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As a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity I look to St. Francis who found the depths of hope in Jesus Christ. Immaculalee also confirms that hope ('...only when the future is certain as a positive reality does it become possible to live the present as well'-On Christian Hope Spe Salvi, Benedict XVI) can be found in God in tragic and ordinary moments of life. Her call to share this message is life changing not only for her, but possible for all those who are also called to be transformed by reading this account.

I live in Rwanda and Immaculee is one of few survivors open about sharing her experiences...thank God for her! Her story will inspire everyone who reads it while being a "thriller" keeping you on the edge of your seat as she describes the tension of hiding from certain slaughter in a bathroom for 3 months.

A story of faith, tragedy, courage, survival and triumph. Immaculee Ilibagiza's riveting autobiographical story of living through the Rwandan holocaust is a story of her faith growing amidst the incomprehensible and shocking experience of genocide. The story of the Hutu tribe slaughtering the Tutsi tribe is the background for her moving story, a tale of primal fear held at bay by faith that grows in Immaculee. I was deeply moved.

I really loved this book. I have to admit I have not been as aware as the genocide in Rwanda as I should have been. It's hard to believe things like this are happening in this day and age. I've always struggled with the issue of absolutely evil things happening to good, decent, or innocent people. Why would God allow these things to happen? This book does not answer that question. That is a question left for the ages, but it does give me more faith that just maybe if something horrific happened to me I could have the faith to endure. This book also made me appreciate life even more fully. Thanks for sharing your story.

Words can not come close to describing the impact this book has had on me. I cannot get Immaculee out of my mind. I first listened to this author and survivor being interviewed on a Catholic radio talk show. I decided to see what she had to say - the graphic detail of the genocide in Rwandan from her perspctive is riviting. I feel like I know her and her family and I have mourned for them. If you are having a hard time forgiving anyone for anything read this book. This woman leads a new life now and God has placed her in our midsts as His instrument to teach us how to forgive and love. In spite of the horrific holocaust of these dear human beings, Immaculee shows us the way to a deeper faith through her own personal experience. Recommend this book to people of all faiths.

This is one of the only books I remember from my childhood. Instead of your typical cutesy little kid story, you have something with real imagination and fun. It's an original story line with very unique illustrations. I know many adult artists who still love this book for its artwork.

I used to spend hours studying these illustrations as a child and now I'm a successful artist and I still love them. The point of these illustrations, or rather, any illustration is to supplement imagination, not create it. When I was a child these gorgeous artistic illustrations were far more interesting to me than the typical disney style. Even as a kid I could appreciate this book for its originality. Then again, I had imagination of my own, and was able to bring these creatures to life. Kids today have video games to do that for them.

I think people who rate this book as poor just can't see the value in it as art. This is a complete artistic vision executed as both literature and visual art. I can't see how anyone couldn't like this book unless they have absolutely no imagination, or if they have no appreciation for art whatsoever.

I purchased this book for my best friend who is having a boy come this December. I did so because I remember so many good memories when my parents read it to me as a child that I wanted him to share those kinds of memories with his son. Despite other reviews of saying this book is "pointless" or "dark and scary", we the reader don't always need to put on our critical, psychoanalytical, or marxist lens and analyse the books we read our children. Doesn't that take the magic out of books like this? Moreover, this book is about fun monsters and the imaginary lands that children go to when they are asleep or playing in our back yards. This book is a must for any child who is learning to or not quite yet ready to read. Furthermore, the images in this book are stunning and should captivate young audiences.

The illustrations in this book really caught my eye. My favorite one was when all the wild things were howling at the moon. I enjoyed how the text stretches over a few pages and keeps the reader interested.

Where the Wild Things Are
I purchase this book for my two year old grandson, he loves to hear his poppa read it to him. It is the only way I have found to get a two year old grandchild to set still for about 15 minutes.

Love the book remember it from when I was a child.

Briefly, the story revolves around Max, a young boy who behaves naughtily and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, he is transported to another world "where the wild things are" where he is made king of the wild things. After having his fill of leading the wild things, he returns to his room to find his supper left on his dresser.

This story strikes an interesting balance between the real world of Max and his family and Max's dream world "where the wild things are". Whereas in the former world his actions are seen as naughty and are decried, the dream world provides Max not only with the ability to act in the way he wants but also to have those actions sanctioned and praised by those around him.

Beyond that, even, is the amount of control Max can exert in each world. The real world limits him and he is almost totally at the mercy of his parents who send him to his room. In the wild world, even before he becomes king of the wild things, he is able to control the other wild things and his power is unlimited. An interesting question to ask is whether Max would be as naughty as he is if he believed himself to have more power in the real world.

The conclusion of the story seems to come mostly as the author stumbles over himself to wrap up the story. It is unclear why the angry parents would reward Max's behavior or why they would negate the punishment meted out at the beginning of the story. I found the warm supper waiting for Max upon his return from the wild world to be somewhat out of place. I understand, perhaps, that even bad kids are loved and that may be the moral being taught here, but it is strange that Max just receives the food out of the blue with no remorse on his part.

The book is a fun story and holds the attention of my 3 year old. He loves when I improvise the roaring and gnashing. Throwing in a little Troggs "Wild Thing" during the rumpus makes story time a little bit more fun too. I don't think the strange lesson at the end ruins the story, and I'm not sure that the target audience of this book would be able to figure it out in the first place. 4 stars for a fun book that holds kids' attentions.

This book was a gift from family, for our baby daughter. We started reading it to her at around 12 months. She LOVES this book. She is actually a very curious girl now at 18 months, and will grab books all evening long for me to read to her.

Your little ones will be able to identify the different animals and even the colors soon after reading this book. It has a nice pentameter, thats just right for the developing LAD.

I am here to order more from this author, and I am sure you will too.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear is a classic for babies and toddlers. They may go through more than one copy. It's the first book that they memorize and that's the first step in beginning to read.
I buy it often for young children.

I remember reading this charming story to my own kids and also to my preschool class. Now it's been reissued in board book format, artistically illustrated, and every bit as enjoyable. This is a perfect book for teaching color and animal names, in a catchy rhyming format. Each page foretells what the animal and color will be on the next. Recommended for reading to babies and for beginning readers to tackle on their own.

Never get tired of this one... love that sweet brown bear and all his friends

There are days when I am just thoroughly annoyed by this book.

And yet it remains a classic, and I grudgingly agree.

How can anyone not love the awesome repetitive rhymes and varying colors and animals? And how can you not get chills at how these animals are all staring at each other?

The original of interactive books and still probably the best.

I started reading this author's books a while back and now my kids have started The Kingdoms and the Elves books. With excellent writing, a strong plot and great characters, this is a great read. I enjoyed the marvelous illustrations as well, the rich detail made it feel like a graphic novel at times.

The books tell the story of Great Kingdom and the Reach Elves. The main characters are Adrina Alder, Vilmos Tabborath, and Brother Seth. In the early books the main villains are evil shapeshifters called wolmerrelle. Their queen is vile and cruel and has an evil plot in the works against mankind. The evil shapeshifters aren't the only villains, however, and as the story continues the full details emerge of the great change taking place.

I'd also recommend Keeper Martin's Guide to the Fantastical Beasts and Faerie Peoples of Ruin Mist and The Art of Ruin Mist: Heroes and Villains. The best editions of this book are The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 1) (Keeper Martin's Tales), The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 2) (Keeper Martin's Tales), The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 3) (Keeper Martin's Tales), and The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 4) (Keeper Martin's Tales).

About a year ago I decided to start reading 'The Kingdoms and the Elves' series because I had heard so much praise about them. When I read the first one, I was totally amazed and by the second one Robert Stanek was my new favorite author.

In this opening volume, Stanek takes you into the unforgettable fantasy universe of Ruin Mist. Ruin Mist was once ruled by mighty dragons and titans, but now ages have passed and most have left the world of men and elves.

His writing is so descriptive that you can imagine everything perfectly in your mind's eye. It has something for everyone, including action, adventures, battles, deception, intrigue and will make you care about the characters you are reading about.

I definitely see why this book has become a classic. It really is one of the best books of all time. If you haven't read it yet, I highly suggest you get a copy and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

I got fooled by the reviews for this book. It's pure fantasy! Just do some research on the web for yourself before you buy these books. If an author is so good why does he not register on wiki? Come on Amazon, your review system is being exploited.

I am a reader. I read 4-5 books per week. My children are finally adults and I can return to my love of reading. I am always looking for new authors and research and google to expand my author lists. I did this before buying The Kingdom and The Elves of the Reaches books. Even with this research I did not discover I was duped until I purchased all 4 books through Amazon. Since I purchased these books from Amazon, and have acually read them all, I believe I have the right to make this post.

These books were so awful, after I read them I HAD to research them. With over 300 positive Amazon reviews, I just could NOT figure it out. I have read fantasy off and on for years, and these books are not good. No one reading them could even begin to consider them good. They are not even coherent, just when you think you will learn something about the story, another character interrupts the first. I even considered they were a type of quasi-intellectual-clique that was escaping me, but I don't think so.

Research these boooks yourself on google with certain words that may occur to you, and you will find many articles referring to this author. Also keep in mind, that among his non-fiction listed at geocities.com is "Increase Your Web Traffic 3rd Edition (2000)".

DO NOT BUY THESE BOOKS.......THE "STORY" IS SIMPLY NOT THERE.

No redemption, no growth of loveable characters, children could not possibly care one way or another because there is no cohesive story to follow. It is like gaps of conversations at the end of a telephone game. I am intelligent enough to follow a book that jumps around with its characters, I enjoy those books. These do not do that successfully. I am totally amazed at how truly awful they are.

I normally would not post a review like this, some books are simply not to my personal liking, and I appreciate that. However, I feel I need to dispute the inordinate amount of positive postings that would lead others to buy these titles. I certainly fell for it. These books are really, really not deserving of all those five stars. I should have listened to my instincts, even my favorite authors have a variety of reviews and stars, but for some reason these do not.

Buy at your own risk.

This book pulls you in from the first few pages. The writer does an excellent job of getting the reader to immediately empathize with the main characters - Vilmos, Adrina, and Seth. The story is interesting and intriquing, and the author develops many of the other characters fairly well.

The book was enjoyable, and even several years later remains as one of the few fantasy series that I often recommend to people who are not devoted fantasy readers.

We follow Vilmos, Adrina, and Seth through his many trials and tribulations. Throughout most of the book, the author gets the reader involved in all aspects of their life and makes us care about them. They become like friends.

I also found the end notes about the peoples, places and things in the world interesting. Without giving too much away about the ending, be prepared to listen to -- or read -- Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #2.

I did not enjoy this book.

Why?

Because I purchased this book thinking it was YOUNG ADULT fiction.

(a) It was not young adult fiction. Look again. Young adult fiction = TEEN fition.

(b) This story seemed to be written for CHILDREN ages 6-9.

(c) It FAILED to be exciting in any way. I was bored half the time and the other half I was drifting away in my mind to escape the boringness of the book. i.e. "I wonder what book I should read after I'm finally done with this one?"
or "Hmmm I wonder how many more chapters I have to go?" or "Oh wow we have a new president!"

Anyway...

A story with a feminist as the protagonist: check.

A story that failed to be entertaining: check.

A story that made wizards out to be bad when Harry Potter fans are reading it: check.

A book that is now listed on ebay to try to get my money back from buying the whole set?

CHECK.

This is an enchanting story that once again captures the spirit of the perky princess who had no desire to be the traditional damsel-in-distress. So, what's a contemporary woman trapped by royal traditions to do? Offer herself up to the dragons in the first place.

It's a whimsical tale that gives fairytales sly winks and twists at every corner. The characters are rich, and move the story along with their quirks.

This is not just parody, either. Ms. Wrede had managed to create her own intelligent, dragon-and-knight infested tale that creates as much fairy tale as it borrows.

I enjoyed this story, and the sequels, as a young girl. Wrede creates a magical world that has a unique feel while incorporating common elements from fairytales. I've read in several times since and still enjoy it. Dealing with Dragons is very much a girl power book - almost all of the good main characters are female, Princess Cimerone rejects the staid life society thrusts upon her and charts her own course, and the King of the Dragons ends up being a female (King is just the title of the job, designating nothing about gender). It is well written, something that can certainly not be said of all fantasy novels written for this age group, and the story is fun and engaging.

An excellent book for young children that enjoy fantasy with an odd twist. Highly recommended.

I loved this series in middle school and would highly recommend it as a fun leisure read for children in that age bracket.

YEAH, WHOO! Kill em! Yeah!
Oh, sorry, I was reading this AWESOME BOOK. Maybe you've heard of it, Mossflower? What? You are still debating on reading it? I'll slap you if you don't read it this instant! Go on, do it.

I don't know what it was about this book that made me want to read it over and over again. It didn't have any colosal {I don't know if I spelled that right} battles or anything. I guess it was just the amazing storyline! The adventure was fantastic, but I honestly like whats going on with the woodlanders better than Martin the warriors journy, more action happens with them. In all, this is one of the best Redwall books, complete with an awesome one on one battle at the end. Read this book!

This is about Martin the Warrior , a heroic mouse, the self-appointed Prince of Mousetheives (and best friend to Martin), Gonff, the totally evil wildcat Tsarmina, and sundry other animal characters. The plot is that (1) Martin is (after a sidetracked problem) questing for Salamandastron, (2) the woodlanders defending themselves from Tsarmina until Martin returns, and (3) what's happening in Kotir, the moldy, falling-down castle where Tsarmina and her horde of vermin (stoats, rats, foxes, weasels and so on). This is a good series because it never ends on a cliffhanger at the very end. Mr. Jacques is a wonderful author, and I've read all his books except Eulalia!, because it isn't out yet. :(

The Redwall series was recommended to me by my own readers, who recognized a similarity between the writing style, animorphism, and medieval setting of my own debut novel "The Other Side of Yore" and of Brian Jaques' famous books. As I learned more about the books, I was amazed that the books had escaped my attention for so long. Sure I had heard the name in passing, but I really didn't know what the books were about, and had probably passed them over as too child-oriented when I was a young blossoming fan of fantasy. Boy, had I been missing out!
Mossflower may be the best YA fantasy book I've read since "The Hobbit," maybe even surpassing "The Chronicles of Narnia" for imagination, superb writing skill, literary worth, and sheer reading enjoyment!
Far from being just a book for young adults, I am well over thirty and highly critical of most fiction books, and was unable to put the book down. Not only does Jaques write in an incredibly skillful and beautiful style, but his plots and subplots are nothing short of genious. The character developement of the animorphed creatures is far superior to even the average bestselling book of fiction starring realistic human characters. Jaques is a master of dialogue and dialect, and I especially enjoyed the strange coloquial mole-speech;
"Hurr, Oi be liken it moiself better'n any deeper-n'-ever pie oive et, stan' on moi hole!"
The triumphs, determinations, and gallant speeches of Martin the Warrior actually brought tears to my eyes a few times during the tale, and the antics and humorous songs and poems of Gonff made me laugh out loud more than once.
What's more, Jaques created a complex villian to be copied by fantasy authors for centuries to come in the characterization of the wicked cat Tsarmina, and painted a thoroughly believable array of personalities and attitudes in the various soldiers of her army.
Like Tolkien's work, Jaques has also done his homework thoroughly, and has created a vast history to support his tales, which I think is a trait missing from many of the more fly-by-night and commercial fantasies of today.
By the end of this novel, you will have forgotten that mice can't talk and that badgers don't wield swords, having become intimately familiar with some of the most realistic personalities ever to grace the pages of literature. I cannot recommend this book enough, and am sure that the others in the series will be equally delightful!
J. Lyon Layden
The Other Side of Yore

It is all you want in a good book.It has just the right amount of action,
peril,valor,and humor. If you want a book that is good for everyone, you just found one!

I heard of the name of David Mccullough in the past as a writer, but was never inclined to check out his books. Just recently while perusing the news channels his name was discussed as a fascinating author so with my interest peaking, at the first opportunity I went and purchased a copy of Truman. From start to finish I haven't been disappointed. With more than a thousand pages it's like two volumes in one. Majority of the pages are filled with quotes from Truman. It's like having the subject speak for himself. I brought John Adams and Brave Companions by the same author afterwards.

David McCullough writes the best, most throughly researched books I have ever read. I have only read Truman and John Adams. I intend to read all of his works.

The alternative title here should read, "Why Didn't I Read This Years Ago, Too?" 'Cause like the Martin Gilbert biography of Churchill ("Churchill: A Life"), it's massive (1000 pages). Plus the subject of McCullough approaches the stature of the man revealed by Gilbert.

Harry Truman brought Lincoln to mind for me, as both Presidents embody the very meaning of "integrity." Yes, Mr. Truman had his human failings but, unlike some Presidents I have known, I'm left with absolutely no doubt that #33 performed his often thankless/always grueling task to the best of his ability--and Mr. Truman was a man of considerable ability.

Alan Brinkley, who wrote the New York Times Book Review of David McCullough's Truman, came up with these rather remarkable words on the life of Harry S. Truman, "My God, he's in color!"
You can bet your --- on that! Mr. Truman was indeed in color. This book by David McCullough goes into the very life and soul of a man who did what he thought was best for God and Country.
Mr. Truman's humble beginnings in Missouri from a farmer, an Army Captain in World War I to a Judgeship traveling the back roads in rural Missouri show the way of a leader. Along the way he was a part owner of a men's clothing store in Kansas City with his wartime friend Eddie Jacobson.
In 1934 Truman, through the efforts of the Pendergast Political Machine wins the Senatorial election as the Junior Senator from Missouri. McCullough goes into great detail of the trials and tribulations facing Harry S. Truman, common man who defends the Constitution and remains a no nonsense kind of guy.
His selection by Franklin Roosevelt to be his Vice Presidential running mate in 1944 was a political surprise at the time. Only 82 days after Harry Truman took the Vice Presidential oath, he becomes the President of the United States.
In the beginning even Eleanor Roosevelt thought that Harry S.
Truman was out of his element. Wrong!! Instead we find a man able to make decisions, such as to drop the Atomic bombs on Japan. Harry institutes the Truman Doctrine in Europe to provide military aid. He encourages the Marshall Plan, to aid economic recovery in Europe. He develops NATO and initiates the Berlin Airlift.
And oh by the way, he wins the Presidency by himself in the 1948 upset of Thomas Dewey. Give Em hell Harry!!
Later, Truman's stance in the Korean Conflict and his dismissal of Douglas Macarthur stands as his true "Give Em Hell Harry!" declaration. His stance made him unpopular. Indeed he could not run for the Presidency in 1952 because of his dismissal of the "American Caesar". But Harry was indeed right! 24 years later good old Harry S. Truman was revered by the very popular group Chicago in their rendition entitled "Harry Truman". 24 years too late, historically Harry turns out to be one of the very best Presidents of all time.
Of all the Presidents of the 20th Century, Harry S. Truman stands out as the best of them all! McCullough has personalized this in his 10 year effort. This is indeed my favorite book. 10 Stars! No Problem!!!

This biography of Harry Truman is about what you would expect from David McCullough--a detailed, massive work, illuminating the character of Truman with detailed documentation. The end result is a book that appears to capture the nature of its subject excellently. On the front inside cover, there is a quotation from a reviewer that speaks to the effectiveness of this book: "Perhaps the biggest tribute one can pay a biographer is to say that through him one comes to know his subject almost as though in person." I second that sentiment, after having read the 992 pages of text.

One assessment of Truman is telling, and suggests how a common man could become an uncommonly good president. Adlai Stevenson, upon Truman's death, said that Truman was a lesson about all Americans (Page 992): "an object lesson in the vitality of popular government; an example of the ability of this society to yield up, from the most unremarkable origins, the most remarkable men."

His origins are well detailed by McCullough. The movement of his forebears to Missouri, the struggles of his parents, and his own struggles. In some senses, it is apparent that his role in World War I was a key moment in his life. He came to be a leader--and very effective at that--in an artillery unit. He made fast friends who stayed loyal to him for decades (including a son of one of the leaders of the Pendergast machine in Kansas City). He grew greatly as a consequence of his wartime experience.

After the War, as many know, he experienced a series of reverses, including a failed haberdashery business. But he persevered. At one point, the Pendergast Machine turned to him to run for county judge. He won! Thus began his political career. An irony, of course, is that someone who was well reputed for his honesty began his career under the sponsorship of one of the most important (and corrupt) political machines in the country. But the Machine never really forced him into corrupt behavior and supported him pretty steadily thereafter. His rise in politics is outlined, including his run for and election to the United States Senate. It appeared close to impossible for him to have won--but win he did. There is a nice discussion of the efforts to have him become the Vice Presidential nominee of FDR in 1944.

From there, of course, his accession to the presidency after Roosevelt's death. The biography does a fine job of outlining his ups and downs, his triumphs (desegregating the Armed Forces, continuation of New Deal agenda, helping end the Second World War) and his failures (nationalizing the steel industry). Korea eroded his support and he ended up with approval ratings similar to George W. Bush.

After his presidency ended, he exuded energy as he became an "elder statesman" of the Democratic Party; he helped develop support to get his presidential library off the ground and completed.

All in all, this ranks as one of the finest serious presidential biographies around. If you wish to learn in depth about Truman, this is a good place to begin. It is also a work that is nuanced, pointing out his foibles and flaws as well as his strengths. Highly recommended.

I've read many self help books over the years and Jack's book, The Success Principles, is by far the best! It's easy to follow and so helpful - forces you to do something about your life with the work it tells you to do. It's simply invigorating! This book has already changed my life to be more positive, uplifting, and to live my life to the fullest! I was so thrilled with this book I bought my husband and my 2 sons their own copies. Thank you, Michele :-)

Canfield's principles are masterful, they will inspire and empower you to live a successful life. Follow this road map for success and you will meet extraordinary opportunities to discover more of your greater potential in achieving any goal you have.

I took this book out from my library - started reading it - and soon realized that I needed my own copy, since there were so many passages I wanted to highlight and underline. You can pick this up to any chapter and learn something. It is so jammed packed with helpful and insightful ideas that there is almost TOO MUCH info to absorb! Really probably one of the best books i've read this year. If you're in business for yourself, looking to expand your horizons or looking for some self-help - this book has it all!

I really enjoy the Chicken Soup for the Soul series so I thought I would give this a try. It is different in so much as this is more of a "how to" guide. Gives the nuts & bolts of how to be successful if you work for yourself, are in sales - or need to market yourself, your product or your idea. It's filled with suggestions, ideas & examples. I enjoyed it so much I purchased the audio book as well & have listened to it several times.

It also has many useful "list" suggestions. IE: list your "don't-wants" as well as your "wants" so you can better focus on exactly what your goals are.

My only complaint would be that it is a little long. I prefer shorter, to-the-point books that are a quicker read. His audio book is abridged so it is stream-lined better. It is read by the author & he does a pretty good job - but he often sounds like he is reading, which surprised me a little, knowing of his extensive speaking career. Over-all it is still a better read than many of the so-called professionally narrated audio books I have. Would like to see perhaps a little more enthusiasm though.

I highly recommend this book (in fact, I have given it as gifts to my grown sons who are in sales).

If anyone is at a cross road in thier life and dont know what way to go this is the best book to find out alot of yourself, and find out how to do what ever you want to do.
It is the BEST

Beautiful book, great going away present or changing life/adventure present. I find the book to be a realistic view on life, it doesn't sugar coat the turmoils of life's experience. However, it gives a great sense of when life doesn't go to plan everything will be good in the end and encourages us to embrace life's curve balls.

This book is great for ALL ages! I originally read this book when it was given to my dad by a friend as he was starting his own business. And now I read it to my 18-month old, who seems to love it. Maybe it's the rhymes and the pictures that my little one loves so much right now, but the message of the book is great for ALL ages.

This classic Dr. Seuss book is not just for kids. It's probably not even especially for kids. This classic book is the perfect gift for transitions: graduation, weddings, adoptions (my favorite paired with Dr. Seuss's "Horton Hatches An Egg"), new job, getting fired from a horrible job, ....)

And this deluxe edition is especially perfect for that gift at a special landmark occasion.

Ted Geisel might have crafted a book that gets shelved in the Children's Section in libraries and book stores, but he was writing especially to those of us who periodically forget, and want or need to remember, how magical and special every day of life can be.

Oh, the Places You'll Go! is a very good graduation gift, and my traditional gift for such occasions. But in regular bookstores, the cost usually averages at $18. Now, used books are great ideas, usually about $5, but not for graduation gifts. So when these $12 per arrived in perfect NEW condition I was thrilled. Go Amazon.

We use this book as a completion/graduation gift for a summer program for high school students that gives them experience in working at a university-level research project. The program is called SHARP. The book edition is hardback with a color-embossed jacket, so it will hold up as a keepsake, and the kids use it as they would a yearbook--collecting autographs and keep-in-touch messages from their friends and teachers.

There are SO many other reviews that I don't think I can say anything new. It was just very boring. I just don't see the greatness and excellence that others saw in this book.

If you ever want to get to know a true artist, why not embrace a writer like Dickey. The characters in this book are so relatable that it is almost like your inside the book. There is a play on this book as well same tittle and I strongly suggest you read this book. You can't say your a true book reader without obtaining this novel.

I read this book in 2006 but recently read it again...and I just simply love it. EJD really goes down deep in the soul with Debra, that made me cry!!! I love this book sooo much, it was well developed and the characters realllyyy had some depth to them...this is one of my favs besides 'liars game' and 'the other woman'!!! If you are just becoming a fan of EJD, you need to read this and then move on to others...lovedddddd it!

I have just complete this book and I must say I totally enjoyed it. Dickey captures the reality of relationships in a way that is sooo deep. The petty nuisances, the fights, the lovemaking, the distractions. He also connects on a deeper level by addresing issues which affect us in relationships (childhood experiences, past relationships) that come back to haunt us when we least expect it.

The one thing that was a little off was his time scheme where Debra was only approx 6mths pregnant when tragedy struck which made me wonder if the story was months old or years old. The time lapses needed to be a little clearer. Butttt it was a great read and I could not put it down (completed in two days flat).

I have read this book 6 times and counting (because I will definitely read it again). I just purchased the play last week and it's just as good. The way the story unfolds has you wanting everyone to win. Don't want to give it away but if you are sentimental you will cry, trust me. I am a fan of EJD's books and I knew this would be my favorite one before I read any other ones. A great buy that will not disappoint.