K Books

My 5 year old would read this book every time we went to the doctor's office. A must have for little firemen!

First of all the pictures are well painted. Our son who is not yet 3 can finish the sentences from memory for each letter as we read together. This one was well worth the purchase.

This book is a great ABC teaching tool for children fascinated by the big red fire engines racing past. Learn some of the key terms and aspects of what firefighters do to save lives.

Young children will enjoy learning about the very exciting and dangerous aspects of being a firefighter. With the imagery and vivid colors, children will certainly get the message that fires are serious and dangerous business that should be left to professionals (and trained volunteers). It is a great book to approach the topic of fire safety with young children.

My almost three-year-old son Devon loves fire engines. He gets so excited whenever we're out and one goes roaring by, siren screaming. He loves books too and he already knows his ABCs, both upper and lower case and this book shares the credit with a few others and his loving and attentive parents for giving him this gift of the Alphabet as such an early age. He'll be reading by Kindergarten.

In addition to being a very good ABC book, this book tells the story of firefighters fighting a fire, something guaranteed to hold the interest of any little boy (and a lot of little girls too). All of the letter pages have beautiful, action filled illustrations that seem to draw Devon right into the book. No wonder he can sing that ABC song so well.

Jack Priest, Dad in Training

This is a really nice book to learn about firefighters. The pictures are bright. The fire is really vivid and a couple of the pages might scare really young children. It would be a good tool for teacher's to use during Fire Prevention Week.

Not sure of how I came upon this author, but I had put this on my Amazon "wish-list" and was given this book and "House of Brede" for Christmas. I just dusted the book off last week (only took me 5 months) and am now having a hard time putting it down. Wonderfully written, although it took a bit to understand the writing style, it is now an easy read. Highly recommend and now looking forward to reading more books written by this Rumer Godden.

Having read "In This House of Brede" by Rumer Godden I was expecting a fine quality novel out of this book. I was totally blown away.This may be the most powerful novel Ihave ever read. This book is not for everyone and some material may not be suitable for younger readers, as the main characters and some secondary characters are prostitutes.
Basically this book deals with the human condition and our need for redemption, and abov all Christ's mercy and love for the least in society (prostitutes).
The main character is Lise,a former prostitute who, as the novel begins is being released from prison for murdering the man who was her pimp. There are two secondary characters that are important to the story, one who becomes redeemed by Love and one who seems to be corrupted to the point of perdition. The realism with which the author portrays the less pleasant characters is sometimes shocking and slightly graphic but not terribly so. I found this to be an inspriational and uplifting book and I recommend it to anyone interested in genuine Catholic literature.
My estimation of Ms. Godden's rank as an author was immensely improved after reading this novel. Also, her portrayal of religious life is one of the most accurate that I've read, and to me, this added greatly to the book.

This story touched my heart and held my attention throughout. It reveals a unique side of a special ministry, in a very personal way. I have already recommended it to several friends and will continue to do so.

This is a beautifully written account of one woman's journey to the fulfillment for which she has always been searching.The descriptions of France and the French countryside are evocative and lyrical. I detected many echoes of "In this House of Brede", her earlier work, and her subsequent comments on that and the opinions voiced by various religious sisters on it. To some extent I found the ending anti-climactic ; although hints of evil are cleverly suggested,I regretted a final confrontation between Vivi and Lise. Perhaps the author wanted to say that we are never completely free from fear and danger. But a good read, nevertheless.

Often I give away a book, especially fiction, once I've read it. Not this book. I have bought aeveral to give to my friends and without exception, each of my friends had to get the book to give to their friends. This is a story packed with reality, mercy and new beginnings - it overflows with hope even when things for the central character seem at the worst. I so appreciate Godden's sensitivity in conveying the truth about human nature and, as I am a member of a monastic community, amazed at her ability to portray life in a convent without romance and with great regard. Powerful read.

Josh Itzoe has done a great favor to plan fiduciaries and financial advisors across the country. He has succeeded in simplifying a very complex subject, providing a much-needed resource to the financial services community. This book is not only valuable to plan fiduciaries; it is a very helpful tool for all financial advisors who provide investment services in the 401(k) arena. I've ordered copies for every financial advisor on my team.

It is clear that Josh Itzoe is committed, not only to excellence in his personal RIA practice, but also in helping other advisors achieve this same level of excellence. Thanks, Josh, for making us all better at what we do!

Joshua Itzoe's Fixing the 401(k) covers numerous important topics and should help 401(k) plan fiduciaries better appreciate the scope and nature of their responsibilities. Mr. Itzoe also offers candid opinions based on his expertise as a principal of a registered investment advisory firm. At the end of each of the first 11 chapters of the book, Mr. Itzoe supplies practical questions that focus on fiduciary responsibility and fee disclosure. Whether you agree or disagree with Mr. Itzoe's conclusions, every one of his questions is worth asking. The final chapter nicely ties together the concepts of the book with a case study that could easily be a real-life example.

The ERISA legal language isn't the quickest read and Josh does a great job of breaking out the concepts into easily understood segments. The book offers a great overview of the players involved in the 401K, the fees charged, and most importantly ways to lower the fees passed through to participants. I read this book and quickly applied the concepts to some prospective 401K client presentations that were received well. Anyone looking to identify the major flaws and issues affecting 401K participants should read this book. The timing of this book's issuance couldn't be better!!

Itzoe is right on. The fiduciaries (who are the plan sponsors) carry a ton of liability and exposure. Under the new DOL rules it will be the plan sponsor carrying the ultimate burden of lack of fee transparency and hidden costs that ultimately affects the performance of the participant's account. It's about time critics are speaking out and informing plan participants.

Josh has tackled a very complex subject and explained all the parts extremely well. The subjects of finance and legal responsibilities can be very difficult for anyone to understand. If you are in the financial services field this is a must read. If you are a plan fiduciary this book will make you understand all that is required of you in a very quick read.
Two hours is a small effort to make sure you protect yourself from all legal responsibilities you have. Great job Josh.

I had been thinking: Do I really want to read about horse races? I only watch the Kentucky Derby and sometimes two more races, if there's hope for a Triple Crown.

My friend had been urging me to read Dick Francis, and recently recommended Forfeit, which finally I read.

In the book, Francis is always low-key and, as a former jockey, knows his stuff. Suspense is permanent, the plotting intelligent and flawless.

In Forfeit, we follow journalist James Tyrone, as he and his London newspaper colleagues investigate racetrack fraud. The highly profitable criminal organizations pressure racing writers to mislead England's legitimate bettors. The perpetrators are not hesitant to inflict serious bodily harm and worse.

Francis draws his characters carefully. We know them all, sometimes gaining our affection, identifying with their personal struggles. Tyrone cares for his mostly paralyzed wife Elizabeth, who could not survive without a breathing machine.

A major plot mover is a relationship between Tyrone and an attractive university professor, leading to extended complications and threats.

We also meet a stable owner who is dealing with his spacy wife and troublesome sons. We see the bad guys. We are introduced to the horses, especially a central one named Tiddely Pom.

We are in the British racing world. The writing is memorable.

James "Ty" Tyrone writes sports columns for a "rag," but his excellent salary supports the tremendous medical expense of his wife who must live in an iron lung, a victim of polio. FORFEIT is a masterful thriller from Dick Francis.
Ty meets Bert Chekov, a fellow writer, on the street. Bert is drunk, but warns Ty not to sell his column. A short time later Bert falls or is pushed to his death. Thugs demand Ty's support for their race fixing scheme and resort to intimidation through his wife's frail grip on life. A must read for Dick Francis fans.
Nash Black, author of WRITING AS A SMALL BUSINESS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.

This was my first Dick Francis novel. Took a while to get into it, but it was a page turner by the end. 3 stars for those who aren't racing fans.

I've probably read all of Dick Francis' many books and always await the next one happily. In between the advent of his new books, I occasionally re-read some old ones with pleasure, which I rarely do except in the case of classics. He writes literature equaling, for example, Eric Ambler's writing in quality.

Forfeit, by Dick Francis, tells the story of sports writer James Tyrone beginning when a drunken colleague, Bert Checkov, warns him not to sell his column. Making vague allusions to blackmail and bribery, the man is so drunk that he's all but incoherent and then goes his own way. Chalking it up to the booze, Tyrone leaves his friend only to learn minutes later that the man has just fallen out of a window and died. A short while later, we learn that Checkov has been heavily touting a large number of horses that end up getting scratched from their races shortly before post time. This is the tip of the iceberg that leads Tyrone into conflict with bookmakers who will stop at nothing to continue a scheme that has already netted them a small fortune.

Tyrone is a remarkably strong character who deals with a home life that could only be called difficult, an editor who doesn't mind risking his life to get a story, and a gang of thugs that don't mind dishing out a beating or even murder to get what they want. He is not perfect, but he does have a good heart and readers can't help but root for him. Most of the characters are interesting and portrayed uniquely enough that they remain distinct and not just cardboard cutouts put in place to fill their assigned roles. The story builds momentum as it goes. In the beginning, I found it mildly interesting but as it progressed it became a real page-turner.

This is the first novel by Dick Francis that I have read but he has been one of the most respected mystery writers for many decades. His writing style is very clear and crisp, easy to read and understand. Some English novelists use language that can make it hard for Americans to follow but I didn't find that to be the case here. I am not particularly interested in horses or horse racing but I do like good stories with interesting characters and there was a healthy dose of that in Forfeit. After reading this book, I'll be ordering more Dick Francis novels soon.

These books are a favorite with my 9-year old boy. His only complaint...there aren't enough books in the series!

My son loves the Magic Tree House series and Caption Underpants series---and now this one too. I especially like that these books star a girl, yet appeal to boys. In terms of reading level, this series is easier and less "serious" then the Magic Tree House series---it's closer to Caption Underpants (lots of scribbles and drawings, goofy antics, and not too much text on each page).

My 2 older boys (ages 6 and 8) have been enjoying these books. They seem to have a good mix of kid-like silliness as well as a reading challenge and a good message.

Franny is a bit of a loner who marches to the beat of her own drum. In one of the books, she tries to change herself to fit in, ultimately realizing she is happier as herself. This theme follows throughout the series - she is different than her classmates, but likes herself and learns to make friends as the mad scientist she is.

Each book involves Franny "saving the day", using her scientific capabilities. Sometimes it's her experiments that create the problem in the first place, but none of her peers seem to hold that against her.

The reading level is a bit simple for my 8 year old, but he has enjoyed them anyway. He's able to read them through in one sitting, so these books are an alternative for him to the long chapter books that take a couple of weeks for him to read.

My 6 year old and I read them together, trading off chapters. The chapters are usually only a few pages, and simple illustrations help keep him interested as well. He and I usually require 3 sittings to complete a book (15-20 minutes per sitting, trading off chapters).

This package includes the first 4 books in the series. Two subsequent books exist as well, however I couldn't find a box set with more than these 4 original books.

One of the beautiful things about Franny K. Stein books, is what they inspire in my 6 yr. old little girl. I can't wait to see what invention my daughter will draw after reading a Franny book. After reading "The Invisible Fran", for instance, my daughter drew her very own robot that had new and different things than in the Franny book! After reading "The Fran that Time Forgot" we went around laughing about Fran's middle name for weeks!
Franny, that adorable little scientist, is PASSIONATE about science! She cannot understand why her schoolmates are not as passionate as she is! She gives our little ones permission to be passionate about the subjects that they like best!
Franny is wholesome, hilarious, and educational. (and I have not read the captain underpants series) I think that Franny can stand alone as a championess for science! Franny's zeal for science and discovery is contagious and I'm glad, I want my daughter to be encouraged and inspired by books.
I'd like to shake Mr. Benton's hand for creating such a lovable little "mad" scientist like Franny. Franny K. Stein is a fun and funny read, perfect for kids who love science and even those who don't love it so much.

My boys are 4 and 6 and they loves these. My 6 yr old can read them with no problem but they like for me to read to them both and we got The Fran with Four Brains just yesterday and they had me read the entire book to them last night. They are excited about the fact that i have ordered them this boxed set, and when it comes I am sure we will be reading them till we have read them all. I hope the author starts more in this series of books so they can continue to have a Great series that they enjoy that pulls u right in.

Marine Captain Adam Claiborne and his wife Audrey have just been assigned to Guantanamo Bay, a US Naval Base situated on the island of Cuba. From the very start, the couple realizes that things run a bit differently at Guantanamo Bay than at other Naval Bases. The commanding officer and his wife run the island like tyrants. Officer's wives are expected to comply with all orders as given by the commander's wife. Woe be she who gets on the bad side of the woman. One husband is severely disciplined when his wife doesn't wave to the commander's wife.

Guantanamo Bay is also the home to multiple mysteries and cover ups. Everyone seems to be having an affair with someone on the base. Official records are often doctored. Telephone calls and private conversations with the chaplain are monitored. Then there are the strange deaths that don't seem to have any logical explanations.

The Ghost of Guantanamo Bay is a well developed book that delves into the dirty world of Guantanamo Bay. I was quite partial to the characters of Adam and Audrey. I could see myself getting deeper and deeper into a messy situation and not quite able to let it go, just like Audrey. I could also see my husband wanting me to drop it but secretly being just as curious and drawn to the mystery like Adam.

I really enjoyed reading this book because it provided a real experience of how it would be like living on that base which most people will never get to experience. The book provided so much information about the history of the base as well as the personalities of the families that live there. I actually feel like a tiny expert on Gitmo.
The book was a very enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it.
Looking forward to another book from this author. Great Job.

For anyone who has "been there" or is just curious to know "what's there" this is a must read! K. R. Jones captures the unique feel of life in GTMO on each page. The story is intriguing, mysterious and surprising. The characters passionate, compelling and all too real.
The ending had several "A HA" moments-definitely not one of those stories where you can figure out what happens! Cleverly done and most satisfying!
Bake up a loaf of mango bread, pour yourself a rum punch and get ready to "dive in" to life, love and mystery in "the least worst place" AKA Guantanamo Bay-a place near and dear to my heart.
Congratulations K.R. and best wishes for a successful future!

Writing about combat is easy. KR Jones writes about the true 'garrison' military that non-deployed soldiers face every day. She writes of the excitement of arriving at a new duty station and spares no details in describing the setting of GITMO, but also the effect a base and its personnel can have on service members. And she also includes an engaging mystery that will cause you to lose a day reading the book; you won't be putting this one down!

My husband was stationed in Gitmo from 1973-1976. Both my children were born there. I found the history of the Naval Base very interesting and plan to purchase this book for my children, too.

This was my favorite (so far, we'll see what #6 is like) of the Harry Potter series.

Harry is coming of age and starting to get caught in that horrible world between being an adult and being a child. Ron and Hermione are there and are going along for the ride.

The part I like best about this series, is that these are real kids. They act like it. They're not perfect, they screw up, and they are fiercely loyal to each other.

The plot is like most of Ms. Rowlings works. Lots of twists and turns and surprises. Plus a few things are explained that I had wondered about and a few things that I hadn't caught on to. I have never read an author who could reach all levels of readers. Whether you are 4 years old, 25 years old or 72 years old, you will enjoy this book.

I would greatly recommend this book to any science-fiction lover. However, reading the first two books or seeing the movies of the books would be highly recommended so you can keep up to speed with the story and not feel clueless.

When I first came across this book I was a little hesitant on whether I should read it or not since I have had a lot of opinions about the book, good and bad. Finally, after seeing the first two movies I decided to give this book a shot. This book was AMAZING!! After reading the first few pages of the book I was already hooked. This book is about Harry Potter and his 3rd year at Hogwarts. There is a mysterious criminal that has broken out of one of the toughest prisons in the wizarding world. And to make matters worse it seems that he is after Harry. Why is this person after Harry, and what is the true story behind this person? This is what you will figure out after you purchase this book A.S.A.P

Question: Can you have a better book than this? Answer: NO!!!!!If you like Harry Potter or just like to read you better buy this book! It rocks! It makes happy every TIME I read it. GO OUT AND BUY IT!!!!!! You won't regret it!

I love this book. The only book I have found better than this one is Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix. I have been reading it for years.

This book starts out with Harry doing his homework in the dark on his birthday. When he goes to the kitchen, a murderer called Sirius Black is being reported as and escaped prisionor and highly dangerous. The report doesn't say where he is from, and the Dursley's are angry. It turns out that Sirius is from the wizarding world and killed thirteen people with a single curse. He escaped from Azkaban, the wizarding prison, and became the only person to achieve that.

The whole book is based on his troubles in school and the extra security everyone seems determined to give him. In this book, Professor Lupin is intruduced and becomes everyones favorite teacher. Lupin has a mysterious thing going on in his life, but I won't spoil it for you. This book is a definate read, but I recomend reading the first two fist if you haven't already.

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Reading 03
Book Report

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling is an instant bestseller. It is a book that everyone loves. No one can resist Rowling's mesmerizing writing. She uses vivid descriptions to make all of her characters come to life. In this book Rowling uses a sentimental ending and a theme of working together to capture every reader's heart.
The famous Harry Potter is returning to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his third year after spending a grueling summer vacation at home with his Aunt and Uncle. Harry's Aunt and Uncle are Muggles or non-magic folk. Harry almost got expelled for inflating his Aunt until she exploded. Luckily Harry didn't get in trouble. When he was only a baby, Harry was able to defeat the evil Voldemort. For this reason, people are worried that he will be the next victim of the escaped murderer, Sirius Black. Harry and his two friends, Ron and Hermione foolishly go looking for Sirius Black, only to find out something unexpected.
One reason that you will want to keep reading this book is because the characters are so memorable and life-like. Ron is Harry's best friend. He has a great sense of humor and is never afraid to say whatever is on his mind. Hermione, Harry's other good friend is somewhat of a know-it-all. She's obsessed with getting good grades and is a loyal friend. She and Ron are always getting into little verbal spats. Rowling admits that she based the character Hermione, on herself. Harry Potter's archenemy is Draco Mallfoy. Draco is a rich, spoiled "pure blood" wizard. This means that neither of his parents were Muggles. He is a classical villain. He teases Harry incessantly and pokes fun at Ron and Hermione too. He loves to bother Hermione about the fact that she is half Muggle. My favorite character is Albus Dumbledore who is the Headmaster at Hogwarts. I love him because in this and all the Harry Potter books, he always gives out good, real life, advice. The lessons he teaches are for everyone, young and old.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is what a fantasy genre is all about. The magic in the book is infectious. One has to keep reading on to see what will happen next. It draws the reader so deeply into the story that he or she finds himself or herself dreaming and wishing that it were all true. A class in Potions would really liven up the school day for me! I could really get into a class called Defense Against the Dark Arts too. I whole-heartedly recommend this book for all ages. The best part about Harry Potter is that the books are a series so the magic never ends. I find it truly inspirational that this whole story was born out of the imagination of a woman who wrote it down in little bits and pieces, on scaps of napkins and papers. She was a single Mom who was struggling for the survival of her family and now her name is known everywhere in the world. Don't miss this or any of the Harry Potter sequels.

I K.D TOWNSEND
WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS BOUGHT MY BOOK.
I WANT YOU TO KNOW WHY I HAVEN'T WRITTEN A BOOK IN AWHILE.
THE GOVERMENT HAS SEIZED MY BOOKS AND HAVE USED THEM AGAINST ME.
I HAVENT SINCE THEN FELT THE DESIRE TOO WRITE FOR A LONG TIME.
I NOW HAVE BROKEN DOWN MY WALL OF SILENCE. AND HAVE STARTED ON MY NEXT BOOK ABOUT THE FEDERAL GOVERMENT AND MYSELF.
I HOPE WHEN THE BOOK COMES OUT YOU WILL READ IT.
IN THE MEAN TIME ENJOY MY OTHER BOOKS.
ONCE AGAIN
THANK-YOU

K.D TOWNSEND
AUTHOR

M.S Townsend, portrays the hurts of childhood from men, into her adulthood. She gives us all strenth to fight for a better world.
I would highley recomend this book to everyone to read.

M.S Townsend book touched our lives with her own life of sufferning. By showning the world that all of us go threw tragedy and survive. and if were lucky with a smile on our faces.
I enjoyed reading this book. and would recomend it too a friend.

I enjoyed this book very much, in life's everyday struggles its kind of comforting to know that your not alone and that other people go threw hardships like you. The author has brought this out so well in her book .I would recomend this book to anyone.

Mary

This author has style and grace, her book touches the human soul and makes us all look within too places we wouldnt want to travel.

It was hard to obtain a copy of this book... Anyhow, a broken down look at Faith, Dr. Price gives you numerous examples on what faith is and how it works which makes it easy for you to understand. Highly recommended... I think a copy of this book should be included with every copy of the Bible sold. A wonderful look at faith!

I enjoyed this book, but the series is better. Hearing the word of God preached on this subject will shed much light on just how FAITH works.

This book is good and interesting, Dr. Price, quite well expresses his view of how faith works. To put it simply his opinion (which differs from mine), is that once you have prayed for anything you then began to thank God for His answer that you expect to receive. That's good and apparently has worked for him. But he never refers to Elijah sending Elisha to look for a cloud several times, before the rain came, in the OT, and in the NT we are told to not only ask, seek, knock, but to keep on asking, seeking, and knocking, until we get our answer. This is a positive book and a good book and Dr. Price does use scriptures to agree with his opinion, however, I feel where the Bible is concerned we should not be tunnel visioned if more than one way of looking at something as important as prayer is shown, not once but at least twice and both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

If this book doesn't change your life for the better, nothing will.

This is a very powerful book that can change your life!! It is well written and 100% backed up with scripture. It covers various areas and is quite deep, yet definitely simple enough for a new Christian. Teaches that faith is acting on the word of God and many biblical examples are given and are presented with great detail. Dr Price also goes over the prayer of faith in details, which is really the key to receiving. Simply put...this book teaches you how to move God's hand!!

It's a memior of a man who skies and wrecks. Lots of wrecks. Both on and off the slopes. The skiing is how he deals with the mess of life and it is both his balm and his bane. His mother's multiple attempts at happiness, his own struggles of identity often find him wrestling it out going downhill at 70 mph, often out of bounds, never wearing a helmet.

Wayne Sheldrake's philosophy of dealing with the junk of life? "No goggles. No helmet...All I needed was a pair of skis. I didn't stop for food. I didn't stop for water. I didn't use sunscreen. (Only [expletive] wore sunscreen.) I never worried about getting hurt."

Then something changes and you realize that the book isn't really about skiing. Okay, it is about the skiing but it's MORE than just skiing. It's about healing and hope and living in the moment with people who are just jacked up as you are.

It's about the messy, funny, painful redeeming process of healing.

Simply put: what can I say about a person who took the oppurtunities that life gave him and milked them for MORE than they were worth. It was a nostalga trip to the Rockies of MY youth as well as some of the same places/experiences!
Just because YOU were born too late to see/experience those days - read this book and see how it was done BEFORE all that great gear you have today!

Wayne transported me back to the ski area of my youth. Through his eyes I was right there powder skiing Alberta's Face with all of my friends. It is apparent through Wayne's book that the ski bum life is not all hot tubs and bikinis as depicted in the movies; rather it is a deeper experience for him with Vreni at his side.

The snow stopped swirling around me when I looked up from Instant Karma and out the window from my home in central Texas where I now reside. There was no snow outside of the window, so I plunged back into the words where I rejoin Wayne standing at the top of the continental divide just before he jumped off the cornice into the powder.

Wayne has really captured the thoughts of most die hard skiers in this writing. But as I read the book, which I picked up - after meeting Wayne, where else; but on a ski Lift at Wolf Creek Pass ski resort, I realized that its meaing was deeper. I could see paralells into other aspects of daily lives.
Wayne is a great writer, who connects with the reader.
I am glad to have met him, and to have read Karma.

P.S. I am heading back out to Wolf Creek Pass this Holiday season, as they now have over 14 feet of snow.

Wayne's history as a poet and wordsmith serves him well as he weaves this amazing adventure tale of his personal journey of the heart and soul. Chock full of descriptive passages: dirtbag chic, near death experiences and winter storms in the Southern San Juans that had me shivering in my slippers! And then....between the lines and pages there is Vreni and the heartwarming love story that exposes our Mr. Sheldrake for the hopeless romantic that he is, binds first his wounds and then the yarn itself into a fascinating whole.