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A S Byatt’s A Whistling Woman is a strange book. At one level it’s a straightforward account of university life, with its politics, affairs and academic pursuit. But then there’s the suspicion that none of this is ever satisfying for those involved. They yearn for something bigger, whilst at the same time trying to deny its significance in their lives. Another strand is the career of Federica, one of the book’s principal characters. Almost by default, she finds herself host of a BBC2-style arts review or in-depth discussion. She is forced via the subject matter of her programmes to re-examine a whole host of assumptions. So while the scientists try to identify a mechanism by which memory is both stimulated and fixed by means of electrical stimulation, Federica, via her television shows, offers apparently ever more arcane subject matter, leaving us confused as to what we think we might believe – or even remember.

And these are just some of the strands of plot and characterization in A Whistling Woman, certainly one of the more complex novels I have read in many years. I have not read the previous three works in the series. This may have been why I found a number of loose ends that seemed to have strayed and frayed from elsewhere.

And then there’s the alternative university that establishes itself near to the conventional campus of the University of North Yorkshire, whose acronym, obviously, is UNY, implying generality. The alternative people adopt true nineteen sixties postures, preferring question to answer, experience to knowledge, heuristics to instruction. When we recall this hippy, flower power, professedly liberated, free thinking era, it is wise to bear in mind that this is also the generation that elected Ronald Reagan, tolerated support for death squads in central America and felled the consumer boom of the later eighties. But at the time, these revolutionaries sought something transcendent in their anti-university and found it in a self-destructing religious sect.

But no matter what people profess, no matter what they research, they still sleep with one another, still get pregnant, still need mutual support. The 1960s complicated all of these things with a superimposed need for personal, transcendental fulfillment and expression, whilst, at the same time, destroying perhaps permanently any possible recourse to established religion. In A Whistling Woman, A S Byatt captures this confusion and dissects it, but she offers us no neat packages of analysis, no simple results by which we might identify its elements.

The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson is a great book for your personal development library.

This book will challenge your current thinking and philosophy towards life. It is about how you can change your life, and how “The Slight Edge” can have an amazing impact over time.

Jeff explains very simply how one can take control of every aspects of one’s life right away. This includes relationships, spiritual, financial, health and beliefs. He explains exactly what “The Slight Edge” it is and how it can affect our lives. We are using this every day whether we realize it or not, and its either working for or against you.

One example could be deciding to not exercise today. It’s easy to skip a day just because I don’t feel like it. Will it make a difference today? No. Will it make a difference over time? Yes. And that is “The Slight Edge.” If I continually don’t exercise, I will get out of shape, perhaps gain weight, and be at more risk for health problems.

Simple decisions we make every day either impact in a negative way, out of shape and overweight, or a positive, I feel better and am making a decision to be pro-active about my health. It’s really so simple and can have dramatic effect over time.

Jeff gives several examples where you can improve your life and the positive results in easily understood steps and how you can easily incorporate these into regular routines.

Jeff discusses goals and how making the decision to actually begin is the difference between just thinking about it and actually getting started. We shouldn’t be afraid of failure as it will ultimately lead to success if we remember “The Slight Edge” and keep doing those actions day after day repeatedly over time.

This book is easy to read and you probably will find once you get started you won’t be able to put it down. It needs to be read over and over. I highly recommend it and believe it’s a book that has changed many lives, if people put into practice what Jeff recommends.

The Egyptians had a way of making things last a very long time. Some might believe the great pyramids will last long after our children’s children are gone or even longer.

The mummification methods used way back in the time of King Tutankhamun, who was born in 1241 BC, have made DNA samples of people who lived on this earth a very long time ago possible. The unique type of work done on human remains can bring us back to a time way before the United States was born. To me, The Egyptians wanted things to last a very long time. They left articles for an after-life with mummified Pharaohs for them to use. We still search for clues by way of large excavations as to why they had such knowledge and foresight.

I truly believe that certain books are meant to be preserved and last long after they, the writers, are gone. Maybe they want a legacy of their time on earth. They certainly will not be mummified like ‘Tut’ was. Could that be a shame? Some writers may want to be held in high regard in the far off future. It may be some desire of self-gratification.

Through telephone conversations, I have come to know Arthur Tugman. During a conversation, adages will fly from his thoughts and make me smile. You just never know when this extremely witty man will sneak one in. In his book we can observe his clever way of interpreting life around him.

I see Art’s writing as lasting through the ages as the Egyptian pyramids have. I can conceive of his book being put in a safe place to be remembered by all future generations. This is the type of book that will last forever because it has sayings that are sure to be used forever, never forgotten because they are important. Examples are,”The dictionary is the only place you can find success without actually working for it” and “The key to success is to give failure a rest and put work to the test.”

Tugman’s verses are a manifestation of the way the world perceives things today. His thoughts flow from one to the next in his references to common thoughts of today. These thoughts, put in writing in this book will be long lasting and you will never be able to forget them once you read them like this one, “Don’t let perfection stop you from being ordinary.”

Arthur will leave his mark in society. His words will carry on even though is book may not be encased in glass to preserve it. People will remember his sayings or ‘adages’ as I prefer to call them. The human race will always have these thoughts written by Art because they are already in the minds of people. Arthur is simply reminding us in a very clever way like “Failing to try is no different than trying to fail.”

If you read this book, ‘Adages for Life’ you are about to embark on an incredible journey in life. The words from Arthur Tugman will linger in your mind forever. Through the pages, you will see graphic art that is beautifully done. To me the graphic art represents the Egyptian way of preserving, by showing pyramids and references to the Egyptian society of the world long ago. It is my principle that all writers want to continue to be taken into account long after they are gone. Like Art says in his book, “Be open to new ideas before life closes in on you.”

It is my opinion that Arthur Tugman’s words will linger in the minds of future generations until the end of the earth’s existence.

I was at the Stamford arts festival in February and amongst the usual racks and boxes and piles of books in the literary exhibition, one stall caught my eye. It was laid out with a tempting array of pebbles and shells, and was drawing the fingers of any little people who passed by. Stones, shells and pieces of seaweed were laid out in patterns that suggested games – games one could make up or develop with a friend.

The stall belonged to Janet Murch, better known as a poetry editor at Iota, but today she was exhibiting a book for children that she has written along with artist Lizzie Mee. Herman’s Stone’ is a very attractive read for adults and children to enjoy together, all about a stone-age boy called Herman, and the treasures he finds on the beach. It begins thus:

Herman lived on Herm Island thousands of years ago.

He loved to explore and he knew the whole island very well.

His favourite place was the rocky beach.

There are many books for little people that start in a similar way but this one is special for two reasons. Firstly, Lizzie Mee has a wonderful way with illustrations. The colours and shapes of the pebbles and other treasures on the beach reflect the sun and the clouds in the bright, summery sky in a way that is inexplicably satisfying to both child and adult. The artwork reminds me a little of the alchemical pictures inspired by the Mutus Liber, in that one feels oneself being changed and lifted by them. The bright innocence of sunshine-yellow days and the dreamy gentleness of blue and pink evenings created by Mee make a wonderful setting for this story in which Herm learns about his world and learns to get along with his sister and friends.

The second reason I am recommending this book is its appeal to adults. Little people benefit so much from stories they can enjoy with big people – but only if the big people are really enjoying the read, so I seek out childrens’ books that offer something to adults as well, and this is definitely one of them. I was not surprised to learn that the book was inspired by a visit to Guernsey. The book ends with a picture-map glowing with rural peace, which will set adults off dreaming of a visit to the place where Herman found his stone.

‘Herman’s Stone’ is £4.99 and can be bought direct from Ragged Raven

More small press and independent book reviews at Booksy

Kay Green’s story collection ‘Jung’s People’, first published by Elastic Press, is now available from Circaidy Gregory Press

The Coyote Oak: Burgeoning Wisdom, by Carlisle Bergquist, is a 324-page paperback eco-psychology fiction novel with ecological, spiritual and philosophy aspects interwoven in the tale. The two lead characters James and Andrea are a married couple, that have a mystical adventure starting with a vivid, yet confusing dream that James had one evening. Approached and coached by a fascinating creature, a huge colorful bird, James embarks on a journey that will change him forever.

Carlisle’s education and experiences in music and drama, psychology, biology, mysticism and academia played a vital role in Vantage Quest, which the author founded with the aim of helping others re-create their lives through CD media. Carlisle also has a column published by the Southwest Blend Magazine and manages the Vantage Quest newsletter, which is published monthly.

Vantage Quest Design created the intriguing and colorful cover.The Coyote Oak was published by Reality Press, an imprint of Reality Entertainment in 2007. Unfortunately, I could not find any information on eco-printing or socially responsible publishing options that the publisher has chosen to employ during the production of this book; such as using vegetable inks, recycled content, carbon offset efforts or support of a charitable organization. For me, this plays a vital role in the evaluation of any book.

I found The Coyote Oak to be a little on the dry side, when it comes to entertaining and sustained intrigue for me as a reader. Because of this, and the lack of eco-publishing methods, I must rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

ISBN#0-9791750-6-2

There are few books that have made history in their respective fields and have developed an unusual crave for them amongst their patrons. This encyclopedic work of RAMAIYA’S is undoubtedly one in the Company Law field.

Every edition of this book has sold like proverbial hot cakes, pointing clearly to its scholastic wealth on the subject, its deft handling by the authors its usefulness, utility and eventually the popularity of the book in the field. It has stood the test of time and has triumphantly met the strictest scrutiny from its discerning and discriminating readers and reviewing critics. The book in its every edition is quite eagerly awaited and widely welcomed by the people in the Company Law field.

The present edition is now released with the pride and glory of the previous editions.The present Reprint Edition of BOX 1 2006 is as Amended by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2006 (23 of 2006) assented on 29th May, 2006 and the Companies (Central Govt’s.) General Rules & Forms (Amendment) Rules, 2006 relating to e-filling of e-forms and text of SEBI Guidelines updated till May, 2006, incorporating all such statutory changes under appropriate sections of the book. Along with Stop Press running into 800 odd pages containing text of latest Amendment Acts, Rules, Regulations, Guidelines, Schemes, Departmental Circulars, Clarifications, Press Notes, Notifications etc. ETC.! The present new edition is being offered packed into 2 Boxes sold separately. Box 1 Reprint 2006 (Statutorily Updated till May, 2006 at appropriate places) contains 3 Parts of Treatise and 1 Part of Appendices (Appendix 1 to 150) running into 9500 plus pages. Box 2 Original Print 2004 (Optional purchase) contains 2 Parts of Appendices (Appendix 151 to 326) together running into 4000 plus pages. The present new edition encompasses within its extensive bounds all amendments made by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2002 (1 of 2003), the Companies (Second Amendment) Act, 2002 (11 of 2003), the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2006 (23 of 2006) along with e-filling of e-forms incorporating them at appropriate places of the book. In its attempt to keep abreast of the latest developments, the new edition has taken due stock of FEMA, 1999, NBFC Directions, 1998, SEBI Act, 1992 with thorough coverage of case law references, SEBI Guidelines 2000 for Disclosure and Investor

Protection and other various Guidelines, Rules and Regulations issued in respect of securities market, delegation of various powers and functions to SEBI under the Companies Act, 1956 and Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, etc.The new edition has been thoroughly revised, even re-written at places, adding further useful notes and comments in respect of several matters of Company Law Procedures and Practice and brought completely up-to-date. In this NEW EDITION the editors have considered in detail all current topics, equal stress has been laid to make the book more practical, more authoritative, more exhaustive by adding more than 125,000 lines and discussing more than 3,500 additional cases (Indian & Foreign) decided by the Supreme Court of India, various High Courts and Foreign Courts adding nearly 4000 additional pages together in both the Boxes to the new edition.Almost all Departmental Circulars, Clarifications, Notifications, Press Notes issued till date have been discussed with original extracts along with thought-provoking interpretations and comments under the sections. A very special feature of this edition is a thorough coverage of of Compliance Certificate Rules with the help of the ICSI Guidance Note on Compliance Certificate, and up-to-date revised Secretarial Action Points, Practice Notes, Check-list, list of Documents involved and petitions to be filed with Company Law Board. Yet another important feature of this edition is the discussions of various pronouncements and guidelines of the ICAI in the shape of Accounting and Auditing Practices, Statements and Standards, Guidance Notes and Opinions in brief but in exhaustive manner under appropriate sections of the book relating to Accounts and Audit. New edition carries nearly 326 useful Appendices duly cross referenced under appropriate sections bound in 3 separate handy Parts. Appendix Part 1 contains Appendix 1 to 150 sold with Box 1. Appendices Part 2 containing Appendix 151 to 255 and Appendices Part 3 containing Appendix 256 to 326 packed in Box 2 is sold separately and is optional for the buyers.

This edition, in nut-shell, is the most authoritative, exhaustive, radically revised, enlarged and most up-to-date on the subject and there is little doubt that for its tried and proven utility, the book in its present edition will have its Biblical place on the shelf of every Lawyer, Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, Company Administrator, Company Executive, and all such individuals who are in anyway concerned with the Company Law. Needless to say that the fine print and the fascinating get-up of this new edition will only add to the spell of the book on our patrons.”

On a personal note, I do find it difficult to read books on breast cancer and memoirs of those touched by the disease, be it directly or via a stricken loved one. Having lost my maternal grandmother and nearly my mother to this illness, there seems to be an invisible cloud hovering over my head, a constant reminder that the odds of my being diagnosed are significantly higher than other women. There is the onus on me to be ever vigilant – performing weekly (if not daily) checks – that becomes so consuming that I suddenly realize I might be in danger of not only driving myself to worry but jeopardizing my spiritual health. Such books by and for survivors, I realize, are not meant to discourage people like me who worry about inheriting something unwanted, though when handed a book on the subject, the cloud appears to darken. Reading Awake, O Sleeper: How I Rediscovered God Through Breast Cancer by 5-plus year survivor Katherine Murphy, is refreshing to read in that, though I am fortunate never to have been afflicted, I find I can identify with the author through personal experiences shared with loved one who have beaten the disease, and I can be assured that through the darkest moments in life one can find solace in the knowledge of God’s love.

Katherine Murphy had a full life in 1988 with a loving husband and two children. Being in her late thirties, cancer was not a forethought but something that happened to old people, and other people. This is not to say that Murphy never believed the young were immune to death (she recalls, in Awake, O Sleeper the death of a college roommate which appeared to have just as significant an impact upon her during her illness than when the event happened), but it was not something upon which to dwell, considering her family and her teaching job required the lion’s share of her attention. One day in August changed that for Murphy upon learning that what she thought was a benign tumor was actually cancer – a cancer that is the second leading cause of death for women in the US, a cancer that accounts for one-third of all the cancers diagnosed in this country. (Source: American Cancer Society)

Awake, O Sleeper is taken from the Book of Ephesians, and becomes a mantra of sorts for the author as she deals with cancer surgery, recovery, and all the struggles involved – coping with vanity during hair loss and feeling unattractive, worrying over how her young sons will react to her illness, etc. Though Murphy had never considered herself a lapsed Catholic (the family did attend church on a regular basis), it was not until her diagnosis that she realized she had been “asleep,” going through the motions of being Christian without truly appreciating God’s gifts and the power of prayer.

As a memoir, Sleeper is a poignant story of survival, physical and spiritual, with moments of levity and heartache with which even those who have not been stricken ill can identify. As an inspirational, Sleeper is uplifting, a reminder to call upon God in the darkest moments of life.

All I can say is WOW! I have been a fan of James Patterson for several years now and I have to say that this new book, Step On A Crack does not disappoint. You are sure to be wanting more after you meet Detective Michael Bennett, father of ten adopted children, and New York City Homicide detective. It all begins with the death of a beloved former first lady. Then comes her funeral, attended by some of the richest and most powerful people in the world.

No one ever expected what was to come, when suddenly these people are trapped in a cold-blooded and brilliant scheme that leaves the entire world watching and wondering what will happen next. Each day Detective Bennett, a former negotiator, is put back in the drivers seat trying to talk down the most ruthless man he has ever encountered.

Can this possibly end peacefully? Sit back and follow along as some of New Yorks finest, the FBI, and soon the military struggle to find a way to stop this madness and capture these heartless criminals. Find out what is happening inside the church and outside on the street as Christmas approaches and the stand-off continues. Cry along with Mike as he visits his ailing wife in the cancer ward at the hospital with his family.

You will be stunned to discover who the criminals are in this brilliantly written novel by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge. I don’t know about you but I am looking forward to the next in this new series. Wonderfully written and full of emotion it will keep you rooted to the spot while you enjoy every last word.

Putt to Death

by Roberta Isleib

Category: Fiction / Mystery

ISBN: 0425195309

If only Cassie Burdette played golf as well as her creator, Roberta Isleib, designs her adventures; she would be ranked number one in the world. In PUTT TO DEATH, the third Cassie Burdette mystery, we find that life on the tour is not what it’s cracked up to be. Actually, for Cassie there is no life on the tour, for too many poor showings have led to a brief suspension from the LPGA, leaving Cassie to take on temp work as a golf pro in a snooty northern country club.

Now, instead of putting against the likes of Annika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb, Cassie must help little old ladies improve their backswing while also performing various PR duties for special events, all the while keeping her smile bright in the face of veiled misogyny in the name of golf (it’s not Hootie Johnson bad, though; to tell the truth, it isn’t exactly veiled, either). Seems like a good venue for staying out of trouble, despite the petty bickering amongst club members, but trouble finds Cassie anyway. Two champions for change, one for environmental improvements and the other for equality for female members, are found dead on the greens, and despite promises to her friends and shrink, Cassie slowly becomes involved in the crimes, partly to clear herself of suspicion.

Add the sudden reappearance of Cassie’s long estranged father, and romantic on-again, off-again hijinks with a fellow golfer on the professional tour, and mystery lovers have a well-rounded, witty
caper guaranteed to keep interest in between tournaments. One thing to note (spoiler): There’s a reference in the book to recent Masters winner, Phil Mickelson, not being a natural lefty. As a natural lefty happy to see a lefty take the green jacket, I can only say, say it ain’t so, Roberta!

We all know or suspect that psychological issues, stress and emotion can cause health issues, and that a balanced and happy life is the best bet for better luck in personal health. But did you know that there is a ton of research and ancient wisdom to back this up? One of the most interesting books on this subject, one I totally recommend was written back in 1972, and it is a book you can still find at used book stores or online:

“Psychosomantics – How Your Emotions can Damage Your Health” by Howard R. Lewis and Martha E. Lewis; (1972).

The authors claim with evidence, very strong evidence that most illnesses, diseases and sicknesses have an emotional component to them and that you cannot separate these out; they are indeed related. Why? Well, the Lewis’ show that your psyche triggers glands for instance. They also show that there are many diseases associated with stress.

A person can overcome social disruptions in career, family, etc, that may involve conflict in the family or at work, but if not they will make you ill. Does your personality invite illness asks the authors, read the book to find out, you might be surprised, as it is not exactly what you might think. You may be inviting ulcers (eating away at you literally), stress, and/or disease due to psychological issues.

The team dives into the psychology of pain, hypochondriacs, and cancer. This work was written back in 1972 and claimed that modern medicine was in denial, but I do not think they are anymore, thanks to their hard work, the influence of Eastern Medicine and later scientific research. I recommend this book to anyone that truly wants to live well.