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An Introduction to Hinduism (Introduction to Religion) This book provides a much-needed thematic and historical introduction to Hinduism, the religion of the majority of people in India. Dr. Flood traces the development of Hindu traditions from ancient origins and the major deities to the modern world. Hinduism as both a global religion and a form of nationalism are discussed. Emphasis is given to the tantric traditions, which have been so influential; to Hindu ritual, more fundamental than belief or doctrine; and to Dravidian influences. It introduces some debates within contemporary scholarship.
Customer Review: Dry, dry, dry
I am not an expert so I cannot comment on the Prof. Flood’s scholarship which may be excellent, but I can say that this was one of the most dry, boring books I have ever read. I would suggest that readers try David M. Knipe’s Hinduism instead. Its somewhat shorter than Flood, but much more interesting.
Customer Review: Well-Written and Authorative
I recommend this book for the reader who has some knowledge of Hinduism and would like to delve a little deeper into the subject.

The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music (Thorndike Press Large Print Nonfiction Series) Customer Review: Hear the Heart Strings of Humanity
Steve Lopez writes an eloquent, very personal story of a homeless, mentally ill man with a brilliant, talented past. It is totally by chance that Lopez meets Nathaniel Ayers along Skid Row in downtown LA. Captivated by the music Nathaniel plays on a beat-up violin that is missing two essential strings, Lopez steps over the threshold into a world very unlike his own.
As a reporter, Lopez’s style is rich, tactile and complete. We follow Nathaniel’s trail of breadcrumbs from humble beginnings in Cleveland to Julliard to the tunnel in LA where he sleeps.
Lopez’s visually evocative language creates a spell that shows us how the mentally ill are marginalized and along with him, we ride the magic carpet of great hopes for recovery and change and then plummet into the depths of Nathaniel’s delusional brain chemical mania.
All the while, Lopez allows us to experience his personal emotional struggle of managing a reporter’s tettering job, a wife, a two year old daughter and his commitment to helping Nathaniel, once a musical prodigy, now brought down by schizophrenia.
Poignant and touching, this book is a true story of people so real, you will wake from the page with music in your ears and in your heart.
Customer Review: The Soloist
The Soloist by Steve Lopez was such an excellent read. I related to the music side because I am a pianist and the mental illness side. I’ve never had Schizophrenia, but when feeling down I know how revitalizing music is. This was a warm, touching story that pulls you in and makes you care about Mr. Nathaniel Ayers. I could feel and understand his love for the music. I would like to know how he’s doing and what became of him. I have never felt that way after reading a story. The story just touches the humanity in me and I think in everyone who reads it.

The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers “John Gardner was famous for his generosity to young writers, and (this book) is his . . . gift to them. The Art of Fiction will fascinate anyone interested in how fiction gets put together. For the young writer, it will become a necessary handbook, a stern judge, an encouraging friend.”–The New York Times Book Review.
Customer Review: Vividness, Psychic Distance, and Word Rhythms
After finishing this book, I had mixed feelings. I liked how it helped integrate three quality concepts into my writing (mentioned in title), but at the same time, I felt like Gardner’s audience was only white male MFA (masters of fine arts) students. I had only read about half the classic literature works used as references, and of those, I hated several (notably the works of Faulkner). Gardner mentions novels a modern editor would be horrified at as ’shining examples.’

Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama, Ninth Edition Literature, 9/e, the most popular introduction of its kind, is organized into three genres Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. As in past editions, the authors’ collective poetic voice brings personal warmth and a human perspective to the discussion of literature, adding to students’ interest in the readings. An introduction to a balance of contemporary and classic stories, poems, and plays. Casebooks offer in-depth look at an author or clusters of works, for example “Latin American Poetry. Authors Joe Kennedy and Dana Gioia provide inviting and illuminating introductions to the authors included and to the elements of literature. Coverage of writing about literature is also included. For those interested in literature.
Customer Review: Excellent Text
I had to pick this up for a college course…it has an excellent sampling of various literature written in different styles and at different time periods.