Publishers Books

Phenomenal work. Great for those who work with patients with back issues. I would highly recommend it!

Though longer and harder to read than most exercise books written for the general reader, Stuart McGill's, Low Back Disorders, has such ground breaking information it is well worth buying.

McGill sets out cutting edge research to show, among other things:
1. Why endurance is more protective than strength;
2. Why stability is vastly more important than flexibility;

3. Why usually "preserving the normal low back curve" during exercise causes less stress on the spine than doing a pelvic tilt or flattening the back against the exercise mat;

4. Why back exercises should not be done during the first hour or 2 after arising; and,

5. Why adding repetitions to an exercise is safer and more productive than prolonging the hold during each repetition. Holds should be no longer than 7-8 seconds.

Following these and other specific recommendations makes doing McGill's exercises and those in other books safer and more effective.

McGill says no one exercise plan can fit the needs of every patient so he leaves it up to the therapist to determine the number of sets and repetitions needed to generate endurance. This is fine for therapists but gives inadequate guidance for the non-therapist reader and fails to take into account the needs of all those whose back problems are not so unique as to require a therapist.

By paying attention to the table of contents and the section headings, the reader can probably avoid getting bogged down in the details of the research findings. Or one can simply read the injury prevention primer (pp. 154-156), chapter 10 for the background to the exercises, and chapter 12 for the exercises.

McGill devises several new exercises that build the muscles of the back and torso while placing less stress on the spine. He also revises the way some of the old standard exercises are done.
However, he does not provide enough alternate exercises when his exercises prove too difficult or painful to do.

Because no one book can meet everyone's needs, I also encourage buying:
1. The Back Pain Book by Mike Hage; and,
2. The Multifidus Back Pain Solution by Jim Johnson.

Both books are very easy to read. Hage's book is a comprehensive, well illustrated treasure.

Johnson's book highlights the need for and shows 4 ways to do one key exercise, an exercise that both McGill and Hage (I have the 1992 edition of Hage's book) include but show only one way to do, a way that is painful for me.

In summary, all 3 books provide uniquely valuable information and each one of them has helped me.

This book is a great reference text for anyone who treats low back injuries and works to create lumbar core stabilization. Following the work of Janda and others, McGill has taken core stabilization to the next level. His research based approach is 100% applicable and easy to follow. He presents the science of how the body works and this is great. McGill, also being a Ph.D., does not have a medical, chiropractic, or other bias...he presents things as he finds them through studies. This is a great book and well worth every penny...

For those in the fitness field, I recommend the Ultimate Back Fitness book...very applicable and easier to follow...

Some other reviewers have (directly or indirectly) made it clear that this book is primarily for researchers, doctors, and other health-care professionals, but I would like to re-state this as clearly and emphatically as possible, as some buyers may be seriously misled by claims (not made by the author!) that it is "a book that can be read by almost everyone" or one that "every patient suffering from low back pain should read". Only Part 3 (about specific exercises to do and not do) fits that description. Parts 1 and 2 are highly technical and addressed almost entirely to physicians and academic researchers. For someone without a good working knowledge of anatomy (that's me, in case you think I'm being condescending to the ignorant masses), these parts of the book are impossible to follow. My advice to the sufferer from low-back pain (again, that's me) would be to get the book from a library and concentrate entirely on part 3.

Clinicians who wish to competently evaluate, manage, and rehabilitate low back disorders will find this book indispensable due to its unique content. While other texts cover topics related to examination, differential diagnosis, or specific therapeutics, this text focuses on a thorough, component-by-component research-based review of each part of the human lumbopelvic region for the purpose of providing a comprehensive understanding of how the low back truly functions, how to credibly evaluate its function, and how to properly restore as much normal function as possible. Sufficiently detailed for scholars, yet understandable by virtually anyone, Dr. McGill uses a practical, evidence-based dialogue with the reader to address issues which I have rarely seen adequately addressed by anyone. Just what is the true function of the iliopsoas muscle in relation to the low back? And is there really such a thing as an iliopsoas muscle? And how would one properly rehabilitate a weakened rectus abdomonis muscle, without potentially aggravating a low back disorder? And why is this necessary? And is it possible that many of the exercises currently prescribed for chronic low back pain are actually detrimental to the spine, and why? These are but a few of the many important and practical topics that are covered within this book. Frankly, I don't believe anyone can competently care for low back conditions of any kind without this valuable information. I consider this book a valued and essential part of my professional library.

Excellent, funny book full of truth for Martha-type perfectionists. My only critique is that it spends MOST of the book outlining the problem and very little time talking about the solution. And when she did get to the solution it was only in vague terms. But over all a wonderful book that had me thinking a lot. It is helpful in identifying bad habits and tendencies that we might not even be aware of.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone dealing with the burden of to do lists! I found so many surprising things in the book. The author's research on Martha of Bethany was really eye opening. I hadn't considered how they may have met Jesus or that they may have been wealthy. And she answers the question..."Why is Martha so bent out of shape?" The stories from the author's life, and those of friends, made people stop and ask me why I was laughing so hard. My two favs, the young couple preparing for the family BBQ and Milly's cats "swaggering through the food encrusted dishes, like tiny Cleopatras walking through piles of gold." I must have read that part to 10 people and I cried with laugher ever time! Awesome book!!!!!!!!!!

This book gave real world examples that made me chuckle when I realized how accurate of a description they are of me. I would recommend this book for Type A Christian woman who think they can do it all, but need to remember where our focus should be.

Okay, I admit--I'm not a perfectionist, at least not in the usual sense of the word. So, as a bona fide, card-carrying, clutter-oriented messie, I was surprised at how much I identified with the author's struggle. Perfectionist parenting and post project depression are common for many of us! Thanks for the reminder that an out of balance life doesn't honor the Lord, regardless of which side we fall on.

I gave this book FIVE STARS hands down! I love how this author hones in on the ever-challenging struggle us Christian women have between naturally being more like Martha in our own flesh vs. wanting to be more like Mary who willingly takes time to put God first and sit at His feet first every morning. After reading this book I see now that if I am surrendered to Christ and to walking in the Spirit over my own flesh....I can be the BEST of both Mary who sits at Christ's feet and listens and is taught and the BEST of her sister Martha who is more project and task oriented in the details of her day.

My favorite line in the book is on pg. 20 because it describes me and how I lived before reading this book: Debi writes, "Like Martha, I am tempted to perfect my own personal kingdom not seek the kingdom of God. Like Martha, I tend to view life as a series of projects, not a path toward knowing and serving Christ."

I am so pleased to boast that by applying many of Debi's ideas and with the Holy Spirit's help I regularly participate these days in THE GREAT SUPERNATURAL exchange of trading in my days dominated by walking in my flesh as a type A, O-C (obsessive-compulsive) Martha for a transformed life of walking in the Spirit (the best of Mary and Martha) as my new *normal*!

Like Debi before I was intentional and prayerful about living for God, I too was misguided for decades by admiring the unrealistic ways of such type A, O-C Martha perfectionists. But living this way wore me down and zapped me of contentment, zeal and joy! I thank God for Debi and her eye-openig and life-giving book and for her candid and transparent willingness to share her hard-earned lessons and battles so the rest of us may learn easier and quicker than she did! I enjoy Debi's humorous and honest approach willing to laugh at herself! I too use to judge harshly the type B's and viewed them as the lesser and very lackadaisical compared to us superior more competent classic Type A perfectionusts! Like Debi I skimmed over the scripture "Pride goes before destruction" and self-destruct I did which tends to happen when you live your way and not God's way!

But I am happy to report I am much closer to sharing Debi's motto these days of "PAMITP". . . what on earth is that you ask? Well it stands for Peope Are More Important Than Projects! This book is a MUST READ OWNER'S MANUAL for any Type A, O-C perfectionistic Martha's out there! It's chock-full of wisdom, laughs and a VERY easy and enjoyable read! God bless you Debi for sharing from your heart!!

This man's innovations changed the way we build major infrastructure in the world. From a early involvement in auto racing to the most powerful earth moving equipment of his times. R.G. LeTourneau changed the way we build and power the big machines. This is a inspirational book !

This, to me, was a good example that you don't have to be cut throat to run a successful business. You don't have to be a Harvard graduate. You just need to be energized to help other people the best way you know how, and not be afraid of change, but be excited about innovation.

I could not put this book down. What a great book! One reviewer said to buy a second book to give away. I did, but I should have bought several extras! Now I'm buying more. This book has helped me to recognize God's purpose for my life and the incredible gifts He has given to each of us. A great gift for anyone, especially for someone who has ever been in the construction industry.

A must-read for every Christian, and a great tool for ministry.


Blessings to Amazon!

This was one fantastic book that I could hardly put down. It is a great story of a man with dreams that were larger then life. He always said there are no big jobs, only small machines. Mr. LeTourneau had the capacity to envision larger and larger machines to make man more productive.

This book is 290 pages short with 26 untitled chapters which cover most of Mr. LeTourneau's life. From his childhood and quiting school in the 7th grade to his struggles and almost bankruptcy, he does a great job at unfolding his life the way it happened. He tells of how his business grew during the depression and of the great success he had in creating machines to do a job that none had done before. He was laughed at by people who couldn't see the value in some of his gigantic creations which were ahead of their time. But he didn't allow other people's negativity stop him from accomplishing his goal of benefiting man by making him far more productive then he would have been otherwise.

He talks about his relationship with God and how he believed that God was with him to protect him and help him to succeed. LeTourneau lived his beliefs by helping others and starting a school called LeTourneau Collage. He had given 90% of his stock in his business to a foundation he started for the benefit of others. He is not overpowering with this but just lets his beliefs take a natural course through the book.

Overall I think anyone would really enjoy this book. It really was one of the more interesting biographies I have read. His life again proves that it doesn't matter what kind of education you have or where you are financially, the only thing that can stop you from fulfilling your dreams is yourself!

This is one of the very few books that has actually made me cry! This story is so amazing!! I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone!!!

A wonderful book - quite a change from the usual thrillers I like to read.
This was a wonderful change of pace.

I can not stop thinking about My Heart Remembers. Maybe it was the vivid descriptions, or the fact that some children have always had to fight to be loved. Or maybe Vogal just struck a nerve of compassion. By any definition, this book is a good one that will leave you contemplating the complicated process of life. And yet, one of the greatest lessons this book teaches is that God has a plan for all of us. That plan will be carried out in spite of our circumstances if we trust him. You will not only read this book, but will want it on your bookshelf to read again. My Heart Remembers would make a good book club choice.

I have read all this author's books and, although I didn't particularly care overmuch for the Sommerfield Trilogy, this one is awesome. I don't really like the Amish books, so that's why I didn't like the Sommerfield Trilogy, although it was good. Just not my cup of tea.

This book is so very good. Watching the dear children go on after losing their parents in a fire and being separated just breaks your heart in two. Especially the young man, who was cruelly treated by foster parents.

Their reunion was the most tender, heart moving thing. This book would make an excellent movie. I'm hoping that the author writes more on this family. She certainly left the door open to further visitations down the road.

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (5/08)

Imagine losing your parents in a tragic fire, and having to travel hundreds of miles with other children to meet your new "parents." This is what happened when kids in the 1800s would lose their parents. If you were left as an orphan and had no family to step forward and take custodial and guardianship for you, you would ride aboard an "orphan train." Now, imagine pledging to your mother before she dies that you will do what you can to keep your family together. Maelle Gallagher had her younger brother and sister on the train alongside her, only to reach Missouri and be separated. Each of them has a family treasure which they can use to remember their brother and sister by, but will they ever be able to be a family again?

Each of the family treasures is of sentimental value all its own. Maelle keeps the love letters that their parents had written to each other. Mattie has a picture of the three children with their parents. Even though she is just a toddler, Molly is given the family Bible with the birthdates and full names of the children written inside it. Will these three children ever be able to match up their specific things with their siblings?

They all grow up with their adoptive parents. Maelle is taught a trade of being an on-the-road photographer. She has lost her adoptive father but has inherited his equipment. Mattie is tragically mistreated and can't wait till he grows up so he can leave. Molly is adopted by the Standlers; she is treated lavishly and lives the "rich life" until her adoptive parents died. What will happen when they all end up in the same town? Can they put the pieces back together?

Kim Vogel Sawyer has done an incredible job of writing an inspirational Christian fiction book which has its own line of mystery, history and intrigue all rolled into one volume. "My Heart Remembers" is a book which will pull at your heartstrings. What an incredible love and determination the Gallagher children have in trying to hold on to the hope of ever seeing their siblings again. I had a very difficult time putting this book down. I simply loved it and hope that Kim Vogel Sawyer is writing another book similar to this one again soon. My heart will definitely remember "My Heart Remembers" for a long time

This was a pretty fast read. Actually a whole lot faster than Theone's [book: Jerusalem Vigil]. The main character automatically pulls you in and you sympathize and empathize with him through his whole journey. This book has a lot of issues that can cause the reader to look into their own lives and think about who they might need to forgive, or what vengeance they should leave up to God. I enjoyed it, and think I will look for the sequels.

I usually read fantasy fiction books and usually don't read the ones geared toward historical fiction, but I must say, this series is excellent. I couldn't put them down. They are very well written.

Bodie and Brock Thoene have a understading of how the human mind works and their books are so believeable. They take one out of the here and now and put one into the then and there. The history is correct and it makes their books "real".
I am looking forward to reading the rest of their books at some point in time.

As a decendent of Irish-Catholics I found this book enlightening. Never realized the strife entailed in the course of religious freedom in the 1830's and 1840's Ireland and never realized that one could be exiled to America or Australia for infractions against the Protestant landlords.
This book has it all, history, mystery, love, sorrow and intrigue. Also brings the challange of keeping ones christian faith in difficult times. Good book for Catholic and Protestant to read.
Can not wait to read the next book in the series.

When Joseph Connor Burke returned to the small Irish village of Ballynockanor, he only expected to stay a few months. Just long enough to put the past and his stolen inheritance behind him. But as he gets reacquainted with his neighbors, he finds himself drawn into their struggles against Protestants in general and his uncle in particular. Is there a way to reclaim what is rightfully his? Is the priesthood his true calling? And what about his feelings for Kate?

The Thoenes went in an unexpected direction when they started this series. Up til now, they'd been writing about Israel and America. For that reason, I've put off starting this series, even though I've heard such good thing about it. Boy, was that a mistake!

I know very little about Irish history. In this one book, I learned so much that helps me understand the current struggles. Yet, as always, the history is wrapped in a wonderful story with very real characters. While I figured a few things out before they happened, most of the time I was unsure what would happen next and had a hard time putting the book down as a result. As always, the Thoenes develop their characters well and I felt myself getting angry on their behalf on more then one occasion.

I'm already planning my next trip to Ballynockanor for the next chapter in this sage. Any fan of the Thoenes or anyone wanting some fictitious background on Ireland will love this book.

Not only does Michelle McKinney Hammond tell about and how to handle the feminine mystique, but how to use it glorify God and not for selfish gain. The Strength of Vulnerability is the best chapter to me. Learning how not to react to men but respond to God's voice. All women should read this book.

Michelle explains how to be effective while not conforming to the world as it is today and not using the old feminine whiles of manipulation. The book was a joy to read.

This book is wonderful. The author reinforces that we are not weird to want to be feminine. As expemplified in the Bible women have a tremendous power in their femininity and as someone that is happy to be a woman, I found this a very enjoyable read. I also strongly reccommend this book to those that ? the strenght of allowing the doors to be open & acting & being treated as a feminine being. This will give you a new outlook on that. Being feminine does not make you a mental weakling, but when used under God's wisdom it is a momumental force. I Highly reccommend for all females of all ages! I also recommend for men & women alike Ms Hammond's book Where are you God.

In this day and age of the feminist movement, this book is a refreshing breath of air. It reinstates the power we have as women IF we will operate in the role that God ordained us to walk in. As usual, Michelle's humor helps get her point across in such a way that it finds a lodging place in the heart. Once we as women realize just how "special" we are, look out! We are WOMEN, God's special creation, and we roar because of the power of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

This is definitely a must read for the Christian woman whether single or married. As a single woman in my twenties, this book has really opened my eyes to the power that I have. I especially loved that part of the book where Michelle wrote of the damage we can inflict to the devil's plans when we go down in prayer. I have a stronger desire more than ever to really seek God in prayer for changes not only in my life, but in the lives of my family and friends. Read it -- you'll be blest!

I read this book because it was a book club choice. I don't know what I was expecting however the first line of the book totally turned me off. I thought, "Why are we picking such bad books to read?" (the last few book club selections have not been very well received) However I kept on reading and was so glad I did. Throughout the book I kept thinking I really don't like this book, but I couldn't put it down. I found myself bringing it with me while I was doing errands in hopes I would get a few moments to read a little more. The writing is compelling, if not a tad transparent. I was able to guess what was happening as I was reading along. Except for the ending. The ending is a twist I never expected and was chillingly well done.

This is a book I would have never read if I had not been in my book club but I am so glad I did. It is a well written mystery/love story/western type book that is vibrant and dark at the same time.

In our book club we rate our books from 1 - 5 (5 being the best). The book received an average 4.8 - the highest of any book we have read in a very long time. I would highly recommend reading it and it makes a most excellent book club read. Our discussion about the book was one of the best we have had, with many different opinions and observations being shared.

I am stunned by all of the wonderful reviews for this book. I thought it was by far, the worst book I have read since high school. It could not have moved any slower. The thing I did like about it was the ending and things turn around to get you. Just so much of it was completely out of left field. Boring! Boring! Boring!

This is an unbelievably wonderful novel to sink your teeth into. A page turner of high literary merit, accessible and intelligent. Fabulous craft and language, a most diabolical villain who drives even saints to wish him ill.

Yes he is intelligent, arrogant, rough, caustic, poisonous, and evil, all to hide one tiny chink in his armor that nonetheless, one person manages to find.

Read this book! My one regret is that Thomas Savage doesn't know how popular he is today.

The afterword by Annie Proulx reveals even more about Savage's motivation for the novel, and provides an extra ounce of satisfaction to to novel's end.

Read this novel as slowly as you possibly can, for every paragraph is painted with no fewer than two rich coats of molasses-thick paint, and sometimes silver paint in one layer reflects off of another.

Hunted by a dog, chasing prey as a dog, or dog pursuing dog?

Savage leaves nothing to chance, for this novel will speak to all three.


Skip the after-word, initially.

A completely unexpected and disturbingly powerful character study of a small group of characters in the West, circa 1940s. The prose here is incredible, and the plot unfolds slowly and myteriously. Palpable tension-- the author knew precisely what he woas doing-- with an ending I truly didn't see coming. One of the most remarkable books I've ever read.

I remember this book from my childhood (I was born in 1972) as one of my favorites. I made my dad read it to me ad nauseum, and I'm hoping it my children will do the same thing to me. I hope it will be reprinted soon and rescued from obscurity.

I cannot believe that this book is out of print. I read it 23 years ago to my young son. We read it so much that I had it memorized and would recite it while he turned the pages and I cooked dinner! I want to buy it for my grandaughter but no luck! This Zipperump-a-zoo adventure is one of Mercer Mayer's best. Children enjoy finding the Zipperump-a-zoos as Professor Wormbog looks high and low, only to fall asleep and never see the party they throw right under his nose!

This was my children's (and my) favorite book when they were young. We checked the book out from the local library frequently. It was shock when we learned that they had to pull the book off the shelf because it had been checked out so much that it was getting to worn to let it go out again. I wish the publishers would re-issue so my grandchildren could enjoy this masterpiece of fun.

Please Please reprint! I read this book to my child 20 years ago and still remember certain passages to this day! It is truly a masterpiece.

This book is as much fun for the adult reading to the child as it is for the child. The artwork is incredible. The story line reminds us that the grass is NOT always greener on the otherside, that sometimes what you are seeking in life is right in your own back yard. I read this to my children 20 years ago, to friends children 10 years ago. Now I would love to read it to my grandaughter, but alas, cannot find a copy. PLEASE reprint this delightful book!

Monty is an insecure rat, insecure because he and his family live in a sewer and create works of art, which is frowned on by the higher class society of wharf rats. Additionally he shares his name with his Uncle Moony, a drunken creator of decorated rings, which shames him because of the derision of the other rats. An interest in the pretty Isabel and a crisis helps him to overcome his insecurity and his shame. I bought this book because I'd just acquired 2 pet rats, and ended up hooked on Tor Seidler. He truly cares about his characters, and while the stories are for children, they aren't childish. Adults with a little imagination will enjoy his animal stories as much as the kids do.

I read this when I was at a friend's house with nothing else to read (it took me an hour or two; I suspect it would take a child a bit more time). It is a cute, amusing book- definitely a nice present for children above the age of, say, 7 or 8. I had no problems suspending disbelief in the talking rats; however, I have to admit I did have trouble suspending disbelief in the rat/human interrelationships (e.g. humans being smart enough to realize the rats were bribing them when they saw large amounts of money intermingled with the remains of poisoned rats).

? Montague Mad-Rat is a young rodent with a strange family: his mother dyes bird feathers with berry juices and creates fanciful hats; his father is working on his hundred-and-seventh mud castle; and his aunt travels the world on cruise ships. His namesake uncle crafts tiny gold rings that he sells to humans. Montague has his own craft: painting exquisite miniatures on tiny shells his aunt brings him. His real adventures begin when he meets and falls in love with the rich and beautiful Isabel Moberly-Rat, whose friends and family are wharf rats who look down upon rats like Montague who make things with their paws. Montague gets involved with a campaign to save the wharf rats from extermination by a new property owner, and comes to appreciate his family and himself for who they are.

This book is absolutely charming. The setting-Central Park, Columbus Circle, and the New York docks-is just right. Seidler has managed to make his rat story romantic, funny, suspenseful, and insightful in its observations of class snobbery.

One element that serves to make this book so successful is Seidler's playful use of language to maintain the fantasy element and to help draw character. The world of the novel is always seen from the rats' point of view. For instance, when the lovely Isabel Moberly-Rat is caught in a rainstorm, she mutters "Oh, people" under her breath, rather than "Oh, rats." The rats don't go for a walk; they go for a "creep." They attend a gathering called the "Great Rat Chat," which is the "backbone of a democratsy," attended by cabinet ministers who are great helpers of "ratkind." When the haughty young Randal Reese-Rat gets a spot of poison on his tail, his parents call in a "general ratitioner." These are just a few of the numerous examples throughout the text. They serve to maintain the illusion that the rat world has its own society, yet one that is eerily reminiscent of our human world. Mrs. Moberly-Rat is a terrible snob, as are most of her fellow wharf rats living in fancy high-rise crates. She is struggling with her weight, and does "petal arrangements" to keep her mind off cheese. However, every time we see her she is eating or serving a different variety, from blue to Swiss to Gruyere. She looks down upon the Mad-Rats because they make things with their paws, marry their cousins, do business with people, and worst of all, live in "S-E-W-E-R-S." Her husband, Hugh Moberly-Rat, has a fancy office with a gilt-edged dictionary for a desk and silver foil gum wrapper wallpaper. Seidler does a clever thing with the speeches that Hugh makes: he repeats every thought in different words, making him even more long-winded than most human politicians. Thus, "How so, you ask," is followed immediately by, "Why, you want to know?" Sometimes he does it in single sentences: " For more deaths, I fear, lurk in the near future-await us in the coming days." It's really quite a comical effect, and is typical of the artificial language that many politicians use in public-and is not the way Hugh speaks in private, either.

All in all, A Rat's Tale is a lovely book that works on several levels, from the story of an unlikely hero to commentary on class prejudice. The black-and-white illustrations are a charming complement to the text. One can't help agreeing with Newsday's comment: "A Rat's Tale may well do for rats what Charlotte's Web has done for spiders."

A Rat's Tale is about a young rat named Montague Mad-Rat, or Monty. He lives a boring, solitary existence in the sewers of New York City. His family is almost considered a bunch of criminals, as they've broken almost every major rule of society, like making things with their own paws. Rats should scavenge for things they need, not make them. But nevertheless, his mother makes hats out of feathers, and his father makes sand castles. Neither of them have much time for him. He is very lonely and bored. The only things he has to do is gather feathers and berries for his mother's hats, and paint the seashells his aunt brings him. Then, one day, he meets the girl of his dreams! Her name is Isabella. She is the daughter of the governor of the rats, and she lives in old abandoned Wharf 62, where only the rats of the highest-class live. He can't stop thinking about her! Then he realizes that a rich, sophisticated girl like her could never love a sewer rat like him.
Meanwhile, the humans want to poison the wharves. The rats had stopped them every year by finding loose change and anonomysly offering it to the owner of the wharves. Every year they had collected $10,000. And every year, it had been enough. but this year it wasn't. So their leader (Isabella's Father) decides that they need to double the Rat-Rent (as they call it). But there's no way they can gather $20,000 worth of pennies, dimes and nickels! Then, Monty figures out a way to impress Isabella. He thought the shells his aunt had brought him might be of some value. After all, everyone said they were great. So he brings the shells to Isabella's father. He says they are great, but they need money, not shells. Dismayed, Monty tells Isabella's father to keep the shells. Isabella gets a90=hold of them, and at first she just hangs the shells on her bedroom wall. But then she has a great idea. her mother told her that Montague Mad-Rat (Monty's uncle whom he was named after) was infamous for doing the unthinkable--dealing with humans (it's like making things with your own paws). He, like Monty is also an artist. He decorates rings and sells them to an art dealer. Isabella decides to team up with him to sell the shells. She knows that dealing with humans is a huge disgrace, but she'll do anything to save her beloved wharves. Together, they are able to get $20,000!
Monty is hailed a hero! His little shells saved the wharves! Monty finally got everything he wanted. He saved the wharves, he's a hero, and Isabella finally likes him. Then the worst happens. What is that? You'll just have to read the book for yourself.
Monty significantly changes. He becomes much braver and he learns to do his best and try his hardest, even when things look hopeless.
This is a great book, and I recommend it to anyone age 9 and up.

I just adore this book. I am a massive rat lover and have 8 rats...and this book is a pleasant and innocent page turner...

You will love it!

I feel a sports columnist's job is to evoke emotion in the reader. Make him/her laugh, cry, get angry, just don't bore them. Riley does that better than anyone. He's an amazingly gifted writer and I loved nearly every bit of this book. I'd already read most of these columns being a subscriber to Sports Illustrated, but they were definitely worth a re-read.

He's great at tugging the heartstrings: The story on the cross country runner with cerebral palsey, the Middlebury fan who is confined to a wheelchair because of CP, the father who nominates his son -- killed in a motorcycle accident -- for Faces in the Crowd. All tear jerkers.

He makes me laugh throughout the book, and get angry with all those arrogant/self-entitled athletes such as the steroid users.

He's not just a sportswriter, he's a great writer. I can't recommend this book enough.

* I wish Riley would've stayed with Sports Illustrated. I've heard he's dabbling in TV or ESPN, somewhere. Bad move. I've seen his TV commercials, he's not good on TV. He's a superstar in print, he should stay there. Nevertheless, this is one heckuva book.

As a recent Journalism grad this book was amazing. I would love to get into the sports writing field (although I have a feeling I'll never reach Reilly status). This was a great set of stories and life experiences. Very humorous and very touching.

I read a few chapters each night.

One night I had tears on my pillow from laughter.

The next night I had tears on my pillow from the inspirational story.

It's likely that many of my friends will get this book for Christmas or their birthday. Just a great book!

I have read Rick Reilly on and off in SI for years. I am not a regular subscriber, so my readings of his work have not been consistent. I was getting ready to take a trip and wanted something that would be fun to read. I saw the 5 star reviews (on Amazon) of Rick's book but I was somewhat skeptical about getting it. As a University of Tennessee alumni and fan I had been upset when he had written an article slamming Pat Summit (legendary UT women's basketball coach) about "running up the score" on one of the Lady Vols opponents. Despite all this I decided to take a chance. I needed a good read on my vacation, and I knew he was a good writer, and I needed have a laugh or two while flying, or more often than not,sitting in the airport during another delay.
This book is far more than I expected. This book is very funny, but many of his articles are very touching, and he exposes the best and the worst in the people involved in sports. Sports are the venue, but it is his insight into the people that make the stories so compelling.
As a big fan of the late Jim Murray's writing, I never believed there would ever be another sports writer that good, but I think Rick is getting to that level. A great read, a must read, for any sports fan, period! Every bit a 5 star rating and more.

When my husband's Sports Illustrated comes, I open it up to the last page and read what Rick Reilly has to say. I really like his column and the fact that he went onto the Oprah Show to try to defend his gender...I know, I know, it is a losing battle if you saw the episode, you know what I mean. The column is usually is the only thing I read in the magazine. So when my husband mentioned Rick had this new book out I had to get it for him...if for nothing else to see him actually reading a book instead of Sporting News or Sports Illustrated.