Audio Books

Sydney Taylor's classic book for middle readers is set in the Lower East Side of New York City and depicts the life of a traditional Jewish family in the early 20th century. All-of-A-Kind Family is the first in a series of novels about the lively family and is a sweet, charming read. The story takes the reader through most of year and involves not just the family but their friends and acquaintances, too. The book opens with a chapter about going to the library, and the children's librarian (or "library lady," as the girls like to call her) is a gentle, recurring presence. The children's adventures include a trip to the market, scarlet fever and an outing to Coney Island, where one of the girls gets temporarily, and happily, lost. Meanwhile the story meanders through a year of Jewish holidays and teaches the reader a little about each one. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Shabbat and how Taylor contrasts the hubbub of shopping and preparations with the simple serenity of the day itself. The family relationships struck me as very true and believable- for example, Papa's ambivalence regarding the present the girls get for his birthday and his quick turnaround struck me as realistic and human. I can imagine any parent reacting the way he did initially and then rallying in the end. I appreciate Taylor's honesty about her characters throughout the book, too. It's a great book for anyone and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series and sharing in the further adventures of this fun, busy family.

All-of-a-Kind Family was a turning point in the history of Judaic children's literature - the first mainstream book with Jewish characters! In memory of author Sydney Taylor, the Association of Jewish Libraries gives out the Sydney Taylor Book Award each year to the best in Judaic children's literature. See lists of winners at www.sydneytaylorbookaward.org.

Also, you can hear an interview with Jo Taylor Marshall, the daughter of Sydney Taylor, on The Book of Life podcast's October 2007 episode "Catch Me a Classic!" Jo shares memories of the real people who became the characters in the series. Tune in at www.bookoflifepodcast.com!

All-of-a-kind Family
This book was a good historical fiction book that I chose to read. Every chapter had a new theme and it portrayed the time period of 1912-1913.

This is one of my all-time childhood favorites. I simply loved this book and even after more than 30 years, I still have in my mind the imagery of these stories and the five sisters. Other than possibly Harriet The Spy, I can't think of a better book for elementary school readers.

All-of-a-Kind Family was absolutely my favorite children's book; and I was an avid reader. It was warm, culturally rich (teaching me about a culture other than my own), and absolutely delightful! I loved it and heartily recommend it to young girls. In fact, I'm going over to lend a copy to a nine-year-old right now!

This book is one of the many Alex Rider books; this is defiantly an action thriller. This takes place all around Europe from Venice to England. Its theme is about a young teenage spy who has to solve mind puzzlers to saving damsels in distress. It starts in a little town in Europe when Alex and his new friend Sabina are on a vacation; But Alex ends up seeing Yassen Gregorvich, the man who killed his uncle. After Alex sees this man everything starts to go wrong. The adventure involves a famous singer named Damian Cray; this man is also the man who made the new game system called the Game Slayer. This seems nothing more then a way to make money for Cray but really it is really to fund Cray's evil plan.
One part of the book that I think you will really enjoy is a chapter called "Pain Synthesis". This chapter is when Alex has to face real challenges that are in a video game for the Game Slayer. Also Alex has to face a deadly python, gods, flying spears and electric vines.
The climax is at the end where a crazy super star is in control of weapons of mass destruction. The turnout is incredible on Air Force One. But I can't tell you the turnout you have to read the book to find out what happens.

This is a compelling, shocking, and thrilling book. this is about Alex Rider a teenager being forced to do spy work again to save his friend but this time he must do it alone. This is an action/adventure/suspense/thriller fiction novel. Four and a half stars out of five because, it had nonstop action and kept me guessing what was going to happen next throughtout the entire book. people wgi enjoy Darren Shan or Christopher Polini will enjoy this. tgis is a wonderful read for people of all ages.

I read all of the Alex Riders (not including Snakehead)and Eagle Strike is the best. It has so much action from start to finish. The best part is when Alex is thrown into a real life replica of a violent video game. It's so good you won't be able to (willingly) put the book down.

Bought this for my very active 12 year old (kiteboarding, surfing, skateboard, video game enthusiast, and musician) who has not been particularly enamored with reading--considers it "not fun" --like going to the dentist. He says he couldn't put it down. Read it in 4 days during the school week. Claims it's the best book he has ever read. Granted, hasn't read many, but getting him to enjoy a book this much is a major victory. He wants me to get all the books in this series.

"Eagle Strike" is an amazing book. I have read it many times and every time it is just as intense as the time before. The book is very well-written, with graphic descriptions and intense sequences where you don't know what is going to happen next.
Alex Rider's resourcefulness is amazing and definitely very handy in tight spots, such as the time when he took wire and half a spear and tied it to look like he was impaled in order to trick the guards who were trying to kill him. I wouldn't have thought of that.
Another interesting aspect of the book is the villian. Damian Cray is a man who has good motives but bad ways of accomplishing them. He thinks that the ends justify the means, (spoiler alert) but using America's nuclear weapons to blow up all drugs isn't a very nice idea.
This book puts a new perspective on the life of a spy. To Alex, the people at MI6 are cold, manipulative people who will do anything to get their way, and they just want to use Alex to accomplish their dangerous missions. Also, any person in the organization is portrayed like other adults in the series and won't believe kids when they tell them that an extremely famous and influential person is an insane killer.
"Eagle Strike" and all the other books in the Alex Rider series are very well written, and I can't wait for the newest book to come out.

Jackie Chan has had a very eventful life. When he was a child he lived in on an ambassadors mansion in Hong Kong. Soon he was sent to a Cantonese Opera school, which was a boarding school where he was trained, day and night for over 10 years of his young life, in the ways of Chinese Opera. Chinese Opera is not the same Opera you and I may think of it as, but instead is a very acrobatic physically demanding show. He then went into the stuntman business, which was a very difficult road for him. For many years he struggled with finding work but he soon became a much wanted stuntman. Eventually he went into small acting parts, which led to bigger acting parts. Soon enough he was a huge success in Hong Kong, and eventually got married to a famous Chinese actress. Jackie still travels a lot and his wife is a stay at home wife who raises his son.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading. It is full of constant action and keeps your attention. I Am Jackie Chan is an easy read and fast paced I was unable to put it down, except of course when class was over.

I Am Jackie Chan My Life in Action 1998 5/5
Written by :Jackie Chan & Jeff Yang

Easily one of the best books I have ever read. This books contains 398 pages of pure joy. Seriously I read this book In one sitting . I was already a fan of Jackie Chan now I have so much respect for him. The copy I own includes a extra chapter, I would say it's worth buying again to read that extra chapter. Jackie Chan had a very interesting upbringing filled with beating and let downs. I mean he was abandoned by his parents who essentially sold him to the Peking Opera. Where they had the power to punish him up till death.

In here Jackie talks about the makings his earlier films. I really enjoyed this book as much as I enjoy his movies. Jeff Yang has said in interviews that there is works to release a second volume. Lets hope for that!

my wife's english is not good. but she found that it is very easy to understand this book as Jackie's movie. She has fun with it and use it to prove her english.

Dood tottally I'm not kidding, Jackie Chan is like a god amongst men, a god who makes flawed movies in his old age (flawed is polite considering the horrible movies he's currently putting out). Man Jackie Chan is so great it makes my balls sweat whenever I think about it, in this book he talks about how he and his crew broke into an amusement park to steal... not money but bread crumbs!!! Becuase Master wanted his students to work hard, this is not a book for weaklings, they will fret and feel weak as they learn of the heroic and disciplined exploits of my man JACKIE FING CHAN! Man in this book he talks about how some dudes wanted to fight, but he didn't cuase Master taught him only to fight for show and not fight for violence. Man the world would be a better place if we all had to read this book. Mandatory reading for High Schools this should be.

A fascinating insight into the mind and career of the world's biggest movie star. With exhaustive (and exhausting!) descriptions of Jackie's brutal Peking opera training and early days as a stuntman and actor, almost everything you want to know about Jackie is here.

Not that there aren't omissions - his illegitimate son Jaycee, now trying to make a name for himself as an actor, is never mentioned. Jackie is also quick to take credit (he claims 'Half a Loaf of Kung Fu' and 'Snake in the Eagle's Shadow' were the first kung fu comedies, which they weren't) and slow to give it out (he describes his opera brothers' film 'The Prodigal Son,' arguably the best kung fu movie ever made, as "solid"). But Jackie's charisma and determination shine through on every page, and you can't help but admire the guy. A must read for Jackie fans and aficionados of Hong Kong cinema.

Husband bought for out daughter (almost 3) about 5-6 months ago and they are her favorite. I went and bought the rest from amazon. Wonderful books!!!!
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I bought this for my daughter as a Christmas gift and it has remained my favorite of her books to date. She, like any 2 year old, goes in phases of loving it and refusing to read it, but I never tire of reading this one. The story is just fun to read, with a delightful cadence and rhythem (as others have said).

The "Book Bear Snores On" by Karma Wilson and illustrations by Jane Chapman is a fantastic fantasy story for children to enjoy. Because the story is written in rhyme, it makes an easy flow and more fun to read. Wilson creates a good story about friendship and it makes a decent bed time story for young children.

This story is about a gathering of forest creatures that go into a Bears lair to get out of the winters cold. They have a party while the bear is hibernating. They do not think that he will wake up, but while they are making stew a piece of pepper makes the bear sneeze and wake up with a ROAR. The animals are frightened, but the bear was only upset because he missed out on the party. A mouse tells him not to be alarmed and gives him goodies and he tells forest creatures stories all through the night. In the end it is the other creatures sleeping and snoring rather then the bear.

As you can see it is full of excitement, drama, friendships, and fun. I recommend this book to possibly a school teacher or a parent who wants to enjoy smiling with there children. I believe this book will become a childhood favorite if read. What I love most about "Bear Snores On" is the clarity, poetry, and pictures; they are beautiful paintings.

-Holly Williams

This book is adorable both for the rhyming story words and also for its beautiful illustrations. It's about a snoozy bear in his cave who keeps snoozing while animal friends come in to get warm. As more animals come in they have tea and corn together next to a little campfire near bear. Even more animals come in from the cold and begin to have a little party and make some noises around the campfire. Finally, bear wakes up and realizes that he's missed out on all the fun, but all his friends decide they can have some more tea and corn next the fire with Bear, and in the morning, when bear is wide awake, Bear's friends snooze just like Bear had done in the night. It's a fun story with a lot of excitment, socializing and reactions that happen, with lots of great illustrations to make it all the more fun and exciting. Wonderful and beautiful story.

I'm always happy to write about my 2-year old son's favorite books, but I'll let you in on a secret - I probably love Bear Snores On more than my son does! There are some books on my son's bookshelf that I have to grit my teeth and roll my eyes before reading (over and over again), but Bear Snores On is not one of them. I'm actually disappointed on those rare occasions that he doesn't request this book before bedtime. Here's why.

Karma Wilson knows what makes a book so effective for children. Her rhyming cadence and repeated refrain "but the bear snores on" establish a completely infectious rhythm that aids in memorization. I can stop at any point in this book and my son will immediately chime in with the next line.

Jane Chapman's gorgeous illustrations are the other half of what makes this book so wonderful. Her animal characters are both stylized and lifelike (you can easily imagine what it might feel like to grab a big fistful of the bear's fur), and their facial expressions are priceless.

Aside from the story and artwork, there is the pure sweet joy of getting lost in reading to my child. I say this with no false modesty - my "bear waking up" is awesome! I can "jump and stomp and growl and grumble" with the best of them, and trading the bear's lines with my son never fails to leave us both grinning from ear to ear.

If you have a toddler in the family, you really have to get this book. Chances are you'll enjoy it just as much (if not more than) they will.

I have read many military books. This is the best one I have ever read. I suggest the sequel "back in the life" as well as "Weapon" and "Solo". Anything written by Mason is good.

Bob Mason wrote a very eloquent, very eye-opening account of his Vietnam tour as a helicopter pilot.

Having just lost my older brother, who was also a helicopter (slick) pilot in 67-68 with the D Troop 1/10 Cav (Shamrocks) and A Co., 4th Avn Bn (Black Jack), I found just how much he sugar-coated the "war stories" he told myself and our siblings when we were pre-teens/teens. After reading Chickenhawk, it's a miracle that Bob Mason (and my brother) ever made it home at all. It seems that if this war didn't get you physically, it sure got you mentally and emotionally - making you pay one way or another.

From a woman's point of view, I recommend this book to every woman who ever had a son, brother, uncle or husband in Vietnam. This is what our Vietnam heroes went through for US ... somehow, a mere "thank you" will never be enough.

Welcome home, Bob. Thanks for all you gave up for us.

I was in the 1/9th Blues at the time of which this was written. I was in the "Horseshoe LZ", wounded and medivaced. This book is real, like I wish I didn't remember it. We didn't know each other but we were in the same place at the same time. Belive me this guy was there and does a very good job of describing the situation. I sometimes give lectures to classrooms about Vietnam and I always recommend this book, so I recommend it to you readers as well.

Chickenhawk? Yes, these men in their 20s both feared their missions and fought for them to the limits of what their harware allowed them to do, displaying incredible bravery. This story takes you in South-Vietnam and into the world of the Air Cavalry that distinguished brilliantly itself in this theater of operations. Reading this book tells even tricks to better fly the very much famed "Huey Chopper" under extreme conditions. This book is one of the very finest choice for the UH-1D engagement in SEA. Thank you so much Mr. R. Mason!

The author has a easy to read come-a-long with me style of writing that works exceptionally well given that he by-in-large avoids the politics except as they intersect in the daily life of an army pilot making these rare scenes very compelling such as Bob in is Saigon hotel on R&R contemplating the question, "Why don't the Vietnamese fight the VC like the VC fight the Vietnamese?" We share these thought with Bob as if for the first time in spite of the many years that have passed. The understanding that the war was not "winable" the way it was being fought dawns on both the author and the reader and we share the author's dispair.

The air action scenes are the best ever put to pen and the best ever likely to emerge from the SE Asian conflict. The author exhibits a rare and powerful ability to paint vivid scenes with a great economy of words that makes the text both crisp and very fast paced.

Honesty and rye humor coexist with raw human emotions of grief, injustice, fear and anger providing an authentic feel as the author spares no one especially himself a good hard look in the mirror and in spite of his defects the author becomes an unlikely hero who you can't help but like and this makes the closing lines so very painful.

Chickhawk is the best book produced for laymen on airmoble warfare and is certainly in the running for the best book ever about the Vietnam war.

I love SARK. This is another addition to the wonderful collection of whimsical, colorful, and insightful books she has written.

Very easy (and fun) to read, if i'm ever feeling down, I just read a few pages of SARK and I always feel a little better.

This book is a good introduction to the world of SARK and great gift if you know any woman that needs a self esteem boost. It's witty and deep without being tedious to read or annoyingly sweet. Sometimes we all need to be reminded that we are wonderful and creative beings and need that little inspiration to connect with our spirit to create and do things that make us feel alive.

SARK shows us that attitude and small actions can make positive and unexpected things happen in our lives. she gives many examples of this from her own life. Love it! every woman should own a copy.

My finding this book was quite the happy accident. It was like making a good friend. It's colorful and creative presentation didn't prepare me for the possibilities I could explore inside. On those days, when you want or need something more to hold on to, pick up this book. Every page holds something of value!

Nice book....I appreciate the author's writing style, however the use of multi-colored text combined with the funky fonts makes it difficult to read.

This is a great book!!! Buy it for yourself and other women you know. I gave this book to several women as gifts and all of them have told me how much they love it and many have passed it along or bought copies for their girlfriends. This is an easy and fun read and hits on issues that many women deal with in a comical and realistic way. You should definitely buy this book!

This book is a must have for any woman or young lady. I kept checking out this book from the library over and over again anytime I felt pressured by friends, family, or even pop culture to become something I wasn't. I finally realized that with all of the late fees I racked up I could have purchased the book five times over.

It encourages women to live life to the fullest and be who they truly are. If you are having even the slightest bit of confidence issues, this book is for you. Dive In!

EVERY married person, male or female, should read this book. Very well written, interesting, and knowledgable. My husband and I agree that if we would have read this book a year ago, we would not be separated and in counseling. I can't wait to read the rest of her books!

This was the first book that I read in Lerner's Dance series
and I must say, it changed my life. The book teaches you how
to break out of the familial patterns that keep you stuck in
one position: the backseat. No, you won't become an overly
angry woman but I certainly felt like that at times. Instead,
it shows you where anger comes from and how to talk to others
without screaming at them. I learned how to become more assertive.

Lerner asserts that it's dangerous for a woman not to speak
her mind, however, society says that speaking out is equivalent
to being bitter or angry or anti-male. This is NOT what Lerner
wants women to learn but instead learn how to take a more
self-assertive position in intimate relationships. If, like
me, you had a problem in the past with being real at all times
and telling others how you truly felt, then please grab this book!

Very insightful. If you can't figure out why you're not getting along with family check this out.

What an eye opener! I highly recommend it to all women. It's like seeing suddenly your blind spots - sometimes not pretty but what a relief to understand yourself better, to understand why we do what we do. I will give it to my daughter when she's adolescent. And to all young women in my family. Thank your for writing it, Mrs. Lerner!

When I read a book that inspires me, I mark the pages that I want to go back and study again. Of the 232 pages in The Dance of Anger, I turned down over 50 corners. My first reading was in 1989, and I still go back and find reasons why this book made such an impact on my life.

The biggest lesson was to put more 'I' in my life. Then, to remember that I have a right to my thoughts and feelings; that no one else will take responsibility for me; that I cannot change other people; and that the only person I have power over is myself.

The Dance of Anger has to do with becoming your own person without losing others. Anger can be a tool for managing our relationships and helping us become our best. I have recommended this book to many friends who are angry--at themselves, at their partners, at their families, at their employers--and, who have expressed a desire to improve their lives. It offers many excellent suggestions such as 'The Plan for Reshaping': think about your problem; seek temporary distance from it; don't place blame, be vague, or tell others how to feel; appreciate everyone's differences; speak up for yourself; and use the pronoun "I".

Take the challenge. Read the book. Become your own person.

by Doris Anne Roop-Benner
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

This book will help relieve your anxiety! I wish that every doctor's office would have a list of self-help books and include this one to help every person understand what is going on in their minds. Medicine is a help, not a cure. It can be scary if this is the 1st time you are going through difficult anxiety. I highly recommend this book. I have read other comments that say the book is dated. I agree with that comment, but I don't feel that interfered with the lessons learned or the knowledge gained from this book. There is Hope and Help for your nerves and this book is it!

This book definitely deserves 5 stars! Yes, it is outdated with the language, but it doesn't matter - it still does what it's supposed to - cures panic attacks. I'm serious. I've had them for years. I still don't trust my nervous condition, but the panic attacks are practically GONE. Reading this book, along with putting my trust in God has made a complete difference in my life. I wish I had known about this book years ago. I've been suffering with panic attacks for easily 13 years or more. There were times I wished I wasn't alive. If you have panic attacks, the shakes, unknown cause palpitations, etc. please read this book. It WILL change your life.

I was going through a really bad episode when a friend gave me a copy of this book. This was right around a patch of time when I couldn't get out of bed because I was afraid, and I didn't know what I was so afraid of.

Dr. Weekes' book is genuinely compassionate in tone, and it was as if she understood exactly what I was feeling. It took me a month to read past the first page, but Weekes seemed to be well aware that she was addressing someone in severe distress, and who had extreme difficulty in concentration and/or low energy. So I took this book in small doses so I wouldn't feel overwhelmed.

As a rule, I dislike "self-help" books. But Dr. Weekes' "dated" approach was more like old-fashioned empathy and kindness. My friend who gave me the book put a note inside to the effect that the book made him feel as if the doctor was talking personally, one-on-one, with him. Now I feel the same way.

People who are seriously depressed can't "snap out of it" but when given a little hope, can learn that they don't have to be doomed to a terrible life. Dr. Weekes' book gave me that hope, and I'm in her debt for it. The book didn't "cure" me but it made me more willing to do what I needed to do to feel well in time.

Very helpful book for the people who suffer with their nerves. It becomes your crutch until you can walk again and face the world.

Dr. Claire Weekes had an understanding not only of medicine and the human body, but people as well. In particular, she understood those who suffered with nervous symptoms and illness. She promised no magic secret or elusive cure known only to her, but set out in a sensible, realistic way to explain just how nervous symptoms 'trick' the body.

So many people are pushed to the brink because they don't understand what the body can do under prolonged stress, or as Dr. Weekes calls it, 'sensitization.' The heart skips a beat, you can't catch your breath, the pulse races, the stomach churns, you feel constantly off-balance, your hands tremble and on and on. Until you think you are some sort of mental case. Not so.

Because of the different personalities of individuals, (we all see and feel things differently), our thoughts and emotions can greatly enhance our lives and conversely they can make us miserable. It is interesting to note that most people who suffer from nervous disorders are quite feeling, kind, sensitive people. Those who suffer the tortures of an overloaded mind and nervous system often suffer quietly and believe that no one ever has suffered as they have.

Not true. You can get through it and this easy to use and practical book shows you how in great detail. The answer is simple though often not easy. It takes committment and practice on a daily basis to 'retrain' the brain and muscles that the terrifying feelings are just that, feelings. Depression, anxiety, phobias, and fears of all sorts are the product of a heightened sensitivity that can be overcome with understanding, patience with yourself, and a willingness to change.

When I first read this book, I was convinced that the symptoms I was experiencing were mine and mine alone. No one would or could ever understand, and to a large degree that is true. We are all different. It can be a living nightmare to go through prolonged symptoms and at the same time try and get those close to you to understand them. But the honest truth is that the way out of suffering is through it.

Of course, medication can help greatly. Some people may need it a short while, and others for a long time. It doesn't matter. You wouldn't tell a diabetic to just 'straighten up' and throw their insulin away unless of course, they no longer needed it. If it sounds as if I am a fan of medication prescribed under the right conditions by a competent doctor, I am. No one should feel guilty for trying to tackle nervous symptoms in whatever way they feel comfortable.

But you may also find that with the tools you will learn about in this book, the need of medication dramatically decreases. The key point is not to let the opinions of those without experience in what you are going through to dictate how you 'should' be. Be kind to yourself. You are a human being and deserve the right to live a life free of the agony of nervous symptoms. This book will show you how in a remarkable way. Yes, it really works.

Dr. Weekes was far ahead of her time in so many ways. But she also stands on a solid and timeless foundation of understanding and common sense that sets her apart from others in the field who claim that cures can be effected in strange and bizarre ways. Get this book, do what it says, and practice, practice, practice. Then endorse yourself for the effort win, lose, or draw. There is a way out and with Dr. Weekes' methods, you will learn how.

Purchased a lot of 8 books. All were in perfect condition, arriving in a timely manner. Great seller!

My husband and I both loved the Grinch as children. The book is wonderful and when read, you can't help but think of the animated short film and its music. Our son had his first Christmas this year and we've made reading about the Grinch part of our Christmas Eve traditions. It brings back such fond memories while creating new ones.

who doesn't love this book also love the shinny new cover

What I love about Dr. Suess is that he makes moralistic points without being preachy. And in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" Seuss creates a villian as enduring as Scrooge. Like Scrooge, the Grinch shows all of us that change--real, sincere change--is possible. That's a great message for young and old alike!

Also recommended: Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--another story (however, definitely not for kids) about an individual who ultimately is healed and transformed.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a classic tale about greed, materialism, and the kindness of man for his fellow man all wrapped up in one great big package! The illustrations are wonderful and the rhyming text impresses me. This is a story by Dr. Seuss that is so popular it was made into a Christmastime TV special; and it deserves every bit of recognition that it gets. (Note: this story is very popular; and because many, many people know it all the way through there are spoilers in this review.)

When the story begins we are introduced to the Grinch. He hates Christmas with all celebrations down in "Who-ville," a village he can see from his home on a mountain. The Grinch hates the noise, the caroling, the sharing of presents and the feast of "roast beast."

Eventually the Grinch gets an idea--he dresses up as Santa Claus and uses his dog Max for a reindeer; and this perverse take on the real Santa Claus tale is meant to strike people as ugly. The Grinch comes down from the mountain with his sled and his dog Max made up to look like a reindeer. Soon the Grinch steals all the presents, the stocking hung with care on the fireplace mantle, the roast beast, the Christmas trees--and even the firewood!

The Grinch gets quite a surprise when on Christmas day the "Whos" of "Who-ville" celebrate and rejoice anyway--without any material things to mark the holiday spirit. This shocks the Grinch and he must consider the possibility that Christmas doesn't just "come from a store."

Of course, once the Grinch learns his lesson he returns everything and there's quite a huge celebration with the Grinch leading the way as he carves the "roast beast." It's a very positive ending.

The moral of the story for our children is, of course, that Christmas DOESN'T just come from a store. The importance of Christmas with its religious significance and its message of good will toward all mankind is stressed without banging the child on the head too aggressively. The story overall makes for a fascinating experience for the children. I have many fond memories of watching this TV special and reading this book when I was a very young child.

As with many Dr. Seuss books, children can use this book on a concrete, literal level to improve their vocabulary and reading skills. Older kids will learn the importance of Christmas and the need for all mankind to respect each other and share the beauties of the world together.

I highly recommend this exceptional children's book.

This book enlightened me and really got to me, much more than I expected. I was delighted to read about the life of a 102-year old african american man from the south, as I am a 30-something white woman from MT. He has a lot to teach us, and a lot to remind us of and has a way of doing so that makes us thankful for what we have. George Dawson is a gem and I am pleased that someone took the time to put his story on paper. What a great book!

Even though this book was published six years ago, the message of "Life is so good" is timeless. It is a window into a world that we are all a part of, but some of us rarely see. Truly memorable! Dawson sees literacy as an incredible gift and he in turn gives the reader numerous ones in return.

Richard Glaubman's "Life Is So Good" is a real comeuppance for anyone whose outlook towards life runs along the lines of "I wish I had done X, but I'm too old to start now." Here's a man, George Dawson, who learned how to read at age 98. As a USA Today review aptly summarizes, "Dawson has become a literary hero, a testament to the power of perseverance." First-time author Glaubman expertly fleshes out Larry Bingham's award-winning 1998 Fort Worth Star-Telegram short story.

Dawson's tales of life in the Jim Crow-era South, his unquenchable work ethic, and his travels throughout North America make for compelling reading. Here is a man who was never given a shot to read when he was younger - economic circumstances forced him into full-time manual labor at a very early age. Despite significant hardship, his optimism and sense of self-worth never waver. The title really sums it up well here. Glaubman's final words from Dawson are "Life is so good and it gets better every day."

As other reviewers have noted, Chapter 1 of this book could stand alone as among the best short stories you'll ever read.

I like the memoir because George Dawson never gave up his dream to read and write. George was born in the late 1800's. His parents were not slaves, but his grandparents were once slaves. George was raised in Texas. His family was poor, and he never attended school. Georges started working at a very young age, drawing water from the well each morning for the house. George worked alongside his father in the fields. The work was hard, so was their life. They had to watch what they said and went in fear of the K.K.K. Twelve year old George went to work, and stayed with a white family to help out at home. His cousins came to live with his family because their parents died, so George was needed at home. George left home at twenty-one and worked in Tennessee building levees. It was two years before he returned back home.

Life is So Good is a story about George Dawson's dreams of receiving mail, learning to read and write at the age of ninety-eight, and his work ethic. I can relate to George's hard work and his work ethic. I beleive in hard work and doing it right the first time.

This book is sad and tells of struggles he had to go through. It is not easy reading at first because the chapters jumped around. But overall, it is a good book to read.

"Life is good just like it is"(233). "Don't worry about what someone else thinks. Just do the right thing and take pride in yourself"(214). The owner of this optimistic way of thinking toward life was George Dawson, the grandson of an African American slave, who worked hard his whole life but was illiterate until he turned 98 years old. From the time George Dawson was a young boy, he learned the importance of hard work from his father and gave up going to school to help raise his younger siblings since he was the oldest son of five children. Dawson felt that school was only for children, and he was never aware of adult education classes until he attended an ABE (Adult Basic Education) program. He was ashamed of his illiteracy, but no one around him knew it, not even his children, until Dawson told them. When signing a sheet, he had to mark his name with an X.

Dawson grew up in South, Texas, where there was a prevalence of strong racial discrimination. As a grandson of an African American slave, he suffered social injustices his whole life, including racism and poverty, but his cheerful view of life was the key to his mental and physical health. Dawson's wholesome life philosophy despite a racist society was transmitted to him from his father who taught him how to get along or deal with white people without friction; this was a realistic and functional survival skill. However, throughout the book, strong racism was well represented in every story and left me feeling sad and angry.

Nevertheless, their family worked hard so they could make enough to feed the family. Moreover, he left home to travel and work for about nine years here and there, not only inside the USA, but also in Canada and Mexico. These experiences away from home let him become acquainted with the ways of the world. During his lifetime, Dawson did not waste his time and tried as best as he could in any situation and he did not lose his warm heart nor fall into any misbehaviors under difficult circumstances.

He married four times and had seven children, but he sent all his children to college; for his life, he had always valued the importance of education. He had lived in three different centuries, from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 21st century. His life's journey in education as a member of the labor class and minority is a prime example of the American history of adult education in the 20th century. Interestingly, he traced back in memory to important social events or movements by looking at old photos or listening to past historical stories. Because he could not read the newspaper, he received the news from other people or the radio. His excellent memory enabled him to become literate in an ABE program at the age of 98 years old.

All through the book, I learned many actual philosophies of life. I thought that every ethnic group has its own specific life style, but I am reminded that the basic philosophy of life is not different between different races or classes; Dawson said that "...Every colored man had the same talk with his children: how to get along, how to survive in this world" (202). His philosophy was that, "A man is born to die. You got to keep that in mind and don't do no wrong" (257). This thinking was not new, but hearing these advices have produced a profound sense of meaning for me. He also said that, "You have no right to judge another human being,"(12) and "People forget that a picture ain't made from just one color. Life ain't all good or all bad"(233). He did not complain toward social injustices but kept his composure illustrated by his ability to keep calm. For example, when he was gardening for a white woman, he refused to eat a meal she served when he discovered she provided the same food to her dog.

However, I think that many parts of his optimistic perspectives towards social inequality were influenced by his illiteracy and non formal educational background. Without education, he was unable to articulate his human rights and desire for social reform. Criticisms directed towards social injustice were out of his realm of concern.
"I want for people not to worry so much. Life ain't going to be perfect, but things will work out" (246). "I guess the heat doesn't bother you people. You're fortunate that you can just keep working"(209). These positive thoughts were the cause of his long life; this book was published when he was 101 years old.

The school started at nine, but he got up by five-thirty and made his lunch, packed his books, and went over his schoolwork. He had always gone to school early and had not ever been late for three years since he began to attend the adult education program. When he turned one hundred years old, Dawson could read on a third-grade level.
I would definitely recommend this great book for any student over ten-year old children to let them know the importance of education, the value of literacy, and the sadness of a distorted social and racist environment. I also would like to recommend it to older generations who have been afraid of learning something at their age. I already handed this book to my teen-aged child with a brief explanation.

Those of us who are literate and highly educated people do not know the difficulties of illiteracy, but it is a shameful secret for many illiterate people. I think that illiteracy is mentally as debilitating as poverty. As a non-native English speaker, I have a similar sense of shame in many situations as Dawson might have had; this feeling is well synthesized into the story. This easy to read, meaningful, and impressive book kept me reading non-stop from the beginning to the end.
"Life is so good and it gets better every day" (260). I always would like to remember this philosophy of life.