Barbara Nichols Books

I started buying this series for my 6 year old one year ago. She received "Mr Bach comes to Call" for her seventh birthday. She has spent hours listening to it and then to other Bach CDs. The music is well selected and the historical content is described quite well. Her imagination has really been excited. As we live in Germany for the moment she has expressed a wish to visit Liepzig to see Bach's grave. We have four in this series now and think they are brilliant. All of us enjoy listening especially on long car journeys. Great entertainment with educational value.

my children are 6 and 7. they love this touching story of beethoven. we have taken many a long car ride and this cd is always our companion. it would be a good idea to also get a background book of beethoven for your children as they may become so intested, as mine did, that they simply had to know more about him. i bought the teachers notes that go with this. i would have done better to get a more thorough book, but it has served us well. this cd is highly recommended

Beethoven Lives Upstairs CD is an intriguing imaginary story told by a child who lives in the apartment below the elderly, deaf Beethoven, whom the child believes to be a mad man. The story of Beethoven's life and his greatness as a musician, even after becoming deaf, is woven through a series of letters the child writes to a relative who teaches the appreciation of Beethoven and his music. It is a beautifully written story of the great and tragic composer's life, interwoven with marvelous renditions of his most beloved music. This is one of the Symphony of Stories for all ages collection of Classical Kids CD's from Children's Group. You and your children will want to own all of them and listen to them again and again!

Excellent story for the entire family to enjoy. Music and information is blended together to make the audio version of this story enjoyable for a wide range of ages. Great way to introduce kids to famous composers in a format that is interesting and fun. And, the listeners don't Have to sit still while the story is being read.

This is a keeper, a highlightthis book, review it with your agents and keep it as a reference book. If you are a Broker or an agent you need to read this book and apply the common sense principles.

I work with agents and Brokers who are at great risk, are you? For those who practive where Dual Agency is legal read, read, read! I do practice in one of these states, I hate this practice. Everytime I am asked to serve as a Dual Agent it makes my stomach hurt. I can see law suit written all ove this practice. The book also covers so many areas it is hard to discuss them all. My best advice to every Realtor out there, get this book and study it, one day it may save your business.

An Excellent Reference!

Barbara Nichols has written an insightful easy to read book on the important topic of how to avoid a lawsuit in real estate transactions. This book contains valuable and practical information for anyone who deals with real estate including property owners, buyers, sellers and real estate agents. The author draws on her years of experience as a real estate expert, investor, general contractor and real estate broker to provide real world examples of how the complexities of real estate can create legal liabilities. This book is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to avoid a real estate lawsuit.
M. Beemer

Barbara Nichols' intelligent, easy to understand, guide for making good decisions when one is buying real estate, for either a residence or investment property is an outstanding reference that everyone should have on their shelf. Beginners to seasoned real estate investors can find value in this guide. Terrific reference!

I bought the book when I was stranded in a small airport with nothing to do and nothing to read. The stories seemed to reach into the dark corners of doubt and I felt an enourmous release. I was going to present new material to an important client and I was extremely nervous. I found that the book made me focus on what I did well, and I found "delight" in the people that I was dealing with. What a difference it made! I now give the book to friends who need to find the balance and delight in their lives.

I bought this book from a second hand store in Australia and loved it! In a space of 3 months I have read it 3 times and refer to it almost daily. It is inspirational, and as a result of this book, I have achieved quite a few goals I had previously thought impossible. If you are in need of some inspiration. positive thoughts and a general "feel-good" read. this is the one. I have since bought a book as a git for a friend who has been feeling miserable - she now has a spring in her step again! Do yourself a favour - read it - every day!

'Out of the Blue' is uplifting and full of everyday wisdom, my favorite kind of book. It is a book that falls open at just the right passage to provide valuable insight on whatever is concerning you at the moment. It is also quite capable of jumping off the shelf into your hands if you are browsing while thinking about some problem.

"...I write, Uncle, because something terrible has happened. A madman has moved into our house." Young Christoph can't believe his family's misfortune with their new boarder. Mr Beethoven has rented the upstairs rooms, and the terrible noises begin at dawn. There's loud pounding and howling, stomping and crashing. Beethoven has four pianos, some without legs sitting right on the floor so that he can "hear" the vibrations of his music. His room is a mess, papers scattered everywhere, dirty dishes and clothes on every surface, and he writes on the walls. He walks the streets humming and growling, and waving his arms. Christoph is mortified, angry, and embarrassed as he asks his uncle..."I beg you to tell my mother to send Mr Beethoven away." But as the months and then years go by, Christoph's letters begin to change. He develops compassion and tolerance for this eccentric musical genius who lives upstairs, that slowly turns into respect, admiration, and true friendship..... Barbara Nichol and Scott Cameron have authored a creative and inventive story, written as correspondence between uncle and nephew, that combines history, music, and actual events during the three years Beethoven wrote his Ninth Symphony in Vienna. Christoph's intriguing and compelling letters are full of drama and tension as he tells his uncle what it's like to live with the deaf and tormented composer. His uncle, also a musician, writes back giving Christoph insight and understanding into Beethoven's life and times and famous temper. Ms Nichol's engaging and entertaining text is spellbinding and enhanced by Mr Cameron's dark, lush oil paintings. Together word and art transport you back to the 1820s, and allows the reader to spy on Beethoven as he works. Perfect for youngsters 8-12, Beethoven Lives Upstairs is an evocative and fascinating adventure about a remarkable composer that is sure to whet the appetite of budding musicians, and send them looking for more.

A young Viennese boy named Christoph happens to have the greatest composer who ever lived as a boarder in his mother's house. Set in 1822, this nice re-telling of factual events in the last year of Beethoven's life has introduced millions to the softer side of a musical god too often portrayed as stern and cold. Yes, there really was a Christoph, and Beethoven shared his home about the time of the composition of the Ninth Symphony, possibly humankind's musical high-point. In fact many real life occurrences came to pass just as Ms. Nichol's book tells. Beethoven Lives Upstairs is easy to read and hard to forget, and is a positive tale almost anyone should find likable.

I don't remember exactly how i came to find the publisher's website or this book...but I hunted it down and found it a quiet, peaceful and joyful book about life in the garden and respect for nature, and taking the time to appreciate and respect it, a lesson for human-kind as well. I was so intrigued and inspired that on a visit to Toronto I hunted down a walking guide who took me to the area of Toronto mentioned in the book (Cabbagetown). I, and my canine daughter, had a wonderful time, and I owe it all to this author and her book. We're looking forward to returning again. P.S. I am a social worker and when admiring someone's beautiful back yard, we began talking about the book, and she was anxious to track it down as well!

Good reading skills are recommended for this lush title which blends botany and memories of plants and people. A variety of gardens are profiled, adventures in them are detailed, and young gardeners receive inspirational insights on gardens and beauty. A lovely picturebook.

My 7-year-old nephew loves this book. I'm 34 and I love it just as much! Many of these poems are just what dog poets would write if they could, evoking the bliss of mealtime, the exhilaration of running leashless, the fear of thunder and the vague menace of chicken bones. The pictures are equally irresistible (I love the Great Dane who humbly regrets his inability to fit onto the page). If you love dogs, you want this book. If your young child loves dogs, you NEED this book.

Dippers is a pleasant picturebook for young readers about a hot summer in 1912, when fanciful creatures that author Barbara Nichol calls "dippers" came up from the Don River. The Dippers are most curious beings indeed, at first glance resembling cat-sized shrews with wings. Barry Moser's full-page illustrations in soft tones enhance Nichol's inquisitive prose making Dippers a pleasure for young readers who have just graduated from easy-reader picturebooks and are ready to try something with slightly longer and with more complex sentences.

Four hundred years ago de Cervantes wrote ON QUIXODE: it was celebrated then, and its theme even stolen and embellished by a competing contemporary author. Barbara Nichol retells Book 2, which broke new ground when it appeared and here provides new contemporary audiences with an accessible, memorable account. Leaving intact the themes, structure and tone but adding contemporary language and drama, TALES OF DON QUIXOTE is appealing.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This is one of the great films. The drama is so stirring I have the most pained look on my face at the end of this film as I try not to cry before I inevitably do. James Dean made three films and all were great but this one is the best. He was truly a great actor and a great loss. The other actors are just as skilled and the director Elia Kazan makes the most out of his actors. This disk contains not just a great print of the film but several terrific special features. The commentary with Richard Schickel is absorbing enough to keep you glued to the television set for another two and half hours. Just a wonderful movie.

The 'Overture' shows the sea coast for 3 minutes. This story takes place in 1917 California. A woman walks to deposit money in a bank in Monterey. The dirt road shows horses are in use. A young man follows this woman (he is bare-headed). Why does he follow Kate? [Perhaps you need to read the book first.] Cal returns to Salinas and meets his brother Aaron. [The hair style is from the 1950s, not 1917.] Their father Adam plans to buy an ice house to ship his vegetables under refrigeration to a distant markets. Is Cal thoughtless or scary? Can people relax in an ice house? Cal's troubled soul is shown by his dumping ice. Why is he bad, unlike his twin brother? Restless Cal returns to Monterey and visits that house. He gets into trouble and meets the sheriff. Is Kate the reason why Cal is "bad"?

Aaron's girlfriend Abra tells Cal about her past, and her stepmother. [This conversation seems pointless, except as a clue to confused thinking.] The shipment of lettuce is a big event in those days. But snow blockaded the pass, the lettuce shipment was ruined. Cal wants to raise beans; war is good for business. They will pay farmers to plant beans at 5 cents a pound and do all the work, then they will sell them for 10 cents a pound. Cal knows where he can get the money. Kate knows how to do business: other people do the work and she profits. The Great War has an affect on Salinas. Cal shows his skill at the shooting gallery. We see the carnival that entertained people in simpler times.

Steinbeck's story tells how people's emotions are stirred to turn on a neighbor. The this leads to conflict between Cal and Aaron (a long simmering competition?). Cal has plans for a birthday party for his father. [Do you sense this will be a disaster?] Adam doesn't want the money raised by speculating in beans. Cal takes this hard. [Do his actions repeat in his other films?] This leads to a revelation about their long absent mother.
The ending seems incredible to me, however necessary to this particular story. Its like a deck of cards being rigged to fix the result. This story warns against hiding family scandals from grown children. I wonder if this would be a better film if made in a different time? The novel must be much better than this film.

Dean's first film may have been his best,simply because he may have been asked to play so much of himself in his role. Director Elia Kazan allowed his budding star to improvise with terrific results, especially in the tear filled breakdown scene, clinging to Massey's lapels. Massey had no idea how to handle himself,thus adding unintentional positive reaction to the scene. If the old man went ballistic,as reported,Kazan did too-in Dean's favor. Dean would repeat the favor in "Giant",stealing a scene with Rock Hudson by incessantly twirling his lariat, much to director George Stevens' delight and Hudson's chagrin. Meanwhile, East of Eden is a true emotional roller coaster with Jo Van Fleet taking an Oscar as Massey's former mate. Opposites attract? You're not likely ever to see anything like this picture again!

Wow, what an impressive screen debut for a 24-year-old. That was the famous James Dean, here in his first of three starring roles before death took him at a tragically young age. Just as impressive, however, is the overall performance of the rest of the cast, including lesser-known Richard Davalos, who also was making his movie debut.

The most impressive person connected to this movie, however, was director Elia Kazan who not only excelled directing this film but - in the same year - directed "On The Waterfront." Now, that's not a bad year of work!

Overall, it's a solid drama with complex characters who make you reflect about them long after you view this. I don't know why it took so long for me to finally see this movie, but I was impressed. (May I recommend this two-disc, special-edition DVD?). I am surprised it only garnered one Academy Award. I think it deserved more.

East of Eden

This classic film starring James Dean has all sorts of biblical references and parallels. It s a moving journey of Cal, a young man on a quest for truth and some semblance of love.
This narrative unfolds with rich detail, nicely capturing the pre-WWI era in America. Cal is a loner and a rebel. The pieces of his past are slowly unveiled to explain his lost sense of desperation and need. He yearns for his father's acceptance, and is jealous of his brother's relationship with him. Plus there is a secret attraction to his brother's fiance, which adds another level of drama to the story.

Dean dishes out a spectacular performance here. This moody, rebellious character seems to fit him perfectly. I'm anxious to see more of his work.
The dialogue is a bit dated, but it fits the setting which is nearly a century ago. Much of the themes of this film are timeless. I also like how nothing is sugar-coated, it makes the story more realistic. It explores deep into the dark corners of man. The temptations, insecurities, wrongdoings. It's life, the good and the bad.
A true classic, very entertaining and heartfelt.

This is one of the great films. The drama is so stirring I have the most pained look on my face at the end of this film as I try not to cry before I inevitably do. James Dean made three films and all were great but this one is the best. He was truly a great actor and a great loss. The other actors are just as skilled and the director Elia Kazan makes the most out of his actors. This disk contains not just a great print of the film but several terrific special features. The commentary with Richard Schickel is absorbing enough to keep you glued to the television set for another two and half hours. Just a wonderful movie.

The 'Overture' shows the sea coast for 3 minutes. This story takes place in 1917 California. A woman walks to deposit money in a bank in Monterey. The dirt road shows horses are in use. A young man follows this woman (he is bare-headed). Why does he follow Kate? [Perhaps you need to read the book first.] Cal returns to Salinas and meets his brother Aaron. [The hair style is from the 1950s, not 1917.] Their father Adam plans to buy an ice house to ship his vegetables under refrigeration to a distant markets. Is Cal thoughtless or scary? Can people relax in an ice house? Cal's troubled soul is shown by his dumping ice. Why is he bad, unlike his twin brother? Restless Cal returns to Monterey and visits that house. He gets into trouble and meets the sheriff. Is Kate the reason why Cal is "bad"?

Aaron's girlfriend Abra tells Cal about her past, and her stepmother. [This conversation seems pointless, except as a clue to confused thinking.] The shipment of lettuce is a big event in those days. But snow blockaded the pass, the lettuce shipment was ruined. Cal wants to raise beans; war is good for business. They will pay farmers to plant beans at 5 cents a pound and do all the work, then they will sell them for 10 cents a pound. Cal knows where he can get the money. Kate knows how to do business: other people do the work and she profits. The Great War has an affect on Salinas. Cal shows his skill at the shooting gallery. We see the carnival that entertained people in simpler times.

Steinbeck's story tells how people's emotions are stirred to turn on a neighbor. The this leads to conflict between Cal and Aaron (a long simmering competition?). Cal has plans for a birthday party for his father. [Do you sense this will be a disaster?] Adam doesn't want the money raised by speculating in beans. Cal takes this hard. [Do his actions repeat in his other films?] This leads to a revelation about their long absent mother.
The ending seems incredible to me, however necessary to this particular story. Its like a deck of cards being rigged to fix the result. This story warns against hiding family scandals from grown children. I wonder if this would be a better film if made in a different time? The novel must be much better than this film.

Dean's first film may have been his best,simply because he may have been asked to play so much of himself in his role. Director Elia Kazan allowed his budding star to improvise with terrific results, especially in the tear filled breakdown scene, clinging to Massey's lapels. Massey had no idea how to handle himself,thus adding unintentional positive reaction to the scene. If the old man went ballistic,as reported,Kazan did too-in Dean's favor. Dean would repeat the favor in "Giant",stealing a scene with Rock Hudson by incessantly twirling his lariat, much to director George Stevens' delight and Hudson's chagrin. Meanwhile, East of Eden is a true emotional roller coaster with Jo Van Fleet taking an Oscar as Massey's former mate. Opposites attract? You're not likely ever to see anything like this picture again!

Wow, what an impressive screen debut for a 24-year-old. That was the famous James Dean, here in his first of three starring roles before death took him at a tragically young age. Just as impressive, however, is the overall performance of the rest of the cast, including lesser-known Richard Davalos, who also was making his movie debut.

The most impressive person connected to this movie, however, was director Elia Kazan who not only excelled directing this film but - in the same year - directed "On The Waterfront." Now, that's not a bad year of work!

Overall, it's a solid drama with complex characters who make you reflect about them long after you view this. I don't know why it took so long for me to finally see this movie, but I was impressed. (May I recommend this two-disc, special-edition DVD?). I am surprised it only garnered one Academy Award. I think it deserved more.

East of Eden

This classic film starring James Dean has all sorts of biblical references and parallels. It s a moving journey of Cal, a young man on a quest for truth and some semblance of love.
This narrative unfolds with rich detail, nicely capturing the pre-WWI era in America. Cal is a loner and a rebel. The pieces of his past are slowly unveiled to explain his lost sense of desperation and need. He yearns for his father's acceptance, and is jealous of his brother's relationship with him. Plus there is a secret attraction to his brother's fiance, which adds another level of drama to the story.

Dean dishes out a spectacular performance here. This moody, rebellious character seems to fit him perfectly. I'm anxious to see more of his work.
The dialogue is a bit dated, but it fits the setting which is nearly a century ago. Much of the themes of this film are timeless. I also like how nothing is sugar-coated, it makes the story more realistic. It explores deep into the dark corners of man. The temptations, insecurities, wrongdoings. It's life, the good and the bad.
A true classic, very entertaining and heartfelt.