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It is easy to maintain superficiality in your life when you maintain a distraction with the routine tasks of everyday living; showering, school or work, eating or spending time with friends. But when you first spend time alone, you are forced to be 'present' with yourself, and the experience is not always comfortable. Clem obviously understands a lot about personal interactions and allowing others their space (she walks slowly out the porch door allowing her mother to hide the joint), but when she realizes that she is alone and if she were to get hurt, no one would even know, the excitement about discovery and fear of independence come together. Clem seems to be trying to figure out which she likes more. Quitsa's Bands begins by immersing you in the character of Clem and titillating you with interesting facts about her parents and the interaction of these relationships. A brilliant beginning, I can hardly wait to read the next chapter!!

This novel transported me to my childhood, to the point I fell in love with reading. I remember losing my young self in a wonderful story and learning about love and life. Blume, Zindel & Cormier had an immeasureable impact on me and quite frankly, gave me hope as a member of this crazy planet. Quitsa's Bands has the initial hook and depth required to draw even the coolest of teens (and adults) into its pages. Thank you Suzanne!

I was disappointed when I scrolled down to see that I had already read through the first 15 pages and I would be left wondering what was in store for Clem. This is the kind of read that you can finish in one sitting and feel a bit sad when it comes to an end because you're just not ready yet to say goodbye. The author hooks us with her character description and sets up just enough anticipation to leave this reader wanting to know more. And while the book may be intended for young adults I found it quite appealing and the kind of story I would keep on my book shelf in order to pass it on to my own children someday.

I like the way this excerpt starts, with a phone conversation between two teenagers who are best friends, discussing Clem's current living situation. Through their conversation we get some good details of what Clem's life and family are like, in contrast to Coco's life.

I also liked Clem's thoughts about her parents, the state of their marriage, and her life as the new kid at school. She seems to be a very secure and centered character, although perhaps a bit mature for thirteen years old. I liked her evaluation of her new classmates, and her comparisons of this new school to her old school in Cambridge.

Clem's relationships with each of her parents is interesting. I especially liked the easygoing way she and Adam talked to each other.

So far this is an excellent portrait of a family through the eyes of the daughter. Clem has a great voice, very well developed with nice insights into her life. I would love to read more of this story.

I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of Ms. Goldsmith-Hirsch's new novel and sharing it with my students. As an elementary and middle school science teacher I am constantly searching for compelling literature that combines a great story with encouraging an appreciation for the environment. Her story transports the reader to a special place and time, far from the world of pavement and skyscrapers of New York City.

I found that Morgan's introduction brought me sufficiently into the story that I would like to find out, "What is the Rare Gift?" I do not usually read fiction; however, I am intrigued enough that I would buy this book to discover the answer to my question. Morgan's description of the goings on of a Southern funeral are "right on". She has great command of language and writes in a manner that invites the reader to become a part of the story.

Morgan's story has to be finished. I lived in Georgia for awhile and the detail and accuracy of the family gathering for a funeral was surreal. Since I now live in Denver, I was drawn to the character and I can't wait to see where the story goes and what happens. The use of language and the descriptions of the scenes and characters drew the reader into the story and fueled the imagination. It is only the best writers who engage my mind and imagination in such a way. Morgan's short story is a tasty morsel for a reader hungry for tightly written fiction with characters that are just as deep as they are broad. Giving historical depth always makes a character more interesting and believable, and Morgan clearly has an innate ability to create a believable character and communicate it in such a way that the reader feels like they know the character and likes them, in spite of and precisely because of their humanity, benevolent but flawed.

Denver teacher Stella loses her mother at a young age, but surrounded by a large and loving family, it appears that she will reconcile her grief. However, years later, she is brought immediately back to the loss when her student, Gracie, presents her with the news of a brother's death. While the writing moves competently forward, I was at times puzzled by sentence meaning and structure. "And mournfully, they concurred, though at least one perceptive woman pointed out that Stella's eyes were really more of a muddy hazel than green." There were several of these in the excerpt and I can only hope that they do not continue throughout the book. The police tape at Stella's home also confused me. It wasn't clear to me if the crime was a new one or if it had to do with the death of Gracie's brother. The excerpt ended before I could reason this out. All in all, I enjoyed the characters (although there were many named secondary ones that were difficult to track) and the story line. A good start to a good read. I look forward to more.

Wow, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the beginning of this book. For a moment, I was completely lost in the story. I would love to finish reading it!

A Rare Gift - Official ABNA Entrant

Kate Morgan's gift for metaphor, her vivid imagery, and her sensitive, nuanced characterizations combine to pull the reader into her narrative.
Her juxtaposition of the urban environment of Gracie and Malachi with that of the teacher, Stella, reflects a keen insight into the social landscape of America today. At the same time, she spins an engaging tale of suspense. In particular, as Morgan gives voice to the reticent Gracie, she provides a masterful portrayal of the power of mentor-tendered hope. A promising new writer and an irresistible read!

HOLY SMOKE-ito! This is one of the best children's books I've ever read. The book we bought included a bonus CD read by author Judy Schachner. We've listened to this book countless times and my 4 year old son can't get enough of it. I highly recommend this book to anyone!

LOVE, LOVE Skippyjohn Jones!!! So adorable! Very creative! We are huge Skippyjohn Jones fans!!!

My children love these books and never tire of Skippyjon and his imagination. The stories are light-hearted and fun to read in a sing-song style. My husband likes to make the accent and the kids think that is so great! I would have given the book a 5, but I don't think it is as good as the first two books in the series. However, I can say that my children enjoy the book. I would suggest buying the first book and reading it to them before reading this one.

This is the best series of kid's books...ever. Wonderfully talented imagination, fun to read and colorfully creative illustrations.

Get the hardcovers...they come with a CD (to listen to in the car). The author reads the books. It really adds to your reading experience and lets you read with your child in a much more imaginative fashion.

Should be mandatory reading for Preschool Graduation...

My child and I love to read the book and listen to the CD. The author is so creative and brings to life amazing characters. We are enjoying our reading experience as well learning Spanish phrases.

Stepping Off the Edge: Learning & Living Spiritual Practice
The Harvard Ph.D. who dropped acid, dropped out and went to India in search of enlightenment. Your mother's nightmare. Your mother would be glad to know that Ram Dass hung in there, bringing comfort and light to people for the last 40 years. He has attained something worth attaining. I'm told by a friend that Ram Dass was at his most impressive last year, leading a seminar after a stroke that left him barely able to speak. He credited that stroke with teaching him humility. The hard way. A heavy hitter worth reading. Ram Dass writes from a Hindu/Eastern perspective, though he is a trained Western psychologist.

For a person who has read broadly over the years, this book might raise suspicions that it will contain little that is new. Certainly most of the ideas can easily be found elsewhere. But, this is a personal report by a fascinating man who represents an important take on our times. It's worth the read as well as enjoyable. About the time it seems we've heard it all before, the author makes a statement that causes us to sit up a little straighter and say "I've actually never thought of that before." It seems to me that is why we read.

It's been said that Ram Dass was "there" before everyone else. This statement holds true regardless of how you choose to define "there." He continues to show us the way in this, his first post stroke book. Let me quote from the book. "We struggle against the inevitable and we all suffer because of it. We have been trying to find another way to look at the whole process of being born, growing old, changing, and dying, some kind of perspective that might allow us to deal with what we perceive as big obstacles without having to be dragged through the drama of misery. Understanding that we have something-that we are something-that's unchangeable, beautiful, completely aware, and that continues no matter what, really helps."
Ram Dass practices what he preaches. He not only tells us the way, he lives it. That is why we trust him . He's always been ahead of his time. Now, regarding aging, changing, and dying, he still is. "Still Here" is a must read.

Exceptional book for those with a realistic view on mortality and aging. For those who have aging parents, a must have! To truly understand life and growing.....not only growing older, growing wiser.

Have you ever read a book and wished that it would never end? That is what this book was like for me. I got so much from it that I am purchasing another to give away to a friend.

I absolutely love Jackie Collins, but I think that this book fell short at the ending.

I didn't like how Lauren eluded Nick for the entire book, even up to the last few pages. She seemed a bit too pretentous and untouchable. I thought she loved him?

Otherwise, I loved Nick and empathized with his pain. I had hoped Lauren would have been more of a likeable character.

I was expecting a little more from Jackie with this book. It was still an enjoyable read but nowhere in the league of some of Jackie's other books like "Chances".

I loved this book. I could not put it down and since the first time I read it, I have read it twice more. There are some great plotlines in this book that keep you on your toes.

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I'm not a huge Jackie Collins fan, I've read some of her stuff and most of it just isn't my cup of tea. This one though! WOW! Its such a great story, peppered with flashbacks and different points of view. You just WANT Nick and Lauren to get together and just when you think they might, some tragedy yet again looms, ripping them apart. Its a smooth read, and hard to put down, so make sure you have lots of time on your hands because you won't want to stop reading. I first read this book about 6-7 years ago, put it on my bookshelf and just a few months ago pulled it out again. By this time, I had remembered the main story line but had forgotten a lot about the characters lives and the circumstances that bring them together...like the tornado....the murder....the marriages...wow.

If you're a Danielle Steele fan, but like me, think her stuff is a bit too syrupy sometimes, then this is for you. Jackie Collins pulls no punches in this one, just shooting straight from the hip and telling it like it is. Its a GREAT book, buy it for your collection and you WONT be sorry!

when the book said love story i thought it was going to be one of jackie's regular sleep around love story, but surprisingly this was a book of true love and not just true lust. great book i couldnt put down. =)

We've been reading all the 'Bear' books lately and this one too as sort of our Christmas in July. In this story Bear's friends try to keep him up so he can celebrate Christmas. But Bear is sleepy, very, very sleepy.

Wow, just adorable. Great gift idea. Great size book. I pull it out for Christmas and the kids LOVE it. It's such a sweet story of friendship. I love these sweet, wholesome stories. The illustrations are BEAUTIFUL as always with Karma's books. Even after we read it, the kids love to just look through it at the pictures and can read it to themselves that way. Really, I think each little home needs ALL the Bear books.

We have several Christmas books, and this is the favorite in our house. All of Bear's little woodland friends wake him up to join in all the Christmas Eve festivities. The story and illustrations are very simple, yet enchanting. I would love to climb in the pages and stay up for Christmas with Bear!

I purchased this book for my son after receiving the Bear Snores On as a gift. They are his absolute favorites. The pictures are beautiful and the words are lyrical and rhyming. I also like the way it subtly includes both the religious and secular sides of Christmas beneath the overall message of friendship and giving. He has MANY books, but wants me to read this one every night. It's so nice I din't mind.

This book has wonderful illustrations, and is written in a flowing manner that makes it great fun reading to my first grandson. I plan on getting the entire series for him! I want to make sure he knows there is more to life than sports!

Very well put together book of white captives abducted by the Indians.
Scott Zesch did a great job at researching information to put to this book together.
This book tells the life of the captured and also helps the reader to understand how the captives became Inianized with in a short time frame.
The transformation of being taken from the captives white family to become Indians, then being recovered back to their birth parents gives the reader a better understanding of what they had to go threw.
Thank you Scott Zesch.

This is a must have book.

A few years back, Scott Zesch was doing family history when he ran across a grave of a long-lost ancestor named Adolf Korn. Scott eventually learned that Adolf had been a captive of the Comanche Indians for several years as a boy. After being "rescued," he was always strange, and ended up living his life as a hermit in a cave.

Zesch expanded his research, and the result was "The Captured," a fascinating book about children captured by the Comanches, their experiences, and what became of them in later years. Zesch discovered that children younger than puberty tended to assimilate almost immediately; they forgot their native language (English or German) and even lost their attachment to their mothers. Zesch examines this heartbreaking psychology through his research into the lives of the individuals, which he relates in vivid detail.

"The Captured" is a thoughtful book that both sweeps you up in human drama and leaves you with a lot of things to think about.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Clare, co-author of the historical novel "To the Ends of the Earth: The Last Journey of Lewis and Clark"

My 7th grade Horizons English class enjoyed this novel immensely! We used it as an extension of Texas History, combined as an interdisciplinary unit.

I have a Great-Great Grandmother who was kidnapped by Indians and taken to Canada. Her story is lost but I wanted to get the gist of what kinds of things may have happened, and why she didn't want to be "rescued". This was just the ticket. Well-researched and written, I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't dry or overly scholarly.

picked up my first copy of this book in Fredericksburg, TX where I happened to be eating some BBQ and looked across the street to see an old settlers outpost fort. I wandered around to check it out and the volunteer guide there showed me the book and said it was an amazing story about a little known niche of our history - children kidnapped by the Indians to re-populate their own tribes thorugh a process of "the strongest will survive and be good warriors" they rode the kids hard and if they cried or shoed signs of weakness, they killed them on the spot, figuring they wouldnt be worth the effort to train and raise. if the kids were able to endure the introduction phase, then they began living life like kings, training to shoot arrows, ride horses, fight, and hunt all day. leaving the domestic chores to the women. nearly all of them eventually were returned or sold back to the white settlers but some refused to go and a number of them ran away and rejoined their indian families.

it reads like an adventure book and proves that real life is better than fiction. the Author does a great job o story telling and is very diligent to accurately reflect true historical data as pulled from historical interviews, military records and newspaper articles.

This book introduces a simply and effective method for health. And it becomes a good method for relationships also.
Especially when I read about Soul's Journey.. I felt my heart became warm and comfortable.

I've read it two times. I think everybody can get benefits from reading this book and try the methods that is introduced in it.

Spiritual leader and founder of Dahnhak and Brain Respiration integrative mind-body training programs Ilchi Lee presents Human Technology: A Toolkit for Authentic Living is the sequel to the bestselling "Healing Society" and a spiritual guide to basic principles for managing life's core issues: health, sexuality, and purpose. Human Technology offers twelve guideposts for living a peaceful and happy life that is true to oneself, including "Listen for the voice of your soul until you find your passionate life purpose", "Live as your soul directs with honesty, integrity, and diligence", "Recognize that you are what you choose and what you act". Human Technology also emphasizes the importance of the brain as the master controller in our lives. A guide for fomenting self-mastery and a life lived to the fullest, Human Technology encapsulizes an enlightened way of thinking about ourselves, our fellow human beings, and all aspects of life including birth, sexuality, aging, and death. A profound and positive-thinking guide to self-improvement and personal contentment.

It is book not only gives me the tools to create body health, but gives me a life plan to reach the destination my soul yearns for. Just Amazing Book !!

This book is the answer to my questions about enlightenment purpose of life and how to live toghether happily in society. What amazed me was how simple Dr. Lee makes everything so it is clear and understandable. Even something as simple as breathing can determine how we feel, manage our health and, interact with our loved ones. This book was truly worth my time and energy. I recommend this read to anyone and their families. Human Technology I think means being professionals at living a happy life.

There are many books that can help us achieve self mastery in a way that does not control, but welcomes all. This book is one of them.

Ilchi Lee has a gift of expression. There are many practical pointers in this book to help one to feel their self, and to become their best self. I recommend it for anyone who is looking for a new angel to self mastery. It's a great and mind opening read.

This book is less an autobiography than it is a memoir of dealing with cancer. The entire book is pretty much about the nitty gritty details of cancer, which could prove a valuable comforting resource for those going through something similar. Wish there had been more about her life and career. But it's pretty much all about cancer and Gene Wilder, whom she obviously adored. I like that it feels like you can hear her voice when you read--it sounds like her and can be very funny and touching. She seems like a great person and someone you would have loved to know as a friend.

I first discovered Gilda from watching the TV-movie of this starring Jami Gertz on ABC back in 2002 (which I don't recommend for highly-acclaimed critics, or to anyone for various reasons resting solely on the persona portrayed by Gertz) .
Although growing up in Detroit, I wasn't very familiar with Gilda as one would think, being from the same town. I looked EVERYWHERE to try to purchase this book, on here, Border's, Barnes&Noble and other various websites and my last resort, eBay (which I recommend if you don't know where to purchase it). In which case, I received it in the mail after a week or so, ripped opened the packaging and read it like a fat kid eating cake. Wanting more. After reading the book, you feel like you know Gilda. While reading the book, you feel like you know Gilda.
She starts off talking about her random excursions in her ambiguous life, how she wanted her story to go one way, but it took a left turn and made another. Gilda especially highlights her relationship with Gene and how they met, where they got married, the process of getting married in a French town hall and saying "I do" at every pause, because she couldn't understand the French language. She did everything in her power to try to become Gene's wife. She suffocated him, he moved to New York came back to see her in Connecticut and when "the ducks were landed" she ended her relationship with Former SNL lead-guitarist, G.E. Smith and so began the relationship between Rosanne Rosannadanna and Willy Wonka. Her never ending battle to have a child, put me at the edge of my seat as she went through 2 miscarriages.
Feeling unexplainably fatigued all the time, she tried to find the source of her problem by taking vitamins, sleeping more, eating properly. She stopped smoking (a habit she picked up at age 14) and went to doctors who mis- prescribed her with "Epsom-Bar Syndrome." Eventually, it got to the point where she couldn't get up and was constantly tired, so she got other opinions and was diagnosed.
STAGE FOUR Ovarian Cancer.
Afraid to be seen in public, she took therapy and began to realize how many other people were suffering from the same thing. She joined the Wellness Community, found her place and died on May 20, 1989. This book touched my heart from beginning to end. As if she was my life-long friend. I own the original 1989 edition, and I am NEVER letting ANYONE else touch it.

I was diagnosed with colon cancer in April 2005 and life has never been the same. My partner purchased this book for me and I loved it. I loved it not because it read like a self help book but because it read as a true commentary of life with cancer. It's words touched a part of me that no self help book could ever touch. Radner's everyday dealings with this insiduous disease made me laugh and cry and boil over with anger. Radner's words help me to roam through the numerous rooms that one staggers through after a diagnosis of cancer. My heartfelt thanks to Gilda and I would recommend the book to everyone who is affected and infected with cancer.

How wonderful to read something by the funny and wonderful and loveable Gilda Radner. Her descriptions of her trials and tribulations with various doctors..her descriptions of her house. Fate with cancer as a fate worse than the interior decorator..Love for the world..A shining example..A wonderful lady who inspired me during my chemo..Love to her..I shall conjure..The spirit of the one who made us feel not alone..

Gilda Radner was a very fine performer, but this book--not devoted to her entertainment career--shows her to be a class act off-stage as well. Some of us are lucky to have faired well at the hands of brilliant medicos, and are very grateful for it, but anyone who has had long-term experience with America's byzantine medical system knows how easy it is to become fixated, to the detriment of one's own health, upon its appalling lapses and petty cruelties, and lose sight of what's positive. Practically crawling, doubled-over in pain, before doctors took her condition seriously, and, later, away from treatment for an extended period of "remission," only to find out it was merely a mistaken test reading, Radner shows no bitterness in this honest, brave, and, yes, sometimes funny book.

Someone so famous during the golden era of "Saturday Night Live" that she could hardly walk the streets of New York without being mobbed by fans, Radner is reduced by illness to humble sprees involving bingo parlors and mail-order catalogues. Demonstrating resilience, but also a sweet brave sadness that makes you hope, against all sane logic, that things will turn out differently.

It has been written elsewhere that when Radner was very ill in the hospital she would make the rounds cheering up other patients, introducing herself "Hi, I used to be Gilda Radner." There you have it--that transcendent quality humor sometimes has to defy all human limitations, even death. Fortunately Radner will defy it more than most because her warm, precise and yet delightfully silly comedy will live on in tape, film and this very good book. Thank you, Gilda, you will always be really something.

The Journey is an easily readable, comfortable and understandable book. It is filled with a very special man's understanding, appreciation, and love for God and his fellowman. I contains a lot of common sense wisdom gained over a lifetime of serving God. I enjoyed it's insights. Reading it has made me a better person. I have a greater feeling of being loved by God despite all my faults. I also bought the book as gifts for other family members.

In the late autumn of his life, evangelist Billy Graham has given us a wonderful gift.

In clear and compassionate terms, he shares the accumulated wisdom and anecdotes of an extraordinary lifetime, providing guidance and encouragement to make our own lives meaningful and extraordinary. The book is carefully structured in four parts. In "The Journey Begins", he explores the primary questions of life. In "Strength for the Journey", he discusses practical measures to find peace and joy with God, others, and ourselves. "Challenges Along the Way" covers external, internal, and spiritual difficulties; and "Staying the Course" provides guidance and hope in facing issues arising in middle age and beyond.

This, like "Mere Christianity" and other works by C.S. Lewis, is a must-read for anyone seeking truthful answers to life's painful and confusing questions, as well as for Christians looking to deepen their faith. I didn't find a single false word in it and will likely re-read it more than once in the years to come.

And even if there are no years to come, even if my journey should end tonight, I know it ends well. For anyone seeking peace in life's journey, the truths in this book could be invaluable assets. Five shining stars.

I was very happy with my selection of the "Journey" and very pleased with the good service I received on the delivery. We are using the book as a guide in a Women's Bible Study at our church and are currently in the 4th Chapter, as we discontinued our study for the Christmas holiday and will resume on Jan. 8, 2008.

Fight The Good FightProbably the last book written by the greatest Preacher of our day. Life truly is a journey and not the destination as Dr. Graham has so aptly declared in his teachings throughout the years.

I previously ordered 7 copies of "The Journey" by Billy Graham. Our men's group is in the midst of studying the book for the next 30 weeks at a weekly breakfast devotional. It is packed with wonderful guidance on how we are to live our lives. The book is perfectly divided into manageable sections that are just right for from a 30 to 50 minute devotion. It also is great in that it is written in such a way as to encourage participation. It is easily understood while at the same time elegant in its delivery of ideas. It is suitable for both those new to the faith as well as for "old" Christian soldiers.