Non-fiction Books

As a point of reference, I have read all of Richler's major works and a few of his early novellas. This was written after Richler's sexual obsession in his British phase and he tells an interesting story about a young film director from Montreal who has moved to Britain The novel follows from his wildly creative novel Cocksure which as story immersed in sexual obsession. This is a far tamer novel and it is longer and more substantial but less creative. Overall, it is among his best efforts.

Following on from the very liberated Cocksure, we see a much more conventional and down to earth Richler who has attempted to integrate British making with biographical elements from his own youth.

Modecai Richler (1931 to 2001) grew up in Montreal and that city is the setting for many of his stories - but not all. Many of his novels are about Jews living in Canada and Britain post WWII.

He is best known for his tales of life in and around St. Urbain Street. That is an area of three story buildings or walk up row houses located just east of the mountain in Montreal, and north of the commercial center of the city. At one time this was the center of Jewish immigrant life. Many Jews coming to Montreal started there but then moved on to Outrement, Hamstead, and other districts. His father was a scrap dealer and he graduated from a heavily Jewish high school, Baron Byng High School, which has other famous alumni including William Shatner of Star Trek fame. Some of the local establishments such as Schwartz's Deli on St. Laurent are still in business. He uses much of those biographical experiences in the book.

His break out novel is the present novel Duddy Kravitz which is still a great read whether you have seen the movie or not. Also, I like his last book, Barney's Vision, which is probably his most balanced and best written piece of work. That novel lacks the edge and drama of Duddy Kravitz. Along the way, he experimented with different themes and the use of sex in the plots, and usually he did that with a lot of humor as in Cocksure.

This book is among his best works and there must be a few parallels with Richter's own life. It is about a young and poorly educated Jewish boy (Richler never finished university himself and moved to Britain) who struggles in the Canadian TV business starting off as a stage hand and then eventually becoming a London based movie director. The protagonist, Jacob Hersh, is from the St. Urbain area of Montreal, and he has an unusual relation with his cousin Joey - who is the "horseman." Joey appears only once in the book when he visits Montreal, and spends most of his time traveling the world doing all sort of glamorous things from being a soldier, to actor, to baseball player. In reality, Joey is a bit of a con man but he is held in awe by Jacob.

This is an interesting story that gets better as we reach the end of the book.

Many of his critics claim that he re-cycles his characters and deals only with one topic, but in general his books are far from the predictable and this book is another example. That being said, Duddy Kravitz and even his father max appear in the novel, and Duddy more than once.

This is a good read which leaves the reader satisfied.

Mordecai Richler's novels are always a wild ride. In St. Urbain's Horseman we have the usual Richler pastiche of paranoid Jewish Montrealers struggling in a gentile world. As with his other novels, I sense that '..Horseman' has many biographical elements to it. Although teetering on being pretentious, '..Horseman' is easily salvaged by its fine characterizations and often hilarious prose.

'..Horseman' is a very rich, complex novel. It chronicles a young man who escapes squalor of Montreal and finds himself as a successful family man in swinging London, circa 1965. Unfortunately he finds himself tormented by the legend of his mysterious cousin (the "horseman") who seems to be larger than life (..a Nazi hunter in Paraguay?), and those with whom the cousin comes in contact with. It's all rather chaotic and often unbelievable. But thankfully the likes of Mordecai Richler pulls it all together somehow.


Bottom line: suspend your disbelief and enjoy this book.

A remarkable book, clever, interesting, and so well written that I often stopped just to marvel at how entertained I was. You'll be glad you got it.

The underappreciated novelist Modicai Richler was every bit the master of Jewish comedic fiction as Phillip Roth. When it came to describing the emerging Canadian middle class in the 1950 and 60s Richler got it just right and left one roaring with laughter to boot.

People of my parent's generation will always remember where they were when JFK was assasinated. Likewise, I'll always remember the day when I learned that Mordecai Richler had died. I was standing in the kitchen, making dinner, when it was announced on the CBC. I fell apart, and it's the only time I have ever cried over someone I didn't even know.
When people tell me that they've never heard of, or read, Mordecai Richler, I want to rail at the universe. He's simply the best there is - a novelist who was intelligent, comical, introspective, cynical, perceptive, heartfelt, brutally honest, and ultimately, unforgettable. Reading St.Urbain's Horseman saved me from a dismal semester in university. I was taking existentialist philosophy and sinking into gloom when I escaped into a story that was impossible to put down. I laughed out loud - so hard that I couldn't read. I could go on all day. Just read this book - I guarantee that you'll read it again. And then you'll have to read everything else Mordecai Richler wrote.
I wish there were more stories to look forward to.

It's been a few years since we last bought one of the Star Trek wall calendars. It's good to have one again. We prefer the original series calendars to the more recent sequels and to the "Ships of the Line." Overall size of the calendar is more than adequate and color photos are great. This year's (2008) version has shots from the original TV series, starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and the late DeForest Kelley. We believe each of the first three years of the series are represented. The calendar also has two months with photos from the Star Trek movies, "Wrath of Khan" and "Search for Spock." Key dates related to the series, stars, and international holidays are included. Finally, there's a centerfold of the original starship Enterprise, with a space station floating in the distance. Quite well done.

Calendar was in stellar condition, exactly as described. I highly recommend it to any fan of the oridional series.

This calendar is really fantastic. The pictures are great! Also, it features important dates/birthdays pertaining to the Original Series cast! The font of the calendar is in line with the Star Trek font. This is a great gift for that serious Star Trek Fan! Highly recommend it!

I look forward to the annual classic Star Trek wall calendar. This year was no exception. The pictures are full of color with clean, crisp images. The vibrant colors that classic Trek was famous for come shining through. Nice to liven up any room or to keep as a collectible.

it was a bit banged up when it arrived, but I feel it was no fault of the company that sent it, just the post office which mangles everything. So, over all, the company was prompt in shipping, and made every effort to send it so it wouldn't get bent.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a must read for the ones interested in his life as well as in his writings.

This book of letters tells the story of Steinbeck's life. As his third- wife the book's co- editor Elaine Steinbeck makes clear in her introduction Steinbeck was a life- long letter-writer. Steinbeck usually started his day writing letters to his friends, and business- associates. They were the warm-up for his real writing.
Steinbeck speaks frequently in these letters of his love of writing. He writes with a refreshing frankness and directness. The book tells in no doubt an incomplete way the story of his struggle for literary success, of his three marriages, of his relation to his parents, children and a number of friends.
Steinbeck seems in these letters a fundamentally decent, loyal , hardworking person. However one of the interesting elements in the letters is seeing how his relation to certain people, most notably his wives, changes in time. His first wife Carole in the early years is described and written about almost exclusively in superlatives. After his divorce from her he speaks about those years as ones in which each was angry at the other much of the time. His second wife, the mother of his children left him after five years, and his initial enthusiasm for her naturally cooled. Though he vowed not to marry again when he met Elaine SCott, who was then the wife of the actor Zachary Scott he found apparently the great love of his life. In one especially moving letter he will thank her for their life together and for her especially good relation to his two sons. Another exceptionally good letter is written to Elaine's daughter who is about to marry. His advice to her again shows him to be caring and non- conventionally wise.
One especially notable set of letters are those he wrote to his lifelong friend Carlton A. Sheffeld( Duke). Another are those to his publisher Pascal (Pat)Covici.
I have never been a special fan of Steinbeck, but reading these letters I have a sense I somehow did not fully appreciate his work. So these letters will probably move me to reading more of his work.

If you appreciate the art of letter writing, you'll be delighted with this collection of letters from John Steinbeck.

Wow! can this man, write. But perhaps "write" is the wrong term - "think" is better. Wow! can this man think. And then he is able to express those thoughts in a clear, eloquent and, most of all, honest way that is a treat to read.

The book begins with a letter from the young, penniless author to a friend. At the time, Steinbeck was in isolation when he took a job as the winter caretaker of a lodge in Lake Tahoe. From there, he takes us along on a life journey through three marriages, financial success that always made him uncomfortable, fame that he often detested, Pulitzer and Nobel prizes, adventure in settings from the Sea of Cortez to Saigon.

The insights are astounding. His lack of pretension in the midst of his success amazes.

Here was a sensitive, often gruff but completely honest man who was not afraid to reveal himself in total to the friends he cherished.

Can't put it down in any sense. This collection goes right through Steinbeck's life, from his twenties into old age, and contains many letters to key people in his life interspersed with helpful commentaries by his wife to give the reader a sense of what Steinbeck was facing when he wrote. Highly recommended, and very moving in many places, whether humorous, joyful, or passionately angry.

"I learn that all of my manuscripts have been rejected three or four times since I last heard. It is a nice thing to know that so many people are reading my books. That is one way of getting an audience." -- JS

"One very funny thing. Hotel clerks here [Monterey] are being instructed to tell guests that there is no Tortilla Flat. The Chamber of Commerce does not like my poor efforts, I guess. But there is one all right, and they know it." -- JS in the years before the Chamber of Commerce boosted Cannery Row as a tourist shrine

"I'm trying to write history while it is happening and I don't want to be wrong." -- JS before penning the Grapes of Wrath

Steinbeck left an autobiography of sorts when he died, a collection of personal letters to his friends. His widow and his friend worked together to gather the letters from everyone they could. They edited them for clarity and published them in chronological order.

The result is the personal story of a very creative, complex writer who worked every day with his hands. When he wasn't writing novels using pencils and a legal pad, he was mending the fence or fixing the roof. He loved people as much as he loved solitude, so he began each day by reaching out with these letters to his friends around the world. He talked about his surroundings and his thoughts and his ongoing projects.

All of this would be enough to make a wonderful book, but there's the added benefit of Steinbeck's writing style. Steinbeck used as few words as possible, always trying for a poetic effect without pretension. He wanted to be honest and accurate, but he knew the value of capturing an image or feeling with a colorful use of words. As a result, this massive book is a pleasure to read, from start to finish. Steinbeck's writing style keeps you interested but never overwhelmed.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed a few Steinbeck novels. Aspiring writers should read it, as well. When you're done, read the Steinbeck chapter in 'Alcohol and the Writer' and Jackson Benson's books on Steinbeck. You'll be glad you did.

I'm so surprised this is out of print - it's a great book for rhyming and reading ! Bookstores say the get many requests for it - wonder how we can get another edition run.
It's delightful.

This book is the one I remember most from childhood -- the images,the fun! You're child will love this book for YEARS. Am ordering two - for my 25 month old niece, and for my baby-to-be.

Every year my first grade students tell me this is a great story. The book rhymes and the children love the rhyme. The children love the illustrations and the action that happens to the main characters ball.

The problem with this book is that kids love it--but it's torture for parents. It's like the Monty python joke that never ends, or like a Kafkaesque tunnel with no apparent termination. While your child sits enthralled with the repetitive, bizarre narrative, you will be rubbing your face in misery, JUST WANTING IT TO END. Other than that, it's an OK book, I guess.

Stop that ball is an hilarious story about a boy that is playing tether ball when all of the sudden, he knocks the ball off and follows it on an adventure all over town. The red ball gets into all kinds of silly trouble with the boy always one step behind. The ending with the little neighbor girl is classic. I have read this book to kids of all ages and we always have a great time. A fantastic story start to finish!!!

WOW! And wow again. This series of books about Joe Wilder, his brothers and friends, focuses on Marines, on guys who are heroes by choice and by accident. What a terrific group of guys Cathie Linz has written--and the heroines match up, each and every one. This Marine series of hers, while it contains her usual lovely humor and cleverness, has poignancy and a very timely appeal. We're all looking for heroes in these difficult days, and, boy, Cathie Linz's heroes measure up. This book with its wonderful heroine Prudence is a real keeper. Raise the flag and salute this one!

Plenty of plot summaries have already been posted so I'll just add a little . . . The humor was great, and I loved how the kids were depicted, but I really didn't appreciate the whole "Let's see just how far they can go without actually (technically) having sex" routine. Plus, I was left a little uneasy with how Joe handled his guilt feelings. Did he actually resolve anything? I didn't actually LIKE either Joe or Prudence that much, for some reason. His consuming guilt made him come off as somewhat self-absorbed.

A much better alternative? Cara Colter's Major Daddy, one of my absolute all-time favorites.

Joe Wilder is very sexy, a strong, silent kind of guy (like Gary Cooper in those old movies on AMC). Prudence Martin is his commanding officer's daughter, and Joe is surprised that his CO is trying to match him up with her. Very intimidating situation, and at first he resists. But Prudence is such a kind, generous person, and very attractive, Joe can't resist her.

The sparks really fly between these two, and they are wonderful people. I really enjoyed being with them and didn't want the book to end.

Sergeant Joe Wilder is a wonderful hero. He is strong, but very sensitive. The heroine, Prudence Martin, is a good match for him. I like military stories, the heroes are such strong men, and Joe is certainly that. Even though Prudence started out not wanting to marry a Marine, being a "military brat," she knows how to appreciate the worth of a good man like Joe. And in the end they make a wonderful match. I really believe in their happy ending.

I love this author and am going to look for more of her books.

I've read all Cathie Linz's book--in fact, I collect her! I think this is one of her better books. The hero, Sergeant Joe Wilder, is very sexy, and I like the heroine Prudence very much. I love stories with military heroes, especially when they are well written like this book. Lots of funny moments, and the love scenes are great!

This book was purchased as part of a study prior to a production of 'A Fiddler on the Roof'. It proved invaluable by providing background to the way of life and conditions during the period of the musical play. Since it is the 'base work' for the musical there can be no better reference for director, actor and all the cast.

A set of short stories - some lifeless, some fairly amusing. Much to my surprise, I found Aleichem's other stories to be livelier than the Tevye stories. I especially liked some of the stories with surprise twists, such as "It Doesn't Pay To Be Good." (If I told you the twist, it would of course spoil the surprise!)

I really enjoyed the entire book! The ones associated with Fiddler on the Roof as well as all the others. These stories gave a more in depth perspective of the Russian Jews and the pogroms that they as well as other targeted Russians had to endure. It showed their incredible strength, faith and sense of community that helped them survive. Thank you for a really good book! History at its best!!!

Hillel Halkin is a master translator. His translation of the Sholem Aleichem stories takes out what might be called a 'corny archaic ' element in some other translations.
Sholem Aleichem's humor and pathos, the non- ending dialogue of his Tevye with God, the Yiddish world of Eastern Europe now lost, the questioning ironic often tender tone, are all here.
Read and enjoy.

What struck me most about these stories, in addition to the sensitive and thoughtful translation and the wonderful Tevye character, is that they don't really depict the long-lost, static, traditional culture of the Eastern European shtetl (Jewish village). By the time Sholem Aleichem wrote these stories, the life of the shtetl was disintegrating. It was a transitional time, when emigration to America, the influence of Western culture, the pull of socialism and other radical movements, and many other forces were already acting upon traditional Judaism. Tevye, whose knowledge of Jewish sources is picturesque but not very deep, was one of the most knowledgeable people in his town. That pretty much says it all.

The Tevye stories are unforgettable, the "railroad" stories of more mixed quality. That is why I only gave the book four stars. Still, highly recommended.

What can I say about this book that the other reviewers have not already said! The plot and characters were great as always. A beautiful and touching time travel romance with Elizabeth finding a path to the 1870s while wearing her Aunts necklace. She is desparate to divert a tragic fire that claimed the life of Dr. Jonathan Fortner and his daughter.

This book is one of my favorites....I have re-read the first and second book over again. You will really enjoy!

Elizabeth and the necklace, what a story! I was mesmerized from the first couple of pages and read into the wee hours. Finishing the book this morning, I can tell you that you will travel with Lizzie into the 1800's and realize that it is not what you have materially that counts in life.
I am glad that I bought many more Miller books on sale at the bookstore.

AFTER STARTING MANY BOOKS & LEAVING THEM BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HOLD MY INTEREST, I FOUND "BEYOND THE THRESHOLD." THE BOOK IS 2 COMPLETE NOVELS IN ONE, "THERE & NOW" AND "HERE & THEN." I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO PUT THIS BOOK DOWN & CAN'T WAIT FOR MY SISTER TO READ IT. GOING BACK & FORTH FROM MODERN DAY TO THE 1800'S GIVES THE BOOK A MUCH MORE INTERESTING READ. I AM DEFINATELY RECOMMENDING THIS BOOK.

The time travel element gave an intriguing and refreshing twist to the romance. Elisabeth found herself in the same house one hundred years back when she worn the magical necklance. I was intrigued by the kind of shock and bewilderment that I imagined that I would experience, just like Elisabeth. Furthermore, she met and fell in love with Jonanthan and his daughter, Trista. Jonanthan was a loving and devoted father to Trista, despite his hectic life as the physician of the town. But we felt his loneliness and sadness. He was a man in need of a woman's love. And Trista, adorable and yet at times appeared to be too mature for her age, yielded and deserved a mother. Elisabeth just fit the role perfectly, except that she was from the time a century away. I was touched by the extent of commitment one would need to overcome to realise the dream of being with the loved ones, separated by a century. At the end, I wished there was more. It would be better if there was greater room for character development.

The story is narrated by fifteen year old Josh, son of waning film star Rita Cydney. Rita enjoys a traumatic love life, divorced from Josh's father and with a trail of failed lovers. Enter Ben, the seemingly perfect partner, and father to be for Josh, but then one day Josh discovers Ben's body at the bottom of the Garden with a bullet in his head. But is it suicide or murder, and so the nightmare begins. A fascinating tale, but the real beauty is the writing, which truly conveys the honesty, passion and innocence of the fifteen year old Josh; an absolute joy to read.

I read this book as a high school sophomore...I can honestly say that it was one of the most inspirational books I've ever had the pleasure to read. On my college applications I wrote about it as the book that most changed my life. I was fortunate enough to find a used copy at a local library sale, and will never part with it again.

I believe I have read most, if not all, of James Kirkwood's books. It would be extremely difficult to pick out a 'favorite'. They were all favorites...they still are, though my dog-eared copies have long since mysteriously vanished! But my memories of the writings of this incredible man and the way he could reach into my heart and soul and make me feel so much will never dissappear. As with all of his books, this one pulled me (more than once) through very dark periods of my life, of which there were many. Thankfully, I am more comfortable with myself now. But I will never forget how all of Kirkwood's books provided me with a respite from whatever internal or external turmoil that was going on in my life. How sad that this brilliant writer is no longer writing. Even sadder that his books are so difficult to find. I'm seaching for them all, to read again from a different perspective and to remember where I've been and what lifted my spirits when I really didn't think I had any spirit left.

This was the first of Jimmy Kirkwood's books I read, over 30 years ago, and I was as hooked as I was to Salinger -- in exactly the same way. I related, I experienced, I lived the main character. "P.S. Your Cat Is Dead", will remain my favorite, and I have read them all, but Pony establishes a reader's line of communication with the author on an almost personal level. With one exception, I've read all his work in chronological order. That line, that level, that common bonding, both between reader and author, and between author and underlying content, threads itself through all the novels and plays. In the early 70's, while spending several seasons in the Hamptons, I was fortunate enough to meet and spend some time with Jimmy. To read his work is to know the author, and he, in turn, is a master of turning the mirror toward the reader. Any of his writing is a good place to start, but, in my opinion, Pony is the best beginning. . . and a sure guarantee that you'll search out copies of all the rest. Like his personality, his writing is addictive.

I find it so sad that most of James Kirkwood's books are now out of print. I still have my copy of P.S. Your Cat is Dead. I lent out all of my others over the years and never got them back...now, I'm searching for copies. It makes me crazy to think that an entire generation and generations to come will miss out on this wonderful author. I first read him in my sophmore year of college and was immediately hooked and grabbed every book of his I could find. My college roomate and I fell in love with his writing; much the same way that we did with John Irving. I still feel the connection 25 years later. Each and every one of his books is worth a read. James Kirkwood's life was too short and his work should not be forgotten! HIT ME WITH A RAINBOW is another one not to be missed. Happy reading and good luck to all trying to locate his wonderful work...

I bought this because my son came home from Kindergarten one day having memorized the poem. We had to have the book! The poem is so sweet, and the illustrations are charming.

This book is the greatest! The fun rhyming poem keeps my 15 month-old son entertained for hours. He loves the bright pictures and helping me turn the pages. It's such a short and catchy poem that even when he turns the pages quickly I can keep up because I know it by heart. Even our family members can recite along!!! The best part is that when I ask him 'Where's the Puffin?' he can find the book no matter where he is. A fun and great choice!

The charming language and addictive rhythm captured my 3-year-old daughter's imagination. "Then along came the fishes and they said, 'If you wishes, you can have us for playmates, instead of for tea.'" Not only did she memorize it all on her own, she loves to play with the words, inserting various other food items for the pancakes which the puffin ultimately chooses instead of eating fish.

Adroitly written by Florence Page Jaques with an "easy reader" text, and enhanced with the artwork of Shari Halpern, There Once Was A Puffin is a brightly illustrated picture book about a lonely puffin. At first he ate fish, but he had no one to play with - so he befriended the fish he once ate, and learned to eat pancakes instead. An upbeat story told with energy and gusto, There Once Was A Puffin is a welcome addition to any school or community library collection.

I love this book. My children are now in college but I can still recite most of the poem. I would love to have the words to the poem if anyone is willing to e-mail them to me. If this book was in stock I would buy several to have on hand as presents and keep at least one for myself.

Having read Stewart's Arthurian saga, and thoroughly enjoyed and admired them, I was a bit disappointed in this book. It is an adventure and mystery novel, with no real magic in it (as exists with Merlin and The Crystal Cave and the rest). I found her writing amateur and struggling, not the masterful work she put forth in the Arthurian saga books.

I could picture something of Corfu, and I substituted Ian McKellen for Sir Julian Gale (this was a good character). I liked her descriptions of the old houses and the hidden cellars and passages, the rich rose garden, the dolphin element, but for the most part it felt like a setting, and the characters worked to move the plot along.

However, I was touched by some bits of the romance, the tension of the mystery, and the fear of what-if towards the end.

This Rough Magic is one of those perfect books-it draws you on with suspense, involves you deeply with jewel-cut prose, and unlike most Stewart novels, is quite funny in spots. I love this book for its lightheartedness and its tragedy and its lovely romance, if that makes any sense. This is perfect romantic suspense, great for constant rereading.

An out of work actress staying in Corfu with her rich pregnant sister becomes embroiled in a dangerous mystery after encountering a famous reclusive actor and his passionate son. Throw in a few murders and our heroine is out to determine the who and why. One of Ms Stewart's best novels, it is totally absorbing describing a country and lifestyle in such vivid detail, and impressing her characters with warmth, understanding and plenty of realism.

As in other Mary Stewart classics, the action of "This Rough Magic" takes place in a mere matter of days. Lucy Waring, a twenty-something actress steps off the London stage and onto the idyllic Ionian island of Corfu. In a the course of a morning swim, paradise transforms to a place of sinister doings: someone shoots at a tamed dolphin, a young Greek drowns off the coast of Albania, and a smuggler washes up dead in a nearby cove. Stewart uses all her formidable skill, crafting a strong story that is both literary and fast moving. Told from Lucy's point-of-view, the reader's is kept as taut as a wire as the tension mounts not only while Lucy attempts to determine the identity of the wrongdoer and the reason for his misdemeanors but as she inadvertently puts herself in harm's way.

Playfully, Stewart pulls out all the stops, introducing one of her most cleverly contrived secondary characters, Sir Julian Gale, a Lawrence Olivier facsimile whose theory that the island setting of Shakespeare's "Tempest" and Corfu are one and the same adds much charm and ambiance to an already gloriously depicted exotic locale. Cleverer still, she employs the idea of the deus ex machina in a most enjoyable sequence, where the 'god' is a young Greek male and the 'machine', his improbable motorcycle.

As always, the Stewart heroine impeccably relates each event as it occurs with an astonishing literacy--the language employed borders on poetry; the reader actually smells every flower, is blinded by the lush colors of the foilage and stung by the salt of the Ionian Sea. In kind, Stewart characterizes her Greeks with an affectionate curiosity and love of the stranger; their traditions and rituals are reported with much respect and admiration.

As noted in some of my other reviews of Stewart's work, this author's masterly use of plot, character, language and style puts her in a genre all her own. She is quite definitely incomparable. 'This Rough Magic" is one of my favorite Stewart selections: one of a trio of novels set in Greece and the Greek Isles that uses the strained politics of the late 50s and early 60s as a backdrop to catapult a rather normal UK female protagonist into an abnormal situation where the British sense of responsibility is shown to positive advantage.

Recommended with the wish that all the Stewart suspense tales are reissued in trade paperback with Reader's Questions.

I love everything Mary Stewart has written. Her books are classics. This was the first book I read of her's, and to this day I think it is still her best. This Rough Magic is a truely charming story. When I think of the story I get a smile on my face. That's how good this book is. I highley recommend this book and all her others.