Trini Alvarado Books

I did not realize when I bought these books that they were for young adults, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading about Alanna's adventures, friends and family. Alanna proved to the men again and again that "anything you can do I can do better". A great message to put out there for young girls. And even though it took me 1 day to read each book I just couldn't stop until I was done!

When I first picked up this book, I was the typical bookworm. I knew every corner of my middle school's library. Most often, I'd find myself in the mythology section or classic plays. However, one day, I took a fateful journey into the fantasy section.
I was 12 years old, timid and accepting of even the worst opinions of me.
When I read it, I was enlightened. A whole five foot one, (four foot eleven at the time), I was keenly aware of her height issues and the jokes her friends made.
The way she shaped her own life made me feel as if I could do the same. And I have. I took control -- or as Alanna would say "rode the tiger" and I've made my own way in the world and I don't think anyone would call me timid now.
I'm in college now, and I know if I start to feel down or like I'm losing confidence in myself, I can just pick up my old worn out copy of Alanna (or any of the subsequent sequels) and feel better, feel like a stronger woman because of it. Tamora Pierce was a saint for writing this book. Sometimes I even feel like she wrote it just for me!

Is no one bothered by the essential lack of values in this book? Getting what you want is more important than honesty or respect for others. The main character threatens others with horrible, supernatural punishment, tricks her father, lies outrightly, and that's just in the first chapter.
What about integrity, justice, truth as foundations of doing right?
Compare this heroine with Jonas in The Giver, Frodo in The Lord of the Rings, Andy in Wolf Rider, or Karana in The Island of the Blue Dolphins.

I thought this book was wonderful. However, it is not appropriate for children under 14. The reading level is not that difficult, but the content is for upper grades. This book inadvertently appeared on my daughter's third grade reading list. She did not understand why Alanna's sheet were "smeared with blood" She also had lots of questions about fertility cycles, sleeping with men and getting pregnant.

This book started with a great IDEA. I liked the idea of Allana becoming a knight in her brothers place. It sounds like a book that can have SO MANY possibilites. However, the auther's choppy writing and typing errors were just sad. The author moves from one scene to the next, with no flow whatsoever, and simply skims the surface of the character's identity. There is no depth, and no description. It is almost a simple statement of facts throughout the whole book. Though I really want to know what happens in the series, and HOPE very much that the auther's writing has improved, I think I'll just look at the library for the rest of the series.

i loved this book. it was almost as good as the first book. if you haven't read any tamora pierce books then i sugget you do so

This book is so cool. Tamora Pierce really knows how to write. I stayed up really late trying to finish it! After I did, I kept reading it over & over again, it was that good! I think I'm on my fifth time now. If you love fantasy, you HAVE to read this book!

i must say that this is one of my Fav books!! Alana is a Knight, and on Travels!! the book is sooooooooooo good! There is sex in it, but, for thoose who complain, it's no more than an implied sentance!! So, anyway, [don't] deprive your chiled of a good book ... !

CHANTAL'S REVIEW- ESPERANZA RISING is a fictional book that tells the story of a girl who grew up rich and then had to learn how to live like a peasant. Esperanza taught me lessons. Don't be selfish and don't always think about yourself, think about others, too. ESPERANZA RISING shows you should never give up. Always believe in yourself. Other people should read it because it is a phenomenal book!

MARK'S REVIEW- ESPERANZA RISING is ficiton. Esperanza is my favorite person in the book because I think she's smart and intelligent."

BRYCE'S REVIEW- Esperanza means hope. That is what this story is about. Esperanza, the main character, had hope. I would recommend ESPERANZA RISING to anyone who wants to read a great book. I think this is a good book about changes and loving each other.

After having read this novel, I gained a better understanding of the hardships that people of my own culture have been experiencing for longer than I had known. I was able to completely submerge myself in the story line and create visual representations of the story events and picture them through the lenses of the different characters. The reader is able to see the progression and character development of the people most significant to the story. The language and style of the story line are in sync with the genre of the novel and accurately depict the time frame for which it is set on. Also, story does accurately portray the values and norms of the culture depicted. The language and narrative make a point to incorporate the use of the Spanish language, which make the story feel more realistic and credible. Most importantly the story line theme does make a point to bring about a relevant understanding of the problems facing this culture today as it pertained to its past. All in all, I feel this book gives much to tell of the Latino culture and the issues facing its communities in this country today. I consider the use of this book in a classroom setting because I feel students especially those that can identify with this culture will be able to draw great conversations and reflective thinking which can be transmitted in productive writing assignments.

The 5th grade students in an inner city school in Oakland, CA loved reading about Esperanza's "falling" fortunes and how she found the strength and hope to "rise" again. Here are some comments:

Ajanae:
The story takes place in the 1930's, during the Great Depression," in Mexico and California. It's about a girl who was very rich in Mexicao, but when she moved to California she and her mama became poor farm workers. It wasn't easy for Esperanza to learn how to be poor. One lesson she learned was how to be respectful and kind to everyone.
Brandon:
Esperanza didn't know how to do anything when she was rich; she didn't even know how to bathe herself. Esperanza learned how to do this stuff and to work hard and to become strong. I learned you have to work hard to get what you want.
Devon:
"Esperanza Rising" is about when Esperanza's father died and how she became a better person. She learned how to work hard and to treat people with more respect.
Ezekial:
Esperanza went from riches to rags. She had many servants to wait on her. She had everything she wanted like clothes and dolls. When her father died, they lost everything, even their house and land. In the end, Esperanza became strong for her father.
Jerron:
The story is about a 14 year old girl who was rich and then became poor after her father was murdered.
Esperanza went from fame and riches to being poor and dirty, but she learned to be strong.
Jorge:
Esperanza lived in Mexico on a ranch with a nice house and a Papa and Mama and servants. However, Papa was killed and Mama and Esperanza were forced to flee to California. They had to start over in a camp for immigrants and worked hard. Esperanza learns to be a better person while learning to work through overcoming her laziness and learning to be independent. They eventually survived with their children working to have a better life.
Shalonn:
Esperanza and her mother had to leave their big ranch in Mexico and move to California. She no longer had a house as she now lived in a cabin with no hot water and no bathroom. She had to learn to respect poor people and she had to learn how to play with poor children. She became strong and hopeful, and she learned how to be kind to other people.

This chapter book tells the riveting tale of a young girl who endures challenge after challenge as her life takes a complete turn. The determination that Esperanza displays is truly commendable. As she suffers through and rises above much heartache it is hard to put the book down. The author did a wonderful job making it feel as if you are part of the family and are struggling right along with them. The selflessness that Esperanza displays to support her family and take care of her mom at such a young age is inspiring. The tight family ties keep Esperanza, her mother, their servants, and their servant's family close together through even the roughest times. This novel outlines the struggles that many Mexicans experienced during the Mexican Revolution. This story would spark many classroom conversations about family values, acceptance, and strength during the revolution.

My 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students really enjoyed this book as a Lit Circle selection. They had lively discussions, and were eager to "read on". Afterward, they asked if there were any sequels. It was a bit more popular with the girls than the boys. I will use this book again with students.

This is the second book of the Song of the Lioness quartet by Tamora Pierce. I bought the series for my daughter- she enjoys the strong female character who works her way from being a page to being a knight. There are plenty of action packed adventures, quirky characters, and suspenseful subplot with evil wizard.

The Hand of the Goddess is the second book in the Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce. I would recommend reading them in order. Even though the book touches on some events in the previous book, there is just not enough detail book of those events to skip them. Many of them are integral in seeing the development of Alanna "Alan" over the years.

This book follows Alanna in her teen years while she is learning to be a squire and then a knight. She is involved in a war and is afraid of her upcoming 18th birthday and the "ORDEAL" that is required for all squires to be officially Knightrd. Something she has dreaded for many years. Her other concern is of informing her close friends who are not aware of her being a girl and how this may change their attitude towards her. Alanna is also struggling with her feelings for Jonathan "the Royal heir" and George "Rogue of Theives." There are only a few people who are aware that she is a girl (Jonathan, George, George's mother, her brother Thom and Coram her comrade in arms training).

Alanna also wrestles with her increasing desire to being more "female" via dressing, manueurisms and proper decorum. Is this change due to her growing affection for George or Jonathan? One of the advantages of this book is more development of Thom's character and Alanna'sw interaction with him and is growing power. She also has to address Duke Roger, the underhanded pretender to the throne.

My favorite parts of the book are the continued development of the relationship between Alanna and Myles (her mentor and teacher). I also like Alanna's cat "Faithful" and I am not even a cat person.

Fortunately, the book covers adventure, friendship, love, loyalty, ethical issues of right and wrong, conquering her fears. All in all, I recommend this book as a strong addition to the Lioness series. I now have to read the additional two stories in the series.

Alanna's quest for knighthood continues in book two of the Song of the Lioness quartet. Alanna's dream of becoming a knight is drawing closer as she becomes Prince Jonathan's squire. But good news hardly ever comes without bad news, especially in the world of fantasy. There are obstacles facing Alanna. Some of which include the war against Tusaine, capture at Fort Drell, a deul with a friend that turns deadly, and the Ordeal of Knighthood. 'In the Hand of the Goddess' is an exciting continuation of Alanna's story. I love this book.

Alanna is in the palace as a squire to the future king Prince Jonathon and is still secretly disguised as a boy. Because of course in this time girls were not alowed to become knights and defend their country. While Alanna is a squire her suspicions about Duke Roger, one of the best sorcerors and the heir to the thrown after Prince Jonathon. She believes that he's trying to kill the king, queen and even one of her best friends Jon, one of the few who knows she's actually female. Alanna doesn't enjoy breaking the rules but she must so she breaks into Duke Rogers rooms and finds evidence proving that Roger is guilty but who will believe her and what will become of her if people find out her secret? Read this book because it's a gaurenteed great book!
-Hannah M.

Alanna is still disguised as a boy in the palace and is now a Squire. And not just any squire...she's Prince Jonathon's squire! This book is probably (in my opinion) the best of 'Song of the Lioness' quartet. Her secret is known by only a few people; of course her twin brother Thom, George Cooper, Alanna's great friend and thief, and Prince Jonathon who's been Alanna's friend for years.

In the beginning Alanna said, "I don't want to fall in love. I just want to be a warrior maiden." But...really that isn't going to happen. Two men enter Alanna's lives at the same time and if I was in that position it would suck! George Cooper and Jonathon of Conte.

I hope that you pick up this book and read it. There's excitement in every line! (But you should read 'Alanna: The first Adventure' first so you won't get TOO confused.

This book is just the type of "experience" that one would expect from Tamora Pierce. In writing this novel, she has kept to the realm of Tortall and it's neighbors. However, since the main character Aly is kidnapped by slave traders, one is able to experience the different culture of The Copper Isles. Readers will be excited by the return of familiar characters from previous series. The story follows Aly through her journeys in the Copper Isles. Here, Aly becomes involved with a god and unknowningly helps to begin to fufill a prophecy that has been eagerly awaited. I don't want to give away too much of the plot but will say that this book is full of adventure and suspense. If you have ever read another of Tamora Pierce's books, then, you will love this book. If not, then I would suggest reading some others first, if only to understand the background and culture of Tortall.

The book was in excellent condition, just like the review said it would be. I am very satsified with my purchase.

I'm not much of a "fantasy" reader, but I really really liked this book. It was very well written. Easy to read and understand. I liked that the main character was smart. A lot of authors tell you repeatedly how intellegent the main character is, but can't back it up. Tamora Pierce doesn't even have to tell you. Her character was two steps ahead from the first page to the last.
The story was unique, as well. I thought it was a little weird with the trickster god making a deal with a young girl, but it really came together nicely. Every character introduced help move the story forward, instead of just weighing it down. The sneaking around and spying and plotting was cool.
I actually liked this book more than the Harry Potter series because it wasn't just a bunch of magic and nonsense.

I am in college to become a librarian for young adults. This book, and all of Tamora's books are the first thing I recomend to anyone who even might enjoy fantasy fiction.

This book, and all of Tamora's books, are entirely suitable for any age group. Not only is the content suitable for children but the story is written with crystal clarity in language that enable an 8 year old to understand and a mature adult to hang on every word. She has a way of infering detail and imagery that dosn't clutter up the text.
The finest thing about these books is the characters leap off the page. I read fantasy fiction as fast as I can get my hands on a new book, but I have never found better, more realistic, or characters that can be better related to than any of her main characters. The character featured in Trickster's Choice and Trickster's Queen has my fondness as well.

I have yet to be disappointed in any book she has written and I urge everyone to read them, especially young girls. She not only tells a great story, but her characters are excellent rolemodels. As soon as I get my Kindle ebook reader, these books will be the first thing put on it. And as soon as I get to meet Tamora, I'm going to have her sign the back of my Kindle too!

The last time we saw Alianne of Pirate's Swoop was briefly in Wild Magic (Immortals), as a little girl of about five. Now she's sixteen, and the true product of her parents: Alanna the King's Champion and George Cooper, the King's Spymaster. Although she's eager to take her place amongst the adults of her world, honing her gifts as a spy, she's also perfectly content to spend her time relaxing, flirting and mischief-making - much to the disappointment of her mother.

After a particularly uncomfortable squabble with her mother over her prospects for the future, Aly decides to sail her boat to her friends' estate for a while till her fiery mother cools down. However, Aly didn't count on the pirates prowling the coast, who capture her and put her on sale as a slave within a few pages! This of course, is where the story really starts. Aly is approached by the trickster god Kyprioth, who ensures that she is sold to a decent family in the Copper Isles, his homeland. He makes a wager with Aly: if she keeps the children of the Balitang family safe throughout the summer, he'll return her to her family.

The political situation on the Isles is dire: centuries ago the white-skinned luarins invaded, subjugating the dark-skinned rakas to slavery. Kyprioth has been unable to act in his peoples' defense until now, and he wants Aly to help him put a raka back on the throne, saving the Isles from the mad machinations of the royal Rittevon family. According to his prophesy, the potential-monarch he has in mind is one of the two Balitang girls: Saraiyu or Dovesary, whose lineage connects them to both the luarin Rittevons and the old raka queens. They seem like the perfect candidates for the throne, ushering in a time of co-habitation between both races.

But first Aly must get them through the summer, a task easier said than done when one takes into account the political maneuverings of the royal family. It's too complex to even begin to outline in a simple review, but needless to say, there are plenty of intrigues, romances, betrayals, murders and inheritances that keep Aly on her toes. Throw in a meddling trickster god, a crow-turned-man named Nawat who has his eye on Aly (and confused as to why she doesn't appreciate him trying to feed her bugs), and racial tensions on both the luarin and raka side, and Pierce crafts another fantastic story that pits a young, headstrong, intelligent heroine against the problems of the big, wide world. Pierce goes out of her way to portray the basics of spy-craft, including code-breaking, disguises, diplomacy and making friends in the right places, lending a realistic air to the proceedings. Unlike her mother, Aly is more used to getting what she wants through humour, trickery and espionage, and as much as I love Alanna (who was first introduced to us in Alanna: The First Adventure (Song of the Lioness)), her daughter is much more enjoyable to read, what with her self-deprecating nature and her wicked sense of humour.

As well as this, Pierce is careful to mix in the shades of grey into what could be a (literally) very black-and-white situation. Although the luarin people unfairly took control of the raka lands during the invasion, Pierce makes it clear that Aly and Kyprioth's efforts are not to eradicate luarin presence in the Isles, but to establish peaceful and equal rights between luarin and raka. Meanwhile, Aly struggles with the mistrust and foreboding of several raka servants, who are none too pleased to find that their god's envoy is a white-skinned luarin. Trying to win the trust of several raka servants in the household is another challenge for Aly, as is trying to keep her temper at bay when luarin royals insult her newfound friends. Into all of this comes the character of Nawat - the crow who has had himself turned into a human to better help Aly - like a breath of fresh air, who cares nothing for the colour of one's skin and whose innocence personifies the ideal way of looking at the world.

Furthermore, Pierce several opportunities to take a careful look into family dynamics, specifically those of the Coopers and the Balitangs. Although we only get a short glimpse of the Coopers at the beginning of the novel, what we see is promising: Aly takes more after her father than her mother, and her lack of motivation means that she and Alanna have a somewhat prickly relationship. Meanwhile, her father is not at all happy with the idea that his only daughter wants to take up spying, despite the fact that he taught her everything she knows. Sadly, we don't get to see Aly's brother Thom or Alan (her twin, which was a relationship well worth exploring), although throughout the course of the book, Pierce treats her fans with visions of what is happening in Tortall in Aly's absence, including updates on Daine and Numair, Keladry, Raoul and Buri, and several other familiar faces from previous books, most of whom make up the members of Aly's extended foster family. Such appearances won't mean much to those who have not read any of Pierce's previous books, but to those who are long-time fans, it's a treat!

Meanwhile, in the Copper Isles, Pierce presents the rather odd Balitang family, made up of the liberal-yet-strict Duke Mequen, his daughters Sarai and Dove (the daughters of his first wife, a member of the raka nobility), his second wife Winnamine (a luarin noblewoman) and their younger children. Sarai and Dove, as the potential heirs to the throne are opposites in temperament and nature, but are both intelligent enough to understand their responsibilities and use their strengths in the pursuit of peace: for Sarai, it is her beauty and charm, for Dove, it is her watchfulness and quick wits. But the real gem is the characterization of Winnamine, a woman who is a loving and concerned stepmother who is struggling to maintain control over her headstrong stepdaughters and understand the ways of the raka people. How often do you come across stepmothers who *aren't* trying to kill their husband's offspring? She's a great character, and between the four of them, the Balitang family soon have Aly - and the reader - deeply concerned about their fates.

In both cases, it's a realistic and honest look at familial relations that are often strained, but ultimately loving, and provide striking contrast to the deceitfulness and danger of the royal family and their court.

"Trickster's Choice" is the first book that Tamora Pierce has written in two parts, not four, as in the case of Song of the lioness, The Immortals and Protector of the Small (First Test, Page, Squire, Lady Knight) making it rather thicker than usual. Make sure you have its sequel Trickster's Queen (Aliane) on hand to complete Aly's tale.

The series was amazing over all but the very ending of it with her settling down was very unrealistic she had said from the very beginning she wanted to have adventures so yes I didn't like the ending. The rest of the book was good/okay.

This review is more for the entire "Lioness Quartet" quadrilogy, rather than this final installment in the series.

I was introduced to this series as a young girl of 11 or 12. They remained my favorite books for over a decade. The Lioness Quartet combines both magical, imaginative story telling with a strong feminist message. Equality is a powerful underlying theme in this series.

When I worked in a book store at the age of 20, I'd steer all mothers of adolescent girls in Tamora Pierce's direction. When I became a teacher, this series appeared on my recommended reading list. Now I have friends with daughters, and I put this series in their hands when I can.

I honestly believe that this series is essential in self esteem development of young women. I know it helped me.

This book is no disappointment for anyone who likes Tamora Pierce's Tortall books. A great read. Recommended for anyone looking for adventure. This book, of course, is a sequel, and is well worth reading. Tamora Pierce does not disappoint with her intriguing plot, life-like characters, thrilling adventures. Brilliant cover art for this edition. As usual a wonderful installment in her Tortall adventures.

This is the fourth book in the Song of the Lioness quartet. Alanna was born a nobleman's daughter, but she desperately wanted to be a knight. Her brother, Thom wanted to be a great sorcerer. So they switched places, Thom, going to the convent and Alanna going to the palace. In the second book she gets knighted and Thom gives her a shield with a rearing lioness, explaining that it represented a Lioness Rampant. So from then on everybody called her The Lioness. In this book Alanna and Coram (her man-at-arms) go on a journey to find the dominion jewel. The dominion jewel is a powerful gem that is magical. Meanwhile, back at the palace Lady Delia says that Thom can't bring Roger, the Duke of Conte and Alanna's arch enemy, back to life. So, of course, Thom does. Alexander of Tirragen plots with Roger to destroy the palace. Will Alanna get there in time to stop the powerful Duke, or will it be too late? If you read this book you will find out!!! I give this book two thumbs up!!!!

I'm afraid this series ended horribly. If you love reading about moral characters who stick to doing what is right even though its hard...dont read this book.
I felt so cheated to discover my heroine was nothing more then a naive, and insecure sword fighter.
When I read the last few pages I was in shock. I mean, it felt like a gossip girl meets medieval times. It was that bad. The main chara hadn't DEVELOPED into anything any woman desires to be.
The view of love in this book is screwed and leaves a bad taste in my heart. An interesting storyline is nothing when the chara comes out not a better person, but a desperate one willing to sleep with whoever will have her. PLEASE, dont waste your time.

I had never seen this movie until this past October, and that was only a portion. Still, I must say I was intrigued enough to order the DVD. And then I thought, hey, I'll go for the director's cut. So I really have nothing to compare that to, but let's just that I truly enjoyed it.

I understand that the movie is something of a cult classic and it is easy to see why. I hate to call it pure horror as it is much funnier and sweeter than that, but it does have the stuff of such. In truth, it is a movie about ghosts rather than a scary movie and the tortured man who works a con operation with them.

I'm a huge fan of Michael J. Fox and I think he does pretty good in this. His character is a little more sensitive than what I have seen him and he pulls it off, but he most comes to life as the stalwart and brave soul we all know he is.

The tale itself is really quite imaginative, especially those fascinated by the fun ghosts can offer. In fact, most of the ghosts we meet are nice and funny rather than scary. And hey, someone was actually to make ghosts work with objects in a logical way!

This is a great Halloween movie and if this had extra scenes I liked them. The extras are also plenty of fun, featuring the making of, interviews, and even a bit on real ghostly experiences.

I caught this movie on TV, and it was entertaining enough for me to sit through the whole film. I would have liked to give it a 3.6 stars if I could. I think it has a spark of something which makes it a little better than average, but I hesitate to call it excellent (4 stars). Since I knew nothing about this film, I was quite amazed to find people categorize it as a horror-comedy when I later looked it up here on Amazon.

I am an easily terrified person, so I generally stayed away from horror or gory movies. I remember when I finally gathered enough courage to watch "The Shining" because it is said to be such a classic, I had to turn my head away every time I sensed something potentially scary coming up. In the end, my total viewing time of that movie was less than 5 minutes. I suppose this explains how much I can stomach a horror movie. When I watched this movie, the word "scary" never came into my mind. I though it was fun, the special effect nice, and it was nice to see Michael J Fox again after a long while (although I wished his character weren't so headstrong, as usual). The plot could have been a little more unpredictable. But it was fun, entertaining, but no horror movie.

The director's cut of The Frighteners doesn't help the film's awkward shifts of tone much, but then this always seemed like two or three good ideas that never really gelled into the same movie. The idea of Michael J. Fox's paranormal investigator running a scam with a trio of real ghosts who haunt the houses he charges to exorcise is never given enough of a comic workout, just as the inspired idea of an undead serial killer trying to beat the competition in the body count stakes because "the title should be held by an American" never becomes a genuinely chilling figure. There are a few neat twists, but the film still feels more like it had a pitch and a treatment rather than a solid script, offering only a third as much fun as it really should. Still, no complaints about the lavish extras on this flipper disc (theEuropean release spreads the same extras over a 3-disc set) - aside from the usual deleted scenes and trailer there's even a four hour documentary produced by Jackson!

ITEM ARRIVED IN PERFECT CONDITION AND VERY FAST SHIPPING. I WOULD DEFINATELY ORDER FROM SELLER AGAIN!!!!!

Having never seen "The Frighteners" in the theatre, and now seeing Peter Jackson's Director's Cut makes me wonder why such a cut was released? This film, with all of it's slick special effects and Alan Silvestri-Knock-off-music by Danny Elfman, goes on and on and on without being truly funny (the endless one-liners are as old and corny as can be!) or truly scary; in short, the film is probably best described as campy with an overuse of effects and no focus on acting. If Trini Alvarado was meant to be bad, then this Andie MacDowell knock-off WAS every bit as numbing as her more famous look-alike. Michael J. Fox was not funny at all, and the endless barrage of ectoplasm and spirits and a Dee Wallace Stone in her finest role since Cujo (25th Anniversary Edition), made this film pretty tough to stomach. Glad to see that Peter Jackson did better work before AND after this one! Why a Director's Cut, though? Wasn't the theatrical release silly enough?

I had never seen this movie until this past October, and that was only a portion. Still, I must say I was intrigued enough to order the DVD. And then I thought, hey, I'll go for the director's cut. So I really have nothing to compare that to, but let's just that I truly enjoyed it.

I understand that the movie is something of a cult classic and it is easy to see why. I hate to call it pure horror as it is much funnier and sweeter than that, but it does have the stuff of such. In truth, it is a movie about ghosts rather than a scary movie and the tortured man who works a con operation with them.

I'm a huge fan of Michael J. Fox and I think he does pretty good in this. His character is a little more sensitive than what I have seen him and he pulls it off, but he most comes to life as the stalwart and brave soul we all know he is.

The tale itself is really quite imaginative, especially those fascinated by the fun ghosts can offer. In fact, most of the ghosts we meet are nice and funny rather than scary. And hey, someone was actually to make ghosts work with objects in a logical way!

This is a great Halloween movie and if this had extra scenes I liked them. The extras are also plenty of fun, featuring the making of, interviews, and even a bit on real ghostly experiences.

I caught this movie on TV, and it was entertaining enough for me to sit through the whole film. I would have liked to give it a 3.6 stars if I could. I think it has a spark of something which makes it a little better than average, but I hesitate to call it excellent (4 stars). Since I knew nothing about this film, I was quite amazed to find people categorize it as a horror-comedy when I later looked it up here on Amazon.

I am an easily terrified person, so I generally stayed away from horror or gory movies. I remember when I finally gathered enough courage to watch "The Shining" because it is said to be such a classic, I had to turn my head away every time I sensed something potentially scary coming up. In the end, my total viewing time of that movie was less than 5 minutes. I suppose this explains how much I can stomach a horror movie. When I watched this movie, the word "scary" never came into my mind. I though it was fun, the special effect nice, and it was nice to see Michael J Fox again after a long while (although I wished his character weren't so headstrong, as usual). The plot could have been a little more unpredictable. But it was fun, entertaining, but no horror movie.

The director's cut of The Frighteners doesn't help the film's awkward shifts of tone much, but then this always seemed like two or three good ideas that never really gelled into the same movie. The idea of Michael J. Fox's paranormal investigator running a scam with a trio of real ghosts who haunt the houses he charges to exorcise is never given enough of a comic workout, just as the inspired idea of an undead serial killer trying to beat the competition in the body count stakes because "the title should be held by an American" never becomes a genuinely chilling figure. There are a few neat twists, but the film still feels more like it had a pitch and a treatment rather than a solid script, offering only a third as much fun as it really should. Still, no complaints about the lavish extras on this flipper disc (theEuropean release spreads the same extras over a 3-disc set) - aside from the usual deleted scenes and trailer there's even a four hour documentary produced by Jackson!

ITEM ARRIVED IN PERFECT CONDITION AND VERY FAST SHIPPING. I WOULD DEFINATELY ORDER FROM SELLER AGAIN!!!!!

Having never seen "The Frighteners" in the theatre, and now seeing Peter Jackson's Director's Cut makes me wonder why such a cut was released? This film, with all of it's slick special effects and Alan Silvestri-Knock-off-music by Danny Elfman, goes on and on and on without being truly funny (the endless one-liners are as old and corny as can be!) or truly scary; in short, the film is probably best described as campy with an overuse of effects and no focus on acting. If Trini Alvarado was meant to be bad, then this Andie MacDowell knock-off WAS every bit as numbing as her more famous look-alike. Michael J. Fox was not funny at all, and the endless barrage of ectoplasm and spirits and a Dee Wallace Stone in her finest role since Cujo (25th Anniversary Edition), made this film pretty tough to stomach. Glad to see that Peter Jackson did better work before AND after this one! Why a Director's Cut, though? Wasn't the theatrical release silly enough?

With The Cutout, Ms. Mathews has written an enthralling, captivating, and intelligent spy thriller. There are minor distractions in the book, such as perhaps too much introspectional dialogue from the main female character, but that only harms the novel if you, the reader, lets it. Speaking for myself, this book started slow, but picked up pace rapidly after the character developement was established and was a real thrill ride to the end. The author's experience as a CIA operative paints a brilliant background as you travel to foreign countries in this book. Our culture is turning away from individual achievement and intelligence, but if you still value these things, give this one a try. Her sequel to this one, Blown, is coming out in ppbk in June. I look forward to investing the time to read it as well.

"The Cutout" redeems this trashy genre by giving us a plot created like historical fiction, even if in the relatively present tense, and characters who are not personally believable but their motivations are. Into this falls a plot that is not so much complex and twisty-turny but a deepending of involvement, a gradual entrenchment into this world of deceit and the necessity of survival. Some aspects of it are unrealistic and even cartoony but one senses that is to avoid dealing with the density of detail required for the actual backstory, as well as to avoid offending foreign nations. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be reading more from this author.

No doubt, author Francine Mathews knows her stuff when it comes to forming a well-tuned spy novel - as previous reviewers have mentioned, her experience (as a former employee of the CIA) shows.

However, from start to finish, I felt like I was watching (reading) a spy story made by the Lifetime channel. Caroline, aka Mad Dog (which made me think of the horrid, cheap wine the entire time I'm afraid), seemed to go from shocked and devastated widow to suddenly G.I. Jane at end of the book.. and then back to tough analyst while laying in a hospital bed. Her husband Eric seemed to be nothing more than a cardboard cutout (no pun) of a tough guy. And the ending was something I would expect out of some kind of sad and dramatic Lifetime show.

Mathews has potential, but this novel is not something I can see pleasing many previous spy novel fans. Her knowledge of tradecraft and the intelligence community reflected in the book, but her characters are overly cliche and dramatic. If you're new to the genre and want an okay read, then try this novel out. Otherwise, I would suggest something else.

I was sorry when Ms. Mathews gave up on her Merry Folger series, and I still am. This book is completely unrelated, but a fantastic read. A lot of the plot premise is hard to believe, but her portrayal of agents and terrorists alike are chilling and believable. Lots of plot twists ending with a really delicious turn. I wonder if she will write a sequel? I hope so.

US Vice President Sophie Payne is on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany. As she begins a controversial speech to crowds gathered near the US Embassy in Berlin, a terrorist attack is launched. A bomb goes off in front of the Brandenburg Gate, killing and wounding many, including Ms. Payne's bodyguard. In the midst of the ensuing chaos, a helicopter lands, terrorists grab the vice president and make an effortless get-away. Later, as the CIA director and her associates review the videotape of the kidnapping, they recognize the face of the pilot and are stunned into silence. And these folks, who have seen and heard just about everything, are not easily shocked.

Caroline Carmichael is a CIA intelligence analyst specializing in European terrorist groups. Her husband, Eric, former CIA operative and European station chief, had been killed two years before when the plane he was on exploded over the Aegean Sea. Since then, all Caroline's work for the Counterterrorism Center, (CTC), has focused on one disciplined, deadly group of Eastern European killers, the "30 April Organization." Their agenda is to cleanse Europe of all non-Aryans and their MO is terror. Croatian Mlan Krucevic, is the organization's leader. He is a trained geneticist who uses biological agents in human experiments. A fanatic, like his father before him, he is a former director of prison camps in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and responsible for the murder and torture of thousands of Muslims and Serbs. His file reads like sadistic horror fiction. It was Krucevic who had a bomb placed on MedAir 901, Eric Carmichael's fatal flight. The 30 April Organization, under Krucevic's command, is also responsible for kidnapping Sophie Payne.

Caroline's expertise on everything pertaining to 30 April, its history, methods, motives and the psychology of its members, leads to her active involvement in the plan to rescue the Vice President. However, as the complex plot unwinds, and Central European governments begin to crumble, the reader discovers that much more than the life of a high ranking US official is at stake.

"The Cutout" is an outstanding novel of espionage and international politics - chillingly realistic, especially given Francine Mathews' personal knowledge of her subject. She is a former CIA analyst. Her descriptions of the intelligence community are fascinating and credible, as is her tour through the killing fields of Bosnia, and the glimpses she provides of the savage results of religious and ethnic hatreds which have existed in this region for centuries.

"Cutout" is an Intelligence term for a go-between, a pawn. I found "The Cutout" to be more than just an intelligent action thriller and a riveting read. Ms. Mathews' presents a fascinating political scenario, where a German chancellor is assassinated. His replacement is a representative from Germany's Social Conservative Party, with a hidden agenda to annex Central Europe, and the means to do it. This overriding plot is gripping, as is the kidnapping of the US Vice President. The author masterfully juggles and merges various storylines. Her characters are strong and well developed. "The Cutout" also brings into play a moral topic which has been discussed widely, especially since 9/11. It's that old Machiavellian, "Does the end justify the means?" How far should our Intelligence operatives go, whether in dealing with evil, (working with people like Saddam Hussein, or former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega), or in perpetrating it themselves, (i.e., as inside agents, performing terrorists acts themselves, so as not to blow their cover), in order to wipe-out the larger evil? "The Cutout" makes for a compelling read and I highly recommend it. I just ordered the sequel, "Blown."
JANA

I am a big fan of Debbie Macomber, but I didn't think I was going to like this book because i'm not Catholic. But it was a very good book. And I would recomend it to any of my friends to read.

I just finished reading "Changing Habits," by Debbie Macomber, who is, to me, a new author. I'd never read her books until recently, when I read two of the books in her Blossom Street series, which, while they aren't deep writing, are feel-good and satisfying. It seemed she gives some of her characters more depth than others. In both of the books I read, there were 2 or 3 characters that I felt I 'knew' and could see in my mind but others that just weren't developed beyond the basics.

So I wasn't expecting that "Changing Habits" would be deep and extremely detailed in the way of character development. It wasn't. BUT, the author does have a gift for developing a good storyline and hooking the reader. This book follows three women in three different states and in different situations, as they each decide they are called to be nuns. I learned so much about nuns that I never knew, and I was raised Catholic during the time in which this book is set.

I enjoyed reading this; it was light reading, great stories for each character. I thought the ending was kind of untidy. Some of the dialogue was stilted (particularly between one of the characters, Joanna, and her husband, who have been married 30 years. The conversations between them sound like talk between a couple that's just met! I just didn't find it believable.) and I was left wondering about parts of the story lines.

Anyway, if you want a quick, interesting read, give it a try. I loved the author's Blossom Street series and will continue reading Debbie Macomber's books.

Changing Habits is an extraordinary book. It introduces us to three young women from different backgrounds, Kathleen, Angelina, and Joanna, and their journey through the convent and later life outside the convent. Told through their eyes, each chapter features one of the girls experiences and how it affects their life in the convent and eventually the women they become.

When I picked up the book, I didn't know how wrapped up in the story I would get. Each girl had their own story to tell and how their personal struggles affected themselves and their faith. I didn't know much about the Catholic Order, but with reading this book, I got information that was both interesting and not overwhelming. This book touched me in ways that most books can't even begin to match. It's a wonderful book that will make you think differently and look at your life in a whole new light.

A must read for anyone looking for a heartwarming and touching book!

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Two young women enter the convent in the 1960s for very different reasons and both later leave the convent as well, around the same time, also for different reasons.

Angelina Marcello goes on a school field trip and suddenly gets the very strong feeling that God is calling her to become a bride of Christ and become a nun. Her father is furious and does not want her to go, preferring she stay with him and help run the family restaurant that she'll own some day.

Joanna Baird is supposed to get married when her fiancé has to go to Nam. She continues to plan the wedding, and they expect to be married when her returns from the war. When he comes home with a pregnant Vietnamese bride, Joanna is heartbroken and six months later joins the convent, believing she has a calling to the vocation.

Both girls find contentment and even happiness behind the walls of the convent. Angelina is a high school teacher and Joanna a nurse at the local hospital. Then Joanna falls in love with a doctor at the hospital, a Vietnam vet. Angelina grows very attached to a young girl she teaches, but then that girl dies from complications due to an illegal back alley abortion. Now both women are Changing Habits and must resolve their respective crises of faith outside of the religious order.

Wow, even in abridged format that completely erases the story of a third young woman at the convent, Changing Habits is a very powerful story. These young women join the church at a very tumultuous time for the Catholic Church and for the country. While the focus is on the girls' lives as nuns, we get quite a glimpse at current events happening all around them, from the scandals of the Nixon presidency to church politics.

I was pulled right into the story, engrossed in the lives of these young women. Macomber is brilliant when it comes to portraying the hearts of her characters, which in turn makes the readers emotionally invested in the story. I cried with Angelina as she lost a student so very dear to her and I felt empathy for Joanna as she struggles to resist passions denied to nuns.

I'm very disappointed Kathleen's story was completely eliminated in the abridged book though. From the book descriptions I found, hers sounds like it was quite a story. But due to the nature of her story, I wonder if it was eliminated due to this book being published right around the time so much scandal in the Catholic Church was being uncovered.

I also was thrown a little at the end of the story when the women reunite after many years apart and they suddenly appear to be best friends. Since the bulk of the story was divided out as each nun's story was told, we never saw the development of the bond these women appear to share at the conclusion of the novel. Whether this was because the book was abridged for audio or because it was never really portrayed in the novel I am unable to save.

What I do know however is I am so very glad I recently "discovered" Debbie Macomber. With the sheer numbers of books she has written over the years, I'm amazed I never tried anything by her until recently. She has fast become a beloved author of mine however and Changing Habits is a perfect example of why I love her writing.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, April 2008. All rights reserved.

It is one of the best books I have read of Debbie Macomber's. The three girls and their stories kept me up all night reading.