Quotations Books

I love this book more for the beautiful photography than anything else, and I purchased it to use it to paint watercolor landscapes with. The photographs of the scenery makes me feel that it is almost too beautiful to be real. It's a beautiful book and will sweep you off to a place you've never been to , but want to return to again and again.

I have enjoyed Rosamunde Pilcher's writing for over twenty years. This book, "The World of Rosamunde Pilcher" opens a window into the land and people that inspire her. There is a brief (all too brief in my opinion), autobiographical section of her childhood, and her husband's upbringing. Her mother-in-law has a love story worthy of a Pilcher book. There are photographs of her as a child, and young married and with her family. The bulk of the book is devoted to the country in which she now lives. The story she tells of acquiring the Bank house could also be straight out of a Pilcher book. There are pages of photos of the highlands of Scotland, the coast of Cornwell and the hustle and bustle of London. It also goes into the homes she inhabits and the furnishings. We are able to see how and where she lives, get a sense of her as a person. It is easy to feel a sense of the country she loves so well, and the photos are accompanied by the author's own words. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys this prolific author, and gives an insight into what inspires and colours her wonderful tales.

Since Rosamunde Pilcher is my favorite author, I was thrilled to discover this magnificent book filled with charming stories and glorious photographs of the settings she so warmly captures in her books. From the cover photo of a country home on the south coast of Cornwall to the charming interior photos of homes reminiscent of the Balmerino and Aird homes in September, this is a delightful coffee table book that captures the essence of Pilcher country.

Rosamunde writes most lovingly of how she found her home in the Bank House in Scotland and then treats the reader to page after page of impressive photos that will make you want to pack your bags and head straightaway for either the beaches of Cornwall or on to the romantic estates of Scotland.

There are photos of an adult Rosamunde pegging her wash as Penelope might have in The Shell Seekers, as a child playing with her sister on the beach in St. Ives, on her wedding day to Graham Pilcher and many more. The cut-lines reveal the story of her mother-in-law who had a love life worthy of a Pilcher novel, her love for The Elms, the stately mansion where she grew up, and the inspiration for the settings in her novels and short stories. Quotes from The Shell Seekers, September, Coming Home, The Empty House, Another View, The Day of the Storm, Wild Mountain Thyme and other works accompany the photographs.

As well there are recipes for scones, treacle tart, creme brulee with raspberries, and more of the mouth-watering treats that have her readers yearning to sit in Penelope's kitchen or to be served tea by Violet Aird.

There is a section of the paintings that inspired her, perhaps were even the inspiration for the work of Lawrence Stern in The Shell Seekers. Most impressive to me was the painting of Laura Knight which readers of Coming Home will remember is the one Gus thought of the first time he saw Loveday.

The pictures of Scotland were equally impressive and since my favorite Pilcher novel is September, I was thrilled to see a home that might well have been Corriehill, the gala dancing which took me to Katy Steynton's birthday party, and the candle-lit table where Archie and Isobel entertained at dinner before the bash.

Truly a breathtaking book for armchair travellers in general, and readers of Rosamunde Pilcher novels in particular.

This book whispered and sang about her life. One could smell the rooms in the houses shown and touch the fine furniture, feel the wind on one's face and Rosamunds love for the world she lives in.

The stories of Rosamunde Scott Pilcher are so enjoyable that those of us who have read them, can't help but wonder about her life. This book is more of a celebration of her work rather than her personal history, although, I did learn a little of her background.

Rosamunde Scott was born in Lelant, England, a small village in Cornwall; however, she's lived in Dundee, Scotland, since 1955. The book gives a short, but interesting account from Pilcher, about looking for and eventually finding a flat for sale in a beautiful Victorian Bank Building in Dornoch, Scotland. The flat was apparently used as a vacation home. The book also contains quite a few wonderful old and new family photographs, and several of Pilcher's recipes.

I loved the photograph of "The Elms," which was the Scott home, where Rosamunde spent her childhood. Another interesting picture is the one of Talland House in St. Ives. It was the home of Florence Pilcher Dow, Rosamunde's mother-in-law. We're told that Talland House was once the home of Virginia Woolf's family.

There are many excerpts given from Pilcher's books. They are accompanied by glorious photographs and paintings that really illustrate her stories. The cover of the book shows an enchanting Tudor style cottage that's located in Cornwall. My guess was that it might be Pilcher's home, but it's actually another illustration of the type of house that often shows up in her stories. I also thought that the interiors shown were from Pilcher's own home, but they were not identified as such. I believe they were, again, used to illustrate the excerpts from her stories. I admit to being a little disappointed that they were not her rooms.

I consider this to be a "coffee table" book, easy reading accompanied by lovely pictures.

I think this book is great for several reasons: 1) The illustrations with each story are tastefully done and draw kids into the story as you read (or they read!) 2) The shorter stories and large print are perfect for bedtime or before a nap 3) the one-page proverbs and words of wisdom between stories are great previews to the stories 4) the stories themselves are well told, diverse in themes, and appropriate for kids of any religious background (themes transcend cultural/religious boundaries). Needless to say, I LOVE this book and have found nothing like it, yet!

I have been reading this book to my kids and they absolutely love it. There is a paucity of books of this type in the marketplace, and Ayat Jamilah definitely does its part to fill the gap.

In the name of God the Merciful and the Benevolent... Thus opens every story in this book, a collection of Islamic stories for families and children. Drawn from across the Muslim world, this book collects together countless folk stories, sayings and proverbs. Excerpts from the Holy Qur'an, the Hadith and the life of Muhammad appear beside traditional Arab, Persian, Turkish, Mande, Swahili, Hausa, Pakistani and Asian fairy tales and proverbs. Historic accounts of great Muslims like Ali ibn Abu Talib, Uthman ibn Affan, Rabiah of Basra and al-Hakim stand next to the wit of Mullah Nasruddin Hodja and the poems of Sufi mystics like Saadi and Idries Shah. A huge range of cultures, countries and time periods are represented, from China and Indonesia to Al-Andalus and Nigeria, from the early days of Islam in the 7th century to the Swahili city-states of the 16th century, but all are united by the common faith of Islam.

This book is an invaluable resource for Muslim families wishing to pass on their culture and heritage to their children, but the morals and lessons contained within these stories carry a timeless wisdom that all peoples can benefit from regardless of faith. Non-Muslim families who want to teach about other cultures, or who want to show that Islam is not some evil monolithic force the media tries to portray it as, will also benefit from reading this. Stories of faith, honesty, kindness, charity, mercy and love are balaneced out with humor. The beautiful artwork and Arabic calligraphy add to this books appeal. Appearently, this book is part of a series detailing folk tales and proverbs from all of the world's great religions and there is at least one other book in the series published (this time focusing on Buddhism). I have yet to read it, but considering the outstanding quality of this book, I should like to get around to it eventually.

All in all, this is a book well worth getting. Even adults will appreciate reading some of the stories in here. I certainly did, and if you approach this book with an open mind I honestly believe you and your children will appreciate this book as well regardless of your religious or cultural beliefs.

Every family will want Ayat Jamilah: Beautiful Signs on its bookshelf. Rarely does one book address the interests of so many readers, but Ayat Jamilah has something for every family member. For children, the often humorous and always delightful stories will entertain and instruct for hours. Parents will appreciate the various lengths of each story, as they can choose a short bedtime story or a long one. Even teenagers will enjoy these tales of people struggling to find their way in confusing and sometimes dangerous situations. Young adults, often frustrated by trying unsuccessfully to please peers, will find comfort and wisdom in "The Honorable Joha, Mulla Nasruddin Hodja and the Famous Donkey Story." And the lively, colorful illustrations by Valerie Wahl add a visual "reading" to the overall experience. You won't find this book at a yard sale because it's a keeper.

If the value of this book were judged only on its ability to engage, entertain, teach, and delight, Ayat Jamilah would be a winner. However, there is an entirely additional level and depth to this book. Beautiful Signs brings to our society an opportunity to learn about a religion through the eyes of one who believes in it. Freda Crane, co-author and educator, is a Muslim who has traveled/lived in many parts of the world and been collecting these stories over the years. Her unique perspective as an American Muslim allows readers - young and old - to experience both the folktales and re-tellings of stories from the Qur'an with a cozy sense of familiarity and joy. The book is a wealth of information about Islam yet never stoops to proselytizing. Sarah Conover's previous work, Kindness (2001), brought Buddhism to us in much the same manner, and both authors deliver brilliantly in Beautiful Signs.

All I can say is that "It's about time!" We have been taking a nice, slow pace with this book (my husband, me, and our 3 young sons) and I have come to look forward to bedtime in a way that I never have before. It's wonderful to finally come across a book about Islam that isn't political, isn't out to preach and convert, isn't about gender issues. All faiths have wisdom and gentleness within its teachings and it's a relief to be exposed to lessons we can all identify with in a book about Islam. A must for all children in this age of misinformation! (Side note: I've given this book as a gift to many kids and they --- and their parents --- all thank me for it...)

I'm a grandmother and I would recommend this book to anybody who loves Christmas and what it stands for. A treasured keepsake. Wonderful stories to read your children, Poems, food for thought, a few stories could be used for programs in church etc. It's an enjoyable read and I wouldn't part with it.The pictures are beautiful and I can't say enough. It was even nicer than I had expected. Love it!

This book's gilt-edged pages, charming colorful illustrations and classic Christmas treats including among many, O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi" and the nostalgic holiday song, "Over the River and Through the Woods" make for merry family holiday pleasure. Splendid! This book is called a treasury for good reason.

What a beautiful book - and a great gift idea! I saw this at the bookstore a few weeks ago and loved it. I ordered it as a gift for a friend out of state off of amazon.com and was pleasantly surprised when 2nd day air and the book came to less than the cost of the book at the bookstore. Add this book to your Christmas collection!

This is a great collection of Christmas stories, songs and other treasures. All of them are beautifully illustrated by Mary Engelbreit.

If you love Christmas and Mary Engelbreit this book must be in your collection.

You'll love it!

This is a book to be passed on from generation to generation. The illustrations are exquisite, and the poetry and stories and vignettes are extremely well chosen.

Sorry to be crude, but this book is great to read in the restroom. Makes me feel happy reading all the little sayings.

This is a beautiful and winsome "big little book" of the things that are Irish.
Physically,it is only 4 1/2" X 6" but 1 1/2 " thick.It has 366 pages and a hard cover.The hard cover is glossy and printed with the same charming color sketch of an Irish ,thatched-roof cottage as on the dust jacket. The book is printed on high quality gloss paper.The printing is high quality and there are 245 (I counted them) delightful sketches ,similar to the one on the cover,to accompany each wee bit of wit and wisdom. It is almost like 6 little books in one. Each section,Irish Blessings,Irish Toasts,Irish Proverbs,Irish Riddles Irish Laws and Irish Wisdom are illustrated by different artists.The book is very well constructed,comes with a book mark on a ribbon with a metalic Celtic charm.Hence,you get a captivating little treasure that nobody can resist picking up and thumbing through and enjoying.
The Irish are well known for their wit, expressions, and their unmatched use of language,much of it handed down for thousands of years,orally,as there was no written language left by the Celts.
You may come across things you have heard before,but most of what you find in this little tome,will be new to you,whether you have a little or a lot of knowledge of Irish culture.
It's impossible to select a couple of favorites,but here is just a sample;

"May the Lord keep you
in his hand
And never close His fist too tight
on you."


For a Happy Death

"When your eyes shall be closing
And your mouth be opening
And your senses be slipping away.
When your heart shall grow cold
And your limbs be old
God comfort your soul that day."


"In the New Year,may your right
hand always
Be stretched out in friendship
and never in want,"


St Patrick was a gentleman
Who through strategy and stealth
Drove all the snakes from Ireland,
Here's a toasting to his health;
But not too many toastings
Least you lose yourself and then
Forget the good St Patrick
And see all those snakes again."


"Drink is the curse of the land.
It makes you fight with
your neighbour. It makes
you shoot at your landlord--
and it makes you miss him."


"You never plough a field
by turning it over in
your mind."


"The Irish forgive their
great men when they are
safely buried."

And finally;


"May you live to be
a hundred years,
With one extra year to repent."

Even if you are only Irish in spirit, you will enjoy this book. It goes from the Irish proverbs to the humor of the Irish. It's a book to enjoy.

This is one of those delightful books to be browsed, treasured and shared. This book draws together Irish blessings, toasts, proverbs, riddles, laws and wisdom. Many of us who are part of a wider Irish diaspora will have heard at least some of these. They reflect a version of Irish wit and wisdom that perhaps grows stronger at each remove from its geographic centre. The book has its own delightful illustrations (which are especially important in the riddle section).

To give you a hint of the flavour, I'll share one entry from each of the six separate headings.

From Irish Blessings, here is `The Emigrants Prayer':
`Brigid that is in Faughart
Blinne that is in Killeavey,
Bronagh that is in Ballinakill
May you bring me back to Ireland'

From Irish Toasts:
`May the face of every good news
And the back of every bad news
Be towards us'

And how many of us are familiar with this proverb:
`A turkey never voted for an early Christmas'?

One of the riddles:
`It was in the river but wasn't drowned
It was in the grass but wasn't cut
It was in the shop but wasn't sold'

My personal favourite from the Irish laws would be:
`Speech is given to three:
To the historian-poet for the narration and relating of tales,
To the poet-seer for praise and satire,
And to the Brehons for giving judgement'

Finally, from the Irish Wisdom (which presents ideas in triads):

`Three things which judgement demands:
Wisdom,
Penetration,
Knowledge.'

Explore this book for yourself. In brevity there is both wit and beauty.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

This is an enchanting little book that encompasses a collection of Irish Blessings, Irish Toasts, Irish Proverbs, Irish Riddles, Irish Laws, and Irish Wisdom. They are inspiring, funny, uplifting. Each saying is accompanied by a beautiful illustration. I would recommend this book to anyone, you don't have to be Irish to enjoy it! This is a keeper on my shelf!

A below "review" on this site (if it hasn't already been removed) accuses me of "stealing" comedians' material via a "legal loophole."

Which is a not only a misreading of US Copyright Law, but misrepresents the content of my book, my methods for compiling it, and my intent.

Up to 100 comedians directly contributed jokes to me for this book; and the material gathered under the Fair Use provision of US Copyright law is not only correctly contributed to each comedian, but in addition I have, whenever possible, provided contact information for comedians, so that readers who like the glimpse of a comedian's act provided, can then contact the comedian and buy the CD, DVD of his/her act or find out where to see that comedian live or on TV.

The Fair Use provision of the US Copyright laws is no mere "legal loophole" -- it has not only provided the basis for the compiling of every other quote book in existence in the USA for at least 100 years, but is the underpinning of every news report you read (or hear), and every history book written in the United States. Fair Use has not only been upheld by the Supreme Court, it has been championed by every free speech advocate imaginable, including the ACLU.

If my intent had been to "steal" I could have printed the quotes without attribution (which happens all too often on the internet, usually by those unfamiliar with US Copyright law or fair use, in any sense.) And I certainly wouldn't have gone to the trouble to provide comedian credits, bios and contact information (including email or website addresses, whenever possible.)

But as a reporter on the comedy scene for over 20 years -- including as the comedy critic for the LA Weekly for over a dozens years, and also freelance for the Los Angeles Times, Mademoiselle magazine and other newspapers and magazines -- that would be unlikely to be my intent.

This is basically a smart-ass version of Bartlett's Quotations -- and what a terrific deal. 3000+ quotes for $16.95. And they're not the same quotes that you see in all the other quote collections -- no Mark Twain, no Oscar Wilde, no Dorothy Parker. These quotes are all refreshingly contemporary -- culled by the author from a ton of standup performances. If you're looking for funny/fresh observations to use in a speech or article, this is the perfect reference. (And kudos to the book's illustrator -- the oddball chapter openers are delightful!)

i'm usually lazy writing book reviews, but this book is quite good and i think it deserves my compliments. I bought this book b/c the it's a relatively clean joke book and seems to be better than the other books that i glanced thru when i was at the book store. When i started reading it, it was much better than i expected. not everything in this book is funny, but the majority is. it's not a dumb joke book, it's witty & clever & right into the point. it's worth my money. everyone who has a sense of humor would definitely love this book.

I'm a standup comic and I contribute jokes to Judy for her joke books. I've connected with many new fans who found me through the jokes in Judy's books. I'm glad I let Judy use my material, because despite my film and tv credits, it was Judy's use of my jokes that convinced my family that maybe this comedy thing of Basil's might pan out into something real. Thanks Judy. Her books are also great for speechwriters who need a joke about a specific topic. Her books are organized like Bartlett's Quotations, but with jokes that are actually funny.

I noticed that someone claims that Judy Brown has illegally published comedians jokes in Comedy Thesaurus. I am one of the contributors to the book and I can say that I sent Ms. Brown 15 jokes, at no charge and with my permission, to include in her book The Comedy Thesaurus. I have also contributed jokes to her book, Squeaky Clean Comedy. I must say that my dealings with Judy have been a pleasure.
All in all the Comedy Thesaurus is a great book. Buy it!

The practice of medicine is a serious affair. Dr. Bennett's new book is a lighthearted counterweight to our daily effort, allowing us to chuckle at ourselves, our colleagues, our profession and all of those who interact with it. The book is also a good source for that fitting joke or quip you might need for a lecture, a toast, or a presentation. Open up any page for a few moments of zany entertainment. It makes a perfect gift for yourself, a friend or as a "thank you" to a colleague.

There is no doubt that humans are the funniest animals on the planet, and appropos of the medical theme of this humorous book, I thought I would make one comment in that vein.

Yes, we humans are pretty funny creatures, but what would you expect of a mammal that actually has a "funny bone?" I'm referring to the upper-arm bone, which is actually named the "humerus." Well, it's actually spelled a little differently, but only by a couple of letters, and that's probably because anatomists didn't usually win first place in their spelling bees in school.

Well, I don't know if the hip bone is connected to the thigh bone myself, but I did learn how to spell way back when. Anyway, this book is sure to tickle the humerus or funny bone in all of us, and it just goes to show you that although seriousness may be only skin-deep, funny is truly to the bone.

The following reviews were sent in about my new book:

The practice of medicine is a serious affair. Dr. Bennett's new book is a lighthearted counterweight to our daily effort, allowing us to chuckle at ourselves, our colleagues, our profession and all of those who interact with it. The book is also a good source for that fitting joke or quip you might need for a lecture, a toast or a presentation. Open to any page for a few moments of zany entertainment. It makes a perfect gift for yourself, a friend or as a "thank you" to a colleague. Alan Stone, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center.

This is the funniest book I've read in a long time. It's loaded with anecdotes, definitions, jokes and quotations about doctors and medicine. Almost no medically related subject is left out. Even in you think you don't have time to read (who does?) find some time for this relaxing and enjoyable book. Howard Fischer, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Humor and laughter in medicine are needed now more than ever before because of the increasing stresses of modern medical practice. This gem of a book compiled by Dr. Bennett, himself a noted humorist, includes a great variety of quips, quotes, and jokes that can serve as a lifeline to sanity for stressed-out physicians whether in practice or still in their training years. Much of the material in this book is both funny and original and can be used to liven up ward rounds, medical lectures, and yes, even the sacred physician-patient relationship. It should be relished but should also be shared. Lugwig A. Lettau, Charleston, SC.

As a medical student I really enjoyed reading this book. I've read other books and articles of Bennet, and enjoy his humorous way of putting things. Asa foreigner I had a few difficulties enjoying all of the jokes related to US health services. However, all in all I found the book worthwhile reading, and I had some really big laughs that cramped my stomach. I am sure I am going to read and reread this book in the future.....after all, good humour and hilarious jokes are the best medicine ever invented, and there are no sideeffects!!!

This is one of the funniest books I've ever read. Dr. Bennett did a terrific job pulling together both classic and original quotes about doctors and medicine. Enjoy the material when you have some free time during the day or comb through the collection looking for amusing lines to use on rounds, lectures, or other medical situations. Best of all, buy the book for your medical friends or anyone who enjoys funny and insightful lines about doctors, medicine, and health.

In this world filled with so much negativity, it's nice to read a book all about postive thinking. Louise L. Hay is the queen of postive thinking and we need more people like her in this world. This little book has quotes from many other various people (such as Deepak Chopra, Suze Orman, Stephen Covey, Wayne Dyer, etc...) as well as Louise Hay. More than 400 pages, you can read a quote a day as inspiration.

Everyday Positive Thinking may look small but inside of it are extremely profound ideas and concepts, all geared to helping you make your life more fruitful and satisfying. As a positive psychologist, I am all for that. I love so many of Louise Hay's choices of quotes and comments. For example, "Celebrate every relationship you've ever had. For better or worse, your relationsips are your best teachers." Christiane Northrup, M.D. How well do I know that, as a psychologist. As my clients explore their relationships they get in better tune with themselves and the outside world! This is a little book that everyone should have on her desk.Enchanted Self: A Positive Therapy (New Directions in Therapeutic Intervention , Vol 1)

This is a chunky little book of positive sayings. Each page has a flower or leaf background (all done in purple shades)and a short paragraph that contains a saying, quote or other inspirational advice from various sources.

The idea is to randomly open the book and read a couple of positive thoughts and it will help to improve your outlook for the day, or maybe the situation your dealing with.

The small size would make this a great little gift book.

Regardless of where you are in your life, you can take away something of real value from this little book. It's uplifting, reassuring, empowering, challenging, and grounding. The affirmations and insights provide a great start for everyday.

This book is filled with quotes and sayings, all inspirational, all meaningful.
This morning I felt angry at myself for not doing something as well as I'd expected. I opened the book and one of the first quotes I saw was, "Release the need to blame anyone, including yourself. We're all doing our best with the understanding, knowledge, and awareness we have." -Louise L. Hay
This moved me, how well it fit me at that moment. I took to the quote and forgave myself, realizing that it is useless to try to be perfect.

I recommend this book to anyone who gets inspired by quotes. If you are one of those people that needs to read a story to be inspired, this is not a book for you. But if you like to open a book anywhere and read a quote and be inspired, buy this book right now.

I loved the Thomas Flanagan trilogy.
By chance, I believe I came across the primary source books for each of the three.
The Year of the French seems quite obviously informed and inspired by Thomas Pakenham's Year of Liberty, a novelistic but dense nonfiction recounting of the western uprising in 1798.
The End of the Hunt takes much of its feel from "The Big Fellow", Frank O'Connor's beautiful account of Michael Collins' revolutionary career.
If these two are obvious the third is less so:
The Tenants of Time builds very effectively upon the foundations of Micheal Davitt's book, "The Fall of Feudalism in Ireland." This book, by an 1867 Fenian who became a leader of the Land League movement and an obstructionist member of the British parliament, is rich in detail about the Land League and the parliamentary struggle of the late 1800's that shows up in the Flanagan book.
I recommend these books to readers who have finished the trilogy, just as I would recommend the trilogy to all.

"Tenants" begins on the eve of the Fenian uprising of 1867. We meet four young men and their compatriots as they train to confront the British and the Irish Constabulary and free Ireland -- or so they hope. There is Robert Delaney, shopkeeper and politician to be, Ned Nolan, a returning Irish-American whose hardline sympathies presage the IRS, Vincent Tully, squireen and future brother-in-law of Delaney, and Hugh McMahon, schoolteacher of Kilpeder.

But the uprising is only the beginning of their travels. After serving their time after the failed rebellion, we follow Hugh, Robert, Ned and Vincent through their lives and the history of Ireland in the late 1800s; Parnell and the Land League and the boycotts which nearly succeeded in driving the British out altogether and succeeded in breaking the backs, largely, of the Ascendency. It ends with Parnell's disgrace and downfall, and the deaths of two old friends.

Flanagan's writing has a lovely Irish flavor; it may be this, as much as the story itself, which holds so much pleasure for me.

An earlier reviewer complained that the path of one character's life too closely paralleled the more famous events which occurred in history. But rather than a flaw, I see that as the author's intent, bringing the historical events close and helping you see them from the inside through smaller characters rather than trying to put words in the mouths (not that he didn't do that anyway, to some extent) of the historical characters they represented.

Bob paralleled Parnell, rise, disgrace and fall; Vincent, the Anglo-Irish landowners whose life was disrupted for all time by Parnell's boycotts; Ned, those who found Parnell and his non-violent approach at best wrongheaded and at worst traitorous to Ireland; and Hugh stood outside it all as everyone else did, having some of the picture but not all, seeing it for us.

I bought this in an airport because I wanted something to read. It has become one of my favorite books ever.

Though I have not a drop of Irish ancestry I have long been fascinated by nineteenth century Irish history. The Green Flag: The Turbulent History of the Irish National Movement, by Robert Kee, was the best book I read in 1972, and The Parnell Tragedy, by Jules Abels, was the best book I read in 1974 (even tho it is not the best book on Parnell--F.S.L. Lyons' book, Charles Stewart Parnell, which I read 20 May 1979, is equally good and Robert Kee's The Laurel and the Ivy: The Story of Charles SAtewart Parnell and Irish Nationalism [which I read May 1, 1996] is better). This novel by Thomas Flanagan is written with a most authentic-seeming Irish touch, and the story takes us through the Fenian and Parnell years with a better story line than The Year of the French, the first volume in the trilogy, had for its period, the rising of 1798. Anyone who likes to absorb history by reading fiction could scarcely do better than read this book as to late nineteenth century Irish history.

"Tenants of Time", Flanagan's book between "Year of the French" and "End of the Hunt", deals with the Parnell era in Irish politics. But it is much more than that. Three men bound together by an act of failed rebellion in their early years, remain tied to one another and their actions on that day while a young historian tries to understand "a single moment in history" represented by that doomed rebellion.

The characters are large and complex, the ideas even bigger and the setting so evocative that you won't want the book to end.

Great literature that is also a great read. I really can't do the book justice. Read the first fifty pages and I bet you can't stop.

One minor complaint: Delaney's circumstances too closely mirrored Parnell's in the O'Shea debacle.

Spanning four decades of tense Irish history after the Famine years, Flanagan's tour de force masterfully weaves the life stories of four boyhood friends from County Cork whose adult lives result in different and conflicting choices regarding their roles in Irish society and politics. Together, they join the Fenian brotherhood in 1865, but the revolution's failure pushes them on divergent paths for fuller meaning in their lives. In exploring these developments, Flanagan expertly combines the characters' life challenges with the dramatice course of Irish history in the late Victorian era, presenting vivid depiction of the Fenian assassins, the agrarian struggles of the Land League, the rise and fall of Parnell, and the inevitable growth of Ireland into the modern era. Yet this striking panorama of Irish history never overshadows the rich and complex dynamic of the relationship between Hugh, Robert, Ned and Edward, whose struggles to find fortune and meaning in their world thrusts them into tragic internecine conflict. This is a novel you will never forget, and I would rank it among the best historical novels ever written.

I picked up this book to browse, not really knowing what to expect. The title seemed like one of those "secrets-of-writing"-type books that offer nothing new.

In reality, I had just inadvertently picked up the most influential book of my writing career.

This isn't a book about HOW to write, such as character development, writing technique or grammar usage, marketing, etc. This book is about the EMOTIONS that writers must deal with, and ways to cope successfully.

For instance, "Virginia Woolf suffered 'acute nervous tension' whenever she neared the end of a novel."

And...

"One friend of mine has been working on her book for nearly fifteen years. She even went to a therapist to learn why finishing it felt like death."

Still yet...

"Many writers, I suppose, are not 'born writers.' They work. On the other hand, what my sister did not understand is the obsession to create. Writers need to write. That's why you panic at the completion of a play or novel. When you aren't writing you aren't certain you exist."

The text is packed with information about famous writers, their habits, their emotions, how they lived--or sometimes died because of NOT coping successfully with the emotional roller-coaster that is a writer's life.

If all my books were lost in a natural disaster, this is the FIRST one I would replace--because it's the only book that truly discusses what living a "writer's life" REALLY means--'the ecstacy and the agony'.

However, unlike the title suggests, "For Writers Only", this book is essential reading for anyone who LOVES a writer, as it explains what the writer is going through emotionally during the various stages of writing.

Not all writers feel these emotions. As Ms. Burhham notes above, some writers just work. But, for those of us who equate writing with breathing, read this book!

This book is an outstanding source of inspiration and encouragement to writers of any age or at any stage of their writing career. Unlike many 'how to' books I've read, this one does not tell give tips on style, grammar or content. It does provide the reader with the incentive to continue writing and never give up. It makes one realize that we are not alone. Even the greatest of authors has suffered from Writers Block, despair and discouragement. At the age of five I said, "When I grow up, I'm going to be a writer." Well into my teens, I was an avid reader and dabbled in writing every spare moment I had. When it was time for college, I majored in Journalism and was active in writing for the school newspaper. However, as a young adult, I got caught up with 'the real world' and due to lack of inspiration, time constraints, and countless other excuses, I never realized my dream. Finally, in the Autumn of my years my first novel is well underway and I anticipate a completion date by the summer of 2000. Sophy Burnham's book has given me the inspiration to pursue my dream. My highest recommendation to ALL writers regardless of whether they are just beginning their endeavor or are already successful authors.

If you could only read one book on writing, this would be the one. A friend gave this book to me several years ago, and I've used it for inspiration more than any other book on writing that I own... and I own a lot of books on writing.

I'm using it in a workshop this weekend and I'll recommend it to the people there, as I recommend it to every person who thinks they want to write.

I have read others books by the author and throughly enjoyed them. However, when it came to this book I was doubtful. I have read so many books about how to write or about writing; they were either boring, dry, or not helpful. This book was not boring or dry and it was extremely helpful. I could not put this book down; I highly recommend this book to any one who is interested in writing.

Not a how-to book but infinitely satisfying, Ms. Burnham deals with the emotional phases that writers share. She punctuates her experiences (written in brief stand-alone paragraphs, suitable to dipping into on any page) with quotes by other writers and artists. Uplifting, encouraging, helpful, I would recommend this book for every writer at any stage in his/her career.

The Parents' Choice Foundation, the only nonprofit consumer guide of its kind, has selected "The Funny Things Kids Say, Vol. 3" for honors as an approved book for parents and children. The Foundation said the book is "an amazing accomplishment."

This book is a family-friendly, inspirational book, making it ideal for your personal, school or church library. Grace Housholder's collection of "one-liners" by kids will keep you laughing for many years.

The afternoon I placed Housholder's books on my coffeetable in my living room was the last I saw of them for weeks. They turned up on my nine year old daughter's nightstand -- where they've been cherished ever since! With three younger brothers, my daughter gets a kick out of being "in the know" -- I recommend this book not only for parents, grandparents and anyone else who LOVES children, but for children themselves! It's fun, "family-friendly" reading for all

As a bonified rat in the rat race of the current modern day world - my breaks - like millions of others - are often over looked. But when I get really bogged down - The Funny Things Kids Say Vol. 3 comes off of the book shelf. Hi, my name is Jodie Lynn and I am a parenting columnist. I don't profess to be an expert - but kids are one thing I know - as does my good friend - Grace Housholder - the author of this book. Any time of any day when you feel like you are going to explode from "overscheduling," go for the gusto and open up this delightful and wonderful book. Kids really do say the funniest things and it is captured uniquely on every page. Just remember these words - TAKE A BREAK AND GET READY TO GIGGLE! :)

"Funny Things Kids Say" is a wonderful reminder of real life with children. It is humorous yet so true. Children will interpret words and situations in the most ridiculous ways. And "Funny Things Kids Say" is an excellent look at the brighter side of childhood. Once you start it, you won't put it down! Highly recommended for parents, teachers and others who deal daily with our fascinating children.