Austin Reviews

As the sister of one of the author's I am sure anyone would expect me to give a positive review, and I do! Not just because Nancy is my sister but because I have been taught since I was a young girl how to be assertive by my sister and at the age of 44 I now see how vital that teaching has been for me over the years. Nancy and Stanlee have given their best in this book and I have to say that every reader with a sister needs to share this book with them. My personal sense of identity comes as a direct result of being taught by Nancy at the age of 10 that I don't have to allow myself to be intimidated for fear of alienating someone by telling them "no". I learned self respect at a young age because I didn't allow myself to be "labeled" as a young lady when I felt that was not a proper discription of who I was! I was a young woman, big difference! I also learned that I don't have to accept someone else's name in marriage just because society expects me to! I was given the gift of freedom by my sister and her teachings and now I have a manual to refer to when I get lost along the way. I am also a counselor and have found that assertivenss does not only apply to women! I have male clients that benefit from the techniques I have learned through the book! Way to go Nancy and Stanlee!

Congratulations to Stanlee Phelps and Nancy Austin on the 4th edition of their book, "The Assertive Woman". They've been at it since 1974 (I've gotten each edition and referred them to my clients during my 30 years as a career and management consultant and coach.) This revised and updated edition continues to be a timely, relevant and reliable resource for women as they navigate the landmines on their assertiveness journeys. The book offers real-world examples, communication guidelines, self-awareness exercises and lessons learned in the authors' work with corporate and entrepreneurial women. (And I believe the solid advice and information is valid for all women of all ages regardless of their work status.... especially young women in high school and college who are just starting their assertiveness journeys.) I found the 14 page Resource Guide an especially helpful tool as it includes additional books, articles, newsletters, videos, websites, and professional associationsas available for any woman to find what she needs to support her in her assertiveness journey. I also loved the cover. Every photo has an interesting story behind it to convey that one size of assertiveness does not fit all! And it shows how far we've come.....

I read this book just around the time I started to build my own tax practice.

Why? Only because my first corporate client was Stanlee Phelps' Career Concerns. And it seemed wise to read my client's book.

What an eye-opener!

For someone starting out on their own (man or woman), it was THE best book I could have picked up.

Stanlee Phelps and Nancy Austin provided tangible information about how to get what you want or to make your point. They did it, though, by imparting a sense of grace and sanity, not present in the days of Women's Lib. (Don't worry, the Feminist feelings do run strong in the book.)

Their questions and exercises helped me learn so much about myself. It made it much easier to make the changes necessary to become a success in business. (And, inadvertantly, it helped me overcome my fear of public speaking. And how!)

One of the best lessons I took away from that book, (to paraphrase)

"Just because you CAN be assertive, doesn't mean you always should."

Holding my tongue, at times, has gotten me greater rewards than speaking up - just because I could.

If you're out there selling your products or services, making bids on contracts, working with contractors and staff...even if you're a man, pick this book up. It's a quick read

I've never told Stanlee quite what an effect this book had on me. But, really, it was remarkable. Thank you!

besides having a terrific plot, i liked how it dealt with a few issues that none of the movies and none of the star wars books i have read have touched on.

when luke accompanies leia on a diplomatic mission, leia runs into trouble with her y-wing and they are forced to crash land on a nearby planet. what they find from the beginning is nothing but trouble. for among other things a legendary crystal that amplifies the force leads to a race to find it to give the bearer
unimaginative power.

the action is nonstop from beginning to end, and it is obvious that this book was written after the first star wars movie but it gives a fresh outlook on a story that started almost 30 years ago. it gives some interesting ideals on princess leia that has not ever been brought up that i find quite refreshing which makes her seem more human and approachable then the first 2 movies made her. this is a book that all star wars fans should definitely read.

The book captivated me from start to finish. Terry Austin is faithful to the Star Wars universe and to the characters. If you are looking for stories beyond the movies, this is the only one to read.

This comic is an excellent adaptation of Foster's good Star Wars novel. It remains true to the story and dialogue of the book, while at the same time fleshing things out a little and making it easier to place in the timeline, as well as giving the fans a few little goodies such as an appearance from then-still-Captain Piett.

The script is good, as is the artwork, to a point. My only complaint in this area is in the first issue, the contrast is pretty bad, with a bunch of dull browns and greens and the pure black shirts. However, it is refreshing to see Leia wearing something other than that pure white for once, and the character representations are pretty good, though Luke's features are occasionally overdone.

The fights and lightsaber duels are fun, especially Leia's sparring with Vader, and the bickering between Luke and Leia is interesting, and reminds us how close they were before they learned about their common heritage.

This is a fun, colorful, and faithful adaptation recommended to everyone.

I never thought that when I bought this book, at a local book store, it would be of local interest or I would recognize the landmarks. I challenge all "Maniacs or just Mainers at heart to read this book and quess in what town the story takes place.
Happy reading!

Maine! Gargoyles! Mystery! Suspense! And even a love story! Reads like a sequel or two will be forthcoming! Destined to become a movie! Hollywood producers open your eyes! Stephen King watch out! You've got competition! The Circle by A.L. Austin is no doubt one of the best stories I have ever read. I read the entire book in one night because I could not put it down. I would have even loved it as a child, when I read every Fairy Tale book I could get a hold of. I have been fascinated with Gargoyles since the old Gargoyles movie from 1972 with Cornel Wilde and the Gargoyles on the Dakota apartment building pictured in Rosemary's Baby with Mia Farrow, which I encountered many times while living in Manhattan. A.L. Austin has an incredible imagination and the talent to put it into words, creating highly interesting characters in an unpredictable storyline. And Coastal Maine is the perfect setting. Get one for yourself, and then buy one for a friend! Christmas is coming. And so are the Gargoyles!!!

let your imagination go and you will enjoy this read. Austin has created complex characters and a great storyline. the reader is left waiting for the next book. There are some typos that might distract you - Austin needs a better editor - other than that, I think we will see more from this talented writer.

I have seen the Reduced Shakespeare Company perform this play and these guys are absolutely hysterical! This book provides a very funny overview of the History of America. Even if you find history boring like I do, they make all of the events easily accessible and extremely entertaining. They make merry on every topic - whether it be how America was REALLY discovered to what really happened with JFK, Lincoln, and Lucille Ball! These guys are truly clever, quick and funny and I can recommend this and their other books highly.

This script is really very funny. It has made me laugh out load on many occasions. Many of the scenes are funny just to think about. Whilst it is not to be taken seriously, it does give a broad, and very funny, overview of American History. However this is a script, not a novel, and i would highly recommend that if you buy the script, in order to make the most out of it and understand it completely, that you also see the play performed, if you can, because it brings the script alive. It is a measure of just how good this book is, when you think its funny even without having seen it performed.

I stumbled onto this play, looking for other things- my teacher had lost my homework and I was checking her desk for it. Sadly, the homework never turned up, but, I did find this incredibly funny play. Adam, Reed, and Austin will keep you laughing through all 92 pages of the play (and even after). There witty-take on American history left me laughing for a good three weeks. Now, everytime I see the book I have to pick it up and read a few scenes. What I really enjoyed about this book is the way they can look back on any point in history and make it funny. I recommend this book to all people who want a good laugh- there is every kind of humor in this play- so anyone can find something they will enjoy in this book.

Though I am not pictured in any way in this book, I did have a hand in getting the thing written. I think anyone reading it will come away with an understanding of how fate works. The characters become friends and though losing someone is difficult, life does go on and new friends with it. Fate and Faith go together and we just go with it.

What can I say? This story is the way a story should be writte

From her reservoir of experience and her talent with the written word comes a great story of romantic bonding, greed, a good dose of Walter Mitty fantacizing, just a touch of mystery and most of all, she uses real people as models for her fictional characters which not only makes her descriptions colorful, they seem to be real in the mind of the readers. Her story line takes the reader through the full range of emotions, so be prepared for that. -- You'll love it!

The REAL grandeur of this little gothic gem lies in the power of suggestion. Machen, much like a Nicholas Roeg film or the Lovecraft mythology, only hints at the unspeakable horrors in "Great God Pan" and therein lies the novel's strength, short and negligable as it may seem. It's up to the reader to "fill in the blanks", and make the right connections as to which abominations lurks beneath the sinister series of seemingly unconnected events, that are displayed in "Great God Pan."

Scattered around in the book are twisted images of the many abominable faces that the Great God Pan may take, drawn by the esoteric occultist Austin Osman Spare.

This novel has a wonderfully unique premise. The themes of the darker aspects of Greek Myth, sinister woods and what lurks within them, unreality right beneath our world, make for a delightfull story. While the plot is a bit mundane towards the center of the book, overall this is compensated for. If you've ever let your mind wander into the origins of ancient myths, and have been a bit shocked by what you imagine this is the book for you. The sexual aspect of the supernatural events is key, and overall adds to the one's attraction and repulsion to the concepts beneath the surface of this book. Machen was akcknowledged by HP Lovecraft as a major influence, and one sees this here. Also, Spare's illustrations, while not done for the book, are quite appropriate to convey its themes. Highly reccomended.

I came to know about Arthur Machen and his work through the brilliant mastermind of H.P.Lovecraft; his references, both in fiction ("The Dunwich Horror" makes a very clear statement about Machen's influence in his body of work) and non-fiction ("Supernatural Horror in Literature"), ultimately inspired me to go search something about this author. Needless to say, I found virtually nothing in any bookstore. It was during a trip to Madrid, Spain, where I finally found a book by Machen containing "The Great God Pan" and many others. I was shocked.

"The Great God Pan" was the first story I read by Arthur Machen, and I only had to read the first few pages to know I was going to like it. Indeed, I did, although it was a little short for my taste.

The ideas Machen makes you travel through are some of the finest in horror literature, and the Cosmic view of Pan, is very near the likes of Lovecraft. One can easily see where the influence Machen exerted over Lovecraft is. The only difference is that Machen did believe in some supernatural force existing within the Universe, whereas Lovecraft was the complete opposite.

Dark Pagan Horror is what Machen delivers, and he does so with such a style, elegance (at least the Castilian translation, I still have to read the originals in English, but I am assuming the originals are much better) and wit, you just can't help but to stay with it until you are done.

Knight's is indeed the professional standard omnibus for seamanship. It is an excellent comprehensive text for any mariner. That said, it is desperately in need of updating. The electronic navigation section lists systems no longer in use (Omega, LORAN), and treats GPS as a "future" system (although the editors do prophetically write that GPS receivers will drop in price until they are affordable by the average mariner).
Additionally,there are a disconcerting number of typographical errors present. I can only hope the editors are progressing on a 19th Edition.

This book is in the pilothouse of every ship in the US Navy. 'Nuff said.

I find it useful as a basic reference, for vocabulary, and for filling the gaps that Bowditch leaves.

The chapters are well laid out, the information is well indexed, and topics proceed logically. The illustrations are clear and useful.

Best overview of professional seamanship. This book goes leagues beyond novice publications such as "Chapmans" and "Annapolis". The book begins with simple principles and builds the basic vocabulary as it progresses. It's easy to understand with good photos and illustrations. Great study text for the masters exam. Electronics section obviously outdated.

This book is a very good resource for everybody who wants to get informed about lilies in general. It's biggest advantage is it's very accessible language, even beginners won't have a problem to understand. It covers all important topics and is richly illustrated, though it sometimes suffers a bit of the "coffee-tablebook-syndrome".

It is a perfect work for beginners and advanced hobbyists who want to be well informed, but don't intend to use much too advanced techniques. For all those it is quite usable and a very valuable source of information. Only experienced collectors and hobbyists might sometimes feel a bit unsatisfied.

This guide answers almost all questions one can develop on this beautiful plants. From a basic introduction into the genus along propagation and cultivation up to a comprehensive taxonomic guide on species (almost complete) and hybrids and finally professional topics as exhibitions, hybridizing and commercial production, this book covers it all. And what I liked most: though it has more than 100 pictures, it doesn't suffer of the "coffee-table"-syndrome (large, non-detailed pictures) as so many plant books regrettably do.

Absolutely recommended. It's an exceptional work and it will last long for you to reach a point where this book can't be of use anymore.

This book is an incredible resource for those wishing to try their hand at lily hybridization. A word of warning though, it really is not written for the layperson. While you do not have to have a Ph.d. in botany to understand the contents, those with a fair amount of horticultural experience will benefit the most. The book is clearly and concisely written, and is also organized nicely. The photos are beautiful and the line drawings are very helpful. It is the most in-depth discussion of lilies I have ever encountered, written by one of the world's experts in the field. I hope others will enjoy it as much as I have.

I learned some good things from this book, but I could have learned more if the book had been proof-read. The authors let a lot of obvious mistakes make it into the final version of the book which makes it hard to follow some of their examples. For instance they may go to great troubles in the text to explain what an ABABC rhyme scheme is; and then for an example of an ABABC rhyme scheme, they show you a lyric that is really in AABBC rhyme scheme. The examples are where most of the errors occur. The actual written text is pretty accurate; but when they magnify and pictorially break down song lyrics, a lot of times, their example fits another form than what they've been describing to you in the text which can confuse a new learner. No one seemed to realize this before the book was published either.

As an independent artist doing the music convention circuit and tackling a grass roots approach to the business as a new comer, I found "Songwriting for Dummies" refreshingly full of useful information. Additionally, much of the material gave inspiration and comfort to those with a penchant for the art of making music.

I have repeatedly heard the same 3 or 4 book titles mentioned as a "must have book" for anyone in the buiness. In my opinion "Songwriting for Dummies" blows the others away by simplifing many of the industry's mysterious and confusing terms while not striking fear into the heart of the rookie artist that is trying to grasp the many issues that are involved within the music business.

I read much of "Songwriting for Dummies" on my airplane ride home from a music conference I attended on the west coast. By the time the plane touched down I had a read much of the book and had written a new song for my next compilation that had come to me during that same flight. The song was written spontaneously on the 2 white, paper bags that were conveniently stored in the seat pocket in front of me, compliments of the airlines. This was a suggestion I followed from the authors on how to manage times when inspiration hits and one is without paper.

Later that month, I received an offer from a highly reputable company that required me to have some knowledge of what to ask in negotiating a contract as well as typical compensation. Luckily, I had my "Songwriting for Dummies" handy and was able to compare the information in the book to my offer to determine if it was fair and whether the typical legalities were addressed in the contract. Not only did I get a fair deal, I came across in a confident manner that enhance the contract relationship on both sides.

I suspect that future music conventions will be adding this fresh-to-the-market book to the top of the list of must-haves.....both for new comers and veterans in the biz.

Valerie Nager
EquinoxxMusic Producer

I thought this book was outstanding...great insight as to the whole process and everything involved with songwriting. It has also given me a finer appreciation for the truly great songs that stand out above the pack and some understanding as to what really makes those songs so great!

This book is really good but it's time for a new edition ! Compared to another excellent book (Jerry March) it is also too expensive. I would give 5 stars to a new and cheaper edition.

The book is very good for reference, yet it is too expensive for graduate students. I would also suggest taking $$$off, relative to March's and C&S's good text, this one is really forbidding.

I took an undergraduate course on advanced organic laboratory method and Vogel was meant to be an incredible reference and life-saver. The overwhelming size of the book might seem somewhat frightening yet the useful information is worth the size and money.

Pavia's "Introduction to Organic Laboratory Techniques" might seem to be a water-down version of Vogel. Vogel is extremely well-written and detailed in laboratory tecniques such as chromatography, distillation, HPLC, crystallization, extraction, etc. A chapter is also devoted to discussion of solvents and reagents, which helps tremendously for separation experiments.

Vogel also discusses aliphatic, heterocyclic, and aromatic compounds and introduces spectroscopic methods. Vogel is recommended for advanced lab course that requires frequent modification of lab procedures and reference for chemists.