F Books

This book is about four kids, Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan. They are going through the last seven years left on earth after the Rapture. None of them have parents because they were either taken during the Rapture or they died. They have all become Christians and are beginning the fight towards the antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia. Their pastor Bruce was just killed in a bombing in Chicago, and now they have to face the future without parents or a pastor.

I thought this book was very good. It helped me become a better Christian and better believer of Christ. This book would be good for people who are Christians or people who want to learn more about the Rapture and about being a Christian. Reading this book helped me to be more aware and know more about the Rapture also. I think the lesson is to accept Christ before it is too late because you never know when your last day will be.

I have always enjoyed the adult series of Left Behind books. The kids books are just as good. The kids interact with the characters from the adult series, experience the same events, etc. However, since the main characters are teens, these books can appeal to younger readers. So far, the stories haven't had the ups and downs that the adult series has had. The adult series has books that are a lot more boring than others. The kids series seems to be good in every book. These are not for really young kids, but would be appropriate for young teens. I enjoy them and I am an adult.

I like to read a variety of books, but since I have come upon the adult and kid's series of left behind, I just can't really get into another book until I know I have read the last one of both series.

Death Strike is the 8th book in the LBTK series, and probably the most crammed, adventure filled book, in the whole series to date (#32, and counting).
We last left off with Vicki being taken back to Northside Detention Center. After a run-in with trouble, Vicki is left injured within the first few pages, and recieves word that there is someone that would like to adopt her! Who could it be, and will she want to go with them? Also, Vicki finds friendship within a girl named Janie, but wonders if she will ever believe the truth.
Meanwhile, back home, Judd, Lionel, and Ryan are left amazed through the teachings of Pastor Bruce Barnes. With new security measures being brought up within Nicolae High, can they really risk bringing back "The Underground", since they have witnessed the trouble it can bring?
With the return of a new friend, Judd decides to travel to Israel with Bruce, but when a mysterious illness strikes the pastor, the Young Trib Force is left to deal with the loss of a great friend, and the disapperance of another. World Word 3 begins, and it's going to be a rocky ride.
Truly a favorite in the series, Death Strike delivers and really set the standards I've put the series up to. Always suspensful, and always inpirational, this series is one that you can't afford not to read.

This eighth installment in the series about a group of teens struggling to survive the Tribulation and spread the Truth of the existence of God to a world caught in the Antichrist's web of deceit is one of the most exciting in the series so far. Death Strike starts one year after the events of book 7. The Antichrist's regime has gained complete control of the world, decieving people into thinking that Nicolae Carpathia is the savior of the world. The young Trib Force sees this man as he really is - the most evil man on Earth. They are determined to resist the power that this regime has over the world.

Vicki Byrne, now 15 years old, is still detained in the detention center, where she has been fighting for her life for one year. Judd, Lionel, Ryan, John, and Mark are continuing their undercover ministry at Nicolae High. Judd, now 17 years old, sets a new goal that could put the entire group in the greatest danger yet. At his graduation ceremony, he proclaims the message of the Bible and how to recieve God's salvation. He is dragged out of the ceremony by Global Community gaurds and given no credit.
Then conflict arises, the rise of a rebel group fighting against Carpathia's regime triggers war and Judd, Mark and Vicki, who finally makes it out of the detention center, are almost killed by a sudden attack of GC soldiers against a gathering of Militia rebels.
Then global catastrophe strikes. When the GC military bomb the Militia's nike base, World War 3 begins, leaving the young Trib Force fighting for their lives. As GC fighter planes soar over Chicago dropping bombs on buildings and neighborhoods, the kids desperately search for Mark, whom they fear is dead. They find him, barely alive, but alive nonetheless. But the kids are given a heartbreaking challenge when one of their closest friends is killed by the bombings.

Book 8 in the Left Behind Kids series is one of the most suspenseful books in this series so far. It kept me on the edge of my seat to the very end, and the cliffhanger ending left me hanging. I highly reccomend this series to anyone.

President Ford has not been the most prolific writer as far as Ex-Presidents go. This unique insight into one of the most important events in the last 50 years is an American treasure. Ford has forever been reluctant to discuss this topic, and used this unique forum to give what will likely be his "final" views on the topic. A must read for those interested in history. If you are a book collector you will be extremely impressed with the quality of this volume. The quality and workmanship should redefine what we come to expect in a leatherbound book.

First off, I am of an "age" where this Kennedy controversy was nothing but something folk argued about over the years. I was an infant when the assassination took place, so I have no emotional involvement in either side of the story. That having been said, let me say about this book:

From the "outside", this volume "oozes" quality, elegance and opulence.

On the inside, the "old" story of the Warren Commission, which I admittedly never really believed, is told again with additions that augment the original report. I have seen other documentaries, and one or two I saw "proved" to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that these folk from the 1960s knew what they were talking about.

To have such an elegant edition of a book, signed by the only surviving member of the Warren Commission, is a must-have for any collector, whether you "believe" what it says or not.

A wonderful book full of new thoughts on the assasination of JFK and even hand-signed by President Gerald Ford. A beautiful piece of art that has a living soul that you can not find in a book any more. This book is worth every penny that is spent and will only go up in value from here. I am glad I have been lucky enough to have come across this book before the big bang happens and prices skyrocket. I recommend this book for any collector. A truly great piece of American history!!!

It's often true that form is indeed content. This handsome leather volume is uniquely produced and the fact that it is signed by President Ford further enhances its desirability. This important publishing event is a credit to The Flatsigned Press. The new foreword by President Gerald Ford offers new material published here for the very first time. Wonderful. We're happy to have it in our collection.

I straddle the fence on whether I believe the lone gunman theory that was the conclusion of the Warren Commission, but there's no equivocation about my admiration for this beautiful leatherbound, gilt-edged edition which includes a new Foreword by President Gerald Ford. Also, while I disagree with Ford's pardoning of Nixon, there's no denying the historical importance of the work he did on the Warren Commission, and it's safe to assume that his new material in this edition will represent his final public thoughts on the JFK assassination.

I am so glad I read your book. You explained things I needed to know and corrected things I thought I knew. Most important, your book helped me develop and refine the marketing plan that I am now implementing for my newest book.

I have been authoring materials and involved in media (producing and hosting radio & TV) for more than 20 years. After reading your outstanding resource for small publishers, I am changing the way I do things. Thank you for taking the time to compile your book and make these materials available to help others. My work will be more effective because of your work.

If you've just published a book and want to know the ins and outs of promoting it, this 192 page brand new book (2000) can really give you the insight. Writing the work is most demanding, but promoting it properly will spell your success or failure. It's a very fast read with highlighted topics for ready reference. Topics range from: Nuts and Bolts of Publicity, Signings, Publicity and Marketing, Getting Free Publicity, Book Reviews, Television Promotion, Radio Talk Shows, Web Promotion, and much more. A wealth of information to help you get started. Its completely indexed. The emphasis of the work is successful promotion on a small budget. Provides you with the tips of the trade. Worth reading.

As a firm believer in truth in marketing, I had mixed feelings about this book. The information it contains is excellent and helpful for authors looking to promote a book, but at the bottom of the front cover it says: "A step-by-step guide to promoting anything from books to businesses." Sorry, that's not accurate. 75% of the book has to do with book promotion only. If you've got another kind of business, choose another book.

As an author, I recognize the importance of publicity and promotion; a high priority! Linda is the self-publisher's "Maze Maven." Have a book to promote? You must follow her lead!

The book stands out as a very good guide for the first time entrepreneur or the self-publisher. Linda Radke both as author and editor presents all the know-how you will need to properly advertise your book or business.

"Promote Like A Pro" consists of two parts. The first one shows how to prepare an excellent marketing plan for your book. And in the second part of the book, contributing experts share their knowledge on marketing and publicity. Publishing experts uncovers us their tips and secrets how to market books.

"Promote Like A Pro" is a must read for anyone wishing to begin a self-publishing promotion. It is very exciting and has many good pointers. Definitely recommended as a way to help successfully promote yourself, your business or your book.

The self-promotion ideas in the Linda Radke's book look quite new and fresh for reader in Russia. I think, nobody in Moscow knows the tips how to promote a book. And I'll try this secret weapon with my next book. Thanks for sharing, Linda!

Like so many reviewers here, this book was a wonderful part of my childhood. Such a rich and inventive tale, and it captures a different tone, time, and place that will infuse your spirit.
As an adult, I searched for this book at antiquarian shows. My mother had given my copy away in a cleaning spree and I was heartbroken and always searching for a copy. Finally, I found one. You don't want to know how much I paid for it. But I'm thrilled to see that there is such a huge following and appreciation for this book. It's wonderful.

This book was read to me in the second grade (that would be about 1964) by my all-time favorite teacher. I haven't seen it or heard of it since. A few years ago, the title just popped into my head and a search yeilded republication.

It is amazing after all those LONG years, the things a seven-year-old retained from being read to.

This is a treasure that needs to be handed down to the next generation.

A can't-miss journey, either back to childhood or ahead to new territory.

The Magical Land of Noom is the only book I have ever read to my children and grandchildren that fascinated ALL of them without fail. Building one's own flying machine and going to the moon appears to strike a universal five year old chord!!

Forty-five years ago they didn't know a lot about dyzlexia and other learning disabilties and my little first-grader brother really had problems learning to read. He even got held back in first grade which made him sad and he actually started to hate reading and books in general. The teachers and our parents treated him like he was dumb and school was turning in to a nightmare for him. Then in second grade he had an angel for a teacher. She was patient and she loved her students and she read THIS special story book to them. My little brother came home every night and at the dinner table he would tell us all about the adventures from the magical land of Noom which is "moon" spelled backward. His eyes sparkled and his speech became animated. He couldn't wait to get to school the next day to hear more. He did so much better that year and he kept trying with books because of that kind teacher and this enchanting story book. Johnny Gruelle, who created Raggedy Ann and Andy, knew how to reach children with his light-hearted, funny adventures and his utterly charming illustrations. Please share this magical book with children you love. I bought a brand new copy for my "little" brother even though he's all grown up now and tons more successful than I, the "genious" of the family.

Forty-five years ago they didn't know a lot about dyzlexia and other learning disabilties and my little first-grader brother really had problems learning to read. He even got held back in first grade which made him sad and he actually started to hate reading and books in general. The teachers and our parents treated him like he was dumb and school was turning in to a nightmare for him. Then in second grade he had an angel for a teacher. She was patient and she loved her students and she read THIS special story book to them. My little brother came home every night and at the dinner table he would tell us all about the adventures from the magical land of Noom which is "moon" spelled backward. His eyes sparkled and his speech became animated. He couldn't wait to get to school the next day to hear more. He did so much better that year and he kept trying with books because of that kind teacher and this enchanting story book. Johnny Gruelle, who created Raggedy Ann and Andy, knew how to reach children with his light-hearted, funny adventures and his utterly charming illustrations. Please share this magical book with children you love. I bought a brand new copy for my "little" brother even though he's all grown up now and tons more successful than I am, and I'm the "genious" of the family.

Since most everyone should be familiar with the basic premise of the novel by the time this review is read, I'll point out a few worthy considerations. Mapp and Lucia, the fourth volume in the Lucia series by the inimitable E.F. Benson, is simultaneously fantastic and sublime. Benson's brilliance is his ability to translate significant, though sometimes easily missed observations onto the page using the most exquisite and economical description possible. He manages to take some of the silliest social aspects of human behavior, renders it important, and turns it into a first-rate triumph. The reader walks away from Benson completely satisfied and certainly hungry for more.

I'm sure the fourth installment can be read on its own, but I consider the first three in the series (Queen Lucia, Lucia in London : A Novel and Miss Mapp) indispensable in getting the most out of Mapp and Lucia. While all three are delectable entertainments (think social reality TV done to its fullest potential), this one departs its counterparts in a rather bizarre turn of events in the plot. Despite its absurd hilarity, it was logical and it worked, almost too perfectly.

Many thanks go to the originator (In Honor Bound) of this fabulous fondness for Lucia in our family. I am now officially and unashamedly a Luciaphile (would it be too much to admit that I've picked up a thing or two from her? Or would Benson be proud?), and I have no problems getting others on this habit. Just make sure you pair this series with your favorite treat--time with Lucia is worthy of indulgence.

Oover the last fifteen years I have been meaning to read certain authors. H.E. Bates, Anthony Trollope, P.G. Wodehouse, E.F. Benson and the like.

Last week I succumbed to a nasty bout of influenza and E.F. Benson. I had grabbed the slender volume of "Mapp & Lucia" from the library shelf and it had rested in my bookcase for almost a week. Not wanting to dull my brain with endless hours of television, I cracked open "Mapp & Lucia".

Ten pages into the book and I was hooked. Lucia, her period of mourning almost over is looking to regain her iron control on her hometown. First action, regain her star role as Queen Elizabeth in the village fete.

As I read Lucia's plots and plans, a strange thought hit me. Lucia is the creature Hyacinth Bucket (the main character of the BBC's Keeping Up Appearances) secretly dreams of being. Having taken over the fete from her dazed and confused friend, Lucia goes onto greater pastures, the hometown of Miss Elizabeth Mapp, reigning social goddesss.

Miss Elizabeth Mapp (known as Mapp) plots with her friends to rent out their respective homes a profit. Lucia and her best friend (a gentleman who brings to mind a cross between KUA's Richard and AYBS Mr Humphries) move and slowly begin to take over the town. Mapp is not pleased and a genteel war of one-upsmanship begins between the two ladies.

Drawings are rejected from the art exhibit, parties given, ownership of produce and fruit desputed with the poor town in the middle. Matters come to a head on Boxing Day (December 26) when Mapp decides to steal a longed for recipe that Lucia refuses to give to her.

Lucia stumbles on her rival in the kitchen and both women are swept out to sea on Lucia's kitchen table (yes, Lucia's kitchen table, this is a not a mis-type). The town mourns the two ladies as lost and the Great War of Mapp-Lucia as over.

Okay, enough said. You'll have to succumb to the collective charms of the ladies Mapp and Lucia yourself and find out all the bits I've left out. Now, I'm off hunt down and read the rest of E.F. Benson's wonderful books.

"Mapp & Lucia" is like reading Trollope's "Barchester Towers" with the gloves off. The teacup may be small, but the battles rumble like thunder on the bay. Lucia is incredible. She combines absolute self-absorption with ironclad charming resolve to succeed in her every endeavor. She really is wasted being queen of Society in a small English village when fulfilling the duties of Lord High Admiral would not cause her so much as a tiny frown.

Lucia is a newly minted widow in this hilarious outing. Her fires have been banked, and she is anxious to get back in the swing and show her mettle. She rents a house for the summer from the formidable Miss Elizabeth Mapp of Tilling. Miss Mapp is clearly the leader of society in Tilling and revels in her role. Lucia eyes the situation, and the lines are drawn in the most charming but resolute way possible Lucia is the richer of the two and possibly more clever, but Miss Mapp has some powerful advantages of her own. She has pride of place, a town full of quaking allies, and indomnable perseverance. When these two square off, the fun begins and doesn't let up.

This is a delightful read, a mood lifter of the first magnitude. "Mapp & Lucia" is my introduction to Lucia, and I cannot wait to further my acquaintance with this fascinating lady.
-sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer

Read these books and discover the truth. It's all there -- the vanity, greed, passion, jealousy, and exultation. Don't let the objects of all these towering emotions fool you (lobster recipes, psychic bridge, red currant fool, babytalk Italian, dead budgies, suspect gurus, the Moonlight Sonata), it is the stuff of life!

E F Benson's characters are just sublimely and achingly funny, it seems with Mapp and Lucia he was aiming to scrutinise and satarise the nosensical heirarchy and rivalry of bored and over privelaged upper middle class folk.
This aspect of the British Class system was one he knew well and which was breathing it's last in the times in which Mapp and Lucia live, witness the somewaht irritating coldness with which the Ladies treat their Maids, Drivers and Shop staff.
Lucia is the dominant character, lithe, fashionable and razor sharp while Mapp is clumsy, mumsy and opts for bulldog tactics.
The two appear in many novels, Lucia more often and one cannot help wonder if she was based on a Lady whom Benson was ever so slightly in love with, but here they meet for the first time, as Lucia moves to "Tilling" for the summer in Mapps rented out home "Mallards". The array of colurful charcters they surround themselves with and draw into their delighfully bitchy and cunning war agaisnt each other, are of equal delight, of particualr note are Quaint Irene and Georgie. Perhaps seen as little more than bohemian in their day but doubtless these characters would now be seen as obviously Lesbain and Gay; with the former being in love with Lucia. A daring inclusion in Benson's time but subtle and beautifully inclusive one.
Fans of these deliciously naughty pair should see the 1986 TV series which is available on DVD. Geraldine McKewan (of current Miss Marple fame)is petite, pretty, acid and simply perfect as Lucia while Prunella Scales (Cybil of Fawlty Towers) brings Miss Mapp to dusty, dowdy and bullish life! Excellent stuff!
The series was filmed in Rye in Sussex, home town of Benson, it used many locations close to his home (Lamb House), such as the lovley houses of Watchbell Street (My favourite being No 11 which was used as Godiva's house) and "Twistevens" shop on Mermaid Street, actually a Tea Room in reality.
WELL WORTH A VISIT! Literature fans may also wish to know that Lamb House was once home to American novelist, Henry James before Benson's time. One can also visit Benson's Grave in the town. Benson was Lord Mayor of Rye for a while and the river "Tilling"-ton flows through the town.

a book all girls from 10 to 100 should read its about the struggles of life that all girls go thru.

Though it was a bit hard to swallow in the format of a fairy tale, in the end I have dog-ear'd several pages and will refer to the life lessons it holds. I will also share this book with several friends and family members who are struggling with the curve balls life throws. This book is for anyone needing that wake-up call to say 'you can get through it' among other lessons... The Princess will learn with you.

This is an AWESOME BOOK for every woman to read!! Easy reading and lots of insights on why we do what we do and how to stop the cycle! It is a MUST read for any woman giong through a divorce or breakup, however, I think anyone could gather wisdom from this book!

This is one of those books that you swear was written by someone who is telling your story. I was very touched and learned a lot. Some elements in the story were a little sappy/cheesy, but I didn't mind at all. I am a professional songwriter and was so inspired by this book that I wrote a song that has now received great reviews and has been used by many different venues. Now that's inspiration!

I just love this book, and I read it before, but didn't buy it. I was going through a similiar issue, so I just went and bought the book, because this book is a must have for any princess who wants to grow up!

Sid is a favorite at our house! Even when my daughter is in a foul mood, by the end of Sid we're all laughing again. The pictures are extraordinarily expressive and the story is endearing. We've even taken to call one of our cats who likes to overeat Sid!

My kids and I both love this book. The art is pretty without being distracting. Sid is drawn very expressively, and as a real character, without being a talking animal. The message of sharing, openess, and flexibility are important and come in handy in our lives.

The book, Six-Dinner Sid (Aladdin Paperbacks, purchased in 2008) included an advertisement for Cheerios printed on the inside back cover of the book. So every time you read the last page of the book, your child will see an advertisement from a cereal company. No, thank you. We prefer not to have advertisements in our children's literature.

This is a delightful story of a friendly cat! My students like to listen to this book over and over again!

Sid likes six different kinds of dinners, being scratched six different ways, and he sleeps in six different beds. He's just that way!

And... when everyone talks to each other... everyone knows, so no one minds.

An awesome polyamory fable, great for kids and adults.

I grew up with Melinda's maternal and paternal family, even though the author was a tadpole when last I saw her. As an author myself and a retired English teacher, I find Melinda's talent with her craft endearing, stimulating, hilarious, and very sensory. So many of her adventures were (and are) my own, even though we're a generation apart; she makes me see, hear, smell, and taste my own childhood in that small Alabama town.

Melinda reminds many of us that we're not only "GRITS" (Girls Raised in the South) but also "SWAGs" (Southern Women Aging Gracefully) and damn proud of it!!!

I have laughed and cried (from laughing) through this book! I feel like this is the story of my life sometimes. Great read...especially for 40-somethings and up! Or mothers of any age...I'll be reading more by this author.

I purchased this book as a Christmas gift for my sister. I enjoyed the book when I read it. I am still waiting to hear if she enjoyed it as well.

Everything about this book was great. So TRUE! If you are a woman in the South, you will really dig this book!

Though I am from a different region of the South than the author, the truisms smack you in the face like the humidty on a hot Southern summer's day. She has captured the essence of all of us who were reared in the South. And it is true, that most of us over a "certain" age prefer red lipstick. After all, Revlon wouldn't lie to us, would they?
I vary between gales of laughter and nodding in agreement while reading and wish someone were here so I could read it aloud to them.
She has captured our little customs, the SOP of our daily lives in a way no Yankee could ever do, but still it is an inspiration to those women who grew up North of the Mason-Dixon line and want to understand the mystique of Southern women. Men should read this as well. It is full of insights on how to survive with a Southern woman in a close personal relationship.
G Hileman, Middle TN and now FL

I purchased an earlier version of this book when my first child was an infant. I continued to use the book until they were teenagers. It was the most used of my parenting books. I purchase this book for shower gifts for soon-to-be moms. They will find it useful, when their child is ill, in making decisions about when to call the doctor and when not to worry.

I still have the copy of the book my mother-in-law gave me 30 years ago, and the worn cover reminds me of how often I referred to it while my now-adult children were growing up. I'm ordering 3 copies of the updated version today; it's the perfect gift for all the brand new parents I know. Want to know when to alienate the doctor by calling at midnight and when to wait until Monday morning? This book is The One..... Want to walk into the pediatrician's office with a clear, concise idea of what symptoms to convey? It's The One. Want to avoid a trip to the doctor's office or urgent care center altogether? This book can help you do that with confidence and a clear conscience. It's definitely an excellent buy for any and all parents.

This is a great guide. I received my copy in 1977 when my daughter was born. I used it for years! Loved the flow charts. Definately eases the panic of parents. Explains so much! I have bought several copies of this book-first for friends in the 70's having their children, and now the updated book for the next generation of new parents....our children having children.

This book is like having a doctor in the house. My pediatrician took me more seriously when I called because I only called or visited when it was truly necessary. This book is so helpful in the way it works you through the problem and informs you of what to expect when you do have to visit the doctor. I highly recommend this book to new parents; it will give you more credibility when you visit the doctor and you are not seen as an anxious new parent.

I bought this book 27 years ago when I had my first child. I loved it then and love it now. I give it to every expectant mother I know. Our doctor was surprised that a new mom would know exactly what to ask and what information to have on hand. It has an easy to follow format with questions and guidelines for the taking care of your child. The book helps the parent know when to call the doctor or when to head to the emergency room. The book of course has been updated but the information from my original book is just as valuable. I still use it today to answer those important questions...virus or bacterial infection?

In response to comments made by Mark Wilson in his review that Susan Fromberg Schaeffer stole Ms. Brodman's (Anya's) life story, the events detailed in "Anya" are common in some way or another to nearly every other Holocaust survivor. An idea, account of events or even the ability to relate those events verbally is entirely different than actually crafting that idea or account into a well written story or engrossing movie.

Writing/directing well is not easy. I'm sure Ms. Schaeffer likely spent hours, days, months and years researching, writing and rewriting her book. Why should Ms. Schaeffer not receive credit for all the hard work she put into the book?

That being said, I'm not a huge fan of the book. The prose is beautifully descriptive but is too wordy for me (more like a romance novel - not really my taste). Also, the main character, Anya, comes off as preening and fairly unsympathetic. I prefer works like "The Great Gatsby", "Shawshank Redemption & Rita Hayworth", "Fight Club", "Atlas Shrugged", "I, Legend", "The Thief of Always" and "Red Dragon" - to name a few.

The books listed above are not special because of the tag line. Those books are worth reading because they are exceptionally well written. It's all in presentation. An idea/account is only an idea/account until someone puts time and sweat into making the idea/account into something tangible.

Give several authors/directors an idea/account and each will mold that idea/account according to individual talent, personality, background, education, etc. Look at the differences in the way "The Shining" as a movie was directed by Stephen King (awful) versus Stanley Kubrick (genius), in the Harry Potter movies(some darker, some lighter) and in the Thomas Harris movies(Hannibal was a comedy compared to the first two).

There really are no new ideas (themes, characters, plots, etc.)-just new ways of presenting/mixing. In fact, most stories are covered or at least alluded to in the Bible and mythology. Look at how Jane Austen's "Emma" was modernized in "Clueless" or how differently J.D. Salenger and Sylvia Plath portray young people dealing with growing pains in "The Catcher in the Rye" and "The Bell Jar". There are lots of other examples.

The bottom line is that Ms. Brodman, unless she voluntarily chose to execute a nondisclosure agreement, had the opportunity to take the time to write her own book in her own words in whatever language she desired so that her book could be judged on its merits accordingly.

ANYA is one of the best modern novels I've ever read. Susan Fromberg Schaeffer does a great job getting inside her protagonist's head. Wonderfully atmospheric, ANYA sets you right down in Anya's world from the first paragraph. I first read the book as a teenager and spent the days reading it and several days afterward in a fog--I was completely in Anya's world.

I am a 16 year old sophomore in high school and I came across this book for a book report.As I read I was drawn in as if I were an eye witness to the events happening to Anya Savikin Lavinsky, her daughter, and her family during the holocaust. It really gave me a first hand experience of the horror,hope, and determination of the victims of the holocaust. It was moving and touching.I would recommend it highly. Bravo Susan Fromberg Schaeffer!
Lyn Shakespeare "Jacki" (Illinois,USA)

I first read this novel after reading "First Nights". I must admit, I was attracted to "First Nights" by pure marketing and cover art, but was I a lucky consumer. I completely fell in love with Susan Fromberg-Schafer's style of writing and have read and loved almost everything she has written (Buffalo Day Afternoon was not a particular favorite). "Anya" has become my favorite novel of all time. I have re-read it at least 3 times. This comes from someone who loves to read and has almost never read a book twice. I can't say enough about it except that you should also give "Autobiography of Foudini M Cat" a try if you have ever loved a pet.

Happy Reading!

I moved across the street from Mrs. Brodman (Anya) in Sarasota, Florida in 1979. She lived there with her husband until the day she died. I have been gone for two years now, but believe Mr. Brodman still lives there.

The story is riveting because it is true! It did not come from the imagination of Susan Fromberg Schaeffer. Mrs. Brodman and her husband told me that a lawsuit was filed against Ms. Schaeffer and that Ms. Schaeffer lost. I was told they never wanted the money from the settlement and gave it to an fund for orphans in Israel.

It is shocking to see it listed here as one of Ms. Schaeffer's novels. Mrs. Brodman told me that the book was the result of a series of tapes she dictated and that were transcribed by Miss Fromberg. Though Anya spoke many languages (including English), she said it was too difficult for her to 'write' in English and so she dictated her story. This is what I was told.

Mrs. Brodman told me it hurt her greatly that Miss Fromberg took credit for her life story. Yes there are facts that were changed to also protect others (i.e., she changed the name of her husband, Mr. Brodman, for obvious reasons). My understanding was that the outcome of the lawsuit was to stop Ms. Schaeffer from continuing to take credit for 'Anya's story'.

When I found an out-of-print copy (many years ago) I asked her to dedicate and sign it. I will treasure this forever!

I too heard Anya tell me many stories. I took Mr. Brodman's advice and started reading one of Ms. Fromberg's books. I put it down... no comparison.

Mark Wilson