G Books

I am a voracious reader and I read this about the time I entered high school. It is one of the very few books that I can remember reading several times. It did engender interest in the books of the bible that were about women, and I really think that it helped me cope in a way with being a foster child from the age of 8 to 17. I still remember it and it's been about 40 years since I read it for the first time.

If one book I have read comes close to being "perfect", it is
"Behold Your Queen"! The biblical characters come alive, as real people, the "tour" of ancient Persia is vivid, and the story -- (straight out of the Bible....yet anything but dry
and stodgy...in fact, it may send you TO the Bible to read
the original!) -- exciting, romantic, scary, and in the end,
triumphant!

Courage and moral values are at the core of this book -- but
they are not taught by rote here. REASONS for these things
are given. Also -- there's a lovely lesson in "dating" --
how to get a guy interested in you. Simply -- be interested
in him! The love story between Ahasures and Esther is that
of two young people who find each other in the midst of lone-
liness, (each is an orphan), and splendour....yet it is the
splendour of their love that shines through.

Esther's love is tested when it is revealed to her that the
Prime Minister, (Haman), plans to have all people belonging
to one race in the Persian Empire killed. These people are
the hereditary enemies of Haman's people -- the Amalakites.
Unknown to Haman, the new Queen Esther is one of those
people -- the Jews -- whom Haman would have destroyed. Haman
does not know this, (initially), because Esther was told by
her Uncle Mordechai, (who brought her up), to keep her
origins a secret. (This is another lesson of this book --
though told as children we must always tell the truth, the
maturing person realizes that some things -- things that
would hurt others, or even one's self -- need not be told
...at least at first) How Esther decides that she must
risk her life so that she -- and all other Jews in the
Persian empire -- can at least defend themselves...is a
lesson in courage for all time. She not only risks her
life...but also his love, which she has found so precious...

True, there are some non-politically correct parts of this
book. Yet they are minor....and could easily be remedied.
For instance, at the beginning of the book, Queen Vashti
is banished because she refuses to appear at a banquet
clad only in her royal crown, at the behest of drunken
guests. (This is why a beauty-contest is later held
throughout the empire to choose a new queen.) The message
here might be, "Obey your husband or else" -- and the
danger of wives, following Vashti's lead, and disobeying their
husbands, is indeed what Ahasures's counsellors warn against.
However....one of them saying, "...And even wherein a wife and
husband act as one, lovingly consulting each other, as did
your royal parents, there will be strife...for the wife will see she need not even consult her husband any longer -- and
one will again become two!" -- could now be added. Also --
(to please traditionalists, (boo!) -- who believe that Ahasures was an older man, and that Esther -- true to her faith -- did not really love him, another minor change could be made. In fact, when I told a relative of mine about this book, mentioning that in it, Ahasures and Esther fell in love in it, he said, "Oh -- that ruins the whole story!" -- oh, if only I had had the book there for him to read!) So, to please these tradtionalists, Ahasures could stay in love with her, remain
young and handsomne, (sigh!), and Esther could remain deeply
in love with him, (double sigh!!) But -- to make tradition-
alists happy, Ahasures could also be shown to take some
interest in Judaism, (which -- before Christianity -- was, (in my own estimation) the most moral, and perhaps the only moral religion in existance. (Later on, it was joined by Christianity and Islam, two other highly moral, modern religions, of course). Ahasures could even be shown to be toying with the idea of conversion,and/or gaining more and more respect for Judaism even if he doesn't convert. This would please the traditionalists no end, and so they would be, (at least a little bit!) in favour of the deep romance that is gives this wonderful book so much of its essence, charm, amd power! Ahasure's growing interest in Judaism could be added after Haman's demise, towards the end
of the story. It would fit beautifully there, as Ahasure's
coming defeat, at the hands of the Greeks, (with their new idea
of "democracy") could also account for this: the shadow of defeat often leads to intellectual curiousity and growth....
In fact, in another telling of this story, "Esther", by Nathanial Weintrab, just this coming defeat at Greek hands is touched upon, and added. These very, very slight changes changes could be added, to make the book more viable
for today's audience, and added to keep traditionalists
happy, too.

Added to what? To a NEW PRINTING OF THIS BOOK! And,
as well, perhaps a MOVIE VERSION???? This book cries out
for both....for courage, tolerance, moral values and love, have no barriers of place, or people. BEHOLD YOUR QUEEN! is a
story for all time -- and, perhaps, especially for our own time,
when courage, tolerance, moral values, and love, often seem
at various times, to be derided as old-fashioned and unnecessary.
The story of Esther is a great story in all respects, and never was it better told than here. Our post-911 world NEEDS a
movie of BEHOLD YOUR QUEEN! -- or at the very least, a reprinting of this book. Who knows -- even Osama Bin Laden could learn a thing or two from it? I hope so ...and why not?
(STEVEN SPEILBERG....PLEASE TAKE NOTE!!!!!! I know I am not
the only person who would love for these things to happen!)

Behold!

Like other reviewers, I read this as a young person at about age 8 or 9. I have re-read it many, many times since.
It was also my first exposure to the Middle East, and ancient culture.
It's the story of Esther, from her young maidenhood to her rise as Queen of Persia.
Beginning with her as an innocent girl brought up with strong morals and respect for others, we follow her as she is selected to be taken to the King of Persia as a prospective wife. Throughout her journey from naive youngster to cosmopolitan sophisticate, she never loses the values she was raised with.
The characters come alive, and the scene descriptions are vivid- you will feel like you're there!
The two best things about this book (IMO), are the enchanting descriptions of Ancient Persia, and the emphasis on being true to yourself above all else.
Esther showed us that loving yourself and being courageous enough to stick to your principles makes you more beautiful and valuable than any superficial, cosmetic facade ever could. This book makes doing the right thing seem much more attractive than having power and fortune.
I was lucky enough to find 2 hardcover copies at a library auction, and they are keepsakes I will pass on to future generations!

Yes, this once "dry" biblical tale is brought to stunning life by Malvern. It sticks closely to the biblical account (keeping the age group in mind) and even shows how hard a decision Esther faced after the saving of her people began. A book that will inspire anyone and will be picked up time and again. Please bring back into print. Many of Malvern's books were my "friends" growing up, I would desperately like to visit them again!

Behold Your Queen! is a wonderful retelling of the Book of Esther. Malvern's writing incorporates credible motivations into the story, and adds a rich wealth of detail that make the story come alive with a vivid vitality. I first read this story when I was 8, and did not stop reading it until the (misguided) library withdrew the book from its shelves. If I could find a copy it would be on my shelf today, and eagerly reread. I would love to share this book with a new generation. As a teacher, I know this book has much to offer to young women facing difficult decisions about family, loyalty, honor, faith, personal safety, and love. Hadassah faces difficult choices in dangerous times, and Malvern's tale gives the reader the opportunity to share in the anguish and fear in Hadassah's choice, as well as in her final triumph and affermation. PLEASE REPRINT THIS BOOK!!!

I was looking for a book like this, one that doesn't go by month to month of what I should expect physically, medically. It's a book that gives you some perspective from personnal short stories. I brought it to read during my "baby moon" and it just made me feel whole-especially mentally. Too bad there isn't a more recent version but, I would buy this as a gift-especially for a first time mother.

I really hate to give any "Chicken Soup" book less than a 5 star because I am a huge fan.

I was slightly disappointed in the content of this book. I really was hoping and expecting that it would have more stories about giving birth. It says on the cover that the 101 stories inspire and warm the hearts of soon-to-be-mothers but I felt like the subjects were too general.

For example, the contents are 1. We're Pregnant, 2. Nine Months and Counting, 3 Expectant Fathers, 4. Challenges along the Way, 5. Special Delivery 6. Small Miracle 7. Memorable moments, 8. On Motherhood, 9. Expectant Wisdom.

I didn't find many birth stories - in fact, I don't think there was even one.

However, in spite of my need for positive birth stories, I still love the stories that they put in the book.

Sheri Menelli, childbirth educator, doula, speaker and author of "[...]"

If you're an expectant mother you will appreciate the stories in this book. They are touching and funny and strike a universal chord that make you realize you're not alone. Five stars! Debbie Farmer, parenting author of 'Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat'

Although I read almost every single publication of Chicken Soup, I must say this is definitely my favourite, especially that we are expecting our third child.

Before reading this book, I must admit I was not sure if we did the right thing to concieve a third child but now I know more than missing to cherish every moment of our pregnancy.

This book has moved every kind of feelings in us from happiness to excitement, to sadness at some times and made me thankful for this beautiful gift from God.

This is a must for every expectant parent.

this book was exactly what i needed to help me love the feeling of being pregnate. during my second pregnancy i wasn't feeling all that hot until my hubby came home with the book. i read this book three times already, even my four year old loves the stories. i cried and laughed and cried some more...read this book if you're looking for something to cheer you up while you're feeling down! An excellent book--I promise!!!!

Adm. Stavridis takes the reader aboard the destroyer Barry with a day to day briefing.

He shares his hopes, many fears , and his personal life. He is able to convey the constant pressure from the sea, his superiors,and the members of his crew, during his command.

After reading Adm. Stavridis'diary, one has a new appreciation of the dedication of our service men and women for the defense of the United States.

Everyone needs a hero in life, Jim is one of mine. He is more than just a great writer, demonstrative leader, caring father, and compassionate husband; he is a great human being. This book brought back many wonderful memories from a special time in my life and I appreciate the author's candor. Semper Fi Jim Stavridis!
Stan Brown (former CSMM/CMC in BARRY)

Those who have served in command will find themselves saying "Exactly!" to Stavridis' views from the bridge. Admiral Stavridis embarks the reader on a voyage into the "history, challenge, hard work [and] romance" of life as captain of a warship. Engaging and inspiring, human and humorous. A must read for officers aspiring to command and for all who seek to understand the "sense of quiet accomplishment" that is successful command at sea.

Destroyer Captain breaks the mold of so-called warrior memoirs, those in which the author compares himself favorably to Nimitz and Nelson, bolder than Patton, wiser than Washington, etc. This journal tells it like it is, the ups and downs, the highs and lows. Stavridis' words brought me back to my own time as a U.S. Navy submarine captain: the game face he wears despite mid-watch fatigue, the frustration with over-scripted exercises, the conflict over whether to stay in the Navy, the pride in a successful and hard-working crew and heartache of family separation. Readers will buy Destroyer Captain to learn the essence of command and will be rewarded with the personal thoughts and motivations of one of America's most gifted leaders.

I have been privileged to sail with Admiral Stavridis--Sailors of all ranks know that to say "I sailed with him" is a high tribute--and to know firsthand the inspiring role model he cuts at sea and ashore. Readers will enjoy that same sense of inspiration as Admiral Stavridis brings them into the inner circle of command. A great read!

"Go forth and do great things" and "a leader must be a dealer of hope" are two quotes included in U.S. Navy Admiral James Stavridis' "Destroyer Captain: Lessons of a First Command." The first quote is Abraham Lincoln's and the second is Napoleon's. In both cases, a mentor and friend of Jim Stavridis, Vice Admiral John Morgan, used these words in separate visits to the Destroyer Captain's ship, USS Barry. As demonstrated in deed and word, Jim Stavridis lived these sentiments as the Destroyer Captain -- and continues to do so today as Commander, Southern Forces.

In this short (199-page), tightly written "diary" of the at-sea periods in a 27-month command tour of an Arleigh Burke-class Aegis cruiser, then-Commander Stavridis shares insights into real experiences -- including "the highs are so high and the lows are so low." This work is not a typical how-to leadership text. At the same time, it is a wonderful leadership book. Jim Stavridis names names -- people who influenced him -- such as Laura Stavridis (his wife), Mike Franken (his executive officer), John Morgan (his commodore), Stan Brown (his master chief), and this is just the beginning of a very long list. The defining point is Jim Stavridis listens to and learns from others.

He believes captains have "an obligation to create new leaders, new captains." He believes captains have a responsibility to project "cheerful confidence and good humor and professional competence." And Jim Stavridis tells how he always tried to achieve these goals -- while not always succeeding.

The result is an outstanding leadership book by a proven leader. One does not have to aspire to go to sea and someday command a warship to learn about leadership from this book. What makes "Destroyer Captain" powerful is one can trust that every word is true. Three hundred forty Sailors cruised the 130,000 miles with this Destroyer Captain.

For those who believe leadership books are not for them, "Destroyer Captain" will nevertheless appeal to them by giving an appreciation of what Sailors and Marines at sea are doing every day to protect this Nation.

A personal note about Admiral Stavridis: I have been privileged to know and work with Jim Stavridis for 33 years, meeting him when he was a midshipman and I was a junior editor of the Sea Services' professional monthly magazine, "Proceedings." In 1994, during his tour as the commanding officer of Barry, Jim Stavridis was selected as the Proceedings Author of the Year. This officer has been a dealer of hope in every assignment he has served in, and he currently is going forth and doing great things for this Nation. Jim Stavridis is one of this Nation's finest leaders.

You...will...love...this...book. But only if you want to know of honesty, humility, humor, the courage of everyday acts of service by others, and the peaks and valleys of leadership. Not to mention wonderful writing, anecdotes, and insights by a distinguished military commander writing as a young officer, a decade and a half before pinning on the four-stars of an admiral.
If you want a great book about the wanderings of a homesick warrior with duties he must discharge before being reunited with his family, Homer's "Odyssey" is pretty tough to beat. If you are looking for a primer on leadership, Stephen Covey's "7 Habits..." is the blockbuster choice of millions. For inspirational stories of ships and men and the sea, Jack London, Patrick O'Brien and a few others invented and nurtured a timeless genre. For a personal catalog of humility and insignificance against the greatness of life and a higher power, "The Confessions of St. Augustine" are available.
And then there is "Destroyer Captain," which has a tincture of these works and more, is entirely accessible, and a terrific read. Painfully well-written, poignant, and complete, this book opens a window onto a world that hums along with quiet, powerful, efficient ordinariness everyday across the globe: the U.S. Navy defending the empire of liberty.
Jim Stavridis, one of our nation's most senior military officers, has published the journals he kept while a first-time captain at sea in the mid-1990s. Stavridis is a friend of many years, and someone I know to be of great good humor and a fine leader. Even so, there is nothing like the well written word for true insight. Stavridis gives brutally raw honesty as he describes his expectations, his fears, his longing for home and hearth while thousands of miles away, and the timeless bonds that develop among the crew of a ship at sea.
Stavridis paints with equal skill in bold brush strokes and pointillist precision as he colors the everyday routine at sea, and the non-stop demands on the captain. As he puts it -- and the book is infused with the obviousness of it -- "for no one is the term service more applicable than the commanding officer who is doing his job." Stavridis describes in wonderful detail -- and with an easy but extraordinarily fine style -- the 24/7 nature of what it means to be a captain of a weapon-packed man of war, with a crew whose average age is probably about 22 years old, and the captain himself in his thirties. He describes what it is like to sit in judgment of others at "captain's mast," the navy's unique system of self-discipline that reaches back to ancient times. Forget what you may think you know of the all-powerful captain at sea; here's the real deal as Stavridis describes a mast at which he restricted to the ship a young petty officer who had been thrown in jail for a shoreside brawl: "As the captain's mast concluded, I walked out, feeling diminished myself. Judgment is the hardest of human tasks..."
But this is no "woe is me for the burdens of command" cri de coeur. The book fairly tingles with the sheer pleasure Stavridis takes in being "the captain." He knows he is a lucky man, having been entrusted with the most advanced warship ever built, a crew of 350 men he clearly loves, and ordered by his country to ply "the magic monotony of existence between sky and water," as Stavridis quotes Conrad. An avid reader, Stavridis writes of his early decision to sit in his elevated chair on the bridge of the ship while at sea, generally observing the daily routines but benignly ignoring them as he reads -- not from important dispatches or operational manuals, but "a good novel." Why? "I think it's important to show the younger folk that (a) reading matters and, more important, that (b) it is a good deal being the captain. If I can't communicate the joy of command to my wardroom, why would any of them want to stick around? It sure isn't for the pay!"
Captain Bligh, step aside. You have been relieved as proto-typical literary commander at sea. READ THIS BOOK and know about duty, honor, country...and seasickness, liberty call, carving turkeys for a Thanksgiving dinner of 350, and lots lots more.

This is an excellent study guide to help the reader understand symbols and imagery in the Bible.

This is a very good reference book. I have a couple of seminary graduates that recommended it to me.

a tremendous work of explaining the imagery found in the bible. The range of subjects are vast in scope. A must have reference resource for serious bible study. Goes a long way towards helping one to understand the various levels and ways that symbolic and picturesque meaning is used and construed in the bible. Deals with individual concepts, broad ranging themes, people, places, books of the bible, events and more. Top notch resource!!!

This book was one of the most unusual presents I have ever received. It was given to me by an individual who had enjoyed my teaching and thought I would find it helpful. It has proven to be an indispensible aid to Bible study and the understanding of deeper underlying themes of the symbolism which are so prevalent in the scriptures if you have the eyes to see them. The reader/researcher will find the material easy to use and well refrenced with historical and theological explanations. Although the Dictionary is written from a Protestant viewpoint, seekers of wisdom from a variety of different experiences will benefit from the insights and cultural revelations which can aid in unfolding deeper meaning through the symbolism, stories and pictures of the Bible.

The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery is an excellent reference for obtaining expanded meanings of the different words and images of the Bible. And even if it's a "dictionary", it is an enjoyable read straight through or even just when you want to hop from one entry to another. And for the price, it's a steal.

Highly recommended!

It was a timeless story.I was quite upset cause it wasn't all about horses.

This is a very good book. Although it features horses it is not completely about horses. It is a strange--in a good way--study into human nature, from Uncle's disturbing rage to Will's defiance.>>Summary<<Where will Christina fit in at Flambards, the once-prominent foxhunting stables? After riding a horse named Sweetbriar, she loves foxhunting, but life at Flambards isn't easy.}This book is excellent, for anyone. It is not a novel for children young than YA, for some scenes are mildly violent, and contains mature situtations. This is not to say the book is bad, it's just a warning. ;)...ps, I'm really 15, the adult form doesn't work.

I first read this trilogy 18 years ago, shortly after I had seen bits and pieces of the series of the same name on PBS, and I was unable to put it down. Although the books are geared towards young adults, do NOT let that hinder you--adults of any age will find these novels appealing because they are well-written, the characters are fully developed and engaging, and the storyline, with its triumphs and tragedies, is timeless. They are the stories of Christina, a young orphan who is sent to live with her uncle because she is an heiress and he needs her money to continue the lifestyle he is accustomed to living. The story progresses as Christina grows up, learning to both love Flambards, the ancestral home, and yet despise the backward-thinking ways of her uncle and his eldest son, Mark. It tells of the rivalry between Mark (the favorite) and William (the second son) not only for their father's love but for Christina's as well. It illustrates how life was changing in England at the time (just before WWI), and the hope that those changes brought to many who felt restricted by hide-bound Victorian (& Edwardian) rules. I think that readers will be able to relate to Christina, William, Mark, Dick, Sandy, and Dorothy regardless of their age, or where you grew up. I do suggest reading them in their proper sequence, beginning with "Flambards", continuing with "Edge of the Cloud", and finishing with "Flambards in Summer". I have read these novels again and again, and have loaned out my copy of the trilogy so many times. The author has a rare ability to truly take you back to an Edwardian county estate and to draw you into that world through Christina and her cousins. The books are very emotional, and have touched me in ways that other books depicting this era do not. I think that the best word for them is "haunting". It is too bad that they cannot be rated as 10 stars.

I'll admit it....I'm a Flambards Fanatic. I read this book in the early 80's, after seeing the series on television. I found the book at a local bookstore, loved every word, reread it immediately, ordered so many copies that the bookstore owner started calling me "The Flambards Lady". I was thrilled to be able to get another copy here at Amazon. This book is sometimes considered to be a child's book, but I think adults enjoy it very much. It's a marvelous, unforgettable story of love, loss, and picking up the pieces (or reins) and moving ahead. The series is available on VHS and DVD. I own both but prefer the DVD.

This moving story of the struggling relationships between Mark, Christiana, William and dick will touch the hearts of anyone who reads it. I finished reading the whole series a few days ago and i cannot forget the effect that these books had on me, i admit that i did cry at times. The book tells the story of christiana, an orphan, who is sent to live at the crumbling Flambards. It tells of her life and loves in the old manor. An excellently written story and a must read, especially for a country lass like myself!

Maybe it's not the first of the civ building type games, but it's the first rule set for those games. Played between H.G. Wells' kids, with him as moderator, this nation versus nation in combat and comerce game is still fun to play. It's very family oriented and a good way to bond with parents and kids. Since everything is physical there is no ambiguous rules to be misinterpreted, this helps belay blow ups between siblings. A fun fun game for all!

Loved the book and the game! Thanks Skirmisher for bringing HG Wells back to the masses!

I am long-time gamer and also a great fan of H. G. Wells. When this reprint came out, I knew I just had to have it. It is really neat. Thanks to Skirmisher Publishing for making it available again!

If you haven't read H. G. Wells's "Floor Games" (and the later but better known "Little Wars") you owe it to yourself to check them out. They're funny, creative, insightful, and elegantly written--a century-old testament to Wells's genius. Kudos to Varhola and Skirmisher Publishing for rescuing these classics from obscurity.

I must admit I had not heard of "Floor Wars" prior to reading "Little Wars". The book predates "Little Wars" but is often considered a companion to the other book. It focuses more on the collecting and building of settings than actual wargaming. The books compliment each other well. "Floor Wars" sparked my imagination even more...taking me back to the little countries and armies that I used to think up in my youth. It was amusing listening to Wells go on about how good figures for certain periods and ranges were not available. I guess nothing really changes after all!

I've tried several recipes and they are delicious. There are good tips in here to help you and the pictures are wonderful. This book is a great addition to your kitchen.

The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Book of Desserts

The book not only has great recipes for very goods desserts. As with all food in a cookbook, these of course look like they have been made by a professional. But by following the excellent explanations and pictures descibing how to make the decoration yourself, they may actually come from your own kitchen. My daughter followed the how-to-do-it when making two of the most wonderful looking cakes from the book for an auction to benefit a family who lost everything in a fire. They were auctioned and raised 500 dollars!

I was searching for a cookbook mostly focused on desserts for a family friend. She is recently learning how to cook so I wanted to get her something with lots of picture to make everything clear for her. I've found this book, I own a good housekeeping step by step cookbook. Initially I thought this book probably doesn't have enough pictures per recipes (because step by step didn't have it) but I was wrong. I saw almost all recipes came with at least one picture and often multiple pictures to show you step by step process (like a true step-by-step book). In addition, the desserts were very sophisticated and the book covered wide range of topics. Now I'm thinking about buying myself one copy.

If you are still skeptical you can take a peek on google books, it'll sure change your mind (too bad Amazon doesn't have an inside look for this book).

I bought this book beacause of the beautiful chocolate cake on the cover ( I am a card carrying chocoholic). As I flipped through the book, I realized that each recipe had at least one picture of the finished product. Several had multiple pics essentially visually walking you through the recipe prossess.
The recipes that I tried were simple; I made the Peach Custard Pie and the Bannana Souffle'. The crust for the pie was so simple to make and tasted exellent. The recipes also seem to work with improvisation; the peaches I bought for the pie were not sweet or tasty and they were hard, so I cooked them down in a sugar sauce to make them taste good, and the pie still turned out well. I also did that to the bannanas for the souffle' will wonderful results.
This book has tips on garnishing, basic dessert sauces, deorating, crusts, and different types of dough, basic frostings, basic cake recipes, the best time of year to buy fruits. I could go on, but this review would be two pages long.
There are also some semi-homeade recipes in here also.
I will take away one star because the useful hints are in a separate section in the back of the book and not with the recipe that you are using. I would reccomend that you review the section in the back before baking, and if there is anything that you need to know, you can read it at that time.

I bought this book for the extremely helpful pictures! Not only do they show the final product, but they also show many of the individual steps.

It's a great book for beginning chefs, and I think that on the whole, the recipes are OK and the presentation could use a little work, but I'm overall very pleased. The pages are thick and the paper is of high quality.

I purhcased this book for my mother and she absolutely loves it. Then one day she showned to my Aunt (a retired nurse) and she wanted to buy it too. It's a very informative medical book using terms/phrases people can easily understand. I highly recommended adding this book to your library.

I recently purchased the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide and have found it to be informative and easy to use. The book fulfills our need for a quick reference book on ailments and treatments. This book is priced less expensively than some of the other medical books available. It provides good value for the cost. I recommend it to individuals looking for a comprehensive, informative, easy to read, home health guide.

I think that everyone need to read this book to find out the best way for family healthy life.

Chock full of great information - a suggested book to keep on your bookshelf.

This is an excellent, affordable resource to have in your home. It is very easy to use and self-explanatory. We love it!!

I too grew up on the north side of Chicago in the 1950s, in a half-Irish family. I enjoyed the story, which wasn't sensational but rang true. Most though I loved the rendering of 50's Chicago. Haven't thought about Goldblatt's in a long time, I confess. I wish the book was twice as long so I could revisit that Chicago of so long ago for a little while longer. Well done.

This is one of my favorite books, and I have passed it on to many. The story is both sad and funny (but mainly funny). I hated to see it end. Often we read books that are just okay, but this book is one of those "great book finds," something we hope to find in each book we take time for.

I loved this story. Not only were the escapades fun, but it's well-written as well. I was particularly interested because I grew up in a neighborhood not far from the one in the book. Many of the places mentioned were part of my youth.

I enjoyed this book. I grew up, a Roman Catholic in Chicago, IL. I also attended Catholic schools through all my education. I feel this novel is well written and captivating. It shares the daily struggles and joys of a family with its dark side and its nurturing side. I would recommend this book. I have a concern that for someone not raised in Chicago, it may not be as enjoyable.

Look at this list and see if any items bring back memories: Wieboldt's, "suntan lotion," Shedd Aquarium, forest preserves, "da boda ya," Belmont Avenue, trolley buses, Waveland Avenue, Wrigley Field, Ernie Banks, calling your mother "Ma," calling soda "pop." Well? If those make your past come blowing into your present, then this book is for you. Anyone who grew up in an ethnic working-class family around Chicago in the 50s and 60s will recognize these and the myriad other memory sparkers that appear in this book. The story is good too.

It has been my good fortune to read this book. This could free you as you leap into the world of real estate in cyberspace. As a provider of internet related services to realtors, I found this book to be practical and well written to focus on creation of your web site, getting found - which normally means it's easier to pay per click. Get started and sending effective emails. As a self promoted internet optimization junkie, it's easy to understand and explains how things work, really there is no mystery to search engines, keywords, and meta-tags. Even the sales-focused agent who leaves the details to his marketing people and technical assistants will want this book - to give to them to read.

I have seen no other book devoted to the internet and real estate. This book is loaded with good information on setting up a web site for your real estate interests or business. The book is written that even a person unfamilar with the technical aspects of the internet can benefit from this book. This book written in 2001 is up to date in the ever changing world of the internet. There are tons of web sites listed in the book, which if that was all there was in this book would be valuable. Ideas on the content of your web site is provided, as well as a chapter on email. Conventions with email, and even email etiquette. Anybody involved in real estate, whether an agent, broker, investor, or an individual buyer and seller of real estate will want to read this book. And don't forget about landlords and property manager, who should also have a web site. One advice given in the book is that everywhere that your phone number is printed so should your email address. I would only add to that also your web site URL.

I have seen no other book devoted to the internet and real estate. This book is loaded with good information on setting up a web site for your real estate interests or business. The book is written that even a person unfamilar with the technical aspects of the internet can benefit from this book. This book written in 2001 is up to date in the ever changing world of the internet. There are tons of web sites listed in the book, which if that was all there was in this book would be valuable. Ideas on the content of your web site is provided, as well as a chapter on email. Conventions with email, and even email etiquette. Anybody involved in real estate, whether an agent, broker, investor, or an individual buyer and seller of real estate will want to read this book. And don't forget about landlords and property manager, who should also have a web site. Personally I have 2 web sites and of course email; and there will come a time if it has not already happened where, you will not be able to operate in this business without either. One advice given in the book is that everywhere that your phone number is printed so should your email address. I would only add to that also your web site URL.

I am a Realtor in South Florida who has just taken my buisness online.I was interrested in doing some reading on the subject and read many,many book reviews.I have to tell you I ordered this book"Internet Marketing in Real Estate"this book is unbelievable not only are they insightfull but they give you the address's to the sites with the information that they are discussing.If you you are even thinking about bringing your buisness into the year 2000 this book is a must have!Laura Pearlman

Attention Realtors, Buy This Book: "Internet Marketing in Real Estate," by Barbara Cox and William Koelzer. Don't just buy it, read it. It could help your business immensely. It also could help you overcome your apprehension about all that World Wide Web mumbo-jumbo.

Finally, it could help to free you from the intimidation of all those salespersons clad in guru's clothing who conduct seminars and office meetings, touting the latest product or service that is claimed to be "essential" for your survival in the wild-and-wooly world of real estate in cyberspace.

It has been my good fortune to have an early look at this book published by Prentice-Hall. The authors, not real estate practitioners themselves, are both spouses of web-enhanced Realtors in South Orange County.

They know whereof they speak, as both are active providers of Internet related services to Realtors, and they have both had the combat photographer's up-close view of real estate in the trenches. Their target audience will find the book both practical and appropriately written.

"Internet Marketing in Real Estate" consists of five parts:

"Creating and Building Your Internet Presence: Your Web Site"

"Getting Found" (the all-important section)

"Effective E-mail"

"Time to Get Started" (developing tasks, time-lines, and a budget)

Appendices

No technical expertise is presumed on the part of the reader. Each part that deals with Internet and marketing related concepts begins with a friendly "learning the language" section. A great deal of effort is made to explain to the reader, in plain language aided with illustrations, how things work in the initially mysterious world of Web sites, search engines, keywords, and meta-tags.

Textbook-like, "Internet Marketing in Real Estate" starts its sections with "the basics" and then develops the concepts that have been introduced. Sections end with exercises that encourage the reader to put his/her new knowledge to work.

The book also integrates related topics that are not Internet specific. Chapter 1 of Part 1 could be titled "Real Estate Marketing 101." It is important toward understanding Internet marketing concepts but that is because it is basic to marketing per se. Parts of the effective e-mail" section are straight out of basic composition. They are highly relevant.

"Internet Marketing in Real Estate" doesn't deal with all the issues that bear discussing. No book does. For example, the authors do not engage the serious questions that can be asked vis-à-vis the relative effectiveness of dollars and time spent on Internet marketing as opposed to other kinds of marketing. That is not their purpose.

When confronted with a new marketing medium, a businessperson (real estate or otherwise) must always ask the question, "If I adopt this, what will I stop doing that I am doing now?" (If the task - or the dollars - represents an addition to present efforts, rather than a replacement, then presumably it replaces something we were doing or spending in our non-business lives.)

To the credit of Cox and Koelzer, they present with great clarity the tasks and range of costs associated with various levels of involvement in Internet marketing. They provide the real estate businessperson with the information that will enable him or her to make an informed decision about this medium.

For those who have already decided that they want to make an effort at Internet marketing, the Cox and Koelzer book will provide an invaluable tool. Even the sales-focused agent who leaves the details to his marketing people and technical assistants will want this book - to give to them to read.