Ranchers Books

I enjoyed reading this book and savored a few turns of phrase, but was surprised by the lack of originality in an author I have rarely read but often heard praised.

As I was reading, I kept casting the movie. The novel reads like a screenplay; short chapter, then fade to the next scene (oops, chapter). I periodically felt like I was developing cliche overload. Laconic gunslingers, mercenary and heartless bar owner, mercenary and heartless mine owner, staunch and colorful sawmill owner, hardworking but clueless "sod busters", needy but admirable hooker, spunky farmer's wife.... Haven't I seen this somewhere before, probably starring Gary Cooper, Glenn Ford, or Jimmy Stewart? With Ron Steiger or Ernest Borgnine in a supporting role? I liked what I read and enjoyed the characters in the novel, just felt that there was nothing new or particularly interesting being imparted.

I don't usually read books of the western genre, but recently read Shavetail by Thomas Cobb and found it to be considerably more compelling than Mr. Parkers highly derivative novel.

I have only read about 1/3 of this book and it is sort of dull.

Resolution is a Western? Sure there were guns & the setting was in a dusty saloon town, but this could have been Spenser & Hawk instead of Virgil & Hitch. I kept reading thinking that Parker was writing this "novel" with Hollywood in mind. Parker's dialogue is just as sharp as ever, and Resolution was a fun read. It took less than 3 hours to get through it. I don't see myself re-reading this book - fun while it lasted, but I'm moving on...

Unless you are a tried & true Robert B. Parker fan with his entire collection on your bookself, I'd check the book out of the library rather than buy it.

Parker has done a previous Western (Appaloosa) but this one is more clearly a morality play, a kind of Western version of Pilgrim's Progress. You can read it as a straight, tough, Western; or see it as a discussion of honor and law. It's very well done in either case; with one exception--the technical details of Virgil's gunfighting prowess are impossible, as any gun nut would know. Very atypical of RBP's usual care. Hence my four stars only.

Of course, now that you come to think about it, Parker's iconic heroes, whether a private eye in contemporary Cambridge, Mass., or a police chief in a coastal resort, are also gunfighters with hearts of gold. That's why we like them so much.

Disappointing, dry, terse, sardonic, laconic. Boring. Is this what male bonding is about? Maybe Appaloosa was better, but I'll stick with the Spenser and other tales he tells.

This book was read to our class when I was in the 6th grade. I loved it! When our kids were growing up, I read all of the series to our kids as we traveled. Because I am a speed reader, sometimes I would "read" a funny part and start laughing, before my out loud reading would be there. Who would think that modern-day kids would be entranced with stories about early 1900 kids, but they were. Ralph Moody caught the imagination as we could see this kid getting into situations before he was there. These are marvelous. Every child in America should read them. This is the stuff of the sturdiness, resiliency, & character we come from. Adversity happens, it is happening right now...the question is can we face it with strength and imagination. Laugh until you cry. Love greatly. This is a splendid series.

I just finished this book tonight. I laughed and cried and couldn't put it down. Every family in todays society needs to read and reread this book as it is all about character and goodness. I am a better person because I read this book. I will read it to my kids immediately!

This book was read out loud to me when I was a 4th grader and it stayed in my mind from then on. It is a true story about a boy whose father dies and how mostly he, but also his mother, and siblings get along after the father's death. The boy is nick named "Little Britches" and earns money to survive in many ways, mostly being a cowboy on Colorado ranches. I have purchased this book for my son as a 5th grader and given it to his friend in 6th grade. The whole series is very interesting, this book in particular.

Oh I am speechless. This is a book full of grace, character, This is the writers real life boyhood and apparently thought he could make a good book out of it. Boy was he right! I could read this book about three hundred times and then maybe think about putting it down! This man had such a life as a kid! man you would think it was fictional but when you know its not it makes you well... Speechless!

This is a wonderful look into how life was... I found myself thinking about the work load on children back then and thinking "and I worry that unloading the dishwasher and keeping their bath clean is too much to ask?!?" Well not any more. A great "classic"

WOW - I want to see this series continue with the brothers, uncles, cousins - just keep it going. I could not put this book down - the family was disgruntled with my read! Sarah is a hot author with hot characters and the sex is sooooo desireable with this totally alpha male. If you haven't ventured into this author and you just don't know if you can read a book with this type of hot, hot, hot sex - throw caution to the wind. You will be glad you did!

I am not going to do a rendition, I see this has already been done. This book was great. Mac was a total alpha male. This book had passion, hot sex and an interesting story line. Kudos Sarah, I will be reading more of your books. I highly recommend this book.

All I can say about this book is Oh My God! This has been the single most intense book I've ever read, they absolutely do not get any hotter than this one. I don't think I've ever blushed or squirmed in my seat as much as I did throughout this book and I LOVED IT!

All of Sarah McCarty's books are out of this world and hotter than you know where.

You absolutely do not want to miss out on this one!

In a nutshell: Woman moves to old west, well, kind of. This book seems like an old western but it is a contemporary. Woman answers ad for job as cook for a rancher. Rancher doesn't want to hire a woman because of the horny old men working for him. Woman makes a deal to prove herself. Ranch hands love womans cooking. Rancher like woman. Woman likes rancher. They have sex. Rancher holds back anal sex from woman because of mommy issues. Woman leaves rancher until rancher realizes he needs woman in "every" way. They reunite to have all kinds of sex....The end.

Okay, I know it's erotica, but this book had one (or two) sex scenes too many. I felt exhausted and sore. The ending made no sense at all, but you don't read these books for the plot.. However, that being said, with judicious reading and skimming, I feel this could be a very fine book (ie it just need better editing) And despite my criticisms it's still a keeper for me. It's a hot, hot book.

Fancy Pants was the first of Cathy Marie Hake's books I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I found the characters lovable and some of the situations quite amusing. Cathy did a great job writing this book and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a clean romance with a little humor blended in. Cathy Marie Hake is definitely now on my list of favorite authors.

I picked up this book and finished it in one day. It was the first book I've read from this author.

I think the premise of the story was unbelievable and obviously couldn't happen in real life, but I read christian romances to escape and be entertained and that's exactly what this book did.

I found Syd's antics in this story to be funny. Picturing her in her fancy pants get up, along with several of the situations she found herself in, made me laugh out loud.

I enjoyed all the supporting characters in this novel as well. I found the Richardson sisters particularly funny.

There were some great scenes written that showed how Syd and Tim's romance was blossoming (the porch swing was cute).

Overall, this book was well done and will make me seek out more stories from this author.

In FANCY PANTS, veteran author Cathy Marie Hake (BITTERSWEET) spins a cutely-conceived historical comedy, lush with romance, of a high-bred lady who disguises herself as a man and journeys from England to Texas to work on an uncle's ranch.

It's a catchy idea (even if it's been done in variations before). Hake begins her story in 1890 with the orphaned 20-year-old Lady Sydney Hathwell still mourning the death of her father a year previous. She travels with her chaperone Aunt Serena Hathwell from England to New York to meet her fiancé, the despicable Rexall Hume. Hake ensures that readers will despise him from the very first page (his scowl, in the first sentence, would rival "a gargoyle's"). Rexall is after her title and the business she will bring his way, although why she will is never really convincing. Nevertheless, readers will cheer when Sydney decides to escape his clutches by dressing up as a man and disappearing. Her Uncle Fuller, who she has never met --- and who believes Sydney is a boy! --- has promised her a position on his Texas ranch until Sydney can decide what she'll do next.

Employing different points of view, Hake uses the first half of the novel to let Sydney masquerade as a boy, then the second for her to "come out" as a woman. Few females can pull off disguising themselves as men for long, and the housekeeper/cook sees through Sydney's ruse from almost the first moment. However, she helps keep Sydney's gender a secret. The tough Tim Creighton, who runs the ranch in her uncle's unexpected absence, is both exasperated and put off by the "fancy pants" prissy fop foisted on him. The other ranch-hands --- Bert, Pancake, Juan, Boaz, Gulp and Merle --- are also concerned. Tim puts Sydney to work doing the worst ranch tasks: shoveling manure, plowing a garden with a horse.

Lots of fun lurks between the covers of this book, from Sydney being taken out for a night on the town with the boys (in which she must navigate too much beer and a brothel) to having to fend off the attentions of a passel of local and eager eligible women. Romance with the right guy is telegraphed from the early pages, so readers won't be surprised by the novel's concluding nuptials.

Hake is a competent writer, and the story unfurls with just enough events to keep the narrative moving. However, a little judicious shortening and tightening would have helped the pacing; by page 300, you already know who Sydney is going to end up with, and you'd just like to see it happen. Lines such as Sydney wearing "lady's boots that constricted her feet only a fraction as much as Tim's words constricted her heart" are a little over the top. And for a historical novel, this is more heavy on romance and lighter on the historical details.

Readers who like their inspirational novels to clearly and thoroughly outline the plan of salvation will appreciate the lengthy section toward the end of the book where Tim helps Sydney understand the difference between formal "go-through-the-motions" religion and the idea of a personal, grace-filled faith. Others who like their faith elements to be more subtle may not find this as much to their liking.

However, Hake's book is a fun read, and if it seems improbable that a beautiful girl like Sydney could disguise herself as a man for this long --- well, this is fiction, right? So suspend disbelief and enjoy this comedic historical jaunt.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

I was really, really looking forward to reading this novel. While I won't go so far as to say that Hake disappointed me, I just wasn't left satisfied at the end of the novel. I liked all of the characters and the premise, it's just that it seemed to move at a very slow pace. Later, however, the book fairly speeds through the budding romance between the two lead characters. They spend a great portion of the novel fighting or misunderstanding one another and all of a sudden they want to get married. Too quick. It just seemed slightly too unbelievable to me, otherwise, the book was well written and interesting.

*Some Spoilers*
I really wanted to like Fancy Pants as I think that the premise has the promise of a great read. However I was terribly disappointed.
Lady Sydney is an unaffecting and unsympathetic character whose ruse is carried out farther then necessary or probable for a woman of her time. She is waiting to reach her "age of majority" yet I was surprised to find that she is 17 waiting for 18 not 20 waiting for 21 as it most defiantly would have been for that time period. Through the beginning of the book I found her to be ridiculously naïve for her supposed advanced education, making foolish assumptions and basing her impulsive decisions on them. By the end of the book I didn't find that she had improved or grown in many ways at all even though she wrestles with being a sinner and the idea of forgiveness and ultimately accepts salvation.
Big Tim really confuses me. We see ghosts of his background that we are supposed to connect to but are never fully developed; they could be powerful touchstones to explain who he is but fall flat. Tim's attitudes and actions are puzzling; he dislikes Sydney instantly and sets about to pound her into manhood, next we find him in a fury upon discovery of Sydney's true identity, suddenly he is leading her to Christ then before we know it he is thoroughly and possessively in love with her and on the way to the alter. For a man who is a respected Christian member of the community- loved by all- he comes off to me as angry, obstinate and undesirable marriage material.
The conclusion of the story and developing romance is positively rushed; the much anticipated arrival of Sydney's uncle is conspicuously lacking and the triumph over lurking evil simplistic, insufficient and anticlimactic.
Throughout Fancy Pants I was thrown out of the story by the plentiful anachronisms, words, phrases, facts and ideas that are out of place for their time. Most would say that it is a little thing and can be ignored but for me it was jarring as was the text arrangement and lack of page breaks. Overall I believe Fancy Pants could have been better written and plotted with warmer characters and believable events.

Every author has their way of writing a book. I won't criticize like how other reader's have on here. My judgement is that we are entitled to our oppinion. Having said that, I love the book esp. after knowing it was based on true events and that it actually happened. I really like this book which is why I am going to be buying myself one.

_Thousand Pieces of Gold_ is the biography of Lalu, a young Chinese girl sold by her father, eventually arriving in America where she is first bought by a saloon owner in Idaho, then won in a poker game by another saloon owner who eventually becomes her husband. The journey from rural China to "wild west" has a number of layers to it: of course the personal journey of the heroine, but also the racism and sexism common to the time.

To me, the writing waxed and waned, alternating between beautiful descriptions of the northwest and less enthralling prose, hence the 4 stars. Writing aside, it is a wonderful story as Lalu (later called "Polly") struggles to find happiness and her place in the world - a quest everyone can relate to. As in life, there are set-backs, challenges and frequently things don't work out the way Lalu/Polly had hoped (or planned.) But as Lum McCunn writes, "It (is) not luck that determines the rise and fall of cakes or bread or lives, but skill, strength, and the right ingredients." Lalu/Polly had these characteristics in abundance, and the description of her pluck, courage and will more than make up for any nitpicking (on my part) of the author's writing style.

It is a fabulous summer read and a great story. Recommended.

The film (one of my favorites) inspired me to acquire the book and as usual I found the book to be far superior to the film. The norm since converting a book to film is similiar to condensing.

The book did lack in factual detail which would have made it longer and far more interesting, as a factual historical novel. As a piece on racial discrimination and women's fight for equality it is the best of reading.

For those interested in the subject the book and film are well worth adding to your collection.

Ali H. 1B
I was fascinated by Lalu journey through the world and her life.
She although being born in China gets to travel half away arournd the world all the way to America before she even turns 13. Her story is trajic but very rebellious and she makes it a point of bieng heard no matter what the situation may be. The book is very interesting and if you have never travelled overseas and witnesed anothor part of the world, you must read this book and learn how different people from different cultures survive on this planet.

This is story of a woman whose saga begins when her father is forced to sell her. She goes through many hands, I won't spoil the story, and eventually lands in the Wild West USA. It's a great story and my only criticism is that the writers style is one of simplicity for the sake of simplicity (you'll understand when you read it).

Let's face it, as the third book in a series, it could have been a let-down. After all, it's focused on the sister who's made all the right choices and worked hard to keep everything afloat while her brothers did their own things. But this book was wonderful. I picked it up as soon as it landed in my mailbox and didn't stop reading until I hit the end.

Stefanie has shadows that she won't step away from, and Lincoln sees everything crashing around him. They turn against each other. The sparks fly in this book, but there's so much more going on.

Stefanie has to learn to let go of the past and its mistakes. And the hardest lesson of all -- how to forgive herself. And trust herself not to repeat the past. Each time she's willing to step out and try, a roadblock occurs. Lincoln also has to step away from the past, but for different reasons. Isn't that like so many of us? Instead of looking to the fullness of what God wants to do in our lives now, we're trapped looking in the rearview mirror. As a result we miss so much and wonder why we feel stuck or forgotten.

There are a host of supporting characters who add rich layers to the book. And each has battles to fight, obstacles to overcome. Some way too close to real life.

On the suspense thread -- remember this book is primarily romance...and a great romance. But the suspense thread is stronger in this book than in the prior two in this series. I figured out who was doing it early in the book, but sure missed her motivation. And even knowing who was behind all the havoc didn't detract from the enjoyment of reading.

I am truly sad to see this series end. It was a great one...enjoyable...challenging... and great covers!

Every book in this series is fantastic. Susan May Warren knows how to write wonderful characters full of depth and flaws. I'm always sad to finish one of her books because I don't want to leave these realistic characters, riveting stories, and inspiring settings. These are the stories that come back like old friends and make you wonder how Nick, Rafe and Stephanie are doing in their lives, and wishing for another book to take a peek into where they might be now if they were real people.

I enjoy Susan's writing a lot. In fact, her earlier novel "Happily Ever After" remains one of my all-time favorite reads. And I loved "Reclaiming Nick" and "Taming Rafe," so I looked forward to this third book's release in the Noble Legacy collection. And I wasn't disappointed.

First off, Susan has an amazing handle on characterization. So right from the start you know her characters are going to seem real.

Specifically, I loved her secondary romance thread in Finding Stefanie. She let us watch 18-year-old Gideon's tender-hearted interactions with Libby, a 19-year-old character. Susan has a deep understanding of the human heart and our motivations (good or bad). She always believably pens her wide spectrum of characters.

Her primary romance was delicious, too. Love those Beta heroes (mostly because it's not the norm).

I appreciate Susan's heart to see people find God's love for them. She skillfully weaves messages of hope and redemption into her stories. I also appreciate her servant's heart toward other writers. She's an encourager and teacher, a mentor and friend to many in the Christian writing community.

Looking forward to her next series.

Reviewed by Tracy Kokemuller for Reader Views (8/08)

Susan May Warren has another hit novel on her hands with "Finding Stefanie," the third installment in the Noble family saga. It is the tale of Stefanie Noble, twin of superstar bull-riding champion, Rafe Noble and younger sister of Silver Buckle co-owner, Nick Noble. Living in her brothers' shadows never used to bother Stefanie, but lately she's unsure of where she belongs. Enter Lincoln Cash, movie star, and Stefanie's new neighbor. Will these two develop a relationship out of the crushes they have on each other? Or will they clash over Hollywood coming to Montana?

Unlike Warren's two previous novels, "Finding Stefanie" concentrates on Stefanie's journey to come into her own. Women will find themselves relating to her as she struggles to find out God's purpose in her life. The minor characters are also celebrated by Susan's writing. The themes explored are disability, second chances, truth and romance. These are just some of the themes that book clubs can explore in their discussions. My favorite part was the suspense that builds up until I found myself second guessing the answer, only to find out I was wrong. The relationship of Lincoln and Stefanie was the heart of this novel and their romance doesn't disappoint the fans of this series. One of my favorite lines from the book is from Lincoln. "He came to Montana thinking his life was imploding. He never dreamed it would get so big."

Even if you haven't read the other two books in the series, "Finding Stefanie" stands on its own. You should go back and read the other two books in the series, "Reclaiming Nick" and "Taming Rafe," about Stefanie's brothers. "Finding Stefanie" by Susan May Warren is a fulfilling conclusion to the Noble family and I was sad to see these characters go.

I think that Stefanie's book was my favorite out of the whole series. I'm not sure if it's because she was the only girl and I felt that I could relate to her the most. She is very strong willed and is completely capable of taking care of herself. I think she's actually the most "noble" of all the Noble siblings. There's nothing in her past for her to be ashamed of. I liked Gideon's story as well involving his relationship with Libby. I didn't like her dad too well because for a pastor he was rather quick to judge. You'd think he'd be willing to look for the good in someone first before trying to kick them out of town. I felt in the beginning that Gideon was being too proud by refusing help but in the end he gave in because of his sisters.The mystery was very well played throughout the book. I missed the small clues about who it was so I was surprised at the end to see who the perpetrator had been. I liked Lincoln as well. He was a multi-dimensional character with a lot of secrets that he had been hiding for years. He and Stefanie had good chemistry throughout the whole book. The only thing that is still baffling me is to why Stefanie and Rafe never acknowledge Cole as their brother even though from the first book we find out that he actually is. My only guess is that they still have not found this out.Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While I am sad to see the series end, I felt like this book tied up many loose ends and had a satisfying ending. I shall miss the adventures of the Noble kids and the life of ranching.

I finished reading this book to my older children (12 and 14) today. We all loved it. The book operates on many levels. It's the Chronicles of the life of an adolescent boy around 1910. It's also the story of a family's struggles and will to not only survive, but to thrive and to stand up for their beliefs. This book has encouraged my children to contribute more in our family, and to set up their own families with good principles. I would give this book 10 stars if there were 10 to give, and I can't recommend it highly enough as a great family read!

Wow these books are great! And you know the later the books the thicker they are. I think its because he remembers more about like his teen years than in his childhood. Well over all I would highly recommend this book. Yet like in a prior review these books do have some language but it shrinks in the text more and more. Buy this book and you wont be disappointed!

Highly recommended series. I recommend as an alternative to the Little House series for boys. Well written.

A reviewer asked for help regarding the names and volumes in this series. Here it is...

1. Little Britches
2. Man of the Family
3. The Home Ranch
4. Mary Emma & Company
5. The Fields of Home
6. Shaking the Nickel
7. The Dry Divide
8. Horse of a Different Color

Mr. Moody shares adventures of his life in this series. It's wonderful, but there is some foul language. Therefore, I would recommend reading the books aloud with older children (not for the preschool/early elementary crowd).

When Ralph Moody's father dies in the early spring of 1910, he's eleven years old, the senior boy in a family of five, and determined to support his mother and siblings. It's a rocky road, for his mother, even though she declares she'll "depend on" him as "her man," is equally determined that he must stay in school--which means he's restricted to nickel-an-hour boy-jobs for most of the year. And so, despite the title, this book is less about Ralph's helming the family than about the family's pulling together to support itself. They start a "cookery route," selling Mrs. Moody's New England food to neighbors; the children pick fruit, and Ralph rides in match races, breeds rabbits, and hires schoolmates with horses to keep the cattle from the incoming trail herds out of the residential lanes, as well as discovering that it's possible to supply the family's entire need for coal simply by picking up what has fallen off the tenders of passing trains. Like his father before him, he proves to be a shrewd trader and a clever inventor who comes up with a device on which to dry and repair the lace curtains from Denver's Brown Palace Hotel when his mother gets the idea of offering her services as a contract launderer. And he and his brothers and sisters get a surprise when, six months after their father's death, their mother has a sixth baby.

Besides Mary Emma Moody, who stands solidly in the midst of her young family and exemplifies the best type of "widder woman," the two most unforgettable characters in the book are Sheriff McGrath, a widower who tries awkwardly to court Ralph's mother, and Jerry McEnerney, the Irish section boss who, for all his early bluster, soon becomes the boy's friend and quietly arranges for him to obtain over 100 used railroad ties to haul away and sell. And though there are setbacks and mishaps, such as the vividly described spillage of an entire wagonload of cookery, the Moodys soldier on, until it begins to look as if they will be able to stay indefinitely in Ralph's beloved Colorado. But then Mary Emma incautiously shares a secret with a neighbor, and is subpoenaed to testify before the Grand Jury. Fearing that she will end by sending an innocent man to the gallows, she decides there is only one thing to do: take her children and secretly flee out of state to live with her brother in New England. And so one phase of Ralph's life ends and another begins, to be told in subsequent books. But the West will call him back, and he will never be fully free of its spell.

This is a funny, warmhearted, inspiring tale of a family determined to make its way without seeking charity, of its friends and neighbors, and of the beautiful land it loves. It would make a splendid family readaloud, or a good book to curl up with alone if you love stories of the West and of people who don't give up.

My goodness this book was hot. Lynn and Jake just steam up the pages of this book and I loved every minute of it. Jake was the ultimate alpha male and I have to say I just found him so refreshing. Man did this guy throw his weight around with Lynn but she did not seem to mind since she enjoyed every minute of their interludes.

It was a very short book but a good read none the less.

Great short story. I love interracial love stories. Could have been a little longer. It was just hot enough for me to enjoy.

I really liked this book. I thought the love scenes were hott and exciting. I liked the main characters. I liked the story line. Some of the dialog was boring but all around, it was a good read. I have read her other books and didn't like her style, yet this book was by far the only good one she's written. So enjoy a happy, hott read.

this was my first book by this authoer and i must say it was a good book and i love reading it will continue to look for her books

Loved it first time reading this author might try out another one of her books but i enjoy Jake he is freaky *smiling*.. Good for the collection

By The Way: love the hot tub sence

I love Keller's writings and Lessons From a Sheep Dog was no disappointment. With gentleness and transparency the author shares his lessons in life that only God can teach . . . through a dog. This easy read makes for the perfect morning devotion.


The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start

Halfway through this book I flipped to the back cover to see whether the author's email was there... and was disappointed to find out that he's no longer around! I wanted to tell him what a wonderful book this was.

Being a dog lover, I've always learnt much from my own dogs. This book expresses what I feel in my heart - that dogs are a great example of how we can be good followers of Christ and please Him in the things that we do. The author talks about discovering the sheep dog in shackles when he first sets eyes on him, just like how we are when God comes to rescue us.

Very simple yet powerful. These days we are very busy doing big things for God, and this book reminds us that our faithfulness in the small things is often more important.

Reading this book helps you to understand about our caring Master thru' the eyes of a shepherd and his sheep dog. We sometimes have the perspective that God made a bunch of rules to make our lives miserable, when really He is a loving God who desires only the best for us, just as the shepherd did for his sheep dog. He sets guidelines for our safety, our happiness, our ability to serve others in a better way, to have a close relationship to our creator, etc. This perspective of a loving shepherd, while viewing and guiding his dog, can be compared to our Shepherd caring for us. I highly recommend this book! We had great discussions while reading this book together. (w/ my teens)

I've read this book, and found it delightful. I've given it, along with the "Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" to pastors for their ordinations. This particular book is a great analogy to our growth learning to trust, listen and obey Christ, and let go of the distractions of the world. It was deeply and practically insightful, yet simple enough I could read it for worship with children and they enjoy it as well as understand the deeper lessons as well. Very well done. Highly recommended.

A beautiful allegory that clearly illustrates our growth as Christians. We start as lost and disobedient, then through the gift of the Holy Spirit and the process of sanctification we become eager obedient servants of our God. I want to be the sheepdog.

While this book was published a few years ago the message is still crucial and timely. To wit: the very recent riots in Korea by large crowds who didn't want American beef. Who can blame them? When our government has all but stopped testing for mad cow disease and made freedom of speech unsafe, Korea made their voices heard in just the last month. The Korean consumer got a little more respect than the American consumer. Mad cow disease IS PROVEN to be in this country and in Canada now but when there's no testing there's no knowing. How convenient! Our neighbor died of so called Alzheimer's that fit every case of the human form of mad cow in Britain. It was relatively quick and it was ugly. Why so much Cruzefeld Jacob disease? We have chronic wasting disease in deer in our area and this book will tell you why. Mr. Lyman has not missed a beat and everything he says has held up over time. Even Monsanto gave up on it's hormone in milk just this week. Now perhaps I can eat milk and cheese again! Just this week a court ruled that Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations were cruelty, unless you like your beef in kidney failure and acidosis, of course. I'm not really vegetarian so much by choice as by what I perceive to be necessity caused by big agribusiness hand in glove with government and the horrible conditions endured by animals destined for our table. (Well, not our table.) If we can catch a fish that doesn't have too much mercury in it or win a jackpot in Nevada and buy some certified organic, humanely slaughtered meat we'll eat it. But I'm here to say that until beef is grass finished once again and humanely slaughtered it will not show up on our table! In the meantime I've given numerous copies of this book to friends and family and I notice some big differences at the cookouts this summer! Actually they've been darned good!

I think that everyone that cares about their health, animals or the environment should read this book. As a lacto-ovo vegetarian that eats seafood occasionally, this was an easy read for me however I would think that hard core meat eaters would be a more difficult sell.
For the last 7 years that I have been a vegetarian, I have had people constantly say that I'm not eating healthy, I can't be getting enough protein, iron, etc. I find myself constantly trying to eat more protein in the form of dairy and seafood to make this up. It never made sense to me because when I eat the way I want to (lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc), I feel great. In addition, I have never been anemic and I give blood every six weeks with no side effects plus I'm fairly active competing in triathlons, half marathons and other endurance sports. Oh & I'm rarely sick...probably 4 times less likely to be ill than my coworkers. Lyman does a good job of detailing how everyone can each a vegetarian diet and get plenty of the vitamins and minerals you need without all the fat and cholesterol you don't need.
I was surprised to read the parts in the book about how heart disease, high cholesterol, cancer, etc are not highly hereditary, as we have been told, which totally makes sense. High cholesterol and heart disease are very common in my family and my sisters in their 30's both have it however my cholesterol is extremely low.
Anyway, I could go on forever but overall I think this book is great. I'm encouraging my family and friends to read it because I think it could help them live a longer, healthier life. Since reading the book, I have become more confident in my vegetarianism and I have switched to eating organic and hormone free food.
Check the book out for yourself. You will not regret it.

Great review and delivered as promised - and quickly. Almost as good as picking it out in a store!

Earlier this year I borrowed this book from my chiropractor, thinking that I should try to incorporate some non-fiction into my reading. I got way more than I was expecting out of this book. It changed my life; in fact, just yesterday I celebrated my 6 month anniversary of being a vegetarian. However, when I first started reading, I thought I would have to force myself through millions of dull facts, but I actually finished the book in a few days. I couldn't put it down, because every second that I wasn't reading, was another second that I was potentially poisoning my body with some animal product that I hadn't previously known could cause so many health problems. Basically what I'm trying to say is that this book was a little bit scary and intense, but it was more helpful than anything. It gave me that extra push I needed to make the lifestyle change I'd been considering for a while, but never actually had the motivation to pursue.
I believe the author does an exquisite job of telling his story at the same time as he brings awareness to a subject that much of America's population is oblivious to. Mr. Lyman's writing style does come off a little dramatic, which could be a turn off, especially concerning such a controversial subject. However the facts are included to back up every statement show that Mr. Lyman is just very passionate and well-versed in this subject. Also, Mr. Lyman's background as a rancher makes this book all the more powerful and easier to relate to. In short this book is an extremely useful tool, and is a must read for anyone with a vested interest in their wellness and the future of our earth and our society's health.

My wife (dairy farmer family background) read and confirmed a small portion from the book, and I became an instant vegetarian. I cheat a little, yet rarely and carefully.

Most meat producers should be forced into bankruptcy and thrown into prison. What the meat industry is doing is criminal.

We've given out many copies of this book.