Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

Amazon.com

As though blowing oxygen upon the dying embers of a fire, pastor Jim Cymbala revived a broken-down church in a rough-shod inner-city neighborhood through Christian faith. Twenty-five years ago, the Brooklyn Tabernacle could barely draw 26 people to a Sunday service. Nowadays the congregation is 6,000 strong--filled with converted prostitutes, pimps, drug addicts, and homeless people, as well as yuppies and wholesome families. Although he's quick to give God credit for this miraculous success story, Cymbala admits that there may be a few human decisions that led to this Christian triumph. Most significantly, he made sure his church community embraced everyone, from all walks of life--no matter how distasteful or foreign. "Christians often hesitate to reach out to those who are different," according to Cymbala. "They want God to clean the fish before they catch them. If someone's gold ring is attached to an unusual body part, if the person doesn't smell the best or the skin color is not the same, Christians tend to hesitate." Thus, Cymbala encouraged his congregation to adopt the very same tolerant and accepting attitude as their God does. The results? Let's just say a church thrives in Brooklyn. Accomplished cowriter Dean Merrill helps this tender true story stay satisfying and highly readable. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

Pastor Jim Cymbala shares the lessons he learned when the Spirit ignited his heart and began to move through his people. This book is for anyone seeking to live at the center of God's purposes, through experiencing the power of his Spirit.

Customer Reviews:

An Appeal to the Power of Prayer.......2007-08-15

The Brooklyn Tabernacle's commitment to prayer is well-represented in the work. Rev. Cymbala is truly a humble man of God who seeks not to elevate himself but the Mighty God he and his Church serves. In addition to the rich Scripture that is cited in this work, there are numerous testimonies to the power of prayer, and historical accounts of church leaders who made prayer a number one priority as well. I also appreciated the simple plea of prayer that Rev. Cymbala ascribes to. Today, there are a number of church leaders who promote special techniques for prayer such as position, geographic location, and so on. How refreshing it was to hear a pastor appeal to calling on the name of the Lord that rested on the grace of God and His mercy rather than an individual's unique performance.

Fresh Wind and Fresh Fire is a book, which will leave one in awe to the power of God that is released when people unite and call upon the Name of the Lord.

Excellent Prayer Motivator!.......2007-07-25

I lead a weekly prayer group at my church and was becoming discouraged due to poor participation from the congregation. After 2 1/2 years I was getting ready to throw in the towl, but reading Pastor Cymbala's book has breathed new life into me! This book was a major encouragement to me, both in my personal prayer life as well as my corporate rone. While the book is written very simply and does not go too deep into theology, it presents some wonderful insights into the power of prayer and how God has hard-wired this world to work through the prayers of His children. Would highly recommend this book for all believers, especially those in leadership roles.

A Fresh Approach.......2007-04-27

Jim Cymbala brings us back to the basics of the early church. He demonstrates what happens when a church really starts to pray. The power talked about in the early church is still there.

Jim shows how we just have to let go of our formulas and programs, and we have to admit that our approach is not really calling down God's power. Real brokenness is essential for God's power to really flow, brokenness and a dedication to praying. This is what leads to spiritual breakthrough.

This is definitely a story of most of today's churches, and Jim shows us a way to focus on God's power. Do you believe that "great sermon" may stand in the way of god's moving?

The book is very readable.

Fresh Wind Fresh Fire CD.......2007-03-23

This CD Book was practically new (may have been new). The price was right and it was shipped in a timely manner. The people who sold this CD Book to me are top shelf in my book. Thank you.

YES! BUY IT!.......2007-02-15

Enough reviews that tell how good this book is, they are true! Just wanted to add to theirs in case someone wants to see what books I reccomend!

Memory of Fire: V 3: Century of the Wind (Memory of Fire, Vol 3)

Average customer rating:

Galeano's narrative music laughs at death.
Now and Then a Great Book Happens
A Remarkable Cultural History Tour
Literary History
Where Past Centuries Will Take Us

Memory of Fire: V 3: Century of the Wind (Memory of Fire, Vol 3)
Eduardo Galeano
Manufacturer: Pantheon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 0394757262
Release Date: 1988-03-12

Book Description

The third volume of Galeano's highly praised history of the Americas offers us our own turbulent century, from its first apocalyptic intimations to the age of Reagan.

Customer Reviews:

Galeano's narrative music laughs at death........2006-08-23

"Each day of life is an unrepeatable chord of a music that laughs at death." So Eduardo Galeano tells us in this, the final book of his "Memory of Fire" trilogy. The culmination of his experiment in history writing, this volume tells the history of the Western Hemisphere's 20th century in a series of vignettes that range from beautifully poetic to brain-burningly horrifying, from the torture chambers of Latin America's right-wing dictators (too often brought to you courtesy of the USA) to a little town in Central America called Yoro where, from time to time, it rains fish. You will end this book weeping with rage and joy. (And I mean that literally. This book is quite a ride.)

Now and Then a Great Book Happens.......2006-05-12

Eduardo Galeano is a thrilling writer! (And very quickly one must add that his translator Cedric Belfrage is also gifted!) CENTURY OF THE WIND is a kaleidoscopic history, very much appropriately influenced by the sociopolitical beliefs of the author, of the Americas - South and North, and in that order - from the turn of the century 1900 to the last entry in this book in 1986. Reading it is an experience in history, in the fantastical events that have sprouted everywhere in every venue in a century more filled with inventions and collisions and bright lights and devastations than any preceding it.

Galeano's style is journalistic (he began his rigorous and controversial career as a journalist and editor before turning to books), and in a most readable fashion he takes us through specific events in each of the years of the 1900s and reports and comments on such divers topics as Thomas Edison, Fidel Castro, the Panama Canal, vaccinations in Brazil, Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, agrarian reform, wars, revolutions, Frida Kahlo, religion, Evita, Ernest Hemingway, dictators, the Beatles, fellow authors of South America - the list is endless.

Galeano can say more in a paragraph or two than most commentators or historians can in an entire book. This is tasty writing unearthing many concepts that have passed unknown to many of us. Reading this fascinating book raises more questions than a multitude of reading groups or college courses and it is a must for the libraries of those who love to be challenged while being entertained! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, May 06

A Remarkable Cultural History Tour.......2005-11-25

Eduardo Galeano's "Century of the Wind" (1988) stands on its own merits as one of the finest cultural histories ever written. From Pinochet to Presley, the author chronicles the dark undercurrents of South and North America in a compelling, cross-cutting narrative. An indispensible book that belongs in every library.

Literary History.......2003-03-05

This book was completely mesmerizing and beautiful in its portrait of human nature and the history of two continents. Galeano unfolds the story of the Americas in the 20th century with his magnificent story telling which makes the book difficult to put down or to forget. Each snipet tells of the experiences of various Americans from poor Indigeneous folk to the heads of state. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to people in the U.S. who should develop a better understanding of their sister countries to the south. Galeano is neither pessimist, nor optimist but rather chooses to reveal the naked reality of human experience and conduct from the most avaricious calousness to the most magnanimous heroism.

Where Past Centuries Will Take Us.......2001-12-31

The literary world is indebted to Galeano for his
poetical honesty in articulately conveying the voice of suffering in the masses, in the few. In Century of the Wind, he speaks with fascinating brevity as he dances and intertwines the triumphs and failures of a resilient, albeit it haunted, century. Galeano's words become newspaper articles that come Alive, his charachters become colorful fragments of peace and war and love and politics, refusing to be silenced. He urges the reader to pay attention to the paradox of romancing a people whom have had chaos and horror thrust upon them. Cetury of the Wind is a pathway in which we can collectively examine the troublesome past of America and ask the next great question with some degree of vigor -- And where are we heading?

Average customer rating:

Very exciting and to hard to put down.
This book was excelent!
Excellent book.

Fire on the Wind
Linda Crew
Manufacturer: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0385321856
Release Date: 1995-09-01

Book Description

Estoria, known as Story, is 13 and living in a logging camp in the Oregon forest with her family when the great fire of 1933 breaks out. Crew creates a sweeping panoramic view of the fire's terrifying impact on the Northwest, while also telling a suspenseful and satisfying tale of young love and family survival.

Customer Reviews:

Very exciting and to hard to put down........1999-11-04

The book Fire on the Wind by Linda Crew is a great book and very hard to put down. It has many thrilling and gripping scenes. No one could have written better historical-fiction about the real Tillamook Burn in Oregon in 1933 that burned over 200 acres of forest. It almost seems as if the characters are real. While reading, I almost feel like I'm actually there, like I'm part of the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good well-written historical-fiction book.

This book was excelent!.......1999-10-18

It was like a window into life in a logging camp in the 30's during the Tillamook burn. It was interesting to see how much society has changed in the last 6 decades. I would recommend this book to any one!

Excellent book........1999-09-19

I thought it was confusing, but I liked it. I however didn't like the accent, they do not talk like that in Oregon. I live in Washington, she could of done it here (we have more evergreens).

Wind on Fire Trilogy, The: Slaves of Mastery - Book Two: The Wind on Fire Trilogy (Book Two in the Wind on Fire Trilogy, 2)

Average customer rating:

Good middle instalment
Slaves of the Mastery
Second is the best out of all three
Waiting for the movie
WOW!

Wind on Fire Trilogy, The: Slaves of Mastery - Book Two: The Wind on Fire Trilogy (Book Two in the Wind on Fire Trilogy, 2)
William Nicholson
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 078681800X

Book Description

The people of Aramanth are finally free of the Morah, the evil power that controlled them for generations. But a ruthless attack by soldiers from a distant land destroys the city, and its people are driven off as slaves. During the invasion, Kestrel and Bowman are separated for the first time in their lives. Bowman becomes a slave of the Mastery. Kestrel escapes, then sets off to avenge the enslavement of her family. As the twins embark on their parallel adventures, their mother's prophetic dreams reveal their true identity and their dangerous fate. Bowman's mind power and Kestrel's fierce spirit are soon joined once again to fight for the freedom of their people.

Customer Reviews:

Good middle instalment.......2007-06-09

This was a pretty good follow-up to an excellent dystopian novel. The best part of this was the character development we see in Kestral, Bowman, and Mumpo. They've come a long way from their encounter with the Morah.

Slaves of the Mastery .......2007-05-23

I got this book a couple of days ago and I enojoyed reading it. I would recommend this book to 7th and 8th graders. It was a book that I couldn't put down. The characters were the best, but they didn't have alot of description. They did have alot of emotion and feel. My favorite character Mumpo was odd but kind hearted. I also loved the setting of the book. Its such a beautiful and wonderful place. This is book perfect for enjoyment and as a book report. I really liked the book but the beginging was alittle bit on the down side. The middle and end was great. I hope everyone who reads this review also reads the book. This book was a number one book because of its emotional feel on me and its a very addicting to read. I can't wait to read the next book. Remember never judge a book by its cover.

Second is the best out of all three.......2006-07-19

I picked up The Wind Singer when I was in 7th or 8th grade and I remember reading the last two in 3 or 4 days. I am very glad I picked up the Wind Singer when I got it, otherwise I wouldn't have known about this great trilogy. I own all three books but Slaves of the Mastery has remained my favorite for years. Even so that I don't even read the first book anymore, not that I don't like the first one but the second and third take on a kind of different atmosphere: Kestrel, Bowman, Pinto, and Mumpo are all older, as is everyone else and the trilogy itself takes a turn into a more mature state. I guess another reason why I like this one so much is because it's right in the middle of the trilogy and you know that when you read the last page it's not over yet. If you didn't like the first one I do have to tell you that the second is WAY better, it's not as juvenile. Not trying to down his first book, it just seems that way.

Waiting for the movie.......2006-02-25

Couldn't wait to read the third one after finishing this one. The imagination of the writer is incredible. The adventures in this book kept me reading into the night.

WOW!.......2005-12-03

I've just finished reading this book. I loved it so much that wherever I went it was always staring at me, waiting for me where I put it down last. In one word: Mastery!

The Wind Singer (The Wind on Fire, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

A Children's Fantasy Classic!
A great start to a good trilogy
wow!!! really great book!!!
A tad cliche
I can't describe how bad this book is

The Wind Singer (The Wind on Fire, Book 1)
William Nicholson
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786814179

Amazon.com

In the city of Aramanth, the mantra is, "Better today than yesterday. Better tomorrow than today." Harder work means the citizens of Aramanth can keep moving forward to improved life stations--from Gray tenements and Orange apartments, upwards to glorious mansions of White. Only some families, like the Haths, believe more in ideas and dreams than in endless toil and ratings. When Kestrel Hath decides she is through with the Aramanth work ethic, she is joined in her small rebellion by her twin brother Bowman and their friend Mumpo. Together, they set the orderly city on its ear by escaping Aramanth's walls for an adventure that takes them from city sewers to desert sandstorms. Guided by an archaic map, they know that if they can find the voice of the Wind Singer, an ancient and mysterious instrument that stands in the center of Aramanth, they can save their people from their dreamless existence. But the voice is guarded by the dreaded Morah and its legion of perfect killing machines, the Zars. Are three ragtag kids any match for an army of darkness?

Like Lois Lowry's The Giver and Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass, The Wind Singer is a rich, multilayered fantasy that can be read on many levels. With this first volume of a planned trilogy, British author William Nicholson deftly illustrates such fundamental values as tolerance and the importance of individuality, without sacrificing a bit of the novel's breathless adventure. Watch out, J.K. Rowling! If the rest of The Wind on Fire trilogy is as amazing as this debut, Nicholson's books may be the next hot English export. (Ages 10 and older) --Jennifer Hubert

Customer Reviews:

A Children's Fantasy Classic!.......2007-08-23

This book will always be cherished to me as somthing that I read when I was in 7th grade. But it is far from being just a children's book. Adults will be pleased just as much as kids and will be wanting more. The second book seems more of a higher grade level than this one and, to me anyway, I find the second one, Slaves of the Mastery, much better. But The Wind Singer is still among some of my favorite trilogies! A great fantasy for all ages!

A great start to a good trilogy.......2007-06-01

Next to Nix's Abhorsen trilogy, The Wind on Fire is the best YA set of three I've read in years. The characters come to life in the context of their surroundings and just sparkle. Mumpo and Ira both bloom so well over the span of the novel. It's hard to put into words how much I enjoyed this book and the two that follow it.

wow!!! really great book!!!.......2006-05-25

Wow this book is a really great book. If you like a lot of adventure then this book is for you. Well this book is about the Hath family. The hath family lives in a city called Aramath. Aramath is a very complex city. There are levels to which the familys are rated and their homes are placed. The Hath family lives in the orange district which is the third level from from the end. Its not a very good district. Anyway, Kestrel and her twin brother Bowman share the power to communicate with each other using their minds. Their father Hanno Hath is a librarian and he knows everything about the history of aramath and the myths. Ira Hath is a stay at home mom taking care of the baby child Pinto. Now in the middle of Aramath there is a giant statue of the wind singer. The old story of the wind singer goes: "About a hundred years ago, or so, the wind singer used to sing a wonderful song that made everyone forget all of their problems and always be happy. Until the city of Aramath heard that the awfull army of the Zars was coming to attack the city in order to steal the wind singers voice. When the city heard of this great fate the surenderd the voice to the zars and everything cahnged after that." Now the city runs of levels and examination. But that wasnt't the case for Kestrel. She figured that if she could get out of the city then she could find the wind singer's voice and return happiness and peace the the city of Aramath. So she decided to leave the city acomponied by her brother and a tagolong classmate named Mumpo. Once they were on the otherside of the city gates the journy began.

As Kestrel, Bowman and Mumpo crossed the great valley they came across some great dificulties. Especially the Old Children. As they got closer and closer to the location of the voice they met a couple friends along the way. Wolves and eagles. Since Bowman could communicate with animals they found out that they were trying to help the three friends. Once they got inside the mountain were the voice was they met the army of zars. Now the army of Zars are young children that used to be Old Children. The Zars will now stop for anything until they get what they want. As the three children were running on their way back to the city of Aramath they had to do everything in their power to make sure the Zars were eather stopped or at least stalled until they got close to the city. well this is where i leave you. I cant tell you the end of course. But i will tell you that while Kestrel, Bowman and Mumpo were on there adventure there were a lot of things that happened at home. Well read the book already. Its really good. Trust me.

A tad cliche.......2006-03-20

I read this book quite a while ago and although it is undoubtedly entertaining it has a tendancy to be a bit cliche with the usual story of the world being in danger and the only one who can save it is a child. Snore snore. Also the ending had a feeling that it was being rushed as though the author was bored of the book and just trying to get it finished quickly.

I can't describe how bad this book is.......2006-02-21

Reading this book is like watching the Brady Bunch, 1984 and the Planet of the Apes all at once. Familiar elements that fit together with all the harmony of claws on a blackboard.

The Best Friend's Guide to Planning a Wedding: How to Find a Dress, Return the Shoes, Hire a Caterer, Fire the Photographer, Choose a Florist, Book a Band, ... Still Wind Up Married at the End of It All

Average customer rating:

Much more traditional than you'd think...
Helpful, earnest and humourous!
Everyone needs a "Girlfriend" at a time like this
Putting her at ease
Peace of mind with a bunch of giggles ...

The Best Friend's Guide to Planning a Wedding: How to Find a Dress, Return the Shoes, Hire a Caterer, Fire the Photographer, Choose a Florist, Book a Band, ... Still Wind Up Married at the End of It All
Lara Webb Carrigan
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Weddings | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0060393025
Release Date: 2001-12-24

Book Description

Everyone knows your wedding day is the most important day of your life. But did you know it could also be the wackiest? Part family reunion, part ceremony, part dinner party, part get-down-and boogie dance party, weddings have a tendency to spin out of control-especially when You start considering all the important questions: Do I invite all of my relatives or just the ones I know? What does a wed" ding budget look like-and how do I stay on one? Where do I find a Dj who won't play the macarena? Why is my groom acting like such a grouch?

So who can you turn to for answers? Your best friend-that wise, resourceful, and wonderfully witty friend who will help you pull together the wedding of your dreams and make sure you have fun along the way.

In The Best Friend's Guide to Planning a Wedding, Lara Webb Carrigan, like that indispensable girl Friend, helps you navigate the complicated process of organizing a wedding with smarts, grace, and, above all, good humor. After having survived he hundreds of brides-to-be and newlyweds, collecting the kind of useful suggestions that no one thinks to share -- until after the wedding. Filled with voices of real women, plus insider tips from wedding consultants, caterers, and other pros, this essential resource offers practical, step-by-step strategies, checklists, and real-life advice from brides who have been there before. It also debunks wedding myths from "All bridesmaids have to wear the same dress" to "Seating charts are optional" and "The more makeup you wear, the better you'll look."

Like your best girlfriend, The Best Friend's Guide to Planning a Wedding helps you keep track of all the details (and your wits) while reminding you that what matters most isn't a perfect wedding but a wonderful marriage.

Customer Reviews:

Much more traditional than you'd think..........2003-06-12

The cover and the title of this book imply a funny, light-hearted, less-tradtional approach to the adventure/ordeal of planning a wedding. In truth, other than stressing the importance of doing what you want, rather than what you're being told you *should* want, this book is very traditional in its advice and approach. While the author does mention a few less traditional weddings in passing (mentioning marrying while skydiving numerous times), none of her advice is geared toward anyone actually taking one of these paths. Also, she seems to assume that every reader has the average $20,000 to spend on a wedding. One would think that a "best friend" might have had a few cost-cutting hints here or there. I give this book only two stars because it does not live up to its appearance. It's perfectly good for those of you having a traditional wedding; just make sure you have lots of money to spend if you're going to follow the advice.

Helpful, earnest and humourous!.......2003-02-14

With the plethora of wedding books on the market today, it's interesting to find one that strays a bit from the norm. With realistic reactions, numerous 'case studies' about other wedding, and interjected 'wedding myths' throughout the book, it's a quick read, a helpful guide to getting married, and a sets a good tone and perspective on the craziness of weddings, verses the serious commitment of marriage. It would be perfect, except it's really geared towards the bride in a 'her wedding not his' sort of way at some points, which i don't personally care for. However, I still highly recommend the book.

Everyone needs a "Girlfriend" at a time like this.......2001-08-14

My man and I are planning our wedding and I am a wreck. This book made me laugh and think and get really excited. I recommend it to anyone that is planning a wedding, especially if you don't have a lot of friends who have planned weddings recently. Lara gives great advice and backs it up with ideas and antecdotes. A must read!

Putting her at ease.......2001-02-10

I recently got engaged and my fiance was terrified about all the plans we would have to make. We do not have a lot of money and have to be very careful how we spend the little we have. Lara's tips and tricks and funny stories have set her more at ease. This book is so worth the money it will save in psychotherapy!!! It is warm and fun. We loved it.

Peace of mind with a bunch of giggles ..........2001-02-06

I thought this book was wonderful! Lara Carrigan does a great job at making the reader laugh while offering extremely useful information. I have purchased several "how to plan a wedding" books and I am using this one almost exclusively! It is great! After I read a couple of pages, I feel a lot less stressed out - which is a good thing for a bride-to-be! I recommend it to anyone planning a wedding! (She has a great sense of humor also!) Lara Carrigan is a princess!

Average customer rating:

lame people
cool sheet Music,but I also wanted more
Sheet music

The Best of Earth, Wind and Fire
Wind and Fire Earth
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0793533236

Product Description

Includes 18 top hits by this soulful supergroup: After the Love Has Gone Boogie Wonderland Devotion Fantasy Getaway Got to Get You into My Life In the Stone Let's Groove Mighty Mighty Reasons September Serpentine Fire Shining Star Sing a Song System of Survival Thinking of You and more.

Customer Reviews:

lame people .......2004-11-10

the people who reviewed this book are moorons this book is for sheet music what did they want life story who cares its for musicians

cool sheet Music,but I also wanted more.......2004-08-16

I was hoping for a full book&things.EWF Is One of My All-Time Favorite Musical Acts Ever&I was hoping for more than getig Sheet Music.but that ain't all bad either but still I wanted something along the lines of the Booklet that i got from there 1992 Box set.Oh well hopefully one day a Proper Book on them Uncut will come.

Sheet music.......2001-04-26

I'm very disappointed in this item. I was expecting information, not sheet music. There was no written explanation of this product. I would not have boughten it if I knew it was only sheet music. I have liner notes. Also bought the Kirkland book for the same reason. Once again, no explanation of the product. When it came it was some kind of scientific outline, not even a book, but a disclaimer that it was unreturnable.

Average customer rating:

interesting read, not a bad price
Truly wonderful!
The wind is on fire

Wind on Fire Trilogy - Box Set of 3
William Nicholson
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786809272

Customer Reviews:

interesting read, not a bad price.......2006-11-11

The trilogy isn't bad, it built up well in the first two books, but in the third book it slowly went down. The last book ending is a bit surprising, but doesn't end well. Other than that, the first two books are awesome. 12 dollars for these books is worth it, even though the third book isn't as great.

Truly wonderful!.......2006-11-01

There are so many wonderful things about this trilogy that it's difficult to know where to start.
William Nicholson is a true story-teller with a sensitive style that never fails to delight.
This was the third fantasy series I read after His Dark Materials and Harry Potter, and I fell in love with them. The books have a charm and originality all their own. With brilliant complex characters and beautiful description, both of settings and of emotions.
The books can be read and enjoyed by all people of all ages . At times, William Nicholson's delightful humour has had me laughing out loud. His moments of danger have had me holding my breath, and his many moving passages have had me in tears. Perhaps the most powerful aspect is the love the main characters have for each other.
The story centres around the Hath Family, in particular the twins Bowman and Kestrel. Opposites in every way, yet two halves of the same whole and each a memorable character in their own right.
The books also deal with adult themes which means they can be appreciated on many levels.
There is the gentle and delightful satire of our education system in The Wind Singer. The brutality of slavery in Slaves Of The Mastery. And the meaning of love and self-sacrifice in Firesong. All these themes are explored well and handled with compassion and sensitivity by the author.
I firmly believe that these books deserve to become classics one day.

The wind is on fire.......2004-11-22

William Nicholson is best known for penning screenplays such as "Gladiator" and "Shadowlands," but he tried a different kind of writing in the Wind on Fire trilogy. It's an imaginative series with a richly epic bent, but his writing is too stiff and undescriptive to do it justice.

"The Wind Singer" introduces us to the city of Amaranth, a rigid and ambitious civilization where everyone is constantly given tests, so they can advance higher in their society. But their world is turned on its ear when Bowman and Kestrel Hath escape from the city with the simpleminded Mumpo. The children are determined to find the voice of the ancient Wind Singer, in the hopes that it can restore life to their city. But they will have to face the evil Morah and its unstoppable army as well...

"The Slaves of the Mastery" is darker than its predecessor -- though the Morah has been defeated, the people of Amaranth are still in trouble. They are attacked and enslaved by the forces of the Master, and the twins are separated -- Bo is in slavery, while the fiery Kestrel is seeking revenge on the Master and his people. But even if the twins find one another again, their experiences and the prophecies of their mother may still disrupt their lives...

"Firesong" brings the story to its finale, as the Manth people are journeying to their new land, led by the twins' mother Ira. Unfortunately, Ira's powers are slowly killing her. What is more, Bo has fallen in love with a beautiful princess, Sisi, but also believes that he the Singer people will call him -- and that he will be called on to destroy the threat to the Manth people, but die as well.

The Wind on Fire trilogy has all the qualities of an epic series, starting off with a simplistic story about children on a quest, but turning into the story of a civilization's migration and rebirth. And as a bonus touch, Nicholson successfully imbues the story with philosophy and moral questions that have no clear answers.

Unfortunately, while Nicholson can create an epic story, he can't bring it to life. His career as a screenwriter becomes painfully clear in scenes that need description, but don't have it. He can describe scenes in detail, but more often than not, he doesn't make the readers experience the sounds, smells and sights -- he just tells what the characters are experiencing.

Kestrel and Bo are the most well-written characters of the series, as a pair of twins who have a psychic connection. Kestrel is written as a fiery rebel, while her brother is quieter, and more angst-ridden. Not many of the supporting characters are fleshed out, though, especially some enemies like the Morah, who are just bad bad bad.

The Wind on Fire trilogy has a lot of epic qualities, but thanks to script-like writing, it never quite starts to burn. An entertaining read, but there's always the sense that Nicholson could have done better.

Wind on Fire Trilogy, The: Firesong - Book #3: Volume Three of the Wind on Fire (Book Three in the Wind on Fire Trilogy, 3)

Average customer rating:

The best book in the universe (The Wind Singer)
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled
A satisfying conclusion for the most part
The wind Singer
excellent

Wind on Fire Trilogy, The: Firesong - Book #3: Volume Three of the Wind on Fire (Book Three in the Wind on Fire Trilogy, 3)
William Nicholson
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Twins | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0786814195

Book Description

Twins Bowman and Kestrel have saved their family and the rest of the Manth people from slavery and helped bring about the downfall of the cruel city-state of the Mastery. Now, led by their mother, a prophetess, they are free to seek their promised land. But the journey is long and hard, filled with many dangers, enemies, distractions, and temptations. And each of the travelers is preoccupied with his or her own worries. Hanno Hath, the twins' father, is troubled to see his beloved wife weaken as they draw close to the promised land. As well, he must bolster the endurance of the often doubting and disgruntled Manth people. Bowman is torn between his attraction to Sisi, a former princess, and his destiny, as he perceives it, to sacrifice himself for the good of the people. Kestrel also feels a pull toward a mission, toward something-but for some reason, she cannot envision her life beyond the journey.

This is the satisfying and profound ending to the trilogy, which began with The Wind Singer, winner of the coveted Smarties Prize in England.

Customer Reviews:

The best book in the universe (The Wind Singer).......2007-10-05

The story is ectremely good. Kestrel, Bowman, and Mumpo (the main characters) set out of their home (Aramanth) to retrieve the Wind Singer's voice made by the Manth people. On the way, they ecounter wierd people on rolling cities, Ombaraka and Omchaka. They manage to escape from them and find the Morah, an ancient enemy. Find out for yourself to see if they live while they run away form the Morah's army, the invincable Zars!

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled.......2007-09-29

Children's books about the horrors of standardized testing are increasingly popular these days. From Edward Bloor's well-intentioned, Story Time to The Report Card by the otherwise talented Andrew Clements, these books have attempted to capture the dangers of this destructive teaching tool. Both books have fallen short, leaving some people to wonder if there could ever be a book that discusses this controversial subject well. What few people know is that there's a fantastic well-written and beautifully put together fantasy series that begins with the horrific results of what happens when a society bases all decisions on testing. Regular methodical testing. In William Nicholson's, "The Wind Singer", (the first in his "Wind On Fire" trilogy), the term "distopia" takes on a whole new look and meaning. In a book that is simultaneously wise, beautifully penned, and deeply moving, "The Wind Singer", gets to the bottom of rigid test-based communities and show us a great worst-case scenario.

Aramanth is a community that loves its tests. Living by the daily pledge, "I vow to strive harder, to reach higher, and in every way to seek to make tomorrow better than today", its citizens embody the ultimate caste system. Based on strict standardized testing, people live according to how well they test. The nicest homes belong to those members of society that answer quizzes effectively and intelligently. For those people who don't like tests or don't do well on them for a variety of reasons, they live on the bottom rungs of society. There's very little rebellion in Aramanth due to its rigid control of any possible insubordination on the part of its citizens. That is, until the day little Kestrel Hath decides that she doesn't want to live in a world based on testing anymore. Suddenly she's endangered her family and herself. There seems no escape from Aramanth's rules and regulations, until the ancient Emperor, a disused ruler, tells Kestral about the Wind Singer. This gigantic and ancient construction of pipes that towers over the town was once given the ability to sing to its citizens, calming their hearts and making them happy. When the key to the Wind Singer's voice was stolen, the society became cold and hardened into its current state. With her twin brother Bowman and their initially unwanted tagalong Mumpo at her side, Kestral and company embark on a quest to save Aramanth from itself once and for all.

I nominate this book for the title, Perfect Distopian Novel. I've not fallen for a fabulous fantasy in a long time, and this book has everything you could want in it. A great (and little used) moral. Characters you care about deeply. A gripping plot. Everything. I greatly appreciated that the parents of the heroes in this book were not only both alive (not usually the case in fantasies) but also active, amusing, and subversive aids to their kids' efforts. Too often parents fret and flail in children's novels, adding nothing to the story but woe. In this book Mr. and Mrs. Hath recognize the quest their children are on and decide to raise a little hooplah in Aramanth on their own. The results are quite fabulous. I was also impressed by the character of Mumpo. A developmentally challenged boy who loves the Hath twins desperately, Mumpo could easily have been a kind of mock-Forest Gump character, spouting simple platitudes and giving everyone around him a patented new lookout on life. Ugh. There's a little of that, but Nicholson is clever enough to know how to give Mumpo more complexity than Mr. Gump. His character learns and grows (sometimes frighteningly) through his experiences and his very existence makes the twins kinder people through his presence.

There are an awful lot of other great moments in this story, though. For one thing, I think it contains the scariest evil army I've ever read. You can keep your The Lord of the Rings-type orcs and goblins. I personally believe that the army of the Zars, a relentlessly cheery troop of endless, young, white-suited, peppy people given to singing "Kill Kill Kill" at the top of their voices, is the most horrifying group to ever appear in a children's book. The Zars are rivaled in evil, however, by a prematurely old group of children with the ability to suck the youth out of anyone they touch. Worst of all is the evil spirit-lord, the Morah. The Morah has long since convinced the citizens of Aramanth that he's a myth. It reminds me of the quote, "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist". With these incredibly awful foes, it's a wonder Kestrel and Bowman keep their wits about them. Finally, the book has a deep emotional core that I think will be appreciated by all readers. The Hath family is very loving and caring. The bond between the twins is deep and Nicholson deftly portrays the depths of Mumpo's loneliness and despair. Plus the book has an amazing array of different worlds through which the kids travel. From the deep mud world below Aramanth to a traveling city on wheels (somewhat similar those found in the more recent Hungry City Chronicles by fellow Brit, Phillip Reeve), Nicholson creates new fantastical universes out of thin air. The result is a book that'll have you continually reading for hours on end, unable to stop even part way through.

The most recommended fantasy book in schools nation-wide is undeniably Lois Lowry's, The Giver. I suggest that, as good as it is, we give, "The Giver", a break for once and encourage our kids to read "The Wind Singer" instead. Those children that suffer under the strain of repeated testing will appreciate the book's strong message. Children who like great action sequences and heightened danger will fall for the book's fast-paced escapes and battles. And those children that simply like a good story with good writing will be entranced. I say with conviction that this is probably one of the strongest British fantasy book for children written in the twenty-first century. It's simply the best.

A satisfying conclusion for the most part.......2007-06-13

It was nice to see that this series ended on good terms, with the author wrapping things well without any gaping plot holes or nasty loose ends. The continued development of the characters was a treat. There shoule be more authors like Mr. Nicholson.

The wind Singer.......2006-12-19

Name: Cydney
Book title: The Wind Singer
This book [The Wind Singer] is good. The author [William Nicholson] makes up amazing names. The setting of the story is in a city called Aramath where they are ostracized. The main characters are Kestrel a girl, Bowman her brother and Mumpo their friend. The theme of the book is to get the Wind Singer's voice and give it to him so he can bring peace to his people. The author is saying life is rough.
My favorite part of the book is when Kestrel, Bowman and Mumpo are flying on birds. This book starts with funny words. This book is filled with adventure. A person who loves adventure would love this book.

excellent.......2006-05-09

I thoguht this was one of the best books i have ever read(Besides Harry Potter). It is interesting to see how the characters changed from regular kids to extraordinary. A must read for anyone in search for a book to read a long time with.

Walks the Fire (Prairie Winds Series #1)

Average customer rating:

Awesome christian historical fiction series
A Classic!!
WOW!
Fire and Wind
WOW!

Walks the Fire (Prairie Winds Series #1)
Stephanie Grace Whitson
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0785279814

Book Description

Book One in the Praire Winds Series

Captured by Indians, Jessie King learns to suvive when unexpected lessons of friendship ans love sustain her.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome christian historical fiction series.......2005-10-10

Not a typical christian romance. This is "old school" christianity, back when the Bible was a regular part of a family's daily regimen. And, this author has done her research and made the novels historically accurate. Yet, if you aren't a history buff and not into Bible study, you'll still love these novels because they are so well written. You get drawn into loving the characters and caring about what happens to them. One of the few books that have made me laugh, cry, and hope. I devoured this series and went on to the next. Let this review stand for every series this author has written. Great work!

A Classic!!.......2004-11-23

I discovered this book at a used booksale, and since I love stories about the west and Indians, I bought it. And once I started to read it, I couldn't put it down! I even thought of the characters during the day until I could get back to the book! I could even picture them-he was very handsome!! I also read Part 2 of the series, and just now I'm going to start reading the 3rd Part Red Bird! Even though parts are sad and made me almost cry, the happiness is there too, and the love of God! An excellent book in all regards!! I'm going to read everything she has written!

WOW!.......2003-09-17

All I can say is this book swept me off my feet. I finished this book which is 300 pages in less then a week it is that good! What a amazing story it is. I highly recommened this book to anyone that loves these kind of stories.

Fire and Wind.......2003-05-12

I bought this novel used, not knowing what to expect and not realizing it was the first of a trilogy. I loved this book! It dealt with the relations of the Lakota and whites back in the 1800s. Walks the Fire is a white woman who is captured by Rides the Wind. They are distant at first but a love grows between them that is every woman's dream. Their life together is not easy, but they find joy in their lives. I can't wait to get the rest of this trilogy! I'm hooked! This was my first by this author but it will not be the last. Some of her other series sound interesting and I plan to read several of them. To the author: Thanks for a beautiful....though sometimes sad...story!!!

WOW!.......2003-01-13

I had read a other Christian Novels, and was satisfied, but never thrilled with them. After reading Walks The Fire, I can truely say I am trilled with it! It is an amazing novel that truely gives you insight into the characters, they come alive. I couldn't put this book down, and when it was finished I was hungry for more! I rushed right out and got the second book in the series, Soaring Eagle. I highly reccomend this author, she has a gift for Historical Christian Fiction!

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