P Books

This book is clear, and direct. It tells you want you want to know.

Ones first exposure to algebraic topology should be a concrete and pictorial approach to gain a visual and combinatorial intuition for algebraic topology. It is really necessary to draw pictures of tori, see the holes, and then write down the chain complexes that compute them. Likewise, one should bang on the Serre Spectral Sequence with some concrete examples to learn the incredible computational powers of Algebraic Topology. There are many excellent and elementary introductions to Algebraic Topology of this type (I like Bott & Tu because of its quick introduction of spectral sequences and use of differential forms to bypass much homological algebra that is not instructive to the novice).

However, as Willard points out, mathematics is learned by successive approximation to the truth. As you becomes more mathematically sophisticated, you should relearn algebraic topology to understand it the way that working mathematicians do. Peter May's book is the only text that I know of that concisely presents the core concepts algebraic topology from a sophisticated abstract point of view. To make it even better, it is beautifully written and the pedagogy is excellent, as Peter May has been teaching and refining this course for decades. Every line has obviously been thought about carefully for correctness and clarity.

As an example, ones first exposure to singular homology should be concrete approach using singular chains, but this ultimately doesn't explain why many of the artificial-looking definitions of singular homology are the natural choices. In addition, this decidedly old-fashioned approach is hard to generalize to other combinatorial constructions.

Here is how the book does it: First, deduce the cellular homology of CW-complexes as an immediate consequence of the Eilenberg-Steenrod axioms. Considering how one can extend this to general topological spaces suggests that one approximate the space by a CW-complex. Realization of the total singular complex of the space as a CW-complex is a functorial CW-approximation of the space. As the total singular complex induces an equivalence of (weak) homotopy categories and homology is homotopy-invariant, it is natural to define the singular homology of the original space to be the homology of the total singular complex. Although sophisticated, this is a deeply instructive approach, because it shows that the natural combinatorial approximation to a space is its total singular complex in the category of simplicial sets, which lets you transport of combinatorial invariants such as homology of chain complexes. This approach is essential to modern homotopy theory.

One of the reasons that Algebraic Topology is difficult to learn is that often the more general constructions (which are algebraic) are difficult to motivate visually. In fact, I have often found that attempts at visuallizing lead to confusion. J. Peter May avoids confusing illistrations in this book. Constructions are motivated by the results they consort. Most importantly May employes a thoroughly modern point of view. For example: the language of cofibrations/fibrations is used throughout, the handy idea of fundamental groupoid is introduced early in the treatment of the fundamental groups, there are a couple of chapters dedecated to homological algebra intersperced, both homology and cohomology are developed from the axiomatic point of view. May concludes the text with introductions to several more advanced topics such as cobordism, K-theory, and characteristic classes. The list of books that May offers in the suggestions for further reading section at the end is fairily comprehensive.

this is not a bad book, but it isnt for real. the back of the book says: ...treatment is sophisticated, no prior knowledge of the subject is assumed.

i think not.

you better be armed with a few other books and be prepared to spend some hours if you want to "learn" from this book as a beginner.

This tiny textbook is well organized with an incredible amount of information. If you manage to read this, you will have much machinery of algebraic topology at hand. But, this book is not for you if you know practically nothing about the subject (hence four stars). I believe this work should be understood to have compiled "what topologists should know about algebraic topology" in a minimum number of pages.

John Oda, Ph.D. is a renowned motivational speaker with 20 years of experience within the mental health field. He has been counseling juveniles and their parents for many of those years. His efforts to help others learn, grow, and process life are tireless and unceasing.

In Dr. Oda's latest book, "Connecting with Your Teen" he outlines 7 principles of how to talk to your teen, and how to get along. In a subtle way, Dr. Oda is pointing out vital parenting pitfalls in these 7 principles, and because he does, the book serves as an easy to read, well thought out "survival guide" in some ways. If a parent were to fully digest, understand and follow the principles, I am certain that they would find some peace with their teen.

"Connecting to Your Teen" is deceivingly simple in its format and approach, but holds very astute, basic teachings for any parent struggling in the dark waters some of us call "the teenage years." A highly recommended book for parents. Read this and get busy laying the groundwork for a positive relationship BEFORE the problems start.

Although I do not have a teenager myself, I found this book to be applicable to my work in mental health. I have worked with John Oda and have gotten a taste in person of his dynamic approaches with clients and his expertise reveals itself consistently in unique, and always energetic, ways. "Connecting with your Teen" intertwines Oda's seven effective principles to resolve behavioral challenges in teenagers with detailed case examples of how the principles have been put into use. In his book, Oda posseses the ability to jolt people into the reality that they can take control of their own problems in order to have the meaningful existence that they hope for. The reader will find creative solutions and inspirational stories that can easily be applied in daily life with a teenager.

A must read for parents, teachers or anyone involved with teenagers. Dr. John P. Oda untwists, in a beautfiul manner, the trauma and horror that happens to teenagers and returns their human spirit to function in the world. A heart full of gratitude for writing this book and doing the work that is desperately needed in the world.

I think everyone should read this book. It's very easy reading, lots of case studies, the seven principles are very easy to follow. Anyone who has teens MUST read this book!

I really recommend this book to parents because it's practical, whether you have minor or extreme challenges with your teen. Dr. Oda outlines his 7 principles of what to do regularly to self-correct your parenting style that could be contributing to your teen behaving badly. By doing this, he shows many cases of parents turning around their child's misbehavior. His examples of helping troubled families were easy to relate to: skipping school, disobeying, verbal abuse, failing grades, drinking and driving, hanging out with the wrong crowd, lack of motivation, and other stresses. What I especially liked was how the author continued to emphasize the principles with each case and what happened when some parents didn't apply some of the principles. It added to the realness of how many don't follow through. I liked the stories so much for being memorable. They left me wondering how some of them are doing, even after their story was told.

This is a real keeper to go back to again and again. Buy the book for others who could really use it!

My 2-year old adores this book. The repeated "No" to the questions cracks him up.

Cornelius P. Mud comes highly recommended by my two year old grandson, Oscar. This book has prompted lots of giggles.
Mother asks Cornelius if he has fed the fish. Yes, says Cornelius. But, what has he fed the fish? The illustration will tell the tale. With each question the reader is anxious to see just how right Cornelius' answers are.
The book's ending always gets Oscar a hug!
Children's books don't always need to be teaching a lesson. They also need to have humor and bring a smile to the reader as well the listener. One of my favorite activities during my 37 years of teaching was story-time. I know that if the reader is highly involved the child will be highly involved. Cornelius P. Mud is a book that will keep both reader and listener highly involved.
Mimi and Oscar both think that other children will love this book.

This is one of my daughter's favorite bedtime stories and mine too! The illustrations are great, the story is fun, and a good wind down for bedtime.

When Cornelius' mother quizzes him on whether he's ready for bed, he answers honestly each time. Yes, Cornelius has fed the fish...chocolate chip cookies! Yes, Cornelius has put on his pajamas...and a pair of rollerskates and a scuba mask! Preschoolers and kindergardeners will laugh at Cornelius' silly antics. Adults will appreciate whimsy in illustrations: the fishes' shocked looks, the titles on Cornelius' books (We, we, we all the way home, Where the Wild Pigs Are, and If you Give a Mouse a Pig just to name a few). Great for encouraging dialogue during a one-on-one read-aloud session.

My two year old granddaughter is reminded of all the things to do before bedtime.... then she gets a story! Very popular book.

The essential book to procedure at superconductivity theory. When you need to know about this theory this book is the first steep. I used it to study the quasi particles concept.

This review is for Volume 9 of the Landau Course of Theoretical Physics.

The whole Course is clear and concise, so it makes sense for anyone who wants to do theoretical physics to go through all ten volumes.

We start off with normal Fermi liquids and gases, including a nice discussion of Zero Sound (which is distinguished from normal sound mostly by a slight increase in the sound velocity as one gets colder than a transition temperature, and by increased absorption of sound near the transition temperature). Then we learn about Green's functions in a Fermi system at T = 0 and Feynman diagram representations of them.

After that, we study Bose liquids and gases. That means the properties of superfluids, including quasi-particles (phonons and rotons) and quantized vortex filaments. And the book shows how to apply Green's functions to Bose liquids. There's an interesting section on the disintegration of quasi-particles. Next, we're introduced to Green's functions for T > 0, using the Matsubara operators to reduce the complexity of the diagrams.

And then we're ready to learn about superconductors. That means learning about Cooper pairing and superfluid Fermi gases, and learning how to apply Green's functions to them. And, not surprisingly, we learn the Ginzburg-Landau equations, so that we can determine the behavior of superconductors in magnetic fields in temperature ranges near the transition point.

There's also a chapter on electrons in the crystal lattice, including the de Hass-van Alphen effect (which refers to a metal's magnetic susceptibility oscillating as the strength of a strong magnetic field changes - due to the quantization of the energy levels of the electrons) and electron-phonon interactions. And there's a nice chapter on magnetism.

In the preface, the authors state "we must again stress that this book is part of a course of theoretical physics and in no way attempts to be a textbook of solid state theory." Are they kidding? This course is an excellent way to learn solid state physics.

This is the Volume 9 of the famous Course of Theoretical Physics by L. D. Landau and E. M. Lifshitz. All serious students of theoretical physics must possess the ten volumes of this excellente Course, which cover in detail and rigour practically all the branches of theoretical physics. The Volume 9 treats important specialized topics of modern statistical physics. These topics include the theory of quantum liquids(Fermi and Bose types), the theory of superfluidity, created by Landau to account for the phenomena ocurring in liquid helium at approximately 2 kelvin, the microscopic theory of superconductivity, the general method of Green's functions, so important to modern statistical physics, and some other topics, such as the quantum mechanics of a electron in a crystal lattice. The book still contains the general theory of electromagnetic and hydrodynamic fluctuations, treated in the spirit of the Green's functions. These topics are treated with rigour, efficiency and c! larity of language. For this reason, all readers with some aqquaintance with basic statistical physics can read and understand much of this book without major problems. Certainly there is not other book comparable with the Volume 9, a unique and valuable addition to the literature on modern statistical physics!

This book is a classic, especially in the sense it is somewhat old fashioned in its basic approaches when compared with newer books. For example it examines statistics and entropy from the ergodic as opposed to the ensemble approach. Information Theory and role of symmetry and symmetry breaking is not treated in detail. However I can't hold these omissions against the book since these developments happend mostly in the late 70s.

What Landau does here, and which in explicably very few Statistical Mechanics books do nowadays, is the full Gibbs Formalism. Not only is the Gibbs Formalism more compatible with Quantum Mechanics, it can also fits in beautifully with Ensemble Statistics and Inofrmation Theory. More over, it is at once clear Maxwell and Boltzmann statistics are only special cases of the Gibbs formalism, and can be easily shown in a few lines.

What Landau does, is to gave an elegant and cohesive view the trully fundamental features of Statistical Mechanics. Chapters 1-6 of this book alone displays a deeper level of understanding than whole books that have been written. If you are interested in Statistical Mechanics at all, this must be a centerpiece of your library.

no words can describe the richness and clarity of this book.the description of Maxwell's distribution, Gibbs formalism,etc...all with marvelous clarity and rigour. Everyone who wants to learn statistical Mechanics (under and graduates) MUST read this book.

Tony Cavalucci is a second generation NYPD police officer whose family life may be more hazardous than his job on the streets. As New Year's Eve approaches, the department ramps up for the crowds and the threats the Time's Square celebration always brings.

But the job isn't the only stressor on Tony's life. He has finally found the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with, and his dysfunctional family can't stand her or her four year old son. Christmas dinner is a disaster as his family, blind to their own hypocrisy, attacks Michele and her four-year old, illegitimate son. But through her eyes, he begins to see his family in a different light and doesn't like what he sees. But he can't totally walk away from his family either. Will they be able to reach a compromise, or will Tony continue to live alone in his small basement apartment?

That isn't the only complication in this hectic holiday week. His mother returns unexpectedly into his world. An alcoholic, she's shows up a changed woman. While at rehab, she made the decision to try to right some of the wrongs she'd committed while drinking. A recovering alcoholic himself, Tony begins to let her re-enter her life, in controlled amounts.

The Crossroads has a unique perspective. F.P. Lione brings the experience and the voice of a NYPD police officer to the writing, giving it a distinct feel and voice.

"The Crossroads" is the mesmerizing sequel to "The Deuce," written by husband and wife team F.P. Lione. It continues the story of NYPD cop Tony Cavalucci, struggling to apply his new found faith in God to his job and his relationships, especially those with his family.

Tony's week didn't start out well. Christmas Eve dinner with his family was horrible. They treated his new girlfriend, Michele, and her little boy Stevie so rudely it was hard for even Tony to believe. Tony can understand why Michele left upset. But he can only do so much, right? They're his family, and these destructive family gatherings are normal to him. But Michele doesn't want Stevie around that environment, and while she loves Tony, she puts a hold on their relationship so she can pray and think about what is best for her and Stevie.

Seeking God's wisdom and guidance is a brand new experience for Tony. But his partner Joe Fiore continues to help him, encouraging him to pray and pointing him to Bible verses that apply to the situations going on in his life. I appreciate the fact that the Lione's don't make Tony an "instant" Christian, automatically knowing all the right things to say and do now that he is a believer. He is still battling with past temptations. It's hard for him not to turn to old habits, such as drinking, when things get tough. But step by step we see Tony learn to view life, including his family relationships, with the new eyes that God is giving him.

Frank & Pam Lione have a rare talent of taking ordinary events and relationships we all relate to and making them so interesting you don't want to stop turning the page. It's also a realistic glimpse into the lives of NYPD's finest. While this book stands on its own and can certainly be read without reading "The Deuce" first, I think readers will enjoy the books more if they start at the beginning with Tony. I highly recommend the Midtown Blues series, and look forward to reading "The Skells," next in the series soon.

Tony Cavalucci has just helped arrest Santa Claus and The Grinch, and it only goes downhill from there on his busy midnight tour. Soon he's facing a machette-wielding bandit, just praying he won't have to shoot the guy. It's all in a night's work for this ten-year NYPD veteran whose story began in F.P. Lione's previous book, The Deuce.

The days before New Year's are busy ones in New York, where "The Crossroads of the World become the Center of the Universe as the eyes of the planet look to Times Square." It's also a chance for Tony to earn some overtime and he welcomes the diversion from his Italian family's disapproval of his girlfriend and her young son. When Christmas Eve dinner at his grandmother's becomes a near brawl as passionate family members verbally (and even physically) duke it out, Tony realizes he has to choose his loyalties fast--before he loses the only woman he's ever wanted to marry.

With his overtime detail of checking cars for bombs in the parking garages with his partner, Joe Fiore, there isn't much time for pondering his family troubles. It's fast and furious during the holidays in The City That Never Sleeps, and Tony wrestles more than once with hitting the bottle again. He's been sober for five months and he's proud of it, but the stresses are enough to stretch any guy to his breaking point. Will he have the strength to do what he knows is right or will he relapse into his old hard-living ways?

A brand new Christian, Tony refreshingly doesn't have it all together. He still smokes. He's still tempted to drink and look at women. But there is a difference in his life. He gets his job done, but with more compassion now. He helps a rookie cop the old-timers would've ostracized. He doesn't hate the perps like he used to. He's a work-in-progress, and he knows it, but he's truly making an effort to live out what he now believes. If The Deuce was all about Tony's journey toward God, The Crossroads is all about his struggle to live out his faith when life, and the people around him, go crazy.

As in The Deuce, you'll be treated to more cop lingo, like a "bus" for an ambulance, and "RMP" for Radio Motor Patrol vehicle, but I appreciated how the authors took even more care to explain unfamiliar terms, often including a definition in parentheses. And although Tony's often tedious directions of where he and Fiore travel on patrol (we drove down this street, then turned down that, then headed east on this) will probably be appreciated best by those familiar with New York City, it does give you the feel for their intimate knowledge of the streets.

Frank & Pam Lione aren't afraid to get down and dirty in their stark portrayal of a cop's life, but they never resort to anything gratuitous. The encounters Tony and Joe experience run the gamut: from the humorous (the bar-fight encounter of the men dressed as Santa and the Grinch), and the gruesome (pulling the personal effects off a dead man in a multiple car accident) to the downright bizarre (an eerie man who sleeps in a coffin). Here's a novel that reveals the true 411 of policework--it's not all chase scenes and gun battles.

Highly worth your time, The Crossroads is a story of reconciliation, consecration, and unforgettable extremes.

--Reviewed by C.J. Darlington for Infuze Magazine

Police drama lovers, this is your book! The husband and wife team of "F. P. Lione" (Frank and Pam) are back with THE CROSSROADS, the second installment in the "Midtown Blue" series and follow-up to THE DEUCE. If you haven't read the first novel, stop here and do so. Although this can be read as a stand-alone, you'll miss too much background. Plus, the first one is too good to miss.

The story opens as middle-aged single cop Tony Cavalucci and his New York City police department prepare for the chaos of New Year's Eve in Times Square. Since THE DEUCE, Tony hasn't had a drink for almost six months. His stalwart Christian partner, Joe Fiore, encourages him with scripture verses and pep talks. Tony is dating Michele, a teacher and unmarried mother of four-and-a-half year old Stevie. Although he's thinking about marriage, he's gotten her earrings rather than "the ring" for Christmas.

Tony's volatile extended family continues to give him trouble. "Hey, we put the fun in dysfunctional," says Tony to Joe. When Tony brings Michele and Stevie to his family Christmas get-together, things quickly disintegrate. Muses Tony, "Michele is always so tactful, she would never come out and say they were a bunch of psychopaths." As a result, Michele pulls back from the relationship, and Tony sees his family --- and how he interacts with them --- in a new light. In the process, he and his mother begin a reconciliation of sorts.

This second novel, like the first, still has some rough spots. The authors take care to explain some of the police lingo, but the explanations often feel intrusive and interfere with the flow of the story (a glossary might have served readers better). In some places, one wonders why an abbreviation was used at all (Tony talks about his RDO, then in parenthesis it says "regular day off." Why not just say it?) A consistent problem in both novels is that too many sentences begin consecutively with the same word or words and many of the sentences are the same length. There is also an overuse of the word "I." ("I unlocked the door... I tossed my keys... I had gotten a cell phone...) Although most readers won't consciously register these facts, they will likely find the writing choppy and repetitive in places.

Many things have improved since the first novel, including the mechanics of the characters and the more careful use of details that enhance, rather than bog down, the storyline. What remains the same is the Liones' terrific insider look at New York City and the day-to-day work of policemen working the streets. Both husband and wife are Italian American children of NYPD detectives, and Frank is a veteran of the New York Police Department.

The Liones' Italian-American heritage shows in the wonderful descriptions of food and of family get-togethers. Indeed, anyone reading the plethora of foodie details included here (the cops can't get a bagel without the Liones describing each flavor and topping) will feel compelled to fix a snack while they continue reading. However, beware: the "ick" factor is still in full play from book one. Some of the scenes include Tony helping an alcoholic repeatedly throw up buckets of blood, drunks wetting their pants in the police car, etc.

The Liones have a knack for using humor to leaven some of the darkness of police work, and several of the incidents are so bizarre you figure they must be real (the woman answering the door naked, the man dressed as a vampire in a coffin). I laughed out loud many times while reading, especially at the arrest of Santa Claus (drunk in a bar with The Grinch). The authors also excel at offering interesting, behind-the-scenes police factoids. I found the logistics of handling between 500,000 and a million people in Times Square for New Year's Eve fascinating --- who would have thought the deceptively simple gathering of so many folks on a holiday required such organization and careful handling?

Fans of THE DEUCE will be delighted with this second installment in the "Midtown Blue" series, which offers the same mix of humor, grit, and relationship tangles that made the first novel so interesting.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby. Contact Cindy at (...)

The Crossroads courageously bridges the gap between Christianity and the contemporary culture. With hard-hitting drama and an emotionally charged plot, this book appeals to readers on several levels.

The realism of police work in New York City is captured with the concise writing and personal knowledge of the authors. There is a genuine sense of danger as the officers respond to calls in this precinct. Readers will be on the edge of their seats wondering how each encounter will end.

This second book in the series further explores the relationships between the characters and their family and friends. Tony Cavalucci has committed his life to Christ and now he is trying to live according to his new beliefs. However, there are some serious and long-standing emotional issues between himself and his divorced parents. Readers will watch this character grow in the knowledge of the Lord. It's noteworthy that the authors have portrayed Tony's spiritual development with a sense of realism. His growth as a Christian comes in small, natural steps that blend well with the rest of the novel.

Excellent writing and exceptional dialogue makes each page come alive. The life of a police officer is shown with a clarity that is impressive. The authors captured the fears and uncertainties that surround police work, but contrasted that with the absolute confidence believers have in the Lord. The gospel message is incorporated into the story with skill and sensitivity. Readers will understand the ability of biblical truths to answer today's problems. -- Joyce Handzo, Christian Book Previews.com

Here's a young adult novel that holds up beautifully some 40 years later. If its period references place it in a particular time, its message is as fresh as ever. And if you ever had a song, or book, or film, or painting change your life, open up wider vistas to you, then this story will resonate all the more. Sometimes that single, soul-wrenching encounter with art can change your whole life & set it going in a new direction.

I love that Dave's version of "Suzanne" is the Noel Harrison one, and later the Judy Collins one, because that's how a teenager in the Midwest would have been likely to hear it. No artistic snobbery here, no "cooler than thou" attitudes -- the emphasis is on honesty, both with others & one's own self. Dave & Kate come across as very real, struggling with the need to be individuals, to be more than what they're supposed to be, to change & to grow. Each gains precious insights into themselves & the world around them. And you'll never look at a chicken the same way again, either!

My paperback copy became so worn out that I finally tracked down a hardcover copy for my shelves. It remains very re-readable, even if you're now as old (or even older) than Dave's parents. A thoughtful, perceptive little gem, most highly recommended.

This book was my "Catcher in the Rye" because I was a huge Leonard Cohen fan and Suzanne was my mantra.
This book meant more to me than almost any thing I had read.
I had my kids read it when they were in 6 or 7th grade and they felt the same way.
The book still gives me chills.
What's happening with Mr. McKay these days?

I first read this book 35 years ago, when I was in 7th grade. It swept me into a world of characters with feelings like my own, something I'd seldom known. I immediately rushed out and bought a copy of Judy Collins singing "Suzanne," and wore out the record. I wore out the book, too - had to buy another copy.

Now, many years later, I still return to this beautiful book time and again, and recommend it to young friends.

This was one of the first novels I read back in 7th grade. (I had to sneak to the library to get it, I wasn't allowed to read novels) It touched me in so many ways. Most profoundly by the sense that others had the same or similar feelings and hopes, dreams, and fears that I did. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to remember the intensity of our younger selves or to share with your own children.

When I first read this book I was baffled by why I loved it so much. The story line seems basic and the plot is conventional, but the characters--they are incredible. The author creates a hero and heroine that draw you to the book time and again. I can't help but read it at least once a month, just to remind myself why I like chickens. Andrea Rasmussen

I've been in banking for nearly 13 years and have sometimes struggled with much of the terminology used during corporate functions, meetings, or just watching CNBC. Whether a novice or a veteran, it's something that should be in your briefcase, pocket book, or in your desk for quick reference. This is a "NO BS" assessment!

Paid for by me. ;O)

This can almost be considered an inexpensive textbook. It not only defines, but explains the terms in a simple, easy to understand format. Although in dictionary form, it consistently relates the terms to one another so the reader will understand how the concepts interwind. Includes financial and banking terms.

I use this in a training class about bank documentation. It is very helpful and comprehensive. It defines terms in concise and easy to understand words. Even a seasoned banker can learn something from this dictionary.

book should contain all banking terms because most of them are not understood by layman

Working in an IT company catering to bankers I bought this book to help understand their lingo. I have to say it hasn't disappointed yet. It is also very up to date the latest IT/banking terms. If you were to read all the definitions in this book you would probably know more than you banker. A great reference. Buy it!

In her debut novel, M.P. Barker pulls together a page-turning plot that will thrill all ages while also bringing to life 1830s rural Massachusetts. As you bite your nails over what will happen to our heroes, Ethan and Daniel, you milk the cows with them, work alongside them in the kitchen garden, eat dinner with them in the Lyman parlor, and walk the pasture with them with their beloved horse, Ivy. The best part of A Difficult Boy is that you get the experience of a great story and the experience of what life was like for early Americans, which is the icing on the currant cake.

Ethan's family is in trouble. His father, a smalltime farmer in rural New England in the 1830s, owes money to Mr. Lyman, a wealthy storekeeper and landowner. To help pay off the debts and save the family's property, Ethan, who is only 9, is forced to work for Mr. Lyman as an indentured servant, in an arrangement that is only a few steps away from slavery.

Ethan is paired with Daniel, an orphaned Irish teenager who is also indentured to Mr. Lyman. Daniel has grown hard and sullen after years of being subjected to Mr. Lyman's bigotry and beatings, and at first the two boys have an uneasy relationship. But it isn't long before Ethan also feels the sting of Mr. Lyman's hand, and he and Daniel form a friendship forged by shared hardship and their love of a spirited horse.

In its second half, the book begins to take on the trappings of a detective story. The Lyman household has many secrets, and Ethan begins to suspect that his own family's desperate financial situation is not of their own making. As the plot thickens, the pace quickens, and "A Difficult Boy" builds toward a climax that is filled with revelations and suspense.

Through the judicious use of historical details, the author, M.P. Barker, creates a bracing sense of immediacy. Even the milking of an irritable cow becomes an occasion for tension and danger. Scenes of Ethan and Daniel riding bareback on Ivy, their master's horse, through an open field and later racing a scruffy peddler have a lyricism that will lift readers' hearts. "A Difficult Boy" is a deeply satisfying novel that both entertains and enlightens.

What a pleasure to read this book on so many levels. Not only is the story compelling, but the historical background material is totally accurate. I felt like I was right there!!!!
The author's eye for detail is exquisite. .....lovely to read.
I was caught up in the story from the first page. The characters are all realistic and seem to mirror 19th century customs and culture.
The story about prejudice and how it is overcome when you get to really know someone is fabulous, but does not hit you over the head with it.
It's a great way to show people that underneath it all we are all alike.
Loved, loved it and I can't wait for her next book.

Although I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction, I absolutely could not put this book down.

A Difficult Boy is the story of an indentured servant, Ethan, who gradually makes friends with another servant named Daniel. Everyone calls Daniel a difficult boy because he appears unfriendly and unkind. However, Ethan unravels the source of this unfriendliness: both boys are severely beaten by the man who owns the land that they work. Daniel is also beaten worse than Ethan, because he is an immigrant from Ireland and the owner of the land, Mr. Lyman, does not like him for this reason. Driven together through this, Ethan and Daniel forge a strong friendship that brings them together so that they can escape the beatings and that life.

A Difficult Boy is a worthwhile historical fiction that is both well written and interesting.

MP Barker's A DIFFICULT BOY grabbed me from the beginning. Her main characters, Ethan and Daniel, are engaging, well-rounded and likable boys. I adored the horse element of the novel and would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

I wish that I had had this book when my teenage daughter was a newborn. I am trying to undo the poor choices made along the way in her nutrition in order to maximize her health and physical well being. This book has been tremendously helpful.

You don't have to be an expert to understand the concepts in this book. It's written in such a way that the average person can understand the issues and put the tools to work. It tackles every feeding/eating issue that a person with Down Syndrome faces, from birth to adulthood. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who has a family member with Down Syndrome or who works with people with Down Syndrome.

Posted for, Brian Chicoine, MD of the Adult Down Syndrome Center

The Down Syndrome Nutrition Handbook is an outstanding resource for people with Down syndrome throughout their life span. It contains excellent information and practical suggestions for people with Down syndrome and their families. A wide variety of topics are addressed from general nutrition to nutritional intervention for diabetes mellitus, celiac disease and other health issues.

The book is well written, person-centered, and health-centered. It is beneficial when read cover-to-cover as well as when saved for use as a reference book. In addition to the writing style, the pictures make it a valuable education tool for people with a wide variety of reading abilities.

I highly recommend this book for people with Down syndrome, their families and anyone who wants to help them with their nutritional goals.

Very good book
Easy to read
Very informative for parents with and without medical knowledge
Have found it very useful as a guide to my daughters nutritional needs and abilities

Don't let the long (boring) name fool you, it is a GREAT book! As our daughter is getting older (she is 16,) she is taking control of her diet. I can't be with her all the time, so I have to teach her to eat healthy. This might sound simple, but it isn't. Well meaning relatives offer her foods she shouldn't eat, and others don't know that she has some 'nutritional issues,' like Celiac Disease. Our daughter has to know what she can and can't eat, as well as portion control. The DSNH not only has information for me as a parent, but it has worksheets and teaching activities for our daughter to help her learn healthy eating habits and good fitness activities. Did I say that it is a GREAT book? We copy off the worksheets and post them on the fridge, so our daughter can track what she eats during the day to make sure that she has 'hit' at the necessary food groups and water intake goals. She even has her fitness goals for the week.

The book covers nutritional information and needs from birth through adulthood. Section three is the one that we are working on right now: Teaching Healthy Choices to Encourage Healthy Lifestyles. It has everything from menu planning, to cooking and fitness. It's full of readable and understandable information for me and hands on learning for our daughter. That is a great combination if you ask me!

Our daughter will be the one in control of her own cooking, fitness activities and health in a few years. This book will help me help her to make a smoother transition to become a more independent and healthy adult with Down Syndrome.

What else can I add? Other reviewers have done a remarkable job summing up this brilliant anthology. Do yourself a favor- order it!

Sarah

I purchased this as a gift, so have no opinion about the book; but others seem to like it a lot.

For unexplicable reasons, Amazon cancelled my order twice. Since I had originally purchased it with other items, I couldn't get free shipping when I had to reorder. They said they would reimburse my shipping if I reordered, but cancelled my order again so they wouldn't have to send it for free. I ended up buying it with something else to get free shipping. Then I had to spend my own money to send it to the original gift recipient.

This blissful collection of delightfully spooky tales will bring back the love of bedtime reading for all ages. Just scary enough to make you nervous, just real enough to make you believe but not gory enough to give you nightmares. Great for sleepovers and camp-outs; make some smores and learn a few Lessons from the Dark Side.

Twisting, hilarious, scary and downright wonderful; you'll certainly have Goosebumps but with Dr. Offig at the lecturn - you will have SO much more!

Gifford has outdone himself this time! This author can manage to make you laugh and quake in your boots all at the same time. This is the perfect book for young and old alike. It is full of brilliance and wonderful characters. Read a lesson at a time, or be so enthralled that you don't ever put it down!! Can't wait for volume 2.

Crawl under your covers, fire up your flashlight and be prepared to shiver and shake. Turn off your light when you dare and just try to go to sleep...

Dr. Offig's lessons will keep you awake wanting to read more.

I can't wait for the next book to come out. Until then just forget about trying to see what is just out of the corner of your eye. You know something is there. Dr. Offig will tell you all about it. The doctor is IN...