Sylvia Miles Books

These days, Kahlil Griban's "The Prophet" gets dismissed as "hippie" literature. Yet, this book had been a bestseller LONG before the 1960s. Originally published in 1925, it almost instantly became a hit and even did well through the Great Depression. Today, Gibran's claim to fame is being the third best-selling poet of our time, behind Shakespeare and Lao Tzu... and pretty much entirely based on sales of this book. When his publisher, Alfred A. Knopf was asked who the audience for the book was, he flippantly dismissed the question. "It Must be a cult," he retorted.

What's incredible is that there's absolutely no marketing hype behind the success of this book. Gibran is long gone. There is no political, religious, or commercial enterprise attached to his name bent on winning souls and/or profits. The Gibran estate has merely been churning out copies year after year in response to the demand. A demand feuled pretty much entirely by word-of-mouth and chance discovery. The fact is, the twenty-six poems in this book have a surprising and suprassing relevance, insight and compassion. Broken down into several topics ("On Love", "On Work", "On Joy and Sorrow", etc.) the book itself recounts the sermons of a fictional poet leaving behind the gift of knowledge before he leaves his homeland.

I first found Gibran through a setting of his poem "On Children" by Sweet Honey in the Rock on their album, "Breaths." At the time I was about to leave for college and eighteen years of living under my parent's roof had made me restless for autonomy. That poem eloquently expressed everything I was yearning to say to them in my hours of frustration and adolescent angst. It later proved to be a reference to turn to in times where I needed confidence to live an independent and fulfilling life, while still maintaining respect and compassion towards the parents who had raised me.

I am not exaggerating when I say that the poems in this book have kept me grounded and sane throughout some of the most troubling times in my life. Our modern lives are ever hectic, stressful and busy - wrought with drama, frustration, depression, etc. The knowledge in these poems brings me back to a "middle ground" - there is a sage wisdom and clarity in the poems that has often been helpful for me in "unwinding" and coming back to earth.

Though Gibran himself was a Christian and despite the title and conceit of the book, this is not really a religious book. The insight in this book would be applicable to your life even if you are an atheist. What's more, the poetry is mostly imagistic. Do not expect the academic poetics of Gibran's contemporaries Eliot or Pound or even Frost. They are written with the aim of being accessible and immediate to the reader.

Copies of "The Prophet" are not hard to come by. Perhaps check out the book's table of contexts either using Amazon's "Search Inside" feature or in your local bookstore and see if it addresses a problem or issue you are dealing with. That's a good a place as any to start with.

I appreciate getting the book at the great price. I'm really not complaining but the book was quite yellow and the jacket was torn in various places. It looked like it was on the shelf for quite a while........Maureen

A very profound, deeply insightful and moving experience! One of my two favorite books of all times. No matter how often you read it, you find something new, some new insight, some amazing revelation, some word of consolation, another stunning example of wordcraft. A masterpiece! Inspired! This book should not be on a book shelf in the library, office or study, but on the bedside table, and the audiobook -- on your Ipod.

One of the ten best books I have ever read. A must for any on the path to Self-awareness. A book of profound understanding of the human dance. Gibran's writing in general is in a class by itself, and The Prophet is his finest work.

I have read this book over a hundered times in the last twenty years, and have given many copies away to friends and acquaintances. If God Himself (or Herself) were to give an opinion on various aspects of a person's life, I believe that his or her words would be very close to what Kahlil Gibran wrote in "The Prophet".

This book has some great recipes and I would recommend it to the first time wok cook. I was very impressed by how Keener Books shipped the copy of the book. I purchased it used and the condition was good as promised, the book was wrapped carefully to ensure no damage would occur during shipping. I received an email from Keener letting me know when shipping would happen...for once just an all around good shopping experience. If you purchased used, go with Keener.

I've been preparing authentic Chinese dishes from this book for over 20 years now. In fact, this is my second copy - I wore the original out after years of use and was lucky enough to get a second copy at a low-traffic book store. This book is so authentic, you'll have some real challenges finding and properly preparing the ingredients. But of course that is part of the fun, too. And oh what a sense of accomplishment when you serve your first Chinese feast and get rave reviews! Good Luck finding a copy - and good eating if you succeed!

I have owned this book for over 20 years. It is dog-eared, grease-stained and tattered. I really use this book and love the gentle inspiring quotes it contains. The recipes in it have "wowed" my guests and family for over twenty years. I cannot thank the authors enough for sharing this with the world. I am ordering another copy so that I can keep these treasured recipes for generations to come.

This is absolutely the best book on Chinese cooking! The recipes are easy to follow and most of the ingredients are easily found in your local supermarket. Each food section is prefaced with a short tid-bit on Chinese food history and culture. There is also regional information and a short comment at the beginning of each recipe. A glossary of cooking techniques, ingredients, and special hints is included at the front of the book and is extremely helpful. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to bring authentic Chinese food to their table.

I grew up in a smallish city with only one semi-authentic Chinese restaurant and a Chinese family friend who ran an Asian grocery. She recommended this cookbook to my mother, who then cooked for our family from it.

I have to say that I am spoiled to the day. So many of the recipes in here are much better than what you'd get at 99% of any typical Chinese restaurant. I now live in one of the largest cities in the U.S. and it's still hard for me to find food as good as this.

This is a story about a cat and a girl who move to the city. The cat's name is Puss and the girl's name is Jenni. Puss gets lost and Jenni has to find him. The chapters alternate between Puss and Jenni's points of view. I like the fact that you can read what Puss is thinking. This is one of my favorite books that I have ever read.

Young Puss is a country cat, and has been all his life. He adores small-town living, as he knows all the animals who surround him, and has his own very territories. That's why he's shocked when his owner, Jenni, moves him to a city filled with traffic, and unfriendly people. Puss quickly decides that this isn't the life for him, and heads towards home. However, unbeknownst to Puss, home is over 100 miles away, and might never be found by a small cat. When Jenni realizes that her beloved Puss - short for Puss in Boots, thanks to his all black body, and white feet - she becomes frantic and begins her search for him. While at the same time, Puss realizes how much he misses Jenni, and frantically tries to find his way back to his new home in the city. Throughout it all, Jenni meets many city-dwellers, who try to help her find Puss, and realizes that maybe the city isn't that bad after all.

Being a cat lover, and a fan of touching Christmas stories, I was happy to find both elements in Sylvia Green's THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER. Puss is a determined young cat who triumphs over the tragedy of getting himself lost. Jenni is a kind young girl who wants nothing but Puss back as her Christmas gift. Together they create quite a duo. With fabulous supporting characters who bring the story even more to life, THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER is essential holiday reading.

[...]

This book is a great resource from Grammar. It outlines it in an easy to follow fashion. I would suggest having your own copy of it in order to take notes and study the really important areas. Other parts of the book are very helpful with writing. Please E-mail me if you know of any other great grammar books.

granted I started reading it when I was 5. This story charms the page and is told so well. EB White creates a barnyard full of different animals who look past their differences and sees the positive aspects and they all work together for good. It is and always will be a timeless classic!

Great book!! It was for my college class book review. I read it to my daughter and we both enjoyed it.

Tracy M Griffin
May 10, 2008
Literature Review

Title: "Charlotte's Web"
Author: E.B. White
Publisher: HarperCollins 1952
Pages: 192
Genre: Children's
Reading Level: 4.9
Lexile: 680

Synopsis of the Plot: "Charlotte's Web" is an endearing story about the friendship between animals and humans to save the life of a pig. Wilber was born to a litter as the runt; Fern, a young girl who had a great love for animals, immediately took him in. Fern was a child that had the gift of speaking to the animals. Wilber lived on a farm that belonged to Fern's uncle, so she could see him and the other farm animals a great deal. The other animals grew to be a large part of Wilber's life, especially Wilber's friend Charlotte.

Wilber met his good friend Charlotte in the barn. Her first words to Wilber came at a time of need for Wilber. Charlotte was a calm and collected spider. She always had words of wisdom to Wilber, and had the ability to ease his always-tense self. Charlotte would later become a lifesaver for her great friend Wilber.

When Wilber grew to know his surroundings a fear started that he was going to be slaughtered. Wilber was so worried and insecure about his life he would fall faint a great deal and always be in a tizzy. Wilber expressed his concern to everyone in the barn a great deal. His best friend Charlotte decided to take a stance for her friend and help him get through this time. Charlotte used her skill of weaving beautiful webs to show the family that owned the farm how great Wilber really was.

Negative Aspects of the Book: As I have read this book many times I feel that the content now does not fit the reading level. My students in first grade really enjoyed this book being read to them. However, currently the sixth graders at my school are reading this book and I do not see them enjoying the book as much as my young students do.

Personal Appraisal: This book was a joy to read with my students! It gave them a clean and deep meaning of friendship and helping out people that we care about. The language was very appropriate for any child to read.

This book helps students realize how much friends can really help out each other. The relationship between Charlotte and Wilber is one that many children can relate to. My students in my class found the way Charlotte was so calm and endearing to be somewhat of a mom to Wilber. That was so interesting that they came away with it, I never thought of it that way, I always saw Charlotte as just a friend. This book shows that there are many interpretations that can be made through literature.

The most worthwhile part of this book is the friendships that exist between Wilber and all his friends. His friends show him how great of a pig he really is. Fern's love for Wilber, even though he was the runt of the litter, shows students that no matter the size or makeup of someone they still are great!

Tracy M Griffin
May 10, 2008
Literature Review

Title: "Charlotte's Web"
Author: E.B. White
Publisher: HarperCollins 1952
Pages: 192
Genre: Children's
Reading Level: 4.9
Lexile: 680

Synopsis of the Plot: "Charlotte's Web" is an endearing story about the friendship between animals and humans to save the life of a pig. Wilber was born to a litter as the runt; Fern, a young girl who had a great love for animals, immediately took him in. Fern was a child that had the gift of speaking to the animals. Wilbur lived on a farm that belonged to Fern's uncle, so she could see him and the other farm animals a great deal. The other animals grew to be a large part of Wilbur's life, especially Wilbur's friend Charlotte.

Wilber met his good friend Charlotte in the barn. Her first words to Wilber came at a time of need for Wilbur. Charlotte was a calm and collected spider. She always had words of wisdom to Wilbur, and had the ability to ease his always-tense self. Charlotte would later become a lifesaver for her great friend Wilbur.

When Wilber grew to know his surroundings a fear started that he was going to be slaughtered. Wilbur was so worried and insecure about his life he would fall faint a great deal and always be in a tizzy. Wilbur expressed his concern to everyone in the barn a great deal. His best friend Charlotte decided to take a stance for her friend and help him get through this time. Charlotte used her skill of weaving beautiful webs to show the family that owned the farm how great Wilbur really was.

Negative Aspects of the Book: As I have read this book many times I feel that the content now does not fit the reading level. My students in first grade really enjoyed this book being read to them. However, currently the sixth graders at my school are reading this book and I do not see them enjoying the book as much as my young students do.

Personal Appraisal: This book was a joy to read with my students! It gave them a clean and deep meaning of friendship and helping out people that we care about. The language was very appropriate for any child to read.

This book helps students realize how much friends can really help out each other. The relationship between Charlotte and Wilbur is one that many children can relate to. My students in my class found the way Charlotte was so calm and endearing to be somewhat of a mom to Wilbur. That was so interesting that they came away with it, I never thought of it that way, I always saw Charlotte as just a friend. This book shows that there are many interpretations that can be made through literature.

The most worthwhile part of this book is the friendships that exist between Wilbur and all his friends. His friends show him how great of a pig he really is. Fern's love for Wilbur, even though he was the runt of the litter, shows students that no matter the size or makeup of someone they still are great!

I have read this classic to my kids (and to myself, decades ago), and two of my daughters have read it too.

My 10-year old says that she find it believeable, even with the talking animals. By that, I think that she appreciates the humanization of the animal characters. This is a story, tenderly told, about life and death, friendship, selfishness and generosity, and generally what it means to live among others. Read it with your kids.

There's a good chance you're buying this book because it's assigned reading for a class. Go into that classroom and THANK YOUR TEACHER. I didn't read this book in school. I stumbled upon when I was done with school. I bought it because I thought the title was interesting. What I found inside this book stunned me. The voice is so strong you can feel it in your heart. The writing is beautiful. The story will shake you. Enjoy!

Please read this book! I'm serious! The writing is pure poetry, with fantastic images that will stay with me forever. Also, the historical value cannot be exaggerated. The author, Nora Neale Hurston, gave us a tremendous gift.

I personally enjoyed the use of dialect. I read some of the book aloud to my daughter which is a good way to experience the beauty of their speak. All good books show you things you could never see and enlighten your mind to ways that were unknown. So that when we are done reading their gift stays with us.

This book sucked. Richard Wright was correct when he stated that Zora Neale Hurston pandered to white prejudiced readers. The way Hurston's black characters speak in this book portrays African Americans as stupid, easily fooled, and naive. The story was boring, pointless, and poorly written. The book, in short, was unbelievably bad, and if it weren't for I school assignment, I wouldn't have wasted time and money reading this bilge.

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" is one of those so called "American classics" that I knew I should have read but I feared it was some overly self-indulgent, weepy Oprah book. Thankfully I did read it and it GREATLY exceeded my expectations. The story chronicles the life of a young black woman as she evolves from a confused teenager to a mature, confident woman. Her world is the poor, black towns of segregated Florida in the 1920s-1930s. Although she has a rather insular existence the author shows the reader the warmth, humor and lust for life these communities had. The pace of the story is rather prosaic with the exception of some serious drama towards the end. Yet strangely, the lack of pace is not a bother since "rhythm of life" captured by the author fully engages the reader.


Hopefully "Their Eyes Were Watching God" gains readership beyond African-American Literature 101 classes. A masterpiece? Perhaps not, but something special in its own right. Yet I also need to add that non-Americans might find the author's use of the local dialect to be incomprehensible or at least burdensome.

Title: Shiloh
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
Author: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Date: Paperback edition 2000

This is a fantastic book for all ages. Shiloh deals with important ethical issues that anyone can relate to. I especially recommend this book for middle school students, as I think they will find its message especially compelling.

In 1990, Shiloh won the coveted Newbery Award. It is a quick fiction read, with only 156 pages. According to Scholastic, the book is at a Grade Level equivalent of 4-6, a Lexile Framework of 890, or a 5.6 Reading Level.

Shiloh tells the story of Marty, an eleven-year old boy living in rural West Virginia. His family has close relationship and strong values. Living in the country, there is an established set of social norms that all families live by. When Marty stumbles across a young beagle hiding behind a bush, he is forced to grapple with these strict social norms in his quest to define right from wrong.

After spotting the Beagle, Marty notices that the dog won't stop following him. The dog is skinny and desperately in need of a meal and some love. After coxing the dog into his arms, Marty quickly falls in love with his new found friend. He names him Shiloh, and because of his owners apparent neglect and abuse, Marty vows to take care of him.

Marty quickly discovers that the dog belongs to ornery man by the name of Judd Travers. After taking care of Shiloh for some time, his parents discover the dog and demand that Marty return him to his owner. In spite of his better instincts, Marty returns Shiloh to Judd Travers.

Adding to the plot, Shiloh manages to escape again and find his way back to Marty. This time Marty is faced with a difficult ethical dilemma: should he return the dog to his abusive owner, or should he defy his parents to keep and protect Shiloh?

After an accident in the woods, Marty's parents once again discover his secret. Despite their growing affection for the dog, his parents demand that he return the dog again to its rightful owner. At this point , Marty is so desperate to keep the dog, he offers to do almost any thing for Judd, so long as he can have Shiloh back.

The book is riveting and keeps the reader engaged all the way to the last page. The characters are well developed; the reader truly feels Marty's pain as he grapples with his difficult situation. This book is a must read for all animal lovers or anyone learning to make difficult decisions.

As a caveat, children without a rural background may have trouble understanding or relating to Shiloh. The book uses beautiful imagery to describe the scenery of rural West Virginia; however, this may not appeal to someone who grew up in an urban setting.

This is a wonderful book that well describes the meaning "dog is man's best friend." Shiloh is about a boy named Marty and a dog named Shiloh. Shiloh is an abused dog so Marty tries to save him. This is a very adventurous and exiting book that I would recommend to anyone of any age.

This book is a poorly written adventure. From the start you know that he is going to get the dog in the end. It is not an enjoyable reader its just a book torchering you to stop all the way through it. Its insigneficant charecters have no meaning they all seem to go against marty, and are all cruel. This is a book of pain, dont read it. It will waste your money and your time.

Every single book I've had to read in school has stunk and this one is no exception. It was boring and so dumb I could barely finish it. I just wish we could read good books like Harry Potter or any book by Nancy Farmer

`Shiloh' was one of my favorite novels as a young boy. I can still remember reading it in school and being fascinated with the concept, with the storyline and underlining morals that forced me to think about things in a way I never had before. The overall plot may seem to be simple enough. A young boy named Marty finds a beagle he names Shiloh (after the place he found him). The dog, as it so happens, is being abused by his master Judd and Marty vows to rescue the dog whatever way he can. The great thing about `Shiloh' is that it's not that simple.

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor beautifully creates a moral battle within this young boy and everyone around him. Ethically taking this dog would be stealing, and stealing is wrong. But on the other hand of ethics there is the fact that bringing this dog back to his owner would mean subjecting a helpless creature to pain and fear. When his parents are telling him the right thing is to return the animal that is not rightly his, but his heart is telling him that returning him is not an option Marty has to decide for himself the right path to take.

Children's novels have a history of presenting moral issues subtly, but here the conflict of morality is presented bluntly and left for the reader to learn along with Marty. When Marty becomes determined to keep Shiloh any way that he can he comes up with an idea that may appease both side of the issue. I'll leave that for you to read on your own.

Be aware that `Shiloh' is classic children's literature and will remain in your hearts forever after your first reading. It's the definition of satisfying reading no matter what your age is, boy or girl, man or woman I promise that this is not an experience you'll regret. It's a relatable story because it exposes a principle that all humans, children and adults alike with be tested on in there day to day and despite what you may initially think, there's a lot to be learned from this boy and his dog.

I loved looking through the other reviews on this book and seeing how much they praised it! This is a quiet, unassuming book that somehow gets accidentally plucked off the bookshelf and then introduces the reader to a magical and almost bizarre world that immediately touches the heart.

Really, there are just not a whole lot of writers that churn out this sort of stuff anymore. Maybe children's literature is demanding more empowering, liberal books or whatever, but the day of soft-spoken fairy tales is quickly departing. That is why it is so important to read this book.

It is timeless in its themes as it brings out the oh-so-misunderstood girl who is perfectly content playing on her own. Opposed to this is a loving world of family and friends, both real and imaginary that wants to draw her out of her shell. It's touching and heart-wrenching.

And creeping up between all the drama is a very sure story of fantasy, so subtle that I do not dare call this a fantasy story.
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Cassedy is a fantastic writer who is sure but quick with her details. She loves her characters, all their perks and flaws, and does her best to bring them to life. Even so, the story is delightfully dream-like.

I insist everyone read this book. It is a story that will haunt you long after it is over.

Cassedy's engrossing novel about redemption through doll
therapy is not just for YA readers, as adults of all ages will be captivated by this compelling tale. A twelve-year-old orphan, Maggie has been expelled in disgrace from yet another boarding school; her arrival at her aunts' austere home (a former girls' school) does not bode well for any of the inmates. Willful, malicious, thieving, and utterly selfish, she is not amused by her uncle's oddball humor and attempts to make her feel welcome. Priding herself on not needing any friends and never playing with dolls, Maggie retreats into her private world of loneliness--consoled only by playing cards and her imaginary admirers, the poor, dirty and ignorant Back Woods Girls.

But eventually Maggie, ostracized by her classmates at the New Aldelphi Academy down the road, discovers a secret room in the dusty attic. What begins as whispers and rustlings in the walls gradually becomes clearer: voices speaking to each other in domestic conversation and ultimately calling out to her, by name! Struggling against her scorn of Make Believe, Maggie gradually is drawn into the gentle magic and soothing calm of their timeless tea party. As her heart softens into that of a true human being, her much-criticized body seems to change as she seems almost pretty. This is a tale of the humanization of an unlovable girl, who comes to accept responsibility for those who genuinely care for her--to be accountable to tender hearts, to be genuinely needed and appreciated.

The literary suspense builds to semi climaxes at the end of each of the 4 parts as Maggie becomes aware of a distant tragedy on the premises, with tantalizing hints scattered daintily throughout the 36 chapters. Just what Are these talking dolls who have been waiting for Maggie--who are still awaiting another to join them? Not just for girls this captivating story will hook readers from the start, providing insight into the unique process of becoming human. Who will ultimately prove worhty to become Maggie's true family?

I read this book to my 4th graders EVERY year. They hear about it from other kids in the school and can't wait to hear it when they're in 4th grade. It is a great mysterious story that keeps the listener thinking. I love this especially for the rich language. I notice my students become better writers from listening to this book. It's one of my all time favorites.

I read this book in the 5th grade (longer ago than I like to admit) and I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to find another copy of it to share with my 9 year old daughter. The story is endearing, sometimes sad, and has a wonderful ending. A must read, just an awesome book!! I also recommend "The Dollhouse Murders" and "Wait til Helen Comes". I loved these books too, both along the same lines as "Behind the Attic Wall".

I loved this book. I looked it up on Amazon just to see if it was still around. This book helped me fall in love with the magical world of reading.

The Rapture and biblical prophecy are fascinating subjects that could be the basis for a roller coaster modern story. Unfortunately the authors dilute the potential with long, boring, inconsequential text. I trudged through the first 2 books, then finally threw in the towel on the 3rd after reading a *chapter* describing a traffic jam! The best of this series could be distilled to just a few books but, keeping with the theme, it's already too late...

To be honest, I don't quite understand the hype. There are many books better written than this series out there, yet people--even those who usually don't enjoy reading--flock to the series. It is understandable since it is a controversial topic, however it's troublesome that people actually take these books as a description of what's to come.
I'm no theologian, and I personally am a panmillenniest (it'll all pan-out in the end so to speak), but the interpretation promoted in the Left Behind Series is, in many ways, a Baptist phenomenon popular (generally) in the United States. While I'm not saying this is wrong--because, let's be honest, interpreting Revelation varies incredibly--it's important to note that this isn't the view subscribed to by most of the World. However, at least in Nicolae, the writers appear to assume (or want us to assume) that those who don't believe Revelation is to be taken 100% literally don't have ears to hear or eyes to see.
That being said, the composition isn't incredible. Sentence structure is, at times, very awkward and forced. The storyline isn't bad, though I didn't feel much attachment to characters (admittedly, it'd been awhile since I picked up either Left Behind or Tribulation Force) and, for a book as long as it was, didn't see a lot of character development.
Positives: some funny moments and a few interested steps forward in watching a man take over a willingly tyrannized world.

I read the whole series, I love it! I heard they came out with a 13th book, I'm not going to read it. Sometimes the show has to end.

From the moment I started reading this series, I was hooked. With each chapther I found myself more and more intriqued. Every book is an enthralling installment in the Left Behind series... and Nicolae was probably the best one Ive read yet. It's exploding with action and suspense, tying scripture with fiction. I highly recommend the series. Cant wait to read the 4th one, Soul Harvest.

Well I finally dragged thru the second book. #3 is a much more faster paced book, but I was expecting to learn more about Nicolae since this is the name of the book. It was more about the adventures of Buck, who seems to always get into stuff, but always makes it out. It is interesting to read how he does it. I am getting about sick of Chloe though, she's always nagging, whining, worrying and calling Buck at the most inappropriate times. Other than that a good read!

Sylvia takes us back to the red dusty roads of Georgia in the 40's & 50's. With her and her family we sharecrop, work in sawmills and cotton mills, and "get saved."

Thomas Wolfe said "You can't go home again," but through "Eight Miles of Muddy Road," Sylvia Nickels sure gives it a heck of a try.