K Books

Equestrian Instruction: An Integrated Approach came to my attention because it is the text for the local university's equine instructor's course. Masterfully and comprehensively written, Equestrian Instruction provides any inspiring or accomplished riding instructor of any discipline contents that are useful and easy to understand. For this reason, we use it for our SCRT Riding Instructor Certificate program.

Two fine equestrian instructionals are highly recommended picks for those with more than a casual interest in the sport. Jill K. Hassler-Scoop's Equestrian Instruction provides an integrated approach to learning and teaching to supplement riding teachers' instructions and experience. Equestrians are instructed on how to improve their riding and teaching skills alike, with chapters exploring the basics of developing consistency, teaching open-mindedness to students, and achieving results in horse riding lessons. Plenty of case histories provide practical examples of teaching and riding challenges in action.

Awesome book. Compiles some related information that is not in many basic books on teaching riding. This is a good source of information for green and experienced riding teachers. It has the basics described in other teaching texts, while also going into some depth on related subjects. The case studies are a nice touch. Also in this book are ideas that may help experienced teachers regain enthusiasm for their task - the best of us have times when what we do taps out our energy for doing more of it. This has also been used as a college textbook.

As both a teacher and rider I found this book full of great ideas and perspectives. I have purchased it for the younger instructors in our barn because it covers aspects of teaching that no other book covers like communication styles, burnout, professionalism, lesson planning, and other tools to enhance riding and teaching. Each section has an excellent bibliography that is helpful. Great book for both new and old instructors.

Wow - a great book for both riders and instructors. Coming from both perspectives, I was very impressed on the information I was able to take out and apply to my own program. Lesson structure, yoga excercises, communication and awareness, and I am still reading! Recommend for all levels and disciplines - the first I have seen of its kind.

Reviewed by Matthew Feliciano (age 7) for Reader Views (2/08)

In "Eric and the Enchanted Leaf: The First Adventure," we meet a little boy named Eric. He is very curious about nature and how it works. He is playing outside when he sees an anthill and starts thinking about what was inside. He swats mosquitoes and also threatens to squash a spider when it tries to eat an ant.

As he is playing, a leaf falls and it turns out to be a magic leaf. Eric grabs the leaf and suddenly finds himself to be tiny and now trapped in the spider's web. The spider was about to wrap Eric in silk to eat him when a fairy appeared and stopped the spider from eating Eric.

The sky fairy's name is Sophia and she teaches Eric all about nature. She helps show him how hard ants work and how nature is not always fair. Eric learns about how he affects nature and says he won't bother the ants again.

"Eric and the Enchanted Leaf: The First Adventure" was very interesting and had a lot of easy facts about some of the things we see in nature. The pictures were also nice; they were bright and simple and helped tell the story.

This is a wonderful book that both my 6 year old daughter and 3 year old son have really enjoyed. We have all loved the creative story and especially learning more about nature.

I purchased two of these books for my two lst grade Grandchildren. They both loved the book and shared the adventures of Eric with their parents .

Robert Kimball

I have shared this book with my first graders ever since it was published. Ms. Frontiera captures the magic of discovery and the curiosity of childhood with a delightful character who pulls us into his adventure. The text is written to the understanding of 6 and 7 year olds, and the beautiful illustrations by Mr. Scott add to the charm of this book. I highly recommend Eric's adventures to all who want to revisit their childhood sense of wonder.

Carol Anderson

Author Deborah Frontiera received the following statements in a letter from Holley Linn, librarian at Gordon G. Barkell Elementary School, Hancock, MI:
"The children here have truly been enchanted by Eric and the Enchanted Leaf . . . We've had them waiting very impatiently for a turn at checking it out of the library. As luck would have it, it arrived here just as the second graders were beginning a study on insects, particularly ants. So it couldn't have been more timely for our kids."

"EVERY WOMAN HAS A STORY" is a delightful read. I was impressed with the clever and yet simple idea of compiling a collection of personal stories, crossing socio-economic, ethnic, levels of education and age bounderies. The stories are as different as the women who wrote them, and yet the common thread is that of poignancy, honesty, a struggle to survive and grow, and a touch of humor thrown in for good measure. Some of the stories are simple, others more complex. I found them all to be human, tender and touching. I was particularly moved by Paula Silverberg's "LEAP AND THE NET WILL APPEAR". The charming tale of a young woman whose courage and determination in addressing a childhood disappointment, prompted her to face the "failure", muster the challenge, and, as an adult, emerge triumphant. A lesson for us all - "Feel the fear, but do it any way". As an added bonus I found the size and shape of the book to be reminiscent of a personal journal, and reading its content made it so much more endearing. Bravo to the ladies as well as the compiler! May we expect another collection soon?

I find the stories short and sweet! They are very inspirational. They are perfect for women that have a busy life and don't have time to get into a large novel. It is great to just pick it up and read a little and put it down. I am having trouble putting it down though.

I loved the book so much! It was so intriguing to read all the different stories that women wrote about. I've only read it once but now I'm going to go out and buy it!

These are the things we all feel and think at times in our lives about everyday life experiences. These women let us know we are not alone.Great reading to close your day contently.

Daryl Ott Underhill has done a fabulous job! This collection of heartfelt, intelligently-selected essays by women from all walks of life should not be considered a "women's book." Everyone over the age of fourteen -- if not younger -- can derive pleasure and benefit. Because it is a collection and the stories are short, it can be read at odd moments, but the reader is apt to find hi/rself continuing to the end out of pure enjoyment. Phyllis Green, Chapel Hill, NC [Author of Spinning Straw: the Jeff Apple Story]

The first half of this book is a humorous retelling of Levenson's childhood as the youngest of a large immigrant family in New York in the first quarter of the 20th century. I found this part very entertaining. I laughed and smiled throughout and considered it a very "light" read.

The second half talks about issues of race, children, and education today. It's a little outdated, but I found that most of the things he mentions are true today. He has ideas about child-rearing and education that are not practiced, and should be. This nonfiction book is very humorous, smart, well-written, and has the potential to be influential if enough people are willing to read it.

I came across this book when I was in high school amongst a pile of old books. I ended up rereading it several times. It is an excellent book, extremely funny, and wise. It gives a very good picture of what life was like in the past, when people were much poorer than they are today but before they absorbed what I call the culture of resentment. Levenson's parents were jewish immigrants from the old country. His father worked hard but never made much money. But they were proud and self reliant and the children all grew up to partake of the opportunities in America.

Sam Levenson in person was a small round bespectacled forever- smiling warm human being. He was a great television- star in the early days of the medium and made numerous guest appearances on Ed Sullivan and Johnny Carson shows.
This book tells the story of his growing up as one child in a family of eight in a very very materially poor family. Levenson very early makes it clear that in the really important things, the love of parents, the caring relations between siblings, the warmth and humor and love which pervaded the family, the respect for hard work, the respect for other human beings and real appreciation of them the family was anything but poor.
Levenson writes especially warmly about his mother who kept the whole show running at home, and his father, a hard- working tailor. For Levenson's family education, was the way up and out of poverty. He tells us the story of each of his siblings. He also gives a wonderful picture of another time in America, poorer in some ways but so much richer in others.
Levenson is funny even when he is not trying to be. And this book is just a great great pleasure to read especially in the first narrative part before he provides solutions for 'world- problems' in the second section.
Here are some of the funny things Levenson said through the years. The List is taken from the entry on him in 'Wikipedia'.

"It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it."
"Any beast can cry over the misfortunes of its own child. It takes a mensch to weep for others' children."
"It's not the sugar that makes the tea sweet, but the stirring."
"Any kid who has two parents who are interested in him and has a houseful of books isn't poor."
"Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children."
"I'm going to stop putting things off, starting tomorrow!
"The reason grandparents and grandchildren get along so well is that they have a common enemy."
"You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can't possibly live long enough to make them all yourself."
"It was on my fifth birthday that Papa put his hand on my shoulder and said, 'Remember, my son, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm!!'
"I admit that: my wife is outspoken, but by whom?"
"Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going."
"Happiness is a by-product. You cannot pursue it by itself."
"If you want to know how your girl will treat you after marriage, just listen to her talking to her little brother."
"We should not permit prayer to be taken out of the schools; that's the only way most of us got through."
One of the most heimishe mensch that ever doubled as a stand- up- comedian.

Ever felt like not having enough money. Read this once and you will realise that money and happiness are two separate things.

The book makes you laugh while it teaches you lessons in true human psycholgy - specially applied to children.

This book will be old dog eared and cherrished. Your hardest problem will be keeping it for yourself as you will most likely lend it out and lose it along the way. Better to have two of these books. One personal and another for everyone else.

For anybody who has to conjugate a bunch of verbs for their Spanish class, this is a must! It is also great as a quick reference when writing papers, if you want to be certain you got it right.

The Everything Spanish Verb book is a fabulous little tool to carry with you while learning Spanish. It could be characterized as the smaller, less-detailed version of 501 Spanish Verbs. It has all the conjugations and definitions for most popular verbs. I keep it with me for when I run across verbs I'm not familiar with (or that are irregular).

This book is a quick, easy, handy reference and it has been immensely helpful in my effort to learn Spanish.

Ihad been studying Spanish for a while and basically was getting nowhere. My problem was an elementary one. I wanted to learn to speak flawless Spanish without studying too hard. I bought every book, tape and study guide on the market.And I do mean every book, or so I thought.I had spent thousands. Quite by accident, I picked up this book by Laura Lawless. Hmmm I thought here is one I don't have. It was the best purchase I ever made. In just a few short pages she cleared up the clutter in my brain which was really the source of my problem. I just did not understand verbs. Her book showed me the way, so to speak.Once I understood the purpose of certain words I was able to study. Yes, I said study. I was able to study with a purpose because my understanding had been greatly increased.I am now able, for the first time, to put sentences together without stammering. I am improving to the point where I am able to converse,using complete sentences. I found that ,yes you must do some memorization, but not as much as I feared. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is having the type of trouble I experienced. If you are not having trouble, well, when you get to reflexive verbs and the like, try this book. You will be having trouble without it.
Bill Vanson
NYC

This is a really great reference guide to the conjugation of common Spanish verbs. The first section of this book explains verb conjugation and the different tenses in a very clear and concise way. It made it easier for me to understand the different tenses, and when to use what tense. The second section contains the conjugation of over 250 verbs. And the third section contains a listing of 1,000 more verbs that are conjugated similarly to those in section 2. I use this book quite frequently and keep it handy when I am reading a Spanish magazine. I can quickly see what the author is saying when I come across an unfamiliar verb. Although I do also own the book 501 Spanish Verbs, I find that I always reach for the Everything Spanish Verb Book. It's compact size and clear and concise explanations make it so much easier to use. I highly recommend adding this book to your library of Spanish reference books.

I have been learning Spanish for just over a year and was dreading the time when I would have to start conjugating Spanish verbs, but I purchased the "Everything Spanish Verb Book" and found it would not be as difficult as I first thought.
The book is of a handy size, the introduction to conjugating is laid out in a way that is easy to understand, following this are over 250 verb charts set out for easy reference, and in the appendix another 1000 verbs are listed. I am very happy to have this very useful book.

Exodus (The New American Commentary) I found this book to be extremely informative and helpful in leading a small group study of the book of Exodus.

I am very pleased with the book and the time that it took that i got it. Not to mention if you are interested in the Book of Exodus this is a good commentary to look through. he (Stuart) is very interested in the event of the exodus.

This is a wonderful commentary. He writes in an easily understandable style. The commentary is very thorough. A good evangelical commentary.

The thing that most impressed me about Douglas Stuart's commentary on Exodus for the New American commentary series (Broadman & Holman) is the easy proficiency with which Dr. Stuart exegetes how a particular Hebrew word or phrase should be taken in context, weaves in the ANE background, and demonstrates the way the theology not only relates to Exodus and the rest of the Pentateuch, but to entire biblical corpus. Those familiar with Dr. Stuart's prior work will not be surprised by the depth of scholarship undergirding his insights here. For a conservative commentary that is sufficiently meaty but still easy on the eyes, one could do no better.

Exodus is a pivotal book, a key volume not only in the Pentateuch but in the whole of the Hebrew bible. And Douglas Stuart is a first rate evangelical Old Testament scholar (who has already penned commentaries on Ezekiel and some of the Minor Prophets). Put the two together and you have an important and powerful combination.

There have been a number of good commentaries on the book of Exodus. Many consider the 1974 volume by Brevard Childs (Old Testament Library) to be the best written, albeit by a non-evangelical. Good volumes of a somewhat more conservative and evangelical variety have been penned by Enns (NIV Application Commentary, 2000) and Durham (Word Biblical Commentary, 1987). But this is the newest and perhaps best treatment of the book. Part of the New American Commentary series, this just released volume will long serve as the first port of call for evangelical assessments of this important Old Testament book.

Good commentaries offer a balance of two things: the technical, grammatical, cultural and other background material, along with sound theological analysis. Both exegesis and exposition are required. This volume fulfils both requirements nicely.

Stuart has clearly done his homework. (He says he consulted over 1700 items, not all of which are featured in the bibliography.) He is up on all the relevant literature, and is aware of the current debates. He also writes well, and is able to provide the theological sense of the book, and individuals passages throughout.

Given the constraints of the series, his introductory remarks do not occupy much space (only 50 pages out of an 800 page work). But more detailed discussions of important points are scattered throughout the commentary. Thus a number of excurses into various disputed issues, difficult topics, or theological hot potatoes are interspersed in these pages. Surprisingly however one such item, the Divine name YHWH as revealed in Exodus 3:14, receives no separate excursus, but just a half page discussion (along with a half page footnote, leading the reader to further study).

While acknowledging that extra-biblical evidence for Exodus is thin, he is more optimistic than writers like Durham about the book's historicity. He also ascribes Mosaic authorship to the book.

His thematic approach to this book is to highlight the servant theme: Israel's' exodus from Egyptian servitude is replaced by servitude to Yahweh. The transition from being servants of a bad king to being servants of a good king is the overriding motif of the book, although Stuart lists eight other key themes, including the necessity of law, the promised land, and covenant relationship.

The commentary itself is a nice blend of giving the sense of the text along with the various technical considerations that need to be addressed. More scholarly discussion is reserved for the footnotes, which are plenteous and lengthy. Thus the main body of the text can be easily followed, but the numerous excurses and footnotes take the reader to more advanced levels, when deeper considerations are called for.

All in all this is a very fine commentary indeed, which should serve both student and scholar for many years to come.

I enjoyed this collection of short mystery stories very much. It is especially satisfying if you are of the same faith as the writer - Roman Catholic.

There is no better way to get that vital first experience of G. K. Chesterton than by reading his famous "Father Brown" mystery series, and short of buying the whole set, there is no better selection of Fr. Brown stories than that provided here by John Peterson and Ignatius Press. Peterson's choices were excellent, and his discreet footnotes and commentary make the subtlety, richness, and humor of GKC shine through undimmmed by the passage of 75 years since they were first penned. Clean, intelligent reading for kids, too! I did as full review of Peterson's excellent collection in the "National Catholic Register", 15 February 1998, p.8.

There is no better way to get that vital first experience of Gilbert Keith Chesterton than by reading his famous "Father Brown" mystery series, and, short of buying the whole collection, there is no better selection of Fr. Brown stories than that provided by John Peterson and Ignatius Press. Peterson's choices were excellent, and his discreet footnotes and commentary make the subltety, richness, and humor of GKC shine through undimmed by the passage of 75 years since they were first penned. Clean, intelligent reading for kids, too! I did a full review of Peterson's excellent collection in the "National Catholic Register", 15 February 1998, p.8.

I happened upon this collection of short mysteries and got hooked! What unconventional and creative mysteries for Christians or non-Christians, Catholics or Protestants. My boyfriend (catholic) and I (protestant) tossed out our television sets in search of more constructive entertainment. We started reading these short stories to each other--fun evenings of mystery!

Read Chesterton because he is a great master of language and will raise your standard of good writing and good mystery! I'm online now looking for more Chesterton....

G.K. Chesterton's writings are often compared to those of John Henry Newman in their beauty and eloquence; Chesterton's "Edwardian" prose is particularly amazing and tends to focus more on Divine mirth than on Divine sorrow (as does J.H. Newman in his wonderfully Victorian way). "Father Brown and the Church of Rome" is a perfect example of Chesterton's love of Divine joy, and is a wonderful playground of the imagination. His various stories of the exploits of Fr. Brown are beautifully written, and his prose is unbeatable. Children should read (or be read) this and other volumes on Fr. Brown, for Chesterton writes as an artist paints, and will greatly influence their use of the imagination. A definite winner!

Father Sandro's Money is an intricate story of the LaRosa family who escape from poverty and an abusive priest in Italy to build a new life in the United States. K weaves the fictional story into true historical events with descriptive details. You can almost smell the molasses in the streets of Boston!

Once you start this book, it is almost impossible to put down until you have finished it. You will find yourself cheering on Maria and her family as they overcome obstacles and become successful in their new homeland. A wonderful read, can't believe it is K's first published work. I eagerly anticipate more books from her in the future.

Set back in Italy, in 1910, Maria Avita is taking care of her six children. She often thinks about her husband and two oldest sons who left Italy for America. Joseph wrote letters saying there were great opportunities in America, and he will send for them soon. Well, not soon enough, thought Maria Avita. There were many hardships in Italy. With very little to no money, she had to provide for herself and the children.

Louisa, the oldest girl, had to take care of her siblings, while Maria went into town to get food. There was hardly any kindling to make a fire in the cold damp months of spring. Maria had to get to America faster somehow!

A young priest always made his rounds to the houses everyday to make sure families contributed their meager earnings to the church; which he would collect. He also went to the houses for other reasons. To seek out the young girls and make sure they paid their dues to him also.

But he made a mistake when he went after young Louisa. For when Maria Avita saw Father Sandro on top of her daughter and heard her muffled cries, that was the end of him, and the beginnings of new opportunities for the LaRosa family.

That was only on the first few pages! The rest of the story is how she and Joseph survived in America. There, they started their lives anew together. There were many things that happened over the 30 years they lived in America. Their eight children lived and died through many events; The Molasses Flood, The Spanish Influenza and World War I.

K Spirito tells a wonderful, but very emotional story. I found myself crying at certain points because I was there with the LaRosa's, living through their times of triumph, and times of tragedy.

What a great storyteller!

This is a well-researched story, molding a fictional tale around actual events of an Italian immigrant family's new lease on life in Boston's North End.

It is also well-paced and descriptive, helping to immerse you into the actual scenes of the family's celebration of life, as well as the calamities that befall it, with former ties to its homeland returning to haunt it.

And through it all is Mama LaRosa's guiding hand, praising, scolding, encouraging, soothing ... 'til the very end.

I look forward to viewing this story on the large screen.

What a fantastic book! You need to read this work of art!

This story is about the trials and tribulations of the LaRosa family. You will follow the family from Italy to America. Your heart will ache for Maria as she bids goodbye to her husband and two of her sons.

Experience the joy they must have felt as the two are reunited and start their lives over in the New World. Share in the wonders of their lives and mourn their losses.

You will laugh and cry in this riviting, emotion packed novel. Wow! What a creative woman K Spirito is to have given birth to such an excentric family and to have placed them in actual events in time.

The book was well titled and very fascinating. The research that was done was well noticed. I enjoyed the book for it was one I didn't want to put down it took me a day and a half. In fact I have read it twice. The things that a mother will do for her childred are so true as she has written. How everything came together at the end was great.

The narrator is pompous, funny, but above all appealing. Think of the best secondary characters/clowns (even Falstaff perhaps?) in Shakespeare -- the "prince" is nearly as asinine and clever as they are. And even as you roll your eyes at him, you have to root for the guy and you certainly care what happens to him.

The heroine is not quite as well developed (I suppose it's inevidable in a first person narrative), but she's still intriguing and a refreshing change from the usual. The secondary characters are all fun. The scenes from another world are also very vivid.

I had planned to take my time but ended up reading it all in one sitting. Very well done -- only complaint: it wasn't longer.

This book is a must-read. It is humorous, with a wry and witty tone that keeps you reading till you've reached the end (sadly) are look up wondering where the time went to.

He was only a traveling player. His troop, led by his mother (Leandra), left him with the Masters when he had been raging with fever. He was to catch up to them once well. However, he awoke one morning to find Master Adrian shaking him awake and announcing that he was about to undertake the role of his life!

Prince Melos had been left to the Masters about nineteen years ago, by his aunt, Queen Ffazia the Fourth. Since all dozen or so others of royal lineage had died, accidentally of course, and the Queen was near death as well, the Queen ordered Prince Melos to wed the commander of her majesty's army, Ravyn Malakar. However, Melos had died four years ago and the Masters had never informed their Queen! So now he was to play the part of Prince Melos and to actually take the throne!

Ravyn Malakar did not want to wed Melos. Only to keep him alive long enough to take the throne. Her job (before and after the so called wedding) was, not to sire heirs, but to be his bodyguard for life! Tough job since it seems several assassins were now after Melos. And all the magic in the air simply could not be healthy for a prince-to-be!

***** Hmmm, this one has an interesting twist for an ending! It holds the possiblity of being continued as well. Good thing, since I hope to see more of these characters in the future. Well written and sure to please! K.G. McAbee has written a world that will entrap readers, willing or not! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch

Ms. McAbee has captivated me once again by leading me into her fantastic world which is, somehow familiar. From the first chapter, she grabbed my attention and kept it throughout the story until the conclusion.

Her storytelling skills keep me begging for more, more books, more short stories, more pages.... just more. I'd recommend her work to both readers and would be readers. Thanks.

The feeble-minded Prince Melos was entrusted to the care of Master Adrian at the abbey for the last several decades, forgotten by his royal family. One day he wanders into the woods alone, and his blood stained cloak is discovered a week later. Fearing reprisals, the abbey never informs the Queen of her brother's demise. In failing health, her own children dead, the Queen sends a detachment of the royal guard to bring him home again.

When the unannounced guard arrives, Master Adrian and his fellow clerics substitute a rogue actor in the dead prince's place. The new Prince Melos promptly becomes engaged to the commander of her majesty's army, Ravyn Malakar. As he begins his fine impersonation of the prince, this rogue actor quickly learns the dangers and rewards of such an impossible situation. With his irrepressible humor and consummate acting skills, the new Prince Melos entertains the reader with flair.

K G McAbee writes with the wit and farcical flair of a modern day Shakespeare, combining the improbable and the implausible in a delightfully beguiling tale of impossibility. Prepare for the highest hilarity and foolishness, and be sure to cover your giggles or your coworkers will know you are reading at work again. Readers who enjoy this incredible tale will also enjoy her other novels, including ESCAPE THE PAST, THE PLAUSIBLE PRINCE, UNWELCOME LEGACY, and BEWITCHED BY DARKNESS. A FINE IMPERSONATION is highly recommended!

The book is awesome and has whet my appetite for more history. At first I did not like the divided history approach of highlighting Rome, Judea and China in various chapters but after reading through the book it did seem to motivate one to read through to get to the next continuation (kind of like a cliff hanger). This tended to highlight more of Rome & Judea and only a small amount of China.

The late historian Barbara Tuchman wrote a wonderful book called "A Distant Mirror" about the calamitous 14th century. It is absolutely spell-binding for history enthusiasts. While Klingaman's book is not quite as well written, it does a remarkable job of presenting the world-shattering changes that took place during the First Century A.D. (or C.E. if you prefer). As a Christian of the Episcopalian stripe, I enjoyed the "context" it provides for understanding the time of Jesus. I'd recommend it to anyone with an interest in the subject. Bring along your thinking cap because it's very thought provoking!

This book is written with style and some wit, bringing long dead shakers & movers to life. Very entertaining with some clever insights from the author who also presents historical figures with personalities (accurately or not - it does'nt matter), opinions etc.. Bloody good read.

If you have ever wondered about the events that shaped leaders and everyman, thousands of years ago, this is an entertaining read, considering it is non-fiction. The real life events are presented in a way that brings characters into stories that otherwise would seem to be so long ago and nameless.

A great line was "At the dawn of the first century, the empire over which Augustus ruled,-with the aid of only a rudimentary civil service-encompassed nearly eighty million people and ranged across ten thousand miles of frontier..."

A good read for the context getting of where we came from to get where we are today as peoples on this globe.

This book is wonderfully written, a pleasure to read. I give it five stars even though it is somewhat lop-sided: although it claims to be a history of Rome, China, and Judea in the first century, the author shows a decidedly western bias. Counting the sections, I see 14 on Rome, 11 on Judea, and only 7 on China. The author seems more sure-footed, and more excited, when describing Rome.

However, overall I found this a great read, enough so that it inspired to get some of the authors other books.