unhappy.



Ultimately the dark clouds dissipate, opening the door to inner happiness, if you so choose..



This book is of a solid foundation to make a significant change in your life. Its timing in this troubled era is perfect.





Comments by Michael Calum Jacques author of '1st Century Radical'., 21 Nov 2008
The author of this book, Sir Roy Strong, former Director of the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum, is also a broadcaster, and has written a number of bestselling books which include The Story of Britain, The Cult of Elizabeth and The Spirit of Britain.

This book attempts to narrate the complex history and development of the English parish church "...from the first buildings erected in Anglo-Saxon times to its uncertain future in the twenty-first century." That is to undertake quite a task and the author has made a jolly good job of it!

The book has been described as a "richly illustrated elegy, and a plea for the preservation of the country church." Indeed, Strong's book really is both at once a celebration of the English country church - and a passionate plea for its conservation. The author entertainingly and anecdotally relates the dramatic ebb and flow of the English parish church, through its various epochs and vicissitudes.

The reader really does feel as though he or she is actually engaged in a voyage through time; from the arrival of those Catholic missionaries who systematically erected crosses here and there to mark the places where they preached, to the beautiful architecture and aureate pseudo-spirituality of medieval Christianity; from the tumult of the Reformation to the times of the 'squarson', the sedate, gentrified type of cleric we encounter in the works of Jane Austen: we are swept along on a journey of discovery and rediscovery.

This book is an enlightening and an invigorating yarn and this reviewer can heartily commend it to prospective readers.

Michael Calum Jacques

A long overdue general history and introduction, 19 Jul 2008
Periodically books are written on the subject of the parish churches in England. The wealth of beautiful churches that this country has is one of the most unappreciated aspects of England's architectural heritage and many urban and rural parishes are struggling in the upkeep of these edifices, some of which are of cathedral like proportions to services villages of a few hundred. This is the motivation that Roy Strong states in his introduction for writing this book - to highlight the country church's plight and highlight the challenges we will face to preserve them in the twenty first century. Whereas the twentieth century saw the preservation of the country house, the twenty first century will have to deal with the challenge of preserving the parish church building.

The book is however mainly an overview of the way that the building and in particular the furnishings of English parish churches have changed from the early medieval era which saw church interiors lavishly decorates and furnished through the period of the Reformation and the Commonwealth which saw the destruction of a massive amount of church art and furnishings which tracked the interpretation of Protestant theology in its manifestation in the decoration and liturgy of the parish church. The book describes in vivid detail the rituals and ceremonies at the heart of the parish throughout history tracing their changes with the contemporary religious and political events that occurred in England, particularly momentous events such as the Reformation and subtle changes brought about by the Oxford Movement in the mid nineteenth century which has shaped the liturgy and decoration of modern parish churches to this day.

The book however is popularist rather than academic. In that sense it is a pretty easy read and the plethora of illustrations including well know examples of surviving medieval furnishings makes this a solid read. However, the academics may wince a little bit at the presumptions that are made and conclusions that are drawn. However, reading the book does not really answer the issues raised in the introduction - namely how will the English parish church survive in the twenty-first century and beyond? Strong has a one or two ideas in the epilogue - namely more of a community use for the building. But this does leave the reader a little unsatisfied, making the book feel like a good overall history of the parish church surrounded by an introduction and conclusion which does not fit the subject matter in the middle of the book.


A Book In A Million, 31 Dec 2007
Anyone wishing to see how church architecture and spirituality were affected by political and theological developments in England should purchase this book. It is a wealth of information, extremely well written and illustrated throughout with excellent examples of church architecture.

The beauty of this book is that is explains the essence of continuity in English Christianity as perceived through the experience of ordinary worshippers and does not get embroiled with the relative merits of theological standpoints.

An excellent book, buy one for the Vicar!!!

It's ok, 12 Dec 2006
I bought this book on the strength of the reviews and although it's ok, it's not as awe inspiring as it's made out to be. It's a useful book for youngsters who aren't aware of the cease fire on Christmas Eve during the 1st World War and that in itself is heart warming, but the ending isn't what it could be and leaves one feeling a little flat.

Very moving, very brilliant, 20 Jun 2005
I borrowed this picture book for the local library for my youngest child, without really looking at it. When I read it I was absolutely blown away and ordered it from Amazon the same day. Michael Foreman's illustrations and Michael Murpurgo's story work extremely well together to draw you into the book, involving you in the characters and their lives. The ending illustration left me with goosebumps and a feeling of joy for the characters involved. Perhaps my teenage daughter's reaction best sums up this book: "WOW!"

Brilliant simplicity... and simply brilliant!, 14 Oct 2004
This is what this author, the current children's laureate, does best. He has taken a familiar story - in this case Christmas Day in the trenches of 1914 - and given it a contemporary twist which delivers poignance and pathos. It all begins when an old letter is discovered in an antique desk...
If you already know Morpurgo's work then you won't be disappointed. And if you don't yet know his writings, which run to over 100 published books, then this little gem is as good a place as any to begin.

Amazing book!, 29 Aug 2008
This is an amazing book. A beautifully written love story that also builds you and challenges you spiritually as you read it! Perfect. I could not put it down and sobbed for the last few chapters. Cant wait to read more from this author.

Tender and Moving. One of the best., 25 Jun 2008
I found this book on Amazon while browsing the Listmania. After reading such complimentary reviews, I decided to take a chance on it. I was not disappointed.

The story is set in the 1850s during the Californian Gold Rush. Michael Hosea is a farmer who falls in love with a prostitute called Angel. Michael lives a simple life and is a God-fearing man. When he meets Angel, her life has just fallen to new depths.

The book is a retelling of the prophet Hosea from the Bible. However, even if you are not religious don't let this put you off. If you like romance, you will love it. It is exquisitely written and the story beautiful. It is not only a story of redeeming love, but unconditional love too.

I don't normally read books a second time. They have to be exceptional for me to consider it. But this one is a keeper, and once finished, will leave you with a warm glow inside you.

Do not hesitate. It is a simple tale, but one of the best.

MOVING STORY, 29 Nov 2007
This is the first book of Francine Rivers that I've read. A friend lent me her copy and when I finished it, I went out and bought my own copy. I've read this book twice and I know I'll read it again. It brought tears to my eyes because I could identify with Angel's low self esteem. It's a beautifully written book that Christian or non-Christians could benefit from. I loaned it to a non-Christian work colleague and she loved it. I've just finished reading Voice in the Wind, another excellent book by Francine Rivers. I can't wait to read her other work.

Great example of love, 01 Nov 2007
Micheal is a character who shows us an example of the unending patience of God's love for us. Angel is a character who shows us how much sin and shame can seperate us from the very thing we want...unconditional love. The story of how these two get together is a reflection of the way we come to know God. Francine Rivers ties it all together with a craft well honed. I can hardly wait for her to write more romance novels with Christian values reflected through out.

unputdownable, 30 Oct 2007
Francine Rivers has a wonderful, amazing talent in the way she writes, educates, informs and teaches all through a gripping unputdownable story based on the book of Hosea. I have read most of her books and she is my favourite author at this time of my life.She makes reading so easy, making us imagine what life would have been like , living under such difficult situations then showing why God sometimes makes us go through difficult times but all for the better purpose, His will. I would thoroughly recommend this book to any woman regardless of religion or age.

An Antidote to Modern Life!, 01 Nov 2008
Finding Happiness is one of those rare gems of a book that serenely guides you through the trials of modern day life. Father Jamison takes the reader hand in hand to genuine inner joy. "Are monks happy?" His reply, "They are not unhappy." That grabbed me straight away, along with his question about having a happy death! Having never thought about death being happy, on the rare occasions I think about death. I realised that to have a happy death, equates to having a happy and fulfilled life.

With his profound insights, and effective communication, this book remarkably mirrors humanities embedded condition. With such elegance, we're guided through many of the reasons that make us unhappy.



Ultimately the dark clouds dissipate, opening the door to inner happiness, if you so choose..



This book is of a solid foundation to make a significant change in your life. Its timing in this troubled era is perfect.





Comments by Michael Calum Jacques author of '1st Century Radical'., 21 Nov 2008
The author of this book, Sir Roy Strong, former Director of the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum, is also a broadcaster, and has written a number of bestselling books which include The Story of Britain, The Cult of Elizabeth and The Spirit of Britain.

This book attempts to narrate the complex history and development of the English parish church "...from the first buildings erected in Anglo-Saxon times to its uncertain future in the twenty-first century." That is to undertake quite a task and the author has made a jolly good job of it!

The book has been described as a "richly illustrated elegy, and a plea for the preservation of the country church." Indeed, Strong's book really is both at once a celebration of the English country church - and a passionate plea for its conservation. The author entertainingly and anecdotally relates the dramatic ebb and flow of the English parish church, through its various epochs and vicissitudes.

The reader really does feel as though he or she is actually engaged in a voyage through time; from the arrival of those Catholic missionaries who systematically erected crosses here and there to mark the places where they preached, to the beautiful architecture and aureate pseudo-spirituality of medieval Christianity; from the tumult of the Reformation to the times of the 'squarson', the sedate, gentrified type of cleric we encounter in the works of Jane Austen: we are swept along on a journey of discovery and rediscovery.

This book is an enlightening and an invigorating yarn and this reviewer can heartily commend it to prospective readers.

Michael Calum Jacques

A long overdue general history and introduction, 19 Jul 2008
Periodically books are written on the subject of the parish churches in England. The wealth of beautiful churches that this country has is one of the most unappreciated aspects of England's architectural heritage and many urban and rural parishes are struggling in the upkeep of these edifices, some of which are of cathedral like proportions to services villages of a few hundred. This is the motivation that Roy Strong states in his introduction for writing this book - to highlight the country church's plight and highlight the challenges we will face to preserve them in the twenty first century. Whereas the twentieth century saw the preservation of the country house, the twenty first century will have to deal with the challenge of preserving the parish church building.

The book is however mainly an overview of the way that the building and in particular the furnishings of English parish churches have changed from the early medieval era which saw church interiors lavishly decorates and furnished through the period of the Reformation and the Commonwealth which saw the destruction of a massive amount of church art and furnishings which tracked the interpretation of Protestant theology in its manifestation in the decoration and liturgy of the parish church. The book describes in vivid detail the rituals and ceremonies at the heart of the parish throughout history tracing their changes with the contemporary religious and political events that occurred in England, particularly momentous events such as the Reformation and subtle changes brought about by the Oxford Movement in the mid nineteenth century which has shaped the liturgy and decoration of modern parish churches to this day.

The book however is popularist rather than academic. In that sense it is a pretty easy read and the plethora of illustrations including well know examples of surviving medieval furnishings makes this a solid read. However, the academics may wince a little bit at the presumptions that are made and conclusions that are drawn. However, reading the book does not really answer the issues raised in the introduction - namely how will the English parish church survive in the twenty-first century and beyond? Strong has a one or two ideas in the epilogue - namely more of a community use for the building. But this does leave the reader a little unsatisfied, making the book feel like a good overall history of the parish church surrounded by an introduction and conclusion which does not fit the subject matter in the middle of the book.


A Book In A Million, 31 Dec 2007
Anyone wishing to see how church architecture and spirituality were affected by political and theological developments in England should purchase this book. It is a wealth of information, extremely well written and illustrated throughout with excellent examples of church architecture.

The beauty of this book is that is explains the essence of continuity in English Christianity as perceived through the experience of ordinary worshippers and does not get embroiled with the relative merits of theological standpoints.

An excellent book, buy one for the Vicar!!!

It's ok, 12 Dec 2006
I bought this book on the strength of the reviews and although it's ok, it's not as awe inspiring as it's made out to be. It's a useful book for youngsters who aren't aware of the cease fire on Christmas Eve during the 1st World War and that in itself is heart warming, but the ending isn't what it could be and leaves one feeling a little flat.

Very moving, very brilliant, 20 Jun 2005
I borrowed this picture book for the local library for my youngest child, without really looking at it. When I read it I was absolutely blown away and ordered it from Amazon the same day. Michael Foreman's illustrations and Michael Murpurgo's story work extremely well together to draw you into the book, involving you in the characters and their lives. The ending illustration left me with goosebumps and a feeling of joy for the characters involved. Perhaps my teenage daughter's reaction best sums up this book: "WOW!"

Brilliant simplicity... and simply brilliant!, 14 Oct 2004
This is what this author, the current children's laureate, does best. He has taken a familiar story - in this case Christmas Day in the trenches of 1914 - and given it a contemporary twist which delivers poignance and pathos. It all begins when an old letter is discovered in an antique desk...
If you already know Morpurgo's work then you won't be disappointed. And if you don't yet know his writings, which run to over 100 published books, then this little gem is as good a place as any to begin.

Amazing book!, 29 Aug 2008
This is an amazing book. A beautifully written love story that also builds you and challenges you spiritually as you read it! Perfect. I could not put it down and sobbed for the last few chapters. Cant wait to read more from this author.

Tender and Moving. One of the best., 25 Jun 2008
I found this book on Amazon while browsing the Listmania. After reading such complimentary reviews, I decided to take a chance on it. I was not disappointed.

The story is set in the 1850s during the Californian Gold Rush. Michael Hosea is a farmer who falls in love with a prostitute called Angel. Michael lives a simple life and is a God-fearing man. When he meets Angel, her life has just fallen to new depths.

The book is a retelling of the prophet Hosea from the Bible. However, even if you are not religious don't let this put you off. If you like romance, you will love it. It is exquisitely written and the story beautiful. It is not only a story of redeeming love, but unconditional love too.

I don't normally read books a second time. They have to be exceptional for me to consider it. But this one is a keeper, and once finished, will leave you with a warm glow inside you.

Do not hesitate. It is a simple tale, but one of the best.

MOVING STORY, 29 Nov 2007
This is the first book of Francine Rivers that I've read. A friend lent me her copy and when I finished it, I went out and bought my own copy. I've read this book twice and I know I'll read it again. It brought tears to my eyes because I could identify with Angel's low self esteem. It's a beautifully written book that Christian or non-Christians could benefit from. I loaned it to a non-Christian work colleague and she loved it. I've just finished reading Voice in the Wind, another excellent book by Francine Rivers. I can't wait to read her other work.

Great example of love, 01 Nov 2007
Micheal is a character who shows us an example of the unending patience of God's love for us. Angel is a character who shows us how much sin and shame can seperate us from the very thing we want...unconditional love. The story of how these two get together is a reflection of the way we come to know God. Francine Rivers ties it all together with a craft well honed. I can hardly wait for her to write more romance novels with Christian values reflected through out.

unputdownable, 30 Oct 2007
Francine Rivers has a wonderful, amazing talent in the way she writes, educates, informs and teaches all through a gripping unputdownable story based on the book of Hosea. I have read most of her books and she is my favourite author at this time of my life.She makes reading so easy, making us imagine what life would have been like , living under such difficult situations then showing why God sometimes makes us go through difficult times but all for the better purpose, His will. I would thoroughly recommend this book to any woman regardless of religion or age.

Look no further - the best meditation manual available., 13 Aug 2008
I have been interested in Buddhism and meditation for many years and have been waiting all that time for a book that is a true 'nuts and bolts' manual of how to meditate. This is the first book I have found that I can totally recommend. It covers the subject with honesty, humour and an amazing level of clarity. For a beginner or experienced meditator, there is no better book that I have seen.

Also, the author has integrity and comes from the traditional Theravada school of Buddhism - beware that there are quite a few dodgy modern 'schools' that use the name of Buddhism in vain. If you are new to Buddhism, I strongly recommend the Theravada school (e.g. Amaravati monastery in the UK).

A minor point and it doesn't detract at all from the book, but I feel that maybe the title is a bit misleading as it isn't very clear that it is a 'manual' of meditation - perhaps 'Meditation demystified' or 'How to meditate' would be clearer.

See for yourself, 30 Jun 2008
I do not have much too add not already said by other reviewers, but would like to point out that the whole book can be found online so you can preview it before you order the book. Just search for the title.

A True Meditation Manual, 11 Mar 2008
This book is fantastic! From the reviews, I was expecting a manual on Vipassana (insight) meditation only. But Bhante G covers both Shamatha (concentration) and Vipassana (insight) meditation in thorough detail, in a step-by-step, very user-friendly and practical way. By far the best book I have read on the two core Buddhist meditation practices. He deals in great detail with the things us beginners struggle with, like the many distractions that can assail us during our practice, & the five hindrances, along with very useful techniques for over-coming these obstacles. If you are at all interested in Buddhist meditation, then I am sure you will find this book invaluable.

One of many personal responses, 23 Nov 2007
After I had read this book I was very enthusiastic about it, because it is certainly a very good manual in comparison to any other I have read. I started 'practicing Vipassana' after reading the 3-page summary of the technique in Fontana's Meditation Manual. For a technique that is said to take you to enlightenment, that is a decidedly concise account; concise enough for me to utterly misunderstand the practice.

Things to know about Vipassana:

There are Buddhists who sideline Vipassana because it is powerful enough to 'unbalance' an unwary practitioner. Too strong an opinion perhaps - but neither is it necessarily as "gentle" as the author of this book describes it!

There are as many variants of the technique as there are traditions. Some are very different to others, however this is not to say that there is only one effective technique. This book represents just one of many traditions.

----------------

I learnt Vipassana on an intensive ten-day course as taught by S.N. Goenka. Only by the tenth day - and not before - did I feel like I had grasped the technique. There are limits to what you can learn on your own from a book. The technique I was taught was different to that in the book - and, in my opinion, far superior.

I have a particular reservation with the way in which this book advocates 'mindfulness' of mental objects. Merely watching the sensations is all we need consciously do, the mindfulness is a process that happens by itself. I do not think mindfulness can be achieved deliberately.

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana is a very experienced man, and I'm sure his opinion is worth more than mine. But for what it is worth, take a look at S.N. Goenkas 10-day course instead.

Mindfulness in real life, 06 Jul 2007
The theme of the book is Mindfulness: actually seeing what is there in front of us.

Bhante's premise (which is difficult to ague with ) is that we see life through a screen of thoughts and concepts. As he puts it, we get so caught up in this endless thought-stream that reality flows by unnoticed.

Meditation can sometimes seem daunting and mystical but its goal is to simply free us from not being aware of our lives as they unfold.

Bhante's gift, which shines through every page of this book, is to break down some of the myths and make them real and practical.

What is left is a remarkably lucid, accessible and sensible account of how mindfulness meditation (in the Vipassana tradition - though that detail isn't important) can literally chance your life: your reactions, your perception, your ability to life for the moment.

There is no hint of high-mindedness in his tone, which is grounded, realistic, and thoroughly human.

Consider this, from page one: "There you are, and you suddenly realise that you are spending your whole life just barely getting by. You keep up a good front. You manage to make ends meet somehow and look okay from the outside.

"But those periods of desperation, those times when you feel everything caving in on you - you keep those to yourself. You are a mess, and you know it.

"Meanwhile, way down under all of that, you just know that there has to be some other way to live, a better way to look at the world, a way to touch life more fully.... life is an emotional roller coaster, and you spend a lot of your time down at the bottom of the ramp, yearning for heights."

So what's wrong with you, Bhante asks? You are simply human, battling with all the usual human hallmarks of jealousy, suffering, discontent and stress.

Meditation isn't a quick-fix solution to the human condition, he says. In this age of instant gratification, this can be a hard pill to swallow.

"But what it does do is teach you to watch the functioning of your own mind in a calm and detached manner so you can gain insight into your own behaviour. The goal is awareness."

With a good deal of patience and commitment, meditation can simply teach you to stand aside from your own thought processes and not get involved.

Step by step, it will become clear that agitation is actually a superficial mental stage. It comes and goes, he says, and has no real grip on you at all.

There are so many pearls of hope and wisdom in this bok, but I particularly like this one, for its searing truth and humanity. Bhante writes:

"Somewhere in this process, you will come face to face with the sudden and shocking realisation that you are completely crazy. Your mind is a shrieking, gibbering madhouse, utterly out of control and helpless.

"No problem. You are not crazier than you were yesterday. It has always been this way, and you just never noticed. You are no crazier than everybody else around you.

The only real difference is that you have confronted the situation and they have not."

This review is taken from a blog from www.yoga-abode.com

An Antidote to Modern Life!, 01 Nov 2008
Finding Happiness is one of those rare gems of a book that serenely guides you through the trials of modern day life. Father Jamison takes the reader hand in hand to genuine inner joy. "Are monks happy?" His reply, "They are not unhappy." That grabbed me straight away, along with his question about having a happy death! Having never thought about death being happy, on the rare occasions I think about death. I realised that to have a happy death, equates to having a happy and fulfilled life.

With his profound insights, and effective communication, this book remarkably mirrors humanities embedded condition. With such elegance, we're guided through many of the reasons that make us unhappy.



Ultimately the dark clouds dissipate, opening the door to inner happiness, if you so choose..



This book is of a solid foundation to make a significant change in your life. Its timing in this troubled era is perfect.





Comments by Michael Calum Jacques author of '1st Century Radical'., 21 Nov 2008
The author of this book, Sir Roy Strong, former Director of the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum, is also a broadcaster, and has written a number of bestselling books which include The Story of Britain, The Cult of Elizabeth and The Spirit of Britain.

This book attempts to narrate the complex history and development of the English parish church "...from the first buildings erected in Anglo-Saxon times to its uncertain future in the twenty-first century." That is to undertake quite a task and the author has made a jolly good job of it!

The book has been described as a "richly illustrated elegy, and a plea for the preservation of the country church." Indeed, Strong's book really is both at once a celebration of the English country church - and a passionate plea for its conservation. The author entertainingly and anecdotally relates the dramatic ebb and flow of the English parish church, through its various epochs and vicissitudes.

The reader really does feel as though he or she is actually engaged in a voyage through time; from the arrival of those Catholic missionaries who systematically erected crosses here and there to mark the places where they preached, to the beautiful architecture and aureate pseudo-spirituality of medieval Christianity; from the tumult of the Reformation to the times of the 'squarson', the sedate, gentrified type of cleric we encounter in the works of Jane Austen: we are swept along on a journey of discovery and rediscovery.

This book is an enlightening and an invigorating yarn and this reviewer can heartily commend it to prospective readers.

Michael Calum Jacques

A long overdue general history and introduction, 19 Jul 2008
Periodically books are written on the subject of the parish churches in England. The wealth of beautiful churches that this country has is one of the most unappreciated aspects of England's architectural heritage and many urban and rural parishes are struggling in the upkeep of these edifices, some of which are of cathedral like proportions to services villages of a few hundred. This is the motivation that Roy Strong states in his introduction for writing this book - to highlight the country church's plight and highlight the challenges we will face to preserve them in the twenty first century. Whereas the twentieth century saw the preservation of the country house, the twenty first century will have to deal with the challenge of preserving the parish church building.

The book is however mainly an overview of the way that the building and in particular the furnishings of English parish churches have changed from the early medieval era which saw church interiors lavishly decorates and furnished through the period of the Reformation and the Commonwealth which saw the destruction of a massive amount of church art and furnishings which tracked the interpretation of Protestant theology in its manifestation in the decoration and liturgy of the parish church. The book describes in vivid detail the rituals and ceremonies at the heart of the parish throughout history tracing their changes with the contemporary religious and political events that occurred in England, particularly momentous events such as the Reformation and subtle changes brought about by the Oxford Movement in the mid nineteenth century which has shaped the liturgy and decoration of modern parish churches to this day.

The book however is popularist rather than academic. In that sense it is a pretty easy read and the plethora of illustrations including well know examples of surviving medieval furnishings makes this a solid read. However, the academics may wince a little bit at the presumptions that are made and conclusions that are drawn. However, reading the book does not really answer the issues raised in the introduction - namely how will the English parish church survive in the twenty-first century and beyond? Strong has a one or two ideas in the epilogue - namely more of a community use for the building. But this does leave the reader a little unsatisfied, making the book feel like a good overall history of the parish church surrounded by an introduction and conclusion which does not fit the subject matter in the middle of the book.


A Book In A Million, 31 Dec 2007
Anyone wishing to see how church architecture and spirituality were affected by political and theological developments in England should purchase this book. It is a wealth of information, extremely well written and illustrated throughout with excellent examples of church architecture.

The beauty of this book is that is explains the essence of continuity in English Christianity as perceived through the experience of ordinary worshippers and does not get embroiled with the relative merits of theological standpoints.

An excellent book, buy one for the Vicar!!!

It's ok, 12 Dec 2006
I bought this book on the strength of the reviews and although it's ok, it's not as awe inspiring as it's made out to be. It's a useful book for youngsters who aren't aware of the cease fire on Christmas Eve during the 1st World War and that in itself is heart warming, but the ending isn't what it could be and leaves one feeling a little flat.

Very moving, very brilliant, 20 Jun 2005
I borrowed this picture book for the local library for my youngest child, without really looking at it. When I read it I was absolutely blown away and ordered it from Amazon the same day. Michael Foreman's illustrations and Michael Murpurgo's story work extremely well together to draw you into the book, involving you in the characters and their lives. The ending illustration left me with goosebumps and a feeling of joy for the characters involved. Perhaps my teenage daughter's reaction best sums up this book: "WOW!"

Brilliant simplicity... and simply brilliant!, 14 Oct 2004
This is what this author, the current children's laureate, does best. He has taken a familiar story - in this case Christmas Day in the trenches of 1914 - and given it a contemporary twist which delivers poignance and pathos. It all begins when an old letter is discovered in an antique desk...
If you already know Morpurgo's work then you won't be disappointed. And if you don't yet know his writings, which run to over 100 published books, then this little gem is as good a place as any to begin.

Amazing book!, 29 Aug 2008
This is an amazing book. A beautifully written love story that also builds you and challenges you spiritually as you read it! Perfect. I could not put it down and sobbed for the last few chapters. Cant wait to read more from this author.

Tender and Moving. One of the best., 25 Jun 2008
I found this book on Amazon while browsing the Listmania. After reading such complimentary reviews, I decided to take a chance on it. I was not disappointed.

The story is set in the 1850s during the Californian Gold Rush. Michael Hosea is a farmer who falls in love with a prostitute called Angel. Michael lives a simple life and is a God-fearing man. When he meets Angel, her life has just fallen to new depths.

The book is a retelling of the prophet Hosea from the Bible. However, even if you are not religious don't let this put you off. If you like romance, you will love it. It is exquisitely written and the story beautiful. It is not only a story of redeeming love, but unconditional love too.

I don't normally read books a second time. They have to be exceptional for me to consider it. But this one is a keeper, and once finished, will leave you with a warm glow inside you.

Do not hesitate. It is a simple tale, but one of the best.

MOVING STORY, 29 Nov 2007
This is the first book of Francine Rivers that I've read. A friend lent me her copy and when I finished it, I went out and bought my own copy. I've read this book twice and I know I'll read it again. It brought tears to my eyes because I could identify with Angel's low self esteem. It's a beautifully written book that Christian or non-Christians could benefit from. I loaned it to a non-Christian work colleague and she loved it. I've just finished reading Voice in the Wind, another excellent book by Francine Rivers. I can't wait to read her other work.

Great example of love, 01 Nov 2007
Micheal is a character who shows us an example of the unending patience of God's love for us. Angel is a character who shows us how much sin and shame can seperate us from the very thing we want...unconditional love. The story of how these two get together is a reflection of the way we come to know God. Francine Rivers ties it all together with a craft well honed. I can hardly wait for her to write more romance novels with Christian values reflected through out.

unputdownable, 30 Oct 2007
Francine Rivers has a wonderful, amazing talent in the way she writes, educates, informs and teaches all through a gripping unputdownable story based on the book of Hosea. I have read most of her books and she is my favourite author at this time of my life.She makes reading so easy, making us imagine what life would have been like , living under such difficult situations then showing why God sometimes makes us go through difficult times but all for the better purpose, His will. I would thoroughly recommend this book to any woman regardless of religion or age.

Look no further - the best meditation manual available., 13 Aug 2008
I have been interested in Buddhism and meditation for many years and have been waiting all that time for a book that is a true 'nuts and bolts' manual of how to meditate. This is the first book I have found that I can totally recommend. It covers the subject with honesty, humour and an amazing level of clarity. For a beginner or experienced meditator, there is no better book that I have seen.

Also, the author has integrity and comes from the traditional Theravada school of Buddhism - beware that there are quite a few dodgy modern 'schools' that use the name of Buddhism in vain. If you are new to Buddhism, I strongly recommend the Theravada school (e.g. Amaravati monastery in the UK).

A minor point and it doesn't detract at all from the book, but I feel that maybe the title is a bit misleading as it isn't very clear that it is a 'manual' of meditation - perhaps 'Meditation demystified' or 'How to meditate' would be clearer.

See for yourself, 30 Jun 2008
I do not have much too add not already said by other reviewers, but would like to point out that the whole book can be found online so you can preview it before you order the book. Just search for the title.

A True Meditation Manual, 11 Mar 2008
This book is fantastic! From the reviews, I was expecting a manual on Vipassana (insight) meditation only. But Bhante G covers both Shamatha (concentration) and Vipassana (insight) meditation in thorough detail, in a step-by-step, very user-friendly and practical way. By far the best book I have read on the two core Buddhist meditation practices. He deals in great detail with the things us beginners struggle with, like the many distractions that can assail us during our practice, & the five hindrances, along with very useful techniques for over-coming these obstacles. If you are at all interested in Buddhist meditation, then I am sure you will find this book invaluable.

One of many personal responses, 23 Nov 2007
After I had read this book I was very enthusiastic about it, because it is certainly a very good manual in comparison to any other I have read. I started 'practicing Vipassana' after reading the 3-page summary of the technique in Fontana's Meditation Manual. For a technique that is said to take you to enlightenment, that is a decidedly concise account; concise enough for me to utterly misunderstand the practice.

Things to know about Vipassana:

There are Buddhists who sideline Vipassana because it is powerful enough to 'unbalance' an unwary practitioner. Too strong an opinion perhaps - but neither is it necessarily as "gentle" as the author of this book describes it!

There are as many variants of the technique as there are traditions. Some are very different to others, however this is not to say that there is only one effective technique. This book represents just one of many traditions.

----------------

I learnt Vipassana on an intensive ten-day course as taught by S.N. Goenka. Only by the tenth day - and not before - did I feel like I had grasped the technique. There are limits to what you can learn on your own from a book. The technique I was taught was different to that in the book - and, in my opinion, far superior.

I have a particular reservation with the way in which this book advocates 'mindfulness' of mental objects. Merely watching the sensations is all we need consciously do, the mindfulness is a process that happens by itself. I do not think mindfulness can be achieved deliberately.

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana is a very experienced man, and I'm sure his opinion is worth more than mine. But for what it is worth, take a look at S.N. Goenkas 10-day course instead.

Mindfulness in real life, 06 Jul 2007
The theme of the book is Mindfulness: actually seeing what is there in front of us.

Bhante's premise (which is difficult to ague with ) is that we see life through a screen of thoughts and concepts. As he puts it, we get so caught up in this endless thought-stream that reality flows by unnoticed.

Meditation can sometimes seem daunting and mystical but its goal is to simply free us from not being aware of our lives as they unfold.

Bhante's gift, which shines through every page of this book, is to break down some of the myths and make them real and practical.

What is left is a remarkably lucid, accessible and sensible account of how mindfulness meditation (in the Vipassana tradition - though that detail isn't important) can literally chance your life: your reactions, your perception, your ability to life for the moment.

There is no hint of high-mindedness in his tone, which is grounded, realistic, and thoroughly human.

Consider this, from page one: "There you are, and you suddenly realise that you are spending your whole life just barely getting by. You keep up a good front. You manage to make ends meet somehow and look okay from the outside.

"But those periods of desperation, those times when you feel everything caving in on you - you keep those to yourself. You are a mess, and you know it.

"Meanwhile, way down under all of that, you just know that there has to be some other way to live, a better way to look at the world, a way to touch life more fully.... life is an emotional roller coaster, and you spend a lot of your time down at the bottom of the ramp, yearning for heights."

So what's wrong with you, Bhante asks? You are simply human, battling with all the usual human hallmarks of jealousy, suffering, discontent and stress.

Meditation isn't a quick-fix solution to the human condition, he says. In this age of instant gratification, this can be a hard pill to swallow.

"But what it does do is teach you to watch the functioning of your own mind in a calm and detached manner so you can gain insight into your own behaviour. The goal is awareness."

With a good deal of patience and commitment, meditation can simply teach you to stand aside from your own thought processes and not get involved.

Step by step, it will become clear that agitation is actually a superficial mental stage. It comes and goes, he says, and has no real grip on you at all.

There are so many pearls of hope and wisdom in this bok, but I particularly like this one, for its searing truth and humanity. Bhante writes:

"Somewhere in this process, you will come face to face with the sudden and shocking realisation that you are completely crazy. Your mind is a shrieking, gibbering madhouse, utterly out of control and helpless.

"No problem. You are not crazier than you were yesterday. It has always been this way, and you just never noticed. You are no crazier than everybody else around you.

The only real difference is that you have confronted the situation and they have not."

This review is taken from a blog from www.yoga-abode.com

Spine tingling in the tube!, 07 Oct 2008
Will you ever travel on the underground again without constantly looking over your shoulder? Not after reading this! Lots and lots of well written stories about ghosts and unexplained happenings in the London Underground. Atmospheric and well detailed, this is the perfect reading material for curling up on cold winter nights in front of the fire. Would make a good Christmas gift for the discerning ghost story fan. I have read numerous books about haunted sites, and this one certainly does not disappoint. Highly recommended.

An Antidote to Modern Life!, 01 Nov 2008
Finding Happiness is one of those rare gems of a book that serenely guides you through the trials of modern day life. Father Jamison takes the reader hand in hand to genuine inner joy. "Are monks happy?" His reply, "They are not unhappy." That grabbed me straight away, along with his question about having a happy death! Having never thought about death being happy, on the rare occasions I think about death. I realised that to have a happy death, equates to having a happy and fulfilled life.

With his profound insights, and effective communication, this book remarkably mirrors humanities embedded condition. With such elegance, we're guided through many of the reasons that make us unhappy.



Ultimately the dark clouds dissipate, opening the door to inner happiness, if you so choose..



This book is of a solid foundation to make a significant change in your life. Its timing in this troubled era is perfect.





Comments by Michael Calum Jacques author of '1st Century Radical'., 21 Nov 2008
The author of this book, Sir Roy Strong, former Director of the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum, is also a broadcaster, and has written a number of bestselling books which include The Story of Britain, The Cult of Elizabeth and The Spirit of Britain.

This book attempts to narrate the complex history and development of the English parish church "...from the first buildings erected in Anglo-Saxon times to its uncertain future in the twenty-first century." That is to undertake quite a task and the author has made a jolly good job of it!

The book has been described as a "richly illustrated elegy, and a plea for the preservation of the country church." Indeed, Strong's book really is both at once a celebration of the English country church - and a passionate plea for its conservation. The author entertainingly and anecdotally relates the dramatic ebb and flow of the English parish church, through its various epochs and vicissitudes.

The reader really does feel as though he or she is actually engaged in a voyage through time; from the arrival of those Catholic missionaries who systematically erected crosses here and there to mark the places where they preached, to the beautiful architecture and aureate pseudo-spirituality of medieval Christianity; from the tumult of the Reformation to the times of the 'squarson', the sedate, gentrified type of cleric we encounter in the works of Jane Austen: we are swept along on a journey of discovery and rediscovery.

This book is an enlightening and an invigorating yarn and this reviewer can heartily commend it to prospective readers.

Michael Calum Jacques

A long overdue general history and introduction, 19 Jul 2008
Periodically books are written on the subject of the parish churches in England. The wealth of beautiful churches that this country has is one of the most unappreciated aspects of England's architectural heritage and many urban and rural parishes are struggling in the upkeep of these edifices, some of which are of cathedral like proportions to services villages of a few hundred. This is the motivation that Roy Strong states in his introduction for writing this book - to highlight the country church's plight and highlight the challenges we will face to preserve them in the twenty first century. Whereas the twentieth century saw the preservation of the country house, the twenty first century will have to deal with the challenge of preserving the parish church building.

The book is however mainly an overview of the way that the building and in particular the furnishings of English parish churches have changed from the early medieval era which saw church interiors lavishly decorates and furnished through the period of the Reformation and the Commonwealth which saw the destruction of a massive amount of church art and furnishings which tracked the interpretation of Protestant theology in its manifestation in the decoration and liturgy of the parish church. The book describes in vivid detail the rituals and ceremonies at the heart of the parish throughout history tracing their changes with the contemporary religious and political events that occurred in England, particularly momentous events such as the Reformation and subtle changes brought about by the Oxford Movement in the mid nineteenth century which has shaped the liturgy and decoration of modern parish churches to this day.

The book however is popularist rather than academic. In that sense it is a pretty easy read and the plethora of illustrations including well know examples of surviving medieval furnishings makes this a solid read. However, the academics may wince a little bit at the presumptions that are made and conclusions that are drawn. However, reading the book does not really answer the issues raised in the introduction - namely how will the English parish church survive in the twenty-first century and beyond? Strong has a one or two ideas in the epilogue - namely more of a community use for the building. But this does leave the reader a little unsatisfied, making the book feel like a good overall history of the parish church surrounded by an introduction and conclusion which does not fit the subject matter in the middle of the book.


A Book In A Million, 31 Dec 2007
Anyone wishing to see how church architecture and spirituality were affected by political and theological developments in England should purchase this book. It is a wealth of information, extremely well written and illustrated throughout with excellent examples of church architecture.

The beauty of this book is that is explains the essence of continuity in English Christianity as perceived through the experience of ordinary worshippers and does not get embroiled with the relative merits of theological standpoints.

An excellent book, buy one for the Vicar!!!

It's ok, 12 Dec 2006
I bought this book on the strength of the reviews and although it's ok, it's not as awe inspiring as it's made out to be. It's a useful book for youngsters who aren't aware of the cease fire on Christmas Eve during the 1st World War and that in itself is heart warming, but the ending isn't what it could be and leaves one feeling a little flat.

Very moving, very brilliant, 20 Jun 2005
I borrowed this picture book for the local library for my youngest child, without really looking at it. When I read it I was absolutely blown away and ordered it from Amazon the same day. Michael Foreman's illustrations and Michael Murpurgo's story work extremely well together to draw you into the book, involving you in the characters and their lives. The ending illustration left me with goosebumps and a feeling of joy for the characters involved. Perhaps my teenage daughter's reaction best sums up this book: "WOW!"

Brilliant simplicity... and simply brilliant!, 14 Oct 2004
This is what this author, the current children's laureate, does best. He has taken a familiar story - in this case Christmas Day in the trenches of 1914 - and given it a contemporary twist which delivers poignance and pathos. It all begins when an old letter is discovered in an antique desk...
If you already know Morpurgo's work then you won't be disappointed. And if you don't yet know his writings, which run to over 100 published books, then this little gem is as good a place as any to begin.

Amazing book!, 29 Aug 2008
This is an amazing book. A beautifully written love story that also builds you and challenges you spiritually as you read it! Perfect. I could not put it down and sobbed for the last few chapters. Cant wait to read more from this author.

Tender and Moving. One of the best., 25 Jun 2008
I found this book on Amazon while browsing the Listmania. After reading such complimentary reviews, I decided to take a chance on it. I was not disappointed.

The story is set in the 1850s during the Californian Gold Rush. Michael Hosea is a farmer who falls in love with a prostitute called Angel. Michael lives a simple life and is a God-fearing man. When he meets Angel, her life has just fallen to new depths.

The book is a retelling of the prophet Hosea from the Bible. However, even if you are not religious don't let this put you off. If you like romance, you will love it. It is exquisitely written and the story beautiful. It is not only a story of redeeming love, but unconditional love too.

I don't normally read books a second time. They have to be exceptional for me to consider it. But this one is a keeper, and once finished, will leave you with a warm glow inside you.

Do not hesitate. It is a simple tale, but one of the best.

MOVING STORY, 29 Nov 2007
This is the first book of Francine Rivers that I've read. A friend lent me her copy and when I finished it, I went out and bought my own copy. I've read this book twice and I know I'll read it again. It brought tears to my eyes because I could identify with Angel's low self esteem. It's a beautifully written book that Christian or non-Christians could benefit from. I loaned it to a non-Christian work colleague and she loved it. I've just finished reading Voice in the Wind, another excellent book by Francine Rivers. I can't wait to read her other work.

Great example of love, 01 Nov 2007
Micheal is a character who shows us an example of the unending patience of God's love for us. Angel is a character who shows us how much sin and shame can seperate us from the very thing we want...unconditional love. The story of how these two get together is a reflection of the way we come to know God. Francine Rivers ties it all together with a craft well honed. I can hardly wait for her to write more romance novels with Christian values reflected through out.

unputdownable, 30 Oct 2007
Francine Rivers has a wonderful, amazing talent in the way she writes, educates, informs and teaches all through a gripping unputdownable story based on the book of Hosea. I have read most of her books and she is my favourite author at this time of my life.She makes reading so easy, making us imagine what life would have been like , living under such difficult situations then showing why God sometimes makes us go through difficult times but all for the better purpose, His will. I would thoroughly recommend this book to any woman regardless of religion or age.

Look no further - the best meditation manual available., 13 Aug 2008
I have been interested in Buddhism and meditation for many years and have been waiting all that time for a book that is a true 'nuts and bolts' manual of how to meditate. This is the first book I have found that I can totally recommend. It covers the subject with honesty, humour and an amazing level of clarity. For a beginner or experienced meditator, there is no better book that I have seen.

Also, the author has integrity and comes from the traditional Theravada school of Buddhism - beware that there are quite a few dodgy modern 'schools' that use the name of Buddhism in vain. If you are new to Buddhism, I strongly recommend the Theravada school (e.g. Amaravati monastery in the UK).

A minor point and it doesn't detract at all from the book, but I feel that maybe the title is a bit misleading as it isn't very clear that it is a 'manual' of meditation - perhaps 'Meditation demystified' or 'How to meditate' would be clearer.

See for yourself, 30 Jun 2008
I do not have much too add not already said by other reviewers, but would like to point out that the whole book can be found online so you can preview it before you order the book. Just search for the title.

A True Meditation Manual, 11 Mar 2008
This book is fantastic! From the reviews, I was expecting a manual on Vipassana (insight) meditation only. But Bhante G covers both Shamatha (concentration) and Vipassana (insight) meditation in thorough detail, in a step-by-step, very user-friendly and practical way. By far the best book I have read on the two core Buddhist meditation practices. He deals in great detail with the things us beginners struggle with, like the many distractions that can assail us during our practice, & the five hindrances, along with very useful techniques for over-coming these obstacles. If you are at all interested in Buddhist meditation, then I am sure you will find this book invaluable.

One of many personal responses, 23 Nov 2007
After I had read this book I was very enthusiastic about it, because it is certainly a very good manual in comparison to any other I have read. I started 'practicing Vipassana' after reading the 3-page summary of the technique in Fontana's Meditation Manual. For a technique that is said to take you to enlightenment, that is a decidedly concise account; concise enough for me to utterly misunderstand the practice.

Things to know about Vipassana:

There are Buddhists who sideline Vipassana because it is powerful enough to 'unbalance' an unwary practitioner. Too strong an opinion perhaps - but neither is it necessarily as "gentle" as the author of this book describes it!

There are as many variants of the technique as there are traditions. Some are very different to others, however this is not to say that there is only one effective technique. This book represents just one of many traditions.

----------------

I learnt Vipassana on an intensive ten-day course as taught by S.N. Goenka. Only by the tenth day - and not before - did I feel like I had grasped the technique. There are limits to what you can learn on your own from a book. The technique I was taught was different to that in the book - and, in my opinion, far superior.

I have a particular reservation with the way in which this book advocates 'mindfulness' of mental objects. Merely watching the sensations is all we need consciously do, the mindfulness is a process that happens by itself. I do not think mindfulness can be achieved deliberately.

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana is a very experienced man, and I'm sure his opinion is worth more than mine. But for what it is worth, take a look at S.N. Goenkas 10-day course instead.

Mindfulness in real life, 06 Jul 2007
The theme of the book is Mindfulness: actually seeing what is there in front of us.

Bhante's premise (which is difficult to ague with ) is that we see life through a screen of thoughts and concepts. As he puts it, we get so caught up in this endless thought-stream that reality flows by unnoticed.

Meditation can sometimes seem daunting and mystical but its goal is to simply free us from not being aware of our lives as they unfold.

Bhante's gift, which shines through every page of this book, is to break down some of the myths and make them real and practical.

What is left is a remarkably lucid, accessible and sensible account of how mindfulness meditation (in the Vipassana tradition - though that detail isn't important) can literally chance your life: your reactions, your perception, your ability to life for the moment.

There is no hint of high-mindedness in his tone, which is grounded, realistic, and thoroughly human.

Consider this, from page one: "There you are, and you suddenly realise that you are spending your whole life just barely getting by. You keep up a good front. You manage to make ends meet somehow and look okay from the outside.

"But those periods of desperation, those times when you feel everything caving in on you - you keep those to yourself. You are a mess, and you know it.

"Meanwhile, way down under all of that, you just know that there has to be some other way to live, a better way to look at the world, a way to touch life more fully.... life is an emotional roller coaster, and you spend a lot of your time down at the bottom of the ramp, yearning for heights."

So what's wrong with you, Bhante asks? You are simply human, battling with all the usual human hallmarks of jealousy, suffering, discontent and stress.

Meditation isn't a quick-fix solution to the human condition, he says. In this age of instant gratification, this can be a hard pill to swallow.

"But what it does do is teach you to watch the functioning of your own mind in a calm and detached manner so you can gain insight into your own behaviour. The goal is awareness."

With a good deal of patience and commitment, meditation can simply teach you to stand aside from your own thought processes and not get involved.

Step by step, it will become clear that agitation is actually a superficial mental stage. It comes and goes, he says, and has no real grip on you at all.

There are so many pearls of hope and wisdom in this bok, but I particularly like this one, for its searing truth and humanity. Bhante writes:

"Somewhere in this process, you will come face to face with the sudden and shocking realisation that you are completely crazy. Your mind is a shrieking, gibbering madhouse, utterly out of control and helpless.

"No problem. You are not crazier than you were yesterday. It has always been this way, and you just never noticed. You are no crazier than everybody else around you.

The only real difference is that you have confronted the situation and they have not."

This review is taken from a blog from www.yoga-abode.com

Spine tingling in the tube!, 07 Oct 2008
Will you ever travel on the underground again without constantly looking over your shoulder? Not after reading this! Lots and lots of well written stories about ghosts and unexplained happenings in the London Underground. Atmospheric and well detailed, this is the perfect reading material for curling up on cold winter nights in front of the fire. Would make a good Christmas gift for the discerning ghost story fan. I have read numerous books about haunted sites, and this one certainly does not disappoint. Highly recommended.

A concise rebuttal - food for thought, 21 Nov 2008
I enjoyed reading McGrath's book because it is an almost surgically precise critique of the main thrusts in Dawkins' "God Delusion". It is short and easy to read but perhaps a bit pricey for what is an extended essay. Although I found Dawkins' book stimulating, I found this book useful to restoring a sense of balance in the arguments. McGrath concedes that Dawkins makes some valid points (e.g. on violence in the name of religions) but is equally robust (though less aggressive) about making his case.

Ouch, 16 Nov 2008
Quite an embarrassing book. Sure he makes some good points but that doesn't hide the fact that it's written like a crusade... very agressive at times. This book is prolly not for the most of you. I struggled to finish it simply because it didn't really bring anything new to the table. Its basically a rehash of what most people already know.

I have to say that ofcourse i don't believe in any gods or religions so I am prolly a bit biased regarding this book but i really tried to be open minded about this. I wanted to see what the most educated minds on the other side of the fence had to say. Unfortunately it rarely transcends the intellectual reasoning capacities of your average southern american hick.

So in the end I am afraid to say it's still a mystery to me how one would defend religions/gods. You can't defend anything without arguments based in reality... So I am afraid gods will remain figments of our imagination until science sets them free.

Oh Dear, more mumbo-jumbo, 07 Oct 2008
When I read this book I really tried to stay objective, but the sky-fairies kept whispering in my ear and telling me to do things. Utterly delusional as one might expect.

Well presented, and missing the point, 19 Sep 2008
Alister certainly dosnt make the mistake of diving into the scriptures to support his case.
The book centers on two main props.
1) The usual, Oooh, what a nasty man Richard Dawkins is.
2) Dawkins explains everything by science, specifically trying to find how and why we "evolved" religion.

Yeah,sure. Religion is a group psychology effect, and Richards attempts to label everything with a darwinian cause dosnt quite work. Alister however simply cant compete on any other level than these two...well actually one..point.
Props to him for effectively pointing out The God Delusions flaw, but if he was attempting to make a case for God, he rolled a critical fumble and lost his dice.

A timely response and a most apt title., 09 Sep 2008
Much as already been written in reviews so it's pointless just repeating points of view for or against this book. All I can say is that McGrath's book is well worth studying, shows considerable balance and expertise, and shows clearly why most scientists (including many atheists) think Dawkins becomes completely unhinged and ignores all normal scientific precision and balance whenever he writes about religion.

An Antidote to Modern Life!, 01 Nov 2008
Finding Happiness is one of those rare gems of a book that serenely guides you through the trials of modern day life. Father Jamison takes the reader hand in hand to genuine inner joy. "Are monks happy?" His reply, "They are not unhappy." That grabbed me straight away, along with his question about having a happy death! Having never thought about death being happy, on the rare occasions I think about death. I realised that to have a happy death, equates to having a happy and fulfilled life.

With his profound insights, and effective communication, this book remarkably mirrors humanities embedded condition. With such elegance, we're guided through many of the reasons that make us unhappy.



Ultimately the dark clouds dissipate, opening the door to inner happiness, if you so choose..



This book is of a solid foundation to make a significant change in your life. Its timing in this troubled era is perfect.





Comments by Michael Calum Jacques author of '1st Century Radical'., 21 Nov 2008
The author of this book, Sir Roy Strong, former Director of the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum, is also a broadcaster, and has written a number of bestselling books which include The Story of Britain, The Cult of Elizabeth and The Spirit of Britain.

This book attempts to narrate the complex history and development of the English parish church "...from the first buildings erected in Anglo-Saxon times to its uncertain future in the twenty-first century." That is to undertake quite a task and the author has made a jolly good job of it!

The book has been described as a "richly illustrated elegy, and a plea for the preservation of the country church." Indeed, Strong's book really is both at once a celebration of the English country church - and a passionate plea for its conservation. The author entertainingly and anecdotally relates the dramatic ebb and flow of the English parish church, through its various epochs and vicissitudes.

The reader really does feel as though he or she is actually engaged in a voyage through time; from the arrival of those Catholic missionaries who systematically erected crosses here and there to mark the places where they preached, to the beautiful architecture and aureate pseudo-spirituality of medieval Christianity; from the tumult of the Reformation to the times of the 'squarson', the sedate, gentrified type of cleric we encounter in the works of Jane Austen: we are swept along on a journey of discovery and rediscovery.

This book is an enlightening and an invigorating yarn and this reviewer can heartily commend it to prospective readers.

Michael Calum Jacques

A long overdue general history and introduction, 19 Jul 2008
Periodically books are written on the subject of the parish churches in England. The wealth of beautiful churches that this country has is one of the most unappreciated aspects of England's architectural heritage and many urban and rural parishes are struggling in the upkeep of these edifices, some of which are of cathedral like proportions to services villages of a few hundred. This is the motivation that Roy Strong states in his introduction for writing this book - to highlight the country church's plight and highlight the challenges we will face to preserve them in the twenty first century. Whereas the twentieth century saw the preservation of the country house, the twenty first century will have to deal with the challenge of preserving the parish church building.

The book is however mainly an overview of the way that the building and in particular the furnishings of English parish churches have changed from the early medieval era which saw church interiors lavishly decorates and furnished through the period of the Reformation and the Commonwealth which saw the destruction of a massive amount of church art and furnishings which tracked the interpretation of Protestant theology in its manifestation in the decoration and liturgy of the parish church. The book describes in vivid detail the rituals and ceremonies at the heart of the parish throughout history tracing their changes with the contemporary religious and political events that occurred in England, particularly momentous events such as the Reformation and subtle changes brought about by the Oxford Movement in the mid nineteenth century which has shaped the liturgy and decoration of modern parish churches to this day.

The book however is popularist rather than academic. In that sense it is a pretty easy read and the plethora of illustrations including well know examples of surviving medieval furnishings makes this a solid read. However, the academics may wince a little bit at the presumptions that are made and conclusions that are drawn. However, reading the book does not really answer the issues raised in the introduction - namely how will the English parish church survive in the twenty-first century and beyond? Strong has a one or two ideas in the epilogue - namely more of a community use for the building. But this does leave the reader a little unsatisfied, making the book feel like a good overall history of the parish church surrounded by an introduction and conclusion which does not fit the subject matter in the middle of the book.


A Book In A Million, 31 Dec 2007
Anyone wishing to see how church architecture and spirituality were affected by political and theological developments in England should purchase this book. It is a wealth of information, extremely well written and illustrated throughout with excellent examples of church architecture.

The beauty of this book is that is explains the essence of continuity in English Christianity as perceived through the experience of ordinary worshippers and does not get embroiled with the relative merits of theological standpoints.

An excellent book, buy one for the Vicar!!!

It's ok, 12 Dec 2006
I bought this book on the strength of the reviews and although it's ok, it's not as awe inspiring as it's made out to be. It's a useful book for youngsters who aren't aware of the cease fire on Christmas Eve during the 1st World War and that in itself is heart warming, but the ending isn't what it could be and leaves one feeling a little flat.

Very moving, very brilliant, 20 Jun 2005
I borrowed this picture book for the local library for my youngest child, without really looking at it. When I read it I was absolutely blown away and ordered it from Amazon the same day. Michael Foreman's illustrations and Michael Murpurgo's story work extremely well together to draw you into the book, involving you in the characters and their lives. The ending illustration left me with goosebumps and a feeling of joy for the characters involved. Perhaps my teenage daughter's reaction best sums up this book: "WOW!"

Brilliant simplicity... and simply brilliant!, 14 Oct 2004
This is what this author, the current children's laureate, does best. He has taken a familiar story - in this case Christmas Day in the trenches of 1914 - and given it a contemporary twist which delivers poignance and pathos. It all begins when an old letter is discovered in an antique desk...
If you already know Morpurgo's work then you won't be disappointed. And if you don't yet know his writings, which run to over 100 published books, then this little gem is as good a place as any to begin.

Amazing book!, 29 Aug 2008
This is an amazing book. A beautifully written love story that also builds you and challenges you spiritually as you read it! Perfect. I could not put it down and sobbed for the last few chapters. Cant wait to read more from this author.

Tender and Moving. One of the best., 25 Jun 2008
I found this book on Amazon while browsing the Listmania. After reading such complimentary reviews, I decided to take a chance on it. I was not disappointed.

The story is set in the 1850s during the Californian Gold Rush. Michael Hosea is a farmer who falls in love with a prostitute called Angel. Michael lives a simple life and is a God-fearing man. When he meets Angel, her life has just fallen to new depths.

The book is a retelling of the prophet Hosea from the Bible. However, even if you are not religious don't let this p