I Books

I am a yogi from an educated family, and my parents gave me this book when I was 12. Nietzsche's presentation is typically unsystematic and he was a pioneer ensuring that we could view philosophical beliefs in a non-linear manner. The dichotomy of his unstructured book organization and his clarity and precision of thought create a tension that can break through many Western Black/White, Right/Wrong thought patterns to see deeper truths. When he says "our humanity is to be overcome" - some have used this to justify eugenics, nationalism, and seeing others as "less than." If you read his entire thoughts (get the book!), it is more about overcoming the fragmented aspects of the self that weaken us, so we can be stronger and more pure. This is a spiritual thought from the man heralded as atheistic. Dig deep, and you will find that Nietzsche is beautiful. Yoga community friends - Neitzsche did not justify atrocities. He challenged us to grow and become better than our base qualities. He paved the way for Deserida's gloriously independent thoughts, and was an inspiration for the pop philosopher Ayn Rand's radical worship of the individual over "the masses" (which can be viewed as "cultural conditioning" in our times. This text is applicable to our lives today as the Tao Te Ching. For a completely different perspective (for balance of thought) read about Jainism as well. Then find your truth. Deep wisdom is timeless.

O.k. So I have a minor in philosophy and Nietzsche was one of my inspirations to pursue this as a degree in college. Nietzsche deals with androgony. In more modern terms, men and women are crossing over the line of androgeny with their jock image. They are getting more and more androgynous you can't distunguish between even basic differences between the sexes anymore. While my philosophy professor and classmates dismissed Nietzsche as "not being a first rate philosopher," he does have his points about god and androgeny. This is part of our changing world and in philosophy class I did make my points.

I feel obligated to correct a distortion suggested by `unraveler' below. It is popular to suggest Nietzsche was an anti-semite, but this is a rather lazy habit. Nietzsche's remark on `the youthful stock-exchange Jew' was mentioned. Here it is in its proper environment:

. . . the entire problem of the Jews exists only within national states, inasmuch as it is here that their energy and higher intelligence, their capital in will and spirit accumulated from generation to generation in a long school of suffering, must come to preponderate to a degree calculated to arouse envy and and hatred, so that in almost every nation . . . there is gaining ground the literary indecency of leading the Jews to the sacrificial slaughter as scapegoats for every possible public or private misfortune. As soon as it is no longer a question of the conserving of nations but of the production of the strongest possible European mixed race, the Jew will be just as usable and desirable as an ingredient of it as any other national residue. Every nation, every man, possesses unpleasant, indeed dangerous qualities: it is cruel to demand that the Jew should constitute an exception. In him these qualities may even be dangerous and repellent to an exceptional degree; and perhaps the youthful stock-exchange Jew is the most repulsive invention of the entire human race. Nonetheless I should like to know how much must, in a total accounting, be forgiven a people who, not without us all being to blame, have had the most grief-laden history of any people and whom we have to thank for the noblest human being (Christ), the purest sage (Spinoza), the mightiest book and the most efficacious moral code in the world. . . .

Is this anti-semitism???

if you want to have your moral foundations knocked out from under you, read this book - and then build upon the ruins - Nietzsche's, in my opinion, most accessible work, as his aphoristic style floats over many different topics - don't stop here however, i recommend Kauffman's "Nietzsche, Philosopher, Psychologist, AntiChrist" as a starter if you find the complexity and diversity of Nietzsche's thought to be overwhelming or incomprehensible - he's frequently ambiguous and contradictory but it's more a positive trademark of his works and shouldn't dissuade one from further readings.

If you like aphorisms and philosophy, this book will become one of your bibles. If nothing else, it's just plain fun to read for his incredible wit. Of course you have to put his ideas in the context of the period in which he wrote and understand that he has his own odd prejudices, but the brilliance of his understanding of the human condition really shines through. The biggest mistake any reader could make is to think Nietzsche was an anti-semite---far from it. He was anti-neanderthal. In this book especially the reader sees his low tolerance for received wisdom. This book is nothing less than part of the origin of Western psychology as practiced today. It also represents the demolition of science and philosophy polluted by the received Western theological framework. Some of the best parts are when he skewers religion. You have to love his style even if you do not agree with his pessimistic disgust for piety. This is the kind of philosophy book you need not fret over, unless you harbor wishful thinking about a supremely benevolent deity. Instead of making an elaborate argument about the number of angels that can dance on the head of a pin, as preceeding systematic philosophers did literally and figuratively, Nietzsche bends the pin and throws it in the trash. I wish I had read this before his Genealogy of Morals, as knowing his thoughts here would have made that book far more interetsing and understandable. I highly recommend philosophy students first approaching Nietzsche pick up Human, All Too Human to start their study. And if you are religious and want to bolster your faith, well, you should stay far away from this book.

Being the wife of a combat Marine I really learned alot from Doc's book. I read the book all the way through and this is a book that is alive. Our heroes sacrifice so much for us and if it wasn't for them we would not have our freedom. Doc, thank you for helping me understand more about PTSD and what y'all went through. I don't give this book a 5 star rating , I give it a 10 star rating.

I was to young to actually know the impact that this war had on our men and women. This book by Mr McFall gets right to his heart and his feelings. It is so powerful! I believe that this book should be used in many ways to help communicate the effects that war has on an individual. God bless our men and women who have served our great country!
Thank you Mr McFall and may God continue to bless you and your family!

A combat medic lives war at its worst, and remembers every terrified scream of it.

There are the memories of those who were treated and made it home; of those whose wounds were beyond treatment despite heroic efforts.

Those memories are as fresh today as the emotions were at the time of treatment; memories of soldiers and civilians gushing blood; memories of soldiers and civilians having body parts torn and cascading into all the wrong places.

For E. Everett McFall, there are the memories of jumbled body parts and attempts to put them together to form the remains of what were once men - individual men with loved ones, hopes, talents, and dreams that dripped into the red soil or into the floor of the jungle.

There are no fancy words here. His words are direct, his pain drips off the pages and into the heart of the reader.

McFall writes from the heart. He writes from a soul splintered and haunted by 365 days that have been lived over and over and over again for the last 40 years.

We measure war in terms of dollar costs; in counts of the dead; in counts of the wounded.
But we have yet to learn to measure war in terms of lives ruined by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We have yet to learn to measure the losses of those who love those who come home with PTSD.

We have yet to learn the true face of war. E. Ernest McFall provides the reader with a vivid and heart tearing word portrait of the hideous face of war; of the plague of PTSD; of the rending of soul by survivor's guilt and questions of why am I still here when so very many others are not.

Pfc Jay E. Keck contributes his poetry to I Can Still Hear Their Cries. May I ask you to direct your attention to the last lines of his Sand Soldiers and pay heed to his admonition, as there are all kinds, as he points out in another poem, all kinds of Bogeymen contributing to PTSD - even those who should have, and in truth did, know better.


I Can Still Hear Their Cries is a story of the long, long road home. It is a tale that will speak to other Veterans who suffer PTSD. It is a tale needed by those who love those with PTSD to help them understand.

McFall tells you, loud and clear, that drugs and alcohol only bury the pain deeper, rather than excavating it and getting help to go through it to healing.

McFall notes that he is still in the process of finding his way home. It is a long road.

But I Can Still Hear Their Cries may open your eyes to the possibility that there is, in fact, a road home for you too - should you choose to come up from the dark to the Light.

Take the first step - there are many, many around to help you - just reach out - someone is there waiting to walk point for you.

Mr. McFall uses a combination of stories and poems to pull the reader into the pain and turmoil of living with PTSD. This book is a MUST READ for veterans and their families and friends who struggle to understand the scars left from battle.

We have been told the Vietnam veterans' story many times before. We've seen it in the movies, in books, on TV, and on the corners of our streets. Yet, in an intimate way, in E. Everett McFall's book, `I Can Still Hear Their Cries, Even in My Sleep,' the inner struggle of the Vietnam Vet comes home yet again. This time the reflections come from within. Having read `Born on the Fourth of July,' and seen 'Platoon,' I feel that McFall properly takes us to a new dimension, focusing on the inner torment that won't shut off.

Consisting of reflections, resources, and nearly thirty poems, he focuses on the pride, bitterness, and fragility of his service as a US Marine Hospital Corpsman in The Vietnam War from 1966-67. Whether in prose or in poetry, he won't ever let us forget their sacrifices. Noting that some have forgotten the Vets of the War, the Vets of the War have taken it home with them and can't ever forget. In detail, sometimes graphic at others subdued, he shares images of the grim reality in battle that haunt him--and probably will haunt him until death.

The title is a bare-bones description of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD). In his introduction McFall concisely states that "It's an instant video play-back in my mind, with cranial surround sound." That playback is given a stark treatment in poems such as "Death Angel" and "Flashback". Whether drawing from elements of traditional poetry or relying on rap-like structure, the subject matter changes with the rhythm. In "Patrol on Ambush" and "The Ooorah Warrior" the repetition reflects the routine of a marine waiting for the next development in "combat hell." At other times the rhythm is more irregular to reflect the chaos and death that surround him. To round out his repertoire, "Heavenly Star" and "Brotherhood" add much needed hope to the experience.

But the main focus is on the indelible memories of trauma and death. "Tic Tic Tic" and "Undying Memories" are each aptly titled for their flashback resonance in waking moments that rush into consciousness. Flanking McFall's work are sample poems by fellow veteran Pfc. Jay E. Keck and anonymous poems (which is entirely appropriate given the unknown soldier element of every war). The guide ends with a short, poignant reflection and a resource guide for the veteran suffering from PTSD, including a handy guideline for filling out forms for VA claims.

Whether approached as a cathartic guide for fellow veterans or a route to vicarious appreciation from uninitiated civilians, 'I Can Still Hear Their Cries,...' is an essential portal to understanding the trauma of selfless veterans of a tragic War. Clearly by McFall's writings, the repercussions are still being fought today. If you were at the front lines of the War or at the front of the picket lines--or even too young to remember--Ernest McFall's little book will have a big impact on how you feel about those who served their country at such a fragile time in our history.

I loved this book! I thought after reading "Brides of Prairie Gold" there would be no contenders,and there is. Once again Ms. Osborne takes you on a trip back to a time of historical interest and wraps a love story around it. This was another hard to put down book. I have learned more about the history of our country from her books than I learned in school and she definitely makes it more interesting. Ms. Osborne is in my top five favorite writers category and I never hesitate to buy one of her books.

What I admire most about Osborne's books are the scenarios her heroines end up in. I so admire her imagination in settings for the romances, and that her books are so original.
This book was especially enthralling because there are three heroines, each an individual, and they travel to Alaska in the 1800's for the klondike gold boom. They encounter and overcome many dangers and perils, and Osborne expresses the strengths and weaknesses of different types of women with skill. The premise was particularly interesting in that they were conned & married by the same man, Jean Jacques. The men they meet are superbly interesting and sexy.
My only complaint is that once again, like in the two or three prior Osborne novels I've read (Shotgun Wedding, Prairie Moon), there is a big secret that alienates the lovers and tears there love apart, only to be instantly forgiven and overcome. It is starting to grate on my nerves, this "big secret reveal" rut. It's so formulaic to me.
But again, I can't put her books down, they are far above average. I do wish they were a touch longer and plots slightly deeper. But I love them. My favorite thus far would have to be "The Promise of Jenny Jones", and "Bride of Willow Creek".

A FRIEND GAVE ME THIS BOOK TO READ WHILE I WAS RECOVERING FROM SURGERY. I LAUGHED ALOUD AND FOUND IT TO BE THERAPUTIC.

This story is not part of the usual romance mold where boy meets girl, they fight the attraction and then fall in love. Here, Juliette starts out on a trip to find her lost husband. On the way, she meets Clara and Zoe who are also looking for their lost husbands - who happen to be the same man! The three instantly hate each other but work together towards their end goal. Each woman sees what they hate most in themselves brought out by the other two women. And they also learn a lot about themselves in the process.
In the trek to the Yukon to find their lucky husband, each woman finds the man she really loves. Unfortunately, they are not free to become involved with a man but must reconcile their love with their morals as they decide to avoid or embrace their new feelings. And then the moment comes when each woman must come clean about their past...
A fun story to read with a lot of humor as we see three women discover who they truly are and find what they really want.

What a completely charming book!! Normally, a book that revolves around 3 separate romances would throw me off, but this was just too good!!! I have to tell you this book had some of the funniest lovescenes I have ever encountered...the scene between Juliette and Ben when he was setting the table is one that I wont soon forget!! As much as I loved the romance, and the fun storyline and setting, my favorite part of this book had to be the friendship between the 3 women...they were all so different..Juliette was a riot..Im telling you this is a must read!!

The clever title refers to our narrator, a cute white terrier-ish dog, who discovers from "mommy and daddy" that he's going to have a baby brother! After this initial excitement, however, Dino the pooch seems a little disappointed: The new baby doesn't look like him at all! Janice Savage's debut work teaches basic concepts such as "alike" and different", as well as introducing colors, numbers, and, briefly, emotion (for example, "excitement," "love," and "family").

Graphic artist Savage produces intense colors and clean lines, and wisely refrains from cluttering her pictures with computerized razzle-dazzle. (The only eveidence I saw of that were the neato eyes--the pupils are concentric circles of brown or blue that lighten as they reach the pupil!) There's only one concept per page, and the colorful backgrounds--and them thar hypnotic eyes--will draw your young one's gleeful attention. A dog, a baby, and some funny but simple comparisons ably illustrated--It's simple but entertaining. For example, against a common green and orange background, facing pages compare the feet of the dog and his non-canine brother. "I have four feet" describes a picture of four furry, smudgy, possibly dirty paws. The next page shows the bottoms of the baby's two pink and pristine feet, with the contrasting words "he has two feet."

The conclusion has a little paeon to the constancy of family love, and the acceptance of differences, but I would have preferred a little twist. Those virtues will certainly appeal to parents and gift-givers, but the story needs to get a little more playful with all those differences; It's just a little too safe. This is admittedly a minor and very subjective opinion, but enough for me to feel that the story didn't fully reach its potential.

Oh...I called this "innovative"--let me explain.

There's a running discussion at Amazon.com titled, "Picture books or chapter books or both," in which readers talk about transitioning between these two types of books. I think "I have 4 Feet, He has 2" bridges an earlier reading "gap," the one between board and picture books. Ms. Savage's work would be enjoyed by kids younger than the 4-year old bound of the suggested age range. The simple concepts, the contrasting closeups and baby and dog, and the bright, eye-cathing colors have the feeling of a board book, but in a much larger format. True, it may not survive a bathtub as well, but for time ashore, this is a smart alternative. A definite pleaser, I hope we'll see more of Ms. Savage's large format books in the future--and so will your dog and baby!

This is a great little 24-page picture book, especially for the toddler who's second in the family--after the dog.

The bright pages, with very few words each, are perfect for babies starting to turn pages on their own, and are less inclined to eat the paper than they were just a few months ago. (even if they chew a corner now and then the book is printed on heavy stock, likely to withstand the stress.)

This adorable tale is also a neat way to introduce very little ones to counting. Kids having two feet, and their older "brothers" (as it were) having four.

A good one, for sure.

This is a nice children's book about families in transition, with a deceptively simple twist- like the Beatles converting a simple love song to second person to make "She Loves You" unique- of telling the story from the point of view of a pet adapting to a human baby. It's a nice bit of displacement for discussing new family arrivals with kids. Of course, this book ends with a happy ending that doesn't necessarily reflect the fate of some pets, that function as psychological place holders for babies, when the real deal comes along, but little kids don't need to be burdened with that layer of reality. The illustrations are dynamic, and the book itself is a very quick read, so it's also a handy one to sneak in at night when the kids negotiate for one more book before lights out.

Janice Savage creatively came up with a new way to tell a familiar tale and deepens that accomplishment by telling the tale in a way that will entertain children AND help them learn simultaneously.

Wow. That says a lot right there. One would think tackling such a number of things at once would cause a landslide of word-picture-debris, but in this delightful case it is exactly the opposite.

Children want to hear more of it.

Primarily it is the story of "having a new sibling" albeit in this case the sibling is for the family's dog, who just so happens to be the narrator of the story. It quickly engages the reader (the adult) who can then share that enthusiasm contagiously with the child.

There are plentiful opportunities to turn the read-aloud session into a "learn even more aloud" session, making the book even more of a living-breathing experience.

Perfect for a little one who also is expecting a sibling, but is truly fine reading for every child in the preschool age (perhaps read-to by the older sibling who can tell tales of when the younger one was first born!)

Author/illustrator Janice V. Savage's debut picture book is a delightful story about noticing and appreciating our differences. She presents the story of a new baby in the family with a twist--from the dog's point of view! Fluffy white Dino is the adorable family pup who must figure out and accept a new baby brother who has pink skin and only two feet.

The illustrations are drawn in large, vivid blocks of color. I appreciated them for their simplicity and generous size. This book makes a big impact for its small format.

This is the most inspirational book I have read in a long time!! Recommended for all ages

I am an elementary school teacher and also the mother of 4. My oldest is graduating from high school this year. After I read this book, I bought several. One for my son and several for his friends. I also sent it to my nephew that is leaving for a mission to Honduras for the next 2 years. It's a perfect book for those that are heading off in new directions in their lives and it gives them advice and encouragement! I love it!

This is a book that follows the I Think I Can Book, about the little train, It is a wonderful book for anyone that needs a little boost of self-esteem, or courage. It is perfect for those that are graduating or who have completed a difficult task in their life. I would recommend it to anyone.

I purchased this book for my daughter. I felt it was the perfect gift for someone who is graduating from high school. The message about tracks taken and/or not taken in life is especially relevant to young adults as they begin to venture out into the world. My daughter thought it was great and she believes the message will be valuable throughout her life.

I read this book to my graduating preschoolers every year. This year I bought a copy for each of my graduates!

This book is a treasure. What an amazing story of a man who is an overcomer! So many men today never come to the place of realizing what is important in life and how to become better and not bitter. Life throws many things our way which could easily destroy us mentally, spiritually and physically. Mr. Antonetti is a true victor in life's up and downs, battles and adversities. His candor and openess will delight you. You will cry with him during his deepest trials and laugh with him in his highest victories as you traverse his book, thinking all the time .."No one can go through all of this and live... maybe there is hope for me, this man has found the true key to life one that is rich and meaningful".

He is a winner in all senses of the word in my humble opinion and his book is one of love and optimism. Take the time to glean some of the wisdom this man has learned and your life will become enriched by it.

Sincerely,

Reverend Donna Trexler-Geertz
Heart To Heart Ministries

This book is the journey of a person through the challenges of daily life. It reads as if the author is sitting across the dining room table sharing stories over a cup of coffee. Yes, it is inspirational and uplifting, but it is sad at times too. Franco does a wonderful job sharing his journey thus far, his ideas and foundation of life - hard work and dedication. He makes choices in life and goes forward. He looks back at the things in life that helped shape who he is, not with any angst, but with a 'that's life' attitude. When you read the last page you feel like you are saying goodbye to an old friend after a wonderful, wonderful visit.

Even though I cheated by reading the last page of this book ahead of time, after reading the book in whole that last page now brought tears to my eyes. This book doesn't really end in a since that there is still more to the authors lifes adventures ahead. Franco writes an very inspirational book that makes one think about choices and how they effect us over all in the long run. The author seems very much to live in the moment, showing alot of energy and ambition for a job well done. He shows us all how hard work can make a difference in ones life. There is nothing more inspirational then to see the quality of life from anothers point of veiw.

What amazes me most about Franco is his incredible energy, his drive to succeed. Its unusual, but inspiring.

Truly a " must read" for any person desiring success in life or to help someone else prevail. Immediately you feel Franco's incredible zest for " reaching the top." His strength and endurance amazes the reader page after page. Love of family, friends reaches out to your heart that he is a kind, loving human being with such a strong determination that the reader is consumed by his endeavors. He keeps you asking yourself the question page after page, " how does he do it all?'

Job after job Franco takes on the tast never thinking for a moment that it can't be done. The word, "can't" with out a doubt is not part of his vocabulary.

The journey of his life is intense, keeps the reader heighten with magnified curiosity on what is going to happen next to this man, this person of extreme.

It will leave you uplifted, sad at times but mostly happy that this person decided to let us go on the journey of his extraordinary life.

This Memoir is full of laughter, hopes, dreams and the family and people who shared the ride. This book is wonderful. Not only for its content but because it is written by a man with the gift of storytelling.

Don't be fooled by the easy read of this powerful book. The exercises in this book really do help you understand that which is deep in your soul.
I have enjoyed the book so much I have gifted others with the copy.
They too have had great results from reading and doing the exercises in the book.
I believe you will not be disappointed in purchasing a copy.
Enjoy

I've had a hard time getting out of my own head - or so I thought. Reading this book made me realize that those first thoughts are the answers I am asking for - its all the other stuff that I think behind it that get me in trouble! Anyway, free form writing has always been a good source of information to me. Applying it to specific questions has helped me gain clarity in numerous situations. This is now on my list of recommended reading to those who really wish to know themselves and God.

Imagine someone telling you how you can get ANY question answered from God/Higher Source/Divine Intelligence. It works! It is so simple and easy to use. I just cannot say enough wonderful things about it! Thank you Barbara Rose!!!

I feel this book has an amazing content of truly amzing words, described as being "Gods Words" in my full faith of having read this book, these words are set out to enlighten people of how it actually is to become your true-self, rather then a fabricated person whom thinks, and feels from their outer-self - there egotistiscal-self.

Another truly wonderful book by ""Barbara". This book gives such a clear message. I recommend to anyone looking for the right answers to a more productive and calmer life style.

In "Mommy I'm Still in Here," Kate McCloughlin tells the unforgettable story of her family's experiences with bipolar disorder. As two of her children suffer from this condition, Kate shares a lifetime of observances and experiences, including the effect of the disease on her entire family and between siblings. The book is a wealth of knowledge for those suffering from or dealing with the effects bipolar disorder. But more than that, Kate's great strength and love for her children leave one feeling optimistic and hopeful. Kate is an inspiration to all--a symbol of hope and strength, a role model of motherly love and perseverance, and a concerned parent wishing to help others by sharing her experiences.

Kate McLaughlin inspires and teaches in this incredible journey through her experiences with bipolar disorder in her children. She opens her heart and deepest thoughts to the reader to allow us to join her in the emotions and roller coaster ride she lives through. This book was a quick read and will teach you about this condition but more about how a family survives together and that there is beauty and love to be found in every experience. Her writing is beautiful, riveting, real and impactful. I especially appreciate her acknowledgements that not everyone is blessed to have the resources to deal with the ongoing trials. She is a beautiful woman, mother and author and we can only hope that she will write another book to continue the chronicles so we can all benefit from her wisdom and attitude. She shows us how to live with challenges honestly, openly, and gracefully. Thank you!

"Mommy I'm Still in Here" is a remarkable story of heart opening experiences. In viewing the issue of internal balance and how far from the midline it can swing, the reader views the beauty of each soul in this story and the strength and unconditional love required to endure. This story goes straight to the soul and provides the reader an opportunity to move into deeper levels of loving, acceptance, compassion and knowledge. A must read for anyone wishing to experience an important message regarding internal balance and the connection among us all.

This book is an incredible story of family devotion! It kept me totally, emotionally engaged. I felt such a great sense of compassion for the whole family. Kate helps you "believe in" and feel the pain and suffering they must have gone through. These parents were remarkable with their struggle in keeping it quiet to most of the outside world, and also trying to maintain a normal life for their other children who did not have the illness. I commend them for their outstanding ability to regain their lives with such an amazing outlook after such a valiant fight. Kate is able to give you a profound explanation of the illness, while still keeping you immersed in her story! What an extraordinary read!!

An incredibly personal and yet educational story. The author shares her journey of confusion, pain ,learning and love that is inspirational to all of us. Although I started with no information about bipolar disorder..I ended with a sense of deep compassion around the complexities of every day living with mental illness. While the subject is serious the book ends with a spirit of renewal and hope leaving the reader wanting to meet this amazing woman.

I've yet to find a Victoria Holt book that I don't like. This was a great historical biographical novel. The historical research was accurate. This book made the triangle between Elizabeth I, Robert Dudley and LetticeDudley come alive. Highly recommended.

I loved this book. It was absorbing ( I couldn't put it down) and I felt that it was a pretty acurate depiction of the Virgin Queen's life. What better way to learn history than by reading a highly entertaining novel?

This is, by far, one of the best books, if not the best, I have ever, ever read. Victoria Holt really did her research on this book, and it is a pleasure to read both from the fiction-lover's viewpoint, and from the biographers. Be forewarned, however, that if you are not already in love with Robert Dudley and Elizabeth I, you will be no later than halfway through the book.

Interesting read, I was fascinated to learn more about Lettice Knowles. From previous books I have read about the period, I had heard Lettice's name occasionally, and knew there was some speculation about whether or not Henry VIII fathered her mother during his affair with Mary Boleyn. We'll never know.

All in all an enjoyable read - not the greatest in the historical fiction genre, but worthwhile to learn more about the secondary players in the times of Elizabeth I.

I have to say, it's kind of sad that history has all but forgotten Lettice Knollys. She was, according to this book, one of the most vibrant and influential people of the day. But she also made a terrible enemy of her queen, perhaps explaining why more people don't know about her.

Everyone who knows something about Queen Elizabeth I knows that she loved a man named Robert Dudley, a man she gave great honors to and had known all her life. Some historians even believe that he killed her wife so he could marry the queen, and that they may have had a son together. But Elizabeth remained unmarried all her days (and supposedly a virgin) while Dudley had two wives in his life.

The second was Lettice. She was the Queen's cousin and possible her niece as her mother was popularly believed to be Henry VIII's daughter through Mary Boleyn. She came to court when Elizabeth came to the crown and soon fell in love with Robert Dudley. Later they would become lovers and eventually marry. But always it was a relationship of three people, the Queen, Robert and Lettice. Later on, the Queen would give her son from her a previous marriage great honors, and eventually was forced to behead him when he led an uprising against the crown. In that relationship too was the Queen, Lettice's son the earl of Essex, and Lettice.

This book is her story. It's a little dry at times, being a supposed memoir Lettice writes before her death at the age of ninety six, but overall not bad. I do like to think of Robert Dudley as an entirely different person as described in this book, but hey, this was the authors vision and if she saw him as grabbing for power (which he was, true) and not truly loving Elizabeth for herself not just for the crown, that's her choice.

The only bad thing about this book is the most annoying way Lettice constantly says how beautiful she is and how she's so much prettier than the queen and all men love her and bla bla bla. It gets old fast. But hey, a vain women would probably write her life story like that.

Other than that, I just like to view Elizabeth and Dudley in a more romantic way then this book does. Possibly I'm deluding myself. But if you're like me, then read this, because its not a story I was familiar with and I bet most people aren't either, and then read the secret Diary of Anne Boleyn, for the very sweet scenes between Elizabeth and Dudley (part of the book takes place right after Elizabeth becomes Queen).

While this is not quite Dr. Seuss' most inspirational book, it is certainly up there and is the type of book happily devoted to creativity. The illustrations are fun and silly, as is the text, but there is still that smidgen of proper Seussian wisdom.

Not too long, not too short, extremely entertaining as all Seuss books.
I gave 4 instead of 5 stars because I am very frugal about scary images with my kids and as I read it I remembered a couple of the pages scaring me when I was young.

This is my favorite of all the Dr. Seuss books I have seen. It is imaginative and the illustrations are really fun. My son and I read this book so many times that we had to buy a new one. When my son was an infant I would find him sitting on the floor looking at this book on his own and he would be mesmerized for several minutes while turning the pages.

Very fun to read. My toddler son enjoys hearing it. Can't go wrong with this Seuss title.

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! Is a charming book by the immortal Dr. Seuss who wrote many fine children's books in his time. Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! is no exception. This book encourages children to imagine and eventually explore the world without fear.

The book has excellent illustrations that amuse children--and adults; and the rhyming text always impresses me.

The book starts by encouraging children to use their imaginations to think up what other animals and/or places in the world may be like. This alone can stimulate a lot of conversation between you and your child about other places in the real world and what life is like there. This will go a long way toward teaching younger children about the world out there that one day they will be exploring for real. In addition, the book also has Dr. Seuss using his own imagination to give examples to children as to how to use their imaginations; we get words about foreign things and sounds like "guff" and "schlopp." This does a marvelous job of teaching children to always be optimistic.

The book has even more value. Younger children will profit from learning words critical to their growing vocabularies including yellow, blue, red, pink, black, white, night, day, left and right--and more! Excellent.

The book cover withstands some throwing around just in case your child accidentally mistreats it; and, as always, the paper quality of these books by Dr. Seuss is very good.

I highly recommend this fine children's book. It teaches much to both very young children and older children as well. Get this and enjoy it with your growing child!