Young Adult Books

Fast-paced intro to the Trojan War

Author/artist Eric Shanower will be the first to tell you (in the afterword to this marvelous "comic book") that the story of the fall of Troy has had many tellings, not all of which can be harmonized. In his sources, the age and lieage of a character can vary. And authors over the millennia have not always been careful to kep their own accounts consistent with the rest, as when 12th century minstrels created a romance between an entirely new character (Cressida) to complement a peripheral character (Troilus) known from more ancient texts. More recently, the work of archaeologists has taught us much about life in the Age of Bronze, from which can be reconstructed the preoccupations, dress and habits of people who lived thousands of years ago.

From this mélange of sources, Shanower has crafted an epic tale in graphic novel format of the leadup to the Trojan War that is endlessly fascinating and impossible to put down. His tale begins with the youthful Paris, the restless firebrand who dreams (in spite his state as a cowherd) of martial glory. Soon, we are introduced into the word of Trojan and Achaean warrior-kings, and to their world in which economic advantage, solemn oaths and ever-to-be-propitiated gods and goddesses all meet in complex and interlocking ways. As the tale ends, Agamemnon, high-king of the Achaeans, has assembled his armada of a thousand ships and is headed to Troy to avenge the breach of hospitality opened by Paris, now a Trojan prince, when he abducted the beautiful Helen, wife of Agamemnon's brother Menelaus.

Shanower gives us a plausible Bronze Age world that may well be the closest we can get to the original. The warrior "kings" are all young or youngish men -- strong, virile and hale of heart and mind. The deities they beseech are notably absent from sight -- other than in visions and dreams; their activity is assumed (and their presence feared) when events occur in concert with prayerful pleadings. But these young men have more than war on their minds, and there is plenty of sexual energy pulsing through the tale. Women play important roles as wives, mothers and seers. The erotic element is kept mostly to a PG-13 level, but there is enough kissing and fondling of the female upper anatomy to heat all but the coolest of hearts. Amusingly, Shanower keeps to the North American aversion to showing aureoles and genitalia. This aversion grows to almost ludicrous proportion as he strives manfully to hide his characters' naughty bits -- even when in full gallop -- with wisps of conveniently-draped hair.

Shanowers' black and white artwork is bold, strong and consistent. He gives his main characters identifiable features -- dark hair or light, full or balding, etc. -- that stay short of caricature. His storytelling is quickpaced and usually easy to follow. The worst I can say is that his story moves so quickly and is so engaging that the reader skips too quickly over his wonderful art.

All told, A Thousands Ships is fabulous on its own merits, and a valuable as an introduction to the Homeric masterpieces -- the Iliad and the Odyssey. Highly recommended for the age 13-and-up set.

I just ripped through A Thousand Ships and the second book in the series, Sacrifice, in two days and I'm bowled over. What a tour de force these books are. Shanower seamlessly incorporates all the myths entwined in the Trojan War. An incredible feat by itself, it's even more impressive because he achieves this without bogging down what is, after all, a ripping good story.

In the course of the book, Shanower offers some interesting insights on some of the more puzzling and disturbing events (Iphigenia's sacrifice comes to mind). I also was impressed by how he developed the characters. For instance, he convincingly portrays Odysseus changing from a clever Trojan War draft-dodger to a gung-ho warrior by the end of the second book.

I can't wait for Shanower's next book in the series. Until then, I'm pressing these books on everyone I know. They're THAT good. Bravo!

This book reprints the first nine issues of the Age of Bronze comic books. It's a beautifully drawn, well written comic book about the Trojan War. The only problem I have with the comic, and it'a a minor problem, is that there are so many characters, it's hard to keep track of who's who. Highly recommended to fans of graphic literature.

A Thousand Ships is the first in a series of comics which retell the story of the Trojan war in comic book form. It begins with Paris, the lost prince of Troy who has been raised by farmers as a farmer, making his first ever journey to the capital. He tells his girlfriend it's a short trip, but even before he leaves the oracles are speaking and don't seem to agree. Meanwhile, Achillies is just leaving boyhood and, when confronted with the choice of short life and fame in war versus a long life that won't be remembered, he is very much for the short glorious life. His mother has other plans and struggles to save him from himself.

The plot is extremely intricate. It all comes from mythology, and there's a lot there to pull from. Doing the Illiad in seven comics makes sense. One book would only have allowed for the outline of the story. By breaking it into more books, the story is more complete and here the Illiad has been adapted well to the medium.

Graphically the book is well drawn. I'm guessing that the big challenge here was to keep faces consistent so that all the characters can be told apart. There are many, many characters and they are recognizable from frame to frame, if that helps to tell you the level of detail. The storytelling and how layouts play into that is good too. Layouts help to blend in and reveal characters's backstories (and everyone has a back story in mythology) and to communicate oracles and messages from the various gods.

This is a good read as a comic book. Being a modern take on the Illiad, which concievably someone might someday make you read, is an added bonus. Libraries should definitely stock this series. For individuals and families this is a good buy for a comic book, and a pretty good read. You should already know this, but if you don't then here goes, many of the classics have a lot of sex and violence. So, don't buy this for your four year old if you don't want them to see naked people and drawings of smeared entrails.

Eric Shanower does a fabulous job of bringing the Mycenaean world and the story of the Trojan War to life. Shanower has a different perspective on many of the characters than I might choose, but still I find his protagonists credible and compelling. With a combination of strong characterization and historically accurate settings and costumes, this is simply one of the best reimaginings of the myth I've encountered.

Highly recommended for fans of graphic novels and aficionados of the ancient world alike -- as well as for those who just love a gripping story!

My daughter and I both loved this book. Traditional Greek myths are retold through the eyes of Atalanta, Andromeda, and Psyche. The tales are fairly true to the originals, with a few slight departures. The mortal characters are wonderfully human, and even the gods and goddesses are rendered as multifaceted beings. These are love stories but there isn't any overt sexuality. I enjoyed the author's notes at the end, as Ms. McLaren provides information about the myths, ancient Greek culture, and women's roles. If you are considering this book for a young reader, you may wish to know that these notes do refer to homosexual relationships, which were a well documented part of the ancient Greek culture.
I recommend this book most highly to all myth lovers at a 4th grade or higher reading level.

McLaren's other book "Inside the Walls of Troy" is better than this one, but I really enjoyed this short book.

Atalanta has been raised since birth to be her a son to her father, rather than a daughter. So when her father proposes a marriage, she is furious. She outruns all her suitors in a marriage-or-death race, but one.

Andromeda is betrothed to someone whom she wants nothing to do with. Her mother makes the mistake of proclaiming that both she and Andromeda are more beautiful than the goddesses. Andromeda is sent to death, but something happens that changes that.

Psyche is one of the most beautiful women alive. One day, a nameless immortal asks for her hand in marriage. Psyche goes to the man's home and is never happier, until she makes a horrible mistake.

I LOVED Psyche's story and I wish that McLaren had made Psyche's story a book alone. While this is not my favorite Greek myths book, it is worth reading.

~Atalanta

I loved this when i first read it back in 8th grade. Now that i bought it and re-read it again, i love it even more! I have loved greek mythology and romantic stuff for a long time and this book provides both. It first inspired me to write my own greek mythology love story back in 8th grade. But now that i have re-read it and another one of the author's books, i'm going to fix my story and make it better.

This book was pretty good. I definitely enjoyed reading it. Aphrodite's Blessing is a book about three Greek myths. In these myths, Aphrodite plays a main role in the lives of the main characters: Atalanta, Andromeda, and Psyche.

In the first myth, Atalanta is of an age to marry. But she doesn't want to be married off and to get out of it, she races against her suitors. If Atalanta wins, her suitors will be executed. If she loses, she will be married off to the winner. Atalanta ends up winning most of the races and tying only one time. She stays unmarried, until Aphrodite decides to change all that.

In the second myth, Andrommeda is going to be thrown in a loveless, arranged marriage. Until her mother brags about them being more beautiful than the water nymphs. In consequence, Andrommeda must be sacrificed to a sea monster. Until her secret hero comes and saves her.

The third myth is my favorite out of the book. It's about Psyche, who's beauty is enough to make Aphrodite herself jealous.
A prophecy has been made that Psyche is not to marry any mortal being and so she's ends up being married to an immortal. But there are sacrifices she must make. Psyche is not allowed to see the face of her husband and must trust him. But thanks to the meddling of her sisters, she breaks that trust and finds out he is Eros, a.k.a. Cupid. Now she must complete three tasks for jealous Aphrodite, Eros's mother, to ever see him again.

These are great stories and it gets more in depth than the original myths. I found out that some of the stories contradict the original myths, but i liked them anyway.

This book has got to be one of the best books I've ever read, and I liked it so much that I'm now absolutely obsessed with all Greek myths! My favourite has got to be Psyche's story, for it's the story with the most feelings. When I read retold myths, they are somehow rather vague. I recommend waiting for Oddyseus too.

Great Book. It's a wonderful comparison of the manga and the Anime as well as a great reference for how each character is developed. Also makes a great picture book for my 2 year old. She sits with daddy and looks at the picturers.

This book has lots of interesting info on all the characters and enemies throughout the first part of this great anime/manga series Inuyasha. It has many full colored pages and director, voice actor,etc, commentary. It also features sketches of important characters and enemies in the series from Kagome, Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku to Kaede, Seshomaru, Jaken, Yura, Mistress Centipede, and many others. I found the sketches useful for learning how to draw. Anyways, this is definetly a must have for all Inuyasha fans.

First of all, let me say my daughter is a complete InuYahsa addict. :) She loves the serial tale. That said, this book is marvelous! It has drawing examples, story snippets, voice character interviews.... very informative.

Beautifully colored drawings and detailed black and white work.

My only complaint refers to the hardbound version..... The spine of the book broke down the back very quickly and had to be taped. Otherwise the book is very well constructed.

Be aware the book is made to read from back to front in the typical Japanese manga manner. A little difficult for me, but my 9 year old daughter grasped the concept immediately....

Well worth the money for reference value alone.

Other reviewers have given accurate particulars about this volume, and I agree with their high ratings. This book is really a delight and a perfect way to spend a couple hours in Inuyasha bliss. I was incredibly impressed with the color panels from the manga, taken from Shonen Sunday Jump. The beautiful printing job brings out the quality of Takahashi's art, and I find myself going back and studying these pages again and again. There is also a nice section at the beginning (short but sweet) about the difference between manga and animation when it comes to storytelling techniques. As it's been said elsewhere in these reviews, if you're a fan of Inuyasha, this is a must-have. Keep in mind this isn't a voluminous book with tons of text ... you can read the whole thing in just two or three hours. But the art in it, and its A-plus presentation here, offers many more hours of enjoyment and you may, like me, find yourself returning to this book repeatedly and feeling like you've picked it up for the very first time. The art in it is that good.

I am actually over 13 years old , however I didnt want to give my email address out so I said I was younger. This is a great book. I bought it for my 16 year old son and he absolutely LOVES it. He is into drawing japanese animation and this book was a great inspiration. All of his friends who are mostly the same age want to get the book to. I did see it at Borders also , for the same price , and you dont have to pay shipping and handling charges, also you dont have to wait for it to show up. Borders also had a huge selection of other Inuyasha books and other Japanese animation characters.

First book to a spell binding series.

At first when I started the book I thought it would be all about a teenage outcast trying to fit in at a new highschool.

Soon I found that it was not the case.

I absolutely love the way she uses a totally realistic teenage life senario and adds her dose of gothic fantasy.

Obbie, the main character, is one of the Sons of Dark in a ancient legend. He is also the historically oldest of the group.

This book is all about his life.

Known throughout highschool as a 'loner' he is also apart of a band, finding that music is the only real escape from this time.

As the book progresses, we find out that he will remain the same age forever, he is eternal, moving around when he graduated from highschool and then going to another, imagine stuck in highschool forever.

As strange and mysterious events are put into place, he finds out the truth of his father murder and knows he must avenge his death...what will befall this mysterious youth and his gothic adventure...

You find out...

Book:

It starts out with your average teenage boy, or so you may think.

Obie isn't just any teenage boy, he comes from the third century of our earth and was part of a people called the Visigoths. Obie can't stand where he is and the only realease he seems to have is music. He plays in a band with guys much older than him but, he doesn't care.

He takes a specail intrest in Alison a girl that has it all, the popularity, the friends, and the star football player.

In the end Obie finds out who killed his father and he has been seeking revenge every since. He was inslaved a alternate dimentio called Nefandus and thats where he was made imortal.

Obie and his friends set off to destroy the one that murdered his father.

Read and find out...
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My opinion:

This book was easy reading and I couldn't ever put it down. The story is so unique and theres so much to it you think that you'll never get it but the infromation fits together so perfectly and it makes you root for the heros.

I really enjoyed this book and I definately recoment it thats why I give it five out of five stars.

Ok i am really behind in my reading... this book came out in '04 and I got it in '05 and didn't finish it until '06 LoL ~~ Anyway about the book: This is a great book. It really is a fun read and the situations Obie gets into are quite funny. Since he's from a different time he doesn't exactly fit in in the modern world. I enjoyed Obie's courage in the story, Berto's recklessness and Kyle's protection over them both. LoL I also liked that Catty was slightly mentioned, but it was a bit sad to know what happened between her and Kyle. Well anyway I reconmend this book to everyone guys and girls! Thanks to DOTM i met a great guy... yes he actually reads DOTM haha... This was a great book and i can't wait to get started on the others. If you wanna chat AIM: yugi naruto girl ~ Lata

I liked Barbarian and how it started a new plot and concept in the same world that Daughters of the Moon took place in. Ms. Ewing has managed to write a story from the male perspective quite well. Good book, I recommend it if you liked the Daughters of the Moon series.

A very good book. It explains a lot more about Nefundus and it's kind of cool how Lynne Ewing connected the Daughters of the Moon to The Sons of the Dark. It was a enjoyable book.

A series has to be something special for me to invest in buying the manga... particularly when, at cover price, the cost will ultimately be over $250. O_o
Basara is that special. It is an epic story with believeable characters that you really become attached to. It moves quickly, but not so fast that it sacrafices the details and moments that flesh out the feeling of a scene. With a healthy mix of action, intrigue, and romance, one is easily caught up what is an amazing and beautiful story.

Although the art isn't your typical fluffy art, it is by no means ugly or unattractive. I think the people reviewing this comic have spent too much time eating sugar-coated candy and reading over-decorated comics. Calling Tamura's art anything short of "amazing" is insulting and inaccurate.

Also keep in mind that this comic was made several years ago, meaning there's a generational gap in artistic trends. The art style is raw, skillful, and radiates the epic tone of this series. I hope to see the rest come out here in the US. The story is great and not a single volume falls flat, not even up to volume 27.

If you want a story that hits you deep in the heart, BASARA is for you. There is deep social, romantic, political, and even spiritual commentary and meaning in this comic. It is a masterpiece and truly exceeds the medium it is written in.

Basara is perhaps my absolute favorite manga. The art may not be the most stunning, but the characters and story are excellent. I had seen the anime series years ago before the manga was released here. I enjoyed the series bu forgot about it until I was watching the movie 'Whale rider', I was reminded of Basara. I immediately went out and bought the available volumes and have been addicted ever since. I will not go on to describe the series here, but I would highly recommend Basara to anyone who enjoys a good story (also a great love story). The main character is neither whiny nor weak and Yumi Tamura weaves her tale so wonderfully.

How can i convince you: the purchaser of manga, the one with a credit card to begin colleting this manga? What if i just said...OMG THIS MANGA IS FREAKIN AWESOME YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!

Maybe you need more convincing than that. i mean it is atleast 26 volumes. and there are so many options these days it's hard to know what to buy, i've made mistakes lately too based on the exuberant exclamations of reviewers on this site. but i can honestly tell you who will love this book and who wont.

If you;re an older audience you will appreciate this manga.
If you like fantasy adventure you wil like this manga.
If you like complicated romances you will like this manga.
If you like strong, intelligent female leads who fight their own battles you will like this manga.
If you don't mind older works you will certainly not mind this one.
If you like manga that pulls you in, grabs your heart and never lets go...you will like this manga.
One of the most popular manga's of 90s and for a reason.

I HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS BOOK.

Basara is not your typical shoujo manga, and Sarasa is a very atypical shoujo heroine. I was initially attracted to this series through the anime. I had read a review in which someone mentioned that it was a shame that not all of the manga volumes were animated. Having seen the anime, and now having started on the manga, I find that I am in agreement. When Sarasa and her twin brother Tatara were born in their village, the prophet Nagi declared "here is the child of destiny". Of course, everyone assumed they meant Tatara. Sarasa grew up in his shadow, with nobody expecting very much from her, and everyone expecting Tatara to lead them to salvation.

When Tatara is killed and Byakko village decimated by the forces of the Red King, Sarasa takes up Tatara's name and guise to exact revenge. This volume chronicles her attempt to reclaim the sword of Byakko, which had belonged to Tatara and which her female hand was previously never allowed to "defile", as well as a couple more attempts to strike at the Red King's forces.

The supporting cast, particularly Ageha and Shuri, is interesting, and the secrets concerning their histories are doled out very sparingly. The art is sometimes a little odd (I find the blurry eyes rather distracting), but I completely adore how Tamura-sensei draws little kids. This series (and the anime if you can find it) is highly recommended.

The quality that I got the book and the time it got to get all the way to Eygpt was... awsome.

The plot: A deranged ex-fighter Zapan from Alita's past hates Alitain a psychopathic way. When he sees Alita's picture on TV, as she competes in an athletic event, he has a fit of insane rage and accidentally kills his girlfriend. Two years later, Alita has found peace and a group of friend who she loves. She doesn't fight and works by playing music in bars which she enjoys. Zapan catches up with her and in defeated by Alita and other fighters... or so they think. A mad scientist/MD heals his brain and naturally it ends up in a powerful cyborg body. He is still out to get Alita and she fights to protect the city and people who have turned her out on account of the crazy cyborg that is out to kill anyone it meets and keeps inquiring after her.

The plot here is a strong point, particularly Alita's relationships with Ito's adopted children and with the community. Zapan's relationship with his girlfriend, told in flashbacks, also unfolds nicely. She saw good in everyone and is the only person who sees good in him. We are told that Zapan is Alita's karma and in a sense each of them takes the other's safehaven away. The ending has a message of hope despite the fact that Alita has everything (except one of her arms - she is a cyborg so loosing limbs doesn't kill her).

The art is all black and white and done in a realistic style. Layouts are well done and the story flows from frame to frame well. Lots of this book (like all books in the series) consists of fighting scenes. This would normally bother me, but in this case it didn't, mostly because there were little plot points in there revealed in visuals not dialog.

I recommend this book if it at all appeals to you. I hadn't read previous books in the series (well I had read the first book, but this is a few series later), but there was enough info for me to follow the plot. The drawback to the book is that the sequel to it is kind of blah. On the other hand most plot points are rounded up at the end of this book so it won't kill you to stop while you're ahead. This is also a good choice for public libraries because it is clean and holds together well.

With the conclusion of the battle with Jashugan two years elapse in which Alita builds a different life entirely, as a musician at the Bar New Kansas. Even though she protests to Doc Ido that music and fighting have much in common, it is obvious that this time of peace and growth has been important to Alita. She has friends, things to do, and a sense of belonging that has eluded her before. It is a precious time, but one not destined to last.

Perhaps this manga should have been titled Angel's Karma. A moment in Alita's past, her shaming of Zapan that is coming back to haunt her. The hypersensitive hunter killer is unable to move beyond his hatred of Alita, and in a fit of rage accidentally kills his girlfriend. Now insane, carrying Sara's head around in a jar, Zapan is heading for Alita. She joins forces with Sara's father, and the two confront the killer and take him out. Kind of.

Reality, even manga reality, is too harsh to allow such a simple solution. A berserker body that Doc Ido discovered at the same time he found Alita has fallen into the hands of Desty Nova, a Tipharian like Doc, but a lunatic as well. Nova has decided to restore the shredded functions of Zapan's brain hand install him in the berserker. He has equally ugly plans for Ido and Alita finds herself facing a one-cyborg apocalypse.

This story is a tragedy with a grain of hope life a mustard seed held in its core. The fate of everything Alita cares about is at risk, and the beautiful cyborg is called on repeatedly to may incredible sacrifices. Ending Zapan will be, at best, a Pyrrhic victory, and Alita will gain a flash vision of a height that she may never be able to attain. And yet, almost within reach, is a promise of things to come.

Wonderfully written, and beautiful artwork. Truly Yukito Kishiro is a master at his work. Not for the faint of heart though, for the book is gory and touches the inner reaches of the soul. As the series progesses, Alita must go through many challenges and question the human spirit. Kishiro is very intelligent and explains all the aspects of his work in scientific detail. A must-read for all anime lovers!

Of the earlier "Battle Angel Alita" series, volumes one and two were excellent in all areas, and volumes three and four were still good but a step down in the quality of story-telling. This volume, number five, "Angel of Redemption", raises the quality of the plot back to where it should be.

The story of "Angel of Redemption" takes place two years after Alita's motorball stint, when she has gotten over her loss of Hugo and has regained her life with Ido and other friends. But as we all know, Alita's past won't let her live in peace for long. With teriffic pacing and use of an exceptional story, Yukito Kishiro creates beautiful scenes where an old enemy of Alita resurfaces and where she ultimately discovers loneliness and abandonment.

Kishiro's art is still as good as ever, filled with spectacular atistry that immediately draws the reader into the story. The high violence and gore factor is also still here, so this is still a series for mature audiences. The pacing and quality of the story returns from the slight slump of volumes three and four, back to the level of volumes one and two.

There is, however, one thing that makes volume five totally unique, and in a few ways better, than volumes one and two. The first two volumes don't have very powerful cliffhangers, so while the stories in these volumes are teriffic, they don't give the reader something to look forward to in the next volume. Volume five does have a powerful cliffhanger (although it's not a major plot twist kind of cliffhanger), and the reader will desperately want to know what will happen in volume six.

If you've read the first four volumes, you won't be disappointed by volume five. If you haven't read the first four volumes but enjoy beautiful art, beautiful story-telling, and can stomach high levels of violence and gore, then "Battle Angel Alia" is for you.

hello readers! i love katherine applegate!ive been tring to find a good book series for years!i use to read baby sitters club but now im older and i need books i can relate to!i pick zoe fools around out by pure chance and i read it and now im on book 11 and i cant stop!my mom says i should go to the libary to read them but i refuse because the money you spend on these books are worth it!i cant put them down!i wish i would of found this seires a long time a go! when i get older i wanna be a writer and i wanna be just like her(apple gate)but i wish i knew who michael was that name is always in the front in the decication page but other wise i love these boooks and i will read them in till the day i die or ms.applegate stops writting them!

I would really recommend this book to anyone looking for a goodbook to read. You might have to read the books before it in the seriesto get a better feel for the characters but you do get the whole story in one book.

Aaron is quite sneaky. He wanted that confrontation between himself and Lucas to take place. Lucas is so blinded by the anger that he doesn't see it. However, I am sure that Claire knows what it really going on for she plays games more than a little bit.

I am pulling for Benjamins surgery to be a success. I do not know what to say about Jake or Lara.

And, oh yeah, please be believe Aaron wants Claire every bit as much as Claire wants him. He likes Zoey cause she is naive and untouched.

This whole series is great!I finish each book in about 2 1/2 hours.I can't put them down!And Ben is by FAR my favorite character!If you haven't,I definately suggest reading these books.

For supposedly being a book about 19-year-old Benjamin Passmore (one of my favorite characters in the Making Out series), "Ben Takes a Chance" seldom revolves around him. Instead, it follows the various love problems brewing among the other Chatham Island teens. For starters, Zoey Passmore was found making out with Aaron Mendel in "Nina Shapes Up" (#10) while she was still dating Lucas Cabral (major déjà vu here; remember her cheating on Jake McRoyan at the beginning of this series in "Zoey Fools Around"?). Next is Aisha Gray and Christopher Shupe. He's recently proposed to Aisha and has been pressuring her to give him a yes or no answer before he ships out in January. (He's in the army.) Personally, I don't think they should marry, but we'll see.

And, although Benjamin had been debating for the past couple of books whether or not to proceed with the experimental laser surgery that may or may not restore his sight, the actual operation doesn't start until the end of this book. Major disappointment! From what I assumed from the synopsis on the back of this book, it should have occurred within the first dozen or so pages. Perhaps the result of his operation will be in the succeeding book, "Claire Can't Lose" (#12). I hope. (fingers crossed)

So, overall, this was a pretty good book (thus my 5/5 rating). However, I was a little bummed Benjamin was rarely the star of this book. I would think something as important as regaining one's sight would entail a few more pages or chapters than what was allotted. Still, "Ben Takes a Chance" is worth reading if you're into the Making Out series.

This book is part of the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace, a heartwarming saga featuring Betsy Ray, a girl growing up in small town Minnesota at the turn of the twentieth century. The books follow her from kindergarten to marriage. In this particular book, Betsy is twelve and on the brink of high school, but she and her friends Tacy and Tib are still enjoying childhood and all that comes with it. Betsy's interest in writing is blossoming, and her world is expanding yet still endearingly safe, composed of seeing plays in downtown Deep Valley, seeing the town's very first automobile, meeting a long-lost uncle, befriending a lonely former actress whose daughter died, and visiting the new Carnegie library. Visit Deep Valley if you want a refreshing respite in the innocence and charm of Betsy's world.

We first meet Betsy, Tacy, and Tib's school friend Winona Root in this book, and the four of them make a wonderfully real crowd of friends. I especially enjoy Winona's addition to their group.
Where the first two BT books were almost little collections of stories, from Big Hill on, there are larger themes to them. Betsy's writing and her uncle, Keith Warrington, are tied up together along with her friendship with Mrs. Poppy in this story, giving a great purpose to the book.

These are the perfect books to read with my granddaughter. The times they lived in were much like my childhood. My granddaughter still relates to their adventures and it givbes her a glimpse of the world I grew up in.

I first read Betsy Tacy Go Downtown over 40 years ago. This book and all the Betsy/Tacy books have had a huge impact on my live. Imagine, finding out I was not the only one. Through the wonders of cyberspace I have found a whole communinty of Betsy/Tacy fans. There have been trips to "Deep Valley" and discussions of the books and characters. It is wonderful to find others who love the books as much as I do.

Betsy Tacy Go Downtown is a sweet book and colorfully paints a picture of a simpler, gentler time. These books have stood the test of time and are a wonderful read for all ages. I read them out loud to my daughter when she was 4, over 17 years ago. She enjoyed them and I am sure most people will.

I first read the "Betsy" books 4 years ago and am currently re-reading the series. Is there not a more delightful set of books for any age? 'Downtown' is my favorite of the younger Betsy books. So many plots and subplots wind their way around in this wonderful book. For those who love the theatre there several chapters on that theme. Do you enjoy Christmas traditions? A chapter on that. And how about Betsy's short story in chapter 9 "The Pink Stationery"? Hey, Robert Ludlum--move over! The relationship between Mrs. Poppy and Betsy is my favorite theme of the book. How mercy and compassion can transend the difference between age, cultural upbringing and social status. A sweet, sweet book. If you read only one Betsy book (and that will be impossible!!!!) this is the one to read.

Jonah Black's, The Black Book is a very educational, but exciting book. Everybody loves to hear about the funny teenage stories in high school, and this is just what this book is. Jonah is a junior in high school and loving it. This book goes along with the Black Book series, but it may go by itself. It is Jonah's first had experience with high school. Jonah runs into many problems and many celebrations, so be ready to ride the emotional and ego filled lifestyle of a teenage boy. I am not one to talk though, because I just explained myself.

These books were some of the best book I've ever read. They're so realistic and keep you wanting more. The fourth book pretty much ties up all the loose ends the first three books made, except for one. The author never reveals who the mysterious "Watches Boys Dive" is. This was one of the mysteries throughout the book, and we never find out? Did I miss something? Jonah found the matchbook she dropped, but it leads nowhere. Anyone have any clues as to who she is?

I thoroughly enjoyed all the books in the Jonah Black series, right up until the end of the fourth and final one. The author introduced several problems and never resolved them, and I personally don't like books like that. If you do, then this is an amusing and interesting series to read, it just doesn't end the way it could've.

Ok, so let me just say that I just finished reading Volume Four of the Black Books series and I loved it just as much as I love all the others. I received the first one as a present and had to rush and get the rest just so I could find out what happens. If you are reading this, than you are probably like me and want to know if the answers to all the questions that have been buildng up over the first three installments will ever appear and all I can say is "Yes, definitly, Yes!!!" If you have a doubt in your mind about getting this book then you should erase it immediately, because in the end you finally understand everything. I'm not saying that you won't still be wishing for a fifth volume once you are done reading, but all your big questions will be answered, and in my opinion they are answered in a good way. So in short I loved it!

For some reason, I always have a knack for buying books out of order, like I did with this one. But when I found "Faster, Faster, Faster" the other day in a used bookstore, I had to buy it, remembering it was one of the titles Amazon.com had recommended to me. (Amazon.com rarely lets me down.) Now, after just finishing this book, I'll certainly be looking for the other three.

Anyway, Volume IV takes place in Pompano Beach, Florida, where eleventh-grader Jonah Black currently lives with his sexually liberal mother and scary-but-genius sister, Honey. This book/series is set up to read like a diary with date logs instead of chapters, but, as I've mentioned in other reviews about teen diaries, it's obvious this book/series isn't a real one. For starters, it's too coherent. Conversations and details are written in-depth, which would be nearly impossible to do if you were really writing in a diary. But the first-person viewpoint does create a closeness to Jonah, and the use of AOL chats and e-mails are a nice touch, which most young computer-savvy readers will like.

About halfway into the book, Jonah and Honey make a road trip to Pennsylvania to visit their father and his new wife, plus check out dorm rooms at Harvard for Honey. Jonah uses the trip as the perfect opportunity to visit his old school and "save" Sophie O'Brien from herself, an institutionalized girl friend who has been plaguing his mind for a long time. It's no real surprise that he's attracted to her; he's a little out there himself, which is obvious right from the first chapter, where he's daydreaming about her while taking the SATs.

Jonah is just your typical spaced-out, horny teenage boy, which should probably appeal to the same crowd. I, however, didn't care much for Jonah, probably because 1) I'm not in this age or gender group, and 2) Jonah and his friends reminded me a lot of the guys I knew back in high school, as well as a few that I know now--and, no, they rarely mature past puberty (though Jonah does mature somewhat by the end of this book).

Despite these character flaws I complain about, they are what make this book/series work. It's realistic, truthful, and quite refreshing from most of the other teen books out there. The ending is fairly good as well (Jonah finally discovers who Northgirl999 is), but it does leave you hanging a bit, especially since this is the last book in the series.

Bloom is a wonderful book that grows on you. I have an ARC of Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott and I have to say, this author has the ability to write a book that you can't put down. With Bloom (and Stealing Heaven) I raced to the last page, only to find out that I didn't want to finish the book. I wanted it to last forever.

I'd suggest this book to someone who is okay with disagreeing with the MC for a portion of the book. Like another reviewer said, Lauren had some very irritating traits that I don't think were fully explained. Even though she knew that she no longer had feelings for Dave she continued to be with him. She lies to her best friend and ultimately has to be confronted by Katie in order for the truth to come out. If this were to happen in real life I'm not sure Katie would have stayed with Lauren in the end.

Bloom shows us that perfection and happiness is in the eye of the beholder.

I finished this book last weekend and still haven't been able to get it out of my mind. Bloom features realistic, empathetic characters, and the emotion resonates off every page. A simple story, but what keeps it exciting are the very real, very touching characterizations. Deeply moving story--a must-read!!

Lauren has the perfect boyfriend who thinks that she's perfect, but Lauren knows she's far from it. She just doesn't fit in and she doesn't confide in anyone. But then Evan shows up, and Lauren instantly becomes confused and scared. Lauren knows Evan from way back when their parents were living together, but this time she's feeling things that she's never felt before. And now she has the chance to become who she wants to be, but only if she's willing to give up the picture of perfection and take a chance.

Lauren's a great character. She's completely realistic, and her actions are completely understandable. The supporting characters are also believable, though honestly the character of Lauren's dad is not overly surprising. Scott's also a great writer; Lauren's voice is distinct and entertaining. Although Bloom is at its simplest a typical enough story, the main characters don't fall into stereotypes too often, which makes this one stand out. This is definitely worth reading, and I can't wait for Scott's next books to come out.

BLOOM follows the life of a seemingly average high school junior named Lauren, who seems to have stumbled upon the perfect life. The most popular boy in school is totally smitten with her, she's doing well at school, she just got her first jazz band solo, and she and her best friend Katie have finally claimed seats at the popular table at lunch. But she's distinctly unhappy, and the novel follows her journey away from perfection and toward happiness. And who can't relate to the feeling of getting everything you thought you wanted and still being completely unsatisfied with it?

Lauren's happiness comes in the form of Evan Kirkland, who happens to also be the son of her father's ex-girlfriend. And that's where things start to unravel. Lauren becomes distinctly unlikeable in her continual pursuit of this new boy while still being inexplicably unable to break up with her perfect boyfriend, even after she realizes she has no feelings for him. What made me want to strangle Lauren most, however, was how she started lying to everyone around her and being a completely terrible friend to Katie for no apparent reason. It made me want to hug Katie, or find her a new friend.

That said, despite the fact that I couldn't stand the main character, I still really enjoyed the book, which is an impressive feat for this author. In contrast to the majority of books in this genre, every character in this book felt like they could be a real person, flaws and all. The novel tells a really good story, and particularly notable are Lauren's relationship with her father and with Katie.

This is a fantastic first novel in a very original, clear voice. The heroine, Lauren, is a lot more three-dimensional and flawed than most YA main characters are allowed to be, but this ulimately makes her more sympathetic, not less. Although this focuses on Lauren's first real love, to my mind the best part of the book is her relationship with her distant, commitment-phobic dad. Neither father nor daughter is good at showing the other affection, but the love between them still ultimately manages to shine. I will be excited to check out Elizabeth Scott's next novels.