The Dead Girls' Dance (The Morganville Vampires, Book 2)

Book Description

Claire has her share of challenges. Like being a genius in a school that favors beauty over brains; homicidal girls in her dorm, and finding out that her college town is overrun with the living dead. On the up side, she has a new boyfriend with a vampire-hunting dad. But when a local fraternity throws the Dead Girls' Dance, hell is really going to break loose.

Customer Reviews:

NOT MUCH OF A DANCE.......2007-10-05

I did enjoy reading it; however it did not live up to the 1st book. The character development is interesting though. Feels like it's slightly unfinished. Not a stand alone book-read book 1 first.

Couldn't put it down.......2007-06-15

I was lucky enough to pick this up just days after I'd read Glass Houses and had cooled off from facing the unwelcome cliffhanger that topped off what was otherwise a terrific book. As the other reviewers say, this picks up moments later and the action is non-stop until the end -- where we get another cliffhanger, though not QUITE as traumatic. I mean, this one you have to think about for the full scope of the potential trauma to set in.

The characters are getting more dimensional and interesting and the worldbuilding shows how intricate it is, hiding so many mysteries that we want to investigate. I don't usually like vampire novels, but this series has lots of original ideas in it -- and its characters carry them to even higher levels. The cliffhangers are frustrating, but I'm currently writing a series that has its own set so I guess I should welcome this as setting a precedent. Be assured that the basic plot of the book is complete within it; you won't be dissatisfied.

You'll also get some really good scares. Have fun reading it! (And Rachel Caine: WRITE FASTER!!!)

5 stars.......2007-06-12

Picking up right where Glass Houses ended, the story of Claire, Shane, Michael, and Eve not only continues, but turns up the volume and intensity. A cold war, cold as only vampires could make it, has been declared now that Shane's father and his vampire hunters have arrived. When one of the "leading citizens" among the undead is killed, Shane is implicated and his life forfeit unless his three friends can do something to stop it. Even those who claim to know he is innocent refuse to help, and so, Claire and Eve are forced to take desperate risks to save him. None of them could have foreseen the terrible prices that will have to be paid for the sake of love.

***** Book one in this series left me emotionally spent, in a good way. The intensity is cubed in this latest entry. It was hard to put this down for even the slightest break and, forget what happens to the kid with the scar and glasses, I want to know what happens next in Morganville. If you love to read about characters with whom you can get deeply involved, Rachel Caine is so far a one hundred percent sure bet to satisfy that need. I love her Weather Warden stories, and her vampires are even better. *****

Amanda Killgore

Much better then Glass Houses.......2007-06-06

I just recently finished this book and I definitely enjoyed it a lot more then Glass Houses. I sped through GH and didn't take it all in and on a second reading I was kind of disappointed (I would rate it 3 stars). But Dead Girls' Dance is a LOT better.

The story isn't as crazy this time around, all the introduction of the characters and the town is over and done with so you can now concentrate on the story itself which is turning out to be interesting.

I felt Glass Houses was a bit rushed, like Rachel tried to fit in too much stuff into the book. This one is much more even. The story is non-stop as it usually is in all of Rachel's book, but it doesn't feel rushed or overdone.

This book is short, but it squeezes a lot in - deaths, vampires, a crazy party and even a bit of romance. I'm glad Claire and Shane got together even though he still thinks Claire is a little bit too young for him.

When I finished Glass Houses I wasn't so enthused to read Dead Girls' Dance as I didn't enjoy the 1st book but I'm glad I read it now as it's a LOT better.

This book ain't no Weather Warden book (Rachel's other series, one of the best book series ever written), but it's still loads of good fun and a great quick read. I'm looking forward to the 3rd book, released in October. 4 stars.

4.5 stars. Leaves a lot of threads dangling........2007-05-22

Claire Danvers is a genius. She thinks studying and learning are fun. Since she is only sixteen, her parents will not allow her to attend college far away. They want to be able to drive up anytime they believe Claire needs them. Therefore, Claire attends Texas Prairie University (TPU). Due to problems with the previous dorm's popular girl, Monica Morrell, trying to kill her, Claire lives off campus at Glass House with three other house mates.

Claire is only now getting used to knowing that vampires rule the town and the local humans are pledged to certain vampires as life-long servants and blood donors. Anyone without a bracelet showing that he has Protection is nothing more than meat if he roams the streets after dark. It is a little more tolerable, thanks to her roommates. Eve has become Claire's best friend. Shane has become Claire's boyfriend. David is still strange, even though Claire now understands why David is never seen during the day. No, David is not a vampire, but that would be a blessing compared to what he is now.

Now a fraternity is throwing its annual Dead Girls' Dance. Amazingly, Claire and Eve have been invited. They have no idea WHY they were issued the invitation though. Since Claire is so young, she would have declined, except that Shane's father, along with a gang of bikers, are on a vendetta to kill all vampires. If humans get in the way, that's just too bad.

***** This book picks up EXACTLY where the first left off. If you have not read book one (Glass Houses), then you will find yourself lost a few times. Thankfully, this time the story does not end in the middle of something horrible, like a murder. It does, however, leave many threads dangling. I am still confused on when Claire's two days dead line got extended by her parents. Did the author forget about it? Loop hole? Who knows? Hopefully, the dead line will be explained in the third novel (Midnight Alley), due for release October 2007. Teens and Young Adults will not be the only ones to be enthralled by this series. If you like vampires, this is for you! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Vampire Kisses 4: Dance with a Vampire (Vampire Kisses)

Average customer rating:

More Drivel
Left me hanging
Courtesy of Teens Read Too
Fast paced vampire tale
Love of other Species

Vampire Kisses 4: Dance with a Vampire (Vampire Kisses)
Ellen Schreiber
Manufacturer: HarperTeen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0061132233
Release Date: 2007-07-03

Book Description

There's a new vampire in town. His name is Valentine Maxwell. Goth-girl Raven knows this latest intruder can only mean trouble—he's the younger sibling of two vampires she fought to drive out of Dullsville. But when her brother, Billy, befriends this dangerous tween night prowler, the stakes are suddenly higher. Though torn by the excitement of every teen girl's fantasy—attending the prom with her boyfriend—Raven must do everything she can to protect Billy.

Valentine's appearance may pose even further threats. Could he somehow know Raven's innermost feelings about becoming immortal for her true love, Alexander? The far-from-ordinary romance of these two teen outsiders takes another surprise-filled spin in the fourth book of Ellen Schreiber's applauded Vampire Kisses series.

Customer Reviews:

More Drivel.......2007-10-08

Ellen Schreiber's newest book-

I picked up and read the first "Vampire Kisses" novel thinking it was a joke, and enjoyed it as such. It's terrible writing and horridly cliched plot were hilarious parody on all the crappy vampire fan-fics online... then I realized that the woman was serious.

With the plot-outline too juvenile for a high-school creative writing class and skill with a pen to match, Schreiber created what I consider to be the best, bad novels I've ever read. Like the "Friday the 13th" series, she's beating to death a crappy concept with poor execution.

This fourth installment, however, is far less entertaining. While the first few are worth a quick read and a scoff, the third getting repetitious, and this fourth one is just tiresome. Maybe it'd be funnier still if it were actually a joke- unfortunately, she (and her fans) actually believe there's something profound here.

Left me hanging.......2007-09-06

Although the story was interesting, it was almost the same plot as book 2 + 3 (sinister aquaintances of Alexander stalk Dullsville). And Raven and Alexander went to another school dance. Trevor is still a loser with an attitude. Alexander leaves (end of story). "Insert Book 5 here"

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2007-09-05

DANCE WITH A VAMPIRE continues the tale of Raven, the outcast, and her hottie boyfriend, Alexander.

They have just defeated the two sibling vampires threatening both their town and their relationship. They're now ready to relax together when Valentine arrives.

Valentine befriends Raven's younger brother, Billy, and suddenly she's very protective of her little brother.

Valentine has the ability to read the innermost thoughts of someone's mind once he touches them. He knows that Raven's not ready to become a vampire.

Ellen Schreiber writes another great tale in this saga -- so well that readers will want to sink their teeth into the VAMPIRE KISSES series.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

Fast paced vampire tale .......2007-08-29

There's a new vampire in town. His name is Valentine Maxwell and has his eyes set on Raven's brother, Billy. Raven knows Valentine is up to no good. Though torn between going to the prom with her vampire boyfriend Alexander, Raven does every she can to protect Billy.

But there's even more. Can Valentine read her most secret thoughts regarding her true feelings about becoming immortal for her true love, Alexander?

I'd give this book a three and a half star rating. Though not as good as the first book in the series, it still is a fun read.

This is a fast paced vampire tale that is perfect for tweens and those who aren't into the anguish of Bella and Edward of the Twilight series but still crave a good gothic tale.

I did feel that Alexander wasn't as developed as the other characters in this book. I wanted to feel some more chemistry between the two.

I felt the author did a good job showing Raven's struggle with what she thought she'd always wanted and the fear of what that dream would really mean not only to her but her loved ones as well.

Love of other Species.......2007-08-28

This Vampire Kissesis such an awesome book and Series! a must for young readers wanting to sink their teeth into something new!

Most Haunted: The Behind-the-Scenes Official Guide (Living TV)

Average customer rating:

Pretty good, but not perfect...
A Must-Have for Most Haunted Aficionados

Most Haunted: The Behind-the-Scenes Official Guide (Living TV)

Manufacturer: Penguin Global
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0718148177

Customer Reviews:

Pretty good, but not perfect..........2006-01-06

I have become a big fan of LivingTV's show "Most Haunted", so when I saw this book on the shelves at a bookstore in the UK, I picked it up without hesitation. After all, it promised to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the series as well as tips to discover your own medium inside yourself!

For the most part, I did find the book interesting. However, I felt that there were a few things that took away from the experience. First of all, I'm one of those people who don't like endings spoiled, and in this book there were a lot of re-caps about specific events that occurred on specific locations (a passage about Derek being possessed by someone evil at location X for example). So you might want to skip certain sections if that bothers you.

Second, some of the 'behind-the-scenes' interviews and such that the book highlighted were actually just transcripts of what the people had said on the diary camera when the show aired.

Third, I found the section on discovering how to become a medium a bit disappointing, although I guess I don't know what I was really expecting from one chapter. Basically, it just said if you hear voices in your head, listen to them, or try and visualize what might be behind a door before you open it. Not exactly earth shattering stuff.

I probably sounds like I'm complaining, but overall I did enjoy the book. I think that the word 'companion' to the TV series is accurate, is it can be fun to read over the crew's descriptions of what happened during your favorite episodes and some of the information is new and interesting. I think it's still worth a read if you're a fan of the series, but just don't expect it to move mountains.

A Must-Have for Most Haunted Aficionados.......2005-09-08

Fans of Living TV's Most Haunted will enjoy this book immensely. An engaging companion work, it provides that extra "fix" of detail we all crave following an episode of this amazing British paranormal investigation documentary series (now seen in the States on the Travel Channel).

This work is not a scholarly treatment, but an informal and familiar behind-the-scenes look at the filming of all the spooky and ghoulish goings on at the Most Haunted locations. In which episode did make up artist Cath pee her pants in fear? What crystals did David provide all crew members for grounding? What terrifying events happened to Richard at Craig Y Nos before the filming even started? Just what do the shows mediums see in their minds eyes? All of these and more are answered in Most Haunted Behind the Scenes Guide. Those interested in a more academic treatment of the locations can eagerly anticipate the imminent release of Richard Felix's series of books in the fall of 2005.

Sit back, enjoy, and "Sleep Tight"!

Average customer rating:

A hauntingly great ghost story
thank you
That's Good, That's Bad
Another Lovely Book
Very good Book!!!!! :)

Last Dance (Seer)
Linda Joy Singleton
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0738706388

Book Description

Sabine can't wait to show off her new boyfriend at the upcoming school dance, but she's also worried about her grandmother, Nona, who's suffering from a fatal hereditary illness. The only cure lies within a remedy book, lost long ago.

Determined to save Nona, Sabine goes to Pine City to visit a distant relative who may have clues. But there's someone else clamoring for Sabine's attention: a fifty-year-old ghost named Chloe who's been appearing in her dreams. Celebrated by Pine City every year on the anniversary of her tragic death, Chloe has become a town legend. Despite death threats and missing the school dance, Sabine must use her psychic skills to solve the mystery surrounding Chloe's untimely demise . . . and lay her soul to rest.

Customer Reviews:

A hauntingly great ghost story.......2007-04-21

In Linda Joy Singleton's LAST DANCE, Sabine seeks the herbal potion, written in an old family book, that will cure her ill grandmother. On her quest, she meets a ghost, who has been haunting her dreams, and the mystery deepens. Will Sabine find the book in time to save her grandmother? Or will the ghost have the final say? I highly recommend this series for ghost lovers, mystery lovers, and everyone who loves a great story.Listen to the GhostThe Secrets I Have Kept

thank you.......2006-12-16

This isn't exactly a review. I just wanted to say thank you for including my mother, Dona Vaughn, in the dedication section of this book. She would have been delighted and told you congratulations on your continued success... Renate

That's Good, That's Bad.......2006-07-16

That's good:
Just finished Linda Joy Singleton's The Last Dance (second in her Seer Series) She's created a living breathing characters I care about, and am completely intrigued by. Even the bad guy. The fact that it has a character with psychic powers, who is starting over in a new school after her mother sends her away, makes the story that much better because of the emotion it adds to the story. You want Sabine to fit in just as bad as she does. The funny thing is, she may end up fitting in because she accepts who and what she is rather than pretending to be something she's not. That I don't know for sure because there are more books in the series I need to read, which leads me to...

That's bad:

Why did I not buy three and four when I could? Now, I must wait. Not for long though, so I guess that's good afterall.

Another Lovely Book.......2006-03-24

I have been interested in occult pursuits since high school, which was now almost a full deacade ago. I read the books in this series out of order, actually going backwards, starting with the third book I read first, then this. The third book in the series is Witch Ball. The series is called The Seer, about a normal school girl who has psychic powers. Again the author retains a bland humor, chronicling the lives of a teenage girl living with being a practicing witch. The publisher has been known for classics of the new age genre, with some books even being the standard for large national covens or international groups such as the Golden Dawn. This entry in The Seer series will do nothing but further cement the publosher as the worldwide standard for excellence in esoteruic pursuits. The novel itself retains a humor that wghile the character may be a normal teenager, she is actually a practicing witch which I think a lot of us are. There is no need to be in the closet now about practicing witchcraft or anything similar because I don't think any one cares!

Very good Book!!!!! :).......2006-03-17

This book is a very good book... One of the best books that I ever read. I recommend this book to everyone. Sabrina seems like a very nice person who likes to help out a friend. That cares about other people. She has this gift that help out people. I give this book five stars it's a book that kept me on the edge of my chair waiting to see what happens next. Very entertaining to read, Give it two thumbs up! The author wanted to show you a good time and entertain you. Would read it again! :)

The Killing Dance (Anita Blake Vampire Hunter)

Average customer rating:

Surprising...
Super Reader
Still liking this series a lot.
short review
Even w/the love scene the content is still outstanding

The Killing Dance (Anita Blake Vampire Hunter)
Laurell K. Hamilton
Manufacturer: Ace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0441004520
Release Date: 2001-06-05

Amazon.com

Anita Blake, vampire hunter, is now herself a hunted woman. Who put the $500,000 price on her head--a man or a monster? It's not just her own skin she needs to save; the rivalry between her werewolf boyfriend, Richard, and Marcus, the other alpha werewolf in his pack, has come to full boil. And there's always Jean-Claude, the vampire who's been waiting for just the right moment to slip inside Anita's head and heart. Don't assume anything, though--Hamilton's probably got a few more surprises in store.

Book Description

With her love life-and life-on the line, the time has come for Anita Blake to choose...between a vampire and a werewolf.

...monstrously entertaining... (Publisher's Weekly)

Romantic thrills...Erotic chills...A real rush! (Jayne Ann Krentz)

Download Description

"The first hit man came after me at home, which should be against the rules. Then there was a second, and a third. Eventually, I found out that the word on the street was that Anita Blake, preternatural expert and vampire killer extraordinaire, was worth half a million dollars. Dead, not alive. So what's a girl to do but turn to the men in her life for help? Which in my case, means an alpha werewolf and a master vampire. With professional killers on your trail, it's not a bad idea to have as much protection as possible, human or otherwise. But I'm beginning to wonder if two monsters are better than one ... "

Customer Reviews:

Surprising..........2007-09-26

This series is the best! It is only getting better and better. I don't want to give to much away but the end of this book brings something I dind't expect. I am starting to like Jean-Claude's character a lot more as I read farther into the series..

Super Reader.......2007-08-26

Anita becomes more and more involved in the supernatural world, and it is actually spelled out here, where her relationship with the vampire and the werewolf is given, and the mutual defence pact that is undertaken.

Some of the human characters point this out, too, and her change in attitude towards vampires and others.

This book makes a beginning of a change of focus for the series, as Anita decides to give into to the whole vampire horizontal mambo mating dance.

More werewolf politics as Anita disposes of some she doesn't like, and Richard becomes the boss of the local lupines.

She has basically decided she likes the dead guy and what he can give her more than the one that is human most of the time.

After this, you will see the titles of the books becoming 'softer', presumably as an indication it is moving away from the monster stomping theme as a focus, and more towards erotica.

Still liking this series a lot........2007-08-01

Laurell K. Hamilton, The Killing Dance (Berkley, 1997)

I keep getting farther into the are where the Anita Blake books are supposed to suck, and it keeps not happening. As with Bloody Bones, I started out The Killing Dance with some trepidation based on what I'd heard, but after fifty or so pages, I was sucked in to the point where I invented new breaks at work, stayed out for long lunches, etc., in order to keep reading. It's as compelling as any of the others in the series; Hamilton's quality of readability hasn't slipped a whit.

That said, there was one naked, pulsing flaw in this book: Harley. He's the first character ever to appear in the series who just screams "prop." Sure, some of the characters in the books have been props previously (and, as Hamilton has noted in an afterword or two, some of those props have grown into full-fledged characters over the course of a few books), but Hamilton was always a little more subtle about it. Harley, despite being an exceptionally intriguing character every time we see him, and the kind of person who has a chance to grow into something big in the series (one wonders if Hamilton meant to set him up as one of the main villains a few books later), gets to the point where it's revealed that he exists only to prove a point. (Thankfully, Hamilton gains a few notches in the right direction because Harley is meant to prove a point to the characters, not to the readers.) That's not only frustrating, it's puzzling; I can understand authors who don't do this much planning and background work with their characters throwing in cardboard cutouts now and then, but Hamilton, in a few lines, creates Harley as a rich, detailed character who hints at mysterious powers we haven't yet seen in these books. It's impossible to say why without a major spoiler, but by the end of The Killing Dance, we know for certain that Harley's potential, and his interesting powers, will not be fascinating us in subsequent volumes, and he doesn't get enough screen time here to even make him into an intriguing minor character.

I'm obviously going to reserve judgment until later in the series, but this first chink in the armor, combined with the almost uniformly awful reviews of later books in the series, does have me somewhat worried. I like these books. I don't want to stop liking them. And that's probably a better review than anything else I've said here. *** ½

short review.......2007-07-24

In this installment anita has a death contract from a mystery person. Also laurel k. hamilton focuses on anitas problem with choosing between jean claude and richard and a suprise awaits you with that! I was disapointed that my favorite subcharachter,gabriel dies. :(

Even w/the love scene the content is still outstanding.......2007-04-09

So, with my recent obsession over this Anita Blake series I HEAR that once Anita breaks her chastity the novels start going downhill. This novel was still pretty potent. I'm glad the battle scene between Richard & Marcus wasn't "too easy". Anita's sociopathic tendancies are coming out even more. Throughout the first half of the book Anita's hormones are surging & she wants to bed Richard. She also seems willing to embrace Richard's beast but he refuses. They go through the argument of Richard beating (and the support of the lack thereof) & killing Marcus. Then it becomes a group argument. Then Richard convinces Anita he finally agrees to kill him. The big tough werewolf gives in to peer pressure (AND ABOUT TIME)! Hitmen are after Anita. Edward & a his buddy Harley come in for back-up. Good ol' Edward is a loyal friend after all. Anita allows go into public w/Jean-Claude for the opening of his Dance club, Danse Macabre. They never get to dance as she promised. She gets on national TV, therefore she's aware her father will eventually find out about her dating a vamp. She finds out about the national hearing after Dolph tries to play father figure. I actually liked that part of the book.

*spoiler* So Richard shape-shifts while he's on top of Anita & she totally freaks out. Not a successful embrase of his beast after all, huh? Seeing him eat Marcus didn't help either so she runs into the arms JC instead. Ok, so I enjoyed the bathtub love scene. Which would I have chosen between the 2 of them? Hmmm...Richard hunting/eating/killing & shape-shifting once a month or JC feeding on blood nightly for survival? It's both cannibalism anyway. As the spoilers say, she's eventually gonna bed 'em both anyway. *giggle* I would have done the same. **evil laugh** Yes, I'm still bias & I still enjoyed this novel. It hasn't gone downhill for me yet.

the Ghost Dance: Ethnohistory And Revitalization

Average customer rating:

I am ambivalent about this book.
Revitalization indeed
The essential book for understanding contemporary issues!

the Ghost Dance: Ethnohistory And Revitalization
Alice Beck Kehoe
Manufacturer: Waveland Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1577664531

Book Description

In this fascinating ethnohistorical case study of North American Indians, the Ghost Dance religion is the backbone for Kehoe's exploration of significant aspects of American Indian life and her quest to learn why some theories become popular. In Part 1, she combines knowledge gained from her firsthand experiences living among and speaking with Indian elders with a careful analysis of historical accounts, providing a succinct yet insightful look at people, events, and institutions from the 1800s to the present. She clarifies unique and complex relationships among Indian peoples and dispels many of the false pretenses promoted by United States agencies over two centuries. In Part 2, Kehoe surveys some of the theories used to analyze the events described in Part 1, allowing readers to see how theories develop, to think critically about various perspectives, and to draw their own conclusions. Kehoe's gripping presentation and analysis pave the way for just and constructive Indian-White relations.

Customer Reviews:

I am ambivalent about this book........2001-08-23

Ms. Kehoe did a good job at tracing the practise of the ghost dance from the time that Wovoka (A Paiute medicine man) was given this ceremony to the masacre by the military at Wounded knee creek South Dakota in 1890 to the second incident at Wounded knee creek in 1973.

For people interested in seeing the ghost dance watch the dance in the movie "Billyjack" after Billyjack goes through the ceremony with the rattlesnake. I have heard that Wovoka's son or son-in-law supervised that scene of the movie.

Basicly the people would dance until they would faint from exhaustion, and while unconscious they would see into the spirit world something similar to an OBE.

On page 62: Ms. Kehoe states that Nick Black Elk (Sioux holy man) was a practising Catholic. It is true that Black Elk went to mass after he married the second time. However; the prayer that Black Elk offered on Harney peak, and is recorded in the book "Black Elk Speaks" John G. Neihardt, it is abundantly clear that his spiritual beliefs in Wakan Tanka (Sioux name for the Great Spirit) never wavered. He may have went along with Catholocism for peace in the family, or to stop the proselytizing church members. I used the same tactic early in life.

Ms. Kehoe; made one statement on page 65 that made me angry! She implies that Nick Black Elk had partial blindess by using gunpowder in his yuwipi healing ceremony to fool the indians into thinking the spirit helpers had arrived by throwing a pinch of gunpowder in the fire.

With my understanding of Sioux spirituality, and the properties of gunpowder. I state categoricaly that this is impossible! 20 years ago; I used gunpowder to reload the cartridges for my high powered rifle.

In the Yuwipi ceremony the indians remove all furniture from the room, and place quilts over the doors and windows to block all light from entering the room, and the wicasa pejuta or wicasa wakan (medicine man or holy man) has his hands tied behind his back with rawhide, and then they usualy wrap him up in a star quilt like a mummy and the quilt is tied around his body. The wicasa pejuta or wicasa wakan is placed on the floor, and the lamp is put out leaving the people in total darkness (there is no fire, and the yuwipi man is tied up in a quilt; making it impossible to use gunpowder in this manner).

Ms. Kehoe may have meant the Inipi (sweat lodge) ceremony so I will describe that to you. A sweat lodge structure is built of saplings or willow limbs, and a large fire is built to heat rocks until they are red hot. While the rocks are heating they dig a hole in the center of the structure to hold the rocks, and the removed dirt is used to build a mound to the east of the structure, then the indians cover the ground with sage, and quilts are put over the structure. Water is poured over the rocks making steam inside the structure. (It would be impossible for Nick Black Elk or any wicasa wakan to use gunpowder on the rocks. Everyone is drenched with steam, and is sweating profusely. Gunpowder will not burn or explode if it gets wet. This is the reason for the saying (keep your powder dry.).)

I am NOT asking you to take my word for any of this. You can read about the Inipi and Yuwipi ceremonies in "Lakota Belief And Ritual" James R. Walker, "The Sacred Pipe" Joseph Epes Brown, "Mother Earth Spirituality" Ed McGaa, and other sources.

I only wish Ms. Kehoe had bothered to properly research material instead of making outrageous statements such as this.

Please send E-Mail if you have questions or comments about this review. Two Bears.

Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)

Revitalization indeed.......2001-01-05

Kehoe's excellent work on the Ghost Dance religion allows the reader to be witness to a textbook example of religious revitalization movements. From the Paiute prophet Wovoka Jack Wilson's revelation during an eclipse to "Live a good, honest life" to the massacre at Wounded Knee, Kehoe describes in detail the history and beliefs of the Ghost Dance and the benefits it provided to the American Indian communities who took it up, as well as the rejection of the Ghost Dance religion by groups like the Navajo. Kehoe further describes the continuance of a variant of the Ghost Dance religion at a reservation in Seskatchewan and talks about the revitalization movement driven by Handsome Lake amongst the Iroquois and how the re-imagining of their beliefs allowed them to become more successful in a radically altered world.

This rather short read by a pre-eminent author on the anthropology of American Indian societies is sure to both educate and provide deep enjoyment to the curious reader.

The essential book for understanding contemporary issues!.......1999-02-28

Anyone interested in North American Indians (Native Americans; First Nations) has to read Alice Beck Kehoe's book. She weaves together the past and present, religion and politics, and creates a book that offers more insight into contemporary issues than any other one ever written. And as a plus--for those interested in mysteries--she explains how the Ghost Dance Religion, thought to have died out in 1890, survived decades into the twentieth century.

Wovoka and the Ghost Dance (Expanded Edition)

Average customer rating:

great

Wovoka and the Ghost Dance (Expanded Edition)
Michael Hittman
Manufacturer: University of Nebraska Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0803273088

Book Description

The religious fervor known as the Ghost Dance movement was precipitated by the prophecies and teachings of a northern Paiute Indian named Wovoka (Jack Wilson). During a solar eclipse on New Year's Day, 1889, Wovoka experienced a revelation that promised harmony, rebirth, and freedom for Native Americans through the repeated performance of the traditional Ghost Dance. In 1890 his message spread rapidly among tribes, developing an intensity that alarmed the federal government and ended in tragedy at Wounded Knee. The Ghost Dance phenomenon is well known, but never before has its founder received such full and authoritative treatment. Indispensable for understanding the prophet behind the messianic movement, Wovoka and the Ghost Dance addresses for the first time basic questions about his message and life. This expanded edition includes a new chapter and appendices covering sources on Wovoka discovered since the first edition, as well as a supplemental bibliography. Michael Hittman is the author of Corbett Mack: The Life of a Northern Paiute (Nebraska 1996). He is chair of the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus.

Customer Reviews:

great.......1998-10-12

attention mike hittman please contact david andrews northern nevada paiute for the next book of yours. he has alot of investigations of the recent leades of the northern nevada tribes. good reading and i will bet a best seller! contact kay fowler and the special collections unr

The Last Ghost Dance: A Guide for Earth Mages

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An exquisite work of literary genius!
The Voice of Mediocrity is heard throughout the land
TEACHINGS FROM ONE OF OUR BEST
Crow Tribe cultural director speaks out
Mormon?

The Last Ghost Dance: A Guide for Earth Mages
Brooke Medicine Eagle
Manufacturer: Wellspring/Ballantine
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0345400313
Release Date: 2000-10-31

Book Description

In the celebrated Buffalo Woman Comes Singing, Brooke Medicine Eagle revealed her extraordinary spiritual odyssey from her first guided steps on the medicine path to her ongoing work as one of the most respected Native American teachers of the modern era. Now she shares a groundbreaking approach to spiritual transformation--by revitalizing the powerful ancient ritual The Ghost Dance.

Four centuries ago, when European invaders were ruthlessly plundering indigenous cultures, a Paiute tribesman received a vision of hope and resurrection, given by Father Spirit, to help survivors of the onslaught create a beautiful new life in the face of defeat, broken dreams, and death. That vision was celebrated in an ecstatic ghost dance honoring those who had perished.

Brooke Medicine Eagle explains how and why we are profoundly connected to The Ghost Dance. As she herself becomes initiated into the "illusion of death" and the wisdom of "heart-centered ascension," she teaches us how to confront our deepest fears, overcome our resistance to change, and renew our lives. Through prayer, music, and dance, Medicine Eagle provides us with the tools to bring about the final fulfillment of this profound ritual--by living in harmony with earth's rhythms, practicing sustainable living, honoring and sharing with all our relations, and freeing ourselves from the burden of possessions and possessiveness.

Perceptive, practical, and luminous, The Last Ghost Dance is a call to action, a challenge to raise up from the ashes of our desecrated planet a world that welcomes the full flowering of the spirit--and a new age of abundance, love, and peace.

Customer Reviews:

An exquisite work of literary genius!.......2006-12-16

This book is one of the most profound and well-written texts I have placed my hands on in years. Words cannot describe the beauty with which it has been written. The author obviously has her heart and head in the places of Divine Presence and that is clear within every letter of this work. Ironically, I purchased this book five years ago and only recently picked it up to read, finding it difficult to put down. Realizing that "when the pupil is ready the teacher will come," I know this was the right time for me to read this work, lending time to my own evolution placed it in my hands to read at the perfect opportunity to appreciate the gift residing within its pages. It could only be assessed in a negative fashion by those not fully blossomed to receive its rich nector. Thank you Brooke Medicine Eagle for investing your life energy in the creation of this amazing work and for the courage to place your reputation on the line for the sake of Sacred Truth.

The Voice of Mediocrity is heard throughout the land.......2005-06-02

You can learn a very important lesson from this woman: how to make deception and plagiarism pay off. Did you know she is also a great female musician? So says one of her many self-promoting web pages. Brooke owes all the real female musicians on this planet a deep, heart-felt apology! If you can find a heart in there, that is. Oh yes...any New Age concept that $ells, you'll find this woman with her greedy hand in it. Crystal healing? You betcha! Feng Shui? Right again! Now she's even messing with the Messiah! Tres Goofy? This woman is laughing all the way to the bank! Check her out on the web...her background "history" has more twists and turns and redirections than the Mississippi. Every page I read has yet another interpretation of the roots of this unsavory tree. And her writing? HOO HAH! Save your money, kids. Want bad entertainment? Buy a used reading copy, then use it again to prop up some wobbling table. Better still, take it camping and recycle it in the noblest way possible. But please...don't squeeze The Last Ghost Dance. BLARGH!!!

TEACHINGS FROM ONE OF OUR BEST.......2005-03-31

It is rather amusing to read the negative reviews of Brook's work. The majority of them are written by people with a fairly strong racist agenda - either racial purists who believe that anyone with Native blood should not teach non-Natives or people who believe that Native teachers should only teach the reader's expectations of Native shamanism. Brooke has never fit into the restrictive roles of these two types of people. She is and always has been a member of this Earth community first, her work a life-long process of speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves. This book is one outgrowth of that work, a work spanning decades. If you want to read about Brooke's training in the more shamanistic sense of it, you should look at Shamanic Voices by Joan Halifax. If you want to hear about Brooke's process, the things she thinks important for our world now, and the processes she thinks can help, then this book and Buffalo Woman Comes Singing are good ones. Brooke has helped many people, through her teachings, and her example, to find a way to live that transcends negative stereotypes, that transcends the reductionism that so many of us struggle with, and that reconnects all of us to the soul force and intelligence that is inherent in the world and that is our birthright to know.

Crow Tribe cultural director speaks out.......2004-11-04

Before you waste your time reading this book, go to this website Before you buy this book, go to this website www.sonomacountyfreepress.com/features/brooke-edwards.html.
Then read "Yellowtail: Crow Medicine Man and Sundance Chief" to find a true Crow healer.

Mormon?.......2002-04-19

Very new-agey, not traditional Native American religion. I didn't read it all, I stopped reading when she starting espousing mormon beliefs about Jesus being Quetzecoatl and how he came to America in a conoe to spread the good word. It's like she just picked up the book of mormon, copied it, and added "native" words like "earth mother" and "sky father" to it. Very cheesy. Little too far out, even for me.

The Ghost-Dance Religion and Wounded Knee

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The Red Messiah

The Ghost-Dance Religion and Wounded Knee
James Mooney
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486267598

Book Description

Classic of American anthropology explores messianic cult behind Indian resistance, from Pontiac to the 1890s. Extremely detailed, thorough account, citing many primary documents as well as Mooney's own anthropological data. Originally published in 1896 as Part Two of Bureau of American Ethnology Report XIV. 38 plates, 49 other illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

The Red Messiah.......2003-01-13

This is a fascinating story about the Ghost Dance hysteria that swept the Great Plains near the end of the 19th century. Following the teachings of Wovoka, a Native American prophet most of the newly reservationized Plains tribes began a series of revival like dances to bring back the buffalo and the dead ancestors to help drive the coquering White man back to his own land. It all ended very tragically in the snow at Wounded Knee as the US Cavalry slaughtered a group of rebellious Sioux.
This is the book to read. Mr Mooney was in Oklahoma doing ethnological work with the Oklahoma Cherokee when this story began to break, and he rushed to the scene to see for himself. As he said in the introduction, he had no idea this reportage would end up taking three years to prepare, but the time he spent makes it a very illuminating read.
He covers the whole topic of Indian Messiahs from the early times of the Delaware Prophet (1760's) through Tecumsehs brother the Shawnee Prophet through all the others till Wovoka. What emereges is a story of people only to well aware of the destructive powers of the White man's goods and mores on their Native culture.
He also examines other cultural excesses such as Baptist camp meetings, Joan of Ark, and numerous other examples of religious attempts to make a better world.
I highly recommend this book. It is hard to believe that it was written in the 1890's the author is so highly empathetic with the dancers, he seems almost totally free of ethnic prejudice.

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invaluable resource for non-fans as well!
Excellent Book for the die hard Buffy fans!
Things That Go Bump In The Night
Only for the DIE-HARD Buffy fan....
A Great Sorce for Writing Rping and random buffyness

The Monster Book
Christopher Golden , Stephen R. Bissette , and Thomas E. Sniegoski
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0671042599

Book Description

"Like werewolves. Zombies. Succubi, incubi....Everything you ever dreaded was under your bed and told yourself couldn't be by the light of day."
-- Giles, "Welcome to the Hellmouth"

Vampires, werewolves, witches, demons of nonspecific origin. All of them are drawn to the Hellmouth in Sunnydale. California. And all of them have met their fate at the hands -- or stake -- of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Since its premiere. the popular TV show has pitted the Chosen One against the forces of darkness on a weekly basis. And her success is due in part to the intense research her Watcher Rupert Giles. and the rest of the gang have done to find the origin and best method of disposal for each villain.

The Monster Book expands upon information revealed through Giles' research and knowledge, exploring the mythological, literary, and cultural origins of the endless numbers of ghoulish creatures that have tried to take a piece of the Slayer. Before the Master, there was Dracula, before "Becoming," there was Nosferatu. Before Buffy, there was...no one. The true horror fan knows that the legend of the vampire has existed for as long as there have been legends. But the demons that greet the business end of Buffy's stake are one part tradition, three parts creative genius. Indeed, the Buffy creators have purposefully moved away from recent vampire fictions to find a middle ground among ancient lore, Bram Stoker's "rules." and their own twist on the topic.

"Well, if we close our eyes and say it's all just a dream it'll stab us to death. These things are real."
-- Xander. "Fear, Itself"

Here you'll find exclusive interviews with series creator Joss Whedon and the Emmy®-nominated team that creates the images you can't shake.
The Monster Book welcomes you to the Hellmouth.

Enter at your own risk.

"Wish me monsters."
-- Buffy, "Living Conditions"

Customer Reviews:

invaluable resource for non-fans as well!.......2005-08-02

As obsessive as I am when it comes to all things Whedon, this is normally not something I would ever have considered reading. But flipping through a friend's copy, I became irretrievably hooked (and had to run off to rewatch about a season-and-a-half via dvd).

For me, the real fascination - and the REAL reason to own a copy of this book - is for the "cultural history" passage contained within each villain subcategory: pages and pages of reccommended books and movies featuring "werewolves," "witches," "vampires," etc.; a fascinating and rewarding compendium of recommendations for anyone. Two chapters in, I ended up with a 3-page list of must-rent dvds.

Excellent Book for the die hard Buffy fans!.......2003-05-27

I purchased this book for my 2 sons ...and they can't stop looking at it! Not only do they get to look at the monsters that have made a appearance on the show they get to read a little bit about them. Also the wardrobe and makeup descriptions were quite interesting for even me. I would recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed the show over the years or for those who are just getting into it through the re-runs on FX. :)

Things That Go Bump In The Night.......2003-02-14

Any big fan of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" would want to have any type of book they could get their hands on. This is one book that they will definitley eat up with every page. After having been given a number of books about the show, it's cast, it's characters, and behind the scenes stuff, we get a book that solely concentrates on the other stars of this hit, groundbreaking show - the monsters. They definitley deserve their own book. It's only fair. Every type of monster that has appeared on the show in it's first 4 seasons are chronicled in this deeply researched book. Christopher Golden, author of the first "Watcher's Guide", and many 'Buffy' books, co-wrote this with Stephen Bissette, and Thomas Sniegoski. These guys really did their homework. Not only are you given the details and story of every monster on the show, you also get an in-depth history of the type of monster in popular culture. Anybody who is into that kind of thing will be drooling when they read this. The book is squared off into 9 different categories. You get "Demons", which detail characters like Moloch from "I Robot, You Jane", Machida from "Reptile Boy", Norman Pfister from "What's My Line 1 & 2", and many more. Then it's onto "Vampires". This section chronicles everyone from Angel to Spike to everyone else. "Magic Users" is pretty self explanatory. "Primals" deals with werewolves(Oz), Shape-shifters, and animal people. Next up is "Ghosts". No need to explain that one. "The Walking Dead" will tell you about zombies and reanimated corpses. Next we have "Bogeymen", which talk about everyone from The Gentleman in "Hush", to Der Kindestod in "Killed By Death", to Xander's clown in "Nightmares". After that is "Invisible People". Pretty much says everything. And finally, we are left with "Faith And The Human Monster". This may be the most interesting of the chapters. As you might of gotten from the title of the chapter, this section deals with people. Real people who are just...bad. It delves into the awesome Faith character and storyline, as well as Prof. Walsh from Season 4, Gwendolyn Post from "Revelations", and a lot more. There you have it. It's a wonderful read into the background of the mosnters and other beasties and ghouls, and a great helping of where these types of monsters really came from. It's a delightful and interesting read that will no doubt please any fan. There are also some great colored photos in here as well. That only makes it better. One hopes that Mr. Golden and his team hurry up and give us "The Monster Book Vol. 2". There have certainly been enough for a second helping. Check this out and enjoy.

Only for the DIE-HARD Buffy fan...........2002-12-30

Personally, I would recommend this book only for the most die-hard of Buffy fans OR for those particularly interested in the monsters featured in Buffy.

I found the book to be almost TOO full of information and being a very big Buffy fan, I'm surprised to hear myself say that but I found the book too detailed for my personal liking as it was focused COMPLETELY on the monsters featured in the TV show.

Having said this, if you ARE especially interested or entertained by all the different varieties of Buffy monsters or villains, this is definitely the book for you. It details the history or every Buffy monster, no matter how minor and it includes pictures as well as descriptions of the monster/villain and how it featured in whatever episode.

The Monster Book is just as big as the Watcher Guides only it is CRAMMED full of info on the monsters featured in the TV show and almost nothing else. I would only recommend this book for those fans who want to know absolutely everything about one aspect of the show; Monsters.

A Great Sorce for Writing Rping and random buffyness.......2002-11-05

I loved this guide. I use it all the time in games, writing, everything. I recomend this book to anyone, Esp: online game players, writers etc....its great, you really should pick it up
I have 2 >:)

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