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News Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

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Summon the Shadows (Shadow of Dreams Series #2)
Published in Paperback by Barbour Publishing, Incorporated (2002-05-01)
Authors: Eva Marie Everson and G. W. Francis Chadwick
List price: $10.99
New price: $3.80
Used price: $2.02

Average review score:

A Page-Turning Southern Novel
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-23
The novel is full of realistic Southern charm and characters. If you love Southern novels, don't miss out on this one! Shadow of Dreams by Eva Marie Everson and G. W. Francis Chadwick is a well-written, well-developed novel full of foreshadowing. The main character serves as an excellent example of what happens to many young teens glamorized by the big city and running from problems at home. Instead of the prodigal son, the main character, Katie, is the prodigal daughter. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen to Katie and her husband, and the bad guys. I loved the way the authors used literature for clues. I also loved the way the small-town Georgia guys protected their own and took care of the big-city guys. These authors do not preach, but they certainly know how to spin a tale that could serve to help others. These authors offer much insight, and a reflective reader will benefit from the experience of having read this novel. I have ordered all three Shadows books from Amazon, and I can't wait to read the other two. A good, reflective reader will find that this book is about many things that connect to life in such a way, it can't help but be realistic. The characters are realistic, not mere shells of characters. The way they talk and the things they say provide that realistic touch to make them come to life. I think this book would make a good movie; in fact, a three-part series.

delightful!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-10-31
Eva Marie's series is fabulous. I couldn't wait to find the time to read the next page. I fell in love with Katie and hope there are plans to read more of her. Eva Marie's 3 books in this series is filled with exciting plot twists, suspense, and drew me closer to the Lord, plus making me even more appreciative of my wonderful husband. These books are delightful!

Yet another page-turner
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-02
Once more Eva Marie Everson and G.W. Francis Chadwick put together a best seller in this story of Katie and her struggle to keep her faith and continue living life even while not knowing if her husband is dead or alive. In the end, it leaves you waiting anxiously for the next book in the series.
I have actually been given the privilege of reading the first three chapters of Shadows of Light, book 3, and I can honestly say it promises not to disappoint!! You won't want to miss this one!

Suspense-filled drama
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-01
Everson and Chadwick have once again written a suspense-filled drama in their sequel, Summon the Shadows. Their behind the scenes look at a world unknown to most Christians evoke a predictable variety of emotions: anger, disgust, pity, compassion, hopefulness-while they weave yet another unpredictable fiction plot. The haunting question throughout the book keeps the reader hoping for an answer at the end: "What REALLY happened to Ben, Katie's beloved husband? Is he really dead? Clues say "maybe not," but reality says, "probably so." Will the three call girls ever make it in the "real" world? Can Katie hold out and hold on to the inner strength and faith she has found? You may have to wait until the very end to get any glimmer of an answer to those questions. Which opens the door to yet another sequel......

Had to pass it on to a friend
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-21
Couldn't keep this one to myself. I read it and immediately passed it on to a friend. : ) She also loved it. Gritty, real, and powerful.

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Take Me To Truth: Undoing the Ego
Published in Paperback by O Books (2007-09-25)
Authors: Nouk Sanchez and Tomas Vieira
List price: $19.95
New price: $11.61
Used price: $11.56
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Average review score:

Awesome Book!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-05
This is an awesome book that will take you into the journey of self-actualization and live a life that is fulfilling without the need to be fulfilled externally. Open your heart and mind and be honest with yourself and you will discover things unimaginable about love, friendships and everything that is reality! This is a journey you'll not want to miss!!

take Me to truth
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-04
If you want help undoing your ego this is your book..I read a course in miracles, then disappearance of the universe ,and finally this book and i get it . this book answers all your questions in an easy to understand written format...I will read again and again..also if you have read a new earth this is an excellent follow up to that book!

Take me to trust
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-02
Take me to truth is one of the few A Course In Miracle related books that teaches the essential practice of trust. Within its stories, sharings and gentle wise guidance, we come to see ourselves beyond our shadows and learn to accept Holy Spirit's guidance as always leading us to the light within. Trust indeed is the essential component for every Teacher of God, yet it also is the most essential component for inner peace beyond any spiritual path. Here we come to learn, not just through Nouk and Tomas' own journey, how trust is the key, but how each of us can choose to step beyond our own challenges and desire to know the light within ourselves as real and life affirming. The lessons and sharings within Take Me To Truth are practical, real and ego-destructive! So warn your ego before you choose to delve within its pages... it just may not survive. I am proud to own this book and highly recommend it to all not only on the path of ACIM, but to all who genuinely seek to awaken.Simply Being: One Year with Spirit

Quite amazing!!!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-17
This book was wonderful. It explained the process of letting go of ego nonsense with enormous clarity. After reading it I finally understood that my ego is not me.

The Real Deal!
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-12
Rings of Truth all the way through.

The description of the (negative) ego logic system -- and the inevitable existential consequences -- is right on the button. Once described, it is much easier to see it for what it is, let it be, and move on.

I found myself wondering what our world might be like if we were exposed to such powerful Teachings at about age 10.

I felt grateful to have the opportunity to read such a clear, profound, yet practical Spiritual Transmission -- so obviously written by two people that are walking their talk.

I HIGHLY recommend this book.

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Tarmac
Published in Paperback by Onyx (2002-02-01)
Author: Lynne Heitman
List price: $6.99
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Collectible price: $10.00

Average review score:

hackneyed plot
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-17
Although well-written, I thought the plotting too contrived and the characters not altogether credible - too monochromatic. The style and setting throughout are determinedly realistic, but, like the plot, the protagonists seem manipulated into doing what the author decides is best for them. Unfortunately, much in the story came over as padding. For instance, why the constant allusion to the fires, why the rain which in any event did not douse them? Neither served any purpose. In fact, I found little of real substance in this novel. And in the end, OK, fine, but what happened to Bull?

A Good Read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-29
I enjoyed this book; in fact am purchasing her first one "Hard Landing". This is a good thriller, but don't read it while you are flying!!

Stunning suspense. A great, page-turning read.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-06-06
So often, a second book from a new author is a let down. TARMAC, if possible, is even better than Heitman's first. Alex Shanahan is a fascinating character and the more Heitman reveals the layers of her heroine's personality, the more compelling she becomes. The story is completely satisfying and I love Alex's dry wit and self-deprecating humor. Heitman is an author to enjoy for the long term and I hope she writes many more novels.

Go, Lynne Heitman!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-15
Love her quick-paced, sharply drawn suspense novels. They really just draw you in!

Tarmac
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-08-30
If you have read Lynne Heitman's Hard Landing, you'll love Tarmac! If you haven't read it, I recommend it -- it forms a great backdrop for Tarmac, though Tarmac stands nicely on its own as a thriller from cover to cover. I am already standing in line for Lynne's next book.

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Through My Eyes
Published in Hardcover by Scholastic Press (1999-09-01)
Author: Ruby Bridges
List price: $16.95
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Collectible price: $16.95

Average review score:

Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-08
Through My Eyes is one of the best books I have ever read to my children. As an African American, it is extremely important to me that my children know their history. The story about Ruby Bridges helps children (and adults) to understand that no matter what obstacles are placed before them in life, failure only happens when you give up and accept defeat. In other words, what someone else thinks of you is not necessarily how you should define yourself! I encourage everyone to read this book to their children.

Remember the Children
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-31
This book is fantastic and I bought it for my students. The problem is she uses the N word so much. I had to comb through the book and ink out the word. I do not want children using that word to each other, and yes my students ARE BLACK, and especially don't want my white student learning he can say the word too. Then again it seems very immature that 1 can use the N word and the other cannot. It's a word that nobody should be using. Bridges could've just said "the whites shouted angry slurs" kids, of all colors, will pick up on what those words are through inappropriate means. Otherwise, I would still recommend to buy this book at is a wonderful book and has plenty of history and information.

Moving and full of information
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-24
I really loved this book, it has a lot of pics and information about the time everything happened. This girl is such an example for everyone...

Ruby Bridges review by Sophie K.
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-19
I chose this book from my summer reading list because I have a special interest in the Civil Rights Movement. I learned about Ruby Bridges during African American Month at school and got really interested in her story. I liked this book a lot because it taught me about integration and segration in a way that was easy to understand. The photographs brought the story to life, and I liked the way the story was told from Ruby's point of view. I would really recommend this book to kids my age (third grade) and older who are interested in this kind of book. My parents really liked the book too!

Sophie K.

A Historical Must Read
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-04
This inspirational story, told by Ruby Bridges herself, can help children understand some of the struggles of African-Americans during the 1960's. Ruby's courageousness and determination is the message young readers are presented with. The real-life photos give readers a visual account of the hard times that Ruby and other African-Americans endured. Also included in this autobiography are quotes from many of the people that Ruby encountered in her life including her mother, her first grade teacher, Barbara Henry, and her childhood psychologist, Robert Cole. A quote from a 1963 speech by Martin Luther King is included which further supports the civil rights theme in this book. Excerpts from text such as The New York Times and Good Housekeeping gives readers even more factual information about the time period. The book includes photo credits as well as text credits with copyrights to ensure the reliability. This text can be used with children in grades five through eight studying the civil rights movement or school integration in the 1960's.

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TO SIR, WITH LOVE
Published in Paperback by NEW ENGLISH LIBRARY (1982)
Author: E.R. BRAITHWAITE
List price:
Used price: $2.97

Average review score:

A Sentimental Book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-31
I just saw "Amazing Grace" about William Wilberforce
and the ending of the British slave trade. There is little doubt that the Ricky Braithwaite who is a relatively young black teacher in England
is the breeding product of such slaves used by sugar planters
in British colonies. In arriving at their destination a large percentage died in the crossing. An even larger number usually died each year as
a result of over work and underfeeding. Genetically this actually tended to make the black slaves superior to their white masters in many ways.
Survival makes very good people.
But the question is not if Braitwaite was as good teacher a teacher as
he is a writer, but have conditions improved since 1959 when he first published this. From hearing about the life of Amy Winehouse who is a very popular British singer, one tends to think they may have actually gotten worse in London's East End, not better?
So for all the popularity of the book and movie of this book,
not a lot of attention was really paid to his lessons in understanding
and care for the poor and hard pressed of all races.
Amy Winehouse was expelled by a Weston type for being independent and different. Progressive education has been replaced with regimentation and discipline. Braitwaite made the point that music, even classical music, got through to these children, but in California we spend money on contact football instead? In California E. R. Braitwaite wouldn't be allowed to teach in an high school. He doesn't have a recognized teaching credential.

Good
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-09
During my school days, we had an extract from this book as one of the lessons in our English subject. The lesson was named "In the Grip of Prejudice". After reading the lesson, I just wanted to read the whole book. ER Braithwaite has handled a touchy subject aesthetically.

Highly recommended! :-)

A Classic About Both Education & Life
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2005-02-05
A very enjoyable book. Braithwaite tells an inspirational story about both teaching kids but also overcoming prejudice as a black man in post WWII England. I'm a new teacher and hope to develop the type of relationship he had with his students with mine some day.

A Moving Story!
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-24
When Mr. Braithwaite took the job as a teacher, he never expected his students to be barbaric savages. Though tempting, Mr. Braithwaite didn't give up, teaching the teenage rebels to call him "Sir" and treat him and others with self-respect. With hard work and dedication, he turned this class of deliquents into a class of young men and women with class.

This book is thoroughly motivating. It is a story that is unforgettable and one to look to for inspiration. This book is a definite must read!

Inspiring stuff
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-27
I remember having read an extract of "To Sir with Love" during my school days and have been wanting to read it ever since. Unfortunately I never got around to doing so for quite a while. Recently while browsing in a bookshop, my eyes fell on the book and I decided to pick it up.

The book is an extremely inspiring autobiography which chronicles the life of a 'coloured' teacher in a particularly rowdy neighbourhood of London.

Written in an extremely touching, charming (and ocassionally witty) style, the author talks about how he has to deal with racial sterotypes. It is uphill all the way for Braithwaite as he counters the cynicism of his impressionable students and, ocassionally, that of his colleagues also. Slowly, he wins over the minds (and in the case of Pamela Dare, heart) of his students as he tries to wipe clean their minds of prejudices (racial or otherwise).

The book was also filmed starring the ever-charming Sidney Poitier in the lead role. See the movie after reading the book.

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TouchPoint Bible (New Living Translation)
Published in Paperback by Tyndale House Publishers (1996-08-09)
Authors: Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers
List price: $22.99
New price: $14.31
Used price: $5.89

Average review score:

TouchPoint Bible Review
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-15
This is a good first time Bible. I like the helpfinder pages as it is easy to locate scriptures for specific topics. Yet, there are printed errors I found that apparently someone was slacking on their job of detail. It states Abraham was born in 2006. The helpfinder pages are stated on a certain page and then not listed correct, etc. So, the designer, editor or who ever has the responsibility in checking that everything is correct failed to do so and it causes some concern in what else may be a typo throughout this Bible.

Wonderful guide!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-03
I first bought this Bible at Barnes and Noble book stores. I loved it and quickly showed it to my husband. He liked it so much that he started reading the Bible again, and it's been years!! The New Living Translation is easy to read-it's in plain english so that you can understand. I can't put it down! And..I don't spend hours trying to figure out a single statement-every scripture makes sense! Plus-the front of it has the Bible books both by Old and New Testement and by Alphabetical order. There are notes within that will focus on a scripture within that page and give you more depth. There is a section of Bible promises in the back but as each promise comes up in scripture, it is also separated out and wrote verly largely and identified as God's promise! The back has a HUGE section on feelings. Just look up how you are feeling and it shows you scriptures and where to go to to know what God says about it! I also haven't read the Bible in years and as I said, I can't put it down. I love the way it reads-great for new beginners and the experienced!!

Fantastic translation
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-08
THE NLT is easily understood and clarifies passages for me from the KJV. It is a great translation.

Reads like a Novel...."A Real Page-Turner!"
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-06
Re: The Hard cover edition...
I purchased one from Guideposts and was surprised and pleased, to find it on Amazon.com! I want to give a copy, to each of my families, for Christmas. It's written in a way which is understandable for all ages and I believe it will be the version, most likely to be read on a regular basis, by all of them.
It is riveting and hard to put down!
Each of the books of this Bible, is prefaced by an interesting introduction, putting it into perspective, telling something about the author, etc.; establishing the timeline and historical backdrop, for the characters portrayed. Each book of the Bible is a little novella in itself, which can be picked up and read alone; or, as a running narrative, in context with the other books. I would recommend this Bible, to anyone. Either as a lst read, or quick reference, or a stand-alone Bible, it can fill the need for all these purposes and more.
I am just so favorably impressed, it's difficult to express. It may be one of those things, which has to be experienced, to be believed...and even better, yet, than that. If you've never, before, been able to understand the Bible; when you read this one, you will finally, definately, "Get It".
I'm getting another one for myself, as a spare...I don't ever want to be without it, again.
It's THAT Good.

Can't put it down
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-26
I have been in church all my life and have wanted to read the bible but couldn't understand a word of it. I am 21 years old and was givin this bible and for the first time in my life I am reading it. I have read the first two books of the Bible and want to read it all! I'm so scaried that I'm going to get fired from work because everytime my boss comes to my desk I'm reading the bible.

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Under the Frog: A Black Comedy
Published in Paperback by New Press (1995)
Author: Tibor Fischer
List price:
Used price: $0.36

Average review score:

can it get any better?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-15
I just picked up the book from Goodwill - just read the back cover and did not know what to expect - once I started reading the book there was no stopping - I could not stop laughing and sometimes crying at the same time. My attention was increased by the fact that I know somebody who took part in some of these events - but now he is extremely successful businessman in US and one of my good friends.

Tibor Fischer is flamboyant in describing the trying times of Hungary, just after World War II, during the Russian occupation (somewhat) - but the surprising part is the wit, satire and pan - which help us to see beyond the unimaginable tragedy of the destruction of a country and the fast death of a vibrant society under communism.

The protagonist Gyuri, a twenty something basketball player describes some of experiences in war torn Hungary in between December 1944, as the Germans are starting to retreat and the Red army is marching forward and October 1956 as the Russian tanks are again rumbling in Budapest. Hungary had turned into an orgy of atrocities - its darkness everywhere but Fischer shows the darkness in a light of wit without cynicism - the society falls apart, families perish and Gyuri loses his friends one after another. Fischer's description of the Hungarian society under siege is vivid. I promise you will love it

Powerful, humorous and brilliant
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-09
Written in a style that shares an awful lot with Joseph Heller's Catch 22, Fischer chronicles life in post (and partly mid) World War II Hungary. Since what I know about Hungary can fill a thimble, it proved to even be partly educational.

The book chronicles the story of Gyuri and Pataki, friends who wind up playing basketball together in Soviet era Hungary, but the two young men seem to spend a lot more time endeavoring to get laid (a cinch for Pataki, but a bit of challenge for Gyuri) doing their best to shirk off anything that smells like responsibility and in general keep from going mad in a world that seems to be rapidly disintegrating into insanity.

In an episodic fashion the reader is introduced to a host of brilliantly crafted and hysterical characters, each one more vivid than the next. This is a world where the fate of a village can hinge upon an eating contest.

Under the Frog would be a good book if all it was a comic adventure of two sometimes professional basketball players in post-war Hungary, but Fischer isn't content in telling a story that's all fluff. These are, after all, some very serious and scary times, and the author doesn't pull any punches in order to write a light-hearted tale. The book is as serious as it is funny, is downright heartbreaking in parts. In fact, the book is a lot like life, which it seems is never all serious, and never all laughs.

brilliant
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-02
Following footsteps of great english satirist, Fischer writes the marvelous book, that trembles with irony, that cries in agony, that shatters the reality of pink glasses and shows to all of you who still live in utopia, how life in communsim was really like. Mind you, this is not the political novel so do not be alarmed from the beggining. This is the novel of humans and peculiar way of interpreting the rules, way that people on balcan mastered in so great a scale that no one can outmatch them anymore. If you want great life, and something to think over, this is the book for you.

FIVE STARS NONETHELESS...
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-24
I have yet to read your novel sir; but since so many critics hand out negative reviews without having read the damn book, I figured it was high time someone who had not read a book gave one a glowing review.

Remember me if I am ever up for the Man Booker, and you are still a judge.

Read Under the Frog. I gave it a full five stars!

(Publishers may not know how to work the graft and corruption--but have faith Mr. Fischer--some of us still do.)

Sorry for the cliche, but you'll laugh & you'll cry...
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-10
I don't remember how I came across this book in the first place, but by the second page I was laughing out loud, read the whole thing in one sitting and immediately went back to the beginning and started reading again.

Why's it so good?

First of all, it's packed with Fischer's unique sense of humor. Read the first couple sample pages; if you're not laughing, you probably won't enjoy the rest of the book. The humor is black, definitely. But there's a good chance you'll be laughing HARD nonetheless. Pranks, absurd situations, physical comedy, and wicked wordplay rule the roost.

Second of all, it's dead serious. The book is about communism and the attempted revolution in Hungary in 1956. If you want to see the absurdity and insanity of the communist system as it looked from the inside at that time, Fischer delivers. It is fascinating, shocking, and it would be unbelievable if the author didn't make it so very believable.

I haven't seen anyone mention it, but Under the Frog reads a lot like Kurt Vonnegut's best work (Slaughterhouse V or Cat's Cradle). For me, though, Fischer's book has a lot more reread value -- neither the humor nor the horror has grown thin over the many times I've read it. Highest recommendation.

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Voices in the Park
Published in Paperback by DK CHILDREN (2001-08-01)
Authors: DK Publishing and Anthony Browne
List price: $7.99
New price: $4.20
Used price: $4.43

Average review score:

10 Stars!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-18
As many teachers and parents have outlined in their reviews of Voices in the Park, Anthony Brown has handed us a remarkable gift. A colleague and I found a single copy of Voices in the Park at a local bookstore where we literally good-naturedly bickered over who would get to buy the book and use it first in her classroom (I won!). I can think of no better book to begin to introduce the concept of voice/point of view to students. I used this book as I began a unit on point of view with my students in Reader's Workshop (3rd grade) and was amazed at the symbolism and subtle nuances they discovered as they explored Voices in the Park for weeks. Even a few weeks into our exploration, my students were still shouting with joy every time they noticed how the illustrations accompanied a shift in mood within the text. Voices in the Park deserves far more stars than are available to give it here. It is a treasured part of my classroom collection. I highly recommend it.

Another fabulous book from Anthony Browne
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-26
Anthony Browne is the author and illustrator of more than 20 children's books such as Gorilla, Willy's Pictures, Into the Forest and Silly Billy. He has won numerous awards for his work including, the highest international honor for illustration the Hans Christian Anderson Award, the Kate Greenaway Medal twice and the Kurt Maschler Award three times. Browne has once again gone above and behind with his beautiful illustration that tell a story all on their own in Voices in the Park.
Browne has written and illustrated another fabulous book involving monkeys. This intriguing story is told from the perspective of four monkey characters: a bossy woman, a sad man, a lonely boy, and a young girl. All the characters visit the same park and describe their visits completely different. Browne uses different styles of text to represent each character in the story. He also uses different color hues to help express the characters outlook on life. The illustrations have very intricate details, every time it is read a viewer notices something in the pictures that they didn't notice before.
I highly recommend this book for all parents and teachers. Every time I read this book, teachers and children alike fall in love with the very detailed illustrations and interesting story line. The children all respond by pointing out the new images they see in each picture. It is a book that never gets old and gets the children thinking about how everyone can see the same things in a different light.

Great book!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-16
This is a great book, with very clever pictures throughout. It left my 3rd grade class with much to discuss. They asked to borrow this book for quite some time. I think the only way to improve this book would have been to make the characters human instead of animals.

A must-read for children & adults
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-03
Many mention the writing convention of "point of view" as a strong point of this book,and it is, but few reviewers mention the complex themes and issues that arise from this book. The illustrations are worth more than the cost of the book, as one reviewer put it. However, I found that the subtle ways in which this book invites the reader to ponder socio-economic class, child-parent relationships, financial struggle, and the innocence of childhood to be much more thought-provoking. I appreciate how the characters are not people--they are not of any certain ethnic background. I appreciate the detail to diction. Mostly, I appreciate the simplicity of the ending and what it says about how we all might view things when all is said and done at the end of the day.

If you are a teacher, Get it!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-10
I found this book when I was getting my teaching certification, and wanted to teach a 4th grade class on "Voice" or point of view. It was the basis for a great lesson! I think this could be appropriate for students in 3rd grade up to a basic high school English class. The same event (a trip to the park) is told by 4 distinctly different characters who all encounter each other in the park. So the story is told 4 times, once by each character. Everything from the word choice, font style, and beautiful illustrations relates the "voice" or point of view of each person. It is not only highly instructuve, it is a visual treat and intriguing. I have read the story many times, and each time the students see something that I missed. I love this book and share it with all my teacher friends and librarians.

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When I Was Older
Published in Hardcover by Houghton Mifflin (2000-08-28)
Author: Garret Freymann-Weyr
List price: $15.00
New price: $5.99
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

Healing After Sibling Death
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-24
Sophie feels pretty awful about things. Actually, she's felt pretty awful for three years, ever since her younger brother Erhart died. He was seven and she was twelve. Since then, she has tried hard to keep his memory alive inside of her, specifically thinking of him a couple of times a day so he doesn't fade completely from her mind.

Making things even worse in Sophie's life is the fact that she can't seem to get along with her father, who had an affair shortly before Erhart's death and was thrown out of their house.

Then Sophie lost her best friend, Justin, who wanted to date her and stopped liking her when she refused to be his girlfriend. Now he circulates with a group Sophie refers to as the Wolf Pack, mindless guys who only care about impressing frivolous girls. Sophie feels pretty alone in the world.

The stops feeling so alone when she meets Francis, a guy whose mother died years ago. He seems to understand a little of what she feels about Erhart, and he is the first person in a long time she has enjoyed spending time with. He even respects that she isn't interested in dating anyone. But is she really not interested in dating anyone? Or would she maybe like to date Francis?

I really liked Francis' character and the way he related to and respected Sophie, although I found it a bit unrealistic that he would have stuck around so long when Sophie gave him so little encouragement. I liked that Sophie's family didn't completely break down after her brother died; she and her mother and sister were still pretty much okay. The character of Justin was lousy--it was hard to believe someone would be so insensitive to drop his friendship with a girl so easily when she refused to date him.

Sometimes a little boring
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-20
This book was interesting--at times. I found the main character quite boring, but Francis seemed complex, and I found his tear tattoo fascinating. This is a rather typical "coming-of-age" story and did not do much to capture my interest. I basically struggled through the story, but I didn't find it unbearable. It was well-written, but simply wasn't attention-grabbing for me. I gave it three stars as it just didn't have what it takes to make a wonderful novel.

One of my favorite books
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-06
This is one of my favorite books. The characters felt so real and were very memorable, especially Francis. I liked the plot and felt satisfaction when it endded. It was an easy read, but was also well written.

thought provoking
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-28
"Her brother is gone-but she is still here", says the cover. Sophie's younger brother died of leukemia when he was eight. That was two years ago. Day by day, Sophie finds herself forgetting him. She's scared of letting go of what little memories she has of him; until she meets Francis. Can she let go but still hold on of the memories she has? This was a very good book, very vivid of what Sophie goes through. She's someone that you could easily relate to if someone close to you died. At times though, she sounds very fake and un-caring. She's somewhat of a snob though that judges people by what she's heard about them. Francis teaches her that's not a wise idea and little by little, she finds herself falling in love with him. Yet part of her holds back. Plus, there's her complicated relationship with her father. Her parents are divorced and he was having an affair while her brother was dying. In a way she blames him for his death. Can Sophie give herself permission to be what she wants to be? To grow up?

a Must Read For Young Adults
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-08
When I was Older by Garret Freymann-Weyr is one of my favorite books. It is a fictional story about a Girl learning to cope her life. I loved this book, and i would recommend it to any teenage girl. It is a must read.
Sophie is a 13 year old girl growing up in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Her brother died when she was very young, and She doesnt take it well. She still can't talk about him, or bring it up in a conversation with anyone. In a way, Earheart (her brother) is keeping her from growing up. Her thoughts are still on days when she was younger when she'd play with him before he got sick. Sophie must learn that Highschool changes people, and sometimes you have to accept that change.
I liked this book alot becuase I myself, can relate to how Sophie feels. Her brother is diagnosed with Lukemia and When he dies it breaks her heart. My mother had cancer, so i know how Sophie feels through the book.
Also, Garret Freymann Weyr is an amazing author. He tells this story with the use of Strong Diction, and great dialouge. his knack for writing really shines through. I never once wanted to put this book down, and i read it in 2 days. This book Not only shows the hardships of growing up, but learning how tocope with your problems. I recomend it for everyone.

News
The Xander Years, Volume 1
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Simon Spotlight Entertainment (1999-02-01)
Author: Keith R.A. DeCandido
List price: $4.99
New price: $0.75
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $10.00

Average review score:

Money Very Well Spent!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-01-22
The book is AWESOME.It's a must have 4 all BtVS fans.It is from Xander's point of view and has his thoughts and feelings about what's going on. It's divided into chapters/sections-here is how it goes starting after the Acknowledgments: Tonight,Part1;Teacher's Pet(6 chapters); Tonight,Part2;Inca Mummy Girl(7 chapters); Tonight,Part3;Bewitched,Bothered,And Bewildered (7 chapters);Tonight,Part4.There are also great pictures in the center of the book.I hope I haved helped you out!

Xander's satire slays me!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-07-31
Just like on the TV show Xander delivers scarcasm and humor that only he can do. He tells 3 tales of his strange supernatural romance (Teachers Pet, Inca Mummy Girl, and Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered)and proves that Buffy isn't the only one with a twisted life. I liked reading about Xander becasue he's pretty much the typical male, except a whole lot wittier, and the occasional vampire slaying. I reccomend this to any Buffy the Vampire Slayer and/or Xander fan!

I laughed, I cried (well from laughing)
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-21
Only recently have I become a buffy fan (but boy, when I fall I fall hard) This was the first buffy book I read, but it was definately worth it! Especially the last story Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered made me laugh so much I have the stiches to prove it. This book made me stop thinking Xander was boring. Definately a must to read for any buffy fan!

"I LAUGH IN THE FACE OF DANGER.....then hide till it's gone"
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-12-29
In order to understand the entire buffy novels,one needs to understand Xander.This book details probably the most intimate things anyone will be able to get with the character.From his feelings for his best friend Willow to chrush unfulfilled Buffy,dating and romance in Sunnydale is truly humerous.....for Xander it's the most harzardous thing to do. Full of laughs and deep thought,to understand buffy,you need to understand why she does'nt just crumple from the pressure of slaying. Because Xander will always be there...laughing at the world.

Teenage Love in the Hellmouth Never A Dull Moment
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2000-08-28
This book is a novelization of three episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The first Teacher's Pet is a homage to the big bug movies of the late fifties. Inca Mummy Girl revives the curse of the mummy and Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered explores the magic of love. In each story Xander falls in love with dire consequences. His heart is pure and his intentions good but the results are both frightening and humorous. I recommend this to all Xander fans. It could be a dating manual for the new century.


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