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This was a very good story. The pros and cons I saw are below:

Pros:
1. This story was very thoughtful. I even cried, in parts. I hate stories with shallow, soap opera-like drama. This book was FAR from that.
2. REAListic--the story did not end as just a "happily ever after" story.
3. "Page turner" and very exciting and interesting in the second part.
4. Well developed characters in the second part.
5. The story was never predictable or cliched.


Cons:
1. The fist part of the book had poor character development. The plot moved so fast and characters were in and out of the story so fast that the characters had no time to delelop.
2. I think that because the plot moved so fast, in the first part, I had to keep going back to make sure who was who and to clarify what happened.
3. The story ended at a TERRIBLE time. I do not object to the way in which it ended; I just think the story should have continued on for another chapter or two. There should certainly be a sequal to this book.

I reccommend this book. However, the ending is bittersweet--both sad and happy. It does not have a "happily ever after" type ending and I like that. It is more believable.

272Pgs - This is my personal view of this book.

It did not grab my attention at all. At the fourth chapter, I was looking for my receipt. More Women are becoming Soul Searchers today and if you are a Title Seeker like myself meaning (a title of a book can prompt you to purchase) this book will definitely be a lesson well deserved.

This is book could be named, "When A Man Loves a Woman." Bishop really loved Abeni and she loved him back just as hard.

This book is awesome! It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. The characters really come to life in this book--you feel what they feel as you read this wonderful book!

It's been awhile since I've ordered a few books and rather than bore you with the same old rave reviews, I just have a few things to state. The book kept me up until my eyes could not take it anymore; The character Bishop in the book was fascinating. I won't go into details but the fact that it deals with FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) which is going on in certain tribes in Africa paints a picture for me to better understand the culture. Althought I don't agree with it. Pick the book up and you will not be dissappointed.

My daughter and I have LOVED sharing Betsy-Tacy as a read-aloud. The way that the author weaves the girls' fantasies right into the chapter is a perfect illustration of just how real imaginary play is to children (or at least used to be when kids were allowed to imagine). Beware, parents: Have a hankie on hand for the Easter Eggs chapter. I had tears running in rivulets down my cheeks. The only sad thing about Betsy-Tacy is that my daughter wishes that she had a kindred spirit of her own as they do. Highly recommended!

I was introduced to Betsy and Tacy at 5 or 6 by my mom. She adored the series growing in the 50/60s. I grew up in the 70s/80s and fell in love with Betsy, Tacy and Tib. I have 3 daughters that now love these books also. If I had to name the best gift I ever received, I would name my Betsy books. I read the books at just the right time in my life. I would look forward to receiving my Besty/Tacy book at Christmas. When I had my 1st child, my mother gave me the final book in the series when Betsy also has a baby. I was overjoyed yet sad because I knew it was the end of the books.
These books were so important to me growing up that I still think of the characters often. They are wonderful classic stories of a simple time and true friendships.

B-T fans rejoice! Sutton Foster acquits herself well, and brings the characters and Maud's distinctive writerly voice alive in her reading of B-T.

Tired of reading the book over and over and over to your children? This audiobook can take over the chore. Or guarantee that you arrive at work in a good mood, by listening during your commute.

Don't hesitate, just get it before it goes out of print. Let's hope they issue more of the books on CD too.

I was recently reminded of the Betsy-Tacy books I loved so much when I was a young girl. You can not imagine my horror at seeing the current editions' illustrations of the girls, though. Part of the original books' charm was the simple illustrations. Whoever decided to change them should be ashamed. Ashamed and fired. Seriously.

Contact me if you want to join a campaign to have the real drawings returned to future editions of these timeless classics so many of us loved so much.

What a delightful book! I cannot believe I missed these books as a child; I picked them up to read with my daughters on a friend's recommendation, and they are a treasure. They remind me of so many other classic children's books -- Lois Lenski, Carolyn Haywood, Beverly Cleary, Eleanor Estes. Not only are the stories sweet and captivating, they take me back to a place where life was so much simpler. It's a return to innocence, and I loved the journey. I would highly recommend these books for little girls; they'll make new friends that they'll cherish for a lifetime.

I had read many of Carlene Thompson's books, and this one is by far the best book I have ever read!! Just when you think you have things all figured out, the book takes an unsuspected turn that leaves you still trying to guess who the villian really is. I can say this, I nearly dropped the book when the villian was revealed!! Carlene Thompson is by far the best author of suspense novels that there is!! Great Book!!

I love her books but the ending on this one was too contrived. She keeps you in suspense throughout the book and you don't want to put it down; however at the end, I felt let down.

Have you ever read a book and had the ending freak you out so much that you threw the book across the room???
Well, that was my experience when I read "Black for Remembrance".
I am a very hard critic and rarely do I read a book that I can remember years later.
I have read an enormous amount of mystery/suspense and this is by far one of the best thrillers I have ever had the privilege of reading.
From the first page to the last, I was completely enthralled. There is not a slow part to the story.
This book will stay with you long after it ends. At least it has for me.
Carlene Thompson is a brilliant author.

I GENERALLY LIKE CHARLENE THOMPSON'S BOOKS, BUT THIS ONE INVOLVED A SEXUAL PREDATOR, ABUSING AND MURDERING VERY YOUNG GIRLS. IT WAS SAD. HE DESTROYED THE LIVES OF TWO BEAUTIFUL LITTE GIRLS. THE BOOK WAS WELL WRITTEN, NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, BUT IT WAS DISTURBING. THIS BOOK TAKES PLACE 20 YEARS AFTER 5 YEAR OLD HALEY WAS FOUND DEAD. I HAVEN'T GIVEN ANYTHING AWAY. THIS SICKO IS NOT THE CURRENT MURDERER. AT THE END, WHEN YOU FIND OUT WHO IS, YOU'LL THINK HOW UNDERSTANDABLY SAD.

This is another page-turning, suspenseful mystery by this author. Her fans, as well as those who enjoy books by Mary Higgins Clark, will not be disappointed. The author is clearly a master of this genre.

When Caroline Corday lost her five year old daughter Hayley to a murderous fiend she thought that she would never recover from the tragedy. Twenty years later, divorced from her first husband, Chris Corday, she is happily married to David Webb. The Webbs have a teenage son and an eight year daughter, Melinda. Caroline's now idyllic life is turned topsy-turvy, however, when she starts hearing the voice of her dead daughter.

Suddenly, everywhere Caroline goes, something happens to remind her of that terrible day twenty years ago. Moreover, people who were in some way connected with the case of her dead daughter start becoming murder victims. A bouquet of black silk flowers, accompanied by the same spooky message, is left for them upon their death. As this spate of events makes it clear that Hayley's death is no longer a thing of the past, Caroline does everything that she can to ensure that Melinda will not end up as a murder statistic.

The only question is: who is doing all these terrible things and why? Read the book and find out. You will find your self compulsively turning the pages of this well-crafted suspenseful mystery.

I was given this book as a gift. I have never been a Michigan fan and always thought Big Ten football as boring. I could not put this book down. I loved every page of it. Not only is it a great look into Michigan football and a great football mind but it is one of the best business books I have read. Basic fundamentals that, packed around interesting stories that show how they work. I am ordering a copies for everyone on my sales staff. This is a book I will read again and again. Now the painful part, I now have a soft spot for the Wolverines.

This is a great book on the fundamentals of leadership. Bo and the author use football for examples of different challenges a leader might face. As a Michigan fan it was wonderful to read how this legendary coach made his way to Michigan, and how he formed his philosophies on coaching. After reading this book, the reader will have a better appreciation of how and why Bo coached the way he did. If anyone knows a person or if they themselves coach anything, this book is a MUST read. But you can still enjoy the book even if you don't coach or lead anything.

Bo's life was a reminder to me about the things that are important - integrity, friendship, leadership, honest communication, and giving your all every single day. Although a football story, I think it's more an inspirational guide to attainment of the highest human values disguised as a football story. Put this on your list to read!

This is the best book by/about Bo. Many of the stories are familiar, but most of the ones that have appeared before have a somewhat different slant on them here. If you have been in a leadership position, you will recognize much of what Bo says as simple truth. You will also recognize examples where you didn't follow his principles, and regretted it later. People like him who see life as simply are rare, and are an inspiration. I'm not sure how much of the effect of the book would be lost on someone who did not have a familiarity with college football, but if you have even a cursory exposure to it, you should find the stories enjoyable and educational.

This book was written as though Bo was talking. Oftentimes after I closed the book I was motivated and charged. It had a lot of great advice and pointers about leadership. I good book for a leader. A great book for a Michigan fan.

I love this type of book, a strong heroine, the prototypical reluctant hero, and a setting full of history and mystery. Congratulations C.J.!

CJ has a story to tell, and sets the stage in quick fashion. Likened to a cross between chiseling stone and molding clay, CJ Rapidly develops four main characters, five if you include the cat. The common "scar" factor links the pursuer to the pursued. And the rapidity of action and change of scene channels my attention, presumably, where she wants it, first, the inkling that the hunter and prey have a common horrific experience, and second, why is this relationship deadly? As my tastes run toward Clancy, Grisham, and am a fan of Hillerman, I was impressed. So... what's around the corner?

I was drawn in and hooked in no time.. I definitely look forward to reading more! I imagine this will be a book I won't be able to put down.

Don't read this unless you want to be completely riveted - because I promise you, it'll happen in the first page. A whirlwind blend of action, darkness, and humor, in perfect balance. The bathroom scene is especially chilling. Absolutely excellent and I can't wait for more.

While this is generally not my genre, I took the chance. I was instantly taken by the main character, intrigued by her self-purpose, despite the crippling horror and the amnesia. I wanted to know what had happened, why she was running, what or who she was running from...and of course, with just the excerpt available, I still want to know!

It is easy to read, entertaining, and it makes me want to read the rest. I liked the Irish setting as well, and the way the author settles the reader into that setting without hammering it in with pages of description.

I loved the description of the furry doctor -- definitely a kid's point of view. In fact, the depiction of Theo is very real, very true-to-life. The mother also intrigues me. What triggered her depression? Does she come out of it? And what did Dad see in Theo's chart? I would definitely like to read more!

Reading this excerpt put me right into the head of the 11-year old Theo, so much so that I felt a little like I was time-traveling. Theo's POV brings us all of the fears, concerns and simple pleasures of an eleven year old boy amidst the trials and tribulations of a broken family. The mysteries of Theo's injury and his mother's unpredictable behavior hooked me, and the wonderful writing made it easy to keep reading. I like these characters and want to see them through to the end. Looking forward to reading more.

My favorite thing about Ms. Librie's writing is the way she catches the intimate moments. Theo is half angry with his mother when he looks at her sleeping in her bed, yet he wants to climb in next to her the way he did when he was little, "and lose himself in the waves of her breathing." In the hospital, when she asks him if she upset him, he doesn't answer. She gives his hand a little shake and asks, "Did I?" The simplicity and grace in the breathing and the little shake makes me care about these characters and hope I get to read the full story in the published novel.

An intense story of family dynamics is quickly established by Librie's economical writing. The reader is immediately invested in the story which is nicely grounded by details both physical and emotional. Librie has created such a sympathetic character and realistic situation that my stomach knotted when Theo's did. This could be a powerful young adult novel in the tradition of Bridge to Terabithia.

For anyone who grew up with a depressed mom, this story rings painfully true. Ms. Librie gets into the head of Theo, the 6th grader, who can't figure out what's happened to his mum. She writes Theo's push me-pull me feelings exceptionally well, he wants his mom back and he's darn angry that she left. I look forward to reading what ever it was that the Dad read in Theo's medical chart. Is he NOT Theo's dad? A great set up for a great novel, please give us more!

This is an excellent book that tells the story of cpl. Dunham and Lima company in Iraq. It has a smooth introduction that breaks off into an ambush with intense second by second battle recounts and then takes a turn onto the more emotional path of Dunham's and his squads wounded tales and their path home through many hospitals. This book will emotionally drain you, but has lots of comedy relief to bring you back to life and has a ver spiritual ending. I am very glad I picked up this book at the library when I saw it sitting on a shelf where it did not belong. This book should be a bestseller and be placed on many book club reading lists. Why has this book went unnoticed? It is too good to be placed in the shadows.

A quick read that will help the family of this fallen Marine heal their pain. Would be a good basis for a course or discussion or analyis of how wishful thinking and hope by well meaning people falls short when they lose sight of the realities of the situation and circumstances. None of which takes anything away from the valient heart of Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Jason Dunham, USMC.

This is also a non-fiction book about the trials of becoming a Marine, then a leader of men, and then a victim of the tribulations of that position. I have been reading the Wall Street Journal for over 50 years, and have been ever salutory of the reporters that have produced stories for that instituion----and this is NO exception! This reporter dug up the very varied backgrounds of these Marines, and brought them into focus of a VERY controversial time in the U.S.----and the M.D.'s and nurses that played their roles in the very lives of these fighting men and women----that are on the the frontline--------so that we do not have to be.

This was an incredible book about an incredible young man and his sacfrice for our freedom. As a USMC veteran of the first GUlf War I was interested in reading what these guys are dealing with in Iraq. As a father I was so caught up in what his family went through and how they dealt with the decisions they had to make. This book will be on the top of my list of favorite books.

I know it's only January but this book is fantastic - an extremely well-written account of a fascinating story of a true American hero. Strongly recommended.

This remarkable book describes the commitment of a young American (17 years) in the Marines in 1968, as a server of the famous M60 rifle gunner. "Guns up" - the order of battle and odf immediate fire - became a classic Overseas Atlantic story of the war in Vietnam. It has all the ingredients for success: good writing, humility, joint commitment ( "team spirit") and even religious faith (not that of George Bush, however, and fortunately).

I found this story in the spirit of the commitment of the elite troops at the French war in Indochina. 7 months of fighting without having set foot in a barrack, living in the jungle: what warrior feat indeed! Embuscades, fraternity, weaknesses of man.

A great book for a superb story.

Vietnam another generation, another war,life in the bush;death nearby everyday,war buddies killed.Life as a teenage Marine, either you grow up or die. A great read if you want to know what life as a Marine is.

if you want to know what the south end of Quang Nam province was like in 1968-69, this is it. i was there, just like johnny clark; but i was in 1/7. he's done a great job of capturing the feel of the time.

This is one of the best books I've read. The writer says in the end that some of this is fiction, or that certain characters are made of multiple people he knew, but the bulk of this story is true, regardless of who it happened to. I have yet to know someone who read this book and did not have to fight back tears at least once. I have read this book 4 times now. I recommend it to anyone and everyone.

I read this book at the suggestion of a friend (Sgt. Watson from the book). It was one of the quickest page-turners I have ever read. The reader is quickly made to realize the challenges of war as well as the personal sacrifices made by our soldiers. Anyone who is a soldier or knows one will appreciate this honest and well written account of this group of Marines' tour of duty.

I loved this book. This book is great for many reasons, but my favorite is the conflicts. It is about four owls, Soren, Twilight, Digger, and Gilfy. They are flying to the Great Tree. On their way, they run into a lot of problems. For example, they see a dead owl, so they go and bury it. Unfortunately, it was a bobcat's meal and he is still hungry. Then there's the problem at the resting spot, a tranquil lake and nice trees. But its a little too tranquil. The tranquility is just enough to brainwash you and turn you on your friends. But when they finally get to the tree, their reward is great. They can become a Guardian of Gahoole. They have made it through the toughest times of there lives.... Yet....

You'll have to read the books to find out what happens to the friends next.

I have read all 14 of them (most twice!) and think this is probably one of the four slowest in the series. I will not spoil anything(a good review shouldn't spoil the ending -..-) but I will say that this is a book that is simply a setter-upper and a filler. Some things happen, and it is fairly interesting, but pales in comparison to the rest of the series and other action packed books. However, don't let this stop you. If I were you, I would buy that 14pack that is the last one left, because this is the kind of book that is the "darkest befor the not-quite-so-far-off dawn" kind of book.

GET READING! =)

"We are a band." Soren makes this statement many times throughout the book. He is telling his friends, Gylfie, Twilight, and Digger, that they are a family and always need to stick together.

This book is about four little owls. They are trying to find The Great Ga'Hoole Tree. They are hoping to find Soren's family there. I felt really bad for the little owlets because they are orphans. They are trying to survive out in the wild on their own. At least they know how to fly, hunt, and fight.

They don't end up finding Soren's family at The Great Ga'Hoole Tree. The four owls, and Soren's old nest made Mrs Plithiver, end up living there. They each go into trainings and got picked for a job. I felt really bad for Soren because he didn't get what he wanted and everyone else did.

Near the end of the book, Twilight and Digger had the job to rescue owls and put them back into there nests. Well, there were no hollows around, so they brought them to The Great Ga'Hoole Tree. Digger was on the ground and saw an owl. It was Eglantine, Soren's baby sister. This was such a happy moment in the book. I am so glad that they found her. I was really sad though to find out she is sick. Soren stayed with her day and night. The real question I had after they found Eglantine was, "Where is the rest of Soren's family?"

The book The Journey is a very well put together book. I would recomend this book to anyone who loves books about animals and adventure. This would be a good book for teenagers, adults, and even younger kids. This series also leaves you hanging for the next book. I can't wait to read them.

Cameron Sparks


IS THIS A GREAT BOOK?
"A wise old owl sat on an oak; the more he saw the less he spoke; the less he spoke the more he heard; the more he heard the more knowledge he gained; why aren't we like that wise old bird?" ~ Old English Proverb.
The Journey is one of the best books in Kathryn Lasky's Guardians of Ga'Hoole series of twelve books. This book which is a fantasy fiction is about four young owls Soren, Gylfie, Twilight, and Digger who recently escaped from St. Aggies Academy, which is a school that mistreated them. The owls go in search of the Great Ga'Hoole tree where a group of dignified owls live. The dignified owls are considered the guardian of Great Ga'Hoole Tree. It is rumored that they live in the tree; however, most owls in the kingdom do not believe that the dignified owls or the tree exist. According to legend, the four owls have heard that the dignified owls have done great things to help other owls. They believe that the dignified owls can help rescue others from St. Aggies Academy. After a long journey to the Great Ga'Hoole Tree, the four owls experience even more adventure.
The Journey to me is a really good book, and I think that this would be an excellent book for grade school and middle school students to read because of the following reasons: First, it describes the events in the story very realistically. Second, it shows good characterization of the owls and other characters that are introduced throughout the book. Third, it surprises you with events you were not expecting. For Instance, when Digger and Twilight were on a search rescue mission to bring back some injured baby owls and they stumbled upon Soren's sister who was badly hurt.
This book was a definite page turner because each chapter made me want to find out what's going to happen in the next chapter. The plot was exciting and adventurous. Even though the characters were owls, I related to them as if they were human beings experiencing the same difficulties that human beings face. I definitely connected to what they went through during their journey; especially Soren because he had a sister that he cared a lot about, like I care about my sister. The biggest surprise in the story that kept me reading was when they rescued Soren's sister. I recommend this book to kids between the ages of 10 through 13. Overall, The Journey is an amazing book and a must read!

After leaving St. Aggie's with his friend Gylfie, Soren, Ms. P., Gylfie, Twilight, and Digger leave to go find the great Ga'Hoole tree. The tree is full of magical owls who perform great deeds at night. While on the journey to this wonderful tree, the "band" stops at many different places. First, the band stops by the Mirror Lakes. This scene is summer all year long. To owls, this place is a paradise! After leaving the Mirror lakes, the four owls completly miss the great tree and run into a little home called the Narrows. Here, a group of puffins survive using certian skills to hunt and nest. After having the puffins look after them, the gang sets off once agian to find the glorious tree.
Once they reach the tree, the four owls are greeted by the king and queen of the tree: Barran and Baron. These two help find a home in the tree for each owl and show them how the tree works or operates. The next night, Soren and the band find out that they will be placed in different chaws or classes in the tree to learn certian skills. Soren is unhappy with the idea of the band being broke so he talks with the teachers of the tree to see if somehow the band could be placed in the same chaw so they could be together. The king and queen talk Soren into spitting up the band for a better cause.
Later that month, Soren's long-lost sister,Eglantine, is found. Unfortunatly, his sister is under a certian spell that almost sounds like moonblinked(when owls go crazy because they sleep at night). Luckly, the owl singer and harp player was able to brake the curse with her songs and harmonising. Now that Eglantine is cured, Soren is releived for the moment.
Suddenly, an urgent message indictates that Ezylryb, Sorens teacher of his chaw and loving, caring, mentor is missing! On a exciting search and rescue mission, Ezylryb is lost and can't be found! Will Ezylryb be found? Will Soren and Eglantine ever find their family? The story contineus in the next book of the series.

If you know Wodehouse, you love Wodehouse and this book will just confirm your feelings. If you don't know Wodehouse, read this or any other book and you will fall in love with him. Every book you read is like going on vacation.

I had only read one or two Wodehouse comedies, so long ago I don't recall precisely which ones. They were good. "Leave It to Psmith" is great. It won't be years until my next. (And my copy of "Leave It to Psmith" now goes to my 90-year-old mother.)

In addition to wonderful, loveable characters, laugh-out-loud narrative and dialogue, and a marvelously convoluted plot that almost defies summarization, the book also features semi-serious but still wryly and deftly expressed observations, such as: "What I like about the English rural districts * * * is that when the authorities have finished building a place they stop. Somewhere about the reign of Henry the Eighth, I imagine that the master-mason gave the final house a pat with his trowel and said, 'Well, boys, that's Market Blandings.' To which his assistants no doubt assented with many a hearty 'Grammercy!' and 'I'fackins!' these being expletives to which they were much addicted. And they went away and left it, and nobody has touched it since."

Yes, this is sheer entertainment, brain candy. But it also is superb and masterly. It is narrative comedy at its best.

This is an early sort of try-out version of his later masterpieces on Jeeves and Wooster. It was absolutely hilarious at times, with that wonderful upper crust stilted language Wodehouse was such a genius at, but at other times could be a tad plodding. Some romance here, which he would totally discard later. You can see Jeeves blooming in PSmith, and Wooster in Freddie Threepwood. Also Aunt Agatha in Lady Constance. But a marvelously convoluted plot, with all sorts of interwoven characters. and The Drones Club is here already.

In my opinion, this is the best of Wodehouse, and I was pretty surprised at it.

"Leave It to Psmith" was originally published in the U.K. on November 30, 1923 by Herbert Jenkins, and in the U.S on March 14, 1924 by George H. Doran. The edition I am reviewing is from "The Everyman Wodehouse" series published by Everyman's Library in the U.K., and for those in the U.S., you may be able to find the equivalent quality in "The Collector's Wodehouse" series which is being published by Overlook Press.

I did not have high expectations for this book, because I didn't think "Psmith in The City" was very good, but Wodehouse's writing clearly improved greatly over those 13 years, and the merging of the Psmith character with the cast at Blandings Castle was great chemistry. The character of Ronald Eustace Psmith (formerly known as Rupert Psmith and in both cases the P is silent), was much more interesting in this book than I found him before. He fits right in with the other Blandings characters such as Lord Emsworth, Freddie Threepwood, and a great foil for Rupert Baxter.

In this story, we have a diverse set of characters, all converging on Blandings Castle, and more than a few with the idea of stealing Lady Constance's necklace. Their motives are rather diverse, but whether they want it for money, freedom, or love, there is no shortage of people out to get it. As one would expect in any Wodehouse story, there is a fair amount of assumed identities and amazing coincidences which drive the story forward. Psmith, himself takes on the identity of Mr. Ralston McTodd, a poet from Canada in his pursuit of the beautiful Eve Halliday. The best part of the book, in my opinion, is the flower pot scenes, which is some of the funniest writing I have read in a long time.

As the second of the Blandings Castle novels, and the last of the Psmith novels, this was a great improvement on both of those series. The Blandings series would continue to grow from this point, and there are many more great stories in that series. I do not believe the character of Psmith appears again in any of Wodehouse's stories, but the fully developed Psmith that appears in this work does foreshadow such characters as Jeeves and Uncle Fred. If you didn't care for Psmith in the previous works, you may still want to give this one a try. This is Wodehouse at his best.