a response to Mr. reader from Flagstaff
931170
I find it odd that someone would pick up a high fantasy book, knowing that it's one, and complain about the magical elements.  It's almost the same as picking up "Mists of Avalon" and complaining that it focused too much on the Arthurian legend.  It reads like a different genre from "Comfort and Joy" because it so obviously *is*.
And Jessex is hardly the Mary Sue that the reader above complained about; his overwhelming innocence/naivete, perhaps because of his complete lack of the ability to analyze, I think, is his fatal flaw.  It bordered on stupidity and because of it, his world was nearly destroyed when it could have been easily saved, if he only had a pinch more wisdom.  It's grating and annoying that he never suspect any of the upcoming events in his life, which any reader of average intelligence will forsee miles away.
However, such isn't a complaint against the book itself.  The book remained engrossing and enormously beautiful despite, or because of, Jessex, flaws and all.  And Mr. Grimsley, imho, did a brilliant job and his choice to tell the story from Jessex's POV is, in the end, the perfect choice.
245353
I enjoyed your novel. Lots of engrossing moments. I found a number of spelling and grammatical issues. Where shall I send them? My email is f.gucciardo@cox.net.
Thanks/fg
2933972
&#65279;Who is this Dr. Spetner and is he worth our reading?  Well he is a graduate of the most prestigious MIT.  He has been in science for over 30 years.  Okay.  What does he have to say.
  Dr. Spetner opens his book by telling us that before Darwin, the general thought of the scientific community was that God had created.  But to what was Dr. Spetner referring?  Was he thinking of the words of the head of Geology at Darwin's former college? For in 1860 Professor Dr. Adam Sedgwick had written to his former student about Darwin's recent 1859 publication, "On the Origin of Species, By Means of Natural Selection, Or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle of Life."  Dr. Sedgwick said, in his letter, that although he enjoyed some of the things Darwin had written about his journey, there were parts of the book, including its main thesis that was absurd to that professor and he wrote to Mr. Darwin:  "parts I laughed at until my sides were almost sore."  Adam Sedgwick, Woodwardian Professor of Geology and President of the Geological Society of London continued "other parts I read with absolute sorrow, because I think them utterly false and grievously mischievous."
  For some reason we have lost from our society the early criticism of Charles Darwin's work, but this work by Dr. Spetner is a return to the past, perhaps a gallop.  He returns via criticism of the more recent defenses of the Darwinian evolutionary theory.  His work is in many ways a more modern, more scientific, and harder read then the work of I.L. Cohen who in 1984 had enough courage to write:  "DARWIN WAS WRONG, A Study in Probabilities"  Cohen's work was an easier read then Spetner, but Dr. Spetner was less difficult then the 1999 published formula laden work of Sir Fred Hoyle, "Mathematics of Evolution" Yet all three of these men agree that mathematically, Darwin's Evolution was impossible as an explanation for life.
  Not to be out shone by evolutionists, Duane Gish, PhD but a young Earth creationist, had written in the 1980s that the fossils said Darwin was wrong in his work, The Fossils Still Say No. Yet Gish was only echoing the criticism of a Darwin contemporary, Harvard Professor, J. Louis Aggasiz, who openly criticized "Darwin and his henchmen."  Dr. Aggasiz wrote:
"Until our days all the Physiology admitted, as an axiom based upon the experience of all time, that the descendants of any living beings having the faculty of reproduce (sic-reproduction) are the living picture of their parents, and that the very fertility of these beings was the guarantee of the conservation of their types.  . . .  I am ignorant of where the darwinian school drew the facts on which it claims ground to state that, far from remaining constant, the beings organized from successive generations tend to differentiate more and more from each other, . . .  Darwin and his henchmen did not present facts which could prove that these organisms descend from unlike types which lived in a prior period."
  With Dr. Spetner's work, one can see the scientific mind rejecting Darwinism and neo-darwinian theory.  Dr. Spetner finally concludes that the cell, especially at the DNA information level is not possibly explained by Darwin or neo-darwinism.  Thus with Dr. Spetner, we see him going back to the past at almost a gallop.  But after all when anyone saw he was in danger in the mid 1800s,
it was best to move at a gallop.
  It is hoped that Dr. Spetner's work will be one that is used to help us see that the answer is not in Darwin (or his henchmen).  As Dr. Jastrow, a famous astronomer and scientist wrote in 1978,
how disappointing it will be when the scientist climbs over that last hindrance of prejudice and climbs to the top of the mountain.  There he finds theologians who had been there all along.  I suppose we do have to concede that no matter what we believe, there is no proof that the words that open the Bible are not true, perhaps  IN THE BEGINNING, GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH.  (smile)
2956192
Am sorry can my response be delayed?
I have not yet finished reading the book.
But it has been very interesting.
491918
One comment-the use of the word "mater" repeatedly instead of matter was off putting. Also, several times the word off had only one f making it necessary to insert the letter by  one 's self.. I do enjoy proper usage. Perhaps a more precise bit of proofreading is in order. Thanks for a great read.
2838304
Though blowing my own horn is not my style, these comments by a good friend are helpful.

Fred:
I found interest or amusement in so many of the ideas, big and little, in the novel:  The fact that Brad was a sad, flawed hero and Sangrawee was unflawed but even sadder.  That paleontology and prostitution are two venerated professions.  That the past and its lessons are now valued by civilization, and, hence, geology/paleontology are prestigious professions.  That all the cities and towns now seem to be called NEW ______.  Pills that permit you to function normally but make you forget later (today we have pills that make you forget, but they don't permit you to function normally).  I even liked the typesetting, i.e., the smudgy appearance of the title, author's name, and chapter numbers.  Most of all, I like that I learn something from your novels--about Belize, fiords and Stonehenge, and now about prehistoric mammals.  Maybe that's par for the course for science fiction, or maybe it's your novels in particular.  Regardless, I am always amazed at how much research goes into each one.  ----JODY WILSON, Tucson, AZ
357555
Hello Katie B, this is Crista Havey Grimwood and I am Birney Havey's daughter. While I appreciate your opinions and comments on my father's first hand account and perception of the reality of war; one a history book nor a degree would ever be able to deliver, it disturbs me that you are swayed enough to believe anything different.
My father has raised two daughters and has taught us to accept nothing less than the up most respect from gentlemen from opening doors to helping us with our chairs being pulled out at a nice restaurant.
It saddens me that you have formed such an opinion to the point that you feel my Silver Star recipient of a war hero and a French Legion of Honor for a father deserves to be all but Court Marshalled. Shame on you.
The only reason you are even able to express your opinion of a first hand encounter of a 17 year American solider is due to the fact that he fought for your right to do so.
I wish you nothing but the best and FREEDOM to pursue a topic you are interested in  but you do owe him and his family an apology.
After all, being an American is having the freedom and right to speak candidly. I'm sorry you feel the need for a Silver Star recipiant be censored.
As an educator myself, I would never want to take a course from someone whom only views history from his/her own perception of what they want to know. Please take care and I wish you the best.
War is exactly that; war. You have no idea how or what you would do faced with the same situation.
My father has been diagnosed with profound PTSD and sleeps with a light on at all hours; all so you can sleep with yours off.
3393997
Daniel, I read your book with avid interest.
 If I were to summarize (as you so eloquently pointed our brains compartmentalize all information) this book, I would do so in a following sentence
 "Listen to what the other person states in a given moment about a particular question and his/ her emotional state when asked and don't think his or her opinion will be more off then your own imagination."

I did have an issue with us humans being the same...sure we all have arms, legs, breathe oxygen, BUT when it comes to morality, (some are more likely to help an old lady cross the street, and some over come by greed would  strip an old lady of her last cent.  How does that equate us humans on a large scale? Why some people are more prone to do random acts of kindness and some are more prone to violence? Where is the equality there if we are all just grapes on a vine?

 Thank you for your research and ideas!
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Not a native but lived here for over 40 yrs. , and observed much of what Jay Leutze presented in his book( including knowing or knowing of some of his key characters). Most of the native mtn. people along with we outsiders want to maintain the natural beauty of this area. Everyone needs to make a living, but blasting into the side of a mtn. for the granite within makes for permanent damage that can never be replaced. I so appreciate the battle he fought to preserve what nature intended to be maintained forever, and find other means to make a buck .
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It is important for readers to know that author Rubin is more than an thru-hiker of the AT. He has also been an active member of PATH (Piedmont Appal Trail Hikers) for many years, a volunteer group that maintains a  57-mile stretch of the AT in SW Virginia. Robert, with others of our group,  helps thru-hikers have a clear path, by removing fallen trees and other  obstacles. Robert also served as PATH's newsletter editor for a long time,  redesigning its look and redesigning our distinctive patch. He has many  times over "given something back" to the AT, rather than merely  hiking it and then moving on to something else. He continues to serve the  AT with his editorship of "Appalachian Trailways News" in Harpers  Ferry and support of PATH. Thanks, Robert, for taking us along your trek  north to Maine. About 33 volunteer groups take care of the AT along the  2,166-mile route. Karl KunkelHigh Point, NC
67696
Dear Mr. Ludlum, I have been guilty of this in the past, but now Amazon has given me the opportunity to publicly offer an apology. You undoubtably have spent decades refining your craft, and I would imagine that months/years of effort go into each book. So why the apology? I read your most recent book within 24 hours of purchasing it. It seems a tad disrespectful to consume that much talent in so brief a time. The story is outstanding, and can be read by those who did not read the first installment, although I would reccomend that they do read the first "Matarese". Your book does lack the following, endorsements/pleas from other authors or periodicals beseeching others to buy a book. A recent book was accompanied by, "please purchase this book as a favor to me", the arrogance! And this plea was from a regular on the New York Times Best-Seller List. Your books need only your name on the cover, and perhaps a title. Your competition/wanna-bees fall "like the fireflys in a heavy rain" as you suggested in your book. Great Metaphor! Wonderful book, may you write dozens more! Francis McInerney
4743390
As one of the persons who is quoted by Maurice Osborn as a promotor of his book I find it necessary to add the following statement: Neither FIGU nor I (as a FIGU member) do promote his book, because it is based on a non-authorized translation from a non-corrected old version of the Contact Notes. Nevertheless, I think that the book is interesting reading stuff to many people because there is still only a tiny fragment of Billy Meier's and FIGU's texts available in English. However, the readers must be aware of the fact that Maurice Osborn's summary of Wendelle Stevens' "Message from the Pleiades" books has not been checked regarding its accordance with the information from the revised new German edition of the Contact Notes which have been and still are being published as "Plejadisch-plejarische Kontaktgespr&auml;che" (up to now more than 4500 pages). Therefore, it can be said that certain passages of "The Essence of the Notes" quite probably will not correspond with the actual information conveyed to us by the Pleiadians/Plejaren and Billy Meier. Interested persons may find additional information here: [...]

Christian Frehner, FIGU Switzerland
1732826
Dear Mr. Wiesel,

I was extraordinarily dismayed to read your advertisement in the New York Times today (August 4, 2014)  the one in which you accuse Hamas of child sacrifice. This, on the same day that the paper is full of reportage of multiple Israeli killings of Palestinian children in United Nations shelters. Of which you have not a word to say, except to demand that Israeli soldiers not be criticized, to exculpate them as facing a terrible choice. And to characterize Israel as those who celebrate life. Have you no shame, sir?

What is particularly heartbreaking about reading this advertisement is that I have taught your book, Night, and taught it as a universalist statement which, as the Nobel Committee put it, embrace[s] all repressed peoples and races. Except for Palestinians, apparently. Knowing your apparent beliefs, I can never use your book again, or I would be as hypocritical as you are, sir. Or I would have to break my students hearts and reveal to them that the same man who writes about Nazi savagery gives his own group a pass when they are the murderers. Or should I split hairs and explain to them that collective punishment which is not followed by genocide is somehow acceptable?

Is it really true, sir, that this war is yet another struggle for [Israeli] survival? (my underlining) You must be aware that this is an absurd statement, turning the oppressor, the ghettoizer, into the victim; it betrays either a lack of connection to reality or purposeful deceit. Is describing this war as one of civilization versus barbarism an example of a message of peace, atonement and human dignity? (Nobel citation) Only in a world devoid of morality. I thought you believed in a universal morality, sir, but apparently I (and the Nobel Committee) was in error; you can only see tragedy when it falls on those you find suitable victims. For shame, sir.
3655288
My ex-girlfriend suggested The Truth Machine to me. I am sure she ment it as a slight but then I happened to see it and picked it up, and I am glad she said that. I don't believe I have ever felt more empathy for a literary  character than I did for Petey. As far as relationships are concerned, hey, take the thought of whether or not you  can trust a person out of the equation. Wouldn't it be nice to scip the salesman the next time you get a new car?  However some questions should never be scipped; Do you think these jeans make me look fat? Who do you  think is a better cook me or your mother? Perhaps a white-lie tolerance should be allowed. Or hopefully people  will learn not to ask those kinds of questions.
588413
Mr. Erlichman, I want to congratulate you on this outstanding read.  I, myself was a University History major, 20 years ago.  I continue to study European History through literature and research.  I wish they had your book as required reading when I was a student-it would have been so enjoyable to read, analyze and discuss.  Glad I found it now.

I see that your have penned other fascinating historical accounts.  In fact, with great anticipation I look forward to reading your book "Camino Del Norte: How a Series of Watering Holes, Fords, And Dirt Trails Evolved into Interstate 35 in Texas" which I just ordered here on Amazon.

Incredible Read!
117488
At the request of the author I am posting an edited version of the e-mail message I sent him.
  Good day, sir. I just wanted to tell you that I was quite impressed by your book. Very rarely do I read a book that changes  the way I look at life but your book has had that effect on me. As somebody  who has spent a lot of time studying military history nothing I have seen  or read described war the way your book has. It will totally change the way  I forever view military history. I have never participated in combat (or  served in the military for that matter) but your book did a lot to help me  understand what these men have gone through.
  I also found your  section on Killing in America very thought provoking. To be honest, I have  never given much thought to violent movies or video games. I have always  assumed that "good people know its all fake" and reason will  triumph but your book did a lot to challenge my assumptions. Not only will  it change the way I look at the issue but I think it will change my movie  and television viewing habits.
  I think your book should be mandatory  reading for any politician who has any power over their country's military  forces. I think both the country and the troops who serve would be better  for it.
  To summarize, it was an excellent book and you should  continue your work. Your work is doing a lot to help society understand its  soldiers and soldiers to understand themselves.
806262
Daer Shawn,
My family met you in Jacksonville, Oregom. I am quite sure that you do not remember me or my wife and kids.
Your songs have inspired me to go on in life and do my best, regardless of the politics, both local and national.
Thanks for agreeing that Hilary Clinton is a bold faced liar and unworthy to even be a homestead senator in New York state.
There is an amazingly large group of American physicians that are planning to move to New Zealand if she is elected and when her destruction of the finest healthcare system in the world is destroyed.
Who can explain New York or for that matter even the east coast as a HOLE(pun intended).
The sooner she has a heart to heart with the lord, Jesus Christ(or Teddy Rooseveldt), the better.
I hope and pray that your daughter is happy wholesome and loving.
Warm regards,
Dr. Jim Morrow
P.S. Whenever your songs are on the radio or CD, my children smile, laugh in delight and want to know when they will see you again. Your concert in Jacksonville, Oregon left them with VERY happy memories of you
P.S.S. If Clinton is elected, plan on learning Farsi, Arabc, chinese, etc. in order to communicate with your new 3rd world "physician."
P.S.S.S.
You and your family are always welcome to stay with us, very quiet and peacefully for as long as you like.
P.s.s.s.s. My Granfather, Wiliam Sherman Morrow, earned his citizenship by commiting to be an indentured servant for 7 years, after those 7 years, he earned enough money to bring his family, including my DAD, to America to earn a decent living and, yes, he is the famous publisher. Very few people know of his initial plight to the states to become successful.