Clubs Books

Another fabulous adventure in one of my pre-teen favorite series' was "Hayride!" I loved it because of all the boy-girl stuff (I was just getting into boys) and it was just a really entertaining book! Reccommended to any young girl, Saddle Club reader or not!

When I used to read the Saddle Club books, this was one of my favs. I loved the way Stevie schemed Bob and Lisa's relationship and Veronica's failed scheme added to the hysterias! I love this one!

This book, I could read over and over. Friendship, in this book you see the speacial bond friends have and i admire the one between Stevie,Lisa and Carole. Carole wants a speacial party but something turns up that ruins it, READ THIS BOOK!!!!

Carole's birthday is coming up and she wants to do something speacial. Stevie and lisa think that it's a great idea. Carole deserves something special for her birthday. Not just special, something horsey. Then they come up with the perfect plan. A hayride! They invite girls and boys to a basic party and then they go for a hayride. It's perfect! But their plans shatter when Carole hurts her leg and won't be able to dance at the party. They decide to have the party anyway, so they invite everyone at Pine Hollow. But word gets out around the stables before snooty Veronica gets her invite. Now she's out to ruin the party for The saddle Club. She calls Cam and Phil (Carole and Stevie's boyfriends) and tells them something to make them not come. As for Lisa... Veronica gets the idea that Simon, the boy who's been crushing on Lisa, is Lisa's boyfriend. She snags him as a partner to go to the dance with, planning to go to the party she wasn't invited to with Lisa's boyfriend. But Lisa has help from Stevie to get her real crush as a date. Turns out Veronica was invited, though.

Read this book, it's great!

This is an excellent book that has been well researched. I am a decendant of Henry Rains on my mother's side and have been trying to find out a lot more about my mom's side of the family. This book saved me countless hours of research and I haven't found anything so far in my research that disagrees with what is written in this book.

Thanks David for writing this wonderful book!!!!!

This is an excellent book. I am a decendant of Solomon Carter and Elizabeth Gibson-Fuson-Carter. There daughter, Jane Carter married Milton Lane Rice Rains.

Thanks for the wonderful book.

Wayne Carter

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this well researched book written by David S. Rains. It is easy to follow the journey this family made. I am a Rains descendant who is searching for my roots, but alas I was not connected through Henry Rains lineage. I would recommend this book to anyone searching the Rains line and to those that are collectors of historical families.

I must say this book was very insightful and met all my expectations. Especially knowing my uncle David Rains wrote this
book. Comming from a hard working man who I know put 100% effort into obtaining all the historical facts, Must of dedicated all his time to research the information. I have no doubt in my mind that every thing in this book is accurate. It was so nice to sit back and read a book about my ancestors. I would have never known any these things if my uncle David Rains didn't write this book. I encourage all family members and non-family members as well to purshes this book.
Lisa Kapahua

What a ride! Carlos is your everyday hero, who could be your neighbor!!! I couldn't stop reading until I finished . What a story. I hope we will see more of Carlos in the future. Let's get a sequal out soon.

This book grabs you and brings you into a world unknown to most Americans. It is a witty, inciteful and factual look into the world of most Cubans following Castro's rise to power. While the book itself is fictional the events that took place could very well have happened. While it does not have the far-fetched, only in your dreams action of Hollywood, it is highly engaging and still maintains suspense and intrigue ( a refreshing change of pace from the blood and guts of most action/suspense books). Two emphatic thumbs up!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It kept my interest from beginning to end. It seems it contained historical information about Cuba and the dictorship in control of that country. The characters were developed in a very likeable and believeable manner. I highly recommend this fictional novel.

Very entertaining and informative. After I got into the plot I couldn't put it down. Would be a sequence? I know the author and that is amazing, we live in the same town!

This is a very entertaining short story.

I really enjoyed this short story. Liked the parts about the children and their dog the best....Cute.

Couldn't put this book down. I liked the parts about the children and their dog the best.

Couldn't put this book down. The main character had one interesting experience after another, right up to the end. Great fiction reading about true to life every day people.

I can add little to the other reviews except for my enthusiastic recommendation of this book! Mank, one of the best film historians on the beat, liberally mixes careful scholarship with the zest of good storytelling. This makes for part one of a great double-feature if you follow it with Shawn Levy's dynamite RAT PACK CONFIDENTIAL. Ah, for the good old days... when bad behavior had panache! Great read! As another has noted, it's hard not to tear through in a single sitting.

Greg Mank has left the haunted mansion of golden age horror film critiques and heads into Hollywood Babylon territory with his newest book; and what he finds would have Kenneth Anger gasping for breath. Mank, with his coauthors Charles Heard and Bill Nelson, tells the tale of the Bundy Drive Boys, a collective of fast living and hard drinking Hollywood actors, writers and artists--- all committed to their friendship and the right to destroy their careers, their families and themselves by any means necessary. Among the hell-raisers are John Barrymore, W.C. Fields, Errol Flynn, John Decker, William Fowler, John Carradine, Ben Hecht and Sadakichi Hartmann; and their stories of childhood tragedy, incest, rape, cannibalism (in a POW camp), drunken brawls, sexual conquests, and even an art forgery scam, will have your jaw hitting the floor.

I read HOLLYWOOD HELLFIRE CLUB in one sitting. My morbid curiosity (wondering just how much worse can things get for the Bundy Drive boys) simply would not let me put this book down. If you are a fan of Hollywood's Golden Age... or the last person to leave the scene of a train wreck, this book will surely entertain and/or horrify you!

There are only two ways you can look at the lives of these legendary "bad boy" actors and comedians. First is head-on, which this book offers in abundance. And second, philosophically, as suggested by one of the most poignant passages in the book, "They all saw the joke of life, and they teach us not to be scared. There is no bogeyman. Get the essence of love and happiness and joy, and share it with people. All that matters is to leave a legacy of happiness, and to give someone else an inspiration--like they gave us." (Rita Saiz, clairvoyant?)

John Barrymore, W.C. Fields, Errol Flynn, and John Decker were among the most talented individuals of their day, and seemingly, among the most tragic, each drowning his pain in alcohol and prematurely snuffing-out their abilities and lives. But they did so in good company: John Carradine, Alan Mowbray, Ben Hecht, and Thomas Mitchell, to name a few. And best of all, there was Gene Fowler, the writer whom they trusted to keep the record straight. And worst of all, there was Sadakichi Hartmann, a pre-counter-culture beatnik/hippie who seemed to be consumed by his worst impulses, and was kept afloat by Barrymore.

But to concentrate on the tragic is to lose sight of the legacy that includes Barrymore's "Svengali" and "Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde," Fields's trenchant satires of American family life, and the transcendent magic of Flynn's swashbuckling heroes. Authors Mank, Heard, and Nelson offer no apologies for these artists, nor do they cast judgement. This is a book that is both repulsive and yet mesmerizing. In the end, we are left not so much mourning the shortened careers of these men, but marveling that their genius allowed them to perform a weird alchemy that transformed so much personal squalor into artistic brilliance.

This is High-Gothic Hollywood storytelling, and maybe it's about time.

I was a bit nervous when I ordered "Hollywood's Hellfire Club" by Gregory Mank, Charles Heard and Bill Nelson.

I love old Hollywood and the stars of its golden age and although I was not looking for a whitewash of their lives, I was worried it might be a book that just trashed them. And yes, the book shows their lives warts and all, but it was clearly written by people who love these guys and the period of Hollywood they lived in.

The interwoven stories of these friends has the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, but all told in an engrossing way that really wraps you up in the tale. I was familiar with W.C. Fields, Errol Flynn, John Carradine, John Barrymore, Ben Hecht and Gene Fowler but I did not know much about John Decker and Sadakichi Hartmann but reading about their exploits and insanity was funny and fascinating (W.C. Fields as Queen Victoria? And who in their right mind would ever think of a perfume concert?!?)

The book is a very enjoyable read, it grabs you with each persons story and pulls the group together as it tells the tale. Organized by decades, the book is lavishly illustrated and although most of the cast of characters had a lot of sadness in their lives, the book does not get morbid, it more looks at the absurdity and fun these people brought each other, and through their work they brought each of us.

These guys personified perfection in their chosen fields, were perfectly decadent in their private lives and the way "Hollywood's Hellfire Club" is presented makes for a perfectly fascinating story.

this is a good book because stevie is so preoccupied. i also really loved learning more about vaulting. now i can convice my friend(shes a gymnast/circus performer) that horses r the greatest. i got so attached to the goslings, and #7's (or was it 5?) gift for Veronica is an image i will cherish forever! it was so sad when stevie realized that the goslings were not all going to hatch. it was funny when #'s 1-8 officially became #'s 1-8. even my brother likes it!

This book was great. Stevie gets 12 goose eegs when she entered in a contest. There is also a other thing going on. Max Pine Hollow's onwer as a vaulting horse at the stables. The Saddle Club is determined to master vaulting but Veronica is getting in the way. She is taking fancy coaches and the girls can't helping admitting that Veronica is really good at it. When Stevie's goslings hatch they follow her everywhere she goes. Now there is a vaulting show coming up and The Saddle Club is going to be in it and so is Veronica. Lisa is getting really good. She was the first one to master the Stand. Stevie and Carole think Lisa got what it takes to win the show or is the Saddle Club and Veronica in for a big surprise?

It was a good book and I like what happens to Varonica in the end. I also liked the surprise Stevie gets when she opens the box, but it go's on for to long when the eggs are hatching. I don't think Steve would forget about the new horse so quickly either.

I really liked this one! Stevie gets to become MOtherGoose! When stevie gets a box in the mail, she assumes it is a down comforter that she won in a contest, little does she know that when she opens the box that her real prize is not the blanket but a clutch of unhatched goose eggs, and when the eggs hatch, the fun begins and stevie heads into trouble. Meanwhile everyone is learning a new skill, vaulting and good old veronica thinks that she can just hire any old coach and she will automatically win the competition, boy is she in for a surprise and so will you! SO Read HOrse Feathers and let it tickle your funny bone!

I think Bonnie Bryant writes great books.The Saddle Club is a good series for all the serious horsemen today. Read this book and the others!

Horse Trade was a great book.Everything about the book was great,except when Max told Carole to demonstrate the wrong ways of jmping they called Starlight a she when he is a gelding.

I really thought Horse Trade was a good book, because as you read more the plot thickens. Phil Stevie's boy-friend is bording a mare and Stevie falls in love with the mare.But she has a problem the mare(No-Name)keeps braking out in hives.Can Stevie find out whats wrong before it's to late for a person and a horse?

This was a great book . I loved the part about stevie trying to figure out No- Names allegries. However I noticed several minor mistakes . like calling Starlight a mare . But over all it was really good!

This book will appeal to a wide range of readers. Main text is written for younger readers and well-supported by Aliki's soft, colorful watercolor illustrations (populated by publishing cats!), and accompanied by humorous dialog. Older readers will appreciate the more detailed explanations of production that appear in smaller type and are framed within the illustrations. Additional attention to detail is evidenced in the fine points of Aliki's illustrations, such as the small calendar that appears on nearly every two-page spread and the occasional seasonal clues (e.g., a jack-o-lantern in the window) which provide a time frame to the observant reader. Dialog balloons offer a personal glimpse at the individuals who produce a book, and often provide insightful humor as well. (For example, the dialog from an editor's desk reads: "This pile gets bigger and bigger.") As book production moves from initial creation (crafting text and pictures, editing, etc.) to production, Aliki's illustrations become necessarily somewhat more complex: one two-page spread clearly shows the four-color offset printing process, including a detailed cross-section of the inside of the printer. However, the youngest readers are always in mind, and the book never leaves them behind.

Published in 1986, the technology mentioned (floppy disks and magnetic tape; even the printing process) is somewhat dated, but aside from that, this outstanding book offers a great look at the many steps and people that it takes to make a book.

THis book is intended for "imature audiences only",but is a great orientation to the publishing/printing industry. Many of us in the industry are inclined to give newcomers the micro details without the bigger picture. This book, in a very effective and simplistic way, takes a new employee through the overview of how a book is made. Often, reading this book prior to training allows for greater retention of more detailed facts learned during training. While the overview is excellent, the technology represented is very outdated. Many of the processes happen on computer now. I would love the publisher to do an updated version!

I read this book in the 2nd grade, when it was first published. This book made me want to be a writer. Aside from being completely informative, the illustrations are beautiful. I still own my original copy, and writing is my biggest passion and greatest reward in life. Every child and adult should get their paws on this book and I hope it will always continue to inspire all of our future writers of the world.

Informative and accurate even with changing technology. If you want to teach your children the step by step process of how a book is made, Aliki clearly demonstrates this with her illustrations and text. Great author!! I recommend all her books.

When my friend first told me about this book, I was quite reluctant to make a purchase because I am not the least bit interested in the world of spy thrillers or intelligence. But, she persuaded me to make the buy, primarily because of the romance, and I am glad I did. This book is really off-the-hook! At first, I thought it would take me a while to understand the intellectual aspects of the novel because of the introduction. After I began reading the first chapter I was really moved by how Mr. Robinson introduced the main character's wife and daughter. Then I was really motivated to continue reading. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to the continuing saga. Although there was lots of suspense, intrigue and mystery, it seems Mr. Robinson would call this a romance novel, instead of a suspense/thriller. Either way you will enjoy it. At least I did. As a matter of fact, I would have enjoyed this even better as a movie. Excellent work Mr. Robinson!

This book had me reeling for the most part and I couldn't wait to get to the end. I agree that women will love this book and men will marvel in the life of Jack. The secrets, and suspence of the book made me wish it was an actual movie. At times I wish it was me that was Jack. I can read this over and over. One thing is for sure, once you start to read this book, you will not want to put it down. If this book is an indication of how the next book will be, I will be standing in line for it. Enjoy!!

I am not a fan of action espionage novels. But this one was so off the hook right from the start, I could not believe how much I enjoyed it!! The scenes and characters were so carefully crafted and detailed that I found myself squirming in my seat, helping Jack make his moves. I could close my eyes and actually see the fight scenes, feel the heat and humidity from the jungle. I gave up hours of sleep 'cause I couldn't put it down, even re-reading chapters because they were so powerful.

No corny dialogue. No unrealistic love scenes. I dreamed this story long after I finished reading it. Mr. Robinson's vision through this novel is truly remarkable.

If you want a really good book to read that is very romantic, yet filled with enough action, treachery, and suspense for you and your man to enjoy, this is a really good buy. The love scenes, hmmm. What more can I say? I loved the romance between the main character and his wife, and their daughter was simply adorable. Dispite his faults, he's the kind of man a girl wants in her life. I must admit, however, that the villian was good, too, and you will be surprised at the ending. Buy it as a gift for your significant other as I did, then read it yourself. You'll be glad you did. I also bought a copy for my grandpa. He finished it in less than three days. Obviously, there is going to be a sequel. The author really captures his character's voices! Terrific!

After reading this book,you would think that your underachievemedents aren't unique,since there are lots of "crazy" but "special" failures which are written in this book.

This is the funniest book I own, and I re-read it frequently. It has an amazing cumulative effect--you start out with smiles, and a few pages later you're wiping away tears, rendered speechless and almost breathless with laughter. Mr. Pile's prose style is brilliant. His awe in the face of breathtaking human incompetence (which he claims "separates us from the animals")is inspirational. Buy this book.

If you need several hundred good laughs, you need the Incomplete Book of Failures. Chronicled here for all time are the spectacular underachievements of idiots of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds. Well worth a two to six month wait! Complete with erata list

I can't say enough good things about this book. Perhaps the 'English as she is wrote' section is the most side-splitting text ever! I refer back to the book frequently, and tell everyone about it.