Authors Books

I have 26 more pg. to read, & I don't want this book to end. I am enjoying seeing parts of Mrs. Cleary's life in her fiction books. I now want to re-read all my Ramona books.

After devouring Beverly Cleary's first memoir "A Girl From Yamhill" I couldn't wait to read My Own Two Feet. The only thing to complain about is that there isn't a sequel to this one! Picking up where Yamhill left off, we share in Beverly Cleary's journey through college and into her adult years and the writing of her first book, Henry Huggins. Reading Cleary's Memoirs, I was taken back to my own childhood and my love for Ramona & Beezus. Cleary has a unique gift of simple writing that readers of all ages can enjoy, whether you are 8 or 80. I lover her writing as much today as I did when I was in the 3rd grade.

A must-read for all Beverly Cleary fans. Picks up the story where "A Girl from Yamhill" left off and takes us through her college years and her career as a librarian. A book that will inspire you to become a librarian or a children's book author. As well writen and accessible as all of her children's books about the gang on Klikitat Street.

I loved Beverly Cleary's fictional books when I was a boy. More recently, I enjoyed reading her first memoir "A Girl from Yamhill." Therefore, I just had to read her second memoir, "My Own Two Feet" which chronicles her life through college, her work as a librarian, her marriage, and the beginning of her life as a children's author. I loved it! It not only provides a wonderful insight into the mindset and character of its author; but also presents a vivid, sometimes very nostalgic, look at life in the 30's and 40's. It describes an America that has disappeared. A college social life that revolved around a seemingly endless number of dances and a strict code of decorum on how young women should dress and act. A small town opposed to the idea of having two married librarians since jobs were so scarce during the Depression that it was considered fair enough for just the husband to have a job. Also as a Catholic, I was amused by Beverly's parents' opposition to her marriage to Clarence Cleary simply because he was Catholic.

There's also some fun information for the fans of her fictional books. Readers will learn how Ribsy and Ramona got their names and what was Mrs. Cleary's original ending to "Henry Huggins." It's also interesting to note that the character of Ramona Quimby, which is arguably Mrs. Cleary's most beloved, was created simply as an afterthought to keep all her characters from being only children. I absolutely loved this book, and was disappointed it was so short!

This was an interesting and thoroughly enjoyable memoir about Beverly Cleary, nee Bunn, as a young woman during the Depression and World War II. The previous reviewers were on target concerning Beverly's easy writing style and vivid recollections of her family and college years: traveling alone by bus from Oregon to California to attend Chaffey Junior College for two years, matriculating to U Cal Berkeley, studying at the U of Washington after graduating from Berkeley to become a librarian, marrying Clarence Cleary (her strained relationship with her mother because of it) and working as a librarian at the US Army's Camp Knight and Oakland Regional Hospital during WWII, writing and publishing her first children's book. Many B&W photos of family and friends are included. I highly recommend MY OWN TWO FEET.

Dazzling and intense works. Good overview of his output. Although this is not the Collected Poetry of Heaney it does contain almost all his best poems up to 1996, as well as his Nobel Prize acceptance lecture (a gem) and an excerpt from his play Cure a Troy. Essential poetry volume.

I needed the book for a class... I went in to reading it like it was going to be garbage... But it actually was a little bit interesting...

strong poems, there is a sadness and a resignation of fog that permeates these poems. this is a melancholy man, one for whom the all-pervading glue of inaction and paralysis bounds him to a bleak world, soiled and grey and drab. this is a weary poet, too nauseated with reality's bruised soldiers, slovenly rudeness, the uncouth glutton, the debauched fiend. i enjoy him, immerse myself in his dust-gloom, his inability to soar into elation and falcon-freedom.

author of Lorelei Pursued and Wrestles with God

After currently studying the quality of Seamus Heaney's poems, i am quite sure that this book will not dissapoint you. The quality of Heaney's poems are somewhat outstanding, they are a shock, as you dont normally read poems of this sort, and once you read one, you have to read the others. One of my personal favourites is Mid-Term Break.

Written by Kirk Aged 14

If you have not read Seamus Heaney, then you are not in touch with what the English language is in its heart. Heaney's simple, unstrained word usage, coupled with a deep knowledge of the rich Anglo-Saxon which is our cornerstone, evokes a strength which comes not so much from what we see and know as from something which is rooted deeply in our psyches as Anglo-Europeans (or at least those living in and a part of such cultures). Heaney also brings to light the beauty of the ordinary, primarily by weighting it with the yoke of history and the various passions of his fellow man.

I bought this collection because I enjoyed others of his works (especially The Spirit Level and Seeing Things), which I uncovered at the library, too much to go long without his poetry. And this collection turns out to have all of my favorites from those volumes, as well as the best and most skilled of the poems of his earlier volumes. Do I recommend it? I wouldn't have prominently displayed the fact that I was reading it in numerous public places if I didn't, now would I?

A Promise to Remember is a story of two families in crisis and especially two women who are dealing with a terrible loss. Cushman is particularly skilled at building tension gradually as the situation worsens for both women. She details the choices each family must face, and the fact that each family has the courage to eventually make the right choices makes for a satisfying ending. I found the characters very real and sympathetic and wanted to see how the story would end. Even though I knew that it would probably be a relatively happy, everything-works-out-OK ending as is typical in Christian fiction, I found it poignant and moving as each woman/family came to that point.

Cushman's writing reminds me very much of books by another one of my favorite authors, Karen Kingsbury; both authors write very real tales of flawed people growing in faith through difficult circumstances. I find both authors to be compelling reading.

Reviewed by Lisa Kisner for Reader Views (3/08)

Andie Phelps is married to a successful businessman, has a wonderful son and is active in her community. Melanie Johnston is a hard-working single mother of a son and daughter. A tragic accident claims the lives of each of their sons. What follows is a heart-wrenching journey as each woman tries to come to grips with the tragedy. Although from different worlds, each is gripped by grief, which consumes their personal lives and reaches into the community. Both women must undergo a journey of discovery about themselves and their faith, facing adversity every step of the way.

Kathryn Cushman's debut novel is well written and engrossing from the first page. This book depicts a realistic account of lives torn apart by tragedy and dealing with the repercussions. I felt each woman's raw pain and anger as if I knew them personally. I found myself nodding as each woman made choices, realizing I would have made the same decision should I be in her shoes. There was no clear "right" or "wrong" in this book, only choices made in the wake of devastating heartache. "A Promise to Remember" is a book about loss, forgiveness and renewal of faith should be on everyone's must-read list. I am looking forward for more from this gifted author.

I sobbed when I came to the end of this beautifully written story. I haven't cried when reading a book in a long time.

The book starts in the middle of a difficult subject--the death of two teenage boys--so it took me a while to keep reading past the first chapter; the grief of the two mothers was so well described I could not stop thinking about how awful I would feel if anything happened to my children. Fortunately, I pressed on and read the entirety of this very compelling story. I enjoyed how she portrayed each mother's story sympathetically; "the truth" is never as simple as it first seems.

A wonderful story; and so realistic! Even though the parents of Chad may have been at fault we still need to forgive and forget. When an accident occurs, there's always a reason for it. It brought two woman together who both loved their sons and made them realize that their sons wouldn't have wanted them to hold anything against each other. I hope Kathryn Chushman continues to write Inspirational realisic stories like this one.

I'll add my voice to the growing number of accolades. A Promise to Remember is a must read. It is one of those books that can touch a reader no matter what your preferred genre. Yes, the main characters are women, but men play a prominent role. It's not a shoot-em-up story, but it is ripe with real life drama. Men will "get" this book, too. And readers who don't pick it up will miss out.

Becky's back and better than ever in this second book about superhero wanna-be Becky Miller. Becky takes on more than she can handle, thinking that her optimism and enthusiasm will solve it all. Becky has the best of intentions, wanting to be a person able to do it all, but she unexpectedly finds that her set-backs help her to move forward again in a more reasonable fashion.

Injured in a car accident at the end of the first book, The Secret Life of Becky Miller, Becky is forced to slow down her own agenda and override her persistent need to be everything for everyone. She exudes good cheer and an overly helpful nature throughout the second book as well, apparently not realizing that she does have limitations on what (and whom) she is actually able to fix. But when the flood from her own rising problems threatens to drown her, Becky still doesn't have the common sense to get out of the water. She finds herself continuing to do laps in water that is way, way over her head.

Becky exemplifies the scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me,`My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (NIV) This novel reminds us that despite our best efforts, we still need to rely on God for our true strength. Becky ultimately learns this lesson - again - that when her strength is insufficient, then God is able to work it out in his perfect way and in his perfect timing.

Renovating Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck is wildly funny, poignant in many ways, and touching throughout. This is truly a fantastic novel by a fantastic author. And if you missed the first book, don't wait... get out there or get online and buy both of these little gems for your collection. You'll be glad you did.

Becky Miller's daydreams provide her with momentary escape from the situations in which she finds herself as she becomes the heroine of each exciting movie-vision. Then she bumps back to earth when she suddenly finds herself immersed in a real-life adventure similar to what she imagines. Becky's car accident left her with a permanent limp, but her busy lifestyle convinces her she doesn't have time for her daily therapy. In fact, Becky doesn't have time for much of anything except dealing with one crisis after another. When her best-laid plans fall through, Becky realizes she must bring her life under control, but she never imagines how God will help her accomplish her goal.

With Renovating Becky Miller, Sharon Hinck delivers a second great mom lit book, because Becky is every woman who questions what God wants her to do and how best to fulfill God's plan for her life. Hinck writes interesting characters who struggle with the real-life problems of busy women. She portrays Minnesota's Twin City area with accuracy and detail, including the huge Halloween snowstorm that occurred a few years ago. By the end of the book, you'll want to invite Becky over for tea, because she you'll feel as though she's a good friend.

I didn't read the first of these two books and sometimes that is a great problem. But in this case, the author brought me up-to-date and created the new story in a seamless fashion. I plunged into Becky's story, wondering what in the world she would do with all these problems and thoroughly identifying with her humor and determination. The book was a satisfying read.

Becky Miller is a full time wife, mom, and church worker. And then her mother-in-law moves in. She says it's only temporary, but it's obvious she can't live alone. Becky and her husband, Kevin, dream of a house in the country and they find one that needs a lot of fixing, but it's in their price range, and they plan to do the work themselves as much as possible. Becky has a lot on her plate. Kevin seems to have something on his mind, but refuses to talk about it, and her mother-in-law, Rose, is an expert at snide put-downs. The church wants her to work full time, and there's the hassle of moving. Don't these people realize she can't do it all? But then again, she's Becky Miller, Superwoman. She can handle it--maybe.

Sharon Hinck has a great sense of humor, and Renovating Becky Miller is laugh-out-loud funny. Like most of us, Becky Miller discovers she can't do it all. Perfection isn't something we can attain, no matter how hard we try. As Becky points out, sometimes renovation is an "inside job" Another good story in the Becky Miller series.

Reading books written in first person is not usually my first choice, but I found Renovating Becky Miller so enticing that I forgot it was in first person.

Sharon Hinck drew me into the book by opening each chapter with a daydream Becky Miller was indulging herself in. In each chapter, Becky loses herself in a movie she and her husband have seen on their weekly date nights.

Becky Miller's life is not easy. She's a mother, a wife, has a part-time job at her church working with the women's ministries, and is disabled, just to add a little icing to her cake of a life.

Already harrying, Becky's life is complicated by the purchase of a new home for her family. What looked like the perfect solution to a cramped home life turns into a renovation nightmare for Becky and husband Kevin.

Will their marriage survive? Will the family survive? Will Becky remain sane, or will she lose herself in one of her daydreams and never come home?

I kept turning pages of Renovating Becky Miller partly because I had to know what Sharon would use as her next chapter opening, but mostly because I became engrossed in Becky's life. I laughed and I cried and now I have to go back and find the first book in Sharon's series about Becky Miller, The Secret Life of Becky Miller.

By the way, I guessed most of the titles of the movies Sharon uses as chapter opening scenarios, but in case you don't recognize them, there is a list of them at the end of the book.

This is the BOOK..., that will PROVOKE you into the HEALING process. The poem "The Apology" was there when my life was lying at the 'dark door' of depression. It was this POEM that resuscitated 'me', with the desire to hear the voice of GOD..., to walk into the purpose GOD called for my life.

If "YOU'RE" feeling like a VICTIM..., feeling abused or aching from a broken heart......, READ this book !!!

Just what the books states, "A time of healing". To know we can heal and move on with our lives is so important in our survival. This poem in itself was very real for a lot of women. To have two very important words spoken to our soul and our spirit has been not only refreshing to us but also very healing. Yes, it is very important for us to hear the words "I'm sorry" for what has happened to you in your life, in your relationship, it is reassuring to know there someone out there does care how we as "Mothers, Wives, Sisters, Friends" feel not only outward but also inward.

Thank you again my friend,

Beverly

This book touches the root of of the problem. It helps you answer the why's, how's,and remember the when's and where's for the problems and answer you have been saerching for years.
Then it laids an sense of peace in your spirit. Because, I think you cannot completely heal until you get to the source. Some are generation curses. But once we digg those roots, we begin to heal. Omega helps us heal!!!

I anxiously awaited the arrival of my copy of "A Time Of Healing" and I was not disappointed. While reading the book I felt like McCoo was writing my journal, my story, the story of many women & men. I truly enjoyed reading it and could not put it down once I began. I cannot wait to read his next book.

Upon receiving my copy of "A Time of Healing", I read it from cover to cover the very same day. I could not put it down. Every poem in this book touched a part of my past or present and brought tears to my eyes. Not tears of sorrow, but tears of letting go, tears of healing. The emotions surrounding all the poems were so intimately captured- they where very real, very personal, and relevant to many of our experiences. The poetry has appeal for women currently going through good and bad relationships. The emotions expressed are timeless, and I can't imagine that anyone, regardless of their own particular situation, wouldn't be moved or wouldn't be able to relate to the contents. God bless you Omega!! Thank you for being obedient to His will.

A great book with many lighthearted, thought provoking stories. It gives real life situations in which everyone can relate. It is definately a book that you would read on more than one occassion. I have recommended it to all of my friends....

This is a great book to read together with a non-Christian. No matter the religious beliefs of your friend, he or she will find Babb's writing witty and entertaining. But the nuggets of Christian truth are written in a non-threatening way that can foster conversation on to something deeper.

This book can simultaneously tickle your funny bone and bring a tear to your eye! The author has laced this book with precious memories and experiences of his own that are relative to mine, and he does it with great perception and wisdom in the "lessons." Both humor and insight--there's not a better combination!

What an uplifting and inspirational book! Martin Babb has a way of making real life situations down right hysterical. Babb has an amazing ability to make you smile and laugh all while learning a valuable lesson. This is a book that I could read over and over!

This book was not only funny and entertaining, but each story had a thought provoking message that hit home. Babb took everyday situations that we all encounter and made us realize how they fit into our life as Christians. This is a book you can read over and over again.

Thao thank you for showing Michael all of this. I am greatly inspired by the truth being shared in this manner.

I am blown away by this book, and what the author describes he was shown during his trip. His account confirms living in lower gravity, in harmony and love, the way of living, all serving one intention without monetary system, the dwelling places, Earth politics compared to true governing, the history of our planet, so much of what many of us have seen ourselves. The loving light energy he describes is very real. I bless and thank Michel for publishing his report. Read it, you will love it, it will open your eyes!

The book advises us that we should understand and know using your logic rarther than blind believing.There are military secrets that were classified that the author shouldn't have any knowledge of them when it was written.The proof exists in your mind.The book is great to be read along the freedom of choice.(thiaoouba.com)

There will always be sceptics. No matter what proof you give them they won't believe you. This is why Michel Desmarquet from Australia were given no physical evidence about what happened to him in 1985. Instead, he wrote a book about his experience: A journey to another planet on the other side of the galaxy. There he met advanced beings, the supervisors of the planet Earth, and was told to write a book with a message they have to the people of our planet.

The beings watching us won't make our homework for us. They would love if all people on this planet woke up and if the leaders knew the direction to lead the people, but it doesn't work like that. People need to wake up individually, and realize by themselves that going against nature won't bring anything but misery to this civilization. They would never show themselves openly here, because it will just create another flock of followers.

When you read this book, aside from getting explained about Earths history from the first man on Earth to present time, you will know what can be done and what you can achieve all by yourself, and together with people, without having to surrender your free will to anyone. If you can push the sceptic aside and realize that proof need to arise nowhere else but in your own intellect.

Remember that the sceptics have limited knowledge. Whereas your imagination is unlimited...

This book is incredible!. You will have a hard time putting it down on the first read and having to come back to it for 2-3 re-reads to fully digest the content. For those who can fathom a reality as outrageous as the size of our universe (billion stars in each of a billion galaxies etc) you will find the details in this book give perspective on earth and human history on it. It also gives a spiritual perspective beyond a single life giving perspective to one's soul journey. The cost is small and the effect on the reader's paradigm shift is immeasurable, buy it, read it, consider its truth's. Even if you take it all as fiction your life will be profoundly affected by this story.

I enjoy the adventure in all these books and particularly like the fact that there is a series of books and they have the same characters.

A famous writer is coming to Green Lawn, but after the writer doesn't show up for a book signing event in the Book Nook, Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose are worried.
Later in Dink's letter it says the the writer was probly kidnapped.
SO they started investingation, was the auther really kidnapped and by whom?
You need to read the book and find out!

My eight year old grandson is avid reader. He reads 2 years ahead of his grade level in school. I always think of books for my grandkids as gifts. When his birthday was coming, I came looking for books. I found this series. They are called the A-Z mysteries. I bought the first ten books A-J and they were such a success. He loves everyone of them. I am going to buy more of them to use as gifts for good report cards, etc. I think that books are the most important gift that you can give to a child and these books are great.

I like everything about the kidnapping stuff. I like Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose. I think the pictures should be in color.
It was a good mystery.

I wanted to get a beginner's chapter book for my almost 6-year-old daughter. I thought about Junie B. Jones or the Magic Tree House series, but I was turned off by Junie's poor grammar (or at least the author's attempt to make her sound like a "real" 6-year-old), and by the Magic Tree House's female character being "dreamy" while her brother was "logical". This book managed to avoid those caveats, while still being an entertaining read for my daughter. I wasn't sure at first if she could follow a chapter book on her own, with illustrations only appearing every 3 pages or so, so I read her the first two chapters last night. This morning, the first thing she reached for was that book. Instead of getting up and watching Saturday morning cartoons, she sat in bed, ate a banana, and finished her new book. I couldn't ask for anything better.

Maya Angelou's poetry is so phenomenal. And the power of her voice reading her own words, is really moving.

Maya Angelou's reading of poetry is moving to the point ot tears and laughter. I highly recommend it.

This audiobook arrived in about a week and was in the condition advertised. Overall, I was satisfied with the transaction and would purchase from this seller again.

...Invictus is by William E. Henley......I do not like much poetry.....but 'Still I Rise', is one of the most moving and powerful pieces of literature of our day. You can feel the rumblings of motivation rising within you as you read it---it summons the power of our ancestors as you read it... YOU FEEL this poem with all your heart--or I fear you have no heart and you remember that feeling for years after you have read it!
It is a magnificent poem that the author not only wrote, but earned through her own life.
This book would make excellent Christmas gifts of inspiration.

This book is filled with wonderful, powerful poetry that really awakened me to the troubles of African Americans in that time of history. Diego Rivera's paintings in the book are staggering and breathtaking. This is a must-see for any ameteur or lover of poetry.

The book definitely wears the title well. A wonderful truth revealing walk in the thoughts and reality of the community and a home in the average life of a strong and motivated against the odds woman.

If you wanna know a real "Woman's Worth", then the journey Stacey McAdoo takes you on in "Baring My Soul" will give you the true meaning of the trials and tribulations not of just a black woman in the south,but as a woman period. Many of you who take this journey with her, may not be able to relate to her experiences, but you can learn from them. Mrs. McAdoo puts herself out there on the line in ways most people wouldn't dream about. It was refreshing to see someone who has nothing to hide and her words may well force you to deal with difficulties of your own. Wonderful job!

I really enjoyed the book. When I need a reality check or some uplifting, I pick up the book and re-read specific chapters. The book "Baring My Soul" is very inspirational. It made me laugh, cry and go hmmmmmmm! I am waiting on "Baring My Soul II" because I feel that there was so much yet to be told and now I would like to know about how Stacey & her family have dealt with the loss of her brother.

In a crowded airport, as I sat impatiently awaiting my delayed flight, I began to read "Baring My Soul". I thought I was just going to skim through a couple of pages and just sorta waste time. I bought the book outta of support and because of a referral, without having a clue as to what it was going to be about. And boy, was I in for a shocker. The people at the airport probably thought I was CRAZY because I was literally talking outloud. I finished the entire book at the airport...and it is the best book I've ever read. I'm going to re-read it so that I can let certain parts soak in and make sure I didn't miss anything! Stacey is one extraordinary lady...and a BADDDDD [meaning good] writer! Good luck and I wish you much success.

I loved this book. I initially sat down to read a couple of chapters, and before I knew it, I was through! I thought the book was intelligently written, yet at the same time, it was written in a "down to earth" understandable language where everyone could relate and comprehend. The whole time I was reading, I just kept shaking my head and thinking to myself, "this sister is deep". At times I found myself talking outloud to the book...lots of the stuff I just couldn't believe! This book stirred up a lot of emotions...I often found myself getting angry, crying and even laughing. This is a heavy book and everyone should buy a copy. (I wish I could convey that my momma, my sister and my daddy - because right now it's rotating through my family!)